Staff Report

POMEROY - Suffering a disappointing first loss of the season to Wellston last week, the tough Meigs Marauders will try to rebound today as an even tougher opponent comes to town.

Nelsonville-York (5-1), who travels to Pomeroy riding a three game win streak, will face the Marauders in their last home game before a two game road trip in a crucial matchup in the Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division.

The Buckeyes win streak has been especially impressive, shutting out two of their last three opponents while outscoring them 89-13. Meigs, on the other hand, dropped a heartbreaker in front of a packed house 16-12 to the Rockets last Friday, snapping a five game win streak.

Friday's matchup will be the biggest test for both schools so far in the season as both have faced a rather weak schedule. The combined record of teams Meigs has played so far this season is 9-26, while the same record for Nelsonville-York is 13-23.

During the six games played this season, both teams have also put up some pretty big point totals. Nelsonville-York is averaging a whopping 36 points per game this season, while Meigs is just behind with 32 points per outing.

And with those numbers, it may come down to the first big defensive stop which determines the outcome, something Wellston discovered last week.

Last week the Rockets limited Cornelius English, Meigs' leading rusher, to 88 yards on nine carries with 57 of those coming in a touchdown run late in the game. It was the first time English has been held under 100 yards since the first game of the season.

But if Meigs can adjust and get English schooling the Buckeyes on Friday, the Marauders may be able to pull off the victory.

For Nelsonville-York, it will be up the always tough Jay Edwards and his passing attack which will help push the Buckeyes to success. They will also rely on his quick feet, along with Bear Lewis, to help move the ball Friday night.