Nobody had all 4 semi-final picks correct in our prediction thread, so what are your predictions now that we have Dike vs. BHRV and Union vs. Mt. Vernon? Who wins and why?
Semi-Finals / Final Predictions
- Thread starter UnionFootballFan
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Semi-Final Fun Facts
Dike vs. BHRV - BCMoore Predication BHRV by 7
DSM Register Rankings: BHRV (2), Dike (8)
AP Rankings: BHRV (2), Dike (8)
BCMoore Ranking: BHRV (1), Dike (2)
BCMoore Offensive Rank: BHRV (2), Dike (5)
BCMoore Defensive Rank: BHRV (6), Dike (3)
BCMoore Strength of Schedule: BHRV (2), Dike (14)
BHRV Best Wins: 32-13 over #5 1A Western Christian (10-1), 49-28 over #7 Carroll Kuemper (9-2 in 2A)
BHRV Loss: 19-20 vs. West Lyon (7-3 in 1A)
Dike Best Wins: 54-14 over #3 PCM (9-2 in 2A) in 2A Playoffs, 42-3 over Rolland Story (7-3 in 2A)
Dike Losses: 22-25 vs. 1A #4 Denver (11-0), 14-17 vs. A #4 Gladbrook Reinbeck (11-0)
Passing Yards: BHRV (2102), Dike (894)
Rushing Yards: BHRV (2503), Dike (3414)
Union vs. Mt. Vernon - BCMoore Predication Union by 15
DSM Register Rankings: Union (4), Mt. Vernon (9)
AP Rankings: Union (3), Mt. Vernon (4)
BCMoore Ranking: Union (4), Mt. Vernon (6)
BCMoore Offensive Rank: Union (4), Mt. Vernon (1)
BCMoore Defensive Rank: Union (2), Mt. Vernon (11)
BCMoore Strength of Schedule: Union (18), Mt. Vernon (41)
Mt. Vernon Best Wins: 2 wins vs. 8-3 Williamsburg, 56-21 and 42-32.
Mt. Vernon Losses: 21-26 vs. 3A Solon (9-2), 20-46 vs. 3A West Delaware (8-2)
Union Best Wins: 28-12 vs 2A #1 NFV (10-1), 31-13 vs. #6 Cresco-Crestwood (7-3)
Union Loss: 21-56 vs. 2A #1 NFV (10-1)
Passing Yards: Mt. Vernon (2366*), Union (1641)
Rushing Yards: Mt. Vernon (2712*), Union (2595)
Dike vs. BHRV - BCMoore Predication BHRV by 7
DSM Register Rankings: BHRV (2), Dike (8)
AP Rankings: BHRV (2), Dike (8)
BCMoore Ranking: BHRV (1), Dike (2)
BCMoore Offensive Rank: BHRV (2), Dike (5)
BCMoore Defensive Rank: BHRV (6), Dike (3)
BCMoore Strength of Schedule: BHRV (2), Dike (14)
BHRV Best Wins: 32-13 over #5 1A Western Christian (10-1), 49-28 over #7 Carroll Kuemper (9-2 in 2A)
BHRV Loss: 19-20 vs. West Lyon (7-3 in 1A)
Dike Best Wins: 54-14 over #3 PCM (9-2 in 2A) in 2A Playoffs, 42-3 over Rolland Story (7-3 in 2A)
Dike Losses: 22-25 vs. 1A #4 Denver (11-0), 14-17 vs. A #4 Gladbrook Reinbeck (11-0)
Passing Yards: BHRV (2102), Dike (894)
Rushing Yards: BHRV (2503), Dike (3414)
Union vs. Mt. Vernon - BCMoore Predication Union by 15
DSM Register Rankings: Union (4), Mt. Vernon (9)
AP Rankings: Union (3), Mt. Vernon (4)
BCMoore Ranking: Union (4), Mt. Vernon (6)
BCMoore Offensive Rank: Union (4), Mt. Vernon (1)
BCMoore Defensive Rank: Union (2), Mt. Vernon (11)
BCMoore Strength of Schedule: Union (18), Mt. Vernon (41)
Mt. Vernon Best Wins: 2 wins vs. 8-3 Williamsburg, 56-21 and 42-32.
Mt. Vernon Losses: 21-26 vs. 3A Solon (9-2), 20-46 vs. 3A West Delaware (8-2)
Union Best Wins: 28-12 vs 2A #1 NFV (10-1), 31-13 vs. #6 Cresco-Crestwood (7-3)
Union Loss: 21-56 vs. 2A #1 NFV (10-1)
Passing Yards: Mt. Vernon (2366*), Union (1641)
Rushing Yards: Mt. Vernon (2712*), Union (2595)
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I think that Union vs Mount Vernon will be a shoot out similar to the title game last year, I think MV has a little more than Union does, so I will take them by a touchdown. I also think that BHRV vs. DNH will be a higher scoring game but not to the level of the other game, I think BHRV is a little bit more of a complete team so I will take them by a score as well.
