Players step up at Barberton

Barberton football coach Brian Staats is pleased with the way his team developed throughout its scrimmages and off season work. Some of their biggest questions have been answered he said.

Offensively those questions revolved around the play of the offensive line. Junior Josh Perrin and center Nate Smith stepped up during the scrimmages. Perrin “has done a really good job of almost becoming the anchor of the line,” Staats said.

Defensively, sophomore Alex Najar and senior Justin Wiggins have settled into spots on the defensive line.

Wiggins is a converted outside linebacker who did not have a spot on the field as much as either the coaching staff, or he would have liked.

“He is a guy we thought we needed on the field and we needed to find a place where he can get on the field,” Staats said.

Wiggins will definitely bring more speed and athleticism to the position.

In order for Barberton to be successful in its opening game against Cuyahoga Falls, they will all have to play well. Falls is large and skilled in the trenches, Staats said.

“Up front is going to be a key for us,’’ he said. “If we can handle there size up front and are able to run the ball... Everyone knows (Barberton quarterback) Kyle (Snyder) can fling it all over the yard, We have to make sure we are balanced.”

Game one: Cuyahoga Falls @ Barberton
When: 7 p.m. Friday