MAC Football

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Division V Regional Championship at Findlay HS
Coldwater 60 Huron 13 WOSN Highlights

Division VII Regional Championship at Lima Senior HS
Delphos St. John’s 33 Arlington 0 WOSN Highlights

Division VII Regional Championship at Piqua HS
Marion Local 50 Triad 0 WOSN Highlights

For the second week in a row, all three Midwest Athletic Conference teams logged playoff victories and advanced toward their respective goals of state football championships in the coming weeks.  The Delphos St. John’s Blue Jays and Coldwater Cavaliers had little trouble in their respective regional semi-final contests, while the Marion Local Flyers made things interesting by pulling out their victory in the closing minute.  Coldwater dismantled Doylestown Chippewa 49-21 in Tiffin while over in Findlay, the Blue Jays eliminated the Tiffin Calvert Senecas, 42-10.  In Piqua, the Flyers needed a last-minute touchdown to pull ahead of Covington before going on to win by the 35-28 final.  This week on Saturday, the Blue Jays will square off with Arlington at Lima Stadium, Coldwater will face Huron at Donnell Stadium in Findlay and Marion Local will return to Piqua to meet up with unbeaten Triad in the regional finals.

MARION LOCAL – TRIAD

Last week, the Flyers bashed helmets with Covington knowing their possessions would be limited.  In the first half, Covington had three offensive series, while the Flyers had only two.  Unfortunately for Flyer fans, they found themselves down 14-7 at intermission.  The Blue and Gold climbed back into it though and with 2:34 remaining, went on their final drive of the night which ended with a touchdown pass from Adam Bertke to Troy Homan with less than 30 seconds to play.  The score bumped the Flyers in front for good, 35-28.  Homan finished the game with eight catches for 65 yards and a pair of scores, while Bertke connected on 16 of his 28 pass attempts for 199 yards and three touchdowns.  “A game like that is hard to predict sometimes – we knew that the Covington was an excellent team with a very unique offense,” Flyer head coach Tim Goodwin explained.  “We prepared the best that we could and our players played hard and it was just a tight game overall.  Adam Bertke was clutch when we needed him just as he has done for us many times in the playoffs before.  Hunter Wilker and Troy Homan also made some big plays, and Austin Albers had a huge catch on fourth down at the end of the game. Overall, our kids played as hard as they could.

The 12-0 Flyers will return to Alexander Stadium this week to face top-seeded Triad, who brings an identical 12-0 record to the table.   The Cardinals hit week 13 on the heels of playoff victories over league-foe Cedarville and Sidney Lehman and have enjoyed eight victories against teams with winning records this season.  “Triad is a spread team with good balance between run and pass,” Goodwin pointed out.  “They have been battling injuries and they had a very gutty performance against Lehman with many of their better players not able to go.  They are another undefeated team with a lot of resolve, so we just need to continue doing our thing.”

COLDWATER – HURON

The Cavaliers wasted little time last week setting the tone in their victory over the Chipps by going 70 yards in eight plays in a drive that was capped off with a 13-yard pass from quarterback Brody Hoying to Adam Klosterman.  Coldwater added another touchdown a little later in the opening period before taking a 21-0 command into the locker room with them at halftime, as the Orange and Black out-offensed the Chipps 315-56 in the opening two periods.  They continued to add to their advantage with another touchdown less than a minute into the third quarter, and continued to roll from there by building a 49-0 lead before the Chipps scored three times at the end of the third and throughout the fourth quarter.  “Things definitely went the way we had hoped on Saturday,” remarked Coldwater head coach Chip Otten.  “The offense executed well and made big plays with several guys touching the ball. The defense was also very physical up front and stopped the run.  Our offensive and defensive lines were the standouts for the game – we really dominated the line of scrimmage with our technique and athleticism.  Offensively, center Austin Klosterman, guards Blake Spangler and Caleb Madaj, and tackles Jared Post and Nick Clune got the job done as did defensive linemen  Mitch Fullenkamp and Austin Klosterman at tackles and Nick Clune and Andrew Schwieterman on the ends.”

This week, the Cavaliers will tangle with Huron, a program they eliminated from the Division IV post-season in 2004 and again in 2005.  Huron meets them with an overall record of 9-3 with two of their losses coming to 11-1 Clyde and 11-1 Sandusky Perkins.  The Tigers closest victory unfolded last week when they edged Loudonville 17-13 and they are currently riding a two game winning streak after their regular season-ending loss to Clyde, 30-6.  “We have watched Huron on film and they are a solid team with an explosive quarterback,” commented Otten.  “They are similar to us in that they have athleticism across the board with multiple playmakers on offense and eleven guys who can run on defense.  Controlling a Brody Hoying-like quarterback will be the biggest challenge for us in Findlay on Saturday.   We will need to find what tools will work for us as the game goes along on offense – we feel like we have enough weapons to move the ball, but it’s finding the right ones at the right the time that will be the key.”

DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S – ARLINGTON

Last week against Tiffin Calvert, St. John’s head coach Todd Schulte had two objectives – continue to establish strong play up front while maintaining a powerful running attack and prevent Calvert’s all-everything quarterback from striking with big plays.  When the dust settled, the Blue Jay’s mission was accomplished on both fronts as they left Donnell Stadium with the 42-10 victory.  Senior running back Tyler Jettinghoff was a one-man wrecking crew for the Blue Jays as he rushed for 199 yards on 23 carries and crossed the goal line for all six of St. John’s touchdowns.  He picked up touchdown runs of 2, 65, 2, 36, and 8, while adding an 84-yard kickoff return to his evening to open the second half.  The 32-point victory helped the Jays to improve to 8-4 on the season, including victories in their last six games.  “I thought early in the game that we may have been a little surprised by the speed on their defensive line, but once we got comfortable with that it was business as usual,” head coach Todd Schulte pointed out.  “I thought our defensive line and backs played very well throughout the game – we had nine tackles for loss and eight pass blocks, so that is definitely something that will need to continue.”

St. John’s will take on Arlington this week, another program they have enjoyed a successful post-season against in the past.  The Blue Jays topped Arlington in the playoffs 24-7 in 2008, while blasting them again the following year by a final of 56-0.  The Red Devils come into the regional finals as the winners of three straight including last week’s playoff victory over Hicksville, 54-14.  Their three setbacks this season were to McComb, Liberty Center, and Liberty Benton.  “They are big up front on both sides of the ball and are led by their standout tailback,” Schulte advised.  “He has rushed for over 1800 yards and close to 40 touchdowns this season, and in the past two weeks alone he has picked up 505 yards!  The key for us this week will be to slow down the run game.”

By Robb Hemmelgarn

Check back here for scores all night long and also on Twitter, Facebook and the new MAC Apple App or MAC Android App.  If you are out at the game please feel free to text end of quarter score updates to 419-230-0241.  App users are on a 5 minute delay on refreshes but will receive notifications, touch View Original Post for the most up to date scores or go back to the main story list and refresh and back into the scoreboard.

Division V Regional Semifinal – Region 16 at Tiffin Columbian HS:
Coldwater 49 Doylestown Chippewa 21 WOSN Highlights

Division VII Regional Semifinal – Region 24 at Findlay HS:
Delphos St. John’s 42 Calvert 10 WOSN Highlights

Division VII Regional Regional Semifinal – Region 26 at Piqua HS
Marion Local 35 Covington 28 WOSN Highlights

Three Midwest Athletic Conference teams began their playoff trek last week and each survived for another week as they prepare for their respective regional semi-finals this Saturday.  Coldwater upended Eastwood 42-16 last Saturday, while Delphos St. John’s eliminated Leipsic 33-18, and Marion Local blasted Fort Loramie, 63-14.  Since 1981, the MAC is 51-1 all-time in opening-round playoff games against teams from outside the conference.  This weekend, the Cavaliers will square off with Doylestown Chippewa, while St. John’s will meet Tiffin Calvert, and Marion Local will face Covington.

MARION LOCAL – COVINGTON
Last week, the Flyers had no trouble kicking the Fort Loramie Redskins from the post-season.  Flyer fans welcomed the return of several individuals who have missed recent weeks due to injury, but especially quarterback Adam Bertke, who finished the game 7/8 for 137 yards and two touchdowns.  The Pitt-bound senior also ran for a pair of scores in the victory.  “We played at a high level offensively which was nice to see with some of our guys playing after being out for a period of time,” Flyer head coach Tim Goodwin explained.  “Adam is our leader offensively – he is talented and has played in so many big games.  Getting him back right in time for the playoffs gave us a big boost mentally.  The fact that we didn’t punt and scored nine touchdowns was definitely a pleasant surprise.”

On Saturday at Alexander Stadium in Piqua, the Flyers will tangle with the Covington Buccs, who currently sit at 11-0 overall.  The Buccs closest game in 2013 was a 22-14 win over Tri-County North, but other than that they blasted opponents by an average of 46 points.  Covington is 0-8 in post-season play against the MAC since 1996, with four of those losses coming to the Flyers,   The two squads last squared off in 2009, with the Flyers capturing the 20-17 victory.  “Covington runs a flex-bone option attack, something that we have not seen since we played them in 2009,” Goodwin pointed out.  “It is unique and their whole philosophy is different from what is the norm right now in our league.  Possessions will be limited so we need to be efficient when we have the ball.  Defensively, we need to be disciplined and physical in order to come out on top this week.”

