For the first time in 15 seasons, the Manhattan Japers has hired a new coach. Coach Steve Manitta who was successful with helping other high schools and college programs succeed, needs Manhattan to play at a higher level than they have been playing.
This game will start a new chapter for Manhattan. The Jaspers bring back a lot of experience and have 11 newcomers that look hungry to succeed in this program.
The key to their success this season will be senior Brian McGrath. McGrath led the team with 18 goals and 29 points.
Manitta has stated,” Brian has to make good decisions with the ball and adjust to the change in their system.
In order to win this game, Brian has to have a superb game. He cannot force shots and he has to spread the ball around. Manhattan needs this game, just so they could build their confidence up
Coming of a very scrutinizing season which was a horrendous 7-8 season, the Army Black Knights needs to find its identity. They had lost 12 seniors, which puts critics in frenzy.
Who will be the leader of this team and where will they generate some offense at?
Alex Van Krevel needs to step up desperately for this team.
Ironically the Black Knight’s Man Up Unit was generating some offense for them last year. That is one of their advantages over opponents. Taking away other opponents momentum and turning it into scores.
This year Army needs to turn it up a notch; stop turning the ball over often and staying consistent within their defensive strategy.
Keys for victory:
Manhattan – They cannot turn over the ball. Turn overs have plagued the Jaspers over the years.
Time management and coaching strategies will be huge in this game. We will see how the Jaspers corresponds to the new play book and see if they could confuse Army with a different style of play on both sides of the ball.
Army- They need to stay in front of Manhattan. Manhattan is known to use their strength and size against smaller defenders. They need to control the time of possession. We know that Manhattan likes to get after the ball.
