By Stephen Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
Warren Howland (Warren, Ohio) vs. Klein Forest (Houston, Texas) – Saturday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m., Fawcett Stadium – Canton, Ohio)
Warren Howland
2007 Summary: 11-1, eliminated in second round of Division II playoffs
Head Coach: Richard Angle
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: The Tigers are one of Ohio’s most prominent up-and-coming programs, and figure to be a serious contender for the 2008 Division II state title. After an 11-0 start to last year’s campaign, their first and only loss came at the hands of Mayfield, in a hard-fought battle that ended with a score of 6-0. Doug Datish, a center for the Atlanta Falcons, had a standout career at Ohio State after graduating from Howland.
Who to Watch: Tyler Scott, a 6-foot-4 linebacker, is a force to be reckoned with. He tallied 92 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions last season, and can also play tight end. Dual-threat quarterback Matt Preston is one of the state’s top players at the position. He will also see time in the secondary for the Tigers. Running back Dante Marsh, who had over 1,200 yards on the ground last year, adds to an impressive array of weapons.
Key to Victory: Texas teams have a reputation for physical play, and Howland should expect no different from Klein Forest. But the Tigers should have the firepower to do battle in the trenches. The offensive line will have to continue to provide time and space for both Preston and Marsh.
Klein Forest
2007 Summary: 9-3, Class 5A Division II area finalists
Head Coach: Ken Hammock
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: The Golden Eagles have made the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. They play in District 13, against stiff competition that includes rival Klein Oak and Westfield, who together accounted for two of Klein Forest’s three losses last season. The team’s other loss came in the playoffs to eventual state runner-up Pflugerville. Famous football alumni include Chiefs’ lineman Ron Edwards and former Titan defensive back Steve Jackson.
Who to Watch: Klein Forest will focus its offense on sensational tailback Dominic Wilkins, who is a top 10 running back in the Lone Star State. He racked up nearly 2,000 yards last season and scored 19 touchdowns. He is primed for a huge senior campaign
Key to Victory: Offense will not be the question mark for Klein Forest; defense will be. In addition to Wilkins, the Golden Eagles have speedy quarterback Vernell Caldwell and wide receiver Vernon Rogers as key offensive threats to accompany an experienced offensive line. Junior linebacker Cameron Nwosu and the rest of the Golden Eagles defense will need to step up in Canton.
Canton McKinley (Canton, Ohio) vs. Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) – 2 p.m.
Canton McKinley
2007 Summary: 3-7
Head Coach: Brian Cross
Herbie History: McKinley played in last year’s event, getting blanked by Oklahoma power Tulsa Union, 31-0.
Program Prestige: Since Ohio moved to a playoff format, the Bulldogs have won three state titles, the most recent of which came in 1998. In 1997, McKinley claimed a mythical national championship. Only bitter archrival Massillon has more wins amongst Ohio high school football programs.
Who to Watch: Linebacker Jewone Snow is an imposing presence on the defensive side of the ball. At 6-3, he’s got tremendous size at linebacker and spent all off-season working to get stronger. Defensive end Steve Miller, just a sophomore, will likely end up being the next highly sought after recruit from McKinley.
Key to Victory: Entering the season, McKinley’s defense should be ahead of its offense. First-year coach Ron Johnson will have to bank on his offense gelling quickly. His spread offense system, at times used in no-huddle situations, necessitates that everyone be on the same page. Any early season missteps could spell trouble for the Bulldogs.
Cathedral
2008 Summary: 11-3, lost in 4A semifinals to Reitz
Head Coach: Rick Streiff
Herbie History: Cathedral did a fine job representing the Hoosier State in last year’s event, coming from behind to beat La Salle of Cincinnati, 7-6.
Program Prestige: The Fighting Irish have been one of Indiana’s most consistent programs. They have more all-time victories than any other team in the state. Cathedral has won six state titles, most recently in 2006. Additionally, Indiana state record books are littered with the achievements of former Fighting Irish running back Otis Shannon, who owns the state’s career rushing record, with over 7,500 yards.
Who to Watch: It’s hard to miss Cathedral offensive tackle Kyle Koehne. He’s a massive 6-6, 300 pounds, and is being courted by top programs around the country. Fast off the ball, expect Koehne to burst threw the defensive line and lay some downfield blocks.
Key to Victory: If last year’s game in the Herbstreit Classic is any indication, the Fighting Irish will present a very formidable defensive group. The off-season saw some shake up on offense, as fullback Ross Walthall moved from fullback to right tackle. Kofi Hughes, a junior transfer from Lawrence North, will be the new quarterback. With a strong offensive line blocking for him, he should have time to pass. A couple of big strikes to 6-5 Barry Flynn, and the Fighting Irish could pull away.
Massillon Washington (Massillon, Ohio) vs. Jordan (Sandy, Utah) – 8 p.m.
