I have not been here for a few weeks as this place feels like drama central. On the one hand it is a good thing that folks have an interest in the program unlike the later Bortnick years but on the other hand I feel like this fan base is like a bunch of old women that bicker over any minor minutia that bubbles up during the course of a day. Now I have not seen live action in person so far this summer but have talked to folks that have and have heard some similar takes to what our Padua fan has listed. Some of my thoughts as we head into the opener:
- On the positive, expectations are high and the kids seem to be buying into and accepting the challenge and goals of the year. When dealing with teens frame of mind is an important part to success.
- Key for this team will not be regular season record but how they grow during the year and what happens in the post season. Also I would be OK with Ls and aggressive mistakes as long as players get better and additional guys show they contribute and add depth to the team.
- That being said my biggest worry is some guys appear to be more focused on things other than what is going on the field. A couple years back Benny had on paper this great OL that really fell far short of expectations, they were more worried about posting picture of weight room success and such; hearing this group of linemen might be falling into a similar trap. Hope I am wrong but heard the Ed's test was a disaster for the lines, yes I know Ed's is loaded with Div I guys all over their lines and they played them a lot but from what I hear Benny didn't show any sack up front.
- Not sure what to think of the skills just yet. If the DL can meet expectations that will hide deficiencies in the secondary but on offense I hear there is nobody stepping up to be a playmaker. The one guy who has been mentioned the most in preseason hasn't been called out since the pads came on and there seems to be no buzz from the scrimmages or even the 7 v 7s saying you have to stop X guy. That is very un Benny like.
- As for the coaching... LY the staff took a step forward, the schemes and play calling improved a lot over 2020. I also think the sideline was much better managed in '21 but if there is any regression back that would be cause for alarm. What I really want to see from them this year is growth in paying attention to detail, in particular not being surprised by any situation that may come up on or off the field. Many staffs think they can catch Benny sleeping and things like trick plays and any irregulates not on tape throw off this staff and they break sideline discipline. This not only happens on the field but off the field, the end of the Massillon game from '20 is an example of this. Again things have gotten better but would like to see the next step up happen in '22.
The Walsh game is a great opener and a true test as to where Benny stands at this point. This is an up and coming program that really wants to take that next step, solid football players but in particular their coaching staff is well regarded and many think these guys can coach circles around marginal HS coaches. Its not like Benny doesn't know what they are facing either, they have seen them enough over the past 2 years so hopefully there will be no surprises. Maybe it is time to start a thread on this game?
I've been to one 7 on 7 & the Glenville/RR/NR scrimmage. Padua guy has some valid points.
OFFENSE
RB's look good, but small.
QB is inconsistent. Working out the sophomore kinks.
WR drop too many passes.
O-Line is slow, miss assignments, seem confused at times on who their assignment is. But they are the strength of this offense. When they get it right. Huge holes. More Consistency needed.
DEFENSE
DB's do not react to the ball. There is too much separation. Mostly on slants & out routes. Safety's look lost in coverage.
LB's do not fill. They catch the ball carrier. They reach. No one runs through the tackle. No One!
D-Line is the strength of the defense. Too bad the senior transfer from Rhodes can only play 5 games. He's the real deal.
COACHING
Too much celebrating with the players. Why? Too much yelling without correcting. You can't celebrate & then discipline. It causes confusion. One way or the other.
Remember. You're not players anymore. You are coaches.
There needs to be an increase in consistency.
Play calling on the offensive side of the ball is same as always. Nothing has changed. Maybe not wanting to show anything?
Defensive play calls were vanilla. Again. Maybe not wanting to show anything???
GAMES
Walsh has arrived. Benedictine will need to be prepared for the level Walsh will be playing at. Great coaching gives Walsh the edge in this one.
TCC Strap 'em up. That's all I have to say about this game.
Cleveland Hts. Big, Fast, Strong. Benedictine will need to play disciplined football to win this one.
DeMatha St Ed's type football team. Huge Challenge
Buchtel Need to stay disciplined. Focus for the win.
Boardman Never can tell what they can put together. Always a battle.
Brecksville Well coached. Gets everything out of their players. Don't take this team lightly.
Cathedral Prep Big, Big, Big. This team is always in the hunt for a PA state championship. Play this game with passion.
Hoban. You All Know!
Nordonia. Don't take them lightly 2 years in a row.
The posters/MOB members will undoubtedly take offense to these negative observations. I could talk about the few positives I saw. Why? That part of the team is already fixed. There are some things that need to be adjusted.
Consistency will be key in all facets for this team to win ball games.
Consistency.