Week 2 Football Preview: Tested Tigers host Shermans
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
GREENFIELD - Handling adversity in week one by overcoming numerous obstacles, the McClain Tigers return home in week two to host a Unioto team that began the season with a 33-7 win over Vinton County.
The Shermans have a new head coach this season in Jerry Hudnell, who was an assistant coach on the team last season, which finished 3-7.
McClain has won the last three meetings against the Shermans, including last year’s game by a score of 29-12 at Unioto High School. UHS last defeated MHS in 2006.
As for this season, the Shermans switched to a 5-2, 5-3 defense, and on the offensive side, they will run a pro-con with an I back. According to MHS head coach Randy Closson, they will also use a gun and spread set.
"Unioto will use a wide variety of sets and formations when they are on offense," Closson said. "To beat them, we have to stop the run. Their running back runs well, and we must control the run game."
But to help the defense control Unioto's rushing attack, Closson wants his offense to control the clock with their rushing game.
The McClain rushing attack was led by Zach Matracia last week when he carried the football for 201 yards and two touchdowns.
"Offensively, we have to run the ball well," Closson said. "We need to move people up front and control the clock."
But the Shermans are on a momentum swing. First, they broke a four-year home losing streak with their week one victory over Vinton County. Running backs Walker Liston and Cody Strange combined for 262 yards on 19 total carries. Strange had TD runs of 70 and 39 yards to finish with 141 yards on six carries. Liston had TD runs of 38 and 6 to go with his 121 yards rushing on 13 carries.
"Unioto has a new quarterback this year, and they use a three-back rotation. One of their backs is a big power back and the other two have more speed. Those guys can take it the distance," Closson said.
But with beating the adversity thrown at them in the first week the Tigers now know they can beat the odds when adversity is thrown at them.
"Winning like we did and winning our first game gives us confidence and that is a good thing," he said. "But too much confidence can be dangerous. We need to stay hungry and not get overconfident."
The Tigers need to stay hungry because the Shermans have a big defensive line that likes to put pressure.
"Defensively their line is strong and they get of the ball well," Closson said. "I think they are a good team and they do some good things on both sides of the ball. They gave us a good game last year. For us, our defense have to be as good, if not, better than last week. We ask that unit to do a lot for us and we need another great defensive performance."
The Tigers (1-0) will host the Shermans (1-0) at 7:30 p.m. at McClain Field.
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