COLDWATER – DOYLESTOWN CHIPPEWA
The Cavaliers opened their 18^th consecutive post-season by dismantling Pemberville Eastwood 42-16.  This week, Coldwater fans will make another long haul when they head to Tiffin to bash helmets with the Doylestown Chippewa Chips.  “Distance is not an issue for us,” head coach Chip Otten assured.  “We make sure we aren’t rushed – we stop at a rest area along the way and travel pretty relaxed.  Both teams have to travel now, so it really isn’t a disadvantage.”

Against Eastwood, the Coldwater running game was dominant with 272 yards, and Otten expects the same this week while realizing the passing attack will also need to get into the mix.  Brody Hoying ran for 223 yards, while Mitch Schoenherr added 37 on eight carries in their week 11 victory that pushed their team to 9-2 on the season.  “We are continuing to run the ball very well with Brody Hoying and Mitch Schoenherr,” Otten remarked.  “Plus, our four or five receivers make enough plays that it is hard focus on one person.  The offensive line has also continued to be aggressive and athletic, springing our athletes offensively.  Once our defense got a feel for Eastwood’s speed in the Wing-T, our guys were very disciplined in their assignments and pretty much shut down the running game and we are looking for that to continue this week.”

Eighth-seeded Chippewa is currently 9-2 and has averaged nearly 44 points per game in their nine wins.  They are enjoying a seven-game winning streak including their 62-28 opening-round victory last week over previously unbeaten Columbia.  “Chippewa is new to the playoff scene as of late, but they have good size and different playmakers that they count on.  We need to remain disciplined in our defensive assignments and keep playing with the energy that we have been.  We also need to improve our passing attack and take advantage of alignments when the opportunities present themselves to come out with a victory this week.”

DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S – TIFFIN CALVERT
With their 33-18 victory over Leipsic last week, the St. John’s Blue Jays improved to 7-4 on the season and earned a date with 7-4 Tiffin Calvert Senecas in Findlay this Saturday.  Calvert is 1-3 against the MAC all-time in post-season action, and they have fallen to the conference in their last three meetings including 35-0 to St. John’s in 2011.  “We have been in one-and-done mode since week seven,” commented St. John’s head coach Todd Schulte.  “There really hasn’t been any change in our focus or preparation, so we try to keep things as close as possible to how we prepared back in the regular season.”

The Blue Jays trailed 7-6 early against Leipsic, but a 60-yard run by Tyler Jettinghoff fueled a 21-point outburst that gave St. John’s a 27-7 lead at intermission.  Luke MacLennan paced the Blue Jay running attack with 172 yards, while Jettinghoff finished his night with 150 yards on 20 carries.  “Our plan offensively was to run the ball and we were able to run for more than 400 yards,” Schulte pointed out.  “On the other side of the ball, I felt that our secondary played their best game of the year.”

Like St. John’s, Tiffin Calvert got off to a slow start this season, but turned things around in a hurry.  After starting 0-3, the Senecas have won six straight and seven of their last eight contests.  Last week, they advanced with a 34-31 triumph over Edon and are led by junior quarterback Tyler Long.  “Their quarterback is ‘Mr. Do-It-All’,” Schulte praised.  “For us to have success this week, we will need to slow him down!”

by Robb Hemmelgarn

Check back here for scores all night long and also on Twitter, Facebook and the new MAC Apple App or MAC Android App.  If you are out at the game please feel free to text end of quarter score updates to 419-230-0241.  App users are on a 5 minute delay on refreshes but will receive notifications, touch View Original Post for the most up to date scores or go back to the main story list and refresh and back into the scoreboard.

Division V Regional Tournament – Region 16
Coldwater 42 Pemberville Eastwood 16 WOSN Highlights

Division VII Regional Tournament – Region 24
Delphos St. John’s 33 Leipsic 18 WOSN Highlights

Division VII Regional Tournament – Region 26
Marion Local 63 Fort Loramie 14 WOSN Highlights

Week 11 of the 2013 high school football season is finally upon us.  While seven Midwest Athletic Conference schools are preparing for basketball season, three still remain alive and are prepared to begin their journey toward a state championship.  All first round games will unfold Saturday evening as Marion Local hosts Fort Loramie, Coldwater travels to Pemberville to face Pemberville Eastwood, and Delphos St. John’s squares off on the road against Leipsic.  Coldwater, St. John’s and Marion Local are the conference’s most winning teams come playoff time with 50, 49, and 48 post-season victories respectively.  They look to improve upon that this week as the MAC is historically dominant against non-league foes in the opening round, holding an all-time advantage of 48-1 overall.

