Marietta High School is getting a new head head football coach, and not surprisingly, he comes from inside the Tiger program. Adam Eichorn is being promoted from assistant coach to head coach. He replaces Bob Springer who was on board as an interim head coach this past season Eichhorn served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Tigers last season. So he knows his kids and what is needed for the future of the Tigers program it wasn't that long ago that Eichorn was on the football field himself. He's a 2007 graduate of Cornell where he earned Male Student of the Year honors. That translated into a career in education, and he's a a teacher in the Marietta City School system The Tigers have an off season weight program, and Eichorn will get to see his players on the field next summer during the out of season training period

Dover vs Marietta High......a 55-14 loss. Third rated Dover High came to Don Drumm field on Friday and left with a considerable victory. But, as is the case in any game, there were some Tiger performances that need to be documented. To mention a few:

1-Justin Futrell threw for two TDs....one to Dedder Baker and one to Geno DeMaio. Dedder also ran for a PAT....2 points.

2-Even before the game started we lost outstanding guard/defensive end Tanner Leach with back spasms. he was replaced by Austin Edgell, who did a good job blocking. Dedder Baker was not a starter this week due to pectoral muscle injury....he did play on a limited basis, although was unable to practice most of the week.

3-Austin Gaskins punted 8 times for a 30.3 yard average.

4-Frosh running back Austin Jones carried the ball in an impressive manner....7 carries, 35 yards.

5-Quinton Coffield again had a good defensive game....7 tackles.

6-Mitchel Gearhart and Justin Futrell each recovered a fumble.

7-Austin Gaskins blocked a Dover field goal effort.

8-Michael Stewart had 11 solo tackles and 2 assists....he is continuing to improve each week.

9-Quinton Coffield was pressed into duty as our punt snapper when Gearhart went out...he performed well!

This week we play our final game of the season against Zanesville High. They have lost their last 3 games but played well Friday night in a near come-back win against Cambridge High. Zanesville has great athletes and a running-passing QB that could play for any team in the ECOL.

Our Football Banquet is set for November 7th at 6:30pm....at the Hotel Lafayette. The Marietta Touchdown Club will pay for each athlete's meal, but will ask parents and other guests to pay 10$ per attendee. This is when all athletes receive their awards for 2011 participation.

Rosecrans loss was a tough one mentally. We simply did not play a good game and appeared to not be mentally ready for a very skilled Rosecrans team. Rosecrans recruits from a very large geographic area and has been successful at landing very good athletes who have shied away from Zanesville High or other neighboring schools all of whom have great football programs. 28-0 was a tough loss.

Next is Dover. Enough said. Dover has beaten Zanesville and Cambridge and is on a strong roll. The Coaches and I watched Dover on tape Sunday and see a very good team. A big league challenge for us. But our kids are tough and do not give up easily...we will be there and go at them.

I was pleased with several performances Friday night. Chance Wright had some great catches, Dedder Baker played a very good game defensively as did Matt Morris and Mitchel Gearhart. Geno DeMaio had a good interception and Nick Spurr blocked hard offensively. Speaking of the offense, we never got ourselves rolling....hope to improve our game Vs. Dover. By the way, Michael Stewart played another good game on defense as an outside linebacker.

One thought I have needs to be shared....seniors Futrell, Baker, Gaskins and Gearhart sure hang in tough and I appreciate their enthusiasm. Futy is always positive, Gearhart simply "cares" and Baker is a super competitor. I enjoy being around Austin Gaskins..I like listening to him talk to himself following either a good or bad performance...he is always preparing himself for what is next. These four have looked back at today's seniors who should be playing this year, but are not for various reasons, and sure wish they were with us but the foursome have never given up on anything or anyone.

I sure respect the heck out of Tanner Leach who has been tossed around from position to position without one complaint (maybe some humorous comments) being passed out. He is a great team player. I admire his serious attitude and his effort. Chance Wright had some good catches Friday night and one fumble/drop....he took it in stride and kept right on looking for more balls to catch...what a great attitude.

Yes, we miss Eddie Kimbrough, Kyle Bronski and Jon Hedrick...all were there Friday night looking for a way to help the team. It is hard losing 3 starting linemen. Eddie's smile is contagious, Bronski is my main tackle-assist stat man and Jon is always looking for someone to tell how upset he is about not playing....3 good ones, I say! Each returns in 2012 for Eichhorn and Stanton.

Let's roll vs Dover.

Certainly, we have our hands full schedule-wise. Warren, Parkersburg, Gallipolis, Cambridge, New Philly, Zanesville and Dover...all have winning records and many are rated high in state polls. Each team is heavy in returning seniors. As most know, we are starting a large number of underclassmen including 8 sophomores. And this is a good thing from an experience value view point. Two sophomores who have really stepped-up are Matt Morris and Quinton Coffield. Matt's entire "M.O." has changed...he wants to practice hard and play hard all of the time. Yea, he still has the "pain in the _ _ _ _ " side but he is a keeper. Quinton has really turned it on in the last several weeks...he and his favorite coach had a bit of a run-in ( yea, the ol' man got too grouchy with him ) but since that date Coff has been all business. Quinton is fast, smart and owns a very large heart!

