Thursday, October 31, 2002
DIVISION IV
EAST PALESTINE (9-1)
vs. SULLIVAN BLACK RIVER (8-2)
Game time: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at East Palestine High stadium.
Last meeting: The teams never have met.
Playoff record: Sullivan Black River is in the playoffs for the sixth time, the last in 1999 when the Pirates lost in the regional final to Bedford Chanel.
Notebook:East Palestine, guided by third-year coach Brian Blevins, has a powerful, no-huddle offense within a virtual two-platoon system led by senior fullback J.D. Powers and senior QB Smitty Kendrew. Powers has rushed for 1,265 yards in 209 carries and 17 TDs, while Kendrew has 800 yards in 115 carries and 11 TDs, and is 64-for-122 passing for 888 yards, seven TDs with five interceptions. Senior SE Pat Brennan has 26 catches for 398 yards and five TDs, while senior flanker Chris Clark has 25 receptions for 309 yards. Parker and Clark also double at linebackers to lead the defense. Powers broke a toe in last week's game, but still is slated to play both ways. Black River, under coach Al Young in his 13th year, has a balanced attack led by junior quarterback Kyle Clark with almost 1,100 yards passing, and senior fullback Brett Hastings with 1,200 yards rushing.