Preview: Division II state football playoffs

Zac Jackson, OhioHSsports.com, October 30, 2008 9:37 a.m.

Louisville fans hope another title game trip is in the cards for the Leopards this November. - (File photo)

THE RACE IS ON

There are both familiar names and dangerous newcomers in what shapes up as a wide-open race for the Division II state title. Both last year’s state champion (Cincinnati Anderson) and runner-up ( Louisville) return in prominent roles, and other contenders such as Columbus DeSales, Toledo Central Catholic, Cincinnati Winton Woods and Lexington make this as competitive and talented as any division this November. Don’t rule out a repeat, either: Anderson’s only regular-season losses came to DeSales and Winton Woods.

THREE FAVORITES

Louisville

Last year’s state runner up brings back many of its key players and dominated a solid regular season schedule. Senior QB Neal Seaman directs a dangerous spread offense, but the Leopards’ defense is probably the real star of the show. Louisville has the right combination of balance and experience to raise the trophy.

Columbus St. Francis DeSales

The Stallions have repeated as the AP Poll #1, but they were beaten soundly by Louisville in last year’s regional final. They appear to be loaded for a potential rematch, though, and will be motivated by last year’s result. But first things first – they open with rival Bishop Watterson, a team they defeated just 21-17 earlier this month.

Cincinnati Winton Woods

The Warriors have speed, senior leadership and plenty of confidence. Getting out of Region 8 won’t be easy, but Winton Woods’ path seems at least slightly easier than that of the other favorites, and the amount of game-changers on the Warriors’ roster can’t be understated. 

THE DARKHORSE

Parma Padua Franciscan

The Bruins lost only to Div. I playoff team Huber Heights Wayne and Div. III favorite Walsh Jesuit, and both games could have gone either way. They’re veteran and balanced, two traits that should serve them well in their attempt to survive Tallmadge in round one and (potentially) Shaw in round two. Padua lost in last year’s first round to eventual Region 5 champ Mayfield on a late field goal and has its sights set on a rematch in this year’s regional final.

THREE KEY FIRST-ROUND GAMES

Avon Lake at Highland

It’s more like a state semifinal than a regional quarterfinal, but it’s the situations both teams are in. Give the edge in experience to the Shoremen, who will look to run the ball with the speedy Mike Mansnerus. But Chris Snook and the Hornets are prepared to win a low-scoring battle, too, and points should be at a premium.

Akron Hoban at Warren Howland

Five weeks ago, Hoban looked like a state-title contender. The Knights are now looking to get their swagger back, but they have enough playmakers and a strong senior class to make a deep run. Howland was better in the second half of the season and has the home-field advantage in this intriguing matchup.

Columbus Watterson at Columbus DeSales

It’s a monster rematch and a rivalry game, two reasons to ignore the records of 10-0 against 5-5. Watterson played one of the state’s toughest schedules and will have confidence from coming so close in the first game, but DeSales knows its season will be measured by its play in November.

GAME CHANGERS

Mike Marrow and Brad Rogers, Toledo Central Catholic

Here come the Irish, and they’re daring you to stop them. Marrow is a 240-pound fullback headed to Alabama, and Rogers is a 230-pound tailback headed to Iowa. Both have their sights set on raising the trophy in Ohio, though, and as the weather turns ugly the 1-2 running punch could be just pretty enough to carry Central Catholic through.

Courtney Avery, Lexington

Junior signal-caller has thrown for more than 2,200 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing 77 percent of his passes. The Minutemen are much more than just a one-man show, but it takes steady production out of the quarterback position to win in November, and Avery has thrown just one interception all season.

The Mayfield Defense

Just had a streak of 29 consecutive scoreless quarters snapped late in their Week 10 win over Hudson. And no, that’s not a misprint. The Wildcats were regional champs last year and graduated a very talented senior class, but kudos to this group for putting together one heck of a run. They shouldn’t get much of a first-round challenge from Kent Roosevelt, but the defense will need its A-game in round two against the Hoban-Howland winner.

TOUGHEST REGION

Though Louisville and DeSales make Region 7 top heavy, Region 6 is the deepest top to bottom and probably the most wide open. Highland is a penalty call away from being undefeated, and the Hornets may not even make it out of the first round. Southview and Central Catholic have recent playoff experience, and Lexington has built a pretty impressive resume itself. The eventual survivor will have plenty of reasons to believe it can win it all.