Coaches Eich, Stanton, BJ, Carmichael and I just concluded our Sunday morning meeting...starting with a good look at Rosecrans on tape. We discussed each and every athlete who played Friday nite. We talked about how Michael Stewart has really stepped-up his game. We talked about " big target " Dedder Baker..the fact that he just crossed over the 700 rushing yard level. We put together our game plan for Rosecrans. When I left, Eich and Luke were still at the white board designing defensive strategy and practice schedules. I really cannot expect more from two great young coaches who have a strong desire to take the Tiger program on and move it forward as I move to other agendas. This is the plan.

We began our meeting early and were joined by Leaders Mitchel Gearhart, Bake and Futrell around 9 am. This gave the coaches a chance to spend a couple hours studying before they arrived to "share in" the game plan for Rosecrans. Game tapes, a white board for play design, big screen tv, coffee and donuts, plus 3 great young men...what could be any better? Certainly a few more wins would blend in nicely.

Jon Hedrick will probably be missing this week, as will Eddie Kimbrough, AK and Kyle Bronski. Hopefully, Hogie will be able to roll by Friday night despite a more than sore back muscle strain. Jon Hedrick, one of the easiest lineman to coach ( not grouchy like Spurr ), may well have a broken ankle injury from the New Philly game...if so, he played on it for almost a full quarter following the injury. Jon is a loss!!

By the way, we were very pleased with Tanner Leach's work this week...his first turn at defensive end went well and as usual his offensive blocking was good. Tanner was serious all week...took a leadership role in practice and pushed everyone to move ahead strongly. Even when Tanner was not taking his reps and was standing on the side during practice this week, he was "dead serious". I liked his attitude and it sure carried over into Friday night's game.

Look, let me talk about the coaches' approach to these games. First, we are certainly not pleased with our losses. No one is pleased, but at the same time when we get max efforts like those from Coffield, Leach, Baker, Gearhart, Stew, Morris, Gaskins to name just a few, we are not going to rip their hearts out with criticism. Just like a parent might say, "those are our boys too, and patience will serve them well...our turn will come". Certainly, Football brings out the worst and the best in folks...criticism and suggestions are always abundant and expected. Humorous as it is, some folks have been "knowledge barons" for years haven't they? Hey, let them pout and move on...we are working together as a team and we have a wonderful parents group/Marietta Touchdown Club. In many way, we have a lot of wins this year! Go Tigers!

Coach Bob Springer

Not a pretty set of numbers. We now stand at 2-5 with Rosecrans next on our schedule at Zanesville High School's field on Friday night. Rosecrans lost to Claymont last Friday but gave them a great second half battle. Rosecrans' record is 4-3. As most know, Rosecrans is a private school with a great history in the game of Football. Rosecrans has a broad recruiting area similar to Parkersburg Catholic High School.

Coffield

Quinton Coffield had a great game defensively Friday night....he was matched with a very good wide receiver who was basically shut down by Quinton. Yes, it looked like a definite mis-match as New Philly's receiver had at least 6-9 inches on Coff..but he forget to check the size of Quinton's heart as the NP receiver had his hands more than full. Also playing well on defense was Matt Morris with 7 tackles and 3 assists, Tanner Leach with 5 tackles, and Michael Stewart ( his first start of the year ) with 3 tackles and a large number of assists. Stew also had a great rip effort, which somehow was not accepted by the refs. Good job Stew!

Offensively, we did not get the ball rolling until the very end of the game when Justin Futrell connected on a 25 yard pass to Chance Wright. Always

Baker

 dependable Bret Huck kicked the extra point. Dedder Baker carried the ball

for 20 times, picking up 65 yards. Through our first seven games, Dedder has rushed for over 700 yards.

The 2011 season of Marietta Middle School Football has come to a close. As the playoffs come into view for the young tigers, we find ourselves in very good position coming to the post season. The middle school coaching staff has used the varsity playbooks to pull the season to a close with a 4-2 final record. This is good enough to put us in the second position of four teams. There are 3 more games to be played to complete the other 6 teams season and they are jockeying for their own playoff lives. As a team we have played well in most games with minimal mistakes. The combined 7th and 8th grade team has been a special one. The seventh grade team has also had great success posting a 2-2 record and held their own in their 2 losses. The 7th graders have one last game on 10/17 its home at Glendale Field. The seventh grade only team is full of talent that will only get better. Come check them out.

Continuing to the combined team there has been some magical moments to say the least this season. Whether it’s a huge td pass from John Henry, to any number of talented receivers, such as Isaac Danford, Corey Adams, Alex Grosklos, Mathew Brookover, and Bernard Johnson. These receivers have come up large all season long. They are certainly not our only receivers that catch the ball and make plays for the team, just some that stand out to me. The numbers don’t lie when describing the passing game. It either works or it does not. John Henry has been super at the Quarter Back position, for the season to date he is 15 of 27 for 414 yds and has only thrown one INT all season. 56% passing really makes a Coach feel good when they want to put the ball in the air. Mr. Henry has also made play after play with his legs. In 20 carries John has 377 yds on the ground with 5 TDs. That’s an 18.9 yd per average. John is sure not the only Tiger for the middle school to “tote the rock”. 13 other 7th and 8th graders have had the chance to add to our offensive totals. Young men such as Jordan Ritchie, Mathew Ford, Garrett Lehman, Brandon Neville, Brendan Alkire, Travis Moore, Bailey “Brusie” Wright, and Trent Dawson have hurt the other teams on the ground with there ablilities. Also along with their receptions, Danford, Johnson, Grosklos, and Brookover have been large contributors to our rushing attack.

