Usually, when a team enters a state championship game, it's trying to create or solidify a reputation. When Man enters Saturday's Class A football championship game, it will be trying to get rid of one.

The Hillbillies have never won a state championship in any boys sport despite having several solid teams over the years, including a runner-up in baseball last season. In fact, Man has been a runner-up in football three times (1977, 1980, 1984), all in Class AA.

But coach Harvey Arms knows that a win Saturday could finally put an end to that dubious distinction.

"[Winning a state title] would be great," Arms said. "We've been there a few times, but we've never won the big, final game. To be able to accomplish that would certainly be great for any program."

There are 11 seniors on the Man roster, and Arms points to last year's 21-16 second-round playoff loss to eventual champion Williamstown as a turning point in the program.

"[Senior leadership] has been outstanding for us, because we had so much experience coming back from last year," said Arms. "We thought we ended the season strong last year and played really well at Williamstown even though we didn't win the game. Our kids thought this would be a good year for us and they were dedicated, practiced hard, and it has happened for us."

Despite a newfound level of success, the Hillbillies (12-1) have relied on what has always been an offensive staple under Arms' eight-year tenure - the running game.

Brandon Plymale, who has racked up 1,047 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on the season, leads the Man ground attack, but the Hillbillies distribute the football to several backs, as four other players have over 400 yards on the ground this season. In fact, Man has accumulated 51 rushing touchdowns so far this year.

"The real key to our offense is we've been able to do the things that we traditionally like to do - run the football," said Arms. "Our linemen have played real well and we have a good group of backs that have carried the ball for us. Our big offensive threat has been the running game, and it has worked good for us."

It's hard to imagine that Man will institute much change on either side of the ball, even as it embarks on the 41/2-hour trip from Logan County to the bright lights of Wheeling Saturday with a chance to end a championship drought of 52 years.

But Arms admits, the buzz in the community and amongst his players is undeniable.

"It's total excitement, everybody's really up for it," Arms said. "We've had a really good season and our fans have been really into it. We're really excited to play for a championship."