By
Highlights: Both teams got wins for their new coaches on Friday. Minster's pull-away win from Fort Loramie was in big part to the success the Wishbone offense gave the running game, which piled up 333 yards.
The Tigers' somewhat new look under coach Jason Schondelmyer produced a comeback win over always tough Oakwood. The Versailles defense tallied three turnover recoveries and scored four tackles for loss in the contest.
Power Players: Aaron Heitbrink and Jonathon Borges provided a lethal running attack, each tallying 122 yards on nearly identical amounts of carries (16 for Borges, 15 for Heit-brink). Andrew Meyer re-ceived praise from coach Eric Belcher after a 15-tackle, one-sack night. Meyer is the son of former Marion Local football coach Ken Meyer.
Tony McNeilan looked very comfortable in Schondelmyer's new set, rushing for 107 yards on six carries and throwing for 118 yards and a touchdown. Cory Zumberger not only carried six times for 51 yards -- and scoring the go-ahead touchdown -- but he also had nine tackles, a sack and interception on defense to earn Iron Man of the night for Versailles.
Keys to the game: Minster may need to get some passing plays out against the Tigers. Last week the Wildcats were just 1-of-6 passing against Fort Loramie. With the size Versailles can bring on the defensive line, the run could get bogged down. With the speed the Wildcats have, some passes when least expected could keep the Tigers on their heels. The Tigers will need to find a way to disrupt the Wishbone. The Tiger linebackers are talented enough to get into the backfield before Minster can develop its plays.
Tidbits: Versailles holds a 21-7 series record against Minster, which began in 1951. The last Minster win over the Tigers came in 2001 when the Wildcats held on for a 14-13 win in the Tigers' debut year in the MAC. Before that, it was 1971 when Minster last beat the Tigers. That year it was a 20-12 win. |