After giving all the glory positions on offense, its time to talk about our Offensive linemen, to talk about them is also talking about the Defensive line. The same young men do a great job at both. To be a lineman is mostly a thank less task. These young men perform a job, that know body wants. When a QB is sacked or a running back has no gain or a loss, the blame hits the linemen. When the same backs score we are quick to praise there ability. Taking into account our passing numbers and the fact that as a team we have rushed for 1082 total yds in 6 games, it’s safe to say these young men do a good job. Each down on that field is a battle for these young men that ends with someone else receiving rewards and names in the paper. I would like to thank them as a coach and get them there just do now. Levi Murry, Darnell Kimbrough, Tristen Wright, Alex Lattea, Jacob Mahaffey, Nathan Ritzman, Alec Davis, Josh Montgomery, Brett Treadway, Trevor Thacker, Wesley Satterfield, Brian Nelson, Austin Yoak, Jason Hubbard, Heath Stevens, Jacob Thornton, Easton Wynn, Austin Mitchell, Michael Scott, Matthew Ford, Joel Bricker. We would not be 2nd seeded and 4-2 without these young men.

Coach Randy Wright and Jeff Davis have done a wonderful job this season with the offense. Coach Wright has been great at calling the offense and Head Coach Davis has made sure we are all in check when he is not taking care of any number of things going on. Having said that, they have not outdone there counterpart and Defensive cordinator Tom Beavers. Coach Beavers has been a Major puzzle that all the teams we have played this season has been pulling there hair out trying to figure out. His packages much like Coach Wright and Davis are advanced to say the least. The kids have picked it up and they have excelled to the great regular season we have had. The Defense has given up a total of 483 yds for the season. That’s 80.5 yds per game over the 6 games played this season. This middle school team has given up a total of 5 tds the entire season. That is an amazing season to date. Every player on the roster has played on defense at some point this season. It’s wonderful to have a team that has had every player contribute in some way. I feel I would do a dis-service to this player without commending him publicly. This 7th grader has played almost every down this season. He played one game this season with the flu only for the coaches to find out after the game. He recorded a game high 17 tackles in one game and had 14 in the game he played sick. He has bulled his way as a fullback for tuff yards on offense and has certainly led the defense. Quietly this wonderful young man is a privilege to have around. He never complains and always has a smile on his face. Mathew Ford is a wonderful young man as is all the athletes on this year’s Middle School Team. Mr. Ford is one of many young men that contribute to this team. Even without great on field stats and huge tackle numbers these young men have also contributed to this team in immeasurable ways. Logan Dickson, Austin Lightfritz, Terry Hardman, Brenton, Henthorne, Nick Ingrahm, Danny Hiser, Nick Palazzo, Joseph Novotny, Noah Miller, Alex Armistead, Michael Crawford. Their presence has been huge on the 7th grade team and during the combined team’s games. We have also had the privilege as Coaches to have a young man helping us with any task combined Scott Penrod has been a huge help to us, keeping the kids in check and all of our equipment and he even gives us a uplifting note once in a while, that gives all the Coaches a motivating lift.

This has been a wonderful season to date at the Middle School level. The support that Coach Springer and Coach Eichorn have given to the team this season has been wonderful. From setting up all the chain crews and even coming to some of the games with their busy schedule has been wonderful for the kids. Those two men along with the rest of the varsity staff have had a full season with all there tasks. I am sure proud I was able to be a part of this Middle School season. I am also proud to be able to call the Coaching staff at the Middle School Friends. We all have moments as players and coaches of disagreement as the season goes on. From the 7th grade to the 12th, the purpose is always the same, have fun and win. Its not always an easy road and we all don’t always get along. From coaching staff members to parents, We all can agree to keep pushing forward for what’s best for the kids. We have been very fortunate to have parents supporting the middle school each and every week. From Gatorades for every kid at half time to the wonderful trip the kids took to a ropes course that promoted team unity. Thanks to everyone for those wonderful contributions.

Our first playoff game will be at Parkersburg South High School 10/19. Games start that night at 5:30. We would love the entire Tiger nation to come and support these young kids. Fan support means the world to this age child. The cheering crowd and their name over the loud speaker after a run or tackle lights them up. Fill the stands for them, the building of a program we all seem to want starts at this level!!!! Lets show the other teams this night that we support our tigers like know other teams do. Come out and be loud. Thanks Coach Farley

Monday morning thoughts about Cambridge and New Philly...game # 7....

As if losing Eddie Kimbrough to a knee injury wasn't enough, Mom and Dad Kimbrough will be en route to the Orthopedic Doc's office in order to have son Anthony's ( QB-OLB) right wrist evaluated. Friday night AK was told of a probable break. Hey, not only is this tough news for Eddie and Anthony, it is upsetting for Mom, Dad and the team. The Kimbrough family is dedicated 100% to MHS football and we sure appreciate every second of their involvement.

Morris

Matt Morris played another good defensive game vs. Cambridge. Matt continues to grow in stature as a defensive end. Offensively, we all enjoyed watching Quinton Coffield run the ball during the second half of the game. He picked up 108 yards on 13 carries, as he replaced an injured Dedder Baker who rushed for 63 yards on 17 carries.

The coaching staff spent several hours on Saturday reviewing New Philly game DVDs...and obviously, they are a very good team. Like Cambridge, they run the heck out of their tailback from the I-formation. In fact, if anything, they run their guy more than Cambridge does...over and over again. Defensively, they run from a 4-4 set and they tend not to stunt a great deal...all read and react. New Philly, like Cambridge, is heavy with seniors who have won in the past.

