Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant would love to answer all your questions, Cavs fans. He really would. It’s just that he has as many questions about this team as you do.

View full sizePlain Dealer file photoCavaliers General Manager is dealing with a lot of unknowns at the moment, but he's glad the league and the team are back in business.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant would love to answer all your questions, Cavs fans. He really would. It's just that he has as many questions about this team as you do.

Grant met with the media on Thursday afternoon for the first time since the NBA lockout began on July 1. He acknowledged that Anderson Varejao, Ramon Sessions, Manny Harris and Samardo Samuels had worked out at the Cavs practice facility earlier Thursday, although he, coach Byron Scott and any of the other coaches were unable to speak to them. That was a privilege afforded to the medical and training staff and selected media relations people only.

But in spite of all the restrictions and the unknowns, Grant looked like a happy man.

"Obviously, we're excited to get started again," he said, noting that all involved were eager to begin to repair their relationships with the fans. "We are pumped. I've been pulling coach Scott off the walls on a day-to-day basis, so he's ready to go.

"Today, we didn't know if anyone was going to show up for sure, because it's voluntary. It was great to see some guys, which shows some positive things about our guys. I would suspect we'll have a number of guys start to trickle in. They may not be in the gym every day, but our guys like being in this facility and they like being together."

The only definitive information Grant announced was that, as expected, the Cavs had reached out to the agent for free agent Anthony Parker and that there would be an open scrimmage to the public, in addition to two exhibition games before the season begins.

There are no dates or times for any of those yet, and it is still unclear exactly when the new schedule will be released, although there were reports that it could be released Tuesday night. Count those among the many, many questions that remain until the new collective-bargaining agreement between the league and its players is ratified and training camps open next Friday.

According to league mandates, Grant is unable to comment directly on any provisions of the new agreement, so many of those questions -- about things like amnesty -- remained unanswered.

Grant also said the team still doesn't know if it will be granted an extension on the trade exception obtained through the LeBron James free agency or whether it will use it if that is the case.

He also said the team was hiring an assistant coach to replace Chris Gent, who joined Thad Matta's staff at Ohio State, but did not expect that would happen over the weekend.

As for the makeup of his roster, Grant was not ready to address those questions, either.

"We made a bunch of changes right before July 1," he said, referring to drafting Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson and acquiring Omri Casspi from Sacramento for J.J. Hickson. "We have a lot of new pieces that we have to get in here. I think we're in a good position from a flexibility standpoint with the full roster that we do have.

"We're long, we're young, we're athletic, we've got guys who work hard, we've got guys willing to give up a little of themselves for the greater good of the team. That's important to us. We've just got to get them here, get them out on the court, see where they are and start working."

He said he expected every player under contract to report to training camp and said the Cavs could still be in the market for some size and athleticism on the perimeter. He did not rule out keeping all his small guards -- Sessions, Irving, Baron Davis and Daniel Gibson.

But, for now, it's wait and see.

"We haven't gotten to the point where we've made any of those decisions," Grant said. "We're not anywhere near that now.

"Stick with us. Over the next week and a half or so, things are going to be changing and moving pretty quickly."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Paying Urban Meyer $4 million makes sense in the big dollar business of major college football.

View full sizeKyle Roberston, Columbus DispatchOhio State coach Urban Meyer shouldn't have any trouble paying the bills while earning $4 million per year.

More than a few fans were upset to hear about Urban Meyer's $4 million annual salary as part of his six-year deal to coach Ohio State.

The contract can be worth at least $40 million with various bonuses and incentives.

How can they afford that?

Consider that Ohio State spent about $31 million on football in the 2009-10 school year.

Sound insane?

Then consider how the Buckeyes turned a $32 million profit on their football program for the same school year, according to the most recent statistics available from the Department of Education.

And the Buckeyes ranked No. 14 in terms of net profit among the top football programs.

Texas pays football coach Mack Brown $5.2 million -- and finished with a $68 million profit. That was No. 1 in college football.

Next were Georgia ($52 million), Penn State ($50 million), Michigan ($44 million) and Florida ($44 million).

According to Bloomberg News Service, the Buckeyes football program had an $18 million profit for the 2010 football season.

Former Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel was making $3.5 million in his last season, and Ohio State has been among the top three spenders on its football program over the past three seasons.

So OSU spends a lot to make a lot, and much of the profit covers the expenses for non-revenue sports.

That's the big business of college football at the top 30 or so programs. Do I like the idea that a college football coach is paid $4 million, while OSU President Gordon Gee makes $1.3 million?

Meyer certainly can argue that he had a better year staying out of the news while working for ESPN than Gee did trying to deal with the Buckeyes' NCAA problems.

But the real point is football doesn't just wag the dog at places such as OSU, it is the big dog on campus.

It's why I've long believed the top 30 or so schools should form their own conferences with their own television networks and pay their players as professionals.

Because this is professional football.

Forbes magazine estimated the Buckeyes football program to be worth $85 million to the university in 2010. That ranked eighth, behind Texas, Notre Dame, Penn State, Nebraska, Alabama, Florida and LSU.

Most Buckeyes football players graduate; it was 63 percent in the last reporting period. Some of them actually receive meaningful degrees. Most of them picked OSU because they hope the road to Columbus eventually leads to the National Football League, with education being a side job.

Star-quality coaches such as Meyer attract top players, who help the team win. And that leads to more profits.

Meyer is as much a CEO as he is a coach. His salary will rank fourth, behind Texas' Brown ($5.2 million), Alabama's Nick Saban ($4.8 million), and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops ($4.1 million).

Does all of this talk reveal how our priorities are a mess?

Of course.

But as long as the money keeps coming in, nothing is about to change. And given the state of college football, there is nothing wrong with what the Buckeyes are paying to secure one of the nation's top coaches.

To reach this Plain Dealer columnist: terrypluto2003@yahoo.com; 216-999-4674

Also, Tim Tebow tries to keep the Broncos' winning streak alive against the struggling Vikings.

View full sizeMichael Conroy, Associated PressQuarterback Dan Orlovsky takes the Colts to New England as three-touchdown underdogs.

Cincinnati (7-4) at Pittsburgh (8-3), 1 p.m.

Early line: Steelers by 7.

The skinny: Teams split past six meetings in Pittsburgh. . . . Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger 12-4 all-time against Cincinnati, with 22 touchdowns, 17 interceptions. . . . Bengals have come back from 10 points down in second half to win three times this season, tying NFL record held by four other teams, including 2011 Lions. . . . Cincinnati DT Geno Atkins leads NFL interior linemen with 6 1/2 sacks. . . . Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton's 16 TD passes through 11 games are second-most by rookie since 1970 merger. Sam Bradford had 17 touchdown passes through 11 games for Rams last season. . . . Steelers would sweep season series with Bengals for seventh time since 2000 with victory.

Denver (6-5) at Minnesota (2-9)

When: 1 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Vikings by 1.

The skinny: Though Broncos are visitors, game will be broadcast on Fox, rare break from NFL's contract with CBS for AFC games -- including interconference matchups when AFC team is road team. League allowed switch as part of late-season flexible scheduling plan to help boost Fox's coverage of early games Sunday. . . . Broncos making second trip to Minnesota in past 15 years. They lost at Metrodome in 2003. . . . Denver QB Tim Tebow has accounted for six touchdowns without a turnover in 122 total touches during Broncos' four-game winning streak. . . . Broncos trail Raiders by one game in AFC West race.

Kansas City (4-7) at Chicago (7-4)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Bears by 9.

The skinny: Steelers intercepted Kansas City QB Tyler Palko three times and recovered fumbled snap. . . . Chiefs have gone two games without a touchdown. . . . Kansas City LB Tamba Hali has team-high seven sacks. . . . Bears third in league with 24 takeaways, including 16 in past five games. . . . In his first start last week, Chicago's Caleb Hanie threw three first-half interceptions and flubbed a spike at the end of the game; he also threw for 254 yards and ran for 50. . . . Bears' Matt Forte third in league with 985 yards rushing and leads NFL with 1,475 yards from scrimmage.

Atlanta (7-4) at Houston (8-3)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Falcons by 1.

The skinny: Houston LB Connor Barwin had career-high four sacks against Jacksonville last week; he leads team with 8 1/2. . . . Falcons CB Dunta Robinson was first-round pick by Texans in 2004 and spent his first six seasons with them. . . . Houston rookie QB T.J. Yates, a fifth-round pick, will make first career start. . . . Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has won five straight against AFC opponents. . . . Texans only team in NFL with two running backs with at least 700 yards rushing each. Arian Foster has 805, and Ben Tate has 712. . . . Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez needs one reception to set NFL record with 13 straight seasons of at least 60 catches.

Carolina (3-8) at Tampa Bay (4-7)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Buccaneers by 3 1/2.

The skinny: Buccaneers have lost five straight games -- six of seven overall -- following 3-1 start. . . . Panthers, playing on road for third consecutive week, snapped three-game skid with last Sunday's win over winless Indianapolis. . . . Rookie QB Cam Newton has thrown for 1,521 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 190 yards and seven TDs in five road starts for Carolina. With 3,093 yards passing, Newton is fourth rookie in league history to top the 3,000-yard plateau, joining Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan and Sam Bradford. . . . Panthers WR Steve Smith leads NFC with 1,060 yards receiving.

N.Y. Jets (6-5) at Washington (4-7)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Jets by 3 1/2.

The skinny: Jets QB Mark Sanchez threw four TD passes last week, giving him career-high 18 for season, and pulled off his ninth career fourth-quarter comeback or overtime victory, including playoffs. . . . New York is holding opposing QBs to 71.8 passer rating, third best among NFL defenses. . . . Jets WR Plaxico Burress has four fourth-quarter TD catches, tied for most in AFC with Chargers' Vincent Jackson. . . . Redskins QB Rex Grossman completed season-high 74.3 percent (26-of-35) of passes last week. His 5.2 interception percentage is worst in NFL. . . . Washington RB Roy Helu had first career 100-yard game last week and leads NFC rookies with 38 receptions.

Oakland (7-4) at Miami (3-8)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Dolphins by 2 1/2.

The skinny: Raiders outscored by 49 points in fourth quarter, most in NFL. Dolphins outscored by 33, fifth-worst. . . . Oakland's Carson Palmer has passer rating of 34.8 in fourth quarter -- 40th and last in league. In first half, his rating is 105.4. . . . Raiders allowing 5.3 yards per rush, most in NFL. . . . Former Akron star Jason Taylor will appear in 200th game with Miami, second only to Dan Marino's 242. . . . Miami's Matt Moore had league's third-highest passer rating in November at 112.7. . . . Dolphins rookie Daniel Thomas averaging 2.9 yards a carry since first two games, when he averaged 4.9.

Tennessee (6-5) at Buffalo (5-6)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Bills by 1 1/2.

The skinny: Titans RB Chris Johnson beginning to regain stride with 190 yards rushing against Tampa Bay -- third-highest total of career. . . . Tennessee WR Nate Washington has 22 third-down catches and is tied for NFL lead with New Orleans RB Darren Sproles. . . . Since taking over for injured Titans WR Kenny Britt on Oct. 2, Damian Williams has five TDs receiving, tied for third most among NFL players over that nine-week span. . . . Bills have lost four straight after 5-2 start and in jeopardy of missing playoffs for 12th consecutive season. . . . QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has 51 TDs with Bills, five short of passing Drew Bledsoe for fourth on team list. . . . Bills haven't scored TD rushing in past five games after having eight in first six.

Indianapolis (0-11) at New England (8-3)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Patriots by 20 1/2.

The skinny: Colts and Patriots meet for ninth straight season despite being in different divisions. . . . Colts have allowed most points in NFL this season, 29.7 per game. Patriots have given up most yards, 409.8 per game. . . . Dan Orlovsky makes first start at quarterback for Indianapolis in place of ineffective Curtis Painter. . . . Colts DE Dwight Freeney needs a half sack to become 26th player to reach 100 for his career since it became an official statistic in 1982. . . . Win by Patriots would move Tom Brady ahead of former Colts great Johnny Unitas into sixth place for most regular-season victories by starting quarterback with 120.

St. Louis (2-9) at San Francisco (9-2)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: 49ers by 13.

The skinny: Nick Miller's 88-yard punt return for TD last week against Arizona was Rams' first since 2007. . . . Rams' last-place run defense allowed 228 yards to Cardinals' Beanie Wells (Akron Garfield, Ohio State) after allowing 253 yards to Dallas' DeMarco Murray in Week 6. . . . With win, San Francisco's Jim Harbaugh would join George Seifert (1989) and Steve Mariucci (1997) as only rookie coaches in franchise history to win NFC West in first year. . . . Niners RB Frank Gore (7,323) needs 22 yards rushing to pass late Hall of Famer Joe Perry (7,344) for most in franchise history.

