Weekend Recap: McCullough wins in game vs old team; Belmont bounces back; Springfield wins shootout; Northmont, Farimont survive

Here's the recap on last weekend  in HS Sports in Southwest Ohio:

Trtowood Rams D has been lights out so far this season

Rams roll past Xenia 
Trotwood had 4 players in double figures as they steamrolled by Xenia 92-61. The Rams are now 3-0 while Xenia falls to 1-3. Trotwood hasn't had the one game where they are hitting on all cylinders, which is a scary thought.

Thurgood stops Stivers as McCullough gets W vs old team
 Coach Shawn McCullough got his first W in City League play as the Cougars defeated Stivers 60-54. Star G Kadeim Jones led the Cougars with 16 points, as the game got tense late before the Cougars powered to the win.
    McCullough, who initially led the Stivers Tigers to a Regional berth just 3 years ago, now patrols the sidelines for the Cougars as the coaching carousel took a spin. In a matter of 1 year McCullough, while at Stivers, went from a hot commodity to out of a job due to a "Communication mixup" in which he was told he would literally have to go online and apply for his job again.

After the shakeup, McCullough took a year off, and landed in Cougar country.

His boys gave maximum effort and grabbed the emotional win for McCullough. McCullough knows he has a young team, so this year any win is a big one, and no one is bigger than beating your old team. 
Tony Boddie led the Tigers with 15 as Stivers falls to 3-3.



Springfield wins shootout vs C-J
Springfield survived a shootout between 2 of the best players in the area in which the Wildcats Michael McKay (35)  & the Eagles Christian Montague (32) put on a show. The Field left with the win, as they improve to 2-1, while C-J falls to 3-2.


Fairmont wins on final shot
The Legend of Jack continues to grow as star player Jack Hendricks hit a 3 point bomb in the final moments to upset the Boro' 49-47. Fairmont gets back to .500 mark (2-2) while Springboro falls to 3-2.


Belmont gets much needed W vs Lions 
The Bison was able to bounce back after a tough loss last weekend, to roll past Meadowdale 59-38. The Bison looked very sharp on d, and was able to stifle the Lions offensively. Belmont moves to 4-2.


Middletown gets another big W
Coach Darnell Hoskins continued to bring good vibes to Middletown, as they notched another big in under the belt with a 64-51 win over Cincy Colerain. Star player Snow led all scorers with 27, and the Middies advance to 2-1.


Northmont still undefeated
 Star G Rodney Richardson  dropped 26 points as the Bolts was able to outlast Miamisburg 74-71. The Bolts are now 3-0, and have he leadership that could have them see a breakout season.


The 'Creek bounces back
Beavercreek shook off the loss at Wayne to bounce back with a solid win over Lebanon. Peyton Young led the Creek with 17, as Beavers move to 4-1 on the season. Lebanon falls to 1-2.


Franklin still undefeated
Franklin continued its hot start with another easy victory, as star G Ryan Montgomery dropped 27 in the winning effort. Franklin is now 5-0 and will face its toughest test of the season tonight vs Belmont.



SPOON FED RANKINGS  (Week 3)
Here's our Weekly SPOON FED Rankings Week 3 in the Miami Valley

Divison 1-2

(1) Trotwood  3-0 - Stays in top spot after easy  W's over West Carrollton and Xenia
(2) Wayne   3-0- Blue Smith led troops to big W over Creek
(3) Dunbar   3-1-  Wolverines had bye last weekend
(4) Alter       3-1  - Alter moves into 4 spot after good weekend
(5) Centerville  2-1  Centerville led by Saben and a good squad
(6) Northmont   3-0 - Could be Bolts best chance at a deep run
(7) Beavercreek  3-1 - Creek falls after Wayne loss, but did win on Friday
(8) Springfield    2-1 - The Field have state type talent, can they put it together?
(9) Fairmont      2-2 - "The Legend of Jack" leads Firebirds into 9 spot
(10) Belmont     4-2 - Bison regroup with nice win this weekend to stay in poll

Div 3-4-5

(1) Versailles   5-0  -  Versailles looking for a big season
(2) C-J              3-2  - Eagles lost a tough one to Northmont, but still stay at 2
(3) Carlisle      4-0  - Carlisle has been lights out early this season
(4) Bethel         4-1  - Bethel is having another fine season thus far
(5) Brookville  5-0 - The Ville have the look of a top team headed for a deep tourney run




Key Games Tonight
Here are the key Games for tonight

Alter              @  Urbana
Fairmont       @  Northmont
Beavercreek  @ C-J
Sidney            @ Butler
Belmont         @ Franklin
Thurgood       @ West Carrollton

Key GWOC Games Tonight; Spoon-Fed Rankings Week 2

Here's the Top Games this Tuesday in Week 3 of HS Hoops

Where does Belmont rank in Spoon-Fed Weekly Rankings? 

(1)  Beavercreek 3-0  @  Wayne 2-0

Can the 'Creek knock off the highly touted Warriors? 

(2) Miamisburg 2-1  @ Springfield 1-1
Which team will move into upper echelon of GWOC?

(3) Yellow Springs  @ Stivers  3-1 
Can the Tigers continue the good early season play?

(4) Trotwood 1-0 @ West Carrollton 
How many will The Rams score tonight? & can the Pirates young talent battle against the premiere squad in the Miami Valley?

(5) Centerville 2-0 @ Fairmont 1-1 
Will the Elks continue its great play against a scrappy Fairmont team?

(6) Northmont   @ Springboro  
Can Northmont get a big W against a Boro squad who was shut down last weekend and will be ready to play?



Here's our Spoon-Fed Rankings going into Week 2 of HS Hoops
(DIVISION 1-2)

(1) Trotwood -Rams in top spot after big win
(2) Wayne  - Warriors led by Blue Smith 
(3) Dunbar  -Ran past Belmont and Col. Briggs 
(4) Centerville - Elks dominated Boro
(5) Alter  - Knights led by Laravie 33
(6) Northmont  -Bolts have a lot of talent 
(7) Beavercreek  -The Creek suprise team of GWOC
(8) Springfield  -The Field led by Davis lost in OT
(9) Belmont  - Bison fell to Wolverines, still tough
(10) Butler - Vandalia look to have good season 

Friday Recap: Wayne escapes upset; Dunbar shuts down Belmont; Trotwood shines; Stivers upends Ponitz; Laravie drops 33 on Purcell;

   Heres the recap of the first full Friday of high school hoops in the Miami Valley:

Wayne holds off pesky Fairmont team   -
Wayne came out the gate and was tested by a tough Fairmont squad who, quite frankly, gave them all they can handle. The Warriors won 65-57 and was led by Junior Standout L'Christian "Blue" Smith, who scored 22 points and was relentless inside. Isaiah Trice, Travis Trice 3rd son to come through program, added 11 in the winning cause.
Jack Hendrix was the leading scorer for Fairmont, with 22. Fairmont coach simply stated, "They made more winning plays."

McConnell ran the show vs Belmont 

Dunbar runs past Belmont in showdown -
  There were many people who thought that this would be Belmont year to run the basketball league in Dayton Public. With a assortment of new players and coaches, the Bison felt like this could be the year that the Bison turn the tide on the city.

Not so fast Belmont.

    The Wolverines came out firing on all cylinders, jumped out to a big lead by halftime (15) and turned the early City League clash into a rout 78-59. Star F Caleb McConnell, who is actively on the Wright State Raiders & other mid-majors radar,  dropped 19 to lead the Wolverines, who now move to 2-1 after falling to State ranked Newark (#3) last weekend.
Belmont played more efficient in the 2nd half, but by that time the deficit was too big to overcome. Dunbar won every quarter, pointwise as well.
Dunbar moves to 2-1 while Belmont falls to 3-2.

