The silent heroes have to make the most noise.

While the running backs will grab the spotlight with their yardage and touchdowns, Saturday's Division IV Region 15 playoff quarterfinal game will ultimately be determined by the play of the interior line.

When the Ironton Fighting Tigers (8-2) host Rock Hill (9-1) for the second time in three years

in the first round of the playoffs, Redmen coach Todd Knipp said the play up front is the key.

&#8220It's going to be whoever controls the line of scrimmage. That's where it's going to be told,” Knipp said. &#8220I think turnovers and field position are going to determine the game.”

Knipp said the Ironton offensive line has impressed him.

&#8220They're big and physical up front and I'm impressed by the way they get off the ball and get on their blocks,” Knipp said. &#8220And their backs run extremely hard and block well for one another. I've watched three films and they look like they're clicking better each week.”

Ironton coach Bob Lutz echoed Knipp's assessment.

&#8220They've got big, strong linemen who like to push you around,” Lutz said. &#8220They've got two or three guys over 300 pounds and they move pretty well. Their backs have pretty good speed and they get behind that big line and before you know it they're on you and into the secondary.”

Rock Hill has three running backs who are their main weapons.

K.C. Christian has rushed 168 times for 1,282 yards - 7.6

yards per carry- and he has scored 17 touchdowns this season.

Fullback T.J. Blagg isn't very big, but he has been more than effective with 670 yards on 126 carries and he has scored eight TDs.

Speedy back Josh &#8220Deuce” Moore has 442 yards rushing on just 34 carries for a whopping 13 yards a carry. He has scored five times as a running back and he is a threat to score when returning punts and kickoffs.

Knipp said the Redmen will have a challenge moving the football against the Ironton defense.

&#8220They have two linebackers who move pretty well and both defensive ends are quick and athletic. To get around the edge we have to get on them. I'm impressive with their defensive backs. They get to the ball and react well. To move the ball, we have to mix it up,” Knipp said.

Lutz said the Redmen have an offense similar to Portsmouth West, but there are some differences.

&#8220They run their offense a little different than West. They get on you quickly and they run more backs at you. West was most just one runner,” Lutz said.

Knipp said it will be a physical game.

&#8220Up front, we want to be physical. We've got big on big. We'll line up and beat on each other,” Knipp said. &#8220Special teams can determine a game more than people realize and it could be a big factor.”

The winner of Saturday's game advances to play the winner of the West Muskingum and Westfall.

Rock Hill and Ironton have met only two other times, both in the playoffs. Ironton won 21-0 in 1995 at Portsmouth and 48-7 in 2003 at Ironton.