Local football teams gearing up for the postseason

Press Sports Editor
sports@presspublications.com

When the Ohio High School Athletic Association decided before last season to expand the football postseason from eight to 16 teams per region, it doubled the number of teams that would qualify for the playoffs.
As it stands, there are five area schools with a legitimate shot at reaching the postseason. (For updated standings, visit www.joeeitel.com or www.OHSAA.org.)
Clay is ranked 14th in Division II, Region 6 with 9.58 points. A win over St. John’s would guarantee the Eagles a spot in the playoffs, but a loss could be the end of the season.
Eastwood, which is 9-0, was ranked fifth in the Division V, Region 18 standings with 15.68 points heading into week 10. If the Eagles defeated Otsego in last Friday’s game, there’s a good chance they might have moved up in the standings. Regardless, Eastwood will host at least one playoff game.
Three spots below the Eagles is Oak Harbor, which has 14.80 points. If the Rockets defeat Port Clinton in the finale, they will host a playoff game. If Oak Harbor loses, it might have to begin the postseason on the road.
Gibsonburg is sixth with 13.38 points in Div. VII, Region 26. If the Golden Bears beat Hopewell-Loudon, they would win the Sandusky Bay Conference River Division title and ensure themselves of at least one home game. If Gibsonburg loses, they could fall as far as No. 9.
The Bears have won every game following a 35-13 loss to Ottawa Hills in week one. Gibsonburg has been dominant, winning all but two games in convincing fashion. Two weeks ago, they defeated Margaretta, one of the top teams in the River Division, 29-26, on a last-second, 21-yard field goal by Cole Owens.
“Obviously, we’re glad a lot of our best games have been at the end of the year with Margaretta and then with Hopewell-Loudon,” said Gibsonburg coach Joe Wyant. “We knew we had to get better as the season went on, and hopefully it will carry over and we can win some games in the playoffs.
“We’ve gotten two guys back against Margaretta that have gotten a lot better. The younger players and first-time starters have gotten better. I’d love to have that game over again with Ottawa Hills.”
The Chieftains are currently 7-2 and ranked seventh in Div. V, Region 22 with 12.06 points.
“If we win, it will help us down the road; the kids will be more enthused having won the first league title in four years. We could end up third or fourth and possibly get two home games,” said Wyant. “Gibsonburg has been in the playoffs quite a few times, (but) I think the only win in the playoffs was two years ago. This team, we want more than just one win. These kids are excited about playing in the playoffs.”
Genoa, which ranks 12th in Region 18 with 11.86 points, could be in or out regardless of whether or not it beats Woodmore. (Otsego is currently ranked 16th with 7.34 points.) If Genoa gets in, it could be looking at a rematch with Eastwood, Elmwood or Oak Harbor.
The Comets are just 5-4 and 4-2 in the Northern Buckeye Conference, but the losses have come to teams with a combined record of 32-4 (.889). And they’ve beaten good teams in Oak Harbor (28-25) and the Knights (28-26).
The win over Otsego gave Genoa some valuable points.
Aiden Brunkhorst passed for 130 yards and rushed for 119 yards. His 18-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter put Genoa up 28-19. Earlier in the quarter, Brunkhorst connected with Robert Messenger for a 3-yard touchdown. Braylen Bryant scored the first touchdown on a 10-yard run and Aidan Antry had a 5-yard touchdown scamper.
Genoa coach Bill Fisher talked about the excitement that comes with playing for a spot in the postseason.
“There are three things you shoot for before the season starts — compete in and win every game on the schedule; win a conference championship and make the playoffs for a chance at the ultimate prize,” said Fisher. “When it’s late in the season, it gives you a chance to feel the pressure, handle more adversity and continue to come together as a unit. To have a chance at playing in week 11 is very exciting and rewarding. We’re ready for the challenges and competition that comes our way.
“I love the fight and grit that is shown week in and week out (by the team). We are playing really good football every week and will continue to do so. The tough pill to swallow seems to be that any mistake we make is exploited and is very costly. Unfortunately, mistakes are going to happen, we just can’t allow them to be the ones that give up points or keep us from moving the ball,” he said.