Scouting Grant at Crystal Lake South
No. 16 Grant Bulldogs (5-4) at No. 1 Crystal Lake South Gators (9-0)
When: 7 p.m., today at Ken Bruhn Field
Last week: Grant def. Lakes, 35-14; Crystal Lake South def. McHenry, 47-21.
Playoff history: This is Grant's fifth playoff appearance in six years. The Bulldogs missed the cut last year but reached the Class 6A quarterfinals in 2008, their furthest advancement in school history. Their playoff run that year ended with a 35-14 loss to Lemont. This is Crystal Lake South's 10th straight playoff appearance. Last year, the Gators lost to Lake Zurich in the second round of the Class 7A playoffs, 30-28.
Head coaches: Kurt Rous, Grant; Chuck Ahsmann, Crystal Lake South
Fast facts: Grant won 4 of its last 5 games, including a do-or-die tilt against rival Lakes in the regular season finale to reach the minimum five wins and qualify for the playoffs on points. The Bulldogs are averaging 31.9 points and allowing 29.1 points per game. Crystal Lake South won the Fox Valley Valley Division by scoring 33.3 points and allowing 11.9 points per game. The Gators went unbeaten for the first time in school history and won their first FVC title since 1993.
Grant leaders: Rushing: Steven Niewiedzial, 183 carries for 1362 yards and 17 touchdowns; Leo Minne, 137 carries for 860 yards and 13 touchdowns. Passing: Leo Minne, 16 of 50 attempts for 320 yards, 5 interceptions and 1 touchdown. Receiving: Jerry Gaylor, 11 receptions for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns; Keion Miller, 5 receptions for 111 yards and 0 touchdowns. Tackles: Quinton Quarles; David Gahgan.
Crystal Lake South leaders: Rushing: Drew Ormseth, 87 carries for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns; Bolek Mikulek, 120 carries for 654 yards and 6 touchdowns. Passing: Drew Ormseth, 56 of 100 attempts for 1,189 yards, 3 interceptions and 17 touchdowns. Receiving: Kenny King, 29 receptions for 545 yards and 6 touchdowns; Brad Walovitch, 9 receptions for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns. Tackles: Kean Loupee; Steve Forner.
Line on Grant: It's déjà vu all over again for both teams. Grant is just hoping for a different ending. Crystal Lake South rolled Grant in the teams' season opener back in August, 41-12. "Their offensive line is gigantic, all of their players are athletic, and their quarterback (Drew Ormseth) is the best we've faced all year," Grant coach Kurt Rous said. "We need to shut down Crystal Lake South's quarterback and their tight end, run the ball effectively and not fumble it when we are on offense, and win the battle on special teams."
Line on Crystal Lake South: Week 1 was a long time ago. At least that's what Crystal Lake South coach Chuck Ahsmann is telling his team. The Gators can forget what they saw out of Grant back then. "They have improved a lot based on film," Ahsmann said of Grant. "Their quarterback (Leo Minne) and fullback (Steven Niewiedzial) are very tough, fast runners. It will be very important to keep them contained and stop their option offense." The Gators have been known for their big linemen and are now known for their versatility. "We are playing well on both sides of the ball," Ahsmann said. "Our offense has been very balanced which will make it hard for teams to prepare to play us."