The Rematch - will it live up to the hype?

[RamBling]

As I don't know a thing about this year's Xavier team, I need some help from our friends from the CR area.

After what you saw at the Dome in the last year's Championship game, minus graduation losses, plus new underclassman filling those spots - what is your assessment of the game tonight?

The Des Moines area media is having a field day hyping the game, I am just afraid that it has all the markings (like a lot of big games before it) to not be able to live up to the hype on the field.

Thoughts?

IMHO, I think the better (more competitive) game will be Valley and Waukee, but again am open for conversation!

In anticipation of a question, my (bold and fearless) prediction is Dowling by 3+ TD's.

Thanks for any help.

 

[woodsiding]

Xavier lost a lot. I can honestly say that right now the football power must lie in the CIML because Xavier was the cream of the crop in eastern Iowa last year and Dowling beat them pretty soundly last year. I guess I expect the same. Xavier's only advantage is that their style of play is very basic, the play book is small, and they can typically hit their stride early in a season because of that.

 

[woodsiding]

Also, around here the game with more hype is the annual Solon-Regina game.

 

[RamBling]

Thx Wood - understand on the Solon-Regina matchup - that will be huge!

The headline here is "first ever Opening Night rematch of State Title Game Participants", along with the normal pomp and circumstance surrounding it.

 

[KidSilverhair]

The only starters Xavier brings back from last year are two linemen and the fullback on offense, and one linebacker on defense. That's it. Dowling has one of the state's best quarterbacks back with Boyle, not to mention Morris wreaking all kinds of havoc on the D-line. Except for the right side of the O-line, both of Xavier's lines are untested and have a lot to prove.

It would take a tremendous string of things falling into place for Xavier to win, frankly. Oh, it could happen - I was among many who had no expectation of the Saints steamrolling that City High team in the playoffs in 2008 - but it's unlikely.

I think Schulte is going to be great at QB eventually, but he's still a sophomore ... and the line has to give him some time, which is going to be a challenge against Dowling.

Heck, Dowling whomped a tested Xavier squad by 31 in November, and this team is wet behind the ears. What could go to Xavier's advantage is that it's early for both teams, and the team that makes fewer mistakes gets something of an edge, anyway. I think the Saints are looking at this game as a real measuring stick for how things stand for 2014. If Xavier can challenge Dowling and make it a competitive game, this could be a great season. If not, they know they have work to do with Assumption and Solon up next.

Oh, and as for hype ... the machine is already revving up for Xavier-Regina in October. I expect a horde of media and fans at Saints Field that night, especially if Regina's winning streak is still intact (which it probably will be).

 

[eyecy]

Yes, the game did live up to last year's hype. Dowling beat Xavier by 3-plus touchdowns (actually 4-plus touchdowns) last November and won by 3-plus touchdowns last Friday.

 

[bravos]

Dowling had no issues with the Saints Friday night. And people wonder why Xavier dropped to Class 3-A! They cant compete against these HUGE Des Moines area schools.