Division IV Elite Eight preview

Zac Jackson, OhioHSsports.com, November 19, 2009 2:32 p.m.

THE MATCHUPS:Chagrin Falls (12-0) vs. Peninsula Woodridge (10-2), Twinsburg Tiger Stadium; Ottawa-Glandorf (10-2) vs. Orrville (9-3), Tiffin Frost-Kalnow Stadium; Coshocton (10-2) vs. Ironton (10-2), Nelsonville-York Boston Stadium; Clarksville Clinton-Massie (12-0), Kettering Archbishop Alter (12-0), Centerville Stadium.

THE FAVORITE: Alter. The unbeaten and largely untested Knights graduated key pieces from last year’s title team, but the defense is as good as ever (maybe better) and the senior leadership has been steady as well. Alter has balance, depth, big-game experience and as many athletes as any team remaining. The Knights will be a really, really tough out.

THE CONTENDERS: Orrville might have the best team speed, though Ottawa-Glanfdorf feels it has enough defense to contain the Riders. Chagrin Falls has been impressive against a solid schedule, and QB Chris Trinetti has spread the wealth and made tons of big plays. The Tigers might have the most overall firepower in the field. And don’t forget Clinton-Massie, which is undefeated for a reason and won’t be intimidated by Alter on Saturday night.

THREE HORSES: Three players whose performances will go a long way towards determining which team ultimately raises the trophy on the first weekend of December…

Cody Byers, DB, Alter: Wisconsin recruit was an impact player in last year’s title run and has continued to be a force this season. There’s not a flash to Byers’ game or to his team as a whole; the Knights just hit you hard from whistle to whistle and rarely beat themselves.

Chris Gorman, Chagrin Falls: The Tigers are another team lacking one big star but thriving on total team effort. Gorman is the leading rusher, the kicker and one of the leading tacklers for a defense that’s in the spotlight; we know Chagrin can score enough to win it all, but will the defense answer the call?

Sam Miller, Orrville: Senior receiver and return specialist is a flyer and a game-changer. He caught three touchdown passes last week and set up another score with a long punt return as the Riders won a wild one over Genoa Area. He’s probably the most dangerous big-play threat in the remaining field.

BEST REGIONAL FINAL GAME: Chagrin Falls vs. Woodridge is a rematch of a 32-26 Tigers win way back in early September. Expect another high-scoring affair from two teams who have taken different paths to the rematch. Chagrin Falls has been largely unchallenged, living up to lofty preseason expectations, while Woodridge has overcame a rough patch late in the regular season to earn two impressive playoff victories in the school’s first postseason appearance.

THE SHAKEDOWN: Orrville lost twice early in the season with a roster shortened by injury and suspensions. The Riders’ only loss at full strength came against Div. II regional finalist Ashland, 14-13, on a missed extra point…Ironton coach Bob Lutz set the all-time state record when he recorded his 361st win as head coach last month. Lutz and the Tigers won state titles in 1979 and 1989 and were runners up in 1999, which might or might not mean anything for their 2009 chances…Speedy Coshocton senior RB Marcus Johnston scored the winning touchdown, and Amanda-Clearcreek missed a tying field goal as the Redskins pulled the upset last week, 15-12.