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TOPIC: Adams vs. Lake Orion |
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| mohcowbell
October 12, 2009
4:54:32 PM
Entry #: 3302419
| who do you have winning and why?
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| Brokenwalls
October 12, 2009
5:10:29 PM
Entry #: 3302432
| I like Lake O because of there deverse offense. Adams depends on the run and that's it. I see it O 17-13 in a close one.
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| oaared
October 12, 2009
6:14:35 PM
Entry #: 3302488
| Already talked about it at school and I'll stick with Lake Orion 21-17. I'm working on my first detailed preview of the year and I'll probably have it up on Friday Morning.
National Weather Service says 40 degrees and mostly cloudy at game time...can't wait for a great football night and an intense football game after the first 7 games were yawners (was not even that disappointed when Lake Orion lost to Hudsonville...it just felt like a preseason game).
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| the original jake
October 12, 2009
7:11:51 PM
Entry #: 3302541
| I've only seen Adams play once this year, against Stoney Creek, and that game was a blow out at halftime. Hard to learn anything from either team in a game like that. If Adams depends mostly on the run game, well that is Lake O's strength on D. The LO games I have seen they have been very good against the run and shown some weakness against the pass. So Adams is going to have to throw the ball to win this battle. Is Adams D good enough to hold LO to only 17-21 points ?? When LO is clicking on offense their tough to stop.
Lake Orion 31 Adams 28.
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| oaared
October 12, 2009
7:19:02 PM
Entry #: 3302549
| Adams is one big ? this year basically. Their games against good/great teams (Harrison & Clarkston) were in the rain. I have to give them credit for shutting everyone down this year, and think their defense is more up to the task of stopping LO this year. But you are right, the LO offense will be the best they have seen so far. Considering all that, I think 21 points for Lake Orion is a good middle ground.
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| Boonazz
October 12, 2009
9:09:33 PM
Entry #: 3302645
| Well Wazup all???
Good to see u come in and talk about the Lake Orion Adams game (so soon). Reading your posts it is unanmous that Adams looses this game in a close one. Your comments and analysis are accurate, fair minded, and spot on. My take on this game is as follows:
Lake Orion is a outstanding Div 1 team and one of the favorites in D1 for a state title run this year. Orion was my pre-season favorite to be the best team in the OAA...and they remain my favorite along with Clarkston. Adams is breaking in a new QB and backfield this year (rebuilding) the line however returns some great senior laden talent. The big guys are backbone for Adams success on the ground. Adams QB Hamett has done a great job for his 1st year at the helm and adds another weapon to the punishing ground attack. Hamett has shown an ability to connect with his receivers but will probaby stick to the ground. Adams D is very big and strong with adequate speed to seal the ends. This year DB coverage is much better (than years past) and will be key in this game in stopping the Orion receivers. Now I repect ur posts and I beleive this is the Dragon's game to win or loose. If the Dragons stop Adams ground game and force them to the air this will noooot be good for Adams. If Adams can move the ball on the ground and hit some passing routes this will be good (very) for the Highlanders. Adams defense will keep them in this game....so if the Dragons are able to put up alot of points (28 +) this will be bad for the Highlanders under 24 points will be very good for the Highlanders. IMHO this game hinges on stopping that high octane LO offense. So ..I will be like a jockey in a horse race ...you r not allowed to bet against your horse so Adams 24 LO 21.
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| mohcowbell
October 13, 2009
6:30:32 PM
Entry #: 3303661
| Boonazz, When ever I see a summary of an Adams game it usually has Hammett running for a TD. Would you say that he runs alot more than he passes?
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| the original jake
October 13, 2009
8:00:56 PM
Entry #: 3303746
| Good to hear that Adams D is significantly improved from last year. I still occassionally have visions from last years game of Kim Bruce running up and down the field against the Highlanders. LO must have had close to 400 yards rushing last year. Definetly starting to feel the excitement for this match up. Still think the key to this game will be if Adams is able to throw the ball effectively. If that happens, then this game could come down to who ever has the ball last.
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| Boonazz
October 13, 2009
8:07:05 PM
Entry #: 3303753
| Mohcowbell...
