[EKUAlum05]

Now for the game. PC was by far the more physical team and had equal if not more speed than Belfry. A dry feild could have possibly played into PCs hand. Take away he botched punt early, a couple of dropped balls and PC is up 14-7 at the half. PC played well. Im tired of all the excuses like Belfry wasn't ready to play, they overlooked PC, they were flat, and so on. They were OUTPLAYED. Belfry got out of there with a win. The end.
.

Nice post... I certainly agree that PC outplayed, outhit, and out-hearted Belfry.

I don't know if a dry field really would favor PC more though, Belfry's offense is not power based contrary to what some people pre-determine on the wishbone (especially this year's offense), the extensive ball handling, blocking schemes, and misdirection are extremely succeptible to muddy conditions, maybe even moreso than a passing based offense.

The core of PC's success, and Chapman's excellent coaching, was predicated on the strategy of taking away the area between the tackles and overwhelming Belfry's line. Belfry's narrow splits and tight formations automatically cludder the field as it is, Chapman's defense uses that against them. Additionally instead of playing the option like most teams, where the defense collapses on the QB and forces the pitch, Chapman had his team take away the pitchman and dare the young QB to keep the ball. This resulted in a couple costly fumbles.

Once Haywood adjusted to the Thomcat and spread PC out the Pirates were not going to be stopped offensively. Belfry was finally able to utilize their speed and allow Thomas to make a play with the ball without having a defender hit him as soon as he touched it. I think Belfry could have had similar success by simply using Varney at QB on the option out of the bone, then PC would have had to collapse on him instead of the pitchman. That's the reason why Hayood has won so many games,,, he amde the adjustment in time to save the victory. Conversely, the fact PC was clearly in position to win the game (and probably would have had Belfry not adjusted), is a testament to the coach Chapman is.