[OutlawJoseyWales]

I picked Belfry to win but that was just my heart talking. Unfortunately, your score Velvet Closer is the more realistic one. Here is the two areas where the Pirates will more than likely lose this game.

#1 - Belfry's O-Line against Alters D-Line. Why? Because like it's been said in about everyone of Belfry's threads this year, our O-Line is very young and inexperienced. Only one returning starter (Wolford/SR) and one more who saw varsity time last year (Cochran/SR). The rest are very new. We have the size to compete just not the experience. And Alters D-Line is massive and athletic! For example, their NG is 6'5 350lbs. And from what I gather their all experienced linemen too. I consider our backfield of Coleman, Dixon, Bentley, and Hensley one of the best in the state. But without great line play against a team like Alter they will be very limited. They have made our line look pretty good this year just by their athleticism and ability to make plays on their own but we haven't faced a defense like Alter's this year. Advantage Archbishop Alter.

#2 Belfry's Defense. Why? Because their O-Line is just as big and athletic as their D-Line. Thus far the Pirates defense has played really well. But again, we haven't faced an offense even close to what we're about to see Friday night. You put a player like McDonald behind an O-Line like they have and its lethal. McDonald is a big, athletic, punishing back that likes contact just as much as linebackers do. We're about to see just how tough our boys are and if they can hold up to the bruising style of football that Alter plays. Our defensive front seven are going to have to earn their money come Friday night, not just the front seven but the entire D. Can the Pirates hold up and answer the call? Time will tell.

If that wasn't enough to worry about, Belfry will be without starting O-Lineman Logan McCoy Friday night due to an injury. And another starting O-Lineman may be limited in snaps.

Good news/Bad news: Good news, starting QB Brett Coleman has been cleared and will make his season debut against Alter. Bad news, this is Coleman's first game back. May be a little rusty.

Pirates have a very tough obstacle in their way this Friday. To pull out a win they'll have to play an almost perfect game. I don't care as much about winning this game as I do in us escaping this game without more injuries because this will be a smash mouth, hard hitting, physical game that could very well result in players getting hurt. Let's just hope that's not the case.

The Bad news is that it looks like the Belfry O-Line may very well be without two starters due to injury. I won't list them here due to privacy...but I know one is out and one is listed as doubtful. What was already a steep hill to climb, just got even steeper. That being said, I still think Belfry will make a good showing. But, as many of us have been saying since July....this team is a work in progress. The injuries and illness, while so far, hasn't directly impacted the outcomes (thank goodness), has taken its toll.....especially on the offensive side of the ball. Coleman's return will have a positive impact on the offense moving forward. His hitting ability and athleticism will help the defense dramatically. He's a downhill player no doubt.