Playoff preview: WLS vs. West Jefferson

West Jefferson (9-1) at West Liberty-Salem (10-0)

WEST LIBERTY — For the third time in six years the West Liberty-Salem High School football team earned the right to host a first-round playoff game.

The Tigers face West Jefferson at 7:30 p.m. today, Nov. 6, in a Division V, Region 20 quarterfinal.

West Liberty-Salem has plenty of momentum after going 10-0 in the regular season and receiving a No. 4 seed in the region. The Tigers are ranked No. 6 in the state poll and are winning with a strong defense and ground game. Plus, the Tigers have never lost a home playoff game (2-0).

“We’re hoping that they’re not satisfied yet, and I don’t think they are,” Tigers head coach Toby Smith said. “They understand what’s necessary to prepare for a game like this. The seniors have been to the playoffs four years in a row. They’ve expected to be here.”

The Tigers and Roughriders played once before in the playoffs — a 56-24 West Jefferson win in the 2007 regional semifinals. Collin Link, Zac Culley and Jarred Merrick all saw significant playing time in the game.

“You always look back and see what you did the last time you played,” Smith said. “We’re not the same exact team, and we don’t do the exact same things we did two years ago, and neither do they. You just have to focus on what’s happening now.”

The Tigers have allowed double digits in points just twice (Triad scored 20 and Cedarville scored 13 in games that weren’t close). Link has 70 unassisted tackles and 61 assists, while Jerell Allen and Link have 10 sacks each.

Culley and Zach Woodruff have combined to rush for 1,948 yards and 23 touchdowns. Woodruff also has 1,044 passing yards with 11 TDs.

West Jefferson (9-1 and No. 17 in the state poll) is the region’s No. 5 seed. The Roughriders’ only loss was to Columbus Bishop Ready, the No. 3 seed in the region.

WLS is making its fifth playoff appearance (2004, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09) overall. West Jefferson is making its 15th appearance and fourth in a row.