Can Belmont get a playoff win after a 37 year wait? Lankford Player of the Year

With all the excitement surrounding the Belmont Bison these days, one can't help to wonder...

Could the Bison actually beat the #1 seed in the Region?
   Wapakoneta is undefeated and ranked in the state.
"Wapak" as they are nicknamed, don't make mistakes. They are well coached. Living out in the "sticks" or the "fields" as they like to call the country, they welcome you with open arms...
Then they work on destroying you.
They are big on the O line. Both lines, for that matter.  They can run and pass well.
You don't get to 10-0 by not being very good.

Question is, have they seen a team like Belmont?

 Belmont, by all accounts, has taken what has been the "History of Belmont" in the last 2 years & put it to bed.
  Behind the leadership of Earl White and SWOPL Player of the Year Davion Lankford, the Bison have  came out of nowhere. And make no mistake, it's not just Lankford.
  With a trio of runners, Belmont have plenty of firepower. But in the playoffs, it's all about adjustments.
And with a coach who has reached the State Finals, it's safe to say Coach White will try to adjust on the fly to what he sees.
   With huge playoff wins over Alter and other big programs, it has put White into elite coaching company.

Can the Bison get the ball in space and play through the conditions? Can they not make silly mistakes and stay with the plan?

Lets just be honest here.

Last week, in a playoff type game vs Dunbar and coming off a bye week, Belmont came out flat, fumbled all night and we're flattened by the Wolverines. It was a game that looked bad from the start.
  But while Dunbar is one of the most talented teams in Southwest Ohio, Belmont played like the "Old Belmont".

   And while their incredible season merits them in the playoffs, they must prove that tonight. (7pm)

  Now with a chance to prove they belong, can they go into a hostile territory, make their mark, & re-write history again?
  Don't be surprised if they do.
They don't care about history. They want to make it.
And after talking with Coach Dewberry, they will be ready to go.



Lankford grabs Player of the Year in the SWOPL  

Davion Lankford    
Won Southwest Ohio Public League Player of the Year earlier this week.

Lankford Player of Year in SWOPL

  Lankford, a senior RB-DB, tallied up over 1600 yards and had 23 TDs as he led the Bison to their first City League title and playoff berth in 37 years.

Lankford was the first ever Dayton High School Sports Athlete of the Week last year.

With his speed, agility, added strength, ability to make defenders miss and his explosion once he sees daylight?

Has the D-1 coaches salivating.

But it has been his maturity off the field that has gotten him to this point.
Lankford did what most young kids in Dayton do, when they don't quite understand what sports can actually do for someone's life.
Once Lankford realized this, it was game over.
Starting hitting the books harder, working harder than he ever had.

With responsibilities that far outweigh his on-the-field duties, Lankford has had to grow up fast.
And to his respect, he has grown up. Has matured. To be the leader of a program that has taken almost 4 decades of losing and change it?

That's maturing my friends.
Hard to not root for the young man.

Lankford will make his decision on college after the season.

Wayne clobbers Centerville, Hargrove runs wild; City League teams dominate

Wayne Train dismantles Elks, prep for playoffs
    Wayne did what they did every week, all season to Centerville on Friday night.
And, unfortunately for the Elks, it was over from the jump.

Can anyone stop this Train? (Courtesy of ImageJock)

   Daryl McCleskey scored 3 TDS to lead the Warriors to a 56-17 drubbing of Centerville to  become the third team to go undefeated in Wayne history, winning the GWOC Central, and receiving a  first-round home game in D-1 region 2.

   For the Elks (6-4)? Their luck just ran out. They have had more escapes than Harry Houdini this season, but there was no escaping the Train.

Wayne ends up ranked 2nd in the state and 11th in the country. For now.
This team is as loaded as a High school team that you can possibly have. Almost looks like a mid-major college team. Right now.

Up next for Wayne:
1st round playoff home game  vs Reynoldsburg


Rams Hargrove goes beserk, sends statement
   After a fast start to the season,  Trotwood hit a rough patch late in the season, losing 3 of 4 games. While their playoff hopes never wavered, the question is, can they do damage in the playoffs, or will it be a one and done season?

After a record breaking day by sophomore sensation Raveion Hargtove, it's safe to say the Ram a look ready for the playoffs.

Ram Nation ready for playoffs

 Trotwood took care of Vandalia Butler 57 - 35 as  the office racked up 600 yards. Hargrove had runs of 98 and 80 yards in the first half. He racked up 341 yards In the first half alone.
    Rams Coach Jeff Graham called Hargrove " A Special Player" & feels good putting the ball in his star RB hands.
   Hargrove ended up just 65 yards short of 2K (1,935), and led the GWOC in rushing.

