Mike's Prediction:
If you are still undefeated this late in the season, you must be doing something right, and these two teams are a great example. Monroe Woodbury and New Rochelle have been getting the job done all year long but on Saturday night, something has to give.
In this game I am looking for the physical play of the Crusaders from Monroe Woodbury to carry them to victory. They are bigger and more physical down in the trenches and should be able to control the pace of the game. New Rochelle relies heavily upon their run game and will not be able to move the chains easily against a stout Crusader D. To top it off, I believe the Monroe Woodbury superstar QB Greg Sullivan will be the same clutch performer tonight, as he has been during his prolific career for the Crusaders. He has already led his team to a state championship a year ago and has what it takes to lead his team deep into the post season once again. When the fourth quarter is over, Monroe will be victorious and be only 2 games away from repeating as New York State Champs.
Chris' Prediction:
This week is one of those weeks where Mike and I are going for opposite teams. Every time we've done this the game is decided by four points or less. If you read Mike's prediction then you would know that I am going to predict a victory for New Rochelle.
I am usually the one that is always talking about the battle in the trenches, and whoever wins that battle, wins the game. Today, I am going to step away from this belief, and go with the team that is all about heart and not stopping until the final whistle blows.
New Rochelle does not have a lot of size, but what they do have is speed. They also have players on the team that have had to work through some tough times and adversity. Last year, New Rochelle lost there final two games in horrendous fashion, and this year the players have made it their goal to be a team and find a way to come out with the victory.
Last week they demonstrated their character in their 31-28 victory over #6, in the state of New York, Jay High School of Cross River, NY, who in their previous four games had outscored their opponents 151-17. QB Justin McGhee is going to cause problems with his legs as well as his arm, while Paris Walker and Markell Rice (brother of Rutger's RB Ray Rice) are going to make the night very long for the Monroe-Woodbury defense. The Huguenots will win 28-24.