Belmont wins epic battle 54-41; Dunbar Coach suspended for scoring too much? New Hire

With all the hoopla surrounding this week, it surely will be a interesting weekend to say the least.

Belmont survives shootout, defeats Ponitz (Thursday Night Game) 

QB Xavier Henry speeding to the end zone

The Bison was very aware of how Ponitz felt coming into the game last night.
 The Panthers made no bones about being better than Belmont, and they wanted to prove it this season.
   After Thursday night, it's safe to say the Bison were ready & withstood every challenge the Panthers brought their way, en route to a 54-41 win @ Welcome Stadium.
 Every time the Panthers scored, the Bison responded.
  While Panthers RB Jamil Freeman was good in his own right, Elijah Malcolm  was unstoppable, and has vaulted his name into the SWOPL Player of the Year list with a great performance - especially in the 4th quarter, when Belmont needed it most.

Belmont now moves to 4-2, while Ponitz suffered it's 3rd loss of the season (3-3).
Coach White felt like his boys showed poise, perseverance, and a toughness he hadn't seen this year. Not to mention this turning into a "Rivalry Game" after all the talking.



Dunbar Coach suspended 1 game after "Running up the Score"

Wolverines coach and staff during the game

 Dunbar Wolverines coach Darran Powell has been suspended 1 game for "Running up the score" last week in the Cincy Schroeder game.

He is awaiting appeal for tonight's game vs Meadowdale.
  This was handed down earlier this week by the DPS Committee & AD Mark Baker.
 
While 78 points is a lot, there is a lot of speculation of why he was suspended.
 Let's go back before we head forward real quick.

The Dayton Public League has been mediocre at best in football for the last 20-30 years. The only team to make it to state was Earl White led Thurgood Marshall in the last 50 years.

Teams in the GWOC, GCL, and other top leagues had salivated over the chance to play city schools yeara ago.
Well, over the last couple years the addition of new coaches, top players, and a real push by the community and media has shown that City League football is on the rise. And in this era,  there is a running clock if a rout is in effect (30 point lead after halftime) to prevent ridiculous blowouts.

But in sports it happens.  It happened last year, when Belmont posted 72 on Aiken. And no word on a suspension.

Why not?

So why the suspension now on a team that is clearly having its best season in over 15 years?

  When u watch the Wolverines, you can see that the is talent all over the place.
And last year, the Wolverines lost a few games they should have won; combine that with a hungry team, a coaching staff who knows how to win and has instilled a winning mentality, and you get these results sometimes.
No other High School team that has ever went ham on a city league team has ever suspended a coach.
Ever.

So why now?
The facts:  Dunbar scored 50 points in the first half. And they could have scored more.

They played 2nd and 3rd stringers in the entire 2nd half. And still scored 28 points. On a running clock no less.

Every week somebody gets trounced in the Miami Valley  where the game is embarrassing.

That's the life of sports. DEAL WITH IT.
Either you win or lose. And the Wolverines lost with this decision.

So is it the Wolverines fault that they scored 78, or is it Schroeder fault for not stopping them?

Should be a interesting night at Welcome Stadium as the Wolverines take on the Lions. In what is a huge rivalry no less.


 
 NEW Addition to Team as Weatherspoon joins DHSS 

Coach Weatherspoon set to join staff

In a new turn of events, Thurgood Baseball Coach Deon Weatherspoon  has decided to join the Dayton HS Sports staff.
Weatherspoon, who coaches at Thurgood, will assist with weekly show, website, & will also assist with reporting on upcoming events and games.

"SPOON" as he is affectionately known for, will be joining the staff starting next week.

   

Dunbar puts 78 on Schroeder; Wayne scorches Northmont; Trotwood continues to roll;

 In case you missed last weekends action, heres what went down in week 5

Wolverines  celebrate a homecoming duo

Dunbar puts 78 on the board against Schroeder
 Dunbar took this game personally it seemed, as last year they let Schroeder slip away with some mistakes late in the game en route to losing to Schroeder.
The Powell coaching staff took the blame, feeling they didn't prep them for the game last year.

