Genoa-Kingston at Richmond-Burton Game Capsule

When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Winner gets: No. 15 Bishop McNamara or No. 7 Geneseo
Playoff appearances: G-K (2nd consecutive); Richmond-Burton (2nd consecutive)

Players to watch: G-K -- QB/DB Chris Wilkins (90-165, 1,615 yards, 17 TDs); WR/DB T.C. Holterhaus (46 rec., 773 yards, 8 TDs); RB/DB Robby Thurlby (115 att., 633 yards, 3 TDs).
Richmond-Burton -- RB/DB Justin Russell (78 att., 593 yards, 5 TDs); FB/LB Kenneth Riordan (70 att., 495 yards, 9 TDs); QB/S Adam Pittser (17-39, 284 yards).

Scouting G-K: It's back to the Big Northern Conference for the Cogs. After a 38-34 comeback win over Hampshire in the first round, the Cogs look to topple another East Division opponent. G-K lost in the second round of the playoffs last year and is looking to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1988.
If last week's win proved anything, it's that the Cogs can score at will and in a hurry. The offense is averaging 32.6 ppg and has been held under 20 points once.
Quarterback Chris Wilkins provides the spark to the Cogs offense. Despite committing four turnovers last week -- three interceptions and one fumble -- the senior accounted for 408 of G-K's 457 total yards by rushing for 208 yards and throwing for 200.
"They've got great team speed and they do things in their attack to take advantage of team speed," said R-B coach Patrick Elder. " (Bill) McCarty's got things rolling in a short period of time and you can tell they do things well. They run well, throw well and play good defense. They do a good job of putting their youngsters in position to use the skills they have."
McCarty is aware of the strides R-B has made down the stretch and is emphasizing the same things he has all season.
"We've been stressing it for the past six weeks," McCarty said. "No. 1, we need to take care of the football; two, execute; and three, control field position."

Scouting Richmond-Burton: The Rockets are peaking at the perfect time. R-B started 1-4 but has won five in a row, including a 35-24 upset win over third-seeded Reed-Custer. During their win streak, the Rockets have given up an average of 11.8 ppg and outscored their opponents 155-59. The Rockets' last defeat was a 21-11 loss at home to Hampshire -- which G-K beat 38-34 last week.
McCarty notices a much-improved team with talent on both sides of the ball.
"They're coached very well," said McCarty. "Their kids are playing so well. They're getting off the ball well. All their running backs run hard. Their quarterback's throwing the ball well and he's only a sophomore. They're just putting it together and they're putting it together at the right time."
Behind junior runners Justin Russell and Kenneth Riordan, and a physical offensive front, the Rockets have been able to control the line of scrimmage.
"The line of scrimmage control in the second half was the key to our win last week," Elder said. "We haven't been at home in a month so it'll be nice, but we know Genoa will bring a strong contingent with them. We'll try to make the least amount of mistakes and try to be the team that moves on."

Erik Jacobsen's pick: G-K