FREMONT – Whatever circumstances were thrown at the Ross football team last week, the Little Giants responded.
Garrett Schneider (30) and David Urbina (31) shake hands on the sideline against Lima. RSR/Tony Zimmerman
Whether it was an official’s call it disagreed with, a dirty hit from an opponent, or falling behind with less than a minute remaining, Ross persevered as it rallied late in its 28-24 win at Lima Senior.
“For our kids to keep their composure and come back to win the game tells us a little bit about the character of our kids,” coach Chad Long said. “No matter what adversity was given, the kids never quit, they kept fighting no matter what.”
Ross will need that fighting spirit as it heads into its toughest test of the season Friday night.
The Little Giants host defending TRAC champion Toledo Central Catholic, Friday at 7 p.m. at Don Paul Stadium. The Fighting Irish have won the last four league titles, advanced to the state semifinal last year, and won a pair of state titles in the last five years.
While the program has a long-established pedigree as a state power, the Fighting Irish are not invincible, either. Whitmer proved that just last week, defeating Central Catholic 21-14, snapping the Irish’s 30-game conference win streak.
Ross’ Roger Burling gets set for a play against Lima. RSR/Tony Zimmerman
On one hand, Central’s loss proves the Irish are human. On the other hand, “they’re going to be a little ticked off,” Long said.
“I think we have to play all three phases to the best that we can. We can’t have one phase lag because that will be exploited by a great program like Central,” Long said. “If we play all three phases like we could – and we haven’t done it all year yet – but if we can do all three phases I think we’ll have a chance to win.”
Central Catholic’s top offensive weapons are receiver/wildcat back Jase Bowen (6-foot-0, 170 pounds) as well as 6-1, 220-pound running back Dallas Fields, who is committed to play at Miami (OH) next year.
Under center the Irish have turned to junior Troy Durden, who has been more of a rushing quarterback than a thrower. Through six games, he has completed just 19-of-62 passes for 438 yards and six touchdowns.
“They’re not doing the traditional stuff that’s been done the last 12 or 14 years at Central Catholic,” Long said. “Usually, they go with the tight end set, throw a wing in there and they pound it down your throat and say, ‘Stop it.’ Now they spread it out, and still try to run the ball, but they run it more with the quarterback than we have ever seen.”
The Irish also boast a large offensive line with a pair of 300-plus pounders in the interior while three other linemen standing 6-2 or taller. While Central’s line has size, the Little Giants believe they’ve seen better.
“I think St. John’s offensive line is way better than this offensive line,” Long said. “Now These guys are huge up front, but I don’t think they’re (better).”
Ross quarterback Hayden Lehmann looks onto the field against Lima. RSR/Tony Zimmerman
Defensively, the Irish have a host of playmakers capable of making life difficult for Ross’ offense.
Dominique Kimble (6-1, 285) and De’Marko Craig (6-1, 275) give the Irish a pair of big bodies up front while they’ll be backed up by linebackers Justin Schiets (6-0, 220) and Fields. The Irish will likely blitz one or two men most of the night, hoping to outnumber Ross up front and pressure quarterback Hayden Lehmann.
Ross’ success will hinge on Lehmann identifying from where the blitz is coming and then throw to the empty areas of the field vacated by the blitzers. Long said it’s imperative for Lehmann to make his decisions quickly and get rid of the ball.
“There is a reason Hayden has negative 80 yards rushing on the year,” Long said. “He doesn’t throw the ball away. He always tries running around, thinking he’s going to get away from everyone and that’s not going to happen in our conference.
“I like our match-up of our skill guys against their skill guys,” Long said. “We have to play pitch-and-catch.”