West Branch will host Poland on Friday night in the second round of the OHSAA Division IV, Region 13 playoffs. The third seeded Warriors (9-1) welcome the No. 11 seed Bulldogs (7-4) to Beloit.

West Branch earned a bye in the first round thanks to its strong regular season, giving the Warriors an extra week to rest and get healthy after a long, physical schedule. Poland punched its ticket to the second round last Friday, going on the road to knock off sixth seeded Woodridge 41-38.

Last Meeting / All Time Series Record

• West Branch won 33-21 (Nov. 5, 2021, Division IV second round)
• Poland leads 10-6

Common Opponents

• Canfield: Canfield 24, West Branch 14 / Poland 24, Canfield 21
• Struthers: West Branch 34, Struthers 8 / Poland 34, Struthers 14
• Salem: West Branch 50, Salem 0 / Salem 21, Poland 17

QUICK HITTERS

Friday is a rematch of the 2021 Division IV second round, when the Warriors beat Poland 33-21 in Beloit ... West Branch is in the postseason for the seventh straight year, while Poland is making its eighth consecutive trip and 18th in the last 20 seasons ... the Warriors have won all nine of their games by at least 24 points, posted four shutouts and hit 50 points twice in their last three games ... Poland comes in on a three game win streak, averaging nearly 37 points per game since a loss to Girard, capped by a 41-38 thriller at Woodridge ... three of coach Tom Pavlansky's four losses came by a combined 10 points to playoff teams ... running back Chase Jones has found the end zone at least 16 times and averages close to 100 rushing yards per game, while quarterback David Xipolitas gives Poland a second threat on the ground ... slowing that rushing attack will be the key for a Warrior defense allowing just 5.9 points per game.
 

Storylines: What to Watch

Poland's best shot runs through its ground game, and that's where West Branch has been at its best. The Warriors allowed just 3.1 yards per carry and two rushing touchdowns all regular season. The lone exception was Canfield, which ran for 265 yards in West Branch's only loss. Take that game away, and the other nine opponents averaged under 68 rushing yards. Landon Coffee leads the front with 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.

Poland will need to hit some passes too. If Jones draws extra defenders into the box, play action could give Xipolitas chances to push the ball downfield. That's no easy task against a secondary that held opponents to 53 percent passing and picked off 11 passes, four by Jeremy Ramsey.

On the other side, Grady Hirst accounted for 37 touchdowns, running for 929 yards and 22 scores while throwing for 1,863 yards and 15 more. Drake Stryffeler adds 543 receiving yards and a kick return score. The Warriors have controlled games from start to finish all season, while Poland has shown it can grind out tight ones. Setting the tone early and keeping the Bulldogs from settling in will be key for West Branch.

Location:
Clinton Heacock Stadium
14277 Main St. Beloit, OH 44609

Kickoff:
7:00 PM

Tickets can be purchased at the gate with cash or online.  There will be no pre-sale tickets.
Adults- $12 
Students- $5 
You can purchase tickets online by clicking here: West Branch Vs Poland OHSAA Playoff Tickets
Gates will open at 5:30 PM

*Important Streaming Information
The NFHS Network has picked up Friday's game, so it will not be streamed free. Fans who visit YSN will be redirected to the NFHS stream. A subscription is required to watch, and fans can sign up at nfhsnetwork.com by searching for West Branch.

Radio
You can listen to the game for free through AM 1310, and 1240 WBBW