Lucas averages around 240 on both the O and D lines. They have two great RBs who both have ran for 1000+ yards. Zirzow is nearing 1,700 with well over 20 TDs and Sauder has around 1,100 with 10+ TDs. Their QB Niswander is a great runner as well, and has around 20 TDs combined. Offensively, they run the double wing, but they can throw it as well. Niswander is a D1 pitching recruit with a great arm. IMO, the defense is their strength. They have a good rotation on the DL with 6-7 good sized kids including the All-Ohioan Coffman. Two more All-Ohioans (Zirzow and Arnold) reside in their linebacking core. They are great tacklers with good instincts. The 2 time and 1st team All-Ohioan Niswander (6'-3, 215) plays safety and All-Ohioan Hauger plays CB. They have bottled up some prolific offenses this season holding LCC to 14 and Cuyahoga Heights to 13. Playing the 8th hardest schedule in D7, Lucas only allowed 12 points per game pitching two shutouts.
Their two loses were razor thin close. The Northmor game (week 3) was played on the night of a colossal rain storm. Northmor led 14-13 at the half when the rains came. The game was delayed close to two hours and no one could move the ball in the second half on a super sloppy field. In week 10, Lucas had LCC on the ropes with a first and goal from the half yard line with 30 seconds remaining. On 1st down, as Niswander was sneaking the ball across the goal line, they called Lucas for a false start backing us up 5. The next play, Lucas fumbled and LCC recovered it. Afterwards we found out our coach was going to go for 2 and the win.
Thanks for the info, I can tell you are very passionate about your team. Enjoy the week, it is always a great week of expectations leading up to the big game.
Other Marion posters can do a better job on the overall stats for Marion's players.
But here are the basics of Marion's team.
Pro-style offense, will vary from QB under center 2 tight and 2 RB's, to shotgun formation with 4 wideouts. It is usually some variation in-between.
First year starting QB is a senior - has had a very good year as a first year starter.
Tail back by committee - 3 kids that all run hard, Otte has more speed and elusiveness
Full Back - Hard runner
Offensive line is on the smaller side average size 210 to 220, but very solid
Recievers - Huelsman has the best hands, good size, Otte has more speed.
The Offense had new starters at almost every position, so they started the year very slow, and have greatly improved.
Like Lucas, defense and special times have been great for Marion this year. I am not going to guess what our standard defensive front will be against the wing T. The coaches will modify the front accordingly. The three teams that were able to score on Marion did it through the air. Anna, a prolific running team, who is playing in the D6 final has put almost 40 on everyone, except Marion.
Weather looks great, hope for an exciting competitive game, and a Marion win