Scotties to test their mettle against South Side Beaver
Written: Sep 24, 2015
By Andrew Koob
New Castle News
This year’s edition of the Union High football team is trying to prove that last year may have been a fluke.
A year after going just 1-8, the Scotties are off to a solid start at 2-0 in the Big Seven, 2-1 overall.
Yet their only wins, albeit in double-digit victories, have come against Rochester and Vincentian Academy, two conference teams that are both 0-3 on the season.
To reach the same level as the 2012 team that went 7-4 and won a WPIAL Class A playoff game, Union will have to go through visiting South Side Beaver (1-1, 2-1) at 7 p.m. Friday.
For Union coach Stacy Robinson and the rest of the Scotties, nothing comes automatically.
“Each week we have to go out and prove ourselves,” Robinson said. “The playoffs start from Week 1, you have to win as many games as possible. When the dust settles, hopefully you’re in the race.
“A win definitely allows you to not be put on your heels heading into Week 5 of the season. This would be big, it’s always easier playing in front than from behind.”
Union is one of only two Big Seven teams (along with current leader Shenango) to allow fewer than 12 points per game, clocking in at 11.3. The Scotties’ offense, on the other hand, is averaging 28 points per contest.
South Side coach Glenn McDougal recognizes that he’ll have to contend with the likes of running back Jordan Best, quarterback Joe Gunn and receiver Garrison Bell.
Best comes into this game as Union’s top rusher with 207 yards, fourth-best in Lawrence County, and two touchdowns on 51 carries. Gunn, a dual-threat quarterback, has 176 yards and five touchdowns on the ground and 267 yards and another score through the air. Bell leads Union receivers with 95 yards on six receptions.
That won’t shift the Rams’ game plan when they make the trek north to face the Scotties.
“We do what we do and we don’t really gameplay for specific people,” McDougal said. “We have a system we run and we stay disciplined in that system. it will work out if we start disciplined.
The Scotties will have to contend with some offensive firepower as well, mainly in Rams receiver Cam Smith and running back Quae-Shawn Thompson in South Side’s Wing-T offense.
Smith leads South Side with 191 yards and five scores on 14 receptions.
Thompson is a dual-threat back, amassing 228 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries and adding 80 receiving yards and another score on six receptions.
“They are explosive and they’re quick-strike guys,” Robinson said. “You come up with a plan and hope that it works so you can slow them down.”
(Email: AKoob @ncnewsonline.com)
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