Jonathan Alder’s Jackson Izzard makes a sideline catch against Zanesville last week. The Pioneers will host London in a Division III playoff game on Friday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
A pair of familiar football rivals will square off for the second time within a matter of weeks on Friday when Jonathan Alder tangles with London.
A few weeks ago, the Pioneers hosted their Route 42 foes for all the marbles in the Central Buckeye Conference’s Kenton Trail Division.
The Pioneers won, 30-13, to cap their second consecutive unbeaten regular season and capture their second straight divisional title.
That was the only loss the Red Raiders have experienced in seven games this year.
Alder will take a 7-0 record into the contest on JA’s Volunteer Field.
This time, the stakes are even higher.
The winner will keep advancing in the Division III state playoffs.
The loser will see its post-season hopes dashed.
Pioneer coach Brett Glass knows his squad is in for a huge battle.
“The last game we played against London (Oct. 2) doesn’t matter now,” he said. “Sure, we won 30-13, but we only had a 16-13 lead going into the fourth quarter.
“The outcome turned on two drives during the final period,” said Glass. “We scored a touchdown, London fumbled and we again scored.”
At the time of the first game between the neighboring rivals, Alder was ranked sixth in the weekly Association Press poll for Division III teams.
London was ranked a few spots below at No. 10.
The Red Raiders fell out of the rankings with the loss.
Alder, however, remains at sixth in this week’s poll.
As with the first game between the two teams earlier this month, London will throw multiple offensive formations against the Pioneers.
JA will see everything from double tight ends, power backs and a smattering of Wing T.
The Raiders hang their hats on their ground game, which is led by Antwaun Burns.
The Pioneer defense, however, limited London to 77 yards rushing, including only 36 by Burns (on 10 carries).
“I think London is going to stay true to its running game,” said Glass. “However, I suspect we’ll see a few new wrinkles.”
The Pioneers also like to first establish their running attack.
London, though, held JA to 119 yards rushing on Oct. 2.
“I’m sure Kyle’s (Glass’ former Alder teammate Cutler) defense is going to come up with something to try and take away our running game,” said Glass. “London’s a well-coached team.”
When a rare opponent is successful in slowing down JA’s infantry, the Pioneers can do more than enough damage through the air.
JA quarterback JT Keith completed 29-of-35 passes for 195 yards during the Oct. 2 contest.
Wide receiver Jackson Izzard snared 19 passes for 162 yards that night.
Although Friday’s outcome is vital to Alder’s continued success, Glass said he isn’t changing much to the game plan.
“We’re going about this as business as usual,” he said. “We’re not going to make any drastic changes.”
Glass acknowledged since it’s playoff time, the game is bigger than previous contests.
“We still have to approach it, however, like we do any other game,” he said.
Glass noted the Red Raiders are one of the most physical teams Alder has played this season.
“Just like the last time, we have to match London’s physical style of play,” he said.
There are also a couple of other factors that could spell the difference between victory and defeat.
“We have to once again win the turnover battle,” said Glass.
The Pioneers intercepted two London passes and recovered a fumble during the Oct. 2 game.
On the other hand, Jonathan Alder turned the pigskin over twice on an interception and fumble.
Glass said Jonathan Alder has to also shore up its kicking game.
“We allowed an 85-yard kickoff return (by Ayden Cooper) the last time we played London,” he said.
“We can’t allow that to happen on Friday.”