Wow... can't believe it took me this long to find this forum. You guys have a great thing going here. The more forums discussing HS football, the better.
Anyway, a few notes:
We (Big Red) play Akron SVSM this week. They gave us one of our toughest games last year (we played terrible), but I've heard they are a bit down this year. I don't like to make predictions on games, especially when I haven't seen both teams play. Since I haven't seen SVSM first-hand, I'll just assume it is going to be a tough, hard-hitting game between two great programs.
As for the conversation about DeSales, they are amazing, imo. I haven't seen them play yet this year, but I've heard they are loaded. Didn't they lose most of their starters from last year? I know that Chris Thomas was an absolute beast and, if he wasn't on the field in the state championship, we would have put that game away in the first half. He made several TD saving tackles and caused a fumble when we were going in to score right before halftime. He also blocked an XP and had DeSales' biggest play (a short crossing route in the 3rd quarter that he turned into a 65 yard play to get DeSales inside our 10, which led to their score.
How do they replace a kid like that? They just simply reload every year. I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.
As for our team this year... we are VERY good. The scary thing for the rest of the division is that we are getting better and better every week, especially on the defensive/offensive lines. We are stacked at linebacker (our MLB is a stud sophomore that, when he is done, will go down as one of the best ever at his position in Big Red history, imo). Our skill positions are the same as last year, only better, imo.
Also, consider this... Zach Collaros is now 20-0 as the starting QB for Big Red. He is an incredible player... the best I have ever seen at Big Red, and that is saying something.
Obviously, we are not unbeatable, but it is going to take a GREAT team to beat us. Something like the '03 Benedictine team (as a matter of fact, that would have been a great game).
I see the top teams in the division like this:
1. Big Red (and I HATE being considered #1)
2. DeSales
3. Walsh
4. Alter
It works out almost perfectly because each of these teams are in different regions. If things work out well for each school in their regions, we could have 2 semi-final games to remember.
Anyway, I'm glad I found this forum. It seems that everyone is respectful and there are some interesting conversations going on, here.
Good luck to all teams.
Roll Red Roll