LEXINGTON — The final score may have suggested otherwise, but Lexington’s defense wasn’t the problem in last week’s 41-7 loss to Shelby.
The Minutemen limited the Whippets to 83 rushing yards on 28 carries, forced a turnover on downs inside their own 5 yard line and intercepted a pass in the end zone. Cade Stover was in on a jaw-dropping 27 tackles from his spot in the secondary.
In fact, Lexington’s run defense ranks among the best in the area through two weeks. The Minutemen limited Ontario to 115 yards on the ground on 42 attempts in Week 1 and have surrendered just 198 yards on 70 attempts on the season (2.8 yards per carry).
“As hard as that defense plays, it’s very tough when they’re out there the whole time,” Lexington coach Taylor Gerhardt said. “We were a little outmatched with some size, but the defense has played hard.”
The Minutemen will get the chance to right the ship when they host former Ohio Cardinal Conference member Orrville on Friday.
Orrville (1-1) at Lexington (0-2): After stunning Wayne County rival Wooster in the opener, the Red Riders fell to Norwayne last week. Freshman Marquael Parks is a threat out of the backfield and as a receiver and is a dangerous return man. Parks also patrols Orrville’s secondary. Dual threat quarterback Logan Domer completed 15 of 23 passes for 181 yards but was picked off twice.
Lexington’s offense struggled against Shelby’s stout defense last week. Stover, who moonlights as Lex’s quarterback, was under pressure every time he dropped back to pass. He tossed a 16 yard TD pass to Josh Aielo.
Jonathan Alder (2-0) at Clear Fork (2-0): Jonathan Alder, a former member of the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference, has wins over Division I Marysville and Division II Marion Harding to its credit. The Pioneers were ranked sixth in the state in Division IV in the Max Preps preseason poll and are led by senior quarterback Preston Eisnaugle, a three-year starter and Marshall baseball recruit. Bryan Blacka is Eisnaugle’s favorite target. The senior caught the game-winning touchdown pass in JA’s overtime win against Marysville in Week 1.
The Colts picked up one of the biggest wins in the Dave Carroll era last week, beating Bellevue 20-14 in overtime. Quarterback Blake Dinsmore rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns, while Trevon Trammell scored the game-winner on a 20 yard run in overtime. Clear Fork’s defense limited Bellevue to 333 yards after limiting Fredericktown to fewer than 100 yards in the opener.
Mansfield Senior (2-0) at Toledo St. John’s (1-1): The Tygers boast one of the best defenses in north central Ohio. Senior High limited Sandusky Perkins to 195 yards of total offense in last week’s 39-6 win after holding Columbus Northland to 204 yards in the opener. Tre Windham has two interceptions. Minnesota recruit Jornell Manns has rushed for 290 yards and five TDs in two game.
The Titans forced six turnovers in last week’s 17-6 win over Perrysburg. Running back Alex Gayle rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries.
Loudonville (0-2) at Hillsdale (2-0): Loudonville quarterback Dylan Polen threw for 171 yards and rushed for 84 yards. He scored all four of Loudonville’s touchdowns in a 31-28 loss to Chippewa.
Alex Becker scored a pair of touchdowns, Trace Stiltner returned a kickoff for a touchdown and defensive end Michael Garn had three sacks and knocked down a pair of passes in Hillsdale’s 22-14 win at Crestview.
