Monarch linebacker Aiden Lambert (33) brings down a Hilliard Darby ballcarrier. The Monarchs will host Dublin Jerome on Friday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson
The Marysville Monarchs will host Dublin Jerome on Friday with the hopes of bouncing back from a disappointing loss.
The Monarchs slipped to 1-1 on the season when they fell to Hilliard Darby, 31-28, nearly a week ago.
The Celtics (1-1) will bring a spread offense onto MHS’ home field.
“Their quarterback (Ryan Miller) is very good in the pocket,” said Marysville head coach Brent Johnson. “We’ve got to get a rush on him and make him as uncomfortable as possible.”
Miller completed 17-of-20 passes for 228 yards during last week’s victory over Thomas Worthington.
One of Miller’s primary receivers is Carter Barco.
He snared six passes for 109 yards and a pair of TDs against the Cardinals.
Although the spread offense is equated to the passing game, the Celtics can also move the ball on the ground.
“They will also run some counter traps,” said Johnson.
Preston Everhart has proven he’s a threat on the ground, gaining 92 yards a week ago.
“This is going to be a ‘big eyes’ game for our defensive unit,” said Johnson.
By that, he means the Monarch D unit will have to read its keys well.
“We have to know each situation,” said Johnson. “We have to be disciplined on the back end of each play and win the line of scrimmage.”
The Celtics will present Marysville’s offensive group with multiple defensive looks.
They operate out of a base 3-4 defense, but can move people around to present a 50 alignment.
“Their linebackers run to the ball very well,” said Johnson. “We’ve got to get through that second level of their defense.”
The Monarchs may have to be a little more versatile in order to do that.
“Our H-back (Gabe Powers) has been our predominant guy,” said Johnson.
The coach hinted the Monarchs may even put the ball in the air a little more against the Celtics.
“I think we will need a more balanced attack against Jerome,” he said.
Despite the loss last week at Darby, Johnson maintains confidence.
“Sure, that loss stung,” he said. “However, we came right back on Monday with our best practice to date.
“I actually think the loss has dialed us in and made us more hungry.”
Johnson said the MHS defense will have to get off the field as quickly as possible.
The Monarchs can’t allow the Celtics to either sustain long drives or burn them for big plays.
As far as the offense, it’s quite simple… treat the rock as if it was the Hope Diamond.
MHS suffered an interception and lost a pair of fumbles against Hilliard Darby.
Johnson said his squad has to keep moving the chains and avoid penalties and turnovers.
“We have to eliminate putting the ball on the ground,” he said.