Thanksgiving football. The benchmark of a great season. Every team that has earned a spot in this big dog round should be considered a championship contender. You don't get here by accident. And in this matchup are two power hitters who could very well represent the east in this year's state championship.
Northeastern and SWE is a game worthy of a regional finals matchup, but what a treat to have this championship caliber game to top off the Thanksgiving holiday. And what a treat it is for SWE specifically to have a 3rd round game at home for the second consecutive year and the 5th time in the past 15 years. The round has not been kind to the Cougars of SWE. Of the previous 6 journeys to the 3rd round in this span, SWE has survived only once. One of those losses included a 48-6 beatdown at the hands of Northeastern at their place in 2014. It was tied at 6 in the first. Then Northeastern showed who the better team was the rest of the way.
Although SWE had the better record, NE has played a tougher schedule by far. Ours ranked in the high 40s, while NE's was #6. I do not question the 3 losses on their record, because they were to top teams who themselves are still participating in the big dog round. Their 3 losses are to teams ranked higher nationally than any team SWE has defeated, even though SWE's lone loss is to a team ranked higher than any team on the NE schedule. Head to head, SWE is ranked 800 spots higher than Northeastern. But let's be honest. None of these rankings matter. The ranking on the scoreboard tonight is what matters.
The source is questionable, but it's been told that NE is missing a few key players. Not sure how valid that information is. SWE suffered a few nicks last week, but will have their full compliment of players available.
Northeastern has been known to pass, pass, pass, but they seem more balanced this year. It's no secret that SWE has a history of being a poor pass defense team, but that has actually been a strength this year. Top 25 in the state in all classes in interceptions, and opposing QBs are severely harrased all game. Im sure our pass defense will be tested.
NE passes for 111 ypg, SWE 97 ypg.
NE rushes for 221 ypg, SWE 302 ypg. NE leading rusher has 887 yards, second leading rusher has 395 yards. SWE leading rusher has 1,278 yards, second leading rusher has 1,274 yards. NE leading receiver has 416 yards, SWE leading receiver 732 yards. NE has a college level fg kicker. SWE doesn't really kick fgs.
Again, stats dont matter. Just the one on the scoreboard. NE feels like they have unfinished business after falling short in the state championship game last year. SWE has something to prove after being stunned at home last year in the 3rd round. I'm excited for an incredible game. Updates as they happen.
Temp: 39-40. Wrap up.
**Stats provided by Maxpreps. Only 11 games reported for NE. Pretty sure actual yardage total higher.
Northeastern and SWE is a game worthy of a regional finals matchup, but what a treat to have this championship caliber game to top off the Thanksgiving holiday. And what a treat it is for SWE specifically to have a 3rd round game at home for the second consecutive year and the 5th time in the past 15 years. The round has not been kind to the Cougars of SWE. Of the previous 6 journeys to the 3rd round in this span, SWE has survived only once. One of those losses included a 48-6 beatdown at the hands of Northeastern at their place in 2014. It was tied at 6 in the first. Then Northeastern showed who the better team was the rest of the way.
Although SWE had the better record, NE has played a tougher schedule by far. Ours ranked in the high 40s, while NE's was #6. I do not question the 3 losses on their record, because they were to top teams who themselves are still participating in the big dog round. Their 3 losses are to teams ranked higher nationally than any team SWE has defeated, even though SWE's lone loss is to a team ranked higher than any team on the NE schedule. Head to head, SWE is ranked 800 spots higher than Northeastern. But let's be honest. None of these rankings matter. The ranking on the scoreboard tonight is what matters.
The source is questionable, but it's been told that NE is missing a few key players. Not sure how valid that information is. SWE suffered a few nicks last week, but will have their full compliment of players available.
Northeastern has been known to pass, pass, pass, but they seem more balanced this year. It's no secret that SWE has a history of being a poor pass defense team, but that has actually been a strength this year. Top 25 in the state in all classes in interceptions, and opposing QBs are severely harrased all game. Im sure our pass defense will be tested.
NE passes for 111 ypg, SWE 97 ypg.
NE rushes for 221 ypg, SWE 302 ypg. NE leading rusher has 887 yards, second leading rusher has 395 yards. SWE leading rusher has 1,278 yards, second leading rusher has 1,274 yards. NE leading receiver has 416 yards, SWE leading receiver 732 yards. NE has a college level fg kicker. SWE doesn't really kick fgs.
Again, stats dont matter. Just the one on the scoreboard. NE feels like they have unfinished business after falling short in the state championship game last year. SWE has something to prove after being stunned at home last year in the 3rd round. I'm excited for an incredible game. Updates as they happen.
Temp: 39-40. Wrap up.
**Stats provided by Maxpreps. Only 11 games reported for NE. Pretty sure actual yardage total higher.
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