Sharing our half-time talk at Cambridge...we made the decision that we were not going to spend the second half of playing time worrying about the first half's miscues, missed tackles and failed runs. We agreed that we were going to have "some fun" and "play football" during the second half, and that is what we were able to accomplish. And this is the attitude we are going to take into the New Philly game...play hard, enjoy the game and take it all one play at a time. Our game plan is written and we will proceed to practice this week with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement over again playing a highly rated team.

Frum

By the way, I was sure impressed with the work of sophs Spencer Frum and Quinton Coffield during the last quarter vs Cambridge...they ran the ball with authority and obviously were not giving in to anyone. In these times of intense competition, there are parents/fans/coaches/athletes who fall into two major categories....first, those who intend to "bust their butts" to win and secondly, those "with all of the answers". Cheering for the team, encouraging young people and sticking by them in tough times does so much for all concerned...after all, it is just a game. Athletes are sensitive listeners and love to be supported. Gosh I love those who continue the struggle toward winning. A positive attitude serves young athletes best as they face today's hurdles and tomorrow's challenges. Life never changes; we just play different competition as the years pass Thus, the need to play as a "team" during the learning years.

Go Tigers!

Cambridge...a team ranked in the state and in the district, defeated our Tigers 51-14.

First thoughts...Coach Springer. 1-after missing practice on Wednesday with flu symptoms, Dedder Baker played sick most of the night yet ran for 63 yards "the hard way". Make no mistake about it, Cambridge knew who to stop and our guy "Bake" ran hard and was hit hard. Dedder likes to hit the edge and make his cuts...a tough way to go with 3-4 inches of mud on the field.

Coffield

2-Great running by Quinton Coffield...gosh I enjoy watching him run. He ran for 108 yards and looked very good at the tailback position. 3-Spencer Frum ran hard and looked good from the fullback and tailback positions. 4-Matt Morris turned in a very good defensive game and is becoming more and more dominant each week....5 solo tackles and 6 assists.

Other defensive leaders included Michael Stewart, Dustin Baker, Spencer Frum, Tanner Leach, "AK"..Kimbrough and Mitchel Gearhart.

Mitchel Gearhart...played his heart out all night long...he got dinged several times but rose to the occasion after each tough hit...he was a vocal leader all night long. Baker, Gearhart, Futrell...some of the best leaders I have seen. Futy spends most of his time off the field talking with me about the offensive strategy for the upcoming series...we talk fast, we make our plan...these are valuable minutes, sometimes seconds, and I enjoy every minute we spend together.

As everyone knows, we lost a top offensive lineman in Eddie Kimbrough during practice this week he has a torn MCL, but it appears as if no surgery will be required. Just a passing "thank you"...Doc Henry had Eddie in his office and being examined almost within the hour of his injury Wednesday night. All Doc wants to do is match up with athletes and help them...what a wonderful and caring resource for MHS.

So those are my initial thoughts. But there is one over-arching thought and it is about the attitude of the team....

We refused to "beat on one another" at half time...we all decided to be positive, to understand who we were playing and to "enjoy the second half" of the game. We came back on the field in a light hearted manner and played the game...having some very good offensive and defensive efforts from a lot of people in the second half.

Look, Cambridge is a physical team that is very, very good. Certainly, they took it to us in the first half. That is ok...we remained ready to play the game. In the simplest of terms...we play New Philly next and we'll be getting ready. Coach Eich drove to Cambridge at 6:30 this morning for our coaches' game dvd - film exchange, and we began studying/preparing for New Philly at 8am. Never move off center and never quit.

Report just in...we may have lost Anthony Kimbrough for the season with a broken wrist. Final report will be in on Monday. It has been a rough week for Crystal and Ed Kimbrough...parents of Anthony and Eddie. Hey, both are valuable starters for the Tigers and even better young men.

COACH'S THOUGHTS PRIOR TO A GAME ARE ALL VERY SIMILAR BUT PRIVATELY HELD...EVERY COACH WANTS TO WIN, NO MATTER THE ODDS, AND HE WANTS HIS ATHLETES TO COME AWAY FROM THE GAME WITHOUT AN INJURY. INJURIES...THIS IS WHY WE LIFT ALL WINTER. BUT THIS WEEK, WE LOST ONE OF OUR BEST YOUNG MEN IN EDDIE

Kimbrough

KIMBROUGH WITH AN MCL KNEE INJURY. EDDIE HAS HAD A GREAT YEAR AND HE HAS ACCEPTED ANY CHALLENGE THROWN AT HIM. HIS HEART IS GIGANTIC AND HIS SMILE IS CONTAGIOUS. DAMN I SURE LOVE THAT KID AND WISH HE COULD PLAY.

MOVIN' ON FROM BEING UPSET OVER EDDIE, I HAVE TO SAY WE HAD A GREAT WEEK OF PRACTICE. CHANCE WRIGHT APPEARS TO BE ALMOST 100%

Wright

 FROM HIS THIGH INJURY AND QUINTON COFFIELD IS ON THE QUICK MEND. BOTH PART OF THE SUPER SOPH GROUP, WE SURE MISS THEM WHEN THEY ARE OUT. TREVOR STRAHLER, WHO HAS PLAYED A LOT OF CENTER THIS YEAR, WILL START IN PLACE OF EDDIE AND HE TOO HAD A GOOD WEEK OF PRACTICE...AND HE WILL NEED TO BE GOOD AS CAMBRIDGE'S NOSE TACKLE IS A GOOD ONE. THE O-LINE HAD A GOOD WEEK AND SO DID THE D-LINE...WE REALLY SPENT A LOT OF TIME PUSHING HOGIE, COGS, GASK AND JON HEDRICK...PUSHING THEM, ENCOURAGING THEM, YELLIN' AT THEM. WE NEED A TOUGHER FRONT FOUR!

