The Greencastle varsity football team faces a tough test in Owen Valley Friday at 7:30 p

Thursday, October 13, 2005

The Greencastle varsity football team faces a tough test in Owen Valley Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Tiger Cubs travel to Spencer to play a Patriot team that is 7-1 on the season. Greencastle coach Mike Meyer knows Owen Valley is no team to underestimate.

"They run the ball very, very well," Meyer said. "They have an outstanding quarterback who can run and throw."

Owen Valley's offense piled on 463 total yards against Cloverdale, in a 42-7 win Saturday in the RCA Dome. Quarterback Jared Maners had a big day, throwing for 191 yards and three touchdowns, while running for 37 yards and another score. Owen Valley had 272 rushing yards in the contest.

"Obviously, we've got to be able to stop the run," Meyer said. "And we've got to do it four quarters"

The Tiger Cubs come into Friday's game off a 44-28 loss against West Central Conference leader Cascade. Greencastle played well in the second half, outscoring the Cadets 14-10. Although the Tiger Cubs didn't win the game, Meyer was pleased with their effort.

"The kids hung in there," Meyer said. "We got a few big plays out of them. Unfortunately, the result was we didn't win the ball game."

Quarterback Cal Gard was 8-for-18 throwing for 168 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Wide receiver Brian Troyer caught five of Gards' passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard bomb late in the fourth quarter. Freshman running back Drew Evens also displayed promise, running for 61 yards and one touchdown in the game.

"Drew Evens stepped up last week and had a pretty good ball game," Meyer said. "But I can't highlight one player."

Meyer said he's been happy with the whole team's progression, as they have had to work through obstacles as the season's progressed.

"I'm kind of happy with the entire group," Meyer said. "We've got some youth and inexperience in some positions, but they're doing pretty well."

Greencastle's offense has progressively gotten better all season. In the first two games this season, the Tiger Cubs averaged 10.5 points per game. In the last two games Greencastle has averaged 24.5 points per game.

"As you break it down, you can always get real critical," Meyer said. "But looking at the big picture, we're pretty happy."

Owen Valley is averaging 30.5 points per game on offense, while allowing an average of 16.4 points per game. The Patriots defeated South Putnam 21-13 in the opening week of the season -- a team Greencastle lost to, 25-6.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Owen Valley. The game is both team's final regular season game.

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