Preview: Wayne vs. St. Edward

It’s a rematch of the 2014 state championship game in which St. Edward beat Wayne 31-20. The players in Saturday afternoon’s finale aren’t going to be in awe of the stage they are playing on. The agenda’s for both teams are far bigger than the stadium that will house them. Wayne is out to avenge last year’s loss and bring home the program’s first title. The Warriors want to be special and finish the season as Division I’s only undefeated team. St. Edward is out to claim back-to-back crown and third overall (all since 2010) for the school. The Eagles would like to be the self-proclaimed “best program in Ohio” with a victory.

Wayne WR/RB Matt Wilcox (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

WAYNE WARRIORS (14-0) vs. ST. EDWARD EAGLES (13-1)

Kickoff: Saturday 3:00 p.m. at Ohio Stadium (Ohio State University)
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Five Wayne players have combined for 65 touchdowns – Darryl McCleskey (16), L’Christian “Blue” Smith-Cochran (16), Fred Pitts (13) Matt Wilcox (12) and Antwand Wilson (eight). Warriors quarterback has profited the most from having all those point producers surrounding him. The Michigan State-bound De Weaver has thrown for 2,754 yards with 33 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. Smith-Cochran is his top target with 51 catches for 1,197 yards and averages 23.5 yards per reception. Wilson leads the squad in rushing yards during the playoffs but only has one yard on the ground the last two weeks.

Wayne DB Tobias Gilliam (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball)

Warriors’ defensive back Tobias Gilliam was named the Division I Southwest District defensive player of the year. Classmate Mikal Tolliver and sophomore Alex Riegelsperger have combined for 18.5 of the teams 41 sacks.

The St. Edward offense fueled by running back Cole Gest and quarterback Jimmy Keefe. Indiana commit Gest ran for 155 yards and a touchdown in last season’s championship game. The speed and elusiveness of Keefe and Gest make the Eagles ground attack difficult to contain.

There were eight players off the St. Edward ’14 championship squad sign to play Division I college football last February. They have had no problem rebuilding the unit. Eagles’ linebacker Michael O’Malley the 2015 Ohio defensive player of the year. He had a big game in last fall’s finale leading Ed’s in tackles with an interception and on offense he caught a touchdown pass. O’ Malley has 15.5 sacks. Classmate Cal Reynolds has 13.5 takedowns. Defensive back Tony Butler is one of the best athletes in the entire state.

St. Edward LB Mike O’Malley (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

TEAM TRENDS: The Wayne offense has been explosive the last six weeks. The Warriors are averaging 43.3 points in that span against teams who finished the year combined 52-12 sans the loss to Wayne. When the Warriors create turnover good things happen. They have six defensive scores off of 26 takeaways. St. Edward is allowing just 14.6 per contest.

Wayne is in the playoffs for the 18th time. The Warriors own a 22-17 record all-time. They have never won a title but have been runner-up three times, all since 1999

St. Edward is making its 21st playoff appearance. Both of the Eagles title came with wins over Wayne in the championship game. Three times they have finished runner-up. They are 35-18 overall in the postseason.

St. Edward RB Cole Gest (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

WAYNE’S KEYS TO VICTORY: This is it, no excuses for Wayne it is time to put up or shut up. This is the deepest of any of the finals teams the Warriors have had. They have played like a championship-caliber squad all season long. Wayne has to prove itself one more time. There is no reason to do things any differently than what they have done to get to this point. The only thing that can stop this Warriors group is themselves.

ST. EDWARD’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Pressure has been a huge factor in the Eagles success all season. Getting to DeWeaver and rattling his nerves early in this battle will be paramount. St. Edward does not want to let him build confidence. Butler could really showcase his talents if the Eagles can accomplish that. Gest show has to have another big performance. The less Keefe has to throw the ball the better off the Eagles chances become late in this affair.

Prediction: Wayne 24, St. Edward 21

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