College Football is heating up as October is here, and there will be a lot of exciting games this weekend.
BIG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
# 3 Alabama Crimson Tide at # 12 Florida Gators (both 4-0)
Pick: Alabama 37, Florida 20
# 7 Wisconsin Badgers at # 8 Nebraska Cornhuskers (both 4-0)
Welcome to the Big Ten, Nebraska. Taylor Martinez and the Huskers will be tested out the gate, when Red Hot Wisconsin comes to town, for a taste of what we can expect on Dec. 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium, in a game with big BCS Implications.
Pick: Nebraska 31, Wisconsin 28
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Michigan State Spartans at Ohio State Buckeyes (both 3-1)
"Let's beat 'em in the Shoe like we did in '98!"- Anon
1998. The Ohio State Buckeyes were ranked # 1 in the Nation, and were on the verge of going to the inaugural BCS National Championship game. And then, the unthinkable happened. Ahead 24-9, the Buckeyes surrendered a two-touchdown lead and collapsed, losing 28-24 to Michigan State, in one of the biggest upsets of not only the 1990s, or of college football, but of all-time. Tomorrow, the Spartans look to win in Columbus for the first time since that big upset, as Spartans Head Coach Mark Dantonio looks to beat his old team for the very first time. What is interesting is that 24 Spartans players are from Ohio, including seven from the Columbus area, who include LeVeon Bell (Groveport) and senior receiver B.J. Cunningham (Westerville). Those seven Spartans would love to win in front of their hometown crowd, and with Luke Fickell still on the rookie learning curve, the Spartans might beat the Buckeyes in Columbus just like they did in 1998.
Pick: Michigan State 30, Ohio State 27
OHIO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE FOOTBALL:
Mount Union Purple Raiders (3-0, 2-0) at Ohio Northern Polar Bears (2-1, 1-1)
Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (2-1, 1-1) at Marietta Pioneers (1-2, 0-2)
Capital Crusaders (2-1, 2-0) at Heidelberg Student Princes (2-1, 1-1)
Otterbein Cardinals (1-2, 0-2) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (1-2, 1-1)
Muskingum Muskies (3-0, 2-0) at Wilmington Quakers (0-3, 0-2)
Picks This Week: Mount Union, Baldwin-Wallace, Heidelberg, John Carroll, and Muskingum
RIVALRY GAMES THIS WEEK:
The Little Brown Jug:
# 19 Michigan Wolverines (4-0) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-3)
The Wolverines are 4-0 for the third straight year, and it looks like that there is no stopping the Big Blue Machine anytime soon, as the Little Brown Jug (after a three-year hiatus) will remain in Ann Arbor, as Michigan has won 36 of the last 39 in this lopsided series.
Pick: Michigan 41, Minnesota 10
The Land of Lincoln Trophy:
# 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (4-0) at Northwestern Wildcats (2-1)
The Illini are 4-0 for the first time in 60 years as they face Northwestern for the bragging rights in The Land of Lincoln. The Wildcats will have an old face back for the first time since tearing his achilles last season.
Pick: Illinois 20, Northwestern 13
Redemption:
# 4 Boise State Broncos (3-0) at Nevada Wolf Pack (1-2)
Last November, the Wolf Pack, behind QB Colin Kaepernick did the unthinkable by derailing the BCS Title hopes for Boise State in a wild overtime upset thriller. Kaepernick is long gone, and Nevada has a two-headed quarterback system.
Pick: Boise State 35, Nevada 17
Indiana Rivals:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-2) at Purdue Boilermakers (2-1)
Pick: Notre Dame 30, Purdue 20
OTHER BIG I-FBS TOP 25 GAMES THIS WEEK:
# 14 Texas A&M Aggies (2-1) at # 18 Arkansas Razorbacks (3-1)
This could be a preview of next year, as the Aggies are officially joining the SEC in 2012.
Pick: Arkansas 31, Texas A&M 24
# 1 LSU Tigers (4-0) at Kentucky Wildcats (2-2)
Pick: LSU 41, Kentucky 0
# 21 Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (4-0) at North Carolina State Wolfpack (2-2)
Georgia Tech is 4-0 since winning the National Championship 21 years ago, are the Jackets back?
Pick: Georgia Tech 31, NC State 13
# 22 West Virginia Mountaineers at Bowling Green Falcons (both 3-1)
Pick: West Virginia 34, Bowling Green 16
# 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0) at Auburn Tigers (3-1)
Pick: South Carolina 20, Auburn 10
# 20 TCU Horned Frogs at SMU Mustangs (both 3-1)
Pick: TCU 34, SMU 30
# 11 Virginia Tech Hokies at # 13 Clemson Tigers (both 4-0)
Pick: Clemson 35, Virginia Tech 32
# 17 Texas Longhorns at Iowa State Cyclones (both 3-0)
Pick: Texas 33, Iowa State 15
# 6 Stanford Cardinal (3-0) at UCLA Bruins (2-2)
Pick: Stanford 34, UCLA 3
OTHER DIVISION I GAMES OF NOTE:
Arizona Wildcats (1-3) at USC Trojans (3-1)
Pick: USC 21, Arizona 19
Columbia Lions at Princeton Tigers (both 0-2)
Pick: Princeton 20, Columbia 6
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO SCHOOLS OF NOTE:
Oberlin Yeomen at Wittenberg Tigers
Denison Big Red at Wooster Fighting Scots
Chicago Big Red at Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops
Michigan Tech at Ohio Dominican Panthers
This blog is a spin-off of A Man and His Awards, and hosts weekly football predictions as well as predictions for the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Central Ohio High School Football 2011- Week 6
The season is more than halfway over, and as the saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." There are a lot of big games happening this weekend in Central Ohio.
SPORTS CORNER TOP 10 (plus 15) for Week 6:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (4-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (5-0)
3) Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
4) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-0)
5) Grandview Heights Bobcats (5-0)
6) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (5-0)
7) Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-0)
8] Mifflin Punchers (5-0)
9) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-1)
10) Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (5-0)
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11) Pickerington North Panthers (4-1)
12) New Albany Eagles (4-1)
13) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (4-1)
14) Logan Elm Braves (5-0)
15) Bexley Lions (4-1)
16) Westerville Central Warhawks (4-1)
17) Marion Pleasant Trojans (5-0)
18] West Jefferson Roughriders (4-1)
19) Granville Blue Aces (4-1)
20) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (4-1)
21) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-1)
22) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (4-1)
23) West Cowboys (4-1)
24) Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-1)
25) Marysville Monarchs (4-1)
DROPPED OUT: Canal Winchester Indians (3-2, previously 11th), Fairfield Christian Knights (4-1, previously 22nd)
HONORABLE MENTION: Fairfield Christian Knights (4-1), Columbus Academy Vikings (4-1), Beechcroft Cougars (4-1), Centerburg Trojans (4-1), Harvest Prep Warriors (4-1), Westerville South Wildcats (3-2), Hamilton Township Rangers (3-2), Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-2), Pickerington Central Tigers (2-2), Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (3-2), Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-1), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-2), Fredericktown Freddies (3-2)
BIG GAME THIS WEEK:
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-0, 2-0) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (4-1, 2-0)
Friday Night will be a big night at the Marv, as this game has the biggest playoff implications. The loser of this game will pretty much be out of the playoffs, as both schools have yet to play the one-two punch of Hilliard Davidson and Dublin Coffman. The Golden Bears are a lackluster performance in Zanesville away from this being a battle of the unbeatens. The Golden Bears will look to claw the Panthers and prevent Hilliard from taking all three of its schools to the playoffs, as for that....
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-1, 1-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (4-1, 2-0)
...Hilliard Bradley will have their hands full as the Jags travel up to Sunbury to play Big Walnut. This won't be an easy task for the Jaguars, who look to stay in the Division I playoff hunt.
Picks: Upper Arlington and Big Walnut
Pickerington North Panthers (4-1, 1-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-1, 2-0)
Who have the Raiders played? As opposed to whom the Panthers have played (Watterson, Pickerington Central among schools). The Panthers experience and schedule will be too much for Reynoldsburg to overcome as the Panthers look to get back to their winning ways after a tough loss to their crosstown rivals, Pick Central.
Pick: Pickerington North
Pickerington Central Tigers (2-2, 2-0) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-1, 2-0)
Pick: Pickerington Central
Marysville Monarchs (4-1, 2-0) at Westerville Central Warhawks (4-1, 1-1)
The Warhawks are still looking for their first playoff appearance and first winning season. The Monarchs are going to be tough to beat.
Pick: Marysville
Licking Heights Hornets (2-3, 1-1) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (5-0, 2-0)
Grandview is tough to beat, but Licking Heights gave Harvest Prep their first loss a couple weeks ago.
Pick: Grandview
Hamilton Township Rangers (3-2, 1-1) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-1, 2-0)
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
Ironton Tigers (4-1) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-0)
Two of the state's toughest defenses converge in Plain City for a great non-league contest.
Pick: Ironton
New Albany Eagles (4-1, 2-0) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-2, 1-1)
Pick: New Albany
River Valley Vikings at North Union Wildcats (both 4-1, 3-1)
Pick: North Union
Granville Blue Aces (4-1, 2-0) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-2, 1-1)
Pick: Granville
Whetstone Braves (0-5, 0-2) at Brookhaven Bearcats (3-2, 2-0)
Pick: Brookhaven
STREAKBUSTER ALERT:
St. Francis DeSales Stallions at St. Charles Cardinals (both 2-3)
DeSales, Watterson, and St. Charles all with -.500 records at the mid-way point of the season? Sacrilege? When was the last time DeSales missed the playoffs? 1994. When was the last time that DeSales lost to St. Charles? 1976. Yes, 1976. That is 34 straight DeSales wins over St. Charles. Could it be 35, or will the boys of St. Charles finally get a win?
Pick: DeSales
STREAKBUSTER ALERT:
Westerville North Warriors (0-5, 0-2) at Dublin Scioto Irish (1-4, 0-2)
Pick: Dublin Scioto
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS BIG GAME/UPSET PICK:
Bexley Lions (4-1, 1-1) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-3, 1-1)- at Newark H.S.
Pick: Newark Catholic
UPSET PICK:
Fredericktown Freddies (3-2, 1-1) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (5-0, 2-0)
PICK: Fredericktown
ALL CENTRAL OHIO GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Hamilton Township Rangers (3-2, 1-1) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-1, 2-0)
Canal Winchester Indians (3-2, 1-1) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (1-4, 1-1)
Logan Elm Braves (5-0, 2-0) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-5, 0-2)
Circleville Tigers (0-5, 0-2) at Teays Valley Vikings (2-3, 1-1)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Licking Heights Hornets (2-3, 1-1) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (5-0, 2-0)
Liberty Union Lions (4-1, 2-0) at Berne Union Rockets (1-4, 1-1)
Millersport Lakers (0-5, 0-2) at West Jefferson Roughriders (4-1, 1-1)
SATURDAY: Harvest Prep Warriors (4-1, 1-1) at Fisher Catholic Irish (0-5, 0-4) (at Lancaster H.S.)
(Mid State League Ohio)
Granville Blue Aces (4-1, 2-0) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-2, 1-1)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-4, 0-2) at Licking Valley Panthers (2-3, 1-1)
Columbus Academy Vikings (4-1, 2-0) at Heath Bulldogs (1-4, 0-2)
SATURDAY: Bexley Lions (4-1, 1-1) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-3, 1-1) (at Newark H.S.)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Utica Redskins (2-3, 2-0) at Loudonville Red Birds (1-4, 1-1)
Fredericktown Freddies (3-2, 2-0) at Johnstown Johnnies (5-0, 2-0)
East Knox Bulldogs (0-5, 0-2) at Northridge Vikings (3-2, 0-2)
Centerburg Trojans (4-1, 1-1) at Danville Blue Devils (3-2, 0-2)
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-5, 0-4) at Buckeye Valley Barons (2-3, 1-3)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (2-3, 2-2) at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (3-2, 2-2)
Marion River Valley Vikings (4-1, 3-1) at North Union Wildcats (4-1, 3-1)
Mount Gilead Indians (4-1, 3-1) at Marion Pleasant Trojans (5-0, 4-0)
Marion Elgin Comets (1-4, 0-4) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-5, 0-4)
(South Central Ohio League)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (2-3, 1-1) at Miami Trace Panthers (1-4, 0-1)
London Red Raiders (1-4, 1-0) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (3-2, 2-0)
(Central Catholic League)
St. Francis DeSales Stallions at St. Charles Cardinals (both 2-3)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Capital Division)
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-1, 1-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (4-1, 2-0)
New Albany Eagles (4-1, 2-0) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-2, 1-1)
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-3, 1-1) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-3, 0-2)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-4, 0-2) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (1-4, 1-1)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Cardinal Division)
Marysville Monarchs (4-1, 2-0) at Westerville Central Warhawks (4-1, 1-1)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (1-4, 1-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (3-2, 2-0)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots at Olentangy Braves (both 2-3, 1-1)
Westerville North Warriors (0-5, 0-2) at Dublin Scioto Irish (1-4, 0-2)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Central Division)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-0, 2-0) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (4-1, 2-0)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (5-0, 2-0) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-4, 0-2)
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves at Westland Cougars (both 1-4, 0-2)
Central Crossing Comets (0-5, 0-2) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (4-0, 2-0)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Ohio Division)
Pickerington North Panthers (4-1, 1-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-1, 2-0)
Pickerington Central Tigers (2-2, 2-0) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-1, 2-0)
Lancaster Golden Gales (2-3, 0-2) at Grove City Greyhounds (2-3, 1-1)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-3, 0-1) at Newark Wildcats (0-5, 0-2)
(City League- South Division)
Walnut Ridge Scots (2-3, 2-0) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (5-0, 2-0)
West Cowboys (4-1, 1-1) at Africentric Nubians (1-4, 0-2)
Briggs Bruins (3-2, 1-1) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (4-1, 2-0)
Columbus South Bulldogs (0-5, 0-4) at Independence 76ers (2-3, 0-2)
(City League- North Division)
Whetstone Braves (0-5, 0-2) at Brookhaven Bearcats (3-2, 2-0)
East Tigers (1-4, 0-2) at Northland Vikings (1-4, 1-1)
Beechcroft Cougars (4-1, 2-0) at Linden McKinley Panthers (1-4, 1-1)
Mifflin Punchers (5-0, 2-0) at Centennial Stars (1-4, 0-2)
(Independents and Non-League)
Greenville Green Wave (1-4) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (at Hagely Field) (2-3)
Ironton Tigers (4-1) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-0)
Columbus Crusaders at Cincinnati College Preperatory Academy Lions- SATURDAY
Fairfield Christian Knights (4-1) at Hemlock Miller- SATURDAY
Wheeling Linsly School (WV) Cadets (4-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-2) (at Hilliard Bradley H.S.)
Vermillion at Marion Harding Presidents (2-3)
Westfall Mustangs at Bainbridge Paint Valley Bearcats
Grove City Christian Eagles (2-3) at Ashland (KY) Fairview
SPORTS CORNER TOP 10 (plus 15) for Week 6:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (4-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (5-0)
3) Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
4) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-0)
5) Grandview Heights Bobcats (5-0)
6) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (5-0)
7) Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-0)
8] Mifflin Punchers (5-0)
9) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-1)
10) Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (5-0)
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11) Pickerington North Panthers (4-1)
12) New Albany Eagles (4-1)
13) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (4-1)
14) Logan Elm Braves (5-0)
15) Bexley Lions (4-1)
16) Westerville Central Warhawks (4-1)
17) Marion Pleasant Trojans (5-0)
18] West Jefferson Roughriders (4-1)
19) Granville Blue Aces (4-1)
20) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (4-1)
21) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-1)
22) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (4-1)
23) West Cowboys (4-1)
24) Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-1)
25) Marysville Monarchs (4-1)
DROPPED OUT: Canal Winchester Indians (3-2, previously 11th), Fairfield Christian Knights (4-1, previously 22nd)
HONORABLE MENTION: Fairfield Christian Knights (4-1), Columbus Academy Vikings (4-1), Beechcroft Cougars (4-1), Centerburg Trojans (4-1), Harvest Prep Warriors (4-1), Westerville South Wildcats (3-2), Hamilton Township Rangers (3-2), Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-2), Pickerington Central Tigers (2-2), Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (3-2), Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-1), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-2), Fredericktown Freddies (3-2)
BIG GAME THIS WEEK:
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-0, 2-0) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (4-1, 2-0)
Friday Night will be a big night at the Marv, as this game has the biggest playoff implications. The loser of this game will pretty much be out of the playoffs, as both schools have yet to play the one-two punch of Hilliard Davidson and Dublin Coffman. The Golden Bears are a lackluster performance in Zanesville away from this being a battle of the unbeatens. The Golden Bears will look to claw the Panthers and prevent Hilliard from taking all three of its schools to the playoffs, as for that....
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-1, 1-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (4-1, 2-0)
...Hilliard Bradley will have their hands full as the Jags travel up to Sunbury to play Big Walnut. This won't be an easy task for the Jaguars, who look to stay in the Division I playoff hunt.
Picks: Upper Arlington and Big Walnut
Pickerington North Panthers (4-1, 1-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-1, 2-0)
Who have the Raiders played? As opposed to whom the Panthers have played (Watterson, Pickerington Central among schools). The Panthers experience and schedule will be too much for Reynoldsburg to overcome as the Panthers look to get back to their winning ways after a tough loss to their crosstown rivals, Pick Central.
Pick: Pickerington North
Pickerington Central Tigers (2-2, 2-0) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-1, 2-0)
Pick: Pickerington Central
Marysville Monarchs (4-1, 2-0) at Westerville Central Warhawks (4-1, 1-1)
The Warhawks are still looking for their first playoff appearance and first winning season. The Monarchs are going to be tough to beat.
Pick: Marysville
Licking Heights Hornets (2-3, 1-1) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (5-0, 2-0)
Grandview is tough to beat, but Licking Heights gave Harvest Prep their first loss a couple weeks ago.
Pick: Grandview
Hamilton Township Rangers (3-2, 1-1) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-1, 2-0)
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
Ironton Tigers (4-1) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-0)
Two of the state's toughest defenses converge in Plain City for a great non-league contest.
Pick: Ironton
New Albany Eagles (4-1, 2-0) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-2, 1-1)
Pick: New Albany
River Valley Vikings at North Union Wildcats (both 4-1, 3-1)
Pick: North Union
Granville Blue Aces (4-1, 2-0) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-2, 1-1)
Pick: Granville
Whetstone Braves (0-5, 0-2) at Brookhaven Bearcats (3-2, 2-0)
Pick: Brookhaven
STREAKBUSTER ALERT:
St. Francis DeSales Stallions at St. Charles Cardinals (both 2-3)
DeSales, Watterson, and St. Charles all with -.500 records at the mid-way point of the season? Sacrilege? When was the last time DeSales missed the playoffs? 1994. When was the last time that DeSales lost to St. Charles? 1976. Yes, 1976. That is 34 straight DeSales wins over St. Charles. Could it be 35, or will the boys of St. Charles finally get a win?
Pick: DeSales
STREAKBUSTER ALERT:
Westerville North Warriors (0-5, 0-2) at Dublin Scioto Irish (1-4, 0-2)
Pick: Dublin Scioto
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS BIG GAME/UPSET PICK:
Bexley Lions (4-1, 1-1) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-3, 1-1)- at Newark H.S.
Pick: Newark Catholic
UPSET PICK:
Fredericktown Freddies (3-2, 1-1) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (5-0, 2-0)
PICK: Fredericktown
ALL CENTRAL OHIO GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Hamilton Township Rangers (3-2, 1-1) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-1, 2-0)
Canal Winchester Indians (3-2, 1-1) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (1-4, 1-1)
Logan Elm Braves (5-0, 2-0) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-5, 0-2)
Circleville Tigers (0-5, 0-2) at Teays Valley Vikings (2-3, 1-1)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Licking Heights Hornets (2-3, 1-1) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (5-0, 2-0)
Liberty Union Lions (4-1, 2-0) at Berne Union Rockets (1-4, 1-1)
Millersport Lakers (0-5, 0-2) at West Jefferson Roughriders (4-1, 1-1)
SATURDAY: Harvest Prep Warriors (4-1, 1-1) at Fisher Catholic Irish (0-5, 0-4) (at Lancaster H.S.)
(Mid State League Ohio)
Granville Blue Aces (4-1, 2-0) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-2, 1-1)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-4, 0-2) at Licking Valley Panthers (2-3, 1-1)
Columbus Academy Vikings (4-1, 2-0) at Heath Bulldogs (1-4, 0-2)
SATURDAY: Bexley Lions (4-1, 1-1) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-3, 1-1) (at Newark H.S.)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Utica Redskins (2-3, 2-0) at Loudonville Red Birds (1-4, 1-1)
Fredericktown Freddies (3-2, 2-0) at Johnstown Johnnies (5-0, 2-0)
East Knox Bulldogs (0-5, 0-2) at Northridge Vikings (3-2, 0-2)
Centerburg Trojans (4-1, 1-1) at Danville Blue Devils (3-2, 0-2)
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-5, 0-4) at Buckeye Valley Barons (2-3, 1-3)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (2-3, 2-2) at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (3-2, 2-2)
Marion River Valley Vikings (4-1, 3-1) at North Union Wildcats (4-1, 3-1)
Mount Gilead Indians (4-1, 3-1) at Marion Pleasant Trojans (5-0, 4-0)
Marion Elgin Comets (1-4, 0-4) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-5, 0-4)
(South Central Ohio League)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (2-3, 1-1) at Miami Trace Panthers (1-4, 0-1)
London Red Raiders (1-4, 1-0) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (3-2, 2-0)
(Central Catholic League)
St. Francis DeSales Stallions at St. Charles Cardinals (both 2-3)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Capital Division)
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-1, 1-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (4-1, 2-0)
New Albany Eagles (4-1, 2-0) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-2, 1-1)
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-3, 1-1) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-3, 0-2)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-4, 0-2) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (1-4, 1-1)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Cardinal Division)
Marysville Monarchs (4-1, 2-0) at Westerville Central Warhawks (4-1, 1-1)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (1-4, 1-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (3-2, 2-0)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots at Olentangy Braves (both 2-3, 1-1)
Westerville North Warriors (0-5, 0-2) at Dublin Scioto Irish (1-4, 0-2)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Central Division)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-0, 2-0) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (4-1, 2-0)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (5-0, 2-0) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-4, 0-2)
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves at Westland Cougars (both 1-4, 0-2)
Central Crossing Comets (0-5, 0-2) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (4-0, 2-0)
(Ohio Capital Conference- Ohio Division)
Pickerington North Panthers (4-1, 1-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-1, 2-0)
Pickerington Central Tigers (2-2, 2-0) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-1, 2-0)
Lancaster Golden Gales (2-3, 0-2) at Grove City Greyhounds (2-3, 1-1)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-3, 0-1) at Newark Wildcats (0-5, 0-2)
(City League- South Division)
Walnut Ridge Scots (2-3, 2-0) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (5-0, 2-0)
West Cowboys (4-1, 1-1) at Africentric Nubians (1-4, 0-2)
Briggs Bruins (3-2, 1-1) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (4-1, 2-0)
Columbus South Bulldogs (0-5, 0-4) at Independence 76ers (2-3, 0-2)
(City League- North Division)
Whetstone Braves (0-5, 0-2) at Brookhaven Bearcats (3-2, 2-0)
East Tigers (1-4, 0-2) at Northland Vikings (1-4, 1-1)
Beechcroft Cougars (4-1, 2-0) at Linden McKinley Panthers (1-4, 1-1)
Mifflin Punchers (5-0, 2-0) at Centennial Stars (1-4, 0-2)
(Independents and Non-League)
Greenville Green Wave (1-4) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (at Hagely Field) (2-3)
Ironton Tigers (4-1) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-0)
Columbus Crusaders at Cincinnati College Preperatory Academy Lions- SATURDAY
Fairfield Christian Knights (4-1) at Hemlock Miller- SATURDAY
Wheeling Linsly School (WV) Cadets (4-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-2) (at Hilliard Bradley H.S.)
Vermillion at Marion Harding Presidents (2-3)
Westfall Mustangs at Bainbridge Paint Valley Bearcats
Grove City Christian Eagles (2-3) at Ashland (KY) Fairview
Friday, September 23, 2011
College Football 2011: Week 4
COLLEGE FOOTBALL- Week 4 of the 2011 Season
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
The 20th Annual Rhine River Cup: Heidelberg Student Princes at Otterbein Cardinals (both 1-1 overall, 0-1 in the OAC)
For 20 years, these two have played for what is called "The Rhine River Cup", a trophy that was first played for overseas in 1992, played to a 7-7 tie. For the second time in the last five years (2007- a 34-31 Cardinal win), the Student Princes visit the Cards for Otterbein's homecoming. Otterbein has won the last several meetings against Heidelberg, and would like to continue the streak. Otterbein came off a heartbreaking overtime loss up at Ohio Northern last week, while Heidelberg lost at Baldwin-Wallace. The key for Otterbein to win is to avoid mistakes and not allow Heidelberg to stay in the game, much like Otterbein allowed Gallaudet to hang around, and how the Cards lost to Ohio Northern. Look for a close game at Memorial Stadium.
Pick: Otterbein 34, Heidelberg 21
UPSET PICK:
# 7 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) at # 8 Texas A&M Aggies (2-0)
Pick: Texas A&M 37, Oklahoma State 35
OTHER BIG GAMES INVOLVING TOP 25 TEAMS:
# 2 LSU Tigers at # 16 West Virginia Mountaineers (both 3-0)
Pick: LSU 41, West Virginia 21
The Brady Hoke Bowl: San Diego State Aztecs at # 22 Michigan Wolverines (both 3-0)
I am not thoroughly convinced the Wolverines have improved under Brady Hoke. Questions may or may not be answered about their defense when the team that Hoke left behind- San Diego State, comes to the Big House.
Pick: Michigan 34, San Diego State 10
Vanderbilt Commodores at # 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (both 3-0)
Pick: South Carolina 41, Vanderbilt 0
# 15 Florida Gators (3-0) at Kentucky Wildcats (2-1)
Pick: Florida 43, Kentucky 13
# 14 Arkansas Razorbacks at # 3 Alabama Crimson Tide (both 3-0)
Pick: Alabama 27, Arkansas 16
# 11 Florida State Seminoles (2-1) at # 21 Clemson Tigers (3-0)
Pick: Florida State 38, Clemson 20
North Carolina Tar Heels at # 25 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (both 3-0)
Pick: Georgia Tech 27, North Carolina 24
Missouri Tigers (2-1) at # 1 Oklahoma Sooners (2-0)
Pick: Oklahoma 33, Missouri 10
# 10 Oregon Ducks (2-1, 0-0) at Arizona Wildcats (1-2, 0-1)
Pick: Oregon 42, Arizona 3
# 23 USC Trojans (3-0, 1-0) at Arizona State Sun Devils (2-1, 0-0)
Pick: USC 20, Arizona State 14
OTHER I-FBS Games of Note:
Colorado Buffaloes (1-2) at Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1)
Braxton Miller makes his debut as the lone starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, as they play the Colorado Buffaloes.
Pick: Ohio State 35, Colorado 7
Georgia Bulldogs at Ole Miss Rebels (both 1-2, 0-1)
Pick: Georgia 16, Ole Miss 12
Toledo Rockets (1-2) at Syracuse Orangemen (2-1)
Pick: Syracuse 35, Toledo 14
OAC Action:
Heidelberg Student Princes at Otterbein Cardinals (both 1-1, 0-1)- see "Big Game of the Week"
Ohio Northern Polar Bears at Muskingum Muskies (both 2-0, 1-0)
John Carroll Blue Streaks (0-2, 0-1) at Marietta Pioneers (1-1, 0-1)
Wilmington Quakers (0-2, 0-1) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (2-0, 1-0)
and
Capital Crusaders (1-1, 1-0) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (2-0, 1-0)
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 41, Capital 13
NCAC Action:
Hiram Terriers (1-2, 1-1) at Oberlin Yeomen (0-1, 0-1)
Wabash Little Giants (2-0) at Chicago
Allegheny Gators (1-2, 1-0) at Wittenberg Tigers (3-0, 2-0)
Case Western Reserve at Denison Big Red (2-1)
Carnegie Mellon Tartans at Kenyon Lords (0-3)- "Thespy Bowl"
and in GLIAC Action:
Wayne State at Ohio Dominican Panthers (2-1, 1-1)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
The 20th Annual Rhine River Cup: Heidelberg Student Princes at Otterbein Cardinals (both 1-1 overall, 0-1 in the OAC)
For 20 years, these two have played for what is called "The Rhine River Cup", a trophy that was first played for overseas in 1992, played to a 7-7 tie. For the second time in the last five years (2007- a 34-31 Cardinal win), the Student Princes visit the Cards for Otterbein's homecoming. Otterbein has won the last several meetings against Heidelberg, and would like to continue the streak. Otterbein came off a heartbreaking overtime loss up at Ohio Northern last week, while Heidelberg lost at Baldwin-Wallace. The key for Otterbein to win is to avoid mistakes and not allow Heidelberg to stay in the game, much like Otterbein allowed Gallaudet to hang around, and how the Cards lost to Ohio Northern. Look for a close game at Memorial Stadium.
Pick: Otterbein 34, Heidelberg 21
UPSET PICK:
# 7 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) at # 8 Texas A&M Aggies (2-0)
Pick: Texas A&M 37, Oklahoma State 35
OTHER BIG GAMES INVOLVING TOP 25 TEAMS:
# 2 LSU Tigers at # 16 West Virginia Mountaineers (both 3-0)
Pick: LSU 41, West Virginia 21
The Brady Hoke Bowl: San Diego State Aztecs at # 22 Michigan Wolverines (both 3-0)
I am not thoroughly convinced the Wolverines have improved under Brady Hoke. Questions may or may not be answered about their defense when the team that Hoke left behind- San Diego State, comes to the Big House.
Pick: Michigan 34, San Diego State 10
Vanderbilt Commodores at # 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (both 3-0)
Pick: South Carolina 41, Vanderbilt 0
# 15 Florida Gators (3-0) at Kentucky Wildcats (2-1)
Pick: Florida 43, Kentucky 13
# 14 Arkansas Razorbacks at # 3 Alabama Crimson Tide (both 3-0)
Pick: Alabama 27, Arkansas 16
# 11 Florida State Seminoles (2-1) at # 21 Clemson Tigers (3-0)
Pick: Florida State 38, Clemson 20
North Carolina Tar Heels at # 25 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (both 3-0)
Pick: Georgia Tech 27, North Carolina 24
Missouri Tigers (2-1) at # 1 Oklahoma Sooners (2-0)
Pick: Oklahoma 33, Missouri 10
# 10 Oregon Ducks (2-1, 0-0) at Arizona Wildcats (1-2, 0-1)
Pick: Oregon 42, Arizona 3
# 23 USC Trojans (3-0, 1-0) at Arizona State Sun Devils (2-1, 0-0)
Pick: USC 20, Arizona State 14
OTHER I-FBS Games of Note:
Colorado Buffaloes (1-2) at Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1)
Braxton Miller makes his debut as the lone starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, as they play the Colorado Buffaloes.
Pick: Ohio State 35, Colorado 7
Georgia Bulldogs at Ole Miss Rebels (both 1-2, 0-1)
Pick: Georgia 16, Ole Miss 12
Toledo Rockets (1-2) at Syracuse Orangemen (2-1)
Pick: Syracuse 35, Toledo 14
OAC Action:
Heidelberg Student Princes at Otterbein Cardinals (both 1-1, 0-1)- see "Big Game of the Week"
Ohio Northern Polar Bears at Muskingum Muskies (both 2-0, 1-0)
John Carroll Blue Streaks (0-2, 0-1) at Marietta Pioneers (1-1, 0-1)
Wilmington Quakers (0-2, 0-1) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (2-0, 1-0)
and
Capital Crusaders (1-1, 1-0) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (2-0, 1-0)
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 41, Capital 13
NCAC Action:
Hiram Terriers (1-2, 1-1) at Oberlin Yeomen (0-1, 0-1)
Wabash Little Giants (2-0) at Chicago
Allegheny Gators (1-2, 1-0) at Wittenberg Tigers (3-0, 2-0)
Case Western Reserve at Denison Big Red (2-1)
Carnegie Mellon Tartans at Kenyon Lords (0-3)- "Thespy Bowl"
and in GLIAC Action:
Wayne State at Ohio Dominican Panthers (2-1, 1-1)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
NFL Week 3 Picks (2011)
The NFL season is three weeks old and there are a couple of good games this week. Last week saw a surprise good game in Buffalo, as Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Steve Nelson in a 38-35 shootout win over Oakland. This week, the unbeaten Texans travel to the Superdome to play the Saints, and on Monday night, the Redskins travel to play their rivals, the Cowboys, among the 16 games this week.
BIG GAME THIS WEEK:
Houston Texans (2-0) at New Orleans Saints (1-1)
The Texans are a surprising 2-0, and are atop the AFC South, which is not a surprise, but was expected, given the struggles of perennial AFC South champs Indianapolis. The Texans travel down I-10 to play the Saints in the Superdome.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Houston 14
UPSET PICK THIS WEEK:
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (both 1-1)
Michael Vick's return to Atlanta was cut short due to an injury in a 35-31 Falcons win. The Giants could have a big game on a short week of practice, following their 28-16 win over St. Louis on Monday Night.
Pick: NY Giants 27, Philadelphia 20
CONTENDER vs. PRETENDER:
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (both 2-0)
Ryan Fitzpatrick IS the man at Buffalo, leading the Bills to a 2-0 start. However, reality will set in as the always red hot Tom Brady and the always red hot Patriots crash the party at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Pick: New England 37, Buffalo 10
CLASS OF '95 BOWL:
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2)
Cam Newton in only two games has thrown for 894 yards (an average of 447 yards a game). You'd think the Panthers would be scoring 50 or 60 points a game and be 2-0, right? Wrong. However, Jacksonville is starting fellow rookie Blaine Gabbert as quarterback as the Jets crashed the Jags 32-3 at MetLife Stadium last week. The third time's the charm for Newton in this battle of the 1995 Expansion teams.
Pick: Carolina 35, Jacksonville 0
SUPER BOWL REMATCH:
San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals (both 1-1)
Tough one: You have an inexperienced quarterback on one side, and then a West Coast team traveling across the country for an early game with a new coach. The 49ers beat the Bengals in 1981 in the regular season and once again in Super Bowl XVI. The 49ers scored the game-winning touchdown with 34 seconds left in Super Bowl XXIII. The Bengals have only beaten the 49ers twice since their first meeting in 1974, and both of those times were in Cincinnati (1999 and 2003). The difference between the 49ers of old and the 49ers since then is that Alex Smith is far from Joe Montana or Steve Young in talent.
On the other side of the ball, word on the street is running back Cedric Benson will be suspended for three games, and if he appeals the suspension, he might be a factor in the outcome of this game. Andy Dalton had a big game on the short side of the stick in Denver. He could have a big day in the Bengals home opener against this resurgent 49ers team.
Pick: San Francisco 24, Cincinnati 20
SUNDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
Not...even...close. Pittsburgh shut Seattle up last week, and with no Peyton Manning, the Steelers defense will show Kerry Collins no mercy.
Pick: Pittsburgh 27, Indianapolis 6
MONDAY NIGHT RIVALRY:
Washington Redskins (2-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
The Redskins are turning heads with their 2-0 start. But can the Skins make it last? And can they do it in their biggest rivals' home turf?
Pick: Dallas 31, Washington 24
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Miami Dolphins (0-2) at Cleveland Browns (1-1)
Pick: Cleveland 30, Miami 3
Detroit Lions (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
The Vikes blew a 17-0 lead and crashed and burned late in the game against the Bucs last week. The Lions showed Kansas City no mercy last week. Are the Lions for real? Can Matthew Stafford stay healthy? Can Donovan McNabb and the Vikes step up their game? Find out on Sunday.
Pick: Detroit 20, Minnesota 15
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans (both 1-1)
Pick: Tennessee 19, Denver 16
Baltimore Ravens (1-1) at St. Louis Rams (0-2)
Pick: Baltimore 24, St. Louis 13
New York Jets (2-0) at Oakland Raiders (1-1)
The Raiders will capitalize on the absence of Nick Mangold in the rematch of the Heidi Bowl.
Pick: Oakland 27, NY Jets 14
Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at San Diego Chargers (1-1)
Pick: San Diego 35, Kansas City 3
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (both 1-1)
Pick: Tampa Bay 34, Atlanta 21
Arizona Cardinals (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (0-2)
Pick: Arizona 28, Seattle 6
Green Bay Packers (2-0) at Chicago Bears (1-1)
The Pack have the edge in this rematch of last year's NFC Championship game.
Pick: Green Bay 31, Chicago 16
BIG GAME THIS WEEK:
Houston Texans (2-0) at New Orleans Saints (1-1)
The Texans are a surprising 2-0, and are atop the AFC South, which is not a surprise, but was expected, given the struggles of perennial AFC South champs Indianapolis. The Texans travel down I-10 to play the Saints in the Superdome.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Houston 14
UPSET PICK THIS WEEK:
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (both 1-1)
Michael Vick's return to Atlanta was cut short due to an injury in a 35-31 Falcons win. The Giants could have a big game on a short week of practice, following their 28-16 win over St. Louis on Monday Night.
Pick: NY Giants 27, Philadelphia 20
CONTENDER vs. PRETENDER:
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (both 2-0)
Ryan Fitzpatrick IS the man at Buffalo, leading the Bills to a 2-0 start. However, reality will set in as the always red hot Tom Brady and the always red hot Patriots crash the party at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Pick: New England 37, Buffalo 10
CLASS OF '95 BOWL:
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2)
Cam Newton in only two games has thrown for 894 yards (an average of 447 yards a game). You'd think the Panthers would be scoring 50 or 60 points a game and be 2-0, right? Wrong. However, Jacksonville is starting fellow rookie Blaine Gabbert as quarterback as the Jets crashed the Jags 32-3 at MetLife Stadium last week. The third time's the charm for Newton in this battle of the 1995 Expansion teams.
Pick: Carolina 35, Jacksonville 0
SUPER BOWL REMATCH:
San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals (both 1-1)
Tough one: You have an inexperienced quarterback on one side, and then a West Coast team traveling across the country for an early game with a new coach. The 49ers beat the Bengals in 1981 in the regular season and once again in Super Bowl XVI. The 49ers scored the game-winning touchdown with 34 seconds left in Super Bowl XXIII. The Bengals have only beaten the 49ers twice since their first meeting in 1974, and both of those times were in Cincinnati (1999 and 2003). The difference between the 49ers of old and the 49ers since then is that Alex Smith is far from Joe Montana or Steve Young in talent.
On the other side of the ball, word on the street is running back Cedric Benson will be suspended for three games, and if he appeals the suspension, he might be a factor in the outcome of this game. Andy Dalton had a big game on the short side of the stick in Denver. He could have a big day in the Bengals home opener against this resurgent 49ers team.
Pick: San Francisco 24, Cincinnati 20
SUNDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
Not...even...close. Pittsburgh shut Seattle up last week, and with no Peyton Manning, the Steelers defense will show Kerry Collins no mercy.
Pick: Pittsburgh 27, Indianapolis 6
MONDAY NIGHT RIVALRY:
Washington Redskins (2-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
The Redskins are turning heads with their 2-0 start. But can the Skins make it last? And can they do it in their biggest rivals' home turf?
Pick: Dallas 31, Washington 24
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Miami Dolphins (0-2) at Cleveland Browns (1-1)
Pick: Cleveland 30, Miami 3
Detroit Lions (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
The Vikes blew a 17-0 lead and crashed and burned late in the game against the Bucs last week. The Lions showed Kansas City no mercy last week. Are the Lions for real? Can Matthew Stafford stay healthy? Can Donovan McNabb and the Vikes step up their game? Find out on Sunday.
Pick: Detroit 20, Minnesota 15
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans (both 1-1)
Pick: Tennessee 19, Denver 16
Baltimore Ravens (1-1) at St. Louis Rams (0-2)
Pick: Baltimore 24, St. Louis 13
New York Jets (2-0) at Oakland Raiders (1-1)
The Raiders will capitalize on the absence of Nick Mangold in the rematch of the Heidi Bowl.
Pick: Oakland 27, NY Jets 14
Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at San Diego Chargers (1-1)
Pick: San Diego 35, Kansas City 3
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (both 1-1)
Pick: Tampa Bay 34, Atlanta 21
Arizona Cardinals (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (0-2)
Pick: Arizona 28, Seattle 6
Green Bay Packers (2-0) at Chicago Bears (1-1)
The Pack have the edge in this rematch of last year's NFC Championship game.
Pick: Green Bay 31, Chicago 16
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
High School Football: 2011, Week 5
The high school football season is almost halfway done as the midpoint of the ten-week season takes place this weekend. League play is underway for most leagues.
The BIGGEST Game of the Week/Co-UPSET Pick of the Week/Rivalry Game of the Week:
The Battle of Pickerington: North Panthers (4-0, 1-0) at Central Tigers (1-2, 1-0)
(Other) UPSET Pick of the Week:
The Battle of Westerville, Part 2: Central Warhawks (3-1, 0-1) at North Warriors (0-4, 0-1)
Jeopardy! Question: Who was the last team that Westerville North beat?
Jeopardy! Answer: What is Westerville Central.
The Warhawks were the last team to lose to the Warriors, exactly thirty games ago (or three years in real time), as the Warriors won 21-17 in a tight one, where the Warhawks, ironically finished 0-10 in 2008. The Warriors have since lost 29 straight, and a 30th loss would get them closer to recent 30-plus game losing streaks by Whitehall (35 straight) and Centennial (34 straight). Can the Warriors finally get off the schneid, or will they hit the big 3-0 in consecutive losses?
Pick: Westerville North
City League South Division:
Briggs Bruins (2-2, 0-1) at Africentric Early College Nubians (1-3, 0-1)
Independence 76ers (2-2, 0-1) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (4-0, 1-0)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-1, 1-0) at West Cowboys (4-0, 1-0)
Walnut Ridge Scots (1-3, 1-0) at South Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1)
City League North Division:
Mifflin Punchers (4-0, 1-0) at East Tigers (1-3, 0-1)
Brookhaven Bearcats (2-2, 1-0) at Northland Vikings (1-3, 1-0)
Linden McKinley Panthers (0-4, 0-1) at Centennial Stars (1-3, 0-1)
Beechcroft Cougars (3-1, 1-0) at Whetstone Braves (0-4, 0-1)
Mid-State League Buckeye Division:
Fairfield Union Falcons at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (both 0-4, 0-1)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces at Canal Winchester Indians (both 3-1, 1-0)
Teays Valley Vikings (2-2, 1-0) at Logan Elm Braves (4-0, 1-0)
Circleville Tigers (0-4, 0-1) at Hamilton Township Rangers (2-2, 0-1)
Mid-State League Cardinal Division:
Liberty Union Lions (3-1, 1-0) at Licking Heights Hornets (2-2, 1-0)
Berne Union Rockets (1-3, 1-0) at Harvest Prep Warriors (3-1, 0-1)
Grandview Heights Bobcats (4-0, 1-0) at Millersport Lakers (0-4, 0-1)
West Jefferson Roughriders (3-1, 0-1) at Fisher Catholic Irish (0-4, 0-1)- SATURDAY
Mid-State League Ohio Division:
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-3, 0-1) at Bexley Lions (3-1, 0-1)
Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-2, 1-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-1, 1-0)
Licking Valley Panthers (2-2, 1-0) at Granville Blue Aces (3-1, 1-0)
Heath Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-2, 0-1)
Mid-Buckeye Conference:
Utica Redskins (1-3, 1-0) at Northridge Vikings (3-1, 0-1)
Danville Blue Devils (3-1, 0-1) at Fredericktown Freddies (2-2, 1-0)
Centerburg Trojans (3-1, 0-1) at East Knox Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1)
Loudonville Redbirds (1-3, 1-0) at Johnstown Johnnies (4-0, 1-0)
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference:
North Union Wildcats (3-1, 2-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-0, 3-0)
Marion Elgin Comets (1-3, 0-3) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (1-3, 1-2)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (2-2, 2-1) at Buckeye Valley Barons (2-2, 1-2)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-4, 0-3) at River Valley Vikings (3-1, 3-0)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-4, 0-3) at Marion Pleasant Trojans (4-0, 3-0)
South Central Ohio League:
Greenfield McClain Tigers at Madison Plains Golden Eagles (both 1-3, 0-1)
Miami Trace Panthers (1-3) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (2-2, 1-0)
Washington Court House Blue Lions (2-2, 1-0) at Hillsboro Indians (0-4, 0-1)
Ohio Capital Conference Capital Division:
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-2, 1-0) at Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (0-4, 0-1)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (both 3-1, 1-0)
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-1, 0-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-3, 0-1)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-2, 0-1) at New Albany Eagles (3-1, 1-0)
Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division:
Dublin Scioto Irish (1-3, 0-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (2-2, 1-0)
Westerville Central Warhawks (3-1, 0-1) at Westerville North Warriors (0-4, 0-1)
Marysville Monarchs (3-1, 1-0) at Olentangy Braves (2-2, 1-0)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (1-3, 1-0) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (1-3, 0-1)
Ohio Capital Conference Central Division:
Westland Cougars (1-3, 0-1) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (4-0, 1-0)
Central Crossing Comets (0-4, 0-1) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (4-0, 1-0)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-3, 0-1) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (3-0, 1-0)
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-3, 0-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (3-1, 1-0)
Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division:
Grove City Greyhounds (1-3, 0-1) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-2, 0-1)
Newark Wildcats (0-4, 0-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-1, 1-0)
Lancaster Golden Gales (2-2, 0-1) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (3-1, 1-0)
Pickerington North Panthers (4-0, 1-0) at Pickerington Central Tigers (1-2, 1-0)
Non-League (and Other Central Ohio Teams) Games:
Columbus Crusaders (0-4) at St. Charles Cardinals (1-3)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (4-0) at London Red Raiders (1-3)
Shelby Whippets (0-4) at Marion Harding Presidents (1-3)
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-2) at Cincinnati LaSalle Explorers (4-0)
Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's Prep Eaglets (3-1) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (2-2)
Cincinnati College Preperatory Academy Lions (0-4) at Grove City Christian Eagles (1-3)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-2) at Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant Hornets (1-2)
Chillicothe Cavaliers at Portsmouth Trojans (both 0-4)
Fairbanks Panthers (1-3) at DeGraff Riverside Pirates (0-4)
Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0) at Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings (3-1)- SATURDAY
Saturday Games:
Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0) at Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings (3-1)
Fairfield Christian Knights (4-0) at Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans (3-1)
West Jefferson Roughriders (3-1, 0-1) at Fisher Catholic Irish (0-4, 0-1)
Sports Corner Top 10 (plus 15):
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (3-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (4-0)
3) Pickerington North Panthers (4-0)
4) Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0)
t-5) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (4-0)
t-5) Grandview Heights Bobcats (4-0)
7) West Cowboys (4-0)
8] Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (4-0)
9) Hilliard Darby Panthers (4-0)
10) Mifflin Punchers (4-0)
--------------------------------------------------------------
11) Canal Winchester Indians (3-1)
12) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (3-1)
13) New Albany Eagles (3-1)
14) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-1)
15) Westerville Central Warhawks (3-1)
16) Bexley Lions (3-1)
17) Marion Pleasant Trojans (4-0)
18] Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (4-0)
19) Logan Elm Braves (4-0)
20) West Jefferson Roughriders (3-1)
21) Granville Blue Aces (3-1)
22) Fairfield Christian Knights (4-0)
23) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-1)
24) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (3-1)
t-25) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (3-1)
t-25) Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-1)
DROPPED OUT from Week 4: Hamilton Township Rangers (2-2, lost to Canal Winchester), Harvest Prep Warriors (3-1, lost to Licking Heights), Watkins Memorial (2-2, lost to Big Walnut)
HONORABLE MENTION for Week 5: Columbus Academy Vikings (3-1), Beechcroft Cougars (3-1), North Union Wildcats (3-1), Marysville Monarchs (3-1), Lancaster Golden Gales (2-2), Centerburg Trojans (3-1), Fredericktown Freddies (2-2), Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-2), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (2-2), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-1), Licking Valley Panthers (2-2), River Valley Vikings (3-1), Westerville South Wildcats (2-2), Brookhaven Bearcats (2-2), Pickerington Central Tigers (1-2), Harvest Prep Warriors (3-1), Hamilton Township Rangers (2-2), Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-2)
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-2) at Cincinnati LaSalle Lancers (4-0)
Pick: LaSalle
Orchard Lake St. Mary's Eaglets (3-1) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (2-2)
Pick: DeSales
Mifflin Punchers (4-0, 1-0) at Columbus East Tigers (1-3, 0-1)
Pick: Mifflin
Brookhaven Bearcats (2-2, 1-0) at Northland Vikings (1-3, 1-0)
Pick: Brookhaven
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-1, 1-0) at Columbus West Cowboys (4-0, 1-0)
If the playoffs began today, the unbeaten Cowboys would not be in, because their opponents combined record is a paltry 2-14. The Warriors will show the Cowboys who has the bigger lasso on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Independence 76ers (2-2, 0-1) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (4-0, 1-0)
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Lancaster Golden Gales (2-2, 0-1) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (3-1, 1-0)
This will be a great Golden game.
Pick: Gahanna
Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-2, 0-1) at New Albany Eagles (3-1, 1-0)
Last week, New Albany soared over previously unbeaten Bradley. This week, they continue to soar over the competition.
Pick: New Albany
Grove City Greyhounds (1-3, 0-1) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-2, 0-1)
The Greyhounds knocked Groveport from the ranks of the unbeaten last year, so the Cruisers are looking for payback against Grove City.
Pick: Groveport
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-3, 0-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (3-1, 1-0)
In 1999, Kilbourne beat Arlington not once, but twice, on the way to the State Playoffs. Times have changed, and players have come and gone in the last 12 years. The Golden Bears edged the other Worthington school last week, and will sweep their season series against the Worthington City School District at Marv Moorehead Stadium this week.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Dublin Scioto Irish (1-3, 0-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (2-2, 1-0)
Pick: Westerville South
Marysville Monarchs (3-1, 1-0) at Olentangy Braves (2-2, 1-0)
Pick: Marysville
Olentangy Orange Pioneers at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (both 3-1, 1-0)
Pick: Big Walnut
North Union Wildcats (3-1, 2-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-0, 3-0)
Pick: North Union
Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-2, 1-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-1, 1-0)
Pick: Newark Catholic
Licking Valley Panthers (2-2, 1-0) at Granville Blue Aces (3-1, 1-0)
Pick: Licking Valley
and
Saturday Specials:
Fairfield Christian Knights (4-0) at Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans (3-1)
Pick: Fairfield Christian
Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0) at Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings (3-1)
This may be the first tough test for the Hawks, as they travel up to Cleveland to play VASJ, and then after a bye next week, the snowball effect for the Hawks takes place with Elyria Catholic, Coshocton, and Ironton, before a showdown at Dublin Scioto against rival Ready.
Pick: Hartley
The BIGGEST Game of the Week/Co-UPSET Pick of the Week/Rivalry Game of the Week:
The Battle of Pickerington: North Panthers (4-0, 1-0) at Central Tigers (1-2, 1-0)
(Other) UPSET Pick of the Week:
The Battle of Westerville, Part 2: Central Warhawks (3-1, 0-1) at North Warriors (0-4, 0-1)
Jeopardy! Question: Who was the last team that Westerville North beat?
Jeopardy! Answer: What is Westerville Central.
The Warhawks were the last team to lose to the Warriors, exactly thirty games ago (or three years in real time), as the Warriors won 21-17 in a tight one, where the Warhawks, ironically finished 0-10 in 2008. The Warriors have since lost 29 straight, and a 30th loss would get them closer to recent 30-plus game losing streaks by Whitehall (35 straight) and Centennial (34 straight). Can the Warriors finally get off the schneid, or will they hit the big 3-0 in consecutive losses?
Pick: Westerville North
City League South Division:
Briggs Bruins (2-2, 0-1) at Africentric Early College Nubians (1-3, 0-1)
Independence 76ers (2-2, 0-1) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (4-0, 1-0)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-1, 1-0) at West Cowboys (4-0, 1-0)
Walnut Ridge Scots (1-3, 1-0) at South Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1)
City League North Division:
Mifflin Punchers (4-0, 1-0) at East Tigers (1-3, 0-1)
Brookhaven Bearcats (2-2, 1-0) at Northland Vikings (1-3, 1-0)
Linden McKinley Panthers (0-4, 0-1) at Centennial Stars (1-3, 0-1)
Beechcroft Cougars (3-1, 1-0) at Whetstone Braves (0-4, 0-1)
Mid-State League Buckeye Division:
Fairfield Union Falcons at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (both 0-4, 0-1)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces at Canal Winchester Indians (both 3-1, 1-0)
Teays Valley Vikings (2-2, 1-0) at Logan Elm Braves (4-0, 1-0)
Circleville Tigers (0-4, 0-1) at Hamilton Township Rangers (2-2, 0-1)
Mid-State League Cardinal Division:
Liberty Union Lions (3-1, 1-0) at Licking Heights Hornets (2-2, 1-0)
Berne Union Rockets (1-3, 1-0) at Harvest Prep Warriors (3-1, 0-1)
Grandview Heights Bobcats (4-0, 1-0) at Millersport Lakers (0-4, 0-1)
West Jefferson Roughriders (3-1, 0-1) at Fisher Catholic Irish (0-4, 0-1)- SATURDAY
Mid-State League Ohio Division:
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-3, 0-1) at Bexley Lions (3-1, 0-1)
Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-2, 1-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-1, 1-0)
Licking Valley Panthers (2-2, 1-0) at Granville Blue Aces (3-1, 1-0)
Heath Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-2, 0-1)
Mid-Buckeye Conference:
Utica Redskins (1-3, 1-0) at Northridge Vikings (3-1, 0-1)
Danville Blue Devils (3-1, 0-1) at Fredericktown Freddies (2-2, 1-0)
Centerburg Trojans (3-1, 0-1) at East Knox Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1)
Loudonville Redbirds (1-3, 1-0) at Johnstown Johnnies (4-0, 1-0)
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference:
North Union Wildcats (3-1, 2-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-0, 3-0)
Marion Elgin Comets (1-3, 0-3) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (1-3, 1-2)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (2-2, 2-1) at Buckeye Valley Barons (2-2, 1-2)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-4, 0-3) at River Valley Vikings (3-1, 3-0)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-4, 0-3) at Marion Pleasant Trojans (4-0, 3-0)
South Central Ohio League:
Greenfield McClain Tigers at Madison Plains Golden Eagles (both 1-3, 0-1)
Miami Trace Panthers (1-3) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (2-2, 1-0)
Washington Court House Blue Lions (2-2, 1-0) at Hillsboro Indians (0-4, 0-1)
Ohio Capital Conference Capital Division:
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-2, 1-0) at Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (0-4, 0-1)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (both 3-1, 1-0)
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-1, 0-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-3, 0-1)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-2, 0-1) at New Albany Eagles (3-1, 1-0)
Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division:
Dublin Scioto Irish (1-3, 0-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (2-2, 1-0)
Westerville Central Warhawks (3-1, 0-1) at Westerville North Warriors (0-4, 0-1)
Marysville Monarchs (3-1, 1-0) at Olentangy Braves (2-2, 1-0)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (1-3, 1-0) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (1-3, 0-1)
Ohio Capital Conference Central Division:
Westland Cougars (1-3, 0-1) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (4-0, 1-0)
Central Crossing Comets (0-4, 0-1) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (4-0, 1-0)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-3, 0-1) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (3-0, 1-0)
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-3, 0-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (3-1, 1-0)
Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division:
Grove City Greyhounds (1-3, 0-1) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-2, 0-1)
Newark Wildcats (0-4, 0-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-1, 1-0)
Lancaster Golden Gales (2-2, 0-1) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (3-1, 1-0)
Pickerington North Panthers (4-0, 1-0) at Pickerington Central Tigers (1-2, 1-0)
Non-League (and Other Central Ohio Teams) Games:
Columbus Crusaders (0-4) at St. Charles Cardinals (1-3)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (4-0) at London Red Raiders (1-3)
Shelby Whippets (0-4) at Marion Harding Presidents (1-3)
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-2) at Cincinnati LaSalle Explorers (4-0)
Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's Prep Eaglets (3-1) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (2-2)
Cincinnati College Preperatory Academy Lions (0-4) at Grove City Christian Eagles (1-3)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-2) at Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant Hornets (1-2)
Chillicothe Cavaliers at Portsmouth Trojans (both 0-4)
Fairbanks Panthers (1-3) at DeGraff Riverside Pirates (0-4)
Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0) at Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings (3-1)- SATURDAY
Saturday Games:
Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0) at Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings (3-1)
Fairfield Christian Knights (4-0) at Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans (3-1)
West Jefferson Roughriders (3-1, 0-1) at Fisher Catholic Irish (0-4, 0-1)
Sports Corner Top 10 (plus 15):
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (3-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (4-0)
3) Pickerington North Panthers (4-0)
4) Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0)
t-5) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (4-0)
t-5) Grandview Heights Bobcats (4-0)
7) West Cowboys (4-0)
8] Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (4-0)
9) Hilliard Darby Panthers (4-0)
10) Mifflin Punchers (4-0)
--------------------------------------------------------------
11) Canal Winchester Indians (3-1)
12) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (3-1)
13) New Albany Eagles (3-1)
14) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-1)
15) Westerville Central Warhawks (3-1)
16) Bexley Lions (3-1)
17) Marion Pleasant Trojans (4-0)
18] Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (4-0)
19) Logan Elm Braves (4-0)
20) West Jefferson Roughriders (3-1)
21) Granville Blue Aces (3-1)
22) Fairfield Christian Knights (4-0)
23) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-1)
24) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (3-1)
t-25) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (3-1)
t-25) Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-1)
DROPPED OUT from Week 4: Hamilton Township Rangers (2-2, lost to Canal Winchester), Harvest Prep Warriors (3-1, lost to Licking Heights), Watkins Memorial (2-2, lost to Big Walnut)
HONORABLE MENTION for Week 5: Columbus Academy Vikings (3-1), Beechcroft Cougars (3-1), North Union Wildcats (3-1), Marysville Monarchs (3-1), Lancaster Golden Gales (2-2), Centerburg Trojans (3-1), Fredericktown Freddies (2-2), Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-2), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (2-2), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (3-1), Licking Valley Panthers (2-2), River Valley Vikings (3-1), Westerville South Wildcats (2-2), Brookhaven Bearcats (2-2), Pickerington Central Tigers (1-2), Harvest Prep Warriors (3-1), Hamilton Township Rangers (2-2), Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-2)
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-2) at Cincinnati LaSalle Lancers (4-0)
Pick: LaSalle
Orchard Lake St. Mary's Eaglets (3-1) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (2-2)
Pick: DeSales
Mifflin Punchers (4-0, 1-0) at Columbus East Tigers (1-3, 0-1)
Pick: Mifflin
Brookhaven Bearcats (2-2, 1-0) at Northland Vikings (1-3, 1-0)
Pick: Brookhaven
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-1, 1-0) at Columbus West Cowboys (4-0, 1-0)
If the playoffs began today, the unbeaten Cowboys would not be in, because their opponents combined record is a paltry 2-14. The Warriors will show the Cowboys who has the bigger lasso on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Independence 76ers (2-2, 0-1) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (4-0, 1-0)
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Lancaster Golden Gales (2-2, 0-1) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (3-1, 1-0)
This will be a great Golden game.
Pick: Gahanna
Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-2, 0-1) at New Albany Eagles (3-1, 1-0)
Last week, New Albany soared over previously unbeaten Bradley. This week, they continue to soar over the competition.
Pick: New Albany
Grove City Greyhounds (1-3, 0-1) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-2, 0-1)
The Greyhounds knocked Groveport from the ranks of the unbeaten last year, so the Cruisers are looking for payback against Grove City.
Pick: Groveport
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-3, 0-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (3-1, 1-0)
In 1999, Kilbourne beat Arlington not once, but twice, on the way to the State Playoffs. Times have changed, and players have come and gone in the last 12 years. The Golden Bears edged the other Worthington school last week, and will sweep their season series against the Worthington City School District at Marv Moorehead Stadium this week.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Dublin Scioto Irish (1-3, 0-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (2-2, 1-0)
Pick: Westerville South
Marysville Monarchs (3-1, 1-0) at Olentangy Braves (2-2, 1-0)
Pick: Marysville
Olentangy Orange Pioneers at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (both 3-1, 1-0)
Pick: Big Walnut
North Union Wildcats (3-1, 2-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-0, 3-0)
Pick: North Union
Newark Catholic Green Wave (2-2, 1-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-1, 1-0)
Pick: Newark Catholic
Licking Valley Panthers (2-2, 1-0) at Granville Blue Aces (3-1, 1-0)
Pick: Licking Valley
and
Saturday Specials:
Fairfield Christian Knights (4-0) at Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans (3-1)
Pick: Fairfield Christian
Bishop Hartley Hawks (4-0) at Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings (3-1)
This may be the first tough test for the Hawks, as they travel up to Cleveland to play VASJ, and then after a bye next week, the snowball effect for the Hawks takes place with Elyria Catholic, Coshocton, and Ironton, before a showdown at Dublin Scioto against rival Ready.
Pick: Hartley
Friday, September 16, 2011
NFL- Week 2 (2011)
The NFL came back with a vengeance last week as the Packers bested the Saints in the Kickoff game, and the Jets came back to beat the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, and ended with a bang, or rather the foot of Sebastian Janikowski as Oakland topped Denver on Monday Night Football. This week, all 32 teams start back up again, and while the Emmys take place on Fox, Michael Vick returns to Atlanta as the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
"Michael Vick Bowl"- Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-1)- Sunday Night Football
For six seasons, Michael Vick led the Atlanta Falcons as their quarterback. However, in 2007, Vick was sentenced to prison for dogfighting. After being released from prison, Vick got a fresh start with the Philadelphia Eagles, and on Sunday, Michael Vick returns to the Georgia Dome for the first time since his exit from Atlanta. Last week, the Eagles soared over St. Louis, while the Falcons were blown away in the Windy City. Can Matt Ryan and the Falcons regroup, or will the Eagles be Vick-torious in Atlanta?
Pick: Philadelphia 21-17
UPSET PICK:
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts (both 0-1)
Until their defense fell asleep on Bruce Gradkowski's 41-yard touchdown pass to rookie A.J. Green, it looked like the Clowns were going to open up 2011 with a win. They have a better shot to win this week, as they are favored to beat the Manning-less Colts, which is like life in Bedford Falls without George Bailey.
Pick: Cleveland 21-3
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1)
A Botched Snap and an 87-Yard Fleaflicker. Those are how the last two meetings between these two teams ended in 2006 and 2009, respectively. The former, the last time these two met at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the Cincinnati Bengals botched the snap on a game-tying point, losing 24-23 on a Christmas Eve match. Then on Opening Day two years ago, after the Bengals took a 7-6 lead with 39 seconds left, Kyle Orton threw a tipped 87-yard pass to Brandon Stokely a few seconds later, as the Broncos beat the Bengals 12-7. The Bengals are looking to claw the Broncos after those two heartbreaks. The Broncos got banged up in a 23-20 loss to Oakland on Monday night, losing a few key starters. The Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton injured his wrist in their win in Cleveland, and did not practice this week. It will be another interesting game between these two, as the Bengals look to win in Denver for the first time since 1975.
Pick: Denver 21-14
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots (both 1-0)
The Pats have won 28 straight at home under Tom Brady. Can they keep the streak going?
Pick: New England 30-17
St. Louis Rams at New York Giants (both 0-1)- Monday Night Football
Pick: St. Louis 20-16
Chicago Bears (1-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-1)
Pick: New Orleans 31-17
Remaining Games:
Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) at Detroit Lions (1-0)
Pick: Detroit 31-6
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills (both 1-0)
West Coast teams historically don't do well at 1PM games on the East Coast, especially ones who played late on Monday Night.
Pick: Buffalo 35-3
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers (both 0-1)
Pittsburgh's disastrous performance in Baltimore shocked everyone, as the Ravens pounded the Steel Curtain, forcing six turnovers. Can the Steelers turn it around in this rematch of Super Bowl XL?
Pick: Pittsburgh 27-7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings (both 0-1)
Pick: Tampa Bay 21-19
Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-1)
Pick: Baltimore 34-6
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (both 1-0)
Pick: NY Jets 31-3
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins (both 1-0)
Pick: Washington 31-7
Green Bay Packers (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-1)
Last week, top draft pick Cam Newton threw for 406 yards in a losing effort in Arizona. This week, he'll be lucky to get 100 yards passing against this Packer D.
Pick: Green Bay 38-6
Houston Texans (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (0-1)
Pick: Houston 31-10
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (both 0-1)
Pick: Dallas 20-17
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
"Michael Vick Bowl"- Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-1)- Sunday Night Football
For six seasons, Michael Vick led the Atlanta Falcons as their quarterback. However, in 2007, Vick was sentenced to prison for dogfighting. After being released from prison, Vick got a fresh start with the Philadelphia Eagles, and on Sunday, Michael Vick returns to the Georgia Dome for the first time since his exit from Atlanta. Last week, the Eagles soared over St. Louis, while the Falcons were blown away in the Windy City. Can Matt Ryan and the Falcons regroup, or will the Eagles be Vick-torious in Atlanta?
Pick: Philadelphia 21-17
UPSET PICK:
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts (both 0-1)
Until their defense fell asleep on Bruce Gradkowski's 41-yard touchdown pass to rookie A.J. Green, it looked like the Clowns were going to open up 2011 with a win. They have a better shot to win this week, as they are favored to beat the Manning-less Colts, which is like life in Bedford Falls without George Bailey.
