Marquette, Dwight, Sandwich hoping to continue success: The Times IHSA playoff preview

Here are the first-round playoff matchups involving IHSA and I8FA teams in The Times coverage area. IHSAClass 1AFirst-round gamesNo. 13 Marquette (7-3) at No. 4 Clifton Central (8-1)When: 1 p.m. Saturday at CliftonAbout the Crusaders: Marquette has won five straight games, including last week’s dominant 42-21 opening-round playoff win over Princeville at Gould Stadium. In last week’s win over the Princes, Marquette was led by junior QB Luke McCullough (10 carries, 83 yards; 8-of-13 passing, 106 yards, 3 TDs), junior TE/WR Blayden Cassel (3 receptions, 74 yards, 2 TDs) and a defense that allowed 131 rushing and 90 passing, for 221 total yards. Marquette is averaging 33.1 points per game and allowing 22.4. The two programs also met in the playoffs back in the 1984 Class 3A quarterfinals with the Crusaders winning 25-8.About the Comets: Clifton Central has made the postseason 27 times since 1993, but despite its frequent appearances, the Comets won a playoff game last season for the first