Wow what a round of football. As we have been saying throughout the year their is no clear cut favorite to who will take the title especially with two teams in Newell Fonda and HLV surprising a lot of people in making it this far (myself included). Sets up for an interesting round for who will play for the title next week. Enough rambnling and I will get to the point. Both games are highlighted below as well as my picks for the round.
Semifinal Game #1: Newell Fonda vs HLV
Two of the hottest teams in any class right now pair up in the early game on Thursday for the rights to play for the finals. Newell-Fonda makes a return trip to the dome this year and are looking to prove that last years drubbing by Exira-EHK was a fluke. After starting 0-3 to start the year they have rattled off 9 straight against some pretty impressive competition including the defending stae champs in Don Bosco. HLV has been solid all year with the one lone blemish to the same Don Bosco team that Newell beat just 3 short days ago but have since been vastly improved even with a few players hurt. At this portion of the season its all about defense. Defense will win you a championship and who wants it more. Newell sticks out in my mind as probably the favorite after knocking off the Dons but it all depends on if HLV can get healthy for this Thursdays game. If they are at full strength this game is a virtual toss up in my eyes. The less attractive game of the two that is being played by probably the hardest to pick. Newell Fonda with the win but in a very close, very competitive game.
Semifinal Game #2: MMC vs Fremont Mills
Battle of two of the past three state champions. Fremont Mills has been many people's pick to win it since week 1 this year and they haven't been letting anyone down yet rolling nearly everyone they play. They have a rare combination of size, power and speed that closely resembles their historic 2011 title run. MMC might be the best coached team in the class. They come ready to play each week and have earned their way to the semi-finals by beating arguably three top 10 teams in the process and avenging a toughweek 9 loss to West Bend Mallard in the quarters to punch their ticket. This game will come down to what MMC can and can't do I feel. Fremont Mills looks to impose their will on everyone they play. If MMC can make stops on defense and make good use of the ball when they have it they will take it in a close one. If they can't get a stop on defense against the power running game of Fremont Mills they will be in for a long game. This game I think will be close till half before the size of Fremont Mills eventually wears down MMC in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Fremont Mills with the W in this game.
Semifinal Game #1: Newell Fonda vs HLV
Two of the hottest teams in any class right now pair up in the early game on Thursday for the rights to play for the finals. Newell-Fonda makes a return trip to the dome this year and are looking to prove that last years drubbing by Exira-EHK was a fluke. After starting 0-3 to start the year they have rattled off 9 straight against some pretty impressive competition including the defending stae champs in Don Bosco. HLV has been solid all year with the one lone blemish to the same Don Bosco team that Newell beat just 3 short days ago but have since been vastly improved even with a few players hurt. At this portion of the season its all about defense. Defense will win you a championship and who wants it more. Newell sticks out in my mind as probably the favorite after knocking off the Dons but it all depends on if HLV can get healthy for this Thursdays game. If they are at full strength this game is a virtual toss up in my eyes. The less attractive game of the two that is being played by probably the hardest to pick. Newell Fonda with the win but in a very close, very competitive game.
Semifinal Game #2: MMC vs Fremont Mills
Battle of two of the past three state champions. Fremont Mills has been many people's pick to win it since week 1 this year and they haven't been letting anyone down yet rolling nearly everyone they play. They have a rare combination of size, power and speed that closely resembles their historic 2011 title run. MMC might be the best coached team in the class. They come ready to play each week and have earned their way to the semi-finals by beating arguably three top 10 teams in the process and avenging a toughweek 9 loss to West Bend Mallard in the quarters to punch their ticket. This game will come down to what MMC can and can't do I feel. Fremont Mills looks to impose their will on everyone they play. If MMC can make stops on defense and make good use of the ball when they have it they will take it in a close one. If they can't get a stop on defense against the power running game of Fremont Mills they will be in for a long game. This game I think will be close till half before the size of Fremont Mills eventually wears down MMC in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Fremont Mills with the W in this game.
