Week 8 H.S. football preview: Matchups and players to watch

H.S. football Week 8

Oct. 10 games

CLEVELAND WEST CONFERENCE

Normandy (1-6, 0-4) at Buckeye (7-0, 4-0)

Last week: Lakewood 34, Normandy 14; Buckeye 52, Westlake 16

Last year: Buckeye 49, Westlake 7

This year: The Bucks seem to be picking up steam, averaging 128 points the last three weeks. That included their 52-point outburst last week during which they scored all their points before halftime. During that explosion, Buckeye scored via a run, pass, kickoff return and interception return and had a field goal. Liam Phillips was the biggest producer, taking a kickoff back 79 yards for a TD after Westlake cut a 10-0 Buckeye lead to 10-3. Phillips later run for a pair of TDs. Denis Shevchenko added a 23-yard TD run and a 44-yard interception return on back-to-back Buckeye TDs in the second quarter. Ryan Wilhem’s short TD run started the scoring blitz, after which Brayden Bonnet kicked a 38-yard field goal. Nick Prouza’s 20-yard scoring reception of a Turner Dolata pass gave Buckeye a 24-3 lead after one quarter. Buckeye routed the Demons despite being outgained by them by nearly 100 yards. Normandy has lost its last five games since a Week 2 win over Ravenna. The Invaders have been shut out four times over the stretch. 

EASTERN BUCKEYE CONFERENCE

Minerva (4-3, 0-2) at Marlington (3-4, 0-2)

Last week: Salem 48, Minerva 17; West Branch 62, Marlington 0

Last year: Marlington 48, Minerva 0

This year: What a difference 14 days makes. Two weeks ago, Marlington’s record stood at 3-2 and Minerva’s was an even flashier 4-1. Then both got punched in the mouth by Eastern Buckeye Conference co-leader West Branch, the Lions losing 56-6 and the Dukes going down 62-0. Even worse for Marlington is the news that star wide receiver Cam Evanich is out with a fractured arm sustained during a Week Six loss to Carrollton. Minerva needs to return to its power running game, and the Dukes just gave up 172 yards on only 16 carries to West Branch. Marlington is going to have to find a way to take the pressure off freshman QB Tyler Walder now that he’s lost his best threat.

Salem (4-3, 1-1) at Carrollton (3-4, 1-1)

Last week: Salem 48, Minerva 17; Alliance 47, Carrollton 28

Last year: Carrollton 35, Salem 34 OT

This year: The Warriors, who are 14th in the latest Div. III, Region 11 computer rankings, face a formidable opponent in the Quakers, who, after beginning the season with two consecutive losses, have won four of their last five games. Salem has averaged nearly 47 points during that span. Carrollton, meanwhile, had its best offensive game in scoring 28 points at Alliance. The only problem is that the Warriors surrendered 48 points and nearly 500 yards of offense to the Aviators. Carrollton will need another strong offensive showing but must tighten its defense should the Warriors hope to even their record and take a step toward another playoff appearance.

FEDERAL LEAGUE 

Lake (6-1, 3-1) at Canton McKinley (6-1, 4-0)

Last week: Jackson 40, Lake 37; McKinley 21, Hoover 20

Last year: McKinley 35, Lake 21

This year: And then there were none. Lake lost its grip on Div. II, Region 5 rankings after a close loss to Jackson. The Bulldogs, who have grabbed sole possession of first place in the Federal League, knocked off the other previously unbeaten team in the conference, Hoover. The Vikings just happen to be the Blue Streaks’ next opponent in what is shaping up to be Lake’s toughest two-week stretch of the season. McKinley sports a physical defense and a lower octane offense than the Blue Streaks, but can put points on the board, so Lake will have to clamp down after surrendering a season-high 40 points last week to the Polar Bears.

