Whiteford will face Clinton in the first round of the Division 7 playoffs that begin Friday.

The Bobcats (5-4) enter the game on a two-game win streak while Clinton lost each of its last two games to finish the regular season 6-3.

Here’s a quick thumbnail preview of the matchup:

Whiteford (5-4) at Clinton (6-3)

Division: 7.

All-time series: Clinton leads 11-4.

Last meeting: Clinton beat Whiteford 44-20 in 2019, the last year Clinton was in the Tri-County Conference.

Whiteford playoff history: The Bobcats are 35-22 all-time in the postseason with all but five of those wins coming in the last 11 years. The Bobcats won state titles in 2017 and 2022 and lost in the finals in 2016 and 2023.

Clinton playoff history: Clinton is in the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season. During that run they reached the state finals twice – once in Division 6 and once in Division 7.

Whiteford statistical leaders: Brek Ruddy 137 carries for 822 yards; Trenton Eitniear 76 carries for 511 yards, 11 receptions for 136 yards, eight total touchdowns, 80 tackles on defense; Drew Ruddy 68 carries for 308 yards, 13-for-20 passing for 150 yards; Tre Eitniear 42-for-87 passing for 640 yards and eight touchdowns.

Clinton statistical leaders: Bryce Randolph 170 carries for 951 yards and 10 touchdowns; Jacob Felts 102 carries for 510 yards; Clifford Jones 62 carries for 373 yards; Andy Fair 30-for-60 passing for 410 yards and four touchdowns.

Game notes: This is Whiteford’s 25th time in the playoffs. They have the second longest streak of consecutive playoff appearances in Region history with 13 (Airport made 14 straight playoff appearances from 1999-2012). … Both teams have faced challenging schedules. Whiteford’s losses have come to teams that are 9-1 (Edon, Ohio) and 8-1 (Summerfield, Ida and Clarkston Everest Collegiate). Clinton’s losses have come to teams that are 9-0 (SMCC) and 8-1 (Hudson, Ida).

Comments from Whiteford coach Todd Thieken (third year at Whiteford, 32-5): “It’s going to be a big test. They are physical and play hard. Like us, they take a lot of pride in what they do. They are a very capable football team.”

Comments from Clinton coach Casey Randolph (fourth year at Clinton, 28-6): “Whiteford is a team that can score, and they play aggressive defense. Their record is very deceiving because of the caliber of teams they have played. It should be a great atmosphere for a playoff game.”