Pick: Cleveland 21-3
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1)
A Botched Snap and an 87-Yard Fleaflicker. Those are how the last two meetings between these two teams ended in 2006 and 2009, respectively. The former, the last time these two met at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the Cincinnati Bengals botched the snap on a game-tying point, losing 24-23 on a Christmas Eve match. Then on Opening Day two years ago, after the Bengals took a 7-6 lead with 39 seconds left, Kyle Orton threw a tipped 87-yard pass to Brandon Stokely a few seconds later, as the Broncos beat the Bengals 12-7. The Bengals are looking to claw the Broncos after those two heartbreaks. The Broncos got banged up in a 23-20 loss to Oakland on Monday night, losing a few key starters. The Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton injured his wrist in their win in Cleveland, and did not practice this week. It will be another interesting game between these two, as the Bengals look to win in Denver for the first time since 1975.
Pick: Denver 21-14
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots (both 1-0)
The Pats have won 28 straight at home under Tom Brady. Can they keep the streak going?
Pick: New England 30-17
St. Louis Rams at New York Giants (both 0-1)- Monday Night Football
Pick: St. Louis 20-16
Chicago Bears (1-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-1)
Pick: New Orleans 31-17
Remaining Games:
Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) at Detroit Lions (1-0)
Pick: Detroit 31-6
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills (both 1-0)
West Coast teams historically don't do well at 1PM games on the East Coast, especially ones who played late on Monday Night.
Pick: Buffalo 35-3
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers (both 0-1)
Pittsburgh's disastrous performance in Baltimore shocked everyone, as the Ravens pounded the Steel Curtain, forcing six turnovers. Can the Steelers turn it around in this rematch of Super Bowl XL?
Pick: Pittsburgh 27-7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings (both 0-1)
Pick: Tampa Bay 21-19
Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-1)
Pick: Baltimore 34-6
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (both 1-0)
Pick: NY Jets 31-3
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins (both 1-0)
Pick: Washington 31-7
Green Bay Packers (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-1)
Last week, top draft pick Cam Newton threw for 406 yards in a losing effort in Arizona. This week, he'll be lucky to get 100 yards passing against this Packer D.
Pick: Green Bay 38-6
Houston Texans (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (0-1)
Pick: Houston 31-10
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (both 0-1)
Pick: Dallas 20-17
College Football 2011: Week 3
Tomorrow, there will be a lot of big games happening in Central Ohio and across the country.
OHIO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:
Wilmington Quakers at Capital Crusaders (both 0-1)
Heidelberg Student Princes at Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (both 1-0)
Marietta Pioneers at Muskingum Muskies (both 1-0)
John Carroll Blue Streaks (0-1) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (1-0)
(Picks: Capital, Baldwin-Wallace, Muskingum, and Mount Union)
and
Otterbein Cardinals at Ohio Northern Polar Bears (both 1-0)
The Otterbein Cardinals escaped a trip to our Nation's Capital by the thin of their teeth in a 28-27 overtime thriller over Gallaudet. Ohio Northern will freeze the Cardinals down, because Ohio Northern is a tougher team than Gallaudet in every way.
Pick: Ohio Northern 41, Otterbein 6
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO SCHOOLS:
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (1-1, 0-1) at Wabash Little Giants (1-0, 1-0)
Hiram Terriers (1-1, 1-0) at Denison Big Red (1-1)
Wittenberg Tigers (2-0, 1-0) at Washington (MO) Bears
THE BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
(there are three)
THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE WEEK/UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
InEligiBowl 2011
# 17 Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) vs. Miami Hurricanes (0-1)- at SunLife Stadium
"I think I'll have a couple of tattoos, what do you think?"- Terrelle Pryor
"E-Mail, what E-Mail?"- Jim Tressel
Those were among the transgressions that took place in the Ohio State football program involving many players, including former quarterback Terrelle Pryor, and e-mails from Pryor's mentor Ted Sarniak sent to former OSU Football coach Jim Tressel, which led to Tressel's ouster.
Tomorrow night, they head to SunLife Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins to play a team with bigger problems. Instead of tattoos, and receiving cash at charity events, the Miami Hurricanes had lavish cars and sex parties, things that only normal boring people would dream of. A lot of key players from both teams got suspended, but as they say in show business, "The show must go on". However, despite the show still going on as planned, the NCAA will inevitably pull the curtain on both of these acts before you know it.
And at the home of the Miami Dolphins, the show will go on. Last week, the Hurricanes were off, smarting from a Labor Day loss to Maryland (and their ugly ridiculous new uniforms), while the Buckeyes were almost scared to death by Toledo (the same Toledo that left the Big House victorious). There is no doubt that Joe Bauserman, the geriatric quarterback for the Buckeyes has found his match with tight end Jake Stoneburner, but there is also no doubt that if he plays like he did against Toledo down in South Beach, expect to see Numero Cinco taking snaps.
The last time the Buckeyes played down here, a Michigan alum was in his final days as President of the United States (losing to a peanut farmer weeks earlier), Happy Days was # 1 on television, and the legendary Woody Hayes was on the sideline for OSU, and the Buckeyes played (next week's opponent) Colorado in the 1977 Orange Bowl.
The key to victory for the Buckeyes is for Bauserman to find his targets, and use his weapons, and he'll have another weapon, with the reinstatement of running back Jordan Hall, one of three Buckeyes suspended for the first two games for receiving $ 200 at a charity golf outing.
The key to victory for the Canes is the return of QB Jacory Harris, who was suspended for the aforementioned loss to the State flag of Maryland. Harris will play a key to victory for the Hurricanes, who are hungry for a victory over the Buckeyes after being robbed of that nine years ago in the balmy Arizona desert in the BCS National Championship Game at the Fiesta Bowl. Now, the Buckeyes are playing on Miami's home field. It will be 87 and sunny, just 10 degrees cooler than when the Bucks zipped the Zips of Akron two short weeks ago.
Outcome- I think that there will be a Hurricane coming, and her name ain't Maria. His name will be Sebastian the Ibis. I think that Jacory Harris will have a lot to prove and that with the lack of experience with Bauserman and Braxton Miller combined, look for Brutus the Buckeye to be swept away by the hurricane.
Pick: Miami 28, Ohio State 21
OTHER BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 1 Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) at # 5 Florida State Seminoles (2-0)
Last year, this game wasn't even close, and if it weren't for the OSU-Miami Game, this would have the DJBCSC Top Billing, but I think you'll see the same result, and Erin Andrews will be thinking on the sideline that she'd rather be on the sidelines for the OSU-Miami game, because Oklahoma was well-rested last week for this trip. It will be a long night on national TV for Jimbo Fisher.
Pick: Oklahoma 42, Florida State 14
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 15 Michigan State Spartans (2-0) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-2)
Two words: Little Giants. That was how the Michigan State Spartans beat Notre Dame in East Lansing last year, a Bryan Award nominee for Sports Play of the Year this summer. Seven words: Twenty-eight seconds, eighty yards, two seconds remaining. That's how long it took Denard Robinson to rally his troops down the field to score the game-winning touchdown for Michigan with two seconds left Under the Lights in The Big House, in what was a "game for the ages", keeping me off the edge of my seat, despite depressing me earlier on in the game. Remember when it was 14-0 Irish, and 17-7 Irish, and 24-7 Irish, but Michigan scored 28 points in the fourth quarter, and Denard Robinson proved what he has to compete against that Luck kid for the Heisman. Tommy Rees lost for the first time as a starter, and he'll lose for the second time, because there will be too much Kirk Cousins, B.J. Cunningham, and LeVeon Bell to go around for the Spartans on NBC.
Pick: Michigan State 38, Notre Dame 24
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
# 4 Boise State Broncos (2-0) at Toledo Rockets (1-1)
Last Saturday, Toledo almost shocked the world again, and had me believing in the Rockets. They host the # 4 team in the nation. The Broncos may stampede out here with a "W", but don't count Toledo out, because they had more yards than the Buckeye Silver Bullets last week, and still lost the game.
Pick: Boise State 31, Toledo 13
GAMEDAY SATURDAY:
(Top 25 Action of Note)
# 18 West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) at Maryland Terrapins (1-0)
"It's Fashion Roadkill."- Stanford Blatch, Sex and the City, "The Real Me" (after Carrie trips and falls on the runway)
The same can be said for the University of Maryland's new uniforms, as they upset Miami 32-24, as they took advantage of the absence of several Canes starters, due to suspension.
Pick: West Virginia 37-16
# 21 Auburn at Clemson (both Tigers and both 2-0)
We know this fact, the Tigers have a 100 percent chance of winning this game.
Pick: Auburn 31-14
Washington Huskies at # 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers (both 2-0)
Pick: Nebraska 47-12
# 23 Texas Longhorns (2-0) at University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins (1-1)
Pick: Texas 37-10
Navy Midshipmen at # 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (both 2-0)
Pick: South Carolina 24-14
# 8 Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0) at Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-1)
Pick: OSU 51-7
# 6 Stanford Cardinal (2-0) at Arizona Wildcats (1-1)
Pick: Stanford 67-6
(Other I-FBS Games of Note)
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Michigan Wolverines (both 2-0)
**Coming Soon**
Marshall Thundering Herd (1-1) at Ohio Bobcats (2-0)
Pick: OU Bobcats 31-21
# 22 Arizona State Sun Devils at Illinois Fighting Illini (both 2-0)
Pick: Arizona State 41-24
Louisville Cardinals (1-1) at Kentucky Wildcats (2-0)
This is one of the premiere rivalries in all of college basketball, not football.
Pick: Louisville 17-13
Northwestern Wildcats (2-0) at Army Black Knights (0-2)
Pick: Northwestern 28-6
Tennessee Volunteers at # 16 Florida Gators (both 2-0)
Pick: Florida 31-16
"That Other" Miami Redskins (0-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-2)
The Gophers have lost two close games, and in last week's lost, Coach Jerry Kill collapsed in the 4th quarter, and is expected to be on the sideline tomorrow.
Pick: Minnesota 31-7
Virginia Cavaliers at North Carolina Tar Heels (both 2-0)
Pick: North Carolina 20-10
Mississippi (Ole Miss) Rebels (1-1) at Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0)
Pick: Ole Miss 16-13
Penn State Nittany Lions (1-1) at Temple Owls (2-0)
Pick: Penn State 24-9
Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers (2-0) at Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1)
Pick: Pitt 20-17
OHIO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:
Wilmington Quakers at Capital Crusaders (both 0-1)
Heidelberg Student Princes at Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (both 1-0)
Marietta Pioneers at Muskingum Muskies (both 1-0)
John Carroll Blue Streaks (0-1) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (1-0)
(Picks: Capital, Baldwin-Wallace, Muskingum, and Mount Union)
and
Otterbein Cardinals at Ohio Northern Polar Bears (both 1-0)
The Otterbein Cardinals escaped a trip to our Nation's Capital by the thin of their teeth in a 28-27 overtime thriller over Gallaudet. Ohio Northern will freeze the Cardinals down, because Ohio Northern is a tougher team than Gallaudet in every way.
Pick: Ohio Northern 41, Otterbein 6
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO SCHOOLS:
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (1-1, 0-1) at Wabash Little Giants (1-0, 1-0)
Hiram Terriers (1-1, 1-0) at Denison Big Red (1-1)
Wittenberg Tigers (2-0, 1-0) at Washington (MO) Bears
THE BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
(there are three)
THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE WEEK/UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
InEligiBowl 2011
# 17 Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) vs. Miami Hurricanes (0-1)- at SunLife Stadium
"I think I'll have a couple of tattoos, what do you think?"- Terrelle Pryor
"E-Mail, what E-Mail?"- Jim Tressel
Those were among the transgressions that took place in the Ohio State football program involving many players, including former quarterback Terrelle Pryor, and e-mails from Pryor's mentor Ted Sarniak sent to former OSU Football coach Jim Tressel, which led to Tressel's ouster.
Tomorrow night, they head to SunLife Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins to play a team with bigger problems. Instead of tattoos, and receiving cash at charity events, the Miami Hurricanes had lavish cars and sex parties, things that only normal boring people would dream of. A lot of key players from both teams got suspended, but as they say in show business, "The show must go on". However, despite the show still going on as planned, the NCAA will inevitably pull the curtain on both of these acts before you know it.
And at the home of the Miami Dolphins, the show will go on. Last week, the Hurricanes were off, smarting from a Labor Day loss to Maryland (and their ugly ridiculous new uniforms), while the Buckeyes were almost scared to death by Toledo (the same Toledo that left the Big House victorious). There is no doubt that Joe Bauserman, the geriatric quarterback for the Buckeyes has found his match with tight end Jake Stoneburner, but there is also no doubt that if he plays like he did against Toledo down in South Beach, expect to see Numero Cinco taking snaps.
The last time the Buckeyes played down here, a Michigan alum was in his final days as President of the United States (losing to a peanut farmer weeks earlier), Happy Days was # 1 on television, and the legendary Woody Hayes was on the sideline for OSU, and the Buckeyes played (next week's opponent) Colorado in the 1977 Orange Bowl.
The key to victory for the Buckeyes is for Bauserman to find his targets, and use his weapons, and he'll have another weapon, with the reinstatement of running back Jordan Hall, one of three Buckeyes suspended for the first two games for receiving $ 200 at a charity golf outing.
The key to victory for the Canes is the return of QB Jacory Harris, who was suspended for the aforementioned loss to the State flag of Maryland. Harris will play a key to victory for the Hurricanes, who are hungry for a victory over the Buckeyes after being robbed of that nine years ago in the balmy Arizona desert in the BCS National Championship Game at the Fiesta Bowl. Now, the Buckeyes are playing on Miami's home field. It will be 87 and sunny, just 10 degrees cooler than when the Bucks zipped the Zips of Akron two short weeks ago.
Outcome- I think that there will be a Hurricane coming, and her name ain't Maria. His name will be Sebastian the Ibis. I think that Jacory Harris will have a lot to prove and that with the lack of experience with Bauserman and Braxton Miller combined, look for Brutus the Buckeye to be swept away by the hurricane.
Pick: Miami 28, Ohio State 21
OTHER BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 1 Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) at # 5 Florida State Seminoles (2-0)
Last year, this game wasn't even close, and if it weren't for the OSU-Miami Game, this would have the DJBCSC Top Billing, but I think you'll see the same result, and Erin Andrews will be thinking on the sideline that she'd rather be on the sidelines for the OSU-Miami game, because Oklahoma was well-rested last week for this trip. It will be a long night on national TV for Jimbo Fisher.
Pick: Oklahoma 42, Florida State 14
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 15 Michigan State Spartans (2-0) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-2)
Two words: Little Giants. That was how the Michigan State Spartans beat Notre Dame in East Lansing last year, a Bryan Award nominee for Sports Play of the Year this summer. Seven words: Twenty-eight seconds, eighty yards, two seconds remaining. That's how long it took Denard Robinson to rally his troops down the field to score the game-winning touchdown for Michigan with two seconds left Under the Lights in The Big House, in what was a "game for the ages", keeping me off the edge of my seat, despite depressing me earlier on in the game. Remember when it was 14-0 Irish, and 17-7 Irish, and 24-7 Irish, but Michigan scored 28 points in the fourth quarter, and Denard Robinson proved what he has to compete against that Luck kid for the Heisman. Tommy Rees lost for the first time as a starter, and he'll lose for the second time, because there will be too much Kirk Cousins, B.J. Cunningham, and LeVeon Bell to go around for the Spartans on NBC.
Pick: Michigan State 38, Notre Dame 24
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
# 4 Boise State Broncos (2-0) at Toledo Rockets (1-1)
Last Saturday, Toledo almost shocked the world again, and had me believing in the Rockets. They host the # 4 team in the nation. The Broncos may stampede out here with a "W", but don't count Toledo out, because they had more yards than the Buckeye Silver Bullets last week, and still lost the game.
Pick: Boise State 31, Toledo 13
GAMEDAY SATURDAY:
(Top 25 Action of Note)
# 18 West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) at Maryland Terrapins (1-0)
"It's Fashion Roadkill."- Stanford Blatch, Sex and the City, "The Real Me" (after Carrie trips and falls on the runway)
The same can be said for the University of Maryland's new uniforms, as they upset Miami 32-24, as they took advantage of the absence of several Canes starters, due to suspension.
Pick: West Virginia 37-16
# 21 Auburn at Clemson (both Tigers and both 2-0)
We know this fact, the Tigers have a 100 percent chance of winning this game.
Pick: Auburn 31-14
Washington Huskies at # 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers (both 2-0)
Pick: Nebraska 47-12
# 23 Texas Longhorns (2-0) at University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins (1-1)
Pick: Texas 37-10
Navy Midshipmen at # 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (both 2-0)
Pick: South Carolina 24-14
# 8 Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0) at Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-1)
Pick: OSU 51-7
# 6 Stanford Cardinal (2-0) at Arizona Wildcats (1-1)
Pick: Stanford 67-6
(Other I-FBS Games of Note)
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Michigan Wolverines (both 2-0)
**Coming Soon**
Marshall Thundering Herd (1-1) at Ohio Bobcats (2-0)
Pick: OU Bobcats 31-21
# 22 Arizona State Sun Devils at Illinois Fighting Illini (both 2-0)
Pick: Arizona State 41-24
Louisville Cardinals (1-1) at Kentucky Wildcats (2-0)
This is one of the premiere rivalries in all of college basketball, not football.
Pick: Louisville 17-13
Northwestern Wildcats (2-0) at Army Black Knights (0-2)
Pick: Northwestern 28-6
Tennessee Volunteers at # 16 Florida Gators (both 2-0)
Pick: Florida 31-16
"That Other" Miami Redskins (0-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-2)
The Gophers have lost two close games, and in last week's lost, Coach Jerry Kill collapsed in the 4th quarter, and is expected to be on the sideline tomorrow.
Pick: Minnesota 31-7
Virginia Cavaliers at North Carolina Tar Heels (both 2-0)
Pick: North Carolina 20-10
Mississippi (Ole Miss) Rebels (1-1) at Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0)
Pick: Ole Miss 16-13
Penn State Nittany Lions (1-1) at Temple Owls (2-0)
Pick: Penn State 24-9
Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers (2-0) at Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1)
Pick: Pitt 20-17
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2011 High School Football- Week 4
League play will begin this week for the Ohio Capital Conference, the Columbus City League, the Mid-Buckeye Conference, and the Mid-State League, and many other leagues across Ohio. For the next seven weeks, the contenders will be separated from the pretenders.
Upset Picks of the Week:
Groveport Madison vs. Pickerington North
Westerville South vs. Westerville Central
Streak Buster:
Westerville North vs. Dublin Jerome
Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division:
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-2) at Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1)
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-1) at Newark Wildcats (0-3)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (3-0)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (2-1) at Grove City Greyhounds (1-2)
Ohio Capital Conference Central Division:
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (3-0) at Central Crossing Comets (0-3)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (2-1) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-2)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (2-0) at Westland Cougars (1-2)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (3-0) at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-2)
Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division:
Westerville South Wildcats (1-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (3-0)
Westerville North Warriors at Dublin Jerome Celtics (both 0-3)
Olentangy Braves at Dublin Scioto Irish (both 1-2)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (1-2) at Marysville Monarchs (2-1)
Ohio Capital Conference Capital Division:
Sunbury Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Pataskala Watkins Memorial Warriors (both 2-1)
New Albany Eagles (2-1) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-0)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons at Delaware Hayes Pacers (both 1-2)
Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (0-3) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (2-1)
Columbus City League North Division:
Columbus East Tigers at Columbus Brookhaven Bearcats (both 1-2)
Columbus Centennial Stars (1-2) at Columbus Beechcroft Cougars (2-1)
Columbus Whetstone Braves (0-3) at Columbus Mifflin Punchers (3-0)
Columbus Northland Vikings at Columbus Linden McKinley Panthers (both 0-3)
Columbus City League South Division:
Columbus South Bulldogs (0-3) at Columbus West Cowboys (3-0)
Columbus Independence 76ers at Columbus Eastmoor Academy Warriors (both 2-1)
Columbus Africentric Early College Nubians (1-2) at Columbus Walnut Ridge Scots (0-3)
Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils (3-0) at Columbus Briggs Bruins (2-1)
Mid-State League Buckeye Division:
Canal Winchester Indians (2-1) at Lancaster Fairfield Union Falcons (0-3)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (2-1) at Circleville Tigers (0-3)
Hamilton Township Rangers (2-1) at Circleville Logan Elm Braves (3-0)
Bloom-Carroll Bruins (0-3) at Ashville Teays Valley Vikings (1-2)
Mid-State League Cardinal Division:
Grandview Heights Bobcats at West Jefferson Roughriders (both 3-0)
Millersport Lakers (0-3) at Baltimore Liberty Union Lions (2-1)
Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish at Berne Union Rockets (both 0-3)
Pataskala Licking Heights Hornets (1-2) at Columbus Harvest Prep Warriors (3-0)
Mid-State League Ohio Division:
Bexley Lions (3-0) at Granville Blue Aces (2-1)
Newark Catholic Green Wave at Heath Bulldogs (both 1-2)
Columbus Academy Vikings (2-1) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-2)
Whitehall Yearling Rams (2-1) at Newark Licking Valley Panthers (1-2)
Mid-Buckeye Conference:
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies at Centerburg Trojans (both 3-0)
Johnstown Northridge Vikings (3-0) at Fredericktown Freddies (1-2)
Danville Blue Devils (3-0) at Loudonville Redbirds (0-3)
East Knox Bulldogs at Utica Redskins (both 0-3)
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference:
Richwood North Union Wildcats (2-1, 1-1) at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-3, 0-2)
Mount Gilead Indians (3-0, 2-0) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-3, 0-2)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (1-2, 1-1) at Marion Elgin Comets (1-2, 0-2)
Delaware Buckeye Valley Barons (2-1, 1-1) at Marion River Valley Vikings (2-1, 2-0)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (1-2, 1-1) at Marion Pleasant Trojans (3-0, 2-0)
South Central Ohio League:
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (1-2) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (2-1)
Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-2) at London Red Raiders (0-3)
Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (1-2) at Hillsboro Indians (0-3)
Central Ohio Non-League:
Toledo Rogers Rams (1-2) at Columbus St. Charles Cardinals (0-3)
Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights (0-3) at Columbus Bishop Hartley Hawks (3-0)
Cincinnati Winton Woods Warriors (2-1) at Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles (1-2) (at Centennial H.S.)
