The Kenston Bombers started the week as the No. 1 team in Ohio in Division 3, Region 9, an accomplishment for the 8-0 team given the tough competition.
According to JoeEitel.com, the Bombers are the only team in the entire region that controls its own destiny.
The Bombers have never hosted a home playoff game.
But the Bombers’ Week 9 opponent — the Chardon Hilltoppers — sits in the No. 8 spot in the region (the top eight teams make the playoffs), and they are positive they can also control their own destiny with a Week 9 win at Kenston.
Jon McKnight scored five first half touchdowns in Week 8 as the Hilltoppers beat the Brush Arcs 42-12 in front of the chilled home crowd at Memorial Field.
“We played very good,” McKnight said in the rain. “We prepared all week very hard, and we were ready for their offense. We have to win out to make the playoffs. We have the biggest game of our lives next week against Kenston, so we have to be ready.”
McKnight said the offensive line made a lot of key blocks, led by senior center Andrew McNaughton, who took pride in the performance.
He said the line was hardened this year.
“Everyone is all in,” McNaughton said. “We just want to go and dominate other teams. I’m just trying to keep everyone’s morale up no matter what is going on in the game. When we face adversity, we just keep going. It doesn’t matter.”
Chardon (5-3) has lost to West Geauga and Riverside this season, two teams that Kenston has beaten handily.
Led by the air attack of junior quarterback Jon Tomcufcik and also the ground game of senior Jack Porter, the Bombers line up as a clear favorite in the game.
But Kenston beat Chardon in Chardon last season, surprising the Hilltoppers.
The Hilltoppers againlost quarterback Andrew Kobeszewski to an injury, but junior Max Vujaklija continues to be poised. The team also lost junior defensive lineman John Dinko, who led the team in sacks.
In its first-half shutout, Chardon’s defense did not allow Brush, a team that scores about 35 points per game, a first down.
“That says something about our kids,” head coach Mitch Hewitt said.