The Bombers open postseason play on the road at league rival LaSalle. While I doubt the Lancers will give back their "King of the Road"trophy if X can pull one out tonight, I will gladly let them keep the trophy until next year in exchange for a playoff win.
LaSalle (9-1) is coming off a tough overtime loss at Elder, which kept them from securing their first outright GCL title in the school's history. X (5-4), on the other hand, has not played since October 23 when, despite a typical lackluster offensive effort, they defeated Cleveland St. Ignatius 19-9.
Undoubtedly, this Bomber squad is not as strong as those of recent memory. That being said, the playoffs usher in a second season, and I am sure that Coach Specht has reminded his team all week that everyone's record is 0-0.
Let me offer a few thoughts as to what are keys to a Bomber victory at "The Other School on North Bend" tonight:
1) Connor Hundley
Even though Hundley finished second in the GCL with over 1,100 yards rushing, to this fan it seemed like he had a very quiet year. That is probably more a reflection of the offense as a whole rather than just on Connor, so on the off-chance his parents are reading, I apologize. X really needs him tonight to beat LaSalle. The Lancers offensive attack is quick-strike, focused on the throwing arm of Drew Kummer, who led the GCL in passing yards. If Hundley can eat up some yards and control the clock, it will keep Kummer and his weapons on the sideline.
2) The shoulder of LaSalle WR Matt Woeste
Woeste, the number two wideout for LaSalle, injured his shoulder in last week's game at The Pit. LaSalle head coach Tom Grippa is quoted on the Cincinnati Enquirer blog as saying Woeste will play, but even if he does, how effective he can be is big for LaSalle. If they are down to one WR, X's defense, which is the strength of the team, can focus on taking away one half of the field and making LaSalle beat them with someone other than number one WR Rodriguez Coleman. If Woeste is able to be effective, X will not have that luxury.
3) Steven Daniels
There is no question that Daniels is the heart and soul of the Bomber defense. He is quick off the edge, and oftentimes in the backfield before the QB can even turn around. X needs Daniels to put pressure on Kummer, because, make no mistake, if Kummer has time to sit in the pocket, he will find ways to beat the Bomber secondary.
4) Avoid the big play early
LaSalle was up 14-0 on Elder last week, only to lose in overtime. Their defense has not been as good the last few weeks of the season as they had been to start the year. If the Bombers can turn this in to a "down in the trenches" slugfest, they have a chance to allow some doubt to creep in to the Lancer huddle. On the other hand, if LaSalle hits a big one early, it may just snap them out of their funk and rejuvenate the whole team, especially in front of the home crowd, that has waited a long time for a team like this.
PREDICTION
While the Woeste injury is an intriguing subplot, I still don't have much faith that the Bomber offense will suddenly emerge in the playoffs. If X is going to win, the defense is going to have to play flawless, and with the talent that LaSalle has at QB and WR, they are bound to make a few plays. Unfortunately, the Bomber offense may not be able to help out their defense.
LaSalle 24 Saint X 13 (Although I hope I am wrong.)
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