Pioneer quarterback Tabor Headings (7) tries to keep from being tackled earlier this season. Alder, which is coming off two consecutive victories, will play at arch-rival London on Friday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Jonathan Alder’s football team is coming off a huge upset victory over North Union.
Pioneer coach Nathan Snedeker, however, said his team didn’t have much time to celebrate.
“It was a great win for us over a great football team in North Union,” the first-year JA boss said. “We celebrated Friday evening, but it was right back to work on Saturday.”
The Pioneers face another huge game on the road Friday evening.
They will take their 2-3 record into London (3-2) as the Central Buckeye Conference begins divisional competition.
The Red Raiders, coached by former Jonathan Alder standout Kyle Cutler, are very proficient in running the football.
“We’re going to see a lot of Wing T looks with maybe a little spread tossed in,” said Snedeker. “However, London is very run-heavy… about an 80/20 run-pass ratio.”
The Red Raiders are led by quarterback Elijah Mitchell.
“He’s the one who makes them go,” said Snedeker. “He can move the ball on the ground, but can also throw it when needed.”
Although Mitchell is described as the player who makes the Red Raiders go, he is far from their only weapon.
Isaiah Jones is a solid tight end who can catch the ball, while Jay Schooley and Sean Jones help Mitchell with the infantry attack.
“They have very versatile athletes who can advance the ball,” said Snedeker. “They all work very well with each other in their system.”
With so much versatility on the Red Raiders’ side, the Pioneers can’t get locked into defending one aspect of London’s offense.
“We’re going to have to be gap-sound and our defensive backs must read their keys,” said Snedeker.”
London has been known to use a variety of defensive fronts, from the 4-2-5 to 50 and 30 alignments.
“Their linemen are all big, strong and difficult to move,” said the Pioneer coach. “Those guys allow their linebackers plenty of room to move.”
Snedeker said JA’s offense must try to develop different angles in order to attack the Red Raider defense.
“We’ve got to get our skill people in space,” he said.
The Pioneers may very well have found a new offensive weapon during last week’s victory over North Union.
Cameron Jewell ran through the Wildcats’ defense for 355 yards on 18 carries.
“Cam had a great game and gives us crazy speed,” said Snedeker. “Will (fullback Heisler) has been great in helping Cam work into the offense.
“The key to beating London will be to get our running game going,” said the Alder coach. “Our defense will also have to be disciplined against them.”
Although Snedeker is in his first season at the Pioneers’ helm, he knows just how big a rivalry Alder has with London.
“There is a lot of tradition built into this game,” said Snedeker. “Both teams have a long history of success.
“These kids know each other and this game is great for Madison County and the Central Buckeye Conference.”