Kiefer's clash with Gans

I've never seen an 8-man football game, but tonight all that will change. 

After covering 6A football (Sapulpa) all year, I'm heading east to cover the Kiefer-Gans game tonight. 

Here are some things I'm looking forward to seeing:

1. Postseason competition in high school football. I've covered the playoffs in all other sports, but I have a feeling football will be different. 

2. Kiefer's D. The Trojans had the fourth-best scoring defense – allowing 119 points – in  Class B this season behind district winners, Garber (66), Porter (66) and Ryan (96). The Trojans' D was 36 points better than any other team in District B-3 – Davenport was the second best by allowing 155 points. Kiefer's defense is led by D-linemen, Sergio Lazoya, Jake Stice and Nate Jack, linebackers, Nick Livingston and Daniel Abrams, and defensive backs, CJ Ashwood, Jonathan Mefford, Ryne Gregor, Ostin Broadhead and Daniel Mefford.

3. Broadhead-Livingston connection on offense. When starting tailback Joey Ralston went down with a season-ending knee injury, the Trojans turned their focus to the air on offense – somewhat uncommon in 8-man football. But according to Kiefer coach Josh Calvert, Livingston might be the best WR in all of Class B. The Trojans still run the ball effectively with Broadhead and the Mefford brothers at tailback, but the rushing yardage hasn't been near as high since Ralston went down.

4. Gans,  America. I've been plenty of places in my life, but after tonight I can cross Gans, Oklahoma off the list. After going to places like Indian Bowl (Muskogee), Memorial Stadium (Broken Arrow) and Lantow Field (Claremore), Grizzly Field in Gans will feel quite small. But it's Class B, what do you expect?

Pregame analysis

After looking at the numbers and the matchups, I think Kiefer should have success stuffing Gans' rushing game, which has racked up close to 2,000 yards this year. Granted I've never seen a second of the Grizzlies on film, but it seems like they are a little too conventional with their rushing attack. 

On the flip side, I think the Trojans offense is sputtering right now. Through six weeks Kiefer was scoring points at will, but it hasn't happened since Ralston went down. 

I think Kiefer will have more experience in the playoff spotlight tonight. The Trojans played in the 2008 postseason and nearly knocked off Copan – game ended 14-9. Despite having plenty of younger players, Kiefer is a veteran-savvy team and shouldn't be intimidated by the postseason stage. 

The Trojans also played – in my opinion – in a much tougher district this season. I think B-3, arguably, was the toughest in Class B with Wetumka missing the playoffs despite having one of the best teams in Class B, according to other coaches in Class B. Kiefer played the likes of Davenport, Depew, Weleetka, Wetumka and Bowlegs while Gans' lone tough game of the year was against B-4 winner, Porter. I think playing tougher competition throughout the season will help Kiefer tonight.

•• My prediction for tonight's game: Kiefer 28, Gans 12.  

I think Gans could be an up-and-coming team, but the Trojans have too much veteran leadership to get through the first round. 

The second round, however, might be much different story when the Trojans are likely to face N0. 1 Garber, who is – Oh by the way – the defending state champions!