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CALCUTTA -- After a big performance at Martins Ferry, Indian Creek has put itself right back in the playoff race with three weeks to go.
The Redskins sit ninth in Division IV, Region 13, just one spot out.
"Our kids knew our backs were against the wall last week," Indian Creek coach Andrew Connor said. "Our kids have overcome a lot with all the injuries and everything else, but they have stayed the course. I'm very proud of them.
"Anybody that tells you they're not looking at the standings is probably lying to you. Everyone understands the importance of every game now. We've got three games to go. We told our kids after the St. Clairsville game that if you want destiny in your hands, you need to go out and control it, and they have responded very well."
This week, Connor's bunch, now 5-2, travels north to take on Buckeye 8 North rival Beaver Local, who goes in at 3-4 and is in search of a third consecutive victory.
"They've had a lot of injuries, but I think they have played very hard," Connor said of the Beavers. "They have a diversified offense. Coach (Mike) McKenzie and I go back a long way and are close friends. He does a great job running his team and with X's and O's.
"We know that we have to be our best because they are going to show us a lot of different formations and plays. It has not been an easy place to play and it's a Buckeye 8 North game, which are always hard-nosed. Plus, it's their senior night, so they are going to be playing hard."
Sam Mazar leads the Redskins passing attack with 754 yards -- fourth best in the Herald-Star/Daily Times coverage area -- and four scores to go with a completion percentage of 50.9 and six picks. Rushing the ball, Trevor Fante is fourth in the area with 707 yards and a third-best 10 scores. Matt Mamula is the leading receiver, with 18 grabs for 301 and a touchdown.
The Redskins offense is averaging 308.1 yards and 27.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing an average of 225.9 yards -- second to only Region 13 leader Steubenville in the area -- and an area-best 15.1 points against.
East Palestine at Toronto
TORONTO -- Toronto got a big boost in last week's win over Lisbon with the return of senior quarterback Nate Karaffa.
"Oh my gosh, it's unexplainable," Toronto coach Josh Franke said. "Not only is he a tremendous athlete, but the mentality of the team to have their senior leader back is also a mental boost as much as it is anything else. I think that was clear and evident."
This week, the 3-4 Red Knights, currently eighth in Division VII, Region 25, look to carry the momentum over when 3-4 East Palestine comes to Clarke Hinkle Stadium during homecoming night.
"They have two very good players at quarterback and wide receiver," Franke said. "They are a potent combination and going to be a tall task for our defense."
Karaffa went 6 of 9 for 137 yards and two scores in his season debut, rushing for 13 more yards and an additional touchdown. The Red Knights' leading rushing is Kobe Herrick, with 361 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Zack Stackhouse, who started the season at quarterback, is the leading receiver with 22 catches for 285 yards and a score.
Toronto's offense is averaging 235.9 yards and 17.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing a third-best 267 yards and 20.7 points.
John Marshall at Brooke
WELLSBURG -- The Bruins will try to get in the win column for the first time on Friday when John Marshall comes to Brooke Memorial Stadium for homecoming night.
"They're a big, physical team on the offensive line," Brooke coach Mac McLean said. "They're a strong group of boys, and they will impose their will on you if you let them."
McLean is hoping to see growth from his young players in the last four games.
"We've had a rough couple of weeks with youthful mistakes," McLean said. "We've got to knock that stuff off because we're not talented enough right now to overcome that. I'm hoping to see some growth out of the kids that are going to come back next year."
Gage Yost leads Brooke's passing game with 365 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. Hauling in his passes is Camden Bates, who has nine catches for 119 yards and score. The Bruins rushing attack is led by Max Camilletti with 151 yards and a score.
Brooke averages 109.8 yards and 9.7 points on offense per contest, while allowing an average of 447.8 yards and 55.5 points.
Buckeye Local
at East Liverpool
EAST LIVERPOOL -- Buckeye Local looks to end its losing streak against the last team it beat on Friday night when the Panthers travel to East Liverpool.
The task won't be easy, though, as the Potters are 4-3 and currently fifth in Division IV, Region 13.
Buckeye Local (0-7) got 547 yards and four touchdowns from junior quarterback Seth Richardson, while also throwing 10 interceptions. Leading the Panthers ground game is Charles Smith, with 162 yards and a touchdown. Jacob Zanes has 16 catches for 84 yards, while Shayne Christian (157 yards, two touchdowns) and Brain Palmer (156 yards, one touchdown) each have 15 receptions.
The Panthers average 125.1 yards and 9.9 points on offense per game. The defense has allowed an average of 328.3 yards and 35.9 points.