Ohio Football
Friday, November 6, 2009
Preview: Lakota West at Anderson
By Katie Budke | Multimedia Journalist
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After claiming a share of the Greater Miami Conference Title, the Lakota West Firebirds return to the postseason for the first time since 2006. Their 9-1 record has earned the Firebirds a No. 6 seed and a first-round matchup with an undefeated Anderson squad in the region’s only all-public regional quarterfinal contest.
Both teams have put up big offensive numbers in 2009. Lakota West’s defense ranks first in the GMC, but will the Firebirds be able to stop a potent Anderson offense that averages 50 points a game?
We look ahead to the Saturday’s big tilt:
ANDERSON REDSKINS
Division I Region IV
HEAD COACH: Jeff Giesting
2009 RECORD: 10-0, 5-0
LAKOTA WEST FIREBIRDS
Division I Region IV
HEAD COACH: Larry Cox
2009 RECORD: 9-1, 7-0
Anderson’s Key to Victory: If Anderson wishes to remain undefeated and advance to the regional semifinals, the Redskins must contain running back Jordan Thompson. The 6-foot, 210 pound senior leads the Greater Miami Conference with 1,573 yards on the ground and is crucial to the success of the Firebirds’ offense. In Lakota West’s season-opening loss, its only loss of the season, Thompson was held to only 58 yards. Hamilton was able to hang around with the Firebirds in Week 4 by limiting the running back to 85 yards. A late interception return by junior Dylan Romero propelled Lakota West to victory. The Redskins will need to protect quarterback Brandon Bornhauser and give him time to make plays. Lakota West only surrenders an average of 49.2 yards rushing per game so Anderson would definitely benefit from a big game courtesy of running back Kyle Slater. The senior has provided the Redskins’ offense with 1,116 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Lakota West’s Key to Victory: The Firebirds will be facing the best offense they have seen all season on Saturday. Anderson is no stranger to the endzone with 500 points in 2009. A big part of Anderson’s success can be credited to Bornhauser who is not only a running threat with 1,219 rushing yards, but can also make plays through the air. Senior Jordan Hicks, a top Division I recruit, and the Lakota West defense have allowed a mere 81 points this season. Expect Bornhauser to provide a stiff challenge for the Firebirds. The quarterback has been intercepted only 3 times in 77 attempts in 2009. On offense, Thompson needs to chew up yardage on the ground. The senior is coming off of a 302-yard game against Lakota East. It shouldn’t take a 300-yard performance to knock off the Redskins, but the Firebirds can use all the yards their top running back can gain.
Players to Watch: Bornhauser brings a dangerous combination of speed, mobility and an accurate arm that the Firebirds have likely not seen all season. Slater, Anderson’s primary running back, will be integral to the Redskin’s offensive attack. The Firebirds’ offense features Thompson, who has received offers from Louisville, Miami of Ohio, Ball State and Toledo, and Cincinnati-commit tight end Alex Smith.
Team Trends: Anderson heads to the postseason for the third time in as many years…In each of past two seasons, the Redskins have appeared in the state final game at the Division II level. The Redskins earned a state title in 2007 and finished as the State Runner-Up last season…This marks Lakota West’s first playoff appearance since 2006, when they fell to St. Xavier in the regional semifinals…The two teams haven’t met since the Firebirds edged Anderson 31-28 in 2005.
Prediction: Anderson 31, Lakota West 21
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