Week 12...Norwayne Bobcats vs. Orrville Red Riders

• CCRolly

  

  I overheard a few Rider fans on the way out commenting on how the team may be "down" for a few years here. Any thoughts on that Rider faithful?
• ICBM

  

  I was hoping for a Cowboys (RR) vs Indians Regional Final but it just wasn't to be. Orville has enough trophys in its case to let this one get away so no life ending thoughts there. Norwayne did a great job playing great football and got the win. Congratulations to you.
  
  We at Girard are looking forward to this Regional final, something neither team has attained in there history. Another thread has already been started so Norwayne posters, put this game behind you and start chatting up the next one. Should be an interesting contest with a couple high scoring offenses.
• Diehard Rider Fan

  CC, The cupboards isn't bare with several excellent athletes coming back but with that said we'll have to see how well the team develops after losing so many seniors. I'm sure we'll start out with a qb controversy that head up the majority of off-season discussion. Be sure to stay tuned in. haha
• Red Rum

  

  BigDiehl;970097 wrote:Clearly the whole WCAL conference isn't better than Orrville. You can't tell that by just one game.

  It sounds like you're trying to convince yourself...
  
  Good luck with that:laugh:
• thePITman

  

  Wow. I had such a great time last night. I got to the parking lot at 3:45, before they started to charge for parking. (Which after reading all the stuff above about parking, makes me laugh!) I hung out and chatted a bit with the "big whig" Orrville folks, RedRider1, 5knots, and got to meet Old Rider. It was fun chatting with all you guys, some very down-to-earth Orrville fans. And it was nice to meet yet another online chatterer - Old Rider.
  
  After that, I went back to my truck, started preparing my grill, and was asked by a stranger: "So what is your prediction for tonight?" It was a 70-year old man who came to the game impartially and wanted to talk sports. It turns out he was a Triway native and lives in Shreve, used to work for Shreve Elementary, and follows lots of Wayne County sports. He ended up hanging out with me/us at my truck for the next hour and a half, and we had a blast chatting until our group went in at 5:15. Talk about a surprise - that was pretty neat! During that time 4Ringz also stopped by, as well as a few Triway supporters and current student-athletes.
  
  Then we headed into the game and were going to sit on the closest side, which happened to be Norwayne's, but it was already packed, and there was plenty of room on Orrville's side. Possibly saving up money for next week's regional final? So we went over and sat on Orrville's side. Outside of the game, we got to see a grown man in a costume doing cartwheels, some Orville female students collapse the handicapped ramp's railing, and lots of sound-makers get handed out by 5knots. We also got to sit by a lady who kept yelling at the referee to "Go back to Foot Locker" and at the end, was saying "We need to put DaVault in da vault." #SMH
  
  After seeing Norwayne play for the first time, I think I might have to adjust my "preview" by the units:
  
  Quarterbacks: Old - Norwayne, New - Norwayne
  Wallace proved last night he is the total package. He didn't have a great completion percentage, but he had some very nice balls and passes in tight windows to keep drives going, especially his TD pass on the slant. Wow! Also, he can run! And is much faster than I thought.
  
  Running Backs: Old - Orrville, New - Even
  Orrville still has Monheim and the other backups, but the Zimmerly brothers proved last night they are for real... and FAST! and Brusing! It was fun watching them tear up Orrville's defense.
  
  Wide Receivers: Old - Norwayne, New - Norwayne
  No surprise here. But the gap is MUCH wider than I initially anticipated. Even if Brenner was considered a WR, I still would have gone with Norwayne. Norwayne's WR's are fast, big, and catch with their HANDS very nicely.
  
  Offensive Line: Old - Even, New - Even
  Although Norwayne dominated Orrville's D-line last night, I still think they're about even. It wasn't as much Orrville's O-line being bad as it was Norwayne's D-line being very good.
  
  Defensive Line: Old - Orrville, New - Norwayne
  Norwayne's D-line was the #1 key factor in this game, IMO. Orrville couldn't get any running game going, and they pressured Brenner all night. Orrville's D-line got tore up by Norwayne's O-line, giving up gaping holes and only getting to Walace when Orrville brought linebackers. Now I see why everyone raves about Norwayne's D-line after every game they're doubted (Smithville, Hillsdale, Brookfield, and now Orrville).
  
  Linebackers: Old - Orrville, New - Orrville
  Orrville still clearly has this edge. Monheim was all over the field, still making plays after he got a stinger. Norwayne's little LB was pretty good and played much bigger than his size (or lack thereof).
  
  Defensive Backs: Old - Orrville, New - Even
  Neither team could get the passing game going consistently, and I think it was as credit to the DB's on both sides. We knew Orrville's were very good, and we knew Norwayne's were pretty good, but we didn't know HOW good. They swarm to the ball, hit hard, are tall for DB's, and make plays. Both defensive backfields were fun to watch.
  
  Special Teams: Old - Orrville, New - Orrville
  A few botched punts early by Wallace almost cost them. Well, it did directly lead to 1 TD and set up field position for another. Plus the threat of Turner adjusted kickoffs (and punts) all night long, helping with field position. However, Orrville with 2 blocked PAT's last night had me thinking if I'd have to change this a bit. Haha.
  
