WEATHERFOOTBALL: Western Reserve set for key conference matchup
11:06 PM
Sep 30
2009
Sep 30
2009
There’s Firelands Conference and playoff implications on the line when Monroeville to Western Reserve Friday in the third league football game for each team.
The Roughriders are 4-1 overall, 2-0 in the league, which is tied with St. Paul for the top spot.
Western is ninth in the Division V, Region 18 computer ratings at 4.70 bi-level points.
Delphos Jefferson has the eighth spot with 5.45 points. The top eight teams at the end of the season in each region advance to the postseason.
“There are a lot of things to improve on,’’ Western Reserve coach Mike Stoll said. “They’ve put a lot of time in. They’ve done a good job of overcoming injuries.
“We’re happy but not satisfied. We’ve seen some improvement, but I’d like to see more with the run we have coming up (including playing at St. Paul Oct. 10 and hosting Crestview Oct. 16). We’ll take what we have and go from there. We’re going to need all three phases for this upcoming stretch.”
Senior Brett Pickens, who has 116 yards rushing, hasn’t played since the opener against Black River because of a foot injury.
Stoll is hoping to have Pickens back soon.
“Brett is such a competitor,’’ Stoll said. “We can’t until he gets back. He’s an important part of our team.’’
Sophomore Blake Buckhannon leads the way with 432 yards on 71 carries with 10 touchdowns, including 147 and five scores against South Central. He is averaging 6.1 yards per attempt.
“Blake also returns punts,’’ Stoll said. “(Freshman) Willie Roth is gaining experience. What we like from is his toughness. We have to give the offensive line credit.’’
Roth and senior Ricky Suda both have 113 yards on the ground.
Senior quarterback Jesse Pausch is 23-of-47 for 288 yards.
Stoll is wary of the Eagles, who are coming off a 30-13 loss to Cougars.
“I think our kids will be motivated,’’ he said. “Monroeville is a great challenge. They’re a solid, fundamental team.
“Offensively, they’re dangerous. They can hit the big play. It’s been one of our weaknesses and stopping their run. They’ve played some physical teams.’’
Monroeville, 3-2 and 1-1, is ranked eighth in the Division VI, Region 21 computer ratings.
“We still our own destiny,’’ Eagles coach Steve Ringholz said. “We have to execute and focus better and defend against the pass better.’’
Sophomore Cory Long has gained 305 yards with six TDs.
Quarterback Brian Ringholz has 61 completions in 116 attempts for 774 yards and 10 scores. His favorite target is Mitch Brewer with 19 receptions and three scores.
Ringholz talked about the Roughrider attack.
“Their similar to Black River in run-pass percentage,’’ he said. “They’re running the ball 72 percent and passing 28 percent. When they pass the ball, they’re effective with play action.
“No. 28 (Buckhannon) looks like has has some speed. He’s making plays for them.’’
In the loss to Crestview, Monroeville fumbled on its opening possession at the Crestview 1.
“Turnovers can be a key in the game,’’ Ringholz said. “We know that from last week.’’
The Roughriders are 4-1 overall, 2-0 in the league, which is tied with St. Paul for the top spot.
Western is ninth in the Division V, Region 18 computer ratings at 4.70 bi-level points.
Delphos Jefferson has the eighth spot with 5.45 points. The top eight teams at the end of the season in each region advance to the postseason.
“There are a lot of things to improve on,’’ Western Reserve coach Mike Stoll said. “They’ve put a lot of time in. They’ve done a good job of overcoming injuries.
“We’re happy but not satisfied. We’ve seen some improvement, but I’d like to see more with the run we have coming up (including playing at St. Paul Oct. 10 and hosting Crestview Oct. 16). We’ll take what we have and go from there. We’re going to need all three phases for this upcoming stretch.”
Senior Brett Pickens, who has 116 yards rushing, hasn’t played since the opener against Black River because of a foot injury.
Stoll is hoping to have Pickens back soon.
“Brett is such a competitor,’’ Stoll said. “We can’t until he gets back. He’s an important part of our team.’’
Sophomore Blake Buckhannon leads the way with 432 yards on 71 carries with 10 touchdowns, including 147 and five scores against South Central. He is averaging 6.1 yards per attempt.
“Blake also returns punts,’’ Stoll said. “(Freshman) Willie Roth is gaining experience. What we like from is his toughness. We have to give the offensive line credit.’’
Roth and senior Ricky Suda both have 113 yards on the ground.
Senior quarterback Jesse Pausch is 23-of-47 for 288 yards.
Stoll is wary of the Eagles, who are coming off a 30-13 loss to Cougars.
“I think our kids will be motivated,’’ he said. “Monroeville is a great challenge. They’re a solid, fundamental team.
“Offensively, they’re dangerous. They can hit the big play. It’s been one of our weaknesses and stopping their run. They’ve played some physical teams.’’
Monroeville, 3-2 and 1-1, is ranked eighth in the Division VI, Region 21 computer ratings.
“We still our own destiny,’’ Eagles coach Steve Ringholz said. “We have to execute and focus better and defend against the pass better.’’
Sophomore Cory Long has gained 305 yards with six TDs.
Quarterback Brian Ringholz has 61 completions in 116 attempts for 774 yards and 10 scores. His favorite target is Mitch Brewer with 19 receptions and three scores.
Ringholz talked about the Roughrider attack.
“Their similar to Black River in run-pass percentage,’’ he said. “They’re running the ball 72 percent and passing 28 percent. When they pass the ball, they’re effective with play action.
“No. 28 (Buckhannon) looks like has has some speed. He’s making plays for them.’’
In the loss to Crestview, Monroeville fumbled on its opening possession at the Crestview 1.
“Turnovers can be a key in the game,’’ Ringholz said. “We know that from last week.’’
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