Through its first two games, Shippensburg football has been tested on both sides of the ball.
But there’s one area that could be argued hasn’t been tested, and that’s the quarterback. Sophomore Zack Manning has started the first two games under center for the Greyhounds (2-0) but has thrown a combined 10 passes in two games, completing three of them. Ship plans to change that at home on Friday evening when it kick off against Bermudian Springs at 7.
“We want to throw the ball,” Shippensburg coach Eric Foust said. “With a young quarterback, I was a little nervous the first two weeks. I wanted to get comfortable with him, and I think that’s coming along.”
Manning’s biggest moment came in the fourth quarter last week. After Ship led nearly the entire game, West York scored midway through the quarter to take a 14-13 lead. On the ensuing drive, Manning hit Kyler Brown for a 26-yard completion on the second play, and Adam Houser took the next run for a 32-yard score.
“We’ve done what we’ve had to do to win the first two weeks,” Foust said. “We’re going to continue to do those things, and at the same time work on our passing game. Our offensive line has been great.”
The running game has also been strong, led by Houser, who has 34 carries for 309 yards (9.1 yards/carry) and five touchdowns. Alex Sharrow has totaled 200 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns, and Kyler Brown has gained tough yards up the middle, with 23 carries for 90 yards. Brown has also caught all three of Ship’s passes in the first two games, but that figures to change on Friday.
“We haven’t gotten our receivers involved, but I expect Isaiah Houser and Christian Melendez to contribute for us this week,” Foust said.
The Eagles (2-0) are coming off a 28-22 win over New Oxford. Quarterback Chase Dull threw only seven times, completing three, but ran 26 times for 164 yards. Trace Grim added 87 yards on 16 carries.
“Their quarterback is very disciplined. He’s a big body and a difficult tackle,” Foust said.
And with division play beginning next week, Shippensburg will be sure not to overlook Bermudian.
“Adam (Houser) has been a good leader for us this season,” Foust said. “He’s been very specific about us taking each game one week at a time. This will be a very difficult matchup for us, so we have to be ready.”
If Ship’s pass attack can match its already-potent ground game, The Greyhounds have a chance to hit full stride as the schedule gears up.