Trotwood, C-J battle for State Semifinal berth; Winton Woods vs LaSalle

With only 2 local teams left in the OHSAA playoffs and 1 of them guaranteed a State Semifinal spot, it's been another solid year in the Miami Valley.

 This year Chaminade-Julienne (9-3) & Trotwood (12-0) teams will battle for the right to play in the D-3 Semifinal Game next weekend. 

The Rams were predicted by many to be a Stare Finalist, as they had a major portion of their players from last season still in tow.

Led by Senior RB Raveion Hargrove, who just won District Player of the Year, the Rams have been dominant all year, leading to the top spot in the OHSAA State D-3 poll. 

C-J on the other hand?

Not so much, although you seen the talent last season. 

The Eagles started out 0-2, then reeled off 7 straight before being dusted off by Alter in the final week of the season. 

 Despite the loss, the Eagles slipped into the playoffs, and avenged the loss in the 1st round against Alter by smacking the Knights 49-24. 

They then topped that in the Regional Final with a sweet comeback win last weekend, led by rising senior Star QB Ryan Peltier, who has been lights out for most of the season, especially late. 

The 6'4 gunslinger has presence and a arm to get it anywhere on the field. And he can run too. Which makes for for a dynamite match-up against Trotwood lefty Markell Stephens-Peppers who has been a Top 5 All-Ohio QB all season himself. 

The difference? 

Trotwood defense has been deadly all season and don' expect anything different tonight. They will be missing one of their star two-way players in Sammie Anderson, but still have enough versatility to offset the loss. 

And of course, 3kray, which is Hargrove's fast growing and social media buzzing nickname. 

Recently there has been a lot of hate for how good Hargrove is.

  Calling him a prima donna. Needs to be taken down. 

Hargrove is the epitome of what you want in a high school student-athlete, which is why he is revered by everyone in his circle, and respected by his peers the way very few are. 

Coach Colvin of C-J has done a magnificent job of getting the Eagles to believe up to this point. 

Can he come up with the perfect game plan to outmatch wits with the best staff in the game in Trotwood? Can they defeat Jeff Graham and his staff and knock off the huge favorites?

 Or will Ram Nation continue to show why they are on a mission for that elusive State Championship? 

Games at Stebbins HS (730 pm) 

Battle for State Berth in Rematch game in Cincy

Cincy LaSalle has had a good run and will see if that trend will continue against a tough Winton Woods squad who already beat them once.
Woods, who easily won last week, is the favorite but LaSalle is a very tough team, and it will be hard to beat twice.
Both teams are playing at a very high level right now.

All Eyes on Trotwood, Dunbar as they clash for Regional FInal Spot; 6 Teams left in Tourney; Playoff Matchups, Predictions; Louisville, Iowa State jump in for Star WR

When it comes to Trotwood - Dunbar and the rivalry that has ensued over the years, you automatically think about the great basketball teams and games that these teams have had.

However this year, football has joined the party, as the Rams and Wolverines will play for a Regional Final berth tonight at Vandalia Butler (7:30).

Trotwood, who has been in this position many times before, will look to continue their rock solid run as they want to hoist the OHSAA D-3 Championship Trophy after a runner up finish last season. They have been the #1 state ranked team all season since the OHSAA Polls came out.
Star RB Raveion Hargrove, a legitimate Mr. Football in Ohio candidate, leads the Rams.

But, they will have to show they are the best in Dayton.

Which means, this year, defeating the talented Wolverines.

Dunbar, which has been through a great deal in the last calendar year, now gets a shot on the big stage after a thrilling comeback win last week against Goshen 28-27.

Coach Darran Powell is excited for the opportunity, and knows they are facing one of, if not the best in Ohio in Trotwood.
But, this is a interesting game to say the least, as most of the fanatics and experts here in Dayton area know how talented Dunbar is.

With the trio of  RB Tavion Thomas,WR Jo Jo Scates, and LB Seth Arnold, the Wolverines have 3 D-1 type star players who have nearly single-handedly won a game.

But the leadership factor and unity is what has gotten the Wolverines to this point.

And that leadership and unity will have to be on point to be able to match wits with Rams coach Jeff graham and the vaunted coaching staff and the experienced Rams.

