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Random thoughts on Week 3

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Saturday, September 13, 2008 12:46 AM

Random thoughts from a wet night in the Big 12:

--I was at Danville's 15-0 victory against Centennial, a game with as much defense as the final score suggests. Both units were good. But I was most impressed with Danville's physical play up front. The Maroons' defensive front is filled with sturdy, gritty guys who love to hit and pursue the ball. Even the little guys -- like 5-foot-10, 165-pound Clowzell Adams -- can stick.

Danville is a fun team to watch. The Vikings have speedy skill position players who can break a big play at any time. And they all play with an noticeable zeal. But what really stands out about Danville is its youth. Many of the regulars are juniors, holdovers from highly successful teams at the younger levels. And if you don't beat Danville this season, well, 2009 probably isn't going to provide a very good chance.

"The neat thing," DHS coach B.J. Luke said, "is most of these kids are back (next season)."

Scary thought. I don't know if the Vikings can win the Big 12 this season, but they'll contend. Next year: look out.

--As for the Chargers, they're probably better than the record (1-2) says. Both of the losses are against certain playoff teams -- unbeatens Decatur MacArthur and Danville. But the offense must improve if the Chargers are to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

Centennial probably has one of its smaller offensive lines in the last decade. And workhorse running back Rayvonte Rice is tough to bring down. But he's a lumbering type who needs a few strides to get up to full speed, and the Vikings had success against Rice by collaring him before he got rolling. Danville has a speedy defense but, ironically, the Chargers had some success using diminutive running back Dontae Burney in the second half. It'll be interesting to see if he's a bigger part of the offense in the future.

--Quick hits ... Centennial's Will Tomlinson is a darn good punter, and he can play a little defense, too. ... Danville had major trouble with center snaps from the shotgun formation Friday, but coach B.J. Luke didn't seem overly concerned. Just my speculation, but a wet field might have had something to do with it. ... Neat scene afterward: When Luke finished his talk to the team on the field, the excited players sang the fight song and jumped around in a mass huddle. Just another reason why I love high school sports.

--Showdown alert: Next week's slate features Bloomington at Central, perhaps the biggest game the Maroons have played in a long, long time. A win keeps them in contention for a Big 12 title. Can't wait for that one. And Urbana plays host to Mattoon. My prediction: Urbana gets its first win.

Back on Wednesday with a look to Week 4.

Until then, enjoy the weekend.