Hoover @ Massillon Perry

Canton Repository

SITE: Perry Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

RECORDS: Hoover 3-0, Perry 2-1.

LAST WEEK: Hoover 38, Louisville 7; Perry 13, Hilliard Darby 7.

LAST MEETING: Hoover won 24-14 last year.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Vikings attacked Louisville with a great defensive game plan. Hoover deviated from its normal five-man front and went with mostly a four-man front against the Leopards spread offense. Hoover gave up a little more than 200 yards of total offense but limited Louisville to 10 first downs. The 50-front will return this week against Perry's wing-T offense. Against Buchtel two weeks ago, WR Brian Drukenbrod was the go-to receiver for the Vikings. Last week, Kyle Watts emerged, and Hoover has two legitimate targets for QB Sam Cerreta. Against Louisville, Hoover threw for over 200 yards. Cerreta had three TD passes, two of them to TE Chris Zaluski in the flat. The Vikings took advantage of a mismatch with Zaluski that probably won't be there this time.

Don't be surprised if Hoover tries to establish its ground game. RB Alex Ramsey and the offensive linemen  Ronnie Gnau, Jon Andrews, Mark Rose, Matt Wiley and Nate Whiteman  are developing confidence and timing. Perry, which seems to struggle against the Vikings almost every year, has to play better.

The Panthers beat winless Darby last week and needed to interceptions to help seal the game. RBs Mike Schleiden and Ryan Jedel both are capable of carrying the load depending on which one has the hot hand.

The Vikings have started three seasons 3-0 under Don Hertler Jr. and finished each time 9-1. Perry needs to play well for four quarters. If that happens, the Panthers could get back in sync with each other.

NETWORK

Hoover Vikings Football

Hoover Vikings Football

Massillon Perry Panthers Game Preview