Published: November 06, 2008 12:27 am      

Area teams looking to get into playoffs

Frankston, Oakwood head into final week with postseason hopes

By SCOTT TYLER

H-P Sports Editor



The Frankston Indians know they need a little help Friday night but they are only going to worry about one thing — their game against Elkhart.

To make the playoffs, Frankston (2-2, 5-4) has to defeat Elkhart (0-4, 3-6) Friday night but also get some help. The Indians need to have either Garrison defeat Troup or West Rusk defeat Arp to make the playoffs.

“We are going into it thinking that the only thing we can control is our game against Elkhart,” Frankston head coach Sam Wells said. “It is the last time our seniors are going to play on their home field and we want to go out with a bang.”

The Indians thought they had a playoff spot wrapped up last week with a 48-35 win over Garrison. But Troup defeated West Rusk on the same night to muddle up the standings and put Frankston in need of a little aid.

“This is like the second round of the playoffs for us because it is a must-win game,” Wells said. “We have had really good practices and are really focused on Friday night.”

Frankston got out of an offensive funk against Garrison, with a season high in yards (492 yards) and points (48).

“We came out with a bang on offense, scoring on our third play of the game,” Wells said. “That got us on a roll and after that we were on fire.”

It was the passing game that got Frankston going as Bryan Blackwell was 8-of-15 for 182 yards and three touchdowns — all in the first half.

“We were able to open up the run with the passing game,” Wells said. “The offensive line had their best game as a unit in pass protecting and run blocking.”

Ketrich Harmon had a season-high 211 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. He also returned an onside kick for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Elkhart comes into the final game of the season winless in district but it still may have been a productive season under first-year head coach Tim Lewis. After going 0-10 last year, the Elks won three out of their first four games. However, injuries have ravaged the Elks, including losing starting quarterback Colton Coleman.

The Elks strength this season has been the power running game with several running backs including Leonard Grabs.

“Their offensive line has good size and they do a good job finishing off their blocks,” Wells said. “We feel we have to do a good job stopping them on first and second downs.”



Penelope at Oakwood

One game to determine who makes the playoffs.

That is what is at stake in six-man District 14, Division I between Penelope at Oakwood.

The two teams are tied for second place in the district and the winner will move onto the playoffs.

Oakwood (3-1, 7-2) kept its playoff hopes alive last week with a wild 67-63 win over Avalon. The two teams traded scores for most of the game, but the Panthers got a two-touchdown advantage in the fourth quarter to hang on to the lead.

Mike Savage scored seven touchdowns in the win — six rushing scores and a return kickoff for a touchdown. He had 357 rushing yards in the game and for the season he has rushed for 1,471 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Penelope (3-1, 6-3) had a chance to secure a playoff spot last week but lost to Trinidad 52-40. The Wolverines led by two points at halftime and led later in the third quarter, but Trinidad converted five fourth downs in the second half to get the win.



Fairfield at Crockett

The Fairfield Eagles end their first season under first-year head coach Darrell Piske Friday night at Crockett.

After two years of winning just one game each season, the Eagles are 3-6 under Piske, including a 31-26 district win over Brownsboro.

The Eagles led 14-0 in the third quarter over district-leading Westwood last week, but five turnovers allowed the Panthers to rally for a 28-14 win.

Crockett (3-1, 5-4) clinched a playoff berth last week with a 27-20 win over Brownsboro.

Tyler Tabor led the ground attack with 74 rushing yards and Lonnie Bacon had two receiving touchdowns.