Indians looking to bounce back after loss
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
The Hillsboro Indians look to get back on the winning trail this week, to do so they will have to hit the road for the first time in two weeks as they will play their final non-league game of the season, against the Blanchester Wildcats.
The Indians (0-2, 3-2) played a close contest against the Wildcats last season, having a couple chances at victory, but came up short a season ago.
This season HHS is coming off a one-point loss to the Washington Blue Lions and are in need of breaking their two-game losing streak.
"We just have to lift our chins up and be ready to play football," Hillsboro head coach Brian Spicer said. "We have three straight road games coming up and we have to be ready to play."
The Wildcats (0-5) last week lost to Bethel-Tate 22-18 in Southern Buckeye Conference play. In the game the Wildcats had 11 penalties and committed three turnovers.
BHS did rush for 222 yards on 35 attempts, while passing for 116 yards.
The leading rusher for the Wildcats last week was Andy Lakes with 96 yards, including a 44-yard score, on 14 carries. Other BHS players to score TD's in their week five loss were Coy Burroughs and Alex Panno.
"Their fullback is a hard runner," Spicer said. "He gets a majority of the carries. Their quarterback runs decent. Another one of their running backs is good too. When he gets the ball, he will get yardage, so we can't key on one guy."
The offense used by Blanchester is a mix of balanced and unbalanced with
a wing or slot.
"They will use one back or two backs," Spicer said. "They like to use counter plays and will run the option off the edge. They are very versatile."
The defense of BHS might be tricky for the Indians, as they aren't sure what type of defense they will see.
"In the films we have they played mostly run oriented teams, and we use the spread and shotgun formations," Spicer said. "We've prepared for several looks. I expect them to shift their fronts and us movement on us.
"We saw an odd look from Stebbins earlier this year, so it will be interesting to see how they line up. We will have to use different formations and our play calling will change."
Spicer also believes his team might see a 5-3 look from Blanchester.
"They have their better athletes at linebacker and all three linebackers they have run to the football and hit well," he said. "Their cornerbacks also flow well to the football."
Going back to last week Spicer said the loss was a painful one, feeling his team was up to par with the Blue Lions.
"We've lost to two good teams in Clinton-Massie and Washington," Spicer said. "We have to get over last week and realize we still have half a season left. We must have the right frame of mind and bounce back."
To bounce back Spicer said his team needs to eliminate mistakes on the
field.
"Mistakes are apart of the game, but we have to get better. I see sparks from the team, and as a coach, that gets you excited. We have the potential to be really good," Spicer said. "As for the rest of the schedule, all the teams will still be new to me. But I am excited about what we have done so far this season from where we were at the start of the year. We have yet to show how good we can be. I am waiting for our best game."
Kickoff between the Indians and Wildcats will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. at
Blanchester High School.[[In-content Ad]]
The Indians (0-2, 3-2) played a close contest against the Wildcats last season, having a couple chances at victory, but came up short a season ago.
This season HHS is coming off a one-point loss to the Washington Blue Lions and are in need of breaking their two-game losing streak.
"We just have to lift our chins up and be ready to play football," Hillsboro head coach Brian Spicer said. "We have three straight road games coming up and we have to be ready to play."
The Wildcats (0-5) last week lost to Bethel-Tate 22-18 in Southern Buckeye Conference play. In the game the Wildcats had 11 penalties and committed three turnovers.
BHS did rush for 222 yards on 35 attempts, while passing for 116 yards.
The leading rusher for the Wildcats last week was Andy Lakes with 96 yards, including a 44-yard score, on 14 carries. Other BHS players to score TD's in their week five loss were Coy Burroughs and Alex Panno.
"Their fullback is a hard runner," Spicer said. "He gets a majority of the carries. Their quarterback runs decent. Another one of their running backs is good too. When he gets the ball, he will get yardage, so we can't key on one guy."
The offense used by Blanchester is a mix of balanced and unbalanced with
a wing or slot.
"They will use one back or two backs," Spicer said. "They like to use counter plays and will run the option off the edge. They are very versatile."
The defense of BHS might be tricky for the Indians, as they aren't sure what type of defense they will see.
"In the films we have they played mostly run oriented teams, and we use the spread and shotgun formations," Spicer said. "We've prepared for several looks. I expect them to shift their fronts and us movement on us.
"We saw an odd look from Stebbins earlier this year, so it will be interesting to see how they line up. We will have to use different formations and our play calling will change."
Spicer also believes his team might see a 5-3 look from Blanchester.
"They have their better athletes at linebacker and all three linebackers they have run to the football and hit well," he said. "Their cornerbacks also flow well to the football."
Going back to last week Spicer said the loss was a painful one, feeling his team was up to par with the Blue Lions.
"We've lost to two good teams in Clinton-Massie and Washington," Spicer said. "We have to get over last week and realize we still have half a season left. We must have the right frame of mind and bounce back."
To bounce back Spicer said his team needs to eliminate mistakes on the
field.
"Mistakes are apart of the game, but we have to get better. I see sparks from the team, and as a coach, that gets you excited. We have the potential to be really good," Spicer said. "As for the rest of the schedule, all the teams will still be new to me. But I am excited about what we have done so far this season from where we were at the start of the year. We have yet to show how good we can be. I am waiting for our best game."
Kickoff between the Indians and Wildcats will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. at
Blanchester High School.[[In-content Ad]]