Rebels Lose Heartbreaker - Tug Valley 6, Hurley 2

[djr4hurleyfb 12]

In what turned out to be the Rebels defensive game of the year (so far, that is), Hurley wound up on the losing end against Tug Valley 6-2.

 

Paced by there defense, Hurley stopped Tug Valley from moving the ball nearly all night. Throw in the fact that Tug Valley was averaging 33 points per game, what the Rebels accomplished is impressive. The lone exception was a 40 some yard catch by the Tug Valley WR/TE, who rumbled down to the three yard line setting up the Panther's lone score (QB sneak from the one). Hurley's defense was led by CB John Rife, who had a INT, a FF/FR, and a couple tackles. After Hurley fumbled on there first play from scrimmage, Rife intercepted a TV pass deep in Hurley territory just plays later. Also, Rife stripped a ball carrier and returned the fumble ten yards to midfield, giving the Rebels great field position. DE Josh Justus made the sack, along with an assist from MLB Justin Charles, on the Tug Valley QB in there end zone, resulting in the Safety (which wound up being Hurley's only points).

 

Offensively, the same problem the Rebels have had all year came back to get them again. Red Zone Scoring. Hurley moved the ball well from the 2nd quarter on, but could not punch the ball into the end zone, even after having a 3rd and Goal from the TV 1 foot line (a fumbled handoff gave TV the ball at there 2). RB Shane Justice had a 30 yard touchdown scamper on a sweep called back due to a block in the back. Once TV got the lead, Hurley was forced to pass (only 2 minutes on the clock) and couldn't convert, throwing two INTs.

 

All in all, Hurley will need a defensively gameplan every bit as good as the one for Tug Valley was. Hurley travels to Haysi, whose offense won't be contained as easily as TV's was. The key will be how well Hurley can stop the run because if Haysi can rush consistently, Colley and Co. will devastate Hurley with his legs and some play-action throws. Offensively, Hurley must score points because asking the Rebel defense to hold Haysi under 20 will be a tough task. Hurley must be willing to the throw the ball early and often against Haysi because the Tigers will stick 9 and 10 men on the LOS and dare the Rebels to throw.

 

Great game this week boys. Keep your heads up, work hard this week, and give Haysi some trouble~!

[TheAlpha 10]

Who gave up the homerun?

[ThatDude 10]

No one really gave up the homerun catch.

 

Just alot of broken tackles on the play.

 

Tug Valley just had mammoth size all-around. Alot of their WR's were bigger than Hurley's lineman.

 

Size wise, it was a complete and utter mis-match from the start.

[djr4hurleyfb 12]

The size difference was vastly different, but never actually played an important part in the ball game. Hurley countered the size with better technique, offensively and defensively. The only opening Hurley had defensively was the middle of the field, which is exactly where Tug Valley did nearly ALL of there damage (the TE caught 2-3 passes over the middle, the QB and RBs run Draws with some success up the gut from the Spread, and the TD set-up pass was over the middle).

 

Offensively, Hurley's inability to establish the pass hurt a team who couldn't catch a break (Justice appeared to have crossed the goal line the play before the fumble at the 2 and the block in the back penalty calling back the TD wasn't even necessary as the play had done past that point of the field).