My Five Keys to the game for both teams:
Fort Hill Five Keys
1. Fewer penalties and turnovers
2. Need much better interior offensive line play
3. Run between the tackles - establish a fullback
4. No fear at throwing the short pass
5. Backs have to block
Mountain Ridge Five Keys
1. Defense eliminate big running plays
2. Own the line of scrimmage
3. Keep offensive balance (run/pass)
4. Stand out red zone defense
5. Get Uma free
All of the keys for FH are offensive. The defense has been the calling card all year, even in the first game at Frostburg. In the first meeting however, the Miners defense dominated the line of scrimmage with extreme penetration in the middle that kept FH from being able to pull their guards and do their wing-T thing. Against Old Mill, Mountain Ridge and Allegany at Homecoming, Fort Hill could not run between the tackles. With a newly established fullback and a reset blocking philosophy they have been much more successful since the playoffs started. But that was against very inferior defenses. And Mountain Ridge is going to crowd the box again with no safety - daring FH to beat them throwing.
The numbers were well documented in the first meeting...11 penalties and 3 turnovers for Fort Hill. That won't work plain and simple.
While FH was able to rack up offensive yards throwing the ball the last time they failed to address the 20-yard cushion Miner defensive backs were giving receivers. All year FH has operated using a deep passing route tree, little to no use for a short passing game. It killed FH in the Miner Stadium red zone when the run was stuffed. If they can't throw quick hits and quick slants their offensive production will remain inconsistent. This is really asking Fort Hill to do something they have not done all season. Don't count on it unless the Miners jump out to a significant lead.
Also in the last meeting, if the FH running back did not get the ball they checked out and just watched the play while their man was making a tackle. It's imperative they support each other and block as if their lives depended on it...many times the difference between an 8-yard gain and a TD run. No big running plays last time for FH. Need those extra blocks.
Mountain Ridge won the line of scrimmage last time, period. Created some holes to spring open running backs, gave the QB time and defensively took away everything between the tackles while also stuffing the big play. If they can continue to do this they win by two scores or more.
The Miner offense wasn't exactly lights out the last time, but was able to take advantage of two key fumbles for touchdowns with key plays and some passing success. They were efficient, they had success running and throwing and moving the chains. Their red zone offense was miles ahead of FH. Getting Uma's legs more involved in the offense would be a big addition this time around. He's the star, be the star.
If FH can't score, FH can't win. The Miner red zone defense last time was so impressive. There was no chance FH was going to run the ball into the end zone. That's the same formula to use.
Aside from winning the line of scrimmage and mistake statistics, Mountain Ridge had two huge advantages last time around.
1. Mental Approach
2. Coaching Preparedness and Game Plan
The Miners wanted the game more. It was their Super Bowl. They played like a team that had lost 17 times in a row fighting, punching and kicking every snap. FH thought they were 21 points better before the opening kickoff. The red team cannot enter the Naval Academy with this mindset again. Second, Mountain Ridge had a game plan the last time. A scheme, a better scouted approach, a better way of being prepared. FH thought they could just show up and do what they do. That game plan won't work. FH is now the underdog who has to punch and kick every Super Bowl snap. FH is now the team that needs a few wrinkles and adjustments just for this one game. At the same time, anticipate the Miners having their own wrinkles and twists again.
CalPreps has Mountain Ridge favored by one point. Based on what I saw in person the last time I would make the Miners a 14 point favorite on this neutral field. Not sure the FH offensive line has what it takes to put points on the board by running the football against this stacked box - which is what FH has made their livelihood on against inferior opponents. Since the last time they met the Sentinels have almost completely abandoned the passing game. In all four playoff games Fort Hill has thrown the ball a mere 5 times. That equals 1.25 passes per game. They will live and die trying to run the ball. If they cannot, it will be a long drive home. The Miners have enough offensive balance and such a stand out ability to force FH from being able to hand the ball off and run across the goal line you have to like the Miners chances given their multi-dimensional approach. But the FH defense is more than stout enough to turn that table. This defense has only given up 6 points in the postseason. They will need one last stellar defensive performance to pull in another state title.
If the turnovers and penalties are even this one could turn out to be epic. If games are won and lost up front, Mountain Ridge is better - at least from the October film I am watching.
