Union_Fan

That's typical at this level. Even if you have a QB that's capable of making reads there's rarely time to do so, and the coaches know this. The NFHS feed of Union/TS was talking about Bostic doing a "check down." He really didn't, but that's beside the point. The next thing they said and I wholeheartedly agree with was, "at this level the check down usually involves your feet." In other words, if your designated receiver isn't open, you run for your life. Haha That's why so many people on this board talk about the short and intermediate passing game being so important. Gotta have those quick hitters to help the running game and avoid sacks. Union seems to do bubble screens or bombs. I will say that Bunch did a comeback route against TS, and I had to rewind the NFHS feed to make sure it was real. Couldn't believe it.

If you watch video of him or any other area QB, they're not reading anything. It's obvious by their head movement that they're locked in on whatever receiver is designated before the snap. Like I previously stated, sometimes they have time to look elsewhere, but that is solely based on protection level not an ability or permission to read the defense.

It seems the jury is still out on lots of teams, along with outside factors blurring that perception. Whether it's injuries, weak schedules, effects of the weather on practices and game schedules, power outages on mental and emotional preparation, or whatever else, it's been difficult to gauge a lot thus far. I can see either team winning this game and the margin could be anywhere from 7-21 points. I do think it will be a good one, and I game I'll be watching on NFHS after the fact.

One thing to remember, at the HS level around here, no QB is finding wide open guys immediately, they each have a predetermined guy they're throwing to when the ball is snapped. What makes the difference between a successful passing attack or not, is what comes next with coverage, pass rush and QB. Is the predetermined guy covered, is the QB pressured, can the QB run? If he has time he "might" actually find an open receiver. However, most of the time one of 3 things happen, the QB throws it anyway, he takes off running, or he throws it away, the least likely option. If coaches consistently see an open guy, then they call that guy to get the ball until it's stopped.

Only one problem with that. How many times has Ridgeview looked like the best team in the area only to pull a "Union" and blow it in a big game? 2017 to Grayson Co, 2018 to Richlands, 2019 to Union then to Central in the playoffs after winning the regular season game by 21. 2021 & 2022 to Graham weren't especially competitive. I can't figure them out anymore than I can figure Union out. I really don't know what to expect Friday night. One thing that gives me hope is watching Va High repeatedly get pressure on O'Quinn by only rushing 3 linemen. That would concern me if I were Ridgeview.

This happens every year. The Union mid season slump is a real thing. Who knows, maybe they'll surprise us Friday night.

Final score.

Tennessee High 21 GC 0 3rd quarter Not sure on time

Tennessee High 7 GC 0 Halftime

This game comes down to one thing. Union's ability to contain O'Quinn through the air AND picking up 1st downs with his feet. Defending the pass has been Union's achilles heel nearly every year. They have to get pressure on the QB and break up or intercept some passes. If Ridgeview throws for 250-300 yards, it will either be a high scoring affair or a giant L for the Bears. If they can't stop the pass, Union will need to play ball control and hope for some Wolfpack mistakes.

They did last year and both are better. Guess we'll see which one improved the most.

True. Heard they are appealing.

Rye Cove up 6 - 0 Halftime RC turned it over on downs inside the Lee 10 just before half.

If you're undefeated, you're #1 regardless of class and schedule. Even if you've played played St. Mary's School for the Blind or Our Lady of Perpetual Health 5 weeks in a row. 🙄 Surprised Eastside isn't #3.

If soccer players could fight like him, we'd recruit them ALL! Haha