PREP PREVIEWS Division I football

FITCH vs. CLEVELAND GLENVILLE
Game time: 7 p.m. at Falcon StadiumRadio: WKBN-AM (570), WBBW-AM (1240)
GLENVILLE (9-1)
29Mentor626Warren Harding3053Cle. East Tech1419Akron Buchtel753Cleveland East049Cleveland South047Cleveland Rhodes1440Cle. Lincoln West035Cleveland JFK1255Cleveland John Marshall7
Tarblooders notebook: Speed is the key component, as Glenville makes its fifth playoff appearance, holding a 1-4 record. It finished fifth in both the computer ratings and state poll. The Tarblooders have a wealth of talent, led by senior cornerback Jamario O'Neal, who has committed to Ohio State. Joining him are senior linebacker Freddie Lenix and senior defensive end-fullback Curtis Smith. Arvell Nelson is the quarterback who directs it all.
FITCH (9-1)
40Chaney78Erie Cathedral Prep054Reynoldsburg720Massillon Perry022Canton McKinley014Massillon Jackson634North Canton Hoover2734Uniontown Lake146Canton GlenOak2631Boardman6
Falcons notebook: Coach Neal Kopp's team is making its first playoff appearance since 1992. The Falcons like to keep the ball on the ground with running backs Mike Eliseo, Taylor Edwards, Tom Sudetic, Melvin Davis and Dane Stilgenbauer, who all run behind a big line. Eliseo is the statistical leader with 894 yards on 156 carries and nine touchdowns. Quarterback John Mang is also more of a running threat. The Falcons, allowing just 9.3 points per game, may benefit by playing on their home grass field as opposed to turf, which only enhances Glenville's speed. Fitch finished fourth in the computer ratings and seventh in the state poll.
WARREN HARDINGvs. LAKEWOOD ST. EDWARD
Game time: 7 p.m. at Mollenkopf StadiumTV: WYFX (Fox 17/62) (taped)
ST. EDWARD (5-5)
23Cinc. St. Xavier (forfeited)1762Lakewood (forfeited)030Maple Heights1461Akron Central Hower (forfeited)645Warren Harding (forfeited)1252Coolidge (D.C.)037Massillon Washington710Cle. St. Ignatius2641Cincinnati Moeller1738Cle. Benedictine24
Eagles notebook: Talk about a second chance. After forfeiting four victories because it used an ineligible player, St. Edward did just enough to squeak into the playoffs. So don't let the 5-5 record fool you; the Eagles could be the state's best team. They'll make their second trip to Warren this season after handling the Raiders in Week 5. Keep an eye on senior Joe Kleinsmith, who handles the team's kicking duties and plays defensive back.
WARREN HARDING (8-2)
21Dunbar (D.C.)630Cle. Glenville2635Akron Buchtel022Mooney2012Lakewood St. Edward4522Ursuline370Cle. St. Ignatius5628Cle. JFK615Mass. Washington1249Akron Hoban35
Raiders notebook: This wasn't exactly the first-round match-up the Raiders envisioned when they locked up the region's top seed, but St. Edward's forfeits dropped the Eagles to eighth. Coach Thom McDaniels' team has established a rivalry against St. Edward, with this being the fourth straight playoff meeting between them. The Raiders won postseason games in 2001 and 2002 before losing to the Eagles in last year's regional semifinals, 21-13. Harding, which finished 10th in the state poll, has won three straight games. In last week's win over Akron Hoban, Dan Herron ran for 279 yards and four touchdowns.
Vindicator staff report