High School Football: The Regular Season Finale (Week 10- Part 2)- PICKS

It's hard to believe that it has been two months since the start of the 2010 Football Season in Ohio, and the tenth and final week of play for all but 192 schools has arrived. Eventhough the playoffs begin next week, several schools across the state have already received their invites to the 2010 Ohio High School Football Playoffs. These schools include, but are not limited to: Pickerington Central, Cleveland Glenville, Solon, Bishop Watterson, Marion-Franklin, Bishop Hartley, New Albany, Canton McKinley, Lakewood St. Ed, Cincinnati Winton Woods, Cincinnati LaSalle, Cincinnati Colerain, Youngstown Ursuline, Ada, Delphos St. John's, Jonathan Alder, and Heath.

However, one Columbus school, known for its tough scheduling year-in, year-out, is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. Of course, we're talking about the Purple People Eaters of the Central Catholic League- the St. Francis DeSales Stallions. DeSales, at 4-5, has made 16 straight postseason appearances, the current longest streak for any Central Ohio school. However, with the OHSAA computer rankings, the Stallions are 8th in Region 10 (a Division III region with schools in Franklin and Delaware Counties and Northwest Ohio), and barely clinging to life, with a Saturday night date in Cleveland against 2-7 Benedictine, that could end DeSales' streak- win or lose, perhaps.

DeSales isn't the only area school clinging to life, as Upper Arlington, Beechcroft, Groveport Madison, Lancaster, Northland, Walnut Ridge, Big Walnut, Zanesville, Hamilton Township, Hilliard Darby, Dublin Coffman, Mount Vernon, St. Charles, Canal Winchester, Olentangy, Dublin Jerome, Triad, Fairbanks, Johnstown, Utica, Westfall, Coshocton, Sparta Highland, Amanda-Clearcreek, Marion Pleasant, Licking Valley, and Granville all need wins, and might need some of those aforementioned schools need other aforementioned schools to lose to seal their playoff invites. Even lower-ranked Dublin Scioto, Grandview Heights, and Bishop Ready, according to JoeEitel.com, still have a glimmer of hope. Even 8-0 Fairfield Christian Academy needs a win (over last year's Division VI State Semifinalist, 3-6 Grove City Christian) to get in, or their breakout season could end.

So, with that said....
GAME OF THE WEEK: The Battle of Hilliard- Darby Panthers (8-1, 5-1) at Davidson Wildcats (9-0, 6-0)
This has turned out to be the most important game of the year. Forget the Battle of Broad Street, the Battle of Main Street, the Battle of Hard Road, the Battle of 256 (which is also this Friday), the Battle of the Bishops (also this Friday), the Battle of Pickerington, the Battle of Westerville, the Holy War, all of those pale in comparison to the Battle of Hilliard- because a Davidson win could possibly eliminate Darby. Yes, Davidson Coach Brian White feels at home, wearing shorts on the sidelines in the chilly month of November (the defending Division I state champs already clinched a playoff spot), but Darby Coach John Santangela has gone under the radar to turn a Darby program around that felt the sting of redistricting (Hilliard Bradley), and bounced back to a 6-0 start this year. Davidson has too many weapons on offense, and have not played a close game since Grove City's return to the field (after last year's absence) in Week 1.
Pick: Hilliard Da....vidson

GAMES WITH HUGE PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS OF THE WEEK:
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3, 4-2) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-2, 5-1)
Somewhere, along the banks of Interstate 270, a playoff atmosphere will be discovered. Tomorrow night will be an atmosphere at Coffman, where the Rocks- ranked fifth in Region 3, host Upper Arlington, ranked 12th in Region 3. The only problem for Arlington is, is the Golden Bears have not beaten anyone with a winning record since Week 1, and after a 156-6 romp of Westland/Central Crossing, Hilliard Davidson brought the Golden Bears back to reality in a 34-7 Davidson romp of UA last week. The only playoff game at Upper Arlington could be two teams playing in the second or third rounds.
Pick: Dublin Coffman

