An injury to running back Robby Lohner has turned into an advantage for the Colerain Cardinals, who play Elder on Friday night for the Division I regional championship.

        “Robby started the first four games but went down against Milford,” Colerain coach Kerry Coombs said. “Maurice Johnson is by nature a wingback, but we moved him to tailback.”

        When Maurice Johnson caught the flu and couldn't play in a first-round playoff game against Anderson, Jermaine Johnson (no relation) got a chance for the first time.

Jermaine Johnson (left) and Maurice Johnson will alternate at tailback with Robby Lohner for Colerain against Elder. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        Jermaine Johnson responded with a 225-yard effort against Anderson and followed with more than 100 yards during the Cardinals' 35-30 victory over St.Xavier last week.

        “It's worked out pretty good,” Coombs said. “Robby is back, and we're now alternating the three backs. At this time of the season, it's an advantage to keep fresh legs in the game.”

        With the Johnsons and Lohner in the backfield, along with fullback John Mohr, the Cardinals' triple-option offense poses major problems for an Elder defense that has been tough against the run.

        First-year quarterback Sean Jones, shaky at best in the victory over Elder in the season opener, has led the Cardinals to 12 consecutive victories. They have averaged more than 400 yards a game while scoring 461 points.

THIS WEEKEND

DIVISION I Friday, 7 p.m.     •(2) Colerain (12-0) vs. (5) Elder (8-3) at UC Nippert Stadium DIVISION IV Friday, 7:30 p.m.     •(1) Wyoming (10-2) vs. (2) Germantown Valley View (11-1) At Fairfield Stadium DIVISION V Saturday, 7 p.m.     •(4) Reading (10-2) vs. (2) Brookville (11-1) At Centerville Stadium

        It takes dedicated running backs to make the option a success.

        “Jermaine and Maurice are both sophomores,” Coombs said. “The biggest thing that young running backs must learn is how to block and that they won't get the ball every play.”

        Without a strong offensive line, the triple-option offense would struggle. The players in the trenches take pride in what the team has accomplished.

        “There's a different blocking scheme on every play,” senior guard Mike Lopez said. “The defenses sometimes stunt and shift to confuse us. It's a matter of knowing who and when to block.”

        Along with Lopez, Colerain's blockers are linemen Mike Mason, Jacob Lay, Mike Crum and Charles Bishop, as well as tight end Joe Bertram.

        A preseason injury to a senior offensive lineman forced Coombs to move Bishop from defense to offense.

        “Charles had five days to make the switch and learn,” Coombs said. “Intensity and technique are important, and Charles has both of them.”

        Lopez's father, Leonard, isn't surprised at Colerain's success.

        “I've watched this group of seniors in grade school, and they were dynamite,” Lopez said. “Everyone knew that when they reached high school, it would be a great team.”

        Mike Lopez, a quarterback in junior high and grade school, made the transition to the offensive line after bulking up to 265 pounds. “I wanted to play quarterback, but I was hesitant as a freshman because I never ran the option,” Lopez said. “It was my decision to be a lineman.”

        Lopez said it won't be any prob lem getting up for Friday's game.

        “We're out to prove that beating Elder wasn't a fluke,” Lopez said. “After the first game, that's all we heard. We want to show everyone that we're for real.”

        The winner advances to next week's Division I state semifinals against an opponent to be determined later.

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