Sometimes, things just work out the way they should….
Ohio high school football fans could see this coming a mile away…
The two best teams in Division V are ready for their title game rematch this Saturday at 3p.m at Massillon’s Paul Brown Stadium. The Kirtland Hornets and the Coldwater Cavaliers certainly are no strangers to each other. They met in last year’s title game, with Kirtland coming out on top 28-7. This year’s teams not only made it back to the title game, but it can be argued that both teams are even better this year. It is the clash of styles and philosophy that make this such a great match up.
Kirtland loves the ground game… What the Hornets of Kirtland love to do is run the football. In their 41-7 semi-final win over Liberty Union, the Hornets rushed for 405 yards. Quarterback Scott Eilerman, and running backs Damon Washington and Adam Hess grind out the yardage. Kirtland ran for over 400 yards in the state championship win last year over Coldwater. Eilerman also added 150 yards through the air in their semi-final win.
“Every once in a while we will get in a game where we can use some passing plays. It gives teams something else to think about”….Kirtland quarterback Scott Eilerman
Kirtland certainly was tested in the playoffs, as they had to rally from a 24-0 halftime deficit to defeat rival Youngstown Ursuline 38-37 in the regional final. It’s the same Ursuline team that stopped Kirtland’s playoff run in 2009 and 2010, and it was Ursuline that defeated Coldwater in both of those years for the state championship. There are five keys to the game for Kirtland: Bobby Matthews (240 pounds), Logan Georsky (240 pounds), Ben Nye (230 pounds), Mike Cymbal (220 pounds), and Dylan Diemer (200 pounds). That is the Kirtland offensive line. It’s massive for a Division V school, and is the key for the Hornets to keep the ball away from the explosive Coldwater offense
Coldwater will sling it around the yard, but this year, defense has been the key…. The Coldwater Cavaliers certainly are no strangers to state championship games. This will be their fourth straight state final they will play in, and their sixth in eight years. The team from western Ohio is considered one of the best football programs in the state of Ohio, regardless of Division. Known for lighting up the scoreboard, this Cavalier team hangs its hat on defense. Despite playing in the toughest conference in Ohio, the Midwest Athletic Conference ( five teams from the MAC made the state playoffs), Coldwater has rolled to a 14-0 record. They outscored their opponents in the regular season 348-54, including six shutouts, and in the playoffs 141-29 with a pair of shutouts. These Coldwater seniors will be playing in their 60th high school football game.
” Playing in 60 games in four years is something all these kids should be proud of. It’s the most games one can play in, so it goes back to the successes the kids before them had.”…. Coldwater coach Chip Otten
Offensively, the Cavaliers are led by three year starter , and Northwest District player of the year Austin Bruns. The 6 foot 4 205 pound quarterback has many weapons to throw the ball to in Coldwater’s wide open offense, including first team All-MAC receivers Caleb Siefring and Josh Huber. Defensively, they are led by the MAC’s defensive player of year, linebacker Zach Dickman. Defensive lineman Adam Kunk, and safety Brody Hoying form the base of a very stingy defense.
It’s #1 v.s #2 in Division V. It’s Kirtland 29 game winning streak, against the tradition and success of Coldwater. It’s Kirtland biggest strength (running the ball) v.s Coldwater’s biggest strength (defense).
It’s 14-0 v.s 14-0……Does it get any better than this? Of the six state championship games this weekend in Ohio, it’s THIS match up that should be the most competitive.
