Week 1 Football Preview: Hillsboro, McClain open year on road
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
McClain at Adena
One of the most important points of interest for the McClain Tigers this preseason was their overall health. The health of the Tigers entering game one of the 2012 season couldn't be any better as they are set to hit the road Week 1 to take on the Adena Warriors in non-league play.
McClain's first three regular season games are against members of the Scioto Valley Conference, and first up is their annual season opener with the Warriors. Last season, Adena defeated the Tigers 31-0 en route to a 9-1 overall regular season mark with an SVC record of 6-1.
But this is a new year for both squads, as McClain head coach Randy Closson said he's pleased with how his team's three scrimmages turned out, along with his team entering the first game healthy. Last season, MHS finished at 1-9, due in large part to injuries.
"Our team is very excited for game one and the opportunity to play Adena," Closson said. "We had three good scrimmages against Southeastern, Wilmington and Logan Elm. Each team really pushed us and made us better. Most importantly, we came through the preseason and scrimmages healthy."
The Warriors are the same as usual on the offensive side as they like to run the football … a lot.
"Adena has a powerful run game," Closson said. "Their offensive line is very well coached, and it will be a huge challenge for our defense."
The Warriors' defense is their usual look as well.
"The Adena defense is a base 5-3 with strong defensive line and linebacker play," Closson said. "Their offensive and defensive line play are strong, and we must win the battle up front on both sides of the ball to be successful against them."
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Hillsboro at Western Brown
The Hillsboro Indians are opening the '12 season with high energy and optimism as they are taking their show on the road to Brown County to face the Western Brown Broncos in non-league play.
The Broncos, who defeated HHS last season 49-18, enter the game with their usual spread offense and 3-3 defensive looks, and HHS head coach Brian Spicer knows what his team must do to gain the win at WB.
"We have to contain the pass ... and allow no big plays when we are on defense," he said. "Offensively, we must control the line of scrimmage."
Spicer talked about what stands out about the Broncos as they enter Week One.
"Western has a core of good linebackers and third-year players in the system for offense and defense," Spicer said. "Those third-year players are more comfortable.
"We need to find out quickly who they want to give the ball to."
As for opening the season on the road, the Indians are just glad to be starting the season as they are coming off a 2-8 season last year.
"Opening the season on the road doesn't matter," Spicer said. "I don't see it as a disadvantage or an advantage. The kids are excited and looking forward to getting out there and proving how much they have improved.
"We hoped to see improvement from our first to second scrimmage, and we did. All levels are moving forward right now, and we must work hard to continue in that direction. We know we have plenty more growing to do and are committed to getting better every time we walk out on the practice field."
Both Hillsboro and McClain kickoff their respective games at 7:30 p.m.
For complete game coverage of HHS and MHS, along with SCOL standings and results, visit www.highlandcountypress.com each Friday night.
One of the most important points of interest for the McClain Tigers this preseason was their overall health. The health of the Tigers entering game one of the 2012 season couldn't be any better as they are set to hit the road Week 1 to take on the Adena Warriors in non-league play.
McClain's first three regular season games are against members of the Scioto Valley Conference, and first up is their annual season opener with the Warriors. Last season, Adena defeated the Tigers 31-0 en route to a 9-1 overall regular season mark with an SVC record of 6-1.
But this is a new year for both squads, as McClain head coach Randy Closson said he's pleased with how his team's three scrimmages turned out, along with his team entering the first game healthy. Last season, MHS finished at 1-9, due in large part to injuries.
"Our team is very excited for game one and the opportunity to play Adena," Closson said. "We had three good scrimmages against Southeastern, Wilmington and Logan Elm. Each team really pushed us and made us better. Most importantly, we came through the preseason and scrimmages healthy."
The Warriors are the same as usual on the offensive side as they like to run the football … a lot.
"Adena has a powerful run game," Closson said. "Their offensive line is very well coached, and it will be a huge challenge for our defense."
The Warriors' defense is their usual look as well.
"The Adena defense is a base 5-3 with strong defensive line and linebacker play," Closson said. "Their offensive and defensive line play are strong, and we must win the battle up front on both sides of the ball to be successful against them."
• • • •[[In-content Ad]]
Hillsboro at Western Brown
The Hillsboro Indians are opening the '12 season with high energy and optimism as they are taking their show on the road to Brown County to face the Western Brown Broncos in non-league play.
The Broncos, who defeated HHS last season 49-18, enter the game with their usual spread offense and 3-3 defensive looks, and HHS head coach Brian Spicer knows what his team must do to gain the win at WB.
"We have to contain the pass ... and allow no big plays when we are on defense," he said. "Offensively, we must control the line of scrimmage."
Spicer talked about what stands out about the Broncos as they enter Week One.
"Western has a core of good linebackers and third-year players in the system for offense and defense," Spicer said. "Those third-year players are more comfortable.
"We need to find out quickly who they want to give the ball to."
As for opening the season on the road, the Indians are just glad to be starting the season as they are coming off a 2-8 season last year.
"Opening the season on the road doesn't matter," Spicer said. "I don't see it as a disadvantage or an advantage. The kids are excited and looking forward to getting out there and proving how much they have improved.
"We hoped to see improvement from our first to second scrimmage, and we did. All levels are moving forward right now, and we must work hard to continue in that direction. We know we have plenty more growing to do and are committed to getting better every time we walk out on the practice field."
Both Hillsboro and McClain kickoff their respective games at 7:30 p.m.
For complete game coverage of HHS and MHS, along with SCOL standings and results, visit www.highlandcountypress.com each Friday night.