KEYS TO VICTORY: HBV @ DAL

KEYS TO VICTORY

HUNTINGTON BEACH VOYAGERS @ DALLAS DRAGONS

1. UTILIZE ULF EARLY AND OFTEN

This doesn't just mean from running up the middle. Give him some plays that get him in open space. Screens, Texas routes, etc. Make your veteran lead your team to victory. With a young buck at QB, the least pressure that you can have on Mr. Nitro is only going to help your chances at victory. Don't be shy to let the rookies do their thing as well, TE Jordan Banks and WR Luke (Luuuuuuuuuuuuke) Garcia III showed they mean business since game one.

2. CONTAIN VIC DOTSON

Number 87 has been a staple in the USFA for a long time and a big reason of that is consistency. Keep a body on the force and make sure those four yard drag routes doesn't go 40 yards down the field. He's had a bit of a slow start by his standards and if the Dragons Defense can hold him down, that slows down the offense as a whole. Make Vic earn every yard.

3. GIVE NITRO A CHANCE TO SUCCEED

Its a huge changeup from Justin Duke to Jack Nitro running in only his second game of his career. He's coming off of a loss to a team Dallas was favored in and although he flashed promise, there's still more work to do overall in the gym. His passing needs to be on point, this secondary of HBV is already 1-0 against rookie QBs this season. If Jack Nitro wants to break that trend, he needs to settle in and let his teammates lift him up.

1. BEWARE OF THE BOOGIEMAN

TJ Blackmon is a beast all on his own, the amount of pressure he can bring is from another galaxy. The OL will have their metal challenged with 99 on the defense they're facing. He got 20+ sacks last season and he's a walking bucket when it comes to getting to the QB. He's an amazing player so I recommend you guys hold a HB, FB or both to keep Falco upright.

2. LET CB14 RUMBLE

Carlton Banks walks into this week leading the league in Receiving TDs. Hank is paired up with his best receiver since Kai Kohko. Look to get him moving around the field and confuse the secondary. The Dragons have Rookie sensation Ricky Bobby and S12 CBoTY Ethan Flowers on the outside. The depth from there is questionable with players such as future HOF CB Caitlin Montagne & Backup Smoke Vazquez. Guys like DeeJay McFadden, Dante Chambers and Houzton Wilson may be able to get some open looks. Don't slack going deep though. Strong Safety Weezy Porter is always lurking and looking for reasons to pop in the SoTY convo.

3. DON'T REINVENT THE WHEEL

Huntington Beach comes into this game scoring 40+ in the first two matchups. They did it by starting strong and they did it by limiting opportunities on defense. The passing attack is working led by their deep receiver corps & AW22 (Auston Wilson) taking charge. Leading by example can get them ahead. The course of what they're doing is working very nicely so following the gameplan helps them get ahead in the standings. This is their first game on the road but until someone proves there's something wrong, why fix what isn't broken?

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It's a fun game that has some historic background between the two owners. St4x and Caboose go back like the seats of a Cadillac and any reason to try to one up the other is very needed. Its a fitting start to what will continue a great friendship but lets not forget about the rivalry that expands out of the USFA. 

In regards to the game itself, both teams are very talented. I still have HBV as the favorites going into this one, especially how the Dragons showed up against STL the week before. If Dallas brings that team to this ballgame, you might as well giftwrap the victory directly to California and prepare for Week Four. I think it starts close but it eventually goes in favor of the boys rocking the Villain style Dark Blue unis.

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PREDICTION

HBV - 42

DAL - 17