H.S. FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
WEEK 5
Games of Sept.
19
NON-LEAGUE
Akron Garfield
(1-2) at Carrollton (2-2)
Last week: CVCA 56, Garfield 0; Carrollton 16,
Howland 10
Last year: Carrollton 10, Garfield 7
This year: In
many ways this season is similar to last year for the Warriors – an uneven
first four games with some close losses resulting in a 2-2 record entering the
fifth week. Last year, Carrollton slipped by the Div. II Golden Rams on the
road in a low-scoring affair. Garfield, a once-proud program with a number of
NFL alums, has had a rough go of it as of late; following a two-point opening
week win, Week 2’s game against Revere was cancelled and then the Rams have
been shut out 97-0 the last two weeks. With the grueling Eastern Buckeye
Conference schedule lurking in the wings and improved teams such as Marlington
and Minerva to look forward to, this is a game the Warriors will most likely
need should they hope to entertain a return to the playoffs.
Minerva (3-1)
at St. Thomas Aquinas (0-4)
Last week: Minerva 47, Sandy Valley 12; East
Canton 37, Aquinas 0
Last year: Minerva 16, Aquinas 7
This year: This year:
A year ago, Aquinas was the game circled on Minerva’s calendar, particularly
after a Week 3 loss to Springfield, because it represented the best opportunity
for the Lions to snap a losing streak dating back to 2020. Sure enough, Minerva
slipped by the Div. VI Knights at home, the Lions’ only win of the year. Now,
Minerva has introduced a bruising ground game under new coach Zach Slates that
has produced 104 points in three consecutive victories. Aquinas, meanwhile, has
scored just 12 points in four games while surrendering 126, so Minerva is
likely to hit the halfway mark on a 4-game winning streak, which has to sound
like the sweetest music in the world to Lions fans.
Akron North (1-3)
at Harrison Central (0-4)
Last week: Lexington 70, North 0; Union Local 28,
Harrison Central 3
Last year: Did not play
This year: For the first time since 2006, Harrison
Central Huskies enters Week 5 looking for its first victory. The bad news: the
Huskies managed to post just three points against a stout Union Local team last
Friday. The good? Kicker Noah Thaxton is a proven asset inside the red zone,
and his first quarter field goal nearly kept the Huskies in front until
halftime. The defense is playing better fundamentally with each week that
passes, leaving the only glaring unknown to be the offensive struggles in
finishing off promising possessions with touchdowns rather than turnovers. The
better news is that the schedule gets more manageable the next two weeks — the
Huskies’ first four opponents have all been projected playoff contenders, the
next two are not. Akron North has won just four games over the course of the
past five seasons, including this year’s lone victory to date over St. Thomas
Aquinas. The Vikings are averaging just three points a game in 2025, while
surrendering 31.5.
Conotton Valley
(2-2) at Brownsville (PA) (0-3)
Last week: Strasburg 34 , Conotton Valley 22;
Uniontown 34, Brownsville 27
Last year: Did not play
This year: Once again, Conotton Valley’s Kaden
Leggett shined from the quarterback position, tossing for 364 yards and three
touchdowns for the Rockets last week against Strasburg, a game tied 14-14 at
half until the Tigers took control in the final three minutes of the contest
when a 16-yard scamper from Keizer Thomas sealed the victory. The second
straight defeat for the Rockets means a two-hour road trip across state lines
may be exactly what the doctor ordered to get things back on track. The Falcons
have won just one game in the past five seasons and have been outscored 130-46
this season. Look for Gavin Haney to have a big game for the Rockets, building
on his three-touchdown effort from a week ago.
Mount Vernon (2-2,
1-0) at Heath (1-3, 0-1)
Last week: Mount Vernon 35, Johnstown 34 OT;
Licking Valley 41, Heath 14
Last year: Mount Vernon 31, Heath 16
This year: Mount Vernon looks to continue
its impressive play after a thrilling 35-34 overtime victory over Johnstown
last week. The Yellow Jackets had some impressive individual performances in
the win, led by quarterback Mason Richards. The senior rushed for 302 yards and
four touchdowns, including two long runs of 84 and 66 yards. Heath is coming
off a 41-14 loss to Licking Valley but started the game on fire after an
interception set them up for a 26-yard run by Justice Stewart. Stewart also
scored on a 21-yarder later in the game. The Jackets will need another strong
performance from its defense to stop Stewart and the Bulldogs. MV racked up
three sacks against Johnstown — one each from Luke Mullins, Carter Hill, and
Kaiden Schlosser.