Dallas (7-4) at Arizona (4-7)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Cowboys by 6 1/2.

The skinny: TE Jason Witten needs 143 yards receiving to pass Drew Pearson for third on Dallas career list, behind Michael Irvin and Tony Hill. . . . Cardinals have won two straight against Cowboys, on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown in overtime in 2008 and a 48-yard field goal by Jay Feely with 5 seconds left last season. . . . Arizona is 3-1 since QB John Skelton took over for injured Kevin Kolb. Skelton has completed 50.4 percent of his passes (59-of-117) for 750 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. His passer rating is 52.5, compared with 77.8 for Kolb and 97.5 for Dallas' Tony Romo.

Green Bay (11-0) at N.Y. Giants (6-5)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Packers by 7.

The skinny: Packers 11-0 for first time in franchise history and have won 17 in row, including playoffs, longest streak in team history. Defending Super Bowl champions can clinch third straight playoff berth with win, and they win NFC North with a win and a little help. . . . Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers is first player in NFL history to post 100-plus passer rating in 11 straight games. He has thrown at least two TDs in first 11 games, third-longest streak to begin season. . . . Giants' Eli Manning is fifth quarterback in NFL history with seven consecutive seasons with 3,000-plus yards (3,358) and 20-plus TDs (20).

Detroit (7-4) at New Orleans (8-3)

When: 8:20 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Saints by 8 1/2.

The skinny: Matthew Stafford's 3,119 yards passing are most by Lions QB in first 11 games of a season. . . . Stafford has 26 TDs passing, tied with Bobby Layne (1951) for second most by a Detroit QB in a season. . . . Lions WR Calvin Johnson leads NFL with 12 TD catches. He is one of only three players, along with Lance Alworth and Jerry Rice, with 12 or more TDs receiving in three of their first five seasons. . . . Saints QB Drew Brees tied a franchise record with six TD passes in their most recent meeting. . . . Brees has 20-plus completions in an NFL-record 31 straight games.

San Diego (4-7) at Jacksonville (3-8)

When: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Early line: Chargers by 3.

The skinny: Chargers have lost six in row. . . . Since 2006, San Diego is 20-2 in December. . . . Chargers TE Antonio Gates (former Kent State men's basketball star) needs 65 yards receiving to move into third all-time in franchise history. . . . Jaguars changed landscape of team this week, firing coach Jack Del Rio and announcing team is being sold to Illinois businessman Shahid Khan. Interim coach Mel Tucker (former Ohio State defensive backs coach, former Browns defensive coordinator) stepped in and fired WRs coach Johnny Cox, moved QBs coach Mike Sheppard to WRs and waived starting WR Jason Hill.

Ohio University coach Frank Solich says getting into a back-and-forth scoring match with the West Division champion Huskies in tonight's MAC Championship Game could be fatal for the East Division champion Bobcats.

View full sizeCarlos Osorio, Associated PressOhio quarterback Tyler Tettleton addresses the media Thursday during a news conference at Ford Field in Detroit.

Pingpong is a game of quick smashes and vicious spikes delivered back and forth by opponents in lightning fashion.

Ohio University football coach Frank Solich wants no part of pingpong tonight when his Bobcats take on Northern Illinois for the Mid-American Conference championship.

More than once this season, the Huskies have been in high-scoring shootouts in conference play, scoring 40 or more points in six of eight MAC games. That includes a 63-60 victory at Toledo and a 51-22 victory against Western Michigan. The Bobcats scored more than 40 once in the MAC.

Solich admits that getting into a back-and-forth scoring match with the West Division champion Huskies (9-3, 7-1) could be fatal for the East Division champion Bobcats (9-3, 6-2).

"Definitely, I'm concerned about that because they have a way of winning those pingpong games," Solich said.

Solich has a way of winning, too. He is w 49-39 as head coach of the Bobcats since 2005 and will take his team to a third straight bowl game -- and fourth overall -- since his arrival in Athens.

OU rebounded from standing 4-3, 1-2 at one point in the season, on a two-game losing streak, to finish strong for the division title winning their last five straight, which was impressive, even to Solich.

"The way they played coming down the stretch, we've been involved in a lot of close ballgames," Solich said. "Most of our games have been really, really close. Our last game with Miami really came down to the last drive. So we have found ways to win. Give the players a great deal of credit for that."

It's something the Bobcats will have to do once again.

This is the third OU team Solich has led to the MAC title game. But OU lost them both, to Central Michigan twice, in 2006 (31-10) and 2009 (35-10).

"We need to break through that barrier," Solich said, "Ideally, it would be this year. But we'll see. We have to make sure we're on top of our game so it doesn't get out of control. Our goal has not been to make it to the MAC Championship Game. Our goal has been to win a MAC championship."

It is the same goal the Huskies have. NIU has lost its previous two appearances in the MAC title game, 31-30, to Akron in 2005 and, 26-21, to Miami in 2010. But unlike the Bobcats in their two games, the Huskies lost when they were heavily favored in both.

In this game, they are favored again, by 3 1/2 points.

Individually, this is the swan song for MAC's Vern Smith Award winner, senior quarterback Chandler Harnish of NIU, and the big-stage debut for OU sophomore quarterback Tyler Tettleton. Harnish is the ultimate dual threat, rushing for 1,352 yards and 11 TDs and passing for 2,692 yards and 23 TDs. Tettleton, in his first year as a starter, is tracking along the same lines. He passed for 2,868 yards and 26 TDs, while rushing for 547 yards and eight TDs.

At first glance this matchup appears to be pretty even. The Bobcats won the MAC East averaging 31.9 points a game in the high-scoring MAC while the Huskies won the MAC West averaging 39.6. Both teams rallied from brief early-season losing streaks to win their division crowns. Against common opponents both teams finished 3-1. Both teams rely heavily on their quarterbacks to run and pass. And both defenses can generally be described as "bend, don't break."

The Bobcats can certainly generate some offense, producing 500 yards or more in three of its last five games. But the Huskies numbers are skewed by an 18-12 victory over Eastern Michigan. Beyond that, NIU's offense has moved up and down the field at will vs. MAC teams with its only league loss, 48-41, coming against a Central Michigan team the Bobcats defeated, 45-28.

"They have a tremendous football team, capable of scoring from anywhere on the football field," Solich said. "And saying that, field position doesn't seem to make a difference to them. It's OK if they don't have great field position. They're still able to be the kind of football team that overcomes that.

"You want to try not to get into a scoring match with them, a ping pong game with them. But the bottom line is, to beat them you're going to have to score some points, and you're going to have to slow them down some. If you are three and out against Northern Illinois, you are going to have a long, long evening."

Solich has clearly turned OU's football program into a consistent title contender since taking over the Bobcats in 2005. The final hurdle is to wear the crown.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

The Pac-12, ACC, Conference USA and SEC also have championship games this weekend.

View full sizeKirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free PressKirk Cousins and Michigan State are underdogs against Wisconsin in Saturday's Big Ten Championship Game.

Today

Pac-12 Championship: No. 8 Oregon vs. UCLA

Kickoff: 8:20 p.m., WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Oregon by 3.

Notable: Oregon is 10-2, 8-1. UCLA is 6-6, 5-4. The Ducks are going for their third straight conference title. A win will send them to the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2. Underdog UCLA will be playing for the last time under coach Rick Neuheisel, who was told Monday he wouldn't be retained next season. Oregon is ranked sixth in the nation with an average of 510.58 yards per game.

Saturday

Big Ten Championship: No. 11 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Wisconsin

Kickoff: 8:17 p.m. on WJW Channel 8.

Early line: UW by 9 1/2.

Notable: The Spartans are 10-2, 7-1. The Badgers are 10-2, 6-2. The Badgers and Spartans were part of a three-way tie with Ohio State for last year's Big Ten title, and Saturday's game gives them a chance to slug it out for the undisputed championship. The winner gets a ticket to the Rose Bowl, where Wisconsin played, and lost, to TCU in January. Michigan State hasn't been to Pasadena, Calif., since 1988. The loser of Saturday's game will have to spend another 24 hours waiting to see where it will go bowling. In the first meeting this season, Wisconsin RB Montee Ball and the Badgers jumped to a 14-0 lead, then Ball was lost to injury in the second quarter. The Spartans rallied and eventually took a 31-17 lead early in the fourth quarter. Ball's return rejuvenated the Badgers, helping them rally to tie the score, 31-31, in the final minute, only to lose the game on a memorable Hail Mary pass. With Ball healthy, the Spartans must find a way to stop him.

ACC Championship: No. 5 Virginia Tech vs. No. 21 Clemson

Kickoff: 8:02 p.m., ESPN.

Early line: Virginia Tech by 7

Notable: Tech is 11-1, 7-1. Clemson is 9-3, 6-2. The league's BCS bowl berth, likely in the Orange Bowl, is at stake. The Hokies are seeking their fourth victory in the title game. Clemson lost in 2009, its only appearance. Watch the matchup between Clemson WR Sammy Watkins and Virginia Tech's defense. The Hokies limited the nation's most electrifying freshman to three catches for 38 yards in the first meeting between the teams -- a 23-3 Clemson win Oct. 1 -- and Watkins has been slowed by a shoulder injury. His involvement could be critical for the Tigers, though, as they try to rebuild QB Tajh Boyd's confidence after his recent struggles.

Conference USA Championship: No. 7 Houston vs. No. 24 Southern Miss

Kickoff: Noon on WEWS Channel 5.

Early line: Houston by 13.

Notable: The Cougars are 12-0, 8-0. Southern Miss is 10-2, 6-2. This is it for Houston, and maybe for Conference USA, too. The Cougars are one win from the program's first undefeated season and the downtrodden, disintegrating league's first berth in the Bowl Championship Series. Houston and Case Keenum will get a national television audience to showcase the country's most prolific offense, and one more monster game could also secure Keenum an invitation to the Heisman Trophy ceremony the following week. The Golden Eagles can ruin it all and win their first C-USA championship.

Southeastern Conference Championship: No. 1 LSU vs. No. 12 Georgia

Kickoff: 4 p.m. on WOIO Channel 19.

Early line: LSU by 13 1/2.

Notable: LSU is 12-0, 8-0. Georgia is 10-2, 7-1. LSU is trying to lock up its spot in the BCS Championship Game. Even with a loss to Georgia, LSU still might earn a BCS title berth, as it is the last unbeaten team from a major conference and has already defeated three of the top eight schools in The Associated Press poll. The Bulldogs are trying to stamp their comeback season with a signature win and earn a trip to the Sugar Bowl. There's nothing fancy about the Tigers, who send out waves of running backs to overpower opponents. Michael Ford leads the way with 721 yards, Spencer Ware has 687, Alfred Blue chips in with 445 and freshman Kenny Hilliard is coming off a career-best 102 yards against Arkansas.

No. 3 Oklahoma State vs. No. 13 Oklahoma

Kickoff: 8 p.m. on WEWS Channel 5.

Early line: Oklahoma State by 3

Notable: OSU is 10-1, 7-1 Big 12. OU is 9-2, 6-2. The Cowboys will try to make their case that they deserve a shot to play for the national championship, but they will have to break an eight-game losing streak in the lopsided series to do it. Oklahoma is shooting for its eighth Big 12 championship. The past two opponents with top-10 passing attacks both beat the Sooners by racking up more than 450 yards through the air. With quarterback Brandon Weeden and All-American receiver Justin Blackmon, the Cowboys rank second in the nation in passing (401.6 yards per game).

-- From Associated Press reports

NCAA Division III quarterfinals: No. 2 Mount Union vs. No. 9 Wabash

Kickoff: Noon at Mount Union Stadium, Alliance.

TV/Radio: SportsTime Ohio, delayed (Saturday at 11 p.m.; Monday at noon)/WDPN AM/1310.

Notable: Both teams are 12-0. The story line is as compelling as they come: Mount coach Larry Kehres, in his 26th season and one of only 11 college coaches to win 300 games, will coach against his nephew, Erik Raeburn, who is in his fourth season at Wabash. Raeburn, Mount Class of 1991, is 39-6 at Wabash and has led the Little Giants to two NCAC titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. He is the 2011 North Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Mount will hope for another good day from junior DE Charles Dieuseul. Last week in the win against Centre (Ky.), he matched his career-high with 12 tackles, including 11/2 sacks. He is the Ohio Athletic Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year. Wabash's defense is led by senior LB C.J. Gum, an All-American who leads the team in tackles and was the NCAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Next: Winner plays either Mary Hardin-Baylor or Wesley (Del.) in the national semifinals Dec. 10.

-- From staff reports

Wilson was a Boston Bruins fan while growing up and idolized Bobby Orr.

