Hoover @ Canton GlenOak

Canton Repository

SITE: Fawcett Stadium, Canton, OH, 7:30 p.m.

RECORDS: Hoover 1-4, 1-1; GlenOak 3-2, 1-1.

LAST WEEK: Lake 37, Hoover 14; GlenOak 13, Jackson 7, OT.

LAST MEETING: Hoover won 21-6 last year.

WHAT TO WATCH: Last week, Hoover got off to a good start but didn’t improve. The Vikings struggled to run the ball, which is uncharacteristic.

The key to GlenOak’s defense is LBs Jay Bednar, Nick Roman and Brandon Long. The Golden Eagles have given up just 41 points in five games and 17 the last three weeks. Hoover’s passing game has to be aware of where CB Harold Fannin is, and that won’t be easy. Most likely, GlenOak will try to bring a lot of pressure. Fannin was key in GlenOak’s win over Jackson, intercepting one pass to end a scoring threat late in the game and knocking down a third-down pass in overtime.

GlenOak QB Mike Hartline looked more comfortable last week than he has all season. Hartline didn’t try to do too much and slowed the game down. He played under control, and those are important lessons for the highly recruited junior. GlenOak’s WRs have to do a better job catching the ball. Dropped passes are leaving yards and, ultimately, points on the field. GlenOak RB B.J. Penn is still being slowed by turf toe, which he will have to play through.

Look for Hoover to simplify its offense and try to have success early. That builds confidence. The loser is out of the Federal League race in all likelihood.

A GlenOak win means the Golden Eagles are in the thick of things in the league and in the playoff race.

Hoover needs a win to stay in the league title chase and get back in the playoff picture. Hoover’s running game was virtually non-existent last week. The Vikings were held to 10 yards rushing.

NETWORK

Hoover Vikings Football

Hoover Vikings Football

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