Warren JFK preps for record-setting running back

November 25, 2016 at 12:10a.m.

WARREN

Something has to give Saturday when the immovable object clashes with the unstoppable force in a Division VII state semifinal game at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium in New Philadelphia.

The immovable object — the Warren John F. Kennedy High defense — has surrendered just 85 points through 13 games.

The unstoppable force — the Canal Winchester Harvest Prep offense, and Daniel Bangura in particular — is averaging 47.8 points per game. Bangura has rushed for a national-best 4,039 yards and 53 touchdowns.

The Ealges (12-1) and Warriors (10-3) will play at 7 p.m. The winner will move on to face either Minster or McComb on Dec. 3 in the D-VII state title game.

“On paper, this is the type of matchup that football fans get excited about,” said Harvest Prep coach Milan Smith. “I have to admit, JFK is a lot of fun to watch on film. I’m not sure how fun it will be to have to face them, but as a coach you watch and you admire what they do as a team.

“From a fan’s perspective, this should be an intriguing playoff game.”

Harvest Prep (located in Hamilton County) is in the playoffs for a third straight year, all under Smith. In fact, the Warriors had never reached the post-season until Smith arrived in 2014. After opening the season with three consecutive losses, the Warriors have won 10 straight.

The Warriors’ losses came at the hands of Bexley (D-III, 11-1), Franklin Heights (D-II, 10-2) and Bishop Rosecrans (D-VII, 7-4).

“No coach likes to start out 0-3, but we beefed up our non-conference schedule knowing it would pay dividends in regards to our goals of winning a league title and bettering ourselves for the playoffs.,” Smith said. “We felt if we got through those games, it would help us achieve our goals down the road.”

The Harvest Prep offense is spearheaded by Bangura, a junior who is the only running back in the country this year who has rushed for 4,000 yards. Bangura is averaging 11.5 yards per carry. As a team, the Warriors have churned out 4,574 yards on the ground.

“It’s no mystery that we like to run the ball, that’s our bread-and-butter,” Smith said. “But we’re not uncomfortable throwing when we have to, or throwing to keep the defense honest. We have a very capable group of receivers and a quarterback (Jamal Lipsey, 46 of 86, 657 yards, 9 TDs) who is very athletic and very reliable.

“The national exposure that Danny has received has been well-deserved, and is an honor for him and the school. But at the same time he’ll be the first to tell you that his accomplishments have been a team effort.”

Harvest Prep finished seventh in Region 27, and opened the playoffs with a 40-37 upset win at second-seeded Shadyside. The Warriors then defeated Danville (44-21) and Waterford (29-15) en route to the semifinals.

Smith insists that Warren JFK will present his team with its toughest challenge to date.

“To describe them in one word, it would be amazing,” Smith said. “On film, this is the best team I’ve seen this year. They have one of the best defenses I’ve seen in an awful long time. I’ve watched these films over and over again, and I am struggling to come up with answers.”

Warren JFK is making its seventh trip to the state semifinals. The Eagles last won a regional title in 2006. Warren JFK, which last year advanced to the regional title game before losing to Mogadore, has outscored three playoff opponents 102-16.

Eagles coach Jeff Bayuk believes Harvest Prep will provide his team with many challenges. In addition to the obvious task of trying to stop or at least contain Bangura, Bayuk noted that the Warriors possess plenty of size on the offensive line and speed at the skill positions.

Martin Woods (6-3, 295), Richard Turnbo (6-3, 280) and Keith Winston (6-4, 270) help pave the way for Bangura. Senior tight end Isaiah Mullens (6-6, 255) is a heavily recruited tight end and defensive end.

“They are very big and very physical up front,” Bayuk said. “Bangura is an extremely special running back, but make no mistake about it, those guys up front are a big reason he is setting national records. They will pose a huge challenge for our defense.”

Aside from Bangura, Bayuk said that the Warriors can score with their passing game.

“They also do a very good job of using him as a decoy, and when they do their quarterback and receivers have the ability to make big plays,” Bayuk said. “This certainly isn’t a one-trick pony. I think a lot of teams get caught up in thinking if they stop this one guy, they stop Harvest Prep. First of all, no one has really stopped him yet. Secondly, if you throw everything his way, they’ll beat you elsewhere.”

The Warren JFK players and coaching staff planned to spend at least a part of their Thanksgiving on the practice field, preparing for Saturday’s contest. While the holiday workout might seem to be a nuisance to outsiders, Bayuk said his players are actually looking forward to the schedule.

“Some of the seniors were telling me earlier this week that a few years ago they had made a pledge to be practicing on this very day,” Bayuk said. “They’re excited. They know this is a reward for a season-long commitment. This is a unique and special experience.”

If all goes well, the Thanksgiving Day workout won’t be the final Thursday practice of the season for the Eagles.