Well at Welcome Stadium they decided to exact some revenge. And it's safe to say they were prepared.
And boy were they, as they amassed 78 points, with 50 coming in the first half, as they obliterated Scroeder 78-16.
RB Tavion Thomas got it going early and often, and the rout was on, as Thomas, Keyshawn Jones, Chris Jackson, and  Jeffrey Wagner all scored in the 1st half.
Dunbar moves to 4-1 on the season, one of their best start in 2 decades. At the beginning of the game, Coach Powell stated that:

"We need to go 1-0 tonight" & "that's our focus this season."

Its clear that the Wolverines are a different team this season. And if they keep that same mentality, watch out.

Wayne runs away in 2nd half   - Wayne started slowly against Northmont, but ran up 38 consecutive points to a blowout the Thunderbolts 58-26.
 Wayne is now 4-0-1 and ranked second in the state.

Alter shuts down Fenwick - Alter once again shut down a strong opponent by defeating Fenwick.

Meadowdale gets 2nd straight win on the road - the Lions went down in cincy and pulled out a close victory to pull their record to 2-3 on the season. 

Ponitz loses in shootout -
 The Panthers put up 42, but it was not enough as they lost in a shootout 48-42. The loss drops Ponitz to 3-2. 

Troy falls to the Burg -
 Miamisburg (4-1)  connected with less than a minute to upend Troy and give the Trojans (4-1) it's first loss of the season. 

Springfield upset - 
The Field took a tough loss to a spirited Lebanon team as the Warriors won 28-27. The Wildcats drop to 3-2. 

C-J rolls again - The Eagles won their 2nd straight game as they blew out Carroll in front of their home fans.

Thurgood stops Gamble Montessori - Thurgood got their 2nd straight win after stopping Gamble 22-20. 

Dunbar puts 78 on Schroeder ; Wayne scorches Northmont; Trotwood continues to roll;

 In case you missed last weekends action, heres what went down in week 5

Wolverines  celebrate a homecoming duo

Dunbar puts 78 on the board against Schroeder
 Dunbar took this game personally it seemed, as last year they let Schroeder slip away with some mistakes late in the game en route to losing to Schroeder.
The Powell coaching staff took the blame, feeling they didn't prep them for the game last year.

Well at Welcome Stadium they decided to exact some revenge. And it's safe to say they were prepared.
And boy were they, as they amassed 78 points, with 50 coming in the first half, as they obliterated Scroeder 78-16.
RB Tavion Thomas got it going early and often, and the rout was on, as Thomas, Keyshawn Jones, Chris Jackson, and  Jeffrey Wagner all scored in the 1st half.
Dunbar moves to 4-1 on the season, one of their best start in 2 decades. At the beginning of the game, Coach Powell stated that:

"We need to go 1-0 tonight" & "that's our focus this season."

Its clear that the Wolverines are a different team this season. And if they keep that same mentality, watch out.

Wayne runs away in 2nd half   - Wayne started slowly against Northmont, but ran up 38 consecutive points to a blowout the Thunderbolts 58-26.
 Wayne is now 4-0-1 and ranked second in the state.

Alter shuts down Fenwick - Alter once again shut down a strong opponent by defeating Fenwick.

Meadowdale gets 2nd straight win on the road - the Lions went down in cincy and pulled out a close victory to pull their record to 2-3 on the season. 

Ponitz loses in shootout -
 The Panthers put up 42, but it was not enough as they lost in a shootout 48-42. The loss drops Ponitz to 3-2. 

Troy falls to the Burg -
 Miamisburg (4-1)  connected with less than a minute to upend Troy and give the Trojans (4-1) it's first loss of the season. 

Springfield upset - 
The Field took a tough loss to a spirited Lebanon team as the Warriors won 28-27. The Wildcats drop to 3-2. 