I DID CHECK WITH THE BLOGS TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY NEW DEFENSIVE ADVICE...BUT FOUND ONLY COMPLAINTS...GOSH I WISH THEY'D JUST STOP OVER AND "CHAT FOR A WHILE WITH THE FELLAS" BUT THAT WOULD INVOLVE STEP'IN UP AND THAT WON'T HAPPEN...DAMN IF BLOGS AREN'T THE SAFEST THING TODAY. JUST JOKIN ABOUT THE BLOGS...I COULD GIVE A DINGLE WHAT THEY SAY...WE ALREADY HAVE ENOUGH ADVISE ECHOING FROM THE HALLS OF WISDOM.

FUTRELL HAD A GREAT WEEK, GEAR AND DEDDER ENJOYED THEIR WEEK, SPURR WAS GROUCHY AGAIN, MATT MORRIS ACTUALLY SAID SOMETHING NICE TO SOMEONE AND TYLER RITCHEY IS BEGINNING TO AGAIN SHOW SIGNS OF DEMANDING A WAY TO STEP UP TO VARSITY BALL...HE HAD A GOOD WEEK AND AN EVEN BETTER JV GAME. I TRIED TO MAKE HOGIE (DT) ANGRY THIS WEEK, BUT HE STILL JUST SMILED AND TOOK OUR CRAP AND WOW WAS JONNIE EVER READY TO CRANK IT ALL UP A BIT!

I TRY TO HAVE SOME INTERFACE WITH EACH VARSITY ATHLETE DURING THE WEEK...YEA, I KEEP AN INFORMAL CHECK OFF LIST...SOME FORM OF PERSONAL CHAT. SOMETIMES KIDS HAVE A LOT ON THEIR MINDS...RANGING FROM GIRL FRIENDS HAVING A BAD DAY, TO TROUBLE IN SPANISH 2 TO DAD WHO WOULD STRONGLY PREFER THE TIGERS TO RUN "PLAY A" RATHER THAN "PLAY B".

GOSH, I HAD AN INTERESTING DEAL FROM MY PAST SHOW UP THIS WEEK...AN OLD COACH FRIEND HAD WON FOR YEARS, ONLY TO HIT A DRY PATCH FOR AN ENTIRE SEASON. HECK, THE WOLVES CAME OUT OF THE CLOSETS AFTER HIM AS THERE WAS NEVER ANY MENTION OF OTHER WIN-LOSS REASONS. THEN ON ONE WONDERFUL DAY, AN ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN ENTITLED " BUT A LOSER HAS NO FRIENDS". THAT GRIEF SURE ISN'T HAPPENING TO ME AND I AM SO HAPPY...IN FACT I HAVE HAD SOME GREAT MESSAGES FROM SO MANY....BUT I DO SEE THE EYES OF THE WOLVES ON THE HORIZON....YOU KNOW THEY ARE THERE AND IT ALMOST FEELS GOOD AT TIMES. EVERYONE ADJUSTS TO LIFE AT ITS VERY BEST...MY DAYS COULD NOT BE HAPPIER, GETTING TO COACH KIDS WHO I THINK SO MUCH OF...ON A DAILY BASIS!

WE HAVE A GOOD CAMBRIDGE GAME PLAN, OUR BUS FOR CAMBRIDGE IS FULL OF FUEL, WE ARE STILL SMILING AND WE'D RATHER BE PLAYING "RANKED" CAMBRIDGE THAN A 1-4 SQUAD WITH 17 TEAM MEMBERS. GO TIGERS!

MHS lost the game 34-22 despite taking a early 14-0 lead. Reiss Holt had his best passing game of the year as he threw a 50 yard TD to Zach LeBarre and Trey Littleton also came up with a big catch. Austin Jones continues to run the ball with authority. Austin scored on a 5 yard run and also picked up the 2 point extra point. Jones also returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Tyler Ritchey and Andrew Miller blocked well on offense and Scott Bricker had another game blocking from the FB position for Jones. On defense, Michael Stewart, Mason Ruse and Austin Jones each played a great game. The Tigers lost but never gave up...some great efforts in this game!

The Tigers now stand at 2-3 at the midway point of the season with our 14-9 River View Homecoming victory; with five rugged challenges on our doorstep...and we like the need to step-up and play some of the best teams in Ohio. Several performances stand out for the Tiger team thus far in our season....the Defense has really improved over the last two weeks, with a shut out in the second half against Gallipolis and a shut out against River View. Yes, the offense gave River View its points on a safety and a punt block which was returned for a TD. Go Defense! Coaches Stanton and Eichhorn are duly proud of their D's improvement.

