SOC2 (5-3) West @ (2-6) Northwest

[sider]

I heard Locher has been moved to QB for the rest of the season. If think this is true i think this is a good move it gives them alot more things they can do with his speed and experance.

Thats been the only thing I haven't understood about this year...I can sympathize with the play-calling because Triplett is trying to do what he believes in and is having trouble with personel, I can understand some of the mistakes because the players are inexperienced and nervous, but I can't understand why we haven't left kids in places and let them get better...by week 2-3 you should have a set lineup, and you should let that lineup play and get better, I understand rotating kids in and out, but you have to let players (espicially young ones) stay in one spot and get better...West hasn't done that this year...Now I do think alot of this has alot to do with injuries, but there have been a bunch of kids out of position...I won't go into detail, but I think there has been different lineup every game.

And as far Locher moving to Qb, I think Ratliff is the right choice...not taking away from Locher, but Ratliff has started all this year, and is more polished as a quarterback as far as throwing form, and quite frankly he has a better arm, because when we throw its usually downfield. Locher is a better runner, but ratliff isn't slow either. I think Locher could be a better wideout of halfback than a quarterback...but, I'm not a coach and they don't pay me to think...and as a fan I support Tripletts decision's, because I think he's one of the best coaches around and is leading West in the right direction

[WestSide Pride]

I heard Locher has been moved to QB for the rest of the season. If think this is true i think this is a good move it gives them alot more things they can do with his speed and experance.

Thats been the only thing I haven't understood about this year...I can sympathize with the play-calling because Triplett is trying to do what he believes in and is having trouble with personel, I can understand some of the mistakes because the players are inexperienced and nervous, but I can't understand why we haven't left kids in places and let them get better...by week 2-3 you should have a set lineup, and you should let that lineup play and get better, I understand rotating kids in and out, but you have to let players (espicially young ones) stay in one spot and get better...West hasn't done that this year...Now I do think alot of this has alot to do with injuries, but there have been a bunch of kids out of position...I won't go into detail, but I think there has been different lineup every game.

And as far Locher moving to Qb, I think Ratliff is the right choice...not taking away from Locher, but Ratliff has started all this year, and is more polished as a quarterback as far as throwing form, and quite frankly he has a better arm, because when we throw its usually downfield. Locher is a better runner, but ratliff isn't slow either. I think Locher could be a better wideout of halfback than a quarterback...but, I'm not a coach and they don't pay me to think...and as a fan I support Tripletts decision's, because I think he's one of the best coaches around and is leading West in the right direction

I agree with just about everything you have stated. But i think Locher has just as good arm. And i also think that throwing the ball deep down field is another issue the season. You cannot go deep everytime.

[Westfan]

If this is true, maybe they think more of a running threat will allow them to get the ball outside more and open up the middle like we talked about before. Right now, Locher is the better runner and Ratliff is the better passer. It doesn't look like were good enough yet in the offensive line or the recievers department to become a good passing team yet. That needs to come in the offseason with 7 on 7's and such. This could be a good move. What will it hurt? What do they have to loose? Ratliff could make him a good receiver. Playing a little receiver could help him at Qb next year.

I guess no freshman game today?

[Black@Orange]

Don't make Ratliff a scapegoat, because we can't call an offense. We run 3 plays! We have 2 really good backs, but even they can't beat 10 guys in the box. I like our coaching staff, but you can't be making as many line adjustments as we have. We played 3 different centers against Valley. 1 had never played center. This is week 8, we should have it figured out by now. Mix the play calling up alittle bit. You don't have to wait until its 2 min. left in the game to start throwing. The Waverly game we mixed it up and look what happened. Plus you have a 4.00 student running to the sideline every play for the play? I think he could handle a signal. If not run the play in with your center. lol.

[fanatic23]

Don't make Ratliff a scapegoat, because we can't call an offense. We run 3 plays! We have 2 really good backs, but even they can't beat 10 guys in the box. I like our coaching staff, but you can't be making as many line adjustments as we have. We played 3 different centers against Valley. 1 had never played center. This is week 8, we should have it figured out by now. Mix the play calling up alittle bit. You don't have to wait until its 2 min. left in the game to start throwing. The Waverly game we mixed it up and look what happened. Plus you have a 4.00 student running to the sideline every play for the play? I think he could handle a signal. If not run the play in with your center. lol.

I totally agree with the play calling. What I don't understand is how people can justify that having Locher at QB will help us.THEY ARE STILL GOING TO PUT 9 OR 10 IN THE BOX to stop the run.He does look good playing Qb in the JV games but how many other teams have VARSITY starters playing JV. Believe it or not that would make a kid look alot better.Most JV teams consist of fresh. and soph. that get no varsity time let alone starters on the varsity. Don't get me wrong he is a good athlete but since your varsity QB is a soph. why start a junior QB in JV instead of a freshman.Imo Ratliff is the better passer and thats the only way things are going to open up IS TO PASS EARLY IN THE POSSESSION

[sider]

If this is true, maybe they think more of a running threat will allow them to get the ball outside more and open up the middle like we talked about before. Right now, Locher is the better runner and Ratliff is the better passer. It doesn't look like were good enough yet in the offensive line or the recievers department to become a good passing team yet. That needs to come in the offseason with 7 on 7's and such. This could be a good move. What will it hurt? What do they have to loose? Ratliff could make him a good receiver. Playing a little receiver could help him at Qb next year.

