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 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 9, 2011
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)
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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)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
2011 High School Football: Week 1
It's back.
After an August of two-a-day practices and scrimmages, those Friday night lights will shine once more in football fields for 715 football teams all across the state of Ohio in six divisions. Central Ohio football is the best kept secret around.
When it comes to Ohio football, there are the Cincinnati/Dayton powerhouses, the Cleveland powerhouses, the Akron/Canton powerhouses, and then the Central Ohio powerhouses.
This blog is about Central Ohio football in the Central Ohio region (Franklin, Delaware, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield, Licking, and Union Counties, and the conferences represented by those counties), as well as the College Football and the NFL, primarily.
Anyway, back to those Friday night lights.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions at St. Francis DeSales Stallions
This is a matchup that has been done before. The public school vs. the local suburban Catholic school. It's been done with many schools (Watterson and Upper Arlington, St. Charles/Hartley and Bexley, Ready and Franklin Heights). This will be the first of three such rivalry games for the Stallions of St. Francis DeSales to kickoff the 2011 season.
BIG RIVALRY GAMES THIS WEEK:
(The Battle of Broad Street: Columbus)
East Tigers at West Cowboys
There is a new sherriff at Chic Harley Field, and his name is Carter. Lewis Carter. After 13 seasons and one playoff appearance, Mike White stepped aside after last season's painful 1-9 season for the Tigers, and Lewis Carter, a former Mifflin player, and arena football player promises to bring back winning football traditions on the Near East Side. The Lewis Carter era begins with a trek down Broad Street to the Hilltop to play the West Cowboys, who are looking for their first division title since 1975.
(THE Battle of Broad Street: Licking County)
Licking Heights Hornets at Watkins Memorial Warriors
In 2013, these two could fight for a Division title, as the Licking County League will return after a quarter-century hiatus in two years. Until then, these two Pataskala rivals will duke it out and fight for bragging rights for Broad Street.
(The WarEagle Trophy)
Sunbury Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Westerville Central Warhawks
These Delaware County rivals will fight it out for the WarEagle trophy.
Buckeye Valley Barons at Delaware Rutherford B. Hayes Pacers
This perennial Week 1 rivalry between these two Delaware high schools has been a staple in the community for decades.
and
Columbus Franklin Heights Golden Falcons at Columbus Bishop Ready Silver Knights
This West Side Public vs. Catholic school rivalry meets up once again this year. Last year, the Silver Knights escaped with a 23-21 win over the Falcons.
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles at Pickerington North Panthers
The Watterson Golden Eagles begin a defense of their Division III title against the upstart Pickerington North Panthers.
Bishop Hartley Hawks at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces
Like with their Clintonville counterparts, the Hartley Hawks begin a defense of a state football title (D-IV), as they begin in Fairfield County against a team that the Hawks beat twice last year on the way to glory in Stark County.
Northland Vikings at Eastmoor Academy Warriors
The Vikings began their surprise season last year with an upset over the Warriors. Could the Vikings prove that last year wasn't a fluke?
St. Charles Cardinals at Canal Winchester Indians
This will be an interesting matchup against two growing football programs.
Olentangy Liberty Patriots at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks
Columbus Brookhaven Bearcats at Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Columbus Independence 76ers at Beechcroft Cougars
Columbus Centennial Stars at Grandview Heights Bobcats
Westland Cougars at Linden McKinley Panthers (at Hagely Field?)
