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MOUNDSVILLE -- For the first time this season, John Marshall coach Jason Willis and his squad will will be coming off a loss.
Last Friday, the Monarchs faced off against undefeated Oak Glen and made a commendable comeback effort. Down 48-21, the Monarchs were able to make it a one possession game, 48-40 with just under seven minutes to go in the game.
Unfortunately, the hole proved to be too big and the Golden Bears were able to secure the victory, 55-46.
"I'm proud of the guys. We could have easily gave in, but we fought back and made a game out of it. That's a good team they have at Oak Glen. I'm proud of the effort we put forth."
The Monarchs (2-1) will head back to Monarch Stadium Friday night where they will host Parkersburg South (1-2).
The Patriots are also looking to bounce back after they fell to Princeton, 34-14.
"They try to spread the field out and they have a nice running back. They also have a good quarterback They big up front up front. They are a good team," Willis said.
Already closing in on 1,000 passing yards this season, Sam Schuler is the signalcaller for the Patriots. He has completed 90 of 122 passes for 957 yards with eight TDs and three interceptions. Devin Gaines is the leading running back as he has carried the ball 57 times good for 274 yards and three scores.
Cyrus Traugh is the leading receiver as he has 36 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
"John Marsall, they're big and physical," Parkersburg South coach Nathan Tanner said. "They have a strong running game. They have a quarterback that's really crafty. He can extend plays with his feet. They're a lot more efficient in the passing game than last year. They're are a balanced team that can put up points. They are a tough team and there's a reason they are 2-1."
John Marshall quarterback Derrick Derrow had a quality game against Oak Glen as he threw for 352 yards and five touchdowns. Dalton Flowers hauled in eight receptions for 118 yard and two scores while Alex Burton also had two touchdowns on the receiving end.
Burton and Flowers can also be threats in the backfield too.
"I think defensively, we have to slow down John Marshall's run game and we have to put as much pressure on the quarterback as possible. They're really tough to deal with when they extend plays. We have to find ways to slow (Flowers) down and we have to get in a rhythm on offense. We can't give up big plays on special teams."
Parkersburg South's lone victory this season came against Woodrow Wilson (41-6) on Sept. 11.
"We got to control the line of scrimmage and get the running game going," Willis said. We can throw the ball and we showed that last week. We have to wrap them up on defense and see what happens."