Dunbar had their share of miscues. A couple of fumbles. A bad snap on the punt that eventually led to the first touchdown for FH. Again, both teams had their share of sloppy play.
What you give credit to for Dunbar is diversity-- they run the ball. That is what was on film. So FH lines up on defense to stop the run. Dunbar coach is like, OK - you want to take your safeties out? Watch us throw right over the top of you. I think Dunbar had an 80 yard TD pass, another TD pass for like 50 yards, and a few other big gainers that were not for a TD. Even when their receivers caught the ball short, they turned in a big YAC to move the ball.
Wash, Rinse, Repeat: The FH offensive line is still a major work in progress. With every lineman last year from tight end to tackle having graduated it has been the concern since January...everyone I talk with the subject would come up. The growing pains were evident tonight as expected. It's not always a matter of getting beat. A good bit of it is leaving a defender unblocked, missed assignments. But there were many lack of effort blocks that hurt as well. Suspect execution one might expect with a young, inexperienced group against a very good defense. Again, FH is starting 2 sophomores and 3 juniors on the OL with little to no varsity experience. In time they can get where they need to be. I'm not even sure the true starters are set yet.
If you recall, two years ago FH traveled to Old Mill for the second game in the sunshine and heat with some talented running backs (Allen/Willis/Wertz). The OL was a question mark. It was a struggle that day just to get more than two yards rushing on every snap. The difference being that Old Mill wasn't Dunbar and the Sentinels pulled out a last second thriller. The next season with those same linemen you saw what happened. It takes time. Although there will never be another Carter Hess anytime soon if ever.
Before the game, one of my keys was to avoid negative plays. Getting behind on the sticks. FH failed in that category too often. First drive FH goes down the field. Tries to throw on 1st down near the red zone and takes a sack for a 12 yard loss. Drive over. When the passing game is struggling big time it's such a huge risk just attempting to throw when the goal is to move the chains. Because Dunbar isn't going to let you rip off a 13 yard run too often. As mentioned in my earlier post here, not being able to pass was a three-prong problem. Receivers, line and QB were all a part of that equation.
Other issues were that Dunbar has fast kids too. FH could not run the corner with their speedy halfbacks or turn runs into 60 yard touchdowns like you will see against other teams on the schedule. They tried using #5 to get to the outside with his speed but it wasn't going to happen tonight. Plus, there are not going to be any QB bootlegs, draws or taking off scrambling when the receivers are covered this season. That takes a chunk of what FH does offensively off the table.
Looking at positives - Jabril is the work horse on both sides of the ball (no surprise). Yea, he is going to be a big problem for opposing defenses even when they key on him. He was a problem for Dunbar. Willison is a work horse. Those are your senior leaders on a roster that has only 9 total seniors. The FH defensive front took the run away almost completely. I think Dunbar had like 13 yards rushing the first half (but over 120 passing yards on two plays). I was a little concerned with the FH defensive front after two scrimmages and the first two Northern drives. Sophomores anchoring the front. They are learning fast it seems. Already mentioned, but this young team didn't quit punching when they fell behind and things got tough. Despite the line of scrimmage being so young they are deep. Lots of bodies to use and rotate.
Other good opponents await. But none have 11 athletes on the field like Dunbar. Despite the talent and experience gap, FH could have won this game with some better execution, coverage scheme and not tossing that pick six on third down and one right before the half. Dunbar only put together one real scoring drive. The other three scores were on long distance bombs and a pick six. But no question Dunbar is the better team right now.
