Hayden Simpson of Triad carries the ball against Madison Plains. The Cardinals will host Greeneview tonight. (Photo submitted)
Triad’s football squad has had a slow start to the season that has resulted in a 1-2 record.
However, that all could change as the Cardinals host Greeneview tonight.
The Rams, who also will go into the contest with a 1-2 record.
They lost their season opener 19-0 to Dayton Stebbins, battled to a 21-20 overtime win against Waynesville and suffered a 48-17 loss to West Jefferson.
During the past three weeks, the Rams have been experimenting with the man under center.
Senior Craig Schiff, won the quarterback position to open the season, but freshman backup Cole DeHaven took over the job last week.
The two split time during their victory week.
The two-quarterback set-up has given the Rams some options in the backfield.
Schiff converted to a running back last week and rushed for 194 yards on 28 carries and one touchdown.
When Schiff was directing for the Rams, he was the leading rusher in their previous weeks.
He currently is second in the Ohio Heritage Conference with 385 yards.
DeHaven was able to make some impact under center in Week Three, going six-for-nine for 57 yards.
Triads defense will have to also contest with Clay Payton in the backfield.
He has been a solid back for the Rams, running for 153 yards on 34 attempts and two TDs.
The two-way player has also picked up 35 tackles at linebacker.
Grant Gallaway has caught six receptions for 53 yards, but the bulk of the Rams’ offense has been gained on the ground.
The Cardinals will employ their own set of offensive weapons in the hope of pulling themselves to the .500 mark.
Head coach Zach Winslow will look to the ground game to help with the bulk of his offense.
He has a pair of solid backs in Coleman Hauck and Jacob Jenkins to move the ball.
Hauck is Triad’s leading rusher and has picked up 189 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns.
Jenkins has been the Cards’ power back, picking up 184 crushing yards on 36 carriers. He has four TDs to his name.
If the running game doesn’t do the job, Winslow will look to his tag team of QB Jordan Simonelli and receiver Logan McCoy.
Simonelli is Triad’s gunslinger and has picked up 522 yards through the air.
When he does drop back in the pocket, Simonelli has linked up with McCoy 19 times for 361 yards and four TDs
McCoy leads the league in receiving yards.
With all of Triad’s offensive weapons, a victory will come down to getting the team to produce when opportunity presents itself.
The Cardinals must also keep their mistakes to a minimum.
The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at Cardinal Stadium.
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