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2005 5A Finals Preview

Saturday Nov 26th

Springfield (S.H.G.) (13-0) vs.Rock Island (Alleman)10 am

5A Playoff Bracket

Springfield (S.H.G.)
With the help of the multiplier & an increase in enrollment for it's opponents schools, the Cyclones have the dubious honor of being the number one team in 5A, due in part to the moving of Joliet Catholic & Morris up to 6A. While the pressure may have been more focused on the Cyclones this year, they've lived up to it, but will now face what should be their toughest opponent of the season and rightfully so considering it's the finals.

 

The Cyclone have been winning this year behind a stinging passing game that revolves around QB Bobby Brenneisen (6'1 183 jr.). Brenneisen has pass for almost 2,900 yards this season and more than likely will pass the 3,000 yard mark on Saturday.

Receivers Alex Reavy (6'3 182 sr.), Jeff Sanders (6'5 238 sr.) & running back Andre Pendergrass (5'11 188 jr.) have been his main targets in this 4 wide 1 back set. The Cyclones line held by Matt Mast (6'2 215 jr), Dane Zentgraf (5'11 205 sr.), Andrew Bova (5'11 217 sr.) James Davis (6' 218 sr.) & Nick Thoele (6'1 242 jr) will have it's hands full with a big Alleman D-line, that at an average of 6'2 247 lbs is the biggest in any of the 8 classes.

QB Bobby Brenneisen has pass for almost 2,900 yards this season

On defense SHG will be looking to contain the Pioneer's two 1,000 yard rushers in QB Andrew Doyle & FB Matt Frutiger, Halfbacks Michael Tracey & Michael Ater will also play a crucial role in a running game that plays off of deception and multiple looks.

Andrew Collins & Mike Edwards will need to bottle up Doyle & Frutiger, making sure they don't grind it out to get multiple first downs. Alleman doesn't have a flashy offense, but they've been winning the close ones, and just like this years Chicago Bears, they make sure they do what they need to not to lose the game, if SHG gives the Pioneers the ball on more than a couple of turnover they may squeeze the time out of the clock and take away the schools first title.

 


Rock Island (Alleman)
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Ok, it's wrong to refer to a wedding cliche for football, but if you can use the word Cinderella, why not bridesmaids? Either way, the Pioneers will be looking to end their schools status as the runner-up in football, as they've gone 0-2 in the finals losing 1986 to Tinley Park H.S. & 1990 to Belleville (Althoff).

Alleman D-line clocks in at an average of 6'2 247 lbs is the biggest in any of the 8 classes.

The Pioneers started the season with a tough opening week game against 4A finalist Driscoll Catholic. After losing 21-14, they've gone on to win their next 12 games. While they haven't been rolling over teams this year, they haven't been giving away games either.

When the games have been close, the Pioneers have pulled through. Each of their 4 playoff games so far have been close calls, starting with the 35-32 double overtime win in the first round over Montini Catholic and ending with last weeks semi-final victory over Cahokia 24-20.

QB Andrew Doyle has put up three times as many yards on the ground as he has in the air. With 1,042 yards rushing. Doyle & fullback Matt Frutiger have been the primary offense for the Pioneers combining for just over 2,000 yards. Michael Ater (HB 5'11 170 sr.) has also pulled up the majority of the slack on the Pioneer rushing game with 785 yards.

The Pioneers will be hoping that size matters when it comes to their defensive game. Alleman's 5 man D-line averages 6'2 247 lbs, and will be the key to putting pressure on the Cyclones QB Bobby Brenneisen & their 4 wide out passing game.

by Vincent Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

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