Red Dawn

Hard to say. I think 21-5A is down from recent years. But I'm not sure 22-5A isn't as well.

I will put my three pregame quotes below and say I think Crosby is right where I'd thought we'd be: I'd agree that Crosby is not an elite program but 50 wins in 5 years does make us a very good program. I do think Crosby wins this game relatively easily but I do think Jasper will play hard and if the Cougars take them lightly I think Jasper will make us pay for that. I don't think that will happen as this will be Crosby's first game and they will be very excited to play. I also think your opinion of the Cougars' QB's throwing ability will change after the game. I believe he is the best pure passer that Riordan has had since he's been in Crosby. Crosby's weakness currently is our defense. Jasper and every other team we play will score until someone or several someones step up to the Friday night level. They may grow into a good defense but I can't say they are there yet. I think this will be a fun game and a good one for both teams in getting ready for district play. We have had a very good program for the last 5 or so. I'm not saying we are the Meca of football. Just saying we are a solid 5A program. I will say that this year's team is the most unknown that we've had in a while. I think the offense will be good to very good. Defensively we just don't know yet. I do think the Cougars will beat Jasper but I don't think it will be a "waxing". Im looking forward to the game and getting to experience some Jasper Bulldog football. Also in my experience, once Riordan gets up, he doesn't run the score up. 1) he doesn't try to embarrass teams and 2) once up, instead of calling plays to keep scoring, he calls plays for the kids to work on and for film for future opponents. I'm not saying that will happen Friday night. I'm just saying I've seen many games over the last few years where Crosby could have put up much bigger numbers than they did. As a fan, at the time, I want us to keep scoring. But after my adrenaline comes down I am proud that I support a team that doesn't try to humiliate its opponents.

I believe it came out almost exactly like I called it. Plz don't make me go back and pull up my quotes. Jasper has some athletes for sure. I do believe 21-5A is going to be weaker this year. I've predicted sweeps over 22-5A before. As of right now I see it as 1-3 in favor of 22-5A this year. Its early. Let's see who gets better. Good game Jasper and good luck. Now for The Hill.

I'm good with that.

And let me go on the record saying this. There are no excuses or reasons why we didn't win the State Championship in '14 or why we don't make deeper than 2nd round runs regularly. We are a 5A team. To win we have to beat other 5A teams in the playoffs. It doesn't matter if those schools have more or fewer kids. That's our draw. No excuses. Think about what is was like back in the day when there want D1 & D2 and only one team made the playoffs. The current system is more fair than ever. No crying here. Line up and win.

Also in my experience, once Riordan gets up, he doesn't run the score up. 1) he doesn't try to embarrass teams and 2) once up, instead of called BH plays to keep scoring, he calls plays for the kids to work on and for film for future opponents. I'm not saying that will happen Friday night. I'm just saying I've seen many games over the last few years where Crosby could have put up much bigger numbers than they did. As a fan, at the time, I want us to keep scoring. But after my adrenaline comes down I am proud that I support a team that doesn't try to humiliate its opponents.

We have had a very good program for the last 5 or so. I'm not saying we are the Meca of football. Just saying we are a solid 5A program. I will say that this year's team is the most unknown that we've had in a while. I think the offense will be good to very good. Defensively we just don't know yet. I do think the Cougars will beat Jasper but I don't think it will be a "waxing". Im looking forward to the game and getting to experience some Jasper Bulldog football.

Tristen Cotton was a great QB. Very accurate from 25 yards in. He struggled getting the ball deeper than that. Tristen's strongest attribute was his leadership. Great kid that the team listened to and respected. 25 yards in id give Tristen the slight edge (for now). We'll see how the year goes for Jaiden. But on balls 25 yards out, Jaiden is a much better passer than Tristen. I also believe that Jaiden will show to be a more effective runner than Tristen. Note that I said that Jaiden was a better pure passer. As of right now, if I had my pick, I'd take Cotton as my QB. But if Jaifen has the year I think he will have my opinion might change. Don't forget that Tristen got to play behind probably the best O-Line in Crosby history. That O-Line made all skill players look good!!!

Now that was funny. Mean but funny.

I'd agree that Crosby is not an elite program but 50 wins in 5 years does make us a very good program. I do think Crosby wins this game relatively easily but I do think Jasper will play hard and if the Cougars take them lightly I think Jasper will make us pay for that. I don't think that will happen as this will be Crosby's first game and they will be very excited to play. I also think your opinion of the Cougars' QB's throwing ability will change after the game. I believe he is the best pure passer that Riordan has had since he's been in Crosby. Crosby's weakness currently is our defense. Jasper and every other team we play will score until someone or several someones step up to the Friday night level. They may grow into a good defense but I can't say they are there yet. I think this will be a fun game and a good one for both teams in getting ready for district play.

Not too many takeaways from Friday's scrimmage. Saw about what I expected to see. Main takeaway - QB, Jaiden Howard is the real deal. If he progresses over the next two years we could be watching a special player. Other than that I think we'll see a Cougar team that will grow and get better as they gain experience every week. I know almost all teams improve as the season goes on but I think we will see the Cougars grow by much more than the average during this season.

I agree with this assessment. Especially the part about health. If relatively injury free it could be a fun year. Like most programs there are a few keys players that are very difficult to replace if injured.

Baylor got a good one. Great player. Lots of speed. Outstanding young man!!!

Well, tbh, I still think the district is tighter from 1-6 than in years past. I don't have a good handle on how good the Cougars are yet. I don't mean I think they will not be good. I just don't know where we are. Riordan will have them ready. Just lots of new kids in critical places. I'd favor Crosby over BH but I'm not taking it to the bank yet. We are at The Hill this year. Always fun to play there.

Tough crowd!!!

Admittedly, we are and should be the underdog. Its time for an U-P-S-E-T!!! "As Rocky theme music plays in the background!!!"

So I lower my prediction to Crosby by 3.

Going to be a tough opener but I know the Coogs will be prepared and lay it all on the field.

No!!! BH is the favorite to win 21-5A.

21-5A has definitely leveled up in coaching ability.

I'm going to throw Cedric Patterson III (CP3) in to this conversation. He's played in the shadows of others in Crosby but I think you'll see a tremendous year from him this year. Great kid, great family, works hard, has hands, size and speed.

I always pucker when we play the Broncos. It's a tough W regardless of what kind of season they're having.

Yeah. I've forgotten what that looks like too.

Dang. Everybody's got athletes except for Crosby!!!

Go Crosby!!!