Jonathan Alder’s Mason Seum (45) picks up yardage against Graham. The Pioneers will host Kenton Ridge this evening.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)
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The Jonathan Alder Pioneers (4-2) know who they have to key on tonight when they host the 4-2 Cougars of Kenton Ridge.
Quarterback Dylan Lemen is labled as a “dual threat” by Pioneer coach Brett Glass.
“He’s one of the best in the Central Buckeye Conference,” said Glass. “He’s in the top five in the conference for both rushing and passing.”
Lemen has passed for more than 1, 000 yards and rushed for nearly 600 during the first six weeks of the season.
Lemen’s favorite passing target is Calvin Dibert (579 yards).
“He’s 6-3 and a guy we also have to stop,” said Glass.
The Cougars don’t really have another big threat in the ground game.
“They’ve got several running backs to which they spread the ball,” said Glass. “Their offensive line is decent. They open holes and protect Lemen pretty well.
“What is scary are the unscripted plays that Lemen will go off on,” he said. “There are times he’ll just scramble around and see what he can find.
“Our defensive backs will have to hold their coverage longer this week,” said Glass. “Our line is going to have to keep Lemen in the pocket.
“We also can’t be too aggressive on our pass rush,” said the Alder coach. “Lemen can bait you into doing that and then take off and run.”
The Cougars’ will use 50 and 3-4 defensive fronts.
“They’re not overly big, but they are quick” said Glass. “They are good at stopping the run (which is the Pioneers’ bread-and-butter) and force you to pass.
“Dibert plays safety,” he said. “He moves around and they are very good with their pass coverage.
“We want to establish our running game,” said Glass. “However, if they stack the box against the run, hopefully, we can make big plays with our passing game.”
The Alder coach feels the game will be won in the trenches.
“We have to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and stop their quarterback,” said Glass.