CANFIELD
VS. MARION-FRANKLIN

The Cardinals are certainly playoff-tested; this is their fourth consecutive year in the postseason (and sixth in the last eight years). Coach Mike Pavlansky’s team features running backs Dan Banna (728 yards and 12 TDs) and Christian Smith (555 yards and 6 TDs) and a defense that allowed just 160 yards per game. Marion-Franklin was in the postseason in 2004 and 2005; the Red Devils’ signature win came against 9-1 Columbus Eastmoor (16-13).

LAKEVIEW
VS. AURORA

This could be one of the better 4 vs. 5 matchups around the state. The Bulldogs have won seven straight since back-to-back losses to Howland and Niles in weeks 2-3. RB Ben Moody is averaging 21 carries and 119 yards rushing per game, so he is a key for Lakeview (1-3 all-time in the postseason). Aurora is in the playoffs for the fourth time also, all since 1998.

MATHEWS
VS. GILMOUR ACADEMY

The Mustangs raced through the regular season, outscoring opponents 429-96, but a suspect schedule will be tested in Gates Mills. Mathews’ three-headed backfield monster of Brent Jackson (1,137 yards), Brad Hughes (1,112) and Eric Ocheltree (961) combined for over 3,200 yards and 45 touchdowns on the ground. Gilmour, in the playoffs for the sixth time (and fifth time this decade) is 8-1, and played only two schools as small as Div. V. But, the only team the Lancers faced with a winning record (Warrensville Heights) beat them and put up 44 points.

BOARDMAN
AT EUCLID

D.J. Ogilvie should garner some coach of the year consideration for the job he’s done this season, and now he has the Spartans in the playoffs for the first time since the 2001 club. Boardman (7-3) travels north to face a tough Euclid (9-1) squad that is in the playoffs for the 12th time. The Spartans are in the postseason for the sixth time and have a 6-5 record all-time. They will rely on a strong running game led by Damien Jarrett (908 yards) and a defense that allowed just 81 yards rushing per game. The Panthers have won nine straight since losing to Mentor Lake Catholic in the season opener, including a 35-34 victory over Mentor in week 6. One stat to keep in mind: Boardman played six teams with winning records this season (going 4-2), while Euclid faced only three.

WEST BRANCH
VS. JOHN GLENN

The school named after Ohio’s famous astronaut and senator will have to make a long trip for this Division III game. The Warriors (8-2) feature the area’s most potent passing attack, triggered by QB Steve McNeely (148-of-254, 2,156 yards, 22 TDs). He has four receivers with 25 receptions or more, including Jeremiah James (50-745-7 TDs). The Muskies are in the playoffs for the sixth time overall and fourth this decade.