Hilliard Darby Panthers at Columbus Whetstone Braves
Cleveland Heights at Columbus Walnut Ridge Scots
Columbus South Bulldogs at Warrensville Heights
Bellville Clear Fork Colts at Columbus Briggs Bruins
Columbus Africentric Nubians at Bexley Lions
Olentangy Orange Pioneers at Olentangy Braves
Reynoldsburg Raiders at Dublin Jerome Celtics
Newark Wildcats at Zanesville Blue Devils
Licking Valley Panthers at New Albany Eagles
Lexington at Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets
Dublin Scioto Irish at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars
Marion Harding Presidents at Marysville Monarchs
Groveport Madison Cruisers at Westerville South Wildcats
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves at Westerville North Warriors
Mifflin Punchers at Central Crossing Comets
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Jonathan Alder Pioneers
Upper Arlington Golden Bears at Dresden Tri-Valley Scotties
Bloom-Carroll Bruins at Baltimore Liberty Union Lions
Miami Trace Panthers at Circleville Tigers
Fairfield Union Falcons at New Lexington
Hamilton Township Rangers at Chillicothe Cavaliers
Circleville Logan Elm Braves at Washington Court House Blue Lions
Williamsport Westfall Mustangs at Ashville Teays Valley Vikings
Crooksville at Sugar Grove Berne Union Rockets
Harvest Prep Warriors at Newark Catholic Green Wave
Fairfield Christian at Millersport Lakers
West Jefferson Roughriders at Mechanicsburg
Maysville at Columbus Academy Vikings
Johnstown Johnnies at Granville Blue Aces
Heath Bulldogs at Martins Ferry
Thornville Sheridan Generals at Hebron Lakewood Lancers
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates at Centerburg Trojans
Rittman at Danville Blue Devils
East Knox Bulldogs at Coshocton Redskins
Sparta Highland Scots at Fredericktown Freddies
Loudonville at Ontario
Mount Gilead at Colonel Crawford
Crestline at Galion Northmor Golden Knights
Van Buren at Morral Ridgedale
Bucyrus at Marion Elgin
Fairbanks at North Union
Bucyrus Wynford at River Valley Vikings
London Red Raiders at Urbana Hillclimbers
Madison Plains Golden Eagles at Cedarville
(Saturday)
Grove City Christian at St. John Central
Marion Pleasant at St. Henry
Utica Redskins at Rayland Buckeye Local
Whitehall-Yearling Rams at Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish
After an August of two-a-day practices and scrimmages, those Friday night lights will shine once more in football fields for 715 football teams all across the state of Ohio in six divisions. Central Ohio football is the best kept secret around.
When it comes to Ohio football, there are the Cincinnati/Dayton powerhouses, the Cleveland powerhouses, the Akron/Canton powerhouses, and then the Central Ohio powerhouses.
This blog is about Central Ohio football in the Central Ohio region (Franklin, Delaware, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield, Licking, and Union Counties, and the conferences represented by those counties), as well as the College Football and the NFL, primarily.
Anyway, back to those Friday night lights.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions at St. Francis DeSales Stallions
This is a matchup that has been done before. The public school vs. the local suburban Catholic school. It's been done with many schools (Watterson and Upper Arlington, St. Charles/Hartley and Bexley, Ready and Franklin Heights). This will be the first of three such rivalry games for the Stallions of St. Francis DeSales to kickoff the 2011 season.
BIG RIVALRY GAMES THIS WEEK:
(The Battle of Broad Street: Columbus)
East Tigers at West Cowboys
There is a new sherriff at Chic Harley Field, and his name is Carter. Lewis Carter. After 13 seasons and one playoff appearance, Mike White stepped aside after last season's painful 1-9 season for the Tigers, and Lewis Carter, a former Mifflin player, and arena football player promises to bring back winning football traditions on the Near East Side. The Lewis Carter era begins with a trek down Broad Street to the Hilltop to play the West Cowboys, who are looking for their first division title since 1975.
(THE Battle of Broad Street: Licking County)
Licking Heights Hornets at Watkins Memorial Warriors
In 2013, these two could fight for a Division title, as the Licking County League will return after a quarter-century hiatus in two years. Until then, these two Pataskala rivals will duke it out and fight for bragging rights for Broad Street.
(The WarEagle Trophy)
Sunbury Big Walnut Golden Eagles at Westerville Central Warhawks
These Delaware County rivals will fight it out for the WarEagle trophy.
Buckeye Valley Barons at Delaware Rutherford B. Hayes Pacers
This perennial Week 1 rivalry between these two Delaware high schools has been a staple in the community for decades.
and
Columbus Franklin Heights Golden Falcons at Columbus Bishop Ready Silver Knights
This West Side Public vs. Catholic school rivalry meets up once again this year. Last year, the Silver Knights escaped with a 23-21 win over the Falcons.
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles at Pickerington North Panthers
The Watterson Golden Eagles begin a defense of their Division III title against the upstart Pickerington North Panthers.
Bishop Hartley Hawks at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces
Like with their Clintonville counterparts, the Hartley Hawks begin a defense of a state football title (D-IV), as they begin in Fairfield County against a team that the Hawks beat twice last year on the way to glory in Stark County.
Northland Vikings at Eastmoor Academy Warriors
The Vikings began their surprise season last year with an upset over the Warriors. Could the Vikings prove that last year wasn't a fluke?
St. Charles Cardinals at Canal Winchester Indians
This will be an interesting matchup against two growing football programs.
