Trotwood-Madison vs. Winton Woods
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2009-10 UD men's basketball
Pyramid Hill lights up
high school football division III, region 12 semifinals
Monroe to face upstart tonight
Led by Osterman and Ferguson, the Hornets face Canal Winchester in a D-III, Region 12 semifinal.
Video preview: Monroe vs. Canal Winchester
More: Success starts up front | Fans buzzing with pride | Photos
Friday, November 09, 2007
MONROE — In 2005, Monroe was in the same position Canal Winchester is in today.
The Hornets emerged as a playoff team that season after years of losing. They rode a wave of talent and emotion all the way to the Division IV state semifinals before losing to a tougher, more experienced Coldwater team.
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The shoe is on the other foot this year.
In tonight's Division III, Region 12 semifinal matchup, Monroe's opponent Canal Winchester is the newcomer. The Indians won their first-ever playoff game last week, and they are in the playoffs for the first time since 1988. They are riding that wave of talent and emotion.
"We're very excited," first-year Canal Winchester coach Phil Mauro said. "We've been blessed with 13 great seniors this year. They haven't experienced much success around here, but they have been our glue."
The seniors are led on offense by Antonio Davis, a 5-foot-8, 171-pound running back who has totaled 1,150 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns in the Indians' 11 games. On the defensive side of the ball, senior Anthony Nixon (6-1, 225) has been one of the leaders with 10.5 sacks and 90 total tackles.
"Nixon and (sophomore Zack) Hitchens have been pretty exceptional for us," Mauro said. Hitchens also has 10.5 sacks.
"Their ability to contain the outside and funnel everything to the middle has been a huge part of our success."
Monroe quarterback Tyler Osterman has completed 141-of-243 passes for 2,112 yards and 20 touchdowns. But when necessary, the Hornets also can take it up the gut with senior Jared Ferguson.
Ferguson doesn't possess spectacular speed to the outside, but at 6-2, 220 pounds, he makes up for it in sheer power. He's averaging 9.6 yards per carry and has amassed 1,075 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing.
"We haven't had any trouble coming down emotionally," Monroe coach Jason Krause said. "Our focus now is that this is business. Two years ago, it was all new to us and we had to come back down after each win. But now we know what to expect at this level.
"Offensively, we want to be balanced," he continued. "We have to establish the run game with Ferg and then Tyler has to make plays when he has the opportunity."
The Indians also are a strong passing team with junior Travis Stevenson completing 85-of-177 passes for 1,063 yards and one touchdown.
"In a game like this, our defense will be the difference. We have to control the line of scrimmage," Krause said.
Senior defensive lineman Mike Miller, who has 111 tackles and 14 sacks, will lead the Hornets' defensive attack.
Mauro added his defense is well aware of Monroe's offensive firepower.
"Tyler Osterman has a great pocket presence and he has a lot of weapons," Mauro said. "It's going to be a big challenge for our defense."
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or sweaver@coxohio.com