Union Local, Martins Ferry Renew Acquaintances After Four-Year Break
Both 5-0 Squads To Do Battle Friday At Purple Rider Stadium
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MARTINS FERRY - Despite both teams having talented skill players at their disposal, Union Local's Bernie Thompson and Martins Ferry's Justin Kropka expect Friday night's 'Meetin' of the Unbeaten' to be decided in the trenches.
"I think this game is going to be won in the trenches," Thompson admitted. "It's one of those tests where we are going to see what we are made of. Martins Ferry is a big, physical team, but I think our guys are more than up for the challenge. We take pride in being conditioned and we want to play four quarters."
Kropka agreed.
"I think that is where they excel, not only in their offensive line which I think is fantastic, but along their defensive line, as well," Kropka said of the Jets. "The kid that I've been the most impressed with is their fullback/defensive end Kolten Snyder. He not only blocks like another lineman, but he is one of the better defensive ends I've seen in a while. He's a really good football player."
The Jets and Purple Riders will collide at 7 o'clock inside the Dave Bruney Football Complex before what is expected to be a full house. Martins Ferry leads the all-time series 32-9, but Union Local has won the past two meetings, including 30-28 in 2022.
Both teams found themselves ranked among the leaders in their respective divisions Tuesday when the first Ohio computer ratings were released. The Jets are No. 3 in Division IV, Region 14, while the Purple Riders are third in Division V, Region 17.
Union Local's offensive front includes junior Isaiah Eberhart (5-10, 240) at center; junior Jameson Bable (6-2, 220) and sophomore Johnny Hercules (6-0, 240) at the guards; and senior Konnor Kovacs (6-0, 240) and senior Landen Davis (5-10, 185)/sophomore Mason Fowkes (5-10, 200) at tackles. The tight end is senior Brody Kerns (6-1, 200).
The Purple Riders will counter with senior Elijah Zinn (5-11, 235) at center; senior R.J. Welshans (5-10, 185) and junior Clayton Snyder (6-1, 230) at guards; and seniors Malachi Giles (6-2, 295) and Alex Carpino (53-9, 275) at tackles. The tight end is senior Jacob Theaker (6-3, 195).
"We've got a few veterans, a lot of seniors who some are first-year starters. A lot of times you win with seniors up front," Kropka added. "We're not quite as experienced as Union Local, but my guys have played a lot of football in their careers.
"That's going to be the story of the game. Can we keep up with them despite being outweighed by 30-40 pounds per man?"
"Martins Ferry is a talented team. You can see why they are 5-0," Thompson said. "They've got athletes all over the field, a big strong running back that can score any time he touches the ball, some dynamic guys on the outside and a veteran quarterback that does a good job of managing everything.
"I think we are very similar in many ways," he added. "We're going to have to prepare to go to battle for four quarters. Any time you go down to Martins Ferry, it's never easy. None of my guys have ever played against Martins Ferry in high school.
"I think we are battle-tested," Thompson stressed. "We've been in a couple of wars already and played some tough, four quarter games. That's what we want to do."
Union Local has relied on the running of senior Brody Perzanowski. The 5-10, 205-pounder has carried the ball 94 times for 921 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He is currently 607 yards from tying Quincy Wilson for the all-time OVAC career mark of 6,161.
"When you turn on the film, No. 15 (Perzanowski) is the player that stands out, but what worries me is the other guys that have stood out for them," Kropka added. "They don't beat themselves. They are a veteran bunch that wears you down with their size up front and their size in the backfield."
Quarterback Evan Poziviak has played well for a sophomore in his first season under center.
"Evan is doing a tremendous job. He's doing everything that we've asked from him," Thompson praised. "He's more than capable of leading this team. He commands the huddle. He calls the plays and runs the whole operation. When we need him to throw, he throws a pretty nice ball. He's shown through five games that we can trust him."
Poziviak has completed 65 percent of his passes (32-49) for 602 yards and seven touchdowns He has been picked off just once.
"Their quarterback is highly underrated. He is very efficient when he throws," Kropka noted. "He has shown a lot of moxy, which is rare for a sophomore. You can tell he is confident. The great way to break in a sophomore quarterback is with a veteran offensive line and a potent running game. Union Local has both."
Junior Eli Rogers is the leading receiver with 12 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown. Perzanowski has caught nine balls for 159 yards and found the end zone four times. Junior Cam Gordon has only hauled in three passes but they've picked up 111 stripes.
The Jets have run soughshod over Warren Local (34-0), St. Clairsville (40-21), Indian Creek (48-7), Harrison Central (48-7) and Wheeling Central (24-13). They have outscored their opposition, 194-48.
This will be the first real test for the Purple Riders who have cruised past Mt. Gilead (42-19), Columbus Mifflin (60-6), Brashear (53-15), Edison (34-0) and Harrison Central (49-0). They are averaging 47.6 points a game and giving up just 8.0.
"There's no doubt and it's definitely a big one," Kropka said. "They are solid top-to-bottom. They've been in some wars and came out on the right side, so they are a little more seasoned than we are in that regard.
"Five-and-0 versus five-and-0. That usually doesn't happen. It's pretty rare and to be a part of it is going to be exciting," Kropka added.
Kropka is also excited to have the Jets back on the schedule.
"Once the Buckeye 8 kicked back in, that was kind of what we asked for - Small School and Big School - because the eastern end schools were getting smaller while the western and northern schools kept getting bigger," he said.
Martins Ferry is led on the ground by junior Walkquem Cox. The 5-11, 205-pounder has 785 yards and 14 touchdowns on 65 carries, an average of 12.1 per carry. Senior quarterback Colby Kropka is a steadying presence in the pocket, having thrown for 753 yards and eight touchdowns on 39 of 55. He has only thrown one interception. Senior Elijah Roby is the leading receiver with 16 receptions for 316 yards and three TDs. Also with three scores is sophomore Jakori Cox (10-188).
Should the game come down to special teams, both coaches like their chances.
"I might be biased but I think we've got one of the best kickers around," Thompson said of senior Jeff Bolon. "Jeff has been really good for us and we take pride in our special teams. We practice them every day and when you play big games, like we are going to on Friday, everything counts."
Bolon is 1-1 on field goals this season and 22 of 25 on PATs. Seven of his kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks.
Martins Ferry counters with Theaker who has 27 point-after kicks.
"I am very impressed with their kicker. I agree with Bernie. He hits every field goal and extra point unless they are blocked, but I also like my guy. The thing with Jacob is that he has to play tight end and defensive end and then try to kick extra points."