CullmanTimes.com, Cullman, Alabama

50 Yard Line: Nuts and Bolts

September 4, 2008

GAME TIME: Week two capsules

• Who: Hanceville (0-1) at Danville (0-1)

• When: Today at 7 p.m.

• Keys for Hanceville: Defense. Defense. Defense. Tackling was a problem for Hanceville last season, and it showed up again in the Bulldogs’ loss to Holly Pond last week. Hanceville has the ability to score points, but the Bulldogs have to find a way to keep their opponents off the scoreboard.

• Keys for Danville: The Hawks run an offense Hanceville has seen before — the spread. For the Hawks to move the football, they will have to be able to complete short, underneath passes on a consistent basis.

• The Times picks: Hanceville 21, Danville 20

• Who: Susan Moore (1-0) at Holly Pond (1-0)

• Keys for Holly Pond: Establishing the running game early will be crucial for the Broncos. In order for Holly Pond to be successful, coach Steve Miller’s team needs to control time of possession.

• Keys for Susan Moore: The Bulldogs showed they can score points in last week’s win over Pennington. But in order for Susan Moore’s offense to be productive, the unit has to be on the field. That’s why it’s crucial for the Bulldogs to stop the run.

• The Times picks: Susan Moore 28, Holly Pond 21

• Who: Cullman (1-0, 1-0) at Walker (1-0, 1-0)

• Keys for Cullman: Walker has speed and athletic ability. So for Cullman to win, the Bearcats have to be able to prevent big plays. Cullman should be able to score points. It’s going to be up to the Bearcats’ defense to win this one.

• Keys for Walker: Stopping the pass has to be a priority for the Vikings. Walker was unable to slow Cullman’s offense a year ago, which resulted in a 35-7 loss.

• The Times picks: Cullman 35, Walker 28

• Who: Winfield (0-1) at Vinemont (0-1)

• Keys for Vinemont: The Eagles have to find a way to slow down Winfield’s potent running game. It’s something the Pirates have been successful at for years.

• Keys for Winfield: After a heartbreaking loss to a very good Fayette County team in last week’s season opener, Winfield will be trying to bounce back. The Pirates have to avoid costly mistakes, such as turnovers and penalties.

• The Times picks: Winfield 42, Vinemont 14

• Who: Pennington (0-1) at Carbon Hill (1-0)

• Keys for Pennington: Winning the turnover battle and preventing big plays hurt the Tigers in their loss to Susan Moore last week. Pennington should be able to correct that this week.

• Keys for Carbon Hill: Slowing Pennington’s running game has to be a priority for Carbon Hill.

• The Times picks: Pennington 40, Carbon Hill 12

• Who: Addison (0-1) at Falkville (1-0)

• Keys for Addison: The Bulldogs struggled to stop the run last week against Fultondale, giving up almost 550 yards on the ground. Addison can’t allow Falkville quarterback Jonathan McNatt and running back Dustin Jump to have big games this week.

• Keys for Falkville: The Blue Devils’ defense shined in their 28-0 win over Priceville last week. Falkville needs a similar performance this week.

• The Times picks: Falkville 14, Addison 13

• Who: Lamar County (1-0) at Cold Springs (0-1)

• Keys for Lamar County: Preventing big plays on defense is crucial against Cold Springs’ spread offense.

• Keys for Cold Springs: Mental mistakes hurt Cold Springs last week in the Eagles’ loss at Carbon Hill. Lamar County features plenty of speed, so big plays have to be a concern for the Eagles’ coaching staff.

• The Times picks: Lamar County 41, Cold Springs 27

• Who: St. Bernard (0-1) at Jefferson Christian (0-1)

• Keys for St. Bernard: Defense was a problem for the Saints in week one. St. Bernard has to find a way to keep the score close at the half.

• Keys for Jefferson Christian: Establishing the run early and taking care of the football should be Jefferson Christian’s game plan in this game.

• The Times picks: Jefferson Christian 55, St. Bernard 14

• Who: Fairview (1-0) at Douglas (1-0)

• Keys for Fairview: The Aggies had a few unnecessary penalties in their win over Vinemont last week. Fairview will try to cut down on mental miscues this week.

• Keys for Douglas: Slowing down Fairview’s potent offensive attack is crucial for Douglas.

• The Times picks: Fairview 49, Douglas 14

• Who: Good Hope (0-1) at Hamilton (1-0)

• Keys for Good Hope: The Raiders have to find a way to contain quarterback Josh Hollingsworth.

• Keys for Hamilton: The Raiders will try to establish the run and keep the football out of Hollingsworth’s hands. Hamilton can’t allow Good Hope to establish long, time-consuming drives on a consistent basis.

• The Times picks: Hamilton 35, Good Hope 21

• Who: Meek (0-1) at Berry (0-1)

• Keys for Meek: Taking care of the football. The Tigers threw four interceptions last week.

• Keys for Berry: Stopping the run. The running game is the Tigers’ bread and butter.

• The Times picks: Berry 28, Meek 12

• Who: Dora (0-1) at West Point (1-0)

• Keys for West Point: The Warriors have to play with more consistency early in the game. Dora’s wing-T offense is capable of putting points on the scoreboard, so the Warriors need to establish long drives and keep the ball out of the Bulldogs’ hands.

• Keys for Dora: Defending the short pass. West Point hurt Good Hope with shot passes last week, allowing the Warriors to put together a scoring drive late in the fourth quarter. The turnover battle will also factor into this key Class 4A, Region 5 matchup.

• The Times picks: West Point 21, Dora 14

50 Yard Line: Nuts and Bolts

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