[Stardust]

Class A state semifinal: Beechwood (12-1) at Mayfield (13-0)

WHEN/WHERE: 8:30 p.m. today at War Memorial Stadium, Mayfield.

WHAT TO WATCH: These are the two premier Class A programs in the state as one or the other has played in the state championship game eight of the last nine seasons (Beechwood five times - winning three titles - and Mayfield four times - winning two titles, including last season). Both played tough schedules against bigger schools and then torched their Class A foes: Beechwood going 6-0 while outscoring them 354-47 and Mayfield going 6-0 outscoring them 311-23. Beechwood is a more ground-oriented team on offense, while Mayfield has good balance offensively. Mayfield held 11 of its 13 opponents under 10 points and didn't allow a single foe to score more than 14 points. Beechwood scored at least 21 points in every game this season. As with most small schools, several players play offense, defense and special teams. Mayfield's Jonathan Jackson is not only his team's rushing leader, but also its top defensive player with 130 tackles and five interceptions.

BOTTOM LINE: The teams met in the semifinals last year with Mayfield winning 38-14, but Beechwood returned almost everyone from last year's team and despite this game being on the road, it has a good chance to turn the tables this year.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...111250323/