Week 14
Springfield - 28 Liberty-
How the Liberty team I saw score 9 vs. Coffman is a testament to the play-off confidence that Liberty possesses after piling up a ton of wins the last 6-7 years, good solid schemes, and of course this year, an unbelievable draw of two Northwest Ohio teams who haven't done much winning lately in this region and a slightly fading Jerome team who despite fading like a tide died shirt hung on to the number one seed somehow. Liberty gets Coffman's draw for instance, the team that won their game got a worse seed as a result, they would have been done a few weeks ago. Just the way it is . They may be in a be careful of what you wish for situation, as they rely on Sophomores at QB and RB and are using the back-up RB now. They have a couple good athletes for the Soph QB to throw to but as he learns, he has thrown some picks occasionally [ 11 for the year} and Springfield will be ball hawking looking for him to hit that dozen or so mark.
Game time will be meat locker raw but breezes probably of 10 MPH which isn't enough to greatly affect the forward pass which is good for Liberty, but even better for the more explosive S-Field team. Northmont won vs. SP, but employs a run often if not only attack and Liberty will not be able to churn out first downs running the ball consistently. Soph. QB will have to make things happen with his arm. The Soph class in general is really strong among the OCC Central contingent and Liberty is no exception, but Liberty is a program that develops kids so that by the time they are Seniors if not a bit sooner, know the expectations and know exactly what they are supposed to do. It's pretty impressive. As I have said before Hale is the only coach the program has had. It has reminded me of how the late great announcer Pat Summerall, used to drawl at the begining of Cowboy games when I was a kid, 'Theaahh is Tom Landraayy, the only coach the Cowboys have ever had" , This is Hale and he has built a very consistently efficient and successful program with a great staff and continuity. That keeps you playing in these types of games more consistently than many programs but I think this will be a case of a great draw , not a great team situation. Springfield is nothing if not consistent themselves but it is a more explosive consistency and this match-up is favorable to them. Looking for their fourth straight Regional title, this is not just the new Wayne but is surpassing them probably at this point and going forward. Senior transfer QB has put them at a higher level overall and he should have a nice night throwing to very talented receivers and D-1 athletes who will be covered by lesser athletes. If Springfield takes care of the ball reasonably well and executes fairly well ? They roll . Line is tight and accurate. Game could fall near the line .
Springfield 34 Liberty 7