Sports
Trimble, Steubenville CC Prepare For Second Round Battle
By: Lucas Widman
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After coasting past their opponents in week 11, Trimble and Steubenville Catholic Central are set to face off in the second round of the OHSAA Division 7 Region 25 playoffs.
Trimble, the top seed in the region, improved to 11-0 on the season after a dominant performance over Beallsville, posting 61 points in yet another shutout. The Tomcat defense has only allowed opponents to score in just three out of 11 games this season, but will have its hands full against the Crusader offense.
In a week 11 matchup with the second-best defense in the TVC-Hocking, Central handled the Southern Tornadoes, 35-7, behind a 311-yard performance by the Crusader offense. Running back Khalil Jones had three touchdowns, while quarterback Brenton Colabella threw for two scores.
The Tomcats will have their hands full against a well-rounded offense, but have leaders at every aspect of the defense to counter the Crusader attack. Jacob Koons had 136 tackles in the regular season and will find his way through Central’s offensive line with ease if it performs like it did in week 11 against the Tornadoes.
Colabella loves to air it out, but might have to resort to short pass attempts with the Trimble secondary coming off a huge performance a week ago, led by Wyatt Bragg’s two interceptions.
A comparison between Wahama running back Kane Roush and Jones from Central can be made, as both have great field vision and will fight for every yard. In their week 2 matchup with the White Falcons, Roush accumulated 92 yards on the ground, but Trimble controlled the momentum throughout the game.
If the Crusaders want to take control of the game, they will need to put the ball in Jones’ hands early and often. Trimble’s defense has not faced a running back as explosive as Jones and will need to be ready to anticipate his quick moves.
The Tomcats can look to quarterback Konner Standley and receiver Austin Downs to lead the offense past Central’s defensive unit, which allowed Southern to gain over 200 yards on offense in week 11. The Crusader secondary will be challenged by Standley’s throwing abilities on the run and will have their hands full covering his many targets.
The Tomcats (11-0) will host the Crusaders (9-2) at Sulsberger Stadium in Zanesville Saturday night at 7 p.m.