Despite Obstacles, Meadowdale Still Playing For Shot At OHSAA Playoffs Tonight vs Ponitz

 Despite Obstacles, Lions Have "Win And In" Option

The Meadowdale Lions have been one of  the most scrutinized teams all season in the Miami Valley, as they have had a microscope on their program for the duration of the season, good or bad. 

Tonight however, they will play for something great. 

While most news this season have been good, last week was bad, and in a way that left most Lions fans, alumni, and general public scratching their heads at the Athletic department.

After a wild game vs Belmont, Earl White was suspended for a game for "Conduct Detrimental to the Program" in a big win over Belmont.

In speaking with people who were at the game, along with other officials, they are still confused on exactly what White got suspended for. 

After watching game it felt like he (White) had done everything professionally in a rivalry game, which everyone knew it would be high emotions and feelings headed into the game. 

But DPS would slap a 1-game self imposed suspemsion on White and some players as well. 

One of the officials made a statement saying that DPS was wrong in suspending White, and would not officiate games ever again if the Athletic department upheld this verdict.

DPS didn't bat a eye and didn't budge on its stance, feeling there was a legitimate reason for the suspension, which is a bold move to say the least.

  Against Schroeder the Lions would rack up over 400 yards of total offense.  But despite doing everything to win, the Lions fell on the road last week in a close loss as turnovers and inexperience reared its ugly head once again. 

The loss dropped the Lions to #17 in the OHSAA Regional poll. 

While, at the end of the day, the Lions will play tonight with a possible berth on the line and a formidable foe in Ponitz. 

The Panthers literally were one defensive stop from defeating Dunbar earlier this season, who rolled past the Lions three weeks ago. 

The Lions have shown resolve all season, and will need it tonight against a feisty Ponitz squad to secure a 6-3 record and a playoff Berth. 

If the Lions defeat Ponitz (because Panthers are a D-2 squad), it should give the Lions enough boost to jump into the #14, 15, or 16 spot. 

Regardless what happens, the Lions ressurection has been the best story in DPS on the football field.

Its a shame that DPS doesn't seem to want them to thrive.  They have challenged the whole "White to Meadowdale" regime since it looked to become a reality. 

Expect a spirited effort tonight by both teams in a huge matchup, to say the least.

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After the suspension, 

Springfield Athletics, O'Conners, Partner With Dayton HS Sports to Bring Award Winning Sports Show

Springfield has always had a very good sports history. 

Now they will get to tell their stories, as Dayton HS Sports has partnered up with the Springfield Wildcats Athletic organization to bring a weekly sports series to Springfield, Ohio. 

The show will be named "The Wildcat Way" and will feature athletes, coaches, teachers, alumni, entertainers, businesses and gamers from the entire Springfield community. 

The first taping will be tonight at O'Conners Irish Pub at 2200 N Limestone St.

"We want to do this for the community.  Not just for the school.  This is for the city of Springfield. They have supported us in our 8 years here. And we appreciate that." 

Maurice Douglass, the former Chicago Bears DB and current Head Coach stated. 

Since Springfield head coach Maurice Douglass has taken over the helm, the program has made a huge turnaround, and now the Cats sit at #2 in the OHSAA D-1 Football rankings poll. 

But its not just Douglass who has help resurrect the Cats. Former Springfield basketball star and former head coach Isaiah Carson also was able to get the Cats to 4 consecutive Regional Semifinal appearances, which was huge in the resurgence of the basketball program. 

Now the basketball program is ran by Shawn McCullough, former Thurgood coach who decided to take the job, and now is in his second season. 

Athletic Director Mike Dellapina has been thrilled with the progress of the Athletic program, and is also done a good job of helping push the Cats back into the upper echelon of high schools you would want to send your kid to in the Southwest Ohio region. 

After a few meetings, O'Conners and Dayton HS Sports came up with a deal that will keep the weekly podcast / TV Show in Springfield through January of 2022. 

The show will partially air on the IheartRadio Network (Podcast) and will be shown (TV Style) on the local TV station (DATV) and online at www.SELive365.com  (SELive365 Network). 

"We're very excited to partner with the Springfield organization. The atmosphere is great and we are excited to launch our brand in Springfield with a great group of people and rising city" Deon Cash, CEO of Dayton HS Sports and SELive365 said.

