Here we are down to the home stretch! D7 is taking shape, but still some big games left to play! Chariton made a statement last week with it's win over Knoxville. Another big game though this week for the Chargers! Here we go...
ADM @ Norwalk -- Both teams have good QB's and like to sling the ball around. Norwalk has a better supporting cast then ADM though. These two had a good game last year, but I think Norwalk is clearly the better team this year and will win comfortably. Norwalk 35 ADM 14
Pella @ Saydel -- Ouch. Not much to say about this game. Pella (A bunch of points) Saydel 0
Oskaloosa @ Knoxville -- A big game for both teams if they want to stay alive in the playoff race. Knoxville needs to bounce back after a disappointing loss last week to Chariton. Oskaloosa got trounced by Norwalk at home last week. I think Knoxville will have some big plays and will be able to hold Osky's offense. Other then the 49 point explosion Osky had against Chariton, its offense has been very pedestrian this year, only averaging about 14 points per game. I think Knoxville wins. Knoxville 28 Osky 21
Chariton @ Carlisle -- The last few weeks I felt pretty comfortable that Carlisle would beat Chariton, especially after Chariton lost to Osky a three weeks ago. But, Chariton has bounced back strongly and is playing very well. They have running game, which they lacked last year. Carlisle has also had some issues with the pass defense, which isn't good when T.J. Hockensen is coming to town. On the other hand, Carlisle will run the ball down your throat, if you allow them. I'm not sure Chariton can stop that. I'll still go with the home team, but wouldn't be surprised to see Hockensen catch 15 balls. Carlisle 42 Chariton 35
Playoff scenarios:
1. Pella
2. Norwalk
(Those are set in stone)
3. Probably Carlisle, but could be Chariton if they beat Carlisle, but would need Osky to lose two games (or Osky to lose a game, and win the point tie breaker with 3 or 4 way tie); and Knoxville to lose a game. or could be Oskaloosa if they beat Knoxville this week and Carlisle next week (very unlikely). Could be Knoxville if they beat Osky this week and Norwalk next week and Carlisle to lose one more game (unlikely, but possible).
4. Probably Chariton, but this is where it gets equally dicey. Knoxville and Osky are still in the hunt. Lots and lots of variables at this point between these three teams and possible Carlisle as well if they fall against Chariton or Oskaloosa. This week's games will probably clear the picture up some, but still could be very muddy depending on the results. Chariton does end the season with Pella, so they would greatly benefit by winning this week, but can still make the playoffs even if they don't. They would need Knoxville to lose one more game, for sure, and Osky to lose remaining two games and then win the point tie breaker, which they could if they can keep game close this week as Pella will, most likely, win by over 13 points on week 9.
Clear as mud.....
ADM @ Norwalk -- Both teams have good QB's and like to sling the ball around. Norwalk has a better supporting cast then ADM though. These two had a good game last year, but I think Norwalk is clearly the better team this year and will win comfortably. Norwalk 35 ADM 14
Pella @ Saydel -- Ouch. Not much to say about this game. Pella (A bunch of points) Saydel 0
Oskaloosa @ Knoxville -- A big game for both teams if they want to stay alive in the playoff race. Knoxville needs to bounce back after a disappointing loss last week to Chariton. Oskaloosa got trounced by Norwalk at home last week. I think Knoxville will have some big plays and will be able to hold Osky's offense. Other then the 49 point explosion Osky had against Chariton, its offense has been very pedestrian this year, only averaging about 14 points per game. I think Knoxville wins. Knoxville 28 Osky 21
Chariton @ Carlisle -- The last few weeks I felt pretty comfortable that Carlisle would beat Chariton, especially after Chariton lost to Osky a three weeks ago. But, Chariton has bounced back strongly and is playing very well. They have running game, which they lacked last year. Carlisle has also had some issues with the pass defense, which isn't good when T.J. Hockensen is coming to town. On the other hand, Carlisle will run the ball down your throat, if you allow them. I'm not sure Chariton can stop that. I'll still go with the home team, but wouldn't be surprised to see Hockensen catch 15 balls. Carlisle 42 Chariton 35
Playoff scenarios:
1. Pella
2. Norwalk
(Those are set in stone)
3. Probably Carlisle, but could be Chariton if they beat Carlisle, but would need Osky to lose two games (or Osky to lose a game, and win the point tie breaker with 3 or 4 way tie); and Knoxville to lose a game. or could be Oskaloosa if they beat Knoxville this week and Carlisle next week (very unlikely). Could be Knoxville if they beat Osky this week and Norwalk next week and Carlisle to lose one more game (unlikely, but possible).
4. Probably Chariton, but this is where it gets equally dicey. Knoxville and Osky are still in the hunt. Lots and lots of variables at this point between these three teams and possible Carlisle as well if they fall against Chariton or Oskaloosa. This week's games will probably clear the picture up some, but still could be very muddy depending on the results. Chariton does end the season with Pella, so they would greatly benefit by winning this week, but can still make the playoffs even if they don't. They would need Knoxville to lose one more game, for sure, and Osky to lose remaining two games and then win the point tie breaker, which they could if they can keep game close this week as Pella will, most likely, win by over 13 points on week 9.
Clear as mud.....
