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No one is expecting a repeat of the 56-7 thumping Kettering Alter put on Badin in September. The Rams re-invented themselves after that game and haven't lost since, reeling off six wins in a row. Still, it's going to be a tall task to make it seven.

A position-by-position analysis of today's game

Quarterback

Both the Rams' Zach Toerner and the Knights' Austin Boucher are outstanding, but Toerner plays in a more pass-friendly offense and therefore has better numbers.

Edge: Badin.

Running backs

The Knights have five runners who average 6.3 yards per carry or better, led by Chris Borland (75 carries, 729 yards, 9.7 average, 14 touchdowns), Justin Hall (83 carries, 520 yards, 6.3 average, five touchdowns) and quarterback Boucher (51 carries, 444 yards, 8.7 average, six touchdowns). Edge: Alter.

Receivers

The Rams have more options. And better options. Five Rams have at least 200 receiving yards. Edge: Badin.

Offensive line

Led by 6-foot-8, 305-pound behemoth Max Plunkett, the Knights could probably win this matchup against just about any team in the state. Edge: Alter.

Defensive line

There is a reason teams don't get many rushing yards against the Knights, and being forced to play catch-up from the second quarter on is only a small part of it. The bigger part is the Knights' big front. Edge: Alter.

Linebackers

Again, even the best teams just don't have any success running the ball against the Knights. Edge: Alter.

Defensive backs

Both units are solid, but the Rams, led by first-team All-Greater Catholic League standouts Jeff Smith and Jake Wurzelbacher, allow a little more than 100 passing yards per game. Edge: Badin.

Intangibles

The Knights have solid special teams, a successful veteran coach and all kinds of playoff experience, not to mention the mental edge from that 56-7 beatdown earlier this season. Edge: Alter.

Prediction: Alter 35, Badin 21

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