I guess no freshman game today?

Maybe you are right, if we put Locher at quarterback, and run our read option, and sweeps that Alfie ran...we should go all in for the last two games, and try to pick up the wins...I know the Burg will be a tough task, and playoffs look bleak, but who knows? What would better as your last game to beat your rival at their home field...I think in the offseason, Levi should be made the quarterback, but right now, why not change things up a little

Don't make Ratliff a scapegoat, because we can't call an offense. We run 3 plays! We have 2 really good backs, but even they can't beat 10 guys in the box. I like our coaching staff, but you can't be making as many line adjustments as we have. We played 3 different centers against Valley. 1 had never played center. This is week 8, we should have it figured out by now. Mix the play calling up alittle bit. You don't have to wait until its 2 min. left in the game to start throwing. The Waverly game we mixed it up and look what happened. Plus you have a 4.00 student running to the sideline every play for the play? I think he could handle a signal. If not run the play in with your center. lol.

I totally agree with the play calling. What I don't understand is how people can justify that having Locher at QB will help us.THEY ARE STILL GOING TO PUT 9 OR 10 IN THE BOX to stop the run.He does look good playing Qb in the JV games but how many other teams have VARSITY starters playing JV. Believe it or not that would make a kid look alot better.Most JV teams consist of fresh. and soph. that get no varsity time let alone starters on the varsity. Don't get me wrong he is a good athlete but since your varsity QB is a soph. why start a junior QB in JV instead of a freshman.Imo Ratliff is the better passer and thats the only way things are going to open up IS TO PASS EARLY IN THE POSSESSION

You can unload the box with the run...why do you think an old fashioned Wing-t team's bread and butter play is the buck sweep...you run your sweep to the outside to loosen the defense up then you run your traps, isos, and power's to the inside...you can open the box the outside run...Ironton does this with their off-tackle play, and sweeps...Triplett believes in this philsophy as well, we have only had one runner that runs an effective sweep play (pendleton), and other backs have looked the inside, instead of trusting their speed to the outside...last year we had Dale and Alfie who both could dance on the sideline and really make our speed work...the backs this year haven't been able to this...However, I do agree that we should mix up the playcalling to include more passing, and we need to establish pass on first down

[sider]

Don't make Ratliff a scapegoat, because we can't call an offense. We run 3 plays! We have 2 really good backs, but even they can't beat 10 guys in the box. I like our coaching staff, but you can't be making as many line adjustments as we have. We played 3 different centers against Valley. 1 had never played center. This is week 8, we should have it figured out by now. Mix the play calling up alittle bit. You don't have to wait until its 2 min. left in the game to start throwing. The Waverly game we mixed it up and look what happened. Plus you have a 4.00 student running to the sideline every play for the play? I think he could handle a signal. If not run the play in with your center. lol.

And I agree, the lack offense isn't Ratliff's fault...he has passed very well when he it wasn't 3 and long...I think he has the potiental to be the best quarterback West has had in a while

[West Sider]

I second that

[WestSide Pride]

I think both are very good ball players. I think they both bring something to the team. It comes down to who can read the def. and tell the sideline what is going on and what needs to be done. A 4.0 don't mean a thing on the field and i would say Locher is a 3.0 or 3.5 but on the field that has nothing to do with getting the job done. I also think Locher has as good of a arm for the mid to short passing game and that is what we need. I would also say that if you compere numbers he has the same if not better completion rating this season and more rushing yards in the games his played at QB on varsity. I think they had him down on JV the last two weeks getting ready for this move back to varsity QB.
This what i think right or wrong its coach T's team to do with what he wants.

[YoDuh]

Good luck West Friday and no injuries. Asst. coaches need to help out alittle more, It
appears Triplett is doing it all. I see one of the other paid coaches on the sideline 5 yards
from where the head coach is, and don't ever see him help with input.

"Agree with you the council does"

There was a time when West attained consistent success as a team year in and year out, and it was due largely to a fully paid and fully educated team of support staff who paid their dues at the collegiate level. True mentors in the game of life. Men who earned your respect on the practice field as well as in the classrooms/hallways through their hard work, dedication and experienced insight.

Respectfully I say Triplett this, Triplett that, Triplett my @$$! He's only as good as his help.

[Westfan]

Good luck West Friday and no injuries. Asst. coaches need to help out alittle more, It
appears Triplett is doing it all. I see one of the other paid coaches on the sideline 5 yards
from where the head coach is, and don't ever see him help with input.

"Agree with you the council does"

There was a time when West attained consistent success as a team year in and year out, and it was due largely to a fully paid and fully educated team of support staff who paid their dues at the collegiate level. True mentors in the game of life. Men who earned your respect on the practice field as well as in the classrooms/hallways through their hard work, dedication and experienced insight.

Respectfully I say Triplett this, Triplett that, Triplett my @$$! He's only as good as his help.

