Not taking anything away from Todd, but he had the luxury of having his kids all winter, spring and summer going into the fall season. With this covid thing, Alkire has not had that. Now you throw in the changes made to the system, no scrimmages, Mt. Ridge having a game under their belt, and a very average senior class, it's no wonder there was a step backwards.
We won't get a good read on Fort Hill, or any other team until this Fall. It has been interesting to see how the three coaches of the local schools are approaching these games. I'm seeing Fort Hill and Alco balancing giving the seniors playing time and getting the underclassmen enough playing time to get ready for next year. I didn't notice the Ridge using many subs, it's more like they're fine tuning.
Ridge is certainly ahead of both City schools at this point. But here's the key. These games mean next to nothing. These kids are practicing and playing for the love of the game, and personal pride. That's it, there's nothing more.
Personally, I'll be going out each week and watch these young men play, and then I'll go home and watch the game again during the week. My hat goes off to each and every one of them with special kudos to those seniors who decided come out and play if only for four weeks.