Sports

Sheridan Hopes to Repeat History Against John Glenn


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Last week the Sheridan Generals struggled and John Glenn was dominant, though the quality of opponent differed greatly for these two teams.

In the last decade, only one other time have the Generals lost and Muskies won in the week prior to their matchup (in 2013 when Sheridan beat John Glenn, 12-7).

So what does this mean for Coach Paul Culver III and his Sheridan Generals?

It means that despite winning eight of the last 10 matchups against John Glenn, mostly by convincing margins, Friday’s game could go either way.

“I don’t think there is a significant advantage between us and them,” Culver said. “John Glenn is a good team and our guys will be ready.”

Sheridan is facing a team whose confidence is high and who will be carrying momentum into the game after beating West Muskingum, 57-18, in which the Muskies scored 44 second half points behind quarterback Matthew Stewart’s five touchdown performance.

But do not expect the Generals to be unprepared.

Sheridan has a strong presence of senior leadership and Culver believes that helps with the preparation every week. Whether it is watching film or doing drills in practice, he knows his seniors will help the team be ready every Friday.

One aspect that Sheridan will need to improve on is its ability to take care of the football. Sheridan accumulated five turnovers in the season opener against Granville and three turnovers last week against Zanesville. That is a focus for Culver and his team heading into this week.

“We have struggled with turnovers this season and they have hurt us, that’s one thing we have worked on,” he said. “We need to become a more efficient offense, we have the weapons and strong senior leadership on the offensive line to become [more efficient].”

In order to become more efficient, it all begins with senior quarterback Dylan Dupler. Zanesville’s defense was able to get to him last week and limit his production greatly. Dupler was hurt and played sparingly in the second half, although Culver confirmed that his senior quarterback is cleared and will play this week.

Culver’s main concern may not be his offense, however, against John Glenn.

The Muskies’ Stewart is a dual-threat option and as seen last week, a quarterback with an ability to run and throw can cause problems for the General’s defense.

“Stewart is a really good player and can make plays if given time,” Culver said. “That’s why we are focusing on not allowing big plays, stopping the run, and get them in ‘-and-long’ down and distances. If we can do that then we can get creative and bring pressure and run different schemes and stunts.”

Friday’s matchup will weigh heavily on the team’s two talented quarterbacks, as one will try to reverse history and the other will try to repeat it.