Shelby to face run-heavy Highland Friday

Shelby will face another high-powered running game when the red and gray travel to Highland Friday night for a Mid Ohio Athletic Conference football game.

Awaiting the arrival of the Whippets (4-2, 2-1) is Dane Nauman and a Scots’ rushing attack that has rolled up 1,317 yards through the first six games of the season.

Nauman, a bruising 6-foot-0, 215pound running back, has accounted for 96 percent of his team’s rushing yards with 1,271 on 157 attempts. He is averaging 8.1 yards an attempt.

In their 42-28 win a week ago at Marion Harding, Nauman racked up 336 yards on 30 attempts and also scored four touchdowns.

In last week’s loss to Galion, SHS was stunned by the Tigers for 349 yards rushing.

Scots quarterback Kolton Stover has completed 41-of-72 passes for 443 yards. His top target is Zach Schmidt with 164 yards on 14 catches.

As a team, Highland (4-2, 3-0) is averaging 27 points and 293 yards a game. Defensively, they are allowing 294 yards and 21 points a night.

The defense is anchored by Landon Hayes with 40 tackles. Chandler Stevens has four sacks. Hayden Kline has two interceptions and Nauman has forced two fumbles.

Shelby counters with the No. 2 passing offense directed by freshman Brayden Devito who has completed 89-of-148 throws for 1,652 yards. His top receiver is Issaiah Ramsey with 761 yards on 34 receptions. Grayson Heydinger and Kamdyn Wheeler are next with 289 and 265 stripes, respectively.

The Whippets have 688 yards from the run game. Skyler Winters has 277 yards on 76 carries to lead the team.

SHS is cranking out 401 yards a contest and 27 points. They’re allowing 233 and 15.8, respectively.

The Shelby defense is led by Mason Vent with 48 tackles and 11 sacks.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday.