Bird vs Matoaca

[Jhollan1]

So last year this game was a pushover primary because Bird was truly one-dimensional. Eventhough Bird doesn't pass much, they are a threat to
What is everyone's thoughts on this matchup?

 

[BoKnowsSports]

Bird wins this game.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

@BoKnowsSports, I feel you on this and cannot fully disagree. I really like Matoaca's athletes, but if Bird plays like the old Bird and just plays down right physical then the Warriors will cave. I look for Matoaca to try and score fast and often. Pace of the game is key here. If the Skyhawks can establish the power game it's over. The Warriors are just too soft.

 

[GoBlue2109]

I wonder if the Dinwiddie game was their super bowl? If they come out with that energy and intensity I see Matoaca winning. But it seems like that game took a chunk out of them for their 1st round game. I'll take Matoaca because of Bryce Yates heroics.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Dinwiddie drilled Matoaca last year to end the season and Warriors recovered nicely. From a physical standpoint Bird is potentially just a bad matchup for them. I really like Matoaca's skill players and they do not disappoint. The d line should be their strength, but they just play so damn soft. They outweighed the Generals by a ton and we gave up 0 sacks and 1 tfl. In the fourth quarter our mini mees pushed them around.

 

[Hooritos]

The big question is, which one to 15+ penalties. I see PFs for days in this one.

 

[Hooritos]

To your question, Bird struggles against athletic defenses (Dale / Huguenot / Manchester). Birds front 7 is going to be the best Matoaca has seen since Dale.

Bird can't get behind late, the passing game is not there. If they turn this into a punch fest they can win this game.

Matoaca must show they can drive the ball. Living by the big play catches up to you.

If MHS keeps the extra antics down, they win 28 to 14

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Nice analysis @Dripping. Totally agree.

 

[mbonape1]

@BoKnowsSports, I feel you on this and cannot fully disagree. I really like Matoaca's athletes, but if Bird plays like the old Bird and just plays down right physical then the Warriors will cave. I look for Matoaca to try and score fast and often. Pace of the game is key here. If the Skyhawks can establish the power game it's over. The Warriors are just too soft.

I do think this game will be a good one. I still have matoaca pulling it out but it will be close

 

[Jhollan1]

Going to be cold and windy. Best ground game wins.

 

[EPJr1947]

 

[EPJr1947]

Touchdown @LCBfootball on 36-yard pass for a 7-0 lead at @MHS_Warriors_FB early in the 2nd per @JSlaugh966 .....



https://twitter.com/cfieldsports/status/1860120771286405166/analytics

 

[EPJr1947]

#Matoaca opts to kick XP, tie #LCBird 7-7, 2:06 2Q.

 

[EPJr1947]

Corey Holland punches it in on third down.
14-7 Bird, 9:35 remaining Q3.

 

[croakerfishin]

Tough ending to a good season for the Warriors. Bird controlled the LOS. Neither team was able to drive the ball consistently, it was a classic defensive battle. Once again the penalties really hurt Matoaca. They had a KR TD called back and they also had a penalty on a blocked FG. Three plays later Bird lined up and made the FG.

Matoaca was devastated by injuries and they were not able to replace the parts they missed. Bird shut down the run and put the QB under constant pressure.

Bird is a solid team. They are strong and physical, they will need to avoid critical penalties to give themselves a shot at winning the region.

Also the coaching move to take the safety only leaving 2 seconds for the kickoff was a nice move to seal the 17-16 win.

 

[BoKnowsSports]

Matoaca may be the biggest disappointment in the history of 804 football. 6 classifications with all that talent they have and absolutely nothing to show for it.