For more info stay tuned with us. 

@SELive365 

@DaytonHSSports 

Best City League Volleyball Player Ever? Parker 1st D-1 Volleyball player in DPS History; Senior Night vs Pirates

 Jaya Parker, arguably the best volleyball player in Dayton Public Schools history, will be playing in her final home game tonight at Stivers HS (6pm ET).

While this will be her final High School game in the Stivers Tigers gymnasium, it surely won't be her last, as she heads to a lucky D-1 college to showcase her skills. 

While she has been "under the radar" of sorts, her hard work, her personal drive, her family values, and her Stivers coaching staff, teammates, and athletic organization has rallied around her.

And with good reason, as Parker is sending waves throughout the high school circuit, not only state wide, but nationally.

Parker was selected on numerous All-America watch lists. She was recently spotted setting a OHSAA record (10'3) for high jump, which she uses to power slam volleyballs on top of defenders heads and keep them scrambling for cover. 

She currently has over 200 kills on the season, a DPS record. 

But make no mistake, she has a elite all around game. She also is a good digger and can block and serve well, showing why she will be a terror at the next level. 

She made all-city her sophomore year, which fueled her fire to get better. Then her junior year she made all-area, and still wasn't satisfied. 

Now, after a rigorous off season and her family pushing her from all angles, Parker has turned into every coaches dream; A team first, self made, All- American, who will be the 1st to garner a Divison 1 Scholarship In a sport looking for the next great star. 

And true to form, her work ethic has rubbed off on not only the team, but the entire City League. 

When Parker warms up, there is a legit crowd watching her boom the volleyball over the net.

Remember, this is in warmups. The hype is there. And now you see the other players working harder, wanting to get better too.  

Coach Anthony Jackson, who has coached her in her tenure, was the main one who saw Parker and helped the transformation process. The Tigers are the City League champions, and will face West Carrollton tonight in their final home game as they ready for the OHSAA Tournament in 2 weeks. 

Best believe the odds on favorite to win City League Player of the Year is ready for war.

Congrats Jaya Parker for not only changing your life, but reshaping a program, a City League that was in dying need of a young star. 

Enjoy it Dayton Public Schools.  

And give her those roses. She absolutely deserves them. 

Follow us on the Journey!

@DaytonHSSports 

Week 8 Recap: Springfield Rolls; Trotwood Wins 3rd Straight; Piqua Stops Tipp; MVL, GCL, GWOC, Recap

 Here's the Top Headlines and Recap of Week 8 in OHSAA Football in Southwest Ohio

Springfield Routs Centerville in Game of the Week

           Cats Homecoming King Delian Bradley 

The Centerville Elks came out with a big bang, as they jumped out on the #4 ranked Springfield Wildcats. Hearing about the shutout streak, the Elks were able to strike first, after a onside kick was recovered by Centerville, to the suprise of everyone, especially the Wildcats. The Elks would capitalize on that. 

But after that, it was all Springfield as Tae'Sean Smoot would direct 4 scoring drives in the 1st half, the last coming on a 43-yard FG as time expired at the half. The Cats would jump all over Centerville 24-7 en route to a route 41-7. Smoot was in complete control as he ran for a TD and passed for 3 more to give the Cats a nice cushion heading into halftime.

Chase Harrison, arguably the best QB in Southwest Ohio, was unable to find open recievers, as Cam Smith, the dynamic WR for Centerville, was harassed by the Cats elite secondary, led by Delian Bradley.

The running game was shut off as the vaunted front 7 of the Cats defense was downright nasty. While the streak ended at 14, a new streak was started as the Cats didn't let Centerville score for the next 3 quarters. 

With the win, it puts Springfield in 1st place and in position to win the GWOC outright with wins in next 2 games. 

Trotwood Wins 3rd Straight, Stop Dunbar

The Trotwood Rams continued to play good football as they were able to stop Dunbar 26-7 in a non-conference game at Welcome Stadium on Friday night. Both teams had came into the season starting slow, but both teams were riding a 2-game winning streak, which made the game "Must see TV."

Trotwood would ride the running game and the hot hand of sophomore QB Tim Stephens to move to 3-4 on the season. With 2 more games to go, can the Rams turn their whole season around and get to a playoff berth? With the loss, Dunbar now falls to 4-3 on the season. 