Garaway (4-0)
at Girard (4-0)
Last week: Garaway 48, Zanesville 14; Girard 48,
Struthers 12
Last year: Did not play
This year: Before
Garaway wades into the Inter-Valley Conference, the Pirates hit the road to
Trumbull County for what should be a stiff midseason test in the Indians, who
are averaging a whopping 53.5 points a game, although against teams with a
combined 4 wins. Girard is allowing almost 20 points a night. Garaway cruised
at Zanesville a week ago, fired by the running of Matthew Frey, the RB who had
124 yards and TDs of 4, 8 and 10 yards on 14 carries and who tacked on kickoff
returns of 79 and 67 yards to the house for a 5-score night.
East Canton (4-0)
at Ridgewood (4-0)
Last week: East Canton 37, Aquinas 0; Ridgewood
31, Utica 0
Last year: Did not play
This year: East Canton is off to a great start,
but the Hornets will find out how real that record is when they make the long
trip to West Lafayette for a big step up in class — none of EC’s first 4
opponents have won a game yet while the Generals roll on undefeated. A fumbled
on the opening drive didn’t stop Ridgewood last week as the Generals responded
with 3 scoring drives — 2 short runs by Logan Wince and a TD pass from Jace
McQueen to Jackson Cabot — to go up 21-0 at halftime. PK Jadon Smoulder was
also a weapon — Ridgewood recovered an onsides kick and a pooch kick, leading
to scores, and Smoulder also booted a 26-yard field goal.
Tusky Valley (1-3)
at Malvern (2-2)
Last week: Fairless 49, Tusky Valley 7; Mogadore
28, Malvern 14
Last year: Malvern 41, Tusky Valley 7
This year: The
Hornets scored at least 32 points in 12 of 13 games in 2024; thus far in 2025,
they’ve reached that number only once, in a 34-15 victory over winless Harrison
Central. The Trojans, meanwhile, appear to be moving in the wrong direction
following a one-point OT win in Week 1. The last two weeks, Tusky Valley has
been outscored 102-24 in home losses to Norton and Fairless. The Trojans’
defensive woes could provide Malvern signal-caller Jaxon Jones a chance to
continue his growth under center.
Sandy Valley (0-4)
at Strasburg (4-0)
Last week: Minerva 47, Sandy Valley 12; Strasburg
34, Conotton Valley 22
Last year: Did not play
This year: Neighbors scheduled to do battle for
the first time since 2019, Strasburg and Sandy Valley are two teams moving in
opposite directions. True, the Tigers qualified for the playoffs last season
following a 3-7 regular season. The way this year has started, however,
Strasburg shouldn’t have to worry about squeaking into the playoffs as the
Tigers currently reside at No. 2 in the Div. VII, Region 27 rankings. The
Cardinals, meanwhile, have been outscored by 127 points in four losses, their
closest game being a 47-27 loss to unbeaten East Canton in Week 3.
Claymont (3-1)
at Newcomerstown (2-2)
Last week: Claymont 12, Marietta 0; Toronto 26,
Newcomerstown 16
Last year: Newcomerstown 43, Claymont 8
This year: The Mustangs have gotten
out to a solid start by playing steady defense, including the shutout of the
Tigers last week. They have allowed just 20 points in their three victories. On
the other hand, Claymont has three unbeaten teams among the last five on the
schedule, in addition to their one loss already coming to Smithville, which
also is unbeaten. Newcomerstown has a similar gauntlet. The Trojans’ losses are
both to 4-0 teams, and two more of those remain on their schedule.
Newcomerstown dug itself too deep of a hole against Toronto, spotting the Red
Knights 26 points, as Toronto chewed up yardage on the ground. Claymont
overcame four turnovers to defeat winless Marietta. An interception by the
Mustangs’ Nolan McMorrow was a huge turning point. The Newcomerstown offense,
when it did hold on to the ball, did enough, including a 99-yard drive that
resulted in Braylen Meuhlen’s 12-yard touchdown run. Carson Golec’s 12-yard TD
pass to Jackson Jinks gave the Mustangs a 12-0 lead that they made stand up.
