Twinsburg Begins Big Playoff Push Thursday Against Brunswick

It's every team for itself in the Division I, Region 2 computer rankings with four games left in the regular season.

Two of those teams, Twinsburg and Brunswick, square off Thursday night in a game with plenty of playoff implications. The Tigers are ranked 19th in the region this week while the Blue Devils check in at number eight after suffering their first loss of the season against Mentor last week.

Twinsburg (4-2) has its offense in high gear. The added three more touchdowns to his season total in . Barton has now scored 19 touchdowns this year. Quarterback Jalen Washington added touchdown passes to Barton and Jordan Bray despite the horrid weather conditions.

"Our offensive line did a great job of blocking for John and Jalen," said head coach Joe Schiavone. "We did a good job of playing in those conditions. We preached all week about starting and finishing the game."

Washington connected on 16 of 23 pass attempts for 165 yards, an impressive effort in the windy, rainy conditions. Barton rushed for 150 yards, continuing his standout season.

Points will be needed against Brunswick this week. The Blue Devils (5-1)scored 31 points against a strong Hudson team and rolled up 35 against Garfield Heights. Running back Nick Roberts leads the team with 986 yards rushing (7.6 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns.

Brunswick will be in a foul mood after its loss to Mentor last week. The Blue Devils also remember last year's 42-7 loss at Twinsburg.

"They are the best team we will have faced so far," said Schiavone. "We have a history with them. I'm sure they know what we do and we know what they do. They have a great running back and quarterback and a big offensive line."

Schiavone is not one to look ahead but the Tigers have a big finish to the season with games against crosstown rival Solon, Medina and Mentor. By the close of the regular season, Twinsburg will have learned just how tough the NOC Valley Division is.

For now, all that matters is Thursday night and a game that could change the season.

"This is a big game and there is a lot on the line when it comes to our region," said Schiavone. "You look at the teams ahead of us and it's pretty tight."

With Barton and Washington playing well, the Tigers pose a threat to any opposing defense.

"Our offense has the potential to put up numbers," said Schiavone. "We just have to make sure we continue to execute and don't shoot ourselves in the foot."