Playoff Preview: Wing-T, experienced Tigers stand in Pirates way of 3rd state title

WHEELERSBURG — One more time for it all.

The Wheelersburg Pirates will put it all on the line one final time on Saturday night when they square off with the Liberty Center Tigers in the Ohio Division 5 state championship game at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton.

Both teams come into the game with loads of experience and a hard-nosed styles of play.

Wheelersburg (14-0) comes into the game on the back of their defense, which has been the hallmark of this team all season long. On the year, the Pirates are averaging 37.5 points per game and holding opponents to just 7.7 points per game. Last week, the defense surrendered 127 rushing yards to Cardinal Mooney in the semifinal matchup, with 62 of those yards coming on one play.

For Liberty Center (14-0) they will be making their third-straight appearance in the finals. In each game the Tigers have come close, but have ultimately fell short of winning their first title since 1997. Last season, they lost to Ironton 24-15 and 21-14 to Perry in 2023.

The Tigers have outscored their opponents 668 to 74 this season and sport a powerful ground game that averages 304.5 yards per game.

During the media teleconference call, Wheelersburg coach Rob Woodward pointed out what he felt makes Liberty Center a good offensive team.

"What a tremendous scheme system they run, a challenge in terms of their overall formations and things they utilize. And they've very consistent and very patient. The Wing-T offense always brings that patience of being accepting of that short yardage.

But Woodward also touched on the Tigers' ability to throw the ball, which adds a new layer to their attack.

"But the thing that jumps out to me is that their offense isn't just short yardage. They've got backs that are hard to bring down. They've been able make big plays."

But the Pirates will counter them with a tough, hard-nosed defense.

On the season, the Pirates have been able to keep offenses out of the end zone all season, with the most points allowed in a game coming against Ironton (15 points) in week 6.

The defense has also been effective in the turnover department, piling up a staggering 38 takeaways, including 22 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles. That effort has given the Pirates a plus-29 turnover margin this season.

Despite the turnover stats, Woodward feels the biggest state by his defense is how many times they've turned teams away in the red zone from getting seven points.

"The thing that I think that is so remarkable about our team on defense is that once teams' have gotten inside the red zone, down inside the 20 or at the 15, is our defense has really bowed its back and done a tremendous job of keeping teams out of the end zone and even forcing field goals."

All season long, the Pirates' defense has faced different offensive sets all season long. However, the Tigers will show something completely new with the Wing-T offense.

Liberty Center head coach Casey Mohler gave a small explanation of what to expect from his team on Saturday.

"We're a Wing-T team and we've kind of evolved over the years where we do a little bit of shotgun with that, but we still keep our same Wing-T principles. We try to be as multiple as we can. We want defenses where they're giving us something that we like and we try to spread the ball out to different guys."

Mohler also touched on his team's development of a solid passing game this season, making them more multi-faceted.

"Our passing game has been as good as it's ever been in our program. We've got a couple of good wideouts, we got a good tight end and our backs catch the ball out of the backfield. Our quarterback has done a nice job of distributing the ball to those guys and making good decisions."

At center will be Hunter Spangler (6-4, 265) state champion in shot put and making his third start in the state championship game. At the left guard, a rotation of Henry Fitzenreiter (5-10, 213) and Degan Schwaiger (5-8, 210) will be seen throughout the game. Junior Kellen Wymer (6-5, 270), who recently committed to Ohio State, will hold down the left tackle position. The right side of the line will be anchored by Max Walker (6-0, 210) at right guard. Finally, the right tackle position will see another rotation of sophomore Sawyer Bockleman (6-4, 255) and senior Gab Clapp (6-2, 265).

Behind that line will feature a dual rushing attack of junior Garrison Kruse (123 carries, 1,830 yards, 30 TDs, 14.9 ypc, 16 catches, 235 yards, five TDs) and senior Thomas Mohler (128 carries, 1,087 yards, 15 TDs, 9.1 ypc). Both backs will be one-two punch the Tigers need to attack the Pirates' tough run defense.

In terms of special teams, the Pirates have the edge thanks in part to Ohio University-commit Cooper Heimbach. Woodward explained how big of a factor the senior kicker has been all year long.

"We've had great kickers at Wheelersburg, I've been really blessed with that, but Cooper has really just taken it to another level. Being able to put the ball in the end zone with 42 touchbacks on the year. He's also a punter that averages right at 45 yards a punt with a good 4-5 second hang time, allowing our guys get down there very quickly to the ball. And 18 of 21 in field goals."

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 P.M.

——————

OHSAA Division 5, State Championship

Liberty Center Tigers (14-0) vs. Wheelersburg Pirates (14-0)

Time: Saturday, December 6, 7:30 PM

Where: Tom Benson Stadium, Canton, OH

Key Matchup to Watch:

Wheelersburg defensive line vs. Liberty Center offensive line

This will be the decisive factor in the game. It will be a clash of the Tigers size and experience against the Pirates strength and quickness. Whoever wins the line of scrimmage first will get the upper hand and set the game's tone the rest of the way.

Impact Players to Watch:

Garrison Kruse, Liberty Center

The junior RB will be one to keep an eye on, especially as Mr. Football candidate next fall. On the year, Kruse has ran for 1,890 yards and averaging 14.9 yards per carry. He's found the end zone 30 times on the ground this season.

Cooper Heimbach, Wheelersburg

Field position and special teams will be a factor in a game like this. Heimbach's ability to pin teams deep with touchback kickoffs and punts could force the Tigers into having to drive the length of the field, allowing the defense more chances to get stops.