Our Kroger game of the week moves to Saturday as we have reached the state semifinals.  We will focus on Division 6 as Hermitage plays at home against Centreville. 

The Panthers are 12-0, posting back to back playoff shutouts of Thomas Dale and LC Bird and are regional champs for the second straight year.  Coach Patrick Kane's defense has only allowed 51 points all season and the first team unit has given up just 1 TD.  That group has standouts all over the field but key leaders include linebacker Salvador Acosta and defensive end Raynard Revels.  Running back Derrick Green paces the offense with 1393 yards and 19 touchdowns.  He runs behind a stellar line led by Kevin Jennings and Andre Miles-Redmond.

Pregame Interview     Patrick Kane

The Wildcats are 12-1 and champions of the Northern Region.  Their only loss was 13-10 in overtime to Westfield and avenged that with a 27-24 win in the regional final.  Connor Coward preserved the victory blocking a field goal attempt in the final minute.  Ken Ekanum is a star at defensive end and tight end and is a big-time recruit.  He was named the Northern Region defensive player of the year.  Coach Chris Haddock's offense features running back Manny Smith, quarterback Mitch Ferrick and several top notch targets.  In the last 6 games, 3 different receivers have had a game with over 100 yards and at least 2 touchdowns. 

Pregame Interview      Chris Haddock

Air time 1pm Saturday afternoon on Sports Radio 910 and sportsradio910.com with Gary Hess and Gary Criswell on the call.

Hanover is the Division 5 champion for the third time in five years.  The 10-2 Hawks handled Atlee last week to advance to Saturday's date at South County.  Sam Rogers continues to be a standout for the Hawks.  He started the year at quarterback, but after missing 2 games with an elbow injury returned but moved to the slot where he is a threat running and catching the ball.  Andrew Knizner has been solid at QB and running back LJ Jones has elevated his game.  The Stallions started the year 0-3 but have rattled off 10 straight wins to claim the Northern Region title.  In the last 2 weeks they have posted convincing wins over Stone Bridge and Yorktown.  Their triple option offense will test Hanover's defense.  Kickoff Saturday is set for 4pm.