I will say I am not extremely confident in these picks and I think all four of the teams left could win the title, in all honesty the team that creates the most breaks will win it.
I will say I am not extremely confident in these picks and I think all four of the teams left could win the title, in all honesty the team that creates the most breaks will win it.
Im going to agree with PNation, I think MV will take that semifinal game and I will take bhrv in the other.
I'm looking forward to seeing how BHRV holds up against Dike's running game. I think it will be Dike's biggest challenge of the year and see a close game. I'm taking BHRV.
On the other side I see a shootout. Two very high powered offenses, both of which are balanced. The type of game that will come down to defense and turnovers. I'm taking Union based on a better defense and being more battle tested.
On the other side I see a shootout. Two very high powered offenses, both of which are balanced. The type of game that will come down to defense and turnovers. I'm taking Union based on a better defense and being more battle tested.
Admittedly, I haven't seen Union play all year, but I'm of the opinion that Union does not have the offense MV does. With their combination of rushing, passing, care of the ball, and tempo, MV has the best offense I have seen from a 2A school in some years (probably since Solon or Regina), so for Union to be better or even close would be extremely impressive.
MV has a special QB in Drew Adams, and while it appears Union has a good QB of their own, I see that Adams averages 5 more yards per completion. I know Adams throws the ball all over the field and the difference in ypc would lead me to believe that Union is more of a quick passing team.
MV also has a 2-headed monster at RB, although I should probably say 3-headed b/c Adams is a very capable runner as well. Not only are the backs good, they wear on defenses as each are 200+ w/ speed. Throw in the fact that they are up-tempo and they gas out opposing defenses.
Looking at QS I see that in big games Union gets pretty one dimensional, and if Vaughn is shut down their offense gets bogged down.
I'm not saying Union doesn't have a good offense or they won't score because I do think MV has an average defense. I just don't think they are near the same level as MV. I see a simlilar score to MV-W'burg last week (42-32).
MV has a special QB in Drew Adams, and while it appears Union has a good QB of their own, I see that Adams averages 5 more yards per completion. I know Adams throws the ball all over the field and the difference in ypc would lead me to believe that Union is more of a quick passing team.
MV also has a 2-headed monster at RB, although I should probably say 3-headed b/c Adams is a very capable runner as well. Not only are the backs good, they wear on defenses as each are 200+ w/ speed. Throw in the fact that they are up-tempo and they gas out opposing defenses.
Looking at QS I see that in big games Union gets pretty one dimensional, and if Vaughn is shut down their offense gets bogged down.
I'm not saying Union doesn't have a good offense or they won't score because I do think MV has an average defense. I just don't think they are near the same level as MV. I see a simlilar score to MV-W'burg last week (42-32).
Im just looking at BCMoore and MV hasnt played a team inside there top 10 rankings all season, do you think MV plays a weak schedule and that could factor in a close game?
That's on my mind too. If you look at their two early season losses, they were to quality 3A teams though - a 21-26 loss to Solon and a 20-46 loss to West Delaware. So while they weren't challenged in 2A within their district, they were challenged by quality 3A teams outside their district.
If you look at PCM, on paper they looked like they could compete with Dike, but that was because of a weak schedule they took advantage of. When you look at SOS it's hard to say whether a team made the most of a weak schedule, or whether they really are that good and are just waiting for a challenge to show it. I like the fact Mt. Vernon was challenged in the non-district games and had a good showing against Solon. They also were just in the Dome, which also strengthens their case.
While Union played a much stronger SOS than Mt. Vernon, I expect Mt. Vernon to show up and be ready for the challenge that Union will present. Should be an exciting game.
Yeah I hear ya there too but you look at BHRV SOS and it is 2 where that district they are in has the top 8 SOS and they seem to just be spanking everybody score wise it seems!
Don't care much about SOS I guess. If you want to say Union played a tougher schedule that's fine, but with MV playing Solon and WD I would say their schedules are pretty comparable as Union had two major opponents as well in NF and Waukon. I may actually give MV a nod by saying that W'burg is a tougher 3rd opponent than Union. Part of the BC formula is scoring margin which I take for a grain of salt (who knows if MV's #2 guys aren't that good and give up 21 pts in the 2nd half).
In all though, I don't really see it as that important. I'm basing it more off what my eyes tell me and they tell me MV has the better team. Been wrong before, and could certainly be wrong again. Should be fun!
In all though, I don't really see it as that important. I'm basing it more off what my eyes tell me and they tell me MV has the better team. Been wrong before, and could certainly be wrong again. Should be fun!
I haven't seen Mt. Vernon live, just videos. How are they on size? Union is pretty big and physical on the lines, but the RBs are small and very fast (receivers small and fast as well).
