Hoover @ Canton McKinley

Canton Repository

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

RECORDS: Hoover 3-0, 0-0; McKinley 3-0, 1-0.

LAST MEETING: McKinley won 39-10 a year ago.

WHAT TO WATCH: Expect a physical game with potential for big plays from each side. McKinley all-state TB Morgan Williams is averaging 170.7 yards per game and can go the distance any time he touches the ball. So can his backup, Will Sheeler, who scored on a 48-yard run last week. “All their backs can run, and they’re very, very capable of throwing the ball well,” Hoover coach Don Hertler Jr. said. “They just have not done a lot (of passing).” McKinley’s passing game did come through in the clutch last week.

The Bulldogs put together a game-winning, 81-yard drive in the final 4:42 to win 24-20 at Lake. QB Dan Grimsley engineered that drive, hitting three

receivers in the drive. “He throws very well and he’s accurate,” Hertler said. Lonnie

Richardson and Kenyad Blair are McKinley’s top receivers.

Hoover’s playmakers include RB-LB Kevin Dahl, WR-DB Seth Allman, WR-DB Matt Wakulchik, RB Phillip Howard, QB Jared Wackerly and LB Jordan Bucar.

Hertler is concerned about consistency. “We need a great week of practice,” he said. “We’re starting to snap around. We need to continue to play stronger and more physical on both sides of the ball.”

A concern for McKinley is defending Hoover’s passing game. The Bulldogs allowed 123 yards passing against Lake and were hurt several times on third downs. Hoover throws the ball well. McKinley had problems on kickoff coverage, as Lake’s Josh McCutcheon returned three for 180 yards, including a 97-yard TD. McCutcheon’s talent obviously played a big part, but so did mistakes by McKinley. “We had some guys over-run the football and a couple of guys were really out of their lanes,” McKinley coach Brian Cross said. “... It’s very fixable.”

NETWORK

Canton McKinley High School - Fawcett Stadium

Hoover Vikings Football

Canton McKinley Bulldogs Game Preview