Belmont stifles Dunbar as Elijah Malcolm shines in Season Opener; Week 1 Key Games

The Belmont Bison came in with a couple chips on their shoulder, as they had heard all the trash talk and expert analysis they could take.

They had heard how Dunbar was the top dog in the city.... How they couldn't defeat, or even think about defeating the Wolverines...How all of Dunbar players are headed to big schools.....The social media trash talk....The blame for what happened last year.
 And on and on.

Before the game Coach White and the Bison were pretty calm, while Dunbar was riled up, ready for war.

 Coach Earl White and the Belmont staff came up with a precise game plan to stop the All-American candidate in Jojo Scates. However, they were also able to shut down the running game and Oklahoma commit Tavion Thomas, hound the QB all night with pressure from the front line, and with it the Bison ended the losing streak against the Dunbar Wolverines, in convincing fashion no less 42-0 Thursday night at Welcome Stadium.

While there were a few stars that we thought could be game changers it was the O and D line that delivered the difference - along with the Dayton HS Sports Player of the Game in Elijah Malcolm, who rushed for over 100+ with 4 scores on the night.

 When I asked Malcolm how it feels to finally beat Dunbar?

"Can't describe the feeling" as he looked in shock himself to what had just happened.

Coach White and the Belmont staff had a game plan, and it worked to near perfection.

 Belmont received the ball after Dunbar deferred, and the Bison had had a nice time consuming 1st drive which ended up inside the 10, but no points.
After a Dunbar punt, Belmont then marched  back down and scored on a 2-yard Elijah Malcolm run.
 Belmont, known for its signature Wing T offense, was able to get nice running holes for Malcolm and 2 way star Dawson Martin, who also had a good game as well.

By the time Dunbar had got into Belmont territory they were already down 22-0.

Jaden Rucker Furlow, the Miami (Ohio) commit, also grabbed a INT on the night and was the leader of a fast moving, hard hitting defense that kept Dunbar off track the entire night. Even when it looked as if Dunbar would score, the Bison tightened up,  thwarting a goal line try for Dunbar late in the game to preserve the shutout.

The Bison didn't attempt a pass until the end of the 1st half, and by that time?

It was already 22-0.

Coach Powell and the Dunbar nation was suprised, and hurt, but knows there is still hope for a good season.

But on this Season Opener in 2017-18?

The Belmont Bison showed up and showed out. And let it be known, that any plans for a SWOPL championship will go through the Bison.

On a positive note, the event was well attended, no fighting or negative vibes. And it maybe was the 10 biggest football crowds in DPS history.

There was tailgating, dancing, and a great atmosphere for the event. After it was over the coaches and players shook hands and gave respect.

AD Mark Baker and Superintendent Rhonda Corr both attended the event and Corr gave her congrats to the Bison nation on the big win.

Dunbar will face Ponitz next week while Belmont will head on the road next week.



Top 5 Games of Week 1 

With HS Football kicked off for most all the teams, here's our Top 5 Games of Week 1

Troy  @ Trotwood  Can Troy pull off another upset like they did last season?
The Rams are experienced and will be ready.

Wayne  @ Highland Prep Pitt  (Sunday)  Can Wayne go to a perennial Pennsylvania powerhouse and win? Star WR L'Christian Blue Smith will make announcement prior to game. All the event will be televised on ESPN on Sunday


Danville @ Ponitz  Can Ponitz withstand one of the best teams in Kentucky in perennial power Danville?


Piqua  @  Meadowdale Piqua will not be a happy team, as they were shut out of the playoffs last year because of the Dunbar Belmont fiasco. Fast forward and they get to take on the Lions, who has a new coach and a new regime in the Lions den.
Could be a long night for Meadowdale.


Springfield Shawnee @ Thurgood (Saturday)
Can the Cougars get off to a good start against a tough opponent. Shawnee will be ready to go against a young but talented Thurgood team.

Move aside Alter Fairmont; Hottest football ticket in town is Dunbar Belmont in 2017-18 Season Opener; Key Storylines; 10 D-1 Recruits in the Game? & more

 With all the drama that has surrounded Dayton Public Schools regarding the football fiasco between Dunbar and Belmont from last year?

