The competition always gets tougher when the OHSAA football playoffs begin.

For South Range High School, it really gets tough.

The Raiders are faced with the unenviable task of trying to accomplish what just six schools have been able to achieve in 129 tries — a win over Kirtland.

The Raiders (8-3) and Hornets (11-0) meet tonight in a Division V, Region 17 semifinal at Niles’ Bo Rein Stadium. Since 2011, Kirtland has appeared in seven state title games, winning four. In that span, the Hornets own an overall record of 123-6.

Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde, now in his 14th year at the school, owns a career record of 170-17.

“I don’t know if there are any secrets to what we do, we just have a bunch of kids who have been together since day one all the way back to kindergarten,” LaVerde said. “They bond at an early age. They love each other and they truly play for each other.

“When I came here 14 years ago, I immediately sensed that this place was different. Around here, peer pressure is a great word. A kid sees his classmates and teammates working in the weight room on their own seven days a week, and they feel like they need to follow suit. Peer pressure pushes this community to achieve greatness.”

A year ago, Kirtland went 15-0 and won the Division VI state title. However, the Hornets lost nine starters on both offense and defense.

“We just have kids ready and eager to fill the voids,” LaVerde said. “And we have kids eager to put in the time and effort. We’re a public, closed-enrollment school. We’ll have a freshmen class of 15 players and you worry that you have to find a way to keep them all. Then by the time that class becomes seniors there are 18, 19 of them.”

Despite his astounding success, LaVerde admits that the losses stick with him more than the wins.

“Oh, you never forget the setbacks,” LaVerde said. “I can tell you about every single play from our last six losses. The 10-9 loss to Coldwater will never go away. Against Minster we were up nine with 3 minutes left. Just recover an onside kick and we win.”

Ironically, LaVerde credits South Range coach Dan Yeagley for part of his success both as a teacher and coach.

“My first year here we played South Range in a playoff game and Dan was just wonderful, he’s the best,” LaVerde said. “He is everything you want in a high school football coach. And we both teach AP calculus. He sent me some of his tests and worksheets way back when that I still use today.”

TAKING IT ALL IN

Following a 1-2 start to its season, Poland has reeled off eight straight wins to advance to the Division IV, Region 13 semifinals. Tonight the Bulldogs will play Indian Creek.

After suffering back-to-back losses to Boardman and Howland, one might think the Bulldogs implemented wholesale changes to right the ship.

In reality, the ‘Dogs simply stayed the course, according to coach Ryan Williams.

“I can’t say enough about the way our kids remained focused and on track,” Williams said. “It all came down to the fact that everyone on this team wanted to right the wrongs. They took in everything like a sponge, they just absorbed whatever was being presented to them.

“There were so many times where it was the players, not the coaches, stopping practice to point out mistakes and asking if they could go over something again to get it right. In film sessions, they would point out the mistakes before we had a chance to do so. It has been so refreshing. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Poland’s roster included 22 seniors. Williams noted that the upperclassmen approach each game and each practice session “with a lunch pail mentality.” He added that this year’s success is proof positive that talent alone does not win games.

“I mean, yeah, we certainly have a lot of talented players, no doubt about that,” Williams said. “But this (winning streak) isn’t just because we’re more talented than the opposition.

“This group has been more eager and willing to learn than any group I’ve been around. Things could have gone the other way when we were 1-2, but they wouldn’t allow that to happen.”