D6SN District 5-6-8-9 AAA Playoff Primer

[Crimson's Ghost]

http://www.d6sportsnetwork.com/2013/11/ ... ff-primer/


Jim Hammett
D6SN Sports Editor
Follow me @JimHammett





The Favorite – Clearfield – I know many expect University Prep to be the favorites, but I like this Clearfield team. I think the Bison are improved, and they can be a dangerous team to deal with. It all starts with the play of their senior quarterback, Christian Lezzer. Although Lezzer is not a great passer, he can get the job done. His biggest strength is his running ability, as he has posted 27 touchdowns on the ground. Lezzer (1,431) is one of three Bison with at least 700 yards this season, along with Tyler Stratton (954) and Seth Caldwell (703).Clearfield has been rolling all season long, and have only had one time a team has come within a touchdown of them. They should be able to roll past Johnstown in the first round.



The Contender – University Prep – Prep is a perfect 9-0 this season in a weak Pittsburgh City League, but they are not short on talent. Prep has been dominant all season long, and it is behind a spectacular passing game. Ronald Brown is having a phenomenal season with 3,075 yards passing and 40 touchdown passes. Four different receivers have at least 27 catches, led by Marcus Johnson’s 56 catches and 1,235 yards.



Most Intriguing Game – Somerset at University Prep – This is a rematch from last year, and it will take place on the same field. Somerset was able to hang around last year, and I feel the Golden Eagles are a much better team this season. Somerset has the tools to go toe to toe in scoring points, and I think they will have revenge on the mind. Again, in this four team bracket, I feel 3 teams are absolutely capable of beating each other on any night.



Shipping up to Boston – Christian Lezzer is heading up to play for Boston College next Fall. The senior quarterback was recruited as a linebacker for the Golden Eagles. Lezzer is a tremendous high school football player, and can take Clearfield deep into the playoffs.



Wounded wing – After a wrist injury that sidelined him for a few weeks, Tanner Stull should be nearing full health. He completed 7 of 13 passes against Penn Cambria last weekend. Stull has played four games since returning, and has rushed for at least 90 yards in three of those games. He is a dangerous play maker, and Somerset is getting him back at the right time.



Gibson Island – Kareem Gibson is a special talent for the Johnstown Trojans. Some nagging injuries kept him from playing full time offense, but he got back into the act last week against Tyrone. Gibson already holds a number of division one offers, and more should be on the way. Gibson is a very good corner, and does not see a lot of passes thrown in his direction. He is very good, and has been getting that respect a lot.



Deja Vu all over again- University Prep beat both Somerset and Clearfield last season. So those teams should be well acquainted in those said matchups. Obviously some upsets would have to happen, but of course Johnstown and Somerset are the lone AAA member of the Laurel Highlands conference.



Forecast

(1) Clearfield over (4) Johnstown

(3) Somerset over (2) University Prep



(1) Clearfield over (3) Somerset

[TheRealBleacherCoach]

Great write up Crimson! Do you think Clearfield is really as good as their record? I've heard from a few people they don't have the toughest schedule?

[Crimson's Ghost]

They beat Central and Tyrone, and those were their marquee games this season. To be honest, I'd say all the teams in the field have similar schedules.

[TheRealBleacherCoach]

Thanks. Im not familiar with that area. Just getting some info!