Fort Dorchester vs Lowcountry

[Red Head]

I'm new to the Board everybody. Ok Low Country 4A teams, we played you all, how do we stack up? I'm too biased to have a unbiased opinion. What are our strengths and weaknesses? Take away just a few plays or maybe a few mistakes, are we really close to being a great team? If you beat us, how comfortable or confident would you feel about playing us again?

[GATORFAN#001]

I'm new to the Board everybody. Ok Low Country 4A teams, we played you all, how do we stack up? I'm too biased to have a unbiased opinion. What are our strengths and weaknesses? Take away just a few plays or maybe a few mistakes, are we really close to being a great team? If you beat us, how comfortable or confident would you feel about playing us again?

Well , honestly I'm glad we got the W and don't have to play y'all again till next year.

[SF Band dad]

I'm new to the Board everybody. Ok Low Country 4A teams, we played you all, how do we stack up? I'm too biased to have a unbiased opinion. What are our strengths and weaknesses? Take away just a few plays or maybe a few mistakes, are we really close to being a great team? If you beat us, how comfortable or confident would you feel about playing us again?

I've never seen FD play, but I've been reading for 3 years that y'all have lots of talent but questionable coaching. Again, all I know is what I've read.

The preliminary schedule for the next two years has FD vs SF in week 0, I guess I'll finally be able to see your team for myself.

[Don316625]

Okay RedHead, here's the deal. Athletically, Fort D is probably the most athletic team in the lowcountry. Problem is their coaching staff is holding them back. Behind Goose Creek, Summerville, and Stratford Fort D is no better than 4th in the area. Put Coach Reedy over there with the athlete's they have, Fort would win a title in 3 years or less.

In the last 3 years, Goose Creek has outscored the Fort 161-49. I have no reservations about GC playing them again.

[Red Head]

I understand how everybody feels about the talent and coaching. What I was looking for is a different perspective on judging this group of players. I feel like our strength on offense is between our tackles, and on defense, the line and linebackers can match up with anybody. Our quarterback adds a running threat that keeps a lot of teams focused on him and therefore opens up a lot of possibilities with the ball. If we slowed the game down and ran the ball between the tackles, could we make this game with DF, our game? When we played your Lowcountry team, did you see a team that could play big boy football and on a good night match up with anybody?

[Penguin]

I understand how everybody feels about the talent and coaching. What I was looking for is a different perspective on judging this group of players. I feel like our strength on offense is between our tackles, and on defense, the line and linebackers can match up with anybody. Our quarterback adds a running threat that keeps a lot of teams focused on him and therefore opens up a lot of possibilities with the ball. If we slowed the game down and ran the ball between the tackles, could we make this game with DF, our game? When we played your Lowcountry team, did you see a team that could play big boy football and on a good night match up with anybody?

The best that I saw of Fort, was the second half, the 4th quarter in particular, against West Ashley. Any other year, Fort would have folded like a cheap shirt and lost that game. Fort has a chance against anybody in the DI playoffs, or they could get embarrassed by anyone. The key will be the "mental" preparation of the team, as physically, they are the equal or better of anyone they will play. If the players keep their cool amid adversity, and above all else, if the coaches keep their cool, then Fort has a better than average shot. If not, then one and done.

For Fort, on offense, the QB is the key. Let him dictate the game and find a way to win. He has the talent, athleticism, and ability, to have a big game. The offensive line has to play tough, not on their heels like they tend to, or you have little chance against Dutch Fork. Run the ball downhill to win. You have the players to do it, just not the game plan in most cases. On defense, utilize your strength more than your speed. Play to win instead of not to lose. Too conservative on defense most of the time. Attack.......make big plays. Fort has enough speed to cover up some mistakes. Make them beat you.

It is tough to be making some of those changes so late in the season, but the game against my Eagles showed the holes on defense, and the lack of willingness to play tough. Apparently that message was loud and clear as Fort had to play extremely well to shut out Ashley Ridge. If that defense shows up, you win, if not, you don't.