Trotwood debut starts slow, finishes fast as they run past  Fairborn -

    Trotwood, the one area team who got the farthest in the OHSAA tournament last season, looked to start slow, but once the Rams got rolling, it was no stopping them as they dumped Fairborn 95-71. Amir Foster, Sophmore sensation Amari Davis and Senior All-State Performer Torrey Patton led the Rams, who are looking for another deep run this season.

The Rams move to 1-0.

Stivers stop Ponitz  -

  Stivers got its first city league victory of the season after a win at Ponitz HS 63-54.
Freshman sensation Trevon Ellis led the Tigers with 16 to get the Tigers to 3-1 on the season. Ponitz made a late 4th quarter run, but it was not enough as Carlos Roberts and the Tigers get a big road win.
Ponitz falls to 1-1 in City league play.

Alter wins led by Laravie

 Alter grabs big win as Dominic Laravie dominated Purcell Marian with 33 points. Alter now goes to 1-0.

C-J  wins in final moments 

   C-J player Nick Barnes hit 2 Game Winning free throws to lift the Eagles over McNicholas. Christian Montague led the Eagles with 26 and P'Hariz Watkins added 21. C-J now moves to 2-1.

Hoskins gets 1st win as Middies  coach

Former Thurgood coach, now Middletown head guy Darnell Hoskins got his first w in his tenure at Middie Country with a big win over Cin. Princeton 52-45. Hoskins had previously been at Thurgood, and now will see if he can lead the Middies back to prominence.

Centerville throttles Springboro

 Centerville shut down Springboro in GWOC action as the Elks held the "Boro" to just 30 points total.

Stars of Weekend 
These are the stars of Friday Night:

Torrey Patton, Sr. G Trotwood
The reigning D-2 OHSAA Player of the Year picked up right where he left off, dropping 25 on opening night for the Rams.

L'Christian Blue Smith, Jr. F-C  Wayne
The hottest prospect in the country - & yes I said it -in the entire country - picked up 22, some huge blocks, plenty boards and dunks worthy of ESPN, along with the key win vs Fairmont.

Caleb McConnell, Jr. F  Dunbar
 McConnell Came up big as he lit up the Bison with 19 in a battle of 2 of the best in the city. not only did he score, but his passing and defense was also key as well.

Trevon Ellis, Fr. G  Stivers
  Ellis, the dynamic fab frosh, scored a game high 16 as he led the Stivers Tigers to a big road win vs Ponitz.

Amir Foster, Sr. G  Trotwood
 Foster, the dynamite of a guard opposite Patton, exploded for 23, and was able to help Trotwood
handle business against Fairborn.

Dominick Lavarie, Sr. F Alter
 Laravie dominated the competition and went for 33 in the season opener.

Andre Gordon, Jr. G Sidney
 Gordon ignited the Sidney squad with 31 as they defeated Tipp.

Nick Barnes, C-J
 Barnes hit 2 crucial FTs to give Eagles the W.



Team Of The Week:
DUNBAR - The Wolverines, who were slight underdogs heading into Friday nights game, sent a message to rest of City League with resounding W over Belmont.

Underdog Rams look to finish with State Championship

Trotwood Rams will play for a chance to win the OHSAA D-3 Football Championsip today (3pm). They will take on Archbishop Hoban (13-1), the champions from last season at Ohio State Stadium.

Can the "Underdog" Rams grab that elusive State Championship

The Rams have been counted out all year as a serious threat to win a Football State title.

While other teams looked more the part, the Rams struggled in game 1, losing to Troy 12-6.

Raveion Hargrove struggled with a early season injury, along with other key players.
 We're the Rams overrated?
Was this just not going to be the year they expected? Would they still be a year away?

Then came the schedule.

The Rams schedule was called soft, weak, and not tough enough to get the Rams ready for the playoffs.
 Despite being one of the top dogs in the GWOC for the last decade, the Rams still are overlooked, especially on the Local & National front.

Today, the entire Ram Nation will have their chance, as they take on a ready for war Hoban squad.
The Rams, once again, will not be favored in this game despite having a elite team.
 Should be no sweat for Coach Jeff Graham and the Rams.

 Hoban has everything to lose as they are going for legendary status with back to back championships.
 Trotwood also has a lot to lose, as they don't want to fall to 1-4 in Championship games.
  The Rams have made it to the state final 5 of the last 7 years, and have reached the State Semifinal the last 7 straight, a record in the Southwest Ohio area.
  If the Rams can seize a huge victory today, they will solidly themselves as a perennial title contender, a giant slayer, and a National powerhouse in the making.

   Former NFL Player, now Coach Maurice Douglass guided Ram Nation back to prominence and handed the baton to Jeff Graham, who has done a masterful job in his own right, winning a State title and losing one in his tenure.
 For Graham and the Rams, winning on Ohio State soil would feel no sweeter than to the Rams Coach, who starred at Ohio State before heading to the pros.
 He told his players to take a few minutes and "soak up the moment." Before the big game at Buckeye Stadium.
"You will get emotional" Graham said.

  Look for a inspired Rams game today.

The defense has been lights out, & healthy star  RB Ravieon Hargrove has been electrifying along with the passing game.
 Hargrove will get a chance to play where he could end up in 2 years.
 Expect something special today from the underdogs.

The game is featured and televised on Time Warner today.

3 Teams go for State Berth Tonight; Why Pickerington deserves a beatdown? Matchups, Predictions& more

With a Chance at State Seminal Berth on the line, here's the Match ups for Friday Night:

D-1
Wayne (11-0-1)   vs Pickerington Central (11-1)  @ 
 London HS 
 As if Wayne wasn't focused enough, they received a couple of photos that turned out to be bulletin board material for the Wayne Train. Central described the Warriors as thugs and convicts, which sent the net into a frenzy and now will set the stage for two teams who have a chance to reach State Semifinals tonight.
 The Warriors are too good of a team and too well coached to fall into the buffoonery that Pickerington is trying to cause.
Look for a Wayne win 37-24.


D-2 
Miamisburg (10-2)   vs  Cincy LaSalle  (10-2)  @ 
Mason HS 
Miamisburg has been able to win with a huge o-line, a physical backfield and skill players all over the field. Combine that with a fiery unpredictable coach, and the Burg is a LaSalle defeat away from State. Problem is LaSalle is as focused as ever and boasts a potent offense of its own.
We got Miamisburg winning 31-26.



D-4
 Alter  (12-0)   vs Cincy Wyoming (12-0) 
  The Knights will face a stiff test in Wyoming, as they have handled all their opponents the same way Alter has. Easily.  Alter seems to have a focused unparalleled in a while, and that could spell doom for the undefeated Wyoming squad who is led by a D-1 signee of its own.
We got Alter winning via the running game and late game coaching by a score of 34-28.

Saturday 

D-3 
Trotwood  (11-1)   vs St Mary's Memorial (11-1)

Week 2 Playoff Recap: Wayne, Trotwood, Miamisburg, Alter advance; How did they do it? Stars of Week 2;

After the 2nd Week of the Playoffs, one thing is crystal clear:

 The Miami Valley, and in particular, the GWOC, is reppin' well in the OHSAA State Football Playoffs, as 4 teams will play for a chance to reach the State Semifinals this weekend.

