Dunbar Thomas runs wild on Thurgood, scores 7 TD's in playoff berth win; Final SWOPL Standings; Playoff Matchups for Belmont, Dunbar; Player of Year Candidates

Here's the top Headlines for Week 10 in the SWOPL as we head to the playoffs. 

Tavion Thomas led Wolverines to playoffs with 300 yard, 7 TD Performance

Dunbar Thomas runs wild, leads Wolverines to playoff clinching win

In a game that had so much riding on the line, Dunbar knew there was no tomorrow.

No other chances to show that this group of seniors could come through in the clutch and reach the OHSAA playoffs.

Hadn't done it in 7 years, and after the tumultuous ending last year, would the Wolverines bounce back?

They bounced back in dramatic fashion, as Oklahoma commit and All-SWOPL selection Tavion Thomas would lead the way, with over 300 yards rushing and 7 - yes you read it right - 7 touchdowns on the night to lead the Wolverines to a big win (46-0) over one of its rivals and in the process, ending the Cougars 6-game winning streak and playoff hopes to boot.

Thomas clearly made his statement to possibly be the SWOPL Player of the Year as he ran around, over, and through the Cougars for his career high (301) in his last regualar season game as a Wolverine.

 On  a night which it was raining consistently and cold? Would be a ground and pound type of night.

Exactly the type of game Thomas and the Wolverines wanted.

Thurgood had been putting up major numbers lately, scoring over 40 in recent weeks, but couldn't get the running game going, which doomed the Cougars.

Thurgood ends the season at 6-4 and despite the hurt and not reaching the playoffs, the Cougars were happy with their season overall.

The Wolverines (7-3) now sit as a #5 seed and will head to Cincinnati to take on Goshen (9-1) on Friday night. Goshen is a rock solid program who the Wolverines beat the last time these teams seen each other in the playoffs years ago.

Final Regular Season Standings (SWOPL)

SWOPL AMERICAN	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Belmont	6 - 0	1.000	294	9	9 - 0	1.000	411	9	W9
Thurgood Marshall	5 - 1	.800	158	90	6 - 4	.556	218	196	L1
Meadowdale	3 - 3	.500	66	152	4 - 6	.400	123	345	W1
Western Hills	2 - 4	.333	91	134	3 - 7	.300	147	253	L2
Woodward	2 - 4	.333	107	139	2 - 8	.200	146	274	L1
Ponitz Career Tech	2 - 3	.250	33	67	4 - 6	.250	77	144	W1
Hughes	1 - 5	.200	43	201	3 - 7	.333	141	309	L5

Standings
	Conference				OVERALL
SWOPL NATIONAL	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	W-L	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Taft	5 - 0	1.000	154	68	8 - 2	.800	266	192	W7
Dunbar	3 - 1	.750	166	65	7 - 3	.700	368	191	W2
Aiken	3 - 2	.600	166	84	8 - 2	.800	350	142	W5
Gamble Montessori	2 - 3	.400	80	126	5 - 5	.500	210	217	W1
Shroder	1 - 4	.200	92	189	2 - 8	.200	147	400	L3
Riverview East	0 - 5	.000	26	234	3 - 7	.300	142	332	L2

Week 1 Playoff Matchups (All games on Friday)

Belmont (9-0)   @ Sidney (8-2)   Can the Bison continue their epic season? After a Cinderella type season, the Bison have to go on the road to play a similar type of opponent in Sidney.  Which running team will get it done on a night in which the weather could be another factor like it was in Week 10?

Key Players To Watch: Isaiah Bowser, Andre Gordon, Dawson Martin, Elijah Malcolm, Jaden Rucker Furlow

Keys to Bison victory: Stay with the formula. But play action pass must be used in what will be a ruckus crowd in Sidney. The Yellow Jackets don't matchup well outside  with Belmont, but in the trenches its a even match. Belmont must control the tempo, and the vaunted D must show its worth against the GWOC's top rusher in Isaiah Bowser and one of  top 10 dynamic players in Andre Gordon.

Dunbar  (7-3)    @ Goshen (9-1)  Can the Wolverines take on a really good Goshen team and defeat them  in Cincy? The Wolverines have had a couple of big road wins, but this game will not be like any of those they have faced. Although Dunbar beat Goshen in the playoff years ago, these teams are different, and should have no effect on this big matchup.

Key Players: Tavion Thomas, Joseph Scates, Seth Arnold, Jimmy Strunk (RB), Payton Leugers (DB-WR), Kyle Proffitt (QB)

Keys to Dunbar win: Wolverines must be able to get passing game going, Must establish a 3 &
out defensively within first 2 possessions.
 The teams who have given Goshen the most problems are the teams who can air the ball out. Goshen is a running team, similar to Belmont, and have a stout D, but the advantages for Dunbar lie in play action and the WR core. If the Wolverines can strike first, then it could be a good night for Dunbar.
The defensive line must have a breakout game as well.

Player of the Year Candidates: SWOPL

Heres our Top 10 Candidates for  Player of The Year in the SWOPL

Could Dawson Martin (23) nab Player of the Year in the SWOPL?

Tavion Thomas - RB   (Dunbar)  Thomas ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 16 TDs on the season, capping it off with a 300 yard, 7 TD performance for the ages.

Dawson Martin  - RB - DB (Belmont)  Martin scored 20 TD's on offense (tops in the SWOPL) in almost 1150 yards of total offense. He also is one of  the key players on Defense as well as he nabbed 2 INT's as he help spearhead a D that allowed only 1 TD all regular season.

Cleveland Farmer - QB  (Taft) Farmer, a dynamic option type QB, led the SWOPL in passing yards (1283), threw for 12 TDs & ran for 12 more while amassing almost 500 yards on the ground. He also led the Senators to a playoff berth and a big win over Dunbar to boot.

Jaden Rucker Furlow - DB/ WR  (Belmont) While Rucker Furlow didn't have the stats that most had, he was the leader of a D that allowed 9 points in 9 games. Furlow was treated like Deion Sanders, where he didn't get many passes thrown his way. He had 2 early INT's which set the tone for the whole season. A Miami of Ohio commit. Had TD's receiving and on kickoff returns.

Joseph Scates  - WR / DB  (Dunbar) Scates had a good year, with over 800 yards of receiving and  with  for the high powered offense of Dunbar, along with being a captain of the squad.

Could Defensive Standout Seth Arnold or Oklahoma commit Tavion Thomas win Player of the Year? 

Demarco Bradley  - DB - WR (Aiken) Bradley was one of the top Defensive guys with 7 INT's on defense while amassing 78 tackles; he also ran for 900 yards, with 8 TD's and a kickoff return TD as well.

Deshawn Lawrence  - WR / S  (Aiken) Lawrence garnered 5 INT, 98 Tackles on D while racking up 1047 Rec Yards and 8 TDs on Offense for Aiken. Possibly the best 2 way player in the SWOPL.

Seth Arnold  - LB   (Dunbar) Towns delivered over 135 Tackles and was the unquestioned leader for the Wolverines D. He accounted for 2 INT's, 4 forced fumbles, 3 sacks, and 23 tackles for loss. Has ability to play in coverage, against the run, or blitz with efficiency.

Elijah Malcolm  - RB / LB   (Belmont) 1,063 yds, 14 TD's  Malcolm was the offensive leader for the undefeated Bison 9-0. He steamrolled Dunbar in the season opener to set the Bison on the move. The engine of the Belmont offense.

Kayvon Britten -  RB  (Western Hills) Britten led the SWOPL in Rushing (1255)  as a sophomore. Had a 230 yard game late in the season.

V'Sean Palmer - DB /WR (Thurgood)  Palmer led the SWOPL in INT's,  and was the key player in the Cougars resurgence to a 6-4 record this season.

Week 9 Recap: Wayne, Belmont, Centerville clinch berths; Springfield, Ponitz fall; Dunbar, Thurgood, C-J stay alive; Stars of Week 9

Heres the Headlines, Recap of Week 9 in the Miami Valley

Belmont finishes first undefeated season in school history
The Belmont Bison finished their first undefeated season in history with a 47-0 win over Western Hills. The Bison were led by talented running duo of Elijah Malcolm & Dawson Martin, which Malcolm ran for 120+ and 2 TDs while Martin continued to show why he could be the most Valuable player in the SWOPL, with 4 more TD's to add to his resume to go with another shutout of a opponent.
Because the Bison will only play 9 games, they will have to go on the road in week 1 of the playoffs, possibly against Sidney.
The Bison gave up 6 points all season, an unbelieveable amount for an entire season.

