Eagles, Bulldogs search for scores

Our US Marines Battle of the Gridiron Tour will watch Walnut Hills and Woodward kickoff the Ohio season. Both teams are coming off campaigns where points were hard to come by. Walnut Hills averaged 9.1 points and Woodward just 7.8 points per game in 2014. The struggles may continue as both schools have more than their share of unproven talent at the skill positions.

That may be the best part about this contest. It will be a chance for new stars to shine on Friday night. A new year brings hope and budding optimism, two things that both of these squads look to capitalize on an ride the wave of heading into their second week.

WOODWARD BULLDOGS (0-0) at WALNUT HILLS EAGLES (0-0)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m at Marx Stadium
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Will Coker can change the course of a game every time he touches the ball for Woodward. Quarterback Landon Bryant has to take better care of the football if the Bulldogs are to get over .500 this season. Senior classmate Maurice Mills only played in five games in ‘14 but ran for 200 yards in the season finale against Riverview East. This trio has the potential to do some big damage for the Woodward offense.

Jeremiyah Hairston is the motor of the Walnut Hills engine. If the Eagles can surround him with complimentary pieces Hairston will be a force on both sides of the ball.

TEAM TRENDS: Anemic offenses have to come to life. Scoring points is the only way these squads will become upper echelon in their leagues.

Woodward head into this season having been shutout three times in its last five contests. The Bulldogs have scored a grand total of 38 points during that span.

Walnut Hills goes into ‘15 having been shutout twice in its last four games. They have scored a grand total of 26 points in their last five outings.

WOODWARD’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Special teams needs to make a difference for the Bulldogs. Coker is a fine return man he can set up Woodward with good field position or even put points on the board. Woodward just doesn’t want him returning too many kickoffs but when he does they have to be meaningful. Finding a way to score unconventional points or getting on top early will greatly aid the Bulldogs cause.

WALNUT HILLS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Even though the Eagles went 1-9 (only win a forfeit over Withrow) last year they must act and play like they are the team from the bigger and better conference. Walnut Hills needs to let its defense dictate the pace of the game. The offense must cherish possessions. The Eagles turned the ball over 27 times in each of the past two years. They were -19 in turnover margin in ’14.

Prediction: WALNUT HILLS 17, WOODWARD 13