  With the teams that are still in, they all have a legitimate shot to not only get to state, but to win it.

Here's last weekend results and recap, as we see how all the local teams fared in their divisions.

Can these thoroughbreds lead their respective teams to the State Semifinals? 

(D-1) Wayne blows out Dublin Coffman   -
   Wayne RB Fred Pitts scored 4 times as the Warriors D shut out Coffman in the first half (31-0) and cruised to a victory vs Dublin Coffman 52-10. Coffman was outmatched from the start as the Wayne Train steamrolled Coffman in the first half. Wayne, who is now ranked #6 in the country (Max Preps) was clicking on all cylinders, and looked razor sharp from the kickoff.



(D-2) Miamisburg beats Troy again   - Different location, but the same results after Miamisburg defeated Troy 28-21. The game was played to a tilt until a late blocked punt helped the Burg seal the deal. Star RB Jake Netherton scored on a burst to give the Vikings the 28-21 lead they never relinquished, and will now head to the Regional Finals. Troy (10-2) had a great season, only losing to Miamsburg twice after only winning 2 games last season.

Rising Star QB Markell Stephens-Peppers of Trotwood passed for 3 TDs last week 

(D-3) Trotwood slams new Richmond
 Trotwood star RB Ravieon Hargrove once again scored on the first play of scrimmage and rising star QB Markell Stephens-Peppers threw 3 TDs as the Rams overwhelmed New Richmond 47-10. The D also did a great job of shutting down New Richmond offense as the Rams (11-1) head to another Regional Final.


(D-4) Alter shuts out Massie  -
Alter dominated early and often as they shut out Clinton Massie 42-0 as the #1 team in Ohio in D-4 moved to another Regional Final. Star RB John Bivens ran for a score as the Knights Defense stymied the Massie attack.



(D-3) Franklin falls to St Marys  - 
Franklin fell behind early, and fell prey to a tough St Marys team as they lost 55-31. Once St Marys got rolling, the Franklin offense couldn't stop them, as they scored, but wasn't able to get back in the game.



(D-4) Valley View falls to Cincy Wyoming
 Cincy Wyoming scored twice in the 2nd quarter to build a 21-6 halftime lead and take control in the game to hold off Valley View. The Spartans pulled it to 21-12 but missed the 2 point conversion and Wyoming scored in the 4th to seal the deal. Colin Genslinger and Colin Wood scored for the Spartans in a losing effort

1st Round Saturday Recap: Trotwood cruises despite ignorance, Franklin rallies, Belmont falls; Stars of Week 1 Playoffs

Here's the recap of Saturdays games of the 1st round of OHSAA playoffs in the Miami Valley:

Raveion "Shock" Hargrove running past Wapak en route to a   4-TD night in 1st round of OHSAA  playoffs 

Trotwood blows destroys Wapakoneta despite racism comments 
  The Rams showed that no matter where they play at, even in the most hostile of conditions, that they are ready for a playoff run.
  Ravieon "Shock" Hargrove started the game of with a long TD run - the first play from scrimmage, and that ignited the Rams to a easy victory @ Wapakoneta on Saturday night.
  The hard part?

Keeping their cool after the racial slurs and lack of class represented by Wapak.

The marching band was hit with items from the rowdy crowd, not to mention the slurs heard by the band and the players.

   However, no words in the world could have helped Wapakoneta on this day, as the Rams and their star RB ran, over, around and through the defense for 3 TDS, while the Rams D smothered Wapak offense to ignite the rout.
 Trotwood  Coach Jeff Graham and the staff did an excellent job of keeping their cool and staying focused on the gameplan.


  Franklin wins late, stops Tippecanoe 
Franklin survived a huge upset with a late TD OK Tippecanoe to pull off the comeback win and move on to the next round. Tipp had control until the final minutes of the game when Franklin pulled off the comeback.


Belmont falls to St Mary's 

Belmont wasn't able to get the ground game rolling, as they took a fall to St Mary's 42-8.
 Belmont ends the season 7-3, while St. Mary's will take on Franklin in the next round.

Stars of Week 1 playoffs

Here are our Dayton HD Sports Top 5 Star Players in Week 1 of the OHSAA playoffs 


Josh Browder, RB- Troy  - 5 TDs, 330+ total offense  in the win 

Rashad McKee, QB - Wayne -  12-14, 235 yards, 4 TDS passing, 136 yards rushing, 1 TD, (before half) 


L'Christian "Blue" Smith, WR - Wayne - 2 TD receptions in blowout win


Raveion Hargrove - Trotwood, RB -  3 TDs, scored on 1st play of scrimmage in the win 


Tony Clark, RB - Miamisburg - 220+ rushing and 2 TDs in the win


Colin Genslinger, QB, - Valley View - Genslinger led View with 3 Rushing TDs in blowout road win 

1st Round Recap; Wayne, thumps Lancaster, Burg, Troy, Alter Advance; Saturday Matchups

It was a good day for most of the Miami Valley in the 1st day of the OHSAA  playoffs. Here's the lowdown on Fridays games...

Wayne Captain Matt Wilcox runs past Lancaster for a TD

Wayne thumps Lancaster 
 Wayne (10-0-1) left no doubt about what time it was, scoring on its first 6 possessions to have a 42-0 halftime lead & cruise to a 52-7 win. "Blue" Smith scored twice while Matt Wilcox scored on a 75 yard pass from Mckee late in the half.
  Even Lancaster Coach Rob Carpenter knew what time it was saying, "Even the most hardcore Lancaster fan had to see the speed difference" as Wayne ran over, around, and through the Golden Gaels.


Miamisburg wins at home behind Clark 
 The Burg  (9-2) stormed out to a big lead behind the running of Tony Clark, and held on for a big win against Kings 28-24.  Clark amassed 226 yards on 22 carries and the offensive line opened up hole after hole for the Vikings.  Kings made a late run, but Miamisburg held on for a big win.
Up next? Troy



Springfield falls in Pickerington
 Springfield battled, but couldn't keep up with Pickerington Central, who scored twice late in the 2nd quarter, once on a WR pass to get separation (21-7) & set Pickerington on their way to a win. Danny Davis scored on a big 28-yard pass play from Leonard Taylor, but it wasn't enough for the Wildcats, who end the season 7-4.


Browder career night leads Troy to W  
 Star RB Josh Browder scored 5 times to lead a offensive shootout as the Trojans defeated Cincy Anderson 41-35.
Browder had 243 yards rushing and 114 yards recieving, in which Anderson had no match for. Anderson held its own behind Jay Volpenhein's 404 yards passing and 5 TDs. Anderson almost pulled off the upset, but the D stopped Anderson on the 4 yard line to secure the win.


#1 ranked Colerain ends Springboro season 
 Colerain  did damage both thru the air (Gunner Layendecker, 2 TD passes)  & on the ground (Monalo  Caldwell, 176 yards rushing, 3 TDs) as they grounded the Panthers 35-14. Springboro receivers Kris Hughes and Nick Kovacs caught TDs, but it was nowhere near enough to stop Colerain.


#1 Alter storms past Indian Hill 
 Alter did what they always do - win in the 1st round easily - as the Knights running game pulverized Indian Hill and the Knights rolled 54-28.


Valley View shuts out Waverly  
 The View came out firing on all cylinders as Star QB Colin Genslinger ran for 3 TDs to jump start the offense and the D put on the shutout for the Spartans (10-1).