Indian Valley (3-0)
at Buckeye Trail (0-4)
Last week: Indian Valley DNP; Shenendoah 28,
Buckeye Trail 8
Last year: Indian Valley 49, Buckeye Trail 8
This year: This will be the first
of two consecutive games the Braves will play against currently winless teams,
with a trip to Sandy Valley waiting next week. Indian Valley’s first six foes,
including Expression Prep, have combined for just three wins, along with three
cancellations and three open dates. That, along with playing back-to-back games
against winless teams does not help them in their quest for playoff points.
That makes their Week 7 and 8 contests at home against Garaway and Ridgewood
especially important; both those teams are 4-0. Despite their schedule
shortcomings, the Braves were still sitting fourth in the Div. IV, Region 15
standings through four weeks and still within reasonable distance of the top
three.
Dover (1-3) at
Ashland (4-0)
Last week: Col. Academy 40, Dover 34 2 OT; Ashland
34, New Philadelphia 7
Last year: Did not play
This year: Dover’s record is on the
deceiving side, given the overtime loss as well as a 6-point loss to Maple
Heights on Week 2. This might be the toughest test on the Tornadoes’ schedule
this season. Ashland has not been overwhelming, but has been steadily
dismantling teams, scoring just less than 40 points per game while allowing a
little more than 10. The loss to Columbus Academy was a rough one for the
Tornadoes, not just because it came in two overtimes but because it the ending
spoiled a nice rally. Dover at one point trailed 20-0 and was still down 20-7
heading to the second half. Columbus Academy staged a rally of its own,
scoring and adding a 2-point conversion with less than 30 seconds left to tie
the game. The Tornadoes had a chance to win in the first overtime but a blocked
extra-point attempt snuffed out that chance. Dover went first in the second OT
and could not score.
Federal Hocking
(1-3) at Tuscarawas Central Catholic (1-3)
Last week: Reedsville Eastern 50, Federal Hocking
16; Millersport 33, Tusc. C.C. 20
Last year: Did not play
This year: The Saints are in a soft
stretch in their schedule that included St. Thomas Aquinas (0-4) and Buckeye
Trail (0-4) next week, in addition to Federal Hocking. Federal Hocking has
struggled since a 58-26 win over Franklin Furnace Green in Week 1. The Lancers
have lost their last three games by a combined 117-22. This is the ideal time
for the rebuilding project at TCC to put a couple of wins onto the ledger.
Maysville (2-2,
0-2) at Coshocton (1-3, 0-0)
Last week: Sheridan 56, Maysville 14; John Glenn
48, Coshocton 0
Last year: Maysville 20, Coshocton 13
This year: Maysville got jumped on early and often
last week as it trailed Sheridan 35-7 at the half. The Panthers did utilize a
short passing game to reach the end zone, as QB Kade Rock hit 16 of 28 passes
for 128 yards, including a pair of TD tosses to Landon Iden. The
Redskins, meanwhile, had no success on either side of the ball against John
Glenn, Coshocton was blanked, and JG QB Owen Edwards hit the Redskins for 4
touchdown passes, completing all 11 passes he tried for 200 yards.
River View (0-4, 0-1) at West Muskingum (1-3, 0-0)
Last week: Philo 49, River View 0; New Lexington
33, West Muskingum 7
Last year: Did not play
This year: This Muskingum Valley Conference
crossover game might not count in the standings but both of these squads don’t
care, they just see a shot at victory. The Black Bears, more like cubs with
their youth, scratched out just 37 yards of offense last week and have yet to
score in 2025. West M allowed a TD on the opening kickoff a week ago and
trailed 33-0 until Braxton Brownrigg helped the Tornadoes avoid the shutout
with a pick-six.
