Naugatuck is no longer a contender in the Copper Division race after losses to Torrington and Holy Cross while Woodland will need wins in their final three games, along with someone beating Torrington, to get back on top of the division. Still, both teams are alive in the state playoff hunt so they have plenty on the line. Click here to watch Kyle's and Remmy's video previewing the game.
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| Senior co-captain Zach Plourde will be important on both sides of the ball to helping Woodland defeat Naugatuck for the eighth time in nine games. Credit: Jim Shannon/Republican-American |
Kyle's Keys to the Game: Both of these teams are coming off tough losses, so the possibility that either or both teams come out flat is certainly not out of the question. Re-establishing consistent, mistake-free offenses as well as physical offensive lines and strong defensive fronts--some of the basic foundations of football--is important for both Woodland and Naugatuck. The Greyhounds turned over the ball five times against Holy Cross and few very football games are won in that manner. The Hawks' were dominated up front--something that happens far fewer times than not--in the second half against Torrington. Something tells me the chances of that happening two weeks in a row are slim. On offense, Woodland's short passing game will be important because that has consistently been the most effective and high-percentage facet of the offense thus far. Naugatuck needs to integrate some other playmakers besides Jake Yourison but not all of a sudden put it all on Zac Mercer. There are other good athletes in the borough that can help.
Remmy's Players to Watch: Naugatuck's Matt Harris may be the X-factor for the 'Hounds this week. Harris got back into the swing of things last week at Holy Cross and I expect Plasky to call Harris' number a lot more this week. Harris is a quick, speedy player with good instincts and has the ability to make anyone on the field miss. Another player to watch for is Naugatuck quarterback Zac Mercer. Mercer is coming off of a rough game but he will not be looking to have a repeat performance from last week. If Naugy finds a way to get Mercer out in space to create some plays, it has a shot at a win this week. Woodland quarterback Tanner Kingsley will need to have a great game as I expect Naugy's defense to key on Hawks running back Matt Zaccagnini. This game has all the makings for Kingsley to be spectacular because Naugy's pass defense has been pretty suspect this season with the loss of some studs due to graduation. Hawks wide receiver Anthony Scirpo is also due to have a breakout game. Scirpo is a reliable target and looks like he is one of Kingsley's more favorable targets.
Kyle's Players to Watch: Woodland's offensive line needs a comeback performance this week if the Hawks expect to keep their postseason hopes alive. That bunch, led by Tom Gendreau and Jeremy Clark, need to establish themselves to allow Zaccagnini more yardage on first-down carries and allow the offense to keep progressing. The Hawks' receivers have also been very good lately, including Scirpo, Kyle McClintick and tight ends Zach Happy and Levi Fancher. Keeping the ball spread around is a good way to keep a reeling Naugatuck defense on its heels. Greyhounds defenders like Mike Giugno and Tim Woodfield will have their hands full but are adept at slowing down offenses in the middle of the field.
Historically, Woodland has had Naugatuck's number and with the Greyhounds trending down, it looks like the Hawks might win again. Woodland's consistency, especially on offense, should propel the Hawks to victory and keep their Copper Division and Class S hopes alive.
Picks: Remmy- Woodland, 35-20. Kyle- Woodland, 28-21.
