Overall very pleased with what I saw on Friday. Expected the slow start making a road trip in week 1. Did not expect the o-line to get dominated as they did for about 2 1/2 quarters. This is a smaller group than we are used to, but looked very good in the preseason scrimmages. I trust Scanlon to have the best five out there, but we are playing 5 guards. We have some tackle bodies on the sidelines, and I'd like to see them get acclimated. Have to credit TCC as they appear to be very strong in their front seven on defense, aggressively attacking the LOS and blowing up the run lanes. Kudos to the Ed's staff for dialing up some nice plays in the second half to take advantage of the aggressiveness. The wheel route to Eno was beautiful. TCC had to back off a bit at that point and we were able to establish the run game late in the 3rd and 4th quarters. We don't lose much when Eno leaves the game with Bell and Gribble. We are well positioned at RB.
As for the passing game as whole, I agree with those that mentioned adjusting our route tree to cater to Ramos' strengths. I'm still holding out hope this early in the season, but I just do not see the accuracy deep and outside to continually ask him to make those passes. It is what it is. Jackson Miller was the preferred target working from the slot position and running routes in between the hashes. The passing game needs to be more of what we see from Elder. I've always admired their passing game, using it as an extension of the run game. Multiple shallow crossing/rub routes, comebacks, seam routes. We have a talented receiving corp, but we are not reaching their potential.
Defense looked great. Very stout up front. Kilbane was fantastic off the edge (4 sacks?). Can't imagine what it would be like pairing him opposite Bixby, but Molnar showed he is more than capable of bein g the other bookend. Gedeon, Ratliff and Williams were very active from their LB positions, and when Zyion rejoins the fold look out. Impressed with Sidari as well from that S/LB position. Reads the game well and comes up to erase the edge. We are very deep and versatile in the secondary, and can play a number of different personnel depending on the down and distance.
Couple names I did not see on the varsity roster this year from last years JV's were Kayin Cooper and Terrell Morton. I see Cooper may now be at VASJ. Probably best as I know we are high on the sophomore QB Casey Bullock. Anyone know if Morton is still at Ed's? I thought he was a pretty good corner that would contribute this year.