All season long, Norwalk St. Paul coach John Livengood has stressed the importance of being balanced on offense.

Through 13 games, the Flyers have racked up 5,181 yards of total offense, which is an average of 398.5 a game. They have thrown for 1,612 yards and rushed for 3,569 yards.

St. Paul will need to run the ball successfully when they take on Columbus Grove City Christian in the Division VI state semifinal on Saturday at Ashland Community Stadium. The Flyers have a chance to reach the Division VI state championship for the fourth time in school history, and first since 2004.

Although the numbers don’t seem balanced, the Flyers ran the ball a lot more because they were so far ahead during a lot of their games.

Once the regular season ended, the Flyers’ run game continued to dominate their opponents.

In their 45-0 victory over Berlin Center Western Reserve in the first round of the Division VI playoffs, the Flyers rushed for 317 yards. Senior running back Brian Griffin led St. Paul with 159 yards, while senior quarterback Eric Schwieterman added 77 yards.

The Flyers (13-0) followed that up with 137 yards in their 48-7 rout against Mogadore. Griffin led the way again with 51 yards, and senior Eric Bradt chipped in with 33 yards.

Facing a bigger Bucyrus Wynford team in the Division VI Region 21 Final, the Flyers once again pounded the football to a 28-21 win. St. Paul racked up 219 yards on the ground. This time it was Justin Wilde who led the team with 101 yards, while Schwieterman finished with 58 yards.

The Eagles will have their hands full trying to stop the Flyers’ running game.

At any point in the game Livengood has a stable of backs to choose from, which include Griffin (1,349 yards, 26 touchdowns), Zach Service (543 yards, 8 TD’s), Bradt (258 yards, 3 TD’s), and Wilde (195 yards).

Griffin and Bradt are bigger, more physical backs that like to run between the tackles. Service is a shifting back, who reads his blocks well, and Wilde is the most explosive back.

Livengood said although each guy has a different style of running, they all have one thing in common.

“All those guys have speed, and that’s the most important thing,” Livengood said.

A big reason for the team’s success running the ball, according to Livengood has been the play of his offensive line.

“Those guys have done a great job line blocking, said Livengood of his offensive line. “They’ve done a good job with their techniques, and a good job with their footwook. They have worked hard and they are playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

Despite the team’s success on the ground, Livengood said the team can’t just focus on running all the time.

“They are a quick team, and very aggressive,” Livengood said. “They run an attacking 3-3 stack defense, and that’s something we have not seen all season.

“We have to stay balanced, because if they stack the box against we have to be able to throw on our terms.”

Schwieterman, who has rushed for 373 yards, and four scores, knows he will have to keep the Eagles’ defense with his throwing ability. For the season, Schwieterman has thrown for 1,132 yards, and 17 touchdowns.

“Whenever you can run the ball like we have, it forces the defense to adjust,” Schwieterman said. “The linebackers play closer to the line, and that’s when I have to take advantage of the coverage on the outside.”

Being a dual threat, Schwieterman said he has to pick his spots.

In the first quarter against Wynford, the Flyers ran the ball on first and second down. Facing third down, Schwieterman took the snap and threw a 42-yard bomb to Dan Tracht for a touchdown.

Schwieterman said his running ability allows him to make plays that he normally might not be able to make.

“I think they complement each other,” Schwieterman said. “My ability to run opens up throwing angles for me. If I don’t have anything open downfield, I’m more than comfortable with tucking the ball and running.”

Schwieterman attributes the success of the running to the players work off the field. Schwieterman said the team has benefited from the blocking schemes the coach have taught them throughout the season.

“We’ve done a great job of learning when to block, and when to make our cuts,” Schwieterman said. “We’ll have to continue to run the way we have been, and continue to take advantage of what the defense gives us.”

With the Flyers on the door step of a state championship appearance, Schwieterman said he and his teammates are very excited about the opportunity.

“As a freshman I remember watching the team get to this point,” Schwieterman said. “Our ultimate goal before the season started was to win a state title, and we still have a chance to do it.”

Livengood, who is looking to reach his fourth title game, said his team is talented enough to reach the championship game, but they have to go out and prove it on the field.

“These kids have a lot of experience and they have a great opportunity,” Livengood said. “But we have to stay focused on Grove City. If we are going to win, we are going to have to play our best football.”