Sunday October 26, 2008

Mike Peticca, Cleveland.Plain Dealer

State final: Saturday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m., at Canton's Fawcett Stadium.

PAIRINGS

REGION 1

(1) St. Ignatius (9-1) vs. (8) St. Edward (6-4)

(2) Strongsville (9-1) vs. (7) Euclid (7-3)

(3) Mentor (8-2) vs. (6) Willoughby South (8-2)

(4) Glenville (10-0) vs. (5) Brecksville-Broadview Heights (7-3)

REGION 2

(1) North Canton Hoover (9-1) vs. (8) Massillon (6-4)

(2) GlenOak (8-2) vs. (7) Canton McKinley (6-4)

(3) Brunswick (9-1) vs. (6) Nordonia (7-3)

(4) Twinsburg (8-2) vs. (5) Amherst (8-2)

REGION 3

(1) Hilliard Davidson (9-1) vs. (8) Grove City (6-4)

(2) Upper Arlington (9-1) vs. (7) Marysville (7-3)

(3) Pickerington Central (10-0) vs. (6) Delaware Hayes (7-3)

(4) Col. Brookhaven (9-1) vs. (5) Worthington Kilbourne (8-2)

REGION 4

(1) Cin. Colerain (9-1) vs. (8) Cin. Moeller (6-4)

(2) Clayton Northmont (9-1) vs. (7) Kettering Fairmont (7-3)

(3) Cin. Elder (9-1) vs. (6) Centerville (7-3)

(4) Huber Heights Wayne (7-3) vs. (5) Cin. Woodward (10-0)

FAVORITES

St. Ignatius: The Wildcats' passing attack, with QB Andrew Holland passing to WR and Ball State recruit Connor Ryan, WR Joe Parris, TE Brendan Carozzoni, TB Mike Anter and versatile Frankie DeSico, is big-time. The OL is skilled in both run blocking and pass protection. The 3-5 defense makes plays from sideline to sideline. Ryan Carr is a standout lineman, while LB Scott McVey is a premier pass rusher and run-stopper. Notre Dame recruit Dan Fox and Miami (Ohio) recruit Patrick Hinkel create problems with their hybrid S/LB abilities.

Cincinnati Elder: QB Mark Miller directs a dynamic offense with WR and Cincinnati recruit Josh Jones and RB Adam Brown. Cincinnati recruit Austen Bujnoch (6-5, 265) and John Anevski (6-4, 275) key a talented OL. The Panthers' defense can, though, have its lapses.

Cincinnati Colerain: The Cardinals attempt barely six passes per game, but RBs Tyler Williams and Travion Durham and QB Greg Tabar have combined to rush for 3,106 yards and 41 touchdowns. LB Colin Lozier and DB Nicholas Priessman make a defensive impact.

Glenville: The Tarblooders have speed at the skill positions and size and quickness on the lines. DE/LB Jonathan Newsome, OT/DT Marcus Hall, WR/DB Mike Edwards, QB Terrance Owens, WR/DB Shane Wynn and TB Mordecai Cargill are game-changers. Wynn is a brilliant kick returner.

BEST OPENING-ROUND GAME

(1) North Canton Hoover vs. (8) Massillon: In a region with no clear favorites, Hoover is vulnerable and Massillon has improved in its last four games. The Tigers trailed St. Ignatius, 49-0, at halftime on their way to a 49-7 loss in Week 6. Since then, Massillon has won two blowouts, played well in a 25-17 loss at Mentor, and defeated rival Canton McKinley, 17-0.

IMPACT PLAYERS

C.J. Barnett, Clayton Northmont: An Ohio State recruit, he's one of the nation's premier CBs. Great in man-to-man or zone coverage. A dangerous kick returner.

Dan Fox, St. Ignatius: As a 6-4, 225-pound safety in the Wildcats' 3-5 defense, he acts as a LB, too. The Notre Dame recruit excels against the run and in pass coverage.

Marcus Hall, Glenville: He's 6-6, 300, and is considered one of the best OTs in the nation. He is fielding offers from big-time college programs. Also plays DT.

Andrew Holland, St. Ignatius: Can hit any range of pass and is a fine runner. Has completed 103 of 154 passes for 1,693 yards and 19 TDs.

Mark Miller, Cincinnati Elder: Has passed for well over 2,000 yards and seldom forces throws into coverage. Gets every receiver involved.

Jonathan Newsome, Glenville: Ohio State is excited to have a commitment from the 6-4, 230-pound DE/LB, who should emerge as a spectacular playmaker with his agility and strength.

Justin Turner, Massillon: He's rushed for 1,333 yards, but he's a Michigan recruit even moreso because of his ability as a 6-3, 190-pound CB.

Jamie Wood, Pickerington Central: The Ohio State recruit will likely play safety, but is also a fine WR and is ranked by rivals.com as Ohio's premier senior, regardless of position.

NETWORK

Hoover Vikings Football

2008 Division I Playoff Preview