Neighbors face off with Federal crown at stake

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Chris Beaven, Canton Repository

A packed stadium awaits them Friday night. Consider it business as usual

for Hoover and GlenOak. Loud crowds and intense atmospheres are nothing

new for the two 7-1 teams.

The Vikings and Golden Eagles are putting together memorable seasons

and closing in on goals set months ago.

So how do two of Stark County's elite teams of 2008 match up? Here's a look

at who could make the difference and what makes the game so big:

The stakes

Hoover leads GlenOak by a game in the Federal League standings. GlenOak leads Hoover in the Division I, Region 2 computer rankings by an average of 2 points. Friday's winner all but locks up a first-round home playoff game. A Hoover win guarantees it at least of a share of the league title. A GlenOak win could result in a three-way tie for first, with McKinley also in the picture.

The coaches

No active coach knows more about winning the Federal League than Hoover's Don Hertler Jr. The Vikings have won outright or shared seven league titles in his 12 years. They also are a playoff regular. GlenOak's Scott Garcia is trying to build a similar powerhouse in his second season. The results are good. He guided the Golden Eagles to the playoffs last year. Now he has them in position to perhaps win a share of the league title for the first time since 1994.

The quarterbacks

A pair of juniors — Brett Tulodzieski for Hoover and Brandon Martin for GlenOak — run the offenses, and both are doing a nice job in their first year as starters. Both started out more as managers of the game and have emerged as playmakers. Tulodzieski throws it more, 64-of-109 for 930 yards. Equally impressive is that he has just two interceptions, throwing for six TDs. Martin also has six TDs compared to two interceptions, going 46-of-82 for 595 yards. Martin also is a dangerous runner with four TDs, including a pair of long runs.

The playmakers

When they need the big play, Hoover and GlenOak each have a great option — tailback Erick Howard for the Vikings and receiver Zach Hatchett for the Eagles. Howard has a high game of 337 yards rushing and leads the league in rushing and the county in scoring. He averages three touchdowns a game. Hatchett is not quite that prolific, but for a receiver, he's quite productive. He caught three TD passes last week and had a four-TD game earlier in the season. He also is a threat in the return game, having taken two punts back for TDs.

The two-way anchors

Toughness on any football team starts up front, and that's where leaders can be found for the Vikings and Eagles. Hoover is led on each line by Dom Boyle, while GlenOak counters with Aaron Williams on both sides. The seniors emerged as stars last year. Each is equally adept at opening a hole on offense, closing one up in a hurry on defense or chasing down a quarterback for the big sack.

The linebackers

Any championship defense needs a playmaker at linebacker. Hoover has senior Tim Hartzell and GlenOak has junior Andrew Garman. Not only do they each step up to make the big hit or tackle, they also are opportunistic when it comes to coming up with turnovers. Hartzell has made a key interception and fumble recovery in recent weeks. Garman has returned two interceptions for touchdowns this season. He also is the kind of running back that can get the tough yard if needed.

The specialists

If it comes down to a late field goal or decisive PAT, both teams can feel confident in the legs they will send out. GlenOak's season picked up early steam with a road win at Green when Adam Lautzenheiser kicked a 30-yard field goal to end it in double-overtime. He has three field goals this season, with a long of 38. Hoover kept its unbeaten league season alive two weeks ago thanks to A.J. Sarbaugh. He hit a field goal in the final seconds to force overtime and then won the game with a field goal in the second OT. Sarbaugh is 5-of-7 on field goals, hitting from 36 and 42 yards last week.

The surprise

Teams don't win championships without big plays from unexpected sources. Last week, GlenOak got a key touchdown pass from backup quarterback Alex Meredith. Martin was briefly knocked from the game, and Meredith took just two snaps, but he was ready to make the most of the opportunity. Someone from Hoover or GlenOak could get a similar chance Friday.

NETWORK

Hoover Vikings Football

GlenOak Golden Eagles Game Preview (Regular Season)