Hoover @ Massillon Jackson Polar Bears

Friday, October 29, 2010

SITE: Robert Fife Stadium, 7:30 PM

RECORDS: Jackson 2-7, Hoover 3-6.

LAST WEEK: Perry 49 - Jackson 28; GlenOak 32 - Hoover 27.

LAST MEETING: Hoover won 45-7, last year.

JACKSON SCOUTING REPORT:

Jackson coach Beau Balderson has seen improvement from his Polar Bears in his second season on the sidelines. If one is going strictly by the scoreboard, that progress has been more difficult to isolate since the Bears began Federal League play.

Jackson started the season 2-1 and entered league play with a two-game winning streak after victories over Akron East and Hudson. Since opening league play, though, the offense has been hard to come by for Jackson. The Bears have only eclipsed 10 points in two league games thus far, that coming in a 42-12 loss to McKinley in Week Five and 28 points against Perry last week.

Injuries have taken a toll on the Bears as the season has progressed, forcing Balderson and his staff to make adjustments and shuffle the lineup.

Some constants have been quarterback Cooper Merrill, running back Will Logan and left tackle Darien Terrell. Merrill began the year running the ball out of Jackson’s shotgun spread offense, but has gone to the air more in recent weeks. Balderson praised Logan’s effort on both sides of the ball, while Terrell has been one of the stalwarts on a line that has been hit with some injuries. (1)

The Jackson offense got a much needed boost last week with the return of Jimmy Dehnke, who was sidelined with an injury the past few weeks. Dehnke was the Polar Bear's leading rusher last week against Perry with 71 yards. (2)

Defensively, the Polar Bears’ 3-3 scheme started the season short on experience but has been forced to grow up quickly. Sophomore linebackers Charlie Dear and Nate Locke, along with junior Mike Todich, have been among the most consistent performers. When he’s been on the field, Dehnke has made plays in the secondary. (3)

HOOVER

Hoover looks to finish the season on a positive note with a win at Jackson. Hoover's offense will be led by sophomore QB, Dominec Iero, filling in for the injured Austin Appleby. Iero has put up impressive numbers in his first two appearances as the Vikings signal caller by throwing for 5 TD's.

Like Appleby, Iero has spread the ball all over the field to a number of quality receivers all capable of making the big play. The recipient of Iero's passes have been, Joey Housos, Stephen Denissoff, Jon Nutt, Ryan Choong, Westin Zernechel, Austin Feinberg, Justin Smith and Bobby Leaper.

Hoover looks to execute a balanced offensive attack with the running of Ryan Choong and Justin Smith. Jackson has been vulnerable to the run this season allowing on average, 276 yards on the ground by Federal League opponents.

Defensively for Hoover, they will have to contend with a balanced Jackson attack. Through six Federal League games, Jackson has run for 1,314 yards and passed for 922. They are capable of moving the ball. Sustaining drives have been their shortcoming.

This being rival week, expect a hard fought battle from both teams. Who wants it more? (4)

BY THE NUMBERS (5 year look back):