Wayne rides "Blue" to big win over Springfield in Play In game

The Wayne Train will roll into the OHSAA Playoffs after a big win at home against Springfield.

Ohio State commit L'Christian "Blue" Smith hauled in 2 dynamic passes for TD's from Rising star QB Rashad McKee, and the Warriors took advantage of some mistakes by Springfield to get the key win and move to 7-2 on the season.

Steven Victoria was also a star for the Warriors, as the Wildcats had no answer for the dynamic duo of Smith and Victoria.  Sprinfield falls to 6-3 and now must win at Fairmont on Friday to secure a playoff spot. Wayne now faces Trotwood in what could be the game of the Year in the GWOC on Friday.

Thurgood wins 6th straight, now readies for Dunbar

The Thurgood Marshall Cougars continues to ride the wave, which now sits them at 6-3 after a convincing 41-8 win over Meadowdale.

Starting the season at 0-3, it looked as if the Cougars season was over.

Fast forward 6 weeks, and the Cougars have a legit shot to win a playoff berth after another big win.

QB Ayyoub Muhammed led the Cougars with another great performance, and now the game on Friday vs Dunbar @ Welcome Stadium looms large, as the winner could end up with a playoff berth. Coach Carter is confident that his troops will be ready for the challenge on Friday.

Centerville clinches berth

The Elks clinched a OHSAA playoff berth win a big win over Fairmont 43-28. QB Alec Grandin was unstoppable, passing for 293 and running for 100 and 4 TD's. while Jake Spiewak garnered 13 catches for 160 in leading the Elks. Fairmont ran for 280 yards total, but a key TO  in the 2nd quarter shifted the momentum in the Elks favor. Centerville moves to 7-2 while Fairmont falls to 6-3, and face a Springfield team with a playoff berth on the line.

Northmont handles business

The Bolts of Northmont clinched a playoff berth with a big win over Springboro 35-10, as Jabari Perkins and Danny Lewis helped jumpstart the big win.

Perkins caught 2 TD passes early and Lewis 85-yard Pick-6 proved to be all the juice the Bolts needed, as they jumped out 35-0 at half en route to the big win. Lewis is starting to come alive after a big stop last week against Centerville.

The Bolts are now 7-2 and sit in the playoffs, while the Boro drops to 3-6.

Dunbar stays in playoff hunt with big win 

The Wolverines was able to stop Gamble Montessori by the score of 40-6 and it puts the Wolverines in a position to make the playoffs.

The Wolverines have waited for the moment to get into the Playoffs after the disasterous end last year, and now must win next week against a hot Thurgood squad, who has won 6 straight. If they can defeat the Cougars, they still will have to wait to see what happens. Dunbar was led by Tavion Thomas and JoJo Scates, and now sit at 6-3.

Trotwood rolls past Xenia

The Rams continued to plow past opponents with a  68-21 win over Xenia. Dallas Daniels, the rising WR, started the party with a 18- yard TD and Star RB Raveion Hargrove took over, with 3 TDs in the first half. Jayvanare Nelloms (14 tackles, 1 sack) and Kennedy Coates (2.5 sacks, Fumble Recovery) led the vaunted defense.  

C-J wins 7th in a row at the buzzer 

The Eagles continue to ride the amazing wave that has come their way, after a 2-point win last Friday over Badin.
Badin had a chance to win but missed a FG at the end of the game.
With the big win the Eagles have won 7 straight, and know that if they can find a way to beat Alter without their top gun in Blevins, the Eagles could stride into the playoffs on a major positive note. Chaminade now moves to 7-2 on the season.

Sidney stacks up 55 on Butler, heads to playoffs

The Yellow Jackets shook off a tough loss to run up 55 on Butler, and with it a playoff berth this season.

Star RB Isaiah Bowser ran for 245 yards and 3 TD's, threw for another and Star QB Andre Gordon accounted for 3 more as the Yellow Jackets powered past Vandailia Butler 55-34.
Sidney moves to 7-2 and could host a 1st round playoff game with a win on Friday.
Butler falls to 4-5.

Valley View stays undefeated with a big win
The Spartans move to 9-0 after another big win. Valley View will look to lock up a home game in the playoffs this week in the season finale.