Adams is all about moving the ball on the ground, and Hamett is part of that. Nothing new Adams has been doing this for years.
Boon
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| Boonazz
October 13, 2009
8:21:59 PM
Entry #: 3303767
| Mochowbell....
About Hamett passing ?!?!? Whats That>)??? I will worry if he has to pass! Hamett may pass but hopefully at his time and choosing!
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| Boonazz
October 14, 2009
12:32:59 AM
Entry #: 3303970
| Originaljake,
Last year
clarkston 40 adams 47
southfield 26 adams 28
Stoney put 21 pts up against adams defense
This year a different story...big hard hitting defense adequate speed good D Backs...This will be the toughest defense Lk Orion has seen by far including Hudsy.
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| mohcowbell
October 14, 2009
12:51:53 AM
Entry #: 3303980
| Also LO will be the toughest Offense that Adams has faced yet.
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| Boonazz
October 14, 2009
3:45:40 PM
Entry #: 3304565
| Mohcobell,
Yes I agree..Dragons have the highest powered O Adams has seen all year. I am interested in what will win this game the high octane Offense or the big, physical, stingy defense? Friday will answer this for me.
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| oaared
October 14, 2009
6:18:33 PM
Entry #: 3304772
| Boonazz...I think the Lake Orion rushing offense vs. the Adams rushing defense will be the most important battle in the game. So far, the only way anyone has contained Lake Orion is to stack the box, and then those teams (such as Troy) get slaughtered by Charette's passing abilities. Adams needs to stop Lake Orion's running backs without putting 8 in the box to give themselves a chance to win w/o putting up a ton of points.
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| Boonazz
October 14, 2009
11:43:53 PM
Entry #: 3305078
| oaared,
Nice hearing from you. I read your posts and they are well written, fair , and well thought out.
You may be right / correct about what is key to winning this game. After last years game I worry about the Dragons running game. That being said Adams has a better defense this year their big and physical line has worn down everyone this year. I dont see the Dragons consistantly moving the ball up the gut or center of the Highlanders defense....if they do I don't think Adams stays in this game.
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| Brokenwalls
October 15, 2009
5:58:00 PM
Entry #: 3305853
| If it's this cold friday, Adams may have an edge.
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| Boonazz
October 15, 2009
6:02:02 PM
Entry #: 3305858
| Hey Walls ....
I think I know where ur goin with this...cold weather means receivers may have a tough time catchin the pig skin right ?????? Just a guess!
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| oaared
October 15, 2009
6:15:35 PM
Entry #: 3305872
| Lake Orion can run the ball too guys. ) But yes, it will be a cold and, considering Lake Orion's field is on a hill, probably windy as well! Great night for football IMO! Give me hot chocolate weather over Slurpee weather any day.
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| oaared
October 16, 2009
6:18:35 AM
Entry #: 3306297
| Preview... (wall of text alert)
#13 ROCHESTER ADAMS HIGHLANDERS (6-1) @ #12 LAKE ORION DRAGONS (6-1)
Friday, October 16th, 7:00 p.m.
Dragon Stadium
When Adams has the ball:
Anyone who has followed OAA football lately knows Adams has perfected the triple option offense over the years. Even though Adams lost star WR’s Cody Wilson and Joe Reynolds, RB Beau Barterian, and QB Andrew Waszak from last year, it appears that their triple option attack has not lost a beat this year. QB Andrew Hammett has erased all doubts about his ability to lead the Adams offense, and has proven himself as a capable runner this year, rushing for around a touchdown per game. Even if Hammett is getting stuffed by the defense, Adams has a stable of running backs who can get the job done. They are led by Matt Rea, Darrian Bell, and fullback Mark Benacquisto, and others such as Alec Pretchel and Chris Young can pitch in as well. By my count, this gives Adams the possibility of 6 threats to run the ball all over the Lake Orion defense. However, the Adams running game will be challenged by a Dragon defense that has made great strides since a season opening loss to Hudsonville. John Hill, Phil Serzo, Kane Hayes, and Jake Ludwig will lead a talent D-Line/LB corps that will likely do a better job containing the Adams running game than the Lake Orion defense did last year. However, you simply can’t completely stop the Adams running offense, and expect that a couple of the Adams RB corps get a TD tomorrow. The Adams passing game is much more suspect this year. The bottom line is that Adams does not have a WR as talented as Cody Wilson or Joe Reynolds this year, and their passing game has suffered as a result. However, Tyler Martin and Austin McCleland will try to make a big play or two against a Dragon secondary that is suspect besides star CB Vinnie Booker. Obviously, Adams won’t have as much passing success as last year, but I could still see a big passing play or two for Adams, especially if they can get the ground game going.
