Ohio Playoff Preview: #21 Massillon Washington (OH) and #82 Big Walnut (OH) Get Their Turn

That is a strong way for a 9–1 team to enter November. Running back Savior Owens had already rushed for 232 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries against Warren Harding on October 16. Massillon has shown it can build a possession around him without needing a string of completions.

Sixth-seeded DeSales arrives 8–3 and with a different kind of threat. Quarterback RJ Day was credited with 239 yards and four touchdown passes in the Stallions' 56–14 first-round win over Watkins Memorial. Massillon beat DeSales 48–14 in last year's playoffs, but Day gives this rematch a specific problem to solve.

What to watch: The pass defense after the run stops. McKinley found room through the air even while its rushing game went nowhere. Day's first-round production makes it risky to treat another strong night against the run as the whole assignment. Massillon has to finish possessions after putting DeSales behind schedule.

What to watch: Owens and the length of the game. The Tigers' long touchdown drive against McKinley showed what their running game can do beyond producing a highlight. Sustaining those possessions would keep Day waiting. Quick stops by DeSales would give its passing game more chances to work.

Louisville at #82 Big Walnut (OH)

Big Walnut is 10–0, seeded second and coming off a 67–12 regular-season finale against Westland. Louisville is 9–2 after beating North Canton Hoover 21–7, reversing a 27–18 regular-season loss.

The Leopards earned that rematch win on the ground and with three fumble recoveries. Running back Lucas Neff carried 20 times for 146 yards and all three touchdowns. Their defense allowed just 81 rushing yards.

Big Walnut has a big-play threat of its own. Running back Nolan Buirley rushed for 215 yards and five touchdowns on only eight carries in the October 16 win over Dublin Scioto. He also caught an 83-yard touchdown pass. Louisville cannot account for him only when he takes a handoff.

What to watch: Make Big Walnut keep snapping it. Buirley's six-touchdown game is the warning. Louisville needs tackles that end plays before modest gains become scores. Holding Hoover's ground game down was a good start; this is a different test.

What to watch: Neff without the extra possessions. Louisville recovered all three of Hoover's fumbles and committed no turnovers. It cannot count on the same help Friday. Neff's ability to sustain drives matters even more if the Leopards have to earn their field position.

Follow both games on the T25PS scoreboard.

Alex | T25PS