PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Southeastern hosts Dayton Christian in Division VI, Region 24 Quarterfinal

Derrick Webb, Staff Writer

CHILLICOTHE — Throw records out the window, forget statistics and pay no attention to what has already been done … playoff football is officially here and the slate has been wiped clean.

At 7 p.m. Friday night, the undefeated Southeastern Panthers host the Dayton Christian Warriors in a Division VI, Region 24 Quarterfinal.

Both programs have fought to get to Week 11, both still have plenty to prove and both are hungry for a postseason win. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Here’s everything you need to know about Friday’s game.

THE FACTS

FOUR THINGS TO KNOW

• As the Panthers look for just their second-ever win past Week 10, they’ll do so after a regular season in which they outscored their opponents 470-205. Southeastern’s Wing-T offense has confused opponents as the Panthers haven’t scored less than 28 points in any game this year.

• Dayton Christian will be looking for its first-ever postseason victory. The Warriors’ two losses this year have come at the hands of Summit Country Day (Week 6, 42-41 in 2OT) and Worthington Christian (Week 7, 31-22). 
• Although it has eight wins, Dayton Christian hasn’t beaten a team with a winning record this year. The Warriors’ only win over a team without a losing record came over Williamsburg (34-7), a team that finished 5-5. Overall, Dayton Christian’s opponents had a combined mark of 37-59.
• Dayton Christian’s defense seems to be the strongest part of the team, allowing just 116 points this year, or 11.6 per game. The unit has pitched three shutouts while surrendering under 10 points on six occasions.

PRIMETIME PLAYERS

Lane Ruby, QB, Southeastern: Win or lose, Ruby is already one of the best players to ever wear a Southeastern uniform. The senior holds program records for career rushing yards with 4,843 and for career touchdowns with 68. This season alone, he’s racked up 1,976 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground … all on just 131 carries, an average of 15 yards per tote. Without question, he’s public enemy number one for Dayton Christian. If he gets into the open field, there’s no chance to catch him. He’s lightning in a bottle.

Mikey Nusser, RB/LB, Southeastern: While Ruby provide the theatrics, Nusser has made a habit of lowering his head and dishing out punishment. The junior, who has always given his offensive line credit for his success, has amassed 867 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns this fall. He’s also made 92 tackles alongside three sacks on the defensive side of the football. 

Darren Swift, RB, Dayton Christian: As his last name might suggest, Swift has been the Warriors’ feature back recently as he’s totaled 58 carries for 332 yards and four touchdowns. But most of that production has taken place over the past four weeks, where the Warriors have heavily turned to their running game. Swift is averaging 5.7 yards per touch. The Panthers will have to key on him in the backfield as the Warriors try to establish a running game.

Reid Wheeler, WR, Dayton Christian: Whether is Seth Griswold or Matt Batson under center, Dayton Christian doesn’t shy away from passing the football. That’s where Wheeler comes in. The 6-foot-1 wideout has made 33 catches for 406 yards this year while finding the end zone five times. Griswold is an All-Ohio dual-threat quarterback but hasn’t played in either of the past two games. Batson can also do either but looks to be still learning the Warriors’ offense. Either way, Wheeler can hurt Southeastern’s defense through the air. He’s got soft hands, he can go get the football and he has a knack for finding the pylons.

WHAT LIES AHEAD

One team will face a lengthy offseason and the other will face the winner of Covington (8-2) and Worthington Christian (8-2) in Week 12.

You can listen to the game live on 94.3 WKKJ or you can follow live Twitter updates at @dw1509 on Friday night. Then, after the game, be sure to visit sohiosa.com for details, photos and video from the contest.

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