Editors Note: We planned on providing previews of all the games, but didn’t receive info on a few of the teams. We can’t provide a preview if we don’t have the info.
By Frank Vajcner
Whiteford’s road to a repeat in Division 8 begins with Tri-County Conference foe Sand Creek. The Bobcats come in at 9-0, and on a 23-game winning streak. The Aggies are 5-4, and ended the season on a four-game winning streak to qualify for the postseason.
Sand Creek Aggies
Head Coach: Marc Spicer
Playoff Record: 32-23. This is the Aggies’ 25th playoff appearance in school history.
Record vs. 2023 playoff teams: 0-2 (L 63-0 vs. Blissfield, L 48-8 vs Whiteford)
Team Leaders:
Passing: Cole Scharer (42-98, 412 yards, 5 TDs, 8 INT)
Rushing: Ivan Wilkinson (199 attempts, 1007 yards, 13 TDs); Jordan Illenden (80 attempts, 460 yards, 5 TDs)
Receiving: Carson Preston (8 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TDs); Rory Eack (7 receptions, 101 yards, 2 TDs)
Tackles: Reid Hulett (57 tackles, 10 TFL)
Sacks: Nathan Lakatos (5.5 sacks)
Interceptions: Preston (3 interceptions)
Notable: The Aggies’ late season run can be attributed to the return of leading rusher Ivan Wilkinson in Week 6 from injury. Wilkinson did not play when the Aggies faced the Bobcats in Week 5.
Whiteford Bobcats
Head Coach: Todd Thieken
Playoff Record: 31-21. This is the Bobcats’ 12th consecutive playoff appearance, and 24th in school history.
Record vs. 2023 playoff teams: 4-0 (W 28-21 vs. Blissfield, W 22-7 vs. Ida, W 48-8 vs. Sand Creek, W 45-7 vs. Union City)
Team Leaders:
Passing: Tre Eitniear (36-69, 821 yards, 12 TDs, 2 INTs)
Rushing: Jake Iott (96 attempts, 685 yards, 5 TDs); Hunter DeBarr (86 attempts, 621 yards 7 TDs); Drew Knaggs (83 attempts, 474 yards, 7 TDs); Ryin Ruddy (23 attempts, 364 yards, 5 TDs)
Receiving: Kolby Masserant (32 receptions, 680 yards, 10 TDs)
Tackles: Jake Iott (114 tackles); Ryin Ruddy (79 tackles)
Sacks: Jake Iott and Drew Knaggs (5 sacks each)
Interceptions: Kolby Masserant (5 interceptions)
Notable: Bobcat QB Tre Eitniear is the brother of Tommy and Ty Eitniear. Both of whom were members of Whiteford’s 2017 State Championship team. The Bobcats still have three of their top four rushers, top two receivers, and leading tackler from last year’s stat championship team.
Outlook: Nothing is impossible, but Whiteford is on a different planet than Sand Creek. Look for the Bobcats to start the run for a repeat with a win
Asking for a Sand Creek dad who can’t make it to the game: is there any way for him to stream the game?
It’s being video streamed live on NFHS.com
Thanks Gary! A big thankyou to Chris, Gary and Frank for all you guys do for local football. Good luck to all the teams tonight!