Improved offensive line made difference in win

By Pete Mollica

YSU struggled in its first two games against South Dakota State and OSU.

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State’s offensive line had something to prove against Central State. They hope the performance will spur a turn around for the remainder of the season.

The Penguins came into the season with high expectations of their offensive front, especially with five returning players, all with starting experience and with excellent size and quickness.

But the Penguins struggled in their first two contests against Ohio State and South Dakota State, both one-sided losses, and the offense was nearly non-existent in each of those games.

“Our line told us before the game to be ready because there were going to be some big holes and plenty of protection,” said YSU junior tailback Jabari Scott, who rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns against Central State.

“They were the difference in our offense,” added junior quarterback Brandon Summers, who made his first start and passed for two touchdowns and was not sacked once or even hurried.

Sophomore Bobby Coates, a 6-foot-4, 300-pounder from Canton, was part of that offensive front that led the team to 346 total yards, including 239 yards on the ground, and a 38-0 victory.

Coates was named the Jim Zdelar offensive lineman of the game by the coaching staff.

“Everybody knew coming into this season that we had a lot of experience and a lot of leaders on the offensive line,” Coates said.

“The way that we played the first two games was just not acceptable and we worked very hard all last week to get ready for the game,” he added. “It still wasn’t our best effort, but it was much improved and got us the victory.”

Coates was impressed with the play of Summers at quarterback in his first start.

“He did very well and he led us, that was the key factor,” Coates said. “He and Jabari made us look good. He grew up real fast in that game and he’s our quarterback now.”

Coates is excited about being back at home, which he feels will give the Penguins an advantage over anyone they play there, including Saturday’s opponent, No. 2 ranked North Dakota State (2-1) who comes into Stambaugh Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff in the Penguins’ second Missouri Valley Football Conference battle.

The game will be the inaugural MVFC opener for the Bisons.

Summers, a 6-0, 210 transfer from Toledo was named the Hill, Barth & King offensive player of the game.

The Southfield, Mich., native connected on 6-of-8 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns, both to senior wide receiver Ferlando Williams. His first, a 64-yard bomb in the first quarter, was a picture perfect pass where Williams never broke stride.

Summers, who is as quick with his feet as he is with his arm, used his abilities to full advantage on his second TD pass when he was forced to scramble all over the field before finding Williams in the end zone for the score.

Senior defensive tackle Bobby Lykes-Knight was named the defensive player of the game. The 6-0, 300 pounder from Cleveland led the defense to a shutout win and he also recorded four tackles, including one for a loss.

The special teams player of the game was senior cornerback De’Angelo Wilson. The 5-10, 195 cornerback returned five punts for 95 yards, including a 39-yard effort that went for the Penguins’ third touchdown.

The Jermaine Hopkins defensive lineman of the game was junior end Jamie Frasure. The 6-0, 230-pounder from Ashtabula was making his first start and led the team in tackles with six, including two for losses.

Senior cornerback Jarvis Richards was a double award winner as he was credited with the Wash-On-Wheels/Derek Pixley hit of the week and also took the Wachovia Leadership Award.

mollica@vindy.com