Dunbar has the talent, and has shown the consistency and guts to get here, but can they execute and put it all together tonight to pull off one of the biggest victories in their historic football program?

Or will the mighty Ram Nation show why they are the unquestioned team to beat in the OHSAA D-3 Playoffs?

Should be a epic night.

But regardless, great to see local teams getting it done to create these type of matchups deep in the playoffs.




Six teams left in Miami Valley;
Here are the 2nd round Playoff Matchups:

Dunbar          vs   Trotwood   (D-3)
In a game which features a upstart team in Dunbar with State type of talent, but will face the team who looks to be on a straight line to a OHSAA State Title. What star will step up and make it happen?

Centerville    vs   Pickerington North  (D-1)
Can the Elks knock off a hot Pickerington North squad? Both teams had very good 1st round performances. Elks need offensive passing game to be on point to get W over Star QB Jimmy Weirick?

Sidney           vs   Cin. LaSalle  (D-2)
Can the dynamic duo do it again, and defeat one of the big boys from Cincy? LaSalle has been rolling lately, but if Sidney can get the running game going, the Yellow Jackets could move on.

C-J                vs    New Richmond   (D-4)
The Eagles will look to ride the hot hand of star QB Ryan Peltier as they take on a tough New Richmond squad, who knocked off Franklin last week. Can the Eagles do it again and move on?

Valley View   vs  Clinton Massie 
The Spartans have been untouchable this season. Can Massie, a playoff regular lately, pull off the upset?




Louisville, Iowa State enter Jo Jo Scates sweepstakes

Joseph Scates (smiling) with fellow Wolverines on set of Dayton HS Sports 

Jo Jo Scates, the star senior wideout for Dunbar, who has been pursued by the likes of Alabama and West Virginia, is now being recruited by Louisville & Iowa State.

Scates, who came on the Award winning  Dayton HS Sports TV Show last week, talked about how both teams have came into the recruiting trail lately.
Scates is one of the top recievers in Ohio, and had the Game winning TD last week in the playoff win @ Goshen.

While Alabama was thought of as a front runner, Louisville and Iowa State have came on very strong of late.
 Could those schools be offering a starting spot as a true freshman?



Find out more at: DaytonHighSchoolSports.com

Which local teams are in the playoffs? GWOC vs Columbus; CJ-Alter Part 2; Key Players, Predictions

With the playoffs on the horizon lets look at all the teams that made it into the OHSAA 2017 Football  Playoffs and who they will face:

From L-R: Raveion Hargrove, Joseph Scates, Elijah Malcolm, Isaiah Bowser, Andre Gordon, Blue Smith

(SWOPL)
Belmont   @  Sidney   (D-2) 
Can Belmont and their vaunted D defeat Sidney and their dynamic duo?
We taking Belmont in a close one 23-21.


Dunbar    @   Goshen   (D-3)
Can the Wolverines head down to Goshen and defeat the run heavy squad?
We're taking Dunbar 34-24. 


Cin Taft  @ Indian Hill  (D-4)
Can Taft stop a very tough Indian Hill squad?
We take Taft 20-18.



GWOC  vs Columbus
 In what could help shape who wins the State title, the GWOC will square off against Columbus schools this week as the winners will move on to the regional semifinals.
Although there is 7 teams in the playoffs, there are no matchups featuring 2 schools, which could prove to be a epic year like 2 years ago, or could be a Columbus win, depending on how the games swing.
With city bragging rights on the line, here's the matchups:

(D-1)
Pickerington North   @ Wayne
Can North come up to Wayne and stop the Wayne Train? Look for a outburst from Warriors.
Wayne wins 27-20.


Northmont @ Pickerington Central
Can the Bolts continue their great run against arguably the best team in Columbus area?
Pickerington stops Bolts 27-24. 


Hillard Darby  @ Centerville
Can the Elks continue the great run for 1st year coach Brent Ullery? Or will Hillard pull of a upset win?
Elks get it done 24-21.


Fairmont @ Hillard Bradley
Can the Firebirds go into Hillard and defeat the undefeated Bradley team? Fairmont has a playoff type of team, with run first mentality.
Bradley stops Fairmont run 17-7.


(D-2)
Troy  @ Cincy Anderson 
Can the Trojans go down to Cincy and get it done vs a well rounded Anderson squad?
Troy wins on road 26-24.