You guys are right, he does need help. A head coach cannot do it all. He does have several guys that help which are dedicated to West. But like has been said before, Triplett doesn't make much and only a couple assistants get paid anything (It isn't much); the rest get nothing. This is wrong. To have a staff full of great coaches, they need to be paid. Football is a year round sport. Basketball and baseball can be, but they are still nothing like football if you do like you should and put in the time to win. Weightlifting and conditioning are year round. I think the people that do it should be commended, not criticised. Most people aren't rich. It's huge the amount of money that coaches loose on all levels missing work to be there. Not to mention gas, etc.

If your like me and you think this needs to be fixed. Vote for change on the school board. That is the start. After that we can get a Superintendent that will support Sports and their value to education. Not fight them every step of the way. If change is not made, I can assure you it will not get better. The one in line to get the job when the current Superintendent's contract is up will not help.

[Westfan]

Don't make Ratliff a scapegoat, because we can't call an offense. We run 3 plays! We have 2 really good backs, but even they can't beat 10 guys in the box. I like our coaching staff, but you can't be making as many line adjustments as we have. We played 3 different centers against Valley. 1 had never played center. This is week 8, we should have it figured out by now. Mix the play calling up alittle bit. You don't have to wait until its 2 min. left in the game to start throwing. The Waverly game we mixed it up and look what happened. Plus you have a 4.00 student running to the sideline every play for the play? I think he could handle a signal. If not run the play in with your center. lol.

I don't think anybody is trying to make Levi a scapegoat; either coaches or fans. He isn't the reason we've had trouble. He's a great young talent and young man. From what I've seen he's a great leader also. Besides its still a rumor that Locher is starting. Won't know till tonight.

It is the coaches responsibility to put the team in the best position to succeed. Sometimes that means finding the right mix. Levi can really throw the football. But for him to complete a pass we need the right play call, blocking, good route running, and the receiver to catch the ball. Right now, this isn't happening a nuff. Maybe something simpler like the read option and running the football can make the offense better. That isn't Levi's fault. The passing game takes time and can't be fixed in 2 weeks. That needs to be in the offseason. If they put in the time, add Frye and some others to the receiving corps; Ratliff will be a great QB at West. Remember, he is only a sophomore.

[falconater]

Personally, I think West has a good coaching staff and have a very young team.

[osu 77]

Well said!!

[TAR HEEL FAN44]

Can West make the playoffs if the win out?

[bigstick625]

Long night for the Mohawks

[west siders]

Can West make the playoffs if the win out?

they can but there are a lot of IF'S

here is the remaining teams that still have a chance to make the playoffs and their reamaning schedule.


1 Amanda Amanda-Clearcreek-------- fairfield Union should bump west up a spot------Bloom Carrol mathmatically eliminated

2 Ironton Ironton-------Nelsonville York and Warren neither in 4:15 won't help west

3 Coshocton Coshocton--------Dover and Riverview neither in 4:15 won't help West

4 Heath Heath Zanesville-------Bexley and lakewood neither in 4:15 won't help west

5 West Muskingum--------Philo and Claymont neither in 4:15 won't help west

6 Sparta Highland--------ridgedale and mount gilead neither in 4:15 won't help west

7 Columbus Bishop Hartley------spencerville and Bishop Ready need them to lose one game. Neither in 4:15

8 Chillicothe Zane Trace--------Southeastern and paint Valley need them to lose one game. Neither in 4:15

9 Albany Alexander------Vinton County and Wellston need them to lose one game primarily the Vinton County game. Wellston ME in 4:15

10 Portsmouth Portsmouth--------Marietta western Brown need them to lose a game primarily the Marietta game. Neither in 4:15

11 Proctorville Fairland--------Chesapeake and Coal Grove need them to lose a game. both in 5:19

12 Lancaster Fairfield Union-------Clearcreek and Hamilton Township need them to lose a game. Clearcreek in 4:15 clinched home playoff spot though

13 West Portsmouth Portsmouth West------Northwest and Wheelersburg need to win both games to have any chance

14 Utica Utica---------Danville and Centerburg win both won't help much

15 Williamsport Westfall----------Huntington and piketon the Piketon only one behind Westfall neither team should jump west if west wins out.

16 Piketon Piketon-----Adena and Westfall shouldn't jump west if west wins out.

***** ME refers to Mathmatically eliminated from playoffs
*****4:15 refers to division 4 region 15 same region as west

West will also benifit if Valley beats Wheelersburg and West beats Wheelersburg.

[Westfan]

Some of that is not out of the question. We should be sittin pretty right now, but just gave that one away at the end last week. Need to not worry about the playoffs and play for pride. If a miracle happens great. Either way, winning this week and spoiling the burgs season would be awsome. Did want to see these boys get a taste of the playoffs to prepare for a run next year. But finishing strong, learning from mistakes, and another year of growing up will really make a difference. Were gonna make a serious run at the whole thing next year.

Mud bowl tonight. Lets hope for not injuries.

[west siders]

perfect weather for a High School Football game! Good Luck West and stay injury free!

[TAR HEEL FAN44]

West kicks off.