Beechcroft Cougars (7-2, 6-0) at Northland Vikings (7-2, 5-1)
This game will determine the outcome of the City League North, as the winner of this game will be the City League North champion. A Northland win would be huge, because the Vikings would be the first school that doesn't have a "B" in their name to win the City League North. The Vikings, ranked below Upper Arlington at 13th would need a lot of schools (Troy, Pickerington North, Groveport, Lancaster, Mount Vernon, and UA) to lose to get in to the Division I playoffs. A Beechcroft win would give the Cougars the City League North outright, and the Cougars, ranked 10th in Region 7, could move into the Division II Playoffs. It will be a tough one, but Northland's 3-0 loss to Brookhaven in Week 4 could hurt them here.
Pick: Your 2010 City League North champion...Beechcroft

Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-1) at St. Charles Cardinals (5-3)
The Cardinals, at 5-3, would probably be ranked 12th or 13th, and possibly be already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. However, the record of the teams St. Charles has beaten, so far, is 27-17 (take away Marion Harding, and you'd have 26-9), which could possibly be 30-19 or 38-21 after Friday night. If you are 5-3 and the teams you beat are 27-17, get ready to play in November. However, the Cardinals could lose their fourth straight in the process, because everyone scored on Jonathan Alder's team last week in a 77-7 rout of Greenfield McClain.
Pick: Jonathan Alder

Grove City Christian Eagles (3-6) at Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)- UPSET ALERT of the Week
Remember when Grove City Christian went 9-1 in the Regular Season, and ultimately finished 12-2 on a deep Division VI playoff run? Well, most of the kids on that miracle run (who were Grove City players that transferred after losing fall sports last year) transferred back to Grove City after sports were restored to the Southwestern City School District. Fairfield Christian is this year's Grove City Christian. Don't let the Eagles hear you say that as the Eagles look to clip Fairfield Christian's wings, and possibly spoil the Knights hopes for a deep playoff run like the one Grove City Christian had last year.
Pick: Grove City Christian

The Battle of the Bishops- Ready Silver Knights (4-4, 4-5*) at Hartley Hawks (8-1)- RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK
Like it is with every Week 10 in Central Ohio, this is the Rivalry of the week. This is the working class version of their northern neighbors- Watterson and DeSales, but the Battle of the Bishops has had huge playoff implications in the past, such as last year, when a 7-2 Hartley needed to beat Ready to get into the playoffs. However, the Silver Knights ended the Hawks' season with a big win at Hilliard Bradley. At 4-4 (according to the OHSAA, because last week's blunder against the Columbus Crusaders doesn't count as a real football game according to OHSAA guidelines), and ranked 18th in Division V, Region 20, the Silver Knights are the lowest-ranked school still alive in Ohio, as teams ranked 10th, 11th, and 12th in other regions (i.e. 6-3 Licking Heights, 7-2 Cincinnati Madeira) have already been mathematically eliminated, the Knights have a slim hope of getting that 8th and final spot in Division V by knocking off the Hawks at Jack Ryan Field. The Hawks, ranked third in Region 15, will already be playing next Friday night, and would like to play one more game at Jack Ryan Field next week. Expect the unexpected.
Pick: Hartley (in a close one, as Ready struggles to stop Hartley's ground game)

Walnut Ridge Scots (7-2, 4-2) at Independence 76ers (3-6, 3-3)
The Scots, ranked 14th in Division II, Region 7, are still in it, and need both a help help from a lot of teams in that region (St. Charles, Canal Winchester, Zanesville, Beechcroft, Hamilton Township, Olentangy, Louisville, Dublin Jerome, Big Walnut, and Dresden Tri-Valley- ranked 4th to 13th in no particular order) to even get in. The Scots, have only beaten one school with a winning record (5-4 Briggs), and lost to two schools that are a combined 14-3 (Marion-Franklin and Eastmoor Academy). The 76ers would love to play spoiler in this East Side City League Rivalry. However, no pizza summit will help the 76ers against the Scots this go around.
Pick: Walnut Ridge

Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 3-3) at Westerville South Wildcats (8-1, 6-0)
Olentangy Liberty has a slim shot of getting in to the playoffs, and this could only be the second time that Olentangy Liberty misses the playoffs in their short history, as the Patriots travel to Otterbein...Avenue that is, to play the red, hot Westerville South Wildcats, who have already clinched both a playoff spot and the OCC Cardinal Crown. Look for the Wildcats to win their ninth straight and to host a playoff game next Saturday night.
Pick: Westerville South

Teays Valley Vikings (5-4, 3-3) at Canal Winchester Indians (8-1, 6-0)
Pick: Canal Winchester

Lancaster Golden Gales (6-3, 4-2) at Newark Wildcats (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Lancaster

Bexley Lions (3-6, 1-5) at Licking Valley Panthers (7-2, 6-0)
After Week 2, Bexley was 2-0 and Licking Valley, 0-2. Since then, Licking Valley is 7-0 and Bexley 1-6. Look at which ship is still up, and which ship has hit the bottom of the ocean?
Pick: Licking Valley

Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4, 3-3) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3, 5-2)
This is a huge game for both schools, as a Harvest Prep win would give the Warriors their first ever winning season in the program's history, and a Grandview win, plus help (in the terms of losses from other schools) could launch the Bobcats back to the playoffs. In a close one, the Bobcats will ring the victory bell one more time at Anderson Field.
Pick: Grandview

Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (0-9, 0-6) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2, 4-2)
Big Walnut- 8-2 and out of the playoffs? It is highly possible, after a 7-0 start for the 2007 Division III State Champs, after being upset by a resurgent Mount Vernon team last week, the Eagles aren't helping themselves out by hosting winless Franklin Heights in the season finale of 2010. Yes, Big Walnut will win, but the Eagles may be hanging up their cleats for good once the pairing are announced on Sunday.
Pick: Big Walnut

Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (6-3, 4-2) at Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs (1-8, 0-6)
Even with a win, the Aces could ace their way out if lower ranked schools win big.
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek

Gahanna Lincoln Lions (4-5, 3-3) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-3, 3-3) in The Battle of Hamilton Road- UPSET WATCH ALERT
Groveport is fighting for its playoff life right now. A win, plus help from other schools (i.e. Hilliard Darby, Troy, Pickerington North, Dublin Coffman) could give the Cruisers a playoff spot. At the beginning of the year, the Cruisers wanted to return to the playoffs, but after a 4-0 start, the Cruisers lost three of their last five- an upset by Grove City, plus blowout losses to Pickerington Central and (last week) Lancaster knocked the Cruisers out of the coveted top eight. However, Gahanna Lincoln loves playing spoiler. Seven months ago, their boys basketball team knocked off the then-# 1 boys basketball team in the Nation- Northland in the Division I Regional Finals. Gahanna, like Grove City (and even winless Westerville North), could give Groveport everything they've got, but these postseason-determined Cruisers have only one goal: to play next Saturday.
Pick: Groveport

speaking of Grove City....
Pickerington North Panthers (6-3, 4-2) at Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 3-3)
Pick North, ranked above Groveport at # 8 in Region 3 travels to upset-minded Grove City to play the Greyhounds, who didn't live up to expectations this year, struggling to a 3-6 mark right now. Like Groveport, Pickerington North needs a win to return to the playoffs. They shouldn't have a problem running over these hounds.
Pick: Pickerington North

Johnstown Johnnies (6-3, 4-2) at Northridge Vikings (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Johnstown

Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2, 5-1) at Fairfield Union Falcons (3-6, 2-4)
The Rangers, winless last year, underwent a major transformation from last year, to this year, with a new coach, and a breakout running back in Josh Frakes. The Rangers could possibly play their last game of the year. They need a win, plus help from other schools to play next Friday night. Frakes and crew will get the job done.
Pick: Hamilton Township

Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3, 5-1) at Africentric Nubians (3-6, 2-4)
Eastmoor, like St. Charles is 5-3 and clinging on in the Top Eight in their computer region. Eastmoor, like Walnut Ridge lost to teams with winning records (12-5: Northland and St. Charles). Eastmoor will have no problem winning in Downtown Columbus tomorrow night, but need a little help to stay in the top eight.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy

Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (6-3, 5-1) at New Albany Eagles (9-0, 6-0)
New Albany has already gotten their playoff invite, and Mount Vernon would like one two, after winning only a few games the past few seasons. But, the best Division II team in the OCC will prevent that from happening.
Pick: New Albany

SATURDAY NIGHT GAMES:
DeSales Stallions (4-5) at Cleveland Benedictine Bengals (2-7)
Who Dey? (Wrong Bengals) The Stallions play a brutal schedule, year-in, year-out, having lost to New Albany, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (out of the Detroit area), Lakewood St. Ed's, rival Watterson, and Cincinnati LaSalle. All four of the Ohio schools DeSales lost to are a combined 43-1 and have already locked up playoff berths. Even teams they beat (St. Charles and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney) are good, others (Gahanna) fairly decent. The Stallions travel up to Cleveland to play the Bengals (I know what you're thinking, but not T.O. and Ochocinco), the Bengals of Cleveland Benedictine that is. The Stallions have one more chance to save their season before the playoff pairings are revealed to the world on Sunday. (FYI- The last time DeSales made it in at 5-5- in 2001, the Stallions lost to Mentor Lake Catholic in the Division III State Championship)
Pick: Benedictine

Granville Blue Aces (6-3, 4-2) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (7-2, 4-2)- at Newark High's White Field
Newark Catholic is already in, so they have nothing to worry about. However, Granville is one of only two schools outside the top eight in their computer region (the other being Salem, who knocked out the Blue Aces last year in Round 1 of the playoffs). There is no stopping of the Green Wave, especially at home.
Pick: Newark Catholic

OTHER AREA GAMES FOR WEEK 10:
Columbus East Tigers (0-9, 0-6) at Linden McKinley Panthers (1-8, 0-6)- CELLAR DWELLER GAME OF THE WEEK
TBDBITCL (The Best Darn Band In The City League) and the football team they play for (East High School) travel up to the Linden area to play rivals Linden McKinley. East will also end what has been a complete and utter disaster this season for the Tigers, whom at 5-5 in 2009, completely crashed and burned with mental mistakes in 2010, allowing over 40 points a game, while scoring only about eight points a game. If Linden didn't beat Westland in Week 3, this would be one of two "Battles of the 0-9's" in the area on Friday night. Ironically, the last team East beat was Linden McKinley (Week 10 of last year). There are only five winless teams left in Central Ohio (East, Fisher Catholic, Franklin Heights, Millersport, and boasting the longest losing streak in the area at 24 games- Westerville North), and there will be as many as four after tomorrow night, and sadly, the Tigers, with 113 years of tradition in the Near East Side of Columbus, dating back to the days of Chic Harley in the 1910s, to a Division II playoff appearance in 1999, will be one of those few 0-10 schools as Linden will do to East what they did in Galloway in Week 3.
Pick: Linden McKinley

William V. Fisher Catholic Irish at Millersport Lakers (both 0-9, 0-6)- CELLAR DWELLER GAME OF THE WEEK
The bad news: there will be at least one 0-10 school (and as many as four) in the area. The good news is that one of these 0-9 schools will get their one and only win this year. The edge is on the Lakers, who aren't in complete disarray as Fisher Catholic, who beat every school to the punch by making a coaching change by firing Head Coach Mike Hensley two and a half weeks ago.
Pick: Millersport

Mifflin Punchers (4-5, 2-4) at Brookhaven Bearcats (5-4, 5-1)
Remember when Gregg Miller was the coach of the Brookhaven Bearcats in the 1990s? Well, for one night, those memories will be renewed. Ironically, Miller is now the coach of the Mifflin Punchers, after a 2-0 start, have lost five of their last seven and have bowed out of playoff contention. Last week, the Brookhaven Bearcats of old returned, as they crushed mistake-prone East High 56-0 down at Harley Field. This week, the Bearcats try to spoil the homecoming of their former coach.
Pick: Brookhaven

