HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW Howland vs. Olmsted Falls

What: Division II regional final.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Where: Stewart Field, Bedford.
The scores:
HOWLAND (9-3)
41Campbell2314Girard1235Lakeview1423Brooke, W.Va.08Canfield2322Salem70Niles310Poland2034Struthers147Warren JFK028Madison623Canfield21
OLMSTED FALLS (10-2)
34Wickliffe041Cle. Rhodes635Berea4228Avon Lake1034Bay4042Westlake2527North Olmsted045Rocky River753Fairview Park628Amherst Steele029Uniontown Lake1421Louisville20
Playoff history: Howland is making its third playoff appearance and is 2-2 all-time. Olmsted Falls, coached by Jim Ryan in his 15th season, has an 8-4 playoff record. The Bulldogs won the 2000 Division II state championship. They also made the playoffs in 1995-96-99 and last year.
Howland scouting report: Howland is coming off a 23-21 win over Canfield in a regional semifinal on Jon Airhart's 23-yard field goal. The Tigers overcame a 21-6 deficit with 17 fourth-quarter points. In the uprising, Howland got two TD passes from QB Chris Settlemire to set the stage for Airhart's winning kick. Settlemire first hit Matt Zakrajsek with a 9-yard scoring pass capped by Maurice Smith's conversion run, and then Settlemire connected to WR Steve Boyle on a 20-yard scoring pass to pull the Tigers within 21-20. Regarding Howland's overall offense, it will pass the ball but its strength is running. Smith leads the Tigers with 1,083 rushing yards in 225 carries and 14 touchdowns. James Justice (115-698-3) and Tony Davis (60-390-5) also will carry the ball. Settlemire is back from injury. He has completed 28 of 55 passes for 467 yards and four touchdowns. His main target is Boyle, who has 11 receptions for 255 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Brandon Alexander has four interceptions and Tony Davis, Mark Faller and Mike Zambelli each have three picks.
Olmsted Falls scouting report: The Bulldogs are coming off a 21-20 win over Louisville in a regional semifinal. Coach Ryen said his team has been able to score a lot of points because of good field position set up by special teams and the defense. He said he has more of a running than passing team, but does throw the ball in an attempt for balance to keep opponents guessing. QB Mickey Mental has passed for about 1,400 yards while RB Tim Curran has almost 1,000 yards rushing. Junior linebacker Jimmy Graham is the Bulldogs' lead tackler, while Ed Manney anchors the offensive line at guard and DT.
Radio: WBBG-FM 106.1.
-- Vindicator staff reports