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

Wayne throttles Centerville; Dunbar D dominates; Trotwood wins 5th straight; Alter drops 65 on Roger Bacon

Heres the Week 6 Results from HS Football in Southwest Ohio

Dunbar D led by Antwuan Johnson (2), Seth Arnold (5), & JoJo Scates (6) battles Meadowdale

Wayne shuts down Elks on Homecoming

 Wayne shuts down  Cent. erville  as they scored 24 points in the 1st quarter with defense, and budding star QB Rashad McKee threw 2 TD passes- one to Ray James and L'Christian "Blue"Smith as the Warriors trounced the host Elks. Kenyon Byrd had a Pick 6 for the WayneTrain.

The Warriors are 2nd in the state in D-1, and are 5-0-1, while Centerville falls to 3-3.

Trotwood puts up 66 in winning 4th straight  

 The Rams star RB Raveion Hargrove made his return known from the start, as he took his first attempt and ran 63 yards for the score against West Carrollton. The Pirates actually tied it at 6, but the Rams would put up 60 straight unanswered points in the victory. Hargrove ended up with 160+ yards and 3 TDs as the Rams (5-1) won their 5th straight game. The Pirates fall to 1-5.

Dunbar D shuts out Meadowdale

Dunbar junior 2 way star Jo Jo Scates ran back the kickoff against the Lions, and the Wolverines never looked back as they halted Meadowdale's 2 game winning streak by winning 46-0. The Wolverines D was on point as the Lions could not get in the end zone. Dunbar also had TD's from WR Chris Jackson & RB Tavion Thomas, and rising junior LB Seth Arnold had a pick 6 for the 5-1 Wolverines. Meadowdale falls to 2-4.

Springfield dumps Xenia

 Xenia was no match for the Wildcats, who were led by RB Shane Ramey's TD Runs (64, 54, & 14) as they jumped out to a 13-0 lead en route to a 40-18 win. Star player Danny Davis scored twice as well, and the Wildcats now move to 4-2 while Xenia falls to 2-4.

C-J wins 3rd straight 

 C-J won a big conference game as they defeated Purcell Marian 28-21. Once 0-3, the Eagles have regrouped and now have won 3 straight and are brimming with confidence.

Thurgood falls to Taft

Cincy Taft, a top team in the SWOPL last year, shut down Thurgood & their winning streak as Taft won 47-7. Taft is 2-0 in the conference and could be setting up a huge matchup vs Dunbar down the road

2nd Ranked Alter posts 65 on Roger Bacon

  Alter continues its torrid play with scoring a robust 65 on Cincy Roger Bacon. Alter is 2nd in the state and has risen every week in the OHSAA Standings.

Troy bounces back

 The Troy Trojans bounced back from a tough loss to get a big win vs Tippecanoe. Troy, was undefeated until Miamisburg scored late to halt the winning streak. Troy won 35-7 and is now 5-1.