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D-IV STATE SEMIFINAL PREVIEW
Coldwater's Kunk touts teammates, focuses on Westfall
Defensive lineman says Cavs can't look ahead to potential state title game.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
COLDWATER — If possible, Tyler Kunk would take his Division IV Northwest District defensive player of year award and break it apart. The pieces would go to his Coldwater High football teammates.
"It's never really about me. It's about the team," Kunk said of the award. "I couldn't be doing what I am without them. I consider it a team award because we work together so well."
Extras
The Cavaliers will need another team effort at 7 p.m. today. Coldwater (12-1) plays Williamsport Westfall (13-0) in the D-IV state semifinals at Northmont's Good Samaritan Stadium. The Cavs look to get back to the final after winning it all in 2005.
Scouting report
The Mustangs can run. Running back Seth Hardin accounted for 442 of Westfall's 600 yards rushing in a regional semifinal defeat of Waverly. The team averages 39 points and allows eight. It'll be a tough challenge for the Cavaliers, who allow 122 yards rushing and 13 points.
Kunk, a defensive tackle, will play a big part in slowing down the Mustangs. He has 87 tackles (six for loss), 9.5 sacks, five recovered fumbles and one forced fumble.
"I try to stay laid back and not concentrate too much on the game," Kunk said of his pregame approach. "I try to keep everyone loose. If you're uptight it doesn't help at all."
Grappling with Kunk
Kunk's big-game experience isn't limited to football. He's also reached the state wrestling tournament twice. The mat time has come in handy for football, too.
"As a defensive tackle, it helps you out tremendously. You know how to move their body to get through," Kunk said of getting into an opponent's backfield.
Quote
"It's hard not to think about (the state finals in Massillon). But we know we have to get through Westfall first. It's all about this week. Our coaches do a good job keeping our minds on this game." — Kunk, on being one win away from playing for the D-IV state championship
Contact this reporter at
(937) 225-2400, ext. 6991,
or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Today's game
Who: Coldwater (12-1) vs. Williamsport Westfall (13-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Good Samaritan Stadium, Northmont
