MH Never ran a play on PNGs side of the field. According to the paper.
This was basically Ashworth’s first start against a varsity defense. No disrespect, but I’m not sure if Ennis qualifies.Now glass is half full... our defense is stellar. When actually put to the metal, they perform. But they need the offensive to reciprocate. Ashworths first game against Ennis... perfect game. Playoff. 2nd round. Got the interception out of the way. Made the first score on a qb sneak. Great introduction.
2nd game... MH came to stop the run. He learned a lot in 48 minutes about speed and disappointment. But that's ok. His passing is actually not bad save a few when being flushed. But its his 2nd start, on a playoff level, we can work with that.
SOC... anything is possible. We beat them once. It is a them one year, then us, then them. If Ashworth works on that quickness. I think in the 3rd? quarter he hit Brisboe mid stride, middle of the field, and it was as immediately as B turned around. Ball was there.
Glass half full
We can already see that he's a special talent in his own way. Possibly the best running QB we've seen since RJ. And he has shown that he has an arm. All the ability is there and he can lead this team. The pressure and speed of playoff football is the hurdle he faces.This was basically Ashworth’s first start against a varsity defense. No disrespect, but I’m not sure if Ennis qualifies.
Regardless, it’s another step up in difficulty from MH to SOC - but if anyone can get it done, it’s JJ
Absolutely. I’m very excited to see what he does. I personally may have put a bit more stock in the Ennis game originally, but that defense seemed content to let any and everyone go 60 yards untouched.We can already see that he's a special talent in his own way. Possibly the best running QB we've seen since RJ. And he has shown that he has an arm. All the ability is there and he can lead this team. The pressure and speed of playoff football is the hurdle he faces.
Absolutely get the ball to Jackson--receiving, end-arounds, whatever. He is an athlete that matches whatever SOC will have.Those plays would be awesome. Just easier said than done and there is the factor of maintaining enough drives to score and keep the ball away from the opposition.
Ashworth is not Bailey. He is probably not as comfortable or familiar with the offense and doesn’t yet see the field like he eventually will. That’s something the coaches have to plan around. The other thing is PNG does not have players that are going to outrun a good team around the ends. Maybe if there is some misdirection going on. But a team like SOC, with college recruits, that will be tough. Going straight at them may be more effective than anything else if the plays are executed well. Then get the ball to Gholke or Jackson. That’s what they’ve done all season. More difficult to do that against really good teams.
What high school are you calling plays for at the moment, maybe you can apply for the position next year if the jobs comes available. With the new QB I think he is just trying to keep him from just be overwhelmed and running plays to his strengths. When Bailey took over years ago it wasn’t in the 2nd game of the playoffs it was the 3rd are 4th week of the regular season.But will our OC do this - or just run up the middle all night? I want to be wrong - so tell me.
Those plays would be awesome. Just easier said than done and there is the factor of maintaining enough drives to score and keep the ball away from the opposition.
Ashworth is not Bailey. He is probably not as comfortable or familiar with the offense and doesn’t yet see the field like he eventually will. That’s something the coaches have to plan around. The other thing is PNG does not have players that are going to outrun a good team around the ends. Maybe if there is some misdirection going on. But a team like SOC, with college recruits, that will be tough. Going straight at them may be more effective than anything else if the plays are executed well. Then get the ball to Gholke or Jackson. That’s what they’ve done all season. More difficult to do that against really good teams.
Ashworth has a strong arm but the interception he threw against Ennis he was throwing off his back foot. When he steps into the throw he can really zip the ball. In the MHHS game he was asked to complete long passes on 3rd and long downs to extend drives and flip field position just like an experienced QB with 39 games under his belt. In his first game he appeared to be operating on Adrenaline and instincts rapid responses. In the second game seemed to be thinking too much delayed responses. May well have been MHHS defensive prowess.
Glad to have someone like Ashworth able to step up to this challenge. Two starts and two wins in Area and Regional playoff rounds abodes well for next year.
Just like the fundamentals of blocking and tackling, catching the football when it is in your hands is a must. There were 3 passes we dropped in the end zone. We almost won that game by 21 points. Zero penalties and no mistakes is possible. Now be determined to go out and execute that way.Ashworth made some good throws in this game. Not bad at all. Jackson will probably be double covered next week, Gholke will get a lot of attention too. Critical that Brisboe and Benkert catch every ball thrown their way.
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Watched the second half. The Indians did much more than running up the middle. Reverses, half back passes, option, quarterback runs, Henry outside the tackle and the passing. Ashworth can make the throws. And under heavy pressure. To be only his second varsity game is impressive to say the least. Agree, the drops must stop. Also need to shore up the halfback/tight end blocking. That's allowing the pressure inro the backfield and blowing up the runs.
I'd like to know the final detailed stats.Impressive 17-14 win. Very much so. MH had some DUDES on the DL and at LB. MH was big and fast on defense. If PN-G can adjust to SOC's team speed on defense and limit SOC's 1-2 punch at RB (#2 and #4), let's roll the dice and see what happens. Our kids will stand tall in the round of eight. GO INDIANS!!!