View full size

Shoots: Right.

Height, weight: 6-0, 175.

Born: March 26, 1991, Calgary, Alberta.

Acquired: Signed by Lake Erie to AHL contract in 2011.

PD: Best active hockey player on planet?

BW: Sidney Crosby.

PD: Favorite sport(s) growing up?

BW: Football, soccer and, obviously, hockey.

PD: What hockey team did you follow growing up?

BW: The Boston Bruins. I used to have a "Best of Bobby Orr" video that I watched before every game.

PD: Why Orr?

BW: He was a cut above everybody else.

PD: Best Christmas gift ever received?

BW: PSP (PlayStation Portable).

PD: Favorite junk food?

BW: Potato chips, Doritos.

PD: Wildest thing ever witnessed at hockey game as fan or player?

BW: As a fan in Calgary, I saw a streaker go on the ice.

PD: What happened?

BW: He was wearing nothing but socks. He hopped the glass and, because he was wearing nothing but socks, slipped and knocked himself out.

PD: If you could be one athlete, who?

BW: Tom Brady.

PD: Because of the arm, the bank account or the looks?

BW: All of the above.

PD: Smartest person ever met?

BW: My sister, Mel.

PD: Favorite class in school?

BW: Physical education.

PD: Describe Monsters coach David Quinn in 15 words or fewer.

BW: Intense and crazy.

PD: One aspect of Quinn that he would not want us to know.

BW: That I've got better hands than he does.

PD: Best venue in which you've played hockey?

BW: I played an outdoor game in McMahon Stadium, where the Calgary Stampeders (Canadian Football League) play.

PD: If not a hockey player, what would you be?

BW: Student.

-- Dennis Manoloff

Monsters coach David Quinn made a loud mess but certainly got his players’ attention during a recent game.

View full sizeThe Plain DealerMonsters coach David Quinn.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It already is legendary in Monsters circles.

Hurricane Quinny.

When it blasted the visitors locker room last Saturday night in Hershey, Pa., Lake Erie players saw their careers -- and a garbage can -- flash in front of them. Some had witnessed ultra-intense coach David Quinn flip the occasional switch, but never quite like this.

Quinn spent the first period doing a fast burn as his club fell behind the Bears, 3-1. Seconds after the horn sounded, Quinn positioned himself at the doorway to the locker room and commanded player after player to "sit down," with some salty language mixed in. Typically when upset, Quinn waits quietly until everyone is seated.

"It's not like we didn't sense something coming," winger Greg Mauldin said. "We weren't playing well."

Never mind that the Monsters were exhausted, having arrived in the morning after a bus ride from Cleveland. The Bears were waiting. Never mind that the Monsters had played their most physical game of the season the previous night, the payoff being a 5-1 victory over Hamilton to stretch their winning streak to three.

Quinn was in no mood to wax nostalgic.

"Bottom line: We weren't playing hard enough in the first period against Hershey," Quinn said. "We weren't hitting people. We weren't driving through guys."

For the record, Quinn did not want to discuss his tirade. Neither did assistant coach David Oliver. They never want the spotlight, regardless of circumstances. But both begrudgingly admitted this particular scene was so captivating that entirely glossing over it was not an option.

To drive his point home about the Monsters not hitting hard enough, Quinn pounded his right hand into his left hand several times, so hard that the left went numb. The smack was so loud, players in the Hershey locker room might have heard it.

After some screaming and yelling, Quinn delivered the icing. He swung his leg and unloaded on a large trash can.

"He put the trash can through the uprights from 62 yards," Oliver said.

"We were dodging garbage," Mauldin said.

Quinn was not done. He teed up the poor can once more.

"The 35-yarder was good, too," Oliver said.

By the time Quinn finished filling up the room with verbal and literal debris, his players had no choice but to play with their skates on fire. They rallied for a 5-4 victory, the game-winning goal coming at 19:39 of the third period.

"A fantastic team win," Quinn said. "The guys just took it to [Hershey] in the final two periods. All the credit goes to them."

Mauldin said he and his teammates had no problem with Quinn blowing a gasket -- or three.

"Sometimes, you need a kick in the pants," Mauldin said. "At that point, you have two choices: Sulk or pick up the pace. We picked up the pace, big time."

Quinn, in his third season as a pro head coach -- all with the Monsters -- is considered an NHL coaching prospect. Mauldin, in his second season with Lake Erie, can see why.

"It's never anything personal when coach Quinn gets angry at us," Mauldin said. "All he wants to do is get us to the NHL. And, he takes responsibility when he makes mistakes. He's honest and fair."

The Monsters were unable to capitalize on the Hershey momentum. They lost to the powerful Houston Aeros, 2-1, Wednesday night at The Q. Quinn sounded as upbeat as he ever does after a loss, complimenting his team for playing hard and executing reasonably well.

"Sometimes, you need to give credit to the other team, and this is one of those times," Quinn said.

The Aeros improved to 12-3-2-4.

The Monsters (9-10-1-1) begin a six-game trip tonight in Rockford, Ill.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

The steelhead trout and walleye fishing has slowed a bit, but the weather and catches should both improve this weekend.

View full sizeAssociated Press file photoA fisherman tries his luck on Lake Erie.

Steelhead trout fishing has been put on hold until local rivers and streams settle down, which should begin on the weekend. The night bite along the Lake Erie shoreline has slowed a bit, but walleye are still being caught while casting from shore. Inland lakes are giving up fair to good numbers of panfish.

Lake Erie Bad weather has made shoreline and boat fishing difficult the past few days, but the weather and the walleye catches should improve this weekend. Anglers still are taking walleye after dark while casting from piers and breakwalls from Cleveland to Marblehead. Fishermen are casting suspending or countdown minnow-style plugs from shore, and trolling plugs along the shoreline.

Cleveland, Lorain, Huron and Lakeside all have been hot spots lately for night walleye fishing.

Rivers and streams Local rivers and streams are still high and muddy, but steelhead fishing should improve this weekend as water levels go down and rivers begin to clear. Some local anglers are heading to Pennsylvania's Elk Creek, where conditions are good. Around Northeast Ohio, upstream tributaries of the bigger rivers should begin to give up steelhead trout over the next couple of days, with the Chagrin and Rocky the best bets for the weekend.

Anglers are working the deeper pools of the rivers with down-sized spawn bags, jig-maggot combos and minnows worked along the river bottom under a float. Fly fishers are casting egg patterns, bead-head nymphs and small streamers.

Inland lakes, reservoirs Big trophy trout released at Punderson Lake still are biting, with Berkley Power Bait in orange and chartreuse the top baits, followed by jig-maggot combos and small in-line spinners and spoons. Some anglers are suspending bait under a float, while others are finding success by working baits on the lake bottom.

Trout also are being caught at the Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area on Power Bait, ice jigs tipped with wax worms or maggots and small spinners. Cleveland Metroparks winter trout stockings in ponds and lakes are scheduled to begin in the middle of December. The Medina County parks have stocked trout at the Plum Creek pond.

Bluegill and crappie are being caught around Portage Lakes and at Mosquito and Pymatuning reservoirs. The best fishing has been in 6 to 10 feet of water. Bass fishing is very slow. Walleye still are being caught on blade baits in the southern waters of Pymatuning Reservoir.

Tournaments and derbies

Walleye Fall Brawl Derby: The new leader is John Snow with a 29-inch, 11.73-pound walleye caught while trolling Lake Erie in the Cleveland area. The final weigh-in for the derby is 8 a.m. Sunday.

-- D'Arcy Egan

Rumors of a huge antlered deer roaming the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area went from fiction to fact when Jacob Holloway of Sylvania, Ohio, recently bagged an 18-point buck there.

View full sizePhotograph courtesy of Jacob HollowayJacob Holloway, 15, of Sylvania, Ohio, bagged a trophy buck during a special youth hunt recently at the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area. It was the second trophy deer the young hunter has harvested during a youth hunt at the wildlife area.

Rumors of a huge antlered deer roaming the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area went from local fiction to absolute fact when Jacob Holloway of Sylvania, Ohio, recently bagged an 18-point buck while on a youth deer gun hunt there. Just as impressive, it was the second trophy buck Holloway has taken during a special youth hunt at the Trumbull County wildlife area.

Holloway, 15, was accompanied by his father, Jason Holloway, on Nov. 6 when the big buck wandered past the young sportsman. Five years ago, also under his father's watchful eye, Holloway took a 140-inch typical buck during the special youth hunt.

A sophomore at Southview High School, Holloway is an avid hunter and baseball player, said his father. In spring and summer, baseball dominates the young sportsman's life. Fishing and hunting keep him on the water or in the woods and fields the rest of the year.

"Jacob started shooting a single-shot [.22-caliber] rifle and passed his hunter safety course when he was very young," said Jason Holloway, a truck driver and lifelong hunter. "Jacob began hunting squirrels and rabbits with me and shot his first deer when he was 9 years old, a nice 8-pointer. Jacob has a couple of beagles we take out to hunt rabbits, and we're both avid duck hunters."

Jacob Holloway was a catcher and third baseman for Southview High School last spring.

"He's a very good athlete and a bright kid, with a 3.82-point grade average," said his father.

The 9,021-acre Mosquito area is known for its trophy deer, a reason many sportsmen apply for special lotteries for adult and youth deer hunts. The mix of wet woods and big timber, with a few agricultural fields thrown in, provides great habitat for deer.

Area manager Lou Orosz was aware of a deer with massive antlers on the wildlife area after a technician found in January what they believed were sheds, or discarded antlers, from Holloway's big buck. As hunters know, deer lose their antlers each winter and grow new ones throughout the spring and summer. The wildlife officials can't be sure the shed antlers were once worn by Holloway's trophy deer, but the antlers were very similar in size and shape to the ones sported by Holloway's buck.

"We never thought we'd see a bigger buck than Jacob's first one at the Mosquito area," said Jason Holloway. "But you always hope there's another monster buck out there. This time, there was. And Jacob got it."

Safe hunting: Ohio hunters have had a very safe deer gun season so far this week.

There are 420,000 shotgun hunters expected to hunt deer this week and during the extended weekend on Dec. 17-18. There have been two accidents reported since Monday's opening day and no fatalities. The incidents in Portage and Vinton counties were both self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The Portage County hunter shot himself in the foot, while the Vinton County accident involved a hand injury. Wildlife officials do not release the names of hunters involved in accidents.

There was a fatal hunting accident Friday in Lawrence County, before the deer gun season began. A man hunting with his 11-year-old son was shot and killed while in a woods near Hanging Rock, Ohio.

Good weather needed: Heavy rains all around the Buckeye State on Monday and Tuesday made deer hunting difficult during the first two days of the popular gun season. The Division of Wildlife reported 23,600 deer were killed on opening day, a 39 percent decline from 2010.

As the weather has gradually improved, deer hunters have had more success. By Wednesday evening, the deer harvest had increased to 45,780, a drop of 25 percent from a year ago.

Last year, deer hunters killed 104,442 deer killed during the week-long gun season. Shotgun hunters can pursue Ohio deer through Sunday, and on Dec. 17-18.

Mike Tonkovich heads the wildlife agency's deer programs, and has worked to liberalize limits on antlerless deer to trim the size of Ohio's deer herd. That keeps the quality of the deer herd high, helps prevent crop damage and lowers the number of deer killed on the highways. It will also mean fewer deer killed by hunters.

"We've been taking about a quarter of a million deer each year in Ohio in recent years, and that has helped to reduce the size of the herd," said Tonkovich, who has estimated the state's deer population at 750,000 bucks and does. "A harvest of about 225,000 animals would be more realistic this year."

Electronic success: Ohio's new electronic check-in system for big game hunters is working well, reports wildlife official Jamey Graham of the Division of Wildlife office in Akron. About 75 percent of the hunters who bagged deer this week checked them in by telephone (1-877-TAGITOH) or on the Internet at wildohio.com, said Graham, instead of at traditional deer check stations.

The biggest problem has been the fragile paper used by sportsmen who print the licenses and permits they get online. Big rains plagued hunters on Monday's opening day of the deer gun season, soaking some licenses and permits and making them unreadable.

"The system worked even better than I was hoping," said assistant chief David Lane. "We had a lot of positive emails and telephone calls about the new system. Like anything else, though, it will take time for everyone to adjust to it."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: degan@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

When push comes to shove after an interception, quarterbacks have to be able to make a tackle.

View full sizeCharles Rex Arbogast, Associated PressChicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, sprawling at right, broke his thumb trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception Nov. 20 and will miss at least the rest of the regular season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — If Mount Union junior quarterback Neal Seaman had it to do all over again, he said he would do exactly the same thing . . . more or less.

"I probably would tackle a little different," he admitted.

