Week 8 BIG games

[troutstamp1]

District 7 which has been murderers row all year has big match-ups these last 2 weeks.

This week!!!
Grundy Center at Hudson
East Buchanan at Wapsie
These four teams will decide just how many teams district 7 will get in the playoffs as North Tama has 2 easy games left.

Next week 9
Hudson at East Buchanan
Wapsie at Grundy Center

Its crazy how this district has had 5 of 7 teams ranked in the top 10 this year in multiple polls and still have 5 teams in the top i think 15 to 17 in the BC Moore rankings this far in. Their is going to be a real good 6-3 team in this district that probably wont make the post season because of only 6 wildcard spots and if two districts have 3 way ties only 2 wildcard spots.

 

[Zowwy21]

Completely agree with your D7 comments, North Tama is sitting in a very good spot having made it through the worst of it, and obviously Hudson with no losses to this point has to be feeling good. With the relative parity in all these teams it could make for a very interesting final weeks, and hope there are no injuries that might otherwise impact playoff hopes.

I've said it before, but the positive aspect of this district is week in and week out it is a playoff caliber opponent, so those that come out healthy will have an advantage going into the playoffs, in my opinion. The downside is the constant battles do take their tolls on the players and hopefully they can sustain through the playoffs.

A few other important games in week 8 ...
IKM-Sioux Central
BGM-Durant
AHSTW-SW Valley
St Ansgar - MC Newman
Pekin - Belle Plaine

 

[troutstamp1]

Completely agree with your D7 comments, North Tama is sitting in a very good spot having made it through the worst of it, and obviously Hudson with no losses to this point has to be feeling good. With the relative parity in all these teams it could make for a very interesting final weeks, and hope there are no injuries that might otherwise impact playoff hopes.

I've said it before, but the positive aspect of this district is week in and week out it is a playoff caliber opponent, so those that come out healthy will have an advantage going into the playoffs, in my opinion. The downside is the constant battles do take their tolls on the players and hopefully they can sustain through the playoffs.

A few other important games in week 8 ...
IKM-Sioux Central
BGM-Durant
AHSTW-SW Valley
St Ansgar - MC Newman
Pekin - Belle Plaine

I agree, the only thing North Tama has to worry about is their RPI dropping because of their last two opponents having basically 2 wins total and that might come back to bite them in the butt as they will finish 8-1 but could easily get jumped buy a 7-2 team with a better RPI. Another game to keep an eye on is MFL vs EdCo because this is a district that could steal a playoff spot from a really good team if MFL could win this game.

 

[Anonymous111]

Great points guys. What are all your thoughts on week 9 matchup of Wapsie and Grundy? That basically decides who the 3rd team in that district to make the playoffs will be. Is there any chance of North Tama getting jumped? That would be a shame because North Tama is a top 5 team at least in my opinion. And I feel like Wapsie is going to roll Grundy but bcmoore says otherwise. I have Wapsie 28 Grundy 14

 

[troutstamp1]

Before Wapsie can roll Grundy they have to beat EB and based on common opponent North Tama who beat them both including a 7-6 win vs EB this should be a classic match-up. Wapsie and EB both are 2-2 in the district so this game is pivotal for both teams. I still think Grundy or EB upsets Hudson before the season is over as Hudson has had some very close games including OT vs NT. I think both games will be close and unlike the past few weeks rain wont be an issue but temps might as the latest forecast for about 7 pm kick is low 30s.

 

[Zowwy21]

I don't see a scenario where NT doesn't make it. Despite a low OppRec, an 8-1 record just accounts for too much.

If Mason City Newman were to beat Saint Ansgar tonight, which is not outside the realm of possibility, and then South Winn beat Newman in week 9 there would likely be a 3 way tie there which would be 2 lower RPI teams in the mix and thus only 4 "at large bids".

Not going to lie, as a Wapsie fan, I'm a little nervous about game with East Buc tonight. We've got a solid defense but not the dominant run defense that we have had in years past. The run heavy, big line, combo of East Buc may be too much for us. I like our chances on offense. Will likely come down to who has the ball last and/or minimize big turnovers. Wapsie pretty much has to win out though to make playoffs.

