Is this the year?
Fruitland heads into state championship with a lot of confidence
By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
scottf@argusobserver.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:26 AM PST
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| Scott Ford | Argus Observer
The Fruitland offensive linemen have been a huge contributor for the Grizzlies’ success in 2009. This line has produced two running backs with more than 1,000 yards rushing. Friday, the line will have to step up one more time as the Grizzlies face off against Shelley for the Idaho 3A title. |
Fruitland
For the fourth straight year, the Fruitland Grizzlies are competing in the Idaho Real Dairy 3A state championship game, but they only have one title to show for it.
Maybe this year they can make it two.
Fruitland head coach Bruce Schlaich believes so.
“We are a decided underdog in this game, and we love it!” Schlaich said. “Our kids have been here before and know what to expect. We are confident as a team. Practice has been great. We will be prepared.”
Fruitland reached the finals by knocking off Wendell, 54-6, in the opening round of the playoffs. Then the Grizzlies took care of Orofino, 67-6, in the quarterfinals before ending Payette’s season with a 22-0 defeat.
In the postseason, the Grizzlies have averaged 47.8 points per game while giving up a stingy four points in three games.
Shelley reached the finals by defeating American Falls, 52-6. In the quarterfinals, the Russets beat Salmon, 28-27, then sent Weiser home in the semifinals with a 19-7 win.
Shelley has averaged 33 points in the playoffs, while giving up 13.
“They (Shelley) run the ‘Snake-T’ which is a variation of the Wing-T,” Schlaich said. “They are quick and physical on defense. We will see a 5-3 and 4-4 look from them.”
The key for the Grizzlies will be for the offense to control the clock, according to Schlaich.
“We have to keep our defense off the field,” he said. “We have to excel on special teams, and we cannot give up any big plays for touchdowns.”
Fruitland enters the game in good health, and Schlaich said his team is as healthy as it has been all year.
Playing on the turf is not something the Grizzlies or the coaching staff are concerned about.
“We would play in a parking lot if need be, to win this thing,” Schlaich said.
Fruitland will forceShelley to stop the running attack of the Grizzlies, but Schlaich said they will pass if they need to and if the Russets start cheating on their coverage.
“This season has been one of the most satisfying in my 32 years of coaching. We have run the gamut as a team.,” Schlaich said. “The high’s this season were beating Weiser for the Snake River Valley crown and No. 1 seed and beating Payette in the semifinals. The lows were losing to Baker in overtime and losing to Payette 26-21 . This team has matured over the last 12 weeks like no other group I have ever had.”
The 3A championship game will be carried live on KVOI 1450AM and KWEI 1260AM following the Parma/Declo 2A championship, which will also air on these stations beginning at 5 p.m.
Boring wrote on Nov 27, 2009 9:49 PM: