It’s not often football league titles take a back seat at Springboro, but Friday the fact that the Panthers won a share of their fourth Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division title was secondary.

“We’re going to the playoffs,” junior quarterback Jack Schaaf said after leading ‘Boro to a 20-7 win over Xenia at Careflight Field. “It’s crazy … it’s crazy. I’ve never been a part of it and it’s going to be something new.”

The Panthers did something Friday that’s never been done.

Making the postseason for the first time since 2005, ‘Boro punched its first ticket the Division I playoffs. The Panthers were D-II previously.

There’s still a week left in the regular season, but with nine wins, ‘Boro is a lock for Week 11.

“It’s been a goal of ours for a long, long time,” ‘Boro Head Coach Ryan Whilhite said. “It’s always been a question as to who the first team was going to be to qualify for the Division I playoffs. This one is it.”

After finishing 3-7 last year, ‘Boro has punctuated its turnaround and arrival with balanced and power football. Friday was no exception.

Behind a line anchored by senior tackle Sean Welsh, an Iowa commit, the Panthers pounded out 398 total yards, including 248 rushing. Rahman Hardin had 115 yards and a TD on 15 carries, while Schaaf completed 11-of-15 passes for 153 yards and two TDs.

The game was tied 7-7 at the half after two first half turnovers stopped drives in the redzone and another led to Xenia’s lone score.

“We played uncharacteristic on offense but the defense stepped it up,” Schaaf said. “It’s good to know they have our back.”

Xenia’s offense struggled all night. The Bucs gained just 164 yards and lost starting quarterback David Roberts and leading receiver Tyler Lee to injury. Freshman David Naylor finished the game at QB for Xenia.

Defensively, the Panthers have allowed just 110 points this season.

A win at archrival Lebanon next week will give ‘Boro its first undefeated season since 2005.

“This 2012 team has become a part of history,” Whilhite said. “It’s special to be a part of a group that has that success.”

Said Schaaf: “It wasn’t pretty, but we got it done.”