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (3-0) at Columbus Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1) (at Franklin Heights H.S.)
Plain City Jonathan Alder Pioneers (3-0) at Washington Court House Miami Trace Panthers (2-1)
Tiffin Columbian Tornadoes (3-0) at Marion Harding Presidents (1-2)
Fort Loramie Redskins (2-1) at Grove City Christian Eagles (1-2)
Lancaster Fairfield Christian Knights (3-0) at Franklin Furnace Green (2-1)
Columbus St. Francis DeSales Stallions (1-2) at Ryle Union (KY) Raiders (2-1)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Grandview Heights Bobcats at West Jefferson Roughriders (both 3-0)
This rivalry between Columbus's smallest suburb and an exurb of Madison County has bragging rights in the Mid State League Cardinal Division. The more experienced Roughriders have more of an advantage over the Bobcats.
Pick: West Jeff
OTHER BIG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Westerville South Wildcats (1-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (3-0)
For the first time in the school's nine-year history, the Warhawks are 3-0, beating rivals Big Walnut and New Albany for the first-time ever, plus last week's win in Worthington over the Cardinals of Thomas. The Warhawks are looking to keep their perfect record on the line as they try to best another rival for the first-time ever, Westerville South, who is looking to rebound after back-to-back losses at Dublin Coffman and Grove City. Can Daxton Cates lead the Cats to victory, or could it be a long three mile trek home.
Pick: Westerville South
New Albany Eagles (2-1) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-0)
The Jaguars of Bradley are only in their third year, but are off to a great start, as they head into OCC Capital play, and they do so hosting New Albany, in which could be the first real test for the untested Jaguars.
Pick: New Albany
Independence 76ers at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (both 2-1)
These two East side City League rivals square off at Archie Griffin Stadium as the 76ers are looking to get back to their winning ways, while the Warriors are looking for a return trip to the Division III playoffs.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies at Centerburg Trojans (both 3-0)
Pick: Johnstown
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (3-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1) (at Franklin Heights H.S.)
Pick: Nelsonville-York
Bexley Lions (3-0) at Granville Blue Aces (2-1)
The Lions came back to beat Hamilton Township, their first test this year. They face another test against Granville, who is a more potent team than the Lions.
Pick: Granville
Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-1) at Licking Valley Panthers (1-2)
Pick: Licking Valley
Hamilton Township Rangers (2-1) at Logan Elm Braves (3-0)
Pick: Logan Elm
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-2) at Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1)
The Tigers, well-rested after a brutal non-league schedules against to Cincinnati Catholic School powerhouses, travels down to Lancaster to play the Golden Gales in this Fairfield County rivalry. The Tigers have dominated the OCC Ohio for years, but have yet to win this year. Can the Tigers get it done?
Pick: Pickerington Central
Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (3-0)
The North Panthers are another surprise team, shutting down defending D-III champs Watterson, and then last week, blanking defending City League North champs Northland. The Panthers look to go 4-0 for the first time ever, as they host Groveport.
Pick: Pickerington North
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (3-0) at Briggs Bruins (2-1)
This could have upset tied to it. The Red Devils have won three close games, while the Bruins have won two straight.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (2-1) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-2)
This was one of the premiere Central Ohio rivalries, but the Golden Bears have won all but one game in recent years (2009's surprise 17-9 Thomas win). The Cardinals host the Golden Bears in a rivalry where the Golden Bears have only lost once to the Cardinals since 1986.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Cincinnati Winton Woods Warriors (2-1) at Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles (1-2) (at Centennial H.S.)
The Eagles would love to avenge their only loss of their championship season of a year ago, but the Eagles are reloading after graduating most of their starters from their run to Canton.
Pick: Winton Woods
Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Watkins Memorial Warriors (both 2-1)
Pick: Big Walnut
Reynoldsburg Raiders (2-1) at Grove City Greyhounds (1-2)
Pick: Grove City
DJBC Sports Corner (Top 10 +15) for Week 3:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (2-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (3-0)
3) Pickerington North Panthers (3-0)
4) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (3-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (3-0)
6) Bexley Lions (3-0)
7) Westerville Central Warhawks (3-0)
8] Grandview Heights Bobcats (3-0)
9) West Cowboys (3-0)
10) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (3-0)
------------------------------------------------------
(The Plus 15)
11) West Jefferson Roughriders (3-0)
12) Hilliard Darby Panthers (3-0)
13) Canal Winchester Indians (2-1)
14) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-0)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-1)
16) New Albany Eagles (2-1)
17) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (2-1)
18] Hamilton Township Rangers (2-1)
19) Mifflin Punchers (3-0)
20) Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-1)
21) Harvest Prep Warriors (3-0)
22) Marion Pleasant Trojans (3-0)
23) Johnstown Johnnies (3-0)
24) Logan Elm Braves (3-0)
25) Fairfield Christian Knights (3-0)
Honorable Mention: Upper Arlington Golden Bears (2-1), Independence 76ers (2-1), Beechcroft Cougars (2-1), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-1), Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (2-1), Marysville Monarchs (2-1), North Union Wildcats (2-1), Centerburg Trojans (3-0), Danville Blue Devils (3-0), Granville Blue Aces (2-1), Big Walnut Golden Eagles (2-1), Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1), Reynoldsburg Raiders (2-1)
Dropped Out: Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1), Fredericktown Freddies (1-2), Westerville South Wildcats (1-2), North Union Wildcats (2-1), Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-1)
Upset Picks of the Week:
Groveport Madison vs. Pickerington North
Westerville South vs. Westerville Central
Streak Buster:
Westerville North vs. Dublin Jerome
Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division:
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-2) at Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1)
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-1) at Newark Wildcats (0-3)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (3-0)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (2-1) at Grove City Greyhounds (1-2)
Ohio Capital Conference Central Division:
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (3-0) at Central Crossing Comets (0-3)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (2-1) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-2)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (2-0) at Westland Cougars (1-2)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (3-0) at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-2)
Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division:
Westerville South Wildcats (1-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (3-0)
Westerville North Warriors at Dublin Jerome Celtics (both 0-3)
Olentangy Braves at Dublin Scioto Irish (both 1-2)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (1-2) at Marysville Monarchs (2-1)
Ohio Capital Conference Capital Division:
Sunbury Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Pataskala Watkins Memorial Warriors (both 2-1)
New Albany Eagles (2-1) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-0)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons at Delaware Hayes Pacers (both 1-2)
Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (0-3) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (2-1)
Columbus City League North Division:
Columbus East Tigers at Columbus Brookhaven Bearcats (both 1-2)
Columbus Centennial Stars (1-2) at Columbus Beechcroft Cougars (2-1)
Columbus Whetstone Braves (0-3) at Columbus Mifflin Punchers (3-0)
Columbus Northland Vikings at Columbus Linden McKinley Panthers (both 0-3)
Columbus City League South Division:
Columbus South Bulldogs (0-3) at Columbus West Cowboys (3-0)
Columbus Independence 76ers at Columbus Eastmoor Academy Warriors (both 2-1)
Columbus Africentric Early College Nubians (1-2) at Columbus Walnut Ridge Scots (0-3)
Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils (3-0) at Columbus Briggs Bruins (2-1)
Mid-State League Buckeye Division:
Canal Winchester Indians (2-1) at Lancaster Fairfield Union Falcons (0-3)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (2-1) at Circleville Tigers (0-3)
Hamilton Township Rangers (2-1) at Circleville Logan Elm Braves (3-0)
Bloom-Carroll Bruins (0-3) at Ashville Teays Valley Vikings (1-2)
Mid-State League Cardinal Division:
Grandview Heights Bobcats at West Jefferson Roughriders (both 3-0)
Millersport Lakers (0-3) at Baltimore Liberty Union Lions (2-1)
Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish at Berne Union Rockets (both 0-3)
Pataskala Licking Heights Hornets (1-2) at Columbus Harvest Prep Warriors (3-0)
Mid-State League Ohio Division:
Bexley Lions (3-0) at Granville Blue Aces (2-1)
Newark Catholic Green Wave at Heath Bulldogs (both 1-2)
Columbus Academy Vikings (2-1) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-2)
Whitehall Yearling Rams (2-1) at Newark Licking Valley Panthers (1-2)
Mid-Buckeye Conference:
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies at Centerburg Trojans (both 3-0)
Johnstown Northridge Vikings (3-0) at Fredericktown Freddies (1-2)
Danville Blue Devils (3-0) at Loudonville Redbirds (0-3)
East Knox Bulldogs at Utica Redskins (both 0-3)
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference:
Richwood North Union Wildcats (2-1, 1-1) at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-3, 0-2)
Mount Gilead Indians (3-0, 2-0) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-3, 0-2)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (1-2, 1-1) at Marion Elgin Comets (1-2, 0-2)
Delaware Buckeye Valley Barons (2-1, 1-1) at Marion River Valley Vikings (2-1, 2-0)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (1-2, 1-1) at Marion Pleasant Trojans (3-0, 2-0)
South Central Ohio League:
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (1-2) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (2-1)
Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-2) at London Red Raiders (0-3)
Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (1-2) at Hillsboro Indians (0-3)
Central Ohio Non-League:
Toledo Rogers Rams (1-2) at Columbus St. Charles Cardinals (0-3)
Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights (0-3) at Columbus Bishop Hartley Hawks (3-0)
Cincinnati Winton Woods Warriors (2-1) at Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles (1-2) (at Centennial H.S.)
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (3-0) at Columbus Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1) (at Franklin Heights H.S.)
Plain City Jonathan Alder Pioneers (3-0) at Washington Court House Miami Trace Panthers (2-1)
Tiffin Columbian Tornadoes (3-0) at Marion Harding Presidents (1-2)
Fort Loramie Redskins (2-1) at Grove City Christian Eagles (1-2)
Lancaster Fairfield Christian Knights (3-0) at Franklin Furnace Green (2-1)
Columbus St. Francis DeSales Stallions (1-2) at Ryle Union (KY) Raiders (2-1)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Grandview Heights Bobcats at West Jefferson Roughriders (both 3-0)
This rivalry between Columbus's smallest suburb and an exurb of Madison County has bragging rights in the Mid State League Cardinal Division. The more experienced Roughriders have more of an advantage over the Bobcats.
Pick: West Jeff
OTHER BIG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Westerville South Wildcats (1-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (3-0)
For the first time in the school's nine-year history, the Warhawks are 3-0, beating rivals Big Walnut and New Albany for the first-time ever, plus last week's win in Worthington over the Cardinals of Thomas. The Warhawks are looking to keep their perfect record on the line as they try to best another rival for the first-time ever, Westerville South, who is looking to rebound after back-to-back losses at Dublin Coffman and Grove City. Can Daxton Cates lead the Cats to victory, or could it be a long three mile trek home.
Pick: Westerville South
New Albany Eagles (2-1) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-0)
The Jaguars of Bradley are only in their third year, but are off to a great start, as they head into OCC Capital play, and they do so hosting New Albany, in which could be the first real test for the untested Jaguars.
Pick: New Albany
Independence 76ers at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (both 2-1)
These two East side City League rivals square off at Archie Griffin Stadium as the 76ers are looking to get back to their winning ways, while the Warriors are looking for a return trip to the Division III playoffs.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies at Centerburg Trojans (both 3-0)
Pick: Johnstown
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (3-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1) (at Franklin Heights H.S.)
Pick: Nelsonville-York
Bexley Lions (3-0) at Granville Blue Aces (2-1)
The Lions came back to beat Hamilton Township, their first test this year. They face another test against Granville, who is a more potent team than the Lions.
Pick: Granville
Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-1) at Licking Valley Panthers (1-2)
Pick: Licking Valley
Hamilton Township Rangers (2-1) at Logan Elm Braves (3-0)
Pick: Logan Elm
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-2) at Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1)
The Tigers, well-rested after a brutal non-league schedules against to Cincinnati Catholic School powerhouses, travels down to Lancaster to play the Golden Gales in this Fairfield County rivalry. The Tigers have dominated the OCC Ohio for years, but have yet to win this year. Can the Tigers get it done?
Pick: Pickerington Central
Groveport Madison Cruisers (2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (3-0)
The North Panthers are another surprise team, shutting down defending D-III champs Watterson, and then last week, blanking defending City League North champs Northland. The Panthers look to go 4-0 for the first time ever, as they host Groveport.
Pick: Pickerington North
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (3-0) at Briggs Bruins (2-1)
This could have upset tied to it. The Red Devils have won three close games, while the Bruins have won two straight.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (2-1) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-2)
This was one of the premiere Central Ohio rivalries, but the Golden Bears have won all but one game in recent years (2009's surprise 17-9 Thomas win). The Cardinals host the Golden Bears in a rivalry where the Golden Bears have only lost once to the Cardinals since 1986.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Cincinnati Winton Woods Warriors (2-1) at Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles (1-2) (at Centennial H.S.)
The Eagles would love to avenge their only loss of their championship season of a year ago, but the Eagles are reloading after graduating most of their starters from their run to Canton.
Pick: Winton Woods
Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Watkins Memorial Warriors (both 2-1)
Pick: Big Walnut
Reynoldsburg Raiders (2-1) at Grove City Greyhounds (1-2)
Pick: Grove City
DJBC Sports Corner (Top 10 +15) for Week 3:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (2-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (3-0)
3) Pickerington North Panthers (3-0)
4) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (3-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (3-0)
6) Bexley Lions (3-0)
7) Westerville Central Warhawks (3-0)
8] Grandview Heights Bobcats (3-0)
9) West Cowboys (3-0)
10) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (3-0)
------------------------------------------------------
(The Plus 15)
11) West Jefferson Roughriders (3-0)
12) Hilliard Darby Panthers (3-0)
13) Canal Winchester Indians (2-1)
14) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-0)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-1)
16) New Albany Eagles (2-1)
17) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (2-1)
18] Hamilton Township Rangers (2-1)
19) Mifflin Punchers (3-0)
20) Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-1)
21) Harvest Prep Warriors (3-0)
22) Marion Pleasant Trojans (3-0)
23) Johnstown Johnnies (3-0)
24) Logan Elm Braves (3-0)
25) Fairfield Christian Knights (3-0)
Honorable Mention: Upper Arlington Golden Bears (2-1), Independence 76ers (2-1), Beechcroft Cougars (2-1), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-1), Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (2-1), Marysville Monarchs (2-1), North Union Wildcats (2-1), Centerburg Trojans (3-0), Danville Blue Devils (3-0), Granville Blue Aces (2-1), Big Walnut Golden Eagles (2-1), Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1), Reynoldsburg Raiders (2-1)
Dropped Out: Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-1), Fredericktown Freddies (1-2), Westerville South Wildcats (1-2), North Union Wildcats (2-1), Lancaster Golden Gales (2-1), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-1)
Friday, September 9, 2011
College Football: Week 2 (2011)
College football season got underway, with a couple of big surprises, such as Baylor's win over ranked TCU and Oregon State losing at home to Sacramento State (who is Sacramento State?).
This week features some big games, with the potential for some big upsets to loom large.
The BIG GAME This Week:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1) at Michigan Wolverines (1-0)- Under the Lights in the Big House
For the first time in 132 years, the lights will be turned on in The Big House as the first-ever night game is played at Michigan Stadium, as Michigan hosts their rivals, Notre Dame. Last week, Michigan dominated Western Michigan in a lightning-shortened game. Fifth-year senior Brandon Herron scored two defensive touchdowns for the Wolverines. The second touchdown put the game away at 34-10. Unlike Michigan, Notre Dame got to finish their game. Down 16-0 when a three-hour rain delay hit, the Fighting Irish came back, but fell short, losing 23-20 to South Florida. Can the new and improved Wolverine defense stop Dayne Crist in his tracks?
Pick: Michigan 31-27
UPSET PICK:
Toledo Rockets at # 15 Ohio State Buckeyes (both 1-0)
How many points have the Toledo Rockets scored in their last two games against the Buckeyes? Zilch. The Rockets are looking to change that as they blast into the Horseshoe tomorrow afternoon. OSU held Akron to 90 yards last week, and minus 10 in the second half. Toledo put up 58 against I-AA New Hampshire. Something has got to give. Toledo upset Michigan three years ago in the Big House, and would like to upset the Bucks in the Shoe. Could Luke Fickell be looking ahead to his "fun in the sun" in South Beach next week in InEligiBowl 2011? Could be...could be.
Pick: Toledo 24-23
Other Big Games This Weekend:
# 3 Alabama Crimson Tide at # 23 Penn State Nittany Lions (both 1-0)
This is a great matchup against two storied programs. Both had easy wins on paper, but according to recent history, the Crimson Tide have an advantage.
Pick: Alabama 30-7
Oregon State Beavers (0-1) at # 8 Wisconsin Badgers (1-0)
Last week, Oregon State had their own version of Appalachian State as Sacramento State left Corvallis victorious in a 29-28 Overtime upset. This is a bad time to go to Camp Randall, as Wisconsin has not one, but two running backs that can run the ball and score.
Pick: Wisconsin 47-12
# 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) at Georgia Bulldogs (0-1)
Pick: South Carolina 27-16
Nevada Wolf Pack (0-0) at # 13 Oregon Ducks (0-1)
Last year, Nevada upset Boise State. This week, they play a despondent Oregon, whose National Championship dreams were dealt a blow by LSU. The Ducks get it done at home in a wild one.
Pick: Oregon 38-30
# 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs at Auburn Tigers (both 1-0)
Last week, Auburn barely beat Utah State, and fell out of the Top 25. It looks like Mississippi State will have a field day against these Tigers.
Pick: Mississippi State 41-14
Brigham Young (BYU) Cougars at # 24 Texas Longhorns (both 1-0)
Could BYU join the Big 12? Well, at the (Colorado) rate (Nebraska) teams (Texas A&M) are abandoning (Missouri and Oklahoma next?) ship (or maybe Texas Tech?)...probably not. But, this could be a taste, if the Big 12 can be salvaged.
Pick: Texas 41-21
# 25 Texas Christian (TCU) Horned Frogs (0-1) at Air Force Falcons (1-0)
Can TCU get back on track? Yes.
Pick: TCU 38-20
Cincinnati Bearcats at Tennessee Volunteers (both 1-0)
Pick: Tennessee 31-17
Connecticut (UConn) Huskies at Vanderbilt Commodores (both 1-0)
When I saw this, I was thinking, "Women's Basketball"...wrong....
Pick: UConn 41-7
California (Cal) Golden Bears at Colorado Buffaloes
Welcome to the Pac-12, Colorado. Your first task: Cal. It may be a long afternoon in Boulder for the once mighty Buffalo.
Pick: Cal 28-3
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (1-0) at Washington Huskies
Pick: Hawaii 35-10
Last Night:
# 9 Oklahoma State (2-0) 37, Arizona (1-1) 14
Tonight:
# 21 Missouri Tigers @ Arizona State Sun Devils (both 1-0)
Other Top 25 Games Tomorrow:
Northwestern State Demons @ # 2 LSU Tigers (both 1-0)
Charleston Southern Buccaneers (0-1) @ # 5 Florida State Seminoles (1-0)
# 6 Stanford Cardinal (1-0) @ Duke Blue Devils (0-1)
Fresno State Bulldogs (0-1) @ # 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0)
# 11 Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0) @ East Carolina Pirates (0-1)
New Mexico Lobos (0-1) @ # 14 Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0)
Florida Atlantic Owls (0-1) @ # 17 Michigan State Spartans (1-0)
Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers (0-0) @ # 18 Florida Gators (1-0)
Norfolk State Spartans @ # 19 West Virginia Mountaineers (both 1-0)
Ball State Cardinals @ # 22 South Florida Bulls (both 1-0)
Other Division I-FBS & FCS Games of Note:
North Carolina State (NC State) Wolfpack (1-0) @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons (0-1)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ North Carolina Tar Heels (both 1-0)
Maine Black Bears @ Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers (both 1-0)
Tonight- Florida International Golden Panthers @ Louisville Cardinals (both 1-0)
Virginia Cavaliers @ Indiana Hoosiers (both 0-1)
Local College Watch:
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs @ Ohio Bobcats (both 1-0)
Wittenberg Tigers @ Ohio Wesleyan Battlin' Bishops (both 1-0)
Denison Big Red at Earlham Quakers (both 0-1)
Ohio Dominican Panthers at Northwood (MI) Timberwolves (both 1-0)
Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans (1-0) at Mount Union Purple Raiders
- Capital Crusaders (0-1) and Otterbein Cardinals (1-0) are off this week
Looking ahead to next week:
Otterbein @ Ohio Northern and InEligiBowl 2011 (Ohio State @ Miami)
This week features some big games, with the potential for some big upsets to loom large.
The BIG GAME This Week:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1) at Michigan Wolverines (1-0)- Under the Lights in the Big House
For the first time in 132 years, the lights will be turned on in The Big House as the first-ever night game is played at Michigan Stadium, as Michigan hosts their rivals, Notre Dame. Last week, Michigan dominated Western Michigan in a lightning-shortened game. Fifth-year senior Brandon Herron scored two defensive touchdowns for the Wolverines. The second touchdown put the game away at 34-10. Unlike Michigan, Notre Dame got to finish their game. Down 16-0 when a three-hour rain delay hit, the Fighting Irish came back, but fell short, losing 23-20 to South Florida. Can the new and improved Wolverine defense stop Dayne Crist in his tracks?
Pick: Michigan 31-27
UPSET PICK:
Toledo Rockets at # 15 Ohio State Buckeyes (both 1-0)
How many points have the Toledo Rockets scored in their last two games against the Buckeyes? Zilch. The Rockets are looking to change that as they blast into the Horseshoe tomorrow afternoon. OSU held Akron to 90 yards last week, and minus 10 in the second half. Toledo put up 58 against I-AA New Hampshire. Something has got to give. Toledo upset Michigan three years ago in the Big House, and would like to upset the Bucks in the Shoe. Could Luke Fickell be looking ahead to his "fun in the sun" in South Beach next week in InEligiBowl 2011? Could be...could be.
