UPPER SANDUSKY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — For just the second time in 125 years, the Upper Sandusky Rams will host a high school football playoff game on Friday night when they welcome Medina Buckeye.
The Week 11 matchup marks Upper Sandusky’s first home postseason appearance since 2003. The Rams (6-4) secured the home berth following a Week 10 road victory over Seneca East, capping a midseason turnaround after dropping three consecutive games earlier in the fall.
Speaking on WQEL’s “Coaches Corner Extra” with host Josh Stallings, ninth-year head coach Russell Hall credited his coaching staff’s game preparation, strong community support, and his players’ mental toughness for propelling the team into the postseason.
Hall pointed to a Week 9 matchup against Buckeye Central as a defining example of the roster’s unselfishness. Rather than returning a punt for a score, Upper Sandusky’s Travis Klaus took a knee to give senior Curtis Paymon Jr.—who missed last season with an injury—the chance to score a rushing touchdown.
Now, the Rams turn their attention to a Medina Buckeye (5-5) program known for postseason experience. Hall noted that while Buckeye boasts a strong winning tradition, Upper Sandusky has put together a sharp week of practice to prepare for Friday night’s test on its home field.