MHS looks to battle back
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
GREENFIELD – The McClain Tigers are hurting by battling injuries and illnesses, but they aren’t out.
The Tigers (1-4, 4-4) are set to host their second straight home game as they host the Jonathan Alder Pioneers in their final non-league contest this Friday at McClain Field. A win would guarantee the Tigers no less than a .500 season, with one game remaining on the schedule. MHS is currently 3-0 in non-league games, winning their first three games of the season. In non-league games MHS defeated Adena, Unioto and Paint Valley.
As for the Pioneers, they currently stand at 5-3 overall after losing their first three games to start the season.
McClain coach Randy Closson said the Pioneers run a diverse offense, which uses the pass and the run.
“They like to use the I-formation, mixed with a power run game,” Closson said. “They will also put in the option and spread teams out by going five wide. They throw the ball well.”
Jonathan Alder also possesses team speed according to the MHS head coach, but will power the ball inside the line when needed.
“Their backs are quick, and we can’t forget about their receivers because they can run past players. The backs will put the ball up in the middle and run straight ahead.”
Defensively Jonathan Alder will use a 5-2 formation that will slant and angle on the defensive line.
“They really just like to play a base defense,” Closson said. “They (JAHS) will start off the edge and they are a fundamentally sound defense. They have corners that are solid, and they have defense lineman who is committed to Purdue.”
The injury bug, along with the flu bug, has bitten the Tigers in the past couple weeks. Senior linebacker Zack Mullikin will miss this week with an leg injury, and other Tigers may not see action again this week against the Pioneers in their next to last game of the year.
“We still have injuries and illness going around, but offensively we must maintain drives,” Closson said. “To beat Alder we have to play outstanding defense and play well on both sides of the ball.”
With players out of the lineup, it has given the Tigers a chance to look at their future, with players who may not have had a lot of playing time this season, make their mark for the Tigers.
“It is a good thing to get younger players in the lineup and the opportunity, but I wish it was under different circumstances.
“Guys have stepped up and played well when they have been provided the opportunity,” Closson said. “We told them at any given time they could be called upon and have to produce. They go to practice and are focused.”
Closson said it is an understanding of schemes that has allowed players off the bench to enter the lineup and help the Tigers keep pace at defense with more than one piece of the original starting lineup out this week.
“The guys get reps all year in practice and they are prepared come Friday night,” he said. “They know what is expected of them and it shows how well by how they play their positions.
“We have to evaluate our performance by what we are capable of doing. If we play with our best effort each week, as a staff we have to be satisfied.
“We just have to do what we do, and if we can achieve that, we will be in a position to win the ballgame.”[[In-content Ad]]
The Tigers (1-4, 4-4) are set to host their second straight home game as they host the Jonathan Alder Pioneers in their final non-league contest this Friday at McClain Field. A win would guarantee the Tigers no less than a .500 season, with one game remaining on the schedule. MHS is currently 3-0 in non-league games, winning their first three games of the season. In non-league games MHS defeated Adena, Unioto and Paint Valley.
As for the Pioneers, they currently stand at 5-3 overall after losing their first three games to start the season.
McClain coach Randy Closson said the Pioneers run a diverse offense, which uses the pass and the run.
“They like to use the I-formation, mixed with a power run game,” Closson said. “They will also put in the option and spread teams out by going five wide. They throw the ball well.”
Jonathan Alder also possesses team speed according to the MHS head coach, but will power the ball inside the line when needed.
“Their backs are quick, and we can’t forget about their receivers because they can run past players. The backs will put the ball up in the middle and run straight ahead.”
Defensively Jonathan Alder will use a 5-2 formation that will slant and angle on the defensive line.
“They really just like to play a base defense,” Closson said. “They (JAHS) will start off the edge and they are a fundamentally sound defense. They have corners that are solid, and they have defense lineman who is committed to Purdue.”
The injury bug, along with the flu bug, has bitten the Tigers in the past couple weeks. Senior linebacker Zack Mullikin will miss this week with an leg injury, and other Tigers may not see action again this week against the Pioneers in their next to last game of the year.
“We still have injuries and illness going around, but offensively we must maintain drives,” Closson said. “To beat Alder we have to play outstanding defense and play well on both sides of the ball.”
With players out of the lineup, it has given the Tigers a chance to look at their future, with players who may not have had a lot of playing time this season, make their mark for the Tigers.
“It is a good thing to get younger players in the lineup and the opportunity, but I wish it was under different circumstances.
“Guys have stepped up and played well when they have been provided the opportunity,” Closson said. “We told them at any given time they could be called upon and have to produce. They go to practice and are focused.”
Closson said it is an understanding of schemes that has allowed players off the bench to enter the lineup and help the Tigers keep pace at defense with more than one piece of the original starting lineup out this week.
“The guys get reps all year in practice and they are prepared come Friday night,” he said. “They know what is expected of them and it shows how well by how they play their positions.
“We have to evaluate our performance by what we are capable of doing. If we play with our best effort each week, as a staff we have to be satisfied.
“We just have to do what we do, and if we can achieve that, we will be in a position to win the ballgame.”[[In-content Ad]]