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Potters getting closer to the target

Take a deep breathe, East Liverpool. Austin Mayfield will be under center tonight.

Mayfield was called for targeting last week against Buckeye Local and did not play in the second half. By rule, he would have been suspended this week.

The decision was reversed, giving the Potters full strength when they host Weir. East Liverpool coach Josh Ludwig is glad his quarterback can play and believes the targeting rule helps high school football in general.

“I watched the film about 700 or 800 times now. There was no targeting,” he said. “They’re making sure the kids will be accountable for their actions. It’s there to protect the kids.”

With Mayfield ready to go, the Potters (3-5) will go to the air for offensive success again. Despite a strong rushing attack in their 63-12 victory over Buckeye, they are at their strongest when Mayfield looks to a receiver.

“We just ran with what Buckeye gave us,” Ludwig said. “Overall our running game has not been that effective this year, so we’ll be looking to throw again against Weir.”

East Liverpool ran for 284 yards on 40 carries and seven touchdowns. Hayden Jackson, Derek Carter and Mayfield had two rushing touchdowns apiece, while Lane Kopras added one.

The Potters face a Weir offense that runs that well week in and week out. The Red Riders (6-2) scored 40 or more points in five of their six victories, including a 41-0 season-opening win against Oak Glen.

“They have a running back that runs very strong who’s been there for a few years,” Ludwig said. “They also have a really fast quarterback that runs the reads well. Weir runs the ball very well.”

Cody Enrietti had 223 rushing yards four touchdowns for Weir during its 47-0 blowout over Warren. The senior now has 1,216 for the season.

Donavan Spencer is another name Ludwig said his team will focus on. He tallied 69 rushing yards and a touchdown. Domenick Murphy added 54 and another score.

As the Potters prepare for their home finale, is Weir the toughest opponent on the schedule? In some ways yes. In others, not necessarily.

“They obviously have the best record of any team we’re facing, but they’re not a dual threat team like Salem,” Ludwig said.

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