AND THEN there were two.

The OHSAA football playoffs commenced more than a month ago. The Division VI field featured 32 teams. After four rounds of spirited play, just two squads remain in search of the coveted state championship trophy.

We are proud that one of those two are our own Shadyside High Tigers. The Orange & Black have navigated through some quality foes — including the 12-0 Bridgeport Bulldogs — to reach the cusp of attaining prep grid immortality.

Coach Mark Holenka’s confident charges have knocked off previously unbeaten foes the past two weeks. The Tigers will be looking to pull off the hat trick Friday as they will line up opposite 14-0 Delphos St. John’s.

The Blue Jays will be tough nuts to crack, as they have won two of the past five state Division VI crowns. Of their 14 wins, one was a shutout over Division V state finalist Coldwater.

But this has been a magical run for Shadyside.

Few if any of the most diehard of Tiger fans — back during the dog days of August — would have expected their beloved team to be playing on Dec. 3 at Fawcett Stadium.

Shadyside, however, has endured countless injuries and a single regular-season blemish to place itself on the threshold of what all prep athletes strive for — to be called the state’s best.

The Orange & Black have done so on the strength of superb coaching, unwavering senior leadership, selfless teamwork and tremendous talent.

But while Shadyside may be cast in the role of David vs. the Goliath Blue Jays, we believe the Tigers possess what it takes to bring home the championship hardware.

This group of Tigers are indeed a special breed.