Hoover @ Massillon Perry

Canton Repository

SITE: Perry Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

RECORDS: Hoover 6-2, 4-1; Perry 6-2, 4-1.

LAST WEEK: Hoover 34, Fitch 7; Perry 41, Jackson 20.

LAST MEETING: Perry won, 12-0, last year.

WHAT TO WATCH: Consider this the Federal League title game, with plenty of playoff points on the line, too. Each team is coming off impressive wins. Hoover gained 503 total yards, doing equal damage on the ground and in the air. Perry went for 405 yards, most of that coming on the ground in its potent wing-T. But put too many defenders in the box and the Panthers have proven they will sting defenses with the pass.

Hoover’s offense is led by QB Jared Wackerly, WR Matt Wakulchik and RB Erick Howard. All three had success last week, and outside of a few exceptions, they have been big factors in every game. “They are a very balanced offense, pretty close to being 50-50, running and throwing,” Perry coach John Miller said. “The bottom line in high school football is you usually need to try to stop the run and try to make people throw. But their quarterback does a great job throwing.”

Perry is led by RB Eric Magnacca, who is coming off a 201-yard, five-TD performance. “He gets tough yards, and he’s able to break big plays,” Hoover coach Don Hertler Jr. said. “And they’ve got great backs everywhere. We’re going to have to do a really good job defensively.” FB Marc Fry, WB Matthew Vick and QB John Hyde make it impossible to key on Magnacca. WR Brian Sengos is another threat.

Defensively, each team has had its moments. Perry has been hurt by the big play several times this season, and some teams have moved the ball effectively vs. Hoover. Don’t be surprised if this turns into a shootout.

North Canton, Perry playing for the Federal League title

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Chris Beaven, Canton Repository

Not much came easy for the Perry and Hoover high school football teams this season.

They suffered some injuries and surprising losses, then found themselves searching for answers at times.

But 7:30 Friday night at Perry Stadium, the Panthers and Vikings will be right where they hoped to be — playing for the Federal League title.

“This is what it’s all about,” Perry coach John “Spider” Miller said.

“You definitely want to have a chance to play in a big game this time of the year,” Hoover coach Don Hertler Jr. said.

Each team is 6-2 overall, 4-1 in the league. At different times, each looked like the favorite. Other times, they looked like teams trying to find themselves.

“We both have some holes, and we’ve both fought to be consistent,” Hertler said.

“But it’s been that kind of year everywhere.”

Upsets became routine this season, and these two were not immune. Hoover’s loss at home to GlenOak surprised many.

Perry suffering a lopsided loss at Boardman stunned some. They each also lost a tough nonleague game to a rival.

But both teams regrouped, staying focused on moving forward.

“We talk about that all the time, playing the next play, keeping your poise,” Miller said. “That’s what this team has done since the Boardman game. No one has panicked.”

“We’ve dealt with a lot of adversity. We had a little bit of the roller coaster ride early, but we’re very proud of our kids. It’s a great group. ... Everything’s not picture perfect.

“We know that. But they give us effort, and that’s a good way to be successful.”

Both teams have a number of great skill players. That could mean a high-scoring game.

“I’m not sure how it’s going to work out,” Hertler said.

“With the way this year’s gone, I really don’t know what to expect from anything this year.”

PERRY BT THE NUMBERS (last 4 games):

Rushing Attempts - Rushing Yards vs Opponent

42 - 310 vs Jackson

51 - 305 vs McKinley

31 - 157 vs Boardman

36 - 367 vs Fitch

Pass Completions - Pass Attempts - Passing Yards vs Opponent

4 - 5 - 95 vs Jackson