Sports
Jackson Hoping to Rush Past Bexley
By: Griffin Ratcliffe
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600 wins are in the book, but now the Jackson Ironmen have their sixth ever playoff win on the brain.
Jackson (9-1) will host its second consecutive postseason opener at Holzer Field against Bexley (8-2).
Bexley head coach John Smith is no stranger to the Ironmen. The Logan alumnus went 4-0 against Jackson during his playing days with the Chieftains.
This time around, Smith will face a new brand of Ironmen. The 2015 edition of the team has been firing on all cylinders since its week five loss to Wheelersburg, averaging 43.4 points per game since then.
Facing off against a red-hot Jackson team will make Bexley’s quest for an opening-round win that much more difficult. Friday will mark Bexley’s third consecutive playoff appearance, but it has failed to advance past the opening around.
Part of the game plan to overcome the hump: making quarterback Simon Kroos two-dimensional.
“We are now in week 11, so we are going to use (Kroos) in all areas,” Smith said. “(Kroos) is a smart quarterback that is continually improving and grasping what is required of this offense.”
Though Bexley quarterback position is secure, its run defense still produces some question marks. The Lions allowed a whopping 275 rushing yards to Grandview in week 10.
That could prove problematic against a stacked Jackson backfield. Collin Massie, Blake McCoy, Johnny Farley, and Hunter Sexton have combined for over 2,500 rushing yards, cumulatively.
For Smith, the main objective is clear.
“We need to be able to try and control Jackson’s running game and make them a one dimensional football team” Smith said.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Holzer Field. The winner of the game will go on to face the winner of Bishop Watterson and Hamilton Township.