Kirtland vs. Fort Frye

Division VI state semifinal Massillon Jackson’s Robert Fife Stadium, 7355 Mudbrook St. NW, Massillon 7 p.m., Nov. 23 Kirtland 13-0, Fort Frye 12-0

Defeated Steubenville Catholic Central, 59-0, defeated Creston Norwayne, 35-0, defeated Mogadore, 20-14

Defeated Fairbanks, 34-14, defeated Northmor, 41-23, defeated Shadyside, 18-6

Winner advances to the state championship game to face Maria Stein Marion Local (12-1) or Seneca East (12-1).

This is Kirtland’s seventh trip to the state final four. The Hornets are 6-0 in their previous six semifinals. Coach Tiger LaVerde has a career record of 156-17 (.901). Kirtland has outscored the opposition, 523-46, and has outgained them, 5,148-1,745. Most of the damage has been done in the running game, where Kirtland has run for 3,955 yards and 54 touchdowns (with an 8.3yard average). Joey Torok (1,639 yards, 27 TDs) and Jake Neibecker (962 yards, 12 TDs) lead the rushing game. QB Tommy Powers has completed 69 percent of his passes (48 of 70) for 953 yards and 13 touchdowns, with only two interceptions. Mason Sullivan (15 catches, 293 yards) is the leading receiver, though six of Torok’s nine catches have gone for touchdowns. The offensive line is a little banged up now, but seniors Jack Bailey (6-4, 300) and Austin Fulco (6-2, 240) are anchors . ... Defensively, Kirtland didn’t give up a rushing touchdown until last week. The Hornets give up only 2.1 yards per rush. Bailey is a load for offensive lines to handle in the trenches. Luke Camino is fast and active on the line. Linebacker Kaleb Stephenson is a standout. DB Mason Sullivan leads the team in defensive points, while Dominic Capretta leads in interceptions. Kirtland plays up to 20 players a game on defense, so they often wear down the opposition with smothering play and substitutions.

The Cadets are no stranger to postseason play. They’ve been a playoff team for six of the past seven seasons, but are 3-6 all-time in playoff games. Conversely, Kirtland is 33-10 in its playoff history . ... Fort Frye coach Eric Huck was the district coach of the year. QB Tate Engell has thrown for more than 1,500 yards. He is 44-4 in his career under center. RB Tyler Fisher (5-11, 165) has run for more than 1,000 yards, has has fellow back Evan Schob (5-9, 190). Brady Schilling is the leading receiver. The Fort Frye line is a not huge, with Colby Sleek (5-11, 185), Isiah Jones (5-8, 193), Dylan Hart (5-11, 185) and Nate Brothers (5-5, 162) among the Cadets’ starters . ... Defensively, Brenden Huck (5-10, 165) is the leader at linebacker with 77 tackles and four sacks. Caleb Fryman has 71 stops . ... This game could come down to attrition in the trenches. Kirtland will have a huge advantage on size on the lines. The Cadets average 37.7 points per game, but they might not have seen a team with the physical size and depth that Kirtland has. Holding up physically against the bigger Hornets will be a key for Fort Frye.

For Twitter updates during the Kirtland state semifinal, follow @NHPreps