The High School Football Season has reached the halfway point, and our Polar Bears are winners of 4 straight games. On Friday night a massive test awaits, as they head to the Elmore, to face the undefeated Woodmore Wildcats who are sitting at 5-0 on the season. The Wildcats come in not only with a perfect record but have yet to be challenged in any game this year. Woodmore currently sits at #4 in the Region 22 computer point rankings, which is one spot higher than the Polar Bears who currently sit at #5. Not only is this game big in the Region 22 computer rankings but has big SBC River implications. Hopewell Loudon who has won five straight SBC River Championships also sits at 5-0 and a perfect 2-0 in the River. The winner of this game will keep pace with the Chieftains. Margaretta will head to Bascom to face Hopewell Loudon next week, October 3rd, while Woodmore will host Hopewell Loudon in Week 10 on October 24th. The Polar Bears lost a heartbreaker in week 1 to Vermilion 21-20 but have regrouped to take care of business the last four weeks outscoring their opponents 160-21. The Polar Bears have done it with a powerful rushing attack and a hard-hitting defense. Coach Quisno had this to say on facing the Wildcats, "Friday night will be a big challenge for us. Woodmore is on a roll and have been outscoring their opponents by wide margins.” Coach Quisno said, “It’s homecoming for them on Friday night, and we know they will be ready to go, but we are excited, we feel like we are playing really good physical football right now.” MARGARETTA: (4-1) (2-0 SBC RIVER) Defensively: (give up 8.6 points per game) Judah Keller & Brett Miller lead a Polar Bear Defense that has not surrendered a 1st Team Touchdown since week 1. Judah Keller leads the team with 48 tackles and two interceptions, Brett Miller is right behind him with 47 tackles and a team high 3 sacks. Junior Tyson Bailey has 35 tackles, and Sophomore Jace Berg has 34, and Junior Landon Weyer has 31 tackles. Kale Bailey leads the team with 3 interceptions. Offensively: (avg 36 pts per game) The Bears get it done with a bruising rushing attack that is led by Judah Keller and Tyson Bailey, but is complimented nicely by speedsters Carter Luzader, Zack Bouy, deep threat Kale Bailey and Quarterback Jake Bouy. Keller leads the rushing attack for Margaretta with 512 yards and 8 touchdowns, Jake Bouy has rushed for 280 yards and 7 touchdowns. Tyson Bailey has chipped in 160 yards. The Polar Bears have rushed for a total of 1,233 yards in 5 games and 20 rushing touchdowns. The Polar Bears have been effective through the air as well, Jake Bouy has thrown for 380 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kale Bailey leads the team in catches with 11 for 278 yards and 2 scores. WOODMORE: 5-0 (2-0 SBC RIVER) DEFENSIVELY: (Give up 6.4 points per game) The Woodmore Defense has had two shutouts this season, and given up just one score in their other 2 games. Their leading tackler is Bradley Allgier he has 19 tackles, 5 sacks, and has forced and recovered a fumble this year. Keegan Strong has 18 tackles, and Michael Seeger has 17 tackles and an interception. Wesley Kayser leads the Blue & Gold with 3 interceptions and a defensive touchdown. Coach Quisno stated, “Their defense has been tremendous only allowing 32 points through 5 games.” Offensively: (avg 50.6 points per game) The Wildcats offense has been tremendous this season going for 40+ points in every game and eclipsing 50 twice. Much like the Polar Bears, the Wildcats will look to do it on the ground with All-Ohio Running Back Landon Rich. Rich has been running wild through 5 weeks of the football season. He has carried it 99 times for 935 yards and 19 touchdowns. Rich is averaging 9.4 yards per carry and 187 yards per game. Jesse Lopez has 125 on just 16 carries and 2 scores. Woodmore has been equally efficient through the air as well, Quarterback Calvin Lipstraw has completed 69% of his passes for 675 yards and 9 touchdowns this year. Coach Quisno said, “Landon Rich is a very successful tailback, he has rushed for over 900 yards in just 5 games.” Polar Bear Fans make your way to Elmore on Friday night for a big-time high school football game. Coach Quisno, and the Polar Bears have been very appreciative of the support they have gotten this year. Coach had these sentiments when asked about the Polar Bear Spirit, “The support last week for Homecoming was great, and the student body has been amazing this year! I know our boys really enjoy the on field celebration with the students and band after victories! We have been very fortunate to have the community of Castalia behind us and we know they will be there in full support Friday night!”