Is Bishop Hartley a better team this year than last?

[seasick80]

Opinions

[JasonClaytor]

This year. Battle tested and can do more on offense. The quarterback has the ability to really hurt a defense, running the ball. He will probably be the best athlete on the field in any game left this season, with the exception of Coldwaters Quarterback.

The defense seems to be pretty good, and a lot better than expected.

[Westfan]

Absolutely. The quarterback is the difference. His running ability changes everything.

[Bulldog]

Hartley lost 4 or 5 starters to knee injuries last year. Those guys were and are great players. They're back better than ever. I would say Hartley is better at this point in the season than they were last year. The sophomore QB is coming into own and has tremendous upside. I think there are only 4 seniors that start on offense with only one on the offensive line. Those guys are really playing well.

Next year might be the team to watch.

[Trojan_Pride]

Absolutely. The quarterback is the difference. His running ability changes everything.

not a chance!!! too many youngsters on field this time around

they will be better next year than they have been past 2 years!!!!!!!

[Westfan]

Absolutely. The quarterback is the difference. His running ability changes everything.

not a chance!!! too many youngsters on field this time around

they will be better next year than they have been past 2 years!!!!!!!

I wouldn't be so sure. Last year's quarterback wasn't as mobile. This kid may be as fast as any on the field. When you sell out to clog the middle (which you have to do) he will burn you. And right before half he threw a 40 to 50 yard dart for a td. He's good.

And your right they are young, which explains their two early losses (to great teams).

If Ironton gets by Wheelersburg you will see for yourself.

[Jolly P(irate)]

On Par with last year.

[JasonClaytor]

On Par with last year.

Ask any Hartley fan and they will tell you differently. Honestly they are much better this year, than last. It just took a little longer into the season, than most, to put all of the pieces together.

[Crab's Brother]

Absolutely. The quarterback is the difference. His running ability changes everything.

not a chance!!! too many youngsters on field this time around

they will be better next year than they have been past 2 years!!!!!!!

How many Hartley games have you seen?

[fbnut]

Absolutely. The quarterback is the difference. His running ability changes everything.

not a chance!!! too many youngsters on field this time around

they will be better next year than they have been past 2 years!!!!!!!

How many Hartley games have you seen?

I would guess he didn't see them last year or this year.

[Crab's Brother]

I would guess he didn't see them last year or this year.[/quote]

Probably right.

[xxChampionxx 5]

Better in some areas; equal in many areas, worse in some areas. Objectively about the same, but outcomes suggest better at this point of the season. Offensive line is mostly new but appears to have gelled extremely well. Lost a little game speed on the jet sweep. QB is still getting experience but the mobility threat has added a new dimension to the offense. Power running back is a bit stronger and faster. Rest of backfield is reloaded as always. Receiver corps is too untested to compare. Defensive line lost the big guy who had to be double or triple teamed by everyone but Coldwater last year. That spot wasn't filled with a guy posing the same raw, physical danger but the line plays as well or better. DeSales couldn't run on them. Watch how they shred Jackson to assess the significance of Hartley performance against that running game. Secondary is little slower - they have to give a step or two exposing a danger on curl routes. LBs are solid - the return of 45 has stepped up skill and leadership there. Haven't replaced last year's safety who was a legitimate pick 6 threat on every pass to whichever half of the field he was covering. Special teams are down. Placekicker is improved. Punting is improved. Return guys or their coaches are much more tentative and less of a threat. Last year's team was more explosive and seemed to need that explosiveness to get an early psychological edge. They lacked some poise in playing from behind and running into slight adversity. Since maturing, this group plays like a methodical and unstoppable machine. They execute well and quickly rebound from mistakes. Still have more sloppy discipline with dumb penalties than I'd like and softens up too much defensively after taking an early lead but that will continue to improve each week.

[Bulldog]

That's a fair rundown Sap. I see where #45 was selected as D-V central district defensive player of the year. Well deserved if I might say. I counted 10 Hawks with central district honors.

[siderman57]

On Par with last year.

Ask any Hartley fan and they will tell you differently. Honestly they are much better this year, than last. It just took a little longer into the season, than most, to put all of the pieces together.

Who Cares

[JasonClaytor]

On Par with last year.

Ask any Hartley fan and they will tell you differently. Honestly they are much better this year, than last. It just took a little longer into the season, than most, to put all of the pieces together.

Who Cares

Obviously the person who started the thread, or they wouldn't have asked....

[Trojan_Pride]

seen 0 hartley games this year just a bunch reading bout them and stats!

[Westfan]

seen 0 hartley games this year just a bunch reading bout them and stats!

So you criticize others opinions that have seen multiple games on tape and in person without bothering to watch a game?

[Trojan_Pride]

seen 0 hartley games this year just a bunch reading bout them and stats!

So you criticize others opinions that have seen multiple games on tape and in person without bothering to watch a game?

no dogging your opinion you have 1 so do i (they just dont agree)

stats & scores speak for themselves

run shoot 08 touting them as king i just dont see it , seen on some columbus thread somewhere saying not as good as last year!

[Jolly P(irate)]

seen 0 hartley games this year just a bunch reading bout them and stats!

Why haven't you asked your dumb question yet?

[Bulldog]

seen 0 hartley games this year just a bunch reading bout them and stats!

So you criticize others opinions that have seen multiple games on tape and in person without bothering to watch a game?

no dogging your opinion you have 1 so do i (they just dont agree)

stats & scores speak for themselves

run shoot 08 touting them as king i just dont see it , seen on some columbus thread somewhere saying not as good as last year!

Scores and stats don't speak for themselves without considering the caliber of their opponents. The average Pasteur ranking for Hartley opponents is 135. Wheelersburg is 310, Ironton is 226 and St. Clairsville is 429. I didn't include out of state opponents in which Hartley's average would probably go down not up.

If the opponent ranking mean anything, St. Clairsville would be Hartley's 7th or 8th ranked opponent out of 11. That would be the case if Hartley were playing Wheelersburg or Ironton this week.