Pick: Toledo 24-23
Other Big Games This Weekend:
# 3 Alabama Crimson Tide at # 23 Penn State Nittany Lions (both 1-0)
This is a great matchup against two storied programs. Both had easy wins on paper, but according to recent history, the Crimson Tide have an advantage.
Pick: Alabama 30-7
Oregon State Beavers (0-1) at # 8 Wisconsin Badgers (1-0)
Last week, Oregon State had their own version of Appalachian State as Sacramento State left Corvallis victorious in a 29-28 Overtime upset. This is a bad time to go to Camp Randall, as Wisconsin has not one, but two running backs that can run the ball and score.
Pick: Wisconsin 47-12
# 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) at Georgia Bulldogs (0-1)
Pick: South Carolina 27-16
Nevada Wolf Pack (0-0) at # 13 Oregon Ducks (0-1)
Last year, Nevada upset Boise State. This week, they play a despondent Oregon, whose National Championship dreams were dealt a blow by LSU. The Ducks get it done at home in a wild one.
Pick: Oregon 38-30
# 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs at Auburn Tigers (both 1-0)
Last week, Auburn barely beat Utah State, and fell out of the Top 25. It looks like Mississippi State will have a field day against these Tigers.
Pick: Mississippi State 41-14
Brigham Young (BYU) Cougars at # 24 Texas Longhorns (both 1-0)
Could BYU join the Big 12? Well, at the (Colorado) rate (Nebraska) teams (Texas A&M) are abandoning (Missouri and Oklahoma next?) ship (or maybe Texas Tech?)...probably not. But, this could be a taste, if the Big 12 can be salvaged.
Pick: Texas 41-21
# 25 Texas Christian (TCU) Horned Frogs (0-1) at Air Force Falcons (1-0)
Can TCU get back on track? Yes.
Pick: TCU 38-20
Cincinnati Bearcats at Tennessee Volunteers (both 1-0)
Pick: Tennessee 31-17
Connecticut (UConn) Huskies at Vanderbilt Commodores (both 1-0)
When I saw this, I was thinking, "Women's Basketball"...wrong....
Pick: UConn 41-7
California (Cal) Golden Bears at Colorado Buffaloes
Welcome to the Pac-12, Colorado. Your first task: Cal. It may be a long afternoon in Boulder for the once mighty Buffalo.
Pick: Cal 28-3
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (1-0) at Washington Huskies
Pick: Hawaii 35-10
Last Night:
# 9 Oklahoma State (2-0) 37, Arizona (1-1) 14
Tonight:
# 21 Missouri Tigers @ Arizona State Sun Devils (both 1-0)
Other Top 25 Games Tomorrow:
Northwestern State Demons @ # 2 LSU Tigers (both 1-0)
Charleston Southern Buccaneers (0-1) @ # 5 Florida State Seminoles (1-0)
# 6 Stanford Cardinal (1-0) @ Duke Blue Devils (0-1)
Fresno State Bulldogs (0-1) @ # 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0)
# 11 Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0) @ East Carolina Pirates (0-1)
New Mexico Lobos (0-1) @ # 14 Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0)
Florida Atlantic Owls (0-1) @ # 17 Michigan State Spartans (1-0)
Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers (0-0) @ # 18 Florida Gators (1-0)
Norfolk State Spartans @ # 19 West Virginia Mountaineers (both 1-0)
Ball State Cardinals @ # 22 South Florida Bulls (both 1-0)
Other Division I-FBS & FCS Games of Note:
North Carolina State (NC State) Wolfpack (1-0) @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons (0-1)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ North Carolina Tar Heels (both 1-0)
Maine Black Bears @ Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers (both 1-0)
Tonight- Florida International Golden Panthers @ Louisville Cardinals (both 1-0)
Virginia Cavaliers @ Indiana Hoosiers (both 0-1)
Local College Watch:
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs @ Ohio Bobcats (both 1-0)
Wittenberg Tigers @ Ohio Wesleyan Battlin' Bishops (both 1-0)
Denison Big Red at Earlham Quakers (both 0-1)
Ohio Dominican Panthers at Northwood (MI) Timberwolves (both 1-0)
Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans (1-0) at Mount Union Purple Raiders
- Capital Crusaders (0-1) and Otterbein Cardinals (1-0) are off this week
Looking ahead to next week:
Otterbein @ Ohio Northern and InEligiBowl 2011 (Ohio State @ Miami)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Central Ohio High School Football: Week 3 (2011)
The third week of high school football is upon us. Last week, temperatures for games were around 90 degrees (or warmer). This week, they will be in the 60s.
BIGGEST GAME THIS WEEK:
Marion-Franklin Red Devils at Canal Winchester Indians (both 2-0)
Both schools are on the Southeast side of town. Both are 2-0, and both have been Division II playoff staples, and both meet tomorrow night. The winner of this game still has a shot at a 10-0 record, while the loser will have to settle for 9-1 at best, and in their tough computer region, 9-1 might not be good enough for the playoffs.
Pick: Canal Winchester
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (1-1) at Westerville North Warriors (0-2)
The Westerville North Warriors of 2011 are a far cry from the Warriors of the 1980s and 1990s. A far cry. A once proud team in Central Ohio has not been to the playoffs in over 10 years, and are riding currently a 27-game losing streak. The North faithful are tired of the losing, and this may be one of their shots to end the losing this year, as they host nearby Olentangy Orange. Why North could lose their 28th game in a row is that Orange went to the Division II playoffs in 2009 and are coached by Brian Cross, who coached at some of the best football programs (Eastmoor, Grove City, and Canton McKinley) in Ohio. I think North might actually show what the North teams of old had and shock everyone.
Pick: Westerville North
St. Francis DeSales Stallions at New Albany Eagles (both 1-1)
Last year, New Albany upset DeSales on a Jimmy Gammill field goal, 13-10. The Stallions are looking to win back-to-back games, while the Eagles, smarting from a loss to Westerville Central last week, want an encore upset of the Stallions.
Pick: New Albany
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
The Battle of Hard Road-
Dublin Scioto Irish (0-2) at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-1)
These two schools lie on a road that goes from the Scioto River to the west and to State Route 315 to the east. Some kids live right next to each other. The winner of this game gets a piece of the road their schools lie on as a trophy, probably one of the most coveted trophies of local high school sports. Of course, I'm talking about The 17th Annual Battle of Hard Road, played annually since the opening of Dublin Scioto High School in 1995. Last week, Scioto played Marion-Franklin tough in a loss, while Kilbourne got blown out at home by Solon.
Pick: Dublin Scioto
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-0) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (1-1)
This is a big perennial suburban rivalry, as it has been for years. To some UA faithful- Thomas Worthington, Hilliard Davidson, and even Bishop Watterson have been rivals of the Golden Bears. Gahanna is right up with them, as these two football programs have been among the most successful in the last 50 years. The Lions are a surprise 2-0, while the Golden Bears are coming off their first win of the year (34-19 win over Springfield at the Herbstreit Classic). The team with the best skill wins.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Olentangy Braves at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (both 1-1)
These two Delaware County rivals square off in this great rivalry. Next year, Olentangy moves to the OCC Capital, which means that this game could be for a league title then, but until then, bragging rights are on the line in this of many rivalries in Delaware County.
Pick: Big Walnut
Bexley Lions at Hamilton Township Rangers (both 2-0)
Bexley has breezed through its first two opponents- both in Division VI, while Hamilton Township came from behind to beat Chillicothe, and it topped London last week. Bexley's easy start will show down in Obetz.
Pick: Hamilton Township
Walnut Ridge Scots (0-2) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (1-0)
Walnut Ridge, after an easy non-league schedule this year, closes out their tougher non-league schedule on the road in Hilliard to play a well-rested Davidson team. This may be over by halftime.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
Watkins Memorial Warriors at Mifflin Punchers (both 2-0)
Last year, the Warriors exposed the shortcomings of Mifflin, which caused the Punchers to lose five of their last eight games. This year, could be more of the same.
Pick: Watkins Memorial
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks at Massillon Perry Panthers (both 2-0)
This will be a tough test for the Shamrocks as they travel to Stark County to play one of the elite D-I teams in Northeast Ohio.
Pick: Massillon Perry
Northland Vikings (0-2) at Pickerington North Panthers (2-0)
Northland is not the same team that went 8-2 and went to the playoffs last year. Far from it. Pickerington North walloped Watterson at home two weeks ago, and beat Logan last week.
Pick: Pickerington North
Logan Chieftains (0-2) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (1-1)
Reynoldsburg lost a close one up in Findlay last week, and want to turn it back around against Logan this week. They might just do that.
Pick: Reynoldsburg
Delaware Hayes Pacers (1-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (0-2)
The Pacers travel down to Powell to play Olentangy Liberty, who is still looking for their first win of the year.
Pick: Olentangy Liberty
Westerville Central Warhawks (2-0) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-1)
Westerville Central started off the year with back-to-back upset wins. A win in Worthington could send the Hawks to their best start in the school's nine-year history. Thomas blanked their Clintonville neighbors Whetstone last week, and would love to give Central their first loss of the year.
Pick: Westerville Central
Whitehall-Yearling Rams at Grandview Heights Bobcats (both 2-0)
Tomorrow night's a big night in Grandview, as the Bobcats host fellow small Columbus suburb Whitehall in a battle of the unbeatens. The Bobcats would like to celebrate a victory before heading down to the Ox Roast down the street.
Pick: Grandview
Central Crossing Comets at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (both 0-2)
Central Crossing has never won more than three games in the nine years of their program's history. Franklin Heights has seen better days, but none in recent years. If Westerville North wins tomorrow night, Franklin Heights will have the longest losing streak in Central Ohio.
Pick: Central Crossing
Africentric Early College Nubians (0-2) at Columbus East Tigers (1-1)
East gave Head Coach Lewis Carter his first win in East's home opener as they shut down Columbus South 28-0 (The Bulldogs play Centennial this week. Last year, South snapped Centennial's 34-game losing streak with a 31-7 Stars win). Africentric has been blown out 110-32 in its two losses. East could be 2-1 heading into City League play for the first time since 1999. This is the first meeting between these two schools (East being the oldest school in Columbus), despite the schools being about three miles apart.
Pick: East
Westerville South Wildcats (1-1) at Grove City Greyhounds (0-2)
Pick: Westerville South
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (2-0) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (1-1)
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (1-1) at South Charleston Southeastern Trojans (2-0)
Pick: South Charleston Southeastern
OTHER GAMES HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
Liberty Union Lions (2-0) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (1-1)
Fredericktown Freddies (1-1) at Ashland Crestview (2-0)
St. Charles Cardinals (0-2) at Beechcroft Cougars (1-1)
Harvest Prep Warriors (2-0) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (0-2)
St. Paris Graham Local Falcons (0-2) at Briggs Bruins (1-1)
Fairfield Indians (1-1) at Brookhaven Bearcats (0-2)
River Valley Vikings at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (both 1-1, 1-0)
Whetstone Braves (0-2) at Columbus Academy Vikings (1-1)
Bishop Hartley Hawks (2-0) at East Knox Bulldogs (0-2)
Triad Cardinals (2-0) at Fairbanks Panthers (0-2)
Granville Blue Aces (1-1) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-2)
Danville Blue Devils at Grove City Christian Eagles (both 1-1)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (0-2) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (1-1)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (both 0-2, 0-1)
Loudonville Redbirds (0-2) at Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (2-0)
Newark Wildcats (0-2) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (2-0)
Bellville Clear Fork Colts at Columbus Independence 76ers (both 1-1)
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies at Hebron Lakewood Lances (both 1-1)
Twinsburg Tigers (1-1) at Lancaster Golden Gales (2-0)
Teays Valley Vikings (1-1) at Licking Heights Hornets (0-2)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-0) at Licking Valley Panthers (0-2)
Mansfield Senior at Marion Harding Presidents (0-2)
Bellefontaine Chieftains at Marysville Monarchs (1-1)
Centerburg Trojans (2-0) at Mechanicsburg Indians
Buckeye Valley Barons (1-1, 0-1) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-2, 0-1)
Berne Union Rockets (0-2) at Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (2-0)
Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish at Newark Catholic Green Wave (0-2)
Millersport Lakers at Northridge Vikings
Marion Pleasant Trojans at Richwood North Union Wildcats (both 2-0, 1-0)
Centennial Stars at Columbus South Bulldogs (both 0-2)
Heath Bulldogs (1-1) at Utica Redskins (0-2)
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles at Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit Warriors (both 1-1)
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (2-0) at Westland Cougars (1-1)
Marion Elgin Comets (1-1, 0-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (2-0, 1-0)
Saturday Night Lights:
Eastmoor Academy Warriors at Dayton Thurgood Marshall
Circleville Tigers (1-1) at Westfall Mustangs (1-1)
DJBC Sports Corner Top 10 Poll of 2011:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (1-0)
2) Bishop Hartley Hawks (2-0)
3) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (2-0)
4) Pickerington North Panthers (2-0)
5) Canal Winchester Indians (2-0)
6) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (2-0)
7) Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-0)
8] Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-0)
9) Hamilton Township Rangers (2-0)
10) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (2-0)
10) Bexley Lions (2-0)
------------------------------------
12) Grandview Heights Bobcats (2-0)
13) Westerville Central Warhawks (2-0)
14) West Cowboys (2-0)
15) Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-0)
16) West Jefferson Roughriders (2-0)
17) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (2-0)
18] Hilliard Darby Panthers (2-0)
19) Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-0)
20) New Albany Eagles (1-1)
21) Lancaster Golden Gales (2-0)
22) Westerville South Wildcats (1-1)
23) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (2-0)
24) Fredericktown Freddies (1-1)
25) North Union Wildcats (2-0)
Honorable Mention: Liberty Union Lions (2-0), Upper Arlington Golden Bears (1-1), Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (1-1), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (1-1), Columbus East Tigers (1-1), Delaware Hayes Pacers (1-1), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (1-1), Olentangy Braves (1-1), Big Walnut Golden Eagles (1-1), Mifflin Punchers
Dropped Out: Pickerington Central, Olentangy
BIGGEST GAME THIS WEEK:
Marion-Franklin Red Devils at Canal Winchester Indians (both 2-0)
Both schools are on the Southeast side of town. Both are 2-0, and both have been Division II playoff staples, and both meet tomorrow night. The winner of this game still has a shot at a 10-0 record, while the loser will have to settle for 9-1 at best, and in their tough computer region, 9-1 might not be good enough for the playoffs.
Pick: Canal Winchester
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (1-1) at Westerville North Warriors (0-2)
The Westerville North Warriors of 2011 are a far cry from the Warriors of the 1980s and 1990s. A far cry. A once proud team in Central Ohio has not been to the playoffs in over 10 years, and are riding currently a 27-game losing streak. The North faithful are tired of the losing, and this may be one of their shots to end the losing this year, as they host nearby Olentangy Orange. Why North could lose their 28th game in a row is that Orange went to the Division II playoffs in 2009 and are coached by Brian Cross, who coached at some of the best football programs (Eastmoor, Grove City, and Canton McKinley) in Ohio. I think North might actually show what the North teams of old had and shock everyone.
Pick: Westerville North
St. Francis DeSales Stallions at New Albany Eagles (both 1-1)
Last year, New Albany upset DeSales on a Jimmy Gammill field goal, 13-10. The Stallions are looking to win back-to-back games, while the Eagles, smarting from a loss to Westerville Central last week, want an encore upset of the Stallions.
Pick: New Albany
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
The Battle of Hard Road-
Dublin Scioto Irish (0-2) at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1-1)
These two schools lie on a road that goes from the Scioto River to the west and to State Route 315 to the east. Some kids live right next to each other. The winner of this game gets a piece of the road their schools lie on as a trophy, probably one of the most coveted trophies of local high school sports. Of course, I'm talking about The 17th Annual Battle of Hard Road, played annually since the opening of Dublin Scioto High School in 1995. Last week, Scioto played Marion-Franklin tough in a loss, while Kilbourne got blown out at home by Solon.
Pick: Dublin Scioto
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-0) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (1-1)
This is a big perennial suburban rivalry, as it has been for years. To some UA faithful- Thomas Worthington, Hilliard Davidson, and even Bishop Watterson have been rivals of the Golden Bears. Gahanna is right up with them, as these two football programs have been among the most successful in the last 50 years. The Lions are a surprise 2-0, while the Golden Bears are coming off their first win of the year (34-19 win over Springfield at the Herbstreit Classic). The team with the best skill wins.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Olentangy Braves at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (both 1-1)
These two Delaware County rivals square off in this great rivalry. Next year, Olentangy moves to the OCC Capital, which means that this game could be for a league title then, but until then, bragging rights are on the line in this of many rivalries in Delaware County.
Pick: Big Walnut
Bexley Lions at Hamilton Township Rangers (both 2-0)
Bexley has breezed through its first two opponents- both in Division VI, while Hamilton Township came from behind to beat Chillicothe, and it topped London last week. Bexley's easy start will show down in Obetz.
Pick: Hamilton Township
Walnut Ridge Scots (0-2) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (1-0)
Walnut Ridge, after an easy non-league schedule this year, closes out their tougher non-league schedule on the road in Hilliard to play a well-rested Davidson team. This may be over by halftime.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
Watkins Memorial Warriors at Mifflin Punchers (both 2-0)
Last year, the Warriors exposed the shortcomings of Mifflin, which caused the Punchers to lose five of their last eight games. This year, could be more of the same.
Pick: Watkins Memorial
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks at Massillon Perry Panthers (both 2-0)
This will be a tough test for the Shamrocks as they travel to Stark County to play one of the elite D-I teams in Northeast Ohio.
Pick: Massillon Perry
Northland Vikings (0-2) at Pickerington North Panthers (2-0)
Northland is not the same team that went 8-2 and went to the playoffs last year. Far from it. Pickerington North walloped Watterson at home two weeks ago, and beat Logan last week.
Pick: Pickerington North
Logan Chieftains (0-2) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (1-1)
Reynoldsburg lost a close one up in Findlay last week, and want to turn it back around against Logan this week. They might just do that.
Pick: Reynoldsburg
Delaware Hayes Pacers (1-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (0-2)
The Pacers travel down to Powell to play Olentangy Liberty, who is still looking for their first win of the year.
Pick: Olentangy Liberty
Westerville Central Warhawks (2-0) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-1)
Westerville Central started off the year with back-to-back upset wins. A win in Worthington could send the Hawks to their best start in the school's nine-year history. Thomas blanked their Clintonville neighbors Whetstone last week, and would love to give Central their first loss of the year.
Pick: Westerville Central
Whitehall-Yearling Rams at Grandview Heights Bobcats (both 2-0)
Tomorrow night's a big night in Grandview, as the Bobcats host fellow small Columbus suburb Whitehall in a battle of the unbeatens. The Bobcats would like to celebrate a victory before heading down to the Ox Roast down the street.
Pick: Grandview
Central Crossing Comets at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (both 0-2)
Central Crossing has never won more than three games in the nine years of their program's history. Franklin Heights has seen better days, but none in recent years. If Westerville North wins tomorrow night, Franklin Heights will have the longest losing streak in Central Ohio.
Pick: Central Crossing
Africentric Early College Nubians (0-2) at Columbus East Tigers (1-1)
East gave Head Coach Lewis Carter his first win in East's home opener as they shut down Columbus South 28-0 (The Bulldogs play Centennial this week. Last year, South snapped Centennial's 34-game losing streak with a 31-7 Stars win). Africentric has been blown out 110-32 in its two losses. East could be 2-1 heading into City League play for the first time since 1999. This is the first meeting between these two schools (East being the oldest school in Columbus), despite the schools being about three miles apart.
Pick: East
Westerville South Wildcats (1-1) at Grove City Greyhounds (0-2)
Pick: Westerville South
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (2-0) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (1-1)
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (1-1) at South Charleston Southeastern Trojans (2-0)
Pick: South Charleston Southeastern
OTHER GAMES HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
Liberty Union Lions (2-0) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (1-1)
Fredericktown Freddies (1-1) at Ashland Crestview (2-0)
St. Charles Cardinals (0-2) at Beechcroft Cougars (1-1)
Harvest Prep Warriors (2-0) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (0-2)
St. Paris Graham Local Falcons (0-2) at Briggs Bruins (1-1)
Fairfield Indians (1-1) at Brookhaven Bearcats (0-2)
River Valley Vikings at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (both 1-1, 1-0)
Whetstone Braves (0-2) at Columbus Academy Vikings (1-1)
Bishop Hartley Hawks (2-0) at East Knox Bulldogs (0-2)
Triad Cardinals (2-0) at Fairbanks Panthers (0-2)
Granville Blue Aces (1-1) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-2)
Danville Blue Devils at Grove City Christian Eagles (both 1-1)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (0-2) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (1-1)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (both 0-2, 0-1)
Loudonville Redbirds (0-2) at Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (2-0)
Newark Wildcats (0-2) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (2-0)
Bellville Clear Fork Colts at Columbus Independence 76ers (both 1-1)
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies at Hebron Lakewood Lances (both 1-1)
Twinsburg Tigers (1-1) at Lancaster Golden Gales (2-0)
Teays Valley Vikings (1-1) at Licking Heights Hornets (0-2)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-0) at Licking Valley Panthers (0-2)
Mansfield Senior at Marion Harding Presidents (0-2)
Bellefontaine Chieftains at Marysville Monarchs (1-1)
Centerburg Trojans (2-0) at Mechanicsburg Indians
Buckeye Valley Barons (1-1, 0-1) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-2, 0-1)
Berne Union Rockets (0-2) at Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (2-0)
Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish at Newark Catholic Green Wave (0-2)
Millersport Lakers at Northridge Vikings
Marion Pleasant Trojans at Richwood North Union Wildcats (both 2-0, 1-0)
Centennial Stars at Columbus South Bulldogs (both 0-2)
Heath Bulldogs (1-1) at Utica Redskins (0-2)
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles at Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit Warriors (both 1-1)
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (2-0) at Westland Cougars (1-1)
Marion Elgin Comets (1-1, 0-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (2-0, 1-0)
Saturday Night Lights:
Eastmoor Academy Warriors at Dayton Thurgood Marshall
Circleville Tigers (1-1) at Westfall Mustangs (1-1)
DJBC Sports Corner Top 10 Poll of 2011:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (1-0)
2) Bishop Hartley Hawks (2-0)
3) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (2-0)
4) Pickerington North Panthers (2-0)
5) Canal Winchester Indians (2-0)
6) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (2-0)
7) Watkins Memorial Warriors (2-0)
8] Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (2-0)
9) Hamilton Township Rangers (2-0)
10) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (2-0)
10) Bexley Lions (2-0)
------------------------------------
12) Grandview Heights Bobcats (2-0)
13) Westerville Central Warhawks (2-0)
14) West Cowboys (2-0)
15) Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2-0)
16) West Jefferson Roughriders (2-0)
17) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (2-0)
18] Hilliard Darby Panthers (2-0)
19) Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2-0)
20) New Albany Eagles (1-1)
21) Lancaster Golden Gales (2-0)
22) Westerville South Wildcats (1-1)
23) Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (2-0)
24) Fredericktown Freddies (1-1)
25) North Union Wildcats (2-0)
Honorable Mention: Liberty Union Lions (2-0), Upper Arlington Golden Bears (1-1), Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (1-1), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (1-1), Columbus East Tigers (1-1), Delaware Hayes Pacers (1-1), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (1-1), Olentangy Braves (1-1), Big Walnut Golden Eagles (1-1), Mifflin Punchers
Dropped Out: Pickerington Central, Olentangy
NFL- Week 1 & 2011 Predictions
Tonight, football returns, after many thought that 31 NFL stadiums would be in the dark this fall. But, tonight, the NFL season begins where it left off with the last two Super Bowl champions squaring off in Lambeau Field as the New Orleans Saints visit the Green Bay Packers.
WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS:
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers- Thursday @ 8:20PM
After President Obama's Jobs Speech, Football returns on NBC. The Packers are favored to repeat, and the Saints could return for another deep playoff run. Could this be a preview of the NFC Championship game in January?
Pick: Saints 31-27
New York Giants at Washington Redskins- Sunday @ 4:15PM
This game is on Sunday, the ten-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The marquee game on Fox features teams from two cities that were impacted by 9/11- the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins, two NFC East rivals. The Redskins have a lot of questions to answer as inexperienced John Beck is the starter for the Skins. Can the Giants start and finish strong?
Pick: Giants 27-10
UPSET PICKS:
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns- Sunday @ 1PM
The Cincinnati Bengals could either (a) fly under the radar or (b) fall flat on their ass like the experts are predicting them to. Bengals Owner Mike Brown is the most incompetent owner in the world of sports. Which owner would let their All-Pro Quarterback walk out on their career? Which owner is the losingest owner in all sports? Mike Brown. On the other side, Mike Holmgren wants to make the Browns look like the Browns of Old (the team that moved to Baltimore- those Browns). Colt McCoy is the 10th Browns QB to start in what is now the 13th Season that the nu-Browns have been in the NFL. Back to the Bengals, rookie Andy Dalton has been named the starter. Does experience win out?
Pick: Bengals 20-17 in Overtime
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans- Sunday @ 1PM
When was the last time Peyton Manning did NOT start for the Colts? December 1997. Bill Clinton was President. Titanic sailed to the top of the Box Office. South Park was in its first season. Hanson was the Jonas Brothers of its time. Peyton Manning just lost the Heisman to Michigan's Charles Woodson, and the Colts were a measly 3-13. After 227 games, the starting streak that began with Peyton Manning's first game in September 1998 is over, as a neck injury is keeping Manning out longer than expected. 17-year NFL vet Kerry Collins will start for the Colts. The problem is that Collins has not yet mastered the Colts playbook fully yet. On the other side of the ball, The Texans are 2-16 all-time against Indy and are looking to get another "W" against them. I think that the Texans blow out the wounded Colts.
Pick: Texans 30-6
OTHER GAMES:
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 1PM
Pick: Tampa Bay 24-20
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs- 1PM
Pick: Buffalo 20-19
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars- 1PM
On Tuesday, the Jags cut QB David Garrard, a move that could spell the end for coach Jack Del Rio down the road. The Mike Munchak era in Tennessee starts off with a "W".
Pick: Tennessee 20-9
Philadelphia Eagles at St. Louis Rams- 1PM
Pick: Philadelphia 28-20
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens- 1PM
Pick: Baltimore 24-17
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears- 1PM
Pick: Atlanta 16-13 in OT
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers- 4:15PM
Pick: San Francisco 14-9
Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers- 4:15PM
The Donovan McNabb era begins in the Twin Cities and starts with a road trip to San Diego.
Pick: San Diego 27-20
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals- 4:15PM
Pick: Arizona 13-10
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins- 7PM on Sept. 12
Monday Night Football begins its 42nd Season in South Beach as the always red hot Patriots visit the Miami Dolphins with new toys Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth.
Pick: New England 31-7
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos- 10:30PM on Sept. 12
Pick: Denver 27-7
NFL SEASON PREDICTIONS:
Well, the season can't begin without how I think all 32 teams will do.
AFC NORTH:
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Cleveland Browns (7-9)
Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
AFC EAST:
New England Patriots (13-3)
New York Jets (11-5)
Miami Dolphins (6-10)
Buffalo Bills (4-12)
AFC WEST:
San Diego Chargers (10-6)
Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)
Denver Broncos (5-11)
Oakland Raiders (5-11)
AFC SOUTH:
Houston Texans (11-5)
Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)
Tennessee Titans (7-9)
AFC Playoffs:
1) New England
2) Pittsburgh
3) Houston
4) San Diego
5) NY Jets
6) Baltimore
AFC Wildcard: Baltimore over Houston; NY Jets over San Diego
AFC Divisional: New England over Baltimore; Pittsburgh over NY Jets
AFC Championship: Pittsburgh 23-17 over New England in 2 OT
NFC NORTH:
Green Bay Packers (12-4)
Detroit Lions (10-6)
Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
Chicago Bears (7-9)
NFC EAST:
Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
New York Giants (7-9)
Washington Redskins (6-10)
NFC WEST:
St. Louis Rams (9-7)
Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
San Francisco 49ers (7-9)
Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
NFC SOUTH:
Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
New Orleans Saints (11-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)
Carolina Panthers (4-12)
NFC PLAYOFFS:
1) Philadelphia
2) Green Bay
3) Atlanta
4) St. Louis
5) New Orleans
6) Dallas
NFC Wildcard: Atlanta over Dallas, New Orleans over St. Louis
NFC Divisional: Atlanta over Green Bay, Philadelphia over New Orleans
NFC Championship: Atlanta 28-14 over Philadelphia
Super Bowl XLIV at Lucas Oil Stadium
Atlanta Falcons 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 28
Super Bowl MVP: Matt Ryan
Regular Season MVP: Michael Vick
Rookie of the Year: Hmmm....good question
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid
Where Will Andrew Luck End Up? The balmy 100 degree temperatures of Glendale, Arizona. That's right. Andrew Luck will be an Arizona Cardinal in 2012.
WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS:
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers- Thursday @ 8:20PM
After President Obama's Jobs Speech, Football returns on NBC. The Packers are favored to repeat, and the Saints could return for another deep playoff run. Could this be a preview of the NFC Championship game in January?
Pick: Saints 31-27
New York Giants at Washington Redskins- Sunday @ 4:15PM
This game is on Sunday, the ten-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The marquee game on Fox features teams from two cities that were impacted by 9/11- the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins, two NFC East rivals. The Redskins have a lot of questions to answer as inexperienced John Beck is the starter for the Skins. Can the Giants start and finish strong?
Pick: Giants 27-10
UPSET PICKS:
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns- Sunday @ 1PM
The Cincinnati Bengals could either (a) fly under the radar or (b) fall flat on their ass like the experts are predicting them to. Bengals Owner Mike Brown is the most incompetent owner in the world of sports. Which owner would let their All-Pro Quarterback walk out on their career? Which owner is the losingest owner in all sports? Mike Brown. On the other side, Mike Holmgren wants to make the Browns look like the Browns of Old (the team that moved to Baltimore- those Browns). Colt McCoy is the 10th Browns QB to start in what is now the 13th Season that the nu-Browns have been in the NFL. Back to the Bengals, rookie Andy Dalton has been named the starter. Does experience win out?
Pick: Bengals 20-17 in Overtime
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans- Sunday @ 1PM
When was the last time Peyton Manning did NOT start for the Colts? December 1997. Bill Clinton was President. Titanic sailed to the top of the Box Office. South Park was in its first season. Hanson was the Jonas Brothers of its time. Peyton Manning just lost the Heisman to Michigan's Charles Woodson, and the Colts were a measly 3-13. After 227 games, the starting streak that began with Peyton Manning's first game in September 1998 is over, as a neck injury is keeping Manning out longer than expected. 17-year NFL vet Kerry Collins will start for the Colts. The problem is that Collins has not yet mastered the Colts playbook fully yet. On the other side of the ball, The Texans are 2-16 all-time against Indy and are looking to get another "W" against them. I think that the Texans blow out the wounded Colts.
Pick: Texans 30-6
OTHER GAMES:
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 1PM
Pick: Tampa Bay 24-20
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs- 1PM
Pick: Buffalo 20-19
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars- 1PM
On Tuesday, the Jags cut QB David Garrard, a move that could spell the end for coach Jack Del Rio down the road. The Mike Munchak era in Tennessee starts off with a "W".
Pick: Tennessee 20-9
Philadelphia Eagles at St. Louis Rams- 1PM
Pick: Philadelphia 28-20
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens- 1PM
Pick: Baltimore 24-17
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears- 1PM
Pick: Atlanta 16-13 in OT
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers- 4:15PM
Pick: San Francisco 14-9
Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers- 4:15PM
The Donovan McNabb era begins in the Twin Cities and starts with a road trip to San Diego.
Pick: San Diego 27-20
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals- 4:15PM
Pick: Arizona 13-10
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins- 7PM on Sept. 12
Monday Night Football begins its 42nd Season in South Beach as the always red hot Patriots visit the Miami Dolphins with new toys Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth.
Pick: New England 31-7
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos- 10:30PM on Sept. 12
Pick: Denver 27-7
NFL SEASON PREDICTIONS:
Well, the season can't begin without how I think all 32 teams will do.
AFC NORTH:
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Cleveland Browns (7-9)
Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
AFC EAST:
New England Patriots (13-3)
New York Jets (11-5)
Miami Dolphins (6-10)
Buffalo Bills (4-12)
AFC WEST:
San Diego Chargers (10-6)
Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)
Denver Broncos (5-11)
Oakland Raiders (5-11)
AFC SOUTH:
Houston Texans (11-5)
Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)
Tennessee Titans (7-9)
AFC Playoffs:
1) New England
2) Pittsburgh
3) Houston
4) San Diego
5) NY Jets
6) Baltimore
AFC Wildcard: Baltimore over Houston; NY Jets over San Diego
AFC Divisional: New England over Baltimore; Pittsburgh over NY Jets
AFC Championship: Pittsburgh 23-17 over New England in 2 OT
NFC NORTH:
Green Bay Packers (12-4)
Detroit Lions (10-6)
Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
Chicago Bears (7-9)
NFC EAST:
Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
New York Giants (7-9)
Washington Redskins (6-10)
NFC WEST:
St. Louis Rams (9-7)
Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
San Francisco 49ers (7-9)
Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
NFC SOUTH:
Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
New Orleans Saints (11-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)
Carolina Panthers (4-12)
NFC PLAYOFFS:
1) Philadelphia
2) Green Bay
3) Atlanta
4) St. Louis
5) New Orleans
6) Dallas
NFC Wildcard: Atlanta over Dallas, New Orleans over St. Louis
NFC Divisional: Atlanta over Green Bay, Philadelphia over New Orleans
NFC Championship: Atlanta 28-14 over Philadelphia
Super Bowl XLIV at Lucas Oil Stadium
Atlanta Falcons 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 28
Super Bowl MVP: Matt Ryan
Regular Season MVP: Michael Vick
Rookie of the Year: Hmmm....good question
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid
Where Will Andrew Luck End Up? The balmy 100 degree temperatures of Glendale, Arizona. That's right. Andrew Luck will be an Arizona Cardinal in 2012.
Friday, September 2, 2011
College Football '11: Week 1
Last night, the 2011 College Football season began last night. And it has been a wild offseason for a few programs, with players receiving improper benefits, and a few surprise coaching changes.
Last night, the College Football season started with a couple of games. At Camp Randall, we got to see a glimpse of the multi-headed Badger running backs as Wisconsin rolled over UNLV 51-17. The Badgers have a Halloween weekend showdown against Ohio State. Ohio State's next opponent, Toledo had a field night against New Hampshire in a 58-22 win. The Buckeyes have more issues than they have players (more on that in another post).
THURSDAY NIGHT RESULTS:
# 11 Wisconsin 51, UNLV 17
# 20 Mississippi State 59, Memphis 14
Syracuse 36, Wake Forest 29 (OT)
Kentucky 14, Western Kentucky 3
Rutgers 48, North Carolina Central 0
Bowling Green 32, Idaho 15
Temple 42, Villanova 7
Florida International 41, North Texas 16
Louisville 21, Murray State 9
Tonight:
Youngstown State @ # 17 Michigan State
# 14 TCU @ Baylor
SATURDAY'S BIG MATCHES:
Akron Zips @ # 18 Ohio State Buckeyes- Noon
The Buckeyes will start more inexperienced players than they have players suspended for receiving improper benefits. Three more players were suspended yesterday for taking money at a charity event. The last thing that OSU Head Coach Luke Fickell needs in his debut is more distractions. Akron's defense had given up 200 yards on several occasions last year, and OSU could have a field day against Akron.
Revised Prediction: Ohio State 27, Akron 7
Kent State Golden Flashes @ # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide- Noon
The Crimson Tide begin the season ranked # 2 in the Nation, and are looking to win yet another National Championship. They begin their season with an easy test against Kent State, who debuts former Ohio State assistant Darell Hazell. The Darell Hazell era at Kent State will begin with a long, hot afternoon.
Prediction: Alabama 58, Kent State 0
Appalachian State Mountaineers @ # 13 Virginia Tech Hokies- Noon
The Mountaineers are no stranger to BCS teams. Four years ago yesterday, they pulled off the biggest upset in the history of college sports, with a 34-32 win in Ann Arbor against the University of Michigan, which happened to be the "jump the shark" moment for college football's all-time winningest program. Appalachian State travels to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech. Could an upset be on the horizon? Um...no.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Appalachian State 6
Minnesota Golden Gophers @ # 25 Southern Cal Trojans- 3:30PM
Prediction: USC 41, Minnesota 10
South Florida Bulls @ # 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish- 3:30PM
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, South Florida 13
Western Michigan Broncos @ Michigan Wolverines- 3:30PM
The Brady Hoke Era officially begins with the hope of promise and the restoration of a winning tradition at the University of Michigan. Hoke knows Michigan. He was an assistant under Lloyd Carr for eight seasons. Hoke knows defense. He was part of the defensive coaching staff under Lloyd Carr that won the National Championship in 1997. Hoke hired Greg Mattison, most recently a defensive coach for the Baltimore Ravens as the Defensive Coordinator. Expect some of the hard-hitting defense that Ravens fans are familiar with to be seen in the Big House. The Hoke era begins on a high note.
Prediction: Michigan 56, Western Michigan 7
Northwestern Wildcats @ Boston College Golden Eagles- Noon
Prediction: Northwestern 27, BC 24
Miami Red Hawks @ # 21 Missouri Tigers- Noon
Prediction: Mizzou 41, Other Miami 7
San Jose State Spartans @ # 7 Stanford Cardinal- 5PM
Prediction: Stanford 49, San Jose State 0
James Madison Dukes @ North Carolina Tar Heels- 3:30PM
The Tar Heels, like the Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes, had issues during the long, hot spring and summer. Butch Davis was fired on July 28 as Head Coach. The Tar Heels have a lot of distractions off the field. Will they be focused for on the field? The Dukes upset Virginia Tech last year, and would love an upset in Chapel Hill over a distracted Tar Heel squad.
Prediction: James Madison 19, North Carolina 15 (UPSET PICK)
# 5 Boise State Broncos vs. # 19 Georgia Bulldogs (at the Georgia Dome)- 8PM
Prediction: Georgia 28, Boise State 20
# 3 Oregon Ducks vs. # 4 LSU Tigers (at Dallas Cowboys Stadium)- 8PM
Oregon will pick up where they left off. LSU has a lot of distractions off the field. Oregon will be too fast for these Tigers.
Prediction: Oregon 44, LSU 20
Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ # 1 Oklahoma Sooners- 8PM
The # 1 Team in both Preseason Polls (AP and Coaches) begins with a hurricane, and the Sooners will ride this hurricane and stay # 1.
Prediction: Oklahoma 52, Tulsa 6
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Miami Hurricanes @ Maryland Terrapins- 8PM on Labor Day Monday
This game could put the Hurricanes at a disadvantage. Like, their opponent in a couple of weeks, Ohio State, a lot of starters are sitting out in this trip to College Park, and that could result in the Terps spoiling Al Golden's debut as Head Coach for the Canes. Which is faster? The Terrapin or the Hurricane? Well, if a dozen of your players are suspended, these Tortoises will get to the finish line before the Hare does.
Prediction: Maryland 32, Miami 12
Other Top 25 Games this Week:
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks @ # 6 Florida State Seminoles- Sat. 3:30PM
Chattanooga Moccasins @ # 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers- Sat. 3:30PM
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns @ # 9 Oklahoma State Cowboys- Sat. 7PM
East Carolina Pirates @ # 12 South Carolina Gamecocks- Sat. 7PM
Missouri State Bears @ # 15 Arkansas Razorbacks- Sat. 7PM
Florida Atlantic Owls @ # 18 Florida Gators- Sat. 7PM
Utah State Aggies @ # 23 Auburn Tigers- Sat. Noon
SMU Mustangs @ # 8 Texas A&M Aggies- Sun. 7:30PM
Marshall Thundering Herd @ # 24 West Virginia Mountaineers- Sun. 3:30PM
Other Division I Games of Interest:
Colorado Buffaloes @ Hawaii Rainbow Warriors- Sat. 10:15PM
Alcorn State Braves @ Grambling State Tigers- Sat. 7PM
BYU Cougars @ Ole Miss Rebels- Sat. 4:45PM
LOCAL DIVISION II/III COLLEGES*:
*- Colleges in Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison, Knox, Clark, Fayette, Licking, Muskingum, Fairfield, Marion, Pickaway, and Ross Counties
Capital Crusaders @ Wittenberg Tigers- Sat. 7PM
Otterbein Cardinals @ Gallaudet Bison- Sat. 1PM
Kenyon Lords @ Oberlin Yeomen- Sat. 1PM
Denison Big Red @ Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops- Sat. 7PM
St. Joseph's (IN) @ Ohio Dominican Panthers- Sat. Noon
Muskingum Muskies @ Defiance Yellow Jackets- Sat. 1:30PM
Last night, the College Football season started with a couple of games. At Camp Randall, we got to see a glimpse of the multi-headed Badger running backs as Wisconsin rolled over UNLV 51-17. The Badgers have a Halloween weekend showdown against Ohio State. Ohio State's next opponent, Toledo had a field night against New Hampshire in a 58-22 win. The Buckeyes have more issues than they have players (more on that in another post).
THURSDAY NIGHT RESULTS:
# 11 Wisconsin 51, UNLV 17
# 20 Mississippi State 59, Memphis 14
Syracuse 36, Wake Forest 29 (OT)
Kentucky 14, Western Kentucky 3
Rutgers 48, North Carolina Central 0
Bowling Green 32, Idaho 15
Temple 42, Villanova 7
Florida International 41, North Texas 16
Louisville 21, Murray State 9
Tonight:
Youngstown State @ # 17 Michigan State
# 14 TCU @ Baylor
SATURDAY'S BIG MATCHES:
Akron Zips @ # 18 Ohio State Buckeyes- Noon
The Buckeyes will start more inexperienced players than they have players suspended for receiving improper benefits. Three more players were suspended yesterday for taking money at a charity event. The last thing that OSU Head Coach Luke Fickell needs in his debut is more distractions. Akron's defense had given up 200 yards on several occasions last year, and OSU could have a field day against Akron.
Revised Prediction: Ohio State 27, Akron 7
Kent State Golden Flashes @ # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide- Noon
The Crimson Tide begin the season ranked # 2 in the Nation, and are looking to win yet another National Championship. They begin their season with an easy test against Kent State, who debuts former Ohio State assistant Darell Hazell. The Darell Hazell era at Kent State will begin with a long, hot afternoon.
Prediction: Alabama 58, Kent State 0
Appalachian State Mountaineers @ # 13 Virginia Tech Hokies- Noon
The Mountaineers are no stranger to BCS teams. Four years ago yesterday, they pulled off the biggest upset in the history of college sports, with a 34-32 win in Ann Arbor against the University of Michigan, which happened to be the "jump the shark" moment for college football's all-time winningest program. Appalachian State travels to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech. Could an upset be on the horizon? Um...no.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Appalachian State 6
Minnesota Golden Gophers @ # 25 Southern Cal Trojans- 3:30PM
Prediction: USC 41, Minnesota 10
South Florida Bulls @ # 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish- 3:30PM
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, South Florida 13
Western Michigan Broncos @ Michigan Wolverines- 3:30PM
The Brady Hoke Era officially begins with the hope of promise and the restoration of a winning tradition at the University of Michigan. Hoke knows Michigan. He was an assistant under Lloyd Carr for eight seasons. Hoke knows defense. He was part of the defensive coaching staff under Lloyd Carr that won the National Championship in 1997. Hoke hired Greg Mattison, most recently a defensive coach for the Baltimore Ravens as the Defensive Coordinator. Expect some of the hard-hitting defense that Ravens fans are familiar with to be seen in the Big House. The Hoke era begins on a high note.
