Kings football faces regional final rematch with Trotwood-Madison

KINGS MILLS, Ohio - The Kings Knights have been waiting for this rematch for over a year and Nov. 18 they will get their chance to exact that revenge when they play undefeated Trotwood-Madison at Dayton’s Welcome Stadium.

Trotwood beat Kings 53-24 in last year’s Regional final and this year's clash holds the same significance; a trip to the Division II State Semi-Final Nov. 25 and from there, Massillon to win it all.

The Knights have handled every challenge in the last 12 weeks, sitting undefeated with only finishing the goal in mind.

On the other sideline, Trotwood is probably better than last year’s team that finished a half away from being the Division II state champions. They have size, speed, and athletic ability that not one of their last 12 opponents has been able to match on their way to a 12-0 record.

“We don’t have to play a perfect game, but we have to play our best game," Kings Head Coach Andy Olds said of the matchup. "Defensively we’ve had several games where we have played four quarters but our offense has yet to play four FULL quarters believe it or not.”

Kings is a team averaging 36 points per game, and for them to bring it all together against the Rams of Trotwood-Madison for a victory would be a momentous first regional championship

This will be the ninth trip to the post season for the Knights and they are 10-8 overall. They have lost in the tournament to three teams that have gone on to win state and two more that went on to finish as runner ups like Trotwood did in 2010. This will be the Rams third straight Region 8 finals appearance.

“It would mean a lot to me and a lot to our coaches who have worked very hard and a lot to our school,” Olds, a 27-year coaching vet, said. "But even if we didn’t make it any further, it’s been a great ride and we’ve got a great group of kids and it’s a great place to be but I’m not going to lie to you, we’d love to win this game.”

This game has a David versus Golaith feel that one can’t help but notice, but the Kings football squad isn’t nearly as feeble as David appeared. Kings has an explosive ability to put points on the board from any where on the field and at any time in the game. And their defense speaks for itself, only giving up 77 yards per game rushing with 41 sacks, 30 takeaways and three shutouts in 2011.

Click the video in the player above to hear Kings head coach Andy Olds and Kings quarterback Jensen Gebhart talk about the matchup.