Beavercreek shuts out Miamisburg
The Beavers continued to hold a shot at the playoffs after a big 21-0 shutout win over Miamsburg. With the win, Beavercreek moves to 6-3 while Miamisburg falls to 4-5.
The Beavers were able to harass the Vikings into 126 yards of total offense while 3 RB's for the Beavers ran for 70 yards.
While the game wasn't offensive, Miamisburg couldn't muster much offense, and the rest was history.

Week 8 Recap: Wayne has Fairmont seeing "Blue" After Hail Mary; Belmont rolls again; Rams post 67; Northmont stops Elks; Wolverines fall; Cougars win 5th straight;

Here's our top Headlines for a Wild Week 8 in the Miami Valley:

Smith gives Fairmont "the Blues" with big catch  as Wayne survives
In the fairy tale that has been the Fairmont Firebirds season, the Wayne Warriors star receiver gave them a nightmare for a week or so.

In a game that featured great play from both sides, back and forth action, and a ruckus crowd, with the game tied at 28 and time running out, Rashad McKee launched a pass that L'Christian Blue Smith was able to grab from the defender in the end zone for the win.
The pass looked to be intercepted, only to be snatched away by Blue Smith.
Ball game.
Wayne moves to 6-2 and now looks as a lock for a playoff berth, while the loss drops the Firebirds to 6-2 as well.
Smith was heavily guarded by rising star DB Ryan Hall, but Smith, the Ohio State commit, showed why the Buckeyes can't wait for the 6'6 dynamic stud Wideout whose stock seems to be skyrocketing by the week.
The TD puts Smith in elite company as he now sits 20th all time on the TD list in OHSAA history.

Belmont roasts Shroeder, eyes SWOPL Championship
The Bison continued their unstoppable play with a 63-0 win over Schroeder at Welcome Stadium Friday night.

Dawson Martin, a do-it-all type player, scored twice and threw another TD,Senior Demari Black scored on a kickoff return and then later and the Bison scored 36 in the first quarter en route to the blowout win.
Star DB Jaden Rucker Furlow , a Miami commit, scored on a 47-yard pass to help the offensive attack.

Belmont has given up 9 points in 8 games, a average of 1.2 points per game.

With only one game left (@ Western Hills) and barring a meltdown, the Bison could - and should -be headed to the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive season. And with that they can add another SWOPL Championship, which Coach Earl White and the staff can add to the growing list of achievements the Bison have conquered in this record breaking season.

Player of the Game:  Dawson Martin, Sr. DB-RB  Belmont
Dawson ran a TD, caught a TD pass and threw a TD pass as well, as the dynamic two way player dominated in every phase for the Bison.

Dunbar falls to Taft, still in playoff hunt
The Wolverines lost a tough one down in the Nati to a game and excited Taft team, who pulled out the victory.
Dunbar is now 5-3, and must win last 2 games for a shot at the playoffs. Taft sits at 6-2 and if they can win their last 2 games, should be in the playoffs as well.
QB Cleveland Farmer ran for 2 TD's and threw for another as Taft dominated the first half, going up 24-0 before Dunbar struck back on a long TD to Alabama commit JoJo Scates.

After a score by Dunbar, Taft stalled on its next drive and punted back to the Wolverines.
 However, the possession ended in a INT for the Wolverines, and that sealed the deal on a comeback.

Taft is now #4 in the playoff rankings, and could host a playoff game as they move to 6-2 and 3-0 in the SWOPL.


Trotwood puts a 67 spot on Stebbins
The Rams scored early and often as they ran past Stebbins as the Rams ran their record to 8-0. Trotwood star RB Raveion Hargrove scored 3 times while Stephens Peppers threw 3 TD's and ran for one more - in the first half  alone- as the #1 Team in the state rolled to a easy win against Stebbins.


Northmont stops Centerville as key play by Lewis saves game
Danny Lewis, a fast rising junior DB, hasn't gotten much pub with the likes of Devin Kennerly and the senior laden Thunderbolts team.
But Lewis came up with the clutch stop on 4th down against Centerville, and Northmont defeated the Elks 21-14 as the fans went crazy after the win.

 The Bolts now sit at 6-2 and knocks the Elks from the undefeated ranks as well (7-1).
Lewis is also a very good basketball player, and comes from great lineage as his father enjoyed a great career professionally in basketball.

