PREP PREVIEW This weekend's games

CHANEY (2-2) vs. NEWARK (3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Newark High stadium.Last meeting: First meeting.Scouting report: After opening losses to Fitch and Canal Fulton Northwest, the Cowboys have won two straight, including last Friday's overtime squeaker over Canfield. Versatile running back Dan Balog had 51 yards rushing, caught the game-tying touchdown in OT, then kicked the game-winning extra point. Quarterback Rick Hlinka continues to improve, throwing for 140 yards against the Cardinals. Chaney's defense will have to come up big against Newark, which has averaged 31 points per game.
If you go: Take I-77 south to 36, which turns into state Route 16. Follow 16 into Newark to the 11th Street exit. Turn left on 11th Street and proceed through the traffic light (Church Street). White Field is on the right. For more information, visit newarkwildcats.com.
URSULINE (3-1)vs. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lowell Klinefelter Field.
Last meeting: Aquinas won 13-6 in 1972.
Scouting report: Ursuline running back Alex Allen has been fantastic, gaining 863 yards in four games with six TDs and wideout Derrick Stewart is averaging 25 yards per catch. Although they've gotten off to a good start, the Irish really need to win this game with a brutal stretch coming up, including a game against Warren Harding next week. Aquinas, meanwhile, needs to show that it can beat an elite team, after wins against Akron Springfield and Newton Falls and losses to Mooney and Padua Franciscan. Aquinas running back Marcus Williams led the Knights with 95 yards rushing last week, but left the game in the first quarter with an injury.
If you go: Aquinas plays at Canton Central Catholic High School. Take I-76 west to I-77 south, exit at Tuscarawas Street and turn right. Stadium is two miles up on the left.
LAKEWOOD ST. EDWARD (4-0)vs. WARREN HARDING (4-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Mollenkopf Stadium.
Last meeting: St. Edward won 21-13 in a Div. I regional semifinal last year.
Scouting report: Warren Harding keeps finding ways to win, this time rallying from a 14-6 halftime deficit to beat Mooney. Senior Jon Richardson ran for 175 yards and two touchdowns after missing the previous two games with an ankle injury. Senior Mario Manningham is always a threat on the field, whether it's as a receiver or returner. Mooney kicked away from Manningham; don't be surprised if St. Edward does the same. The Raiders had won three straight games against St. Edward from 2001-03 before last year's playoff loss. The Eagles, fresh off a 61-6 pasting of Akron Central-Hower that improved their national ranking to 25th by USA Today, will look to end Harding's 25-game regular season win streak.
TV/Radio: WKBN-AM (570), WBBW-AM (1240)
FITCH (4-0)vs. CANTON MCKINLEY (2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Fawcett Stadium.
Last meeting: Fitch won 28-24 in 1986 in a Div. I regional final
Scouting report: Fitch has outrushed its opponents 1,449-231 yards in its four wins and has four runners with 200 yards or more, led by Mike Eliseo's 457 yards and five TDs. The Falcons' defense has been stellar, holding opponents to just two TDs in 16 quarters, including shutouts against Massillon Perry and Erie Cathedral Prep. Quarterback John Mang has more yards running (38 carries, 228 yards) than passing (6 of 15 for 105). Canton McKinley is coming off a huge 10-0 win against GlenOak where it forced six turnovers. McKinley will look to establish the run early with standout running back Ryan Brinson, who missed the second half of last week's game with a concussion.
TV/Radio: WKBN-AM (570)
If you go: Take I-76 west to I-77 south and exit at Fulton Road. Go straight through intersection. Stadium is a mile up on the left.
HOWLAND (4-0) vs. CANFIELD (3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Canfield High stadium.
Last meeting: Howland won 34-6 last year.
Scouting report: Canfield, one of the area's surprise teams, must regroup quickly after Friday's heartbreaking loss to Chaney. The Cardinals rallied from a 15-0 deficit and must cut down on turnovers if they want to hang with Howland, last year's Metro Athletic Conference champion. Canfield quarterback Jamie McNally was 8 of 24 for 146 yards and also ran for 84 yards against Chaney, while wideout Jordan Ferns had five catches for 113 yards. Howland running back Lance Smith has been outstanding, rushing for 674 yards and seven touchdowns. QB Brad Lockney has completed 17 of 30 for 292 yards and two TDs.
TV/Radio: WNIO-AM (1390)
HUBBARD (3-0) vs. LIBERTY (4-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Liberty High stadium.
Last meeting: Hubbard won 28-22 last year.
Scouting report: Hubbard won last year's game in the closing minutes on a touchdown by running back Shaun Lane. The Leopards rebounded to win the Trumbull Athletic Conference title for the second time in four years. This year's game could go a long way toward deciding the league title. Tony Giancola led the Eagles with 135 yards rushing in last week's 26-0 win over Newton Falls. Robert Hightower and Dania Gilliam had rushing TDs for Liberty in a 24-0 win over Champion.
TV/Radio: WBBG-FM (106.1)
COLUMBIANA (3-1) vs. CRESTVIEW (3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Crestview High stadium.
Last meeting: Columbiana won 35-14 last year.Scouting report: Columbiana's Beau Papania had 198 yards rushing in last week's 70-6 blowout of Southern. The Clippers, whose lone loss came against Mineral Ridge, have a much tougher test this week against Tri-County League favorite Crestview. Rebels running back David Myers has more than 600 yards in four games, including 171 in last week's 34-6 win over Lisbon.
BLUFFTON (4-0) vs. WARREN JFK (3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mollenkopf Stadium.Last meeting: First meeting.Scouting report: Bluffton quarterback Jarod Davis, a 6-4, 185-pound senior, will spread the ball around to as many as 10 receivers. Pirates have averaged 39 points per game and given up just five in their four victories. Of course, the Pirates also haven't seen anyone like Warren JFK junior running back Anthony Elzy, who has more than 1,000 yards in four games. The Pirates will travel four hours to the game.
Vindicator staff report