GREATER CLEVELAND CONFERENCE

Brunswick (4-3, 3-1) at Medina (2-5, 1-3)

Last week: Brunswick 17, Euclid 16; Cleveland Hts. 42, Medina 28

Last year: Brunswick 27, Medina 21 OT

This year: This will be the last conference meeting for the foreseeable future for the neighbors, who have shared residence in the Greater Cleveland Conference, Northeast Ohio Conference and Pioneer Conference. Trailing 36-14 late in the third quarter, the Bees made their game against Cleveland Heights a one-possession affair with eight minutes left but could not get the equalizing points before allowing a clinching touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Cleveland Heights prevailed in a sloppy game that saw the teams combine for 10 fumbles (three lost by Cleveland Heights; none by Medina), six interceptions (four thrown by the Bees) and 19 penalties (12 for 136 yards by Cleveland Heights). The Bees also lost starting quarterback River Blomquist for a good portion of the game with an injury. Beckett Vogrin performed admirably in relief, throwing for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns but was picked off twice.

INTER-VALLEY CONFERENCE

NORTH

Malvern (5-2, 2-0) at Newcomerstown (4-3, 2-0)

Last week: Malvern 54, Buckeye Trail 22; Newcomerstown 70, Tusc. C.C. 40

Last year: Malvern 38, Newcomerstown 28

This year: The Trojans have scored 110 points over the past two weeks, as they bounced back nicely from back-to-back losses at midseason. They are in good position to make a run at a postseason berth. With games left against Malvern, Strasburg (5-2) and Buckeye Trail (1-6), the Trojans are positioned well to make the Div. VI, Region 23 playoffs. They currently sit 11th, with the top 12 making the postseason, so it won’t be easy, but it’s certainly there for the taking. Malvern has won three in a row, including knocking Strasburg from the ranks of the unbeatens two weeks ago. Three of the Hornets’ five wins came in one-possession games, so they know how to play in tight contests. Since both teams have paths to the playoffs, this game has a lot riding on it.

Buckeye Trail (1-6, 1-1) at Strasburg (5-2, 0-2)

Last week: Malvern 54, Buckeye Trail 22; East Canton 14, Strasburg 3

Last year: Buckeye Trail 32, Strasburg 13

This year: After averaging nearly 40 points over their first five games, all victories, the Tigers’ offense has hit a slump with just 17 points in successive losses to Malvern and East Canton. Strasburg’s offense may be getting a reprieve when Buckeye Trail visits as the Warriors’ porous defense has twice surrendered 54 points this season. Looking at common opponents, both teams have lost to Malvern, but where the Tigers dropped a close 16-10 decision, Buckeye Trail was blown out to the tune of 54-22 a week ago.

Tusc. Cent. Cath. (2-5, 0-2) at East Canton (5-2, 1-1)

Last week: Newcomerstown 70, Tusc. C.C. 40; East Canton 14, Strasburg 3

Last year: East Canton 49, TCC 0

This year: The TCC scoreboard probably needed a few new lightbulbs after the slugfest last week. Without looking for moral victories, it says something that the Saints last year went all season without scoring a single point in Inter-Valley Conference Northern Division play and put up 40 this year against one of the two teams tied for first and a team also likely to be headed for the playoffs. East Canton handed Strasburg its second consecutive loss after a string of five wins to start the season. Both EC and TCC faced Newcomerstown the past two weeks. The Trojans beat EC 40-12.

SOUTH

Tusky Valley (1-6, 0-2) at Garaway (5-2, 1-1)

Last week: Claymont 41, Tusky Valley 0; Indian Valley 40, Garaway 12

Last year: Garaway 49, Tusky Valley 7

This year: Tusky Valley’s visit to Garaway is the fourth in a stretch of five brutal games for the Trojans. The Pirates, meanwhile, have dropped two of their last three, but those losses come against 7-0 Girard and 6-0 Indian Valley. For Tusky Valley to have any chance, the Trojans will need QB Alijah Levengood – who was limited to only 60 yards passing and running in a 41-0 loss to Claymont – to show up big.

Claymont (5-2, 1-1) at Sandy Valley (0-7, 0-2)

Last week: Claymont 41, Tusky Valley 0; Ridgewood 48, Sandy Valley 7

Last year: Sandy Valley 21, Claymont 7

This year: Claymont bounced back nicely from its Week 6 trip to Garaway and needs mostly to come out of this week healthy, with unbeaten Ridgewood and Indian Valley waiting to close out the season. Last week, the Mustangs forced four Tusky Valley turnovers as the defense dominated. Claymont will need a lot of that down the stretch. Assuming the Mustangs get past Sandy Valley with no problems, they will play two of the state’s best the final two weeks. First, Ridgewood is tabbed my MaxPreps the 22nd-best team in Division VI, then Indian Valley is No. 3 in Division IV, and many would agree they are a bit under-rated. As for Sandy Valley, this will be the seventh consecutive week the Cardinals have faced a team that currently has a winning record. Given their schedule, that could have happened to a lot of teams.