  My new final count is Norwayne 3, Even 3, Orrville 2. Norwayne clearly was the better team last night, and in my opinion, the better team, period. Orrville has no reason to hang their heads. Good luck to Norwayne next week against Girard!
• bobcat14

  Congrats Norwayne.......with all the hype around the skill players for both teams.... I have to give credit to Norwayne' s O Line and D Line they controlled the line of scrimage on both sides of the ball they are not big but they open up the holes and they had Orrville's QB's running for their lives......
  
  I too am surprised at Orr play calling...i thought we would see a steady dose of #25 tonight I understand he was hurt but when he did run he was a handful....
  
  I will eat crow this week.....against Smithville I was negative about our coaching staff...but tonight my hat is off to them they out coached orrville and they stuck to the gameplan.........
  
  So once again big congrats to Norwaynes line ( Weinman..Wilson..Croftcheck..Barb..Wolf...Scruggs..Zimmerly..) very nice job!!!!!
  
  So what is the scope on Girard????....I dont know much about them.......
• Full Throttle

  Congrats to Norwayne. You guys played great and you deserve the win.Good luck against Girard.
• beatobama

  300 - I think Norwayne would have won the OCC this season, so I wouldn't be so quick to run your lips.I also think Hillsdale and Smithville could have done pretty well in the OCC this season. The OCC does not have any teams comparable to 3,4,5 yrs. ago, that's why the league was so unpredictable. It also showed in the lack of post season success for the OCC. Like it or not, Norwayne has a pretty darn good group of kids on the field this season and even though there are some things I don't like about their program (video by #22 etc.) they have proved themselves on the field all season. I do however question what the heck Orrville was doing on offense. Basically throwing up many jumpballs when Norwaynes db's we talller and just as athletic as the Orrville receivers.
• Go Falcons

  

  Congrats to the Cats! They really surprised me by how dominating they were. It made me feel better about losing to them and thankful that my Falcons played them so close.
  
  Keep it going!
  
  BOBCATS STALK!
  
  Funny how a slam is now a sign of support!
  
• beverboy1

  beatobama;970534 wrote:300 - I think Norwayne would have won the OCC this season, so I wouldn't be so quick to run your lips.I also think Hillsdale and Smithville could have done pretty well in the OCC this season. The OCC does not have any teams comparable to 3,4,5 yrs. ago, that's why the league was so unpredictable. It also showed in the lack of post season success for the OCC. Like it or not, Norwayne has a pretty darn good group of kids on the field this season and even though there are some things I don't like about their program (video by #22 etc.) they have proved themselves on the field all season. I do however question what the heck Orrville was doing on offense. Basically throwing up many jumpballs when Norwaynes db's we talller and just as athletic as the Orrville receivers.

  i can't disaree with u on this ! my only thing is what film or scouting report did orrville watch ? their offense was go back and throw the ball up for grabs. no routes for wr , brenner watch the wr from the snap to he through the ball !! half the time their was a wr on the other side wide open in the flats or down field 10 or 15 yrds .
• OQB

  

  beverboy1;970554 wrote:i can't disaree with u on this ! my only thing is what film or scouting report did orrville watch ? their offense was go back and throw the ball up for grabs. no routes for wr , brenner watch the wr from the snap to he through the ball !! half the time their was a wr on the other side wide open in the flats or down field 10 or 15 yrds .

  Now do you understand why we get so frustrated on here when it comes to offense? It has been that way all season.
• THE4RINGZ

  

  OQB;970568 wrote:Now do you understand why we get so frustrated on here when it comes to offense? It has been that way all season.

  
  Always easier to see a wide open backside reciever from the stands. But it was open all night.
• beverboy1

  OQB;970568 wrote:Now do you understand why we get so frustrated on here when it comes to offense? It has been that way all season.

  i do now !!
• beverboy1

  THE4RINGZ;970580 wrote:Always easier to see a wide open backside reciever from the stands. But it was open all night.

  that's why u have coaches in the box !
• beverboy1

  does anyone know the attendence was ?
• THE4RINGZ

  

  beverboy1;970592 wrote:that's why u have coaches in the box !

  
  
  I see your point, but it either wasn't getting communicated to the field or it wasn't being put into place, not sure. I had a brief text conversation with OQB during the game about this very topic. Either way, it would seem frustrating as a fan.
• beverboy1

  it would be !!
• dontcare

  

  beverboy1;970597 wrote:does anyone know the attendence was ?

