Preview: Chaminade Julienne (9-3) vs. Clinton-Massie (10-2)

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 11:38 AM Friday, November 18, 2011

Who: No. 5 Chaminade Julienne (9-3) vs. No. 3 Clinton-Massie (10-2)

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Mason High School

Clinton-Massie’s 2 key players: With the significant blocking help of senior lineman Jared Salisbury (6-6, 325), sophomore Bayle Wolf tops a three-player rushing attack. He gained 152 yards last week in a 24-10 regional semifinal defeat of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy as the Falcons have gained 306 and 355 rushing yards in their two playoff games. Junior linebacker Duane Sowers (5-11, 200) is a leader on the defense that has allowed an average of 8.0 points per game during Clinton-Massie’s nine-game winning streak.

CJ’s 2 key players: Senior quarterback Sam Spees has been a consistent leader all season, averaging 107.3 passing yards and 30.2 rushing yards per game with 18 combined touchdowns. He drives the Eagles’ offense that has shifted more to the run in the postseason. On defense, junior linebacker Darrien Howard was named the Southwest District D-IV Defensive Player of the Year this week after helping CJ allow 13 and 17 points in playoff wins against Williamsport Westfall and Waynesville.

What to watch: CJ will try to slow the Clinton-Massie offense that ran the ball on 62 of 66 plays last week and has helped the team average 52.2 points in nine straight wins. C-M has scored 49 or more points six times this season and 70 or more three times. The Eagles hope to take an early lead and keep it late in the game with a consistent running game, led by junior running back Brandon Payne (1,349 yards, 12 TDs).

On deck: The winner will advance to the D-IV state semifinals on Saturday. The opponent and neutral site will be announced on Sunday.

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