2/24 #1 Marietta vs #9 Fairfield Union (Sectional Final @ Warren)

[pioneer19]

These two teams met in the sectional finals last season, with the Falcons winning. Marietta rolled past Gallia Academy and Fairfield Union came from behind to knock off Meigs in the semifinals. I expect a very competitive game. Thoughts?

[pioneer19]

Somewhat interesting coincidence...this is the fourth time these two schools have met in an elimination game this school year.

Marietta volleyball defeated Fairfield Union in a regional semifinal.
Fairfield Union boys soccer defeated Marietta in a district championship.
Marietta girls soccer defeated Fairfield Union in a regional semifinal.

[pfloyd]

2 excellent teams, FU has struggled offensively - at times- this season , both teams have excellent coaching staffs - led by Coach Gardner for Marietta and Coach Shaeffer for FU not going to find better head coaches who do it right anywhere ... both teams have "HIM" - Kendall for MHS and Schmelzer for FU ... I for one look forward to watching this one from the cheap seats at the Warrior Coliseum Saturday night ...

[bone1978]

2 excellent teams, FU has struggled offensively - at times- this season , both teams have excellent coaching staffs - led by Coach Gardner for Marietta and Coach Shaeffer for FU not going to find better head coaches who do it right anywhere ... both teams have "HIM" - Kendall for MHS and Schmelzer for FU ... I for one look forward to watching this one from the cheap seats at the Warrior Coliseum Saturday night ...

No cheap seats in Warren's new digs!

[pfloyd]

2 excellent teams, FU has struggled offensively - at times- this season , both teams have excellent coaching staffs - led by Coach Gardner for Marietta and Coach Shaeffer for FU not going to find better head coaches who do it right anywhere ... both teams have "HIM" - Kendall for MHS and Schmelzer for FU ... I for one look forward to watching this one from the cheap seats at the Warrior Coliseum Saturday night ...

No cheap seats in Warren's new digs!

All good seats in the Coliseum!!! ...

[Geronimo]

My guess Marietta moves on Good luck to Both

[mhs95_06]

2 excellent teams, FU has struggled offensively - at times- this season , both teams have excellent coaching staffs - led by Coach Gardner for Marietta and Coach Shaeffer for FU not going to find better head coaches who do it right anywhere ... both teams have "HIM" - Kendall for MHS and Schmelzer for FU ... I for one look forward to watching this one from the cheap seats at the Warrior Coliseum Saturday night ...

No cheap seats in Warren's new digs!

All good seats in the Coliseum!!! ...

But will there be enough seats for all that want to attend?

[jcbigblue13]

2 excellent teams, FU has struggled offensively - at times- this season , both teams have excellent coaching staffs - led by Coach Gardner for Marietta and Coach Shaeffer for FU not going to find better head coaches who do it right anywhere ... both teams have "HIM" - Kendall for MHS and Schmelzer for FU ... I for one look forward to watching this one from the cheap seats at the Warrior Coliseum Saturday night ...

No cheap seats in Warren's new digs!

All good seats in the Coliseum!!! ...

I will have the best seat in the house

[JeepNation26]

Have to go with Marietta, but believe Fairfield Union will keep it a close game. Marietta by 7.

[boss8]

Nervous about this one, I think because of last year...though Marietta in Year 2 under Gardner is very much improved. Tiger guards need to continue playing the way they are, especially Lieres-Kelley. Feel he is the difference. Expecting a good game.

[Hookshot]

Nervous about this one, I think because of last year...though Marietta in Year 2 under Gardner is very much improved. Tiger guards need to continue playing the way they are, especially Lieres-Kelley. Feel he is the difference. Expecting a good game.

No question Fairfield Union can win this one, but if Marietta plays well they will be fine. Last year was a little misleading. Tigers had both injury and sickness issues and were outshot at the foul line 23-2. Still, it was a 6-point game in the middle of third quarter. Marietta has been inconsistent at times this season, which you can't afford at tournament time. Sometimes the better team doesn't win a particular game. It will happen all over Ohio tonight. Clearly no easy games on paper from here on out.

[muskiepk]

Here's the YouTube link for this game tonight:

https://www.youtube.com/live/8KY-70yFT3c?feature=shared

[pfloyd]

Doors open an hour ahead of tipoff ... 5:15?

[pioneer19]

Marietta leads 24-19 at the half.

[SouthEast Hoops Fan]

Marietta leads 24-19 at the half.

Questionable calls and non-calls affected Marietta early in this one. Wittekind sat most of the half with 2 fouls. Going to be a grind it out kind of game.

[pioneer19]

Fairfield Union 34
Marietta 52
Final

Tigers advance to the Convo for the first time in 15 years...congrats to the players and staff!

[SouthEast Hoops Fan]

Fairfield Union 34
Marietta 52
Final

Tigers advance to the Convo for the first time in 15 years...congrats to the players and staff!

Both teams did a good job limiting the two 1st team all-district players, but I think the Marietta guards, especially defensively, were the most impactful factor. Britton, Lieras-Kelley and Hawkins were tough. The game was a little closer than this margin would indicate.

[noreply66]

congrats to Marietta

[boss8]

Tough game for the most part but Marietta really pulled away. They were very very tough for the last stretch. Played excellent defense the whole time.

[SouthEast Hoops Fan]

Tigers hold them to 3 points in the 4th Quarter.