In regard to SOS, I agree that you can't place too much into the number. I gave credit to Mt. Vernon for their tough non-district games, but they did lose them - were there injuries or any other factors that influenced those games - especially the West Deleware game? That score seems too far off based on how they played Solon the week before. That leaves Mt. Vernon's best win against Williamsburg. Based on what I've seen, I would put Williamsburg as the 5th toughest team Union has played behind (1) NFV, (2) Waukon, (3) Crestwood, (4) Cascade. Likley Williamsburg would match-up closer with Waukon or Cascade. The scary thing about Mt. Vernon is the number of weapons they have. I just see both teams scoring a ton of points - explosive offenses on both sides - I just typically lean to what appears to be the better defense.
Mt. Vernon vs Union
I watched the Mt. Vernon vs Solon game early in the year. Though Solon walked away with a victory, I thought Mt. Vernon was the better team. As for the West Delaware game, it may have just been a fluke. The score was probably more lopsided than the game actually was. As for Union, they had a couple breaks last week vs NFV with several players out with injury. Regardless, they still won the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball vs NFV. With NFV healthy, it still could have gone either way with the way Union played last Friday.
Prediction: Union 35, Mt. Vernon 21. Union has the better defense and will dominate up front on both sides of the ball. They are also a better coached team.
BHRV vs Dike NH
Don't know much about BHRV, but they dominated both playoff games this year. Looking at their numbers, they can air it out and move the ball on the ground. Dike NH, based on statistics, pretty much gives the ball to Johnson every play. I think both teams are good, but have benefited from weaker postseason opponents.
Prediction: BHRV 28, Dike NH 24. BHRV will take advantage of the dome and air it out. I also predict Johnson to carry the ball 50+ times.
Looking ahead to the finals, I think the winner of Union/Mt. Vernon should be the favorite.
I watched the Mt. Vernon vs Solon game early in the year. Though Solon walked away with a victory, I thought Mt. Vernon was the better team. As for the West Delaware game, it may have just been a fluke. The score was probably more lopsided than the game actually was. As for Union, they had a couple breaks last week vs NFV with several players out with injury. Regardless, they still won the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball vs NFV. With NFV healthy, it still could have gone either way with the way Union played last Friday.
Prediction: Union 35, Mt. Vernon 21. Union has the better defense and will dominate up front on both sides of the ball. They are also a better coached team.
BHRV vs Dike NH
Don't know much about BHRV, but they dominated both playoff games this year. Looking at their numbers, they can air it out and move the ball on the ground. Dike NH, based on statistics, pretty much gives the ball to Johnson every play. I think both teams are good, but have benefited from weaker postseason opponents.
Prediction: BHRV 28, Dike NH 24. BHRV will take advantage of the dome and air it out. I also predict Johnson to carry the ball 50+ times.
Looking ahead to the finals, I think the winner of Union/Mt. Vernon should be the favorite.
Union 49, Mt. Vernon 28.
Union controlled this one in all phases. Mount Vernon's receivers had about a foot on each defender they were matched up with, but athleticism seemed to help make up for it for Union. Cochran for Mount Vernon was fun to watch. Seemed like he was involved in every play and was a heck of a playmaker.
Looking forward to the title game - Union vs. BHRV. Should be a great game.
Union controlled this one in all phases. Mount Vernon's receivers had about a foot on each defender they were matched up with, but athleticism seemed to help make up for it for Union. Cochran for Mount Vernon was fun to watch. Seemed like he was involved in every play and was a heck of a playmaker.
Looking forward to the title game - Union vs. BHRV. Should be a great game.
Boy, Vaughn had a huge game on the carpet in the Dome for Union. 397 yards and 5 TDs will get the job done! Sounds like Union must have played real well. Mt. Vernon moved the ball, but committed 5 turnovers which did them in.
Looks like DNH suffered the same fate in the other game, turning the ball over 7 times in a loss. Johnson had nearly 200 yards on the ground, but no team will be able to withstand giving the ball away that many times in a semi final game.
I predict Union will take care of BHRV for the title.
Looks like DNH suffered the same fate in the other game, turning the ball over 7 times in a loss. Johnson had nearly 200 yards on the ground, but no team will be able to withstand giving the ball away that many times in a semi final game.
I predict Union will take care of BHRV for the title.
Yes, lots of turnovers in both of those games. Specific to Union and Mt. Vernon, MV could/should have had two additional fumbles - Refs ruled runners down but they clearly were not. Union attacked the ball and hit hard and it didn't look like Mt. Vernon was ready for it. From in interception standpoint, although MV had a size advantage at receiver over Union's secondary, the athleticism of Union's secondary just made plays. In the first half Union applied a lot of pressure to the MV QB and for almost all of the game MV was behind multiple scores and had to take more risks that Union took advantage of. It felt like Cochran was 2-3 people though - that guy was everywhere.