 

[Zowwy21]

As far as the common opponent comment, keep in mind Wapsie lost that game in the last couple minutes of the game and had 15 penalties (due to inexperience of the line). Since then we have definitely reduced the number of penalties. Not saying that means East Buch will be any easier (I think their style matches up well against Wapsie this year), just saying in a North Tama rematch, I would like our chances.

 

[Zowwy21]

Also, just want to point out that I am extremely proud of our boys this year. To compete in this district, with the starting QB, starting RB, primary WR and second leading tackler all being four different Sophomores is pretty impressive. We will only lose 4 starting seniors (1 OL/DL, 2 DE/WR, 1 S/WR) for next year. Not giving up on this year, but very optimistic about the future!

 

[Anonymous111]

I have the utmost respect for Wapsie and the program they’ve built there. The best compliment a team can recieve is that “your kids play hard”. Every year I see Wapsie play, they continually play extremely hard and tough. I think it’ll be tough tonight against East Buc but I think Wapsie will pull it out. Don’t be surpised to see Hudson upset tonight. Grundy is damn good. I definitely see where you’re coming from tho. I wouldn’t be surpised to see them upset, but then lose week 9 to Wapsie. In that situation who is in and who’s out?

 

[troutstamp1]

I used NT as common opponent as they beat both teams, not because I think they are a better team than Wapsie. Heck if you look at quick stats EB dominated every phase of the game and should have won by at least two scores but lost by 1 and yes I know Wapsie had a number of mistakes in their game vs NT also but that's why you play the game as NT beat them both on the road. I know Wapsie has a great sophomore class and this district is loaded with young studs like the Fr QB from Grundy who I believe Grundy also plays quite a few sophomores as well I believe EB starts like 4 or 5 sophomores also. I think the most senior dominate team is probably NT with like 15 seniors. Feel a little sorry for teams like GMG and BCLUW because they may be a lot better than in the past but it doesn't show in this district. You being a Wapsie fan should know it doesn't matter what you have for talent or what grade your kids are in because Foster will have them ready to play and believe they can beat anyone on any night.

 

[GOPANTHERS23]

I used NT as common opponent as they beat both teams, not because I think they are a better team than Wapsie. Heck if you look at quick stats EB dominated every phase of the game and should have won by at least two scores but lost by 1 and yes I know Wapsie had a number of mistakes in their game vs NT also but that's why you play the game as NT beat them both on the road. I know Wapsie has a great sophomore class and this district is loaded with young studs like the Fr QB from Grundy who I believe Grundy also plays quite a few sophomores as well I believe EB starts like 4 or 5 sophomores also. I think the most senior dominate team is probably NT with like 15 seniors. Feel a little sorry for teams like GMG and BCLUW because they may be a lot better than in the past but it doesn't show in this district. You being a Wapsie fan should know it doesn't matter what you have for talent or what grade your kids are in because Foster will have them ready to play and believe they can beat anyone on any night.

I wouldn’t give north Tama credit for a road win again wapsie at all, the game was moved and wapsie also played on the road. It was a neutral location.

 

[Zowwy21]

True. It is a pretty young district in general which is pretty scary and should make next year exciting as well.

I do also share your sentiment toward GMG and BCLUW. In normal districts I believe they would be more middle of the pack and has to be discouraging for those kids.

Foster is a great coach and gets the most out of the talent he is dealt, and our line coach and defensive coach are some of the best when it comes to teaching technique, and I’ve heard that from a number of coaches as my son has been looking to play at the next level.

I am happy for North Tama also as those kids have been busting their butts the last few years with not a lot of success, so it is fun to see them experience some success.

Good luck tonight all!! Gotta love High School football!!

 

[Zowwy21]

Anonymous111, if GC beats Hudson tonight but then loses to WV in week 9, not a whole lot changes. Hudson would still win the district (they would tie with NT but then win based on head to head), NT and WV would be the top two at large bids (assuming a win over EB tonight by WV), but Grundy would be just on the wrong side of the bubble by a very small margin, so would completely depend on a few opponents opponents records to determine the 6th one - that is assuming there is no 3 way tie in district 4. So basically the winner of the GC/WV game will likely make it, while the other will be just on the other side of the bubble.

