2009 Opponent Preview: Bishop McGuinness Fightin' Irish

 

2009 Opponent Preview: Bishop McGuinness Fightin' Irish

 

GuthrieSporsPage.com previews each of Guthrie's 2009 opponents.

 

Guthrie, Okla. -- As the BlueJays prepare for the upcoming football season, GuthrieSportsPage.com prepares you with everything you'll need to know about the opposition.
 
In the coming weeks, we will take an in-depth look at each of Guthrie's 2009 opponents with stat breakdowns, players to watch and keys to the game. First up, McGuinness Fightin' Irish on September 4th, at Pribil Stadium, in Oklahoma City.
 

Season opener is one of the biggest games of the year and everyone saw that last year with the Jays and Irish season opener with winning streaks, state champions meeting, state wide television, and playing for the late Tyler Nichols.

The story lines may not be quite to the level as last year, but still important as both teams graduate big names: Keaton Callins, Donte' Foster, Gabe Ikard, and Randolph Childress just to name a few.

Both teams appear to be play-off teams, but how far in the playoff's? That question may not be answered until further into the season., but both defense's will carry their team this season.

Season Outlook

The Irish have dominated their district of 4A-1 by outscoring their district foe's last year by an average of 38-12 while going undefeated and have played in the last three 4A state titles games. In which, they won back-to-back before dropping to Glenpool last season.

Douglass and Weatherford will look to push the Irish for the top spot in 4A-1 and this could be the season, but the Irish are the favorites going into the season despite losing 14-starters.
 

Player(s) to Watch

Will Blaik | FB | No. 2 | Senior

The fullback picked up the slack for an injured Alex Valle last year and had success running the ball against the Jays stingy defense a year ago. Larone Richardson (1309 rushing yards as a sophomore) is dangerous both running and catching the ball in the backfield.
 
Other Key Players: Sam Crabtree, LaRone Richardson, Dakota Leftwich, Jay Lester
  

Key vs. McGuinness's Offense

The Irish offense was good enough for 326-yards a game last season, but a lot of that is now on college campuses this season. The Irish love to run the ball and will look to do so with Richardson, who is speedy and hits his holes quickly so the Jays front seven will be tested right off the bat.

However, the Irish must replace four of the five linemen this season.
 

Key vs. McGuinness's Defense

The Irish were not solid in the run defense department last season by allowing nearly 200-yards, but allowed just a touch over two touchdowns in the scoring category. The front seven for the Irish are not very big in statue, but are aggressive in what they do.

The more experience Guthrie offensive line will have the advantage going in and must establish the run and set the tone early on the road.

Game Implications

Just like last season not a whole lot, but still yet important. The Irish lost their first two games of the year and still played in the state title game, but a win will help either young team start to build some confidence going into district in Week 4.