All America type talent in Trotwood -Wayne battle; Who has the better team?

    When Wayne and Trotwood lock up tonight at Heidkamp Stadium in Huber Heights, there will be no shortage of star power when it comes to HS Sports in Southwest Ohio.

   

             Can "Shock" Hargrove lead Rams to W?



The 2 premiere teams in the GWOC will clash tonight with more than bragging rights, as Trotwood (8-1)  & Wayne (8-0-1) will look to get a huge win and have some playoff momentum as we go into Week 10 of the HS football season.


  Both teams have  set the standards so high for football in the Miami Valley that we almost forget how good they really are.

  With D-1 players littered all over the field, it almost feels like a All-Star Game. 


Heres our breakdown of the positions, coaches, and who has the edge:


Quarterbacks:

    In QB Markell Stephens Peppers the Rams have a budding star. Stephens Peppers has gotten more and more consistent every week and now has 14 TD's and only 3 INTs.

  On the Wayne Train side, new QB Rashad McKee has had a great first season throwing for 1575 yards, 17 TD's and only 5 INTs while running the vaunted Wayne Train offense.

    Both players have had remarkable seasons for their teams under pressure situations and circumstances.

 EDGE:  EVEN


Offense:

TROTWOOD  -  For Ram Nation it starts with the running game, as Top Junior RB Raveion "Shock"  Hargrove (11 TDs) leads a powerful offense, and with the addition of William McDaniel (423 yds, 5TDs), it has given Trotwood a potent 1-2 running punch; With the standout Junior tandem of WR Caleb Johnson and Dallas Daniels having good years, a steadily improving line, the Rams have the package to get to State.


WAYNE  - The Wayne Train has been unstoppable due to a balanced attack. With 2 of the top WR in the state in Senior Matt Wilcox and Junior L'Christian "Blue" Smith (7 TDs) , a beast of a running back in Fred Pitts (875 rushing, 9 TDs) and a solid season from Josh Foster (515 yds rushing) they have created opportunites for the passing game as well. Throw in Raymond James, Trey Davis, and Steven Victoria and you have the best WR Quintet in all of Ohio, bar none. And possibly in the entire country.


EDGE: Wayne


Defense:

TROTWOOD - The Rams defense has been rock solid all year, and usually play their best ball come playoff time. The front seven has been very good led by James Parker, DL Devon Smith, LB Mikeyion Hunter and Kennedy Coates; but the secondary has been special as Kobe Vinegar and Daylon Duverglas have been lights out. The Rams have always prided themselves on D, and this year is no different.


WAYNE  - With 2 way Star Matt Wilcox joining the D, it boosted the already tough Wayne D to another level. With D-Line star Matt Reigelsperger and sack leader Wendell Wheeler (6 sacks), along with Mazone Walker and Joseph Crain creating havoc, it has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Add stud LB Nyem Wilson to the mix and you have a D which could lead the Warriors back to the state title match.

EDGE:  Even


Coaching:

TROTWOOD - Trotwood has a experienced staff with Coach Jeff Graham leading the troops.


WAYNE - Coach Jay Minton has lead the Wayne Train into a National elite level. Although they haven't won state, they have won almost every other big time game, including dominating the Cincy circuit the last 5 years.


EDGE:  Even


Bottom line:

 As good as both teams are, the only difference in this game will be Home Field advantage, which goes to the Warriors. Also note that it's senior night, so and this class has been very successful.

Look for a Warrior win, albeit a close one.


No matter the results, the level that the Ram Nation and the Wayne Train have risen the High school football ranks in Southwest Ohio has been remarkable.

Wayne shuts down Springfield and twitter beef; Dunbar earns playoff berth; Thurgood, Ponitz, earn Ws

Here's the lowdown on Week 9 and what happened in some of the big games around the Miami Valley:

Dunbar RB Tavion Thomas powers Wolverines past Taft to playoff berth

Wayne stops Springfield - 
 Wayne once again showed that when the chips are down, they still are the premier team in the Miami Valley as they were able to win @ Springfield in a nationally televised game 38-14.
  Wayne Train star RB Fred Pitts dominated along with the O-Line, as he ran for 202 yards and 2 TDs, & the Warriors dominated in the trenches on both sides.

