Upset-minded Redskins will make short drive to Genoa

Port Clinton will be an underdog when it travels to Genoa for a Division V regional quarterfinal Friday. The Redskins don't seem to be the kind of team that is burdened by being an 11 seed playing a 3 seed. "It's a tight, resilient group," PC coach Eric Leuthold said. "I think that they like it and embrace that role a little bit." No. 6 seeds went 9-19 in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs last week, including PC's 35-0 rout of Edison. The Redskins are 7-4 and have won four of their last five games. PC has scored 35 or more points in six games this season. "We're fortunate to have a team that is playing meaningful games," Leuthold said. "Our kids are motivated to go over there and play a good game." PC won't have to travel far to Genoa, about 23 miles straight west on Ohio 163. Both schools are located in Ottawa County. Genoa (9-1) has won nine straight games after a 33-28 loss to Archbold in Week 1. Genoa led most of the game, but lost the lead on a pick-6 by Archbold in the fourth quarter. The Comets are making their ninth playoff appearance in the last 10 years. PC is looking for its second playoff win since a memorable run to the state semifinals in 2021. "Genoa presents a lot of problems," Leuthold said. "I don't know if they've punted a heckuva lot. We have to stop the run, and they can throw as well." Genoa and PC played two common opponents this year. The Comets defeated Huron and Oak Harbor while PC lost to both of those teams. In a 42-32 win at Huron in Week 3, Genoa showed great balance on offense. Running back Luke Clement ran 26 times for 159 yards and quarterback Myles Mollenhauer threw for 164 yards. Jaxon Magnone, a 6-foot-5 receiver, caught eight passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Port Clinton also features a balanced offense. Sophomore quarterback Landon Leis has thrown for 1,748 yards and 23 touchdowns this season and senior running back Malakii Pinkelton has rushed for 1,102 yards and 12 touchdowns. Six different receivers have caught 10 or more passes for PC. Senior Gavin Cornell leads the way with 46 catches for 692 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cornell also is one of the top defenders in the Sandusky Bay Conference with 117 tackles from his linebacker position. "A kid like Gavin, I'm dreading the day when we have to find a way to replace him," Leuthold said. "He's a coach's kid so he takes coaching very well. He seems to be all over the place on defense." Senior Wyatt Yarbrough began the summer as PC's quarterback, but missed several games due to injury. That opened the door for Leis. "Leis got an opportunity and ran away with it," Leuthold said. "Wyatt has stepped in on defense and has done a good job at the free safety position. We've also tried to get him the ball in other ways. He understands football." Leis was one of four Redskins to record an interception last week at Edison. His tall 6-2 frame might come in handy defending Magnone on Friday. Port Clinton and Genoa used to play annually, but haven't matched up since 2014, when the Redskins snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Comets with a 27-19 win. "It's gonna be cool to stay in Ottawa County (on Friday)," Leuthold said. "We're healthy, and that's always the No. 1 thing. We're looking at things one week at a time and trying to be 1-0."