From The Portsmouth Daily Times, Wednesday 8 Nov 2000, pg. B1-B2
"Minford Rumbles Into Regional Semis
"By Chuck Greenslate, Times Sports Writer
"Minford versus Germantown Valley View.
"It's a battle which many probably feel is comparable to David versus Goliath. But not everyone believes Minford's chances against the perineal state power are so bleak.
"'It could be a good game,' Falcons coach Fred Brisker said. 'I'm optimistic that we can play very strong with them.
"'Maybe we can't. Maybe I'm wrong. But I'll be surprised if we don't give them a hell of a game.'
"Minford will meet Germantown Valley View this Friday in the Division IV Regional Semifinals at Hilliard Davidson High School in Columbus.
"And while the Spartans have great tradition on their side with three state championships since 1994, the Falcons don't seem content with merely making a showing against Coach Jay Niswonger's club.
"'Little Minford, or Minford, they probably don't even know what to call us,' Falcons running back Eli Parkes said. 'We're going to go up there, and they're going to think they're going to kill us.
"'Maybe they'll take it easy and some plays will go our way. [Missing words] real well, we beat them. We definitely have a chance to beat these guys if we play our game.'
"If the Falcons are going to pick up a win, they'll have to find a way to stop, or at least hinder, the Spartans' potent passing attack.
"Germantown quarterback Dustin Strayer threw for 2,086 yards during the regular season. And during that time, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior tossed 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
"'He's the best quarterback we'll see,' Brisker said. 'He's the best quarterback I've seen in my three years. He's very similar to Dustin Howard, who used to play for Waverly.
"'Their quarterback is the key to the whole thing. Without him, they're a very average team. They don't have a great running game, but he sets it up with great passing.'
"The Spartans use a run-and-shoot offense, and according to Brisker, they like to run a lot of quick routes.
"Of all Germantown receivers, Strayer's favorite appears to be Ben Buehner. The 6-foot-1 senior has hauled 42 receptions for 710 yards and six TDs.
"'We have to realize they're a good enough team that they're going to make big plays,' Parkes said. 'They've been running this offense for 10 years.
"'They're going to make big plays, and when that happens, we're just going to have to reload and keep our heads up.'
"Parkes will be a key component of the Falcons' pass defense. The senior linebacker has posted two interceptions this season, including one last week against Wheelersburg[,] which he returned 45 yards for a touchdown.
"Minford corners Jeremy Frazie and Kyle Darby will team up with Parkes and safety Ben Tuttle to try to keep the Spartan air raid contained. ANd according to Frazie, who leads the area with 10 interceptions, that will be the key to the game.
"'If we can keep their passing game to a minimum, I believe we have a good chance of coming away with a victory,' Frazie said.
"In addition to Minford running back and linebacker Matt Slone, Frazie and Parkes will do double duty for the Falcons, as all three will line up on both sides of the ball.
"And according to Brisker, he believes they will serve as a shock to the Spartans.
"'I don't think Valley View has seen three backs like I've got in one backfield,' Brisker said. 'I don't think they've seen a secondary like we've got. I believe they'll be real intimidated after they figure out we're not just a bunch of redneck pushovers.'
"Parkes has paced the Minford offense, as he's ran for 1,261 yards in the Falcons' 11 games. Slone has recorded 985 yards, and Frazie has added 539.
"'I think our offensive line can handle their defense,' Frazie said. 'I know they're a good defensive team, but all our running backs have faith in our line.'
"While the Spartans' passing game might be their strong suit, they also have the capability to run.
"Senior Chris Dill chalked up 569 yards in the regular season. And Strayer proved as a double threat with his arm and feet, as he ran for 504 yards in the regular season.
"But as is often said, stats and records will mean nothing during game time because then, it's simply time to play.
"'We've looked at their films,' Parkes said. 'We know their reputation as Germantown Valley View, but we have nothing to lose. They do.'"
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