Bolts coach Tony Broering knows that this is his best team he's had and with 1 more win, it could secure a berth in the OHSAA playoffs.



Thurgood survives on road at Woodward, keep playoff hopes alive

The Cougars of Thurgood Marshall continued to show why, if things go right, they could end up in the OHSAA playoffs after a gritty 21-20 OT win at Woodward.

While Woodward is not in playoff contention, they played hard all night, and looked as if they would be able to upend the Cougars in OT.
After a TD score by Woodward RB Kyron Reese, who was unstoppable near the goaline, the game went into OT.

Thurgood would score on a Russell Jashawn TD and with a extra point by Mr Automatic Rolando Perez would push the score to 21-14.
Woodward then would score on  a Reese TD, and when it was time to kick the extra point?
Former Wayne and Dayton Christian coach and head man for Woodward in Kali Jones rolled the dice and went for 2.

At home? With the crowd roaring in approval?  Against a tired Cougars team?

Thurgood stopped Reese short of the end zone, and the Cougars playoff hopes stayed alive.

Then came the jubilation for Thurgood, as they now own a 5-game winning steak under Coach Brian Carter,  which is the most since the Earl White era.

Troy stops Sidney undefeated run with great rushing performance from Culp-Bishop

The Trojans shut down Sidney's vaunted offense and with it, put themselves in playoff contention with a 48-21 thrashing on Friday night.
Rising RB Jaydon Culp-Bishop tormented the Yellow Jackets D for 237 yards, with a Tony Dorsett like run of 99 yards to break open the game and move the Trojans in first place in the GWOC North Division.
As far as stud RB and leading Rusher Isaiah Bowser?

55 yards on 25 carries, by far his lowest outing of the season.

Culp Bishop stated after the game that the Troy D is "the best in the GWOC. Period."

Not sure if that is true, but for one night, they shut down the top guy in the GWOC and put themselves in good position for a playoff berth.
Sidney falls to 7-1.



Springfield clobbers Beavercreek, sends statement

The Wildcats was at a crossroads before the game, as they had let one slip away at home to Northmont. Sitting at 5-2, how would they respond against a tough team who had just lost themselves in Beavercreek?

Well the response was ferocious, and it left no doubt that the Wildcats want a taste of the OHSAA Playoffs as they bounced back with a resounding 64-28 win at Beavercreek.

Leonard Taylor was on point, and the offense was hitting on all cylinders in the big win.
The win moves the Wildcats to 6-2 and in a good position to reach the Playoffs.
The Beavers have lost 3 straight, and need to win last 2 games to try to get back in playoff contention.


The Burg wins 2nd straight, stays in hunt

Miamisburg won their 2nd straight game as they defeated Lebanon 24-13. The win gets the Burg back to .500 (4-4) and if they can win their last 2 games, could push them back into a playoff spot.

 Star WR Tyler Johnson led the Vikings on the win.

Valley View rolls to 8th straight, dominates Oakwood

The Spartans showed why they could be a problem come playoff time as they wiped out Oakwood and their explosive offense 50-7.
The Spartans scored 29 in the 1st quarter and never looked back as Genslinger and Wood scored twice in the 1st half to lead Valley View to a 8-0 record on the season and hopeful to host a 1st round game.



Alter shuts out Badin, wins 20th straight, C-J survives, wins 6th straight
Alter continued to show control of Badin, as they shut them out 48-0. The Knights have beaten Badin 20 straight times, and now sit at 7-1 on the season. John Bivens, the star RB for Alter, powered for  260 yards on 25 rushes, the Badin had no one who could stop the D-1 bound RB.

C-J survived a tough game from McNicholas as they won 24-21.
With the win, C-J moves into a position to possibly make the playoffs, as they have won 6 straight since the Week 2 loss. Coach Marcus Colvin is real pleased with the progress through the season, and know that if he can get a big Week 9 win, they could be headed to the playoffs despite a 0-2 start.



Stars of Week 8

L'Christian Blue Smith, WR  Wayne - Blue Smith gave something for the Firebirds to remember if they don't make the playoffs as the Hail Mary catch capped off a 4-catch dominating display of why Ohio State is drooling over the WR sensation.

Danny Lewis, DB, Northmont  Lewis, who could be headed for stardom, knocked down the final pass vs Centerville and helped shut down one the Top Teams in the GWOC in a 21-14 win. Lewis, a athletic DB,  is a  2- sport star in the making, and should have a great end to the season.

