Marshall’s next big test is Franklin

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Marshall has a potential showdown in two weeks with Eagle Rock. But Coach Andy Moran is not worried about his team looking ahead.

Not when the Barristers are playing Franklin this Friday.

‘Eagle Rock has done well the past couple of years,’ Moran said. ‘But everyone knows the road to the Northern League title still goes through Franklin.’

So even if the Barristers (4-2, 1-0) are still reveling in their upset victory over Wilson last Friday -- ‘I think we’ve beaten Wilson 15 times in the last 53 years,’ Moran said -- they shouldn’t get too excited; after all, they still have to play Franklin (5-1, 1-0), which has won five straight.

‘They are able to win games late and they are ferocious on defense,’ Moran said of Franklin ‘They rally to the ball well, do all the fundamental things well.’

Moran is encouraged by the recent progress of Marshall’s offense, especially sophomore tailback Preston Oliver, who has rushed for more than 180 yards in each of his last three games after totaling 85 yards in his first two.

Against Wilson, Oliver had 189 yards and three touchdowns in 25 carries.

‘It has taken him a while to get his stride,’ Moran said.

- Mike Terry