Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The roots of a rivalry

Friday night the Little Giants, followed by their loyal fanbase will make the trip east on US 6 to do battle with their ancient arch-rivals from Sandusky High. The game will be the 104th meeting in a series that began back in 1895 when each school played their first-ever football game, and it just so happened to be against each other. Who would have known that at the end of the contest, and a 6-0 Sandusky win, that one of Ohios historic rivalries was born? Or was it already alive?

Let's backtrack 44 years to 1851. The following is taken from a WPA writers program project on the history of Fremont and Sandusky County copyright 1940. The topic is our historic War of 1812 cannon know as "Old Betsy".

Close to the grave stands OLD BETSY, the single cannon available for the defense of the fort. The six-pounder, originally captured from the French during the French and Indian War (1756-1763) , was at Fort Pitt from 1814 to 1851, when Brice J. Bartlett, mayor of Fremont, discovered its whereabouts and made arrangements to bring it back. The War Department missent the cannon to "Lower Sandusky," although the name of the town had long since been changed to Fremont. As a result Old Betsy landed in Sandusky where local patriots, eager to keep the relic, promptly buried it under a barn. When the cannon failed to reach Fremont, Mayor Bartlett hired a detective, who quickly found it. The citizens of Fremont then added another episode to Old Betsys life. They made a night foray on Sandusky and brought the war relic home in triumph.

Now I'm sure the local folk, led by Mayor Bartlett, had no idea when rescuing Old Betsy that not only were they adding another episode to her life that they had also fired the first shot in a now ancient rivalry between the two communities.

Back to 1895 and football. Just as the Mayor couldn't have known in 1851 what would transpire in the future football seasons to come, the young people playing that first game in Sandusky could not have know the length, intensity, and history that would develop between the two schools. But we know, and are so lucky to be a part of it.

From the very early years on Ross-Sandusky became known far and wide as a tremendous rivalry. Big crowds would show up every time the two teams battled. After that intial 1895 contest, the two teams met again in 1896, a 12-0 Sandusky win. The two teams would not meet again until the 1906 season when they met twice. Once again the Erie Countians won, both times. In 1907 Fremont was able to battle Sandusky to a tie. Fremont was finally able to taste victory over Sandusky in 1908 by a 16-11 score. Later that same 1908 season the two teams met again and Sandusky was leading 33-6 when the demoralized Fremont team quit during the second half. Sandusky was awarded a win by forfeit, 1-0. The two programs met again in 1909 and 1910 before missing each other in 1911. From 1912 to 1920 the teams met yearly. The 1921 season would have seen another meeting between the two but a smallpox epidemic shortened the season for both schools, cancelling their annual showdown.

The two rivals were back at it in 1922 and continued playing nonstop until the 1943 season when Sandusky was replaced by Fremont St. Joe for one year. That period of '22 to '42 saw some strong Sandusky teams. Sandusky dominated the Little Big Seven and the Buckeye League. The Blue Streaks ruled the rivalry in the 1930's going 9-0-1 against Ross from '30 to '39. The mid-twenties to late thirties period was when the two met in the final game of the season in their annual Thanksgiving Day battle.

After not playing in 1943, the Little Giants and Blue Streaks met once again in the 1944 season(a scoreless tie) and would meet every year until the breakup of the Buckeye Conference in 1986. The mid-1940's through mid-1980s saw some of the greatest football both schools have played. Ross dominated Sandusky in the late 1940's including the 1949 season when coach Les Binkleys Giants crushed Sandusky 47-7. The 50's were ruled for the most part by the Mal Mackey coached Little Giants which featured Ross going 29-0-1 in 1955, 56 and 57.

Just as the 50's was a great decade for the Little Giants, the 1960's was a monster decade for the Blue Streaks. In fact the Blue Streaks were known as the "monsters of the midway" during that decade. The Blue Streaks crushed a couple of bad Ross teams during that period by scores of 54-0 and 74-0.

From the huge Ross upset, 28-27 over state ranked Sandusky in 1969 to the end of the Buckeye Conference in 1986 the two rivals squared off regularly for the conference title. 1983 was a highlight year for the two. Week 10 of '83 the two unbeaten and state ranked powers battled at Strobel Field for the Buckeye Conference title. Ross won that game 7-0. The following Saturday night at Harmon Stadium the two rivals battled again in the regional championship game. Ross won that one as well 7-0.

Sadly the two schools did not meet in 1987 or 1988 after the Buckeye broke up and they joined seperate conferences. But come 1989 the two schools made up for lost time and staged a battle royale at Strobel Field. Sandusky took a quick 17-0 lead in the game only to see Ross battle back to win 21-17. Since that game the two have met yearly. From 1997 to this year the game has been in week 1o. Since that 1989 game that Little Giants and Blue Streaks have met 20 times consecutively. Ross leads during that time span 12-8.