Raveion Hargrove, RB  Trotwood  - Hargrove continues to amaze, with 4 TD's in the game as he seems to just be playing at another level, along with the rest of the team.

Rashad McKee,  QB,  Wayne  McKee continued to show up big in the big games as he accounted for 5 TD's in the epic game and ended with a  connect to Blue Smith to end the game.
McKee seems headed for stardom and some big time D-1 recruitment.

Rolando Perez, K Thurgood  Perez has come through in the clutch for Thurgood, as they ride a 5 game winning streak. Perez hit the GW Kick to help seal the deal for the Cougars. With Perez, it has made Thurgood a more rounded team with a solid Special Teams unit.

Kameron Mathis, WR, Northnmont - Mathis caught 2 big TD passes against State Ranked Centerville to help the Bolts get the big win.

Dawson Martin, RB-DB, Belmont  - Martin showed he can be a jack of all trades as he scored a TD running, catching, and passing the ball as the Bison destroyed Shroeder. Martin is one of the most versatile football players in all of Ohio and in the Midwest, and is a D-1 prospect, no doubt.


Jaydon Culp-Bishop, RB, Troy - Culp Bishop took all the hype from opposing RB Isaiah Bowser and responded with a 237 yard effort that included a 99-yard TD run. Not bad for fast rising junior from Troy.

John Bivens, RB,  Alter  - Bivens continues to show whe he could be the highest RB prospect in the junior class in Ohio, as he rushed for 260 on 25 carries to lead the State Ranked Knights to a 7-1 record. Hes already been recruited by Big 10 schools.

Leonard Taylor, QB,  Springfield - Taylor showed why the Cats could be a team who could do some big things as he led the Cats to a big win against Beavercreek. The dynamic big QB ran an passed for TDs, controlled the tempo, and got the Cats back in the playoff saddle.

Week 3 Recap: Trotwood, Springfield, Dunbar get key road Ws; C-J, Wayne cruise; Belmont defeats Thurgood; Dayton dominates vs big schools

Here's the top headlines and results for week 3 in the Miami Valley in football:

Raveion "Shock" Hargrove levitates after a TD vs Pickerington Central 

Trotwood defeats #1 ranked Pickerington Central;  Stephens-Peppers shows mettle, Rams now sit at #1 in the OHSAA D-3 poll
 Trotwood showed why they are one of the best teams in Ohio, bar none, as they went up to Pickerington and handled business to the tune of 28-19.  The Rams got off to a lead and never relinquished it. Central had knocked off some very big opponents in the first 2 weeks, but the Rams offense was too explosive and held a great offense in check as well.

Junior QB Markell Stephens-Peppers and star RB Raveion Hargrove did the heavy lifting, as Stephens Peppers threw 4 TD's on the night, while BG commit Hargrove ran for 10 yards a carry en route to 160 on the ground and 54 in the air with a TD, as the Rams showed moxie, hunger, and that they are forreal.

The Rams were rewarded with the top spot in the first OHSAA D-3 Football Rankings.

Belmont stops Thurgood in DHSS City League Game of the Week; Martin, Furlow shine
The Bison followed their strength of great run play and shutdown D as they defeated Thurgood Saturday night.
  RB Dawson Martin provided 2 TD runs and Elijah Malcolm added 2 more which was too much for the Cougars to handle. While it was close at half, the Bison scored to make it 14-3 at half, a score that would never be threatened en route to a 26-3 victory.

Thurgood responded in the 3rd quarter with a FG, but Belmont came right back and put the game away with a Martin TD. A Jaden Rucker Furlow INT doomed the Cougars comeback hopes.

 Belmont moves to 3-0 while Thurgood falls to 0-3.
Belmont has not allowed a TD in 3 games.

Star QB Leonard Taylor with Coach Douglas as the Wildcats are 3-0 heading into big game Friday Night.

Springfield stays undefeated with big win @ Lima Sr.
The Wildcats star QB in Leonard Taylor passed for a TD and ran for another in the 4th - which turned out to be the game winner - as Springfield remained unbeaten with the big win in Lima 19-16.

This is the first time in over a decade since the Wildcats have went 3-0. The defense was brilliant for most of the night, as junior rising star DB Moses Douglas was able to lead a talented defense to hold a explosive team to 16 points. Coach Doug has brought back a hope to Springfield as they feel that this could be the year.

