OTTAWA LAKE – The Whiteford Bobcats will get to host a playoff game for the first time since 2023 next week when the Bobcats take on the Bronson Vikings at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The 7-2 Bobcats are seeded No. 4 in their playoff region.
Bronson, which finished tied for second in the Big 8 conference, is also 7-2.
The Bobcats will be making their 15th consecutive playoff appearance and 27th all-time. The Bobcats are 24-4 at home all-time in the playoffs.
“We are very happy to be home, but I wish it was on Friday night,” Bobcat coach Todd Thieken said. “Both teams have to play the game, but I think our fans prefer Friday night.”
The Bobcats come into the game riding a seven-game win streak. Thieken said the Bobcats are much improved since an 0-2 start.
“We are getting better,” he said. “I see it not only in the seven games, but in practice, too,” he said. “We are practicing hard and executing the little things. That’s what you want this time of the year.”
The Bobcats won the Great Lakes Conference with a 7-0 league record. They beat three playoff qualifiers along the way – Edon, Montpelier and Sand Creek.
Brek Ruddy continues his assault on the Whiteford record book. He now has scored 31 touchdowns this season, which is just four shy of the single season Whiteford record of 35, held by Jesse Kiefer. He’s also within 69 yards of becoming Whiteford’s career rushing leader. He has surpassed the 1,500-yard mark for rushing yards this season, which is the third most in school history.
Tre Eitniear has passed for 745 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He’s moving up on a lot of Whiteford career lists, too. The four-year starter at quarterback has 3,411 career passing yards and 44 touchdowns. The passing yards are No. 3 in school history while the touchdown passes are No. 2.
“These guys have worked so hard throughout their careers,” Thieken said. “To see them leave their mark is great for them and the program. They deserve it.”
Defensive end Caden Stewart has been a major impact player on defense. He has 78 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and eight quarterback sacks. He’s also blocked a punt and recovered a fumble. On the other side of the defensive line, Ryan Thomas has 14 tackles for loss this season and 54 tackles.
Bronson has a big defensive front line, featuring Harvard-bound Kyle Hyska (6-4, 270) and defending state discus champion Brayden Frtiz.
“They have a really big defensive line,” Thieken said. “I would compare it to Pewamo-Westphalia. We’ll have to be good at executing our blocks.”
The Vikings are a running team but have put the ball in the air this season on ocassion.
“I would say they are about as balanced as we are,” Thieken said. “They run first but have a couple of skill position guys that are really good.”
Whiteford and Bronson have never met on the football field in a varsity game, although Bronson did play at Whiteford in a JV game a couple of seasons ago, Thieken said.