While the defense played solid, the offense was not able to get it going for the Wolverines. Despite efforts from Player of the Year Candidate Lamar Payton, it was to no avail as Dunbar looks to regroup this week. 

If the Rams can find a way to get a couple more wins, they could find a playoff berth. 

Piqua Wins 8th Straight Game, Blows By Tipp to Sit Alone In MVL 

The Piqua Indians are known to be a running team, a ground and pound type. 

But this season it has been different, as the passing game has been just as prevalent. After a fast start, and a long delay, the Indians now sit at 8-0 after a 42-23 win over Tippecanoe for the battle of  1st place in the Miami Valley League. The Indians rode the big play ability of its star junior QB and another WR exploded onto the scene as Piqua continued its dominant play, and stays in the OHSAA State rankings as well. 

The Indians are one of the top teams in the Region, and have looked every bit the part, with explosive athletes all over the field. 

Badin Stops C-J in Shootout 

Badin showed whey they will be a major player come playoff time as they defeated Chaminade in a shootout. A week ago the Badin squad was able to shut down Alter to 0 points. This time they would pull out the offensive arsenal to outlast Coach Colvin and the Eagles. 

With the win Badin sits at 8-0 and ranked highly in the OHSAA state polls. For C-J, they sit at 3-3 with 2 games left.

Despite the loss the Eagles still showed they have the ability to strike on offense, and will need that to win the next 2 games. 

 

Wayne Rolls to Win Fueled by Running Game, Late D Stop

The Wayne Warriors had gotten hot lately, and they continue to ride that wave as the running game was too much for Fairmont to overcome. However, Fairmont had their opportunities to tie the game. The Firebirds would score late in the game on a Malek Hillon flea-flicker TD pass to pull it to 17-15. 

But Wayne would stop the 2-point conversion pass and the Warriors would rejoice, knowing that at 6-2 they have all but solidified a spot in the playoffs. 

Meanwhile Fairmont sits at 5-3 and needs to win 1 of the next 2 games to  guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The running game was powerful, amassing over 300 yards. 

Stebbins Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive With Big Win 

The Stebbins Indians knew that the game with Xenia was must win, and on Homecoming Night, Stebbins showed out with a 42-7 blowout win over the Bucs. Xenia was sitting atop the division, with Stebbins right behind them. Now both teams sit at 5-3 with 2 games left.

Senior Star RB Omar Holloway did the heavy lifting on the ground, as he scored a TD and punished defenders with his powerful running style. QB Nate Keller has been dynamic all season, and the duo once again has this Indians team in the running for a playoff berth. 

Defensively the team was led by Dalton King, who has showed all season that he is one of the best defensive players in the conference and the Region. 

Alter Finds W Column with Defensive Effort

The Alter Knights were able to get into the winning column after a losing streak and run their record to 3-5 on the season. In desperation mode of sorts, the Knights were able to put together a balanced effort to get them back in the right direction.

 With 16 teams making the playoffs instead of 8, if Alter wins its last 2 games, they could find themselves back in the playoffs. 

Valley View Knocks Off Franklin

The Valley View Spartans was able to upend Franklin as they look to grab another playoff spot. Franklin 

WEEK 8 THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, FRIDAY PREVIEW, NEW DEAL, SHOW IN SPRINGFIELD, VIDEO OF THE WEEK

 WEEK 8 THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, FRIDAY PREVIEW, NEW DEAL, SHOW IN SPRINGFIELD, VIDEO OF THE WEEK 

LIONS REGROUP, KNOCK OFF CITY LEAGUE CHAMPS

 The Meadowdale Lions shook off a bad game last week and went head to head against the City League champs in the Belmont Bison. 

Meadowdale would score first on a Mckinney TD, which was followed by a Deontay Arnold TD and 2-pt conversion to make it 8-6 Belmont. But the Lions rushing game was too much for the Bison to handle, and the Lions scored 30 consecutive points to turn a close game into a rout. 

The Lions ran roughshod on Belmont as they rushed for 360+ yards en route to a bruising 48-13 victory at Welcome Stadium. 

 With the win the Lions stay in the thick of a playoff berth at 5-2 with two games left. Belmont falls to 1-1 in City League play. Meadowdale now moves to 2-1 to keep City League championship hopes alive.