C-J rolls again - The Eagles won their 2nd straight game as they blew out Carroll in front of their home fans.

Thurgood stops Gamble Montessori - Thurgood got their 2nd straight win after stopping Gamble 22-20. 

Dayton HS Sports: Ponitz stars talk about beating Belmont, playoffs,

A month or so we had the Ponitz Panthers on the show Dayton HS Sports. They were asked a few questions, but one of them drew some smiles from a certain coach in the audience member in particular (Belmont Coach Earl White).




Check out the responses on the "Getback" from the Panthers.




Ponitz (3-2) takes on Belmont (3-2) tonight (Welcome Stadium) in which both teams are fighting for a chance to get a playoff spot.

With this footage, this is a game definitely worth checking out.

Can Ponitz back up the talk?

We will soon find out.

Whoever wins this game could be in good position for a playoff run.




Check out more at                    www.DaytonHighSchoolSports.com

Belmont smacks down Woodward; Centerville pulls off comeback vs Boro

Heres recap of the Thursday night games in the Miami Valley

 Elijah Malcolm

Belmont throttles Woodward 
Belmont  used it's gritty ground game to punish Woodward 48-14 on Thursday night.
 Elijah Malcolm scored 3 times and Belmont amassed 440 yards of offense in washing out Woodward 48-14.
Dawson Martin garnered a INT.
 The Bison scored 24 in the 1st and 2nd half as they was rolling on all cylinders.
Belmont moves to 3-2 and wins it's 2nd straight game.


Centerville rallies, defeats Springboro 
Centerville  rallied in the 4th to upend Springboro a in front of the home crowd by a score of 28-21.
 Springboro went into the 4th with a leqd, but the Elks used a home crowd and some key plays to get the job done.
 RB Mason Kuhr led the Elks with 150 years rushing and 2 TDs.  Centerville now moves to 3-2, while Springboro falls to 3-2.

Week 4 Recap: Wayne rolls, while"The Field" wins on Hail Mary; Ponitz sets record, Dunbar, Thurgood get Ws;

Here's some of the highlights and headlines from Week 4 in the Miami Valley:

Danny Davis, Leonard Taylor a dynamic duo
for 3-1 Springfield 

(1) Springfield wins on final play of game, stuns Centerville 
  Springfield has been in a couple of thrilling games already this season, and this one was no different.
Tied up at 20, in which the Wildcats had lost last year to the Elks, at home, and on top of that, in heartbreaking fashion.
Trailing 17-6 early in the 4th quarter, the Wildcats looked doomed again.
  Not this time, as the Wildcats came back in a 4th quarter blitz, and then broke the Elks heart on the final play, as Star WR Danny Davis snatched a Hail Mary pass from a group of defenders to get a electric 26-20 win @ Centerville HS.
 Feeling that it was too far to try a kick, the Wildcats decided to give it one last heave before overtime.

And what a heave it was.

  The Wildcats went wild, celebrating on the Elks turf, & solidifying themselves as a serious contender this year for a deep run.
 Coach Douglass was very happy with the win, but knows there's a lot of season to go. The Wildcats are now 3-1, while Centerville falls to 2-2.
 
Dayton HS Sports star of the game: Danny Davis, Springfield


(2) Wayne continues dominance of GWOC, Miamisburg 
The Wayne Train was in a dogfight for a half vs the Burg.
 They only led 17-12, & the Vikings were thinking upset in their new Stadium.
Not so fast Miamisburg, as Wayne sprinted out in the 2nd half to score 28 unanswered points to cruise to a win 45-12 Friday night.
 Miamisburg used the crowd, new stadium
, tough defense, and offensive explosion to stay in the game in the first half.
However, in the 2nd half was all Wayne as nationally top ranked prospect L'Christian "Blie" Smith scored and RB Fred Pitts bulled his way to a couple TDS as well. Wayne moves to 3-0-1 while Miamisburg falls to 3-1.

