By Tom Williams

williams@vindy.com

NEW WATERFORD

It’s not much of a surprise when parochial powerhouse Cardinal Mooney and Ursuline earn home playoff games with a six-win season.

But Crestview? Even the Rebels were shocked when they were seeded fourth for the Division V, Region 15 playoffs.

“We knew that we would have a shot,” Rebels head coach Paul Cusick said. “We were shockingly right there for a four spot.”

The Rebels (6-4, 5-2 Inter Tri-County League Tier One) enter the playoffs on a roll. After a 42-21 loss to Springfield in Week 8, the Rebels rebounded with a 28-3 win over United and a 60-50 shootout victory over Columbiana.

“I think it says a lot about our program,” senior middle linebacker Zach Marr said. “Before this year, I think a lot of people counted Crestview out. They don’t really talk about a team from the middle of a cornfield.

“It’s great for the program.”

Crestview finished in a three-way tie with Springfield and South Range for the league crown.

“After Week 9, we realized this could actually happen,” Cusick said of Saturday’s home game against Girard (8-2). “This is unbelievable.”

For the second straight year, the Rebels will be at home against an All-American Conference National team. Last year, the opponent was Liberty. Girard also has a two-game winning streak.

“We were hoping,” Marr said of avoiding opening on the road. “Any time you get a home [playoff] game, it’s a big advantage.”

Senior tight end Evan Beachler said a Week 8 loss to Springfield hit the Rebels so hard that thoughts of a league title or the postseason momentarily were buried.

“It’s something that’s expected, obviously,” said Beachler, referring to Crestview’s seven-year streak of making the playoffs. Only Poland has a longer streak among Mahoning Valley teams.

Last year, the Rebels defeated Liberty, 35-26, in Week 11. After defeating Gilmour Academy, Crestview was ousted by Akron Manchester in the regional final.

Girard and Crestview have never played, but Cusick said they scrimmaged in 2010.

This season, they have one common opponent — Liberty (9-1). In Week 3, the Leopards defeated the Rebels, 26-18. In Week 8, the Leopards defeated the Indians, 40-13.

Beachler said the Rebels are optimistic for another win against the bigger conference.

“We held [Lynn] Bowden to under 100 yards and one touchdown, maybe,” Beachler said. “We always look forward to playing teams from [Mahoning and Trumbull counties]. It’s definitely exciting because you know there is big hype.

“I definitely feel it’s going to be a battle — I don’t feel that we are the underdog.”

Cusick downplayed the Liberty scores, saying he’s more focused on matchups.

The Indians’ task will be to try and stop senior quarterback Jesse Best, a threat to break loose on every play.

“We’ve been playing better, but it seems we’re still a team that is learning,” Cusick said.

Marr said the Indians “spread the ball out [on offense] and run a little bit, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen.”

Asked if he expects the game to be high scoring, Cusick laughed.

“Probably.”