Bradford(8-2) is coming off a nice win versus a solid Brooklyn Columbia team 38-33, while Ida(9-1) thrashed Stockbridge 42-14. Bradford has been playing football since 2009 and this is their first playoff appearance. 2015 Regional Champion Ida, has been a recent playoff power and has made the playoffs 6 out of the last 7 years. These two teams have never met on the gridiron.
Bradford is having their best season ever and has a ton of athletic and talented play-makers all over the field. The Bulldogs are led by Sr. QB, Shelton Smith (6’3″ 186), Sr. MLB, Alex Furlow (6’0″ 200), Jr. RB, Blake Grice-Brunson (6’0″ 198) and Sr. WR, Almount Smith (6’4″ 180). Bradford runs a wide open spread attack. They will look to get people in space and make it a 1 on 1 type of game. Bradford is coached by Ki’erre Gaut.
Here are some Bradford highlightS vs. Old Redford Academy:
The Bluestreaks are a no fuss, we are coming at you type of football team. Ida is led on the ground by RB’s Nick Levicki , Andrew Oberski and Bryan Laux. Levicki on the season has 1,788 yards rushing and 31 TD’s. Those stats are crazy, Tecmo Bowl type numbers. I am sure Nick would be the first to tell you, those stats would be much harder to come by, if it weren’t for his outstanding offensive line. Sr. TE Thomas Jennings-Boldt, Jr. T Jacob Campbell, Sr. G Jacob Wickenheiser, Jr. C Michael Clark, Jr. G Matt Zlonkevicz, Sr. T Brandon Suydam, Sr. TE, Kyle Parran. I went to the Ida game last Friday and the push these men get up front is impressive. On several plays they didn’t “pull” any guards(a T staple), and as a unit, plowed over the poor defensive nose guard. This type of blocking was called “wedge” in my day, often used by double wing teams. Not sure what Ida calls it but it was nice to see it used by a Straight T squad. I love watching good offensive line play and Ida has it. Without a doubt the key to their success. Ida is fronted by Head Coach Tom Walentowski.
This game is a battle of philosophies. The spread, 4-5 split out wide, short passing game vs the Straight T, zero line splits, hide the hoagie, power running game. Bradford wants to use the entire field, while Ida wants the game to be played inside a phone booth. Who will impose their will more? I don’t see Bradford slowing down Ida, but will Ida be able to contain the Bulldogs and their speed. Proper angles and sure tackling will be a must. Ida gets the job done and wins their 2nd straight district title.
Pick: Ida 45 Bradford 20
(Chris’ Pick: Ida 41 Bradford 26)
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Looking forward to the Algonac game. Ida will be tested on the road.
Sorry Gary your prediction was a little off 🙂
I want to make a comment about the SBA team, What a great team they displayed great sportsmanship. We want to wish them the best of luck next year.
58 to 6 Ida
Good luck BLUESTREAKS!
Brooklyn Columbia central gashes ida.. but ida gashed them a little more
BCC gave ida problems. They're a spread team. Ida outscored them 58-35
I don't think we have beside Stockbridge. Our defense know they will be fast on their feet😁
For the Ida faithful… have you faced a solid spread team this season? I know Hudson runs the T. Just wondering if you have played anyone comparable in style to Bradford.
Assuming mostly Ida folks will read this preview, I thought it a good idea to also mention players Ida fans might not know about(Bradford players). We do know about Kyle though. He is a distant cousin of mine. Although he probably doesn't know it haha.
Kyle Parran is the best blocking TE around.
Keep your eye on Kyle Parran because he is also DIVISION 1 PROSPECT. Being sought out by Brown and Harvard…very proud of all our BLUESTREAKS…GOOD LUCK TO OUR HARD WORKING HUMBLE BOYS!!! Great blog👍
Keep your eye on Almount Smith #11. Division 1 college prospect.
A passing game is great but when you are playing a team like Ida you better bring you stamina. Like you said, Ida likes the game played in a "Phone Booth".The Ida Bluestreaks rarely pass the ball and that is not a surprise to anyone. If Ida can contain S.B.A. passing game, not saying that will be an easy task, but Ida can tear an opponent down by grinding them into the ground. First Downs to Touchdowns….2 to 3 yards a carry. We wish the Bluestreaks all the best!!!
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