Jonathan Alder quarterback Preston Eisnaugle fires the ball downfield against Marysville. The Pioneers will host Marion Harding this evening.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)
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Jonathan Alder’s defense will need to be ready for anything when the Pioneers host Marion Harding tonight.
The Presidents run a multiple offense, led by quarterback Noah Thompson.
“They will operate out of the spread with an empty backfield,” said Alder head coach Brett Glass. “However, we’ve also seen two tight ends and two running backs from them. They will spread you out and either run or throw the ball.”
Glass said Thompson can move and make plays with either his arm or feet.
The Presidents’ signal-caller, though, suffered four interceptions during last week’s 14-10 loss to Mt. Vernon.
“After his interceptions, Harding relied more on its running game,” said Glass.
The Prexies were winning the game until the Yellow Jackets rallied for a late-game touchdown.
Kwauve Booker will line up to the outside at wide receiver or can come in at tight end as the situation warrants.
Whereas Marysville pounded the Pioneers up front during last week’s Alder overtime win, JA will have to contend with a faster team this week.
“Harding is going to try to exploit us with their speed,” said Glass. “We have to know where they are at all times and use our leverage to contain their speed.”
The Presidents’ team speed is also evident in its 4-4 defense, which is similar to what the Pioneers employ.
“They pursue the ball very well at all levels,” said Glass. “It comes from their ends, linebackers and their secondary.”
The JA coach said his team must remain balanced between the pass and run like it did against Marysville. The Pioneers passed for 171 yards and rushed for 133 during Week One of the 2017 campaign.
“We’ll also have to stay on our blocks,” said Glass.
The Pioneers’ line work on both sides of the ball will be tantamount to victory.
“You always want to see your biggest improvement in the trenches between the first and second games of the season,” said Glass. “It’s hard to replicate the physicality of a game during practice, so we have to be physical against Harding.
“I’m confident we will improve in the trenches this week,” he said. “You have to remember that we only had one preseason scrimmage as our scrimmage with London was canceled due to inclement weather.
“I don’t think, though, that it put us behind.”
Glass said in order to go to 2-0 on the season, the Pioneers must do a better job of protecting the football on offense. JA finished with three turnovers against the Monarchs.
“We also can’t give up any big plays on defense,” he said.