Observations from Somerset-Richland

[Crimson's Ghost]

-- Great crowd for both sides. The Herlinger Field visiting bleachers are on the small side, Somerset had them packed well before game time. Their community recognized the opportunity last night, and hats off to them. Richland always supports their team well, and it was no different last night.

-- The weather was great at the start of the game, it allowed for a nice homecoming pregame. Obviously the game turned into a monsoon out of nowhere. It may have hurt Somerset, but remember both teams played in that same rain.

-- Dylan Barnes is GOOD. For a sophomore, he showed a lot of poise. The biggest thing he needs to improve on is not taking such big hits. He's a little guy, and Richland squared him pretty good a few of those times.

-- Richland's biggest concern into this year was the OLine, and they did not have a great game. They paved the way for Solarczyk to have a nice game. But there was a lot of pressure on Shaffer in the passing game, and the somerset defense made some plays behind the line of scrimmage. That was Richland's biggest test for their retooled line, and obviously they have some room to improve.

-- What about Tanner Stull? Does he make a difference in the outcome? It is hard to say. He is a phenomenal football player, but I'm not as sure him playing gives Somerset the win. Barnes played very well, and operated the offense how it needed to be done.

-- Kyle Flick can play. The kid made some unbelievable catches, and bringing him up as a freshman certainly has paid off. The kid is a 4 year starter, and he looks the part of an all state wide receiver.

-- Somerset is much better than I think anyone realized. They are extremely well coached and they did not shy away at all from the big game. Their defense made some plays against Richland's high powered offense. Guys like Beeman, Boyer, Faulkner, Berkebile, and Mostellor, I mean that is one hell of a set of skilled position players. They are very, very good.

--Richland doubters should stop while they are ahead. A near loss from Somerset will have some people coming out of the woodwork, but they shouldn't. Richland's defense hung in there and really played well. Aside from the kickoff return they held a pretty good offense to 17 points, and that should be commended. The offense is fine, and the line will get better. 3 year starter at QB, power running back, and an all state caliber receiver, they are in fine shape. I mean guys, in their last 21 football games they are 20-1 with their lone loss to Aliquippa. No need to doubt these kids.

-- Somerset raised their stock last night. Clearfield seemed like the go to team locally in AAA, with University Prep also being good. Somerset played well against Prep last year, and Somerset is very much improved. They have the athletes to make a case against anyone, and Stull should be back before the end of the season. Watch out AAA, these guys are good.

[sppawfan]

I told you guys to watch out for barnes! He is almost 6-1 and 165 which isn't bad size. He has good moves and guys don't get too many direct hits with his quickness. One tough kid though playing against that tough defense. They can hit. He was making people miss. He had a td and a couple decent runs called back on penalties also. Talked to his dad, and barnes said he wasn't even sore after that game and I agree, he did take some shots. He plays bigger than his size. Him and stull should have been in that offense in the beginning with the ability to change a game with their talent. Barnes and stull alternated on defense early and barnes saw no time believe it or not in that offense. He is a hell of a hitter at safety and should be on that defense. He doesn't miss tackles like the kids did last night! And for stull, I think he would have been mvp of the lhc if he didn't get hurt. He was awesome on defense also. You forgot to mention logan eller, #4 on defense. He is an awesome wrestler and one heck of a lb. He was the eagles best o-lineman last year and the coach has him on the bench. Somerset would be even better if he played those guys both ways. Same for van litten. Next year will be somersets year with a lot of studs back!!!

[peytonsaturday]

And a supportive uncle! Kid is good, but let's not have him verbal to Alabama just yet unc

[peytonsaturday]

And if you know sooooooooo much, why has no one asked you to be on a staff?

[sppawfan]

I did mention other players and it wasn't my topic. The crimson started it and said about dylan taking shots as his downfall and I said he isn't even sore. He was the one who praised him. I just said he and stull should have been together since the start. And further more, I don't want to coach. I am a bleachercoach! lmao! I am happy watching him play from the stands. He was coached well enough to succeed so our job is done! Read my post and you will see praise for a lot of eagles, not just dylan. I did call it though when the coaches got smart enough to play him, what he would do. that is all I need to say. Never said anything about d-1, you guys did! But you never know, he is just a 10th grader and will grow!

[tubmill]

How about that Andrew Ludwig!