Olentangy Liberty Patriots at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks
Columbus Brookhaven Bearcats at Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils
Grove City Greyhounds at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats
Logan Chieftains at Lancaster Golden Gales
Pickerington Central Tigers at Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (Saturday, Noon)
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Columbus Independence 76ers at Beechcroft Cougars
Columbus Centennial Stars at Grandview Heights Bobcats
Westland Cougars at Linden McKinley Panthers (at Hagely Field?)
Hilliard Darby Panthers at Columbus Whetstone Braves
Cleveland Heights at Columbus Walnut Ridge Scots
Columbus South Bulldogs at Warrensville Heights
Bellville Clear Fork Colts at Columbus Briggs Bruins
Columbus Africentric Nubians at Bexley Lions
Olentangy Orange Pioneers at Olentangy Braves
Reynoldsburg Raiders at Dublin Jerome Celtics
Newark Wildcats at Zanesville Blue Devils
Licking Valley Panthers at New Albany Eagles
Lexington at Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets
Dublin Scioto Irish at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars
Marion Harding Presidents at Marysville Monarchs
Groveport Madison Cruisers at Westerville South Wildcats
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves at Westerville North Warriors
Mifflin Punchers at Central Crossing Comets
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Jonathan Alder Pioneers
Upper Arlington Golden Bears at Dresden Tri-Valley Scotties
Bloom-Carroll Bruins at Baltimore Liberty Union Lions
Miami Trace Panthers at Circleville Tigers
Fairfield Union Falcons at New Lexington
Hamilton Township Rangers at Chillicothe Cavaliers
Circleville Logan Elm Braves at Washington Court House Blue Lions
Williamsport Westfall Mustangs at Ashville Teays Valley Vikings
Crooksville at Sugar Grove Berne Union Rockets
Harvest Prep Warriors at Newark Catholic Green Wave
Fairfield Christian at Millersport Lakers
West Jefferson Roughriders at Mechanicsburg
Maysville at Columbus Academy Vikings
Johnstown Johnnies at Granville Blue Aces
Heath Bulldogs at Martins Ferry
Thornville Sheridan Generals at Hebron Lakewood Lancers
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates at Centerburg Trojans
Rittman at Danville Blue Devils
East Knox Bulldogs at Coshocton Redskins
Sparta Highland Scots at Fredericktown Freddies
Loudonville at Ontario
Mount Gilead at Colonel Crawford
Crestline at Galion Northmor Golden Knights
Van Buren at Morral Ridgedale
Bucyrus at Marion Elgin
Fairbanks at North Union
Bucyrus Wynford at River Valley Vikings
London Red Raiders at Urbana Hillclimbers
Madison Plains Golden Eagles at Cedarville
(Saturday)
Grove City Christian at St. John Central
Marion Pleasant at St. Henry
Utica Redskins at Rayland Buckeye Local
Whitehall-Yearling Rams at Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish
Friday, May 13, 2011
OHSAA 2011 & 2012 Season Region Assignments for Central Ohio Schools
2011-12 and 2012-13 Ohio High School Football Division Placement
St. Charles, all three Olentangy schools, all three Dublin schools, and all three Hilliard schools, and no Columbus City schools in Division I? Jonathan Alder and Columbus Independence in Division III? Worthington Kilbourne in Division II? Bishop Ready in Division IV?
Yup. Those are among the division placements for high school football in Central Ohio for the next two years, according to the OHSAA count that took place last fall. This count counts high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in every Ohio high school to assign each school a Division and region.
