By: Jathan Gentry (@Jathan) and Zach Davis (@AssuredFame)
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for an electrifying showdown as two college football powerhouses collide in the epic battle for supremacy at the CFSL National Championship! It’s the clash between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Miami Hurricanes, set to take place under the bright lights of the iconic Orange Bowl stadium. Get ready for a night of thrilling gridiron action, as these titans of the turf vie for glory, pride, and the coveted title of CFSL National Champions!
Jathan and I sat down with both ADs before the game to ask them a few questions before the big game. Here is what they had to say.
Kentucky AD: Derek Hawkins A.K.A. Syrok
Question: You played Miami earlier in the season. What did you learn from them, and what do you think are the key matchups or player dynamics that will determine the outcome of the National Championship game?
Syrok: They are explosive, everything about them is explosive. And they can turn it up quick on you. Our whole focus is let’s slow them down and play at a pace. The matchups are simple: Sammons vs. Miami D Line and Walker vs. Kentucky Secondary. If they make Sammons feel pressure, it’s ugly for us. Does Walker throw INTs? It’s going to be a legit heavyweight fight.
Question: Both teams have shown remarkable resilience throughout the season. How do you see their mental fortitude playing a role in this high-stakes game?
Syrok: Well, I can speak for Kentucky. At the beginning of the season, I was telling my team Week 3 through 5 is our litmus test. We started with two mercy rules and then got punched in our mouth by Bama and Okst. Being in a locker room after losing those games was hard, trying to lead them was tough, and we needed to make wholesale changes. And to make it worse, we played Bama Thursday then Miami Monday. So, our coaching staff legit put in work to make those changes. And we started to play what I thought was championship football.
Question: In terms of game strategy, what do you believe each team needs to focus on to secure victory in the National Championship? Any surprises or adjustments we should watch out for?
Syrok: Can’t tell you too much, but I think it’s going to look like a different game. Miami and Kentucky are both flying high and also desperate for a ring. This is going to be a great game.
Miami AD: Jay Gates
Question: Out of the teams you’ve been able to build, what makes this one special? What about this team and staff has gotten you to this point?
Gates: We have been able to put together some very competitive teams but this one stands well above the rest! It’s just a very complete team. We have amazing athletes at every level!
Question: Some fantastic players all over your squad. But Laci White stands out as a star. What has White meant to this football team?
Gates: Laci White has been the centerpiece of the defensive line this season. She has found a way to fight through double teams all season and still find a way into the backfield! She is easily one of the best players to ever grace the CFSL!
Question: You met this Kentucky team once already this season with the advantage going to Kentucky. What is your game plan to change the outcome of this next meeting?
Gates: Kentucky is a great team with so much talent all over the field. Our game plan has been working over the past few weeks. It’s very difficult to change up what’s been working so well. Limiting turnovers and minimizing the impact of the Kentucky wide receivers is where our focus lies.
Question: What will be the message to your team in the Locker Room Monday night??
Gates: We’re going to leave everything on the field. Keep our heads high and do our jobs. No matter the outcome, I’m proud of this team and what we have overcome to make it to the championship game!
