Panthers look to build off big win, keep running
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CONNORVILLE -- Forgive the Buckeye Local Panthers if there's a little extra spring in their step upon exiting the offensive film session this week.
Head coach Jim Hoover's club is coming off a dominating 68-12 win against Monroe Central that saw running back Trey Hoover erupt for 319 yards and seven touchdowns.
The last time the Panthers eclipsed the 60-point mark? You have to hearken back to the 2009 season when Buckeye blasted Bellaire 64-33 in Week 3.
Safe to say, expect another heavy dose of Trey Hoover going forward. The Panthers do have multiple options running the ball, but the head coach is looking to ride his big horse and see where he can take them.
"I think Trey kind of found his niche on Friday night so I think that's what we'll stay with," Coach Hoover said. "He averaged around 20-25 carries a game as a sophomore. We had to get some things ironed out first as far as who will lead for him and I think we found that guy Friday."
That's not to Trey Hoover is the team's only option. While he is the leading rusher, averaging 91 yards per game (455 total) with 10 touchdowns, there are other capable options.
Dylan Palmer is the second-leading rusher with 234 yards and four touchdowns and QB Skyler Ebright has 223 and two.
"We do have other kids that can run the ball and our QB is a very good runner, so we have options," the coach added.
They will need to work the ground game this Friday as once-beaten Shenandoah and emerging freshman quarterback Braxton Barnett are coming to World War II Memorial.
The Zeps are coming off a tough 49-20 loss to undefeated Union Local; a game in which Shenandoah led 14-13 before the Jets outscored the visitors 34-6 during the middle two quarters.
Shenandoah has balance, but it's the strong arm of Barnett and a host of capable receivers than can do the most damage. Against UL, Barnett passed for 301 yards and three scores against two picks.
"They are big up front and their quarterback is pretty accurate," Hoover said. "They have some good skill kids and, while a freshman, the (Barnett) kid has a decent arm and throws the ball pretty well."
Through five games, the freshman has 1,125 yards and 14 touchdowns, eight interceptions. Buckeye doesn't have quite that passing attack, averaging only 34.2 yards through the air.
Ebright, the team's quarterback, did connect on his first touchdown pass of the season last week and his completion and attempt totals saw an increase the last two games.
But against an offense like Shenandoah's, look for Hoover and company to grind the clock and play keep away as much as possible.
It's just another in a long line of difficult games Coach Hoover's team either has already faced or is still to face this season in a schedule that provides ample challenges and does the team no favors. Even the team's two victories came against traditionally tough programs stuck in down years in Shadyside and Monroe Central.
"I think our schedule is pretty tough," Hoover admitted. "He had Barnesville and UL which are undefeated and Toronto has one loss. "Then looking ahead, Shenandoah is 4-1, Caldwell is undefeated, Edison is undefeated, Harrison has only one loss."