Tich's Playoff Picks, Round 1: previews and predictions for every local postseason game
Previews and picks from every local first round high school football game:
No. 13 Bryan (5-5) at No. 4 West Holmes (8-2), Region 14
West Holmes has made a habit of winning playoff games lately, and the Knights have a good chance to keep that going this year. They've won nine postseason games over the past three years, and many of this year's key players have been in those high-stakes games. Receivers Kyle Maltarich, Nate Fair and Logan Zollars are three of the experienced guys the Knights will count on while prolific QB Morgan Smith makes his first playoff start.
Bryan isn't a normal 13-seed either. The Golden Bears have faced a brutal schedule featuring three teams with eight wins or more. They've scored 35 or more points six times this year and have still put up a good fight against everyone outside of undefeated Liberty Center. West Holmes shouldn't take Bryan lightly.
Tich's pick: West Holmes
No. 14 Youngstown Liberty (5-5) at No. 3 Norwayne (9-1), Region 17
Norwayne is going to experience some real tests quickly in the playoffs, but it would be a major upset if Liberty can hang with the Bobcats.
Outside of a loss to Dalton, Norwayne has beaten everyone on its schedule by double figures, including impressive non-conference wins at Canton Central Catholic and Heath early in the year. With a rushing attack led by Dillon Morlock and Mason Moyer and a passing game headlined by QB Jaxon Siegenthaler and receivers Dylan Smith and Lucas Dudte, the Bobcats have a balanced offensive attack nobody has stopped all year.
Liberty comes in riding a three-game winning streak, but only one of those three wins came against a playoff team (Region 21 14-seed LaBrae). If the Bobcats can keep Liberty big-play threat Dwayne Moody contained, they should be able to follow a script similar to their other nine wins.
Tich's pick: Norwayne
No. 13 Triway (5-5) at No. 4 Harrison Central (8-2), Region 17
A few weeks ago, Triway's playoff hopes appeared uncertain at best. By the end of last week's game against Orrville, the Titans played their way up to the 13-seed, which avoided the clear top three in the region of Perry, South Range and Norwayne. Sophomore QB Brayden Holt has really settled in to running the Titans' offense, including a 450-yard, five-TD outburst last week that included three fourth-quarter TD passes. With five players catching at least 20 passes, defenses can't focus in on one receiver too much when defending Triway's pass-heavy attack.
'We don't give up': Triway scores 21 straight in the fourth to stun Orrville
But Triway has to stop Harrison Central and its 1,000-yard back Mykel Quito. The Titans haven't faced too many guys like him all year. The Titans' best chance is to make the Huskies into a throwing team as much possible. Harrison Central has been impressive since a Sept. 22 loss to St. Clairsville, winning four straight.
Tich's pick: Harrison Central
No. 12 Rittman (6-4) at No. 5 Cuyahoga Heights (8-1), Region 21
It's been a one of Rittman's best seasons in a long time, but it didn't get any sort of luck in its playoff draw. Cuyahoga Heights may very well be the second best team in Region 21, despite the No. 5 seeding. The Red Wolves' only loss was to heavy regional favorite Kirtland and they haven't given up a point since Sept. 22.
Rittman's run defense will need to be up to the challenge against a team that's perennially competitive and well-coached under the direction of the legendary Al Martin. Rittman will want to play a low-scoring game to have a chance at an upset.
Tich's pick: Cuyahoga Heights
No. 16 Conotton Valley (4-6) at No. 1 Dalton (8-1), Region 25
Some of the matchups on this week's slate will be close games. This one won't be, barring a miracle.
Dalton is a true state title contender and Conotton Valley's four wins all came against teams with three wins or fewer. In its games against top competition, 9-1 CV lost 28-0 to 9-1 Malvern, 48-0 to Toronto and 44-20 to 9-1 Steubenville Catholic Central.
Led by multi-year starters in Collin Jones and Grayson Lehman up front, along with backs Greyson Siders and Sammy Tomlinson, the 'Dawgs are strong, deep and disciplined and aren't the type of team to have a first-round letdown.
Tich's pick: Dalton
No. 9 Lucas (7-3) at No. 8 Hillsdale (8-2), Region 25
Very few first round games across the state feature two teams as evenly matched as Hillsdale and Lucas, who have plenty of history against each other.
The Falcons and Cubs have played each of the past three regular seasons, with the game being decided by a single score each time, including Hillsdale's 21-17 win earlier this season. That game featured both team's rushing attacks almost exclusively, which could very well be in the cards once again. Lucas' do-everything star Logan Toms, who returned a punt for a TD earlier this year against the Falcons, is the type of gamebreaker who can flip a game in one play.
Meanwhile, Hillsdale's Braylen Jarvis and Owen Sloan are the physical type of players needed to win a game against a smashmouth team like Lucas.
Tich's pick: Lucas
Regular-season picks: 89-11
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: High school football playoff game previews for Wayne/Holmes area
