Ohio High School Football Division VI State Final Preview: Who Wins?

Who wins in Week 15? Man versus machine wraps this week. For the past eight years I've picked Ohio high school postseason games against Drew Pasteur's Fantastic 50 formula. And I've done well. This season we again added Need Freeman's CalPreps picks into the mix. And this week we're adding even more! We extended an invite to several Ohio prep experts/personalities and solicited their picks for the state finals. Glad they obliged. This is a new wrinkle we added last season and this year we are pleased to continue. The insight is appreciated.

As for last week? I won with a 12-2 record. Both the Fantastic50 and CalPreps went 11-3. Overall, the Fan50 and CalPreps are tied with 159 total playoff picks right. I'm bringing up the rear at 152.

Below is a comprehensive look at who each of us - and our pool of guest pickers - thinks wins the D-VI state title. I've also listed names expected to affect the outcome.

Best of luck to all involved. The State Finals have arrived.

Division VI State Championship Preview

Kirtland (14-0/No. 2 MaxPreps/No 1 AP) vs Marion Local (Maria Stein) (13-1/No. 1 MaxPreps/No. 3 AP)

When: Friday at 10:00 a.m., Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton)

Players to Watch:

* Nathan Bruns, Marion Local, Sr., QB: Findlay basketball recruit and special mention All-Ohio signal caller is a different breed.  “You don’t get guys like this very often,” Marion Local head coach Tim Goodwin said. “Any throw is in play with him. We’re blessed to have this kind of kid pulling the trigger for us.” Bruns, recently named first team All-Midwest Athletic Conference, has thrown for 2,537 yards and 27 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for five touchdowns.  Said Kirtland head coach Tiger LaVerde: “He extends plays. He’s so stinking elusive.”

* Sam Huelsman, Marion Local, sr., LB: The recently tabbed Ohio D-VI Defensive Player of the Year also doubles as the MAC Defensive POY. Has 95 tackles, including 75 unassisted, and six sacks. “He started Day 1 as a sophomore,” Goodwin said. “One of our bigger, physical guys. The team rallies around him for sure.” Two-time first team All-MAC.

* Matt Rethman, Marion Local, sr., DB: First team All-Ohio selection has 40 tackles and three interceptions. Two-time first team All-MAC. Offensively has snagged 44 catches for 778 yards and three touchdowns.

* Nick Tangeman, Marion Local, sr., WR: First team All-Ohio and two-time first team All-MAC selection is a big target (6-foot-4) that’s hauled in 53 passes for 1,206 yards and 17 touchdowns. “He’s a very hard match-up and has great ball skills,” LaVerde said. “If you double him they run the ball down your throat.”

* Reece Eifert, Marion Local, sr., OL: Third team All-Ohio.

* Nolan Habodasz, Marion Local, sr., RB: First team All-MAC back has carried the ball 193 times for 1,215 yards and 21 touchdowns.

* Brandon Fleck, Marion Local, jr., FB/LB: Special mention All-Ohio selection has 85 tackles. Has also carried the ball 77 times for 424 yards and 11 touchdowns. First team All-MAC punter.

* Grant Meier, Marion Local, soph., LB: Has registered a team-high 113 tackles, including 88 solo.

* John Tangeman, Marion Local, sr., DB: First team All-MAC.

* Darrin Hays, Marion Local, sr., DL: First team All-MAC.

* Joey Torok, Kirtland, sr, RB: First team All-Ohio selection has rushed for 1,728 yards and 28 touchdowns on 128 carries. Also has 311 yards and six touchdowns on 11 receptions.

* Austin Fulco, Kirtland, sr, OL: First team All-Ohio.

* Mason Sullivan, Kirtland, sr, DB: First team All-Ohio defensive back is team’s leading receveir (16 receptions for 306 yards and four touchdowns).

* Jack Bailey, Kirtland, sr, DL: First team All-Ohio.

* Tommy Powers, Kirtland, sr, QB: Second team All-Ohio selection has thrown for 1,010 yards and 13 touchdowns. Tossed just two interceptions. Also has seven rushing touchdowns.

* Kalid Alabsi, Kirtland, sr, OL: Second team All-Ohio.

* Kaleb Stephenson, Kirtland, sr, LB: Second team All-Ohio.

* Dominic Capretta, Kirtland, sr, DB: Second team All-Ohio.

* Luke Camino, Kirtland, sr, DL: Third team All-Ohio.