(D-3)
Trotwood      vs   Elida
Can Elida pull off the major upset? Doubtful, as the Rams are on a mission to grab that title that eluded them last season.
Rams roll 40-7.

C-J              vs   Alter
Can the Eagles get some getback after a beatdown from the Knights last week? Should be a good one.
Alter wins rematch 31-21.

Franklin        vs   New Richmond
Can Franklin continue to put up major numbers against a high firepower squad such as New Richmond?
Franklin falls to New Richmond 34-32.


(D-4)
Waverly      @  Valley View
Can the Spartans continue their undefeated season against a tough Waverly team? The Spartans have whacked every opponent this season they have played.
Valley view wins 37-21.

Dunbar Thomas runs wild on Thurgood, scores 7 TD's in playoff berth win; Final SWOPL Standings; Playoff Matchups for Belmont, Dunbar; Player of Year Candidates

Here's the top Headlines for Week 10 in the SWOPL as we head to the playoffs. 

Tavion Thomas led Wolverines to playoffs with 300 yard, 7 TD Performance

Dunbar Thomas runs wild, leads Wolverines to playoff clinching win

In a game that had so much riding on the line, Dunbar knew there was no tomorrow.

No other chances to show that this group of seniors could come through in the clutch and reach the OHSAA playoffs.

Hadn't done it in 7 years, and after the tumultuous ending last year, would the Wolverines bounce back?

They bounced back in dramatic fashion, as Oklahoma commit and All-SWOPL selection Tavion Thomas would lead the way, with over 300 yards rushing and 7 - yes you read it right - 7 touchdowns on the night to lead the Wolverines to a big win (46-0) over one of its rivals and in the process, ending the Cougars 6-game winning streak and playoff hopes to boot.

Thomas clearly made his statement to possibly be the SWOPL Player of the Year as he ran around, over, and through the Cougars for his career high (301) in his last regualar season game as a Wolverine.

 On  a night which it was raining consistently and cold? Would be a ground and pound type of night.

Exactly the type of game Thomas and the Wolverines wanted.

Thurgood had been putting up major numbers lately, scoring over 40 in recent weeks, but couldn't get the running game going, which doomed the Cougars.

Thurgood ends the season at 6-4 and despite the hurt and not reaching the playoffs, the Cougars were happy with their season overall.

The Wolverines (7-3) now sit as a #5 seed and will head to Cincinnati to take on Goshen (9-1) on Friday night. Goshen is a rock solid program who the Wolverines beat the last time these teams seen each other in the playoffs years ago.

Final Regular Season Standings (SWOPL)

SWOPL AMERICAN	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Belmont	6 - 0	1.000	294	9	9 - 0	1.000	411	9	W9
Thurgood Marshall	5 - 1	.800	158	90	6 - 4	.556	218	196	L1
Meadowdale	3 - 3	.500	66	152	4 - 6	.400	123	345	W1
Western Hills	2 - 4	.333	91	134	3 - 7	.300	147	253	L2
Woodward	2 - 4	.333	107	139	2 - 8	.200	146	274	L1
Ponitz Career Tech	2 - 3	.250	33	67	4 - 6	.250	77	144	W1
Hughes	1 - 5	.200	43	201	3 - 7	.333	141	309	L5

Standings
	Conference				OVERALL
SWOPL NATIONAL	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Taft	5 - 0	1.000	154	68	8 - 2	.800	266	192	W7
Dunbar	3 - 1	.750	166	65	7 - 3	.700	368	191	W2
Aiken	3 - 2	.600	166	84	8 - 2	.800	350	142	W5
Gamble Montessori	2 - 3	.400	80	126	5 - 5	.500	210	217	W1
Shroder	1 - 4	.200	92	189	2 - 8	.200	147	400	L3
Riverview East	0 - 5	.000	26	234	3 - 7	.300	142	332	L2

Week 1 Playoff Matchups (All games on Friday)

Belmont (9-0)   @ Sidney (8-2)   Can the Bison continue their epic season? After a Cinderella type season, the Bison have to go on the road to play a similar type of opponent in Sidney.  Which running team will get it done on a night in which the weather could be another factor like it was in Week 10?

