SP and Tuscola
- Thread starter raidertime
- Start date
One thing that hasn't been discussed here is South Point's impressive play on special teams. The Red Raiders have a very capable kicker and an excellent punter. They also pick up a lot of yardage in the return game and have run a punt and a kickoff back in recent weeks. No idea how good Tuscola is in this area, but it is definitely something to watch...
Tuscola's special teams have been incredible this year. That is not an area of weakness on this team.
Special teams has become Tuscola's specialty. They are especially adept at blocking field goals extra point attempts, and cover kickoffs punts well, with the one exception of the long punt return last Friday. They have ran several kickoffs back this year if memory serves, including two (almost 3) against Patton one to open the game with Brevard,
SP's kicker has had an amazing season. He is good on 67 of 69 xtra points and 9 of 10 field goals. That is impressive.
The Raider kick coverage has also been outstanding. They punish the return guys like no other Raider team I have seen.
I do however hear Tuscola is not lacking on special teams either so that area may be a wash also.
Banged up is what all players are after 12 games. Ferguson is a tough kid with a big heart so the Raiders aren't expecting anything less than 100% when Ferguson and company hit the field in Raiderland Friday.
You SP folk are the favorites and have a great team, but to think those Tuscola mountain boys are going to roll over is a mistake. They have more grit and fight than most. Don't for a second think this is a cake walk.
SP is overrated just because they're SP. Tuscola is being underrated. I could see either team winning this game. If this SP team is overlooking Tuscola this will be there last game and it could get ugly. I believe Mickey will have them ready and it will be a close game. Toss a coin.
1 is fine, I think you mean 9. 52 came back last week but 73 took a shot to the other knee and awaits latest MRI result. 57 is going to try, not sure how it will go.
#19 is our cover guy on kicks. Anson got him with a good block on the opening kickoff but he was his normal 1st guy in on the tackle self after that. Our kicker missed on a PAT last Friday night but then kicked a 30'ish yard FG at the end of the first half. He has been pretty reliable. He can't hit the endzone like last year's kicker could.
#19 is our cover guy on kicks. Anson got him with a good block on the opening kickoff but he was his normal 1st guy in on the tackle self after that. Our kicker missed on a PAT last Friday night but then kicked a 30'ish yard FG at the end of the first half. He has been pretty reliable. He can't hit the endzone like last year's kicker could.
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You must have not watched #10 Brandon Reid play back in 2001-2003. Noone brings the lumber like that kid did; NOONE. Pursley has a pretty good memory of him as well after the 2003 title game. Reid had 16 tackles that day I believe.
Mt Ulla you apparently aren't aware this is not SP's first rodeo. We didn't look at West Henderson as a cakewalk. Why in the world would we view Tuscola that way. You are uneducated on how SP prepares for a game. SP has one main goal and that is to be better each week than the week before regardless of competition. In the end if we are better and we lose then we weren't good enough to start with. We didn't build the legacy we have by underrating our opponents. Just the opposite. We respect any team put in front of us. We have to consider Tuscola as the favorite They have been a scoring machine with multiple weapons. Their "D" is equally impressive.
AP Polls, NCPrep Polls and all others rate Tuscola ahead of us. We are simply going to take our best shot at them and hope its enough. If its not we respect them and will pull for them to represent the West if they make it to the finals.
Rankings don't mean squat much. Not even sure the person(s) that vote ever see who they are ranking most of the time. South Point is an elite program from an area rich in talent and history. To travel down there and win will be difficult. I'm sure our players look forward to the challenge. It will not be easy by any means.
Spot on post. The AP and NC Preps polls simply look at the number of losses you have and primarily rank by that. If SP is 90% of what they normally are, then we will have our hands full.
I don't usually pull for Tuscola .I do hope both Haywood County teams win. Would like to see a second Haywood County clash.
We will both have our hands full. South Point will not win this game based on history. This is as close to a total overhaul offensively as Raider fans have seen in many years.
From the sandbagging Tuscola fan count, they may have to pick up players from Cleveland County on the way down to field a team.
Just found out that 4,6, 38, 57, 63, and 73 will not play for SP on Friday. In addition, my knee is hurting and I am questionable. Seadog's application for another year of eligibility was denied by new governor Roy Cooper (Damn Liberals!). Mickey's wife is making him take her shopping for Black Friday and he is unlikely to attend. Raidersway will coach the Raiders on Friday night. Other than that, all is good. Happy Thanksgiving.
I can't coach that night I am scheduled to be in a moonlight turkey shoot. Turkey's should be safe. Last year I shot my best friend. This year i have a new best friend. He doesn't know what happen last year. Sorry we are missing so many players but we didn't stand a chance anyway.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Wishing the Tuscola players and fans a safe trip to Raiderland Friday.
That leaves either Chachi (aka Ralph Macchio) or coondog to step into the breach.
For my Red Raiders, follow the advice below.
First off, Coope r ain't governor, yet.
9 is a starting LB, 57 starting DT, and 73 starting center so we aren't sandbagging.
Try horse liniment for the balky knee. Tractor Supply offers several varieties plus DMSO.
Leaving about 3:00'ish. Will probably grab a samich at the exit so I can get to this sparse parking you claim.
Asheville paper picked yo'all by 7.
9 is a starting LB, 57 starting DT, and 73 starting center so we aren't sandbagging.
Try horse liniment for the balky knee. Tractor Supply offers several varieties plus DMSO.
Leaving about 3:00'ish. Will probably grab a samich at the exit so I can get to this sparse parking you claim.
Asheville paper picked yo'all by 7.
Chachi and the Coondog will do fine. Just put them out in that 5 receiver spread offense and let's throw the ball downfield. Tuscola will be surprised and so will the Raider faithful. Go Big Red!
Seadog,
We have worked out a deal with Shelby. We are picking up four of their starters to replace our injured players. In exchange, I am supplying their coaching staff with some of the best moonshine that is made in these mountains. Peach, apple, and just plain ole shine. Shelby is thrilled with the offer and now we match up a little better against you guys. I can meet your players at the helmet around 6:00 and let them have some; I can promise them that they will feel no pain.
How about 12,19,33, and 77? Are they playing? I watched one of your games today and you have several impressive kids.
Shelby is busy Friday night. Stop by KM. They have some kids available.
Coondog!!!!!!! I bet I know what his first move would be. Ralphy isn't here because he didn't give SP any more chance to win than the Dems gave Trump.
Screw the food, where are the bars close to the stadium, or do we have to bring it in quart jars to the parking lot. We will win the hooch battle. State Champions every year in that department.
Shinetime.
I would love to meet you and other fine folks from God's country at the red helmet. I've had the pleasure to ride the Big T bus with the team on the way to kicking Pisgah's *** a few years ago. One of my fondest memories.
Bring bamatide and heelzfor2 with you. Footsoldier asked me to treat them right and engage in some "Popcorn " business. Halftime, be there.
A few tips: The visitor side Red Raider fans are on parole. Our chain crew are experts in extending or shrinking the chains. We play smashmouth tackle football. We don't like northeners or anyone from Asheville. You guys will feel right at home in Lineberger.
Bring it on, brother. The drive back will be quiet and long, but envigorating.