Prediction: Michigan 56, Western Michigan 7
Northwestern Wildcats @ Boston College Golden Eagles- Noon
Prediction: Northwestern 27, BC 24
Miami Red Hawks @ # 21 Missouri Tigers- Noon
Prediction: Mizzou 41, Other Miami 7
San Jose State Spartans @ # 7 Stanford Cardinal- 5PM
Prediction: Stanford 49, San Jose State 0
James Madison Dukes @ North Carolina Tar Heels- 3:30PM
The Tar Heels, like the Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes, had issues during the long, hot spring and summer. Butch Davis was fired on July 28 as Head Coach. The Tar Heels have a lot of distractions off the field. Will they be focused for on the field? The Dukes upset Virginia Tech last year, and would love an upset in Chapel Hill over a distracted Tar Heel squad.
Prediction: James Madison 19, North Carolina 15 (UPSET PICK)
# 5 Boise State Broncos vs. # 19 Georgia Bulldogs (at the Georgia Dome)- 8PM
Prediction: Georgia 28, Boise State 20
# 3 Oregon Ducks vs. # 4 LSU Tigers (at Dallas Cowboys Stadium)- 8PM
Oregon will pick up where they left off. LSU has a lot of distractions off the field. Oregon will be too fast for these Tigers.
Prediction: Oregon 44, LSU 20
Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ # 1 Oklahoma Sooners- 8PM
The # 1 Team in both Preseason Polls (AP and Coaches) begins with a hurricane, and the Sooners will ride this hurricane and stay # 1.
Prediction: Oklahoma 52, Tulsa 6
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Miami Hurricanes @ Maryland Terrapins- 8PM on Labor Day Monday
This game could put the Hurricanes at a disadvantage. Like, their opponent in a couple of weeks, Ohio State, a lot of starters are sitting out in this trip to College Park, and that could result in the Terps spoiling Al Golden's debut as Head Coach for the Canes. Which is faster? The Terrapin or the Hurricane? Well, if a dozen of your players are suspended, these Tortoises will get to the finish line before the Hare does.
Prediction: Maryland 32, Miami 12
Other Top 25 Games this Week:
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks @ # 6 Florida State Seminoles- Sat. 3:30PM
Chattanooga Moccasins @ # 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers- Sat. 3:30PM
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns @ # 9 Oklahoma State Cowboys- Sat. 7PM
East Carolina Pirates @ # 12 South Carolina Gamecocks- Sat. 7PM
Missouri State Bears @ # 15 Arkansas Razorbacks- Sat. 7PM
Florida Atlantic Owls @ # 18 Florida Gators- Sat. 7PM
Utah State Aggies @ # 23 Auburn Tigers- Sat. Noon
SMU Mustangs @ # 8 Texas A&M Aggies- Sun. 7:30PM
Marshall Thundering Herd @ # 24 West Virginia Mountaineers- Sun. 3:30PM
Other Division I Games of Interest:
Colorado Buffaloes @ Hawaii Rainbow Warriors- Sat. 10:15PM
Alcorn State Braves @ Grambling State Tigers- Sat. 7PM
BYU Cougars @ Ole Miss Rebels- Sat. 4:45PM
LOCAL DIVISION II/III COLLEGES*:
*- Colleges in Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison, Knox, Clark, Fayette, Licking, Muskingum, Fairfield, Marion, Pickaway, and Ross Counties
Capital Crusaders @ Wittenberg Tigers- Sat. 7PM
Otterbein Cardinals @ Gallaudet Bison- Sat. 1PM
Kenyon Lords @ Oberlin Yeomen- Sat. 1PM
Denison Big Red @ Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops- Sat. 7PM
St. Joseph's (IN) @ Ohio Dominican Panthers- Sat. Noon
Muskingum Muskies @ Defiance Yellow Jackets- Sat. 1:30PM
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Central Ohio H.S. Football '11- Week 2
Tomorrow night, another round of high school football games take place across the state of Ohio. This weekend wraps up on Labor Day weekend with the Herbstreit Football Classic at Ohio Stadium as four games take place on Sunday and Monday.
HERBSTREIT CLASSIC:
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-1) vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier Blue Bombers (1-0)- Sunday at Noon at Ohio Stadium
and
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (0-1) vs. Springfield Wildcats (1-0)- Sunday at 3:30 at Ohio Stadium
A lot of people were surprised that UA lost all the way out in Muskingum County last Friday night, as the Scotties came from behind to beat the Golden Bears 29-27, but Pick Central was shut down by the Crusaders of Cincinnati Moeller last Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium as Spencer Iacovone threw two touchdown passes as the only scoring in a 14-0 Moeller victory.
Picks: St. X and Springfield
Other Herbstreit Games:
Camden County Wildcats (GA) vs. Cleveland Glenville Tarblooders- Monday at Noon
Centerville Elks vs. Indianapolis Cathedral Fighting Irish (IN)- Monday at 4PM
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Columbus Academy Vikings at Bishop Hartley Hawks (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
The Vikings are playing this season with heavy hearts as their coach Mark Barren died in June. Former Vikings Coach Jim Collis is taking over as Head Coach this year. The Vikings came to play last Friday night against Maysville. The Hawks are vulnerable in this case, as they had to come back to win against a good Amanda-Clearcreek team last week.
Pick: Columbus Academy
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Westerville South Wildcats at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
The Wildcats replaced graduated running back Jayshon Jackson with running back Daxton Cates, who ran for 229 yards and two touchdowns, plus two more touchdowns that were called back as the Cats ran amuck over Groveport last week. Cates could have a big night in Dublin. This will be a close matchup.
Pick: Westerville South
"GAME OF PRIDE" GAME OF THE WEEK:
Columbus South Bulldogs at Columbus East Tigers (both 0-1)- Friday at 7:30
This is a matchup between two teams that have struggled for quite a while. The East Tigers have only had two winning seasons in the last 21 years, while South hasn't had a winning season in 17 years. The Tigers have a new coach in Lewis Carter, but the Tigers got lassoed by Chris Rhodes and the West Cowboys last week. The South Bulldogs lost 18-0 at Warrensville Heights. This will either be a low-scoring game, a high-scoring game, or a one-sided game between these two neighborhood rivals near Downtown Columbus.
Pick: East (in a low-scoring affair)
STREAK BUSTER GAMES:
Westerville North Warriors at Groveport Madison Cruisers (both 0-1)- Friday at 7:30
The Warriors have lost 26 straight, and if they can't get anything going, it could be 27 pretty soon. On the other side, Groveport struggled to stop Daxton Cates last week against Westerville South. This may be an easier task for the Cruisers. The Warriors may make it 27 straight...losses that is.
Bishop Ready Silver Knights at Fredericktown Freddies (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
The Freddies have won 23 straight regular season games in a row, and face the Silver Knights of Bishop Ready in a rematch of a 2007 Division V Regional Final, in which Ready won 35-7. The Silver Knights will prove a tough test for the Freddies.
Picks: Groveport and Ready
OTHER BIG MATCHUPS OF THE WEEK:
New Albany Eagles at Westerville Central Warhawks (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
For the first time in their nine-year history, the Warhawks of Westerville Central claimed the WarEagle Trophy by soaring over their Delaware County rivals Big Walnut in a 27-16 win. This week, the Warhawks host the New Albany Eagles in another "Battle of the Birds". The two-headed quarterback may be too much for the Hawks to handle.
Pick: New Albany
"The Battle of Karl Road": Brookhaven Bearcats at St. Francis DeSales Stallions- Friday at 7:30
These two schools are only separated by a mere few hundred feet, but they have not played since a Division II playoff game in 2000 at Westerville North, which the Stallions won 28-25, and featured future Buckeye Maurice Hall as running back for the Bearcats. Fast forward 11 years, the Cats have a lot to prove with a new coach, as they lost a close one to Marion-Franklin last week. On the other side of the ball, the Stallions were stunned by "The Tyler Grassman Show" last week, as Gahanna's quarterback threw, ran for, and caught touchdowns, and kicked a field goal in a 31-14 Gahanna win over the Stallions. It would be a shame to see the Stallions start at 0-2, let alone 0-3, as they have New Albany next...
Pick: DeSales
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (1-0) at St. Charles Cardinals (0-1)- Friday at 7:30
The Cards won 20-6 against their Bexley-area neighbors last year at Archie Griffin Stadium. This year, the Cards are looking for their first win of the year.
Pick: St. Charles
Canal Winchester Indians (1-0) at Grove City Greyhounds (0-1)- Friday at 7:30
The Greyhounds were held to 33 yards of total offense at Hilliard Davidson last week, and are looking to get something started in their home opener against Canal Winchester, who held St. Charles at bay last week in a 12-7 defensive game.
Pick: Canal Winchester
Maple Heights Mustangs (1-0) at Northland Vikings (0-1)- Friday at 7:30
Last year, the Vikes made it to the D-I playoffs for the first time ever. This year, now in Division II, the Vikings play host to the defending Division II State Champs.
Pick: Maple Heights
ALL GAMES IN CENTRAL OHIO:
(These Games Start Friday at 7PM)
Non-League:
Centerburg Trojans at Lucas Cubs
Zanesville Rosecrans Bishops at Danville Blue Devils
Ashland Crestview at Loudonville
Middletown Christian at Northridge Vikings
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference:
Mount Gilead Indians at Galion Northmor Golden Knights
Morral Ridgedale Rockets at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates
Richwood North Union Lions at Sparta Highland Scots
Marion River Valley Vikings at Marion Elgin Comets
Marion Pleasant Trojans at Delaware Buckeye Valley Barons
(All Non-League; These Games Start at Friday at 7:30PM)
Beechcroft Cougars (1-0) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (0-1)
Brookhaven Bearcats at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (both 0-1)
Columbus West Cowboys (1-0) at Centennial Stars (0-1)
Columbus South Bulldogs at Columbus East Tigers (both 0-1)
Linden McKinley Panthers (0-1) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (1-0)
Maple Heights Mustangs (1-0) at Northland Vikings (0-1)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Whetstone Vikings (both 0-1)
Mifflin Punchers at Westland Cougars (both 1-0)
Africentric Early College Nubians (0-1) at Harvest Prep Warriors (1-0)
Walnut Ridge Scots (0-1) at Urbana Hillclimbers (1-0)
Berea Braves (1-0) at Columbus Independence 76ers (0-1)
Briggs Bruins at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (both 0-1)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (1-0) at St. Charles Cardinals (0-1)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (1-0) at Dublin Scioto Irish (0-1)
Columbus Academy Vikings at Bishop Hartley Hawks (both 1-0)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights at Fredericktown Freddies (both 1-0)
Westerville North Warriors at Groveport Madison Cruisers (both 0-1)
Westerville South Wildcats at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (both 1-0)
New Albany Eagles at Westerville Central Warhawks (both 1-0)
Solon Comets at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (both 1-0)
Marysville Monarchs at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (both 1-0)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (both 0-1)
Olentangy Braves (1-0) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (0-1)
Pickerington North Panthers (1-0) at Logan Chieftains (0-1)
Strongsville Mustangs at Gahanna Lincoln Lions (both 1-0)
Central Crossing Comets (0-1) at Rayland Buckeye Local (1-0)
Mansfield Madison Comprehensive (1-0) at Newark Wildcats (0-1)
Reynoldsburg Raiders at Findlay Trojans (both 1-0)
Teays Valley Vikings at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (both 1-0)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (0-1) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (1-0)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Chillicothe Cavaliers (both 0-1)
Lancaster Golden Gales at Mason Comets (both 1-0)
Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (0-1) at Cambridge Bobcats (0-1)
Berne Union Rockets (0-1) at Bexley Lions (1-0)
Bloom-Carroll Bruins (0-1) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (1-0)
London Red Raiders (0-1) at Hamilton Township Rangers (1-0)
Heath Bulldogs (0-1) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (1-0)
Washington Court House Blue Lions at Circleville Tigers (both 0-1)
Granville Blue Aces (1-0) at Utica Redskins (0-1)
Logan Elm Braves (1-0) at Westfall Mustangs (0-1)
Grandview Heights Bobcats at East Knox Bulldogs (both 1-0)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (0-1) at Chillicothe Zane Trace (0-1)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers at Millersport Lakers (both 0-1)
Zanesville Blue Devils (1-0) at Licking Valley Panthers (0-1)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles at West Jefferson Roughriders (both 1-0)
Fairfield Union Falcons (0-1) at Liberty Union Lions (1-0)
Gallipolis Gallia Blue Devils at Licking Heights Hornets (both 0-1)
Troy Christian at Grove City Christian Eagles (1-0)
Saturday Night Lights:
Lancaster Fisher Catholic at Fairfield Christian (1-0) (7PM)
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (1-0) at Newark Catholic Green Waves (0-1) (7:30, at Newark H.S.)
The Herbstreit Classic (at Ohio Stadium):
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-1) vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier Blue Bombers (1-0) (Noon, Sunday)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (0-1) vs. Springfield Wildcats (1-0) (3:30PM, Sunday)
Camden County Wildcats (GA) (1-0) vs. Cleveland Glenville Tarblooders (1-0) (Noon, Monday)
Indianapolis Cathedral Fighting Irish (IN) (1-0) vs. Centerville Elks (0-1) (4PM, Monday)
HERBSTREIT CLASSIC:
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-1) vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier Blue Bombers (1-0)- Sunday at Noon at Ohio Stadium
and
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (0-1) vs. Springfield Wildcats (1-0)- Sunday at 3:30 at Ohio Stadium
A lot of people were surprised that UA lost all the way out in Muskingum County last Friday night, as the Scotties came from behind to beat the Golden Bears 29-27, but Pick Central was shut down by the Crusaders of Cincinnati Moeller last Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium as Spencer Iacovone threw two touchdown passes as the only scoring in a 14-0 Moeller victory.
Picks: St. X and Springfield
Other Herbstreit Games:
Camden County Wildcats (GA) vs. Cleveland Glenville Tarblooders- Monday at Noon
Centerville Elks vs. Indianapolis Cathedral Fighting Irish (IN)- Monday at 4PM
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Columbus Academy Vikings at Bishop Hartley Hawks (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
The Vikings are playing this season with heavy hearts as their coach Mark Barren died in June. Former Vikings Coach Jim Collis is taking over as Head Coach this year. The Vikings came to play last Friday night against Maysville. The Hawks are vulnerable in this case, as they had to come back to win against a good Amanda-Clearcreek team last week.
Pick: Columbus Academy
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Westerville South Wildcats at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
The Wildcats replaced graduated running back Jayshon Jackson with running back Daxton Cates, who ran for 229 yards and two touchdowns, plus two more touchdowns that were called back as the Cats ran amuck over Groveport last week. Cates could have a big night in Dublin. This will be a close matchup.
Pick: Westerville South
"GAME OF PRIDE" GAME OF THE WEEK:
Columbus South Bulldogs at Columbus East Tigers (both 0-1)- Friday at 7:30
This is a matchup between two teams that have struggled for quite a while. The East Tigers have only had two winning seasons in the last 21 years, while South hasn't had a winning season in 17 years. The Tigers have a new coach in Lewis Carter, but the Tigers got lassoed by Chris Rhodes and the West Cowboys last week. The South Bulldogs lost 18-0 at Warrensville Heights. This will either be a low-scoring game, a high-scoring game, or a one-sided game between these two neighborhood rivals near Downtown Columbus.
Pick: East (in a low-scoring affair)
STREAK BUSTER GAMES:
Westerville North Warriors at Groveport Madison Cruisers (both 0-1)- Friday at 7:30
The Warriors have lost 26 straight, and if they can't get anything going, it could be 27 pretty soon. On the other side, Groveport struggled to stop Daxton Cates last week against Westerville South. This may be an easier task for the Cruisers. The Warriors may make it 27 straight...losses that is.
Bishop Ready Silver Knights at Fredericktown Freddies (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
The Freddies have won 23 straight regular season games in a row, and face the Silver Knights of Bishop Ready in a rematch of a 2007 Division V Regional Final, in which Ready won 35-7. The Silver Knights will prove a tough test for the Freddies.
Picks: Groveport and Ready
OTHER BIG MATCHUPS OF THE WEEK:
New Albany Eagles at Westerville Central Warhawks (both 1-0)- Friday at 7:30
For the first time in their nine-year history, the Warhawks of Westerville Central claimed the WarEagle Trophy by soaring over their Delaware County rivals Big Walnut in a 27-16 win. This week, the Warhawks host the New Albany Eagles in another "Battle of the Birds". The two-headed quarterback may be too much for the Hawks to handle.
Pick: New Albany
"The Battle of Karl Road": Brookhaven Bearcats at St. Francis DeSales Stallions- Friday at 7:30
These two schools are only separated by a mere few hundred feet, but they have not played since a Division II playoff game in 2000 at Westerville North, which the Stallions won 28-25, and featured future Buckeye Maurice Hall as running back for the Bearcats. Fast forward 11 years, the Cats have a lot to prove with a new coach, as they lost a close one to Marion-Franklin last week. On the other side of the ball, the Stallions were stunned by "The Tyler Grassman Show" last week, as Gahanna's quarterback threw, ran for, and caught touchdowns, and kicked a field goal in a 31-14 Gahanna win over the Stallions. It would be a shame to see the Stallions start at 0-2, let alone 0-3, as they have New Albany next...
Pick: DeSales
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (1-0) at St. Charles Cardinals (0-1)- Friday at 7:30
The Cards won 20-6 against their Bexley-area neighbors last year at Archie Griffin Stadium. This year, the Cards are looking for their first win of the year.
Pick: St. Charles
Canal Winchester Indians (1-0) at Grove City Greyhounds (0-1)- Friday at 7:30
The Greyhounds were held to 33 yards of total offense at Hilliard Davidson last week, and are looking to get something started in their home opener against Canal Winchester, who held St. Charles at bay last week in a 12-7 defensive game.
Pick: Canal Winchester
Maple Heights Mustangs (1-0) at Northland Vikings (0-1)- Friday at 7:30
Last year, the Vikes made it to the D-I playoffs for the first time ever. This year, now in Division II, the Vikings play host to the defending Division II State Champs.
Pick: Maple Heights
ALL GAMES IN CENTRAL OHIO:
(These Games Start Friday at 7PM)
Non-League:
Centerburg Trojans at Lucas Cubs
Zanesville Rosecrans Bishops at Danville Blue Devils
Ashland Crestview at Loudonville
Middletown Christian at Northridge Vikings
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference:
Mount Gilead Indians at Galion Northmor Golden Knights
Morral Ridgedale Rockets at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates
Richwood North Union Lions at Sparta Highland Scots
Marion River Valley Vikings at Marion Elgin Comets
Marion Pleasant Trojans at Delaware Buckeye Valley Barons
(All Non-League; These Games Start at Friday at 7:30PM)
Beechcroft Cougars (1-0) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (0-1)
Brookhaven Bearcats at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (both 0-1)
Columbus West Cowboys (1-0) at Centennial Stars (0-1)
Columbus South Bulldogs at Columbus East Tigers (both 0-1)
Linden McKinley Panthers (0-1) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (1-0)
Maple Heights Mustangs (1-0) at Northland Vikings (0-1)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Whetstone Vikings (both 0-1)
Mifflin Punchers at Westland Cougars (both 1-0)
Africentric Early College Nubians (0-1) at Harvest Prep Warriors (1-0)
Walnut Ridge Scots (0-1) at Urbana Hillclimbers (1-0)
Berea Braves (1-0) at Columbus Independence 76ers (0-1)
Briggs Bruins at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (both 0-1)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (1-0) at St. Charles Cardinals (0-1)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (1-0) at Dublin Scioto Irish (0-1)
Columbus Academy Vikings at Bishop Hartley Hawks (both 1-0)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights at Fredericktown Freddies (both 1-0)
Westerville North Warriors at Groveport Madison Cruisers (both 0-1)
Westerville South Wildcats at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (both 1-0)
New Albany Eagles at Westerville Central Warhawks (both 1-0)
Solon Comets at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (both 1-0)
Marysville Monarchs at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (both 1-0)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (both 0-1)
Olentangy Braves (1-0) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (0-1)
Pickerington North Panthers (1-0) at Logan Chieftains (0-1)
Strongsville Mustangs at Gahanna Lincoln Lions (both 1-0)
Central Crossing Comets (0-1) at Rayland Buckeye Local (1-0)
Mansfield Madison Comprehensive (1-0) at Newark Wildcats (0-1)
Reynoldsburg Raiders at Findlay Trojans (both 1-0)
Teays Valley Vikings at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (both 1-0)
Dublin Jerome Celtics (0-1) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (1-0)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Chillicothe Cavaliers (both 0-1)
Lancaster Golden Gales at Mason Comets (both 1-0)
Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (0-1) at Cambridge Bobcats (0-1)
Berne Union Rockets (0-1) at Bexley Lions (1-0)
Bloom-Carroll Bruins (0-1) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (1-0)
London Red Raiders (0-1) at Hamilton Township Rangers (1-0)
Heath Bulldogs (0-1) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (1-0)
Washington Court House Blue Lions at Circleville Tigers (both 0-1)
Granville Blue Aces (1-0) at Utica Redskins (0-1)
Logan Elm Braves (1-0) at Westfall Mustangs (0-1)
Grandview Heights Bobcats at East Knox Bulldogs (both 1-0)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (0-1) at Chillicothe Zane Trace (0-1)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers at Millersport Lakers (both 0-1)
Zanesville Blue Devils (1-0) at Licking Valley Panthers (0-1)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles at West Jefferson Roughriders (both 1-0)
Fairfield Union Falcons (0-1) at Liberty Union Lions (1-0)
Gallipolis Gallia Blue Devils at Licking Heights Hornets (both 0-1)
Troy Christian at Grove City Christian Eagles (1-0)
Saturday Night Lights:
Lancaster Fisher Catholic at Fairfield Christian (1-0) (7PM)
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (1-0) at Newark Catholic Green Waves (0-1) (7:30, at Newark H.S.)
The Herbstreit Classic (at Ohio Stadium):
Pickerington Central Tigers (0-1) vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier Blue Bombers (1-0) (Noon, Sunday)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (0-1) vs. Springfield Wildcats (1-0) (3:30PM, Sunday)
Camden County Wildcats (GA) (1-0) vs. Cleveland Glenville Tarblooders (1-0) (Noon, Monday)
Indianapolis Cathedral Fighting Irish (IN) (1-0) vs. Centerville Elks (0-1) (4PM, Monday)
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