Week 7 West @ Valley

[sider]

Good job to both teams, West had their chances (especially on the onside kick) and I think we did as good as we could of containing Keller and Yates. Valley has a very nice team and will probably go on to win their first gold football in Soc II. With that being said, I think that both of these teams will indeed make the playoffs, but I can't really see neither making it past the second round or the regional final. Both of these team are good teams (Valley being the better of the two), but neither seem like state contenders right now. I hope they both prove me wrong.

I would love to see West commit to the pass more often. The last drive we scored was the drive we passed the ball. The way Valley play 3 deep and commit 8 to stop the run, gave us success passing. Hopefully, we work on it before playoffs. Regardless the staff has done a good job this year so far.

[28Buck]

Listening from the Minford game this contest sounded hard fought and very much worth the price of admission. Congrats to the Indians on a huge win! The radio announcers mentioned the sportsmanship after the game and that is always great to hear. Once again congrats Indians and good luck to both teams (except for week 10 Valley ). Region 19 better watch out

[Westfan]

Congrats to Valley. They are very talented. Yates is in total control. Keller and Dwyer are great at their positions, but Yates is just so fluid back there that he keeps the defense reacting all game.

Was very impressed by the heart of West last night. Never did they give up, even when things looked bleak. Valley controlled the tempo the whole game. West was reacting to Valley all night. Never did it seem like we took control and played our game.

I agree about the playcalling from Demaniac on the quick hitters and others that we need to pass more. Against these teams playing to get up the field shooting gaps and such, you need quick hitters like we ran on the 2 td drives after the half. The counters take too long to get off. When we ran the dives to Auger, he was 3 yards down field before the linebacker's could react. We need to throw the ball more. We can throw it. We threw it when they new we were gonna throw it.

On a side note, one thing I would really like to see different is a net down there for Morgan to kick into during the game. He doesn't play much if any varsity yet, so like last night the kid may not kick the ball for an hour after warmups. He has to get stiff. Extra points are critical.

Lot of football left to play. Very good chance we could see take 2 in about 4 weeks.

[Bo_Diaz]

This thread has been surprisingly quiet considering all of the noise some were making leading up to this game... Oh well

If anything comes from this game, I hope the talk of Valley being a finese team and not being able to play a physical game goes away. The Indians were able to dominate the offensive and defensive lines all night long and it made things extremely tough for the Siders. And the trio of Yates, Keller, and Dwyer proved to be too much for the Siders defense. Dwyer made some great plays on 50/50 balls and Keller was able to turn in a nice effort after rebounding from the 2 fumbles. But Yates showed once again why he is so dangerous and such a threat for opposing defenses... He was able to break contain on some designed runs and he was able to scramble around and make big plays with his arm. IMO, he put to rest the quetion on who is the best QB in the SOC. I'll give West credit for making this game closer than it really was... they took advantage of the turnovers and the short field like good teams do.

Awesome turnout last night for an amazing game... Very proud of my Indians and extremely impressed with the job that Coach Crabtree and his coaching staff did. They had the Indians prepared for every thing the Siders were doing on both sides of the ball.

[crab_apple4]

Besides the awesome jobs by the Valley O and D lines and the big plays by Valley's holy trinity, my highlight of the night was the VHS band playing the Jaws theme at the end of game! Classic!

[ManitouDan]

is there really serious discussion about changing the Portsmuth West mascot from the Senators to the Sharks ? When you see the west cheer section holding up a huge gray shark it makes you wonder ....I thought it just kids being goofy or maybe some individual's nickname was "shark " but talk of changing the mascot ? please tell me it's not seriously being considered . MD

[coop]

First of all......wow what a ballgame. Well worth the drive from Indianapolis. Valley proved last night they can be physical. I heard coach crabtree say on the radio this morning all of his linemen played every snap both ways. I don't agree that these 2 teams are 1 and done...(see 05 valley) the valley corners need to look for the ball. Teams will try to exploit that going forward. Great game and I will be back in 2 weeks for wheelersburg.

[Westfan]

is there really serious discussion about changing the Portsmuth West mascot from the Senators to the Sharks ? When you see the west cheer section holding up a huge gray shark it makes you wonder ....I thought it just kids being goofy or maybe some individual's nickname was "shark " but talk of changing the mascot ? please tell me it's not seriously being considered . MD

There has been talk off and on over the last few years of changing the name because they said the Senators logo is trademarked and they can't use it on shirts and stuff. Someone may be able to verify that, but it is what I've been told. Name I had heard was Ravens, for Raven Rock. I say just make it Siders. That's what we like anyway.

[Westfan]

First of all......wow what a ballgame. Well worth the drive from Indianapolis. Valley proved last night they can be physical. I heard coach crabtree say on the radio this morning all of his linemen played every snap both ways. I don't agree that these 2 teams are 1 and done...(see 05 valley) the valley corners need to look for the ball. Teams will try to exploit that going forward. Great game and I will be back in 2 weeks for wheelersburg.

