Friday, November 6, 2009

GMC & FAVC Champions Collide in First Round

Firebirds look to pull off upset over Redskins

by Bret Sims

In what is expected to be a great first round matchup the Firebirds of Lakota West travel to Anderson to take on the undefeated Redskins.

The Redskins have unfinished business having lost in the state championship game last year to Sylvania Southview 29-25.

West on the other hand is back in the playoffs after being absent last year and look to continue their success that they have enjoyed all season.

Anderson is lead by senior RB Kyle Slater who has rushed for 1,161 yards and 23 touchdowns. Slater has averaged an impressive 10.7 yards per carry. However what most people don’t realize is that Slater wasn’t their leading rusher. Brandon Bornhauser managed to grind out 1,219 yards to lead the Redskins.

The Firebirds will counter with a very talented running back of their own in senior Jordan Thompson who managed to rush for 1,573 yards and 19 touchdowns as he led West to their first undefeated GMC season.

Neither team moves the ball efficiently through the air but Alex Smith has all the tools to be a game changer for West and this might be the game where the Firebirds could take advantage of his abilities.

West has many individual players that are loaded with talent like senior linebacker Jordan Hicks but Anderson plays better as a team and you don’t go undefeated if you aren’t solid at every position.

Anderson is comfortable in the playoffs and playing at home will give them an extra shot of adrenaline that could be the difference maker in the game.

Both defenses should keep this game close but should the Firebirds find themselves in a hole that they might have to pass their way out of it may result in an early first round exit.

Regardless of the outcome of the game the fans are sure to get their money’s worth and EVERYONE will be pumped that the playoffs are here.