ST. MARYS, OHIO - Having won two of its last three games, St. Marys can finish with a .500 record by "winning out," beginning with the home finale Friday at Skip Baughman Stadium.
But it won't be easy, as the Roughriders host a surging Defiance team that is probably still smarting from an exciting overtime loss to the Blue and Gold last year at Defiance.
The Bulldogs have won their last three games and surged into a second place tie in the WBL standings with Kenton at 4-2. Defiance has gotten well with defense. The Dogs have given up just one touchdown in the last three games, and are ranked first in the league in scoring and total defense.
Last week Defiance pinned a 34-0 shutout on Wapakoneta, holding the Redskins' potent running game to just five first downs and 86 total rushing yards.
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Defiance coached Jerry Buti deployed an eight-man front to stop the Skins, and will probably put 10 or 11 defenders within five yards of the line of scrimmage Friday to stop a St. Marys team that does nothing but run.
Junior Drew Price calls the signals for the Defiance offense. Price has thrown for over 800 yards this season, and is also a threat to run. He scored twice last week, including a 29-yard option run.
Price's favorite target passing this season has been Junior Derek Lynn, who has 22 receptions.
Sophomore Eric Steyer leads Defiance in rushing with over 500 yards, while senior running back Larry Hartzell is the team's top scorer with seven touchdowns.
The Roughriders went into last week's game with the league's top-ranked rushing offense, and probably didn't hurt themselves with 245 yards rushing in a 16-14 win at Celina. Ken Williams and
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Nathan Homan both rushed for over 100 yards. St. Marys continues to operate with multiple threats in the backfield as Josh Lamb and Stephen Kill have also been running well.
Ranked last in the league in passing, the Roughrider offense can become predictable. However, St. Marys will be looking to break containment at the line and bust open some big plays, especially if Defiance tries to crowd the line of scrimmage.
The Rider defense has been improving all season, and will also be a factor tonight in trying to come up with good field position for the offense.
Friday is also Parent's Night with festivities beginning prior to kick-off.
ridertown.com
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