Bishop Luers vs Homestead Preview
The most anticipated matchup of the week is going to be a heck of a game. Both teams are coming in at 2-0 and on a mission. We previewed both teams, and so far, both teams have been outstanding. We’re…
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Continue ReadingThe most anticipated matchup of the week is going to be a heck of a game. Both teams are coming in at 2-0 and on a mission. We previewed both teams, and so far, both teams have been outstanding. We’re highlighting how it could play out Friday.
Bishop Luers Update
Bishop Luers started their season by squeaking out a win against Carroll then beat Fort Wayne Wayne pretty handily last week. The offense through 2 games is averaging 44 points and defensively they are giving up 28. Offensively and defensively the Knights have been great to this point. Their defense is going to need to tighten up this week if they want to win. The offense won’t be the issue. The question is can they slow down Homestead’s offense and we don’t know that yet.
Homestead Update
Homestead has been even better to start their year. We knew they were going to be good, but they put whooping on their first 2 opponents, neither are slouches in this conference. They beat Northrop week 1 on the road and then returned last week to give Concordia Lutheran a beat down. That is not at all how I expected that game to go. Homestead won 59-14 and suffocated Concordia from the opening kick. I expect homestead to stay consistent on Friday and keep the momentum going heading into the game.
Bishop Luers X-Factor Player
Sir Hale went ballistic last week and if Luers is going to win he’s going to need to repeat that performance. The 5’7″ RB has shown that he’s taken the step in his development needed. I’ll be watching him closely on Friday. He’s been able to show great burst and contact balance. Homestead is going to stack the box forcing him to break tackles or the passing game to be more efficient. Whatever they decide to do, Hale is going to need to be ready. He’s going to carry the ball early and often on Friday.
Antwian Lake is going to have a tough job on Friday. He’s going to have to match up against Isaac Barkes, who we will talk about in just a second. Lake is 5’10” so he immediately, like almost everyone who guards Barkes, has a huge size disadvantage. He’s going to need to play hands-on, be physical, and make sure to hit Barkes at least once on every play. It’s a tough ask, but if anyone can do it for the Knights it’s going to be Lake.
Homestead X-Factor Player
Isaac Barkes, the Spartans star WR is going to have to have a great game on Friday for them to have a chance at winning. Homestead has a few fantastic WR’s, including Nathan Anderson, but so far in 2021 Barkes has been huge. He’s reliable in the middle of the field and can take a hit. He’s also 6’4″ and 190 lbs. He’s got the size to go up and come down with any ball. Barkes is going to be the focus of the Knights’ defense.
Kyle Koob is going to have to anchor down that defense. I don’t think they can stop down Bishop Luers but they can slow them down. Koob was highlighted as the most important defensive piece for Homestead heading into the season and that hasn’t changed. Koob is going to need his defense to have a takeaway or 2 on Friday.
Game Prediction
The weather on Friday isn’t going to be as big of a factor as it’s been the past 2 weeks. Kickoff is going to be 75 and cloudy at Homestead. I expect both offenses to be faster and less affected by the heat on Friday so I’m expecting the points to come in batches. I think the Homestead home-field advantage is going to be too much to overcome and Homestead wins 42-38.