Mechanicsburg (10-2) vs. West Liberty-Salem (10-2) at Wapakoneta Harmon Field
Coaches: Kurt Forrest (Mechanicsburg), Dan McGill (WL-Salem)
Conference: Ohio Heritage (both)
Mechanisburg key: Junior TB Aeryton Erwin has 2,008 yards rushing and 27 TDs, both program records..
WL-Salem key: Taylor Cordell has accounted for more than 1,000 yards of offense and 20 TDs. But defense must come up big against Erwin.
On deck: Winner plays the Haviland Wayne Trace (11-1) vs. Ada (9-3) winner in next week's state semifinals.
Division VII, Region 26
7 p.m. Saturday
Triad (12-0) vs. Marion Local (12-0) at Piqua Alexander Stadium – Purk Field
Coaches: Payton Printz (Triad), Tim Goodwin (Local)
Conferences: Ohio Heritage (Triad), Midwest Athletic (Local)
Triad key: Overcoming injuries that have sidelined key offensive and defensive personnel will be paramount for the Cardinals. Senior RB/DB Tre McIntyre will make his return from a leg injury that has sidelined him since midseason. But still questionable are Colton Coil (ankle), Chaz Adams (ankle) and QB Trent McIntyre (wrist).
Local key: No getting around senior QB Adam Bertke. He's already led the Flyers to two straight state titles and has verbally committed to play at Pittsburgh.
On deck: Winner plays the Delphos St. John's (8-4) vs. Arlington (9-3) winner in next week's state semifinals.
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