Star RB Fred Pitts making waves for the Wayne Train 

After the game, Wildcats coach Maurice Douglass admitted that Wayne had controlled the line of scrimmage. While he feels his squad is close, they were not quite to the level they needed to be to defeat Wayne in a national game. While he was pleased with the effort, he still hopes for his team to get better.
   Leading up to the game there was some twitter and social media beefing  in which the Cats and the Warriors went at it. At the end of the day, the twitter fingers took the field, and a game was played, and it was the Warriors who got the last laugh.

  Wayne now moves to 8-0-1 while Springfield falls to 6-3. The Wildcats, with a win, could still get into the OHSAA playoffs.  Wayne, ranked 2nd in the state, hopes to get a 1st round home playoff game.




 Dunbar exacts revenge, garners playoff berth
    Dunbar wanted to show anybody who will listen that they are ready for anybody. And knowing that Cincy Taft was the one team that stood in their way, and with the SWOPL championship berth and playoff implications on the line?
  The Wolverines know their time is now, and Dunbar once again seized the moment, scoring early and often as they turned the expected battle into a rout 42-12.
 The Wolverines were led by Junior QB Jamar Walker  & Senior 2 way star Keyshawn Jones. 
Walker threw for 4 TDs on the day, 2 of them long TDs to Jones in the 1st half, as the Wolverines went up 30-0 at half.

And the rout was on.

With the win, Dunbar has clinched a playoff berth for the first time in 6 years.  Dunbar moves to 8-1 while Taft falls to 6-3. Taft was in position to make the playoffs but will have to win and hope for help now.



C-J wins again, preps for Alter 
   C-J trampled over Badin to move 1 step closer to a playoff berth. The Eagles now move to 6-3, & with a win over Alter, could reach the playoffs after starting 0-2.

Star QB DariJuan Stroud leading the Cougars to a W

Thurgood handles Meadowdale  
 Thurgood was able to handle Meadowdale in a huge city battle 34-7. Coach Brian Carter has led his troops to a 4-5 record as they head into last game. Star QB Darion Stroud led the Cougars to another big win, as the  Cougars have had their share of big Ws this season. Meadowdale falls to 3-6.

Can Ponitz get to playoffs? (6-3) 

Ponitz sets record for wins   
  Ponitz continues to set records this season, as the Panthers defeated Cincy Gamble Montessori this season. The Panthers were led by D'Edgar Cooks, who was unstoppable.
 Coach Jim Place has taken the Panthers and now have them at 6-3. If the Panthers weren't D-3,  they'd be playing for a playoff spot. They need some help, but there's still a outside chance they can get in.



Northmont upsets the "Boro"  
 Nothmont delivered a tough loss to Springboro as they rode star RB Devin Kenerly 4 TDS - 2 in the 4th quarter, as the Bolts won 32-20. Springboro was ahead 20-19 going into 4th, but Northmont took control for the win. Northmont moves to 4-5 while Springboro falls to 6-3, & now must win and get a little help to make playoffs.



Trotwood cruises, ready for Wayne  
 Trotwood smacked down Xenia 49-14  in a "Trap Game" for the Rams.
QB Markell Stephens Peppers led the way with 3 TDs, as the Rams now ready for a huge GWOC match-up with Wayne this week. The Rams have won 8 straight since Week 1 loss.



Miamisburg moves 1 win away from playoffs  
 Miamisburg continue its strong play with hey easy win over Beavercreek 28 - 7.  3 TD  runs by Clark & 100 yards running by Netherton basically sealed the deal as the O-Line dominated for the Burg. Miamisburg moves to 7-2 & in good playoff position.



Lebanon secures win 
  Lebanon basically secured a playoff berth as they ran over Stebbins 41-14. Star QB Dakota Allen  went ham on Stebbins with 5-TDs, as the Warriors moved to 7-2 on the season.



Franklin throws up 66 on Oakwood
 Franklin continued it's dream season with a big time win over Oakwood 66-48. The Wildcats are 9-0 & will look to go undefeated and ready for a playoff berth.  Franklin star RB. Ryan Montgomery scored 5 times.

Wayne shuts down Springfield and twitter beef; Dunbar earns playoff berth; Thurgood, Ponitz, earn Ws

Here's the lowdown on Week 9 and what happened in some of the big games around the Miami Valley:

Dunbar RB Tavion Thomas powers Wolverines past Taft to playoff berth

Wayne stops Springfield - 
 Wayne once again showed that when the chips are down, they still are the premier team in the Miami Valley as they were able to win @ Springfield in a nationally televised game 38-14.
  Wayne Train star RB Fred Pitts dominated along with the O-Line, as he ran for 202 yards and 2 TDs, & the Warriors dominated in the trenches on both sides.

