DIVISION I

Brunswick

Record: 10-0 overall, 5-0 in Northeast Ohio Conference.

Opponent: hosts GlenOak (6-4, 3-4 in Federal League), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 10-10 record in 10 trips; state runner-up in 1995.

Key victories: Nordonia (14-12) on Sept. 14; Solon (14-10) on Oct. 5; Strongsville (27-7) on Oct. 12.

Players to watch: Quarterback Sean Bedevelsky (137-of-206 for 2,552 yards and 24 TDs) and receiver Jordan Gribble (66 catches for 1,082 yards and 15 TDs) were the area's top pitch-catch combination in 2007. Lineman Garrett Mack is leader of a quick and punishing defense.

GlenOak

Record: 6-4 overall, 3-4 in Federal League.

Opponent: at Brunswick (10-0, 5-0 in Northeast Ohio Conference), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 1-3 record in three trips.

Key victories: Brecksville (26-15) on Aug. 31; North Canton Hoover (7-6) on Oct. 5; Perry (27-10) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Tailback Anthony Smith rushed for more than 1,000 yards, and Justin Szink has been steady at quarterback. Joe Monnot is a defensive force at linebacker.

Nordonia

Record: 9-1 overall, 5-0 in Northeast Ohio Conference.

Opponent: hosts Perrysburg (8-2, 5-2 in Northern Lakes League), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 9-7 record in seven trips; state runner-up in 2002.

Key victories: Jackson (21-14) on Aug. 31; Hudson (21-14) on Oct. 5; Mayfield (45-42) on Oct. 19.

Players to watch: Senior quarterback Aaron Pankratz and junior tailback John Hamilton have been productive. Ryan Clark and Brian Vollmer have used their speed to make big plays.

North Canton Hoover

Record: 8-2 overall, 6-1 in the Federal League.

Opponent: hosts Toledo St. John's (6-4, 4-3 Toledo City League) at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 10-14 in 14 trips; state runner-up in 1984.

Key victories: Perry (21-7) on Oct. 19; Jackson (31-0) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Senior quarterback Jared Wackerly (118-of-192, 1,898 yards, 23 TDs) and senior wide receiver/defensive back Matt Wakulchik (53 catches, 876 yards, 12 touchdowns) are a lethal combination. Senior defensive lineman James Georgiades, senior linebacker/tight end Kevin Dahl, senior running back Phillip Howard and sophomore running back Erick Howard are always threats to make a game-changing play.

Wadsworth

Record: 9-1 overall, 6-1 in Suburban League.

Opponent: at Toledo Whitmer (8-2, 6-1 in Toledo City Athletic League), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 4-4 record in four trips; regional finalist in 2003.

Key victories: Medina (30-24) on Sept. 6; Highland (36-21) on Sept. 14; Tallmadge (31-16) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Senior tailback Dru Jones (2,087 yards, 27 TDs) has become the leading career rusher in Medina County history. Senior quarterback Scott Saylor has hooked up with sophomore wide receiver Anthony Schrock for big plays.

DIVISION II

Firestone

Record: 7-3 overall, 6-0 in City Series.

Opponent: at Tallmadge (9-1, 6-1 in Suburban League), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: First trip.

Key victories: Revere (26-17) on Aug. 24; Ellet (27-7) on Sept. 21; Garfield (41-34) on Oct. 5.

Players to watch: Tailback Darshawn Thomas has been the primary offensive weapon for the City Series champions. Quarterback Trevor Kennedy has been effective running the offense.

Lake

Record: 7-3 overall, 4-3 in Federal League.

Opponent: at Louisville (8-2, 6-1 in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 17-14 in 14 trips to playoffs; state semifinalist in 1972 and 1999.

Key victories: Louisville (35-34) on Aug. 31; Canton McKinley (24-6) on Sept. 7; Dresden Tri-Valley (42-0) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Senior Gene Onabiyi (1,173 yards rushing) and junior Tyler Crowl (1,076) give Lake a formidable one-two punch at running back. Senior quarterback T.J. Viscuso, senior middle linebacker/fullback Matt Higginbotham, junior wide receiver/defensive back Michael Chack and senior two-way lineman Colin Everett provide leadership.

Louisville

Record: 8-2 overall, 6-1 in Northeastern Buckeye Conference.

Opponent: hosts Lake (7-3, 4-3 in Federal League), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 7-10 record in 10 trips; state semifinalist in 1992.

Key victories: Louisville defeated previously unbeaten West Branch 23-13 in Week 5 and went on to finish the regular season with a six-game winning streak.

Players to watch: Junior quarterback Neal Seaman and senior wide receiver Tyler Adkins are a dangerous combination. Senior linebacker/running back Marcus Poyser, senior linebacker J.D. Whaley, senior linebacker/running back Clay Swigert, sophomore defensive back Bob Swigert lead the defense.

Tallmadge

Record: 9-1 overall, 6-1 in Suburban League.