GREATER
CLEVELAND CONFERENCE
Medina (2-2, 1-0)
at Mentor (4-0, 1-0)
Last week: Medina 38, Shaker Hts. 3; Mentor 45,
Brunswick 7
Last year: Mentor 49, Medina 14
This year:
The Bees for the
third time in four weeks are taking on a team that is undefeated heading into
the midpoint of the season. This marks Medina’s second-to-last lengthy road
trip for a Greater Cleveland Conference game, the likes of which made moving to
the Suburban League desirable. Mentor has this far faced just one team that did
not have a losing record and is led by RB Jackson Farley, who has 834 yards and
12 TDs rushing through 4 games, including a school-record 364 yards in Week 1.
Last week Medina got touchdowns from four different people in beating Shaker
Heights. Sydney Loyd had two short TD runs. Jack Fletcher returned a fumble for
a TD. Jayden Tagalicod and Kellen Hathaway each caught TD throws from River
Blomquist. Landon Cusick added a 36-yard field goal. The game was tied 3-3
midway through the third quarter before the Bees caught fire.
SUBURBAN LEAGUE
Highland (4-0,
1-0) at Copley (3-1, 1-0)
Last week: Highland 41, Aurora 7; Copley 49,
Tallmadge 7
Last year: Highland 44, Copley 7
This year: Highland heads into Week 5 atop the
Div. II, Region 6 standings, which could prove a very advantageous spot going
into the postseason. Along with Avon and Wadsworth, both in Region 6, the
Hornets are ranked among the top six teams in Div. II by Drew Pasteur’s
predictive rankings. The team that avoids the other two in a potential regional
semifinal would have a bit of an advantage of the other two. Copley represents
one of just two teams (with Revere) on Highland’s remaining schedule with a
record above .500. Copley has been impressive since a 34-20 opening-night loss
to Streetsboro, outscoring three teams by an average of 46-9. Those teams,
though, have a combined record of 2-9. Last week the Hornets got continued
stellar play from senior quarterback Grady Gibb, who went into the game with
just three incompletions on the season and did nothing to change that. He
connected on all seven of his attempts for 155 yards, including TD throws of 36
yards to Jake Weber and 63 yards to Nick Dobkowski, hitting both receivers in
stride with perfect deep throws. Aurora’s only score came with 2:28 left as
Highland’s defense continued to dominate. The Greenmen totaled just 84
yards.
CLEVELAND WEST CONFERENCE
Buckeye (4-0, 1-0)
at Bay (3-1, 1-0)
Last week: Buckeye 23, North Olmsted 0; Bay 26,
Normandy 0
Last year: Buckeye 31, Bay 0
This year: Since a 43-10 loss to still-unbeaten Ashland on opening
night, Bay has allowed just six points, while averaging about 32. The Rockets
could be Buckeye’s staunchest test until a Week 9 meeting with Rocky River. The
Bucks tossed their second consecutive shutout of the season this past week in
the win over North Olmsted. Three interceptions, all by safety Logan Letner,
helped that effort. Offensively the Bucks did enough to overcome a pair of
turnovers of their own. Turner Dolata connected with 6-4 Derek Snyderburn for 2
scores, covering 33 and 26 yards, to highlight the offense. The second, midway
through the fourth quarter, opened up what at the time was a 10-0 game.
METRO ATHLETIC
CONFERENCE
Cloverleaf (3-1,
1-0) at Coventry (1-3, 0-1)
Last week: Cloverleaf 42, Springfield 7;
Streetsboro 48, Coventry 7
Last year: Cloverleaf 28, Coventry 6
This year: The Colts are riding a three-game win streak and looking to
match the four-gamer it had in Weeks 2-5 last year. Coventry is the second of
three consecutive teams Cloverleaf will play that is 1-3 through four games.
The three teams to beat Coventry this year are a combined 11-1 through three
games. The Comets easily defeated winless Chippewa in Week 3 for their lone
win. Last week against Springfield the Colts scored the first 42 points. Kellen
Price and Ethan Gray each accounted for half of that with three touchdowns
apiece. Price had receptions of 42 and 28 yards from Isaac Smith and an 8-yard
run. Ethan Gray scored a trio of running touchdowns, coving 17, 22 and 1 yards.
The Cloverleaf defense limited Springfield to just 35 total yards. How dominant
were the Colts? The Spartans’ TD was a 56-yard run by Marty Thurston midway
through the fourth quarter. Springfield’s other 37 plays netted minus-18 yards.