 

[Anonymous111]

So basically WV needs to take care of business tonight, GC can afford to lose, and then it comes down to a week 9 matchup. Talk about a great game! I wonder if a win tonight against Hudson and loss against Wapsie would get them both in (so long as no 3 way ties) seems at the very least one will make it. I can’t see neither of them making unless something freaky happens

 

[troutstamp1]

Wapsie - EB game sounds like it was a dandy and down to the wire. Saw on quick stats EB rushed for close to 300 yards and Wapsie threw for about 180.

 

[Zowwy21]

Yeah, EB came to play and Wapsie hung on for the win. Our starting RB was out most of second half and really missed him on D. Had a couple of big plays to get within 10 yard line and then kept shooting ouselves in the foot and couldn’t get it in. But as I expected East Buc pounded the ball and kept us on our heals. Felt relieved to eek it out. Another great D7 game!

 

[troutstamp1]

Yeah, EB came to play and Wapsie hung on for the win. Our starting RB was out most of second half and really missed him on D. Had a couple of big plays to get within 10 yard line and then kept shooting ouselves in the foot and couldn’t get it in. But as I expected East Buc pounded the ball and kept us on our heals. Felt relieved to eek it out. Another great D7 game!

I heard EBs best player the Fox kid was out the whole first half and part of the 2nd also to an injury ? Sounded like it was a pretty hard hitting game from a few Wapsie people which doesnt surprise me when those two teams play each other. Now on to week 9 Wapsie at Grundy and Hudson at EB, should be another great friday night as I think any team can beat any team on a single night. Not sure what happened to Grundy vs Hudson as I thought that score would be closer so I think Wapsie goes on the road and wins this week. Could Hudson get upset by EB on the road, i think its closer than people think it might be. Hopefully no major 3 way ties because I think this district is worthy of 3 teams in the post season but it wont happen if ties happen.

 

[Zowwy21]

Luckily, I don't see any potential 3 way ties out there. There are a couple of potential 2 way ties, but then the winner of head-to-head is the district champ and the other one enters the at-large process.

I did watch the GC-Hudson game on Hudl, and Grundy looked a lot more impressive than what the score showed. Grundy was able to move the ball pretty well on Hudson's D, they just kept turning the ball over. Had the turnovers been eliminated or reduced, I think it would have been a pretty good game. Not sure Wapsie can count on a bunch of turnovers again, so better come ready to play!

 

[troutstamp1]

Actually district 2 has a 3 way tie possibility and the other thing is look at district 5 because the way it looks if Clayton Ridge beats EDCO at home they are the district champs based on head to head and that would steal a spot from a good team like one in district 7. Clyton Ridge would be 4-5 in the playoffs having lost all 4 non district games. i'm just not a fan of this playoff system.

 

[GOPANTHERS23]

Actually district 2 has a 3 way tie possibility and the other thing is look at district 5 because the way it looks if Clayton Ridge beats EDCO at home they are the district champs based on head to head and that would steal a spot from a good team like one in district 7. Clyton Ridge would be 4-5 in the playoffs having lost all 4 non district games. i'm just not a fan of this playoff system.

No Clayton wouldnt really steal a spot because edco is 12th in rpi so with a loss they would drop down the list a good little ways so really that game don’t have much to do with anything besides in there district. The team that could steal a spot is st alberts by beating Avoca. That is the game that will steal a spot along with an Alta win over Sioux Rapids because it will force a 3 way tie. One team that will drop down n pry out for sure will be the loser of Britt n Belmond. Belmond with a loss would pry be right on that border. Also guys remember minus 2 teams off n say top 14 because 2 districts ( Lynnville n Newman) will steal top 16 spots winning their districts

 

[troutstamp1]

What I meant was Clayton Ridge if they win would steal a spot from a good team just by making the playoffs at 4-5. I don't think edco will fall that far with a loss but would definitely be on the bubble. I still think district 7 gets 3 teams but I think the winner of the Wapsie - Grundy game jumps North Tama in RPI to make them the 3rd team. Their RPI has dropped since they have finished with Postville, GMG and now BCLW. This whole RPI thing is a complete joke.

