Jonathan Alder has made the playoffs the last eight years and returns 21 seniors. The Pioneers are coming off a loss after falling 35-28 to Thomas Worthington in a game concluded last Saturday. Canal Winchester, on the other hand, is coming off a 43-0 win over Bexley.

"We saw them against Thomas and they had some critical turnovers that cost them," Canal Winchester coach Phil Mauro said. "But they're still a good looking team, and they're a really big team -- about as big of a team as we'll see this year."

A key matchup is the Indians' offense against the Jonathan Alder defense. Though the Pioneers returned a lot of players on that side of the ball, they're utilizing three sophomores at linebacker in their 4-3 defense and that inexperience is something Canal Winchester could exploit with running back Mike Mainella and receivers Cody Ferguson and Tyler Thompson. The defensive secondary is also suspect after allowing Thomas Worthington to pass for 335 yards and two touchdowns. At the same time, Canal Winchester needs to account for Pioneers defensive lineman Josh Davis, a Purdue recruit.

"We've got three sophomore linebackers and they need more game experience," Jonathan Alder coach Steve Coate said. "We know they're good, but we need to work with them more. We also had some coverage issues with our defensive backs. Their eyes are going off their keys more than they should, but we feel we're going to make a lot of progress with our defense this week."

When Jonathan Alder has the ball, they'll rely on the ability of quarterback Graham Johnston, who can make plays through the air and on the ground.

"They do a couple of different things on offense," Mauro said. "Their quarterback, Johnston, is a very good player. He's athletic and throws well so he's a true double-threat guy. They run some option and some shotgun, so it will be a good test for us."

Though Canal Winchester is coming off a dominating win, Mauro sees room for improvement on special teams. Against Bexley, the Indians only managed 72 yards of offense but had 155 yards on six kick returns.

"We didn't cover our kicks too well. We also could've had better protection on our (extra-point attempts)," Mauro said. "Those things are always first game things. You don't get a lot of live action practice in those areas so that's always an area where you'll do a bit of adjustment. We also need to clean some things up with our run blocking and make sure we're more sound in that area."

For Jonathan Alder, a perennial playoff team accustomed to winning, the thought of starting the season with two consecutive losses does not sit well.

"The most important win of any season is the first one," Coate said. "It's our primary focus to get that in week two."

Next game

CANAL WINCHESTER at JONATHAN ALDER

• When: 7:30 p.m., Friday

•Last meeting: First meeting

•Jonathan Alder to date: Lost to Thomas Worthington 35-28

•Canal Winchester to date: Defeated Bexley 43-0

•Top Pioneers: Josh Davis, Austin Dehart, Aaron Dunlap, Graham Johnston, Tyler Parker, Brandon Purdum and Nathan Richards

•Top Indians: Drew Black, Ben O'Bryant, Zack Hitchens, Alex Krigbaum, Mike Mainella, Ryan Rose, Tyler Thompson, Ryan Toledo, Justin Whitlatch and Michael Young