FEDERAL LEAGUE
Lake (4-0, 1-0)
at GlenOak (1-3.0-1)
Last week: Lake 31, Perry 16; McKinley 38, GlenOak
0
Last year: Lake 27, GlenOak 0
This year: While
Lake certainly cannot take the Div. I Golden Eagles too lightly, they have to
be thinking 5-0 come Saturday morning. The Blue Streaks, even with the loss of
do-everything Ty DeGeorge, simply possess too much firepower for GlenOak to
contend with, as demonstrated by the manner in which they dispatched previously
undefeated Perry last week. Lake comfortably sits atop the Div. II, Region 5
rankings while the Golden Eagles have sandwiched a win over Cleveland East Tech
with losses to Massillon and McKinley by big margins.
KNOX-MORROW
ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Northmor (2-2,
0-1) at Danville (2-2, 0-1)
Last week: Centerburg 44, Northmor 27; Mount
Gilead 26, Danville 22
Last year: Northmor 41, Danville 6
This year: Both Danville and Northmor
will be looking to bounce back after losses in their first Knox Morrow Athletic
Conference games — the Blue Devils fell to undefeated Mount Gilead while the
Knights were outgunned by Centerburg. The Indians slowed down Danville running
back Cyren Wallace a week ago, holding him to just 53 yards rushing. The Devils
did get a nice game from quarterback Nolan Ridgway, who scored two touchdowns,
including one from 44 yards out, in picking up 78 yards rushing. To win, the Blue
Devils will have to slow down Northmor quarterback Tanner Miley. The junior
signal caller competed 19 of 35 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns in the
loss to Centerburg. He also ran the ball 11 times for 29 yards.
Cardington-Lincoln
(2-2, 0-1) at East Knox (1-3. 1-0)
Last week: Fredericktown 21, Cardington-Lincoln 0;
East Knox 27, Loudonville 12
Last year: East Knox 49, Cardington-Lincoln 22
This year: East Knox will be looking to
build on the success of last week’s victory over Loudonville. Bulldog
quarterback Jax Lester connected on 14 of 24 passes for 224 yards and four
touchdowns in the victory. The Pirates counter with last year’s KMAC Player of
the Year in running back Wyatt Denney. Denney had 101 yards rushing in a 21-0
loss to Fredericktown. The EK defense was up to
the task last week, creating six turnovers by the Redbirds. Lester and Caden
Ridenour each had an interception, while Rush Beatty, Parker Schwartz, Logan
Hercenberg and Cason Faucett all recovered fumbles for EK.
Loudonville (2-2,
0-1) at Centerburg (3-1, 1-0)
Last week: East Knox 27, Loudonville 12;
Centerburg 44, Northmor 27
Last year: Centerburg 42, Loudonville 7
This year: Centerburg rolled over
defending KMAC champ Northmor last week, racking up nearly 400 yards rushing in
a 17-point victory. Miles Marshall led the way with 170 yards rushing and four
touchdowns, while quarterback Blane Ball added 138 yards on the ground. The
Trojans will need to slow down a tough running game from Loudonville, which
rushed for 202 yards in the loss to East Knox. The Redbirds had played well for
three weeks before catching the turnover bug against the Bulldogs, coughing it
up six times.
Fredericktown (4-0,
1-0) at Mount Gilead (4-0, 1-0)
Last week: Fredericktown 21, Cardington-Lincoln 0;
Mount Gilead 26, Danville 22
Last year: Fredericktown 14, Mount Gilead 12
This year: This week’s matchup between Fredericktown
and Mount Gilead will be one that not many people expected to be one of
undefeated teams. The Freddies have been rolling over
opponents, including a shutout of Cardington-Lincoln last week. Fredericktown
did it with a blend of solid offense and bend-but-don’t-break defense. Cirk
Parker led the way offensively for FHS, rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown.
The Indians are off to their best start since 2011. They are led by Carson
Barnum, who is second in the KMAC in rushing. Defense has also been a calling
card for the Indians, as they have held three teams to just one touchdown.
WAYNE COUNTY
ATHLETIC LEAGUE
Hillsdale (4-0,
1-0) at Dalton (3-1, 0-1)
Last week: Hillsdale 53, Chippewa 0; Smithville
35, Dalton 19
Last year: Hillsdale 35, Dalton 31
This year: The red-hot Falcons will try to stay perfect as they take on a
Dalton team coming off a big setback at Smithville. Hillsdale's Kael Lewis has
passed for 735 yards and 11 scores, spreading the ball to four different
receivers who have topped 100 yards receiving and have two or more TD catches.
