| Hutchs Hit List — Hitman truly a rare breed in rarer hunt | | Posted: Thursday, November 8, 2012 7:00 pm
| If you’re not the lead dog, the scenery never changes.
The Hitman — the hallowed head hound of the prep pigskin prognostication pack — once more showed his rare bloodline by barking up the right tree in 17-of-20 (.850) first round playoff games.
The game’s greatest gridiron guru continued his season-long practice of leaving other such species chasing their tails with the hunt for a 26th consecutive season of shattering the once-coveted .800 mark already in the bag with a present 239-36 (.858) worksheet.
Another ‘Best in Show’ title already assured, the practically-perfect pedigree hopes to sniff out a few more winners with a bite that matches his bark rather than being reduced to a sideline stray in a canine kennel reserved only for mutts.
See you at the game.
HUNTINGDON @ UNION CITY — Few under 40 will appreciate the beauty of the throwback styles of these two and admittedly — especially for the video game stats geeks — their respective old-fashion methods aren’t for everybody. As impressive as Huntingdon was in its earlier victory over UC, the Mustangs are playing even better now — and with supreme confidence. The Ponies’ vastly-improved kicking game might rank number-two behind only their stellar line play on a list of current team strengths with the return of Seth Fields from the early-season injury list. That could be especially-telling against a Tornado team that has been subpar overall in the kicking game. The ’Stangs’ personality likely can be best defined by quarterback Jacob Warbritton, who followed in the footsteps of his brother Tyler when named a Mr. Football finalist today, and should have his roster position listed as ‘football-player’ rather than QB/DB. On the home side, the Twisters have openly hoped for a second shot at the Ponies after failing miserably in their first effort to corral Warbritton. Those who don’t learn from history are bound to repeat it, and one can safely assume there will be a new wrinkle or two on both sides of the ball for the Purple and Gold. Good health is critical to Union City’s chances, and a couple of open dates in the last month have improved the Tornadoes’ status immensely in that area. More importantly, winning the turnover battle and not falling victim to the “paralysis by analysis” trap of adding too much to a relatively-simple game plan that has had two weeks to be formulated will likely determine UC’s ultimate fate. And be it the “underdog” status, the belief that it’s really tough to beat a good team twice in the same season, or that quiet confidence in and around the Twister program heading in, here’s a hunch it won’t be bullied again in its own backyard at it’s own game. — UNION CITY.
TRINITY CHRISTIAN @ DRESDEN — This battle of Lions will pit contrasting styles as TCA and sensational sophomore QB Kyle Akin will look to throw it all over the lot, while Dresden aims to ram it down the Jacksonians’ throat with Devan Raymer and Co. Questions abound surrounding the Black and Gold after Huntingdon spoiled Dresden’s perfect regular season with a sound woodshed thrashing in Week 10. Has the Black and Gold — with the aid of a first-round playoff bye — recovered? Can first-year coach Keith Hodge find the perfect balance between a conventional offense and the wildcat set? And will Dresden defensive coordinator and Hodge’s brother, Chad, come up with enough schemes to prevent Akin from getting comfortable in the pocket and riddling the Weakley Countians’ secondary? Yes, yes and yes. — DRESDEN.
TRENTON @ WESTWOOD — Though Peabody will journey to the land-of-the-unknown in Memphis, the Tide will do so with a six-game winning streak. And while getting in and out of the Bluff City might be an issue, playing in refurbished Crump Stadium with its new turf might make speedy Tavarian Barnett even more a blur. — TRENTON.
In other games, it’ll be — Milan over Camden, West Carroll over Halls, Covington over Sheffield, Jackson Northside over Hamilton, Adamsville over Mt. Pleasant, Lexington over Liberty, USJ over DCA, Mayfield over Holy Cross and Owensboro Catholic over Murray.
Published in The Messenger 11.8.12 | | | | |
