VOL coaches weigh in on Central Catholic vs. Oakdale

If you’re looking to handicap Friday night’s Valley Oak League championship game between Central Catholic (9-0, 6-0) and Oakdale (9-0, 6-0), good luck. Even the Valley Oak League’s coaches and players have differing opinions on the game. Editor’s note: Those who offered their insight asked to remain anonymous.

Valley Oak League coach No. 1: “I’m interested in seeing the Oakdale ‘O’ versus the Central Catholic ‘D.’ Like most games, it will be decided by the trenches and turnovers. Should be a great game.”

Valley Oak League player No. 1: “I’m going to have to say Central Catholic will pull through with the ‘W.’ It’ll be a good game. Not saying Oakdale isn’t a good team, but I feel that Oakdale isn’t the team they were last year. The dictating factor will have to be the defense. Oakdale will have to stop Justin Rice and Hunter Petlansky.”

Valley Oak League coach No. 2: “Asked (a player), Central Catholic or Oakdale? He said, ‘Oakdale.’ I said, ‘Why?’ He said Oakdale is more physical and they just keep on coming. The other kids around him said the same.”

Valley Oak League coach No. 3: “Oakdale’s defense will have to be the difference. Offensively, they’re so good. They return four of their five offensive linemen. Any running back would be successful. The difference will be the defense. That’s where they’ve been vulnerable in the past. They’ll have to hold Central to 20 points if they’re going to win this game.”

Valley Oak League coach No. 4: “Central Catholic will need to jump out early. Oakdale is the kind of team that will wear you down. If Central can pass a little bit, it will open up the run game. Oakdale doesn’t have a great pass rush, so (Hunter Petlansky) will have time. If he can complete a couple of balls, they’ll be successful.”

This story was originally published November 5, 2015 at 10:31 AM with the headline "VOL coaches weigh in on Central Catholic vs. Oakdale."