Mountain Ridge 24 Fort Hill 13
Fort Hill Five Keys
1. Fewer penalties and turnovers
2. Need much better interior offensive line play
3. Run between the tackles - establish a fullback
4. No fear at throwing the short pass
5. Backs have to block
Mountain Ridge Five Keys
1. Defense eliminate big running plays
2. Own the line of scrimmage
3. Keep offensive balance (run/pass)
4. Stand out red zone defense
5. Get Uma free
All of the keys for FH are offensive. The defense has been the calling card all year, even in the first game at Frostburg. In the first meeting however, the Miners defense dominated the line of scrimmage with extreme penetration in the middle that kept FH from being able to pull their guards and do their wing-T thing. Against Old Mill, Mountain Ridge and Allegany at Homecoming, Fort Hill could not run between the tackles. With a newly established fullback and a reset blocking philosophy they have been much more successful since the playoffs started. But that was against very inferior defenses. And Mountain Ridge is going to crowd the box again with no safety - daring FH to beat them throwing.
The numbers were well documented in the first meeting...11 penalties and 3 turnovers for Fort Hill. That won't work plain and simple.
While FH was able to rack up offensive yards throwing the ball the last time they failed to address the 20-yard cushion Miner defensive backs were giving receivers. All year FH has operated using a deep passing route tree, little to no use for a short passing game. It killed FH in the Miner Stadium red zone when the run was stuffed. If they can't throw quick hits and quick slants their offensive production will remain inconsistent. This is really asking Fort Hill to do something they have not done all season. Don't count on it unless the Miners jump out to a significant lead.
Also in the last meeting, if the FH running back did not get the ball they checked out and just watched the play while their man was making a tackle. It's imperative they support each other and block as if their lives depended on it...many times the difference between an 8-yard gain and a TD run. No big running plays last time for FH. Need those extra blocks.
Mountain Ridge won the line of scrimmage last time, period. Created some holes to spring open running backs, gave the QB time and defensively took away everything between the tackles while also stuffing the big play. If they can continue to do this they win by two scores or more.
The Miner offense wasn't exactly lights out the last time, but was able to take advantage of two key fumbles for touchdowns with key plays and some passing success. They were efficient, they had success running and throwing and moving the chains. Their red zone offense was miles ahead of FH. Getting Uma's legs more involved in the offense would be a big addition this time around. He's the star, be the star.
If FH can't score, FH can't win. The Miner red zone defense last time was so impressive. There was no chance FH was going to run the ball into the end zone. That's the same formula to use.
Aside from winning the line of scrimmage and mistake statistics, Mountain Ridge had two huge advantages last time around.
1. Mental Approach
2. Coaching Preparedness and Game Plan
The Miners wanted the game more. It was their Super Bowl. They played like a team that had lost 17 times in a row fighting, punching and kicking every snap. FH thought they were 21 points better before the opening kickoff. The red team cannot enter the Naval Academy with this mindset again. Second, Mountain Ridge had a game plan the last time. A scheme, a better scouted approach, a better way of being prepared. FH thought they could just show up and do what they do. That game plan won't work. FH is now the underdog who has to punch and kick every Super Bowl snap. FH is now the team that needs a few wrinkles and adjustments just for this one game. At the same time, anticipate the Miners having their own wrinkles and twists again.
CalPreps has Mountain Ridge favored by one point. Based on what I saw in person the last time I would make the Miners a 14 point favorite on this neutral field. Not sure the FH offensive line has what it takes to put points on the board by running the football against this stacked box - which is what FH has made their livelihood on against inferior opponents. Since the last time they met the Sentinels have almost completely abandoned the passing game. In all four playoff games Fort Hill has thrown the ball a mere 5 times. That equals 1.25 passes per game. They will live and die trying to run the ball. If they cannot, it will be a long drive home. The Miners have enough offensive balance and such a stand out ability to force FH from being able to hand the ball off and run across the goal line you have to like the Miners chances given their multi-dimensional approach. But the FH defense is more than stout enough to turn that table. This defense has only given up 6 points in the postseason. They will need one last stellar defensive performance to pull in another state title.
If the turnovers and penalties are even this one could turn out to be epic. If games are won and lost up front, Mountain Ridge is better - at least from the October film I am watching.
Mountain Ridge 24 Fort Hill 13
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