Oakland v. Columbia

[patriots4]

Couldn't ask for a better matchup tonight in the region semis. Perennial foes Oakland and Columbia. Far and away, their fieldhouse was one of my least favorite places to play. Of course the fact that they were usually loaded had something to do with that, too. There have been some great teams and moments over the years. But for tonight, look for the Patriots in a barnburner. Columbia is very athletic, but if there is one thing that Oakland teams do year in and year out is EXECUTE. Coach King is a master of game planning for aggressive, athletic teams. That is how we won the Huntsville Times Classic in the late 90's against some great Alabama teams. Look for Oakland to try and control the tempo and run their sets. Lots of screening, cutting, backdoor, you name it. However, Oakland must realize if they want to keep playing, they need to begin playing defense every night with some intensity. They get cheap fouls because they are too lazy to stink it up and defend. Like the coaches used to say, there will be nights when nothing will fall- there will never be a night you can't play d.

[lionsfan9]

This is pretty much the matchup I saw coming all along. I knew that if Columbia was to advance to sub-state it was going to have to be through Oakland, and the other way around too. This should be one heck of a game. Of course, I'm going to pick my Lions by 3. But I think this game is dead-even. It's almost a shame this game has to come this early in the tournament.....

[wall]

i'm goin to pick the lions in this one, they've been a strong team ever since they got past the first six games this year, they'll win in single digits

[MidTennFootball]

i cant tell you how shocked i am that the margin of victory was at much as it was. You hate to see a game end up being a blowut. Im estatic that Oakland won, but really was expecting a great game