Hoover vs Akron Buchtel

Canton Repository

SITE: North Canton Memorial Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

RECORDS: Buchtel 1-0, Hoover 0-1.

LAST WEEK: Buchtel 33, Massillon 20; Green 18, Hoover 15.

LAST MEETING: Hoover won 14-7 last year.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Vikings are coming off their first loss in 17 regular-season games, but head coach Don Hertler Jr. is quick to point out this year’s team is coming off its first non-playoff loss period.

Hoover made too many mistakes and missed assignments in critical situations last week against Green. The Vikings had three drives that ended inside the opponent’s 20-yard line with no points to show for them. RB John Bertsch is beginning to establish himself as tough tackle and Hoover’s bread-and-butter back. In fact, Hoover may have gone to Bertsch too many times in obvious situations. Hoover QBs Sean Kostelnik and Jason Foote both showed glimpses of being effective passers, but the Vikings need to do a better job taking care of the football when it’s in the air. WRs need to run crisper routes.

Buchtel is much faster than Green, and the Griffins will cover the field with athletically gifted players.

Last week against Massillon, Buchtel seemed to have everything it needed. QB Dorell Knight threw accurate passes, and RB Bryan Williams gained 131 yards on 26 carries. Head coach Claude Brown got his team ready to play two days in a row after an annoying morning bus ride on Saturday morning.

NETWORK

Hoover Vikings Football

Akron Buchtel Griffins Game Preview