Lebanon early turnovers too much to overcome
 Lebanon turned the ball over 3 times in the 1st quarter, and on the first offensive play of the game, as Cincy Sycamore won on the road 42-20.
  It had been 14 years since the Warriors were in the playoffs, and the jitters probably doomed the Warriors who were down 21-0 before they knew it. Star RB Ra'Von Bonner ran for 254 and 3 TDs on the Warriors.


Taft falls to Clinton Massie  
Cincy Taft, one of the teams selected in after Dunbar forfeiture, lost against Clinton Massie 26-12. Taft held the lead early, but Massie rallied to seal the deal.


Saturday Games: 

(DIVISION 3) 

Tippecanoe (7-3)  @ Franklin (10-0)  
Can Tipp win a big game this season? Or will Franklin continue its dream season? Franklin has a bevy of weapons on O, can Tipp shut them down?.
 We got Franklin winning 30-23.

Trotwood Madison (9-1) @ Wapakoneta (8-2)
Can Wapakoneta knock off another city team in Trotwood? Last year Wapak defeated Belmont. However Trotwood is completely different than Belmont, in their style, as the Rams haven't lost since Week 1. Look for a hungry Rams team to win in a hostile environment 28-17.

Belmont (7-2)  @  St Mary's Memorial (9-1) 
 Can Belmont use its 2nd life and make a deep run? After seemingly out, now they find themselves back in the playoffs for a 2nd consecutive season. With a hard core running game, and talent on the Defensive end, can the get the job done against a St Mary's team that has been clicking on all cylinders? .
  We think Belmont will get the job done in a upset 24-22.


(DIVISION 7) 

McGuffey Upper Scioto  Valley (7-3)  @ Troy Christian (9-1) 
Can Troy Christian Continue its winning ways with a big W at home vs a tough opponent? 
We got Troy Christian getting it done.

OHSAA Playoffs Start tonight; Matchups, Stars to Watch, Predictions

With the OHSAA football playoffs here, it's time for the best of the best to battle for HS Supremacy.

  Here's the teams who made it to the Playoffs, their 1st round Matchups and the key players to watch.

Can L'Christian "Blue" Smith and Fred Pitts lead the WayneTrain tonight in playoff action?

D -1 (Region 3)
Wayne  (9-0-1) (Ranked 2nd in State) 
  Home vs Lancaster 
 Wayne will look to start another Deep Run against Lancaster, a team that has been solid, but still was 6-4 coming into the playoffs. Wayne should be led by ferocious running attack and a aerial passing game that is second to none. Look for the Wayne train to win 34 - 17.

Springfield  (7-3) 
@ Pickerington Central (9-1)
 Pickerington was the best team in the city, and they are loaded with talent. Springfield needs to force turnovers early in the game, to seize momentum. Central has a balanced attack, so the Wildcats must be focused from play one....Also look for Leonard Taylor to make some plays to change the outcome. We have Pickerington Central 27, Springfield 24.


(Region 4)
Springboro (7-3) 
 @ (1) Cincy Colerain    
Springboro pulled off 2 huge wins to get to this point, defeating Miamisburg and Lebanon to streak into the playoffs. Problem is, they get the top team in the State in Colerain who looks to be set on a Championship run.
We have Cincy Colerain winning 28-17.

Lebanon (7-3) 
Home vs Cincy Sycamore 
Lebanon had a sterling year, led by a potent offensive attack which put up big points this season. However, they also gave up huge offensive outcomes, and Sycamore can score as well...We think with 2 even teams, the home team will prevail in Lebanon winning 35-32.

Division 2  
(Region 8) 
Troy (9-1)  
Home vs Cincy Anderson (7-3) 
Troy has been waiting for the opportunity to get back into the playoffs after a subpar season where they only won 2 games. They will get Anderson as a result of the hard work. Anderson has a nice season as well, but Troys  defense will lead them to a win in a home game. We got Troy winning 20-13.


Miamisburg (8-2)  
Home vs Kings (8-2) 
 "The Burg" has had a very good season by most, but with the talent on the team they feel there is more in store. They take on perennial power Kings as they host a game. Kings has had a good season, but Miamisburg is ready for the challenge in the best round. We got Miamisburg Winning 30-24.

Division 4 
(Region 16) 
Alter (Ranked #1 in state) 
Home vs Cincy Indian Hill (9-1) 
Alter has demolished everyone in their path this season, and ended CJ hopes emphatically with a 51-3 trouncing to gather the #1 spot in the D-4 State poll. While Cincy Indian Hill has had a great season thus far, the Knights eat, breathe and sleep for this year to atone for what happened last season..
Loon for a Alter win 41-27.


Valley View  (9-1)  
@ Waverly (9-1) 
 Valley View will head to Waverly after a very good season to take on the Waverly program. That crowd will be rockin tonight for this contest as Waverly has a good squad capable of making a deep run. Valley View, is 9-1 & has had some key guys step in and make plays. Can they continue the "next man up" philosophy to a playoff win?
 We got Valley View with the upset win 27-26.

Week 10 Filled with drama; Dunbar wins, then loses chance at berth; "The Field" in playoffs; Alter, Miamisburg cruise, Troy wins epic battle

  With the playoffs on the line for a lot of teams, here are the results from Week 10 in the Miami Valley.

Coach Earl White surveys scene Friday night

Dunbar runs past Belmont, wins SWOPL 

 The Wolverines and the Bison put on a show for the biggest crowd for a City League football game this season. With 2 teams in playoff position, the Wolverines scored early and often to grab a 30-14 lead at half, with star 2 way player Keyshawn Jones scoring twice to lead the way.

   However Belmont made a run in the 3rd quarter led by Star RBs Elijah Malcolm and Dawson Martin.

    The Bison closed the gap to 10 (38-28) but Dunbar then went on a huge run, scoring 16 straight to cruise to a victory 54-34.

Keyshawn Jones with a sick catch 

 Jones scored on a 94 yard pass on a crucial 3rd down to get the Wolverines rolling again.

   Jones, Senior QB -WR Chris Jackson, & RB Tavion Thomas led the way.
  Jackson threw 3 TDs  in the 1st half alone, and had the wolverines rolling on all cylinders.  

The win put Dunbar at 9-1 for the season, and sent Belmont to 7-3.
 
After the game, it was reported that an ineligible player was played during the contest, which could cost the Wolverines a chance at reaching the OHAAA playoffs. The situation is being reviewed by the District and Dunbar has appealed the process to OHSAA.

  If the result is not overturned, Dunbar will forfeit it's last 2 games and  Belmont will go to the playoffs instead of Dunbar.



Springfield back in playoffs 
  
 Springfield held off a game Fairmont team 21-14 to seal the deal and get into the OHSAA playoffs for the first time under coach Maurice Douglass.
 Douglass, who took over 3 years ago, vowed to get the Wildcats back on track, and after 3 years, he's done just that.  Springfield will head to Columbus for their first round game.


Miamisburg clinches title, hosts game 
   Miamisburg shut down Northmont to secure a share of the GWOC title as Jake Netherton and Tony Clark ran for over 320 yards to shred Northmont 39-3. The Burg will host a playoff game with the victory as well.


Alter shuts down C-J playoff hopes
 Alter came out during on all cylinders and shut down C-J dream of making the playoffs by winning 51-3. The Knights played lights out and shut down the Eagles to notch another undefeated record (10-0), a high state ranking and a home game in the 1st round of the playoffs. C-J falls to 6-4, after starting 0-2.


Springboro wins shootout @ Lebanon 
 Springboro  handled business 45-42 in a wild one at Lebanon, and put them in the playoffs with it. Lebanon was already in playoffs, while Springboro was on the bubble.  Springboro moves to 7-3 while Lebanon falls to 7-3.    


