Playoff football returns to Miller Moyer Field as Canton hosts Northwest in a 4-5 match-up in the District IV, Class A quarterfinals on Friday.

"The team is very excited to be getting a playoff game at home the first week," said Canton coach Tyler Sechrist. "We are blessed to be playing a bonus football game and going to make the most of this opportunity to play in front of community at home."

They take on a Northwest team that started the year 4-0 but have lost six straight since then. 

The Rangers feature running back Noah Amett (69 carries, 753-yards, seven touchdowns) and quarterback Cole Cavuto (.321 percentage completion, 470 yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions).

"Northwest is a physical football team," said Sechrist. "They will be excited about playing a district playoff game this week and we will need to match their intensity on the field."

The two scrimmaged back in August, but that was a whole season ago.

"We scrimmaged them almost three months ago," Sechrist said. "Due to injuries and the grind of a 10-game season we are both different teams than we were in the preseason. So, I don't put much stock in what happened in the scrimmage."

KEYS TO THE GAME

Northwest - Keep Canton's athletes in check. The Warriors like to spread the ball around, and stretch out the defense, Northwest will have to tackle well in the open field to keep from giving up big plays.

Canton - Stand up to Northwest's physicality. They'll have to be able to stop the run or it will be a long day for the Warrior defense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Loegan Ditz, Northwest, RB - Ditz has 532-yards rushing and five touchdowns this season for the Rangers this year.

Rylan Wesneski, Canton, WR - Canton's big play threat, Wesneski has 310-yards on 23 catches with two touchdowns on the season.