2008 ITCL Playoff Preview

Division 5 - Region 17 (Saturday November 1st - 7:00pm kickoffs)

South Range Raiders (8-2) VS Kirtland Hornets (10-0) @Kirtland Rogers Field

Waynedale Golden Bears (8-2) VS Crestview Rebels (9-1) @Crestview Rebel Stadium

The Raiders need only to dig out the old game film to have a scouting report on the Hornets since the two met in a round one game last year.  In that contest, the Raiders survived a 45-30 shoot-out that sent them on to a Regional final.  What is even more eerie is that the Raiders and Kirtland have also switched records from last year's contest.

After a one year absence from the OHSAA playoffs, the Crestview Rebels have returned to post-season play, while also riding high on a ITCL title.  This marks the 7th trip to the playoffs for the Rebels, and the 6th trip in eight years which is quite an impressive feat for head coach Paul Cusick, his staff and players.      Some Rebel fans may not be familiar with the Bears of Waynedale, but the Wayne County League has always produced some tough, hard-nosed teams such as Smithville, which the Rebels have faced previously.  Last year the Bears probably played Ursuline the toughest in the Region prior to the Irish march to the state title game.  The Bears only trailed the Irish 13-6 at halftime before dropping a 29-6 decision.      One reason the Bears are such a difficult team is the running ability of they're offense.  They return a tremendous running back in TB/LB Thad Nofsinger (6'0, 210) (#32).  Nofsinger has rushed for over 1,000 yards, and is also able to catch the ball.  Last year Nofsinger rushed for over 2,000 during the Bears 9-3 season.       They also have other talented running backs in Cory Stryker (#22), and fullback/linebacker James Rutt (5'10, 175).  However quarterback Travis Suppes (6'1, 175) (#5) is also a threat to both run and pass.  He has completed just over 50% of his passes on the season, but has over 1,000 yards and double digit touchdown passes. The Bears also have outstanding players in WR/DB Sean Rutt (6'0, 180), and G/DE Steve Eyring (6'0, 180).      Coach Cusick makes no bones about the talent that Wayendale has, "Waynedale is a solid football program.  They run a Pro I scheme offensively and a multiple 40 on defense."  He would go on to talk about the keys to the Rebels winning this game.  "We will have to play physical football in all 3 phases.  Offensively we need to put points on the board and get as many hats to the ball on defense.  On special teams, we must get better coverage and convert our opportunities."      The Rebels should be able to match the Bears running game with the talents of standout runnng back Corey Hill.  Hill has amassed 1,802 yards and has scored a whopping 23 touchdowns.  With brother Carter Hill back at quarterback, the Rebels also have a double threat to run and pass.  Carter Hill has rushed for 531 yards with 11 touchdowns, and has passed for 855 yards with another 11 touchdowns.  All of this despite missing a few games due to an injury.      When passing, Carter Hill's favorite target is state long jump winner Jakob Leon.  Leon has 28 receptions for 495 yards and 9 touchdowns.  Corey Hill is also used as a receiving weapon with 8 receptions on the season.

The Hornets have returned a good portion of that squad from last year.  Returning is quarterback Ben Madden who had a terrific performance last year in North Lima, plus they also have NEO defensive player of the year, and All-Ohio selection Rossi Santo.  He is the Hornets top running back, but is possibly an even better linebacker.  Madden will have two main targets that Raiders fans should watch for:  receiver Dominic Samf leads the team in receptions, however tight end Eric Ritossa is also a reliable option in the passing game.      Raider fans should also watch out for sophomore running back Paul Guhde, and receiver Dominick Sams.  The Hornets were banged up early this season, but unfortunately for the Raiders, are now just getting back to full strength.      "They're obviously a very good team.  They have a lot coming back from last year, and they're coach (Phillip LaVerde) has them playing really well right now," Yeagley commented.       The Raiders will count on a big game from they're standout signal-caller Jack Dawson to win.  He has rushed for 475 yards on the season while completing 56 of 103 passes for 802 yards.  They will also use junior running backs Hunter Spitz, if he is healthy enough to play, and Nick Golec.  Spitz has 791 yards rushing on the season with 13 touchdowns, and Golec had totaled 635, with 11 touchdowns.      The Raiders receiving coprs is led by Spitz with 13 receptions, junior James Nell with 12, Golec and junior Kyle Seaver have 9 each.  They also like to slip tight end Grant Snyder out for an occasion pass as he has 6 catches on the season.      The real key to this game will be if the Raiders defensive line can get pressure on Madden.  If not, the defensive backs for the Raiders will need to come up with a heroic effort to keep the Hornets off the scoreboard.  Don't be surprised if this ends up being another shoot-out game in this re-match.      One thing coach Yeagley can count on is a huge Raider fan base traveling to Kirtland.  "We have a good fan base.  Our community loves football, and we're going to get a good turn out either way.  Plus we have a band of 180, so there is a good student base.

Other players to watch for with the Rebels are: FB/DE Nick Robinson, FL/DB Adam Coppock, HB/FS Adam Britton,  FL/DB/K Cameron Reynolds, OG/DE J.D. Harris, and OG/DT Ian Lanney.      The team that can control the line of scrimmage will undoubtly win this game.  As Keith Jackson would say 'It's up to the big uglies up front.'

Kirtland's Eric Ritossa

2008 Waynedale Bears Results: Tuscarawas Valley (3-7) W 55-7  Danville (5-5) W 29-22 ot Triway (8-2) L 12-15  Dalton (6-4) W 12-6  Rittman (0-10) W 49-13  Smithville (6-4) W 35-21  Norwayne (8-2) L 21-31  Hillsdale (6-4) W 35-6  Chippewa (4-6) W 53-13  Northwestern (3-7) W 35-0

2008 South Range Raiders Results: Tuslaw (9-1) L 28-29  Independence (4-6) W 28-7  Marlington (5-5) W 14-7  Springfield (5-5) W 20-0  Lisbon (0-10) W 53-7  Crestview (9-1) L 28-31  East Palestine (4-6) W 29-22  United (6-4) W 38-21  Columbiana (7-3) W 34-30  Mineral Ridge (3-7) W 27-14

2008 Kirtland Hornets Results: Beachwood (2-8) W 56-15  Fairport Harding (2-8) W 54-21  Wickliffe (2-8) W 31-6  Cuyahoga Heights (9-1) W 14-7  Richmond Heights (6-4) W 33-6  Independence (4-6) W 34-13  Cardinal (6-4) W 35-0  Berkshire (7-3) W 56-6  Newbury (0-10) W 62-27  Grand Valley (3-7) W 63-6

2008 Crestview Rebels Results: Monroe Central (7-3) W 20-19 ot Brookfield (4-6) W 42-0  Oak Glen (WV) (4-4) W 55-20  Columbiana (7-3) L 36-42 2 ot East Palestine (4-6) W 34-28  South Range (8-2) W 31-28  Lisbon (0-10) W 55-0  Mineral Ridge (3-7) W 35-0  Springfield (5-5) W 41-7  United (6-4)  W 44-35