Troy stymies Piqua, grabs playoff berth
  Troy was able to shut down Piqua & Gain a spot in the playoffs. The Trojans won 37-14 to finish 9-1 after winning just 2 games last season. Piqua falls to 6-4. Troy might host a playoff game as well.


Tippecanoe knocks Vandalia out of playoff hunt  
  Tipp knocked Vandalia out of the playoff hunt with a 27-17 win Friday night. Vandalia was #9 coming into game, but Tipp showed why they will Benin the playoffs with a 10-0 4th quarter showing to seal the deal. Tipp moves to 7-3, while Vandalia falls to 6-4.


Franklin finishes undefeated regular season
  Franklin ran Brookville off the field as Ryan Montgomery scored 4 TDs as the Wildcats moved to 10-0 this season.


Thurgood ends on a win
  Thurgood won the last game to finish on a strong note. The Cougars now move to 4-6 on the season, the first of Coach Brian Carter.

Wayne wins defensive battle; Ponitz celebrates best season ever; Dunbar Belmont epic matchup; Top 5 Matchups of Week 10;

THURSDAY RECAP  

Wayne pulls out defensive battle vs Trotwood on Senior night
  The Wayne Train didn't really gather full steam on Thursday Night Lights, but did do enough to defeat Trotwood 17-6 at Heidkamp Stadium in a battle of 2 of the heavyweights in HS Football in Ohio.
   Senior WR Trew Davis hauled in 5 passes with a spectacular TD, RB Fred Pitts ran for another and the Wayne defense stifled Trotwood in the 2nd half to hold on to the win against a game Rams squad.

Senior WR Trew Davis scores TD as Wayne defeats Trotwood 17-6 (courtesy of Image Jock)

With the game being on National TV, there was no shortage of drama. Early on.

   Trotwood looked as if they would get on track first, as star RB Raveion Hargrove seemingly pulled in a TD grab for a 6-0 lead. However, the call was overturned, and the Rams would not score.


   Trotwood would score on its next possession to cut it to 7-6, but only after the Trew Davis TD put Wayne on the board first.
  Pitts then came through with another TD, in which put Wayne up 14-6.

The Wayne defense was rock solid and able to stop Hargrove and Stephens Peppers from any serious threat after halftime.
  While some will say that Trotwood was cheated, the fact is that the Warriors D shut down the Rams offense in the second half after the Rams had showed that they could move the ball early.

    Trotwood star LBs James Parker and Mikey'ion Hunter both had 10 tackles while DB Kobe Vinegar had 11 and was able to stifle the Wayne Train passing game.

 
  While Trotwood didn't win, they did serve notice that they could be headed for a deep run come playoff time.

 Wayne knows they didn't play their best ball, but still was able to pull out a tough win against a state type of opponent going into playoffs.




Ponitz  secures best season in history

  Ponitz shut out Cincy College Prep Academy 33-0 to run their record to 7-3, their best record in Panthers history. Coach Jim Place and the coaching staff did a excellent job to get the team to the next level.
 Ponitz was ahead 33-0 at half, and the clock was running from the start of the 2nd half.
While Ponitz needs some major help to get into playoffs, they have nothing to hold their head about, as the only teams they lost to was Belmont, Dunbar and Taft. 3 teams, who all are in playoff contention.
 Salute to the Panthers, and look for Place and the Panthers to contend for a SWOPL Championship next year.
 Led by D'Edgar Cooks, Xavier Henry, Isiah Gordon, and star RB Jamil Freeman, the Panthers showed explosiveness this season unlike any other.
 


FRIDAY GAMES

Can Belmont and coach White stop Dunbar and get to playoffs?

Top 5 Games of Week 10;  Playoff Implications

With the playoffs starting next week, here are our Top 5 Games of  Week 10;

(1) Belmont    @    Dunbar    
In what will be the game of the night, everything is on the line for Belmont. The Bisons strategy is simple; win and get into the OHSAA playoffs for the second consecutive year. Belmont will have to beat a team who is playing at a very high level and has a lot of confidence in their squad in Dunbar. The Wolverines have knocked down every obstacle this season, sans 1, so can they send the Bison packing? Or will Coach Earl White, Elijah Malcolm and the Bison get it done?

                Listen to Coach Darran Powell talk about his team, playoffs, Belmont and more:

(2)  Troy   @  Piqua  

  Can Troy knock off their rival in a game Piqua must have to get into playoffs? Troy already has a berth, and it will be interesting to see how they play it. With all everything RB Darien Tipps Clemons out, Piqua has used the "Next Man Up" Philosophy to stay in the playoff race. Can Piqua get it done on Senior night? Or will Troy spoil the party?

(3) Alter    @  C-J 

  C-J  has taken what looked like a early season to the dumps, and turned it into what could be a magical one. After starting 0-2, they have won 6 of 7 and now sit in a spot where if they win, they will make the playoffs. Only one problem, as the state ranked Alter Knights have made a living of ruining the Eagles season in the last game. With a new stadium, Senior night, and a charged up Eagles team? Should be a great contest tonight for these 2 GCL studs.

(4)  Springboro  @  Lebanon 
Can Springboro continue its roller coaster of a season with a win that would get them into the playoffs? They have a chance with a win over a already tourney bound Lebanon team. The Boro knows that they have to put it all together tonight, or else the season will be over.

(5) Fairmont   @  Springfield  

 Can "The Field" clinch a playoff berth? If they can get past a pesky Fairmont team, then they will do just that. After losing a tough one to Wayne, now they will get a less than average Firebirds team, and nonetheless, on Senior night. Look for all-everything player Danny Davis to show out with a chance to get to the playoffs on the line tonight.

All America type talent in Trotwood -Wayne battle; Who has the better team?

    When Wayne and Trotwood lock up tonight at Heidkamp Stadium in Huber Heights, there will be no shortage of star power when it comes to HS Sports in Southwest Ohio.

   

             Can "Shock" Hargrove lead Rams to W?



The 2 premiere teams in the GWOC will clash tonight with more than bragging rights, as Trotwood (8-1)  & Wayne (8-0-1) will look to get a huge win and have some playoff momentum as we go into Week 10 of the HS football season.


  Both teams have  set the standards so high for football in the Miami Valley that we almost forget how good they really are.

  With D-1 players littered all over the field, it almost feels like a All-Star Game. 


Heres our breakdown of the positions, coaches, and who has the edge:


Quarterbacks:

    In QB Markell Stephens Peppers the Rams have a budding star. Stephens Peppers has gotten more and more consistent every week and now has 14 TD's and only 3 INTs.

  On the Wayne Train side, new QB Rashad McKee has had a great first season throwing for 1575 yards, 17 TD's and only 5 INTs while running the vaunted Wayne Train offense.

    Both players have had remarkable seasons for their teams under pressure situations and circumstances.

 EDGE:  EVEN


Offense:

TROTWOOD  -  For Ram Nation it starts with the running game, as Top Junior RB Raveion "Shock"  Hargrove (11 TDs) leads a powerful offense, and with the addition of William McDaniel (423 yds, 5TDs), it has given Trotwood a potent 1-2 running punch; With the standout Junior tandem of WR Caleb Johnson and Dallas Daniels having good years, a steadily improving line, the Rams have the package to get to State.


