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CODY LEIST

PDT Sports Writer

Defense may be the name of the game Friday night as Minford (2-0) ventures into Piketon to take on a 2-0 Redstreaks squad that is looking for that last nonconference win before next week’s big match-up with Westfall.

“Our defense has to step up and rise to the challenge,” Falcons coach Brent Daniels said. “…We’ve got to fly to the ball and be aggressive.”

The task will be to stop a Piketon ball club that boasts 18 seniors, led by quarterback Isaac Brabson who was 15-for-23 passing for 239 yards in last week’s 26-12 win at Vinton County. The Redstreaks are averaging 27.5 points per game and holding their opponents to 16.5 a contest.

In an interview this week with the Pike County News Watchman, Piketon coach Tyler Gullion preached discipline as they go up against the Wing-T offense implemented by Minford. The Falcons are outscoring their opponents 78-19 after last Friday’s 38-19 win at Wellston.

“It is more of a running, misdirection offense, there’s not much spread,” Gullion said. “It is a lot to get in in one week (and) they do that for a reason.

“Our kids will be up for the challenge. It will be a good game.”

Last week, Sean Berry rushed for 180 yards on 10 carries in the victory over the Rockets. A year ago, Minford raced to a quick start to win the home contest between these two schools 26-14.

This game will also be important for both primary and secondary points in the postseason picture as both squads are in Division IV, Region 15. According to joeeitel.com’s early projections, the Redstreaks are third in the region while the Falcons are in a three-way tie with Fairland and Martins Ferry for fifth.

Cody Leist can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 242, or cleist@heartlandpublications.com.