Playoff Primer: Ohio DII

The Region 8 playoffs are filled with teams that have post-season pedigree. Until proven otherwise the road to the regional title runs through reigning state champion, Trotwood-Madison. The Rams have won Region 8 the past two years. Every team with the exception of Northwest is making their eighth appearance in November.

Top-seeded Turpin enters the post-season with an unblemished record, but they must get over the playoff disappointments of recent years if they are going to make a deep November run.

Here is a look at Week 11's first-round action:

DIVISION II, REGION 8

(All games played Friday, November, 2nd @ 7:30 pm)

#8 Tippecanoe (8-2) @ #1 Turpin (10-0) - This contest is a rematch of last year's first-round match up only this time Turpin host the Red Devils. The Spartans won that clash, 24-21. Both schools are making their seventh consecutive post-season appearance. This the fourth time in the last seven years that Rob Stoll has led Turpin to an undefeated regular season. Quarterback Connor Jansen has accounted for 65 touchdowns (36 passing, 29 rushing). This will be Jansen's third year starting in Week 11. Tippecanoe is led by running back Jordan Hall, who has 25 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards on the ground.

#5 Northwest (8-2) @ #4 Franklin (9-) - A veteran Franklin squad gets to host a playoff game for the second year in a row. The Wildcats are making their eighth overall playoff appearance. Franklin held every opponent to 17 or fewer points, but did not record a shutout. The Wildcats are balanced on offense with Chris Hymer rushing for over 1,000 yards and sophomore Luke Kennard passing for more than 1,500 yards. This is the first trip to the postseason for Northwest since 1990 which was the only other time they made it to November. The Knights are looking to rekindle their Mojo after dropping their last two outings. Northwest defensive back Dominick Williams has returned four of his six interceptions for touchdowns.

#7 Edgewood (8-2) @ #2 Winton Woods (7-3) - This is the eighth playoff appearance for Winton Woods and their sixth in the last seven years. The Warriors won the state championship in 2009. Edgewood is making their first trip to the playoffs since 2008. It is the Cougars 11th trip to the big dance. Both teams have winning records in the postseason. AJ Pieratt and Matt Barger have combined to score 30 of Edgewood's 48 touchdowns. Turnovers have been the thorn in Winton Woods' defeats, having lost the takeaway battle 10-1 in those three contests.

#6 Trotwood-Madison (8-2) @ #3 Mount Healthy (9-1) - This tilt is a battle between two very good defensive teams. Trotwood-Madison does it with size and strength up front. They have won seven in a row while allowing 36 total points during that span. The Owls use speed and precision to their advantage on the lines. Mount Healthy held eight opponents to seven points or fewer and no one scored more than 20 on them. This is T-Mad's eighth trip to the playoffs and sixth in the last seven years. The backfield tandem of Israel Green and Ashton Jackson are both averaging over 100 yards rushing with 27 touchdowns over the last seven weeks. Mount Healthy is also making their eighth post-season appearance - all since 2001. The Owls only win in November came in 2010.