Hoosier Highschool Football/ Class 6A North Semi State Preview / Merrillville (12-0) at Westfield (11-1) / Q&A with Westfield Coach Jake Gilbert

[Guest]

Class 6A North Semi State Preview

Merrillville (12-0) at Westfield (11-1)

Q&A with Westfield Coach Jake Gilbert

Question 1

Congratulations on reaching the final four Coach to you, staff and team. Coming off your regional win last week, how is your team handling its success at this late point in the season and what is their collective mindset as you begin game prep for Friday's semistate contest?

Question 2

Looking at game film of your opponent this week, what are their primary areas of strength and who are some of the playmakers that your defense will need to neutralize in order stay in the game and put your team in position to win?

Question 3

How does your base offensive package match up with the personnel they will be countering with on the defensive side of the football?

Question 4

At this point in the season, teams are generally very evenly matched relative to speed, size and skill level. What are some of the intangible elements that need to break your way in order to pave the path for a trip to Lucas Oil Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend?

 

Coach Gilbert Responses :

1) We have the benefit of having been in this same spot last year. It's such a huge honor to play in the semi-state, but we have been pretty business like. We are focusing on practicing hard.

2) I think Merrillville has a great team. Kenneth Grant is one of the best players in IN by far. Their running back Logan might be the best back in the state. They have a WR that didn't play there last year and he is lightning fast. They are very deep at WR. I really like a couple of their OL. Lastly I would add that their QB played well against us last year and he is better this year.

3) We just have to find a way to block the big guy! Grant is a game wrecker. They have other good players that match up well against us as well.

4) Hopefully we can play a clean game with very few mistakes and catch a lucky bounce in the form of a turnover or on special teams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like

 

 

Comment

 

Share

 

 

Edited November 18, 2021 by HHF

[southend]

Thanks