DIVISION I (all in Region 3)- (minimum number from the OHSAA count- 494)
(OCC Cardinal)
All eight schools- Dublin Scioto (for the first time since 2003), Dublin Jerome, Olentangy (for the first time since 2007), Olentangy Liberty, Westerville North, Westerville South, Westerville Central, and Marysville
(OCC Capital)
Delaware Hayes, Olentangy Orange, and Hilliard Bradley
(OCC Central)
Seven of the eight schools- Upper Arlington, (Galloway) Westland, (Grove City) Central Crossing, Hilliard Davidson, Hilliard Darby, Thomas Worthington, and Dublin Coffman
(OCC Ohio)
All eight schools- Gahanna Lincoln (the largest OHSAA boy count of any Franklin County or Central Ohio high school), Newark, Groveport Madison, Lancaster, Pickerington North, Pickerington Central, Reynoldsburg, and Grove City
(Central Catholic League)
Columbus St. Charles Preperatory School
Gone from Division I: Worthington Kilbourne (OCC Central), Columbus West (City League South), Columbus Northland (City League North, first-ever playoff appearance in 2010), Marion Harding, Mount Vernon (OCC Capital), and Columbus Franklin Heights (OCC Capital), all now in Division II, Region 7; Cincinnati Anderson H.S. with 493 in the OHSAA count (from Region 4) is now in Division II, Region 8 and the largest Division II school
DIVISION II (all in Region 7)- (327-493)
(Columbus City League North)
Columbus Brookhaven, Columbus Beechcroft, Columbus Mifflin, Columbus Northland (from Division I), and Columbus Whetstone
(Columbus City League South)
Columbus Briggs (largest OHSAA boy count for the Columbus City Schools), Columbus West (from Division I), Columbus Marion-Franklin, and Columbus Walnut Ridge
(Ohio Capital Conference- Capital Division)
Mount Vernon (from Division I; largest D-II school in Central Ohio), New Albany, Pataskala Watkins Memorial, Columbus Franklin Heights (from Division I), and Sunbury Big Walnut
(Ohio Capital Conference- Central Division)
Worthington Kilbourne (from Division I)
(Mid State League- Cardinal Division)
Canal Winchester, Ashville Teays Valley (from Region 8), Columbus Hamilton Township
(Mid State League- Buckeye Division)
Pataskala Licking Heights (from Division III)
(Others)
Marion Harding (from Division I), Chillicothe (from Division III)
Gone from Division II: Columbus Centennial (to Division III), Columbus St. Charles (to Division I), Columbus Independence (to Division III), Dublin Scioto (to Division I), Hilliard Bradley (to Division I), Olentangy (to Division I), Olentangy Orange (to Division I), Dublin Jerome (to Division I)
DIVISION III- (248-326)
Region 10 (Franklin, Delaware, and Marion County schools)
(Central Catholic League)
Columbus Bishop Watterson (defending D-III State Champs) and Columbus St. Francis DeSales
(Columbus City League- South)
Columbus Eastmoor Academy, Columbus South Urban Academy, and (from Division II) Columbus Independence
(Columbus City League- North)
Columbus East, Columbus Centennial (from Division II), and Columbus Linden McKinley
(Mid State League- Ohio)
Bexley, Whitehall-Yearling
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Delaware Buckeye Valley, (from Division IV) River Valley
Region 11 (Licking County schools)
(Mid State League- Ohio)
Granville (largest D-III school in Central Ohio), Hebron Lakewood, Newark Licking Valley
Region 12 (Madison, Pickaway, and Fayette County schools)
(South Central Ohio League)
London (from Division IV), Hillsboro, Washington Court House, Miami Trace
(Mid State League- Cardinal)
Circleville, Circleville Logan Elm
(Independents)
Plain City Jonathan Alder (from Division IV)
Gone from Division III: Chillicothe (to Division II)
DIVISION IV (173-247)
Region 14 (Franklin, Delaware, Union, Morrow, and Marion Counties)
(Central Catholic League- Gold Division)
Columbus Bishop Hartley (defending D-IV State Champ), Columbus Bishop Ready (from Division V)
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Richwood North Union, Galion Northmor
Region 15 (Fairfield, Licking, and Knox Counties)
(Mid State League Ohio Division)
Heath
(Mid State League Cardinal Division)
Bloom-Carroll, Lancaster Fairfield Union
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Johnstown-Monroe, Utica
Gone from Division IV:
River Valley (to Division III), Plain City Jonathan Alder (to Division III), London (to Division III)
DIVISION V (120-172)
Region 19 (Franklin, Knox, Licking, and Morrow Counties)
(Mid State League Buckeye Division)
Grandview Heights (from Region 20)
(Mid State League Ohio Division)
Columbus Academy
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Cardington-Lincoln, Mount Gilead
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Centerburg, Fredericktown, Johnstown Northridge
Region 20 (Madison and Union Counties)
(Mid State League Buckeye Division)
West Jefferson
(South Central Ohio League)
London Madison Plains (from Division IV)
(Others)
Milford Center Fairbanks
Gone from Division V: Columbus Bishop Ready (to Division IV), Richwood North Union (to Division IV), Columbus Africentric Secondary (to Division VI)
DIVISION VI (119 and under)
Region 23
(City League South Division)
Columbus Africentric Secondary School (from Division V)
(Mid State League Buckeye Division)
Lancaster Fisher Catholic, Columbus Harvest Prep Secondary
(Mid State League Ohio Division)
Newark Catholic
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Morral Ridgedale
(Independents)
Grove City Christian, Lancaster Fairfield Christian
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