Upper Sandusky will host a high school football playoff game Friday night for only the second time in 125 years, according to Crawford County Now. The Week 11 matchup against Medina Buckeye is the Rams’ first home postseason contest since 2003.
Upper Sandusky enters at 6-4 after winning at Seneca East in Week 10 to secure the home berth. The Rams had lost three straight earlier in the season before turning their form around.
Coach Russell Hall, in his ninth year, discussed the matchup on WQEL's Coaches Corner Extra program with Josh Stallings. He attributed the postseason push to his staff’s preparation, community backing and the players’ mental resilience, the report said.
Hall cited a Week 9 game against Buckeye Central as an illustration of the team’s selflessness. Travis Klaus chose not to return a punt for a touchdown, taking a knee instead so senior Curtis Paymon Jr. could have a chance to score on the ground. Paymon had missed the previous season because of injury.
Medina Buckeye is 5-5 and has a reputation for playoff experience and a strong winning tradition, according to the report. Hall said Upper Sandusky had a sharp week of practice ahead of Friday night’s home game.