Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (1-5, 0-3) vs. Loudonville Redbirds (2-5, 1-3)
Kickoff: Friday, 7 p.m. at Redbird Stadium, 421 Campus Avenue, Loudonville, OH
Enrollments: Cardington-Lincoln (303), Loudonville (388)
Coaches: Cardington-Lincoln- Beau Wolford, Loudonville- John Battaglia
Last Meeting: Loudonville 44, Cardington-Lincoln 12
Streaks: Cardington-Lincoln- 4 losses, Loudonville- 3 losses
At Stake: Both teams need a win, and what better time to do it against a conference rival. The Pirates have lost four straight games and Loudonville is on a three game skid, and they would love to make a turnaround with three games left apiece.
What to Watch:
Last week Journey Williamson connected with Kalin Briggs for a pair of touchdowns for Cardington-Lincoln, one for 29-yards and another for 39-yards. Wyatt Denney, who is among the league leaders in rushing yards and averaging more than five yards per carry, also found the end zone.The problem was that they were playing a Danville squad who has been blowing out teams all season.
Look for the Pirates to build off the offensive effort by the duo of Williamson and Briggs, while also getting the ball to Greg Donaldson who has more than 20 catches and has been the favorite target for Williamson this season.
Denney is the team’s top defensive leader, and will look to shut down the Loudonville run.
The Redbirds took a 28-14 loss last week to Fredericktown, where they had trouble stopping the pass and they will look to clear up that issue.
The Redbirds rely on Matthew Sprang for the brunt of the offense, both running and passing. He is second in KMAC in receiving this year and has also rushed for three touchdowns and about 500 yards. Look for him to try to connect with Baylor Weiser or Cam Beachy this week, who are his top targets. Wide Receiver Hunter Polen is also a solid option who has proven he can catch balls across the middle for first downs, while also being able to get open and find some yards after the catch.
