[EKUAlum05]

I am going to stand up for Dudley in regards to overusing Stephney.

What I saw on film is there was only two areas Bell County had a possible ability to hurt Belfry consistently and predictably.

1) I thought they had some receivers with good ball skills and hands that could make some plays in the intermediate to deep passing game. Especially if they caught Belfry in single coverage or if the zone broke down with Stephney extending the play.

2) Stephney's speed and ability to make yardage in the open field would be a major problem for Belfry if they lost contain.

I think both proved to be the truth. I thought the Baker kid ran hard but he needed a head full of steam and with Belfry's quickness in the front 7 that was going to be tough.

I think Hilton knew that his hopes hinged on those two points above and that working his committee of RB's would most likely keep them in 3rd and Distance. He had to win 1st and 2nd Down and get some chunk yardage when he could.

My only critique would be that I do think he had a little more in the RPO if he wanted to go back to it, but the "almost" fumble may have kept him off it a little as did the big hit Birchfield put on a receiver. The risk of a turnover became dangerous when he knew a turnover would be doom since they could not stop Belfry.

Let's be real here... Bell County was in this game solely because of what Stephney was doing. If no Stephney, this would probably have been a very lopsided game. Bell's best Defense was their Offense having success and keeping the clock rolling.