HELMET TO HELMET Matchups to watch

August 28, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

Here’s a look at some individual matchups to keep an eye on this weekend:

Fitzgerald Toussaint, Liberty, vs. Niles defense: One of Liberty’s Michigan recruits rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown against Brookfield last week, and Friday night at Bo Rein Stadium he goes up against a Niles defense that allowed almost 4 yards per carry to Cleveland John Adams.

Mike Smith, West Branch, vs. Beaver Local defense: The Warriors’ junior quarterback replaced a three-year starter, Steve McNeely, and guided a 48-6 win over Southeast with a 253-yard passing night. Friday night the Warriors play host to Beaver Local, who gave up 178 yards through the air in a 29-22 win over East Liverpool.

Matt Pecchia, Youngstown Christian, vs. Springfield defense: Pecchia was 11-of-20 for 240 yards and three TDs in a 43-20 loss to McDonald Saturday. Good numbers, but he’ll face a Springfield defense that forced four turnovers and just 160 total yards in a 24-7 win over Struthers.

Kyle Stadelmyer, Girard, vs. Struthers defense: Move from running back to quarterback? No big deal for the Girard senior, who rushed for 189 yards and scored four TDs in the Indians’ 47-12 win over Salem. He’ll face the aforementioned Struthers team that, despite falling to Springfield, played pretty well defensively, allowing just 42 yards on the ground.

Boardman offense vs. Toledo Start: Where do we start? Quarterback Rob Boyd threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns, and Damien Jarrett added 152 yards rushing and two TDs (three overall) in a 43-0 rout of Cuyahoga Falls. Considering Start gave up 30 points to Lorain Admiral King last Friday, unless the Spartans suffer from travel lag they could put together another offensive explosion.

Staff report