Monroe prepared for big, strong CJ

By John Boyle, Staff Writer Updated 7:00 AM Friday, November 6, 2009

MONROE — The Monroe High School football team doesn’t have much experience against Greater Catholic League competition.

But second-year coach Ken Meibers is all too familiar with the GCL from his days as an assistant at Colerain.

Meibers will get another chance to face a GCL team tonight, Nov. 6, when the Hornets meet Chaminade Julienne in a Division III, Region 12 quarterfinal at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.

“I actually like the concept of playing those guys,” Meibers said. “I’ve been relating it back to the days when I was back at Colerain and we were battling Elder, St. Xavier and Moeller — the GCL South schools. Now it’s just got a different twist.”

CJ coach Andy Helms believes the rugged GCL schedule, plus nonleague games against Troy and Thurgood Marshall, has the Eagles (8-2) primed for the postseason. Not to mention a playoff-like showdown vs. defending D-IV state champion Alter last week.

“Our kids are great competitors,” Helms said. “That’s what’s allowed us to find ways to win games. ... Now that we’re in the playoffs, we’re making sure we focus on the execution part of it. We know we’re going to get the effort, but can we execute?”

Quarterback Michael Simpson directs the Eagles’ spread offense.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound sophomore has passed for 1,495 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Simpson’s favorite target is 5-5, 155-pound senior Jermar Rayford. Rayford leads CJ with 39 receptions for 470 yards and six TDs. Junior running back Aaron Stokes is the Eagles’ top rusher with 865 yards.

“We have to control the ball and keep their offense off the field,” Meibers said. “Their defense is very good, too, so it’s going to be a challenge. We’re going to line up and go against guys that are bigger than us and guys that are strong.”

The Hornets (8-2) are led by junior fullback Devin King, who established a new single-season rushing school record last week in a 49-6 win over Northridge. King rushed for 274 yards against the Polar Bears to up his season total to 1,570 yards. He’s scored 18 TDs.

“It’s one of those deals where you’re going to have to go out and beat them,” Helms said. “(Monroe’s) not going to give you anything.”

CJ boasts one of the top defenses in the Greater Catholic League.

The Eagles, who run a multiple 3-4 scheme, allow 210.7 yards per game and only 8.8 points per game.

Monroe allows 247.4 yards and 15.3 points per game, and has been disruptive. They’ve recorded 79 tackles for loss.

“We’ve had the same routine and the same schedule,” Meibers said. “When it boils down to it, they’ve got kids that are 15, 16 and 17 years old, and so do we. It doesn’t matter if you’re public or private or what league your from. You prepare to put your best team on the field.”

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