Region 11 Playoff X-Factors: Seeds 9-16

Previously, we covered the top half of Region 11. Now, we shift our attention to the "underdogs" of Region 11, widely regarded as one of the deepest regions in the state. Here are some players to watch out for as they try to advance their teams throughout the playoffs.    Pete DiDonato is wide receiver one for the Quakers, and he can pose a threat from anywhere on the field. He can burn you with his speed, whether in the slot or out wide. The thing I like about DiDonato the most is his ability to find holes in the zone defense as play develops. He is an intelligent player, as he was voted a team captain, and you can tell that he is very passionate about his team on the field. DiDonato is one of many dangerous weapons for New Philadelphia, but he is my personal player to look out for.      Davell Brock is the only class of 2028 athlete on our list of X-Factors for Region 11 and for many reasons. Linden McKinley scored 68 points and went winless last season, and with Brock's inclusion to the team, Linden McKinley has had an explosion in offense, up to 28 points per game. Brock is a spark of life and a ball of energy athletically. Brock is the best scrambling quarterback I have watched all season, and he can hit throws off balance and out of structure, which will be very important for his development. His low-arched fastball throwing slot is unique, but the ball he can unleash is very impressive and accurate. Regardless of the result on Friday and as we advance, Brock will get some much-needed playoff experience, and he will be one quarterback prospect to follow in the coming years.      [player_tooltip player_id='1132773' first='Daylen' last='Clark'] may be one of the best players with the football in their hands in all of Region 11. Clark possesses excellent speed and takeoff skills, and he can make a man miss off his first cut. He likes to get north-south and when he does, big plays happen. Clark also lines up in the slot for Dover and looks natural as a pass catcher, which increases the number of looks given by opposing defenses. No matter where Daylen lines up, look out if the ball gets to him.      Lathon, the lead back for a Hartley team that runs out of condensed and heavy boxes, is the most critical player for his team's success going into the playoffs. This year, Lathon has blown up and gotten a lot of hype for the class of 2026, and for good reason. This year, his play has improved athleticism and physical explosiveness. He can bounce it outside and make your defense go from sideline to sideline or muscle his way down the field, going at your defensive tackles. Lathon has had a great season, and I know he will want to continue doing his thing for the Hawks this season.      McGee is the lead back for an Indian Valley offense that averaged 29.5 points per game during the regular season. McGee is a running back who offers a dangerous first cut and physicality to gain extra yards. Licking Valley, the Indian Creek opposition, has played great defense up front this season, but they may not have seen a rushing attack all season that will equal McGee and the Redskins.     Whitmore, a two-year team captain and third-year starter offers experience and leadership to his Warriors. He is a very smart player and can feel pressure from the edge, allowing his legs to take over. His arm is solid, but his game comes on simple throws created by the offense Carrollton, creating chances through the intermediate passing game and Whitmore using his legs.     Huss is a three-year starter for a Buckeye Valley team that has seen improved success lately. Huss has grown with the Buckeye Valley program and is now the leader of the Barons. Steubenville will offer a very structured defense that doesn't make mistakes, but Huss can make throws on rhythm and can go vertical with the weapons around him. Huss will have to rely on the experience and leadership Friday, but I believe he will do so.      Thompson has been a wrecker for the Warren defense. Thompson has 131 tackles, 21 TFLs, and 5 sacks on the season. Going against a top offense in Bishop Watterson, the defense is going to have to step up and create chaos, and Thompson has the ability to lead that charge on Friday night.

Previously, we covered the top half of Region 11. Now, we shift our attention to the "underdogs" of Region 11, widely regarded as one of the deepest regions in the state. Here are some players to watch out for as they try to advance their teams throughout the playoffs.