 FRIDAY NIGHT WEEK 8 KEY GAMES 

 SPRINGFIELD - CENTERVILLE 🔥🔥🔥🔥

 Expect a heck of a battle tonight as the 2 best teams in Southwest Ohio and on the defensive side square up in the GWOC Game of the Season candidate. 

 With D-1 talent all over the roster on both sides, expect a incredible atmosphere tonight in Springfield as the Centerville Elks 6-1 takes on the Springfield Wildcats (7-0). 

 Check out Springfield Defense Interview as they talk about their streak of 14 consecutive shutout quarters here: 

 But the offense boasts major major star power with the likes of Tae’Sean Smoot, Delian Bradley, Thigpen, Chase Harrison, Cam Smith, and more.

 

DUNBAR - TROTWOOD 🔥🔥🔥

 In a game that will feature two of the heavyweights in the city of Dayton, can Senior QB Nate Roberts knock off another big opponent and push the Woleverines to a possible playoff berth? 

Or will the Trotwood Rams win their 3rd consecutive game and keep their playoff hopes alive with their talented young team? 

 

TIPPECANOE - PIQUA🔥🔥🔥

 In the MVL Game of the Year, can the Red Devils and their balanced attack stop one of the elite teams in OHSAA D-2 #8 ranked Piqua?

 The Indians (7-0) and Red Devils (6-1) are the class of the MVL, so expect to see some offensive fireworks tonight in Piqua.

 WAYNE - FAIRMONT🔥🔥🔥 

 The Wayne train will face a stiff test against a team, who, if they win this one, would all but lock up a playoff berth with a win over the Warriors.

 Wayne is in a similar state, as a victory would send them to 6-2 with 2 games left.  The Warriors have found their groove offensively and could be headed for a deep run.

 Which elite running game with be king tonight?

 

XENIA - STEBBINS🔥🔥🔥

 The 2 biggest storylines in the MVL collide as both teams want to make the playoffs this season. 

Xenia is 5-2, and if they win this game over 4-3 Stebbins, it will give them a 2-game advantage with 2 games left.

 Both teams have renewed vigor in their steps, and it looks as if 1 of these 2 teams will make the playoffs. 

 BADIN – CHAMINADE-JULIENNE 🔥🔥🔥

 In the GCL gsme of the Week, can the Eagles find a way to stop Badin? If the Eagles win this game they could be headed for a OHSAA Playoff Berth. 

 Badin has been unstoppable as seen by the Alter Knights, who couldn’t even score on the Hamilton squad. The Eagles have offensive firepower, and will need it to pill off the upset of the top GCL team. 

 DAYTON HS SPORTS TO DO WEEKLY SHOW IN SPRINGFIELD📰🎥📻🗣

 Dayton HS Sports, one of the top sports shows in Ohio, has agreed in principle to launch a Podcast / TV Series in Springfield, starting next week. 

While the title is still in discussion, it is confirmed that the Dayton HS Sports Staff will be partnering up with O'CONNERS Irish Bar in Springfield, Ohio to do the weekly series.

 The series will feature coaches, student athletes, teachers, former alumni, business owners and entertainers in the Springfield area. 

 “The goal is to raise scholarship money for the Springfield program, which is always been good towards Dayton HS Sports. They have a elite HS sports program, and the market in Springfield in sports is growing. We are very thankful to O’Conners for the opportunity.”

 Deon Cash, CEO of Dayton HS Sports stated. 

 “We have a great relationship with them, and their sports program is booming, and it has been for a while now.” 

 Look for more information on this series in the upcoming week. 

 Here’s our Video of the Week: Featuring Springfield Star Defensive Players Tywan January, Delian Bradley, and Jokell Brown.

Follow Us on the Journey! 

@DaytonHSSports 

@SELive365 

Week 7 Recap: Dunbar Rolls; Cats Shutout Streak at 14; Belmont, Trotwood, Elks Get W; Piqua Still Undefeated

 HS Football Week 7 Recap: 

Dunbar Rolls Past Meadowdale in 2nd Half, As Payton, Roberts Ball in Game of The Week 

  Dunbar came into Showdown with Meadowdale feeling like they would be in a real dogfight. After some jabbing in the 1st quarter, two of their biggest dogs came ready for war, as the Wolverines rolled off 35 straight points midway in a 15-minute stretch to turn a close game into a rout. The Wolverines would roll to a big win 42-22. 