Baker

Several individual performances are in need of mention. One in particular is the performance of Dustin Baker who has rushed for 623 yards on 91 carries for an average of 6.85 yards per try. Against River View, Dedder had his third 100yard-plus game. Against Morgan he rushed for 167 yards, 151 vs. Parkersburg and 152 yards against River View. The ball handling of quarterback Justin Futrell and the line blocking of Austin Gaskins, Nick Spurr and Eddie Kimbrough has been spotty at times yet great at times. The trap blocking of Eddie Kimbrough, Tanner Leach and Austin Gaskins has been excellent. We are looking for consistency. Defensively, Dedder Baker, Mitchel Gearhart, Spencer Frum and Matt Morris have done the job for Coach Eichhorn.

By the way, the River View game was a defensive great one for Mitchel

Gearhart

Gearhart...he had 4 lone tackles and 12 Assists...a good game! Tanner Leach had 2 lone tackles and 8 Assists while Matt Morris assisted on 9 tackles. The Kimbrough brothers were in on a collective total of 11 tackles.

Austin Gaskin's work as a punter continues to be excellent....Friday night vs River View he punted 3 times for an average of 43.6 yards. The kicking game is also clicking with Geno DeMaio's kick off work...he got us 2 end zone shots Friday night and believe me it is great to start the defensive game on the opponent's 20 yard line. Brent Huck delivered Friday night, going 2 for 2 in the PAT category.

We give Dedder Baker a lot of grief as we call him " The Tiger Star"....he takes it in good humor and his first comment is to heap praise on his offensive line. But you decide how good his performance was vs. River View...152 yards rushing, 3 interceptions, a 77-yard kick off return, a 23 yard pass reception at a critical time in the game and he was in on 10 tackles from his Safety position on defense. It is somewhat difficult not to hang some kind of special name on someone with this performance.

Some philosophy and some criticism...Football is a grisley sport as it drags into conversations both the best of the best and the worst of the worst of everyone. An old coach friend of my said that "football brings out the best in people and the worst in people as they chant out for those agendas that serve only them and their best". But you can bet that most are in the deal for kids and for the good of the program. No need to serve up a pound of flesh " just 'cause", my old coach friend often relayed. Patience. Hey, I enjoy coaching football...what a game. Some say that there is only one major event left after retirement, and you can bet that I am not ready for that yet.

One of the things I like best about 2011 is the relationship I have with our coaches...BJ brings a unique sense of fairness and caring to the table, Jeff Carmichael's quiet way is a blessing around Eich and I, while Luke simply examines the game and strategically moves his game to fit the need. I hope everyone is getting a chance to be around Luke and Eich....I admire each and MHS is fortunate to have them on staff. Both have Master's degrees, both played the game with success, both are teaching at the high school and both have college coaching experience.

The team lost to Morgan 20-6, tied the Parkersburg Big Reds in a scoreless game and lost to Warren 14-8. I have to tell you that Coaches Mayer, Eichhorn and Stanton enjoyed the P'burg game and certainly liked watching " Austin Jones" run the ball against Warren. Against Pburg, the defense was nothing short of stellar! Pburg plays only juniors and sophs on their JV squad since they have a Freshman team....we played a load of frosh on our team along with sophs and juniors who did not get four quarters in during the varsity game. So our Frosh did wonderful! In the Morgan game, Reiss Holt threw a touchdown pass to Zach Lebarre and Garrett Davis did a great job running the ball. Defensive leaders were Conner Beavers, Jared Tanner and Evan Rhodes. Hey, our guy Rhodes played the entire game on what would be diagnosed as a broken leg. Go Rhodesy! The Parkersburg game was simply a team effort...Coach Mayer is still talking about this defensive effort! Defensive leaders during the Warren game were Michael Stewart, Reiss Holt and Mason Ruse. Coach Springer enjoyed watching Conner Beavers who is slowly returning to form after a summer injury. Listen to this one...Austin Jones carried the ball 33 times in the Warren game and he had great blocking up front from the line. "Brick" did a great job blocking from his fullback position. Jones scored the only TD and 2 point conversion. More about "Brick"...gosh he is one tough football player! Reiss Holt managed the game very well...great QB rhythm and focus. Holt also handled punting duties and did a good job! The JV Tigers travel to River View on Saturday, September 24th for a 10am game. Our JV squad's record stands at 0-2-1...but we are going to River View and get one!

Coach Springer's thoughts and observations on the Gallipolis game....River View is next on our schedule. Certainly we did not play well during the first half vs. Gallipolis. The second half was a different story for the defense as the Tigers really stepped-up their game. The entire coaching staff is very pleased with the way we performed in the second half...we must bring this style to the River View game...Homecoming 2011. Although Spencer Frum was not a defensive starter this week, he certainly performed well at linebacker. He had 5 tackles and 2 assists but more importantly, his reads and pursuit were excellent. Dustin Baker and Mitchel Gearhart again led the team with a total of 20 tackles and 22 assists! I have to mention the performance of other defensive performers...Tanner Leach was all over the ball during the second half and Nick Spurr (playing D-line) did the job as a first time defensive lineman. Eddie Kimbrough, starting center and d-lineman, played more defense than normal and he performed well. Sophomore "Hogie" hung in at starting defensive tackle.

Dustin Baker rushed for 82 yards on 12 carries and he scored our only TD and extra point.

Let's take a look at Mitchel Gearhart's performance....a stellar job on punt snaps, he caught 3 passes for 27 yards and he "blocked his tail off" for Dustin Baker. Austin Gaskin's punting was exceptional....5 punts for a 36 yard average.

