Park Hill Trojans
vs.
Park Hill South Panthers
7 p. m.
Park Hill District Stadium
 |
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PHS: Black jerseys, purple pants
Media Coverage
Television: Metro Sports, Time Warner Cable, Channel 30
Radio: Sports Radio 810 WHB
Print: Platte County Citizen, PrepsKC
Series history:
Park Hill has won 10 of 11 all-time meetings
Park Hill South won in 2004
Last meeting - Park Hill 19-6 (2010)
Game time weather/temperature (forecasted):
Clear skies, 72 degrees
Match-up Breakdown
When Park Hill has the ball and runs:
Advantage - PARK HILL
This is what the Trojans do best. Starting tailback Eddie McDonald (138 yards, 17 carries, 8.1 avg, 2 TD's) will start his first varsity game this week after senior Jordan Wang is sidelined for six to ten weeks with an elbow injury. While Wang, previously a fullback, was a physical and powerful back, McDonald will have more speed to the outside. This will change Park Hill's scheme slightly to tailor to McDonald's strengths, but you can still expect a full-throttle assault up the middle. Expect fullback Chris Heustis to compliment this even more as the Trojans now-leading rusher (154 yards, 26 carries, 5.9 avg, 1 TD). Especially with an excited environment, Heustis may see early carries to generate small, but positive yards to produce an offensive rhythm.
Defensive tackle Ron Anderson will not make it easy though. The three-year starter and inspirational core leader of the Panthers will be energized to go up against an experienced Park Hill line. He won't be alone as South's defensive line and the scheme they use is a significant strength. It is quick and powerful at the same time. With Anderson cloggin up the middle along with two defensive ends, South will have up to two linebackers coming off the edge at any given time. The only descending point comes from the fact Blue Springs South was able to rip off two big runs to seal their victory against South last week.
This is not to say that Park Hill's advantage is by a wide margin. In fact, this single part of the game is what both Park Hill and Park Hill South see as the most pivotal to each. Park Hill head coach Greg Reynolds knows they must be able to run the ball, while South head coach Mark Simcox knows they must stop it. Period.
When Park Hill has the ball and passes:
Advantage - PARK HILL SOUTH
Park Hill's passing game has been used very little through the first two weeks of the season. Quarterback Tyler White is 13 for 26 with 74 yards. For the most part, this has been to keep defenses honest and spread out. If Park Hill's running game gets going strong, then the Trojans may try to use their passing game for a home run, but as part of their overall game plan it will likely include a small dose of short and lateral passes.
When Park Hill South has the ball and runs:
Advantage - DRAW
Previously a spread offense with emphasis on the pass, the Panthers have become a running team in the last two years highlighted by Myles Hammonds and his two solid performances so far this year (335 yards, 67 carries, 5 yard avg, 2 TD's). He can get yards in South's offensive scheme, while also serving as a big-play threat if he gets into the open field for the Trojans.
Hammonds is not the only runner for South though, quarterback Eddie Sola can run too as a dual-threat athlete. Although, he is used seldom with an average of seven carries, he could serve as an asset in short yardage or diversion should Hammonds get hot.
The reason why Park Hill South doesn't get the advantage, nor disadvantage, is because of Park Hill's strong defensive performance which has given very little reason to think Week 3 would be any different. Defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins will be double teamed and cut blocked all night, but if a block is missed or he overpowers the South line, he can cause problems. More so, behind him is linebacker Will Gaye who has been all over the field in this early season.
When Park Hill South has the ball and passes:
Advantage - PARK HILL SOUTH
Park Hill South wide receiver Craig Scott is a tremendous athlete (107 yards, 8 rec, 2 TD's). He's an asset to quarterback Eddie Sola (8 for 19, 108 yards passing) because Scott can go after the ball or, at the least, make sure the other team doesn't get it. Although Park Hill's speedy cornerback Gage Wright had an interception last week, the Trojans secondary has a lack of height at its disadvantage. If South is able to establish their quick short passing game, this opens up a huge threat if they choose to go up high to Scott. While South has the deep advantage, a careless pass to the sideline could lead to a Wright interception as Ruskin found out last week. I'm also interested in seeing what South does out of a double-tight end formation in terms of passing.
Special Teams:
Advantage - PARK HILL
Park Hill South had a significant breakdown last week when they allowed three touchdowns in this area. While you can be sure many of those things will be addressed in practice, the memory of those breakdowns can cause relapse in such an emotionally fueled game especially with players who might not be fully engaged in other parts of the game such as offense or defense. Park Hill has a pretty reliable punter in Zach Anderson and his 33 yard average (2 yard return avg). I do not have stats on Park Hill South's kickers.
Mental Game:
Advantage - PARK HILL
While Park Hill South is the home team, Park Hill has the luxury of practicing on the field at district stadium each day, which cancels out the potential difference playing from the visitor's side may have. Park Hill is the established program and is confident they have the Panthers' number, that can be both a friend and a foe. A win would mean more to Park Hill South though because of the lopsided record historically and their recent climb back as a program. When it means more, there's more to gain and more to lose, the players know this. Both coaches have done a good job at minimalizing the significance of the rivalry.
Thing to watch for early:
Both coaches are known for a consistent and proven approach. In a big game though (whether they admit it or not), I would not be surprised if either tries a risky or trick play in the first quarter in hopes of hitting a homerun. The benefits are obvious, but if things go poorly, it could send the momentum the other way with a big defensive play. They know if they can get up by two scores, it shifts the other team's approach away from their strength.
