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MARSHALL -- The Marshall football team is no stranger to battles with Hutchinson, and the Tigers will get another chance to face their longtime rival when the teams meet in the playoffs.
Marshall head coach Terry Bahlmann said the programs have faced each other five times in a little more than two years, building a rivalry that has produced several memorable games in the regular season and playoffs.
"It’s probably our biggest rival anymore, and we’ve had great games in the playoffs with them, some here and some at their place," Bahlmann said. "We’re happy to be at home, but I think there’ll be a lot of change from the first game."
Marshall defeated Hutchinson during the regular season, earning the opportunity to host the rematch as the No. 2 seed. However, Bahlmann expects a different challenge this time around as both teams look to advance.
For the Tigers, stopping Hutchinson’s ground game will be a major priority. Bahlmann pointed to sophomore running back Lex Ostlie as a player capable of carrying the offense, noting that he has handled the ball as many as 30 times in some games. Hutchinson also uses play-action opportunities to get quarterback Graydon Rostberg involved.
"We just have to be smart on defense, run fit and hopefully get a couple turnovers," Bahlmann said.
Marshall benefited from a major defensive play in the teams’ first meeting, when Ethan Weedman returned an interception for a touchdown. Bahlmann knows the Tigers will need to execute again to slow down Hutchinson’s offense, particularly with Ostlie’s speed posing a threat to break a long run.
"He’s an 800-meter kid. He’ll take it for a touchdown," Bahlmann said. "We need to run fit and tackle well. If we tackle well, I think we’re going to have a good opportunity to win the game."
The matchup is expected to be physical, especially along the line of scrimmage. Bahlmann said he has emphasized preparation and playing with confidence rather than allowing nerves to affect the Tigers.
"We know they’re going to want to play physical, and we want to play physical, so it’s going to be that kind of game at the line of scrimmage," he said.
On offense, Marshall hopes to establish its own running game while relying on a variety of players to carry the ball. Bahlmann said the offensive line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and get to the right defenders will be key to getting the Tigers’ offense moving.
"We want to run the football back at them. We’re a little more diversified with who carries the ball," Bahlmann said. "We want to get going on all cylinders, and a lot of that will be determined by how our O-line plays."
Creating short fields and taking advantage of scoring opportunities will also be important, particularly if Marshall can build momentum early.
Marshall will look to use its home-field advantage to help fuel the playoff effort. Bahlmann said the Tigers enjoy playing on their home turf and expect strong support from the crowd.
"We love playing at home and love playing on the turf there, and we’ll have a huge backing," he said. "Hopefully it’s an advantage for us and we can make people come here and try to beat us at home."
With the stakes of postseason football clear, Bahlmann said the message to his players has centered on responding to adversity, staying focused and moving on to the next play.
"There’s no tomorrow if we don’t play well, so we have to come out and play well," he said. "As long as we’re prepared to come out and play hard, there’s no nerves to be involved in play."
The Tigers have experienced postseason success in recent years, and Bahlmann believes that experience has helped prepare the team for the moment.
"They know what it takes, and they know the consequences if we don’t play well," he said. "They want to come out and play well, and you should have a great home-field advantage there, and compete and play Marshall High football."
Bahlmann encouraged fans to come out and support the Tigers, saying the team will be ready to compete.
"We don’t know the outcome, but I know our kids will play hard and give everything they have," he said.