This weeks game vs. the University Titans could very well be the biggest game of the year. "This is pretty much a playoff game for both teams," coach Jim Sharkey said. "Whoever wins this game will have all but clinched a playoff spot while the other team is thrown back into the shuffle." The Saxons played a game much like this last year to Gonzaga Prep, both teams 7-1, and the Saxons lost. Hopefully, this game turns out different.

Here are some keys and things to watch for on Thursday.

Titans Run Game vs. Saxons front Seven: Once again this week, the game could depend on whether or not the Saxons can stop the run well enough. Last week vs. Mead, they were able to. However, this running game looks to be a little more diversified - last week Mead had great big linemen, but not so great backs. This week, the Titans have the great line and the great backs. Tyler Carlson is U-high's running back and he is very quick. The Saxons still have one of the best run defenses in the league, however. This match up, again, may decide the game.

Dan Jordan vs. Saxons defense: Jordan is the Titans very athletic and big quarterback. "He might be the best overall quarterback in the GSL," coach Sharkey said of Jordan. He is a very fast kid who can move out of the pocket and run or he can stand back in the pocket and show off his arm. He also, is able to throw on the run quite well. He may need to be able to do that against the Saxons quite a bit with Pat Parham and company.

Dan Jordan vs. Jared Karstetter: As you might be able to tell, Dan Jordan's play will greatly impact the winner or loser. We all know about Karstetter, but Jordans play on him will be key. If Jordan can cover him well enough, this could be enough to over throw a Titans secondary that has been suspect at times. If he doesn't, it could be a long day for the Titans.

Here's how I see the game going down:

When The Saxons Pass The Ball: Advantage Saxons: First off, the Saxons have one of the best passing attacks in the GSL with QB Jeff Minnerly and his corps of wide receivers - Karstetter is the leagues leading receiver. Also, the Titans most suspect part of their whole team is their pass defense. That doesn't go to well with a great passing team.

When The Saxons Run The Ball: Even: The Saxons showed last week they can run the ball well against good run teams. They accumulated 175 rushing yard last week. However, University may have one of the best run defenses in the league. This should be a great match up.

When The Titans Pass The Ball: Even: Danny Jordan is a great quarterback. He is very athletic and has a great arm. He has some pretty good receivers as well. But the past two weeks the Saxons have shown they can stop the pass pretty well. They will need to avoid the home run balls though, which they are sometimes prone to.

When The Titans Run The Ball: Even: Once again, the Titans have a great running back in Tyler Carlson. They also have a good front 5 and a good system to run in. Even so, the Saxons run defense has been one of the best in the league. This could be the match up to watch.

Well Rounded, Complete Team Win
<story by Brett Ward>

In a game supposed to go down to the wire, the Saxons looked like the totally dominant team Thursday night, as they were able to beat the University Titans 35-14. You might think that Saxons aired it out for the win, but actually they played good smashmouth football, running for 236 yards.

That isn't to say the passing attack didn't do their part however, as Jeff Minnerly and Jared Karstetter threw for a combined 198 yards for the game. The Saxons had 434 total yards for the game.

"We approached this game like it was a playoff game," coach Sharkey said. The team sure played like it having their best game of the year.

But it was the running attack that won the game for the Saxons. McKenzie Murphy continued to show his stuff running for 149 yards on 23 carries, an average of 6.5 per carry and 4 td runs. Jeff Minnerly also added 44 yards on the ground. Sophomore Nate Tonani got carries at running back for the first time this season. He ran the ball 6 times for 25 yards. Minnerly finished with 198 total yards and Jared Karstetter had 113 yard receiving. Aaron Roberts also added 80 total yards of offense.

This was the most complete game for the Saxons the whole year. They had all that offense while holding the Titans to less then 200 total yards and only 14 points. Pat Parham had a number of sacks and Eric Cheadle seemed to be in on every tackle. Karstetter, Murhpy, and CJ Patrick all had interceptions. Patrick also had a fumble recovery.