Alexander coach Sean Arno did not say this week's game against Nelsonville-York was the biggest game in his career with the Spartans, but it's definitely close.
The 7-1 Spartans travel to Nelsonville to play the 6-2 Buckeyes tomorrow night. Both teams are 3-0 in the TVC-Ohio, and if the Spartans win, they guarantee at least a share of the conference championship.
We've been involved in some pretty big games. When you're in the playoffs
it's always a big game Arno said. But this is a league game and one of our goals is to win the league. So it's up there - definitely top five.
After barely slipping by Athens last weekend, Arno said he knows his defense is up against another tough test Friday against Nelsonville-York.
They're a very balanced team
so we're going to have to play well in every aspect of the game
he said. I don't think there is one thing you can focus on. They can pass
and they can run. We have to be aware of where personnel is lined up at and do the best we can to control the front line. That's where games are won and lost. Our kids know that.
Despite having one of the best running backs in the conference in Cody Lawson, the use of secondary runners Trey Bennett and Benton Milum have kept opposing teams guessing and fresh legs in the Alexander backfield.
Last week against Athens, Bennett found the end zone while Lawson was held without a touchdown.
We've been able to put those guys on the field at the same time which creates problems for other teams when you have to account for other people
and we're not completely one-dimensional
Arno said. It's been huge.
Despite games in consecutive weeks against the conference's top teams, Arno said the emotional roller coaster would not be difficult.
It would have been five years ago
but they have learned from previous mistakes
he said. They're all big games when you're trying to build a program because you can't take any games back. But I believe our guys will be focused.
Athens
The 3-5 Wellston Rockets do not pose the same threat to the Bulldogs as 7-1 Alexander did a week ago, but Athens coach Ryan Adams said this Friday's game is just as important.
It's do or die. If we lose this one
we'll be out of the race for the TVC crown
