No. 11 Utica Redskins (7-3, 3-2) at No. 6 Columbus Academy Vikings (9-1, 4-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday, Hondros Field, 4300 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH
Enrollments: Utica- (448), Columbus Academy- (1,100)
Coaches: Utica- Charles Rowley, Columbus Academy- Robin Miller
Streaks: Utica- 2 wins, Columbus Academy- 1 loss
At Stake: Utica has a tough task of facing Columbus Academy, but the Redskins have been turning heads with their strong play of late and look to keep it rolling against a 9-1 Vikings squad
What to Watch: The Redskins have had a Cinderella season and aren’t read for the carriage to turn back into a pumpkin just yet. Utica has won its last two games and finished their first winning season since 2010 when they were in the Mid-Buckeye Athletic Conference. The team had struggled in recent years, including several seasons with zeros in the win column. This is the first playoff appearance since 2000.
"We are very excited to have the opportunity to play in the playoffs," Rowley said. "This was a goal for this team from the beginning of the year and I am very proud of our kids for the work they have put into this season to achieve that goal. We look forward to the challenge of Columbus Academy. We need to play well in all 3 phases of the game, play physical, and execute our schemes. Our kids have had a great week of practice and preparation."
Last week their offense and defense was on full display with a 35-0 win over Lakewood. Justin Giffin had 101 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries to lead the charge. He finished the regular season just shy of the 1,000 yard mark at 950 yards on 165 carries, and 10 touchdowns.
Quarterback Hayden Piper is also a player to watch, and was very efficient in limited attempts throwing going 5-for-6 with 48 yards. He has thrown at a 69.17 percent completion rate with 1,083 yards, 12 touchdown and four picks for a quarterback rating of 111.
Gavin Chinn is his top receiver, and hauled in four catches for 24 yards. He has 59 catches, 630 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
The defense is led by Tyler Collura and Nick Drumm. Collurra has 84 tackles, one sack and one interception while Drumm has 75 tackles, one pick, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Corbin Bennett had a big game last week witb a tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He has 54 tackles, two picks and two fumble recoveries. Gavin Tussey has 74 tackles, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Grayson Tyo had a pair of fumble recoveries last week in the win.
Columbus Academy won nine straight games to start the season before falling 28-7 to Bishop Ready in the last week of the regular season. The loss also gave Bishop Ready a 4-0 conference record, putting Columbus Academy in the number two slot.
Look out for Columbus Academy quarterback Jack Yeoman to try to get out to a fast start. He can get it done on the ground and in the air, and likes to throw to wide receiver Justin Alpert who scored last week on a big 65-yard pass play.
Watch for Columbus Academy running back Greyson Thomas to be able to go off for a big play. Mikey Jauchius has also been a solid back for the Vikings this season.
Last week’s loss was a tough one, as they had trouble stopping the run with the Bishop Ready offense on full display with more than 300 yards rushing. On defense, Ryne Whitt and Henry Pizzotti have been able to rush the quarterback at the defensive end spot. Defensive back Nick Yakam has provided excellent pass coverage this year, as well. Look for them to step up after a difficult time in their final regular season game.
The Vikings have outscored opponents 320-109 this year.