COLDWATER VS. PEMBERVILLE EASTWOOD

After beginning the season with a loss to Kenton, the Cavaliers rattled off six straight wins before falling to eventual MAC Champion Marion Local in week eight.  Since then, Coldwater picked up victories in their final two games of the season, including last week’s 42-14 triumph over Fort Recovery, to finish 8-2 on the season and in second place in the Midwest Athletic Conference.  The Cavs begin their 17^th consecutive playoff trek hoping to advance to the state finals for the fifth season in a row after winning it all last season with a 10-7 victory over Kirtland.  “I feel that last year we felt more pressure heading into the playoffs because of the expectations of that group,” Coldwater head coach Chip Otten explained.  “We are excited now about the opportunity to make another run at the title.  I think the players this year really want to prove that they can keep the streak going and once again we are looking forward to extending the season.”

The Cavaliers will tangle with Pemberville Eastwood, a team that has never faced an MAC opponent in post-season history.  The Eagles, out of Wood County, finished this season with an 8-2 record while their two losses came at the hands of 9-1 Clyde and unbeaten Genoa Area, Division III and IV schools respectively.  Since their loss to Genoa Area at mid-season, the Eagles have responded with five straight wins and of their eight victories, four of them are against teams with winning records.  “It is a bit more difficult, but also exciting to face new challenges and new opponents,” Otten commented.  “It puts everyone a little on edge though because you just don’t know how good they are until you play. On film, Eastwood seems to have a solid team all the way around.   We must be disciplined defensively because of all the misdirection that they will give us.   Like us, they rely on the strength of their defense.  They run to the ball well and have good athletes throughout the lineup.  It should be a great game.”

DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S VS. LEIPSIC

With their come-from-behind victory last week over Minster, the Delphos St. John’s Blue Jays garnered enough computer points to advance to the post-season for the sixth season in a row.  Like last year, the Blue Jays will open the playoffs with a road game in Leipsic to take on the 8-2 Vikings.  This will mark the second year in a row and fourth time overall they have faced the Vikings in the post-season and have yet to fall.  The Blue Jays began this season 2-4, but strung together four victories to finish 6-4 overall and 6-2 in MAC play, which was good for a third place tie in the league with Minster.  “We were really green at the beginning of the year,” St. John’s head coach Todd Schulte pointed out.  “So along with growing with experience we have also started to play with confidence, which is something that wins will do for you.”

The Blue Jays edged Leipsic 36-29 in 2012, and this season will face a Viking team that ended the regular campaign with victories over McComb and Pandora Gilboa.  Their losses in 2013 came at the hands of Arlington and unbeaten Liberty-Benton.  The Vikings average more than 33 points per game and allow 20 each time they take the field.  Schulte expects his team, who picked up nearly 400 yards of offense last week against Minster, to be challenged.  “That is who we are, and that is something that will have to continue if we want to continue to play,” Schulte explained in reference to his over-powering offensive line play and stout running game against Minster.  “We have played Leipsic each of the past two years, so we do have some familiarity with them.  We know that they are a hard-nosed and physical team.  They have a three-year starter at quarterback, so that is the main place we will start to slow them down.  We need to do this and continue to play well on our end to have a chance at the victory this weekend.”

MARION LOCAL VS. FORT LORAMIE

With their convincing victory last weekend over the New Bremen Cardinals, the Marion Local Flyers capped off a 10-0 season for the third time in school history and the first since 2007 when they concluded the season with a state championship.  Although most fans would agree they expected the Flyers to be exactly where they are record-wise at this point, things were very interesting over the last half of the season as injuries infiltrated their lineup including the quarterback position where for the past two weeks they were down to their emergency signal-caller Troy Homan, who was the team’s leading receiver this season as well. Despite the injuries, the Flyers still rolled through their schedule by averaging a league-best 34.0 points-per-game and 6.4 points-per-game both offensively and defensively.  “We are blessed this year to have a deep team and also to have players who are flexible enough to help us at different positions,” Marion Local head coach Tim Goodwin commented.  “All of our injured guys are day-to-day, so we won’t know their status until later in the week.  We are certainly very excited to have our whole team back on the field though, and we are very close to that being the case.”

This week, the Flyers will host the Fort Loramie Redskins in the regional quarter-final matchup.  The Redskins enter the contest 8-2 overall after putting together three straight shutout wins to close the season, averaging more than 50 points per game in each victory.  While the Redskins own victories in 2013 over both Minster and New Bremen, their post-season performance against the MAC hasn’t been as prolific.  Since 2009, the Redskins have lost to Marion Local twice as well as Minster and St. Henry in the playoffs, but Goodwin realizes that it is 2013 and they are hungry for that first post-season victory against an MAC squad.  “We don’t worry about what the opposing teams’ motivation happens to be because we have no control over that,” he remarked.  “They are a solid team who won’t beat themselves.  We feel as though their defense is their strength right now – they are similar to us in that they put a lot of pressure on the other team’s offense and take certain things away.  They have two playmakers on offense whom we are concerned about – running back Delaunte Thornton and receiver Craig Fullenkamp.  They are both outstanding football players who have made plays throughout the year, so we need to contain them and play our game in order to move on.”

by Robb Hemmelgarn