The Marietta College football team continues the search for its first victory of the season against John Carroll Saturday in University Heights.
The Pioneers (0-4, 0-3) dropped a 56-24 decision to No. 23 Heidelberg last week, as the offense bounced back against the top-ranked OAC defense a week after being shutout by No. 1 Mount Union.
"We believe in our guys," said MC head coach Jeff Filkovski. "They're doing some good things. We've got play makers. (Quarterback) Tom (Fulton) has played well. (Wide receivers) Tannon (Roberts) and Kirby (Harris) were both over 100 yards with a touchdown last week. I think up front we're getting better. We've got to keep trying to run the ball and establish the running game."
John Carroll (2-2, 1-2) will be led by quarterback Mark Myers. Myers has completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
"Their quarterback is a stellar player," Filkovski said. "He really wings it. He is capable of putting up some points and yards. He's different from their guy from a year ago, who was kind of a dual threat. (Myers) is a gunslinger who is capable of making all the throws."
Marietta on the other hand has been led by Fulton, who under center has passed for 788 yards and six scores. The Pioneers continue to have perhaps the best receiving duo in the OAC with Harris and Roberts. Harris has caught 21 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns while Roberts has 13 catches for 270 yards and a score. Lane Robilotto has 23 catches for 380 yards and four touchdowns to lead John Carroll.
On the ground, the Blue Streaks will be led by DaQuan Grobsmith who has 55 carries for 259 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. The Pioneers leading rusher on the season is Alex Fountain, who has nine carries for 62 yards.
The John Carroll defense, which is ranked third in the conference, is led by Marty Gibbons with two interceptions and Frank Pines with three sacks.
The Pioneers are led by linebacker Jake Hammer, who has 48 tackles and an interception. Defensive backs Louis DiPaolo and Robert Brown also have an interception each. DiPaolo and linebacker Kadeem Corbin each lead the team with two sacks.
Filkovski believes the performance of the defense will be important for the team's success.
"Going on the road, you have to pack your defense," Filkovski said. "It's a different type of task this week. You've got a quarterback that will throw up to 50 times a game. You have to keep them in front of you, and keep them out of the end zone. We're also gonna strive to get better on offense. We need our play makers to continue to make plays for us."
Kickoff is scheduled at 2 p.m.
