NEW MIDDLETOWN — The Division VI, Region 21 final between third-seeded Norwayne and top-seeded host Springfield appears to be one that could be decided at the wire.

Perhaps for the first time this season, the defending regional-champion Tigers are facing a team similar in style, approach and numbers.

Both teams are 9-0. The Bobcats are averaging 38.3 points per game, and the Tigers are scoring 43 per contest. Norwayne is allowing 10 points per outing with two shutouts, and Springfield allows 7.4 points and also has posted a pair of shutouts, including a 21-0 win over fourth-seeded Mogadore last week.

“(Norwayne) is similar to us in formations on offense,” Springfield coach Sean Guerriero said. “They love the ground game to open up play-action passing, but they want to establish the run first. They have multiple kids to get the ball to, like us. Defensively, they strap up their helmets hard and get after you. They are very physical and run to the ball well. So there are so many similarities.

“I think they have a size advantage, though. They are big all across the field on both sides. Their offensive line is very big and even their skill kids are on the plus-side of 6 foot.”

The Bobcats, who are seeking their first regional title since 2012, held off second-seeded Wickliffe 20-13 in their regional semifinal last week. Springfield and Norwayne both scored season-low point totals in their cold semifinals.

The Tigers have allowed just 15 points combined in three playoff wins. Only two opponents all season have scored in double digits against Springfield — McDonald (49-13 in Week 3) and Lowellville (62-18 in Week 4).

“Our defense starts up front where we have a bunch of guys playing well, doing their jobs and letting our back seven get to the ball and make plays,” Guerriero said. “Brady Brungard and Michael Wagner (at tackles) and Ethan Isaacson and Marshall Yelkin (at ends) have been great and we’ve had A.J. Stallsmith, Coleson Kertesz and Zeek Worsencroft who have made huge plays up front, too.”

Stallsmith (right guard), Kertesz (right tackle) and Worsencroft (left tackle) are starters on the offensive line and play in rotations on defense.

“Those guys have allowed our linebackers to have great seasons,” Guerriero. “Austin Tindell, Bo Snyder and Clay Nezbeth are flying to the ball and have been exceptional. That enables our back guys (corners Clayton Medvec and Joey Sandine and safeties Lukas Yemma and Beau Brungard) to make plays, but it all starts up front.”

That defense will be looking to slow a Norwayne offense led by quarterback Nate Bitskay (6-2, 200), running backs Kayden Kidd (5-9, 210) and Ameer Cunningham (6-2, 215), versatile running back/receiver Hayden Tanner (5-11, 190), receiver Joey Raudebaugh (6-6, 210) and tight end Jacob Rupp (6-3, 210).

The offensive line is anchored by Colby Morlock (6-3, 270), Trent Barstow (6-3, 255) and Gage Hamilton (6-2, 240).

“Tanner is their best skill kid, and they use him as a receiver and running back,” Guerriero said. “Their quarterback hits the vertical routes after they establish the run. This is the most-balanced offense we’ve seen all year. It’ll be a great challenge.”

Morlock, Blake Dichler (6-0, 250) and Raudebaugh are key linemen on defense for the Bobcats, with Cunningham and Kidd leading the linebackers in front of defensive backs Tanner, Noah Saal (6-4, 200), Derek Berger (5-120, 150) and Eli Stanley (6-0, 185), who has six interceptions.

“They use their size well on defense because their big guys eat up blocks, so that’s similar to the way we’ve been playing,” Guerriero said. “Their secondary plays deep and deters the big play, so you’ve got to be patient when you pass.”