Who would you take? Richland or Clearfield?

[GreenMachine]

Kind of ironic though that if the game is really "won in the trenches" as your username suggests, Clearfield would have the clear advantage there.

Agree with you on that one lhacbigfan, thats where I see the advantage towards one team in this comparison lies. Richland losing their 3 big hosses upfront IMO haven't replaced them with the same caliber of player especially to run block.

[Crimson's Ghost]

State College plays a real schedule.

And Altoona doesn't? Gateway, McKeesport, and Pittsburgh Central are no chumps. But the rest of their section is weak.




But back to this argument one thing I really like about Richland in a potential matchup is their passing game.

Matt Shaffer is a very good throwing QB, and Kyle Flick is pretty sure handed. Richland's ability to combine spread principles, and still have the power running game on reserve is pretty remarkable. They have a complete offense.

And to speak on the game in the trenches, remember Richland has their defensive ends and all of their linebackers back from last season. They wouldn't be totally overwhelmed.

[Corky McRib]

State College plays a real schedule.

And Altoona doesn't? Gateway, McKeesport, and Pittsburgh Central are no chumps. But the rest of their section is weak.

Altoona does play a real AAAA schedule and Richland plays a solid AA schedule. The team I'm skeptical about is Clearfield. They play Central Mountain this week and that's a team State College hung 71 on so we'll see if Clearfield is worthy of being mentioned as a "what if" competitive opponent for SC.

[upnorth]

I'd take Clearfield based on line play. State College would destroy either of them with their roster of 105 as their O-line and D-line would overwhelm the Bisons or Rams. The quality of competition they face week in and week out is at a completely different level, but you would expect that with a student body of around 2,500.

[ramfan]

I have not seen Clearfield play. But, I would have to agree with upnorth on the O-line. I am a diehard rams fan and attended games when you could only expect to win 1 or 2 games. But, the O-line is not as good as last year's. The O-line and kicking game is Richland's weak area this year. But, most teams would love to have Richland's problems !

[Richland_Fan]

I have got to stand up a little for my like-spirited, dirt-farming Rams.

Yes, they have some new kids in the rotation and are getting into the swing of things, but from last year to this has not been a huge drop off if at all.

Last year's avg. rushing/passing/overall at this point was:243/244/487

This year's avg. rushing/passing/overall is currently: 282/233/515

So, yes, they need to gel a little bit more, maybe the competition isn't what it was last year, maybe the skill guys are better, etc etc, but they are doing pretty well for themselves.

I hope they can continue to focus on improving and we'll see what happens.

As for the kicking game not being as strong, they do have a new place kicker(s) but the kickoffs have been the same squib/onsides/pooch style from last year and are always a work in progress. The punter is the same, but has only punted once or twice if that.

[Ramblerman24]

I will be cheering for Richland when the time comes but I must say this is the weakest I ever seen the Laurel Highland Conference. I would not be surprise to see them loose before they get a chance to play the Quips.

[konjo78]

I'd take Somerset

[coachcarter]

I would pay to see Somerset and Clearfield. Somerset is my pick in the LHAC next year.