PREVIEW Friday football

BOARDMAN (5-2) vs. NORTH CANTON HOOVER (5-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at North Canton High Stadium.
Last meeting: This is the first meeting.
Notebook: The last time the Spartans traveled to play a future Federal League rival, they played their worst game of the season, losing to Massillon Jackson 21-13 in Week 5. Boardman is coming off a heart-breaking 20-19 double-overtime loss to Warren Harding and needs to beat the Vikings to solidify its playoff hopes. QB Tom Zetts had an off night against a strong Harding defense, but RB Brad Beck picked up the slack with 111 yards rushing. TE-DE Mike Villagrana has been excellent on both sides of the ball. The Spartans' defense did a good job against Warren's rushing attack, but face another strong test this week. North Canton senior RB Curt Lukens, who is headed to Ohio State next fall as a defensive back, is a big play threat. North Canton, which has lost to Akron Buchtel and Louisville, needed a last second field goal to beat Canton GlenOak last Friday, but the Vikings remain the Federal League's only unbeaten team.
If you go: Take I-76 West to I-77 South to the North Canton/Canal Fulton exit. Turn left on Portage Street. Turn left on N. Main St, then turn right on Seventh St. The stadium is on the right.
Radio: WNIO-AM (1390).
CANFIELD (7-0, 3-0)vs. SALEM (3-4, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Reilly Stadium.
Last meeting: Canfield won 27-7 last year. The Cardinals have not lost to the Quakers since 1990, a span of 11 games.
Notebook: Canfield managed to avoid the wave of upsets that went through the Metro Athletic Conference last Friday, beating Struthers 35-7. RB Tim Dewberry has rushed 49 times for 389 yards (7.9 average) and five touchdowns. QB Leo Sorice has completed 36 of 63 passes for 599 yards and four touchdowns. His main target is Chase Axelson. The Cardinals are the MAC's only unbeaten team and have a chance to win their first league title since 1996. A win over the Quakers would guarantee a share of the MAC title. The Cardinals' defense is surrendering just 10 points per game. Salem's program got a huge boost last Friday, beating Poland 34-30 to win its first MAC game since 1998. Landon Heath leads the MAC in passing, completing 96-of-177 passes for 1,325 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had an 84-yard touchdown run against the Bulldogs. His main targets are Garrett Sevek and Zac Grey. Grant Sevek has carried 119 times for 461 yards and six touchdowns.
HOWLAND (5-2, 1-2)vs. POLAND (5-2, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Poland High stadium.
Last meeting: Poland won last year's game, 24-14.
Notebook: Howland lost to Niles in two overtimes last week, 3-0; while Poland lost its second straight game, 34-30, to Salem, after opening the season with a 5-0 record. Howland coach Dick Angle singled out several players for good jobs against Niles. On defense, senior DT Lanny Crawford, a two-year starter, came up with 18 tackles, including 12 unassisted; while DEs Mark Faller, Maurice Smith and Don Spence also stood out. On offense, TB James Justice ran the ball well while P Jon Airhart had a good game, and OT Ryan Nutt blocked effectively. Angle said QB Chris Settlemiere will be sidelined for the second week in a row with a severely sprained ankle. Steve Boyle replaced Settlemiere last week, and Boyle or Mike Zambelli will get the starting call Friday. Coach Paul Hulea of Poland said turnovers adversely affected his team against Salem, and that those mistakes have to be eliminated. Running back Brandon Hardin leads the Metro Athletic Conference in rushing. Quarterback Sean Clayton is second in passing yards and receiver Dave Koval is first in receiving.
Radio: WBBG-FM (106.1).
-- Vindicator staff reports