Faribault at John Marshall
7 p.m. Friday, John Drews Field
Records: John Marshall is 1-1 in the Big Southeast Red, 2-2 overall. JM is 0-2 in the Big Southeast Blue, 0-4 overall.
Last week:JM put together its best game this season and beat Century 35-7. JM junior running back Shahan Ameen rushed for 170 yards on just 11 carries. Faribault had its game moved back to Saturday after four players were serious injured in an auto accident Thursday. The Falcons lost to Mankato East 38-18, buy may have had their best performance of the year.
Last meeting:JM played Faribault twice last year. It beat the Falcons 36-14 in the season-opener, but then was trounced 41-21 in Section 1AAAAA semifinals. Senior-dominated Faribault later advanced to the state tournament.
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Faribault notes:The Falcons have some offense weapons. Quarterback Kade Hart is incredibly tall (6-foot-9), and has a nice arm. He threw for 160 yards against East. Felipe Ramirez and Brady Combs give Faribault two strong running threats. Combs is also an able receiver and had 77 yards rushing and 77 receiving against East. Where Faribault struggles is on defense. It's allowed 50, 33, 55 and 38 points in four games.
JM notes:JM played its most complete game in the 28-point win over Century. The Rockets got a spark offensively by utilizing their new "Wildcat" formation, with junior Jordan Velez stepping in as quarterback in that run-first set. It helped JM rush for 334 yards, Velez gaining 63 of them. JM coach Kevin Kirkeby won't put a ration on how much they'll use the "Wildcat" going forward, but he said to expect some of it every game. . .JM utilized its fullback against Century, with multiple carries by Ameen and Riley Schreader. . .Running back/linebacker Josh Mattison is not expected to play Friday due to a sprained ankle. . .After Friday's game, JM has two tough ones ahead, hosting Northfield and playing at Mayo.
Coach Kevin Kirkeby:"Faribault is going through some emotional times right now with four players severely injured (in the car accident). Our hearts to out to them. That (tragedy) can affect a team in a couple of different ways (on the field). But I think against East, their kids really rallied around those injured players."
— Pat Ruff