  Butler, who also was 7-3 & won the division for the first time since 02',  also made the playoffs and will play Lasalle.  QB Chandler Craine threw 4 TD passes, but it wasn't enough.

Trotwood will host a playoff game, while Butler will travel.

 Dunbar stymies Belmont in City League battle
 despite not being able to make the playoffs, Dunbar came out with playoff intensity and took it to Belmont defeating the Bison. After a 12-6 lead midway in the 3rd, Dunbar scored on its next three possesions, with the help of two turnovers from Belmont helping the run.
   Dunbar was led by dynamic WR- Slot -RB Keyshawn Jones, who felt confident his squad could get the W. Dunbar ends season at 5-5 while Belmont falls to 7-2.

Belmont still was able to get into playoffs, as they will travel to Wapakoneta to face the #1 squad in their division.

 Miamisburg cruises past West Carrollton, earns playoff berth
 Miamisburg took care of West Carrollton 48 - 6 and will be headed to the playoffs for the first time in a long time. the Vikings one the GWOC South title in the process.

The Creek'  runs all over Fairmont to get to 7-3
 The Creek's rushing attack had 3 guys with 100 yards each with with Tim BradShaw (162), Jarrett Thomas (122), & Stone Kincer (118). Beavercreek ends season with a 7-3 record and hope for next season.


Ponitz, Meadowdale, Thurgood all win
All the city league squads, save for Belmont, won this week.
   Ponitz defeated College Prep 18 - 8, as they displayed great effort on D.  On top of that the Panthers won their last three games, to give the coaches hope that next year could be a bigger turnaround. Ponitz finishes at 4-6.

    Thurgood defeats Schroeder,  gets to .500
After a slow start to the season, Thurgood won 4 of its last 6 games to get to 5-5 after a big win over Schroeder. Thurgood was led by two way star  Tommie Richardson.

Meadowdale trounces Western Hills.
  Meadowdale put up 51 on Western Hills as they cruised to a 51-23 win on Saturday night.
The offense was hitting on all cylinders and Meadowdale finishes season 4-6 after a couple games were forfeited for a couple players being academically ineligible.

Impact of Dunbar - Belmont game could be huge tonight (830pm)

For years the Belmont Bison have been the doormats of the City League.  Almost 37 to be exact. They've had a year or so where they have been decent, but nothing like what has happened in the last 2 years.  

    Well, the Bison have a chance to kick down history once and for all.
    At the hands of possibly the most celebrated High School in the Miami Valley.
   Before the season started, Dunbar was the team who were one of the pre-season favorites to win the newly formed SWOPL (Southwest Ohio Public League) which merges Dayton & Cincinnati Public schools for football.

Belmont? Figured to go .500 at best.

   But after both teams took season opening losses on the road, Belmont was able to bounce back and ride it's star to 7 straight wins, a possible playoff berth and a chance to complete history, as the first team to win the SWOPL outright in its first year back.
   But can they actually beat Dunbar?

    Dunbar smacked Belmont last season, and for years at that. They're like the big bro who smacks lil bro around and never thinks twice about that lil bro will get bigger and stronger one day and not forget all them whoopins. After the tough loss last season you can be sure that coach learned a thing or two about this team since that time.
   Dunbar is supremely talented, well coached and if not for a couple of tough late game losses, they'd be playing for a playoff spot themselves. They seemingly have the top talent that bring themselves to the Wolverines each and every season. However, they have made some timely mistakes which has been their undoing.
 
Will Dunbar once again prove that their talent and will outweighs that of any other team in the city, and stop The Bison amazing momentum?
The Wolverines are notorious for slamming Title hopes.
   Just not sure they can hold off 37 years of Bison frustration.
  Welcome Stadium will be rockin' tonight (830) as we will see if the Bison are forreal.

   Win this game? & Expect a Bison revival, a playoff run, and a new Era at Belmont.
Lose? Well, we've heard that story for 37 years. We know that ending.
At least the Bison are exciting,  relevant, and doing things the right way.
Expect a classic game tonight. Expect great High School football, coaches by two of the best coaches in the Miami Valley tonight. Expect plays made by D-1 players all over the field tonght.
City League football is on the rise.

NOTE: A possible Annual Dayton HS Sports City League All-star HS Football Challenge in the works for March - April debut.
Football in Dayton, Ohio is back on the rise.
History will be made tonight.