Star RB Fred Pitts making waves for the Wayne Train 

After the game, Wildcats coach Maurice Douglass admitted that Wayne had controlled the line of scrimmage. While he feels his squad is close, they were not quite to the level they needed to be to defeat Wayne in a national game. While he was pleased with the effort, he still hopes for his team to get better.
   Leading up to the game there was some twitter and social media beefing  in which the Cats and the Warriors went at it. At the end of the day, the twitter fingers took the field, and a game was played, and it was the Warriors who got the last laugh.

  Wayne now moves to 8-0-1 while Springfield falls to 6-3. The Wildcats, with a win, could still get into the OHSAA playoffs.  Wayne, ranked 2nd in the state, hopes to get a 1st round home playoff game.




 Dunbar exacts revenge, garners playoff berth
    Dunbar wanted to show anybody who will listen that they are ready for anybody. And knowing that Cincy Taft was the one team that stood in their way, and with the SWOPL championship berth and playoff implications on the line?
  The Wolverines know their time is now, and Dunbar once again seized the moment, scoring early and often as they turned the expected battle into a rout 42-12.
 The Wolverines were led by Junior QB Jamar Walker  & Senior 2 way star Keyshawn Jones. 
Walker threw for 4 TDs on the day, 2 of them long TDs to Jones in the 1st half, as the Wolverines went up 30-0 at half.

And the rout was on.

With the win, Dunbar has clinched a playoff berth for the first time in over 20 years.  Dunbar moves to 8-1 while Taft falls to 6-3. Taft was in position to make the playoffs but will have to win and hope for help now.



C-J wins again, preps for Alter 
   C-J trampled over Badin to move 1 step closer to a playoff berth. The Eagles now move to 6-3, & with a win over Alter, could reach the playoffs after starting 0-2.

Star QB DariJuan Stroud leading the Cougars to a W

Thurgood handles Meadowdale  
 Thurgood was able to handle Meadowdale in a huge city battle 34-7. Coach Brian Carter has led his troops to a 4-5 record as they head into last game. Star QB Darion Stroud led the Cougars to another big win, as the  Cougars have had their share of big Ws this season. Meadowdale falls to 3-6.

Can Ponitz get to playoffs? (6-3) 

Ponitz sets record for wins   
  Ponitz continues to set records this season, as the Panthers defeated Cincy Gamble Montessori this season. The Panthers were led by D'Edgar Cooks, who was unstoppable.
 Coach Jim Place has taken the Panthers and now have them at 6-3. If the Panthers weren't D-3,  they'd be playing for a playoff spot. They need some help, but there's still a outside chance they can get in.



Northmont upsets the "Boro"  
 Nothmont delivered a tough loss to Springboro as they rode star RB Devin Kenerly 4 TDS - 2 in the 4th quarter, as the Bolts won 32-20. Springboro was ahead 20-19 going into 4th, but Northmont took control for the win. Northmont moves to 4-5 while Springboro falls to 6-3, & now must win and get a little help to make playoffs.



Trotwood cruises, ready for Wayne  
 Trotwood smacked down Xenia 49-14  in a "Trap Game" for the Rams.
QB Markell Stephens Peppers led the way with 3 TDs, as the Rams now ready for a huge GWOC match-up with Wayne this week. The Rams have won 8 straight since Week 1 loss.



Miamisburg moves 1 win away from playoffs  
 Miamisburg continue its strong play with hey easy win over Beavercreek 28 - 7.  3 TD  runs by Clark & 100 yards running by Netherton basically sealed the deal as the O-Line dominated for the Burg. Miamisburg moves to 7-2 & in good playoff position.



Lebanon secures win 
  Lebanon basically secured a playoff berth as they ran over Stebbins 41-14. Star QB Dakota Allen  went ham on Stebbins with 5-TDs, as the Warriors moved to 7-2 on the season.



Franklin throws up 66 on Oakwood
 Franklin continued it's dream season with a big time win over Oakwood 66-48. The Wildcats are 9-0 & will look to go undefeated and ready for a playoff berth.  Franklin star RB. Ryan Montgomery scored 5 times.

Belmont game cancelled due to lack of players?; Top 5 Games in Week 9; Playoff Push

Belmont game cancelled

The Belmont game was cancelled yesterday due to a lack of players for the other team....With only 13 healthy players for the Cincy Riverview East Academy, the game was called due to forfeit.
This pushes the Bison record to 7-2 for the 2nd consecutive season and this also gives them another shot to get to the OHSAA playoffs for a 2nd year in a row, something that would be a first for Belmont football. They take on Dunbar next Friday.

