OlDawg

The better comparison would be: PAM 33 ppg - 4 papg = differential of 29 ppg LP 52 ppg - 35 papg = differential of 17 ppg Basically, the game is as we all know. LP's O that's averaging 52 ppg vs PAM's D that's giving up 4 ppg. If you believe PAM can hold LP 20-30 points below their average, and still score their average of 33 against LP, you roll with PAM, and you're looking at a one score game. If you believe LP can hold PAM to their average of 33 or less, and only have to score 65% of their own average, you're looking at a one score game, and you roll with LP. (The above numbers are from actual, common district opponents the two teams have played in consecutive weeks with LP playing them all first. PAM had 2 home games and 1 away game. La Porte had 2 away games and 1 home game.) I'm a big fan of an aggressive D. I love PAM's D. But, I also love LP's O & special teams. If I had my personal preference, I'd prefer the D. But, that's not what LP has this year. For many years prior to LaReau, LP was more of an offensive based team. They were still playing Stratford, Aldine, and the like (when only one school went to the PO's) for the right to go to the Semi's. So, it's not totally unheard of at LP--or unsuccessful--to have a greater emphasis on O. Just different to a lot of folks who weren't around then.

I’m curious to see how LP handles the pressure of a big game. They have to take care of the ball. If they do, I’m not sure PAM’s O can keep up. People don’t realize that the Dawgs only have 3 or 4 Seniors starting combined between the O & D. Skill players- Wells (QB)- Jr. Simon (RB) - Jr. Smith (WR) - Jr. Dieudonne (RB) - Soph. Wallace (WR) - Fr. Wallace already has 6 D1 offers as a Frosh. So, double Smith (22 D1 offers) at your own risk. Of course, Simon still has his 28 D1 offers as well. Reynolds (TE) is the lone Senior. He’s committed to Pitt with a full ride.

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Both teams will focus on stopping the respective #21's. If they both do that, what are the other options for each offense? This will be key. If the Dawgs have some of their OL coming back off injury where they can sub throughout the game and stay fresh, it will be a big help against PAM's attacking D. LP hasn't had the same OL lineup since game 1. On the positive side, it's provided a lot of flexibility and experience. One advantage I see that LP has, is they can play this game multiple ways. If they choose to focus on the power run game with Simon (4 Star RB) & Dieudonne, they are capable of doing that, and running clock at a 3-4 ypc clip. If they decide to use the passing game more, they have Reynolds (D1 commit TE), Smith (4 Star WR), Wallace (D1 prospect WR), and Simon & Dieudonne out of the backfield. This will be the first team where PAM will actually have to cover the entire field, and not be able to double or crash. If they do, someone will be open, or a lane will be there. In 3 district games--with a total BU OL, Simon has carried for 545 yards at a 7.3 ypc average. BWB was the first game he's carried over 20 times. LP spreads the rushing load more this year since people key on Simon. Wells passed for 4 TD's against BWB with a 78% completion rate, and is averaging over 185 ypg through the air. He's accounted for 12 TD's (9 passing, 3 rushing) with no INT's on the year. As far as Special Teams, KO's are rarely returned against LP as they are 90-95% touchbacks. PAM has a large advantage in D scoring. But, the common opponent spreads between the teams are not much different. PAM scores less. But, gives up less. LP scores more. But, gives up more. I said way back in the summer that if you put PAM's D with LP's O and ST's, you could book a trip to Arlington. LP would probably be okay with a higher scoring game. PAM would probably prefer a game in the 20's. Field position will be key for both teams. TO's and penalties will be key as always. I expect the computers to favor PAM by a pretty wide margin. But, algorithms can't account for this rivalry. Something unexpected will happen in this game. It usually does.

I feel it every morning.

I thought you were a little late putting this up. 😜 Did you realize this year will be the 20th anniversary of our first meeting? LP leads the series 8-6, and 3-1 in the PO’s.

Looking at schedules and records, I jumped the gun on being able to really nail down probable PO teams. The best I can do is say that--if PAM wins at LP--they should have a PO spot locked up as they could finish no worse than 5-3. As others with knowledge have mentioned, PAM vs. LP has historically been a very hard game to pick. LP leads the overall series 8-6, and 3-1 in the PO's. Out of the remaining games, I'd say that BU has the toughest remaining schedule followed by NC, and then RSS. All 3 still have to play PAM & LP. BU has to play at LP. Even Ball isn't totally eliminated if they run the table. There will probably be at least one logjam. It's entirely possible--if I'm looking at it right--that 4 teams could all finish with identical district records. If so, I have no clue how a 4-way tiebreak would work. Not sure if I've ever seen one, and I'm in my mid 60's...🤔

Looking at how the two teams have played common opponents in back-to-back weeks, the spreads aren’t much different. But, I’m thinking it’s going to come down to who controls the pace/tempo the best. This year, PAM would probably prefer a clock control, lower scoring game. This year, LP would probably prefer a higher scoring game where PAM has to play catch-up. I believe the Dawgs are getting some folks back from injury. Not all, because at least one OL I know of is out for the year. Has been since game 1 I think. Computers will probably pick PAM bigly. I will pick LP.

La Porte has won a lot of games through the decades with a strong running game, good special teams play, and defense. You guys know that better than many. Our situations are somewhat reversed this year in Bizarro World. But—like y’all knew the O would be the weaker part of the team this year—LP knew the D would be ours. You just play the hand you’re dealt, and keep working on the rest, and hope to improve. One thing about LP since Berneathy’s been back, LP has—generally—slowly improved as the season has progressed. He schedules tough tests to learn. Not necessarily win. Last year’s PO collapse was an outlier. That was an epic collapse in the second half and an embarrassment. But—to give Weiss credit—their passing attack hit directly on LP’s weakness. Once they got on a roll with momentum, they rode it. Talented club.

PAM's Special Teams provided that win almost as much as the D IMHO. They constantly gave PAM great field position, and made BWB work the field. Those hidden yards added up. Bruins had issues on special teams. A definite difference.

Young man is definitely a track star with speed to burn.

Without the INT, and Richard's long TD the next play, this may have been a different ballgame. PAM was able to pin their ears back and apply pressure knowing BWB would need to pass. This game was much closer than 21-7. The Bruins actually controlled the LOS for much of the game.

I’m going to try and look at scenarios today/tomorrow. Off the top of my head, Lufkin is looking good for PO spot as they hold tie break over RSS in a head-to-head. If it becomes a 3-way, things could get iffy based on points. RSS is okay, but still have to play PAM, LP, and BU. BU is the real wildcard right now. But, I’ll dig deeper with remaining schedules and try to put something out. Most likely, it will change every week with the parity and remaining schedules. Can you help get tiebreaker info from Ghost? I don’t have any direct connections to anyone at LP.

They’re going to make a lot of schools drop their contracts & start streaming via school YouTube accounts. Personally, I prefer that anyway. Bias and all. Makes it fun. Plus, the commentators actually know the teams and individual players better.

!score 21-28 FINAL