Ohio Football

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Preview: Middletown at Winton Woods

By TSF Staff | TRISTATEFOOTBALL.COM

William Peters gives Middletown a dynamic wrinkle out of the backfield.

The US Marines Backyard Battle Series and 9 On Your Sidelines tours head to Winton Woods on Friday night as the Middletown Middies pay a visit to battle the Warriors.

Both teams enter the contest with a 1-1 mark on the season. There are many storylines surrounding the contest, but none bigger than former Winton Woods coach Troy Everhart returning to the school where he won a state championship.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Middletown quarterback Jalin Marshall is worth the price of admission every Friday night. The Ohio State-bound Marshall is the Middies’ all-time leading rusher with 3,715 yards heading into this contest. William Peters and Yvonte Glover are averaging over 70 yards per game running the football. Defensive end Skyler Watkins has set the tone with 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in two tilts. Linebacker Brad Carr is a rising star in the GMC.

Shemar Hooks has been a pleasant surprise at quarterback for Winton Woods. The junior has racked up almost 400 yards of total offense in the first two week. Nick Grissom and Jalen Davis can make things happen out of the backfield. Receiver Shawn Jetter is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Sophomore linebacker, David Long has the makings of being a very special player. Defensive back, Mike Edwards is one of the area’s top juniors at his position.

TEAM TRENDS: This will be Middletown head coach Troy Everhart’s first trip back to Charlie Fredrick Stadium since he led Winton Woods to the Division II state championship in 2009. He won 90 games in 12 years as the Warriors’ front man. The two teams are familiar with each other as the Middies won a nip-and-tuck affair at home, 21-14.

MIDDLETOWN’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Middletown is evolving into a well-rounded team. If the Middies continue to do so that means more weapons for opponent to have to game plan for. With more options at Marshall’s disposal stopping this offense is going to be very difficult as the year wears on.

WINTON WOODS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Getting out of the gate strong and surging ahead early would ease pressure on both sides of the ball. The Warriors then need to focus on finishing the deal. Winton Woods has let second quarter leads evaporate in both of their games this season.

PREDICTION: MIDDLETOWN 34, WINTON WOODS 20

This article has bee produced from various reports provided to the TriStateFootball.com staff. If you are interested in covering your team, please CONTACT US.