Week 4: Caldwell (3-0) @ Monroe Central (2-1)

• I drain 3's

  Big match-up for both teams this week. Like last year, Caldwell is coming off a last second win against Barnesville. The Redskins rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit to score the game winning TD with 8 seconds left to secure a 24-21 victory over the Shamrocks. Monroe Central defeated River last night by a fairly wide margin. Big test for the Skins. They showed a lot of heart and desire last night, but they can't make the mistakes they did with penalties and turnovers to expect to win against Central. They'll have to play their best football of the young year so far. This game has potential playoff and PVC title implications.
  
  Thoughts? Predictions?
• barbarian

  Despite the score the Noles weren't overly impressive against River. Especially their offense. Kinchen is still learning the position and his throws were off against River. The good thing for MC is that there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with Kinchen and they were running more QB draws (with success).
  
  I think MC should be a slight favorite in this game with it being played in Woodsfield, but Caldwell's power running game might give the Noles fits, and if the Skins can get their play action passing going they can win. This isn't the '09 Noles. They are good, but not unbeatable in the PVC.
• I drain 3's

  I think MC has still got to be the favorite as well. Defense and line play will be key in this game. Caldwell can't let MC capitalize on any big plays, especially through the air. I'm also interested in how well Caldwell's O and D lines play against Central. Against Barnesville, i'd say they were probably at a slight disadvantage size wise, but there were times when they were able to get pressure on the QB or stuff Barnesville's running game. They'll need to do that for 4 quarters come Friday. MC has several capable RB's to go along with Kinchen at QB.
• The_Brigole13

  This game ultimately depends on who is calling the offense for Monroe Central. Caldwell's defense is rather weak in every position. Last week Barnesville dominated the game on the ground but continued to shoot themselves in the foot time after time by stupid and unnecessary play calling. For example, a 3rd and goal at the 1 and call a quarterback sweep when you have the entire line dominating Caldwell's and 2 stud backs. End result, a holding call that puts barnesville at the 12 and they don't score. As long as Monroe Central develops the running game and stays with it, they win. For some odd reason, I see Monroe doing the same thing Barnesville did and try to get too fancy with the playcalls. Caldwell 21-13
• thereddragin

  MC proved again last night that they own the PVC and Caldwell well they are still pretenders....
• barbarian

  Everything just came together finally last night. Kinchen is getting more and more comfortable, and will be a great MC quarterback. It takes a new QB about 3 games to get use to varsity. He still will improve, but he's playing at the level MC needs him to. Defensively the front 7 dominated all night... something that didn't happen at times in the first 2 weeks and even a couple drives against River. They were solid last night.
  
  Just an overall outstanding effort by the Noles. We saw it in the first half against Columbiana, but not since. Unfortunately for Caldwell it clicked last night.
  
  Caldwell will bounce back. They have River and Beallsville the next two weeks that they should dominate. They'll still get 8 or maybe even 9 wins. I said it in my preseason picks... they just lack a playmaker in the backfield. In that offense if you have a fast guy (like that Leasure boy about 6 years ago) who can slice through a small crack in the line and score from anywhere on the field against anybody.
• I drain 3's

  You can tell some of those kids still need some work. At times, it doesn't look like the Snodgrass boy runs hard at all, and runs straight up most of the time. That's just asking to get hurt. They need more balance on offense as well. You can't just expect to throw to Morris everytime. They've got to find some receivers that can contribute. Congrats to MC on the win, i'd say your well on your way to another PVC title.