Pigskin Previews
 Playoffs Week 1

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Bureau Valley (7-2) atAledo Mercer County (7-2)

Gametime: 1 p.m. Saturday at Aledo.

Class: 2A.

BCR insider: This game matches two playoff powers over the past decade that have combined for four state titles and three runner-up finishes between them. Though just 80 miles apart, they have never met in the playoffs because of different classification. Aledo, which consolidated with the former Joy Westmer district to form Mercer County this school year, has played mostly in 2A (once in 1A), while BV has made its recent playoff runs in 3A before dropping down this year. The two programs played in the state finals in Champaign back-to-back in 2005 when Aledo fell to Dakota 20-15 in 2A and BV captured the 3A crown by defeating Tolono Unity 34-7. The Storm reached the 3A semis again in 2006 and was knocked out in the 3A quarterfinals last year. Aledo also bowed out in 3A quarters a year ago. ... The Golden Eagles, champions of the West Prairie Trail Northwest Conference, went 3-1 against teams reaching the playoffs, losing to Stark County 26-19 last week. They blanked Kewanee/Wethersfield 33-0 in Week 2. At 5-9, QB Anderson has a Doug Flutie build, but throws more like Brett Farve, throwing the ball with 20 TDs and 1,816 yards passing. He also has scored eight of the Golden Eagles’ 25 TDs on the ground. ... The Storm beat just two playoff caliber team this season, Sterling Newman, while falling to Morrison and Amboy/LaMoille in Big Rivers play.

Stat sheet: Offense — BV 33.3, AMC 39.8. Defense — BV 14.4, AMC 16.7.

Playoff history: Appearances — BV 8, AMC 17. Consecutive — BV 2, AMC 13. Record — BV 17-6, AMC 41-13. Best finish — BV state champs 2005, runners-up 2004; AMC state champs 1998, 2001, 2002, runners-up 1988, 2005, 2006.

Last year’s advance: Aledo lost to Carthage Illini West 22-6 in 3A quarterfinals. BV lost to Elmhurst Immaculate Conception 41-7 in 3A quarterfinals.

All-time series: First meeting

Radio: WZOE 98.1 FM.

Oneida ROWVA (6-3) at Amboy/LaMoille (7-2)

Gametime: 1 p.m. Saturday at the Harbor, Amboy High School.

Class: 2A.

BCR insider: ROWVA finished third in the West Prairie Trail Northwest behind Aledo Mercer County and Alexis United. The Bulldogs are 0-3 against playoff caliber teams in 2009, winning their six games against teams with a combined 9-45 record. Both programs have made 16 playoff appearances, yet this will be the first time they have played. ... The Clippers finished second in the Big Rivers, losing only to undefeated Morrison.

Stat sheet: Offense — R 36.0 ppg, AL 26.3. Defense — R 19.9, AL 10.7.

Playoff history: Appearances — R 16, AL 16. Consecutive — R 1, AL 8. Record — R 9-15, AL 23-14. Best finish — R 2A quarterfinals, 1987, 3A quarterfinals, 2005; AL, 2A state champs 1984; 2A state runners-up 1979, 1980,

Last year’s advancement: Aledo lost to Carthage Illini West 22-6 in 3A quarterfinals. A/L lost to Oregon 40-0 in 2A 2nd round.

Radio: WCRV 101.7 FM.

Other area playoff games

Class 2A: Clifton Central (7-2) at Annawan-Wethersfield (8-1)

Deer Creek-Mackinaw (5-4) at Morrison (9-0)

3A: Sterling Newman (6-3) at Sherrard (8-1)

4A: Plano (6-3) at No. 8 Geneseo (7-2)

Bishop McNamara (5-4) at Illinois Valley Central (9-0)

St. Edward (6-3) at No. 5 Mendota (7-2)

5A: LaSalle-Peru (7-2) at No. 7 Sterling (7-2)

— Kevin Hieronymus

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