LIBERTY CENTER, Ohio — On a Monday afternoon practice, a light snow begins to fall. It's the sign that December football is in sight. Only two teams are left in the Division V state playoffs. One is Perry High School (15-0), about 30 minutes northeast of Cleveland, and the other is Liberty Center.
"This is what kids dream about," Tigers head coach Casey Mohler said. "I think when you're a kid and it's Thanksgiving, it's December and you're outside playing. I think it's special to these guys. There's only so many teams playing at this point."
The Tigers boast a perfect 15-0 record this season. After falling 14-1 in the state semifinals last season, they pushed forward into territory not seen since 1998.
"It's special," senior defensive back Landen Kruse said. "I don't think in the moment we realize it, but I'm sure later on we'll get the full grasp of what's going on. It's special and it's a tremendous opportunity for our team."
The Tigers have a long history of great football teams. Under longtime head coach Rex Lingruen, the school first made it to the state title game in 1993, losing 17-14 in overtime to Steubenville Central Catholic. After winning it all in 1997, the team made another appearance in 1998.
Twenty-five years later, the Tigers are back.
"Most of our teammates had parents who played on that team so they know what it's like," Kruse said. "Most of our coaches have been there before, so they just try to prepare us for the game ahead."
Coaches and players are quick to point out that the community of fans is part of what makes this season's run possible, offering support and plenty of noise whenever they need it. The team expects to see them out in full force on Saturday.
"It's just really special," Mohler said. "I don't think this happens everywhere. We tell these guys to count their blessings, that they're blessed to have a community like this."
The Tigers kickoff vs. Perry at 3 p.m. Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. Follow WTOL 11 for coverage of the local teams in the state championships.