Lenawee Christian @ Whiteford

By Frank Vacjner

It’s a first round rematch from last season as reigning
Division 8 champion Whiteford hosts Lenawee Christian. When the Bobcats and
Cougars met last year, it was Whiteford who emerged 61-6. One year later, there
are some familiar faces still around. Whiteford comes in at 9-0 on the season
after thrashing Britton-Deerfield 68-13, and a playoff record of 20-17. Lenawee
Christian comes in at 8-1 with their last game being a forfeit by Detroit
Universal, but has never won a playoff game in four appearances.

Whiteford: 9-0 (7-0 Tri-County Conference)

Record vs. Playoff Teams: 3-0

Jason Mensing’s team picked up right where they left off
after winning the Division 8 State Championship last season, qualifying for the
playoffs for a seventh consecutive season. Despite losing a lot to graduation,
the Bobcats were only three points behind their total through nine games last
year, as they averaged 53.9 points per game. The Bobcats’ double wing offense
is led by senior QB Ty Eitniear (870 pass yards, 13 TDs; 273 rush yards, four
TDs), who can get it done with his arm and his feet. Senior RBs Logan Murphy
(958 rush yards, 14 TDs), Zack Bertz (442 yards, 12 TDs) and Hunter Lake (444
rush yards, nine TDs) are explosive anytime they get the ball. Lake is also a
dangerous punt returner. Senior WR Bradyn Clark-Gilmore (457 receiving yards,
eight TDs) is Eitniear’s favorite target.

On defense, the Bobcats are only allowing a paltry 7.3
points per game. Senior DE Treylan Hess, a transfer from Adrian, has been the
top performer on defense with 59 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, six sacks, and
three forced fumbles. Senior LB Nate Bauman (51 tackles, 11 TFLs), senior NT
DeShaun Williams (45 tackles, 15 TFLs, two forced fumbles, three fumble
recoveries), and DB Lake (32 tackles, 4 interceptions are among other impact
players on defense. The Bobcats also recorded 27 takeaways this season.

Lenawee Christian: 8-1 (2-1 SCAA)

Record vs. playoff teams: 2-1

This is the fifth time Bill Wilharms’ team has qualified
for the playoffs in school history, and the fourth time in the last six
seasons. The Cougars are multiple on offense, led by junior QB Adam Baker. His
favorite targets include junior WR Mike Braman, senior slot receiver Kaleb
Kline, and junior TE Hutson Hohlbien. When running the ball, the Cougars will
turn to juniors Andres Quevedo and Kaden Morton. The unit averaged 30 points
per game before Week 9.

The Cougars were giving up 13.2 points per game through
Week 8, and Baker has been leading the way at safety, where he was first-team
all state last season. Kline is another impact player at cornerback, while
Braman, Hohlbien, and sophomore Jameson Chesser are the top linebackers.

The Cougars look like a team that could go on a run. But
they’re running right into a buzz saw in Whiteford. Look for another day at the
office for the Bobcats.

Chris’s Pick: Whiteford 42 Lenawee Christian 20
Gary’s Pick: Whiteford 52 Lenawee Christian 7
Frank’s Pick: Whiteford 48 Lenawee Christian 13

Chris Schultz