By Mark Huber
Coming off a 4-6 season in 2014, Blanchester football coach Jack O’Rourke has high expectations for the Wildcats this year.
To achieve those results, O’Rourke believes the process is quite simple.
“My concerns for our team is to stay healthy, if we do that and cut down on our turnovers, we should have a great season,” said O’Rourke.
As has been the norm the past few seasons, Blanchester opens with the best team it’ll face all season – arch rival Clinton-Massie in the 51st meeting of the Cider Keg game. The game is scheduled for Frank Irelan Field on the CM campus with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
The Falcons won the 50th meeting between the two schools 42-0 last season. Blanchester has lost eight straight to Clinton-Massie, dating back to a 41-7 BHS playoff victory in 2006.
In addition, Blanchester has scored just 14 points in those eight losses while the Falcons have averaged 46 points per game. CMHS holds a 32-18 all-time series edge.
“Clinton-Massie is a very good opponent; we will find out where we are in game one,” said O’Rourke.
The Falcons ended its 2014 season in the regional championship game, where they lost to Kettering Alter. Despite losing numerous key players from that team, Clinton-Massie is once again a formidable foe.
“They have a very strong defense, strong special teams, and a much more balanced offense,” said O’Rourke. “They can throw and they run the option as well as any team I have seen in high school football.”
The Wildcats concluded their scrimmage schedule against Greeneview, a strong team the past few years. Blanchester played well, but “had too many penalties,” O’Rourke said. “But they are correctable errors.”
The coach believes his team, extremely young in 2014, has matured on the field and has a better idea of what needs to happen to be successful.
“I believe that we have greatly improved on our understanding of our offense and defense,” he said.
That understanding will be put to the test Friday night in the season opener. Regardless of the outcome of that contest, O’Rourke has big goals for his Wildcats, who will compete in the Southern Buckeye Conference National Division.
“Our expectations are high,” he said. “We believe we should challenge for a league title, and a possible playoff berth. Anything less will be a disappointment.”
Reach Mark Huber at 937-556-5765, or on Twitter @wnjsports.
