ONT (Durham – LOSSA) Preview: Classic trap game

This week, the 2-0 Holy Trinity Titans face off  against the 1-1 Ajax Rams. This game is a classic trap game if there ever was one.

Holy Trinity is coming off an huge emotional win against the Paul Dwyer Saints and has a monster match up next week against a very good St. Mary’s squad.  Ajax is conveniently placed between them, which makes them easy to forget.  No opponent anywhere should ever be taken lightly especially in the world of high school football where upsets aren’t too uncommon. One could happen this Friday if the Titans do not prepare properly for a Rams squad that will no doubt be giving Holy Trinity everything it has.

It’s a fair statement to say the Holy Trinity defence has proven itself in holding the high flying Dwyer offence to just 11 points. The defensive backs are probably the best part of this defence, though it is a close race as the defence is very well rounded and doesn’t have a clear weakness. Ajax will have to bring it’s best game to move the ball against the stout defence of Holy Trinity. The thing that will make offence a little more challenging for the Rams will be that they run most of their plays out of the same split back formation of the Titans, which the defence practices against every day.

On offence the Titans executed a great two minute drill to come up with the win in a more balanced game. A balanced Holy Trinity offence could give the Rams defence some problems as they have allowed 53 points through two weeks to former tier two teams.  The Titans have taken very good care of the ball, but the Rams defence will need to change that if they plan to come out of Holy Trinity with an upset. The Titans however, have a more conservative passing game so it will be very hard for turnovers to come through the air. The Rams will need to stuff the run and try for turnovers there first, or at least set up second and long opportunities for a deep pass interception.

The Titans are most likely the overwhelming favourites but can’t go into the game like they are, all the ingredients are present for an upset. A team that just won an emotional game, a team that lost a close one, and a big match up the week after. As I said for the Eastdale game the Rams must stick with the Titans through three, and dig deep in the fourth. For the Titans much like they did in the Eastdale game they must take the rams out early, and then keep them out, or else Holy Trinity will be left searching for answers after a major upset loss.