I think both of these teams have the ability to win a couple in the playoffs. Playoffs are alot about matchups. Either way this was a good judge of where both teams are at and this game will make both better going forward. Valley will not see a bigger more physical team in this region than West and West won't see a more talented spread team.

I hate that we lost. And I would've liked to seen West win the SOC II. But since the run West made in 2002, if you gave me the option of West winning the SOC or making a playoff run I would choose the playoffs. Before that run, playoffs really weren't thought about. That year, we really got whipped by Portsmouth and Coshocton. If we hadn't lost those games I don't think we would've made the run we did in the playoffs, and returning the favor on both teams. So from a West perspective, maybe this loss will refocus the team and give the coaches a good indicator of where we are and what we need to do different.

[coop]

First of all......wow what a ballgame. Well worth the drive from Indianapolis. Valley proved last night they can be physical. I heard coach crabtree say on the radio this morning all of his linemen played every snap both ways. I don't agree that these 2 teams are 1 and done...(see 05 valley) the valley corners need to look for the ball. Teams will try to exploit that going forward. Great game and I will be back in 2 weeks for wheelersburg.

I think both of these teams have the ability to win a couple in the playoffs. Playoffs are alot about matchups. Either way this was a good judge of where both teams are at and this game will make both better going forward. Valley will not see a bigger more physical team in this region than West and West won't see a more talented spread team.

I hate that we lost. And I would've liked to seen West win the SOC II. But since the run West made in 2002, if you gave me the option of West winning the SOC or making a playoff run I would choose the playoffs. Before that run, playoffs really weren't thought about. That year, we really got whipped by Portsmouth and Coshocton. If we hadn't lost those games I don't think we would've made the run we did in the playoffs, and returning the favor on both teams. So from a West perspective, maybe this loss will refocus the team and give the coaches a good indicator of where we are and what we need to do different.

I agree with that, I think that with what the Indians did to the Senator/Sider/Sharks up front, will give them confidence as far as being physical with the rest of Region 19. I think West finishes 9-1 with Valley finishing 10-0 and I look for these two teams to be in the hunt for the Region 19 title.

As far as the mascot situation, If im west, why not change the mascot to something the kids can have fun with? Senator is a terrible "mascot" anyways, and with the trademarks it makes it worse.

Portsmouth West Sharks...not bad.

[sider]

First of all......wow what a ballgame. Well worth the drive from Indianapolis. Valley proved last night they can be physical. I heard coach crabtree say on the radio this morning all of his linemen played every snap both ways. I don't agree that these 2 teams are 1 and done...(see 05 valley) the valley corners need to look for the ball. Teams will try to exploit that going forward. Great game and I will be back in 2 weeks for wheelersburg.

I think both of these teams have the ability to win a couple in the playoffs. Playoffs are alot about matchups. Either way this was a good judge of where both teams are at and this game will make both better going forward. Valley will not see a bigger more physical team in this region than West and West won't see a more talented spread team.

I hate that we lost. And I would've liked to seen West win the SOC II. But since the run West made in 2002, if you gave me the option of West winning the SOC or making a playoff run I would choose the playoffs. Before that run, playoffs really weren't thought about. That year, we really got whipped by Portsmouth and Coshocton. If we hadn't lost those games I don't think we would've made the run we did in the playoffs, and returning the favor on both teams. So from a West perspective, maybe this loss will refocus the team and give the coaches a good indicator of where we are and what we need to do different.

Hopefully it West will refocus...The region is still up in there air, but it seems to be a little weaker this year than what it has been in the past. I think if Columbus Academy gets in the would give both teams trouble, I also think Grandview Heights could as well...but other than that I think Nelsonville York is comparable to West. I think the North of 70 teams like Wynford and Ridgewood are beatable especially if we get them at home (or Valley does)

[yabbadabbadoo]

I love how no one is giving the Burg any chance against either Valley or West. If memory serves me correctly, there has been a few years in the past where both teams should have beaten the Burg and Burg won. If Burg wins out, they win the SOC plus host in week 11.

Crazier things have happened.

[SOCMAN05]

Dabadoo, Just posters ! 3 games to go and I guarantee you that Valley is not looking past any team Coach C will not let them !

[fan4sure]

come on West 3 more wins your in. Week 11 looking good for WEST. Not taking anything away from Valley but your going to make it if you win out. Sorry burg, cant see but one more win for you guys. Like someone said before, do not count burg out or they will come and bite you in the a##, that could end someones season. GO WEST!!!!! This week is behind us now time to move forward. Tiger bait on the hook for the SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NYFan54]

With the Ridgewood loss, I'm wondering if the Siders can jump into the top 4 in the final 3 weeks? Currently, R19 looks like:

1. Wynford
2. Nelsonville-York
3. Valley
4. Ridgewood
5. Grandview Heights
6. West
7. Hillsdale
8. Columbus Academy

[BigBlueNation]

First of all......wow what a ballgame. Well worth the drive from Indianapolis. Valley proved last night they can be physical. I heard coach crabtree say on the radio this morning all of his linemen played every snap both ways. I don't agree that these 2 teams are 1 and done...(see 05 valley) the valley corners need to look for the ball. Teams will try to exploit that going forward. Great game and I will be back in 2 weeks for wheelersburg.

