Week 6 Preview: Indians, Tigers to face state-ranked teams
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Hillsboro (0-1, 1-4) vs. Clinton-Massie (1-0, 4-1)
This is the toughest test so far this season for the Hillsboro Indians, as they host the defending Division IV state champion Clinton-Massie Falcons this week.
CM is coming off their first loss of the season last Friday when they lost to DeSales, 21-19. This is the second consecutive week the Indians will host a state-ranked team, following their first loss of the season. Last week, HHS was shut out by the Miami Trace Panthers, 42-0.
CM is currently ranked No. 5 in the Division IV Associated Press poll, as their 19-game regular-season winning streak was snapped.
"It's always good to play great competition," HHS head coach Matt Hodge said of facing state-ranked teams. "It allows our kids to see where we have progressed and where we still need to improve.
"Massie is very athletic at all spots, including offensive and defensive line. They are solid in all phases."
This season, the Falcons have outscored their opponents, 197-54, as they last lost a game in the South Central Ohio League in 2007.
One aspect of the game to watch is the running game of the Falcons, as they have plenty of players who are capable of running the football, including state standout Bayle Wolf.
For the Indians, Coach Hodge said he's seeing improvement all the time with his roster of players as the second half of the season begins.
"I feel we have improved our understanding of football," he said. "I see improvements every week.
"I thought Toby Warrington had a great game on defense last week. He was constantly around the ball."
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[[In-content Ad]]McClain Tigers (0-2, 3-2) at Chillicothe (2-0, 5-0)
Last week wasn't what the McClain Tigers were looking for when they returned home for the first time in three games. MHS fell to visiting East Clinton, 27-21 for their second consecutive loss this season.
The loss was also their second straight in the SCOL, putting them at 0-2 in the league. This week, they travel for their fourth road game of the season when they face the undefeated and state-ranked Chillicothe Cavaliers.
The Cavs are currently the No. 8 team ranked in Division III by the AP, and they've done nothing but win in a variety of ways this season, as they've outscored their opponents by a 144-41 margin this season.
In SCOL play in '13, CHS has defeated Miami Trace (20-13 in OT) and Washington (62-6) last week.
"Chillicothe is an outstanding team," MHS head coach Randy Closson said. "They play fast and aggressive football with great team speed and size."
For the Tigers, turnovers plagued them in week five.
"We have to have better ball security, and we must tackle in space to be competitive this week," Closson said. "We have to stay focused and protect the ball."
One plus for the Tigers is their running game.
"Running the ball well is a key for any good team," Closson said. "We have to keep working on that part of our game."
Looking at the Cavs, their non-league wins this season include victories against Johnstown-Monroe (20-7), Big Walnut (21-14) and Teays Valley (21-0).
This will be the second home game for the Cavs this season. One aspect of the game of CHS to watch is their running game, and their quarterback Ryan Mathis, who may be the best running back on the Cavs' roster.
Both games will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
This is the toughest test so far this season for the Hillsboro Indians, as they host the defending Division IV state champion Clinton-Massie Falcons this week.
CM is coming off their first loss of the season last Friday when they lost to DeSales, 21-19. This is the second consecutive week the Indians will host a state-ranked team, following their first loss of the season. Last week, HHS was shut out by the Miami Trace Panthers, 42-0.
CM is currently ranked No. 5 in the Division IV Associated Press poll, as their 19-game regular-season winning streak was snapped.
"It's always good to play great competition," HHS head coach Matt Hodge said of facing state-ranked teams. "It allows our kids to see where we have progressed and where we still need to improve.
"Massie is very athletic at all spots, including offensive and defensive line. They are solid in all phases."
This season, the Falcons have outscored their opponents, 197-54, as they last lost a game in the South Central Ohio League in 2007.
One aspect of the game to watch is the running game of the Falcons, as they have plenty of players who are capable of running the football, including state standout Bayle Wolf.
For the Indians, Coach Hodge said he's seeing improvement all the time with his roster of players as the second half of the season begins.
"I feel we have improved our understanding of football," he said. "I see improvements every week.
"I thought Toby Warrington had a great game on defense last week. He was constantly around the ball."
- - - - - -
[[In-content Ad]]McClain Tigers (0-2, 3-2) at Chillicothe (2-0, 5-0)
Last week wasn't what the McClain Tigers were looking for when they returned home for the first time in three games. MHS fell to visiting East Clinton, 27-21 for their second consecutive loss this season.
The loss was also their second straight in the SCOL, putting them at 0-2 in the league. This week, they travel for their fourth road game of the season when they face the undefeated and state-ranked Chillicothe Cavaliers.
The Cavs are currently the No. 8 team ranked in Division III by the AP, and they've done nothing but win in a variety of ways this season, as they've outscored their opponents by a 144-41 margin this season.
In SCOL play in '13, CHS has defeated Miami Trace (20-13 in OT) and Washington (62-6) last week.
"Chillicothe is an outstanding team," MHS head coach Randy Closson said. "They play fast and aggressive football with great team speed and size."
For the Tigers, turnovers plagued them in week five.
"We have to have better ball security, and we must tackle in space to be competitive this week," Closson said. "We have to stay focused and protect the ball."
One plus for the Tigers is their running game.
"Running the ball well is a key for any good team," Closson said. "We have to keep working on that part of our game."
Looking at the Cavs, their non-league wins this season include victories against Johnstown-Monroe (20-7), Big Walnut (21-14) and Teays Valley (21-0).
This will be the second home game for the Cavs this season. One aspect of the game of CHS to watch is their running game, and their quarterback Ryan Mathis, who may be the best running back on the Cavs' roster.
Both games will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.