Lone Tree (6-2) will host Moravia (7-2) on Friday, Oct. 20 for the first round of the playoffs.

“It’s always good to get another home game, but just as important to make the playoffs,” Donovan said. “I feel like our kids have put in a lot of work to earn this playoff spot. It only helps to reinforce the work they have put in. Hopefully, it can help create expectations and help to get more kids out for football.”

Lone Tree got the nod to host round one because of point differential. Lone Tree held a 11.33 while Moravia held a 6.4. 

Both teams ranked second in their respective division. Lone Tree hailing from division 5 and Moravia from division 7.

Moravia is the second straight opponent for Lone Tree who finds success through the air. Their quarterback, senior Shane Helmick, has 1,326 yards though the air with 27 touchdowns and five picks.

Their leading rusher is Helmick with 529 yards and nine touchdowns. Following him is senior Jackson McDaniel with 412, adding six scores.

Moravia’s biggest receiving threat is McDaniel with 472 receiving yards. Closely following him is senior Wyatt Throckmorton who has 446 yards and a team-leading 11 touchdowns.

“We have to do a good job of not allowing any big plays and play a bend but not break defense,” Donovan said. “We need to control the line of scrimmage on offense and win the turnover battle.”

It’ll be yet another week where Lone Tree needs to neutralize their opponent’s pass game, something they proved they could do a week ago, if they want to give the ball back to their explosive offense.

There, Lone Tree can push their potent run game. Senior Ethan Bockelman leads the team with 998 yards on the ground. Junior Maddox Jondle is not far behind with 966. They're the pumping lifeblood of this offense, combining for 33 touchdowns on the ground whereas Bockelman has added another nine as the team's quarterback.

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