Dayton HS Sports Star of the Game:  Fred Pitts RB, Wayne


(3) Ponitz  sets mark early in season with W               Ponitz coaching staff and seniors truly felt like this year they would make a difference.
And they are, as the Panthers defeated Cincy Woodward to go to 3-1 for the first time in their history 22-20.
    The Panthers played solid ball throughout, and we're led by the defense which stood pat late in the game. The Panthers coaching staff was extremely pleased with the way their team handled adversity on the road, and feels like the Panthers are headed for a special season, if they can stay focused on the bigger prize.


(4) Dunbar smacks Cincy Hughes  
     Dunbar  bounced back after a tough loss last week by pounding Cincy Hughes 56-6. The Wolverines had a bad taste in their mouth after the Princeton loss, and took it out on Hughes.
The Wolverines scored early and often vs Hughes, who were severely outmatched.
   The coaching staff was pleased with the effort in the week and gameday, as the players were focused and ready to get back in the win column.

 Dunbar now moves to 3-1.


(5) Trotwood runs past Tipp in 2nd half  
    Trotwood shook off a rain delay, and a slow first half to thump previously unbeaten Tipp 43-6.
Tippecanoe was only down 2 at half (8-6) but 2 defensive TDs got the Rams rolling as the Rams scored 4 straight TDs after half.  Trotwood played without its Star RB Raveion Hargrove, who sat out with a leg pull.

 DaytonHSSports Star of the game: Darius Wortham, DB,  Trotwood


Other news:

Belmont races past Aiken 56-30
 Belmont also stormed back to a rout of another Cincy team, as the Bison ran wild on Aiken.
 Belmont RB Elijah Malcolm was unstoppable, and  scored 4 TDS to lead the Bison.
Belmont now ups their record to 2-2  

Player of the Game: Elijah Malcolm 
 Thurgood, Meadowdale both get 1st Ws of season 
Thurgood coach Brian Carter notched his first W of his head coaching career as Thurgood grabbed it's first W of the season.
Meadowdale also grabbed a tough victory on the road as they defeated Shroeder Paideia Academy 14-7.
Both teams are now 1-3

Wayne cruises, Ponitz finishes deal; Trotwood rolls; Dunbar, Belmont fall; Pirates get first W

Here's the recap & top headlines on Week 3 in the Miami Valley:


Wayne throttles Lakota West  

 The Wayne Train got in full speed early and often as they trounced Lakota West 51-7. 5-Star WR  L'Christian "Blue" Smith scored on a long pass on the first play of scrimmage, which set the tone; from there the rout was on. The Wayne Train defense shut down Lakota East to only 76 yards total and -31 yards rushing.
Wayne now moves on to 2-0, while Lakota East falls to 0-3.

Miamisburg, Thurgood battle 

Ponitz finishes what they start, get win

 After Ponitz lost a tough one last week, they bounced back with intensity - although they had to wait a extra day for the win.
Despite a thunderstorm which halted the Friday night game, the Panthers finished off a great start on Saturday to defeat Cincy Country Day 36-14.
RB Jamil Freeman once again led the squad with his excellent play. The defense also played well, and now the Panthers move to 2-1.




Trotwood shuts out Middletown

Trotwood used Middletown mistakes to turn a tight game into a rout early as the Rams cruised 41-0.
The Rams had a standout defensive effort causing chaos early and throughout the entire game.
QB Markell Stephens-Peppers had a breakout game & led the way with 4 TDs passing.
Trotwood now is 2-1, while Middletown falls to 0-3.



Springfield gets big win on road in Lima

 Coach Maurice Douglass knows that in order for his boys to not only get to the playoffs but win?
 They have to win some big games in the regular season on the road.
One mission was accomplished as the Wildcats defeated Lima Senior 24-21 Friday night.
Star WR-RB Danny Davis ran wild for 3 TDs and former Michigan committ and Star TE-DE Leonard Taylor ran back a INT for a huge TD as the Wildcats pulled out a big win & gains some big computer points for the stretch run.
 Springfield now moves to 2-1.