WAYNE  - The Wayne Train has been unstoppable due to a balanced attack. With 2 of the top WR in the state in Senior Matt Wilcox and Junior L'Christian "Blue" Smith (7 TDs) , a beast of a running back in Fred Pitts (875 rushing, 9 TDs) and a solid season from Josh Foster (515 yds rushing) they have created opportunites for the passing game as well. Throw in Raymond James, Trey Davis, and Steven Victoria and you have the best WR Quintet in all of Ohio, bar none. And possibly in the entire country.


EDGE: Wayne


Defense:

TROTWOOD - The Rams defense has been rock solid all year, and usually play their best ball come playoff time. The front seven has been very good led by James Parker, DL Devon Smith, LB Mikeyion Hunter and Kennedy Coates; but the secondary has been special as Kobe Vinegar and Daylon Duverglas have been lights out. The Rams have always prided themselves on D, and this year is no different.


WAYNE  - With 2 way Star Matt Wilcox joining the D, it boosted the already tough Wayne D to another level. With D-Line star Matt Reigelsperger and sack leader Wendell Wheeler (6 sacks), along with Mazone Walker and Joseph Crain creating havoc, it has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Add stud LB Nyem Wilson to the mix and you have a D which could lead the Warriors back to the state title match.

EDGE:  Even


Coaching:

TROTWOOD - Trotwood has a experienced staff with Coach Jeff Graham leading the troops.


WAYNE - Coach Jay Minton has lead the Wayne Train into a National elite level. Although they haven't won state, they have won almost every other big time game, including dominating the Cincy circuit the last 5 years.


EDGE:  Even


Bottom line:

 As good as both teams are, the only difference in this game will be Home Field advantage, which goes to the Warriors. Also note that it's senior night, so and this class has been very successful.

Look for a Warrior win, albeit a close one.


No matter the results, the level that the Ram Nation and the Wayne Train have risen the High school football ranks in Southwest Ohio has been remarkable.

Wayne shuts down Springfield and twitter beef; Dunbar earns playoff berth; Thurgood, Ponitz, earn Ws

Here's the lowdown on Week 9 and what happened in some of the big games around the Miami Valley:

Dunbar RB Tavion Thomas powers Wolverines past Taft to playoff berth

Wayne stops Springfield - 
 Wayne once again showed that when the chips are down, they still are the premier team in the Miami Valley as they were able to win @ Springfield in a nationally televised game 38-14.
  Wayne Train star RB Fred Pitts dominated along with the O-Line, as he ran for 202 yards and 2 TDs, & the Warriors dominated in the trenches on both sides.

Star RB Fred Pitts making waves for the Wayne Train 

After the game, Wildcats coach Maurice Douglass admitted that Wayne had controlled the line of scrimmage. While he feels his squad is close, they were not quite to the level they needed to be to defeat Wayne in a national game. While he was pleased with the effort, he still hopes for his team to get better.
   Leading up to the game there was some twitter and social media beefing  in which the Cats and the Warriors went at it. At the end of the day, the twitter fingers took the field, and a game was played, and it was the Warriors who got the last laugh.

  Wayne now moves to 8-0-1 while Springfield falls to 6-3. The Wildcats, with a win, could still get into the OHSAA playoffs.  Wayne, ranked 2nd in the state, hopes to get a 1st round home playoff game.




 Dunbar exacts revenge, garners playoff berth
    Dunbar wanted to show anybody who will listen that they are ready for anybody. And knowing that Cincy Taft was the one team that stood in their way, and with the SWOPL championship berth and playoff implications on the line?
  The Wolverines know their time is now, and Dunbar once again seized the moment, scoring early and often as they turned the expected battle into a rout 42-12.
 The Wolverines were led by Junior QB Jamar Walker  & Senior 2 way star Keyshawn Jones. 
Walker threw for 4 TDs on the day, 2 of them long TDs to Jones in the 1st half, as the Wolverines went up 30-0 at half.

And the rout was on.

With the win, Dunbar has clinched a playoff berth for the first time in 6 years.  Dunbar moves to 8-1 while Taft falls to 6-3. Taft was in position to make the playoffs but will have to win and hope for help now.



C-J wins again, preps for Alter 
   C-J trampled over Badin to move 1 step closer to a playoff berth. The Eagles now move to 6-3, & with a win over Alter, could reach the playoffs after starting 0-2.

Star QB DariJuan Stroud leading the Cougars to a W

Thurgood handles Meadowdale  
 Thurgood was able to handle Meadowdale in a huge city battle 34-7. Coach Brian Carter has led his troops to a 4-5 record as they head into last game. Star QB Darion Stroud led the Cougars to another big win, as the  Cougars have had their share of big Ws this season. Meadowdale falls to 3-6.

Can Ponitz get to playoffs? (6-3) 

Ponitz sets record for wins   
  Ponitz continues to set records this season, as the Panthers defeated Cincy Gamble Montessori this season. The Panthers were led by D'Edgar Cooks, who was unstoppable.
 Coach Jim Place has taken the Panthers and now have them at 6-3. If the Panthers weren't D-3,  they'd be playing for a playoff spot. They need some help, but there's still a outside chance they can get in.



Northmont upsets the "Boro"  
 Nothmont delivered a tough loss to Springboro as they rode star RB Devin Kenerly 4 TDS - 2 in the 4th quarter, as the Bolts won 32-20. Springboro was ahead 20-19 going into 4th, but Northmont took control for the win. Northmont moves to 4-5 while Springboro falls to 6-3, & now must win and get a little help to make playoffs.



Trotwood cruises, ready for Wayne  
 Trotwood smacked down Xenia 49-14  in a "Trap Game" for the Rams.
QB Markell Stephens Peppers led the way with 3 TDs, as the Rams now ready for a huge GWOC match-up with Wayne this week. The Rams have won 8 straight since Week 1 loss.



Miamisburg moves 1 win away from playoffs  
 Miamisburg continue its strong play with hey easy win over Beavercreek 28 - 7.  3 TD  runs by Clark & 100 yards running by Netherton basically sealed the deal as the O-Line dominated for the Burg. Miamisburg moves to 7-2 & in good playoff position.



Lebanon secures win 
  Lebanon basically secured a playoff berth as they ran over Stebbins 41-14. Star QB Dakota Allen  went ham on Stebbins with 5-TDs, as the Warriors moved to 7-2 on the season.



Franklin throws up 66 on Oakwood
 Franklin continued it's dream season with a big time win over Oakwood 66-48. The Wildcats are 9-0 & will look to go undefeated and ready for a playoff berth.  Franklin star RB. Ryan Montgomery scored 5 times.

Wayne shuts down Springfield and twitter beef; Dunbar earns playoff berth; Thurgood, Ponitz, earn Ws

Here's the lowdown on Week 9 and what happened in some of the big games around the Miami Valley:

Dunbar RB Tavion Thomas powers Wolverines past Taft to playoff berth

Wayne stops Springfield - 
 Wayne once again showed that when the chips are down, they still are the premier team in the Miami Valley as they were able to win @ Springfield in a nationally televised game 38-14.
  Wayne Train star RB Fred Pitts dominated along with the O-Line, as he ran for 202 yards and 2 TDs, & the Warriors dominated in the trenches on both sides.

Star RB Fred Pitts making waves for the Wayne Train 

After the game, Wildcats coach Maurice Douglass admitted that Wayne had controlled the line of scrimmage. While he feels his squad is close, they were not quite to the level they needed to be to defeat Wayne in a national game. While he was pleased with the effort, he still hopes for his team to get better.
   Leading up to the game there was some twitter and social media beefing  in which the Cats and the Warriors went at it. At the end of the day, the twitter fingers took the field, and a game was played, and it was the Warriors who got the last laugh.

