Preview: Anderson vs. Middletown

The Anderson Redskins have made it to the state finals each of the past two seasons and won the state title in 2007. However, both of those runs came in Division II.

This year Anderson will have to prove it against much stiffer competition though as they moved to Division I prior to the season. Thus far the results have been good as they are 11-0, including last week's playoff opening-round win over Lakota West.

Meanwhile, the Middletown Middies also have enjoyed great success in 2009. Aside from a hiccup against Colerain, Middletown has run the table.

Their statement game came last week as they pounded Moeller, 45-10. The Middies proved that they are more than capable of making some noise.

The game will kick off at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Nippert Stadium. We take a deeper look at the match-up:

ANDERSON REDSKINS

Division I, Region 4

HEAD COACH: Jeff Giesting

2009 RECORD: 11-0

MIDDLETOWN MIDDIES

Division I, Region 4

HEAD COACH: Jason Krause

2009 RECORD: 10-1

Anderson's Key to Victory: Slowing down Middletown is going to be critical for the Redskins. They can't allow the Middies to get yards in chunks. Anderson has had great success on the ground versus most of their opponents by having more speed and more athleticism. That won't be enough this time around. It's going to be important for the Redskins display good balance in their offense. Defensively, they will need to improve upon the 27.6 points per contest they have surrendered over their last three games, wins over Lakota West, Harrison, and Milford.

Middletown's Key to Victory: The Middies showed last week that speed wins. This week the separation in that regard will be less. Middletown needs to slow down a Redskins' offense that averages 450 total yards and 50 points per game. Forcing Anderson into turnovers could go a long way towards Middletown winning the contest. If they can slow down the running attack and force the Redskins to have to pass the ball, it will increase their chances.

Players to Watch: Anderson seniors Brandon Bornahauser and Kyle Slater are both averaging over 10 yards per carry and have combined to rush for 2,380 yards and 43 touchdowns. Senior defensive back Kevin Cripe is tied for second in the FAVC with five interceptions. Middletown dual-threat quarterback Caleb Watkins tops the GMC in passing with 1,447 yards and has thrown for 13 scores and ran for another nine touchdowns. Senior Antonio Banks has scored 15 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Classmate linebacker Aaron Lewis leads the conference with nine sacks and has forced three fumbles.

Team Trends: Anderson's Jeff Giesting is 10-1 in the playoffs as the team's head coach…The Redskins average 365 yards per game on the ground…Anderson has scored at least 40 points in nine of 11 contests this season and has put up 50-plus points six times…Middletown is making their first playoff appearance since 1990…The Middies defense yields just 169 total yards per game and has pitched four shutouts in 11 games…Middletown has allowed just 2.5 yard per carry to opposing rushers.

Prediction: Middletown 34, Anderson 27