Freedom vs Watauga

Freedom is 0-4 for the first time in years and Watauga is 6-0 for the first time in years.

Freedom has played #2 Shelby (in NCPreps Fantastic 50), #14 Crest, #28 Asheville and lost in a squeaker to #45 TC Roberson. Next week they play #6 AC Reynolds. Freedom has the toughest schedule in 4A play. They have a new coach and are rebuilding. I think Watauga is Freedom's only shot at winning a game before going 0-6. (Freedom has NEVER been 0-6 in their 34 year history.)

NCPreps predicts Watauga by 7. Who has Watauga played other than South Caldwell that's been tough?

Thoughts/predictions??

 

Freedom in the dumps?

Freedom has played a brutal schedule with a new coach and they have not responded well. More than anything, looking at their results, it looks like their defense can't stop anyone. Watauga has had the luxury of playing some less than stellar competition. Still the Pioneers are 6-0, and you can't discount that. For Freedom its, simple. Stop Brienstein and win, if he gets 100 yards and 2 td's, Watauga wins. My guess, Freedom gets their first W.

Freedom 28
Watauga 21

 

Sounds simple enough...question is can Freedom's defense do that? Also I am guessing that Freedom has more speed then any team Watauga has faced so far, does that effect the outcome? I am glad Watauga has been successful so far and hope they continue it as our conference needs everyone playing well to make everyone else better in my opinion. Should be an interesting week in conference play (ACR at AC and EB at SC).

 

I'll admit Freedom has played a brutal schedule but when you get beat by scores like 61-7 and 36-3 not only are you playing good teams but you yourself are not that good. The thing is, and Reynoldsrocks pointed this out, Freedom still has more athletes on the field than Watauga and I think Freedom will finally get in the winners column. It will be very close but they will win.

 

I still can't get over Watauga and 6-0 being side by side.

 

Ok.... I have been quiet about Watauga all season because I didn't want to jinx them. After seeing them play, I don't think that will happen...

If you haven't seen this team play this year, but have in the past. Following are some of the differences I have noticed from the stands....

Defense These guys will hit you and hit you hard. An improved defense that has risen to the task. They stopped a potent ground attack from South last week and face a team of "better athletes" this week. Hope they can rise to the challenge again. They won't shut many people out, but they will play them tough.

Conditioning Several go both ways and play the entire game. This is no different from the past, but seems as the game wore on, they tired out. This year (in the games I have seen), they are fresher late in the game. If they can keep it close, Watauga has a real shot to win. Looks like they have really hit the weight room hard also.

Heart This team has played with heart in the past, but you can just see something different this year. They don't give up on each other. They never give up on plays. Few teams will you see the big boys up front continue downfield looking to make extra blocks and doing it without a penalty.

Team No doubt that Breitenstein is a premier athlete and could possibly be the best player in conference. BUT, they play as a team. With everyone they play keying on Breitenstein, other players step up and make plays. Big pass play last week on 4th and 9 and not to their star player. They pick each other up and have each others back. Nice to see a TEAM out on the field and not a bunch of glory hogs (don't get me wrong, I think they are enjoying their success.. it's been A LONG TIME COMING.. like Smash said.)

Confidence They walk on the field believing they can win. once again, if you saw them in the past, this was not the case. For some reason, I could just tell these guys would win last week. It was a war and they came out on top. Both teams really fought hard, but the Pioneers had confidence the whole game. Hope that holds true this week and the coming weeks.

Fan Support I have only been to a couple of games, but WOW!! What a difference a year makes. They have HUGE crowds... Heard they are busing from the mall so more people can see the game. I plan on getting their like 6 o'clock tonight just to get a spot. The community is behind these guys.... once again, LONG TIME COMING!!

They may get beat tonight but I am banking on it being a great game by both teams. Freedom looking to turn season around and Watauga looking to earn a little more respect and continue their dream season. I have the upmost respect for Coach Snow and his team. Congrats!! I am proud of you.

 

Cinderella Story Continues - Watauga 7-0

Watauga 14
Freedom 7

Britienstien almost 300yards - 2 touchdowns - and oh yeah 12 tackles also. First victory over Freedom since 1984

The Cinderella story continues in Marion next Friday night

 

Wataugas win

Official numbers
Watauga beats Freedom 14-7 tonight. Breitenstein 39 carries 252 yds 2 TDs, 12 tackles. On the year 21 TDs, 1381 yds, 8.2 a carry, 197.3 per game. Freedoms score came on a trick play pass. WHS gritted it out and go some crucial defensive stops.

 

ugh!


As long as Freedom beats Least Burke, it will have been a successful season.

 

Boxman is an absolute genius...glad he didn't enter this year's picks