2009 ITCL
Playoff Preview
Division 6 - Region 23
(Saturday November 7th - 7:00pm kickoffs)
Shadyside Tigers
(5-5)

VS

Columbiana Clippers
(8-2)
@Columbiana Firestone Park Stadium
    The Columbiana Clippers are making they're fifth consecutive playoff appearance in 2009 as they compete in Region 23 of Division VI, a change from being in Region 21 the past several years.  With the Clippers being the northern most school in the Region, it was important for them to get a first round home game.  Now it will be important for them to take advantage of that benefit.
     With the Shadyside Tigers coming into this contest with a 5-5 record it may lead some to believe that they are not that strong of a team.  "That is a huge misconception.  That means that you're playing good people and beating some good teams.  They have a long tradition in football, and also in track and basketball. They were state runner-ups in 2006," Clippers head coach Bob Spaite would comment.  "They lost to Monroe Central which also in the playoffs, and against Bishop Rosecrans they went for a two-point conversion to win.  If they win that game they would probably be sitting at five seed and we would be playing someone else."
    The Tigers are lead on offense by senior quarterback/linebacker #15 Dylan Kimble (5'11, 170) and senior receiver/defensive back #21 Tyler Cline (6'0, 165).  Up front the Tigers are lead by senior lineman #79 Noah Kritz (6'0, 230), and senior center/linebacker #63 Colby Emery (6'0, 195).  Also watch for out for junior fullback Brendon Sedlinger, junior fullback Evan Marling, and receiver Nick Schuetz.
     "They run a multiple offense, basically three different sets.  A traditional I-formation, a wing series with spining, and the spread," Spaite explained.  "The quarterback throws a really good deep ball.  He reminds you of McLaughlin (United Eagles quarterback).  We have given up the deep ball.  We are just inexperienced back there.  We need to get pressure on him and control the ball offensively," Spaite added as the key to the Clippers being successful.
     The Tigers started the 2009 season losing four of they're first five games.  So they have ended the year winning four of five, including an important 28-7 victory over Holy Cross (KY) last week to get into the playoffs.  Incidently, Holy Cross is in the Kentucky state playoffs.
    It will be important for the Clippers to not take the Tigers lightly since the record isn't overly impressive.  But as coach Spaite pointed out, they are a very tough team that plays good competition down on the river.  But if they win, Clippers fan probably won't mind the long drives to see they're team in the second round of the OHSAA playoffs.