I hoped someone else would get this going.... but I guess I’ll start the rant.
I can’t image anyone at this game left saying “that was a really good game!” Because it wasn’t.... I came in with high expectations and left very disappointed.
Let’s start quickly with officials.... Wow! You have to get things under control early or players will continue to push the boundaries until it becomes an ugly game- just like last night. Was this the same Carlsbad crew that officiated the 2016 debacle that made national news between these two teams?
Offensively I thought both teams were pretty impressive. Goddards offense is one of my favorites to watch- because it’s so “basic and in your face.” It’s not a deceptive run scheme like Wing T or the Veer - it’s declaring a strong side and daring you to stop it by punishing you down the field play after play. Artesia couldn’t stop it. Works great against teams you are bigger and stronger than, of course if you run into a team that can match the size/strength problems can occur (example: Los Lunas).... Artesia was solid as well, typical Bulldogs- finding chinks’ in the armor to get points. Braxton McDonald and Johntae Rodriguez were exceptional considering what they were up against from the Goddard defense scheme.
Defense I was very disappointed with both teams.... Coach Johnson did a good job with the scheme I thought, he moved the Dogs best players to the play side pretty much all game.... so he wasn’t fooled, he just didn’t have the horses to match their horses.... I didn’t like that they played their strong side End the entire second half with one arm. It was ridiculous..... everyone saw it, so the staff can’t say they didn’t know. Literally played every snap of Defense and Special Teams with one arm tucked into his body.... you can imagine how noneffective he was. Goddard used the same strategy Lovington tried in 2018- I call it the “grab and drag”..... Obviously this tactic is to grab the slots as they release (by any means necessary, the jersey, or even better if you can lock up around their waist- and then have the slots drag you for 2 or 3 seconds into the play). This scheme can be great or terrible depending on the officiating crew... At Lovington the scheme was ineffective because the back judge continuously threw the flag when this tactic was used.... Not the case last night- the back judge didn’t throw one defensive holding call in the second half. But regardless if the the tactic works or not, it is disappointing that this is what’s being taught.... and make no mistake- it is obvious that this is being taught and part of the game plan. Coaches claim they are teaching more than football, but life lessons.... “It’s only against the rules, if you get caught” should not be a life lesson!!
I find Karma sometimes raises her head, if the games not played the right way.... Maybe last night she wasn’t watching!!
I would love to hear from others at the game and get their thoughts.... I only offered my opinion of the game, I welcome others point of view!
