Sports
Spartans Make Last Stand Against Unbeaten Buckeyes
By: Justin Sampson
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As the minutes tick away on this 2011 season, the red and black are on red alert.
Alexander faces an unprecedented third straight loss this week as it welcomes a potential Buckeye buzz saw to Spartan field.
Alexander (6-2) and Nelsonville-York (8-0) square off in the second of three titanic matchups to end the TVC-Ohio season.
The Spartans have displayed more than disappointing efforts in back-to-back contests.
An offense that put up gaudy numbers through its first six games has mustered only 21 points in the face of the two toughest defenses it’s played.
They must now tussle with a Buckeye squad that’s posted three shutouts and given up no more than 14 points in a game.
That Alexander offense could be in serious jeopardy after quarterback Trey Bennett went down with an ankle injury against Athens. The field general is responsible for nearly 1,100 yards and 18 scores this season.
Gage Miller filled in under center to complete last week’s contest and struggled through a three-interception performance. Should he get the reigns again, they’ll have to rely heavily on their committee of running backs.
On the flipside, the Buckeyes’ backfield stud is still very much kicking.
Player of the Year candidate Dustin Young awaits his chance to continue his 1,400-yard, 23-touchdown rampage against a vulnerable defense.
Young’s heroics have somewhat overshadowed the efficiency under center, where Nathan Dean has put together his own impressive resume. He’s nearly matched his tailback’s 1,400-yard season and added 13 scores of his own.
A Nelsonville-York win would sew up a playoff spot while eliminating the Spartans’ postseason and conference title hopes.
It would also set the Buckeyes up for a potential battle of unbeatens next week to decide the TVC-Ohio.