Opponent: hosts Firestone (7-3, 6-0 in City Series), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 6-3 record in three trips; state semifinalist in 2004 and 2005.

Key victories: Firestone (35-20) on Sept. 7; Cloverleaf (34-0) on Sept. 21; Highland (30-24) on Oct. 12.

Players to watch: Quarterback-safety Patrick Pakan has been a playmaker on both sides of the ball. Tailback Tyler Fortner has rushed for 1,431 yards in eight games. Linebacker Collin Haben is the defensive leader.

DIVISION III

Aurora

Record: 9-1 overall, 6-1 in Chagrin Valley Conference.

Opponent: hosts Cortland Lakeview (8-2, 7-0 in Trumbull Athletic Conference), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 5-4 record in four trips; state semifinalist in 2006.

Key victories: Twinsburg (24-13) on Sept. 7; Kenston (14-13) on Sept. 28; West Geauga (21-14) on Oct. 5.

Players to watch: Quarterback Brendan Gallagher (95-of-142 for 1,368 yards and 11 TDs) and tailback Steve Yung (623 yards rushing and eight TDs) are juniors who have played major roles.

Canton South

Record: 6-4 overall, 4-3 in Northeastern Buckeye Conference.

Opponent: at Dover (7-3, 7-0 in East Central Ohio League), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 1-2 in two trips; lost in regional semifinal in 2006.

Key victories: Won season opener 28-21 win at home against Dover; Marlington (14-9) on Oct. 5.

Players to watch: Quarterback Matt Trissel likes to throw (1,639 yards and 13 TDs) and has four receivers with 300 yards or more: Brad Hebert (503), Lonnel Bush (410), Jerald Robinson (330) and Derek Daniels (317).

Field

Record: 9-1 overall, 6-1 in the Portage Trail-Metro Division.

Opponent: at Walsh Jesuit (8-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: First trip.

Key victories: Manchester (27-0) on Aug. 31; Coventry (16-13) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Senior running back/free safety Seth Koosed (1,337 yards and 26 touchdowns) is the school's all-time leading rusher. Senior inside linebackers Zack Miller and Anthony Palumbo, senior defensive end Nick Frimel, junior nose tackle Carlton Gray and senior defensive back Ronnie Adkins lead the defense. Senior quarterback Nathan Clark (800 yards passing, 10 TDs) and senior offensive lineman Kris Adams are team leaders.

Northwest

Record: 10-0 overall, 7-0 in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference.

Opponent: hosts Poland Seminary (7-3, 5-2 in Metro League), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 7-6 in six playoff appearances; lost state semifinal in 2004.

Key victories: Louisville (34-33) on Sept. 14; West Branch (38-22) on Oct. 12; Marlington (17-6) on Oct. 19.

Players to watch: Running back Danny Beers (917 yards, 15 TDs) can grind it out and flash his speed. Quarterback Jimmy Shiplett (1,815 yards, 14 TDs) and receiver Ted Robb (41 catches, 785 yards, eight TDs) are a potent combination. Offensive line averages nearly 300 pounds.

Ravenna

Record: 8-2 overall, 7-0 in the Portage Trail-Metro Division.

Opponent: at Mentor Lake Catholic (6-4, 4-1 in the North Coast League), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 0-1 in one trip.

Key victories: Defeated previously undefeated Field 21-13 on Oct. 19 to win the PTC Metro Division outright.

Players to watch: Cousins senior wide receiver/running back/defensive back Jonathan Davis, senior fullback/middle linebacker Roy Davis, junior running back/safety Blayre Davis combine to score nearly every touchdown for the Ravens. Senior quarterback Brandon Pesicek, senior defensive tackle Brad Hager and senior offensive lineman Drew Trammel are veteran leaders.

Walsh Jesuit

Record: 8-1 overall.

Opponent: hosts Field (9-1, 6-1 in PTC Metro), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 19-12 in 13 trips; state champions in 1999.

Key victories: Parma Padua (44-27) on Sept. 22, giving coach Gerry Rardin his 200th career win.

Players to watch: Sophomore running back Cameron Ontko (91 carries, 630 yards, nine TDs in five games) and junior quarterback Kyle Snyder (44-of-89, 624 yards, nine TDs passing; 961 yards and three TDs rushing) are impact playmakers. Senior two-way lineman Andrew Illig, junior two-way lineman Pat McShane, junior wide receiver/defensive back Armand Dehaney and senior tight end Chris Stoffl round out an offensive juggernaut.

West Branch

Record: 8-2 overall, 5-2 in Northeastern Buckeye Conference.

Opponent: hosts New Concord John Glenn (8-2, 6-2 Muskingum Valley League), 7:30 p.m. Friday at West Branch.

Playoff history: 7-8 in nine trips; state champion in 1994.

