WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA Indiana, Washington & amp; Jefferson face tough tests in NCAA playoffs

The Indians play Grand Valley State and the Presidents take on Trinity.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Two western Pennsylvania teams -- Indiana and Washington & amp; Jefferson -- face a stiff challenge in the NCAA playoffs on Saturday.
Both face an opponent that is averaging more than 45 points per game, and both are on the road.
In NCAA Division II, Indiana (11-1), will travel to Michigan to face Grand Valley State (11-0).
In NCAA Division III, Washington & amp; Jefferson (9-2) will travel to Texas to face Trinity (11-0).
"Grand Valley State has been ranked No. 1 in the country all year long," said Indiana coach Frank Cignetti. "They were [in the NCAA Division II title game] last year and have almost everybody back from that team. They have done what it takes and played focused all year."
Grand Valley State has scored 517 points in 11 games, an average of 47 points per game, and has eclipsed the 50-point total six times. The Lakers are averaging nearly 500 yards in total offense, including 285 through the air.
"The best five teams we've ever faced in the playoffs are North Dakota State in 1990, Jacksonville State in 1991, North Alabama in 1993, Texas A & amp;M-Kingsville in 1994, and Northwest Missouri State in 2000," said Cignetti. "I would put Grand Valley State in that class."
Grand Valley State quarterback Curt Anes has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 2,897 yards, 39 touchdowns and five interceptions. His favorite targets are Terrance Banks and David Kurcus. Reggie Spearmon has provided most of the rushing attack.
Indiana is averaging 34.2 points and 388.7 yards in total offense per game.
"To beat a potent team like Grand Valley State, we've got to play a great field position game," said Cignetti. "They've got some very skilled offensive players and we've got to shut them down. We've got to stay close until the fourth quarter."
Indiana earned its quarterfinal berth with a 27-23 win over Saginaw Valley State. The Indians were without three starters, who were suspended for one game due to an incident that occurred in a game against Slippery Rock.
"Having a week off before the playoffs began made the situation much easier to deal with," said Cignetti. "We made the changes we needed to make and didn't let the situation become a distraction."
Tough test
Washington & amp; Jefferson faces a Trinity team that's scored 534 points in 11 games, an average of 48.5 points per game.
Trinity QB Roy Hampton has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 3,193 yards, 36 touchdowns and three interceptions. His favorite targets are Jason Hunt and Jerheme Urban. Jeremy Boyce leads the Tigers in rushing.
"This will be the best offense we've seen in my four years as head coach here," said Washington & amp; Jefferson coach John Banaszak. "I could throw bouquets about them all day long. The numbers speak for themselves. The key is that we have to keep their offense off the field."
Washington & amp; Jefferson is averaging 32.1 points and 389.7 yards in total offense per game. The Presidents are led by quarterback Brian Dawson, tailback Joey Nichols, and receivers Mike Virgin, Todd Fry and Tom Paff.
"They look like a typical Washington & amp; Jefferson football team," said Trinity coach Steve Mohr. "They are huge, physical, and well coached. [Nichols] is the best that we'll face all year. [Dawson] has a good arm and a good group of receivers. They have all the tools on offense."
Washington & amp; Jefferson and Trinity are meeting for only the second time. The two met in the first round of the 1994 playoffs and the Presidents won 28-0.