Playoff Preview
(11-0)
VS
Norwalk St. Paul Flyers
(11-0)
@Medina Ken Dukes Stadium
The St. Paul Flyers have scored 510 points on the season, while only surrendering 74 on defense. They have rushed for an amazing 3,244 yards, and passed for another 1,542 on the season, which averages out to 478 yards per game. Defensively they have been pretty stingy as they have given up a total of 1,679 yards, or 168 yards per game.
There are a number of key players that many Blue Devils should watch for in this battle Friday night. First at quarterback, the Flyers are lead by junior Eric Schwieterman (6'1, 195) #8. Schwieterman has completed 79 of 111 passes for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has only thrown 3 interceptions on the season. Schwieterman has also rushed for 786 yards, and scored 11 touchdowns.
The Flyers have a number of talented running backs in they're stable, but the leading rusher is senior Matt Wilde (5'8, 175) #33 who has gained 1,048 yards on 96 carries, and 19 touchdowns. They also have senior halfback Rob Kunisch (5'6, 165) #16 with 293 yards and 4 touchdowns, and junior halfback Brian Griffin (5'11, 165) #44 with 299 yards and 6 touchdowns. Adam Pugh (5'11, 175) #31 is another senior halfback who provides an additional threat as he has 232 yards with 2 touchdowns on the season.
In the recieving corps, the Flyers are lead by senior Dan Tracht (5'11, 175) #23 who has 25 receptions for 503 yards and 5 touchdowns. Wilde also has 14 receptions, for 385 yards with 8 touchdowns, and junior Jared Fries (6'0, 175) #21 adds 13 receptions for 149 yards and just 1 touchdown.
On the defensive side, McDonald fans will see an outstanding linebacker in senior Geoff Hainline (5'11, 185) #34, who leads the team in tackles with 120. They also have standout players in Pugh, who is an outside linebacker, junior defensive end Joel Boose (6'0, 175) #71, and senior end Jacob Rhoad (5'11, 205) #60. Dan Tracht at cornerback and Eric Schieterman at saftey both have 3 interceptions on the season, and lead the Flyers defensive secondary.
The Flyers have made the playoffs 12 times now, and made it to the Region 21 Finals last year before losing to State Runner-Up Hopewell-Loudon 26-14. They own a 22-11 record in the playoffs, and have themselves finished as State Runner-Up in 1997, 1999, and 2004. Many of these accolades have occurred during the tenure of head coach John Livengood, who has a 165-48 career record in 18 seasons with the Flyers.
The Devils will need big games from they're senior linemen Anthony Colla (6'1, 230), Derek Dunn (6'0, 175), and Bill Lowery (5'9, 200). But it is the skill positions that the Blue Devils are well known for in the ITCL. Senior running back Alex Sampson (5'10, 190) has rushed for 1,289 yards and 25 touchdowns on the season, while fellow senior Mike Thomas (6'0, 180) has 627 yards and 6 touchdowns. Junior running back Nick Cupan (5'10, 170) appears to be healthy again just in time to help as he has 640 yards and 5 touchdown on the season.
The very reliable junior quarterback Nick Accordino (6'1, 170) can pass the ball if needed as he has completed 37 of 62 passes for 619 yards and 7 touchdowns with only 1 interception. His favorite target is junior tight end Davis John (6'3, 195) with 9 catches for 183 yards and 1 touchdown. Devon Colburn (6'1, 170), a speedy senior running back/receiver is also an additional threat the Blue Devils have to score with.
The key to this game will most definetly be if the McDonald defense can slow down the explosive St.Paul offensive unit. As is always the case with big games, the line play will ultimately be the deciding factor. The Devils have some good speed, but will it be enough to keep the Flyers contained? The McDonald offensive side must also play ball possession, keeping the Flyer offense off the field. Hopefully the ITCL's own McDonald Blue Devils can return to a Regional Final in the 2008 season.
Photos: FlyerFootball.com
The Vindicator
McDonald.k12.oh.us
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