Trending
MOUNDSVILLE -- It's homecoming week at John Marshall, and the Monarchs have a lot to celebrate lately. Buckeye Local looks to ruin the party and collect its first win of the year on Friday.
John Marshall is coming off of a dominating 40-17 victory at Parkersburg South last week, and running back Dereck Hess had a night to remember. The senior garnered four touchdowns, including a 97-yard kickoff return for six, on his way to a 186-yard performance.
"Anytime he touches the ball, he is a threat to go all the way," John Marshall coach Rick Goodrich said. "Our offensive line does a nice job, too. We have a couple of athletes in the backfield running the ball, and they compliment each other.
"When you have good running backs, the line blocks better, and when you have a good line, the backs run harder. It goes hand in hand. They show great teamwork."
Senior Nick Coulter and junior Chas McCool also did damage in the John Marshall backfield a week ago. Coulter picked up 51 yards and a score, while McCool added 42 yards and a touchdown.
The Panthers suffered a tough loss at the hands of Bellaire last week by a count of 49-14, but head coach Roger Herbert's squad is working hard to turn things around.
"It is a building process, and we knew it would be," Herbert said. "As far as their efforts and attitudes go, they have been great. They are doing everything that we want from them."
Turnovers greatly impacted both teams in different ways last week. The Monarchs' defense forced three turnovers, while Buckeye was crippled by five giveaways.
"We have to limit the mistakes," Herbert said. "We had a nice opening drive last week, but it ended in a pick six. We gave up two defensive touchdowns last week, so we have to get out of our own way."
John Marshall's defense has been one of the team's strengths all season and looks to build off that performance this week. The Buckeye Local running game had a solid outing last week and will try to make an impact against the stout John Marshall defense.
The Panthers rushed for 183 yards and a pair of scores in last week's loss. John Marelli led the ground attack with 93 yards and a touchdown, while Charlie Smith added the other score with 69 yards.
"We like to establish the run," Herbert said. "We planned on doing 50/50 running and passing this year, and Marelli and Smith have done a really nice job."
Another Panther to watch for is junior Jack Reese who has been a staple for the defense.
"Reese was a linebacker for us but we moved him to defensive end, and it has been a great fit for him," Herbert said. "He has been solid all year and is a very hard working kid. He gives 100 percent on every play, and he is only going to get better at defensive end. It was a natural move for him."
Despite the 0-5 record, the Panthers have players who can make an impact all over the field, and Goodrich and his Monarchs are preparing for the challenge.
"Buckeye has some big tough kids on its team," Goodrich said. "We are hoping for a good team effort and a good week of practice so that our guys can go out and perform."