Jonathan Alder’s Cam Jewell passes the ball against Amanda Clearcreek. The Pioneers will host Thornville-Sheridan this evening. (Photo submitted)
The Pioneers of Jonathan Alder will look to crack the win column with a non-conference home game on Friday.
JA, which lost its season opener at Amanda Clearcreek last Friday, will host Thornville Sheridan.
The Generals opened their season with a 35-30 triumph over Licking Valley.
Alder coach Nathan Snedeker said Sheridan will run a Wing-Pistol type of offense, led by a solid backfield.
Jason Munyan appears to be the Generals’ top running back, while quarterback Reid Packer handles the ball well out of the backfield.
“Thornville Sheridan runs the ball very well,” said Snedeker. “They can also pass the ball enough times to keep you honest about their running attack.”
The Alder boss said Sheridan’s offensive line is solid and makes passing earlier for the ground game.
“We will have to stop their running back first,” said Snedker. “He runs downhill very well and then that can open up their passing game.
“Our defensive unit must play physical football.”
The Generals will employ a 3-3 odd defensive front.
That unit plays with the same discipline as its offensive counterpart.
“Their line is very strong and does a great job of controlling the scrimmage area,” said Snedeker. “Their linebackers run downhill very well… they get to the ball in a hurry.”
Snedeker said Jonathan Alder’s offensive line will have to use solid blocking schemes to keep the Generals from controlling the line of scrimmage.
“We have to be sound with our assignments against their defense, which is very gap-sound.”
Ball possession will be a necessity if the Pioneers are to break through to the .500 mark on Friday.
“Our offense will have to control our blocks to keep Thornville-Sheridan’s ground game off the field,” said Snedeker. “We will also have to quickly pick up some of their defensive schemes that may seem a little quirky to us in their odd front.”
The Pioneer coach wants to see more production out of his offensive unit.
“We left a lot of scoring opportunities on the field at Amanda-Clearcreek,” he said. “We had some missed assignments that we need to clean up.”