When Lake Orion has the ball:
Looking back to last year, the Dragon offense got going in the Adams game last year and besides a few blips in the road (7-0 against Eisenhower, anyone?), has really never looked back since that game when Kim Bruce exposed the Adams defense to the tune of 250+ yards. Bruce is back, and he and Marques Stevenson make the Dragon running attack absolutely lethal this year. One can’t really even call Bruce and Stevenson a two-headed monster, because they are essentially the same running back, a mix of speed and power that can terrorize even the most formidable defensive opponent. Along with Dan Ney, who is always a threat to score on a reverse, one may think that the Dragon running game would have no trouble matching its output from last year against Adams. However, one must not overlook the vastly improved Adams defense this year. Even before the Lake Orion game last year, it was obvious that defense would be an issue for Adams (take a 28-26 escape victory against Southfield as an example). This year, however, the Adams defense has not shown any signs of being a weakness. The most the Highlanders have given up in a game this year is 15 points to Farmington, and they beat down Southfield 38-0 this year. Last week against a good Harrison team, they forced 9 turnovers to make it all but impossible for Harrison to compete. It all adds up to tougher sledding for the Dragon running game this year. Jordan Sanders is a stopper at nose guard, and Sukhman Sidu is an absolute game changer at defensive end. They will try to contain the Dragon running game, but just like the Adams running game, you just can’t expect to stop the Dragon RBs. I expect a TD or two from the running game (perhaps Ney on a long reverse run? I’ve heard Adams has had trouble stopping reverse plays this year). Lake Orion’s passing game also has the potential to slay Adams. Sean Charette is having a little tougher time this year (but can you really expect him to repeat his amazing season from a year ago?), but has still shown he is capable of tearing defenses apart when they stack the box against the Dragons. WR Dan Ney has shown he is always a threat for a long TD pass, as he can beat anyone to the end zone when he gets the ball in the open field. WR’s Mike Nelson, Alex Mayo, and Zach Zott have also all pitched in this year. Charette can still try to force the issue, which may lead to an interception or two by ball hawking LB Chad Gierak or the Adams secondary, but I tend to feel Charette will do just fine tomorrow night, as I believe Bell has learned his lesson from the Hudsonville game to just let the passing game complement the main threat of the Dragon running game. Still though, if the running game does well, it will probably set the passing game up for a big play or two.
Bottom Line:
Lake Orion and Adams are two great football teams, and I fully expect that this game will go down to the wire tomorrow. However, I will give Lake Orion a slight edge, because they have a more balanced offensive attack than Adams. Lake Orion and Adams both have very good defenses, especially when it comes to stopping the run. However, whereas Adams is in trouble if they can’t find running room against the Dragons, the Dragons can still put together a good passing attack if they can’t find running room against Adams. I’ll say both the Dragons and the Highlanders running game put their teams on the board with an early TD. Then, the defense stiffens until Dan Ney breaks the game open with a big play TD in the 3rd. Adams gets a FG, but Lake Orion betters that with a Sean Charette TD pass in the early 4th to make it a two-score game. Adams gets a TD in the middle of the 4th to come within one score of taking the lead, but the Dragons defense stiffens from there and Hammett just can’t lead the comeback when being forced to pass for the 1st time all season. It all adds up to my final prediction of:
Lake Orion 21, Adams 17
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| Boonazz
October 16, 2009
7:43:57 AM
Entry #: 3306320
| OAA nice read and great job on your game analyis.