Owen Sloan has averaged 9 yards per carry, toting the pigskin 55 times for 497
yards and seven TDs. Brady Heller leads the defense with 25 tackles. Dalton
started strong with a 13-0 early lead against Smithville but wore down against
the Smithies’ strong running game. With standout RB Jaxon Ryder sidelined due
to injury, the Bulldogs will need some other playmakers to step up if they’re
going to upset the high flying Falcons.
Smithville (4-0,
1-0) at Waynedale (0-4, 0-1)
Last week: Smithville 35, Dalton 19; Rittman 20,
Waynedale 14
Last year: Smithville18, Waynedale 14
This year: After suffering back to back shutouts,
Waynedale got back into the end zone last week but fell short on the road at
Rittman. Now, the Golden Bears come home to host a Smithville squad coming off
its biggest win in years. After falling behind 13-0 in the game’s opening
minutes last week against Dalton, the Smithies scored the next 28 points, led
by sophomore QB Brady Sidle, making his first start and tossing a pair of late
second-quarter TDs to put Smithville in command. RB Mason Haines is on pace for
another 1,000-yard rushing season, while Isaiah Lee gives SHS another weapon.
The Smithville defense also made life rough on All-Ohio QB Carter Hignight of
the Bulldogs in a complete victory.
Rittman (4-0,
1-0) at Norwayne (2-2, 1-0)
Last week: Rittman 20, Waynedale 14; Norwayne 48,
Northwestern 13
Last year: Norwayne 42, Rittman 3
This year: Rittman makes the short trip to Creston
without a 2025 loss yet, but the teams the Indians have beaten are a combined
1-15. After a rugged non-league slate, Norwayne rolled to a win at Northwestern
to open WCAL play. QB Jacob Bruner has 808 yards and 8 TDs passing, with six of
those TDs going to Ryder Ingold (28 rec., 457 yards), while DB Cameron
Hackworth has 6 tackles for loss among his team-leading 36 stops.
Northwestern (0-4,
0-1) at Chippewa (0-4, 0-1)
Last week: Norwayne 48, Northwestern 13; Hillsdale
53, Chippewa 0
Last year: Chippewa 49, Northwestern 14
This year: Something’s got to give Friday in
Doylestown when two teams desperate for a win meet on the turf at Community
Stadium. The Huskies scored twice last Friday to give them 3 scores on the season,
but the defense has allowed 173 points. The Chipps have been shut out three
times and have reached the end zone only once in 4 games and are giving up 40
points on the average, although Ian Radebaugh is averaging 9 tackles a game.
PRINCIPALS
ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Fairless (3-1,
0-0) at Orrville (3-1, 1-0)
Last week: Fairless 49, Tusky Valley 7; Orrville
38, Tuslaw 7
Last year: Orrville 31, Fairless 7
This year: The Red Riders have rebounded from a
narrow Week 2 loss at West Holmes with impressive wins over Canton CC and
Tuslaw the last two weeks. The defense has surrendered just one TD in each of
the last two games. QB Cameron Kraft has passed for 660 yards and 7 TDs in four
games, with Breylon McDuffie accounting for 21 catches, 317 and 4 TDs. Parker
Hostetler leads the ground game with 60 carries for 338 yards and 3 TDs.
Fairless has wins over two 0-4 teams (Sandy Valley, Waynedale) and a 1-3 squad
last week (Tusky Valley).
Triway (3-1,
0-1) at Tuslaw (2-2, 0-1)
Last week: Northwest 32, Triway 29; Orrville 38,
Tuslaw 7
Last year: Triway 42, Tuslaw 7
This year: After dropping a heartbreaker against Northwest, Triway will try
to get back on track at Tuslaw. The Titans rallied to tie the score three
times, but lost after Northwest’s Ben Schanz drilled a game-winning 37-yard
field goal as time expired. Triway’s passing game was once again prolific as
Luke Starr threw for 299 yards and four TDs, with Bruin Flinner leading the way
with 11 catches for 183 yards and two scores.
OHIO CARDINAL
CONFERENCE
New
Philadelphia (1-3,1-1) at Mansfield Senior (0-4, 0-1)
Last week: Ashland 34, New Philadelphia 7; West
Holmes 45, Mansfield Senior 6
Last year: Mansfield Sr. 20, New Philadelphia 19
(OT)
This year: This will be the Quakers’ second winless opponent in the
last three weeks. Thay have also played a pair of teams that are still unbeaten.
