The Medical Leader

Belfry’s 34-13 win over Sheldon Clark was somewhat of a surprise to the pundits who tabbed this game as one of the state’s best matchups last Friday.

It didn’t live up to its true billing.

It came down to a usual theme when it comes to these games: Belfry has played (and won) in big games and Sheldon Clark is still trying to get over that hump and surpass Belfry as the King of the Mountains.

Sure, Sheldon Clark didn’t help itself by committing five turnovers. It also didn’t help that three players, including the team’s top two running backs and wide receiver was ejected.

More importantly, the Cardinals may have jeopardized its playoff hopes even more. A scuffle between the two teams could lead to massive suspensions for the Cardinals’ game with Pike Central next week. With Belfry in the rear view mirror, this is the biggest game on SC’s schedule and this could assure the Cardinals at least one home playoff game.

With that being said, here’s how I graded the two teams:

Offense

Belfry A-

I was pleased with the passing attack. Morgan Bentley caught a pair of TDs in the SC game, his first two catches of the season. Belfry is slowly showing its ability to pass in certain situations and the wildcat offense with Thomas Varney at quarterback seems to add another dimension to the Pirates’ explosive offense.

SC B-

SCHS quarterback Austin Stepp completed just 1 of 12 passes and threw two picks. While the Cardinals like to run the ball behind one of its strongest lines in school history, SCHS could be much more explosive with an efficient passing game. This offense needs to find itself in a hurry.

Defense

Belfry B+

Belfry’s secondary continues to play well. Corey Charles had two picks against the Cardinals and with the exception of an early missed assignment that resulted in SC jumping ahead early, Belfry held SC in check for the rest of the night.

SC B

Sheldon Clark seemed to peak early in the game. As the hype subsided, the Cardinals found it hard to come back down to reality and play football. Following the scuffle, SC committed three fumbles and the game started to get out of reach. The Cardinals’ offensive inaccuracies may have been the defenses biggest obstacle. Belfry’s smashmouth attack wore down SC both mentally and emotionally.

Because I did not write this game for the Medical Leader, Teddy Paynter will post some stats on the game today or in the morning. In addition, we will have some photos and other game notes posted throughout the week.

See ya at the games…