Sundevils unstoppable? Titans sleeping giant?
The Salem Sundevils have been looking forward to the playoffs for a while now, and the way they have steamrolled the regular season, most have already awarded them a spot in the state championship game. Their opponent in the first round will be the upstart Tallwood Lions who compiled an 8-2 record after just two wins in '05. The Lions were over-matched against the Sundevils just two weeks ago when Salem took advantage of Tallwood mistakes for a 35-7 win at Tallwood. No one is giving the Lions a chance, but coach Thad Harold thinks his team has a good shot if they can keep from turning the ball over.
The other division 6 match-up features another rematch, but this one figures to be a bit tighter. Western Branch has played inspired ball this year in coach Lew Johnston's final season. The respected coach is retiring after 22 season on the sidelines for the Southeastern district co-champions. On the other side, mighty Oscar Smith showed a chink in the armor in a loss to Hickory in their next to last game of the season. Ranked #1 in the state at the time, the Tigers looked flat, and showed a venerability to bad weather. On a perfect day last week, the Oscar Smith offense rolled 38-12 in a must-win game over Indian River. The status of star quarterback Dexter Merritt is unknown. Merritt was hurt late in the first Western Branch game which the Tiger won easily 28-10.
Freshman Philip Sims has filled in nicely for Merritt, and answered the questions about his ability to handle a pressure game, but Merritt's return would be a huge lift for the Tigers. The Oscar Smith-Salem showdown has been talked about for weeks, but neither team should be looking ahead. Both face opponents with revenge in mind.
In division 6, no one is talking about Lake Taylor. In fact, the Titans need help on the last day on the season to get into the playoffs, despite a 9-1 record. That one loss was to #3 seed Maury in week four. That game was scoreless until late in the forth quarter when the Commodores scored 13 quick points. Lake Taylor finished the season as the top defense in the Eastern Region, surrendering less than 100 yards a game in total offense. They will face top seeded Phoebus whose only loss was to number two seed Hampton. The Crabbers are the hottest team in Division 5 since their season opening loss to Indian River, and their closest contest since was their 35-10 win over Phoebus. The Crabbers are looking to repeat as State Champions.
Paulie's Picks:
Oscar Smith and Salem roll in round 1. Salem ground game keeps Tigers off the field to send Sundevils to state playoffs.
Lake Taylor upsets Phoebus, and Hampton handles Maury. Tyrod Taylor too much in the second round, Hampton re-peat bid on track.
