Chieftain players gathered at the conclusion of the contest against Bellbrook August 28. ZESTTPHOTO Tony Barrett
Chieftains look to bounce back against Presidents in Week 3
Week 3 presents the Bellefontaine Chieftains with an opportunity to put a difficult Week 2 behind them.
After opening the season with a convincing victory over Sidney, Bellefontaine suffered a 49-17 setback against Bellbrook last Friday. Now, the Chieftains return home looking to regroup when the Marion Harding Presidents come to AcuSport Stadium Friday night.
Both teams enter the matchup at 1-1, making Friday's contest an important opportunity for each program to get back into the win column.
Bellefontaine opened its season in impressive fashion, traveling to Sidney and coming away with a 35-14 victory. The Chieftains' offense totaled 320 yards in the win, including 179 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Blake Loomis helped lead the way through the air, completing 19 of 26 passes for 141 yards while accounting for three touchdowns. Running back Bryant Carter also provided a strong performance, rushing 18 times for 104 yards and a touchdown.
The Chieftains' defense also made its presence felt, forcing three Sidney turnovers in the season-opening victory.
That momentum, however, was halted in Week 2.
Bellbrook traveled to Bellefontaine and controlled the contest from the outset, handing the Chieftains their first loss of the season, 49-17. The result dropped Bellefontaine to 1-1 and provided the Chieftains with an early-season test as they look to improve against another quality opponent.
For Bellefontaine, Friday will be about responding.
The Chieftains have already shown the ability to move the football efficiently, but they'll need to rediscover that offensive consistency against a Marion Harding squad that will enter the game hungry for a victory of its own.
Presidents looking for a turnaround
Marion Harding has experienced a similar start to its season.
The Presidents opened the year with a 21-17 victory over Mount Vernon, overcoming a late push from the host Mustangs to begin the season 1-0.
Harding then faced Ashland in Week 2 and suffered a 27-13 defeat, bringing the Presidents into Friday's game with the same 1-1 record as Bellefontaine.
Through two games, Marion Harding has scored 34 points while allowing 44, while Bellefontaine has put up 52 points and surrendered 63.
With both teams coming off losses, Friday's matchup provides an opportunity for one side to establish some momentum heading into the heart of the season.
Another test for the Chieftains
For Bellefontaine, the biggest question entering Week 3 will be how quickly the offense can regain the form it displayed against Sidney.
Loomis and Carter have already demonstrated their ability to lead the Chieftain offense, while Bellefontaine's defense will look to create the same type of disruptive plays that helped seal the season-opening victory.
The Presidents, meanwhile, will be looking to make life difficult for the Chieftains and avoid allowing Bellefontaine's offense to find an early rhythm.
After the disappointment of last week's loss, Bellefontaine has a chance to respond in front of its home crowd.
The Chieftains and Presidents will meet Friday night at 7 p.m. at AcuSport Stadium in the Logan County Chronicle Game of the Week.
For Bellefontaine, it's a chance to turn the page.
For Marion Harding, it's a chance to do the same.
And for both teams, it's an opportunity to leave Week 2 in the rearview mirror and begin Week 3 with a victory.