Can this dynamic duo lead the Springfield Wildcats to a huge win over Wayne tonight?

TOP GAMES OF Week 9

With it being Week 9, there are some huge matchups that will shape some playoff contenders from the pretenders, and will also setup some major matchups for Week 10.

Here's the best games on this Football Friday, with the weather changing for the football gods.

Wayne  (7-0-1)      @  Springfield  (6-2)   In what could be the "Game of the Season", Wayne will look to continue its stranglehold on the GWOC and Southwest Ohio. Springfield has won some tough games on the road, but will all of "The Field" at this game for a chance at the biggest upset of the season. With D-1 Talent all over the field, this game will be as good as advertised. Two great coaches, 2 great programs, a bitter rivalry with perfect football temperatures (50-55 degrees) for kickoff.

 

 Can Wayne continue the dominance with possibly its most talented team ever? Or will Springfield earn a playoff berth tonight? Look for some epic performances from both sides.

Cincy Taft  (6-2)    @  Dunbar  (7-1)  -  Dunbar has come a long way this season, but if they don't win at least 1 of these next 2 games and clinch a playoff berth, then it will be all for naught, as the SWOPL Champions will stride into Welcome Stadium  tonight and look to continue its dominance of Dayton Schools. Taft, has trounced all comers in the SWOPL and tonight will look to hold up Cincy as the premiere city school. Led by a experienced coaching staff and stars on the offense, this will be a great test for the Wolverines, who have had a breakout season up to date.

Can the Wolverines rise up to the challenge and move 1 step closer to a playoff appearance?

Springboro (6-2)       @ Northmont (4-4)   In a game which could be the highest scoring game of the night, can Springboro continue its playoff hopes in a big game @ Northmont? The Bolts have played well at home, and the Boro have been in their share of close games. A slip at Northmont and the Panthers could be sitting on the outs of the playoffs.


C-J         (5-3)       @   Badin  (3-5)   Chaminade fought off a 0-2 start and now find themselves with a real chance to make the playoffs. Win on the road at a beatable Badin and then have Alter at home? Sounds like the playoffs already for the Eagles.


Xenia  (2-6)          @ Trotwood  (7-1)  Trotwood shouldn't have much problems in this game, considering Xenia hasn't been very impressive this season. However, we all know the vaunted matchup in week 10 between the Rams and Wayne, so will Trotwood focus on the task tonight, with bad weather and a team with no business of being in the game? Or will Xenia find a way to shock the Rams tonight?


Thurgood (3-5)      @  Meadowdale  (3-5)  (Saturday)  In a game that will dictate 4th place in the tough City League this year, which team will get it done? In losses, both teams haven't looked great, but in the wins they have demonstrated the ability to dominate. Which coach will get his troops to answer the bell in a "Rivalry Matchup?"
Thurgood New Coach Brian Carter or Lions coach John Wortham?

SpoonFed Recap: How did Top 10 football teams in Southwest Ohio do last weekend? (Week 7)

Here's out Top 10 Teams and how they fared this weekend:

Top 5 Teams (Division 1-3)

Wayne  2 way Star player Matt Wilcox on Dayton HS Sports Show

(1) Wayne      6-0-1     D-1 -    Wayne trounced Fairmont 35-0 as they moved into a
National Top 25 Ranking; Matt Wilcox shined on D and the offense was efficient in the win. If the Warriors can get it done against Springfield and Trotwood the last two weeks, they could very well be hosting the regionals.


(2) Trotwood   7-1      D-3 -    Trotwood rolled over another GWOC opponent as they put 50 on Stebbins, and stay in good playoff position. One more win and the Rams should be in the playoffs.

(3) Troy           7-1      D-2  -    Troy continued its great play with a easy win  which the D shut Sidney down. The Trojans could clinch a spot with another win, the way it looks.

(4) Springboro         6-2   D-1 -  Springboro erupted for 66 as the Panthers marched all over the field on Fairborn. the win keeps the Boro in good playoff shape providing they finish strong.

(5)  Miamisburg       6-2   D-1 -   The Burg silenced some critics and pulled out a can on Lebanon 55-20.  The win pushes Miamisburg into a playoff spot if they handle business late in the season.    


