By Kevin Connelly

kconnelly@vindy.com

MCDONALD

The McDonald High School football team just completed its 15th undefeated regular season in school history, can claim two 1,000-yard rushers in its backfield and hasn’t allowed an opponent to score more than 14 points in a game since the first week of the season.

What does that resume earn the Blue Devils?

A Division VI, Region 19 first-round date at four-time state champion Mogadore. Not quite what the Inter Tri-County League Tier Two champions had in mind to kick off the postseason.

“That’s added motivation, because we think we deserved a home game,” senior fullback Caleb Dimery said. “But, it didn’t play out like that, so we just have to go on the road and do our best to get the [win].”

For that to happen, the fifth-seeded Blue Devils (10-0) will need more of what they’ve been getting from the three-headed monster in their backfield.

Junior Jake Reckard and Dimery and senior Cameron Ifft make up the beastly rushing attack McDonald features on offense. Head coach Dan Williams runs a wing-T formation, that keeps defenses on its toes and his running backs fresh.

The balance between Reckard and Dimery has been scary even this season. Reckard has 1,095 yards on 118 carries (9.28 ypa) and Dimery has 1030 yards on 101 carries (10.2 ypa). Reckard has 18 touchdowns to Dimery’s 15.

Ifft, who’s been a four-year starter with this offense, missed two games due to injury, but still boasts an impressive 7.89 yards per attempt.

SDLqIt’s nice,” Williams said with a smile. “When you’re running our offense, especially when you’re running all that misdirection, it’s nice to have three good, solid running backs.”

It’s even better when you find a hidden gem like the Blue Devils did in Dimery this season. The senior was stuck on the offensive line for the first few years, because that’s where the team needed him, according to Dimery.

Since making the transition from guard to fullback, he’s having a little bit more fun. His teammates are also happy to have his running style on their side.

“Dimery’s a little more — well not a little more — he is the power,” Reckard said with a laugh “Dimery’s a big body to bring down.

“I think I bring a little more speed and agility to get to the outside a little better.”

Smash and Dash. Earth, Wind and Fire. The Blue Devils’ backfield doesn’t really have a nickname, and that may be because they’re not even the most-impressive unit on the team.

That argument could go to McDonald’s defense, which has held opponents to just 7.6 points per game. The until has allowed seven total points over the previous four games, including three consecutive shutouts.

The Wildcats (10-0) have been just as impressive, statistically this season. The Portage Trail Conference champions have outscored their opponents 407 to 95 this season.

Some reward for going unbeaten in the regular season.

“They’ve heard a lot about Mogadore,” Williams said. “They definitely know how tough our region is, as well.

“There’s no gimmies there, so you’re playing somebody tough, whether you’re the fifth seed or first seed or eighth seed. You have to come ready and be focused.”