Sports
Alexander to Make Long Awaited Return to Playoffs
By: Clark Wooley
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The Alexander Spartans are set host a playoff game for the first time in school history.
The Spartans have won their last eight games and claimed an outright TVC-Ohio title after a statement victory over Meigs, but they have an even bigger goal in mind with its third playoff appearance coming up.
No. 3 Alexander (9-1) will kick off postseason play in D-V, region 17 against No. 6 Rock Hill (6-3) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Rock Hill’s nine game record is no error. The Redmen were scheduled to play St. Wendelin in week seven, but the school suspended its program just before the season because a lack of participation.
The Redmen fell to the region’s eight-seed in Ironton after their de facto bye week, but finished the season with two blowout wins to clinch a playoff spot.
As for the Spartans, a historic regular season has not deterred their focus on the task at hand.
“We have to continue to play with the same attitude,” Alexander head coach Alex Penrod said. “It’s what got us the TVC-Ohio Championship and it’s what can take us deep into the playoffs.”
When comparing team résumés, Alexander and Rock Hill have two opponents in common. Both defeated No. 7 River Valley by the scores of 22-12 and 26-0, respectively. The Redmen topped Chesapeake 27-20 in overtime, while Alexander’s lone blemish came against the same team when it fell 9-3 in week two.
While prior matchups serve no purpose now, Penrod discussed what he expects to see out of Rock Hill.
“Their offense is very similar to Wellston and Chesapeake,” Penrod said. “They run a wing T with a single tight end, so all eleven guys need to be ready.”
Alexander may be familiar with Rock Hill’s offensive formations, but it is Rock Hill who will have to do some adjusting when facing Mason Chapaman. Chapman has scored five touchdowns in each of his last two contests and is playing his best football at the right time.
Regardless of whether or not the entire team is playing its best football on Friday, Penrod is proud of the progress which has been made.
“Win or lose we’ve changed the culture.”