Playoff game at home is feather in Leopards' cap

Orrville (7-3) is a dangerous opponent.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
LIBERTY -- The Liberty High football team ended last season with a five-game winning streak, the Trumbull Athletic Conference title and a lot of confidence.
It did not end with a playoff berth.
"There was just an awful feeling at the end of the year," said Liberty coach Jeff Whittaker, whose team finished 10th in Division IV, Region 13. "We had a good year and to finish strong like that and win the conference, we weren't ready for it to end."
This year's a different story.
After a 28-0 loss to Hubbard, the Leopards (9-1) won their last five games to earn their second playoff berth in school history.
They'll play host to Orrville (7-3) on Friday in the first home playoff game in Liberty history.
"For us, we're working like we normally do to get ready for a game," Whittaker said. "But it's got to be a great source of pride for the community to be able to come to the stadium and see their team play in a state playoff game."
Liberty lost to Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph 34-18 in 2002 -- its only other playoff appearance. Orrville is making its 17th appearance, going 21-15 all-time, including a state title with then-freshman quarterback Justin Zwick (now at Ohio State) in 1998.
"Right now, all we're concerned about is this year," said Whittaker. "It's nice to have that kind of tradition and history, but those other teams who aren't playing on Friday would gladly trade places with us."
Playmakers
Liberty doesn't rely on one offensive threat, preferring to spread the ball around to several players.
Running backs Dania Gillam (114 carries, 785 yards) and Chris Harden (109 carries, 630) lead the Leopards' ground game, which has outrushed opponents 2,022-1,209 this year.
Quarterback Brian Jones, a three-year starter, has completed 39-of-87 passes for 711 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Marcellus Bowman, a Boston College recruit, caught 11 passes for 192 yards and five TDs, while Brian Cornwell had nine for 148 yards and two TDs.
"I think we need to spread the ball around and get the ball in the hands of our playmakers," said Whittaker. "We try to do that on the ground as well as in the air."
Both Bowman and Cornwell also play defensive back, joining linebacker Keith Forestal to lead a defense that surrendered just 10 points per game this year.
Good offense
Orrville does its damage through the air, scoring 20 or more points in nine of its 10 games this year. Quarterback Tim Hiller, one of the state's top recruits, passed for 2,500 yards and 16 touchdowns last year and has thrown for close to 3,000 yards this season. Hiller may be slowed by ankle injury he suffered in last week's loss to Wooster.
"They have a great quarterback and some excellent, excellent receivers," said Whittaker. "They've gained a ton of yardage, they're a well-coached team and they run to the football on defense.
"It will be a great challenge."
scalzo@vindy.com