High school football playoffs begin Friday in Ohio, while key late-regular-season games are on the schedule in West Virginia and Kentucky.
Following is a look at some of the premier contests:
Zane Trace (6-4) at Fairland (9-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium.
What to watch:ZaneTrace ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Silas Stewart, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior, has run for 875 yards behind a big, strong offensive line. The Pioneers will try to control time of possession and keep the ball away from a potent Fairland offense. Blake Brower has 10.5 sacks and Brice Johnson five.
Fairland ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Opposing defenses gear up for the pass, but the Dragons have developed a deep stable of running backs, including Kam Kitts, Lucas Bompas and Davin Murray, who give Fairland a different and formidable dimension.
Worthington Christian (5-5) at Ironton (9-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: Tanks Memorial Stadium.
What to watch:WorthingtonChristian ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” The Warriors have given up 42 points or more in four losses. Receivers Cameron Robinson, Jacob Corbin and Jack Smolenski are productive and likely will have to be if Worthington Christian is to have a chance.
Ironton ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Shaun Terry averages 129 yards per game as a receiver and return man but is far from the Fighting TigersÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ lone weapon. Braden Schreck throws for 187.5 yards per contest. Featured back Zayne Williams leads an attack that runs for 179.5 yards per game.
Wayne (4-4) at Logan (2-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: Willis Stadium.
What to watch:Wayne ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Injures have significantly hobbled the Pioneers, who are fighting for a home game in the first round of the playoffs. Linebacker Tristan Turner has been a stalwart, averaging 11.5 tackles per game.
Logan ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” The Wildcats have given up an average of 48 points per game in four consecutive losses. Logan averages barely more than 200 yards of total offense an outing, putting pressure on a defense led by safety and leading tackler Braxton Wolford.
Chesapeake (5-5) at Portsmouth West (7-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Where: The Rock.
What to watch:Chesapeake ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” The Panthers average 30.8 points a game and surrender 29.4. ChesapeakeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s best chance might be to win a shootout against an inconsistent Portsmouth West defense.
Portsmouth West ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Anthony Bishop has rushed for 1,224 yards and Mason Parker 1,096. The Senators have completed just 29 passes. Expect West to ground and pound.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