Key victories: Canton South (14-11) on Sept. 28; Marlington (28-21) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Quarterback Steve McNeely is a dual threat. He has passed for 2,156 yards and 22 TDs and has rushed for 320 yards. The receiving corps is dangerous, with Jeremiah James (745 yards), Jase Uyselt (531), Chad Butcher (488) and Eric Bates (281).

DIVISION IV

Canton Central Catholic

Record: 9-1.

Opponent: hosts Tusky Valley (8-2, 6-0 in PAC-7), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 14-7 in nine trips; state champions in 1988 and 2000.

Key victories: Perry (35-6) on Aug. 31; Dover (35-14) on Sept. 7; Youngtown East (17-14) on Oct. 12.

Players to watch: Senior running back Max Colaner (909 yards rushing), senior quarterback Joey Rhoads (1,798 yards, 16 TDs) and senior wide receiver Rob Hoagland (57 catches, 1,107 yards, 13 TDs) give the Crusaders offensive punch. Senior linebacker Marcello Natale leads the team with 109 tackles.

CVCA

Record: 9-1, 5-1 in PAC-7.

Opponent: at Steubenville (10-0), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 0-3 in three trips.

Key victories: Triway (21-0) on Oct. 19; Manchester (7-3) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Leading the way offensively is running back John Pettigrew, who has 201 carries for 1,781 yards and 17 TDs. Jared Kusar has 847 yards and 13 TDs. Pettigrew also leads the defense with four INTs, while Zach Butler has three.

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Record: 8-2.

Opponent: hosts Lake County Perry (9-1, 6-1 in Chagrin Valley Conference), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 20-8 in 12 playoff trips; state champions in 1972, 1981, 1982 and 1988.

Key victories: Archbishop Hoban (33-28) on Sept. 15; Walsh Jesuit (10-7) on Oct. 5.

Players to watch: Running back Carnell Evans leads the ground attack with 1,051 yards and 13 TDs. Quarterback Roger Wilson has completed 53 percent of his passes (63-of-118 for 1,086 yards). Receiver Todd Culver (18 catches, 580 yards, six 6 TDs) can make big plays.

Tusky Valley

Record: 8-2 overall, 6-0 in PAC-7).

Opponent: at Canton Central Catholic (9-1), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 1-5 in five trips; state semifinalist in 1972.

Key victories: CVCA (36-35) on Sept. 14; Manchester (35-18) on Oct. 5; Triway (23-6) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Senior Steve Spillman has rushed for 1,071 yards and 15 rushing TDs, and also has four receiving touchdowns. Senior Sam Gergley is the leading receiver (43 catches, 900 yards, 10 TDs) and senior quarterback Pat Kane has thrown for 1,617 yards and 15 TDs.

DIVISION V

Northwestern

Record: 9-1 overall, 6-1 in Wayne County Athletic League.

Opponent: at Waynedale (8-2, 6-1 in WCAL), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 2-2 in two trips; lost in regional finals in 2005.

Key victories: Norwayne (38-12) on Sept. 28; Hillsdale (28-6) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Senior linebacker Matt Redick (111 tackles), senior cornerback Shawn Sheridan (10 interceptions), junior defensive end Garret Price (84 tackles, 12 for loss and five sacks) and senior linebacker Brent Hostettler (88 tackles, nine for loss) led the top defense in the WCAL. Senior two-way lineman Jake Ewing helps pave the way for one of the top running backs in Wayne County, senior Travis Morris (224 carries for 1,072 yards and 14 touchdowns).

Waynedale

Record: 8-2 overall, 6-1 in Wayne County Athletic League.

Opponent: hosts Northwestern (9-1, 6-1 in WCAL), 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Playoff history: 8-6 record in six trips; state semifinalist in 1985, 1995 and 1997.

Key victories: Tusky Valley (27-19) on Aug. 24; Northwestern (28-13) on Sept. 14.

Players to watch: Senior linebacker Jared Neff, junior linebacker James Rutt (106 tackles) senior defensive tackle David Stiltner, junior strong safety/wide receiver Sean Rutt (83 tackles) and senior cornerback/wide receiver Jesse Long (four interceptions, 38 tackles) lead a vicious defensive attack. Junior Thad Nofsinger (208 carries 1,647 yards, 22 touchdowns) is a dominant running back.

DIVISION VI

Mogadore

Record: 9-1, 7-0 in Portage Trail-County Division.

Opponent: hosts Columbiana (7-3, 5-2 in Tier One of Inter Tri-County League), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Playoff history: 40-17 record in 20 trips; state champions in 1979, 1996 and 2002.

Key victories: Garrettsville (34-31) on Sept. 21; Woodridge (33-15) on Sept. 28; East Canton (41-12) on Oct. 26.

Players to watch: Running backs Cody Destro and Ryan Brodie each rushed for more than 1,000 yards. Senior quarterback Shawn Pierce has made good decisions running the offense.
— Compiled by Tom Gaffney, David Lee Morgan Jr. and Nate Ulrich.