Ridgewood (7-0, 2-0) at Indian Valley (6-0, 2-0)

Last week: Ridgewood 48, Sandy Valley 7; Indian Valley 40, Garaway 12

Last year: Indian Valley 41, Ridgewood 27

This year: This will be one of the most anticipated games in the state this season, especially among smaller schools. Unbeaten matchups in Week 8 are rare, especially between teams that have punished every opponent. This one almost certainly will determine the champion of the Inter-Valley Conference Southern Division, as the two are the only unbeaten teams left. The Braves continue to roll, averaging more than 50 points over their last four contests. Grady Kinsey had a ridiculous game against Garaway, piling up a school-record 388 yards on 26 carries, scoring six times to match a school mark. He scored on runs of 69, 23, 43, 2, 21 and 88 yards. It was as close as the Braves have had to a close game all year, as they led just 26-13 at halftime. The Generals have allowed just 14 points in the past four weeks, have three shutouts and three games in which they allowed seven points each. A week ago, Ridgewood trampled Sandy Valley with six rushing TDs for a 41-0 lead, two from RB/LB Bryce Tolliver, and held the Cards to 6 yards on the ground. QB Jace McQueen runs the show for the Generals, who have excellent team speed and a host of multi-skilled athletes to try and keep Kinsey, QB Ryker Williams and Co. in check.

KNOX-MORROW ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Danville (4-3, 2-2) at Centerburg (6-1, 4-0)

Last week: Danville 36, Cardington-Lincoln 12; Centerburg 46, Mount Gilead 0

Last year: Danville 12, Centerburg 0

This year: Centerburg is riding high after a 46-0 pasting of previously unbeaten Mount Gilead last Friday. The Trojans bullied the Indians, scoring 32 points in the first quarter, and racking up more than 350 yards of offense. Quarterback Blane Ball ran for 118 yards and threw for another 159 in the win. Jackson Ballinger had the big play, catching a 43-yard TD strike from Ball. Danville is also coming off an impressive victory, beating Cardington-Lincoln, 36-12. The Blue Devils scored 22 straight points to break open a close game. Freshman quarterback Parker Proper is finding his rhythm as he completed 13 of 18 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Pirates. The Devils will need a big game from their defense, including stalwarts Owen Gronberg, Christopher Mosher and Jacob Byers, to slow down the Trojans.

Fredericktown (6-1, 3-1) at East Knox (1-6, 1-3)

Last week: Fredericktown 26, Loudonville 20; Northmor 47, East Knox 13

Last year: Fredericktown 31, East Knox 0

This year: East Knox will look to bounce back after a 47-13 loss to Northmor last week. The Bulldog defense struggled stopping the Knights but will need to get things going to slow down the potent Freddies, especially dual threat quarterback Blake Sipes. Linebacker Caden Ridenour and defensive backs Jax Lester and Rush Beatty will be counted on for big weeks. The Freddies are coming off an emotional 26-20 overtime victory over Loudonville. Fredericktown’s Sipes hit Jason Butler with a TD pass late to tie the game, then won it with a 1-yard run in OT.

LICKING COUNTY LEAGUE

BUCKEYE DIV. 

Licking Heights (1-6, 0-2) at Mount Vernon (5-2, 2-0)

Last week: Granville 38, Licking Heights 6; Mount Vernon 28, Watkins Memorial 27

Last year: Licking Heights 14, Mount Vernon 7

This year: The Mount Vernon football team will look to continue its streak when it hosts Licking Heights. The Yellow Jackets edged Watkins Memorial last Friday, their fourth win in a row, and a win against Licking Heights would match their longest win streak since winning five in a row in 2010. MV trailed 21-7 to Watkins but responded with three straight scores to take the lead. After allowing a late touchdown by the Warriors, the Jackets stopped the two-point conversion attempt for the win. Senior quarterback Mason Richards continued his strong performance running the ball, gaining 193 yards rushing in the win. That enabled him to break the 1,000-yard rushing mark (1,081) for the season. Licking Heights will look to bounce back after a 38-6 loss to Granville a week ago. The Hornets have struggled scoring since putting up 45 points in a win over Lakewood three weeks ago.

METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE 

Field (2-5, 2-2) at Cloverleaf (5-2, 3-1)

Last week: Field 37, Coventry 7; Norton 48, Cloverleaf 21

Last year: Field 37, Cloverleaf 10

This year: The most anticipated game on the Colts’ schedule took about three plays to have Cloverleaf fans looking forward to this week. The three plays were not consecutive, but all were in the first quarter and all were big. The Panthers scored touchdowns that covered 57, 42 and 45 yards to take a 21-0 lead after the first eight minutes. The first game on a run, the second on a pass and the third on an interception return. The Colts bounced back a bit in the second pariod, getting a 22-yard touchdown reception from Ashton Gray from Isaac Smith, then a reception by Smith from Kellen Price. They were sandwiched around a short Norton TD run and had Cloverleaf within striking distance, 27-14 at halftime. After a scoreless third period, though, Norton tacked on three more TDs in the first five minutes of the final period, including Buddy Willig’s second punt return TD of the game, this one 72 yards. Smith’s second TD throw of the game, this one by Jimmy Tolley, closed the scoring. The Falcons come in on a bit of a hot streak after an 0-5 start. They beat Springfield and Coventry, both now 1-6, by a combined 91-7. 

MUSKINGUM VALLEY CONFERENCE

Small School 

Coshocton (1-6, 0-2) at Crooksville (4-3, 1-2)

Last week: Meadowbrook 49, Coshocton 17; West Muskingum 34, Crooksville 12

Last year: Coshocton 45, Crooksville 29

This year: The road goes on for the Redskins, stuck in a 5-game losing streak but on the scoreboard a week ago, with the 17-point output coming after three straight shutout losses. Crooksville, meanwhile, jumped to a 12-0 lead last week and then was outscored 34-0 the rest of the way. The Ceramics were without QB Brasyon Hill, who had accounted for over 1,300 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense, but Brody Cottrell did his best to fill in, rushing 13 times for 63 yards and booting field goals of 40 and 45 yards.

MUSKINGUM VALLEY CONFERENCE

Big School 

River View (0-7, 0-3) at John Glenn (3-4, 0-2)

Last week: Tri-Valley 52, River View 6; Morgan 21, John Glenn 14

Last year: John Glenn 67, River View 0

This year: The good news is that River View scored its first points of the season a week ago, but the overmatched Black Bears gave up over 400 rushing yards. It’s not the best time to be facing John Glenn, either — the Muskies overcame a 14-0 deficit to tie Morgan a week ago, fell behind, then got stopped on an interception at the Morgan 1 on the final play. Owen Edwards tossed for one of JG’s scores and RB Dominic Bates ran for the second.

OHIO CARDINAL CONFERENCE

New Philadelphia (4-3, 3-1) at Lexington (6-1, 4-0)

Last week: New Phila 35, Madison 21; Lexington 41, West Holmes 7

Last year: New Philadelphia 29, Lexington 13

This year: The Quakers have won three consecutive games, taking care of business in what was the easiest stretch of their schedule. Now they must turn things around against the upper-echelon teams. Within loss earlier to West Branch (6-1) and Ashland (7-0), they can redeem themselves against Lexington and West Holmes. Against Madison, a 28-point second quarter propelled New Philadelphia to a two-touchdown lead at halftime. The teams traded third-quarter scores but that was it. Lexington has not lost since Week 2, including the impressive win last week at West Holmes. The Minutemen are eying an Ohio Cardinal Conference showdown Week 10 at home against Ashland.

West Holmes (5-2, 3-1) at Ashland (7-0, 3-0)

Last week: Lexington 41, West Holmes 7; Ashland 48, Senior 19

Last year: Ashland 56, West Holmes 28

This year: The Knights will go from the frying pan to the fire with their trip to Ashland to meet the Arrows, who have been nothing short of dominant thus far. Offensively, QB Nathan Bernhard, an Applachian State commit, spearheads an attack that has scored between 34 and 48 points each week. On the other side, the Arrows have given up more than 10 points just twice. In the lopsided loss to Lexington, which plays Ashland in Week 10, West Holmes managed a Brayden Parsons TD pass to Rhett Chaney but not much else went right.

