Sports
Meigs And Gallia Academy To Meet Friday For First Time In A Decade
By: Michael Drapcho
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The last time these two teams met was in 2005 when Gallia Academy overpowered Meigs 28-6, and Friday, the series will be renewed when the two teams meet for the first time in a decade in Pomeroy.
When the Marauders and the Blue Devils take the field Friday, they will both be aiming to set the tone for their season. Coming into 2015, the Meigs Marauders know they can contend for the TVC-Ohio crown, and the first step in that contention comes Friday. Gallia Academy finds itself in a similar position, as the Blue Devils have aspirations of winning the SEOAL.
For the first time in two years, Meigs will have a familiar face lining up at wide receiver. Kaileb Sheets, who played his first two seasons of high school football at Meigs, provides quarterback Cody Bartrum with a dangerous weapon on the outside. Getting Sheets back is a huge lift for an offense that lost running back Michael Davis and wide receivers Isaiah English and Ty Phelps to graduation.
Last season, the Marauders thrived offensively, averaging 32.3 points per game. However, their weakness was on defense, as they allowed 35 points a game. One thing to watch for in this game is Meigs’ tackling. This offseason, Coach Bartrum spoke with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, and the two recommended some new drills to improve the Marauders tackling.
Unlike Meigs, who got a serious weapon back, Gallia Academy lost one of its biggest offensive weapons this offseason when Wes Jarrell transferred to Point Pleasant. However, even with the loss of Jarrell, the Blue Devils’ offense still provides the Marauders with a good early season test. Quarterback Kole Carter leads a spread offense attack that has the potential to do damage on the ground as well as through the air.
All the action will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.