Conference Play is Here: Green Bulldogs v. Jackson Polar Bears (Game Preview)
This Friday (9/8), the Green Bulldogs will face off against the Jackson Polar Bears at Fife Stadium to kick off federal league play. Jackson comes into week 4 with a solid 34-0 win over Stow, thanks to QB Lucas Ecrement's impressive performance. Ecrement has already thrown for 814 yards and ten touchdowns this season. Their senior receivers, Kyle Benson and Anthony Fuline, have also been standout contributors. Green, on the other hand, remains undefeated and is currently ranked 2nd in the Canton Repository’s Stark County-Area HS Football Top 5 Power Poll. Here’s all you need to know before Friday’s matchup.
Jackson’s Impressive Start: Ecrement Shines, Receivers Thrive
Jackson enters week 4 with a shutout 34-0 victory over a struggling Stow football program. Sophomore QB Lucas Ecrement ran for two touchdowns and passed for two touchdowns. A weapon, whether on the ground or in the air, Ecrement's already thrown for 814 yards, ten touchdowns, and zero interceptions in three weeks. In Jackson’s week two contest against Mayfield, he helped the team come back down from a 35-21 with only 8 minutes left. Ecrement will be the reason Jackson either falls behind or pushes forward. His speed and accuracy are his biggest strengths, and it doesn’t look like his elusiveness will slow down.
That’s not all the talent on Jackson’s roster, though. They have an elite collection of receivers in their pocket. The senior duo of Kyle Benson and Anthony Fuline have shown out this season. Fuline racked up 113 receiving yards in his week one showing, and Benson pulled in seven receptions for 178 yards in week 2. However, Jackson’s entire wide receiver core is phenomenal. Ecrement frequently airs it to other talents like junior Noah Colando and senior Kyle Andrews.
Jackson’s defense has allowed twice as many points as Green’s this year.
Green’s Standout Performances So Far: Manson, Martin, Schaal
Green defeated Tallmadge in week three, continuing their undefeated streak into week 4. Green’s first-year starting QB Samino Manson threw for 280 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, and 60 rushing yards, his best game of the season so far. Samino commented on his performance against Tallmadge in an interview with the Green Sports-letter on Friday:
“[Tallmadge] left the middle of the field wide open and ran man on Zach [Baglia]. [Leaving] him open all the time.”
Manson's reading of the defense translated into brilliant offensive plays. Samino completed 15 out of 27 passes, with Jarrett Taylor swiftly adapting to convert two into touchdowns. He connected with Baglia, Martin, and Taylor for four touchdowns. Jarrett Taylor’s swift decision-making and impressive hops significantly bolster Green's triumph on the field.
Adding to Green’s bag of offensive threats, Antonio Martin had 107 total offensive yards against Tallmadge. He ran for a touchdown and also caught a short pass for another. His ability to break tackles, sometimes multiple in a row on the same play, leads to explosive runs that can salvage plays and create scoring opportunities.
Notably, senior HB/DB Jordan Beyl also deserves mention, as he entered the game in the 3rd quarter and left a lasting impact. Primarily executing inside runs, Beyl consistently showcased his ability to gain yards on nearly every play.
On the other side of the ball, Green’s defense was dominant. Junior LB Wyatt Knowlton, who played a big part in their game against South Range, garnered many tackles against the Blue Devils. Week 2 starting safety Anthony McMichael III also made his presence known, picking up the open man and being responsible for many stops. Green’s 3-4 defense that they picked up this year has worked in their favor, with junior DE Michael Schaal leading the charge on the line. Junior LB AJ Fortunato also racked up various stops against the Tallmadge offense and served as a blocker in the pocket for Manson.
Additionally, Green’s special teams have been great. Baglia and Martin have both been returning punts and kickoffs, and Green’s kicker Clayton Breon has been spectacular.
Green is also currently ranked 2nd in the Canton Repository’s Stark County-Area HS Football Top 5 Power Poll going into week 4.
The Edge