Dunbar falls to Princeton

    The Wolverines went down to Cincy playing good ball, but ran into a hungry Princeton team as the Wolverines lost 41-12.
Dunbar falls to 2-1, while Princeton,  who has knocked off Springfield and Dunbar, is now 3-0.
  Too many mistakes and a Princeton team who executed very well spelled doom for the Wolverines.
 


 Belmont falls to Liberty Union

    Belmont couldn't get the running game rolling, and Liberty Union continued it's hot play with a 25-0 win @ Welcome Stadium on Saturday night.
Liberty Union has averaged over 40 points a game, and controlled the tempo for most of the night. The Bison had a few opportunities but couldn't capitalize, and Union took full advantage of that inability. Belmont falls to 1-2, while Liberty moves to 3-0.



Miamisburg shuts down Thurgood

   Looks like the Miamisburg Vikings are forreal.
They put on a show for the Welcome Stadium crowd as they ran past the Cougars 49-6.
Thurgood dictated the 1st quarter, but couldn't score, and once Miamisburg got rollin, there was no stopping them. The Vikings were up 13-0 & never looked back. Star RB Jake Ross rushed 3 times for 180 yards on 2 long TDs and added a receiving TD.



C-J garners first W of the season

Chaminade snapped out of a funk and played great ball as they blanked Meadowdale 34-0.
After falling in its first 2 games, the Eagles were able to get their offense rolling, while the Lions continued to stuggle.
C-J is now 1-2 whole the Lions fall to 0-3.



West Carrollton gets its first W of season

 The Pirates of West Carrollton pulled out a thrilling 22-20 win over Greenon on Friday.
It was their first W of the season, as they held off a tough Greenon team.
They now move to 1-2.

Top 5 games in Week 3; Will Wayne continue to rule the Nati? Can Dunbar keep rollin? 4-Star Recruit Decommitts

As we hit the mid-season stretch here's a few games which could show who are the teams to watch, to not watch, and to see if this will be the weekend of no rain delays, which already happened with Ponitz game last night.

Will tonight be the "Blue" Show @ Lakota?

Heres our Top games of Week 3:


Trotwood Madison (1-1)  @ Middletown (0-2)- In a game both teams need badly for the playoff race, Trotwood (1-1)  found its rhythm against a tough Piqua squad last week after laying a egg in the first week. When talking to the coaches after game 1, it was clear that a fire needed to be lit under the Rams. Middletown (0-2) will look to get a big W, after losing last week to Springboro. Look for an offensive explosion from Rams star RB Raveion Hargrove tonight.

Can the "Team of the Week" pull off the big W @ Princeton?

Dunbar (2-0)  @ Cin Princeton (2-0) -  Dunbar has a fire about them this year that hasn't been there in a while. In a big win last week, the Wolverines seemed to have found themselves and a silver lining in these first two games. If they can pull off a big win vs a tough Princeton team tonight? It could be the start to something special for the Woverines. Look for big performances from WRs Jo Jo Scates and Chris Jackson tonight. Princeton survived at home against Springfield last week. Can they defeat another talented team at home tonight?

Miamisburg (2-0) @ Thurgood Marshall  (0-2) - Miamisburg  looks like a team on a mission as they will take on the Cougars and new head coach Brian Carter  tonight. While Thurgood hasn't won this season, they know that tonight they will have a home crowd. They will need it, as the Vikings come into Welcome Stadium with 2 D-1 recruits on the line, and skilled players all over.

