2023 6A Playoff Preview: Marion vs. Mountain Home

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the regular season the Marion Patriots finished third in the 6A East with an overall record of 7-3. On the other side of the coin the Mountain Home Bombers fished 3-5 overall and sat sixth in the 6A West. Do I think it will possibly be an upset, no, but I can defiantly see that happening because of the Bombers coming off a two game winning streak while the Patriots are coming off a loss to Catholic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Mountain Home to win a lot of things must either go right for the bombers or wrong for the Patriots. For the Bombers to win, I thin the defense must step up dramatically in both the passing and the rushing game. A couple of guy that I would like to see make that jump and lead the Bomber defense is [player_tooltip player_id='461416' first='Elijah' last='Lagg'] and [player_tooltip player_id='403345' first='Robert' last='Dover']. They have both had a great year for themselves, but I think they both can lead the bomber defensive line but the defense as a whole. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On offense for the bombers, the offensive line can really make their mark and show the state that they are the real deal. I think if the offensive line can establish a true second line of scrimmage and do that all night, they'll win this game. One of the leaders for the Bombers on that line is going to be Samuel Morton. I think that he could be a big factor on the outside rushing game. If they want to run outside, Morton must be able to hold off his opponents. In the backfield, they have an athlete at the helm for the bombers offense with Cade Yates. If Cade is able to get out of the pocket and able to both pass and run the football, the game is sealed with his quickness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the flip side of the ball, the Marion Patriots are a really solid football team with really great athletes to work the football. On offense, I fell if they want to be successful, they need to pass the football. That, for one, always starts with the ability of the offensive line. One of the more eye catchers for that offensive line is going to be Charles Cantrell. Charles is only a Sophomore, but, he can play ball against those older stronger opponents. I think with more growth and development he's going to be that anchor at offensive line for the Patriots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense for the Patriots, they should be able to put a stop to the run and passing game as a whole. I think that the Patriot defense will be able to pull the win out and move on into the playoffs. Now, one of the key guys on that defensive side of the ball that I think will be a key part in getting a win will be Tucker Brown. I think he is a great defensive back that can not only make plays at the secondary level but also in helping stopping the run!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think that ultimately if the Bombers can stop the run against the Patriots, I think an upset is possible, but do I think it will happen, I'm not sure. When the final whistle does sound for this round one matchup I think the Patriots will come out on top and play Pulaski Academy in round to of the 6A playoffs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->