Welcome to the second round of the playoffs. For the second straight year, a NE-10 team will be hosting the game.


Findlay Playoff History

1st playoff appearance

1-0 overall record

0-0 against the NE-10


Assumption Playoff History

3rd playoff appearance

2-2 overall record

0-0 against the GMAC


Head to Head

First Meeting


Week 12 Capsules

# 7 Findlay (10-2, 6-1 GMAC) @ # 3 Assumption (10-1, 8-1 NE-10)

When: November 25th, 1 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

Common Opponents: None

Link to Team Stats:

Findlay

Assumption

Game Day Central

Video Link


My thoughts: Are you ready for some second round playoff football?

Findlay Scouting Report:

Findlay enters the game fresh off of a 29-17 upset of previously undefeated Shepherd. The Oilers trailed but scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to pull out their first Division II playoff victory on the road.

Findlay boasts one of the top offenses in the country. Rhys Gervais is the quarterback and will help to lead the offense up and down the field. Daouda Sylla is the main ball carrier in the backfield. He had over 200 yards against Shepherd and 1,400 for the year. Michael Campbell is another threat in the backfield and more than capable of handling the majority of carries. Jason Moore and Andrew Ogletree are the main targets for Gervais as Moore led the team with receptions and touchdowns. The trios of Jacobs (Hill, Allton and Boucher) will see the ball thrown their way. Neal Davis, Andrew Dickinson, Logan Bailey, Christian Olmstead and Clay Colvin will anchor the offensive line.

The defense forces a lot of turnovers and that helped in the win over Shepherd. The linebackers of Justice Jenkins, Tyler Long, Isaac Miles and Anthony Kastelic are in on most tackles. The defense line of Johnny Hopkins, Cyle Skidmore, Kyle Gibson, Grant Kinsinger and Carter Blakeney will pressure the quarterback. The secondary is the strength of the team and nicknamed the Air Marshals. Francis Cutchember, Chiebuka Chukwuneke, Aaron Ivory, Terrence Smith and Tyler Lee and have combined for 15 interceptions this year and two keys ones last week against Shepherd.

Allton has been handling the kicking duties the past several games and Patrick Rusher is the punter. Hill is the returner and averaging 25 yards per return with a couple of touchdowns.

Assumption Scouting Report:

Assumption took care of business with a 40-31 victory over California. It is the second time in three years that they have advanced to the second round of the playoffs and the first time that they are hosting this late in the season.

The Greyhounds have one of the top offenses in the country. All three quarterbacks saw action last week. Brendan Tobey started before exiting with a leg injury. Marc Monks entered the game but was not close to being healthy. Cody Williams played in short field situations but played well down the stretch and could start based on the health of the other two guys. Doug Santos was the workhorse last weekend but Dylan Oxsen and Khaleed Exum-Strong will see their fair share of carries. Ashton Grant was the go to guy last week but the Greyhounds will need for Deonte Harris, Sam Blake and Brandon Swain-Price to make catches and help to stretch the field. The offensive line of James McNerney, Tyler Armillay, Jason Rice, Patrick Corcoran and Michael McDonald will need to be solid in the trenches.

The defense has been anchored by the secondary. Andrew Benson made a key interception and has been a making big plays all season long. Chris Carabello, Joe Kim, Shawn Springs, Jr., DJ Hernandez and Carlins Platel will need to continue their ball hawking abilities like last week. Kaleb Silva, Bryce Jacob, Levi Fancher, and Charles Williams III will patrol the middle of the field. The front line of Joe Bruno, Jedidiah Scott, Jason Flanagan, Jalen Johnson, Goran Krasic, and Ray Sarkodieh will need to replica their performance against California and be in the backfield.

Cole Tracy is one of the top kickers in the country and nearly automatic from anywhere on the field. Seamus Wallace will handle the punting and Harris is a threat to return any punt or kick back for a touchdown.


Findlay Keys to the Game:

1. Establish their running game.
2. Continue their takeaway advantage.
3. Quiet the crowd with an early lead.


Assumption Keys to the Game:

1. Move the ball and convert on third down.
2. Make a play or two in special teams.
3. Control the line of scrimmage.

So who wins and why?

Once again, two of the top offenses will go head to head. With the forecast for a clear day, expect a lot of points. They will both score early and often as is the custom in the playoffs.

Findlay will try to replica their defensive performance on the road against Shepherd. They allowed zero points over the final 30 minutes and will need to repeat that performance. Assumption will also need to keep their turnover magic against California and move it to Findlay.

This game will come down to the fourth quarter. Both teams will need to come up with a big play and it will be the home team that does. Assumption will make a big play and escape with the victory.

Prediction: Assumption 35 Findlay 30