Who makes it, Belmont or Dunbar?


 

Playoff hopes hang in the balance in Week 10; rivalries renewed

As we enter the last week of regular season one thing is for certain:

Playoffs start next week, but for most, it starts tonight, as we check out the 5 biggest games in Week 10: 

(1) Centerville  (6-3)  @   Wayne  (9-0) 

 In one of the great rivalries in the Southwest Ohio region,  Centerville, who has seemingly found their rhythm behind the Chaminade julienne transfer Jacob Harrison. The senior has thrown for 2200 + and accounted for almost 3,000 yards in the season. Centerville has been almost lucky and good at the same time, as they have survived some fantastic finishes.

    However, tonight could be a little bit too much. 

The Wayne train has steamrolled every single opponent that they have stepped in front of. 

   Led by Trotwood transfer Messiah DeWeaver, the offense has been unstoppable. With everything on the line for Centerville and a playoff home game for Wayne, it's nothing new for the GWOC, which, quite frankly, looks like one of the top 3 HS Football Leagues in Ohio.

 In the last 15 years three teams have dominated the league and two are playing  (the other is Trotwood). 

With that being said, we pick the Wayne Train to win and end the Elks late season run 40-20. 

(2) Dunbar (4-5)   vs   Belmont   (7-1)

With Dunbar losing to top seed Taft last week in a thrilling game, the Wolverines will now have to play the spoiler role as Belmont will attempt to not only win the conference outright, but get a playoff berth, something that hasn't happened in decades. Dunbar has its opportunity slip away, and maybe were a year away from winning the city. Belmont, led by Coach Earl White and star player Davion Lankford, have provided a swagger, discipline, and a camaraderie in their organization that seems to be fueling the entire Bison nation.

Dunbar has the better talent, but can they make the key plays to win the game? 

Bison win and get to the playoffs 24-22. 

(3) Trotwood  (6-3)  @  Vandalia Butler  

 Trotwood is guaranteed a playoff spot win or lose tonight and could secure a playoff home game if they can defeat the Aviators in Vandalia. Vandalia needs to win this game and more than likely Hope that a couple things go there way to get to the playoffs. Nevertheless it's been a very good season for Vandalia Butler, and this game will be tight all the way down to the end. 

Were picking the Rams in a close one 30-28.

 (4) Miamisburg (8-1)  @  West Carrollton  (2-7)

 Miamisburg is in a good position as they're hoping for a win and a little bit of help to get to the playoffs. barring any let downs, they should be able to get a win over the Pirates. West Carrolton has been up and down this season but this game is a rivalry so expect the Pirates to play with more energy and probably to an even keel in the first half. Miamisburg should win this one 35-20.

(5) Shroeder  @  Thurgood   (4-5)  

 Although  Thurgood didn't win the City League title for a 7th straight season they have started to finish strong with their young talent and looks like they could be a force for next year. Can they get the job done tonight at welcome Stadium and even their record for the season?

We're pcmic.

Week 9 Recap: Wayne, Trotwood cruise; Miamisburg wins late; Thurgood wins city battle

Here are the headlines from week 9 around the Miami Valley:

Thurgood escapes for a Huge Play

Wayne cruises to W  
Wayne started fast, star WR L'Christian "Blu" Smith scored 3 TDS on 3 catches and the Warriors shut down Beavercreek. Future Michigan St QB Messiah DeWeaver had 4TDs in limited time.
 Can the Creek win next week and slide into a playoff spot? Remains to be seen.
As far as Wayne?
TOP 25 in the COUNTRY.



Thurgood D clinches win over Meadowdale 
Meadowdale scored the first 13 points & held a 13-8 lead into half, but Thurgood scored late in the 3rd and Intercepted 3 Lions passes in the 4th to seal the deal in the City League battle.


 Miamisburg wins its final game at home come back style
Miamisburg jumped out to a big lead, but

The Burg' racing to end zone in last game at Harmon Field  

Springboro came roaring back. The Vikings scored with less than a minute remaining to win the final game 35-32. The thriller was the last game played in Miamisburg legendary Harmon Field. The Boro' falls to 7--2, while Miamisburg wins their division, ups their record to 8-1 & solidifies a playoff spot.


 Trotwood comes back strong verses Green Greenville
Trotwood came back with a resounding win In Greenville as the D stepped up and the O came to life. The Rams now move to 6-3  &, with a win next week, should be in the playoffs.