So, I want to go a little "deeper" on this game for a paragraph or two....certainly, it was our worst game offensively. We were constantly either digging ourselves out of a deep hole or trying to correct an offensive mistake with a solid next play. We killed our own offensive effort with 8 critical mistakes, including interceptions, poor center-qb exchanges and penalties. Our first half of defensive play was equally unacceptable. So there...I have laid it out; there is no need to probe deeper.

So secondly, I want to talk MHS football. This week we play River View. It is Homecoming and we are excited. While we "push at" our team for results, we also want to see the heart and potential of each athlete. No one likes to lose, as everyone wants to feel worthwhile. Our coaching game plan is to strategically prepare for the game ( hours of film watching and charting ) and also make certain that those who step-up during the week get the chance to perform on Friday night or during JV games. Yes, we all need our dose of criticism, but we also need an equally strong medicine called encouragement and motivation.

Saturday morning was a treat...when I arrived at the high school to begin film watching at 8am I was far from alone. Coach Eichhorn was there and "had been there" since early in the morning...studying River View films. There he was, film running...saying " I've been here a while...and I want to show you some stuff"..gosh what a coach and I appreciate his will to fight though defeat. Once into the film myself, I heard "pounding" outside...there they were; Gearhart and Futrell throwing the ball, trying to cast away any remaining Gallipolis demons at 8:30am following a 12:30am arrival. Enough said.

Let's fire up for River View!..

A special thanks to parents, athletes and friends who managed the Kreamy Kreations at the Sternwheel Festival over the weekend...Matt Frum's leadership is simply nothing short of impressive. Toni Henry said it best as she put in over 10 hours of selling food and ice cream on Friday..." it is all for our sons and the team". Terry Tanner put in a lot of hours as did Tom Beavers. After scooping ice cream for several hours, Anthony Kimbrough said " hey, my hands are sore!". Kreamy Kreations...an idea whose source and financial resources are parked at John Lehman's door...all managed by Matt Frum. Two great guys! I must also mention Robin Littleton whose free time is consumed taking care of the team...she and Mary Hogan plan, order and deliver team meals. And Robin scoops one mean dish of ice cream!!

Bob Springer....The Parkersburg game is behind us...we thought about it on Friday night, then on Saturday we quickly moved on to the Gallipolis game, reviewing films and adjusting our plan. "Move on and remain positive"...this is the game plan. We have wonderful young men who work their tails off to perform and so do the coaches...we appreciate each other. It is interesting to watch those few fans and observers who "pull back" when teams lose; strange as it is, they also have the corner on all the new and workable techniques and strategies. But for the most part, those who are near to the team remain positive and encouraged...it is these parents and fans for whom we love to struggle and claw en route to success.

The Parkersburg game is a story of a lot of offensive success; their offense and our offense. We racked up 252 yards offensively led by Dedder Baker's 151 yards rushing while we were unable to stop any aspect of the Big Red's offense. Mitchel Gearhart's role was impressive on offense , as he was successfully called on to get us the tough yards as we went for several first-and-tens on 4th down. But the larger aspect of Mitchel's game is his leadership...what a leader! Chance Wright, playing both ways, had a good offensive game until he took a tough leg hit (thigh injury) but he'll be back for Gallipolis. Gaskins had another good day punting (averaging 32 yds per punt). Baker and Gearhart again led the team in tackles with 12 and 9 respectively.

Three defensive players did stand out...Thompson, Gaskins and Anthony Kimbrough. Thompson had several TD saving plays while Gaskin's role as a defensive end was exciting to watch. Gaskins, an offensive starter, played defense in the 4th quarter and was impressive. Anthony Kimbrough was always in the right place at the right time. It was also exciting to watch Anthony "sling the ball" from the QB position in the 4th quarter.

Make no mistake about it, Dedder Baker's work on offense was impressive...but it was also was the blocking of Nick Spurr, Gaskins, Jon Hedrick and Eddie Kimbrough. Wil Cogswell has grown into a good pass blocker and weak side offensive tackle. The offensive line deserves a lot of credit for their performance Friday night.

I must also strongly recognize Justin Futrell who is more than a fella who runs our offense; he is always thinking, always leading, always struggling to win...he is just like another coach, yet one on the field.

But let's be ugly for a moment....too many unfortunate turnovers, lack of proper decision making on special teams and a general defensive weakness all played a prominent role in our loss to Parkersburg High. But, let's also credit a good Pburg team that is certainly on its' way to loads of success in the West Virginia circuit.

We are excited about playing Gallipolis...come join us! Yell for us, cheer for us and challenge us to win. We appreciate you!

Football...it is full of emotion, successes, hard work and even some failures...the word "team" is tested over and over...that is why the game is so valuable to young athletes...it parallels life itself, and it teaches everyone to improve their personal results. Without winning the struggle, there will be no results. Gosh I love this game of football...even the gristly ugly part.  

Two quick thoughts come to mind...they are that Andy has that offense rolling with a very good QB and several great receivers. Congrats to them are in order. Secondly, the MHS staff feels as though we had more "good plays" on offense and defense than we had vs. Morgan. We believe we are improving. "Improving each week" is actually our lone goal....and it is a practical one, understanding that we are playing such a large number of underclassmen including nine sophomores. We are a patient coaching staff and we are asking our athletes to share this trait...learning, improving, being patient. Speaking of sophomores, three scored TDs Friday nite....Coffield on a 52 yard reception and Wright on a 72 yard strike from Futrell. Futy had 222 yards passing, including 2 touchdowns. Anthony Kimbrough scored a defensive TD when he blocked a Warren punt and ran it in for the points. Another sophomore that had a great game was Jon Hedrick...one very good offensive blocking job in the second half of the game.

