Playoff Preview: Archbishop Hoban vs. Trotwood-Madison

For the fifth time in the last seven years Trotwood-Madison will be playing in the state championship game. The Rams have the daunting task of having to take down last season’s Division III state champion, Archbishop Hoban. After dismantling the top team in the Division last week, Toledo Central Catholic, 36-0, Trotwood-Madison is exuding supreme confidence. The Knights have their own agenda as they look to make their statement of being the premier team in Division III, still.

Trotwood-Madison head coach Jeff Graham (photo by Scott Reed)

ARCHBISHOP HOBAN KNIGHTS (14-1) vs. TROTWOOD-MADISON RAMS (12-2)

Kickoff: Saturday, December 3rd, 3:00 p.m. at Ohio Stadium (Ohio State University)
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PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Raveion Hargrove should just be named “Mr. November.” The Trotwood-Madison running back has run for 1,812 yards and 23 touchdowns in his last eight games in November. Hargrove has run for 200 yards or more in five of those tilts. Classmate and junior quarterback Markell Stephens-Peppers has thrown for 1,863 yards with 22 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. His top target is another classmate, Caleb Johnson who has 13 touchdown catches on 51 receptions for 881 yards.

Seven different Trotwood-Madison defensive players have scored touchdowns this season with Kobe Vinegar and Darius Wortham each finding the end zone twice. The Rams also have 39.5 sacks as a team.

Trotwood-Madison QB Markell Stephens-Pepper (photo by Scott Reed)

The Archbishop Hoban offense is loaded with talent and built for an extended run at postseason prosperity for years to come. It all starts with the pounding style of running back, Todd Sibley. The senior has verbally committed to Pittsburgh. Classmate and quarterback Danny Clark who has verbally committed to Kentucky can pick apart a defense after Sibley opens things up on the ground. Underclass offensive linemen RJ Kelly and sophomore Nolan Rumler also have college scholarship offers.

The Knights defense gets better as the game wears on. They are led by Jabari Taylor and a cast of which includes Nate Bauer, John Bozzelli, Will Collier, Daeshon Martin and Arison Sanders.

TEAM TRENDS:
Defense rules the roost for Trotwood-Madison the Rams have given up 10 points or less in 10 of their 14 affairs. The Rams have forced 37 turnovers and scored nine touchdowns off of them. They also have six kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns.

Trotwood-Madison is in the tournament for the 12th time. The Rams are 32-10 lifetime in the post-season. Their only title came back in 2011.

This is also the 12th trip to the playoffs for Archbishop Hoban. The Knights are 23-10 overall in the postseason with the schools only championship coming last fall.

TROTWOOD-MADISON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Rams have been able to administer early knockout punches early on during this playoff run. Getting Archbishop Hoban down and keeping them there will be a top priority. Trotwood-Madison has made teams pay with 15 unconventional touchdowns off of returns. One of those in this contest could seal the win for the Rams.

ARCHBISHOP HOBAN’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Knights need to stay smart and within themselves letting Sibley dictate the pace of the game on the ground. The offensive line has to sustain blocks against a Rams front that brings force and pressure. Archbishop Hoban cannot afford to make turnovers as the Rams make teams pay for mistakes.

Prediction: Trotwood-Madison 27, Archbishop Hoban 14

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