Key Players To Watch: Isaiah Bowser, Andre Gordon, Dawson Martin, Elijah Malcolm, Jaden Rucker Furlow

Keys to Bison victory: Stay with the formula. But play action pass must be used in what will be a ruckus crowd in Sidney. The Yellow Jackets don't matchup well outside  with Belmont, but in the trenches its a even match. Belmont must control the tempo, and the vaunted D must show its worth against the GWOC's top rusher in Isaiah Bowser and one of  top 10 dynamic players in Andre Gordon.

Dunbar  (7-3)    @ Goshen (9-1)  Can the Wolverines take on a really good Goshen team and defeat them  in Cincy? The Wolverines have had a couple of big road wins, but this game will not be like any of those they have faced. Although Dunbar beat Goshen in the playoff years ago, these teams are different, and should have no effect on this big matchup.

Key Players: Tavion Thomas, Joseph Scates, Seth Arnold, Jimmy Strunk (RB), Payton Leugers (DB-WR), Kyle Proffitt (QB)

Keys to Dunbar win: Wolverines must be able to get passing game going, Must establish a 3 &
out defensively within first 2 possessions.
 The teams who have given Goshen the most problems are the teams who can air the ball out. Goshen is a running team, similar to Belmont, and have a stout D, but the advantages for Dunbar lie in play action and the WR core. If the Wolverines can strike first, then it could be a good night for Dunbar.
The defensive line must have a breakout game as well.

Player of the Year Candidates: SWOPL

Heres our Top 10 Candidates for  Player of The Year in the SWOPL

Could Dawson Martin (23) nab Player of the Year in the SWOPL?

Tavion Thomas - RB   (Dunbar)  Thomas ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 16 TDs on the season, capping it off with a 300 yard, 7 TD performance for the ages.

Dawson Martin  - RB - DB (Belmont)  Martin scored 20 TD's on offense (tops in the SWOPL) in almost 1150 yards of total offense. He also is one of  the key players on Defense as well as he nabbed 2 INT's as he help spearhead a D that allowed only 1 TD all regular season.

Cleveland Farmer - QB  (Taft) Farmer, a dynamic option type QB, led the SWOPL in passing yards (1283), threw for 12 TDs & ran for 12 more while amassing almost 500 yards on the ground. He also led the Senators to a playoff berth and a big win over Dunbar to boot.

Jaden Rucker Furlow - DB/ WR  (Belmont) While Rucker Furlow didn't have the stats that most had, he was the leader of a D that allowed 9 points in 9 games. Furlow was treated like Deion Sanders, where he didn't get many passes thrown his way. He had 2 early INT's which set the tone for the whole season. A Miami of Ohio commit. Had TD's receiving and on kickoff returns.

Joseph Scates  - WR / DB  (Dunbar) Scates had a good year, with over 800 yards of receiving and  with  for the high powered offense of Dunbar, along with being a captain of the squad.

Could Defensive Standout Seth Arnold or Oklahoma commit Tavion Thomas win Player of the Year? 

Demarco Bradley  - DB - WR (Aiken) Bradley was one of the top Defensive guys with 7 INT's on defense while amassing 78 tackles; he also ran for 900 yards, with 8 TD's and a kickoff return TD as well.

Deshawn Lawrence  - WR / S  (Aiken) Lawrence garnered 5 INT, 98 Tackles on D while racking up 1047 Rec Yards and 8 TDs on Offense for Aiken. Possibly the best 2 way player in the SWOPL.

Seth Arnold  - LB   (Dunbar) Towns delivered over 135 Tackles and was the unquestioned leader for the Wolverines D. He accounted for 2 INT's, 4 forced fumbles, 3 sacks, and 23 tackles for loss. Has ability to play in coverage, against the run, or blitz with efficiency.

Elijah Malcolm  - RB / LB   (Belmont) 1,063 yds, 14 TD's  Malcolm was the offensive leader for the undefeated Bison 9-0. He steamrolled Dunbar in the season opener to set the Bison on the move. The engine of the Belmont offense.

Kayvon Britten -  RB  (Western Hills) Britten led the SWOPL in Rushing (1255)  as a sophomore. Had a 230 yard game late in the season.

V'Sean Palmer - DB /WR (Thurgood)  Palmer led the SWOPL in INT's,  and was the key player in the Cougars resurgence to a 6-4 record this season.