Losing 17 seniors from a previous season is never easy to overcome. Add to that one of the toughest schedules of any division three team in the state and you'll see growing pains. Mansfield Senior has been gaining experience week by week and now that the TYgers are in the heart of conference play with big games coming up they'll see if they can snag a big win at a place they've had success over the years, Ashland. Mansfield Senior is currently ranked 19th in the playoff standings but a win this week against the OCC front runner Ashland Arrows would definitely put them back on track and into the top 16.
Following a tough 19-6 loss to Lexington at home last week the Tygers are working on getting healthy and playing together. Two weeks ago in New Philly was proof to that when Mansfield Senior defeated the Quakers in overtime 20-19. All it can take is one play or two to establish a chemistry for a team, playing in a hostile environment on the road against a team like Ashland can provide that spark.
Last year the Tygers won a defensive battle at Arlin Field against the Arrows 14-6. Ashland quarterback, then Sophomore, Nathan Bernhard never could get into a rhythm against the Tyger defense. Fast forward to this year and the Junior D1 prospect has had a huge season so far through six games. The transformation of the Arrow quarterback has even impressed Mansfield Coach Chioke Bradley, “He’s done a phenomenal job getting better each year, he’s done everything he possibly can to put himself in the position that he’s in and that is playing at a high level. He’s got great talent around him also and it’s showing.”
This will be a big test for the Tyger secondary Friday.
Offensively the Tygers have to run the ball and control the clock consistently in order to have success against the talented Arrows Friday night. On the other sideline is the hall of fame head coach Scott Valentine. Coach Bradley and Scott Valentine have had some memorable games in the past, so the anticipation for this chess match sells itself. “Coach Valentine has done a great job building this traditionally rich program from the ground up, he stepped away for a minute and now he’s back, he has them rolling again. Coach V being back in football is not only good for high school football but good for our area and the OCC," Coach Bradley’s praise for his opponent before Friday’s game at Community stadium. Mansfield Sr. comes in with a record of 1-5 while Ashland is 6-0.