It has been a struggle this far for the Tygers, who have given up at least 38
points each week and scored a total of 33 during that stretch. Against Ashland
last week the Quakers took an early 7-0 lead but that was as good as it got.
This leaves the Quakers’ trip to Mansfield as much of a must-win game as is
likely at this point of the season. Just one game into the Ohio Cardinal
Conference schedule, the Quakers will need a stronger showing in the second
half of the season if they want their year to stretch to Week 11
Lexington (3-1,
0-0) at Wooster (0-4, 0-2)
Last week: Lexington 70, Akron North 0; Madison
28, Wooster 17
Last year: Lexington 41, Wooster 28
This year: The Generals started strong against Madison last week, jumping
out to a 7-0 lead. However, Wooster was outscored 21-0 in the middle two
quarters as it dropped to 0-4. Freshman QB Griffin Siegenthaler passed for 126
yards and rushed for 68 stripes in his second career start. He ran for a
15-yard TD and also threw a 27-yard scoring pass to Kaj Meier. Logan Gattuso
had six catches for 55 yards to lead Wooster, while Landen Bird had five grabs
for 32 yards. Lexington is led by 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior tight end Brandon
Fogle, who’s committed to play for Georgia. The Minutemen reached the third
round of the OHSAA playoffs last year and will be big favorites when they take
to the turf at Follis Field.
West Holmes (3-1,
1-0) at Mansfield Madison (2-2, 1-0)
Last week: West Holmes 45, Mansfield Senior 6;
Madison 28, Wooster 17
Last year: West Holmes 23, Madison 21
This year: The Knights make a second straight trip
to Richland County and they will come into Madison on a 3-game winning streak
after the Week 1 loss to Triway. RB Brody Bowman has churned out 400 yards with
4 TDs rushing, while Lynn Cline has 199 yards and 3 scores on the ground. Rhett
Chaney, Cline and Bowman all have 10 receptions. LB Braxton Blake now has 49.5
tackles to take over the team lead, while Cline has 42 stops. The Rams spotted
Wooster an early lead last week then roared back with the next 4 touchdowns to
get their OCC slate off to a positive start.
Sept. 20
Marlington (2-2)
at Warren JFK (0-4)
Last week: Louisville 45, Marlington 7; Youngstown
East 46, Warren JFK 12
Last year: Warren JFK 38, Marlington 22
This year: A year ago, the visiting Div. VII
Eagles had a reasonably easy time defeating Marlington. But a lot can change in
a year. To wit, last year’s iteration of JFK won 10 games and advanced to the
third round of the playoffs. This year’s squad, however, has been outscored
145-46 while searching for its first win, including last week’s 46-12 drubbing
at Youngstown East. The Dukes, however, had their own problems in a 45-7 home
loss to Louisville. The Eagles may be winless, but they punch above their weight
class; JFK has three Div. III, one Div. IV, and four Div. V schools on its
schedule, but not one school from its own division. Marlington cannot afford to
surrender two special teams touchdowns as the Dukes did versus Louisville.
Contributors: Fred Main, Ray Sarvis, Todd Stumpf, D.J.
Watson, Aaron Dorksen and Mike Plant.
Games of Sept. 26
Medina at Strongsville
Tallmadge at Highland
Buckeye at Valley Forge
Cloverleaf at Ravenna
Northwest at Lake
Marlington at Carrollton
West Branch at Minerva
Malvern at Strasburg
Weir (W Va) at Harrison Central
Coshocton at New Lexington
Sheridan at River View
Ridgewood at Tusky Valley
Danville at Loudonville
Zanesville at Mount Vernon
East Knox at Mount Gilead
Centerburg at Cardington-Lincoln
Fredericktown at Northmor
Linsly (W Va) at New Philadelphia
Steubenville at Dover
Tuscarawas Central Catholic at Buckeye Trail
Indian Valley at Sandy Valley
Ridgewood at Tusky Valley
Claymont at Garaway
East Canton at Newcomerstown
Chippewa at Rittman
Dalton at Northwestern
Smithville at Hillsdale
Waynedale at Norwayne
Orrville at Canton South
Fairless at Triway
Wooster at West Holmes
