Perkins needs to slow down Ontario's Ohio State commit

It seems simple: If Perkins can contain Ontario quarterback Bodpegn Miller, the Pirates will be in the state semifinals. Well, at least slow him down. Miller, a speedy 6-foot-5 senior, has committed to play wide receiver at Ohio State. Safe to say, he has that "it" factor. "There's a reason he's going to Ohio State," Perkins senior linebacker Mikey Young said. "The reality of it is he's going to make plays. How do you limit those plays and not let a 15-yard scramble turn into a 40-, 50-yard run? "We have a pretty fast defense. He's probably still faster, but having a bunch of guys who have speed means if the first or second guy misses him, you have other guys taking the correct angle to rally up on him." The Pirates, 12-1 and seeded No. 1 in Division IV Region 14, take on third-seeded Ontario (12-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Frost-Kalnow Stadium in Tiffin. The winner meets the Glenville-Perry winner next week in Clyde in the state semifinals. Glenville (Division IV) and Perry (D-V) are defending state champions. The Pirates have talked state championship all season, but before they get ahead of themselves they need to take care of Ontario, which scored the last 23 points in a wild 49-48 regional semifinal win against second-seeded Shelby last week. Miller has put up amazing numbers for the Warriors, who will be making their first regional finals appearance. Miller, who also plays defensive back and kicks and punts, has thrown for 2,122 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,909 yards and 19 TDs. He had a spectacular game last week against Shelby to avenge Ontario's only loss. Miller threw for 298 passing yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 224 yards and two scores. "They're a good team with a very special player," Perkins coach Jalen Santoro said. "They're sound across the board and they have a guy who's going to Ohio State for a reason. "When they call something that isn't maybe the best play, they got a guy who can get them out of it. That's the most dangerous thing about their offense. When you think you're in the right position, he's the type of guy who can make you miss and moves around for another 20 yards and ends up with a 30-yard gain." Mason Vantilburg has helped out with 1,112 rushing yards. He went for 130 against Shelby. Landon Sowards leads Ontario's defense with 151 tackles, including 10 quarterback sacks. Perkins, of course, can match stats with anyone. Quarterback Sam Schweinfurth has thrown for 2,415 yards and 35 touchdowns. Michigan State-bound Braylon Collier has caught 22 touchdown passes. He's at 65 catches for 1,140 yards for the season. Running back Isaac Bunts has rushed for 2,053 yards and 27 touchdowns. The versatility on offense no doubt has helped Perkins weather a long season. The Pirates will be playing a game for the 14th straight Friday. And that doesn't count August scrimmages. Unlike colleges and NFL teams, high school teams do not get bye weeks. "Nobody else does it besides high school football," Santoro said. "Obviously it's not easy, and it's a reason you might be seeing some injuries. It's tough, but everyone across the state is doing it, too. You gotta do what you can to stay healthy, but you need some luck on your side." And some ice. "You get hit every single play. It is brutal," Perkins defensive end Reagan Kaufman said. "It goes back to taking care of your body. I'm taking ice baths all the time, rolling out, stretching." While Perkins is playing in its second straight regional final, Ontario had never won more than one playoff game before this season. That nugget, along with Perkins playing at a familiar venue in Tiffin, favors the SBC Lake Division champions. "Definitely a lot more comfortable," Kaufman said. "I'm more relaxed and I know what's going on."