Hoover vs Dunbar

Canton Repository

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

LAST YEAR’S RECORDS: Dunbar 9-2, Hoover 7-3.

LAST MEETING: First meeting.

WHAT TO WATCH: Hoover coach Don Hertler Jr. hopes to see more toughness and intensity from his Vikings. He thought they lacked that, at times, in their final scrimmage — a 14-13 loss at Mentor. Matt Wakulchik (6-yard TD catch) and Erick Howard (4-yard TD run) accounted for the Hoover scores. The Vikings did take care of the ball on offense in their scrimmage, something that encouraged their coach. “If we keep doing that and create a few turnovers, that’s going to be key,” Hertler said.

Another key is staying healthy, something that has plagued the Vikings recently. They enter this year with one starter injured, RB Phillip Howard, Erick’s older brother. Hertler expects him to miss three weeks.

This is the third straight season Hoover plays a Washington D.C. public school. The Vikings beat Coolidge the past two seasons, 38-18 and 43-6.

Dunbar won the city title in Washington D.C. a year ago, its eighth title in 12 years. Dunbar’s top two players of a year ago — Arrelious Benn and Nate Bussey — are playing receiver and defensive back, respectively, at Illinois. But Dunbar has plenty of other talent back. RB Charles Siler and WR-RB Jahrron Armstrong are two skill players to watch. Dunbar returns four offensive linemen who average 6-foot-2, 277 pounds. Dunbar also has seven defensive starters back. Outside of that, Hoover does not know a lot about Dunbar.

Matt Wakulchik and the Hoover Vikings

Monday, August 20, 2007

Chris Beaven, Canton Repository

NORTH CANTON When Don Hertler Jr. listed five keys to success for his Hoover High School football team, it was no accident points Nos. 1 and 5 were the same.

Stay healthy.

If the Vikings do that, they have the talent and leadership to contend for the Federal League title and reach the playoffs.

But staying healthy is always a big "if" - something the Vikings know well. That's why when Hertler talks about his assortment of playmakers, he quickly adds one statement:

"If they're on the field."

Lineup shuffles created by injuries forced the Vikings to use seven tailbacks and three fullbacks a year ago.

"We haven't had that consistency of our best guys being on the field the last couple years," Hertler said.

The positive from that is plenty of Vikings gained valuable experience. They return 14 lettermen, including several capable of changing a game.

"If we're going to take the step up, it will be different people different weeks," Hertler said.

Matt Wakulchik (6-2, 190) stars at receiver and defensive back. Kevin Dahl (6-1, 210) is an impact player at linebacker and tight end. James Georgiades (6-1, 240) leads the defensive line. Jared Wackerly (6-4, 180) returns at quarterback. Phillip Howard (5-11, 190) can be a gamebreaker at tailback.

Hertler also can see a dozen or so other Vikings making a big difference at some point.

"It will depend on how people attack us or try to defend us," he said. "It could be the kicking game, it could be the defense ... a running back ... our passing game."

Another player to watch is sophomore TB-LB Erick Howard (5-10, 210), Phillip's younger brother. When injuries forced him onto the field late last year, he flashed moments of brilliance.

What could separate this team in the long run, though, is its strong leadership, much coming from the senior class.

"I like them," Hertler said. "I think for the core group, it's very, very important to them, and the others seem to be following."

The Vikings are eager to improve on two straight 7-3 seasons, but Hertler knows many things will have to fall in place.

"We may have a pretty good football team, but it depends on how good everyone else is," Hertler said. "I think the league's going to be pretty good."

A fast start would help the Vikings build the momentum to reach their ultimate goals. But in the end, "it comes down to senior leadership and staying healthy."

The leadership appears to be there. Staying healthy? Ask Hertler about that in a few months.

Reach Repository sports writer Chris Beaven at (330) 580-8345 or e-mail: chris.beaven@cantonrep.com

At the Movies

with Matt Wakulchik

Favorite movie "300"

Favorite actor Chris Farley

Favorite line "Holy shnikes," from "Tommy Boy"

NETWORK

Hoover Vikings Football

DC Dunbar Game Preview