In an NCAA Division III national semifinal against visiting Bethel last season, Seaman threw an interception on Mount Union's first possession and then suffered a game-ending foot injury while making the tackle. The Purple Raiders won that game, 34-14, but lost to Wisconsin-Whitewater in the championship game, 31-21, as Seaman watched.

Seaman said he did not hesitate to try to make the play, nor would he hesitate should it happen again.

"That's just the way I am," he said. "I'm not going to give their team free points. I'm always going to try and make the stop. It didn't turn out how I wanted. I haven't tackled anybody since high school."

Though quarterbacks rarely, if ever, practice tackling -- even kickers do that -- and though their shoulder pads are more streamlined than other players' in order to facilitate the throwing motion, coaches and quarterbacks from high school to the pros insist they are obligated to make the tackle after throwing an interception.

Forget that Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said this week he could be out for the season after breaking his thumb trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception against San Diego two weeks ago.

"That was an unfortunate situation," Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Thursday. "But we tell all our players to play to the whistle."

Browns QB Colt McCoy got some criticism for not trying to stop Tennessee's Jordan Babineaux, who returned an interception 97 yards for a TD earlier this season. Then again, in spite of a sore shoulder, he did tackle Jacksonville's Dawan Landry after a pick two weeks ago.

"I think you definitely have to do everything you can to make the tackle," said McCoy, who pointed out that University of Houston quarterback Case Keenum tore his ACL while making a tackle after an interception last year. "We are coached to be smart about it. You're coached to be the last guy to make the tackle, because everybody's going to be coming after you, flying after you, it's a free shot at the quarterback. So, there's kind of a like, you've got to make the play, but you're valuable to your team and you don't want to lose that either. . . . You've just got to be real smart about it."

St. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle, whose Wildcats will play for their 11th state title on Saturday against Pickerington Central, said he would never tell his quarterback not to make a tackle.

"That's high school football," he said. "Those kids still like to play. At that point, when the quarterback throws an interception, he's not happy. He's probably the first one to start sprinting over to make the tackle. High school kids are not going to back off. That's the way it should be."

Avon coach Mike Elder agreed -- and his quarterback Justin O'Rourke is first-team All-Ohio in Division II.

"Every person who plays football -- it doesn't matter if you're a quarterback or if you're a kicker or what your role is on the team -- has to be taught to tackle properly," said Elder, a Mount Union graduate whose Eagles will play for the Division II title tonight against Trotwood-Madison. "As a coach, you put a helmet on a young man and you accept responsibility for making sure they can be safe.

"Injuries are part of football, but knowing how to tackle is an appropriate thing to teach every kid. I don't tell my quarterback not to tackle. He has to tackle. If he throws an interception, he better go tackle him or he's going to be in trouble."

Elder also pointed out that many high school kids play both ways -- or have at some point -- although O'Rourke does not.

Mount Union's Seaman played safety at high school in Louisville, Ohio, which didn't help him at all during last year's playoff run. His coach, Larry Kehres, played quarterback at Mount Union and has been the head coach the past 25 years. He said he had never pondered whether he should tell his quarterback not to make a tackle.

"You have to go make the tackle," Kehres said. "Quarterbacks always go help. I don't think I've seen an instance where one took the easy way out.

"I think you want your quarterback to be like all your players -- to play hard and do what you have to do to help the team. Unfortunately, if there's an interception, that means helping to tackle. You have to go do it."

But Seaman's injury last season did cause Kehres to change his approach this season. Instead of being forced to throw in a backup who had played little all season, he made sure backup Matt Piloto got plenty of snaps this season.

That strategy paid off, when Seaman got hurt five games ago. But this time, he was not making the tackle but rather being tackled.

Plain Dealer reporter Mary Kay Cabot contributed to this story.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Avon is 23-2 over the past two seasons entering tonight's Division II state final against Trotwood-Madison. Coach Mike Elder said both defeats have played into his team's overall success. Live audio tonight: Avon vs. Trotwood Madison at 7 p.m.

Avon’s Ross Douglas, seen above scoring a touchdown against Lake Catholic in October, will look to do the same tonight against Trotwood-Madison in the Division II state final. - (Chuck Crow, PD)

Avon is 23-2 over the past two seasons entering tonight's Division II state final against Trotwood-Madison. Coach Mike Elder said both defeats have played into his team's overall success.

Live audio tonight: Avon vs. Trotwood Madison at 7 p.m.

The Eagles were 10-0 when they lost their opening 2010 playoff game to eighth-seeded Sandusky (6-4), 42-35.

"It was a bitter ending to a great year," said Elder, who has a 47-11 mark in five seasons. "The thing about that was we committed seven turnovers. A lot of people said we were pretenders and not contenders, or said our conference wasn't very good.

"But we've got guys who have been starting for two or three years. This didn't happen overnight."

Avon was 9-0 when it got beat by Lake Catholic, 25-21, in this year's regular-season finale. The loss of another perfect season served its purpose.

"Some people said that was the best team we played and we lost in the last 30 seconds," Elder said. "It gave us a little bit of an edge. I think what we took out of that was, 'Hey, we're pretty good. We should have won that game.'

"We still won our [West Shore] conference and all our goals were in place."

Making amends: Trotwood-Madison held a 26-7 lead in the second quarter against Maple Heights in last year's title game. The Rams wound up losing to the Mustangs, 45-33.

Trotwood coach Maurice Douglass said that defeat spurred his club to make a return appearance.

"It gave them a vision," said Douglass, who has posted a 71-46 record since becoming the head man at his alma mater in 2001. "They pointed to it all year.

"We put the picture of the scoreboard [from last year's loss] in everyone's locker. It let everybody know you left one on the table up there."

Quite a ride: Douglass was a defensive back on Trotwood's 1981 state runner-up team. The Rams did not return to the playoffs until he took over, returning six times since 2002.

However, the Ohio High School Athletic Association hit Douglass with a three-week suspension in 2008 and placed Trotwood on probation for two years because of recruiting violations.

Douglass, 47, played at Kentucky and was drafted by the Chicago Bears, with whom he played nine seasons. His final two seasons were with the New York Giants. For a time while with the Bears, he also worked as a male stripper.

Two out of three ain't bad:St. Ignatius had three goals heading into the playoffs: avenge regular-season losses to Mentor and Cincinnati St. Xavier and win an 11th state title.

The Wildcats, if successful in Saturday's Division I final, will have accomplished two of those goals -- St. Xavier was eliminated by Pickerington Central in a state semifinal.

"We don't care who we're playing, we're just happy to be playing for a state championship," St. Ignatius wide receiver Tim McCoy said. "We've been looking at that sign in our weight room all season long. It says 'Be State Champions.' "

Oops:Toledo Whitmer coach Joe Palka accidentally referred to St. Ignatius as St. Edward after Saturday's state semifinal but immediately caught himself.

"Give St. Ed's, ah, St. Ignatius, credit," Palka said.

St. Edward eliminated Whitmer last season in a state semifinal en route to winning the program's first state title.

Hairy situation: A number of St. Ignatius players began growing mustaches at the start of the postseason -- some good, some not so good.

"Mine didn't come in so great because my hair is kind of blond but Tim McVey and Zack Ryan probably have the best ones on the team," senior safety/fullback Mike Svetina said.

The mustaches won't last long after Saturday because there's a no facial hair policy at the school.

"Mine's coming off on Sunday," said Svetina.

Gutsy call: St. Ignatius senior tight end Blake Thomas witnessed Whitmer's successful fake punt attempt from the sideline when it was faced with a fourth-and-8 situation late in the third quarter.

A 26-yard pass from Nick Holley to Nigel Hayes gave Whitmer a first down on its own 43.

"That was a gutsy call because if they don't make it we're in field goal range right off the bat," said Thomas, an Ohio State recruit. "If they don't make it, that's pretty much the game."

On the line:Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde likes to keep his offense simple, running just five basic plays out of the stacked-I formation. He's had a variety of good running backs the past six years, but the real common denominator has been outstanding offensive line play.

The Hornets routinely dominate in the trenches.

"I have a great line coach in Dean Morrison," LaVerde said. "He's the reason over a six-year stretch we've been able to run the ball."

This year's line is not huge, but it moves well and has good strength. Sophomore Mike Cymbal (5-10, 185) is the center, junior Ben Nye (6-1, 218) and senior Tim Blankenship (5-10, 190) are the guards, and junior Bob Matthews (6-2, 215) and senior Erick Zuberer (6-2, 235) are the tackles.

"We have some good guards," tailback Christian Hauber said. "With Tim Blankenship, we like to pull him because he's quick and he's strong. The whole O-line is physical and comes off the ball and hits the D-line so fast."

One title: Kirtland has one state team championship in school history -- 1967 in boys track.

Like minds: Like LaVerde, Kirtland defensive coordinator Ryan Beeler is a math teacher (at Wickliffe), and brings an analytical approach to formations and schemes. LaVerde said Beeler, the son of late Painesville Harvey coach Dick Beeler, is meticulous in breaking down film and finding mismatches.

"That's the same approach I take on offense, and that's why we work well together," LaVerde said.

Ohio State offer: Cleveland Heights junior wide receiver Shelton Gibson received a scholarship offer from new Ohio State coach Urban Meyer on Tuesday.

Heights coach Jeff Rotsky said he and Meyer spoke on the phone, and then Gibson called Meyer. Meyer told Gibson he was the first player to receive a scholarship offer, according to Rotsky.

Gibson did not make an oral commitment.

Gibson caught 27 passes for 518 yards (19.2-yard average) and four touchdowns this fall. He also had a rushing touchdown, and returned a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns.

Gibson (5-11, 175) really began to turn heads last spring when he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.72 seconds in his first track season. He placed fifth at state in 10.99.

Houston's back: Cleveland Heights received more good news this week when assistant coach Mario Houston left MetroHealth Medical Center under his own power, two months after suffering a stroke that nearly took his life, Rotsky said.

"He was walking very slowly," Rotsky said. "It was incredible. He's got the eye of the tiger back."

Boomer: Kirtland kicker Jared Lyon was All-Ohio in football and soccer this fall.

"Jared could be the difference in the game," LaVerde said. "The ball has a different sound off his foot than anybody I've heard."

-- Bob Fortuna, Joe Maxse,Tim Warsinskey

FOOTBALL STATE FINALS Where: Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, One Paul Brown Drive, and Canton's Fawcett Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW.

Kirtland will try today to win its first state title in football. - (Gus Chan, PD)

FOOTBALL STATE FINALS

Where: Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, One Paul Brown Drive, and Canton's Fawcett Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW.

Tickets: $8 presale at participating schools and $10 at the gate.

TV: All finals will be televised live on SportsTime Ohio.

Web: Listen to live audio broadcasts of the St. Ignatius, Avon and Kirtland games on cleveland.com/hssports. Also visit the website during those finals to participate in live chats interacting with other fans and Plain Dealer reporters Bob Fortuna and Tim Warsinskey.

TODAY

DIVISION V

Kirtland vs. Coldwater

Kickoff: 11 a.m., Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Records: Kirtland 14-0; Coldwater 11-3.

What to watch: First team to 17 points wins. Barring a spate of turnovers, this will be a low-scoring affair highlighted by two great defenses. Kirtland, ranked second in the final state poll, has allowed just 22 points in four playoff games, and its first-string defense has surrendered 34 points all season. Coldwater has played a far more challenging schedule (including state finalists Kenton and Marion Local), but still is allowing just 11.5 points per game. Kirtland will try to chew up the clock and yards with an offense that features five basic running plays out of the stacked-I formation. In four playoff games, it has run 201 times for 1,372 yards (6.8-yard average) and 19 TDs with three fumbles lost, while throwing just 19 passes (11 completions) for 206 yards with three TDs and one interception. Senior fullback Christian Hauber (Air Force) has 589 yards and 11 TDs rushing in the playoffs, while junior tailback Damon Washington has 489 and six TDs. Kirtland's 5-2 formation defense has forced 13 turnovers while allowing 82 yards passing and 84 yards rushing in the playoffs. Hauber was the Division V Defensive Player of the Year at middle linebacker and 6-2 sophomore nose tackle Cannon Schroeder has had a breakout year. DB Zach Santo has seven interceptions in 14 games. Ninth-ranked Coldwater is Kirtland's third straight opponent that runs a shotgun spread offense, and junior quarterback Austin Bruns (6-4, 205) has passed for 2,652 yards and 25 TDs with 16 interceptions. His 699 yards rushing leads the team. Caleb Siefring has caught 16 TD passes and is averaging 20.6 yards per reception. Siefring also is an All-Ohio defensive back with seven interceptions, and lineman Mark Brunet has 10 sacks. Don't be surprised if both teams have a few tricks up their sleeves. Coldwater won its second and most recent state title in 2007 by beating Cardinal Mooney, 28-27, with the help of two trick plays and a blocked extra-point attempt. Coldwater, which is about 125 miles southwest of Toledo, hails from the highly regarded Midwest Athletic Conference, which has produced 20 state football champions. The Cavaliers are seeking to become the third school in state history to win a state final after losing in the final the previous two years. No team has lost three straight.

