“They’ve got one something that we don’t have and that’s a state championship,” he said. “Somehow, we’ve got to find a way to get that. “
A shot at that elusive prize for the Warriors will be their reward if they can beat the Cardinals in today’s D-I state semifinal at 7 p.m. at Mason. The game will be shown live on Time Warner Cable channels 1311 (HD), 311 and 99.
Colerain (12-1) won its only D-I state title in 2004 with one of the state’s best defensive units ever. Wayne (13-0) lost in the 1999, 2010 and ’14 state title games.
“They’re good. They’re a lot like us,” Colerain coach Tommy Bolden said. “From an athletic standpoint they are much like us. Same chemistry, same kind of makeup of kids. Same dynamics of the kids – just tough, athletic kids. So we have our hands full.”
Colerain’s only loss was 39-36 in Week 3 to LaSalle on a 41-yard field goal with 11 seconds left. Colerain senior Deshaunte Jones is a running quarterback. He’s rushed for 1,786 yards and 28 touchdowns.
“He’s something special,” Minton said. “He runs like (former Wayne QB) Braxton (Miller) and some say he might be quicker than Braxton.”
Wayne advanced by dodging Hilliard Davidson 20-6 at Welcome Stadium last week. Colerain took out Greater Catholic League South Division power Elder, 41-11. It’ll be the third straight playoff game at Mason for Colerain.
D-I: Wayne (13-0) vs. Colerain (12-1) at Mason Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium.
• Coaches: Jay Minton (Wayne), 17th season; Tom Bolden (Colerain), ninth season.
• Key players: Wayne sr. QB Messiah deWeaver, 153 of 240 passing for 2,692 yards, 29 TDs, 2 INTs; so. WR L'Christian Smith 50 catches, 1,188 yards (23.8), 16 TDs; jr. RB Fred Pitts, 720 yards, 10 TDs. Colerain sr. QB Deshaunte Jones, 1,786 yards rushing, 28 TDs; jr. RB Monalo Caldwell 1,276 yards, 18 TDs.
• History: Colerain won 23-0 in second round of playoffs in 2008 and 19-7 in the '07 season opener. This is Colerain's 18th playoff appearance and sixth straight. Cardinals won D-I state title in 2004. Wayne's 18th playoff appearance, too. Warriors were state runner-ups in 1999, 2010 and last season.
• At stake: The other state semi/regional final is defending D-I state champ Lakewood St. Edward (12-1) vs. Stow-Munroe Falls (12-0) at Parma. The winners will play in the D-I state championship on Dec. 5 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
D-IV: Fenwick (13-0) vs. Col. Bishop Hartley (10-3) at Wilmington Alumni Field.
• Coaches: Joe Snively (Fenwick), third season; Brad Burchfield (Hartley), eighth season.
• Key players: Fenwick sr. RB Nathan Jeffers, 1,043 yards, 16 TDs; sr. RB Michael Sheridan, 1,107 yards, 11 TDs. Hartley sr. RB/LB Quri Hickman, 1,963 yards, 27 TDs.
• History: Top-ranked Fenwick has won 17 consecutive games since last season and is playing in its first state semi since 1987. Hartley is in its 15th playoff appearance and lost to Canton Central Catholic 34-24 in this game last season.
• At stake: The other state semi is Steubenville (12-0) vs. Youngstown Ursuline (8-5) at Boardman. The winners will play in the D-IV state championship on Dec. 5 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
D-VI: Marion Local (12-1) vs. Defiance Tinora (11-1) at Wapakoneta Harmon Field.
• Coaches: Tim Goodwin (ML), 16th season); second season; Kenneth Krouse (DT), 12th season.
• Key players: Marion Local sr. RB Aaron Nietfeld, 1,121 yards, 14 TDs; WR/DB Hunter Wilker, 33 catches, 654 yards, 8 TDs.
• History: Marion Local is seeking its fifth straight state title and is one of three MAC teams playing this weekend. Tinora lost 14-13 to Minster in last year's D-VI state semis.
• At stake: The other state semi is Kirtland (12-1) vs. Grandview Heights (12-1) at Mansfield. The winners will play in the D-VI state championship on Dec. 5 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
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