Tiger Gameday – Section Quarterfinals
Tiger Gameday – Section Quarterfinals
Last Game: Hutchinson 46 Westonka 21
Game Recap: Workmanlike is the phrase that comes to mind for that game last week. Never seemed in doubt after taking the opening drive and going right down the field. The run game worked well last week, defense did give up a few points, but was more of a bend but not break kind of game. RB Kyle Bell finished the season 12 yards short of a 1,000 yard season. Barring something major…he should get that tonight.
Current Record: 4-4
This Week’s Opponent: St. Peter (7-1)
About the Opponent: After a season of about .500 ball last year, the Saints exploded this year. After a week one loss to Class 3A State Title Contender Waseca, they didn’t lose again. The Offense has been Good, but not great this year. They’ve put up some points and have a nice QB running the show in Alex Korir. The Defense has been their strong suit as the Saints have allowed only 6.1 points per game, or about 7 Touchdowns all year. And some of those TD’s were in “Backup Time” so this starting Defense given up less. Now the down side for allthese numbers is their strength of schedule. They played only 1 4A Team (New Ulm), 6 Class 3A teams, and 1 Class 2A team.
Key Hutch Players: DB’s. St. Peter will take some shots tonight. They very much like to go for the big play and get chunks of yards or even long TD’s. DB’s have to be on point tonight, Be good on your assignment, don’t get caught looking in the backfield. Stay on your receiver. If you can stop their long plays, you’ve got a chance.
4 Downs/Storylines:
First Down: Stop the Scrambling QB. Westonka’s (and a few others this year) QB gave Hutch some fits when he decided to run the ball. Hutch Defenders need to quickly identify when he’s going to run and tackle him. When he drops back to throw and scrambles it’ll be tougher….but same thing applies. Identify if he’s scrambling to RUN or scrambling to find a receiver. Then play the proper defense for that moment.
Second Down: Run the ball. The Run game is playing at it’s highest level all season long. Now your playing a defense that has been excellent at stopping teams all year. Have they seen a team as physical as Hutch though? That’ll be the question. It’s Best vs Best. Who’s best wins?
Third Down: Win the Second half. There are A LOT of 2 way starters on the St. Peter side. (7 by my count) Will they get tired in the second half? There might be some big play opportunities then…or at least long drive opportunities if you need to milk the clock.
4th Down/Quick Hit Keys: In Hutch’s 4 wins this year they have been on the + side of the Turnover battle. No secret there that turning the ball over lessens your chances to win…Get some defensive stops. The Tigers aren’t built to come from behind. Play ahead of the sticks and don’t get down big…Hutch eliminated St. Peter from the playoffs last year in Hutch’s first game of the postseason 21-0…Winner of this game will go to Marshall on Saturday Night. In fact it’s the only night game we know of in our area. Reason? Southwest MN State has an afternoon game at the stadium this Saturday.