Wayne defeats Canadian power as Clarkson sees "Blue" breakout
The Wayne Train had its biggest burst of the season with a 34-21 win over Clarkson (Canada).
And it was led by All-America Candidate  L'Christian "Blue" Smith as he totaled 189 yards on 10 catches with a TD as the Wayne Warriors defeated Clarkson (Ottawa, Canada). Blue was downright unstoppable, and the O State commit garnered National Player of the Week awards for the performance. It was a complete performance for the Warriors, who now move to 2-1 on the season.



Dayton teams sweep Pickerington in matchups
Not only did Trotwood defeat Pickerington Central, but Centerville (3-0) extended its undefeated season after squeaking by North 27-26. A late FG sealed the deal for the Elks, and 1st year coach Brett Ullery continues his great run. Can they take it up a notch and win in Springfield this Friday Night?



Franklin stops Piqua, stays undefeated; Montgomery continues to roll
Franklin was able to run its record to 3-0 after riding the shoulders of star RB Ryan Montgomery as he accounted for 190 yards in the offense and 3 TDs in the 21-7 win at Piqua. Super Soph QB Braden Woods came in and starred as well, going 12-12 for 162 yards and a TD after a injury to Braden White in the 1st quarter. Piqua falls to 1-2.

Seth Arnold & Tavion Thomas delivered big for Dunbar

Dunbar gets key road win; Oklahoma commit delivers big in Cincy
The Wolverines pulled out a big road victory in Cincy as they was able to upend a tough Mt Healthy team who had the Wolves on the ropes in the 4th.
Dunbar had jumped out to a 20-7 lead, led by Oklahoma commit Tavion Thomas, who had his breakout game with 150 yards and 2 TD's.
However Mt Healthy rallied back with 2 consecutive 2 TD drives of its own to tie it at 20 as QB Lamier directed Mt Healthy back to a position to take the lead in the 4th.
But a missed extra point left the game tied, and the Wolverines responded with a big drive capped off with a Thomas TD to seal the deal.
Star LB Seth Arnold was downright unstoppable, and had the defensive stat line of the week with 23 tackles - yes you see it right - 23 tackles on the night, and the Wolverines needed every bit of it to get the big victory.
Dunbar goes to 2-1 and stays firm in its move for the playoffs.



The Burg continues its undefeated run; Clark, Johnson lead the way
Miamisburg continued its great early season play with a big victory (41-6) at home against Loveland, as "The Burg" came out firing and scored on 5 of its first 6 possessions to put the game away early. Star RB Tony Clark scored 3 TD's, & Junior QB Tate Vongsy dominated early and often, throwing 2 TD's on the night.

The defense has been lights out as well, led by rising junior CB Cameron Moore, who has shown shutdown ability and great instincts, and it will be needed as he will be taking on Ohio State commit L'Christian Blue Smith and the Wayne train this Friday night in a key game for the Burg.

C-J pounds Meadowdale
The Eagles haven't forgotten what happened 2 years ago, when Meadowdale defeated them at Welcome Stadium by the score of 6-0.

Well C-J exacted revenge as they ran past Meadowdale early and often to the score of 63-22, as the Eagles offense was hitting on all cylinders.
The score was 50-0 in the 2nd quarter before the Lions were able to regroup.
Marquis George and Ryan Peltier led the charge as the Eagles got on the board this season (1-2) for the first time in a big way. Meadowdale falls to 0-3.

Dynamic Duo leads Sidney past Carroll
If this is a precursor for what could happen this year, watch out as Star RB Isiah Bowser and Star QB Andre Gordon scored 4 times in the game of a 35-7 romp of Carroll. Gordon started it off with a 94- yard run and Bowser followed that up with 2 Runs himself - for 74 and 45 yards as the Yellow Jackets were too explosive for Carroll. Sidney moves to 3-0 as well. Carroll falls to 1-2.
 If Sidney can continue to play good defense, watch out as they have 2 bona-fide stars who can carry a offense.

Nex: Star players in Week 3

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Move aside Alter Fairmont; Hottest football ticket in town is Dunbar Belmont in 2017-18 Season Opener; Key Storylines; 10 D-1 Recruits in the Game? & more

 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?

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.