Football

Olentangy at Mount Vernon

At a glance

OLENTANGY at MOUNT VERNON

*When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19

*Last meeting: 2007, Olentangy 30-7

*Top Braves: Griffin Binkley (RB/LB), Christian Brett (WR/DB), Tim Feasel (LB), Hayden Hunter (RB), Ramal Iverson (RB/DB), Andrew Horstman (QB) and Zach Ries (LB)

*Top Yellow Jackets: Greg Briggs (QB), J.D. Orr (RB/WR), Jake Gastin (OL/DL), Brian Johnson (OL/DL), Matt Lybarger (FB/LB), Austin Pagani (OL/DL) and Logan Rhea (WR/DB)

*Olentangy (7-1 overall, 4-1 OCC-Capital) to date: Defeated Worthington Kilbourne 17-14; def. Liberty 28-16; def. Lexington 35-21; def. Big Walnut 40-24; def. Orange 28-3; def. Franklin Heights 55-7; lost to New Albany 33-14; def. Watkins Memorial 42-0

*Mount Vernon (5-3 overall, 3-2 OCC-Capital) to date: Def. Marion Harding 27-0; def. Cambridge 27-24; lost to Mansfield Madison 21-0; def. Franklin Heights 35-21; def. Watkins Memorial 34-21; def. Orange 21-14 (OT); lost to Big Walnut 27-14; lost to Delaware 21-14

Wednesday October 17, 2012 2:51 PM

Even though Olentangy thrives on its running game, Andrew Horstman is a capable passer, having completed 70 of 129 passes for 1,120 yards. He also leads the Braves with 11 touchdowns.

Olentangy is closing in on its first playoff appearance since 2008. The Braves probably need to win their final two games -- they close the regular season Oct. 26 at home against Delaware -- to secure a home game in the first round of the Division I, Region 3 playoffs.

Mount Vernon has lost two consecutive games and has fallen out of the top eight in the Division II, Region 7 computer ratings. Greg Briggs and the Yellow Jackets' previous starting quarterback, Greg Dennis, have combined to throw 11 interceptions the past four games.

*LAST WEEK -- Olentangy rebounded from its only loss, leading Watkins Memorial 21-0 at halftime before pulling away in the second half. The Braves amassed 522 total yards, including 379 rushing, and held the Warriors to 122 total yards.

Hayden Hunter rushed for 154 yards and had touchdown runs of 79, 21 and 4 yards on 13 carries and Ramal Iverson ran for 93 yards and a score on six carries. Horstman completed nine of 16 passes for 143 yards and rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. All six of the Braves' touchdowns came on the ground.

Briggs and Dennis combined to throw four interceptions against Delaware. Orr scored on a 4-yard run and Briggs threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rhea. Orr rushed for 113 yards on 28 carries, Briggs completed eight of 16 passes for 86 yards with three interceptions and Logan Rhea had five receptions for 77 yards.