PREP PREVIEWS | This weekend’s games

POLAND (1-0)
vs. PARMA NORMANDY (1-0)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Byers Field, Parma
Notebook: Normandy, a Division II team coached by Fitch High graduate Rich Turner, defeated Madison 34-17 last week. They are led by QB Joe Paxitzis (who threw for more than 1,000 yards last year) and WRs Josh and Jordan Ebinger. Normandy loaded its schedule this year and will play eight straight Division I schools, starting with Massillon next week. Poland ground out a 24-13 win over Hubbard last week, relying heavily on its defense and running game. Led by Greg Sabol’s 76 rushing yards, the Bulldogs gained 216 yards on the ground. DL Jake Hochedoner had two sacks and forced a fumble on defense.

MOGADORE (0-1) vs. SPRINGFIELD (0-1)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at Springfield High stadium
Last meeting: Mogadore won 40-26 last year.
Notebook: The Wildcats, state semifinalists last year, lost to South Range last week for the second straight year. Mogadore is led by RB Ryan Brodie, who had 99 yards last week, and QB Shawn Pierce, who threw for 99. Springfield, which fell to Struthers 28-23 last week, is led by QB Nate Schuler, who threw for 228 yards and ran for 56 more. His main target was Eric Lipp, who caught nine passes for 104 yards.

COLUMBIANA (0-1) vs. LEETONIA (1-0)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at Leetonia High stadium
Last meeting: Columbiana won 14-7 last year.
Notebook: QB Ryan Williams rushed for 101 yards and threw for 80 more but the Clippers were victimized by three turnovers in a 29-22 loss to Malvern. They’ll face a huge test this week against Leetonia, which rolled up 258 yards rushing in a 33-7 win over Lisbon last Thursday. RBs Jamie Wilson (108 yards) and Jake Kruegel (71) and QB Jake Selway (79 rushing, 65 passing) lead the Bears’ attack.

GATEWAY (PA.) (0-0) vs. MOONEY (1-0)

Game time: 5 p.m. Saturday at Canton Fawcett Stadium. The game is part of the Ohio vs. USA Kirk Herbstreit Classic.
Notebook: Gateway, which is just outside Pittsburgh and competes in AAAA, is ranked 10th in the country by USA Today, while Mooney is 25th. Gateway is led by senior linebacker Shayne Hale (6-3, 235), the top-ranked linebacker and 20th overall prospect in the country by Rivals. Hale had 105 tackles and five sacks last year and has narrowed his college choices to Michigan, Ohio State, Virginia, West Virginia and Pitt. Gateway has 18 starters back from last season’s 6-5 team. Other players to watch are S/WR/QB Leon Green and RB/DB Cameron Saddler, who had 1,045 yards rushing and 20 TDs last year. Mooney is fresh off a 21-10 win over Mentor and is led by QB Dan McCarthy, RBs Taylor Hill and Brandon Beachum and FB Michael Zordich.

Vindicator staff report