  According to the DR it was 5,526.
• beverboy1

  thanks
• 4QuarterPounders

  thePITman;970521 wrote:
  After seeing Norwayne play for the first time, I think I might have to adjust my "preview" by the units:
  Quarterbacks: Old - Norwayne, New - Norwayne
  Running Backs: Old - Orrville, New - Even
  Wide Receivers: Old - Norwayne, New - Norwayne
  Offensive Line: Old - Even, New - Even
  Defensive Line: Old - Orrville, New - Norwayne
  Linebackers: Old - Orrville, New - Orrville
  Defensive Backs: Old - Orrville, New - Even
  Special Teams: Old - Orrville, New - Orrville
  
  My new final count is Norwayne 3, Even 3, Orrville 2. Norwayne clearly was the better team last night, and in my opinion, the better team, period. Orrville has no reason to hang their heads. Good luck to Norwayne next week against Girard!

  Quarterbacks--I thought Orrville having a 2nd QB that could go in, say in the 3rd quarter for a different look, would be an advantage. He would have been running for his life or getting sacked. Our line did not protect the quarterback nearly as well this season and I think it was big reason behind Lichti's lack of confidence.
  Running backs--I saw Norwayne play and felt their running game was similar to Clear Fork's 3-headed monster--Orrville has seen that before; it's assignment football and I thought they would be fine. I don't recall Norwayne ever lining up in that formation or even trying much misdirection at all. Once through the line, the Zimmerly's were faster than anything we had seen. (Did you know they grew up in Orrville until about the 2nd grade? Can you imagine?)
  Any ideas on why we never saw Zook again in the backfield after returning from the shoulder injury? We could have used another dimension in the running game.
  Mason wasn't himself and can't believe he played with a separated shoulder. I had one in high school was out for two weeks. Probably would have benched myself after breaking my hand too. Of course I didn't play for Orrville either.
  Wide Receivers--Orrville has liked to give up the 7-8 yard curl and Norwayne is great at yards after the catch. That was my biggest concern going into the game. We had tight coverage but Wallace sure could get it in there. Unfortunately one of Orrville's receivers gave up on his team at the end.
  Offensive Line--Week 12 will expose your weaknesses. Orrville's line has been suspect this year and had been able to just do the job until Saturday. Good news is there are two sophomores playing that are going to be studs. Norwayne's line got the job done and I give them the advantage.
  Defensive Line--I don't recall Orrville DE's giving up the outside like they did in this game. Wallace hurt us whenever we did that.
  Defensive Backs--Norwayne had receivers behind our defenders down the field but couldn't get the ball to them. Norwayne often gave up on receivers and left them open.
  
  Most are wiser than me and wouldn't come out and say what I did--that Norwayne wasn't evenly matched with Orrville. It sounds just like what Genoa has done to Orrville and it wasn't meant arrogantly or disrepectfully. We had seen Orrville play big games against really good teams and rise to the occasion. And you know what? In the first quarter, Norwayne was overwhelmed and Orrville showed how it could make a big play at any time. Against Hillsdale, Norwayne did not respond well to this and let a non-existent Hillsdale offense hang around until the 4th quarter. Not so Saturday as they never let up for a second.
  
  Overall, I felt Orrville had the advantage going in and still feel OCC football is a cut above the WCAL. Norwayne has broken out of the mold and hopefully their style of play will help bring that league up to where it can be. They were clearly the best and their coaches helped them a lot--always seemed to call the right play, like the screen when we brought the house--Wallace has a wall of red converging on him and somehow got the pass out; great play. It was enjoyable to watch how Norwayne played as a team as well and I felt it was a special night for the Zimmerly boys.
  
  Anyway, I'm a Bobcat fan now from here on out. Go Cats and beat Girard!
• THE4RINGZ

  

  And by the way beast...thanks for returning the wave I sent you way last night at the game. I waved when I thought you were looking in my general direction, no response. Thanks buddy.
• beverboy1

  i would thought that attendence would of been bigger then dal/smith gm im 02
• beverboy1

  THE4RINGZ;970645 wrote:And by the way beast...thanks for returning the wave I sent you way last night at the game. I waved when I thought you were looking in my general direction, no response. Thanks buddy.

  he was still looking for his buddy paul !!
• Go Falcons

  

  THE4RINGZ;970645 wrote:And by the way beast...thanks for returning the wave I sent you way last night at the game. I waved when I thought you were looking in my general direction, no response. Thanks buddy.

  Beast was being very elusive last night.
• Birddog

  beatobama;970534 wrote:300 - I think Norwayne would have won the OCC this season, so I wouldn't be so quick to run your lips.I also think Hillsdale and Smithville could have done pretty well in the OCC this season. The OCC does not have any teams comparable to 3,4,5 yrs. ago, that's why the league was so unpredictable. It also showed in the lack of post season success for the OCC. Like it or not, Norwayne has a pretty darn good group of kids on the field this season and even though there are some things I don't like about their program (video by #22 etc.) they have proved themselves on the field all season. I do however question what the heck Orrville was doing on offense. Basically throwing up many jumpballs when Norwaynes db's we talller and just as athletic as the Orrville receivers.

  
  As it goes at least three WCAL teams would have beat the riders this year. Brenner the real deal clearly the best player on the field last night. Orrville had no clear game plan at all. Just like go get open. Maybe they need to evaluate their entire staff and make some changes. Which normally starts at the top. Goodluck to norwayne they have a bunch of good players, but no clear stand outs.