Mansfield Senior (0-7, 0-4) at Wooster (0-7, 0-4) 

Last week: Ashland 48, Senior 19; Dover 42, Wooster 14

Last year: Wooster 42, Senior 24

This year: The once mighty have fallen in the OCC as former league powers Mansfield Senior and Wooster will be fighting for their first victory of the season. Wooster will be holding its Senior Night and playing its last home game. This could also be looked at as the Generals’ last legitimate shot in 2025 to get a win as they’ll be huge underdogs in the season’s final two games on the road against Ashland (7-0) and Louisville (5-2). Wooster is trying to avoid the second 0-10 season it its history (1991). The Generals played well at times last week against Dover but threw an interception on a halfback pass from the Tornadoes’ 10-yard line with a chance to cut the score to 28-21 in the second half. Mon’Tierre Coleman carried the ball seven times for 122 yards and a TD for Wooster last week, while QB Griffin Siegenthaler was 19 for 32 passing for 128 yards and a TD toss to Sam Schantz (8-48 receiving).

PRINCIPALS’ ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Manchester (6-1, 3-0) at Triway (6-1, 3-1) 

Last week: Manchester 42, Fairless 13; Triway 47, Canton South 23

Last year: Manchester 34, Triway 27 3 OT

This year: The Panthers will visit the Titans in a huge matchup for the PAC race and playoff seeding. If last year’s triple-OT Manchester win is any indication, this could be another thriller. Manchester’s only loss this season is a 24-17 setback against Kenston in Week 5. The Panthers’ running backs Ayden Meade and Phillip Partin combined for five TDs in last week’s rout of Fairless. Luke Starr has passed for 1,621 yards and 20 TDs, while also rushing for 353 stripes and six scores. Bruin Flinner, Brandt Clippinger and Olley Krupp lead the receiving corps.

SUBURBAN LEAGUE

Highland (6-0, 3-0) at Kent Roosevelt (4-3, 2-2)

Last week: Highland did not play; Copley 49, Kent Roosevelt 26

Last year: Highland 56, Roosevelt 7

This year: The Hornets are probably champing at the bit just a little after having their homecoming game wiped out after Barberton canceled, allegedly because of the beating it received two weeks ago from Roosevelt. Unlike many teams at this point of the year, the Hornets didn’t need the extra rest garnered last week when Barberton decided not to play the final Suburban League contest between the two schools. The Hornets have played with a running second-hand clock every week this season and should continue to do so through their final regular-season games, which include a home contest Week 9 against Cuyahoga Falls and the regular-season finale at Revere. Highland then will almost assuredly have a Week 11 bye before hosting a second-round playoff game.

WAYNE COUNTY ATHLETIC LEAGUE

Hillsdale (7-0, 4-0) at Northwestern (1-6, 1-3)

Last week: Hillsdale 45, Waynedale 13; Smithville 41, Northwestern 14

Last year: Hillsdale 36, Northwestern 6

This year: The Falcons show no signs of slowing down as they move closer to a 10-0 regular season. Hillsdale QB Kael Lewis has passed for 1,328 yards, 18 TDs and just one interception. Owen Sloan has 110 carries for 918 yards and 12 TDs. Kicker AJ Brown is 33 for 35 on PAT kicks and 3 for 3 on field goals, with a long of 45 yards.

Waynedale (0-7, 0-4) at Chippewa (0-7, 0-4)

Last week: Hillsdale 45, Waynedale 13; Norwayne 49, Chippewa 0

Last year: Waynedale 20, Chippewa 0

This year: Something has to give in this one as the winless Bears and Chipps tangle in Doylestown. Both teams have struggled mightily with low numbers and injuries. The team that can make some big plays earlier could get the confidence to roll to their first victory.

Dalton (5-2, 2-2) at Norwayne (5-2, 4-0)

Last week: Dalton 27, Rittman 7; Norwayne 49, Chippewa 0

Last year: Waynedale 20, Chippewa 0

This year: This matchup has been huge for both teams in recent seasons, and while Dalton might not be in the running for the WCAL title, the Bulldogs are looking to secure a big win Friday and maintain their fourth spot in the playoff rankings — with two 0-7 teams let after this week, this will be the last chance to aid that cause. Dalton has been hurt by injuries but still have All-Ohio QB Carter Hignight leading the charge. Norwayne, looking to maintain pace with Hillsdale in the league, can counter with its own standout quarterback, Jacob Bruner, who has thrown for 1,367 yards, 15 TDs and just 3 interceptions.