  Wayne now moves to 8-0-1 while Springfield falls to 6-3. The Wildcats, with a win, could still get into the OHSAA playoffs.  Wayne, ranked 2nd in the state, hopes to get a 1st round home playoff game.




 Dunbar exacts revenge, garners playoff berth
    Dunbar wanted to show anybody who will listen that they are ready for anybody. And knowing that Cincy Taft was the one team that stood in their way, and with the SWOPL championship berth and playoff implications on the line?
  The Wolverines know their time is now, and Dunbar once again seized the moment, scoring early and often as they turned the expected battle into a rout 42-12.
 The Wolverines were led by Junior QB Jamar Walker  & Senior 2 way star Keyshawn Jones. 
Walker threw for 4 TDs on the day, 2 of them long TDs to Jones in the 1st half, as the Wolverines went up 30-0 at half.

And the rout was on.

With the win, Dunbar has clinched a playoff berth for the first time in over 20 years.  Dunbar moves to 8-1 while Taft falls to 6-3. Taft was in position to make the playoffs but will have to win and hope for help now.



C-J wins again, preps for Alter 
   C-J trampled over Badin to move 1 step closer to a playoff berth. The Eagles now move to 6-3, & with a win over Alter, could reach the playoffs after starting 0-2.

Star QB DariJuan Stroud leading the Cougars to a W

Thurgood handles Meadowdale  
 Thurgood was able to handle Meadowdale in a huge city battle 34-7. Coach Brian Carter has led his troops to a 4-5 record as they head into last game. Star QB Darion Stroud led the Cougars to another big win, as the  Cougars have had their share of big Ws this season. Meadowdale falls to 3-6.

Can Ponitz get to playoffs? (6-3) 

Ponitz sets record for wins   
  Ponitz continues to set records this season, as the Panthers defeated Cincy Gamble Montessori this season. The Panthers were led by D'Edgar Cooks, who was unstoppable.
 Coach Jim Place has taken the Panthers and now have them at 6-3. If the Panthers weren't D-3,  they'd be playing for a playoff spot. They need some help, but there's still a outside chance they can get in.



Northmont upsets the "Boro"  
 Nothmont delivered a tough loss to Springboro as they rode star RB Devin Kenerly 4 TDS - 2 in the 4th quarter, as the Bolts won 32-20. Springboro was ahead 20-19 going into 4th, but Northmont took control for the win. Northmont moves to 4-5 while Springboro falls to 6-3, & now must win and get a little help to make playoffs.



Trotwood cruises, ready for Wayne  
 Trotwood smacked down Xenia 49-14  in a "Trap Game" for the Rams.
QB Markell Stephens Peppers led the way with 3 TDs, as the Rams now ready for a huge GWOC match-up with Wayne this week. The Rams have won 8 straight since Week 1 loss.



Miamisburg moves 1 win away from playoffs  
 Miamisburg continue its strong play with hey easy win over Beavercreek 28 - 7.  3 TD  runs by Clark & 100 yards running by Netherton basically sealed the deal as the O-Line dominated for the Burg. Miamisburg moves to 7-2 & in good playoff position.



Lebanon secures win 
  Lebanon basically secured a playoff berth as they ran over Stebbins 41-14. Star QB Dakota Allen  went ham on Stebbins with 5-TDs, as the Warriors moved to 7-2 on the season.



Franklin throws up 66 on Oakwood
 Franklin continued it's dream season with a big time win over Oakwood 66-48. The Wildcats are 9-0 & will look to go undefeated and ready for a playoff berth.  Franklin star RB. Ryan Montgomery scored 5 times.

Belmont game cancelled due to lack of players?; Top 5 Games in Week 9; Playoff Push

Belmont game cancelled

The Belmont game was cancelled yesterday due to a lack of players for the other team....With only 13 healthy players for the Cincy Riverview East Academy, the game was called due to forfeit.
This pushes the Bison record to 7-2 for the 2nd consecutive season and this also gives them another shot to get to the OHSAA playoffs for a 2nd year in a row, something that would be a first for Belmont football. They take on Dunbar next Friday.

Can this dynamic duo lead the Springfield Wildcats to a huge win over Wayne tonight?

TOP GAMES OF Week 9

With it being Week 9, there are some huge matchups that will shape some playoff contenders from the pretenders, and will also setup some major matchups for Week 10.

Here's the best games on this Football Friday, with the weather changing for the football gods.

Wayne  (7-0-1)      @  Springfield  (6-2)   In what could be the "Game of the Season", Wayne will look to continue its stranglehold on the GWOC and Southwest Ohio. Springfield has won some tough games on the road, but will all of "The Field" at this game for a chance at the biggest upset of the season. With D-1 Talent all over the field, this game will be as good as advertised. Two great coaches, 2 great programs, a bitter rivalry with perfect football temperatures (50-55 degrees) for kickoff.

 

 Can Wayne continue the dominance with possibly its most talented team ever? Or will Springfield earn a playoff berth tonight? Look for some epic performances from both sides.

Cincy Taft  (6-2)    @  Dunbar  (7-1)  -  Dunbar has come a long way this season, but if they don't win at least 1 of these next 2 games and clinch a playoff berth, then it will be all for naught, as the SWOPL Champions will stride into Welcome Stadium  tonight and look to continue its dominance of Dayton Schools. Taft, has trounced all comers in the SWOPL and tonight will look to hold up Cincy as the premiere city school. Led by a experienced coaching staff and stars on the offense, this will be a great test for the Wolverines, who have had a breakout season up to date.

Can the Wolverines rise up to the challenge and move 1 step closer to a playoff appearance?

Springboro (6-2)       @ Northmont (4-4)   In a game which could be the highest scoring game of the night, can Springboro continue its playoff hopes in a big game @ Northmont? The Bolts have played well at home, and the Boro have been in their share of close games. A slip at Northmont and the Panthers could be sitting on the outs of the playoffs.


C-J         (5-3)       @   Badin  (3-5)   Chaminade fought off a 0-2 start and now find themselves with a real chance to make the playoffs. Win on the road at a beatable Badin and then have Alter at home? Sounds like the playoffs already for the Eagles.


Xenia  (2-6)          @ Trotwood  (7-1)  Trotwood shouldn't have much problems in this game, considering Xenia hasn't been very impressive this season. However, we all know the vaunted matchup in week 10 between the Rams and Wayne, so will Trotwood focus on the task tonight, with bad weather and a team with no business of being in the game? Or will Xenia find a way to shock the Rams tonight?


Thurgood (3-5)      @  Meadowdale  (3-5)  (Saturday)  In a game that will dictate 4th place in the tough City League this year, which team will get it done? In losses, both teams haven't looked great, but in the wins they have demonstrated the ability to dominate. Which coach will get his troops to answer the bell in a "Rivalry Matchup?"
Thurgood New Coach Brian Carter or Lions coach John Wortham?

SpoonFed Recap: How did Top 10 football teams in Southwest Ohio do last weekend? (Week 7)

Here's out Top 10 Teams and how they fared this weekend:

Top 5 Teams (Division 1-3)

Wayne  2 way Star player Matt Wilcox on Dayton HS Sports Show

(1) Wayne      6-0-1     D-1 -    Wayne trounced Fairmont 35-0 as they moved into a
National Top 25 Ranking; Matt Wilcox shined on D and the offense was efficient in the win. If the Warriors can get it done against Springfield and Trotwood the last two weeks, they could very well be hosting the regionals.


