MARIETTA-The Marietta College football team continues the search for its first victory of the season on the road Saturday against John Carroll at 2 p.m.
The Pioneers (0-4, 0-3 OAC) 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 playmakers. (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 has been led by Fulton, who 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.
The John Carroll defense is ranked third in the conference, while the Pioneers' prevent unit is paced by linebacker Jake Hammer, who has 48 tackles.
Filkovski believes the performance of the MC 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."
