DaytonDailyNews.com

5 things to know

In Alter High School's last two playoff games against Southwestern Buckeye League teams, the Knights have outscored Oakwood and Eaton 82-0. The Knights play at Brookville today, Oct. 31.

Since rushing for just 37 yards in a 9-0 loss to Fairmont, Wayne's Erique Geiger has rushed for 501 yards and six scores on 73 attempts against Beavercreek, Centerville and Springfield.

Despite two big losses, Fairmont is prone to close, low-scoring games. The Firebirds averaged 16.1 points and allowed just 12.6.

Oakwood is in the playoffs for the fifth time in eight seasons, and the Lumberjacks would like to stick around a bit longer this season. Oakwood has lost four straight first-round games since 2001 by an average score of 27-3. Being seeded No. 5 could help. The Jacks were No. 8 in three of those losses.

The Cross County Conference matched a league high with three teams in the playoffs: Ansonia, Covington and Miami East. The CCC also qualified three teams in 1999 and 2000.

5 players to watch

Chase Belton, Northmont: Quarterback leads the 9-1 Thunderbolts with 1,075 passing yards and 11 TDs plus 678 rushing yards and 10 TDs.

Adam Replogle, Centerville: Indiana-bound defensive lineman will get all the snaps he can handle on defense and at fullback against Cincinnati Elder at The Pit on Saturday.

Josh Doles, Brookville: Senior plays offense, defense and special teams. He's capable of making big plays in all three phases.

Quinton Jones, Franklin: In a must-win game to reach the playoffs, the senior running back went 85 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. He rushed for 218 yards and another score to help the Wildcats to their first postseason since 1993.

Adam Homan, Coldwater: Linebacker leads Cavaliers in tackles and earned Midwest Athletic Conference defensive player of the year honors. Ohio State recruit will likely play fullback for Buckeyes.

5 state notes

There are 35 unbeaten teams in the playoffs. That's the most since the OHSAA went to eight playoff teams per region. The lone 10-0 vs. 10-0 matchup is Mount Orab Western Brown at Tecumseh today.

Cleveland Glenville has outscored its foes 355-42. From Week 3 on, the Tarblooders are on a 301-12 run and have pitched six shutouts.

Circleville Logan Elm went 0-10 in 2007 and is 10-0 in '08. Logan Elm, 0-3 in the playoffs, takes on No. 7 seed Columbus Bexley in the D-III, Region 12 quarterfinals on Saturday.

Beware the Big Red. Steubenville capped the regular season with its 700th win in the program's 109-year history. The Big Red also recorded their sixth straight undefeated regular season to join Massillon and Canton McKinley in the 700 club.

For what it's worth, ESPN ranked the nation's best high school football stadiums. No. 1? Canton's Fawcett Stadium. ESPN liked its "NFL flavor with artificial turf, a pro-style press box and lighting system." Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon came in 10th.

By the numbers

3,614 — Yards rushing by Miami East, which included the program's first pair of 1,000-yard rushers in the same season: Sam Smallwood (1,426) and Tyler Dunivan (1,021). Up-and-comer Brock Smith chipped in with 687.

37 — Consecutive games with a catch for Coldwater RB Tony Harlamert, an OHSAA record. His record-breaker? Fittingly came on a 36-yard TD pass in Week 9 to break the previous best of 35.

31 — Number of playoff victories posted by both Coldwater (31-11) and Marion Local (31-6). The Flyers have four state titles and the Cavaliers two ... so far. Valley View is 30-11 with three championships. The other seven teams joining Valley View in D-III, Region 12 have 19 postseason wins combined. Same goes for Marion Local in D-V, Region 20.

16 — Combined big-school state titles won by Cleveland St. Ignatius (nine) and Cincinnati Moeller (seven). Both teams are in the D-I field.

2 — Defending state champions that didn't qualify for the playoffs. Cincinnati St. Xavier (D-I) and Newark Catholic (D-VI) are out. Back to try and defend are Cincinnati Anderson (D-II), Coldwater (D-IV) and Marion Local (D-V).