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TORONTO -- The Toronto football team is excited about this week's challenge.
Two 1-0 teams will meet as Toronto is scheduled to take on Lowellville at 7 p.m. Friday night at Clarke Hinkle Field.
The Red Knights enter the game coming off of a 41-0 season-opening victory against East Canton last week on the road.
"Overall, I think we did pretty well," first-year Toronto (1-0) head coach Jaret Aubiel said. "There are some things we have to clean up. There are some things we have to get better at. It was a good first week. We are excited for this week."
The victory game Aubiel his first victory as head coach at Toronto.
"It was a great feeling, but I did not have much to do with that," Aubiel said. "All of the credit goes to the players and the coaching staff. They did a great job. They work hard all week. It's not me. I couldn't do it without them."
On the other side, Lowellville enters this week's matchup fresh off a 51-38 victory against Columbiana last week at home.
"Lowellville presents a lot of challenges," Aubiel said. "They are a very-good run team. They have good skill guys. Their offensive line is very well coached. We are going to have to have a great week of practice. We definitely have a lot to prepare for. We're excited. It's going to be a challenge."
The Rockets tallied 550 yards of total offense on 61 plays. Lowellville ran for 292 yards and threw for 258. Geno Perry produced 178 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in the win, while quarterback Ricky Willrich completed 14-of-20 passes for 258 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. AJ Boehlke was the leading receiver for the boys from Mahoning County as he caught six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.
"We have them at 56 percent run," Aubiel said. "They're balanced. They're about even. They present a lot of challenges."
Defensively, the Rockets allowed 350 yards against the Clippers. Columbiana ran 69 offensive plays.
"Defensively, I think they are better than that 38 points," Aubiel said. "They just had a couple of plays get away from them.
"I think they are better than that 38 points. They do a lot of things well. They are well coached. We're excited. We're looking forward to the challenge."
The Clippers collected 287 yards on the ground on 42 carries, while throwing for 63 yards.
"It looks like they run a 3-4," Aubiel said.
Lowellville led 20-0 at the end of the first quarter and 35-17 at halftime. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.
"I think size-wise we match up well," Aubiel said. "It's just not size that matters. It's about technique. It's about knowing your assignments. There is more to it than having size up front."
Home openers are always special.
"We are excited to be playing at home," Aubiel said. "We have not played at home since the playoff game against Norwalk St. Paul, and left a bitter taste in our mouths. We are excited about being able to play in the friendly confines of Clarke Hinkle Field."
The boys from the Gem City are working hard to try and make sure this year's season opener is a successful one.
"We are going to have to be prepared if we want to be a well coached and talented Lowellville team," Aubiel said. "It's going to be a big challenge for us to overcome."