* Jake Neibecker, Kirtland, sr., RB: Special mention All-Ohio selection has rushed for 1,116 yards and 14 touchdowns on 134 carries.

* Andrew Demarco, Kirtland, sr., OL: Special mention All-Ohio.

Predictions:

Eric Frantz (MaxPreps, @EFrantzMP)
Storylines don’t get better than this one. Marion Local is playing in its eighth straight state final and Kirtland is playing in its seventh final in eight years. The two have met twice in the last three years and split those games. This is the rubber match and a rematch of last year’s final that Marion won 34-11. Whew. “(Getting back) was a goal since Jan. 1,” LaVerde said. “Last year they beat us up pretty good and our kids remember that. Last year was not a competitive game. They whipped us.” Led by a veteran offensive line (all seniors) and backfield, Marion has rolled through another remarkably hazardous schedule. A double overtime toe-stub in Week 10 at Coldwater is the lone blemish. The Flyers, who also won the D-IV basketball title in March, are looking for the program’s 11th state title. That would tie Marion with St. Ignatius for most in state history. “Whatever the spread was (last year), we weren’t that many points better than them,” Goodwin said. “We remember 2015, too, when they dominated us the second half. It’s the rubber match. They got us and we got them.” Said LaVerde: “It will be tough for our kids, but they are excited about the challenge. Nobody we’ve played has this dynamic of an offense.” I picked Marion Local back in August when I released my preview. Sticking with them here. Flyers win 33-20.

Fantastic 50.com
Kirtland (14-0 D6 R21) by 1 (52%) neu Maria Stein Marion Local (13-1 D6 R24)

CalPreps.com
Marion Local 27-21.

Lee Cochran (Managing Editor, This Week Community News, @TWLeeCochran)
If Kirtland can get past the mystique of Marion Local winning six titles in the last seven years, this could be interesting. Marion Local 38-24.

Steve Blackledge (Prep Writer, Columbus Dispatch, OPSWA HOF, @BlackiePreps)
No one is surprised to see these small-school titans face off in the title game for the third time in four years. I remember the seeing the disappointment on Tiger Laverde's face after Kirtland was humbled by Marion Local 34-11 in last year's title game. The Hornets should have the edge in incentive, but when push comes to shove, Marion Local seems to find a way. Marion Local 23, Kirtland 21.

Steve Helwagen (Writer, 247sports.com, @SteveHelwagen)
Marion Local is going for its 11th state title. But unbeaten Kirtland is going the distance. Kirtland 32, Maria Stein Marion Local 26.

Tim Rogers (Freelance Writer, GateHouse Media, OPSWA HOF, @TimRogersCLE):
Boy, talk about tough picks. Two of the finest smaller-school programs in Ohio, a smaller version of Hoban vs. Massillon, if you will, but one that will be just as competitive. How can you pick against undefeated Kirtland, which has won three state championships since 2011? You can when Marion Local and its 10 state titles is on the other side. But, I said something similar last year and ended up looking foolish. So, I’m gonna bank on Kirtland’s defense and its seven shutouts. Hornets sting, 18-16.

Seth Staskey (Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSeth)
Kirtland and Maria Stein Marion Local have seemingly been on a collision course for one another since the season began and here we are. Kirtland's been pushed to the limits each of the last two weeks against Mogadore and Fort Frye. Marion Local, meanwhile, has just continued doing what it does and that's dumptruck opponents. The Flyers are carrying the torch for the Midwest Athletic Conference and they're attempting to win their 11th state title in school history, which would equal Cleveland St. Ignatius for the most. Marion Local isn't going to be denied. Marion Local wins 28-7.

Mark Porter (Owner, ScoutingOhio.com, @Mark__Porter)
Kirtland.

Thomas Wilson (Sports Writer, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, @twil2323)
It shouldn’t be a surprise these small-school powers are back in the state finals. Both are well-coached and have outstanding players. But all the Flyers do is win state titles and they will win another one. Marion Local wins, 28-17.

Gary Housteau (Photographer, Bucknuts.com, @garyhouse2)
Two perennial playoff contenders go to battle and unbeaten Kirtland comes away with the hard-fought victory over the machine that is Marion Local. Kirtland wins.