Here are my last comments going into this clash of the titans tonight:
I agree both tare great football teams this year and even at 7-2 either team will make a solid run in the state playoffs (if not win it all.)
For both teams this will be the best offense and defense they have seen all season. Whichever team has the ball control offense and time of possession probably wins this game.
Tonights game will be about matchups ... something I really can't gauge until I see the 1st Half of this game. If the Dragons continue where thay left off last year the Highlanders are in trouble but the Highlanders offensive and defensive lines are brutal this year and wear you down ove 4 Qtrs.
Adams has a run oriented ball control offense..if the weather is bad (rainy and cold) this will be a plus. A big X factor tonight will be if the Highlanders can pass against a suspect Dragon secondary? Im sure they will try to keep the Dragon defense honest so they dont stack the box all the time.
Adams defense has been consistent all season. The have numerous tackles for loss against good running teams this year. Passing defense has been real good with good pursuit to the opponents QB cuasing them to rush their passes and great secoandary coverage on opponent receivers. It will be interesting to see if Adams defense wears the Dragons down with their hard hitting.
Protecting the quarterback will be important tonight. Whichever team does it better has the advantage.
Whichever teams has the lead at halftime has a big advantage. Adams defense has demonstrated this season that they will shut u down in the 2nd half.
Turnovers will be critical and magnified in this game. The team who commits the least turnovers has a big advantage in a close game.
Special teams play can be a big X factor. Who ever gets the best out of their special teams tonight gains an advantage ...coult be the difference in this game.
Another question that gets answered tonight is who played the tougher schedule in the OAA. Both Adams and Lk Orion had similar records and results against their divisional opponents. With Red and White teams playing each other tonight we will find out who played the tougher OAA schedule....and I bet that team wins tonight.
One final thought logic tells me that this game will be close but intuition is telling me this game it wont be. Just a feeling!
I hope the weather cooperates and the game is injury free. Good luck to both teams. May the best team win.
GO HIGHLANDERS!!!!
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| the original jake
October 16, 2009
4:45:30 PM
Entry #: 3306959
| Great analysis of tonights game OAAred. I see a possible career in sports journalism in your future ? Nice job !
Heading up to Dragon country in a few minutes myself, expecting another tough hard fought game between these two programs. I still think Adams is going to have to be able to throw the ball to win this game. LO is strong against the run, weaker against the pass. However, if Adams is able to run the ball effectively, mix in a few pass plays and keep the Dragons offense on the sideline, then they have a great chance for the upset.
I'm still sticking with the Dragons in this one. Just think they have too many weapons on offense.
See you in the hot chocolate line OAAred.
Dragons 31 Highlanders 28
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| the original jake
October 17, 2009
3:27:38 AM
Entry #: 3307290
| I think the 4 Highlander turnovers were definetly the deciding factor in this one. Was very impressed with the Adams D, if only they had a little more firepower on offense that team would make a deep run in the playoffs. These two teams were pretty evenly matched and it was a hard fought game. The difference in the two teams is when LO needed to make a big play, they could on the ground or through the AIR, hence the 94 yard go ahead TD.
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| Boonazz
October 17, 2009
6:07:35 AM
Entry #: 3307301
| Original Jake,
I could not of said it better. Congratulations to Lake Orion for a great game. You took advantange of Adams turnovers. A game this close you can't give up 4 + turnovers. Adams defense and offensive line play was playoff caliber. That being said kicking team and special teams made too many mistakes. Offense just lacks any imagination ... a one trick pony. Hammett was probablly the top ground gainer and this will not not take you far in the playoffs. Passing game was nill, nadda nothing why??? I expected more out of Adams and it was frustrating. I hope they learned something from this game and will make the necessary adjustments otherwise it will be another early exit from the playoffs. Congratualtions to Lake Orion for playing pretty much mistake free ball and taking advantage of Adams turnovers.
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| Stich2
October 17, 2009
5:26:02 PM
Entry #: 3307622
| Several times LO blew up the line of scrimmage and the Adams QB still ran for 10 yards somehow, BARELY escaping.. that was surprising. He was more elusive than I thought. And LO must be the last team in the state that absolutely refuses to use the QB in the running game? Pass first or die.
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