(2) Trotwood   7-1      D-3 -    Trotwood rolled over another GWOC opponent as they put 50 on Stebbins, and stay in good playoff position. One more win and the Rams should be in the playoffs.

(3) Troy           7-1      D-2  -    Troy continued its great play with a easy win  which the D shut Sidney down. The Trojans could clinch a spot with another win, the way it looks.

(4) Springboro         6-2   D-1 -  Springboro erupted for 66 as the Panthers marched all over the field on Fairborn. the win keeps the Boro in good playoff shape providing they finish strong.

(5)  Miamisburg       6-2   D-1 -   The Burg silenced some critics and pulled out a can on Lebanon 55-20.  The win pushes Miamisburg into a playoff spot if they handle business late in the season.    


Next 5:  Lebanon  6-2; Springfield  6-2; Franklin  8-0; St. Marys 8-0; Wilmington 7-1; 
             Belmont 6-2



Top 5 Teams  (Division 4-7):

 (1) Alter                           8-0    D-4 -    Alter shut out Hamilton Badin 48-0, and  looks to be headed to a deep run come playoff time.

(2) Clinton Massie            7-1    D-4 -    Massie has been dominant despite the loss to Alter.

(3) Dunbar                        7-1    D-4  -   Dunbar punished another cincy team, and now will have back to back tests (Cin Taft, Belmont) which could make or break season.

(4) Marion Local               7-1    D-6 -  Marion handled business and stays in top 5 and in playoff shape.

(5)  Coldwater                   7-1    D-5-   The former champs will look to gear up for the postseason.       


Next 5:     Mechanicsburg (8-0); St. Henry (5-2); Valley View (6-2); Chaminade Julienne (5-3) Covington (8-0)

Thurgood - Dunbar rivalry renews tonight at Welcome Stadium

Can the Dunbar D lead the Wolverines to a win?

Thurgood Marshall and Dunbar will collide tonight @Welcome Stadium (7pm). These two teams always seem to play good hard football, as Dunbar looks to keep its great season going. They will try to get to the playoffs while Thurgood will look to move back to .500 for the first time and 3-1 in the division.
  Dunbar will look to go to 7-1 and keep its playoff hopes alive. With the coaches and players brimming with confidence and the game on TV?
 Should be a good game tonight with 2 of the city's finest battling again for city league football supremacy.

Ponitz ruins Meadowdale homecoming; "The Boro" squeaks by The Burg"; "Blue" Smith leads Wayne; Trotwood cruises; Springfield wins big battle

Here's the recap on what happened in Week 7 of HS sports in the Miami Valley:

L'Christian "Blue" Smith scores one of his 2 Long TD's  vs Creek

(1) The "Boro" shocks the "Burg" - 
Springboro scored with 2 seconds left in the game, and in dramatic fashion, scored on a 2-point conversion to defeat Miamisburg 39-38. The win puts Springboro at 5-2 & drops Miamisburg to 5-2. Both are in position to make the playoffs.

Springboro star receiver headed for paydirt vs Miamisburg

(2) Ponitz ruins Meadowdale homecoming, blanks Lions - Ponitz  handled  business and shut out Meadowdale 31-0  @ Welcome Stadium Friday night. It was the Lions homecoming,  but it was all Ponitz all night as they run their record to 4-3 while Meadowdale falls to 2-5. Pointz star RB Jamil Freeman led the way for the Panthers.

(3) "Blue" Smith shines vs Beavercreek  - Star WR L'Christian  "Blue" Smith scored on 2 long TDS early in the game and Wayne cruised past Beavercreek 44-0. Wayne now rolls to 6-0-1 while Beavercreek falls to 3-4. Once Smith entered the zone, there was no turning back for the Warriors.


(4) Dunbar wins big on the road - Dunbar got a much needed road victory in Cincy as they defeated Cincy Western Hills 50-8. Tavion Thomas led the attack with another great game (100+ rushing, 2 TDs), and the defense, led by star LB Antwuan Johnson's Interception.

Star LB Antwuan Johnson is the unquestioned leader of a stingy Wolverines D unit.

Dunbar is now 6-1 on the season, their best record in over 20 years. Dunbar will face Thurgood in a big rivalry game this week.


(5) C-J wins 4th in 5 games - Chaminade continues its hot play with a blowout win over Roger Bacon. The Eagles are now 4-3 on the season, their first time over .500 after starting slow.

C-J celebrates TD vs Roger Bacon as they get over .500 mark

(6) Springfield win huge road game @ Northmont
 The Wildcats  held off a pesky Bolts team, in which Northmont scored 23 straight points but still lost 35-29.  Springfield now moves to 5-2, while Northmont falls to 3-4.

Springfield celebrates after scoring @ Northmont 

(7) Trotwood rolls again for 6th straight - 
The Rams won their 6th straight game as they ran past Fairborn 49-6. The Rams have won their 6th straight and are definitely hitting a playoff stride as we get close to the playoffs. Star RB Raveion Hargrove and that vaunted Rams D led the way.


(8) Thurgood  shuts out Hughes -
 Thurgood went to Cincy and garnered their 3rd win of the season as they blanked Cincy Hughes 40-0.  The win puts Thurgood at 2-1 in the SWOPL. They have a huge match-up this week vs Dunbar. The Cougars have won 3 of their last 5 games and have played well recently.

Who are the Top 10 Teams in the Miami Valley? (Spoon-Fed Edition)

Heres our first High School Football Ranking of 2016

(D1-3) Top 10  Teams

Wayne Train 2-way star Matt Wilcox 

(1) Wayne (5-0-1)  
Wayne Train seems to be on another level, and the focus looks razor sharp as they go for the big school (D-1) Championship.  With Senior two-way star Matt Wilcox leading the way, the Warriors are primed for another championship run.



(2) Miamisburg (5-1) 
 The Burg has the weapons on offense and defense to get it done, and their coach will keep them focused. They also have a flair for the spectacular, which could be due to their explosive offense or their fiery coach.


(3) Trotwood  (5-1) 
 The Rams seem to be clicking on all cylinders and could be headed for a deep run with two potent RBs at the helm. Since the setback to Troy the Rams have rolled off 5 straight. We know what coach Graham can do come playoff time.


(4) Troy  (5-1)   The Trojans bounced back in a major way, and showed that they could be headed for a playoff berth this season. The only loss was a last second shocker to Miamisburg at home.

(5) Lebanon (4-2) The Warriors stopped Springfield and Northmont in consecutive weeks to move into 5 spot. Can they continue their hot play?



Next 5 :  Springboro (4-2), Springfield (4-2),  Franklin (6-0), Northmont (3-3), St. Mary's 6-0 ; Belmont (5-2) 



D4 -7 Rankings

(1) Alter   (6-0) D-4 -  The Knights have rolled over almost every opponent this season;  They are currently 2nd in the OHSAA state poll and could make another Stat trip.

(2) Coldwater  (6-0)  D-5  Have been dominant this season; Wil another trip to state be the end result?

(3) Dunbar   (5-1) D-4 The Wolverines boast a team with a high skill set, and seems to be gelling at the right time. Can the Wolverines do the little things to make a deep run?

(4) Marion Local  (5-1) D-6 Marion Local once again have a team that could be playing into December.

(5) Clinton- Massie (5-1) D-4 Massie have played well this year, and aside from the one blemish, look to be headed towards a playoff run.



Next 5:  St. Henry  (4-2) D-6; Valley View 5-1 D-4; Versailles (3-3) ;  Fort Recovery (4-2) D-7; Covington (6-0) D-7