As the Wilmington football team prepares for their Homecoming meeting with Muskingum Saturday, the coaching staff is engraining the need for better concentration and focus, especially in key situations. (Game Notes)
Head coach Stacey Hairston points to a couple key statistics that intensified the need to sharpen those key mental aspects over the course of the game. Both offensively and defensively, the Fightin' Quakers are struggling on third downs and in the red zone.
"Offensively, we have been able to move the ball," said Hairston. "We are lacking production in the red zone. We have been there seven times with four turnovers. You can't do that at critical times. We have to raise our concentration level on both sides of the ball. We have been our own worst enemy."
While WC has only converted three of its seven trips, opposing teams have visited the red zone 16 times and came away with points in 14 trips, including 13 touchdowns. Additionally, Wilmington is making 29 percent (12-of-41) of its third down conversion, while allowing a 41 percent (16-of-39) conversion rate. In last week's game, Heidelberg was successful on 54 percent (7-of-13) of its chances.
Muskingum has had similar difficulties on third down this season, converting just 20 percent (8-of-40) while allowing a 44 percent (19-of-43) conversion rate. The Muskies have been successful in their very limited red zone opportunities, going 2-for-2. They have allowed teams to score 10 of their 13 chances inside the 20.
The Muskies will have a new look this week as sophomore Cody Williams will be making his first career start at quarterback. Williams led the team's receiving corps with seven catches for 66 yards. Despite the change under center, Hairston doesn't expect much difference in the Muskie offense. He anticipates Muskingum to continue their zone read offense, and run the ball.
As with every week, Wilmington wants to stop the run and make their opponent one-dimensional. However, Hairston realizes "we have to be better in stopping that one dimension".
The Quakers are tenth in the Ohio Athletic Conference, allowing 314 yards per game through the air. Muskingum has struggled with that phase of its offense, however, throwing for just 122.7 yards.
One of the things that could help the WC defensive backs is a pass rush. Wilmington has just five sacks through its first three games. Sophomore Linden Ayoki leads the team with two sacks on the season. However, Wilmington must use a controlled rush and keep Williams in the pocket. The ability or inability of Williams to beat them in the pocket is what the Quakers want the game to hinge on.
Sophomore Tarrell Starckey leads the team, and is fourth in the OAC, with 29 tackles, while senior Aaron Day has 21 tackles. They are both tied for the league lead with 5.5 tackles for loss.
Senior quarterback Brandon Arehart is coming off a career-high 406-yard game in WC's loss to Heidelberg. He is having his best season as a Quaker, throwing his first 300-yard game and then his first 400-yard game of his career. Arehart is second in the OAC, throwing for 332.3 yards per game. His primary weapon, sophomore Jeremy Duncan, leads the league with 27 receptions. The 27 catches is three more than his team-high from a season ago. Senior Kyle Akers gives Wilmington a second 100-yard receiver, averaging 100.0 yards per game as Duncan yields 110.7 yards per contest.
Wilmington passing attack will be tested as Hairston feels Muskingum's strength lie in the cornerback play of senior Darell Jones and freshman Tyler Lancaster. With the Muskies being stout on the perimeter, junior tight end Matt Stooksbury may be the key to Wilmington's success. He has six catches for 20.7 yards this season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Williams Stadium.