PD pick: Kirtland.

-- Tim Warsinskey

DIVISION III

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney vs. Springfield Shawnee

Kickoff: 3 p.m., Fawcett Stadium.

Records: Mooney 10-3; Shawnee 14-0.

What to watch: Seven-time state champion and 10th-ranked Mooney struggled offensively in regular-season losses to St. Edward, Lake Catholic and Youngstown Ursuline. The Cardinals have had a wild playoff ride, beating top-ranked Steubenville on a late field goal in the second round, scoring 70 points against Dover in the third round, and forcing four turnovers and blocking a punt in a 24-14 state semifinal win over Chagrin Falls. Roosevelt Griffin leads Mooney with 1,387 yards rushing and 16 TDs and Justus Ellis-Moore and quarterback P.J. Quinn each have more than 700 yards rushing. Quinn has passed for 1,200 yards and 11 TDs. Junior LB Courtney Love is the Division III Defensive Co-Player of the Year. First-time state finalist and sixth-ranked Shawnee overcame a two-touchdown deficit last week and beat Elida, 56-42. All-Ohio QB Brad Jarzab had five TDs passing and rushing, including a 68-yard run. Jarzab (6-0, 190) has 1,535 yards and 16 TDs passing, and 1,634 yards and 18 TDs rushing.

PD pick: Mooney.

-- Tim Warsinskey

DIVISION II

Avon vs. Trotwood-Madison

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Records: Avon 13-1; Trotwood-Madison 14-0.

What to watch: The fifth-ranked Eagles are out to cap their dream season in their first title-game appearance. After suffering their lone loss, 25-21, in the regular-season finale against Lake Catholic, they have resumed their potent offense in outscoring four playoff opponents, 158-86. The Eagles have shown a balanced offense with depth -- 2,950 yards passing and 2,434 on the ground. Senior QB Justin O'Rourke has completed 59 percent of his passes for 2,843 yards and 37 TDs. Senior wide receiver Matt Eckhardt has 66 catches for 1,287 yards and 19 TDs, with senior wideout Jacob Mullins at 46 receptions for 702 yards and 10 TDs. Junior running back Ross Douglas has been the workhorse on the ground with 1,008 yards and 14 TDs. Junior Mark Kvach has 404 yards and three TDs. The top-ranked Rams lost last year's title game to Maple Heights, 45-33. They wasted a 26-7 lead in that one. Trotwood-Madison, which is in the northwest Dayton suburb of Trotwood, was a state runner-up in 1981. Senior quarterback Michael Simpson, a transfer this year from Dayton Julienne-Chaminade, was named Division II Offensive Player of the Year. He has passed for 2,626 yards and 30 TDs and rushed for 200 yards and two TDs. Junior running back Isreal Green has 1,758 yards and 21 TDs and sophomore Ashton Jackson has 1,000 yards and 17 rushing TDs. Linebacker Mike McCray, defensive backs George Bradley and Cameron Burrows, along with Simpson and Jackson, were first team Division II picks. O'Rourke and Eckhardt received the same honors. Both clubs are averaging 40 points in the postseason, so with decent weather expected it shapes up as a shootout. Turnovers will decide it.

PD pick: Avon.

-- Joe Maxse

SATURDAY

DIVISION VI

Maria Stein Marion Local vs. New Washington Buckeye Central

Kickoff: 11 a.m., Fawcett Stadium.

Records: Both teams are 12-2.

What to watch: Maria Stein, ranked fourth, knocked off defending champion Delphos St. John's, 21-14, in last week's semifinal. The Flyers lost by that score to St. John's in Week 9. They will be going for their fifth title, having won in 2006-07 and 2000-01. They were the runner-up in 2003. Unranked New Washington advanced by holding off top-ranked Berlin Center Western Reserve, 22-21, coming up with a late defensive stop. With no championships, they were the runner-up in 1995. Maria Stein has outscored opponents, 460-154, while New Washington holds a 452-167 advantage. Go with tradition in this one.

PD pick: Maria Stein.

-- Joe Maxse

DIVISION IV

Creston Norwayne vs. Kenton

Kickoff: 3 p.m., Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Records: Creston Norwayne 13-1; Kenton 14-0.

What to watch: Norwayne, ranked 13th, isn't shy about putting the ball in the air but also has a balanced running attack. QB Adam Wallace has passed for 2,677 yards and rushed for 902 yards, resulting in 26 TDs. His primary receivers are Jon Maibach (881 yards, 11 TDs) and Brady Berger (734 yards, 12 TDs). Brothers Jon and Tyler Zimmerly have run for 1,038 and 775 yards, respectively, and totaled 27 TDs. LBs John Wilson and Wallace have teamed up for more than 300 tackles on a defense that's allowed 13 points a game with two shutouts. Maibach and Dustin Grier have combined for six interceptions. Top-ranked Kenton is seeking a third state title but first since 2002 when Ben Mauk quarterbacked the Wildcats to two straight crowns. His younger brother, QB Maty Mauk is the Mr. Football winner and a Missouri recruit. He has passed for 4,992 yards and 63 TDs while rushing for 1,718 yards and 23 TDs. His favorite receivers are Justin Sawmiller (1,731 yards) and Kiernan Fetter (1,022 yards). Tackle Christian Miller-Goecke has made 55 tackles, including a team-best four sacks, while safety Sean Kelly has seven interceptions.

PD pick: Kenton.

-- Bob Fortuna

DIVISION I

Pickerington Central vs. St. Ignatius

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Fawcett Stadium.

Records: Central 11-2; St. Ignatius 12-2.

What to watch: Unranked Pickerington Central, which started the season with two losses, is deep, athletic and looking for its first state title in 11 postseasons. QB Nick Jensen-Clagg leads a balanced offense that features WRs Jake Raymond and Ohio State recruit Roger Lewis, and RBs Billy Eakins and Devone Penick behind a dependable line headed by Ohio State recruit Jacoby Boren. The defense, which is aggressive and plays multiple formations, is sparked by linemen Nick Wilson and Adam Cole, LB/Kent State recruit Jake Kincaid and junior sensation Taco Charlton at DE. The unit has allowed just nine points a game with five shutouts. Pickerington is a Columbus suburb, about 15 miles east of the state capital. St. Ignatius, ranked sixth, is in its 23rd postseason and has 10 state titles, the most recent in 2008. The Wildcats are not flashy on offense but have a solid passing game with QB Eric Williams and WRs Jake Mooney and Tim McCoy, along with a productive running game behind Tim McVey. The defense is tough against the run because of ends Kevin Kavalec and Mike Ryan and tackle David Katusha, and a second wave consisting of LBs Zack Ryan, Rustom Khouri and Jim Sheehan. Safeties Mike Svetina, McVey and Chad Aerni and CBs Tom Fanning and Adam North have accounted for 13 interceptions and can play zone or man-to-man with equal efficiency.

PD pick: St. Ignatius.

-- Bob Fortuna

It's been an interesting journey for St. Ignatius (12-2) and Pickerington Central (11-2) en route to Saturday's 7 p.m. Division I football state championship game at Canton's Fawcett Stadium. The unranked Tigers lost their first two games before reeling off 11 straight wins. The Tigers blanked top-ranked Hilliard Davidson, 24-0, in the regional final and beat No. 8 Cincinnati...

Tim McVey will carry the load on the ground for St. Ignatius. - (Joshua Gunter, PD)

It's been an interesting journey for St. Ignatius (12-2) and Pickerington Central (11-2) en route to Saturday's 7 p.m. Division I football state championship game at Canton's Fawcett Stadium.

The unranked Tigers lost their first two games before reeling off 11 straight wins. The Tigers blanked top-ranked Hilliard Davidson, 24-0, in the regional final and beat No. 8 Cincinnati St. Xavier, 14-7, in a state semifinal to avenge a 38-21 loss to the Bombers in Week 2.

Pickerington Central, in its 11th postseason, is playing in its second state title game and its first in Division I. The Tigers lost to Piqua, 26-7, in the Division II final in 2006.

Quite a difference compared to tournament-tested St. Ignatius.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 6 in the final state poll and riding a five-game win streak, missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 1987. They are 10-1 in state title games, and are seeking their 11th championship in 23 postseason appearances.

They, too, haven't had an easy road to Canton, overcoming a two-touchdown deficit to top defending champion and rival St. Edward, 20-17, in the regional semifinal before avenging a regular-season loss to fifth-ranked Mentor with a 23-17 regional final victory.

It's come down to this. Here is a look at how the big-school finalists match up, position-by-position.

QUARTERBACK: The Wildcats' Eric Williams has passed for 1,835 yards, 21 TDs and 10 INTs in 261 attempts. He has rushed for 205 yards. ... Nick Jensen-Clagg has passed for 1,694 yards, 15 TDs and 6 INTs in 184 attempts for the Tigers. He is not known for being a rusher. Edge: St. Ignatius

RUNNING GAME: Durable Tim McVey has been the Wildcats' primary ground gainer behind the blocking of his fullback, Miami (Ohio) recruit Mike Svetina. ... Tigers alternate Billy Eakins and Devone Penick and thus have the luxury of keeping legs fresh. Edge: Pickerington

RECEIVERS: Whoever is open gets the ball for the Wildcats, and Jake Mooney, Conor Hennessey, Ohio State recruit Blake Thomas and Tim McVey all run precise routes. ... Ohio State recruit Roger Lewis is a burner for the Tigers, and Jake Raymond is another favorite target. Andrew Meyer and Billy Eakins have played roles. Edge: St. Ignatius

TRENCHES: Wildcats average 248 pounds on the offensive line with T Trevor Herak standing above the crowd at 6-5, 250 pounds, but they might be a little quicker than the Tigers. They average 235 pounds on the defensive line with end Mike Ryan the biggest at 6-3, 230 pounds. Lines prevailed when taking on bigger units in wins over St. Edward and Toledo Whitmer. ... The Tigers' defensive and offensive lines are a big reason Pickerington is playing for the title. The Tigers have solid blocking technique and average almost 255 pounds on the offensive line with 6-4, 300-pound tackle Nick Wilson being the biggest. They average 246 pounds on the defensive line with end Adam Cole being the leader at 6-4, 300 pounds. Edge: Pickerington

LINEBACKERS: St. Ignatius' Jim Sheehan, Zack Ryan and Rustom Khouri are fast and strong at defending the run and make it hard for teams to run between the tackles. ... Junior Taco Charlton is a big-time college recruit with size and speed. He has a quick supporting cast in Kent State recruit Jake Kincaid, Greg Basalyga and Garrett Foster, all of whom thrive on swarming to the ball. Edge: Pickerington

SECONDARY: St. Ignatius' Mike Svetina, Tim McVey, Chad Aerni, Adam North and Tom Fanning have combined for 13 INTs and have proven to be extremely strong at playing zone or man-to-man. ... Indiana recruit Sebastian Smith is outstanding at open-field tackling for the Tigers; Marcus Milton has a team-high three INTs; and Adam Clopton and Billy Eakins keep up with the quickest of receivers. Edge: St. Ignatius

RETURN TEAMS: Tim McVey and sure-handed Conor Hennessey are effective at giving their team good field position on kickoffs. Hennessey is averaging 18 yards on punt returns. ... Ohio State recruit Roger Lewis is a threat every time he has the ball. He has run back three kickoffs for TDs and has scored another on a punt return. Edge: Pickerington

KICKING GAME: Air Force recruit Tim Shenk hasn't missed an extra point in 47 attempts and is 18-of-29 on field goals with a long of 55 yards for the Wildcats. Jim Sheehan averages 34.7 yards per punt. ... The Tigers' Jake Raymond has made 48 of 50 extra points and 2 of 3 field goals with a long of 28 yards. Punter Nick Ellis has solid hang time while averaging 33.5 yards an attempt. Edge: St. Ignatius

INTANGIBLES: The Wildcats have committed 28 turnovers, including 15 fumbles, but have limited the flags (62 penalties for 531 yards). They have been productive coming out of the locker room after halftime, scoring 142 of their 399 points in the third quarter. ... The Tigers have turned the ball over only 19 times, including six interceptions, but have shown signs of being undisciplined (92 penalties for 859 yards). They have jumped on teams early, scoring 242 of their 426 points in the first half. Edge: Pickerington

BOTTOM LINE: The Wildcats have a knack of establishing the run to open up their passing game but they can't afford to give the ball away. They're good at managing the clock and keeping the opponent's offense on the sidelines, but need to be productive on special teams. Nobody is better at making halftime adjustments and they have a kicking game that wins close games. ... Speed and athleticism -- along with the ability to hit a big play at any moment -- can make up for fumbles, interceptions and penalties, but in the state championship game, mistakes are magnified. The Tigers need to keep their intensity, play smart and keep 15-yard penalties to a minimum.

