by Ricky Mulvey
Like Loveland, Zanesville is coming into the State Semifinal Game with a perfect record. In four of their past five games, the Blue Devils’ defense has posted shutouts, and offensively, they will bring new challenges to the Tigers.
Zanesville quarterback, Thomas Wibbler, will arguably be the best passing quarterback Loveland has seen to date. If he was larger, he could be a potential Big 10 recruit, but standing at 5’10, Wibbler would likely play college ball at a MAC level school, (like Ohio or Bowling Green), should he choose to play at the next level. He has thrown 46 touchdowns on the year with only seven interceptions, and uses a battery of receivers. In fact, five receivers on the Blue Devils have attained over 300 receiving yards this season. Loveland will have to protect the corners of the field more than in other games, and be ready to stop long bomb against this spread offense.
The Tigers’ biggest issue in the game may come from 6’4, 220 pound tight end Granger Long. Long averages 19.3 yards per reception and has 12 touchdowns on the year. Last week Loveland struggled against Mt. Healthy players David Montgomery and Tyree Elliot. These players had a keen ability to break tackles and run over players. Long has a similar skill set, and will need to be contained for a Tiger victory.
Other stars to look out for Zanesville are linebacker Tristian Rock, wide receiver Dar Stanford, and running back Jamal Gladden. Rock leads the team in tackles with 119, and also has ten sacks on the season. Gladden and Stanford have each obtained over 1,000 offensive yards.
The one spot where Loveland has a true advantage in this game is experience. Zanesville took on DIII or DIV opponents in eight of their ten regular season games. Loveland on the other hand, faced much stronger DI and DII adversaries in their regular season match-ups, such as DI Lebanon and Oak Hills. Loveland also defeated highly ranked DII, Winton Woods and Kings. So while the regular season stats make look incredible for the Blue Devils, it is important to take some of those numbers with a grain of salt since they were achieved against opponents of a lower caliber.
Loveland (13-0) will play Zanesville (13-0) at Columbus St. Francis DeSales Alumni Stadium, Friday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 PM.
Zansville defeated New Albany Friday 35-28 at this stadium. Read about their senior, JT McFarland, and watch this feature video interview about him at www.whiznews.com.
Zansville High School Web Site
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