Sports
Preview: Maysville Needs Fast Start Friday Against Beechcroft [Video]
< < Back to preview-maysville-needs-fast-start-friday-against-beechcroft-videoMaysville proved some critics wrong last week as they dominated the Licking Valley Panthers 30-7. Maysville looks to continue past the second round as they travel west to Columbus to take on the Beechcroft Cougars on Friday night.
The Panthers were slow to start last week and actually for the past few weeks. Penalties were a fault to getting anything going offensively, but they eventually found their groove in their ground game. Chase Roberts, who has been battling an injury all season, was able to put the squad on his back to get the game going early.
“Chase has been improving each and every week and getting stronger,” said head coach Craig Clarke. “He had a great game but I want to see the best out of him against Beechcroft.”
Beechcroft is a force to be reckoned with, especially in the ground game. The Cougars have their senior running back in David Peoples who has had a 1,000-yard rushing season. He has quick feet along with the rest of the weapons in the Cougars arsenal, and Clarke will have his hands full.
“We need to just try and catch them and actually finish tackles. That has been a struggle for us to wrap up and that’s a key this week,” said Clarke.
Head coach Trevor White of Beechcroft has his mind on the ground game and on shutting down Roberts.
“We need to control the line of scrimmage. Maysville has five weapons on the ground, and we need to find a way to control their running attack,” said White.
“This game is one that will be decided up front, both offensively and defensively,” said White. The linemen will have their work cut out for them as both teams try to shut down the ground game.
Clarke and the rest of the Panthers know what they will be up against on Friday.
“We know they’re strong up front, so I want to get them running side to side. Make them run the sidelines and spread them out defensively,” said Clarke.
Quarterback Jacob Miller was able to find some targets last week, putting up some decent yards. Couger Clark and Elijah Miller were the main hands to catch the pigskin and get the air game to balance with the rushing attack.
This line and ground battle will take place at Gahanna-Lincoln High School in Columbus, OH on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
'Gridiron Glory' airs every Friday night at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB. You can follow the show on Twitter @gridironglory, like the Gridiron Glory page on Facebook, and follow along on Instagram @woubsports. You can also join the conversation throughout the season by using the hashtag #GridGlory!