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When the playoffs started two weeks ago, the Quince Orchard football team clinched the top seed in the Class 3A West Region on a technicality.

Along with Frederick County's Linganore, the Cougars completed an undefeated regular season. They received the nod with more MPSSAA playoff points than the Lancers by virtue of a better strength of schedule.

On Friday, the teams will settle the score at the Cougar Dome in what should be a physical slugfest decided in the trenches.

Both squads roll out dominant running attacks with standout backs and solid lines.

"I'm excited," Quince Orchard running back Ben Sasu said of the matchup last Friday. "[Linganore] is supposed to be the big, bad public school."

Sasu, who had 183 yards and three touchdowns in the Cougars' 33-12, first-round rout of Tuscarora, is a game-breaking back with power and speed. Tackle Matt Bracho leads an experienced and talented offensive line.

Meanwhile, the Lancers' potent ground game and entire offense is focused around Penn State University commitment Zach Zwinak, rated by recruiting services as the No. 1 fullback in the nation.

Running behind 6-foot-8, 333-pound University of Wisconsin offensive line commit Rob Havenstein, Zwinak rolled up 327 yards on the ground in Linganore's 33-20 victory over Damascus Friday.

Quarterback Nick Marth is a game manager, while Ryan Dixon is the Lancers' top wideout. But the team goes as the running game goes, with change-of-pace back Kevin Myers playing the lightning to Zwinak's thunder.

The Cougars are more balanced on offense, with dangerous playmakers Pernell Brantley, Mitch Carney and Karim Jones on the outside. Quarterback Drew Murphy could loosen up the line of scrimmage for Sasu by getting in into the receivers' hands.

Defensively, both teams are very stout; allowing just over 10.5 points a game apiece. Tyler Magill wrecks havoc off the edge for the Cougars while linebacker Daquan Mincy will have to be a sure tackler this week.

For the Lancers, Zwinak pulls double duty as their captain and linebacker on defense. Lineman Anders Johnson requires attention, as well.

No. 2 Linganore (11-0) at No. 1 Quince Orchard (11-0)

Class 3A West Region final

Friday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: None

-Linganore Lancers

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (13th)

Best finish: State champions (1989, 1991, 1995, 2003)

Head coach: Rick Conner (eighth year, 79-16 record)

Leading rusher: Zach Zwinak (1,463 yards, 18 TD)

Leading passer: Nick Marth (708 yards)

Leading receiver: Ryan Dixon (31 catches)

Leading defenders: DL Anders Johnson, LB Zach Zwinak

Points scored: 481

Points allowed: 117

-Quince Orchard Cougars

Last playoff appearance: 2008 (seventh)

Best finish: Class 4A state champions (1991, 2007)

Head coach: Dave Mencarini (sixth year, 63-9 record)

Leading rusher: Ben Sasu (228 carries, 1,470 yards, 25 TD)

Leading passer: Drew Murphy (91 of 141, 1168 yards, 11 TD, 3 int.)

Leading receiver: Pernell Brantley (33 catches, 557 yards, 6 TD)

Leading defenders: DE Tyler Magill, LB Daquan Mincy, CB Kevin Adams

Points scored: 387

Points allowed: 116