PREDICTION: St. Ignatius 20, Pickerington Central 17

Jordan Barham, F/G, 6-4, Sr., University School: The Davidson recruit averaged 21.5 points and 5.8 rebounds last season while shooting 60 percent from the floor and 73 percent from the line. Kash Blackwell, F, 6-5, Sr., Shaker Heights: A fine all-around player with offers from several Mid-American Conference schools after averaging 10 points and eight rebounds per game.

Mentor senior Justin Fritts (22) averaged 21.8 points per game last season to help the Cardinals reach a Division I regional final. - (Joshua Gunter, PD)

Jordan Barham, F/G, 6-4, Sr., University School: The Davidson recruit averaged 21.5 points and 5.8 rebounds last season while shooting 60 percent from the floor and 73 percent from the line.

Kash Blackwell, F, 6-5, Sr., Shaker Heights: A fine all-around player with offers from several Mid-American Conference schools after averaging 10 points and eight rebounds per game.

Pharaoh Brown, F, 6-7, Sr., Brush: The football/basketball star averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds and 2.5 blocks last year.

Davonte Brunson, G, 5-11, Sr., Akron East: His 24.6 scoring average was one of the top marks in Ohio. Can score inside and out.

Terrell Byrd, G, 5-10, Sr., Garfield Heights: The point guard averaged five assists and five steals in helping the Bulldogs reach the Division I state semifinals.

Chris Carter, G, 6-2, Jr., Bedford: Was the team's best player last season and is expected to be in front of an improved club. Averaged 12 points a game.

Devon Carter, G, 6-3, Sr., John Hay: The Lehigh recruit averaged 20 points, six assists and four rebounds in leading the program's resurgence.

Lorenzo Cugini, G, 6-6, Sr., St. Vincent-St. Mary: Is expected to miss the first three weeks of the season while recovering from a cracked bone in his leg. His 15 points and six rebounds helped the Irish win the Division II state title.

Pierce Cumpstone, F, 6-7, Sr., Kenston: Made 50 percent of his 3-point attempts while averaging 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. Has committed to Division II Stonehill College.

Mike Davila, G, 5-11, Sr., Lorain: A heady, excellent long-range shooter. Led Lorain County in 3-point field goals as the Titans reached the Division I district finals.

Jermaine Davis, C, 6-9, Sr., Garfield Heights: Came off the bench and averaged six points and four rebounds. Has several Division I offers despite just five years of organized ball.

Johnny Davis, G, 5-10, So., Beachwood: One of the top sophomores in the area, he averaged 11 points last year as the Bison battled Richmond Heights in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division.

Mike Davis, G, 6-1, Sr., Garfield Heights: Was the most underrated player on a regional championship team. Has committed to Northern Illinois. Averaged 14.1 points and three assists.

Tony Farmer, F, 6-7, Jr., Garfield Heights: Scout.com ranks him as the 16th best player in the country at his position in the Class of 2013. Averaged 16.5 points and 10.1 rebounds. Offers pouring in.

Demonte Flannigan, F, 6-7, Jr., Villa Angela-St. Joseph: Has the ability to dominate inside as his 15.8 points and 11.3 rebounds attest.

Justin Fritts, G, 6-1, Sr., Mentor: Is expected to be the key guy of team's offense. He scored 21.8 points per game in earning second-team All-Ohio honors.

Tyree Gaiter, G, 5-7, Sr., Cleveland Heights: Six inches taller and he'd be a Division I recruit at point guard. Averaged six assists, four steals and 14 points.

Karl Garner, G, 5-10, Sr., Villa Angela-St. Joseph: Will team with Duane Gibson as the Vikings' backcourt "G-Men." Averaged 14.6 points and drained 74 3-pointers.

Duane Gibson, G, 6-1, Jr., Villa Angela-St. Joseph: The other half of the "G-Men." Averaged 12.8 points and 5.8 assists.

Tim Goff, F/C, 6-7, Sr., Berkshire: Third-team All-Ohioan averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots.

Myles Hamilton, G, 6-1, Sr., St. Edward: Will replace Delbert Love as the team leader. The Kennesaw State recruit averaged 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Alan Harper, F, 6-6, Sr., Central Catholic: One of two returning starters from last year's regional champs. Averaged 8.2 points and 3.1 rebounds.

Antonio Hearn, G, 5-9, Sr., Kenmore: The most prolific scorer in Summit County averaged 25.3 points.

Robbie Hurst, G, 5-10, Jr., Glenville: Starting to draw college interest after sophomore season in which he averaged 12 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Rico Jones, G, 6-0, Jr., Richmond Heights: Was named second-team All-Ohio. He is solid offensively and is regarded as the team's "go-to" guy in the clutch. Getting Division I consideration.

Jermaine Justice, F, 6-6, Jr., Ravenna: Played wide receiver in football. On the court, he averaged 11 points and five rebounds as a sophomore.

Josh Kipfer, F, 6-6, Sr., Wadsworth: Averaged 16.7 points and 9.5 rebounds last year and is getting some Division II looks.

Jordan Marrow, G, 6-0, Sr., John F. Kennedy: Son of coach William Marrow, he will have to repeat his 2010-11 season when he averaged 18.5 points and five assists to help the Eagles.

Eric Meehan, F, 6-3, Sr., Olmsted Falls: Small for a forward, but he still managed to get eight rebounds per game while scoring 15.7 points and averaging 2.3 assists.

Pete Nelson, G, 6-2, Jr., Lakewood: Terrific shooter. Knocked in 64 3-pointers last season en route to averaging 18 points per game.

Mike Newton, G, 5-11, Sr., St. Edward: Will be the point guard after averaging 5.6 points a game last year in backup role.

Curtis Oakley Jr., F, 6-4, Sr., Brush: Part of the Arcs' intimidating inside game, he averaged 18 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Maurice O'Field, G, 6-4, Sr., John Hay: Cleveland Heights transfer averaged 13 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and two assists.

Andrew Pratt, F, 6-5, Sr., Green: Will help the Bulldogs contend in the Suburban League. Pulled down 7.2 rebounds and scored 10.5 points last year.

Tyler Ptacek, G, 6-2, Jr., Padua: Shooter and scorer. Made 80 percent of his free throws and had 61 3-pointers while averaging 18 points.

Desmond Ridenour, G, 6-2, Sr., Benedictine: Experienced and talented. Was a starter on the Bengals' state semifinal team in 2010 as a sophomore and averaged 18 points and four assists last year.

Terry Rozier, G, 6-2, Sr., Shaker Heights: The Louisville recruit is regarded as one of the best in the country. Averaged 18.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and three assists. Should be a candidate for Mr. Basketball.

Antonio Rucker, G, 6-3, Sr., Bedford: Was one of the Bearcats' top scorers last year at 11 points per game. Made 40 3-pointers.

Jarrett Ruffin, F, 6-5, Sr., Nordonia: Very long and jumps well. Scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds per game last year.

Tommy Scales, F, 6-8, Sr., Richmond Heights: One of two Spartans drawing Division I interest. Must become more aggressive.

Ramon Sheffield, F, 6-6, Sr., East Tech: Averaged 16.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game last winter.

Tyler Sherman, F, 6-7, Jr., Norton: Was voted as the underclassman of the year by the Akron coaches association after averaging 13 points and 9.5 rebounds a game.

Derek Sloan, F, 6-5, Jr., St. Ignatius: Can be an outstanding rebounder and top-notch finisher if he can stay healthy.

Cordell Smith, G, 5-9, So., Shaw: An outstanding sophomore with great court presence. He averaged 17 points a game in a part-time role last year.

Bruce Thomas, F, 6-7, Sr., Kent Roosevelt: Capable of averaging in double figures in points and rebounds and being a force inside.

Jack Tupa, G, 6-2, Sr., St. Ignatius: Led the Wildcats in scoring, assists, steals and minutes. Recovering from a broken foot.

Joey Vuyancih, G, 6-1, Sr., Lake Catholic: One of four returning starters, he averaged 21.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and five assists.

Nick Wells, F, 6-5, Jr., St. Vincent-St. Mary: In his third season on the varsity he continues to improve. Will begin the season as one of the team's hottest players. Terrific role player last year.

Mike Whalen, G, 6-2, Sr., Lake Catholic: His 15.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists give the Cougars a solid 1-2 punch at the guard spot with Joey Vuyancih.

Josh Williams, G, 6-2, Fr., Barberton: It's not often a freshman is the Magics' best player. This is one of those times.

Mark Williams, F/C, 6-8, Jr., Benedictine: Indiana, Ohio State, Wisconsin. Nothing much left to say. Averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds.

DeVaughn Wingard, F, 6-5, Sr., Orange: Averaged 20 points a game for the Lions last season.

-- Tim Rogers

1. Garfield Heights (24-2 last year, Division I state semifinalist): Starters Tony Farmer and Terrell Byrd and key reserves Mike Davis, Jermaine Davis and Kenny Simpson return. The graduation of Trey Lewis leaves large void. 2. Shaker Heights (14-8): Louisville-bound guard Terry Rozier, one of the state's best, will be counted on to lead a squad that includes fellow...

Terrell Byrd returns as a starter at Garfield Heights, which is one reason the team begins this season ranked No. 1 by The Plain Dealer. - (Tim Harrison, Special to PD)

1. Garfield Heights (24-2 last year, Division I state semifinalist): Starters Tony Farmer and Terrell Byrd and key reserves Mike Davis, Jermaine Davis and Kenny Simpson return. The graduation of Trey Lewis leaves large void.

2. Shaker Heights (14-8): Louisville-bound guard Terry Rozier, one of the state's best, will be counted on to lead a squad that includes fellow Division I recruit Kash Blackwell (6-5). Look for sophomore Rosel Hurley (6-6) to get into the lineup with junior Mel Leach and Jimmy Pope.

3. Mentor (21-5, Division I regional runner-up): Cole Krizancic and his 21.5-point scoring average are gone. So, too, are a few others. Second-team All-Ohioan Justin Fritts and his 21.8 scoring average return. Sophomore Caleb Potter is quite a player. And, there is another Fritts (Brandon) and another Krizancic (Conner).

4. Benedictine (12-11): New coach Al Wilson Jr. has Division I prospects in Desmond Ridenour, Winston Grays, Mark Williams (6-8) and Mike Roberts (6-5). He also has talented sophomores Tysean Powell (6-5), Nick Meek (6-6), Gary Williams (6-1) and T.J. Steele (5-8).

5. St. Edward (18-6, Division I regional semifinalist): Guards Myles Hamilton and Mike Newton and the return of 6-7 senior Mike Mason from injury should help compensate for the loss of Delbert Love to graduation, Elijah Brown to transfer and Zakhir Hillmon-Baker to a medical condition.

6. St. Vincent-St. Mary (19-9, Division II state champion): The Irish will have to temporarily go without 6-6 Lorenzo Cugini, but coach Dru Joyce has promising players in 6-4 Nick Wells, 6-8 Victor Dorsey, 6-10 junior Satchel Pierce and Cugini's younger brother, Angelo, a 6-7 sophomore. Seniors David Blanks and Treyvon Crater will help.

7. Villa Angela-St. Joseph (15-8, Division III district runner-up): Now competing in Division IV with a lineup that includes 6-7 Demonte Flannigan, forward Duane Gibson and guard Karlton Garner, the Vikings have to be considered a serious postseason threat. Keep an eye on freshman Brian Parker.

8. Brush (16-7, Division I district runner-up): Returnees Curtis Oakley and Pharaoh Brown will be joined by juniors Jameel Moore (6-3) and Brandon Dawson (6-4). Transfer Eric Seaberry (John Hay) takes over at point guard and transfer Sean Gooden (Benedictine) also will play a significant role.

9. John Hay (16-9, Division II regional runner-up): It will be up to Lehigh recruit Devon Carter, 6-4 Chris Collins and transfers Maurice O'Field (Cleveland Heights) and 6-5 Kirk Douglas (Garfield Heights) to prove 2010 was not a fluke.

10. Lake Catholic (15-8, Division II district runner-up): The Cougars have four returning starters in senior guards Joey Vuyancih and Mike Whalen and forwards Dan Schweikert (6-4) and Joey Klauer (6-5). Sophomore Zavier Powers could fill out the lineup.

