Last season, Logan Elm defeated Canal Winchester 16-13 in the final week of the season, ruining the Indians' chances for a perfect regular season. Instead, the Braves finished the regular season undefeated just one year after going winless.

Logan Elm, which is 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the league, had its only loss on Sept. 16 in a 37-6 decision to Amanda-Clearcreek. The Braves have reeled off four consecutive wins since then, averaging 31.8 points in those games. Their average margin of victory in that span is 21.8 points.

"They're still playing some real good defense and they do a great job fundamentally," coach Phil Mauro said of Logan Elm. "So, overall they're a very similar team as they were last year."

Logan Elm's defense, which has only allowed an average of 10 points per game over the last four weeks, has its hands full against a Canal Winchester offense that appears to be hitting its stride. The Indians have been a strong running team all year with running back Mike Mainella and wide receiver Tyler Thompson. But the added threat of a passing game can make them that much more dangerous. Quarterback Justin Whitlatch has been solid this season, but broke out last Friday in a 43-0 win over Hamilton Township, as he was 9-for-10 for 148 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half. Whitlatch has been aided by the emergence of receivers Cody Ferguson, Sam Jones and Courtland Williams.

"Week to week, things are different (on offense) for you, but we always strive to have balance," Mauro said.

Logan Elm is led offensively by quarterback Johnnie Brown, wide receiver Adam Blake and offensive and defensive lineman Logan Hauserman, who is a Division I recruit.

"Johnnie is a great run-pass threat at quarterback for them," Mauro said. "From that standpoint, it gives you a tough element that you have to prepare for. We just have to continue to not give up big plays."

Countering the offense will be linebackers Zack Hitchens and Ryan Rose and defensive backs Conrad Rosch and Drew Black. The unit as a whole has been solid for Canal Winchester, as the Indians have posted back-to-back shutouts -- a 30-0 win over Bloom-Carroll on Oct. 9 and the win over Hamilton Township last Friday -- since a 7-0 loss to Amanda-Clearcreek on Oct. 2.

"Logan Elm is sitting right there at second in the league with us, and to beat them, that would also help give us some computer points," Thompson said. "Hopefully, we can take another step to the playoffs.

"It's going to be tough, because they'll know we'll be looking for some revenge from last year. They ruined our perfect season. It's going to be a good atmosphere, and hopefully everything turns out well for us."

Next game

CANAL WINCHESTER

at LOGAN ELM

•When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

•Last meeting: 2008, Logan Elm 16-13

•Canal Winchester (6-2, 4-1 in MSL-Buckeye) to date: Defeated Bexley 43-0; def. Jonathan Alder 49-14; lost to Westerville Central 17-13; def. Circleville 38-13; def. Fairfield Union 27-10; lost to Amanda-Clearcreek 7-0; def. Bloom-Carroll 30-0; def. Hamilton Township 43-0

•Logan Elm (7-1, 4-1 in MSL-Buckeye) to date: Def. Washington Court House Washington 22-27; def. Westfall 22-21; def. Chillicothe Zane Trace 35-21; lost to Amanda-Clearcreek 37-6; def. Hamilton Township 33-6; def. Teays Valley 35-0; def. Fairfield Union 26-24; def. Bloom-Carroll 33-10

•Top Indians: Drew Black (DB), Ben O'Bryant (OL), Zack Hitchens (LB), Alex Krigbaum (DL), Mike Mainella (RB), Conrad Rosch (DB), Ryan Rose (LB), Tyler Thompson (WR), Ryan Toledo (OL), Justin Whitlatch (QB) and Michael Young (OL)

•Top Braves: Adam Blake (WR), Johnnie Brown (QB), Chris Eversole (WR), Logan Hauserman (OL), Caleb Sollars (DB) and Chris Spurlock (OL)