Wayne (1-0) @ Lakota West (0-2)- While the Wayne Train didn't get a win until week 2, its clear they definitely want to make it 2-0 as they take on Lakota West. West hasn't been able to get on track, &  aside for the offensive trio of Zelwyn Robinson, former Trotwood Ram RB Tayvion Ware, & WR Payton Porterfield, it hasn't been a great start to the season so far. While the home crowd will be pumped, watch for Wayne stars L'Christian "Blue" Smith and Matt Wilcox to break out tonight. Also, there are some basketball ties with both teams, so look for a little revenge as well from the Wayne Train on behalf of the football team.

Meadowdale (0-2) @ Chaminade Julienne (0-2)  In a game both teams need, who will show the fire to get it done? C-J hasn't looked great, but will be at home for the contest. Meadowdale also hasn't shown their best, but with 2 good programs looking for that elusive win in Week 3? You know this will be a tough game.

Dunbar star backs off from Michigan

 Dunbar transfer & defensive star Antwuan Johnson, the LB who came to Dunbar from Springfield this season, has decomitted from Michigan. 

    Johnson, a rock solid 6'2 linebacker who makes plays all day, has decided to hold off on the Wolverines until further notice. Johnson is the type of guy who knows what he is doing, so it should be a interesting next 2 years for the Junior, who is leading the Wolverines in tackles, and is the unquestioned leader of the defense, which has stars all over the field.

 

    Johnson will be coveted and don't be surprised to see Ohio State or Michigan State jumping in the race. Also look for a few SEC schools to come calling as well.

Dunbar streaks past Ponitz in 2nd half; Put 56 on the board

For about 20 solid minutes or for most of the 1st half, Ponitz went toe for toe, and actually had the lead vs Dunbar, much like last year;

    The Panthers showed they had the gameplan to play with the favored Wolverines. Star RB Jamil Freeman was doing work, & after a strong TD run by Ponitz late in the 2nd quarter, it looked as if we might have a upset on our hands, as the Panthers led 14-12.  The Panthers crowd was hype, and the sense of a Ponitz win was starting to look like a reality.

After that, Dunbar outscored Ponitz 44-21 in a blistering display of offense as they routed Ponitz 56-35.

Local and Ohio State Legend Keith Byars at the game

With City League legend Keith Byars watching the game, the Wolverines took it up a few notches.

  Jo Jo Scates, Keyshawn Jones & Tavion Thomas all scored, as the Wolverines put it all together in the 2nd half as Michigan committ Antwan Johnson led the Defense to some key stops early in the 3rd to take the game from a nail biter to a rout.

Dunbar moves to 2-0 while Ponitz  falls to 1-1.

Big Time Matchup on A Thursday; Ponitz, Dunbar Intriguing Week 2 Matchup

 After the Ponitz Panthers dismantled its first opponent, this weeks Panthers vs Dunbar Wolverines Week 2 matchup looks a lot better as they will battle tonight @ Welcome Stadium (7pm)

Who wins pivotal city league battle?
(PHOTO courtesy of Footballu4u.com)

Add the fact that the Wolverines was able to pull out the comeback victory, and now you have two teams who could be playing for a lot more than just a 2-0 record early in the season, as the Panthers take on the Wolverines at Welcome Stadium.

    Now while Dunbar was figured to be a favor for playoff contender, ponitz was looked at possibly being a year away.

    However with the great coaching staff and the seniors stepping up, we could be in for a heck of a game.


Keys to victory for Ponitz

Ponitz must set the tempo in the game...The Panthers was able to dictate the tempo in the first game with their misdirection offense and big play ability.....They need to be able to set the tone against a team that they haven't had success with....Must get the running game going.....Must get pressure with D Line & win line of scrimmage....Have to stop big play ability of Wolverines.


Keys to victory for Dunbar: 

Dunbar must execute the little things early and often....They have to get their key offensive players in the game....Must play good defense like in Week 1..... Have to get passing game going.....Must win key "big play" total vs Ponitz.



As some of the senior Panthers stated at Dayton HS Sports TV/ Radio Show, the Wolverines are the team they want to get some "Getback" on;

Are Panthers ready to get Revenge" on the Wolverines?

Should be a very nice matchup indeed.