Massillon Washington
2007 Summary: 6-4
Head Coach: Jason Hall
Herbie History: Massillon has one Herbstreit appearance under its belt. In 2006, they held off Hamilton (Ariz.) 36-25.
Program Prestige: There may be no school participating in the Herbstreit Football Series that can match Massillon’s resume, which includes 22 state titles and nine mythical national titles. Massillon is where Paul Brown graduated from high school and where he later began his legendary coaching career at the ripe age of 24. The Tigers comprise half of arguably the top rivalry in the country, when they tangle each year with Canton McKinley.
Who to Watch: Justin Turner is electric on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. The senior defensive back/running back, who will attend the University of Michigan next fall, is one of the state’s top players, regardless of position.
Key to Victory: The Tigers will need a big performance from quarterback Michael Clark. The senior played in three games last season, before a broken foot in week four ended his season prematurely. Massillon will look to him for senior leadership. Like Turner, senior Ivan Cooper will see snaps at running back and play in the secondary. A big game from either or both of those players could spell victory for the Tigers.
Jordan
2007 Summary: 7-4, lost in first round of 5A playoffs
Head Coach: Alex Jacobson
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: Playing in Utah’s largest classification, Jordan faces a challenging schedule every year. As if battling against the likes of Alta and Bingham weren’t enough, Jordan recently completed a two-year contract against Valdosta, splitting the teams’ two games. The Beetdiggers got a taste of being on top last season, ascending to a No. 1 state ranking after a 7-1 start. After a disappointing finish to the season, they are poised to challenge for the 5A title.
Who to Watch: The offensive line leads this team. Vyncent Jones (Utah commitment), Kyle Johnson and Tyler Larsen anchor a very strong unit. They figure to create a lot of time for quarterback Alex Hart, a junior who could flourish in Jordan’s spread offense.
Key to Victory: Jordan needs to limit big plays by Massillon. The defense needs to contain Massillon’s playmakers. In their four losses last year, the Beetdiggers gave up on average almost 30 points per game. Jordan will put points on the board, but will need a stout defensive performance to be victorious.
Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown, Ohio) vs. Covington Catholic (Park Hills, Ky.) – 5 p.m.
Cardinal Mooney
2007 Summary: 14-1, Division IV runner-up
Head Coach: P.J. Fecko
Herbie History: Cardinal Mooney appeared in Canton for last year’s event. Given the unenviable task of taking on a Gateway (Pa.) team with a myriad of Division I-caliber players, the Cardinals rose to the occasion, smothering the Gator offense and winning easily, 27-6.
Program Prestige: Cardinal Mooney has a long, storied history as one of Ohio’s football giants. In the 52 seasons the Cardinals have played football, they have captured six state titles, including two recently in 2004 and 2006. Last season, they came within one point of capturing another title, losing to Coldwater 28-27. Coldwater also edged Mooney in the 2005 state title game. Mooney is perhaps best known for the fine coaches it has produced. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and his three brothers – including Arizona head coach Mike Stoops – all attended Cardinal Mooney. Bo Pelini, Nebraska’s head coach, is also a former Cardinal. All of the members of the Mooney college coaching fraternity remain devout alumni, and have contributed to charitable efforts that benefit the school.
Who to Watch: The Cardinals graduated their share of talent, but do return intimidating two-way lineman John Simon. Already committed to Ohio State, Simon is a force on both sides of the ball. He stands at 6-4, 270 pounds, and has great quickness and lateral movement. He will command double teams all game long.
Key to Victory: This Cardinal Mooney team is young and inexperienced. That inexperience showed up in the team’s 34-20 loss to Mentor last week. The Cardinals will have to grow up in a hurry.
Covington Catholic
2007 Summary: 5-7, lost in second round of 5A playoffs
Head Coach: Dave Brossart
Herbie History: First Appearance
Program Prestige: The Colonels have won a total of six state titles in different classifications. Their most recent championship came in 2006, when they defeated Bowling Green in the finals. In one of the most prominent rivalries in the country, Covington Catholic locks horns annually with nearby foe Highlands, another Kentucky 5A power. Highlands took on Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) in last year’s event and came away with a victory. Covington Catholic hopes to be similarly successful.
Who to Watch: Similar to Cardinal Mooney, Covington Catholic’s strong suit is its line play, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Seth Tepe, Chad Schadler and Kevin Connaughton will pave the way for the Colonels’ offense. Quarterback Zach Isler, with a year of Coach Brossart’s system under his belt, could pose problems for the Mooney defense.
Key to Victory: Their game against Cardinal Mooney will be the first in a schedule filled with difficult opponents. Hampered by inexperience and injury last season, Covington Catholic appears ready to make a 5A state title run. Isler will look to running back Will Deters to set the tone on the ground. Long, sustained drives, and a strong defensive effort led by linebacker Kyle Restle, will be crucial for Covington Catholic.