Its only right that one of the first games on the schedule for the 2017-18 High School year is Dunbar - Belmont in week 1.

Both teams come into this season as potential favorites to win the SWOPL (SouthWest Ohio Public League)  which combines the Public Schools from Dayton and Cincinnati.

Last year Belmont lost to Dunbar, albeit in dramatic fashion, but was still able to reach the playoffs, after Dunbar was forced to forfeit the last 2 games due to playing a ineligible player, in which the Bison had made a referral to the day of the game.

Dunbar would then go through a investigation that would have the Head Coach battling for his job, his reputation, and his legacy, along with the Wolverines brass waiting in tow on the decision.
After not being re-hired due to a short staffed hiring committee, Powell, the Dunbar community, and the team showed support, protested, and petitioned.

After a long process Powell would be given his job back.

And what happened to Belmont since the fiasco?

They reached the OHSAA Playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year, and for the 1st time in Team history. They were the clear cut winner in the fan support, and they also stuck it to the Wolverines, a team who wants to get where the Bison have gone the last 2 seasons.

Coach White also got to keep his AD job, which was a win win for the Bison as well.

So, fast forward to tonight.

After all the drama that has been went down, tonight we get the rematch.

Here's our analysis of how each team looks heading into the Matchup.

Dunbar
Dunbar will be playing with a rage of emotions that will rival that of a State Championship game. They felt last year they were one of the top teams in the State.
While they lost some key stars on both sides (Keyshawn Jones, Jeffrey Wagner, Antwuan Johnson), they still have young players ready to step in.

Now they will come out with 2 superstars on offense (RB Tavion Thomas & WR-DB  Jo Jo Scates) and a star on the rise on defense (LB Seth Arnold), the Wolverines are set.
With a rejuventated coaching staff, Wolverine Nation behind them, and a loaded squad, they will be amped to play.


Belmont
Belmont coach Earl White, the top coach in the SWOPL at the moment, has changed the Bison program, and he knows this is a "Signature Game" for his program.

Win this one? And you set the tone as the premiere team from Dayton in the SWOPL. Along with beating a team that you feel like should be your rival.

But as we all know, a rivaly can't be considered a rivalry until you beat the squad that has beat you at least one time, in a meaningful game.

Loaded with senior stars in WR- DB  Jaden Rucker Furlow, star RB Elijah Malcolm & DB-RB Dawson Martin, and experience in the trenches, the Bison have plenty in store for this game.

While the Bison have heard all the talk about how Dunbar keeps dealing them losses year after year, they are primed to get it done. They have a new gunslinger and coach White has made it known that he wants to put the ball in the air this season, as once he gets to the playoffs, the running game needs to be complimented with a passing game as well.

While both teams have star players leading the charge, they both have the coaching staffs, teams, and support staff to go deep into the playoffs this season, even with a loaded division due to competitive balance that OHSAA has implemented the likes of Alter, Trotwood, and C-J.


With so many storylines heading into the game, here are just a few to ponder:

(1) Will Belmont get blown out again?

(2) Can Bison win the "trenches?"

(3) Which Star player can lead his team?

(4) Will there be a handshake after the game?

(5) Which team will have the most fan support?

(6) Are there really 10 D-1 Players in the game?  While there are 3 to 4 committed D-1 recruits in the game, how many actual D-1 talent will be on hand? And could we see a new star in the making?
While there may not be 10 d-1 recruits, there could be 7 or 8 for sure. Which is a whole lot in 1 high school football game.


With so much on the line, this game could be one of the best of the year.  And with as many as 10 possible D-1 recruits on the field?
Should be a ton of scouts on display as well.
Expect some great football tonight.
Whoever wins should have some real momentum heading into season.

Welcome Stadium.
7pm
Don't miss it.

This is the Game of the Week.
Move aside Alter - Fairmont.

The entire city of Dayton is waiting on this game.
Come out and support the hottest ticket in the house.

No matter who wins or loses, it will be a game to remember.

Are you ready for some football?