 

[areukiddingme]

the problem is 16 in. In class A where there are around 60 teams , the play off should be 24 top 8 get a Bye at least then you should get the best in the playoffs seeding would be a different discussion, but at least the deserving teams would in the field come playoff time.

 

[Sev393]

What I meant was Clayton Ridge if they win would steal a spot from a good team just by making the playoffs at 4-5. I don't think edco will fall that far with a loss but would definitely be on the bubble. .

Clayton Ridge will not beat Ed-Co.

 

[GOPANTHERS23]

What I meant was Clayton Ridge if they win would steal a spot from a good team just by making the playoffs at 4-5. I don't think edco will fall that far with a loss but would definitely be on the bubble. I still think district 7 gets 3 teams but I think the winner of the Wapsie - Grundy game jumps North Tama in RPI to make them the 3rd team. Their RPI has dropped since they have finished with Postville, GMG and now BCLW. This whole RPI thing is a complete joke.

I dk if I would say complete joke. North Tama has a cupcake non district schedule. How many wins does their non district opponents have? It’s 2-22 lol and postville win is a forfeit from starmont. Not saying North Tama isn’t a good team but this why the rpi actually working. Wapsie and Grundy has a lot tougher schedule so would make sense to leap frog them even with head to head loss.

 

[Sev393]

GoPa, if the reverse situation was happening ( Wapsie had a better overall record AND had beaten N Tama head to head , and somehow N Tama got in the playoffs because they had a better SOS) I wonder what you would be saying? RPI is 'working' in your opinion, because it happens to be favoring your team right now.

There is NO WAY in a 9 game season that head to head shouldnt be the top tie-breaker in any argument between 2 teams (or 3 teams if possible). Whether its for 2 teams tied for district lead, or whether it 2 teams tied for 2nd -3rd in district and up for wild card spot. N Tama dropping below Wapsie and Grundy , after beating both, would be the top argument to never rely on RPI again...

 

[GOPANTHERS23]

GoPa, if the reverse situation was happening ( Wapsie had a better overall record AND had beaten N Tama head to head , and somehow N Tama got in the playoffs because they had a better SOS) I wonder what you would be saying? RPI is 'working' in your opinion, because it happens to be favoring your team right now.

There is NO WAY in a 9 game season that head to head shouldnt be the top tie-breaker in any argument between 2 teams (or 3 teams if possible). Whether its for 2 teams tied for district lead, or whether it 2 teams tied for 2nd -3rd in district and up for wild card spot. N Tama dropping below Wapsie and Grundy , after beating both, would be the top argument to never rely on RPI again...

Honestly I wouldn’t be complaining if it was reversed because if wapsie had that bad of a schedule there would still be question marks of how good of team we really had. Like come on 2-22 non district schedule

 

[GOPANTHERS23]

Also what does it really matter who is higher between them? Now if North Tama would slide down n not get in then I would be saying what the hell with the rpi but if they get in who cares? They are not going to get a home game anyways

 

[Sev393]

Also what does it really matter who is higher between them? Now if North Tama would slide down n not get in then I would be saying what the hell with the rpi but if they get in who cares? They are not going to get a home game anyways

If they all get in , you’re right it won’t matter. But the fact that we are even talking about an 8-1 team , who was beaten two teams in its district, possibly loosing out on a spot to both of those teams ? That just isn’t right. Regardless of their non district schedule .

And the only reason this will likely be a non-issue anyway is the districts have played out nicely and seem to be avoiding any 3-way ties.

 

[Kevin7216]

Lets just play the district games let all 62 teams in class A into the playoffs extending them an extra 2 weeks so 6 weeks of playoffs and end all of it... everyone gets in and no one can complain!

 

[troutstamp1]

Lets just play the district games let all 62 teams in class A into the playoffs extending them an extra 2 weeks so 6 weeks of playoffs and end all of it... everyone gets in and no one can complain!

No take 32 but unlike the old 32 where top 4 in each district made it, take top 2 and the rest at large, that way you get the best teams witch might be 4 from 1 district and only 2 from another.