11. Stow (22-3, Division I regional runner-up): Northeastern recruit David Walker and guard Kyle Scelza will have to be productive on a regular basis and there's no reason why they won't. Both are experienced and skilled.

12. Cleveland Heights (16-6, Division I district semifinalist): New coach Andy Suttell was greeted by the returning trio of point guard Tyree Gaiter, 6-7 senior Kevin Clark and 6-7 junior Antonio Harper.

13. Lorain (15-9, Division I district runner-up): The Titans have an outstanding 3-point threat in senior guard Mike Davila and good size in 6-4 Jerome Golson, 6-5 Louis Cheers and 6-6 Teddy Wilson.

14. St. Ignatius (13-10, Division I district semifinalist): At least 10 football players want to play basketball. Leading scorer Jack Tupa is sidelined with a broken foot until January. Derek Sloan is athletic, but his knee is questionable. Check back in February.

15. Nordonia (14-8): The inside-outside combination of 6-5 Jarrett Ruffin and 3-point threat Nick Rodriguez make the Knights a contender in their first year in the Suburban League. Point guard Chris Jordan also is key, but he's recovering from a sprained ankle.

16. University School (17-6, Division II district semifinalist): Davidson recruit Jordan Barham (21.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg) anchors a good-sized roster that includes 6-7 Matthew Gibson, 6-4 Kory Pearson, 6-5 Sam Bentz and three others at 6-4 or taller.

17. Richmond Heights (24-1, Division IV regional runner-up): New coach Jason Priah has a deep and experienced roster to work with as Rico Jones, Kareem Rock, Arthur Christian, Tommy Scales, Isham Smith and London Fulton return. Jones is getting heavy Division I interest.

18. Kenston (19-2, Division II district semifinalist): Now in Division I, the Bombers will rely heavily on 6-10 Marist recruit Eric Truog and 6-7 Stonehill recruit Pierce Cumpstone. They combined for 34 points and 18 rebounds per game.

19. Avon Lake (19-2, Division I sectional runner-up): Look for the Shoremen to improve as the season wears on as returnees Eric Stuczynski and Brandon Murway are joined by Logan Dilik, 6-4 sophomore Brad Hamilton and 6-5 senior Zach Scott.

20. Central Catholic (19-9, Division III state runner-up): Now in Division II, new coach Jonathan Harris inherited a handful of solid players such as 6-6 Alan Harper, 6-6 Darrin Bruster and 6-2 Carlos White. Guards Greg Snyder and Greg Alexander both are nursing injuries. Young talent on the horizon.

21. Orange (16-6): DeVaughn Wingard leads a balanced group of sophomores, juniors and seniors that turned out the school's best season in years.

22. Kent Roosevelt (15-7, Division I district semifinalist): Returnees Bruce Thomas, Zach Brett and Curtis Black combined for 42 points and 24 rebounds. Richard Graves and Shakeel Howard make the Rough Riders formidable.

23. Bedford (7-14): The Bearcats are solid at guard with junior Chris Carter and senior Antonio Rucker, and 6-8 junior Dawud Fisher-Grace can be a presence in the middle.

24. Berea (16-9, Division I regional semifinalist): Seniors Cody Swinnerton (6-4) and Devin Perry (6-3) return in the frontcourt and will be joined by Newman Posey (6-3) and Derrick Hall (6-6).

25. Buchtel (19-4, Division II district runner-up): With only one senior in the first 12 players, the Griffins lack experience and size. Juniors Elijah Bell, Tyler Jones and Jalon Ruffin will win their share of games.

-- Tim Rogers

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Shaker Heights senior point guard Terry Rozier was 6 years old the last time he took Grandma Amanda for a soft touch. Rozier was raging as he often did in those days after she had moved him from Youngstown to Shaker Heights over concerns for his safety. He was saying hurtful things in the presence...

Terry Rozier poses with his mother, Eugenia Tucker, left, and grandmother Amanda Tucker. Grandma Amanda raised Rozier and his sister in Shaker Heights. - (Thomas Ondrey, PD)

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Shaker Heights senior point guard Terry Rozier was 6 years old the last time he took Grandma Amanda for a soft touch.

Rozier was raging as he often did in those days after she had moved him from Youngstown to Shaker Heights over concerns for his safety. He was saying hurtful things in the presence of the woman who -- with the blessings of his mother, Gina -- had become his legal guardian.

The kid thought he could manipulate his grandmother right up to the moment she grabbed his arms and pinned him to the floor like a butterfly to a science-fair corkboard. Amanda Tucker, now 55, leaned on the child with her full weight of life experiences and perspective.

"Terry resented me so much," Tucker recalled. "He told me, 'I don't like you, I don't want to be here.' He wanted to be with his mother back in Youngstown.

"I told him one day he would understand, one day he would say, 'I love you.'

"I refused to let my grandson get involved with robbing and killing. I had seen too much of it."

On Nov. 16, as classmates congratulated him for gracing the cover of an Ohio ESPN high school publication, Rozier received awful news from his hometown. His cousin Shannell Jackson, 23, and an old friend, R'amel Hayes, 20, had been shot to death -- in separate incidents.

Rozier is among 10 seniors focused on making Shaker Heights' boys basketball team a state power, starting in tonight's season opener at home against Toledo St. John's Jesuit.

In the fall, Rozier will attend Louisville on a scholarship and play for coach Rick Pitino.

The life of the 17-year-old Rozier has never held so much promise. But the recent tragedies served as the latest reminder to how quickly circumstances can change and how the company he keeps will affect his future.

He appreciates the mentoring of coaches like Shaker Heights' Danny Young. He's thankful for the time he spends with his father, Terry Sr., a convict who begs him to learn from his father's mistakes.

Mostly, he's grateful for the love of a mother and a grandmother who made hard decisions years ago that have put him in a position to succeed. Their names are the ones tattooed on his arms.

"I'm fine being raised by women," Rozier said. "They did a good job and let me tell you, it wasn't easy. They are tough women."

Toddler's motor constantly running

If opposing coaches think the 6-2 Rozier is a handful on the court, they should have seen him around the house a decade ago.

"When I was young, I did crazy things," he said. "I talked back a lot. I cussed."

Beyond the behavioral issues, Gina Tucker's middle child was indefatigable. He walked at 8 months. He climbed atop refrigerators at age 2. Gina, 35, was just a teen herself in those days, yet barely had the stamina to keep pace.

Rozier enjoyed many activities, but basketball was his passion. Everything became a hoop in the Tucker residence on Youngstown's South Side. Absent a ball, rolled-up socks worked fine.

But as the toddler became a little boy, Grandma Amanda grew alarmed by the transformation of the environs surrounding him. While she admits the same dangers are present in the Cleveland area, the frequency of violent crimes committed in Youngstown astonished her.

The Mahoning County city had the worst murder rate in the state during the 1990s with an annual average of 20 homicides per 100,000 people. In that decade, the murder rate of black women was the highest in the country.

"I love Youngstown, but it's a city that is lost," Gina Tucker said.

The father of her first child, Tre'Dasia, 20, was murdered when the girl was 4. His death contributed to Grandma Amanda's decision to leave Youngstown for Shaker Heights. Her daughter remained, but eventually allowed Tre'Dasia, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and Terry to live with their grandmother.

The young boy rebelled. He got in fights. He tried imposing his will on his grandmother, who suffers from diabetes and arthritis.

"I had thought I would run over her and do what I wanted," Rozier said. "It didn't work that way. There were times she would just hold me down and not let me up."

Rozier was about 10 the night he, his sister and cousins were at his mother's home in Youngstown with Grandma Amanda. She got word that a man had fired a gun at her nephew at a bar and was worried someone might drive by to shoot up the house.

Grandma Amanda barricaded herself and her grandkids in a second-story bedroom. The children hid under the covers, crying and praying. The threat never materialized.

That night, Rozier told his grandmother: "I know you really love me."

Dad's in prison, offers valuable advice

Several times a year, Gina drives her oldest son to the Trumbull Correctional Institution in Leavittsburg so he can visit with a father who has never seen him play at Shaker Heights.

Terry Rozier Sr., 36, is serving a 13-year prison sentence for his role in a 2003 robbery and kidnapping that resulted in the accidental shooting death of an accomplice. He did not fire the weapon, according to police reports, but the fact he was one of four men committing another crime at the time of the shooting carried murder charges.

The father pleaded guilty to robbery and kidnapping, and a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter. He is scheduled for release in 2018.

"I don't want to end up in his shoes," Rozier said. "His life is not over, but I don't want to end up like him where I put myself in a bad spot to get locked up."

Rozier last saw his father in the summer just weeks before accepting the Louisville scholarship. They spoke for hours. On the day he was interviewed for this story, the point guard wore a T-shirt commemorating a father-and-son visitation day.

"I know my father wishes he could be a bigger part of my life," Rozier said. "He tells me all the things he did wrong and that I need to learn from his mistakes and that I need to respect my mom and grandmother because they are the ones looking out for me."

His mother asked him whether he really wanted the details of his father's incarceration in the newspaper.

"He told her, 'It is part of who I am,' " Grandma Amanda said.

Athletic ability was evident early

Young, Shaker Heights' coach, never doubted Rozier's athletic prowess or potential. He spotted it on the basketball court and football field at the middle-school level.

The youngster received letters from area parochial high schools, Young said, hoping he would consider them.

But the middle school principal was eager to see if Rozier's attitude and academics improved. He also wondered whether Grandma Amanda, a former teacher's aide, would spur change.

Young could not be happier with the progress.

"She's been involved with the school, staying on top of things," Young said. "There's been a lot of tough love and sacrifice. She didn't run interference when I made a decision to sit him down for a game or for a football game."

In the past year, Gina has moved to Shaker Heights, affording Rozier more stability on the home front. All three of Grandma Amanda's daughters live in the area for the first time.

An increased family structure has coincided with Rozier's best stretch of basketball. He contributed 18.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and three assists last season for a Raiders team that won 14 games. He also enjoyed a breakout summer on the AAU circuit, attracting the attention of college scouts at showcases like the LeBron James and Deron Williams skills academies.

The Ohio ESPN cover story raises the expectation level for his senior season, a year he should be in contention for the state's Mr. Basketball award. With Rozier leading the way, the Raiders open the season ranked No. 2 in The Plain Dealer's preseason Top 25 behind state semifinalist Garfield Heights.

"It makes me want to work that much harder because I don't want to be the person who gets the recognition and doesn't perform," said Rozier. "I'm happy with the compliments, but I can't let it get to my head. I ain't nothing until I make it."

Young wants Rozier to become a more vocal leader. How committed is the point guard to his coach? He is staying at Young's house several nights a week during the season.

Rozier is working to keep his attitude in check and satisfy his academic requirements for Louisville. His mother concedes he still has his moments, but that he's no longer the petulant back talker that Grandma Amanda had to take to the carpet.

He knows the consequences, Rozier said, for those who "go down the wrong path." He has a T-shirt to prove it.

He also knows the warm embrace of family. Raised by women who uprooted his life, Terry Rozier has never felt so at home.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

The Terry Rozier file

School: Shaker Heights.

Year: Senior.

Sport: Basketball.

Position: Point guard.

Height: 6-2.

College: Signed with Louisville last month.

National scene: Ranked as the 20th best point guard in the country by Scout.com and ranked 22nd by Rivals.com.

Stats: Averaged 18.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and three assists last season.

D-Wade's Tweet worth shouting about

Terry Rozier didn't need the additions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to become a Miami Heat fan.

The Shaker Heights point guard has been a big fan of Dwyane Wade for years. He wears the No. 3 in his hero's honor. He even bears a slight resemblance to a young Wade.

So imagine Rozier's excitement two weeks ago when he connected with the Heat guard through social media. Wade sent Rozier a "shout out" from his verified Twitter account, which some say is akin to receiving an autograph for today's generation of computer-savvy kids.

"I heard all this screaming upstairs and I thought something was wrong," his mother, Gina Tucker, said.

"He told me about the Dwyane Wade Tweet and I can't even tell you what I said."

Rozier was still excited about the Tweet when retelling the story on Wednesday.

Here is an excerpt from the Wade-Rozier exchange:

Dwyane Wade (@DwyaneWade) 11/19/11 6:07 PM: "S/o to @Godsgift_3. Thanks for the love fam."

Terry Rozier (@GodsGift_3) 11/19/11 6:13 PM: @DwyaneWade "No Thank you, your my idol and always will be..i love your game hopefully one day we meet!"

-- Tom Reed

Coach Tiger LaVerde manages to intertwine his family, team and the community ... even while preparing for this morning's Division V state title game.

