What Remmy has seen:
Derby- Derby's pass offense is its bread and butter. Tomczak has given this team a big boost since he's come back. His absence didn't hurt the Raiders in the division race, as they are currently tied with Ansonia for the Brass division lead. This team has played the role of underdog in every game. Maybe that's what keeps them so loose and gives them the ability to shine.
Ansonia- Ansonia has surprised many by going undefeated into Week 7 with its young team. The only person able to stop Montrell Dobbs so far is Dobbs himself. Even when Dobbs is out, the underclassmen pick up the slack. Guys like Newsome (Fr.), Matos (So.) on offense and guys like O'Connor (So.), Wood (Jr.) and Vano (Jr.) on defense are doing the job. Chudwick throws a pretty ball, too. It's up to his receivers to make some plays for him this week to keep the train running.
What Kyle has seen:
Derby- Regrettably, I haven't been able to see Derby in person this season (actually, ever...). I can't give too much in the way of strong opinions, but it seems to me that Ray Kreiger and Jacob Tomczak are the keys to the offense. If they play well, Derby plays well. If not, the Raiders lose. That's a pretty simple formula. What I'd like to know a little more about is how Derby plays in the trenches and on defense. Judging by recent scores, the Raiders have been improving in both areas.
Ansonia- I've seen plenty of Ansonia this year. This is one of the few teams (along with Derby, Woodland, and maybe Naugatuck) that have improved with each game. Montrell Dobbs is incredible to watch. The line, while not one of Ansonia's traditional earth-movers, is very capable of getting the job done. The Chargers stop the run pretty well and their pass defense has buckled down when needed.
Remmy's keys to the game:
Derby- The Raiders must be able to do what they do best--pass the ball. Holding Dobbs to a sub-150-yard performance is also a must. Derby's D-line must dominate in order for it to have a chance this week.
Ansonia- Let Dobbs loose on the Raider defense. Dobbs is the fastest player on the field almost every week. His leadership and determination are what makes this team a force to be reckoned with. Chudwick may pop a few key passes to put this game out of contention. The Chargers just better be aware of big #37 in the Derby secondary, Jake "the Snake" Tomczak.
Kyle's keys to the game:
Derby- Derby's going to need a big game in the air from Kreiger and Tomczak. They'll need to have a game similar to the one they had last week at Wolcott to pull the upset. The Raiders will also have to find some way to slow down Dobbs. I don't know if it's possible to stop him, but keeping him relatively in check is a must. Derby can't make turnovers, probably needs to force some, and needs to either be even or plus in the field-position game.
Ansonia- Ansonia just needs to play its game. The Chargers need to stick with Dobbs and throw in the occasional play-action pass from Elliot Chudwick that keeps the defense off-guard. Unless Ansonia starts turning over the ball and giving Derby opportunities, the Chargers should end the night as the Brass Division champions.
Remmy's pick: Ansonia, 45-18
Kyle's pick: Ansonia, 34-21
