Crusaders head to Bridgeport for key matchup
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BRIDGEPORT -- Catholic Central opens a challenging three-game stretch Friday when it heads south for a date with the Bridgeport Bulldogs.
The Crusaders stand at 2-5 following last week's 29-0 victory over Pittsburgh Carrick. The win moved Eric Meek's club back into playoff contention as Central now is ranked 15th in the Division VII, Region 25 computer poll.
Bridgeport improved to 4-3 with a 54-14 triumph over Beallsville. The Bulldogs started the season with consecutive wins over Frontier, Monroe Central and Morgantown Trinity. They then fell to Madonna, Conotton Valley and River. Bridgeport is seventh in the D VII, Region 27 computer rankings.
Following the Bridgeport contest, Central will close with home games against Conotton Valley and Toronto, two teams also looking to reach the post-season.
Friday's kick is set for 7 p.m. on Perkins Field inside Bill Jobko Stadium. This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the schools, Bridgeport holding a 3-1 series. Central earned a 31-8 victory when the teams collided in 2020.
"I've been telling the kids since the Edison game--let's just worry about ourselves," Meek said.
"We are going to look at game plans and look at each team but we just want to keep getting better and take care of ourselves. That is exactly what we are doing. If we improve enough this week and it's good enough to get the victory then great -- that is the icing on the cake. We certainly do want to continue to win.
"During the last four weeks, I have seen great improvement and great work ethic. Like I have said all along, this a great group to be around and I feel we are different football team than we were when we lined up Week 1 against Mathews. I am pleased with the progress of our kids and I feel we have improved in several areas. We are not where we want to be yet but we are getting better."
In putting together its 3-0 start, Bridgeport scored 146 points and is averaging 32 points per contest.
"We went through a three-game stretch where everything seemed to hit us at once," said Bulldog coach Fred Ray. "We had multiple kids out with injuries and kids out sick. We went through a little lull there.
"Fortunately we came out this past week and got a win. Hopefully, we can get things turned in the right direction for the final weeks of the regular season."
Senior quarterback Colin Jackson directs the Bridgeport attach. In the win against Beallsville, he completed 11 passes for 211 yards and a trio of touchdowns. He also ran for two scores.
Mason Alberts had four catches for 106 yards. One of his receptions resulted in a 52-yard score.
Michael Marshall added 107 rushing yards on just five attempts.
"They will throw the ball around and they score points," Meek said when discussing Bridgeport. "We have to contain their passing attack. They will mix the run in as well and will look to spread you out. Defensively, we have to be ready to go.
"They show multiple fronts on defense and we need to be prepared to block whatever they throw at us. They will blitz and show the blitz, so we have to be ready to pick that up.
"Bridgeport has confidence right now because they are 4-3 and picked up a win last week. If we continue to get better this week, don't turn the ball over, create turnovers and play smart, aggressive football -- I think it will be a really good game."
In blanking Carrick, considered a Division III school by Ohio enrollment standards, Central got its ground attack going -- rushing for 248 yards and four touchdowns.
Junior Tyler Ialenti, making his first start at quarterback, led the attack with 108 yards. He scored three times. Junior BJ Fallon contributed 88 yards on 17 carries.
"In his first year at Central, coach Meek has done a good job of incorporating what he wants to do on both sides of the ball," Ray said. "Obviously, they got a win this past week so they will have some momentum rolling into our stadium on Friday. It definitely will be a competitive game for both squads and we are looking forward to it.
"From a film breakdown standpoint, Central appears really aggressive on defense. They put guys in position to make plays and look to cause turnovers. Offensively, they are moving around, trying to create an identity. Coach Meek is trying to find out who his guys really are on both sides of the ball and sticking to his method. Hopefully that works out for them.
"For us, the key will be causing turnovers and not having any on our end. We have been focused the past few weeks on improving ourselves. Hopefully, this is another week where we improve as a team and have a good outcome on Friday."
As he prepares his team for its Week 8 encounter, Meek said the goal for his Crusaders remains the same.
"We can't take a step back -- we have to keep improving," he pointed out. "I have said from the beginning we want to keep getting better each and every day."