Kurt Stubbbs (Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoops)
In a repeat of last year’s state final, Kirtland will try to avenge its loss from a year ago. The Flyers are playing in their eighth straight championship game, while looking to win their seventh title in that time frame and 11th since 2000. It’s opponent, Kirtland, is playing in its seventh championship game in eight years. The Hornest are (3-3) in title games. This will mark the third time the two teams have met in a state finals game with both teams winning one. Kirtland’s defense has been dominating all season long giving up just over 4.5 points a game. Prior to the regional championship, the Hornets were allowing just 2.7 points a game. Mogadore and Fort Frye found a way to crack the code, but still weren’t able to overcome Tiger LaVerde’s squad. Marion Local avenged its only loss of the year, an overtime loss to Coldwater, by defeating the Cavaliers handedly in the week 13. I give the Flyers an edge due to a highly productive passing game spearheaded by senior quarterback Nathan Bruns and wide receiver Nick Tangeman. Marion Local wins again, 28-14.

EF Picks 2017: 6-1 (86%)

EF Picks 2016: 3-4 (43%)
EF Picks 2015: 3-4 (43%)
EF Picks 2014: 3-4 (43%)
EF Picks 2013: 4-3 (57%)
EF Picks 2012: 5-1 (83%)
EF Picks 2011: 3-3 (50%)
EF Picks 2010: 4-2 (67%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 5-2 (71%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 4-3 (57%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 4-3 (57%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 3-4 (43%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 5-1 (83%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 5-1 (83%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: N/A

CalPreps Picks 2016: 4-3 (57%)

State Semifinal History

EF Picks 2018: 12-2 (86%)

EF Picks 2017: 13-1 (93%)
EF Picks 2016: 11-3 (79%)
EF Picks 2015: 11-3 (79%)
EF Picks 2014: 13-1 (93%)
EF Picks 2013: 11-3 (79%)
EF Picks 2012: 7-5 (58%)
EF Picks 2011: 9-3 (75%)
EF Picks 2010: 8-4 (67%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 11-3 (79%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 13-1 (93%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 9-5 (64%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 9-5 (64%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 10-4 (71%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 9-5 (64%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 6-6 (50%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 6-6 (50%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 7-5 (58%)

CalPreps Picks 2018: 11-3 (79%)

CalPreps Picks 2017: 11-3 (79%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 10-4 (71%)

Regional Final History

EF Picks 2018: 17-11 (61%)

EF Picks 2017: 21-7 (75%)
EF Picks 2016: 23-5 (82%)
EF Picks 2015: 24-4 (86%)
EF Picks 2014: 24-4 (86%)
EF Picks 2013: 24-4 (86%)
EF Picks 2012: 16-8 (67%)
EF Picks 2011: 20-4 (83%)
EF Picks 2010: 17-7 (71%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 17-11 (61%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 21-7 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 21-7 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 23-5 (82%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 22-6 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 25-3 (89%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 19-5 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 18-6 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 16-8 (67%)

CalPreps Picks 2018: 17-11 (61%)

CalPreps Picks 2017: 20-8 (71%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 19-9 (68%)

Regional Semifinal History

EF Picks 2018: 39-17 (70%)

EF Picks 2017: 46-10 (82%)
EF Picks 2016: 43-13 (77%)
EF Picks 2015: 43-13 (77%)
EF Picks 2014: 44-12 (79%)
EF Picks 2013: 40-16 (71%)
EF Picks 2012: 39-9 (81%)
EF Picks 2011: 31-17 (65%)
EF Picks 2010: 35-13 (73%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 42-14 (75%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 45-11 (80%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 42-14 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 45-11 (80%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 42-14 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 41-15 (73%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 39-9 (81%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 35-13 (73%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 37-11 (77%)

CalPreps Picks 2018: 44-12 (79%)

CalPreps Picks 2017: 45-11 (80%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 43-13 (77%)

Regional Quarterfinal History

EF Picks 2018: 84-28 (75%)

EF Picks 2017: 92-20 (82%)
EF Picks 2016: 87-25 (78%)
EF Picks 2015: 94-18 (84%)
EF Picks 2014: 94-18 (84%)
EF Picks 2013: 93-19 (83%)
EF Picks 2012: 72-24 (75%)
EF Picks 2011: 76-20 (79%)
EF Picks 2010: 72-24 (75%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 89-23 (79%)

DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 91-21 (81%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 91-21 (81%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 89-23 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 94-18 (84%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 89-23 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 72-24 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 82-14 (85%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 77-19 (80%)

CalPreps Picks 2018: 86-26 (77%)

CalPreps Picks 2017: 92-20 (82%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 94-18 (84%)