Hoover vs Massillon Jackson

Canton Repository

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

RECORDS: Jackson 7-2, 5-1; Hoover 6-3, 4-2.

LAST WEEK: Jackson 15, Boardman 13; McKinley 39, Hoover 10.

LAST MEETING: Jackson won 34-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Much could be on the line tonight. The winning team is alive for a postseason spot, and the losing team is out of contention. Less than 1 point separates eighth-place Green from No. 12 North Canton and No. 11 Jackson.

For North Canton to win , the Vikings’ 5-3 defense will have to keep 1,000-yard rusher James Craven in check. Craven is Jackson’s best playmaker on offense, but QB Brett Stefan is getting healthier after being banged up in the McKinley game two weeks ago. Jackson runs a spread offense and likes to create natural running lanes for Craven out of the spread. It could be a difficult set for North Canton to defend from a traditional 5-3.

Last year, the Vikings were shut out offensively, a point that has not been lost. Hoover head coach Don Hertler Jr. is looking for players to step up in a big game for four quarters. That hasn’t happened much this season. “Jackson has that same outstanding defense, and it’s hard to prepare for,” Hertler said. “They’re well rounded. ...For us, it’s not like we’re having 10 guys blow assignments and one guy’s doing it right. We’re having breakdown here or there. It’s 10 guys doing the right thing and one breakdowns. We have to get better at that.”

A win gives Hoover a 7-3 record and a second-place finish in the league. “7-3 sounds a lot better than 6-4,” Hertler said. Hoover is battling injuries, and QB Josh Nettleton will have to play well, but he needs others around to step up. Injuries to Kevin Dahl and Matt Wakulchik could be a factor.

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