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Crestview eyes biggest victory
By Tom Williams
NEW WATERFORD
Members of the Crestview High football team feel they left points on the field in last week’s 27-26 win over Gilmour Academy.
If the Rebels are to post their biggest win in school history tonight, they know they won’t have that luxury.
Tonight, second-seeded Crestview (11-1) takes on top-seeded Akron Manchester (10-2) in the Division V Region 19 regional final in Minerva.
“We’ve talked about it,” Crestview head coach Paul Cusick said. “There were some plays that we missed that we should have scored on.
“If we get those points, we’re not having a nail-biter at the end,” Cusick said. “Our kids are aware of it and they know that when we get those opportunities, we’ve got to make those [plays].”
Speaking of squeakers, Manchester opened the postseason with a 19-16 victory over Ursuline. Last week, the Greyhounds cruised to a 35-7 win over Navarre Fairless.
Cusick said Manchester is pretty balanced on offense.
“They’ve got pretty good old-school, power-run game,” Cusick said. “But they are pretty good on both sides of the ball.”
Senior tight end Josh McDade said, “Their defensive line looks very quick and physical.”
The Rebels are powered by quarterback Collin Gilbert, the Inter Tri-County League Tier One’s top passer and second-leading rusher.
Two years ago in Crestview’s only other regional final appearance, Gilbert was a starting wide receiver and defensive back.
“It’s a little different,” the senior said of his role. “I get to do a little bit more.”
Gilbert expects a lot of runs.
“They look fast on film,” Gilbert said. “The defense flies around. Offensively, their mentality is to run it down your throat, old-style football.”
Gilbert knows the Rebels face a tough test.
“Ursuline is a good team, a great program,” Gilbert said. “So you have to respect Manchester because they beat Ursuline.”
Cusick relishes the chance for Crestview’s first regional title.
“We’ve got a great opportunity and you never know when it’s going to happen again,” Cusick said. “Fortunately, we got back here maybe with a team that was kind of unexpected, but we’re here and we want to take full advantage.”