Smithville (6-1, 3-1) at Rittman (5-2, 2-2)

Last week: Smithville 41, Northwestern 14; Dalton 27, Rittman 7

Last year: Smithville 42, Rittman 13

This year: Lurking just one spot behind Dalton in Div. VI, Region 21 is Smithville, which propelled its season with a Week 4 whipping of the Bulldogs. The ideal finish for the Smithies would be top-4 to get a first-round postseason bye, but head coach Phil Olsen isn’t looking past Rittman, with a win making Week 9’s home clash with Norwayne that much bigger. Smithville RB Mason Haines (892) is closing in on 1,000 yards rushing and he has 10 TDs, while sophomore QB Brady Sidle has stepped in and hit 60 percent of his passes for 308 yards, 4 TDs and just 1 pick. Under first-year head coach Mike Huff, the Indians have been competitive in games in which they were the underdog. The Wigwam will be hopping when the Smithies pull into town.

NON-LEAGUE

Mansfield Madison (2-5) at Dover (2-5)

Last week: New Phila 35, Madison 21; Dover 42, Wooster 14

Last year: Dover 35, Madison 3

This week: Dover snapped a string of five losses against very good teams by playing a very bad one and doing what needed to be done. The Tornadoes kicked off a final-four stretch of teams that are either struggling, beatable or both. A touchdown run by Dieter Weber gave the Tornadoes a 7-0 lead over Wooster, which tied the game midway through the second quarter. Cohen Murray added a TD run in the second, then added a TD reception by Robbie Copple to lead 21-7 at the half. Another TD pass gave Dover a 28-7 lead, but Wooster answered with a long run for a touchdown to pull within 28-14 midway through the third quarter. The Generals had a chance to get closer but an interception near the goal-line thwarted one drive and a Liam Mast TD run put the Tornadoes up 35-14. Another Mast TD reception after Dover recovered a fumbled, made it 42-14 with just over four minutes left. Madison has lost three straight. The Rams have lost by lopsided scores that included running clocks in four of their five defeats. The exception was last week against the Quakers.

Worthington Christian (3-4) at Orrville (4-3)

Last week: Worthington Christian 13, Grandview Hts. 6; Northwest 28, Orrville 14

Last year: Did not play.

This year: When the Warriors head north on I-71, east on US 30, then north on SR 57, they will be doing so on the crest of a 2-game winning streak and with wins in 3 of the last 4 games. The host Red Riders, on the other hand, will try to regain their footing and end a 2-game slide in which they’ve allowed 79 points. Orrville concludes the regular season at home against once-beatens Manchester and Triway, who meet Friday, so there’s still plenty to play for.

Harrison Central (2-5) at Bellaire (3-4)

Last week: Indian Creek 41, Harrison Central 28; St. Clairsville 21, Bellaire 14

Last year: Did not play.

This year: The Huskies and Big Reds haven’t met on the gridiron since 2021, and this Friday the Huskies will be looking to reverse a six-game losing streak in the series dating back to 2016. The Huskies are coming off a valiant effort against an undefeated Indian Creek team, and the Big Reds are on the heels of a similar effort in their matchup with local powerhouse St. Clairsville last week. Both teams come into the matchup having fallen short in what would have been hallmark victories for the 2025 season. A battle of quarterback/receiver duos may be the difference in this one, as the Huskies will look for signal caller Brady Hyre and top target Kayne Dunkle to consistently move the chains. The two connected 11 times for 179-yards and a touchdown last week against Indian Creek. Likewise on the other sideline, the Big Reds got a big day from their quarterback Michael Dippel and wide receiver Cole Gonglik last Saturday at Nelson Field. The two linked up seven times for 113 yards and two touchdowns in the upset bid.

Conotton Valley (5-2) at Crestline (5-2)

Last week: Conotton Valley 54, Frontier 34; Crestline 48, St. Thomas Aquinas 0

Last year: Did not play.

