Postseason implications abound for Pekin, North Cedar

In a week rife with postseason implications and playoff positioning, the matchup between Pekin and North Cedar may be as important as any in the state.

A win could potentially give either team sole ownership of the No. 2 spot in Class 1A, District 6, while a loss could drop either team into the fourth and final postseason spot.

Last time the two teams met, on Oct. 8, 2010, Pekin failed to get anything going on offense, tallying just five first downs in a 27-0 loss. This year, Pekin has a stable of capable backs that provide for a little more firepower than the Panthers had last season. The backs, including Quentin Garrels, Bryce Sines and the emerging Petie Clubb, will be joined in the backfield by quarterback Graham Wittrock.

North Cedar has posted their five wins in 2011 thanks in large part to their ground game and running backs Scout Kasik and Derrick Gray. The duo has combined for 755 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, so if Pekin can shut down Kasik and Gray, the Panthers? chances increase exponentially.

?We?ve got to contain the running game of theirs ... and don?t give up the big play,? Pekin head coach Joe Donovan said. ?If we could make them play from behind that would be huge to get them out of their comfort zone.?

Pekin (3-3, 3-1 District 6) has been on a roll in the last two weeks, outscoring Van Buren and Cardinal 100-6. And with North Cedar (5-1, 3-1) reeling following a 52-14 loss to Alburnett last week, there may be no better time than now to face the Knights.

Kickoff is slated for approximately 7:30 p.m. in Packwood.