HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW Friday night football

CHANEY VS. BOARDMAN
When: 7:30.
Where: Boardman Spartan Stadium.
Last meeting: Boardman's Andy Good kicked a game-winning 42-yard field goal to beat Chaney 10-7 last year.
Chaney (1-1) scouting report: QB Justin Hood completed 8-of-17 passes for 121 yards and no interceptions, but a costly fumble in Lake's territory in the final minute cost the Cowboys in a 13-6 loss. RB Ed McElroy has 36 carries for 262 yards (7.3 average) and two touchdowns through two games. The Cowboys defense has played well so far, but gets a huge test this week.
The coach says: About playing Fitch, Lake and Boardman on the road in opening weeks, "Obviously, I'd like to have had some tune-ups early in the season, but we don't have that luxury. It's tough, but we deal with it." On the Spartans, "This is as good of a Boardman team as I've seen. They have their usual great defense and they have size and numbers. Offensively, they have a couple tough backs and an outstanding quarterback. I don't know what they lack. They have the ability to strike quickly, so we need to grind out some first downs and keep their offense off the field. I think that's our best defense. We need to play better than we did last week, but we're excited about the atmosphere. Our kids like playing in big games." -- Ron Berdis
Boardman (2-0) scouting report: Tom Zetts was 7-of-12 for 164 yards and two touchdowns in the 29-23 win over St. Ignatius. RB Brad Beck carried 27 times for 81 yards and has 211 yards through two games. Boardman gave up over 200 yards rushing last week, but shut down the Wildcats' passing attack.
The coach says: "This is a 'buckle your chinstrap' kind of game. Chaney has good size and strength and can match up with us up front. After a big win, you have to get your feet back on the ground. We need to continue to develop our defense. We played very well against the pass but Ignatius went to the running game and we had to adjust. It's still early in the season, but so far, we're a good football team. We just need to stay healthy and continue to improve." -- Garry Smith.
Radio: WNIO-AM (1390).
GIRARD vs. WARREN JFK
When: 7:30.
Where: Mollenkopf Stadium, Warren.
Last meeting: JFK won last year's game, 42-28; the teams didn't play each other in 2000 and, in 1999, Girard won, 20-16.
Girard (1-1) scouting report: The Indians lost to Howland 14-12 last week. Coach Bud McSuley said the Indians played well, but were hampered by a key defensive breakdown that set up the game-winning score, and three interceptions. McSuley was especially pleased with the defensive play of his front eight players. Tackle Paul Cole had a team-high 11 tackles, while ILB Adam Grdinich also was effective as were Andrew Stevens and Todd Prodnick, ILB Nick Shirey, OLBs Mark Grdinich, Adam's twin brother; and Vic Mills and T Jake Racick. Offensive leaders were WR Dustin Halle with four catches for over 100 yards, and QBs Matt Zuppo and Brandon Gardner who combined for 295 yards passing.
The coach says: "The defense played real well except for the last drive of the game. They [Howland] hit a 40-yard pass and then four plays later they ran it in for the winning score" -- McSuley, noting Girard held Howland to "seven straight three-and-outs and eight [in all]," and to just "three first downs."
Kennedy (1-1) scouting report: Eagles defeated Champion 28-7 to conclude a week which saw them voluntarily forfeit its season-opening win over Newton Falls. Linebackers playing well through two games are Joe Burkey and Jim Kokrak, while ends keeping the perimeter in check are Adam Snyder, Nick Massary and Bob Poweski. The status of CB Matt Natale and S Matt Karl is uncertain after both were injured in the Champion game. JFK's offense has been led by 6-3 junior QB John DiFiore; Chase Senk is the backup. Sophomore TB Maurice Gore has been the top gainer so far, leading a bevy of receivers including Christian Stellinis, Adam Rossi, Shane Golden, Massary, Kokrak, Karl and Natale. Paving the way up front are: C Bob Poweski, LG Ryan Keller, RG Sam Pachell, RT Rocco Bello, LT Richard Walker and third guard A.J. Seifert. The Eagles' kicking game is solid with Kokrak as punter, Sal Coppola as kickoff man and Phil Accordino on PATs and FG.The coach says: "Our defense is pretty decent. I thought we played well defensively our first two games. I just hope we do as well this Friday because Girard is a real test. They're potent, offensively, and can put points up. Basically, Girard is the same team it was last year with the exception of Randy Mason at quarterback. Now they have Matt Zuppo. This kid is decent too. Their defense is big and they can get to the ball quickly. This game is a good rivalry. It'll be great high school game to watch." -- Tony Napolet.
Radio: WBBW-AM 1240.