The Linn-Mar Lions will have to win the Class 4A state title without tailback Mitch Wantock.

Wantock was injured during Friday night's 28-7 victory over Xavier at Saints Field.

"Unfortunately Mitch did break his ankle," Linn-Mar Coach Bob Forsyth confirmed Saturday.

Wantock carried the ball 122 times for 1,109 yards and nine touchdowns this season, averaging 9.1 yards per carry. He had another 100-yard game against Xavier before breaking his right ankle.

Linn-Mar hosts Clinton in a first-round playoff game Wednesday night at 7. The Lions (9-0) are the No. 1 seed in the eastern half of the 32-team playoffs.

Brandon Ophoff has carried the ball 26 times for 128 yards and three touchdowns this season for Linn-Mar as the backup tailback behind Wantock and is the likely starter for Wednesday's game.

Quarterback Mark Atwater, who has rushed for 585 yards and thrown for 1,523 yards, could be asked to carry an even heavier load for the Lions in the playoffs. His favorite target is Andy Henry, who has caught 45 passes for 925 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Henry established a Mississippi Valley Conference record with his 17 TD catches.

Linn-Mar fullback Nick Trabucco has rushed for 216 yards and also could carry a heavier workload in the playoffs.