This year: Winners of three straight, the Rockets will travel west to Crawford County to meet Crestline. The Rockets handily defeated an overmatched Frontier squad last week, and Gavin Haney played the largest role as anticipated. Haney scorched the Cougars for 200 yards and four touchdowns on just 15 touches on the ground. He also picked up 30 yards through the air with a scoring strike. R.J. Higgenbotham also emerged as a playmaker, finishing with 102 receiving yards and a touchdown against Frontier. The Rockets will be looking for their first victory against a team with a winning record, having dropped contests to Newcomerstown (4-3) and Strasburg (5-2) earlier this season. This matchup will have huge postseason implications in Region 27, as Crestline currently sits in seventh, with Conotton close behind in ninth in the latest playoff rankings release.

Compiled by Ray Sarvis, Todd Stumpf, Fred Main, D.J. Watson, Aaron Dorksen and Mike Plant.

Week 9 schedule

Oct. 17 

Medina at Euclid 

Highland at Revere 

Buckeye at Rocky River 

Cloverleaf at Woodridge 

Hoover at Lake 

Marlington at Salem 

Carrollton at West Branch 

Minerva at Alliance 

Edison at Harrison Central 

West Muskingum at Coshocton 

River View at Morgan 

Ridgewood at Claymont 

Danville at Fredericktown 

Centerburg at East Knox

Mount Vernon at Licking Valley 

Dover at Linsly (W Va) 

Tuscarawas Central Catholic at Malvern 

Sandy Valley at Garaway 

Indian Valley at Tusky Valley 

Newcomerstown at Strasburg 

Chippewa at Dalton 

Rittman at Hillsdale 

Norwayne at Smithville 

Waynedale at Northwestern 

Manchester at Orrville 

Triway at Canton Cent. Cath. 

Wooster at Ashland 

West Holmes at New Philadelphia

Steubenville Cath. Cent. at Conotton Valley

 Week 7 scores

Cleveland West Conference 

Buckeye 52, Westlake 16

Valley Forge 19, Bay 0

Lakewood 34, Normandy 14

Rocky River 35, North Olmsted 0

Eastern Buckeye Conference 

West Branch 62, Marlington 0 

Alliance 47, Carrollton 28 

Salem 48, Minerva 17

Federal League Jackson 40, Lake 37

McKinley 21, Hoover 20

Green 51, GlenOak 20

Greater Cleveland Conference

Cleveland Hts. 42, Medina 28

Brunswick 17, Euclid 16

Mentor 55, Strongsville 21

Lorain 19, Shaker Heights 14

Inter-Valley Conference

North 

Malvern 54, Buckeye Trail 22

East Canton 14, Strasburg 3 

Newcomerstown 70, Tusc. Cent. Cath. 40

South 

Ridgewood 48, Sandy Valley 7

Claymont 41, Tusky Valley 0 

Indian Valley 40, Garaway 12 

Licking County League Buckeye

Mount Vernon 28, Watkins Memorial 27

Granville 38, Licking Heights 6

Licking Valley 44, Zanesville 0

Knox-Morrow Athletic Conference

Danville 36, Cardington Lincoln 12 

Northmor 47, East Knox 13 

Centerburg 46, Mount Gilead 0 

Fredericktown 26, Loudonville 20

Metro Athletic Conference 

Norton 48, Cloverleaf 21

Field 37, Coventry 7

Streetsboro 56, Woodridge 14

Ravenna 43, Springfield 0

Muskingum Valley League

Big School

Tri-Valley 52, River View 6

Sheridan 28, Philo 7 

Small School

Meadowbrook 49, Coshocton 17

West Muskingum 34, Crooksville 12 

Ohio Cardinal Conference

New Philadelphia 35, Mansfield Madison 21 

Lexington 41, West Holmes 7

Ashland 48, Mansfield Senior 19

Principals’ Athletic Conference

Northwest 28, Orrville 14 

Triway 47, Canton South 23

Manchester 42, Fairless 13

Wayne County Athletic League 

Hillsdale 45, Waynedale 13 

Dalton 27, Rittman 7 

Smithville 41, Northwestern 14 

Norwayne 49, Chippewa 0

Non-league

Dover 42, Wooster 14

Indian Creek 41, Harrison Central 28

Conotton Valley 54, Frontier 34