Next 5:  Lebanon  6-2; Springfield  6-2; Franklin  8-0; St. Marys 8-0; Wilmington 7-1; 
             Belmont 6-2



Top 5 Teams  (Division 4-7):

 (1) Alter                           8-0    D-4 -    Alter shut out Hamilton Badin 48-0, and  looks to be headed to a deep run come playoff time.

(2) Clinton Massie            7-1    D-4 -    Massie has been dominant despite the loss to Alter.

(3) Dunbar                        7-1    D-4  -   Dunbar punished another cincy team, and now will have back to back tests (Cin Taft, Belmont) which could make or break season.

(4) Marion Local               7-1    D-6 -  Marion handled business and stays in top 5 and in playoff shape.

(5)  Coldwater                   7-1    D-5-   The former champs will look to gear up for the postseason.       


Next 5:     Mechanicsburg (8-0); St. Henry (5-2); Valley View (6-2); Chaminade Julienne (5-3) Covington (8-0)

Thurgood - Dunbar rivalry renews tonight at Welcome Stadium

Can the Dunbar D lead the Wolverines to a win?

Thurgood Marshall and Dunbar will collide tonight @Welcome Stadium (7pm). These two teams always seem to play good hard football, as Dunbar looks to keep its great season going. They will try to get to the playoffs while Thurgood will look to move back to .500 for the first time and 3-1 in the division.
  Dunbar will look to go to 7-1 and keep its playoff hopes alive. With the coaches and players brimming with confidence and the game on TV?
 Should be a good game tonight with 2 of the city's finest battling again for city league football supremacy.

Ponitz ruins Meadowdale homecoming; "The Boro" squeaks by The Burg"; "Blue" Smith leads Wayne; Trotwood cruises; Springfield wins big battle

Here's the recap on what happened in Week 7 of HS sports in the Miami Valley:

L'Christian "Blue" Smith scores one of his 2 Long TD's  vs Creek

(1) The "Boro" shocks the "Burg" - 
Springboro scored with 2 seconds left in the game, and in dramatic fashion, scored on a 2-point conversion to defeat Miamisburg 39-38. The win puts Springboro at 5-2 & drops Miamisburg to 5-2. Both are in position to make the playoffs.

Springboro star receiver headed for paydirt vs Miamisburg

(2) Ponitz ruins Meadowdale homecoming, blanks Lions - Ponitz  handled  business and shut out Meadowdale 31-0  @ Welcome Stadium Friday night. It was the Lions homecoming,  but it was all Ponitz all night as they run their record to 4-3 while Meadowdale falls to 2-5. Pointz star RB Jamil Freeman led the way for the Panthers.

(3) "Blue" Smith shines vs Beavercreek  - Star WR L'Christian  "Blue" Smith scored on 2 long TDS early in the game and Wayne cruised past Beavercreek 44-0. Wayne now rolls to 6-0-1 while Beavercreek falls to 3-4. Once Smith entered the zone, there was no turning back for the Warriors.


(4) Dunbar wins big on the road - Dunbar got a much needed road victory in Cincy as they defeated Cincy Western Hills 50-8. Tavion Thomas led the attack with another great game (100+ rushing, 2 TDs), and the defense, led by star LB Antwuan Johnson's Interception.

Star LB Antwuan Johnson is the unquestioned leader of a stingy Wolverines D unit.

Dunbar is now 6-1 on the season, their best record in over 20 years. Dunbar will face Thurgood in a big rivalry game this week.


(5) C-J wins 4th in 5 games - Chaminade continues its hot play with a blowout win over Roger Bacon. The Eagles are now 4-3 on the season, their first time over .500 after starting slow.

C-J celebrates TD vs Roger Bacon as they get over .500 mark

(6) Springfield win huge road game @ Northmont
 The Wildcats  held off a pesky Bolts team, in which Northmont scored 23 straight points but still lost 35-29.  Springfield now moves to 5-2, while Northmont falls to 3-4.

Springfield celebrates after scoring @ Northmont 

(7) Trotwood rolls again for 6th straight - 
The Rams won their 6th straight game as they ran past Fairborn 49-6. The Rams have won their 6th straight and are definitely hitting a playoff stride as we get close to the playoffs. Star RB Raveion Hargrove and that vaunted Rams D led the way.


(8) Thurgood  shuts out Hughes -
 Thurgood went to Cincy and garnered their 3rd win of the season as they blanked Cincy Hughes 40-0.  The win puts Thurgood at 2-1 in the SWOPL. They have a huge match-up this week vs Dunbar. The Cougars have won 3 of their last 5 games and have played well recently.