City League Championship Up for Grabs Tonight;
Can Dunbar take the Crown away from Belmont?
After a long season of ups and downs, the Belmont Bison and the Dunbar Wolverines are the only undefeated teams (3-0) standing in the Dayton Public League Football Standings.
And tonight, they will decide who will win the 2019 City League Championship, as they clash at 7pm tonight at Welcome Stadium. Belmont has won last 4 of the last 5 Championships and 2 in a row.
Despite both teams having struggles in the season, they have shown that they clearly are the 2 best teams in the City League. Belmont has outscored its opponents 145-18 while Dunbar has overpowered its opponents to a tune of 130-20 total score. Lets break down the teams in the Dayton Weekly Game of the Week (week 10).
Offense:
Belmont – The Bison depend on a running game, led by Senior QB Rian Reeves (DHSS #2), Junior RB Tavon Hardwick (DHSS #5) and Junior RB Joddi Burton (DHSS #34). The O-Line is the best in the City and uses the “Ground and Pound” strategy to gain advantage of its opponents. With an experienced Coaching Staff, the ability to throw the ball, as Reeves has a few TD passes this season, and a formula that works in bad weather?
Dunbar – The Wolverines have weapons all over the field, with 2 legit QB’s in Junior QB Greg Packnett Jr (DHSS #6) and sophomore Nate Roberts (DHSS #51). Then you look at current Dayton HS Sports #1 Ranked WR – Junior Brandon Wright and #4 Ranked Jaquan Lusbourgh (WR), and talented RB James Murray (DHSS #20) rounding out the stars of the offense. But don’t be fooled; there are other players who could breakout as well.
Advantage: Dunbar
Defense:
Belmont – With Star LB Adrian Cook (DHSS #10) sidelined this season, it has been others who have filled the void. The Estes brothers have been a factor; Daljuan Estes (DHSS #28) and Latrell (DHSS #24) along with Kiko Garcia (DHSS #53) have anchored the Defensive Line and Linebackers core. Some have mentioned Garcia as being the most consistent defender on the Bison team. Rising stars Tay Arnold (DHSS #22) and Kenyan “Money” Moon (DHSS #33) lead the backfield.
Dunbar – Defensive studs Jacar’e Morris (DHSS #11) and Alex Dawkins (DHSS #23) have been big time this season, as they have been rock solid in the middle. Add playmaking DB’s Jamar Payton (DHSS #45), T’Shaun Richardson (DHSS #49), and rising player Myles Lacking (DHSS #55) who all have been lights out in the last few weeks, and now you’re ready for war.
Advantage: Even
Coaching:
Belmont: With Earl White running the team, Doug Spears calling the plays, and the entire staff in control; this is the best staff in the City League. Has been for the last 3 or 4 years.
Dunbar: With Eric Freed in his 2nd season, and bringing back Al Powell and Lacking, along with his staff, have shown they can win and get results after a tumultuous start to the season.
Edge: Belmont
Keys to the Game:
- · Can Dunbar stop Belmont from rushing the ball?
- · Can Belmont’s young studs stop the offensive passing arsenal of Dunbar?
- · Which stars will step up when the lights are the brightest?
- · Who will win the Special Teams battle?
Final Analysis:
In a game with football type of conditions (Wet, possibly rain, 45 degrees) can the Wolverines find a way to stop the Bisons reign of the City League?
Game will come down to the wire, with Belmont winning 23-21.
NOTE: If Greg Packnett starts game, we are going with Dunbar with the win.
If not, we take the Bison.
Ki
TOP 100 LAUNCH, AWARD SHOW INFO TOMORROW
Tomorrow we will be launching a Top 100 for the Miami Valley. The top 100 will be for the Conferences such as the GWOC, GCL, Miami Valley League, SWBL, and other teams.
We also will be Announcing the Nominees for the Dayton HS Sports Award Show for Dayton Public Schools. We will announce Award Show for Southwest Ohio next Friday.
Follow us on the journey!
@DaytonHSSports
