Whiteford will face Riverview Gabriel Richard in the second round of the state playoffs Friday, hosting the Pioneers in the first meeting between the two schools.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday at home for the Bobcats (10-0) against Richard (7-3).

Here’s a quick glance at the game:

Riverview Gabriel Richad (7-3) at Whiteford (10-0) 

Series: First meeting

Whiteford playoff history: Qualified for the 23rd time, have been in the playoffs a school-record 11 straight seasons, playoff record is 27-21. 

Gabriel Richard playoff history: Qualified for the 9th time. The Pioneers won a district title in 2018 and are 7-8 all-time in the playoffs.  

Whiteford statistical leaders: Shea Ruddy 51 completions on 84 attempts for 1,063 yards, 18 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, 534 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on 60 carries; Jake Iott 103 rushes for 824 yards, 17 touchdowns and 27 two-point conversions, 153 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks; Hunter DeBarr, 102 carries for 837 yards rushing, 14 receptions for 352 yards and 6 touchdowns; Drew Knaggs 70 carries for 408 yards; Kolby Masserant 16 receptions for 347 yards; Ryin Ruddy 12 catches for 242 yards.

Richard statistical leaders: Tyler Morehouse (6-3, 210) leads the Richard receivers with 5 touchdown receptions. Nick Wisniewski has 10 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns. Aramis Lackey leads the team in rushing with more than 600 yards and eight touchdowns. Joey Calhoun is also over the 600-yard mark.

Game notes: Whiteford has scored 500 points this season, an even 50.0 points per game. Richard has been a big-play team, too, and its defense has been sparked by 21 interceptions.

Comment from Whiteford coach Todd Thieken (first year, 10-0): “We need to continue to produce on offense and keep the ball away from them. They are explosive on offense.  We need to eliminate the big play. “

Comment from Gabriel Richard coach Dionte Allen (first year, 7-3): “Whiteford is solid, and they are disciplined. We have to read our keys and tackle. The defensive line and offensive line are the keys to this game. I told my guys that they have to seize the moment. We are a young team. We don’t have a freshmen team or JV team, so all of my guys are varsity. They’ve gotten better because they’ve gotten to play more.”

Up next: The Whiteford-Richard winner will face the winner of the Reading (8-2) vs. White Pigeon (7-3) game. Whiteford would host the game if they beat Gabriel Richard.