Sports
Philo Takes On Indian Valley In Round 2
By: Sam Mullan
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Round 1 is finished, time for round 2. The No. 3 Philo Electrics took down conference opponent No. 6 John Glenn in the first round of the Division IV, Region 13 playoffs last week by a score of 30-7. But that game is behind them and it’s time to face a new opponent: the No. 2 Indian Valley Braves.
The Braves are coming off a win against No. 7 Bloom-Carroll last week, 25-21. However the Braves needed to outscore Bloom-Carroll 13-7 in the fourth quarter to pull out the win. The Electrics will need to make sure they finish the game against the Braves so they don’t fall victim to a late run by Indian Valley.
The Electrics may not have played the Braves this season, like they had with John Glenn, but the gameplan should stay exactly the same: stop the run.
The Braves average over 325 yards on the ground in each game. Indian Valley runs a trio of threats between Jake Davis, Logan Ryan and Brady Byers. Each of them has put up over 700 yards on the season. Davis will be the main source of offense for the Braves, with his 1,768 yards and 27 touchdowns on the season from the ground.
The Indian Valley passing game does not pose as much of a threat for the Philo defense. The Braves only have one player with over 5 receptions on the season and that’s Logan Ryan, who will be keyed in on because of his rushing ability.
As for the Electrics, they’ll need to get Zak Sheridan back on track through the air.
Despite Philo’s style of offense calling for the run, Sheridan poses a threat with his arm as well, and that should be utilized. However in the last two games, Sheridan’s combined numbers of 6-for-15, 107 yards and two interceptions have not lived up to his standards. His ground game has still worked successfully, with him totaling 150 yards and a touchdown vs. Tri-Valley and John Glenn.
Philo saw success last week in spreading the ball out between many different tailbacks, and it should continue to do the same against the Braves. Four different players for the Electrics gained over 40 yards on the ground a week ago and each of them had a touchdown.
Friday’s regional semifinal will be all about who establishes the ground game better and uses the play action pass to their advantage.
Philo and Indian Valley will clash Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook High School.