MANSFIELD — Chioke Bradley isn’t often at a loss for words, but Mansfield Senior’s veteran coach didn’t know what to say about his team’s defensive effort after last week’s 44-16 loss to Lexington.
“I just don’t understand it” Bradley said after the Tygers surrendered 484 yards. “I feel like, as a staff, we do a pretty good job of preparing them week to week. We came out and didn’t execute the game plan.”
Through six weeks, Senior High has given up 214 points, or 35.7 points a game. The Tygers have allowed more than 300 yards per game.
Senior High’s defense will have its hands full Friday when the Tygers head to Ashland’s Community stadium for a showdown with the Arrows. Ashland quarterback Mitch Heilman has completed 95 of 140 passes for 1,197 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 323 yards and six TDs. Mason Kanz is Heilman’s favorite target, catching 28 passes for 310 yards and three scores.
Quarterback Cam Todd made his debut for the Tygers last week after sitting out the first five games of the season. The Ontario transfer completed 9 of 27 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown and had an 82 yard scoring strike to Angelo Grose wiped out by penalty last week. Grose, caught a TD pass, returned a kickoff for a touchdown and had a second kickoff return for a touchdown nullified by penalty.
“We can’t continue to shoot ourselves in the foot,” Bradley said. “We’re not going to give up. We’re going to keep fighting.”
West Holmes (5-1, 2-1) at Lexington (2-4, 2-1): The Knights suffered their first loss last week, falling 47-20 at Wooster. Quarterback Bridger Cline completed 16 of 30 passes for 182 yards in the loss, while running back Cale Ogi rushed for 104 yards on 17 carries. Receiver Shane Jones hauled in six passes for 91 yards. Lexington is coming off an overwhelming performance at Mansfield Senior. Running back Cade Stover rushed for 228 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, while running back Kaydan Berry added 147 yards and two TDs on 15 carries. Quarterback Jake Depperschmidt completed only 2 of 3 passes, but one went 79 yards for a touchdown to tight end Troy Keller.
Galion (4-2, 1-2) at Clear Fork (6-0, 3-0): The Tigers snapped a two-game skid last week, knocking off Marion Harding 31-28. Quarterback Elias Middleton completed 8 of 15 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 166 yards and two scores on 28 carries. Running back Colbey Fox added 54 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. The Colts are coming off another overwhelming performance in a 48-6 win over River Valley. Receiver A.J. Blubaugh caught four passes for 94 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Quarterback Jared Schaefer has completed 38 of 54 passes on the year for 677 yards and seven touchdowns, while QB Brennan South has completed 26 or 44 attempts for 465 yards and six TDs.
Hillsdale (4-2, 2-1) at Chippewa (4-2, 3-0): The Falcons nearly knocked off Wayne County League heavyweight Norwayne last week, falling 34-28 in overtime despite the absence of quarterback and All-Ohio defensive back Alex Becker, who sat out with a hamstring injury. Defensive lineman Peyton Young recovered a pair of fumbles, taking the first back 57 yards to set up a score and returning the second 64 yards for a touchdown. Running back Garrett Smith returned from injury to rush for 63 yards. Sophomore Caden Mutchler filled in for Becker at quarterback, completing 8 of 16 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown to athletic wideout Tyler McFadden. After starting the season 1-2, Chippewa has won three straight including last week’s 27-14 victory over Smithville. Quarterback Cole Thompson triggers the offense and relies on sure-handed receiver Josh Cowan, who had four catches for catches for 53 yards and a touchdown last week. Defensive back Charlie Henegar set up a score with a third-quarter interception, while defensive lineman Christian Harrell blocked a punt to set up another TD.
Loudonville (4-2, 3-0) at Orrville (5-1, 3-0): The Redbirds have won four straight and have outscored their three Principals Athletic Conference opponents by a combined score of 116-21. Loudonville’s rugged defense allowed just 172 yards in last week’s 41-7 win over Tuslaw. Meanwhile, the offense piled up 275 yards on the ground led by Alec Eldridge (11 carries, 139 yards). Brice Swindall added 53 yards on 11 carries, while Alec Bender picked off a pass and recovered a fumble. The Red Riders have won five straight after a season-opening loss to Wayne County rival Wooster and are coming off a hard-fought 37-34 win over Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. Orrville piled up 540 yards of offense against CVCA. Running back Marquael Parks rushed for 172 yards, giving him 1,065 yards and 16touchdowns on 80 carries this fall. Donoven Hall added 106 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving on five catches. Quarterback Logan Domer completed 13 of 22 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown last week.
Mapleton (5-1, 3-0) at Norwalk St. Paul (5-1, 3-0): The Mounties, who haven’t beaten St. Paul since 1995, have won five straight after a season-opening loss to Hillsdale. That stretch includes a 28-12 win over previously undefeated South Central last week. Quarterback Logan Pharmer completed 13 of 24 passes for 332 yards and three touchdowns. The senior has completed 99 of 160 attempts on the season for 1,584 yards and 17 TDs and has more than 7,900 career passing yards. Mapleton’s stuffed South Central twice inside the Mapleton 20 yard line in the second half. The Flyers have outscored their three Firelands Conference opponents by a combined score of 131-6 with a pair of shutouts. In last week’s 42-6 win over Crestview, running back Cam Caizzo rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Gavin Starcher accounted for 134 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in the first half.
