Vianney, Chaminade to Showcase Star Running Backs

While Markel Smith may grab the headlines for football, Griffins coach Mike Diffley knows his team needs strong offensive line play in week three against Chaminade.

“We believe that we need to run the ball in order to win games,” said Diffley, who is 1-1 .

“Our offensive line has to control the line of scrimmage for us to be successful in the running game. Chaminade is very similar. They love to run the ball and Dixon Anthon is a terrific running back.”

Diffley served as Chaminade's offensive coordinator last season.

Vianney’s senior linemen Ben Dudley, Greg Eilerman and Joe Zoellner will lead the Griffins attack at 7 p.m. Friday at Chaminade in the Metro Catholic Conference opener for both sides.

Smith, a 5-foot-9, 200-pound running back, leads Vianney with 364 of the team’s 454 yards on the ground this season. In contrast, senior quarterback Andrew Auer has 205 yards passing this season.

“In order for us to have a chance to win the game this Friday we will need to control the ball, keep it away from their offense, and not turn it over,” said Diffley, whose team hasn’t defeated Chaminade since 2008.

“Field position will also be a key for us. We will need to be good in the kicking game and try and manage the field.”

Chaminade (2-0) also has one of the top running backs in the area. Senior Dixon Anthon (5-7, 180) has scored eight touchdowns this season. He has 295 yards to lead the Red Devils, who are outscoring their opponents 92-6 in the first half of games this season.

The Red Devils, who won last season’s game 42-7, have thrown just 19 times for 205 yards in 2011.