Week 3 Football Preview: Neighboring county rivalry renewed
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
The seasons of the McClain Tigers and Paint Valley Bearcats have gone in opposite directions the first two weeks.
For the Tigers, they have won their first two games, and their defense has allowed 21 points in eight quarters.
The Bearcats have started the season with two straight home losses, scoring 26 points and allowing 47 points when on defense.
But each week is different and the Bearcats will play on the road for the first time this season, but PV head coach Pete Hollon told The Highland County Press one of their main concerns this week is keeping track of McClain senior Zach Matracia on both the offensive and defensive sides of the football.
"This is a typical McClain team. They are scrappy with hard-hitting kids, and I say that in a complimentary way," Hollon said. "But we have to keep track of (Zach) Matracia. We must know where he is at every play, but they also have nice players to go with him.
"You can tell just by scouting McClain and on film he's been working hard and been in the weight room. He is a quality football player."
McClain head coach Randy Closson said his main goal when his team is on defense is to stop the rushing game of Paint Valley.
"They (PV) like to establish the run with a variety of formations," Closson said. "They use their speed but are also capable of running in the lanes and using their power game."
Closson talked about Bearcat running back Brenan Dove, who was the PV quarterback last season when the Tigers defeated their neighboring county rival at George Knisley Field.
In two games this season Dove has rushed for 271 yards on 42 carries.
"They (PV) have a tailback that finds the seams and he's a nice athlete," Closson said. "They also have a big full back (Nolan Taylor) that can pound the ball. He is a load to take down. I'd consider both back to have power."
Hollon talked about the McClain defense that has played well this season.
"Defense is a trademark of Closson's tenure at McClain," Hollon said. "Their defense is tough and on defense we won't see another kid like Matracia the rest of the season. He adds speed to the next level."
Defensively for the Bearcats, they use a 4-3 formation, but can switch into a 5-2.
"They like to slant and loop with their tackles, and we have to play well up front," Closson said.
After last Friday, Closson wasn't pleased with how his team played in the second half.
"It's a matter of us not beating ourselves," Closson said. "This will be a good fight for us. We really have spent a lot of time getting back to basics. We've went over our rules. I have confidence in our guys, and we just need to keep gaining experience.
"We've spent a week on picking up our assignments."
Both teams are comparable. Though the records are opposite, each team is playing with a mixture of youth and veteran leadership, as both are using first year varsity quarterbacks this season.
"Size-wise, we match up well, and if we don't win the line of scrimmage battle, we know we'll have to throw the ball more," Hollon said.
But Hollon isn't pleased with the production of his offensive line this season.
"Eli has run the option well, but what is disheartening is our veteran offensive line has let him down," Hollon said. "If he can get some time and room, or offense will keep improving and growing."
Hollon said the Tigers remind him of Williamsburg, who the Bearcats played last week.
"They (MHS) are solid and plus McClain beat Adena and I know Adena is a quality team," he said. "Both team are going to be hungry and that makes for a fun football game."
Closson said though PV has lost its first two games, he know Coach Hollon will have his players where they need to be on each snap.
"They (PV) are athletic and they will have a good game-plan for us," Closson said. "Pete will have them in the right position to make plays no matter how young some of their players are.
"We have to stay humble and hungry. Take Jordan (Goble) for example. He's been prepared to play this season as a sophomore and I hope everyone on our team realizes they could be one play away from being in the game and being a guy we need to rely on each Friday. We need everyone prepared and focused."
PV and MHS will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10.
PV-MHS scores since 2003
2003: Paint Valley 28, McClain 14
2004: McClain 28, Paint Valley 0
2005: McClain 21, Paint Valley 6
2006: McClain 12, Paint Valley 6
2007: Paint Valley 28, McClain 21
2008: Paint Valley 18, McClain 9
2009: McClain 26, Paint Valley 20
The seasons of the McClain Tigers and Paint Valley Bearcats have gone in opposite directions the first two weeks.
For the Tigers, they have won their first two games, and their defense has allowed 21 points in eight quarters.
The Bearcats have started the season with two straight home losses, scoring 26 points and allowing 47 points when on defense.
But each week is different and the Bearcats will play on the road for the first time this season, but PV head coach Pete Hollon told The Highland County Press one of their main concerns this week is keeping track of McClain senior Zach Matracia on both the offensive and defensive sides of the football.
"This is a typical McClain team. They are scrappy with hard-hitting kids, and I say that in a complimentary way," Hollon said. "But we have to keep track of (Zach) Matracia. We must know where he is at every play, but they also have nice players to go with him.
"You can tell just by scouting McClain and on film he's been working hard and been in the weight room. He is a quality football player."
McClain head coach Randy Closson said his main goal when his team is on defense is to stop the rushing game of Paint Valley.
"They (PV) like to establish the run with a variety of formations," Closson said. "They use their speed but are also capable of running in the lanes and using their power game."
Closson talked about Bearcat running back Brenan Dove, who was the PV quarterback last season when the Tigers defeated their neighboring county rival at George Knisley Field.
In two games this season Dove has rushed for 271 yards on 42 carries.
"They (PV) have a tailback that finds the seams and he's a nice athlete," Closson said. "They also have a big full back (Nolan Taylor) that can pound the ball. He is a load to take down. I'd consider both back to have power."
Hollon talked about the McClain defense that has played well this season.
"Defense is a trademark of Closson's tenure at McClain," Hollon said. "Their defense is tough and on defense we won't see another kid like Matracia the rest of the season. He adds speed to the next level."
Defensively for the Bearcats, they use a 4-3 formation, but can switch into a 5-2.
"They like to slant and loop with their tackles, and we have to play well up front," Closson said.
After last Friday, Closson wasn't pleased with how his team played in the second half.
"It's a matter of us not beating ourselves," Closson said. "This will be a good fight for us. We really have spent a lot of time getting back to basics. We've went over our rules. I have confidence in our guys, and we just need to keep gaining experience.
"We've spent a week on picking up our assignments."
Both teams are comparable. Though the records are opposite, each team is playing with a mixture of youth and veteran leadership, as both are using first year varsity quarterbacks this season.
"Size-wise, we match up well, and if we don't win the line of scrimmage battle, we know we'll have to throw the ball more," Hollon said.
But Hollon isn't pleased with the production of his offensive line this season.
"Eli has run the option well, but what is disheartening is our veteran offensive line has let him down," Hollon said. "If he can get some time and room, or offense will keep improving and growing."
Hollon said the Tigers remind him of Williamsburg, who the Bearcats played last week.
"They (MHS) are solid and plus McClain beat Adena and I know Adena is a quality team," he said. "Both team are going to be hungry and that makes for a fun football game."
Closson said though PV has lost its first two games, he know Coach Hollon will have his players where they need to be on each snap.
"They (PV) are athletic and they will have a good game-plan for us," Closson said. "Pete will have them in the right position to make plays no matter how young some of their players are.
"We have to stay humble and hungry. Take Jordan (Goble) for example. He's been prepared to play this season as a sophomore and I hope everyone on our team realizes they could be one play away from being in the game and being a guy we need to rely on each Friday. We need everyone prepared and focused."
PV and MHS will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10.
PV-MHS scores since 2003
2003: Paint Valley 28, McClain 14
2004: McClain 28, Paint Valley 0
2005: McClain 21, Paint Valley 6
2006: McClain 12, Paint Valley 6
2007: Paint Valley 28, McClain 21
2008: Paint Valley 18, McClain 9
2009: McClain 26, Paint Valley 20
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