Sports
Meigs Run Defense to be Tested Again Vs. Jackson
By: Michael Drapcho
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The two teams taking the field Friday in Pomeroy are both vying for a playoff spot. One is coming off a big win and trying to keep its momentum. The other is trying to rebound from a somewhat surprising loss.
Jackson (6-1) handed the Logan Chieftains their first defeat of the season in week seven with a 35-21 win on the road, so playing in hostile environments is nothing new for the Ironmen. In fact, they are 3-0 on the road this season, which is a good thing for them given the fact that they are facing a Meigs (5-2) team that is 3-0 at home this season.
With explosive quarterback Hunter Sexton leading a dangerous Jackson offense, Meigs’ defense will face one of its toughest matchups of the season, and it is not coming at the best time for the Marauders. The Ironmen average 28.9 points per game and have scored 35 points or more four times this season.
In last week’s loss to the then 3-3 Athens, the Marauders surrendered a season-high of 49 points while allowing Zacciah Saltzman to rush for over 400 yards to go along with seven touchdowns. To make things more difficult for the Maruaders, the Ironmen racked up 263 rushing yards against Logan last week, including 136 yards on 12 carries from Blake McCoy.
If Meigs is going to rebound from last week’s loss, it will have to shore up the holes that Saltzman took advantage of. Otherwise, McCoy may find himself having just as big of a game this week.
Offensively, the Marauders will look to simply continue what they have been doing this season. Despite dropping last week’s game, Meigs still put 34 points on the board. Kaileb Sheets and Cody Bartrum will present a bit of a challenge for the Ironmen defense, especially since Jackson allowed Logan Quarterback Lane Little to throw for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
However, Jackson has only surrendered 20 points twice this season, so the Ironmen will likely be up to the test.
Meigs and Jackson will square off in Pomeroy at 7:30 p.m. Friday.