1976 National High School Football Playoffs

Preview

Championship Game:

Rose Bowl

Pasadena, CA

January 15, 1977

North Region

The feature battle in the region is a highly anticipated matchup between two Michigan squads. Midland Dow (the Class A state champions) clashes with Flint Southwestern (the team that finished #1 in the AP Poll). Southwestern was denied access to the post season due to lack of playoff points. The two schools are an hour drive apart. Dow does it with a bruising ground-attack, while the Colts have a balanced, high-powered offense that rang-up 44.4-ppg. Cincinnati Moeller takes on Antigo (WI) in the other game. Moeller is ranked #1 in the country (along with Warner Robins (GA)) and unless they fall behind and are forced to pass into the teeth of a stout Red Robin pass defense and pass rush, the Crusaders should cruise.

Favorite – Moeller. Will attempt to fulfill their place as one of the greatest high school teams in history. They have no weaknesses.

Players to watch – 1. FL–Rodney Feaster (Flint Southwestern). Big play threat on offense.

2. RB–Dan Alexander (Dow). Rushed for 1833-yards and 22-TDs for the Chargers.

3. QB–Tim Koegel (Moeller). Superb passer that can lead the Crusaders out of trouble if it arises.

West Region

City champion Wilmington (CA) Banning gets a crack at Coach Dwayne DeSpain’s dynasty from Hacienda Heights (CA) Los Altos in another in-state battle. The Pilots of CoachChris Ferragamo present RB Freeman McNeil; possibly the best player in City League history, while the Conquerors have Randy Hertel (32-touchdown passes) to catalyze their offense. The other game pits San Antonio Churchill againstSnohomish (WA) and their mammoth two-way lineman Curt Marsh. Churchill does it with defense and a balanced ground-game.

Favorite– Churchill… barely over the other three teams. These promise to be closely contested games.

Players to watch – 1. RB–Freeman McNeil (Banning). McNeil is electric...a once in a generation type of talent who is a threat to score on every touch.

2. OL/DL – Curt Marsh (Snohomish). Being 6’ 5, 260-lbs with agility and a mean-streak seems almost unfair.

3. QB–Randy Hertel (Los Altos). A big time talent for the Conqueror juggernaught.

East Region

A typical Burbank (IL) Saint Laurence team (superb rushing-attack and strong defense) will matchup against one of the most successful programs in high school history in Jefferson City (MO) led by Head Coach Pete Adkins. Rugged Penn Hills (PA) will have their hand full as they try to slow down the devastating running-game of Groton (CT) Fitch and their one-two punch of Joe Addison and Rick Hauser.

Favorite – Penn Hills.Another very competitive region where a couple of key plays could decide the winner.

Players to watch – 1. RBs – Joe Addison & Rick Hauser (Fitch). Combined for 2977-rushing yards and 42-touchdowns for the dominating Falcons.

2. RB – Ernie Wulff (Saint Laurence). He replaces injured superstar Dave Hickey.

3. OL/DL – Farrell Roundtree (Jefferson City). Excellent quickness in the trenches.

South Region

You may not find a better offense in high school football history than the 1976 version of Warner Robins (GA). They like to beat you running the ball with a backfield for the ages in James Brooks and Jimmy Womack. If that bogs down, QB Keith Soles (60% completion) can get it done for a team that averaged 47.2-ppg. Their opening opponent (Covington (LA)) has a defense that can slow them down, but the Lions will need a huge effort to unseat the heavily favored Demons. The other contest could be a shootout as Tallahassee (FL) Godby and Birmingham (AL) Mountain Brook have at it. Godby has dual-threat QB Sammy Knight to guide their offense, while the powerful ground-attack of the Spartans features RB Major Ogilvie.

Favorite – Warner Robins. Looking at this team on paper, it’s tough to imagine them losing.

Players to watch – 1. QB – Sammy Knight (Godby). Cannot be contained for an entire game.

2. LB – Ron Simmons (Warner Robins). Strong and fast, he leads an unheralded Demon defense that wants nothing less than a National Title.

3. RB – Major Ogilvie (Mountain Brook).2167-yards and 26-touchdowns.