Jayden Simpson (27) of Triad gets tripped up coming through a hole in his line during last week’s contest against West Liberty. Simpson has tallied 133 yards this season. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
The Triad Cardinals have a tough challenge ahead of them tonight when they travel to Mechanicsburg (7 p.m.) to take on the Indians.
Mechanicsburg is currently 2-0 with big wins over Greenon (Week One) and last week over West Jefferson.
Triad head coach Dylan Wears said the game plan doesn’t change too much from week-to-week.
“I’m asking the guys to leave it all on the field like every other week,” he said.
The real difference in this week’s contest will be the Indians’ offensive weapons.
Mechanicsburg has a trio of running backs that have all amassed nearly 450 yards in the first two weeks of the season.
Jake Hurst leads the attack with 142 yards, all of which were tallied during against the Rough Riders.
Gabe Chandler has 134 yards on 12 attempts and Chayse Propst has tallied 128 yards on 20 attempts.
They have combined for six of the Indians’ 11 TD’s.
When Mechanicsburg isn’t running the ball, they go to the air with quarterback Aaron Conley.
He has completed 19 passes on 35 attempts for 266 yards and four TDs.
Conley has also rushed for 48 yards and has a trip to the end zone.
Wears said his defense needs to keep its eyes up and be ready for anything.
“Our guys are going to have to play their assignments,” he said. “This is the week we can’t key on one guy.
“With multiple players, our defense can’t try to do too much. We don’t want to give up the big play.”
The Cardinals will also bring a solid running game to this week’s game.
Jackson Cordell and Jayden Simpson have been solid backs under Wears’ offense.
Cordell leads the team with 194 yards, while Simpson has 133 yards.
Wears, though, also gives a lot of credit to his guys up front.
“The offensive and defensive lines have been the strength of our team,” he said. “They have been playing great and physical.
‘They have been hitting their blocking schemes, so I have to give them a lot of credit for our success.”
First-year QB Coleman Hauck has another game under his belt and has been settling into his role.
Last week, he went 9-for-14 for 127 yards and a TD.
Wears said Triad will need to be at its best and play together to earn a victory.
“The guys have to give me their best and play a as team,” he said.
The new coach also said that with each week that passes, not only is the team improving, but also are the relationships.
“Things have been going good,” Wears said. “I get a little more comfortable and the coaches and players are building some serious relationships.”