LOGANSPORT – Exponentially better.

 

That’s how coach Kevin Magee described the improvement of his Logansport squad throughout the preseason, but no one could have scripted the outcome when the Tigers headed down to a typical state power in Many.

 

Logansport scored the first 46 points – all in the first three quarters – in a 46-7 rout of a Many program that reached the Division III Non-Select quarterfinals this past season and won three state titles in the last decade.

 

“We had a really good week of preparation, and we’ve gotten exponentially better over the past five weeks,” Magee said. “The kids were extremely focused on the trip down, and it showed in our play.”

 

Magee discussed how his roster is the reciprocal of its usual makeup. This season’s roster features larger-than-normal linemen with smaller skill players, a flip for Logansport in most seasons.

 

Those linemen paved the way against Many on both sides of the ball. Six of Logansport’s seven touchdowns came via the run (mostly from reigning District 3-1A MVP Jukadynn Carter and Tonashton Bland), and the Tigers shut down Many’s ground game.

 

The line, particularly the offensive line, will be tested again when Logansport heads to Class 4A Loyola College Prep on Friday.

 

The Flyers (0-1) lost to St. Frederick in a mud fest (8-6 score), and they’ll desperately want to avoid an 0-2 start before digging into a difficult District 1-4A after playing in Class 2A in recent seasons.

 

“Loyola is defensively sound and has a really strong defensive line,” Magee said. “Their secondary guys play downhill and tackle well, so we’ll have to be physical in the run game.

 

“Their quarterback is crafty with his feet and throws the ball really well. He has long receivers with a big catch radius, so we’ll have to grow up in the secondary this week.”

 

Because of Logansport’s renovations to its home stadium (which include a jumbotron and new sound system), the Tigers are on the road for their first three games.

 

Given the success of Week 1, Magee might consider playing the entire season away from home, but one element that travels well no matter where a team plays is rough and tumble offensive and defensive lines.

 

“Our offensive line played extremely well and communicated against a Many defense that is predicated on confusing blocking schemes by blitzing,” Magee said. “(Offensive line coach Matthew Conger) does a phenomenal job with those guys, and our 1-2 punch in the backfield was fun to watch.

 

“(Defensive coordinator Neal Martin did a great job implementing a plan to stop Many’s rushing attack, and we controlled the line of scrimmage. Our linebackers had a great night, and we were plus-3 in the turnover category.”