Father, son square off in Dover-Claymont game

There’s an interesting subplot to Friday night’s Dover-Claymont football matchup.

Not only is it an important East Central Ohio League contest for both squads, but it will be the first time Eric and Ed Henry will be coaching on opposite sides.

Eric Henry is in his first season as Claymont’s head coach, while his father, Ed, is  an assistant coach at Dover.

Ed Henry was Claymont’s head coach from 1980-88 and again from 2006-09.

Eric served as Ed’s defensive coordinator during the elder Henry’s last stint with the Mustangs.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” said the younger Henry earlier in the week. “This is the first time we’ll be facing one other. It’ll be a little weird. It’s weird enough that he’s wearing Crimson and Gray.”

“He knows me and I know him. It’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

The elder Henry is in his third season as defensive line and offensive backs coach under head coach Dan Ifft.

He also thinks it will be a little odd Friday night.

“It’s going to be weird to know that he’s on the other sidelines,” admitted Henry, who also had coaching stops at Canton McKinley, GlenOak, Canton Timken and Canton South. “It’ll be interesting Friday night.”

The younger Henry said he might have to get together with his father and put a little wager on the game.

“Maybe dinner at The (Dennison) Yard,” suggested Eric.

His father said he will be awaiting the call.