HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW Friday night football

BOARDMAN vs. WARREN HARDING
When: 7:30.
Where: Mollenkopf Stadium, Warren.
Boardman (5-1, 1-0) scouting report: Since losing to St. Ignatius in Week 2, the Spartans have won four consecutive games. Two were close calls -- 10-7 over Chaney and last Friday's 22-19 win over Massillon Jackson that was decided on Andrew Good's 31-yard field goal with 18 seconds remaining. Good also kicked a late field goal to beat Chaney. Jackson limited Boardman running back Evan Beard to 49 yards on 13 carries, his season low in both categories. Quarterback Tom Zetts completed 11-of-20 for 140 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown to Jay Upthegrove.
The coach says: "We're pleased with the progress we've made as a team. We felt that we would have a real strong offense, but that on defense we had a lot of positions to fill. It seems that we've really started to progress as the first unit has two shutouts."
About his kicker: "Andy Good is definitely a weapon for us. He's also kicked 22 kickoffs into the end zone. That's phenomenal for a high school player."
About Warren's defense: "They have Prescott Burgess in the secondary and other top players. Harding has always been known for playing great defense."
About stopping Warren Harding tailback Maurice Clarett: "Containing him is the only goal. Their offense starts with him. If he runs for 5 or 6 yards, then you hope you don't let him get 20 or 30." -- Garry Smith.
Warren Harding (6-0, 2-0) scouting report: The Raiders are ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll, but only fifth in the Region 1 computer ratings. Warren Harding, which has out-scored opponents 309-29, can clinch a tie for the SVC title with a win. The Raiders survived a scare last Friday in Austintown when Clarett entered the game after halftime and rushed for 123 yards to propel Warren Harding to a 21-13 victory. Clarett had been held out of the first half because of a groin injury. Clarett is expected to start Friday.
The coach says: Boardman is "The best team we have faced. They have size that we can't match. They have a gifted quarterback, tailback, tight end and wide receiver. When you're looking to build a good offense, those are the four things you look for. Their defense may be young, but they are very aggressive. Boardman is adept in all three phases of the game and their kicker has won two games for them. We think they are a very balanced football team. They out-played us and out-coached us a year ago. We have worked very hard to try and make sure that doesn't happen again." -- Thom McDaniels.
Radio: WKBN-AM (570), WHKW-AM (1440).
UNITED vs. EAST PALESTINE
When: 7:30.
Where: East Palestine High Stadium.
United (5-1, 2-1) scouting report: The Golden Eagles gained the lead last week against Leetonia and held on 17-13. Among those receiving high grades were senior HB/LB Nick Schneider, who caught four passes for 70 yards and also intercepted two, and senior LB Sean Weyant, who leads the team in tackles with 50. Sophomore QB Mitch Phillis completed 7-of-12 passes for 119 yards against the Bears. For the season, Phillis is 43-of-85 for 666 yards. His top target is Schneider, who has 23 catches for 289 yards. United junior standout HB/CB Nick Johnson missed last week's game for personal reasons but is probable for Friday. He is the team's leading rusher with 576 yards on 79 carries.
The coach says: "It's pretty tough to go undefeated in our league. It usually comes down to week 10. You can end up in a four-way tie at the end."
"Coming off last year, a lot of people didn't think much of us. But we had a lot of kids coming back. I'm not surprised because I knew we had talent. It's just a matter of keeping everybody healthy."
About East Palestine: "They pose a lot of problems because they throw and run effectively. They have four wide receivers who are split out all the time. They make you defend the whole field. It's something new that our kids will have to face." -- D.J. Ogilvie.
East Palestine (4-2, 2-1) scouting report: The Bulldogs defeated Sebring 61-6 last week. The starters played less than half the game. Junior RB J.D. Powers carried eight times for 107 yards and three touchdowns. He injured his knee against Crestview but is now close to 100 percent and on pace for a 1,000-yard season. This season, he has 99 carries for 581 yards and five touchdowns. Also nearly back to full strength is junior OL Adam Harvey, who suffered a concussion on Sept. 14 against Columbiana. Junior QB Smitty Kendrew has thrown for 866 yards and six touchdowns. Receiver Pat Brennan has 18 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns.
The coach says: "We took care of business fairly quick [last week]. We want to get back into the thick of things. One of our battle cries is to prove that we are one of the best teams in the TCL."
About United, "The big thing is them being on a roll; they're 5-1 and feeling good about themselves. They're probably looking at last year [United's loss to East Palestine] and wanting to prove some things. The loser [this week] is behind the eight-ball. It's a must-win for both." -- Brian Blevins.
-- Vindicator staff reports