Briggs Bruins (5-4, 2-4) at West Cowboys (3-6, 1-5)
Remember when Briggs was 3-0? Fuhgeddaboutit. However, Briggs could stop West's high-flying offense, led by West QB Chris Rhodes, the area's leading passer who is 153/291 passing with 2,206 yards.
Pick: Briggs

Whetstone Braves (3-6, 3-3) at Centennial Stars (4-5, 3-3)
The Braves may still have some bite in this North side City League rivalry, but Centennial came back from the dead this year.
Pick: Centennial

Columbus South Bulldogs (1-8, 0-6) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0, 6-0)
Marion-Franklin, with a win clinches the City League South outright, and the Red Hot Red Devils will make a seventh consecutive playoff trip as well, already clinching a berth. And they should have no problem scaring the devil out of South.
Pick: Marion-Franklin

Delaware Hayes Pacers (3-6, 2-4) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (5-4, 4-2)
Olentangy Orange, one of last year's playoff surprises in Division II, Region 7, will be sitting this playoffs out, having already been eliminated. Delaware Hayes, who made their first ever playoff appearance two years ago, have taken one big step back. The Pioneers will push their Delaware County neighbors back further.
Pick: Olentangy Orange

The Battle of 256- Pickerington Central Tigers (8-0, 6-0) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-6, 3-3)
This Battle of 256 may be misleading, as Pickerington Central, already wrapped up the OCC Ohio Title and the # 1 seed in the Division I, Region 3 Bracket, so expect to see less of the usual suspects, such as highly-touted college recruits Eilar Hardy and Tyler "Speedy" Hammond, as Pick Central will rest up for the playoffs. Reynoldsburg could take advantage of the most perfect team in Central Ohio this year and could win the Battle of 256 for the first time in nine years.
Pick: Reynoldsburg (in an upset over the Pick Central reserves)

The Battle of Worthington- Worthington Kilbourne Wolves at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (both 3-6, 2-4)
This is only the third time in the 20 years since Worthington High split into two schools that Kilbourne and Thomas have met. However, Thomas could have the upper hand against their brother school, as Kilbourne was a walking M*A*S*H unit this year, plagued by injury after injury, and winning against teams that are a combined 2-25 (Westerville North, Westland, Central Crossing). Thomas Worthington, has only had two winning seasons since Kilbourne opened in 1991 (the last one being in 1999), and after a 5-5 season last year, the Cardinals took a step back this year.
Pick: Thomas Worthington (in a squeaker)

Central Crossing Comets at Westland Cougars (both 1-8, 0-6)
Central Crossing is a win over Franklin Heights away from being 0-10, and Westland is a win over Toledo Scott from being 0-10, or a Linden McKinley comeback away from being 2-7. Westland is better than the Comets by a centimeter, based on longevity and experience.
Pick: Westland

Marysville Monarchs (5-4, 3-3) at Dublin Scioto Irish (5-4, 3-3)
The Monarchs are only playing for pride as they travel down Route 33 to Dublin to play rival Scioto. The Irish, are the second-lowest ranked school (behind Bishop Ready) NOT to be mathematically eliminated. That could change, win or lose.
Pick: Dublin Scioto

Olentangy Braves (5-4, 3-3) at Westerville North Warriors (0-9, 0-6)
Last year, Olentangy suffered their first losing season in 19 years. Ed Terwilliger and his players would love to get back to the playoffs. However, that won't happen, because like with Big Walnut, a win over a winless team will hurt the Braves, than help. The Warriors have the longest losing streak in the area at 24 games, and Olentangy will make it 25.
Pick: Olentangy

Dublin Jerome Celtics (5-4, 4-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (2-7, 2-4)
Pick: Dublin Jerome

Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-6, 2-4) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (5-4, 2-4)
Remember when Watkins was 2-0? The Warriors will be watching the playoffs instead of taking part in them, but they will end on a high note.
Pick: Watkins Memorial

