Diehard Jock: Wrapping up the high school football season
By Scott Ford
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 9:57 AM PST
First of all let me say congratulations to both the Fruitland Grizzlies and the Parma Panthers for their huge wins this past Saturday.
I want to wish both schools the best of luck in the upcoming championship games.
Imagine have two area schools bringing home titles.
In the Fruitland/Buhl game, I was impressed with the secondary of the Grizzlies.
All season I have been saying they had not been tested, and I was not sure how they would react against a passing team, but I guess they showed me the light.
I believe this Grizzly team is the complete team. They have all the bases covered, and I think the Savages are in for a long night, come Friday.
I can only wonder what the Salmon coaches are going through as they watch Fruitland film.
I can see them now scratching their heads wondering how to spot this powerful Fruitland team.
I am sure their plan is to try and slow down the four-head Wing-T monster in Caleb Crim, Nick Varriale, Tommy Macfarlane and Zack Fabricius, but many have tried and none have succeeded.
Then there is the defensive hurdle the Savages face, especially since the Griz’ secondary has proven to be able to stop the pass attack.
What will Salmon do to find success when they have the ball?
Run — no. Pass — no. Maybe they will have to borrow some of the trickery that coach Chris Peterson has in his playbook at Boise State.
But what ever they do, I do not think it will matter. This Fruitland team is the real deal, and I expect it to make a huge showing Friday and come away with a convincing 35-7 win and the title.
Prowling Panthers ready to spring
Now for the Panthers of Parma.
What a season they are having. I am positive the Panthers would also be perfect entering the championship game if Rance Portenier would have played in the season opener against Baker — Parma’s only loss this season, 20-12,
The Panthers, much like the Grizzlies, have plenty of go-to guys.
Athletes like Portenier, Lance Johnson, Tyler Ford, Cameron Stewart and Randy Riley.
Did I mention the Panthers can also score a ton of points?
So far this year they are averaging 33.1 points per game, and they can score through the air or on the ground.
However, Declo has also put up the points, with a season average of 31.7 points per game.
This game has the making of an offensive explosion. What a great championship that would be.
But I do not think this will happen. Parma is also a very stout defensive team, and I think the Panther D-line will hamper the Hornets’ running game, while the Panther linebackers have a heyday and the secondary swats the Hornets’ pass attack. I think Parma will win 42-12.
Don’t hang your heads, Tigers
Hats off to the Ontario Tigers for a great season. Even though the Tigers did not get to that final game, I would think the coaching staff and the fans will chalk up this season as a success.
Don’t count out Ontario next year either. The Tigers will have a lot of returning players, and they should be right where they left off this year with an explosive offense and a hard-knock defense. Good job Tigers.
Double dribble
Tonight a handful of hoops teams will hit the hardwood to kick off the 2008-2009 basketball season.
The Fruitland Lady Grizzlies take on Nampa Christian. The Parma girls travel to Homedale for a season opening battle. The New Plymouth and Weiser girls will get to know each other at Weiser’s house, and the Lady Pirates tip off their season at Marsing tonight.
So all you hoops fans, get out and get your fix. Basketball is here.
re sick of FHS wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:06 AM: