GATEWAY Penguins need to maintain sharpness

Western Illinois will be YSU's most formidable opponent so far this season.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Last week, in Youngstown State's 34-7 victory over Southwest Missouri State the Penguins' offense executed some plays that it hadn't been previously able to this season.
There was a 39-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Marshall to Mike Burns out of the backfield, a reverse to Damian Wright and then a fake off that same reverse.
They weren't new plays; the Penguins had run them before, just not as well.
"We just missed that same pass to Mike earlier in the game," said YSU coach Jon Heacock.
"Hopefully we haven't seen it all yet."
The Penguins (4-2, 1-0 Gateway) are going to need everything in their arsenal Saturday when they play host to No. 2-ranked Western Illinois.
The contest will mark the Penguins' first afternoon game of the season with a 4 p.m. kickoff at Stambaugh Stadium.
Clean win last week
Heacock was pleased with last week's effort against SMS.
"It was a good win," he said. "There were no turnovers, few penalties and overall it was a good, clean game."
Western Illinois (4-1, 1-0), the defending Gateway champion, is coming off a 33-28 win over defending national champion Western Kentucky.
YSU defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis, in his fifth season, said his unit has its work cut out this week.
"Western Illinois is a very talented football team," Rekstis said. "But if our guys do what they're asked to do, it doesn't really matter who we are playing.
"Our front seven has to do a great job this week," he added. "We can't give [WIU quarterback Russ Michna] all day back there. We've seen what he can do when you give him time."
A lot of playing time
Rekstis said depth has been one of the factors to the team's defensive success this year.
"We've got 19 players with over 100 snaps already this season and several true freshmen with over 150 snaps," Rekstis said.
The Penguins will be tested by one of the most potent offenses in the Gateway.
Michna has already thrown for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, and tailback Travis Glasford has rushed for 351 yards and seven TDs.
Junior Yancey Marcum leads the YSU defense with 55 tackles, while last week's defensive player of the game, junior Mike Bracken, is second with 46, including eight behind for losses.
South Carolina transfer Ron John-Finn, a sophomore tackle, had his best game against SMS with six tackles, including five solo hits.
One advantage for the Penguins is the site of the game. YSU has defeated the Leathernecks in each of the last two meetings at Stambaugh Stadium, including a 41-7 victory in 2001.
"The home fans do make a difference," Heacock said. "It certainly did last Saturday."
Offensive needs
The Penguins are also going to need a good effort from sophomore quarterback Aaron Marshall.
The 6-foot-3, 217-pounder from Detroit has completed 44-of-90 passes for 562 yards and a Gateway-best eight touchdowns.
The Penguins will also need a big effort from its trio of running backs, led by sophomore Josh Cayson (460 yards on 67 carries), senior Mike Burns (368 yards on 66 carries) and senior Josiah Doby.
"It's going to be crucial that our offensive line open holes for the backs and give Aaron time to throw the football," Heacock said.
mollica@vindy.com