The Battle of Circleville- Circleville Tigers (4-5, 2-4) at Logan Elm Braves (2-7, 1-5)
Pick: Circleville win the Battle of the Pumpkin Festival Hosts

Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-6, 2-4) at Columbus Academy Vikings (4-5, 2-4)
Pick: Columbus Academy

Heath Bulldogs (8-1, 5-1) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Heath

Licking Heights Hornets (6-3, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (3-6, 3-3)
Even with a win, Licking Heights will hang up their cleats after tomorrow night.
Pick: Licking Heights

West Jefferson Roughriders (9-0, 6-0) at Liberty Union Lions (6-3, 4-2)
West Jeff still has a home game to play for, while Liberty Union has already been eliminated from the playoffs.
Pick: West Jefferson

Centerburg Trojans (3-6, 2-4) at Utica Redskins (5-4, 4-2)
Pick: Utica

Loudonville Redbirds (3-6, 3-3) at Fredericktown Freddies (9-0, 6-0)
Pick: Fredericktown

Danville Blue Devils (5-4, 2-4) at East Knox Bulldogs (3-6, 3-3)
Pick: Danville

Mount Gilead Indians (3-6, 3-5) at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4, 4-4)
Pick: Cardington

Marion Pleasant Spartans (6-3, 6-2) at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (1-8, 0-8)
Pick: Marion Pleasant

North Union Wildcats (9-0, 8-0) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (2-7, 1-7)
Pick: North Union

River Valley Vikings (5-4, 4-4) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (7-2, 6-2)
Pick: Sparta Highland

Marion Elgin Comets at Buckeye Valley Barons (both 3-6, 3-5)
Pick: Buckeye Valley

London Red Raiders (4-5, 2-3) at Madison Plains Golden Eagles (1-8, 0-5)
Pick: London

The Battle of Fayette County- Miami Trace Panthers (2-7, 2-3) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (7-2, 4-1)
The Lions need a win to get into the playoffs, and they need to beat fellow Fayette County and South Central Ohio League school Miami Trace to do it. The last time the Blue Lions beat the Panthers was in 1989. Trace hung on to win last year, 19-14. This will be an eventful night at Gardner Park.
Pick: Washington Court House

Greenfield McClain Tigers (5-4, 2-3) at Hillsboro Indians (2-7, 1-4)
Last year, Hillsboro was 8-2, and just missed the playoffs. This year, they will be the reciprocal of last year's mark, as McClain gets over their 77-7 Jonathan Alder hangover.
Pick: Greenfield McClain

Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (7-1) at Uniontown Lake Blue Streaks (7-2)
Both of these teams have nothing else to play for, having already wrapped up playoff games, but Lake also would like to spend next weekend at home.
Pick: Uniontown Lake

Westfall Mustangs (6-3, 5-1) at Piketon Redstreaks (6-3, 4-2)
Pick: Westfall

Lima Senior Spartans (2-7, 1-3) at Marion Harding Presidents (1-8, 0-4)
Pick: Lima Senior

Fairbanks Panthers (6-2) at Waynesfield-Goshen Tigers (5-4)
Pick: Fairbanks

Things That Were Heard First on Sports Corner:
- DeSales will NOT make the playoffs
- Beechcroft will make the playoffs
- Big Walnut and Hamilton Township will be 8-2 and MISS the playoffs
- St. Charles will make the playoffs
- Groveport will MISS the playoffs after a 4-0 start
- Hilliard Darby will MISS the playoffs after a 6-0 start
- Eastmoor will make the playoffs
- Pickerington Central and Hilliard Davidson will meet for the Region 3 championship

Things We Already Said Earlier This Season:
- Walnut Ridge, Briggs, and Mifflin will NOT make the playoffs
- Watkins Memorial, Licking Heights, Cardington-Lincoln, and Bexley will also MISS the playoffs
- East, Fisher Catholic, and Westerville North will all finish 0-10.
- Marion-Franklin will be the lone City League representative in the playoffs.