[Eric Frantz]

Troy (8-3, D-I R3 Quarterfinalist)

* Players to Watch – DB/RB Marcus Foster (6-0, 195, sr.), RB Isiah Williams (5-9, 170, sr.), QB Cody May (6-3, 190, sr.), LB Chris Blair (6-0, 220, sr.), DL Alec Sears (6-1, 290, sr.), OL Ethan Hargrove (6-3, 290, sr.), DB Seth Predziola (6-1, 190, sr.), LB Zach Butcher (6-0, 210, sr.), WR Ian Dunaway (5-9, 180, sr.), RB/LB Zach Jones (5-9, 170, sr.)

* Outlook – The Trojans and head coach Steve Nolan (194-90 at Troy, 225-97 overall) made the playoffs for the first time since 2004 last year. Anything but a return trip this season would be a disappointment. Troy returns a talented nucleus that includes its QB, leading receiver, top three rushers, top two tacklers and seven All-GWOC performers. Foster has committed to Cincinnati and was the team’s leading rusher last year (870 yards and 13 TDs). He also caught 14 passes for 336 yards and three TDs. Defensively Foster had three INTs. Williams (755 yards, eight TDs) and Jones (480 yards, six TDs) were second and third in rushing, respectively, last year while Williams (the leading receiver) added 14 receptions for 231 yards and a TD. Dunaway caught 17 passes for 208 yards and three TDs. May threw for 922 yards and seven TDs. Blair (125 tackles) will lead the defense along with Butcher (109 tackles) and Sears (38 tackles). An early season meeting with Middletown will tell a lot about each team.

[SANDMAN965]

I watched the scrimmage between Troy and Reynoldsburg. The defense from Reynoldsburg did not let their offense get past the 50. Troy scored on a run play but it was called back due to holding. Both offenses had issues but the defense from Reynoldsburg looks fast. Troy defense has a nose guard who is strong as a bull and looks like the anchor for the defense. Troy will be formidable

[SANDMAN965]

I watched the scrimmage between Troy and Reynoldsburg. The defense from Reynoldsburg did not let their offense get past the 50. Troy scored on a run play but it was called back due to holding. Both offenses had issues but the defense from Reynoldsburg looks fast. Troy defense has a nose guard who is strong as a bull and looks like the anchor for the defense. Troy will be a formidable opponent for any team by seasons end. Reynoldsburg looks to be a real sleeper and any team going against that thinks its going to be an easy win better pack a big lunch because this is a hungry and athletic team.