Division 1 State Championship: #1 Everett vs. St. John's Prep

     Instead of beating a dead horse by spitting out facts and praising the usual suspects, we'll give our thoughts on what we think could be keys for each team.

     Everett: Everett doesn't need to do a thing differently on offense; the DiBiaso-Asprilla-Costello-Langston crew will do their fair share of damage.  Where innovation could come into play is on the defensive side of the ball.  In the first meeting between these teams, Prep's offensive line struggled mightily with Shaq Taylor and the rest of the Everett defensive line.  Since then, they have made incredible strides, and I expect them to be able to neutralize the damage the Crimson Tide do up front.  Outside pressure from their linebackers could totally stymie the Prep offense.  By forcing Prep quarterback Tommy Gaudet to make a snap decision with the ball, it will take away the surprise element the play is designed to present.  This makes flowing to the ball easier.  And with the likes of Taylor and linebacker Vondell Langston in the middle, they have the luxury of not worrying about the fullback having gaping holes to run through.

     St. John's Prep: Prep had a time and a half moving the ball in the first meeting, but are a completely different team, and I expect them to do a better job sustaining drives this time around.  The talent differential will be a factor, so don't be surprised to see some wrinkles that are designed to take advantage of Everett's aggressive nature.  This could include an option pass, or a quick reverse that forces the defense one way in pursuit of what seems to be a traditional option, then brings a wide receiver back in the opposite direction.  While the hope is to break off big gains on these kinds of plays, they can also help neutralize a teams speed, as running them with success forces players to start thinking more than they'd like.

     Everett holds the advantage, but this is exactly the kind of game St. John's Prep thrives in.  All year this team has been slighted, and there is no bigger stage than this to prove all the pundits wrong.  Here is the issue: waiting on the other sideline is an Everett team that has a large chip on their shoulders as well.  You'd be a fool to make a pick in this game unless your an SJP alum or from Everett.  Instead, grab a sub and your favorite beverage, then sit back and enjoy some of the best football you'll see all year.