I think both of these teams have the ability to win a couple in the playoffs. Playoffs are alot about matchups. Either way this was a good judge of where both teams are at and this game will make both better going forward. Valley will not see a bigger more physical team in this region than West and West won't see a more talented spread team.

I hate that we lost. And I would've liked to seen West win the SOC II. But since the run West made in 2002, if you gave me the option of West winning the SOC or making a playoff run I would choose the playoffs. Before that run, playoffs really weren't thought about. That year, we really got whipped by Portsmouth and Coshocton. If we hadn't lost those games I don't think we would've made the run we did in the playoffs, and returning the favor on both teams. So from a West perspective, maybe this loss will refocus the team and give the coaches a good indicator of where we are and what we need to do different.

I agree with that, I think that with what the Indians did to the Senator/Sider/Sharks up front, will give them confidence as far as being physical with the rest of Region 19. I think West finishes 9-1 with Valley finishing 10-0 and I look for these two teams to be in the hunt for the Region 19 title.

As far as the mascot situation, If im west, why not change the mascot to something the kids can have fun with? Senator is a terrible "mascot" anyways, and with the trademarks it makes it worse.

Portsmouth West Sharks...not bad.

Very good post from you both. Siderman agree with you 100% as I do on most of your post. Chicken Coop no way on the Portsmouth West Sharks, never cared much for the Senator thing either just ask any of the oldschool West fans and we still consider ourself as the Portsmouth West Siders.

[westside_rebel]

How about Portsmouth West Ravens?!?

[BigBlueNation]

How about Portsmouth West Ravens?!?

No Portsmouth West Siders.

[Jesco White]

I read some comments earlier where some believed West needed to throw the ball more last night, because they believe the Siders had success in the passing game. I've got to be honest, I disagree. In the final drive, Ratliff was just 2-5 against a prevent defense that was conceding the pass in order to keep the ball in bounds and the clock running. I'm sorry, but while I credit Ratliff for making the most of what he was given, I just don't view that as the type of passing attack that was capable of changing that particular ballgame. He was 2-4 prior to that drive, but also faced a lot of pressure when he dropped back prior to the late drive. At no point did it appear that the West passing game was a legit threat last night. I'll concede that maybe I'm looking through rose colored glasses, but as big a fan as I've openly become of Ratliff, I don't think bias is playing a factor here.

Also, as for the comment about wanting to see how this game would've played out at the Rock...what do you think would have been different? These are two very good football teams who are pretty evenly matched. However, I don't think it would have mattered where this game would have been played last night. Valley just flat out out-played West in all facets of the game, except turnover margin. It was just one of those nights!! I'm quite certain West is going to bounce back stronger than ever and hopefully we'll all get to see these two teams square off again a couple of rounds deep into the playoffs!!!

My hat goes off to both teams on a hard fought and classy game!!! Good luck to West the rest of the way and keep it rolling Valley!!!!!

[Buckeye24]

I read some comments earlier where some believed West needed to throw the ball more last night, because they believe the Siders had success in the passing game. I've got to be honest, I disagree. In the final drive, Ratliff was just 2-5 against a prevent defense that was conceding the pass in order to keep the ball in bounds and the clock running. I'm sorry, but while I credit Ratliff for making the most of what he was given, I just don't view that as the type of passing attack that was capable of changing that particular ballgame. He was 2-4 prior to that drive, but also faced a lot of pressure when he dropped back prior to the late drive. At no point did it appear that the West passing game was a legit threat last night. I'll concede that maybe I'm looking through rose colored glasses, but as big a fan as I've openly become of Ratliff, I don't think bias is playing a factor here.

Also, as for the comment about wanting to see how this game would've played out at the Rock...what do you think would have been different? These are two very good football teams who are pretty evenly matched. However, I don't think it would have mattered where this game would have been played last night. Valley just flat out out-played West in all facets of the game, except turnover margin. It was just one of those nights!! I'm quite certain West is going to bounce back stronger than ever and hopefully we'll all get to see these two teams square off again a couple of rounds deep into the playoffs!!!

My hat goes off to both teams on a hard fought and classy game!!! Good luck to West the rest of the way and keep it rolling Valley!!!!!

He tried to put the ball in the endzone the final three passes of the final drive. If he would've been patient and not try to force the ball, they could have scored. Imagine how much more intense this game would have been if it went to OT!

Anyway, I made the comment about the game being at the Rock because I believe the atmosphere and surface had some effect on the game. I've played on Valley's turf in the past, and it's a lot different than playing on grass. A team that practices on it would have a little bit of an advantage. Not saying it would change the game; I just want to see how it would play out.