Toronto, BL desperately need wins
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TORONTO -- Something will have to give come Friday night when Buckeye Local visits Toronto in a battle of two 0-2 squads.
Earning a victory in Week 3 after dropping the first two is a must in any season. It is even more important during a six-game regular season, so both teams have a sense of urgency.
"We go into every game expecting to win. Getting that win and getting that confidence is huge," Buckeye Local coach Roger Herbert said. "Last year we got a win early in Week 2 and got better as we went. When you're not winning, it goes the other way, too. This is a big game for Toronto, as well. Maybe you win this game and roll off three for four straight.
"I don't want to say it's a must-win, but we're getting to that time. We have to win one of these, and hopefully it's this week. We tell our kids don't get too high or too low. If something goes their way, don't lose your minds. Same goes on our end. Our message this week is to stay the course. We just have to do more than what they'll do."
For the Red Knights, after dropping their opener to Edison with an expectation of winning, their mindsets changed quickly. The same goes for after their defeat to Harrison Central, 55-23, on Thursday.
"Our kids were obviously a little upset after the loss to Harrison Central. We had them right where we wanted them, and we just let the game get away from us in the fourth quarter," Toronto head coach Josh Franke said. "We played a great game. We just need to put four quarters together.
"I think there is a sense of desperation right now, or a little bit of a sense of urgency amongst the team. Although we're already in the playoffs, we're fighting for a good seed. Now is the time. We have to get this one."
Toronto improved offensively from Week 1 to last week. Running back Garrett Dozier broke through for 101 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries, while the rest of the Red Knights combined for 49 yards.
It is the rushing attack where the Panthers have their focus on.
"We want to try to take away things other teams do well. Our No. 1 focus will be on No. 1 (Dozier). He's a hard running kid, so we have to take him away," Herbert said. "I'm sure they have a few things in their passing game that we haven't seen yet. You have to play all facets of the game.
"I thought we played pretty well against Union Local's run last week. They only averaged about 3 yards a carry, but they did hit us with a 70-yard pass. You have to make plays when you can."
Catching Toronto off guard with big plays could be a key for Buckeye Local if it is able to pull them off. The Red Knights allowed seven scores to Harrison Central. Out of those seven, four went for 30 yards or more, including a 53-yard interception returned for a score.
"There are some things that we think we may be able to take advantage of," Herbert said. "It's true for every team, but it really does come down to timing and execution. I think we even left a few of those plays last week. Getting off to a strong start will be big and maybe hit a couple of home runs."
Just scoring, however, is another huge focus for the Panthers. They only scored once this season, and that came during their 19-6 defeat to Union Local on Friday. They were shutout by Barnesville in their opener.
Buckeye's offense is averaging three points per contest, while Toronto is allowing 43 points per game.
"They're another bigger school than we are," Franke said about the Panthers. "They have a nice sized quarterback that also plays linebacker in Trey Hoover. He's an athlete. He has a nice arm and can run with the football. Defensively, we're going to be put to the test again. We're going to have to put four quarters of football together.
"Their defense is good. They have a kid who has an offer from Akron (Hunter Darrah). We have to know where he is at all times. He is a tackle on offense, and I'm sure they're going to want to run behind him. When he's a defensive end, we have to slide our pass protection towards him and make sure we're defending him. He can put us in a predicament if he gets free on a pass rush. We have to make sure we can contain him."
As for Toronto's defense, Herbert knows not to trust the early stats.
"Defensively, they have a tackle that's really good in (B.J.) Pearson," he said. "He looks like he flies around the football very well. Their offensive line is their defensive line. They're big up front. We have to move those guys off the ball with some misdirection. They're bigger than we are up front, so we have to get ourselves into a good position."
Many things go wrong for teams that begin 0-2. Out of the numerous miscommunications, there's one in particular for the Panthers and Red Knights.
On Toronto's side, it's getting a more balanced attack on offense.
"We were able to establish the run a little better against Harrison. Right now, we need to match the other end of that," Franke said. "We need to become a little more proficient in the passing game. When you can only run the ball, you become really predictable.
"I think it's a combination of a couple of things. This goes for our defensive secondary, as well: We weren't able to do any 7-on-7s. We're breaking in a new receiving core because we lost a lot of weapons last year. The timing just isn't there. We're still getting adjusted and acclimated to it. Caleb's also just been in a slump, and quarterbacks just go through that."
On Buckeye Local's side, it's keeping drives alive and moving the chains.
"What's been hurting us so far is that we have to be able to convert on third down and move the sticks," Herbert said. "Our defense has been playing pretty well. We have to come up with some bigger plays offensively, keep the sticks moving."
Friday night's kick is set for 7 p.m.
SCHEDULE CHANGE
Toronto's home contest against Catholic Central on Oct. 2 has been moved to Harding Stadium. The Red Knights want to accommodate more fans due to the new guidelines set forth from the coronavirus pandemic.
"We're going to do that so we can allow more fans. They're going to split the gate money with us," Franke said. "Our athletic department will be making more money being in Steubenville than if we were at home."