Jonathan Alder’s Drew Meyers (12) eludes an Indian Lake defender. The Pioneers will put their 4-1 record on the line tonight at Kenton Ridge.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
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The tough opponents just keep coming for the Jonathan Alder High School football team.
After taking care of a 3-1 Indian Lake squad last week, there is no rest for the Pioneers as they once again take to the road.
Alder will take a 4-1 record into tonight’s game at Kenton Ridge, which sports an identical mark.
The contest will have key computer points on the line as Alder is ranked fourth in Region 16 of Division IV and the Cougars are nipping at a post-season berth. They are in 11th place in the same region.
JA coach Brett Glass said Kenton Ridge has shown multiple offensive looks. However, the Cougars primarily like to operate out of the spread.
Sophomore quarterback Dylan Lemen is a quick runner who will put the ball in the air from time to time.
“He will throw just enough to keep you honest,” said Glass. “We’ve struggled a bit with our pass coverage, so I’m sure that (going to the air) will be in their game plan.”
When Lemen goes up top, he’ll spread the ball around to several receivers.
Nasiim McKay is one of the Cougars’ top wideouts.
“We’re going to have to play with good technique and limit big plays,” said Glass. “Last week, our defense played well about 75 percent of the time, but Indian Lake broke some big plays on us.
“We can’t let them beat us over the top,” he said. “We are continuing to work and shore things up by playing the ball when it’s in the air.”
The Cougars will throw the same type of defensive front that other squads in the Central Buckeye Conference use.
“We will see a lot of 3-4 in the CBC this year,” said Glass. “Their inside linebackers do a good job of running to the football and their defensive backs keep things in front of them.”
Glass liked the balanced offense his squad displayed last week.
“We had 200-plus yards passing and running,” he said. “Preston (quarterback Eisnaugle) did a good job of spreading the ball around as we had five different guys catch it.
“Our offensive line has played well the past couple of weeks,” said Glass. “We will need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.”
The Pioneers have had close ball games against the likes of Marysville, Marion Harding, Benjamin Logan and Indian Lake that have resulted in victories.
“We’re doing a good job of finding ways to win close games,” said Glass.