SWBL Southwestern Division Preview: Week 9
By Adam Adkins
Another week, another round of predictions and opinions on the SWBL Southwestern Division…here goes:
Valley View (6-2) @ Eaton (6-2)
We all know what Valley View and Eaton have to offer.
We all know that the Spartans and the Eagles are offensive juggernauts.
But, here’s what I’ll be looking for this Friday when I put on my scout-goggles:
• Can Eaton get pressure on Valley View QB Kyle Pohl and break down the protection? I have not yet seen how Pohl reacts to consistent pressure.
• If Pohl struggles, can Valley View run the ball consistently?
• Can Valley View handle Eaton RB Dalton Caudill? This applies both to the defensive front clogging holes, but also to the back 7 (meaning, the Spartan line backers and secondary), which is responsible for preventing the long runs that tend to gash a defense.
• Can Eaton QB Austin Fudge make some plays with his arm? This is key because if Valley View doesn’t respect the pass, they can put 9 or 10 guys ‘in the box’ (meaning, near the line of scrimmage) to stop Caudill.
This is a big game for the Eagles. They need to win it, but I don’t think they will. Give me Valley View for the win that might lock up a home playoff game for the boys from Germantown.
Brookville (5-3) @ Franklin (5-3)
A perfect example of records being deceiving, perhaps on both sides. I play this card a lot, but it works. Here is list of the teams the Blue Devils have defeated:
• Tri-County North (3-5)
• Preble Shawnee (3-5)
• Dixie (4-4)
• Oakwood (0-8)
• Bellbrook (1-7)
Yeah, that’s 11 total wins by the teams Brookville beat. Not impressive. Same thing for Franklin:
• Ross (4-4)
• Greenville (2-6)
• Milton-Union (3-5)
• Bellbrook (1-7)
• Madison (3-5)
That’s 13. Team for team, Franklin’s probably played better teams, and they haven’t been blown out by anyone. Give me Franklin in a game they need to win.
Bellbrook (1-7) @ Oakwood (0-8)
I said it MVPregame with Alex Sator, and I’ll say it again: Oakwood’s best chance to win a game is this one.
Oakwood’s not beating Franklin next week. This is it. If the Lumberjacks want to stave off the horrible stench of an 0-10 season, now’s the time.
I’m pulling for them. I hope they do it. But Bellbrook’s a decent team, and they should take this. Give me Bellbrook.
Milton-Union (5-3) @ Northridge (1-7)
Milton needs to keep winning to stay in the playoffs. Milton-Union.
Monroe (7-1) @ Waynesville (6-2)
Admittedly, I haven’t seen either team, but based entirely off who Monroe has defeated, I think they could easily be the best team in the SWBL, and they will win. Monroe.
Adam Adkins also writes for www.adamadkins.net and can be reached at adamdadkins@gmail.com.
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