The trio of Futrell-Gearhart-Baker continue to be the glue that holds us together. Each is a very good athlete but more importantly, their individual leadership is equally impressive. Dedder finished the nite with 71 yards rushing and one TD, while Gearhart ran for 30 yards on just 6 carries. Senior Matt Thompson had a great early-game interception from his DB spot, and senior Austin Gaskins punted 6 times for a 31 yard average. Others who earned recognition are.....Michael Stewart for his Special Teams play, Wil Cogswell for his work on defense which included 5 tackles and 2 assists, and Eddie Kimbrough for his offensive blocking.

So what was really impressive? Try Wright with 4 catches for 131 yards. Try Anthony's punt block and TD. What is fun to watch?? Try watching Mitchel Gearhart, our center on the punt team, be the first person down field...his effort is contagious.

Saturday, August 13th.....Marietta Tigers vs Ripley High. As Ripley's coach said, " it was a good working day for both teams". This scrimmage was Ripley's first and our second; certainly we looked better today than we did against Athens, but there is still considerable room for improvement. The greatest improvement took place with our defense, which took major strides compared to the Athens scrimmage. Coach Eichhorn and Coach Stanton have been installing their version of the 4-4 and it was exciting to see the defense coming along so fast. Neither coach was totally pleased, but improvement is improvement. It was obvious that the "D" was making better reads and moving to the ball with force. A large number of defensive players were involved today...Eichhorn and Stanton's defensive demands are showing strong.

Defensively, Matt Thompson had his first interception as a Tiger. Linebacker play of Tanner Leach continues to be impressive. Wil Cogswell continued his tough and fast defensive play, as did Nick Spurr and Austin Gaskins. Dustin Baker was certainly a force at Free Safety. It was a day for Coach Stanton to speak out. Coach wants athlete's response to be constructive when criticized for a poor performance....at times we hear too many "excuses, and that will not bring improvement" according to Stanton. Coaches Eichhorn, Stanton and Carmichael are clearly "running the offense and defense"...they are managing the game the way Coordinators must perform. The day of the Head Coach making all of the decisions are gone in Coach Springer's opinion...especially when knowledgeable coaches are on the staff.

Offensively, it was a day to hone our running game. Dustin Baker scored twice and Mitchel Gearhart ran for a TD and caught a TD pass from Justin Futrell. Futrell's leadership and calmness was excellent.

Line blocking of Jon Hedrick and Eddie Kimbrough was good. The offensive line is beginning to take form, yet the battle for a starting position will go into next week. Almost all Tiger athletes participated in our Ripley scrimmage. As we involved our younger athletes, the Tiger offense led by fullback Scott Bricker. Bricker, a sophomore, who consistently drove for yardage. His "quiet enthusiasm" was obvious to all. The second unit offensive line was noticeably stronger than at Athens.

Wednesday...August 10th. Today we scrimmaged Athens High School. Both the varsity team and the JV team competed. Marietta Times Sports Editor Ron Johnson ask me my evaluation of the scrimmage and I told him that our performance was "just average". Coach Eichhorn and I were most concerned with the lack of total intensity on either side of the ball. In simpler language, we were not flying to the ball on defense nor attacking on offense. As a result several starters will be challenged to step-up their performance. The only excuse we have is that by OHSAA rules, we could not begin any hitting/tackling drills until Saturday, so we only "went live" for two days before this scrimmage. Not much time to hone hitting skills!

Scoring is not kept in early season scrimmages, however we scored three times on two long runs by Dustin Baker and on a Futrell-Gearhart pass play. Baker and Gearhart can be a force running the ball if we can improve our blocking skills...and we will!

On Saturday, we scrimmage Ripley High at their field in Ripley, West Virginia. They are part of the always tough Mountain States Conference, and thus will be a step-up from Athens High School. Projections for 2011 suggest that Ripley will have a very good season.

Practice: Week One Wrap-Up...

The Tiger Football Team had an interesting week...one dominated by extreme heat and our attention to the basics of our game. Since hitting was not permitted, we worked on proper steps, perfect pass routes and we worked hard on defensive techniques. Our 5th coach arrived early in the week...Coach Luke Stanton. Coach Stanton and Coach Eichhorn coached together at Cornell College in Iowa. Just like Ike, Coach Stanton has his Masters Degree and several years of college coaching experience. Ike and Luke ran the defense for Cornell College for several years. Both will be teaching at the High School.

A couple interesting events this week...we can't keep our Principal, Bill Lee off the field. Bill has a lengthy coaching resume and he deeply enjoys our game. He no longer has any desire to advise coaches on strategy, but he loves the kids and enjoys watching them improve. The other enjoyable event this week was Glen Dawson's visit that included two water-cool fans. Heck, they sound like jet engines as they pump out loads of misty air! Our athletes appreciate Glen's help! Thanks Glen and Bill.

On Tuesday, following our Weight Room Grand Opening, we "lifted" in the room for the first time. What a treat for everyone.

Next week our practice time change as we will be going from 5-9PM. Parents will get the opportunity to check out their athlete's performance on the practice field. Additionally, Coach Carmichael gave us a week of his vacation this week, but would be unavailable if we went early in the day next week.

Weight Room Renovation News...

Congrats Coach Eichorn...