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?
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