 Dunbar falls in a shootout 
The Wolverines lost 43-40 in a shootout to Cincinnati Taft. The Wolverines had a chance late in the game, but couldn't get it done.
The Wolverines fall to 4-5.


  Centerville defeats  Springfield to keep its playoff hopes alive
The Elks continue to walk a tightrope as they defeated the Wildcats 35-32 Friday night. After starting 2-3 the Elks have won 4 straight and with a win next week, could sneak into the playoffs.  Despite a great game from Star Danny Davis, the Wildcats couldn't survive the epic battle.


Prediction Record this week: 3-3 

Top 5 Games of Week 9

With the regular season coming to a near end, it's now or never for most teams as the playoffs are right around the corner.

Here's our top games for Week 9:

(1) Wayne (8-0)  @   Beavercreek  (6-2)

Last week the Beavers felt like if they could get 2 out of their last 3 games they would reach the playoffs.  After a heartbreaking loss to Centerville last week, the Beavers will face their destiny a week early, as the Wayne Train is in town tonight. Win the epic battle?
 possibly cruise to a playoff spot.
Lose? Could be a tough tough end to a great season .Can star RB Tim Bradshaw lead the Beavers to a epic victory?
We pick the Wayne Train 37- 24.


(2) Thurgood  (3-5)  @ Meadowdale (4-4) 

In what should be a battle to the finish, the Lions will look to get some revenge on the 6-Time Champs. Thurgood will be hungry to grab a W, as they were defeated soundly last week by Dunbar.

We have Thurgood winning 26-24.


(3) Springboro  @  Miamisburg  

With both teams on the brink of the playoffs, this game could be damaging for either team that loses..
Springboro, with a win, could lock up a playoff spot.
Miamisburg needs a win this week and next week and some things to happen.

Were taking Springboro by a score of 30-20.



(4) Springfield (3-5) @ Centerville  (5-3) 

Can "The Field"eliminate the Elks from playoff contention? I'm sure that despite the Wildcats record and inability to get to the playoffs, they'd love nothing more than to knock off the Elks, who seemingly play in the big games every single week.
We have the Wildcats in a upset, 38-30.



(5) Dunbar  (4-4)  @ Cincy Taft    

After trouncing Thurgood last week, the Wolverines  know that they need to win tonight in Cincinnati to have a chance to make the playoffs. They squandered a couple of games early in the season, but know if they can win the last two games, they still might have an outside shot to make the playoffs. Cincinnati taft, will be ready to go, and have some firepower.
We think the Wolverines will prevail 22-16.


Trotwood (5-3) @ Greenville  

Can Trotwood right the ship before it's too late? Once looking like a lock to make the playoffs, now they must win, and hope that things fall their way.
Trotwood wins tonight 24-19.


DHSS Predictions:
Last week's record: 4-1

Top 5 Games of Week 8

Here's our top games for week 8 as teams make their playoff runs and key rivalries heat up.

Will the Wolverines be ready for the Cougars?

(1) Dunbar  vs Thurgood  @ Welcome Stadium (7pm)
     Last years City League championship game features two of the best in the city, as a revamped Thurgood squad who was reigning City League Champs 6 years straight, will look to keep the dynamic Wolverines from putting up big numbers.
Dunbar has been inconsistent in key moments, but has looked unstoppable in others. After losing City League player of the year Jamahl Manley, the Cougars have started to rebound.
We have the Wolverines winning a wild one 34-28.



(2) Beavercreek (6-1)   @ Centerville (5-2) (7pm)
   In the GWOC game of the Week, both teams desperately need this game. The Creek', led by 1,000 yard rusher Tim Beadshaw, will be ready, but so will Centerville, who has won 4 straight and could be the hottest team in the area.
We have Centerville winning a close one 28-24


(3) Northmont  (4-3)  @  Wayne (7-0) (7pm)
   Can Northmont, led by star player Avery Miliner, pull off the upset of the season? Nationally ranked Wayne has throttled every team it has seen this season, sans one.
The WayneTrain will continue its steamrolling 41-21.


(4) Piqua  (2-5)  @ Trotwood (5-2) (7pm)
After a shocking loss to Troy at home last week, can the Rams bounce back and get a much needed W this week to stay in drivers seat for playoffs? Piqua has had some great moments and key wins this season.
The Rams will get it done by a score of 30-16.


(5) Dayton Christian  @ Lockland 
Can the Crusaders go on the road to get a huge Weight and keep their playoff hopes alive? Been a good season so far, but Lockland will be ready.
We're riding the Crusaders in a close one, 26-18