fourthree

I like CBHS in this one. The coaches at CBHS have now coached the QB situation up enough whereas they are now playing solid on the offensive side. That, added to CBHS having the more athletic and physical team, equals a solid win by the Brothers. MUS has a chance if CBHS has too many turnovers, particularly from Watson.

My conclusions- Both teams are not serious contenders for state. Melrose may win two game in the playoffs, while Whitehaven may win one. Melrose's offensive line is bad. They seem to have the players, but lack everything else when it comes to solid offensive line play. They could be a contender for state if they did not play so bad on the offensive line. With or without the starting qb, Whitehaven still has not shown me that they could beat decent well-coached disciplined (teams with a history of being disciplined) teams like CBHS, MUS, and WS etc.

Should be a good game. I must go with Melrose, since the still have quality players, a tradition of winning, and the mental advantage. Melrose by 8.

Regardless of which team has the better players, Melrose has the mental advantage, has more big game experience, and still has the better program. Melrose by 8 or more.

I'll say this once- You are wrong about the CBHS Melrose game. Now, I do agree with your general view of 8-5A, as it relates to their performances when playing the privates you mentioned. Teams like Whitehaven, Woodale, and others in that district have not played competitively with the likes of MUS and CBHS, particularly early in the season. Those teams tend to not be prepared mentally nor physically for the privates early in the year; unlike Melrose.

CBHS is 1-1, and they couldn't be 2-0. Outside of just having a huge amount of untimely injuries, injuries are a part of the game. That is why good coaching, planning and having prepared backup players is part of the sport and vital in determining the outcome of games and seasons. Melrose was just the better team that day- clearly. There is no guarantee that CBHS would have won if the starting QB and NT played.

Just for speculation sakes I'll chime in. The teams that would benefit most by problems at East High would be Melrose High on the public side, and CBHS on the private side (more so if they want to).

Where can I find the stats for this game. It appears that Mitchell has something good happening with its football program. Regarding beating CBHS down the road, with the athletes I assume Mitchell has, as long special teams play, specifically punting, do not hurt them, and they are disciplined, I would say that they have a good shot at winning.

If Whitehaven wins this game, they should not only make the playoffs, but also make a deep run in the playoffs. If they lose, it would not surprise me to see them miss the playoffs. White Station seems solid, so barring a blowout loss, they still should have a good season and make a run in the playoffs. This game is huge for Whitehaven.

Too many turnovers on CBHS's part, particularly the running back Watson. Melrose also did not have too many costly mistakes, though they had a couple of turnovers also. Being that CBHS was shorthanded they could not afford to make too many mistakes. Melrose appears to be bigger and better up front this year as compared to last year.

CBHS can win with solid special teams play and very limited turnovers. The defensive will also have to be physical and cause some Melrose turnovers. CBHS will also need the benefit of a short field. If Melrose is not hurt badly by there own special teams play, penalties, and can handle Watson, this game will not be close. My prediction- If Toney, the Melrose qb, stays healthy, Melrose will win.

What is the outlook for CBHS and Melrose this year? Besides Harper, Melrose linebacker, are there any other players that are getting attention from major college programs? Besides, Watson, CBHS running back, will the Brothers have better skill players this year? Will Melrose be bigger and stronger (better) on the offensive and defensive lines and did they upgrade the running back position? Will Melrose develop a kicking game (field goals) this year?