By Mark Huber
Clinton-Massie appears to picking up steam as the Falcons head into Friday night’s regular season opener against Blanchester in the 51st meeting for the Cider Keg.
The Falcons, 12-1 last season, ripped through Division II Canal Winchester in the final scrimmage last week.
“Offensively we played the first group in the first half and totaled 442 yards of offense and held their team to zero first downs,” said CM head coach Dan McSurley.
As has been the norm the past few seasons, Massie opens with the the Wildcats. The game is scheduled for Frank Irelan Field on the CM campus with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Falcons won the 50th meeting between the two schools 42-0 last season. Clinton-Massie has won eighth straight games in the series, 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.
“Blan is going to be physical,” said McSurley. “They were the most physical team we played last season and the same can be expected this year as well.”
Clinton-Massie has won 10 straight season-openers, going back to a loss to Reading in 2004. The Falcons have won 22 straight games at Frank Irelan Field. The last loss was to Jonathan Alder in 2011.
Scouting the Falcons this season may not be as easy as it has been in the past, McSurley said. Hunter Fentress returns for his third year as the CM quarterback and he’s been revving up his passing game quite a bit in the preseason.
“We have been able over the past three scrimmages to be 50/50 run to pass, which is something we’ve never been able to do since I’ve been at Massie,” said McSurley. “The kids are having a lot of fun. It’s kind of like having a new toy.”
Another twist for the Falcons, this one on a down note, would be depth. In past years, the Falcons have had more than 80 players on the high school roster. This season, the number is closer to 65. And there’s a lot inexperience among that number.
“The key for the season is staying healthy and improving our strength and conditioning each week,” said McSurley. “We are young on defense and need to develop through Friday night experiences. I believe we have the ability to scheme on both sides of the ball.”
Reach Mark Huber at 937-556-5765, or on Twitter @wnjsports.
