Local stars ready in big Div. III test

They'll be on both sides as the Purple Raiders entertain Capital Saturday.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
ALLIANCE -- When Capital University invades Mount Union College Saturday in an NCAA Division III quarterfinal football game at noon in Mount Union Stadium, three Youngstown-area players are expected to play prominent roles in the outcome.
Senior offensive left tackle Tom Manning (Ursuline) of Mount Union and junior right and left defensive end Anthony Floyd (Wilson) will be squaring off against each other in the trenches, while senior cornerback Ross Watson (Fitch) of the Purple Raiders will be shooting for a school record.
Remembers first meeting
Manning, who was selected to the All-OAC second team after being a first-team selection last year, said he remembers Floyd from the last time Mount Union played Capital on Oct. 1 in the Purple Raiders' homecoming game, a 42-24 win.
He said they squared off over each other and probably will do so again.
"[Floyd] plays both left and right defensive end. They flip flop him, so there is a good possibility I will be playing against him. The last time we played them, we had quite a few snaps against each other," said Manning, who has been a veteran force in the offensive line.
Manning's blocking is one of the big reasons that the Purple Raiders are averaging 543.1 yards (290.7 passing and 252.4 rushing) and 44.3 points per game.
Floyd poses challenge
"I thought [Floyd] was an excellent player, a fast guy with great speed. He also was pretty strong," said Manning. "Watching him on film, we knew we had to respect him. So I have my hands full this week."
Manning said he knew Floyd was from Wilson before they played earlier this season.
"I always check [the scouting report] for Youngtown guys. It's just something that I do," said Manning.
Floyd, a transfer from Muskingum, will have a two-fold job of putting the rush on Mount Union quarterback Mike Jorris while guarding against any end sweeps by running backs Aaron Robinson Nate Kmic.
Floyd has registered 27 tackles, including 18 solo stops, to rank No. 14 on the team. He also has nine tackles for losses of 42 yards and six sacks for 37 yards.
Capital is formidable
Manning said Mount Union had to stage a three-touchdown rally to overcome Capital earlier this year.
"The first time we played, they were actually in the lead in the third quarter. They are really solid defensively, good against the run, and offensively they have a great quarterback and receivers," said Manning. "This is a team we have to respect. They have the potential to beat us on our own field."
He said Mount Union's defense helped to save that earlier win over Capital.
"The defense came up with a few big plays. We actually scored on three successive plays. The score looks skewed because it was a close game. The defense played role in three straight TDs."
Meanwhile, Watson has nine interceptions for 89 yards and needs one more to tie the Mount Union record of 10 shared by Perry Bourn (1968) and Bruce Ensminger (1951).
Watson may get his chance Saturday because Capital quarterback Rocky Pentello really airs the ball and has passed for almost 3,000 yards.
Tied for OAC lead
Watson is tied for the interceptions lead in the OAC with Rusty Midlam of Ohio Northern.
Watson recently named to the All-Ohio Athletic Conference first team after making the second team last year.
"The reason [Watson] is so effective is two things," said Manning. "No. 1, is his love for the game, the way he prepares for a game. He constantly watches film, he is a captain and a great player and leader. He is always working out and is known as a gym rat and his hard work is paying off."
Watson, who also has seven pass breakups and 24 tackles, has been part of a defense that has allowed only 198 yards per game (108.4 passing and 89.6 rushing).
kovach@vindy.com