What I knew:
Both teams opened the 2012 season with 2-0 records. Hallandale beat Plantation 17-7 and Oakland Park Northeast 23-12. Hallandale benefitted by building early leads and playing solid defense for most of four quarters. Through Tyler Huntley (HAL), this team demonstrated more productivity in the air than ground. In particular, while Hussein Gordon (HAL) led the team with 5 receptions, 6 other receivers on the team had multiple receptions during the year.
South Plantation beat Nova 31-14 and Stranahan 27-12. South Plantation proved to be a second half team thus far. With the help of Alex Collins (SPL), who is on pace for a 2,000 yard season, the Paladins have outscored their opponents 35-0 in the final 24 minutes of a game. In addition to Collins (SPL), quarterback John Frankin (SPL) utilized Howard Davis (SPL) and Hordly Seide (SPL) who had one touchdown each as they entered game 3.
What I learned:
Collins (SPL) was the elite RB that we have seen in the past. His 24 carries for 174 yards and 2 TDs only tells part of the story. I will remember him best for the play in the late 2nd quarter where he managed to fight through 6 defenders in his own end zone to avoid a safety. I also learned the huge threat that Franklin (SPL) is as a QB when he was able to run to the outside. His 76 yd TD run in the second half opened up the game. While Seide (SPL) did not have any receptions, he was a force in breaking up several passes and made key tackles when Hallandale was able to cross midfield and get into the red zone area.
While many consider Collins a great player, Huntley (HAL) is going to be a great player. The freshman QB showed no fear and seemed unwavered even after the team failed on a fourth and goal from the 1 yd line. Huntley threw many of his 9 completions in his team’s first series but later adjusted when South Plantation increased their rush attack by blitzing with more frequency. Taj McGowan (HAL) 33 yd TD run was a huge highlight for the Chargers which developed partly from an improved offensive line late in the game and his ability to elude the Paladin linebackers.
What I expect:
I expect Hallandale (2-1) to enter their district opener against Dillard (1-2) with a mid season focus. They know the loss to South Plantation does not count in the playoff chase and it was a game they had an opportunity to win until the last three minutes. I expect Huntley to throw less than the 29 times he did in this game and for McGowan to be a bigger part of the offense. South Plantation (3-0) opens up their district schedule against Piper (2-0). I expect them to continue to use Collins early and often.
You can follow Adam Kosnitzky at @akosnitzky
