Philo ready for playoff game with undefeated Indian Valley

DUNCAN FALLS, Ohio – The Philo Electrics could possibly be playing their toughest opponent of the season when they take on Indian Valley in the second round of the playoffs this Friday.

At 7-3 the Electrics sneaked into the playoffs as the seven seed. That didn’t stop them from going on the road in week one of the post season and beating St. Clairsville 31-13. Now waiting for them is an undefeated Indian Valley team.

It’s a Braves’ offense that has averaged a staggering 42 points per game this year, and beat Meadowbrook 50-22 in their first playoff game. It’s a team that Philo head coach Dirk Lincicome says does a number of things well.

“They are very well coached. Matt (Lancaster) has done a great job with that program. They have really good speed with their running backs and receivers. Their quarterback is a great player and manages the ball well. They have a very good offensive line. Their defense is very active and they tackle well,” said Lincicome.

These two teams have a bit of playoff history. They met in the second round of 2013 playoffs. The Braves won a low scoring game 7-3 that year. That game, like this one, was at Meadowbrook High School.

Philo linebacker Nick Hoffer wasn’t around for that 2013 game, but said he’s up for the challenge of trying to advance to the regional finals.

“They like to run the ball a lot. They’ve got a 2,000 yard back. He’s quick and shifty but I like our guys on defense so we’re just going to have to go with it and stop the run,” said Hoffer.

Kickoff between the Electrics and Braves is at 7:30 p.m. and you can hear live play-by-play on AM 1240 Radio.