2011 ITCL Playoff Preview

Division 5 - Region 17 (Friday November 4th - 7:30pm kickoffs)

Columbiana Clippers (8-2) VS Kirtland Hornets (10-0) @ Kirtland Rogers Field

The good news for the Columbiana Clippers was that they got into the playoffs, the bad news is that they will have to face the top seeded and undefeated Kirtland Hornets in the first round.  Kirtland is no stranger to the playoffs, or facing tough competition.  Twice in the past three years they have played Ursuline for the Regional champioship, including a heart-breaking 19-17 loss back in 2008.  They are also no stranger to the ITCL as they have faced South Range twice and Crestview once in the playoffs.  They are 2-1 against the ITCL.      Five years ago, Head Coach Phil Laverde took over the reigns at Kirtland, and they have been a major factor in Division 5 football ever since.  He has compiled a very, very impressive 42-8 record in that time, including four playoff appearances, and as mentioned earlier, playing for the Regional championship twice.  A very impressive track record to say the least.

For Clipper fans, and the Clippers defensive coaches, they will need to try to keep the Hornets stand-out player Damon Washington from scoring on them.  Washington (#1) a junior tailback can both run and catch the ball effectively as he averages 10 yards per carry with 8 TD's, and he has also caught 8 touchdown passes this year.      The Hornets also have talented players in (#25) sophomore fullback Eric Guhde, and senior fullback Christian Hauber who has rushed for 863 yards and 13 TD's.      They also have a dangerous quarterback in (#11) Scott Eilerman who is both dangerous as a passer and a runner.  He won't out-rush Austin Barbato, but he will pick his moments to take advantage of the defense.

Defensively the Hornets are solid with Guhde and Hauber leading the way at the linebacker position.  The Hornets have only given up a total of 69 points on the season, a 6.9 per game average.      The Clippers certainly will have their hands full with the Hornets, but if they can control the ball and keep the Washington and company from dictating the pace of the game, they will be successful.  The real key for the Clippers will be if they are able to control the line of scrimmage against a talented and big Hornets front line.      Hopefully the Clippers can make the trip to Kirtland an enjoyable ride back down the Ohio Turnpike.