Week 5 Football Preview: Indians host homecoming vs. Miami Trace; Tigers host Astros
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Listed are Week 5 high school football previews for the Hillsboro Indians hosting Miami Trace and the McClain Tigers returning home following a three-week road trip as they will host the East Clinton Astros.
Hillsboro (0-0, 1-3) vs. Miami Trace (0-1, 3-1)
Coming off their first win in the past 13 games, the Hillsboro Indians now have what may be their toughest game of the season to date as they welcome the three-win Miami Trace Panthers for their annual homecoming game.
The Indians defeated Landmark Christian, 40-6 last week, and the visiting Panthers lost in overtime last Friday to Chillicothe, 20-14 in their South Central Ohio League opener.
Looking back at the win, HHS head coach Matt Hodge said it was about his players and coaching staff.
"It was great for our kids, they have worked hard and they were rewarded for their efforts," Hodge said. "It was great (getting the win). Everyone has been so supportive since I got here. The coaching staff did a great job of getting our kids ready to play."
About the Panthers, they are ranked No. 11 in the Division IV Associated Press poll and No. 5 in the Division IV Region 14 OHSAA computer rankings.
"Miami Trace is big up front and has great skilled kids," Hodge said. "They are very sound in all phases of the game."
MT this season have been led by senior quarterback Jimmy Stroker, as he's not only had good numbers passing the football, but he's the leading rusher for the Panthers thus far this season.
The Panthers this season have scored 140 points and allowed 94 points. MT is averaging 35 points per game and have allowed an average of 23.5 ppg.
For HHS, this is their homecoming, and Hodge said the week has gone well with their preparation, while also talking about another player starting to break out.
"Our week so far has been good," he said. "IÕve felt like Curran Butler had a really good defensive game for us."
Last season, the Indians lost at Miami Trace by a 54-6 score.
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[[In-content Ad]]McClain Tigers (0-1, 3-1) vs. East Clinton (0-1, 1-3)
The McClain Tigers are finally home. MHS has been on the road for three straight weeks, not playing a game at home since the season opener.
Visiting the Tigers will be the East Clinton Astros, who this season are coached by Bill Hrabak, giving the Astros a different look than usual.
"East Clinton is a spread team this year on offense and run a 4-4 on defense," MHS head coach Randy Closson said. "They like the passing game and have a very talented quarterback (Dalton Floyd) and receivers."
Both teams are coming off losses following the fourth game of the season, as EC lost to the Washington Blue Lions, 49-32 and the Tigers fell to the defending state champion Clinton-Massie Falcons, 62-0.
The Tigers are just glad to be back at home at McClain Field.
"It's great to be playing at home," Closson said. "It's been a long three weeks on the road, and a home crowd and atmosphere will be great. We are also having a Claws for the Cause cancer awareness event at the game. So it will be a special event."
As for the Astros, Closson compared their style to Unioto.
"Their style (EC) of play is more like Unioto," he said. "They use spread formations with shotgun. They also have a little bit of read option and a vertical passing game.
"As for our team, we are just working on ourselves. Fixing areas which need improving and trying to get better all around."
For the season, EC has scored 104 points and have allowed 155. Their lone win was in week two when they defeated Blanchester, 28-25.
Last season, the Tigers defeated the Astros, 20-14.
Hillsboro (0-0, 1-3) vs. Miami Trace (0-1, 3-1)
Coming off their first win in the past 13 games, the Hillsboro Indians now have what may be their toughest game of the season to date as they welcome the three-win Miami Trace Panthers for their annual homecoming game.
The Indians defeated Landmark Christian, 40-6 last week, and the visiting Panthers lost in overtime last Friday to Chillicothe, 20-14 in their South Central Ohio League opener.
Looking back at the win, HHS head coach Matt Hodge said it was about his players and coaching staff.
"It was great for our kids, they have worked hard and they were rewarded for their efforts," Hodge said. "It was great (getting the win). Everyone has been so supportive since I got here. The coaching staff did a great job of getting our kids ready to play."
About the Panthers, they are ranked No. 11 in the Division IV Associated Press poll and No. 5 in the Division IV Region 14 OHSAA computer rankings.
"Miami Trace is big up front and has great skilled kids," Hodge said. "They are very sound in all phases of the game."
MT this season have been led by senior quarterback Jimmy Stroker, as he's not only had good numbers passing the football, but he's the leading rusher for the Panthers thus far this season.
The Panthers this season have scored 140 points and allowed 94 points. MT is averaging 35 points per game and have allowed an average of 23.5 ppg.
For HHS, this is their homecoming, and Hodge said the week has gone well with their preparation, while also talking about another player starting to break out.
"Our week so far has been good," he said. "IÕve felt like Curran Butler had a really good defensive game for us."
Last season, the Indians lost at Miami Trace by a 54-6 score.
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[[In-content Ad]]McClain Tigers (0-1, 3-1) vs. East Clinton (0-1, 1-3)
The McClain Tigers are finally home. MHS has been on the road for three straight weeks, not playing a game at home since the season opener.
Visiting the Tigers will be the East Clinton Astros, who this season are coached by Bill Hrabak, giving the Astros a different look than usual.
"East Clinton is a spread team this year on offense and run a 4-4 on defense," MHS head coach Randy Closson said. "They like the passing game and have a very talented quarterback (Dalton Floyd) and receivers."
Both teams are coming off losses following the fourth game of the season, as EC lost to the Washington Blue Lions, 49-32 and the Tigers fell to the defending state champion Clinton-Massie Falcons, 62-0.
The Tigers are just glad to be back at home at McClain Field.
"It's great to be playing at home," Closson said. "It's been a long three weeks on the road, and a home crowd and atmosphere will be great. We are also having a Claws for the Cause cancer awareness event at the game. So it will be a special event."
As for the Astros, Closson compared their style to Unioto.
"Their style (EC) of play is more like Unioto," he said. "They use spread formations with shotgun. They also have a little bit of read option and a vertical passing game.
"As for our team, we are just working on ourselves. Fixing areas which need improving and trying to get better all around."
For the season, EC has scored 104 points and have allowed 155. Their lone win was in week two when they defeated Blanchester, 28-25.
Last season, the Tigers defeated the Astros, 20-14.