Game Day: SPASH vs. Fon du Lac Preview

Posted by Brian Kalish on 14 Sep 2012 / 0 Comment

By Brian Kalish

September 14, 2012

What: SPASH vs. Fon du Lac. When: 7:00pm Friday, September 14. Where: Goerke Field, Stevens Point. Records: SPASH 2-0 VFA-South, 3-0 overall; Fon du Lac 0-2 VFA-South, 1-2 overall.

Three Things To Watch

SPASH Defense: SPASH’s defense has been a force so far this year. Take away a few big plays by Menasha in week 3 and the Panthers easily have, statistically speaking, the best defense in the VFA South. SPASH has only given up 27 points so far this season, which is second to Marshfield (20). Chief among the Panthers’ accomplishments defensively has been their ability to create turnovers. Jon Barnes has been a veritable magnate for the Panthers on defense, collecting a robust five interceptions in only three games. Fellow Panther Mitch Mallek has contributed two interceptions. If the Panthers collect a few early turnovers against Fondy, this game could turn into a rout.

Fondy’s Gaskell and McEnroe: John Gaskell has been a bright spot for Fondy’s offense this year. The receiver has snagged a conference-best 18 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Gaskell has accounted for 14 of Fondy’s 35 points so far in conference play. While SPASH’s defense has been very good so far this season, it cannot afford to let its guard down against this talented receiver. George McEnroe, meanwhile, has led the charge for Fondy on the ground. McEnroe is third in the conference with 211 yards on the ground. McEnroe has not broken through for a touchdown yet this season.

SPASH’s Zelhofer: Coming into this season, nearly every coach I talked to referenced one name when asked about SPASH: running back Zach Pozorski. Opposing defenses have good reason to key in on Pozorski, who possesses size, power and speed. However, Eric Zelhofer is quietly putting together a great season for the Panthers at quarterback. Zelhofer has a .571 completion percentage and has thrown for two touchdowns. An active Zelhofer makes SPASH’s running attack infinitely more dangerous. Fondy has given up a conference-worst 70 points so far. Zelhofer might be poised for a big game on Friday night. “SPASH is very balanced. They run hard and incorporate their tight ends nicely,” said Fon du Lac head coach Mike Gnewuch.