Bellefontaine head football coach Jason Brown predicted before the start of division play that each of the five games will be a slugfest.
The Chieftain head coach and his squad survived the first of those last week, using a late field goal from Alex Crabill to beat Tecumseh 19-16.
Bellefontaine (5-1 overall, 1-0 in the Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail division) looks to have another battle on its hands this week as it travels to Springfield to take on a 5-1 Shawnee squad.
“We knew league play was going to be a gauntlet,” said Brown. “After one week, we put ourselves in the top half of the league and we are going to fight as hard as we can to stay there.”
The Braves beat Kenton Ridge 17-7 last week in their Kenton Trail division opener.
Shawnee has won five straight games after losing to Valley View 31-7 in the season opener.
The Braves are averaging 34 points per game with a diverse offensive attack.
“Offensively, they do a very good job of being balanced,” said Brown. “They have a strong running game and their quarterback can throw the ball around and make plays, too. They force you to defend the entire field.”
Shawnee’s offense features one of the most dynamic players in the CBC in senior quarterback R.J. Griffin.
Griffin has thrown for 1,028 yards while completing 77 percent of his passes. He has 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
He is also a threat to run. He has rushed for 372 yards and four touchdowns on 58 carries.
Senior Max Guyer is the lead running back for the Braves. He is only averaging seven carries per game, but has rushed for 339 yards and five touchdowns.
The top target for Shawnee in the passing game is senior wideout Zion Crowe, who has 22 receptions for 325 yards and one TD.
Juniors Ed Boehmer (14 catches, 228 yards, four TDs) and T.J. Meeks (12 catches, 178 yards, three TDs) are also capable of making plays in the passing game.
“Defensively, we have to make sure we don’t give up big plays,” said Brown. “They are an explosive offense.”
Shawnee’s defense has been solid as well. The Braves are allowing 198 yards and 14 points per game.
“They are very aggressive on defense,” said Brown. “They like to overload one side at times and try to force you into mistakes. Offensively, we have to make sure we stay on schedule and don’t hurt ourselves.”
The focus for the Chiefs is putting together a complete effort. Two weeks ago against Indian Lake, they started slow before finding their groove in the second quarter.
Last Friday against the Arrows, the Chiefs dominated the first half to lead 16-0 at halftime. However, they were outscored 16-3 in the second half.
“We need to play our best complimentary football this week,” said Brown. “We are playing a quality team and we can’t afford to be our own worst enemy. We have to play from the first whistle to the last whistle. We are going to need our very best Friday.”