HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW Friday night football

FITCH (6-3, 2-1)vs. WARREN HARDING (9-0, 3-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Mollenkopf Stadium, Warren.
Last meeting: Harding won 21-13 last year.
Notebook: With a 24-0 victory over Boardman last week, the Falcons put themselves in position to tie for the Steel Valley Conference title. But they have to beat the No. 1-ranked team in Division I first -- on the road. Fitch, coached by Carl Pelini, is 10th in Div. I, Region 1 of this week's computer ratings and need a win to get into the playoffs. The Falcons like to run the ball. QB Jason Aikens leads the team with 548 yards rushing and seven TDs. Davanzo Tate, who is also a dangerous kick and punt returner, has 385 yards rushing and five TDs and Mark Matzye 344 yards and five TDs. Harding, coached by Thom McDaniels, can clinch the SVC title outright for the second straight season. The Raiders are second in Region 1 of the computer ratings, behind Solon. A new standout emerged in last week's 31-27 win over Massillon Washington. Sophomore Mario Manningham scored four TDs -- two on receptions, one on a kick return, the other on a punt return.
Radio: WNIO-AM 1390.
POLAND (7-2, 2-2)vs. STRUTHERS (4-5, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Struthers High Stadium.
Last meeting: Last year, Poland won, 23-6.
At stake: The winner will be the second-place team in the MAC. The Bulldogs mathematically have a shot at the playoffs if they win.
Common opponents: Both lost to Canfield (20-15 for Poland, 35-7 for Struthers). They split against Salem (34-30 loss for Poland and 37-34 win for Struthers) and Howland (20-10 win for Poland and 34-14 loss for Howland). Both defeated Niles and Wilson.
Notebook: After a 5-0 start, the Bulldogs have lost three of four games and are in danger of missing the postseason. Four turnovers were costly in last week's loss to Canfield. Dan Livesay leads the Wildcats in rushing (474 yards on 108 carries and 10 touchdowns). Quarterback Tim Zetts has completed 111 of 208 passes for 1,242 yards and seven scores. His favorite targets are Dave Allen (29 receptions, 378 yards, three TDs) and D.J. Aldrich (25 receptions, 312 yards, 2 TDs).
Radio: WBBW-AM 1240.
CARDINAL MOONEY (5-4, 1-2 SVC)vs. BOARDMAN (5-4, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium, Boardman.
Last meeting: Boardman defeated Mooney last year at Stambaugh Stadium, 42-7.
Notebook: Coach P.J. Fecko of Mooney credited the 1-2 offense of RB Patsy Malie and QB Ron Stoops, plus the blocking of the whole offensive line spearheaded by captain and OT Larry Sammartino, for the 17-14 win over Ursuline last week. Malie had his best game of the season with 251 yards in 31 carries and one TD, while Stoops hit on 5-for-8 passing for 70 yards and one TD to senior TE Ed Ditata, and also rushed for 55 yards in nine carries. Stoops also led the defense at safety with 16 total tackles. Fecko also singled out Ditata at DE for stopping Ursuline's final offensive threat for a 1-yard loss. The coach also recognized placekicker Dustin Hinkle.
Radio: WKBN-AM 570.
-- Vindicator staff reports