new- yes 3 times, PR only had 10 players on the field- at least once the kids recognized it, a PR player went on the field to make 11- and the PR coach yelled at him to come off the field, and ball was snapped w 10. Also, several times, the right personnel groupings were not on the field, and lastly, IMO a major breakdown was PR did not run short-yardage packages- kids were not ready to go- cuz some of the kids were tired/gassed due to the heat- they have PLENTY of size- they should have had subs ready to go- seems as though they did not. there was more stuff, I could go on- but these are coaching mistakes, and lack of game-time decisions by the coaches. Again, Details or his wife (using Details' account) might yell at me for being negative, but most observers w even a little sports knowledge would recognize these things as coaching mistakes.
Bummer- the penalty at the end- yes the kid was taunting Eastburn- he was wrong, and so was the other kid- that should have been off-setting penalties.
I'm curious to hear Central PA or East folks- that Harrisburg seemed really good- the Williams kid was great- could this team be really good? To me, seems yes. I think PR was unprepared for how good they were
Harrisburg
I’m born and raised in central Pa but don’t think that makes my observations more valid than anyone else’s. Whatever, here they are.
** #1 first and foremost, Harrisburg was in better condition than PR who seemed gassed
early. Not just the way Harrisburg’s line handled PR’s Dfront, I suspected that (mentioned to new2pa), but the way Harrisburg flew around the field and the
constant pressure put on the quarterback
the entire game. Harrisburg’s defense was relentless with quick DLs and linebackers, mostly sophs and jr players, looking fresh to the end. Don’t forget, it’s Harrisburg not PR with personnel shortages, suiting 26-27 guys affecting their rotation, or lack of it.
** Although they played a
freshman quarterback, they had balance on offense. PR had 50 some rush yards? Better play distribution for Cougars; 228 rushing, 108 passing. I thought PR should have gone with trips more where they had great success for a series or two. 10 guys on the field for PR, confusion on the sidelines. Harrisburg found what was working and did not panic, despite a heavy run approach that ate clock. It was working and they stayed patient. You don’t always see that.
** I say this so often guys are probably irritated by it but Mid Penn “Commonwealth” teams play with swag. Typically, with some exceptions annually, it’s no joke playing State High, CV, CD, Harrisburg, (Altoona, Carlisle rebuilding their programs) etc week in week out; then non-conf games this year vs Wilson, McDevitt, Township, Berks Catholic, Dtown East, Warwick, Cedar Cliff, Spg-Fd, Cent York, Manheim Central. This year CD East is in that group. They think they’re better and play like it, with attitude. You can most definitely kick their ass, but not their attitude.
Towards the end of the game PR had the reception along the sideline falling just short of a 1st down with PR getting the flag.
Next time run a better route, then the defender won’t taunt and laugh at you coming up a yard short giving them the game.
Those are some thoughts, no offense intended.
PS; I think they are good, not just can be good but that depth will kill them in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth being unable to take a beating against legit-well coached programs week in week out. And starting a frosh QB is a no no in the MPC although you got to say the kid came on as the game developed.