 Two- way Star Lamar Payton would score on offense and defense, and Senior QB Nate Roberts shook off a hard hit early in the game to come back and throw for over 230 yards and 2 TDs to lead Dunbar to a 3-2 record and a huge win over a rival. The Wolverines had heard all the hype about Meadowdale they could take and proved they were ready for all the smoke the Lions had. Dunbar is now at 2-0 in City League play.

 Lions Star RB McKinney would run for over 100 yards in the loss. The Lions now fall to 4-2 and looked one dimensional when the running game was not as effective as it normally is. Only 3 passing attempts for All-City QB Charles Sumlin, one that was intercepted, and that is not nearly enough for the dual threat star who has been lights out all season.

 Springfield Runs Defensive Shutout Streak To 14 

The Springfield Wildcats ran their record to 6-0 after a shutout win over Springboro. The Cats used a stout D and relied on the superior skill set of Mr. Football Candidate Tae’Sean Smoot, who was once again unstoppable. 

 The defense was led by Delian Bradley, who garnered a INT in the game and the DL combo of Jokell Brown and Tywan January, who came and spoke on set of Dayton HS Sports last weekend. 

 “We want to continue the (shutout) streak through the rest of the season" January spoke.

 He was regarding the 14 quarter scoreless streak that was started in the 2nd half of Wayne game. Springfield is currently #4 in the OHSAA D-1 Rankings (Week 6). 

 Centerville Wins 4th Straight 

The Centerville Elks won their 4th straight game as they knocked off Northmont in blowout fashion. With the win Centerville now sits at 6-1 on the season. 

The combo of Chase Harrison and Cam Smith has been lethal. Add to the fact that the defense has 2 consecutive shutouts, and coach Ullery has got something special this season. They take on Springfield in the Game of the Week. 

 Wayne Continues to Move Towards Playoff Berth 

The Wayne Train has been rolling in another big win to move to 5-2 on the season. RJ Mukes ran a punt back in a blowout win, as the Warriors offensive attack was on full display last week. 

With a plethora of players scoring, the Warriors are unleashing the vaunted offense at the right time. 

Belmont wins 2nd straight, Ready to Defend City League

 The Belmont Bison have officially put themselves back into the discussion for a 7th consecutive City League Championship after a blowout win against Thurgood. 

Star DB- RB- WR Damir Dewberry scored on offense early and was a catalyst while RB- LB Victor Fleming Jr scored on a TD run and was dominant on the defensive side as well. With the win the Bison move to 1-0 in the City League for coach Jordan Paschal, and he enjoys his 1st winning streak in his young coaching career.

 Trotwood Back on Winning Track 

 The Trotwood Rams are seemingly getting back on track after their 2nd consecutive win as well, as they handled the Ponitz Panthers at home. Sophomore Tim Carpenter has gotten more comfortable into the role as leader, along with the offensive line which is improving. Ponitz now loses its 2nd in a row after a heartbreaking loss last week to Dunbar.

 C-J Wins Big Over Caroll; Alter Falls To Badin

 The Chaminade Julienne Eagles destroyed Carroll last week, en route to a 3-2 record with 3 games left. Kenyon Owens and the vaunted rushing attack led the Eagles.

 Alter, on the other hand, lost its 2nd in a row, this one to league leading Badin by a score of 28-0. With the loss, it puts the Knights in a tough position of 2-5 with 3 games left to play. 

 Piqua Dumps Another Opponent

 The #8 ranked OHSAA D-2 team in the state overhauled Greenville 49-0 to move to 6-0 on the season. With ballers all over the field, this is one Indians team to watch. 

 

 Red Devils Gets Easy Win 

 The Tipp Red Devils won another MVL battle, and with it, stay in contention for a League Title. With only 1 loss on the season, the Red Devils are definitely playoff bound. 

 Stebbins Pushes Towards Playoff Berth

 The Stebbins Indians shutout another opponent, running their record to 5-2 on the season. Led by dynamic and powerful RB Omar Holloway, the Indians are smelling a playoff berth. If they can finish 2-1 they should find themselves in the playoffs. 

 Follow Us on the Journey! 

@DaytonWeekly 

 @DaytonHSSports