The LaVerdes, from left: Philip, Tiger, Sophia, Leah, Jacob and Mary. “My wife and I enjoy teaching high school kids because it’s our way of helping young adults become better people,” LaVerde says, “and we want to show them the right way to do things and raise a family. We take it upon ourselves to be good people and good role models for all the kids in the high school, not just football players.” - (John Kuntz, PD)

KIRTLAND, Ohio — Tiger LaVerde kicked off his muddy boots inside the back door of his red-brick home, hung a wet coat and his face lit up. Here came his youngest child, 4-year-old Jacob, who showed off his new Mohawk haircut, just like the one some of Kirtland's football players are sporting these days.

LaVerde was greeted by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Sophia, who wore a white ribbon in her hair. The older two, Leah and Philip, were in the den watching TV and playing on an iPad.

It's a fairly typical scene for many families at 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, except for one thing.

This is the week of the state championship football games, and LaVerde is Kirtland's head coach.

Again, it was 5:30 p.m.

The gasp you just heard was the wife of every other football coach in the area, followed by, "Hey, Coach, how come you're never home that early?"

"These kids don't deserve me getting home at 7:30 every night, that's for sure," said LaVerde, 38, later in the evening, as Sophia cuddled on his lap and Jacob ate black olives one by one off the ends of his fingers.

"What? Are you going to eat nothing but olives all night?" LaVerde asked.

Why not? Life is good.

As was evident Thursday night during a town pep rally and parade from the Mormon temple to Rogers Field, much of Kirtland has embraced an undefeated football team that plays today in its first-ever state championship game. The Hornets face traditional state power Coldwater in the Division V final at 11 a.m. in Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Less evident to outsiders, the

LaVerde family has melded with Kirtland and the team in an unusual way, and Tiger repays his family by keeping them first and foremost in his life, even during a week such as this.

"If we didn't embrace it all, we would never be with Tiger," Mary LaVerde said.

Though they have lived in the Lake County city for just six years, the LaVerdes have become almost as much a part of the community as the annual Strawberry Festival.

Mary LaVerde teaches biology and anatomy in an upstairs lab at Kirtland High, across the hall from Tiger's room, where he teaches advanced-placement calculus, advanced-placement statistics and algebra.

Kirtland, which is among the state's highest-rated smaller school districts, recently underwent a $17 million renovation that attached the elementary and middle schools to either side of the high school. So, third-grader Leah, first-grader Philip, kindergartner Sophia and even preschooler Jacob are down the hall from their parents. They are frequent after-school visitors to Tiger's room and raiders of his secret snack drawer. The kids visit their dad before practice (Tiger also coaches track in the spring), and then Mary shuttles them to various dance, wrestling, soccer or basketball activities.

Tiger LaVerde runs fast-paced, efficient practices and eschews lengthy staff meetings, especially on weekends. On Tuesday, he walked from the practice field to his car and drove three blocks to his home. He wants his players and staff at home in time to have dinner and do their homework.

The LaVerdes are a family on the go, but with a shared finish line. By suppertime most nights, everyone is gathered around a large, hand-hewn oak table, often with current or former players as guests. In fact, all 34 varsity players were there for breakfast last Saturday morning. Seated at extra tables in the living room, foyer and hallways, they dined on eggs, sausage, cheesy potatoes and French toast casserole.

The team has become as much a part of the family as the family has become part of the team. LaVerde frequently tells his players their ultimate goals should include being better sons, brothers and husbands.

"My wife and I enjoy teaching high school kids because it's our way of helping young adults become better people, and we want to show them the right way to do things and raise a family," Tiger said. "We take it upon ourselves to be good people and good role models for all the kids in the high school, not just football players. A lot of them come from single-family homes. I want these kids to see what it's like to sit down and eat dinner together. The kids always know they're welcome to have dinner with us."

Kirtland graduate Rossi Santo, inspired by LaVerde to be a teacher and coach, said one of the things he misses most about Kirtland is dinner at the LaVerdes.

"He loves his kids dearly. It's unbelievable how those kids react when he walks in the room," said Santo, an education major at Pennsylvania's Edinboro University.

The LaVerde children, meanwhile, have 34 big brothers this fall. Philip is a ball boy, and Jacob, who idolizes star running backs Damon Washington and Christian Hauber, entertains guests by careening around the house imitating their running styles -- sprinting like Damon, bouncing off his siblings like Christian.

"A good part of living in Kirtland is our kids get to be a part of this," Mary LaVerde said.

Lost cars, found love

The son of a surgeon and a nurse, Tiger LaVerde is the fifth of eight children from Oil City, Pa., a town slightly larger than Kirtland at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains. The LaVerde kids were expected to be good students and competitive, humble athletes. Two were class valedictorians. Tiger's three sisters are teachers. His brother Matt, a former Mount Union football standout, is a high school principal and head football coach in Pennsylvania. His other brothers are a NASA engineer, a corporate vice president and a doctor.

Tiger's initial passion was math. He was also a good enough football player to play quarterback at Allegheny College. He never thought about coaching until he entered the working world.

During his first job as an actuary in downtown Pittsburgh, he found himself so immersed in numbers that, by day's end, he was sometimes unable to remember where he parked his car.

"I sat at a computer all day long, and one day seemed like a week. I said, 'I can't do this for 35 years,' " he said.

He decided to pursue an education degree and earned his master's at John Carroll, where he met Mary and fell in love.

"Really kind and a good heart," said Mary, a Mayfield native, of her first impressions of Tiger.

They married and spent seven years in Oil City, where Tiger taught and eventually became head coach at neighborhood rival Franklin High. Mary wanted to come home to Northeast Ohio in the worst way, and began scouting jobs for him. She even sent his r sum to Berkshire and Kirtland.

Time to move on?

Given LaVerde's record at Kirtland -- 61-11 in six seasons, three unbeaten regular seasons and a 9-3 playoff record -- one might expect a desire to be a bigger fish in a bigger pond. He has the teaching and coaching credentials to move on.

"He was apprehensive about moving back to Cleveland," Mary recalled. "Kirtland has been a good fit. We're pretty involved in the community and the kids are involved in school now, and for us to leave would be hard on our kids and we have no plans on going anywhere. Each and every day, we tell each other how blessed we are."

Tiger said he couldn't be happier. He certainly doesn't have a problem finding his car after work.

"There's not a day that goes by where I say, 'Oh, man, I've got to go to work today.' I really enjoy doing what I'm doing each and every day," he said. "I want to coach my boys one day. If we were in Mentor, they might not even play."

LaVerde remains well grounded. Being interviewed for this story was uncomfortable for him. Though vocal, with a take-charge approach in class and on the field, he humbly shuns the spotlight and doesn't even like to speak at pep rallies.

"The first time I met him, I thought, 'Oh, big football coach and he's been successful.' You think he might be [conceited], but no, not at all. He's so nice. He always finds time to help," said Marlena Rimac, who teaches chemistry in a room next to Mary's. "He and Mary are so down to earth. Their dynamic is so well-rounded with each other, never excluding anybody, which it could. They are very supportive of one another and everyone else."

Kirtland Superintendent Stephen Barrett said LaVerde is a highly regarded teacher.

"He's an extremely bright person, but also is very, very humble," Barrett said. "When I think of Tiger, there's confidence without being haughty, without being arrogant."

Kirtland's Thoreau

The passionately analytical mind that led LaVerde to math has served him well as a teacher and coach.

"He takes pride in his teaching job as much as his coaching job. You can obviously tell he loves doing it," said junior Scott Eilerman, the starting quarterback and a student in LaVerde's statistics class. "He really gets down to the details for both, whether it's figuring out statistics for one of our problems, or in the film room."

LaVerde's approach to football follows a basic formula. In an era in which football has become inordinately complicated, LaVerde is football's version of Henry David Thoreau contemplating Walden's Pond: "Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!"

Kirtland's offensive arsenal consists of just five running plays and three pass-protection schemes. LaVerde doesn't even have a playbook.

"I tell the kids, if you can't learn these five plays, there's not a very good chance of you getting in," he said. "I want to do a few things extremely well. We do tweak things week to week."

Al Martin, coach at Cuyahoga Heights, said it is folly to underestimate LaVerde's teams based on his simple schemes.

"Tiger is very creative, too," Martin said. "They may not run a ton of plays, but he does a great job with formations and creating matchups that are good for his kids."

Martin said two other things are obvious every time his team plays Kirtland in what has become one of the area's best rivalries.

"You can tell they work hard in the off-season because, physically, they always are very strong, and at a small school, that pays big dividends," he said. "The other thing is there's never any funny business with their kids. They just play hard."

LaVerde takes the same approach in the classroom.

"We compete in class so that when they take that [advanced-placement] test for college credit, it seems easy for them," he said. "I push them hard, and it's not unsimilar to putting football through a test on Friday night.

"It's fun for me to go in and get these kids to be successful. It's almost like Christmas. It's much better to give than to receive."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Getting to know Philip 'Tiger' LaVerde

Age: 38.

Occupation: Head football and track coach, math teacher at Kirtland High School.

Hometown: Oil City, Pa.

Family: Wife Mary; daughters Leah, 9, and Sophia, 5; sons Philip, 7, and Jacob, 4.

Education: Math degree from Allegheny College, master's degree in education from John Carroll University.

Coaching career: 20-10 in three seasons at Franklin (Pa.), 61-11 in six seasons at Kirtland. Also served as an assistant coach at Aurora and Oil City high schools.

Tiger's tale: Upon seeing him as an infant, an uncle remarked, "He looks like a tiger." The name stuck. As a first-grader, he didn't know his name was Philip, and he came home one day to tell his mother, "I wish I had a cool first name like my friend, Philip." He goes by Tiger in all walks of life, except legal documents.

-- Tim Warsinskey

Check out a panel of six area high school football players week as they make their predictions on the state championship games. Every week they shared their picks on several of the best matchups. Disagree with their picks? Join the conversation on Twitter (use and search #pdvarsity as the hashtag).

View full size

Check out a panel of six area high school football players week as they make their predictions on the state championship games. Every week they shared their picks on several of the best matchups. Disagree with their picks? Join the conversation on Twitter (use and search #pdvarsity as the hashtag).

Listen and join our live blogs for the Divsion V, Division II and Division I championship games this weekend.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerSt. Ignatius will play for the Division I state championship Saturday night at 7 p.m.

It all starts Friday as we bring you a doubleheader live. The first game pits Kirtland against Coldwater in Division V at 11 a.m. Then tune back in at 7 p.m. as Avon takes on Trotwood-Madison in Division II. cleveland.com's Dan Labbe and Glenn Moore of The Dugout Sports Show will bring you all the action.

Then on Saturday night, we'll bring you live coverage of the Division I state championship between St. Ignatius Division I semifinal between St. Ignatius and Pickerington Central. The live webcast and chat begin at 7 p.m.

Follow this weekend's action on cleveland.com with the following links below:

• Live audio webcast: Kirtland vs. Coldwater, Fri. 11:00 a.m.  + 

• Live audio webcast: Avon vs. Trotwood-Madison, Fri. 7:00 p.m.  + 

• Live audio webcast: St. Ignatius vs. Pickerington Central, Sat. 7:00 p.m.  + 

• Full state finals scoreboard

• Complete statewide brackets

Kristen Davis: @CleveHSsports
Joe Maxse: @JoeMaxse
Tim Warsinskey: @TimsTakePD
Tim Rogers: @TimRogersPD
Bob Fortuna: @BobFortuna

Ten reasons why Sunday's victory over Baltimore would be a major upset.

The PD filePeyton Hillis

There are 10 reasons why a victory over Baltimore would be the upset of the century, writes Steve Doerschuk of CantonRep.com.

Sure, anything can happen on any given Sunday, but the Browns are facing a team that leads the league with 38 sacks, and quarterback Joe Flacco is 6-0 against the Browns.

• Terrell Suggs is a beast. He made three of the sacks against the 49ers and has 12 sacks in 16 career starts against the Browns. Suggs also has forced seven fumbles against the Browns and has returned an interception for a touchdown.

• The Ravens haven’t lost to the Browns since Romeo Crennel was the head coach and have won the last four games in Cleveland by a combined score of 100-50.

 • Against teams with winning records, the Browns are 0-6 and have been outscored 155-89.

But the Browns do have a chance, especially since the Ravens have lost to teams like Jacksonville and Seattle.

 • It’s ancient history, but the Browns were coming off a 3-13 year and Baltimore was the defending Super Bowl champ when the Browns whipped the Ravens twice during the 2001
season.

More Cleveland Browns

The Browns are tied for the league lead in dropped passes (ESPN.com).

Peyton Hillis says his future is in Cleveland (The News-Herald).

Season may turn in the right direction for Hillis (Cleveland.com).

The Ravens also have an offense with Flacco (CantonRep.com).