GRIDIRON PREVIEW: Knights to take on another first-time foe in Tuscola
MINONK – Fieldcrest's fourth and final new opponent is up next on Friday, as they make the 90-plus minute drive to Tuscola to face the Heart of Central Illinois Conference small division host Warriors with a 7 p.m. start. Tuscola is 4-3 overall and in the division.
In the past, they have lined up in a four or sometimes five-receiver offensive set.
"Definitely a multiple offense," commented Knights' coach Nick Meyer. "They can spread you out with all of their formations."
Sophomore Jon Pettry is the quarterback, while 6-foot-3 senior Parker James is one of the receivers. In the backfield is junior Dylan Graves. Tuscola has scored 126 points with a single-game high of 37.
They have yielded 163 points on defense with the most of 57 to undefeated LeRoy.
"Even front. Four down (linemen) with walk up ends. They react well. They really fly well to the football," summarized Meyer of the Warriors' defense.
The Knights (1-6, 0-6) will try to thwart Tuscola's efforts toward the program's 33rd appearance in the playoffs that includes 56 wins and two 1A titles in 2006 and again in '09.
"That's the goal," Meyer said. "That is kind of the role we're in try to give teams headaches the last two weeks."
According to Meyer, junior Tyler Petrimoulx (high ankle sprain) is doubtful for Friday.
Andy Romine is in his 10th season at the helm with a 78-24 record. The Warriors went 5-5 in '23 and saw the season end with a 76-41 loss at Belleville Althoff in the first round of the 1A playoffs.
Notes: Romine directed Tuscola to the '17 1A title game which ended with a 21-20 defeat to Lena-Winslow. This is the golden anniversary of the state playoffs and to coincide the Illinois High School Association has unveiled a list of the top 50 programs. It was determined by a committee made up of current or former administrators, coaches and media members. Tuscola appeared at No. 35. Number one will be released on the last day of the season, which will be Nov. 30.
