Smash and Dash Power Bowmen to Playoffs
The Sherwood Bowmen have been on fire the last few years. This year they opened by beating West Albany who had not lost in years. That was a defining moment for them.
It also sent a message to the 5A schools all over Oregon that their was a new dynasty rising down Highway 99. One that was being powered by a bruising defense and a potent combination of speed and power on offense.
It also sent a message to the 5A schools all over Oregon that their was a new dynasty rising down Highway 99. One that was being powered by a bruising defense and a potent combination of speed and power on offense.
The terms "Smash" and "Dash" began to roll of the lips of the Sherwood faithful as the Bowmen's primary weapons pounded the middle and flew on the edges of the field.
"Smash" is 6'1", 210 pound Junior Michael Balfour. "Dash" is 5'5", 155 pound Sophomore Steven Long. Together they are "Smash" and "Dash" and their act is playing on a field near you.
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| Dirk Knudsen Oregonpreps.com | |
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| Michael Balfour; 2011 |
Coach Greg Lawrence runs a wicked version of the Wing "T". His line splits are wide and the pulling and trapping techniques along the line make the offense almost impossible to defend. Add to that scheme these two guys and you have a formula for success.
The team vaulted past the win over West Albany reeling off 5 more wins including an amazing win over 6A power Grants Pass at their home stadium. They jumped to #1 and rode the wave.
"Smash" and "Dash" have been spectacular. Balfour averaged 97 yards a game and 9 yards a carry; most of which comes between the tackles.
"Dash" is averaging 12.6 yards a carry and 123 yards per game. He hits the edges and with his 4.49 speed is a blur. That and he has moves that a kid this age should not have.
"Smash" has 15 touchdowns. "Dash" has 13. Teams can't load the box to stop these guys either. At least not this year.
"We are so improved in the air. Pass, Pass, Pass. we have practiced since Summer to get better. If teams load the box to stop Michael and I we spread it out an go to the air. It is really working and the Coaches have done a great job," said Long.
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| Dirk Knudsen Oregonpreps.com | |
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| Steven Long; 2012 |
The team is averaging 42 points. Up until week seven they had no one in their way and feared nothing. Then it happened.
The Hillsboro Spartans who came to town on October 16th laid a smack down on them. Colt Lyerla, Dominique Mims, Mikkel Smythe and the Sparts rolled them on their home field 48-14. They were in shock.
"We were not ready. They came out and every one of their guys showed up. We did not. They were amazing that game," added "Dash".
Balfour loves his team mates. He feels that the team is back on top. The big men pounds the middle and that is the way he likes it.
"I had a little time at running back in 10th grade. Honestly this year has just unfolded and I am having fun. The loss was hard. Looking at it now it was a wake up and a character builder," Balfour said.
They were not down long. They came out the next week and ran a top rated Glencoe team back to Hillsboro. They beat the Tide 62-6 who had just about beaten Hillsboro two weeks before. Balfour had 226 yards that game. Long had 154. "Smash" and "Dash" came back with a vengeance.
Now two weeks later they are both looking forward to the game against St. Helens this week. Then the playoffs.
"They are a playoff team too. So we have to go there and play like it is the last game we will ever play. That is my mid set every time I go on the field," offered Steven.
Things look pretty tough in the playoffs. The Bowmen should have a #2 seed and get the first round bye. Then they face either West Albany or Crescent Valley in Round #1. Both of those teams are 8-1 right now.
The Bowmen have as good of a shot as anyone to win the title. Their awesome combination on the ground is a great thing to have as things get wetter and colder.
"Smash" and "Dash" are hoping to keep the show going. The cool thing is they have another whole year together in 2011. Then "Dash" will be left for 2012. Knowing Sherwood they will find a "Smash" 2.0 to add in the mix at that time.
This is one potent duo. The playoffs are almost here so get out and watch these guys. They are some of the best athletes Oregon and the Northwest have to offer.
Best of luck to the Sherwood Bowmen and Michael Balfour and Steven Long as your pursue a Championship.
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