Union Local quarterback Carter Blake (18) awaits the snap during the Jets’ week one win against the Columbus Crusaders last week. Photo by Kristin Mazgaj

MORRISTOWN — Neither Buckeye Local’s Jim Hoover nor Union Local’s Bernie Thompson are going to get caught up dwelling on what occurred last week.

After all, there simply isn’t time for that.

However, both are expecting their teams to take a step forward when they clash in Morristown Friday night at 7 p.m.

“We came out a little sloppy last week,” Thompson said of his Jets’ 38-9 victory against Columbus Crusaders. “We didn’t have a second scrimmage, so the sloppiness was to be expected and now we’ll correct the mistakes we made and get ready for Buckeye Local.”

Hoover, meanwhile, didn’t even get off the field last Thursday following his team’s 32-8 setback to Barnesville before pledging to have his team get better, beginning that very next day.

“The kids’ attitudes are really good and they’ve come to work each day ready to go,” Hoover said. “We’re young, so every day is a new day for them and they’re learning. We’re hoping to win more than we lose.”

Hoover knows his team is going to have to take a few steps forward, especially on offense if it’s going to clear the hurdle that is the Jets this week.

“We need to gain a lot of confidence in a lot of areas on offense,” Hoover said. “There’s a difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it.”

The Jets’ defensive plan will focus on slowing down Buckeye Local senior Trey Hoover. He was limited to less than 50 yards last week against the Shamrocks. Skylar Ebright completed just one pass for minus four yards.

“The focus is on Trey first and foremost because he’s the focal point of their offense,” Thompson said. “He’s going to be near where the action is. They’re physical up front and like to play down hill, so we need to be able to match that. Our linebackers will be in for a good challenge.”

On the other side, the Jets’ artillery may not be fully in place. Union Local lost senior standout Hayden McCrate to a lower body injury early in the game last week. Thompson listed him as questionable.

In McCrate’s absence, rugged senior running back Jaksan Price stepped up impressively. He rushed for 197 yards and four touchdowns on just 16 carries in three quarters.

Senior quarterback Carter Blake is another legitimate weapon that the Panthers are well aware of. He passed for only 37 yards last week.

“Union Local is good,” Hoover said. “In my opinion, they have two of the best running backs in the Ohio Valley. Plus, (Blake) is a good quarterback and runner. They’re very solid up front, so we will have our work cut out for us.”