Blaine Train Previews Reitz/Jasper Showdown
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 1:22PM Blaine Fentress is one of our top photographers on the NEWS 25 Home Team Friday staff. He has covered many Jasper and Reitz games over the years as a photographer and as our Satellite Truck engineer, and he has seen them both several times this year.
He put together this preview of the Unbeaten Showdown. Like any commentary, Blaine's opinion is his own. Thanks Blaine for taking the time, I hope everyone enjoys!
-Lance
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By Blaine Fentress
Home Team Friday Photographer
It's Jasper. It's Reitz. It's two teams that went the entire season undefeated. It's November 6th @ the Reitz Bowl. It's the Sectional Championship. Enough said.
O.K., maybe more does need to be said.
How about 2008? It was Halloween night at Alumni Stadium in Jasper. Because of the draw, these two teams met in the Sectional Semifinals. This was the best game that I got to watch in person in 2008. Two GREAT offenses, back and forth action, this game had it all. Jasper and Austin Ahrens made plays on the ground. Matt McIntosh and Reitz were making big pass after big pass. In the end, McIntosh threw an interception and it sealed the deal. The Wildcats won the game 38-35. The cats went on to win the Sectional and lost to Columbus East at Regionals. But, that was 2008.
I was blessed this year as I got to shoot football for Home Team Friday for the first time. For the first few weeks, I became "Highway 231 Guy" as I got to cover Jasper, Southridge, and Heritage Hills. Also, later in the season, I got to cover Reitz for a few weeks as well. I have seen the Wildcats and Panthers pull off some great performances this season. So trust me when I say this...Friday's game might be one of the best that has ever been played in the Tri-State in a long time. I know, I know...too much hype. But, when you break down certain elements of this game, you might discover that the hype is there for a reason.
Quarterbacks: The offenses begin and end with McIntosh and Ahrens. Both have the ability to avoid the pass rush. Both have the ability to make big plays. But, there are some differences. Matt McIntosh has one of the best arms in the Tri-State. He can literally throw all over the field. But, the biggest thing that I think has improved from last season is how accurate he is. I have seen high school quarterbacks that will just heave the ball in the air and pray it lands in the hands of their receivers, not the defense. But, McIntosh seems to be able, from about 30 or so yards away, to be able to find Jeff Hudson, Cuda Dimmett, and Hamilton Carr very easily.
While you have to worry about McIntosh's arm, you REALLY have to worry about Ahrens's legs. Austin can throw the ball pretty good too, but his ability to run with the football makes him a dual threat. The best example I have of this comes from the first game of the season against Memorial. Ahrens takes a snap and immediately, I think the play is broken. Normally, when a play breaks down, the Quarterback will throw the ball away and lose the down. But, not Ahrens, not when you can run. He ran around the left end, headed for the sideline, and was able to outrun Memorial's defense to the endzone. There was a reason why Randall Parmely has called Ahrens "the Tim Tebow of the Tri-State". He has also made big passes as well but, his biggest weapon is his ability to just take off with the football.
Running Backs: Taylor Day is a very physical running back. Last week, in the mud and rain at Alumni Stadium against Boonville, Day was just able to run. One play, he ran for about 15 yards and hydroplaned for another 10. He won't have to worry about mud on the turf field at the Bowl, but he will need to be very physical. One thing that Day can do against other teams was run between the tackles and through the defensive line. Can he do that against Reitz? It will be tough but, he will need to establish the ability. Otherwise, it may limit what Ahrens can do.
Alordo Bell is quick. He can make cuts left and right. Against Mater Dei, there was one run that impressed me very much. He took the snap and ran to the right end of the offensive line. There were about two to three defenders there waiting and, somehow, he was able to fake them out and ran for about 25 yards. Reitz seems to depend on him in short-yard situations as well. When they get to about the two to three yard line, usually the first option is Bell and rightfully so.
X Factors: Both teams have a chance at winning this game, but certain things will have to go their way if they want to make it happen. For Jasper, pass defense. Panther’s campaign ended last season because of an interception. If they keep McIntosh from throwing the ball and Bell from making any big gains, Jasper has a chance.
For Reitz, they have a bulls-eye on Ahrens. Last year, they gave up a lot of points to the Wildcats. They will have to avoid giving up big runs to Ahrens and keep him in the backfield. If they keep the run game from being established and force interceptions, Reitz has a chance.
There you have it. I could go on and on more about these two teams but, the facts are simple; this will be a big time game. So much is at stake for both teams. I really feel that the winner of this Sectional will have a good chance at making it to Lucas Oil Stadium and the 4A Championship. It is that big. And, I have so much respect for both teams…I can't really pick a winner here. All I can say is that 12-thousand is expected to be at the Bowl, maybe even more. If you aren't able to make it to the Bowl, RTV 25 will have this game for your viewing pleasure. There are other great games in the Tri-State Friday night, but it's Jasper....it's Reitz....someone will improve to 12-0. I can't wait!
Alordo Bell, Austin Ahrens, Home Team Friday, Matt McIntosh, Taylor Day, jasper, reitz in Football
Reader Comments (5)
Uhhhhh.........ever heard of a team named Cathedral?
Awesome read!
GO BIG BLUE!
I wanted to take this time to thank Lance for the chance to write this. It is going to be a good game and I am very happy that we get to do the broadcast of this game. I am looking forward to see how this game turns out but, again, thanks Lance for giving the Train a chance to contribute, however small, to the buildup to this game.
Hey Blaine, get on your vb duties for saturday!!
Nice article, even if i really don't know anything about Indiana High School Sports!
panman-
how did that work out?
Great prediction Blaine! You nailed it. Congrats Reitz!