Repeating as a state champion in football is one of the most hardest things to do in high school football. Think about it, after winning a state championship, all the teams that you beat the previous year are all gunning to beat you. This Friday, Brother Rice will have a chance to repeat but this time their opponent will be the always tough Big Reds from Muskegon. A team coming in with only one lost and has man-handled some teams on their route to Ford Field. If Brother Rice is to win, they will need production out of their two running backs Shon Powell and Brian Walker. Muskegon knows that these two are going to get the ball, to counter attack that, Rice must be able to at least make Muskegon respect their passing game. Rice does have some good receivers to get the ball out to. Most notably Corey Lacanaria and the speedy Josh Flye.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Muskegon, their offense presents major problems to defenses and maybe even the very aggressive Warrior D. The Big Reds use a formation they call the “Ski Gun,” which consists of a quarterback in the pistol with a running back in a three-point stance behind him. Similar to triple option teams, they send a man in motion and will either give the ball to the running back on a dive or the quarterback will keep it on an option. This type of offense will create match up problems for the Rice Defense making their linebackers have to hesitate of option plays which could result in a big play for the talented athletes the Big Reds have.
I just don’t see Brother Rice winning it this year. I would love to see Coach Fracassa get one more state title, but this Warrior Team is just not the same as last years team. The 2011 team had to fight through every single round of the playoffs to get to Ford Field. This year, the Warriors haven’t really been challenged in the playoffs. Muskegon has too many athletes, a tricky offense, and a tough defense. All characteristics a team must have if they want to win a championship.
Enjoy Ford Field everybody!
Final Score: Muskegon: 28 Rice: 14
Here is a link to the Muskegon “Ski Gun.”
The Prep Ball Report 
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