PREVIEW: Titans, Trojans battle for first place

In LOSSA history, you can look at any successful team and find the same blueprint; run the ball on offense, stop the run on defense. LOSSA teams thrive on the run.

This Thursday will be no different as the Titans and Trojans face off in a battle of mythical proportions in terms of playoff implications. Both teams boast the best offences in LOSSA (Pickering first with 32 points per game and the Titans slightly behind at 28). Both teams also bring in the best defences in the league.  Again Pickering in first allowing a stingy five points against on average while the Titans allow a mere eight points per game on average.

Last year the two teams met twice, splitting the series as Pickering won the first game 13-7.  The Titans would win the second match up however; ending the Trojans championship hopes in  a 17-6 LOSSA semifinal victory.

With all the factors above this game can only assure football fans of one thing, a close four quarter football game that is sure to leave spectators engaged until the clock hits zero.

For the Titans offence, they face their most daunting task of the season in a incredibly talented Trojans defence that leads the league in points allowed. In order to be effective, the offence must take care of the ball, something they’ve struggled mightily to do, giving the ball away at least once in every game. They must also find ways to run the ball effectively, running has always been the Titans identity and they’re at their best when able to run the ball at will. Running the ball will also set up manageable passing downs to make a less than stellar Titans passing game much easier.

In games like these the punter, Micheal Drake will also have to play a great game, in close games field position can make all the difference,  One point could be the difference between first and second place.

As for the defence, it is as simple as stopping the run and not getting beat deep the odd time Pickering does throw. Of course when playing a talented team it is much easier said than done. Mentioned previous times, the defensive line will always hold the key to stopping the run on any worthwhile defense, as an untouched linebacker should always make the tackle. Stay low, and gang tackles are two paramount things the Titans must do to stymie the Trojan run game and shut down the prolific Pickering offence.

The stats favour Pickering, however the game is at Holy Trinity and games at Holy Trinity have a reputation to gain a relatively large crowd, and a match up like this is sure to gain a larger than usual crowd. Could a home field advantage propel the Titans to an upset of Pickering? Find out tomorrow at 1:00 pm.