Playoff preview: Tecumseh vs. West Carrollton

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Tecumseh's Kyle Sanning (20) is pursued by Bellefontaine's Ethan Smith on Friday, Oct. 30. Tecumseh won 13-10 in overtime.
During the regular season, Tecumseh rushed for 2,915 yards – led by Sanning's 796 and Dustin Holmes' 725.

Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic Tecumseh's Kyle Sanning (20) is pursued by Bellefontaine's Ethan Smith on Friday, Oct. 30. Tecumseh won 13-10 in overtime. During the regular season, Tecumseh rushed for 2,915 yards – led by Sanning's 796 and Dustin Holmes' 725.

Tecumseh dominated Tippecanoe, then pulled off an overtime win over Bellefontaine to build momentum for playoffs.

By Brian Plasters, Staff Writer Updated 9:03 AM Friday, November 6, 2009

NEW CARLISLE — After its only loss of the regular season in Week 8, the Tecumseh High School football team regrouped — and beat division rivals Tippecanoe 26-0 and Bellefontaine 13-10 in overtime in the last two weeks.

The Arrows, the Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division co-champs, will use the momentum afforded those victories as the first round of the playoffs begin today, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Tecumseh plays host to West Carrollton at Spitzer Stadium in a Division II, Region 8 quarterfinal.

“When you’re put in a game where you dominate Tipp the way we did, that’s going to give you some confidence and swagger about yourself,” Tecumseh coach Kent Massie said. “Then to win the Bellefontaine game on fourth-and-3, and you’re put under that kind of pressure and adversity, the kids’ confidence will only grow from that.”

The Arrows (9-1 and No. 8 in the state poll) head into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed with a stingy defense and ball-control offense. They allowed an area- and CBC-low 57 points during the regular season. They didn’t allow more than 14 in any one game and shut out four opponents.

“The game is slowing down for these kids,” Massie said. “When things are slowing down for you, it’s going to make you better because you can play faster.”

Tecumseh rushed for 2,915 yards — led by Kyle Sanning’s 796 and Dustin Holmes’ 725. The team scored 42 of its 50 touchdowns on the ground.

West Carrollton, the No. 6 seed, doesn’t have a league but still plays a strong nonconference schedule. The Pirates (8-2) beat fellow playoff participants Wilmington and Shawnee. The offense is led by tailback Loren Snow, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 14 TDs.

“I think we match up pretty well with them,” Massie said. “They’re not a big team up front, but they’re physical and quick. We’re physical and quick, as well.”

This is the third time the Arrows have hosted a playoff game, and they’re 2-0 at home. This also is Tecumseh’s third trip to the playoffs in Massie’s five years as the head coach.

Massie said this game will be a “black out,” and the idea is for everyone to wear black clothing.

“This is the last time the seniors will play at Spitzer Stadium,” Massie said. “They want to make this a special memory and go out a winner.”

This season was the football team’s first to win back-to-back league titles and make back-to-back playoff appearances. This is Tecumseh’s fifth playoff appearance overall (1998, 2001, 2006, 2008, 2009). West Carrollton has been one other time (2005 ).

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0366 or bplasters@coxohio.com.