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OFFENSIVE LINE

The Thoroughbreds have one of the largest offensive lines in minor league football period. Strong and powerful, however; they lack the agility to keep up with smaller, quicker defensive fronts. Brevard’s line is not overly impressive in size but is probably the best overall line in the league. Extremely quick and agile, they are a well disciplined group.

EDGE: Brevard

RUNNING BACKS

Two very good groups, but the best back in this game is Brevard’s Jerrel Kelly. Brevard lost RB Dereese Muhammad whom was a good compliment to Kelly, now we must see who will feel his shoes. The T-Breds have the better overall group. They have two gamebreakers in the backfield with Greg DuBose and newcomer Tony Gay (an ex Florida Gator).

EDGE: T-Breds

X

X

RECEIVERS

Both groups have serviceable receivers but none stand out and grab your attention. Onetime T-Breds star Wayne Williams has seemed to have lost a step to a knee injury and have not returned back to his big play making form. Aside from Kelly lining up outside, Brevard don’t have anyone to scare you.

EDGE: Even

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QUARTERBACKS

Brevard’s Adam Coufman took over the starting job at midseason last year and proceeded to lead the Warriors to the league title. With a better than average arm, he will occasionally hit the deep route when given the opportunity. Coufman is a good runner if you don’t watch him. The T-Breds Dee Anderson is more of the air it out and ride QB. Consistently looking for the long ball, he completes more than his fair share. He is a big play QB and one of the best in the league.

EDGE: T-Breds

X

X

OVERALL OFFENSE

These offenses are exact opposite of one another. Brevard will attack you with Kelly running behind the best line in the league, executing their vaunted “Wing-T” to the fullest. Whereas, the T-Breds will take its shots downfield and then hit with you a big run. Taking away the T-Breds big strike capability, you’re not left with much, but stopping the Wing-T, can prove to be a much difficult task.

EDGE: Brevard

X

DEFENSIVE LINE

Quickness or strength? That’s the question. Brevard relies on quickness to disturb your offensive continuity, whereas the T-Breds just simply try and manhandle you. They both do their jobs very well and there is no clear cut favorite in my book.

EDGE: Even

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LINEBACKERS

As a group, Brevard probably have a slight edge. Led by Tyrone Giscombe, they are a pesky, good tackling group. But make no mistake about it, the T-Breds Yohance Clark is the best in the business. Consistently leading them in tackles and big time hits, he easily makes up for in deficiencies his counterparts may have.

EDGE: T-Breds

X

X

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Brevard plays safe, consistently and smart. It’s very difficult to beat them with the big play and they have two good corners, Frank Hicks and Anthony Clark. The T-Breds is a “in your face”, aggressive defense. But, they will lose focus and occasionally give up the long ball.

EDGE: Brevard

X

OVERALL DEFENSE

Brevard has a more complete unit and each compliments the other well. The T-Breds live and die with the play of Clark. If you can neutralize him, you can be successful.

EDGE: Brevard

X

COACHING

Who is really the T-Breds coach. They are a team that really has been self reliant in the past and that finally caught up with them in last year’s championship game. Now, that original Head Coach and Owner Jerry Jenkins has returned, maybe he will establish some stability in those ranks. Brevard however: is led by Doug Ruggles. He represent the total opposite of the spectrum here. Stern, detailed oriented and intense Ruggles brings a certain chip to any contest. He is efficient in his play calling and is considered a very good coach.

EDGE: Brevard

INTANGIBLES

45-10. That should be more than enough fuel for the Thoroughbreds fire. Never have the 3 times AAA National Champion been beaten like that and that has been extremely embarrassing. Waiting for this game has been a long journey. Brevard is faced with the aged old question all off season, “Was last year a fluke or were you just lucky”? I’m sure they are tired of hearing that and are ready to put it to rest.

EDGE: T-Breds

X

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SCORE

After a quick, intense early start, and feeding off their home fans, I think the T-Breds will jump out to an early lead. However; I think Brevard will ride out the storm and be in the game at the end. It will come down to Kelly vs. Clark. Who will win?

I’m picking Kelly and the Warriors

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