Staff file photo / Greg Macafee Warren G. Harding’s Braylin Dyson (23) and LeMarcus Provitt (25) tackle Austintown Fitch’s Dominic Perry.

WARREN — For Warren G. Harding’s football program, it’s been a difficult road of playoff disappointment over the years.

Since their historic 2016 campaign, led by future NFL wide receiver Lynn Bowden, the Raiders have suffered three first-round exits in the OHSAA playoffs. Last Friday night at Green Street Stadium in Akron, their fortunes were turned around thanks to a high-powered offense that has gotten better throughout the regular season. For head coach Steve Arnold, the mindset was simple — an old mantra from his basketball coaching career.

“Survive and advance. It’s what we’ve been talking about. When I coached basketball it’s what we always preached: we just do whatever we need to do,” Arnold said.

The Raiders defeated Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 35-0 in the first round of the Division II, Region 5 bracket thanks to 287 total yards of offense. Despite falling to the Irish 42-28 early in the regular season, Harding dominated the game to set up a matchup with Hudson in the second round.

Senior quarterback Chaz Coleman and running back Ryan Powell have been major factors in this potent offense. In weeks 6-8 they put the area on notice with three straight wins, including a 24-21 comeback win over Cardinal Mooney.

“I think Chaz has done a great job, but it’s been a collective effort,” Arnold said. “Anytime you get good QB play it advances your opportunity to win. The three-headed monster we have with Coleman, Powell and Antonio Smith in the backfield when they’re all healthy makes you a better coach.”

Arnold feels one of the overlooked factors of the offense has been his receiving core. Senior Khamari Adams has overcome matters that were out of his hands a year prior to power the Raiders’ aerial attack, along with fellow Senior Marcus Crum.

“Khamari and Marcus have made big plays all season, but everyone in the offense can help you in a different way. Although we are undersized, our kids can compete for four quarters,” Arnold said.

While this playoff upset over STVM is reason for optimism, the offense is not the only bright spot for the Raiders going forward in the postseason. Their defense was able to hold an Irish offense, led by junior running back DJ Johnson, to zero points. This came off containing an Austintown Fitch offense, with a plethora of Division I and II college talent, to only 14 points in a back-and-forth contest. Although the Raiders suffered a tough 48-14 loss on the road to Massillon in week 9, Arnold saw something that others might not have — an ability to stop the run that could pay off at the back end of their schedule.

“Being able to stop the run is key,” Arnold said. “We did very well against the Tigers’ run game (in) week 9. The score might not have indicated that, but I think it fueled us going forward. It will definitely help us against a tough Hudson rushing attack this week.”

As Arnold and the Raiders prepare for a trip to Dante Lavelli Stadium this Friday they will face a tough matchup with Hudson. The Explorers finished 7-2 during the regular season, and secured a first-round playoff win over Cleveland Benedictine 20-19 in OT. They feature an elite running back in Ian Ludewig, who rushed for 2,193 yards in 2022. They also feature Virginia Tech commit Tommy Ricard protecting him on the offensive line. Arnold has seen much of the Hudson program over the years, and understands the assignment he and his squad face going back on the road to Summit County.

“Hudson has been a nemesis of ours. They are cohesive, they run outside very well. Ludewig will cut back a lot, and defensively they are very aggressive. The best thing that team does so well is they never change,” he said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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