Marion Local’s return to finals impeded by Liberty-Benton

MARIA STEIN - It's been a while since Marion Local lost a football playoff game - 13 games to be exact, dating back to 2005.

It could be argued, though, the Flyers have faced few tests during that run as demanding as Saturday's Division V state semifinal against Liberty-Benton at 7 p.m. at Findlay Donnell Stadium.

Marion Local coach Tim Goodwin for one believes the Eagles are one of the more robust challenges for his team in recent playoff history.

"They're just exceptional," Goodwin said. "For them to do what they did against what we felt was a very good Patrick Henry team (28-0 L-B win in a regional final), that opened a lot of eyes right there."

The Eagles boast District Player of the Year Aaron Craft, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior who verbally committed to play basketball at Tennessee. Craft has thrown for 2,767 yards while completing 182 or 228 attempts, with 30 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

He also leads the team with 1,107 rushing yards and 23 TDs.

"Maybe ask me after the game because I have no idea (how to stop Craft)," Goodwin said. "You just have to mix it up and try to keep him offbalance a little bit. Obviously, the kid is something special - how many times are you going to get a (Southeastern Conference) recruit in small high school Ohio football?"

Ryan Cook (5-11, 156 pounds) is the big-play receiver, averaging more than 23 yards on 39 receptions with 13 scores. Justin Hyde, Cody Schoonover, Brennan Lieb and Brett Pasche each have more than 19 receptions and 400 yards.

Hyde also does the kicking, making 65 of 72 extra points, 4 of 5 field goals and averaging nearly 44 yards on kickoffs. Craft averages almost 36 yards per 16 punts.

As impressive as the Eagles (13-0) are on offense, they are similarly dominant on defense, giving up less than three points and 120 yards per game. Lieb and Craft each have three interceptions.

"They have 11 good athletes out there," Goodwin said. "They all move well. They're all aggressive. They play well together. This is a darn good defense here."

Against West Jefferson in a regional final, Marion Local struggled offensively, putting up just 146 total yards and seven first downs. Ben Smith had 42 rushing yards and Troy Prenger completed just 4 of 11 passes for 42 yards.

Defense is where the Flyers (11-2) shine. They yield less than 10 points and 70 rushing yards per game.

Prenger leads the team with seven interceptions; the Flyers have 21 picks. Linebackers Tyler Mescher (96 tackles) and Kerry Roberts (91 tackles), and defensive end Luke Bertke (10 sacks) pace the defense.

"Our defense has been consistent all year, and it's been a surprise for us to be honest," Goodwin said. "The defense has gotten us to this game. ... Our offense will certainly have to play better this week."