Bulldogs look to keep momentum

By T.J. Turrisi

Sept. 5, 2008 September 04, 2008 11:56 pm

— Last season Meadville marked the end of a 15-game losing streak against Warren. The Bulldogs took a 28-25 win at home to start the ball rolling on a turnaround season.
It was the team’s first win over Warren in four years.
Tonight the ’Dogs go into War Memorial Stadium under different circumstances: They are looking to continue a win streak.
Meadville opened the year with a 35-28 win over Region 3 opponent Oil City on Saturday. Warren was the loser of a 19-14 decision against Region 4’s Harbor Creek.
Both teams had the usual opening-week miscues, but Meadville found a way to start off on the right foot.
“We had some kids really step up last week,” Sixth-year head coach Mike Pendolino said. “In addition to (the skill players), the offensive line really stepped up too, especially in the second half.
“They saw the gaps we needed to fill, opened some holes for the backs and did a nice job. We have to be able to do that for four quarters now.”
The O-line allowed Meadville to gain 332 total yards, 296 of which were on the ground.
Warren, on the other hand, generally gets things done through the air. That will be a concern for a Meadville team which allowed 273 pass yards in Week 1.
“We know they’re going to put the ball up,” Pendolino said. “They’re a shotgun team, no huddle.
“We’ve just got to do a better job of getting to our landmarks. We will have to cover the pass and get some pressure up front.”
Warren graduated D-10’s No. 2 passer in Jeff Eaton, who threw for 1,838 yards in 2007.
This season the Dragons use sophomore Matt Stapleford, who was 10-for-23 for two scores and three picks last Friday.
“He certainly could have done worse as a sophomore,” first-year Warren coach Brad Wright said. “There were some pass protection issues we have to iron out. I would say the third (interception) was on our offensive line.
“I thought it wasn’t a bad beginning, but he still needs to eliminate those crucial mistakes.”
Although Meadville’s defense allowed 407 yards against Oil City, Pendolino felt it was effective in keeping the win within reach.
“(The defense) kept us in the ballgame ... when we couldn’t generate much offense,” he said. “Our defense did a pretty doggone decent job holding their water and keeping us in the ballgame all the way through.”
The ’Dogs received a good mix of production, as four different players found the end zone, with the exception of returning points leader Toney Phillips.
Phillips did play his part with 52 yards on 12 takes.
Warren’s top target will be returning All-Region 5 first-teamer Mitch McTavish.
The senior wideout caught six balls for 114 yards against Meadville in ’07.
“He’s good,” Pendolino said, but I think we’ll be all right. Athletically, I think we match up OK there. Not to take anything away from him. He’s a good player, but there’s 10 more on the field besides him.”
“When he touches the ball, watch out,” Wright said. “He’s one of those kids that’s always one tackle away from a touchdown. He’s pretty dynamic.”
McTavish grabbed four passes for 72 stripes and a touchdown in Week 1.
Warren will work to eliminate turnovers, as it gave the ball to the Huskies four times in the opener.
“We’ve got to take care of the football a lot better,” Wright said. “They know that. We’ve been coaching it up all week. We are hoping our effort turns into results.”