Using the experience gained from its last two trips to the quarterfinals of the WIAA Division-1 playoffs, the resurgent Bradford football team is poised to take the next step.

In order to do that, though, the second-seeded Red Devils (11-0) must take down an established program like top-seeded Marquette (11-0) at 6 tonight at Indian Trail Academy.

Bradford has scored a combined six points in two quarterfinal games.

In its first-ever quarterfinal appearance in 2007, the Red Devils lost to Verona, 17-6. In their return to the quarterfinals last year, the Red Devils were shut out by Middleton, 13-0.

“Any time you get that far, obviously you pick something up,” Bradford coach Jed Kennedy said.

“The first year, it seemed like our kids were just happy to be there. Last year, there was a bitter taste when we lost. This year, certainly with the goals we’ve set, they’re a heck of a lot more than the quarterfinals. We want to know what the next level is like.”

Here are some other things to keep an eye on in tonight’s anticipated matchup:

Offense vs. defense I

Many are touting this game as the high-scoring Bradford offense (48.6 ppg) vs. the dominating Marquette defense (10.3 ppg).

The Hilltoppers have three potential NCAA Division-1 players on that side of the ball led by University of Wisconsin recruit Michael Trotter at free safety.

Linebacker Marcus Trotter (Michael’s twin brother) and outside linebacker/defensive end Cameron Botticelli are also getting Division-1 looks.

Longtime Marquette coach Dick Basham, the state’s all-time winningest coach, has called it “probably one of the best defensive groups I’ve been able to put together.”

“We’ll make that final judgment when the season ends,” Basham said earlier this week about his defense. “Right now, on paper, we have all the parts to a good, solid defense. We had a little lapse against Oak Creek (a 35-28 victory in the second round), but we were able to recover. That will be determined (tonight) whether we have a good, solid defense or not.”

It’s unlikely that the Hilltoppers have faced an offense as dangerous as the one that the Red Devils will unleash on them.

“Everything,” Basham said when asked what he likes about the Bradford offense. “They have everything you need. They have a good offensive line. All of their ball carriers can take it all the way for a touchdown.

“I suppose if there’s one thing that they’re lacking it’s that they don’t have a prolific passing offense, but with their backs, they don’t need that. The threat of a pass is sometimes just as good as a pass.

“They’re very well-drilled and coached. You don’t stop them. You try to contain them.”

Offense vs. defense II

According to Kennedy, “The big matchup to me is going to be our defense against their offense.”

While Marquette’s defense has received a bulk of the headlines, the Hilltoppers had the top offense in the Greater Metro Conference and average 39.3 points per game.

Brock LaFace, a 6-foot, 195-pound senior, has rushed for 1,181 yards and 16 touchdowns, while John LoCoco, a 6-foot, 205-pound senior, has chipped in 702 yards and 10 TDs.

Marvin Paine has also caught 24 passes for 444 yards and nine TDs.

“We’re not too bad on offense as well and I don’t think their defense is that bad either,” Basham said. “I think both teams are pretty solid all the way through in all phases of the game. It’s a matter of who gets it done when it counts.”

Difference maker

It could come down to an interception, a fumble recovery, or a kickoff return.

“Oftentimes, special teams play a big part in a game like this,” Basham said.

It could also come down to a costly penalty or an untimely mental blunder.

“It’s two very good teams,” Kennedy said. “It’s not the team that makes plays, it’s the team that doesn’t make the mistakes.”

Last words

“They’re loaded with talent on both sides of the ball,” Kennedy said. “They’re very big. They’re fast. A lot of people have them penciled in to win the State championship. We’re just excited to have a chance at them. Hopefully, we can give them a game.”

Basham added: “On paper, it looks like it’s going to be a really good game. That’s why we play. To find out if it is.”