Mike's Prediction (Chris)
It's game day and that means it's prediction time for the Road Tour. This week's matchup features Bellevue going up against Kennedy for the 3A state crown. Much of the talk around these two teams centers on the similarity of both programs and their Wing-T offenses. Although I have likely been swayed by the 2004 replay of the De La Salle vs Bellevue game I just watched, when Bellevue ended the Spartans mythical win streak, I truly believe Bellevue has the edge in this years contest. With so much similarity in these two programs, I'm looking for the discipline and veteran leadership of the Bellevue Wolverines to take them to victory.
The prime example of this veteran discipline is Bellevue QB Eric Block who led his team to the state championship as a sophomore during their 2004 campaign and is as mature of a signal caller as you can ask for at the high school level. However in the end, I believe this game will turn on Bellevue's ability to slow down Washington University bound RB Nate Williams. The Bellevue D must physical enough to meet the Kennedy O-line head on and rise to the challenge to stop Kennedy's prolific offense. If Kennedy is able to establish momentum by moving the chains with Williams, Bellevue could be in trouble. In the end I believe the Bellevue D will bend but not break, and lead the Wolverines to their 6th state title. I've got Bellevue coming out with a W, 28-21.
Chris' Prediction:
I am going to make this prediction kind of like the person writing it, short and sweet. Kennedy might have more D-1 talent, but the lack of leadership, twelve seniors to be exact, and the discipline on the defensive side of the ball is going to hurt them in this game. Bellevue makes a living off of the big play, and they know that teams of Kennedy's caliber are going to make plays throughout the game. What I am trying to say is, Kennedy might come up with plays that make Bellevue lose three yards, but when Bellevue executes like they are known for, a fifty yard touchdown run is a very common site. I am the original score predictor on this tour, so I will predict a final score of 31-17 in favor of the Wolverines of Bellevue.