What rivalry can boast coaching matchups like Jeff Dehaven vs. Les Binkely. Chuck Shuff vs. Gene Kidwell. How about Mal Mackey vs. Earle Bruce? And now we have Derek Kidwell against Mike Franklin.

Thom Darden, Tommy Liggins, Elmer Lippert, Kelvin Lindsay, Rob Lytle, Bob Brudzinski, Orlando Pace, and Charles Woodson, just some of the standout athletes who have played in this great rivalry. The list of players who have played in this historic series would go on for pages, just as the history of this great rivalry would also go on for pages, chapters maybe.

This old series saw a whale of a game in 2008 and the 2009 showdown looks to be a good one as well. And the good news is that despite the two teams parting ways conference-wise come 2011, the series will go on uninterrupted. Beginning in that '11 season the Little Giants and Blue Streaks will meet in week one of the season. I cannot imagine the preseason hype and buildup that will take place beforehand. Maybe that change will breathe new life into the old series.

To date the two teams have met 104 times. Sandusky leads the series 52-43-8. Ross won last years game 26-20. The Little Giants are on a four game winning streak over their rivals. The last Blue Streak win was a 21-12 decision in 2004. Ross has never won five in a row over the Streaks. Could this year be the year that changes? Or do the Blue Streaks finish 2009 on a high note. Find out at Strobel Field this Friday night.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Week nine ticker.....

Finishing up a beautiful late October day with the NLCS on TV. The Phillies and Dodgers are scoreless early on. Speaking of playoffs we're coming into week nine of the '09 high school football season and some teams have already clinched a playoff berth and are working on making sure they are home come week 11. Other teams have a crucial week this week hoping they win to assure a postseason appearance while yet others must be content with playing out the season knowing they will be done after next weekend.

Dodgers up 1-0.

We begin the ticker in Region 2 with the only team to have clinched a playoff berth so far, the Panthers of Toledo Whitmer. Whitmer(7-1), the current #1 team in R2 hosts the Bowsher Rebels Friday night. Bowsher(3-5) shouldn't be much of a problem for the Panthers in this CL game. A win and Whitmer moves one step closer to playing in their beautiful stadium come week 11.

Perrysburg(6-2) currnently sits in 8th in R2. The Yellow Jackets, 15-14 winners over Springfield last Friday night can't slip up this week at Sylvania Northview(3-5). Perrysburg needs to continue to win to stay ahead of ninth ranked Hudson. Northview may give the Jackets a battle but this one should go P-Burgs way.

Sylvania Southview is not out of the R2 playoff race but may need some help to get in. The Cougars(5-3) currently sit in 10th place but have games left against Bowling Green(2-6) this week, and crosstown rival Northview next week. Assuming Southview wins, and they should, they are not going to garner a lot of points from beating the two.

Toledo St. Johns(5-3) is still sniffing the playoffs in R2. The Titans currently sit in 11th place and are at Toledo Waite(3-5) this week. Not many points to be gained with a win there but win the Johnnies must if they want to have a shot at the postseason going into their game against Central Catholic next weekend.

In R6 Toledo St. Francis controls their own destiny. The Knights currently sit in first the the region. SFS(7-1) takes on Toledo Scott(2-6) this weekend and should have no problems handling the Bulldogs.

Toledo Central Catholic(6-2) currently sits in third in R6. The Irish host Toledo Libbey(1-6) on Friday night. Central is coming into the game on the heels of a 14-7 loss last week to Whitmer while the Cowboys were shut out by Waite last week 28-0. CCHS names the score in this one.

The Rogers Rams(7-1) can assure themselves of a week 11 appearance by knocking off Oregon Clay(4-4) on Friday night. Rogers sits in fourth in the region and would get some decent harbins by winning over the D1 Eagles. Rogers wins 41-14.

Maumee(7-1) clings to the eighth spot in R6 this week. The Panthers, 34-6 victors over BG last week take on the Blue Devils of Springfield(3-5). Maumee doesn't want to slip up with a huge rivalry showdown next Friday against D1 Perryburg.

We cannot forget the current 13th ranked team in R6, the Blue Streaks of Sandusky. A win Friday night for the Streaks(4-4) over Napoleon would catapault Sandusky near the top eight, if not into it. The Wildcats are ranked first in R10 and would provide a lot of computer points if they were to lose. Should be a good GBC showdown at the Buck.

Speaking of R10, the Perkins Pirates hope to rebound from that 27-13 loss to Clyde last weekend by beating Port Clinton(4-4). Perkins is currently fourth in the region and need a win to help assure a home game in the first round. PC is currently 17th in R18 and would garner a lot of points with an upset win this week. Combine that with a win over Huron next weekend, along with a little help and who knows.

Those same Clyde Fliers who knocked off the unbeaten Pirates last week are in ninth place this week in R10. Clyde will need to win out to get into the playoffs. The Fliers face Oak Harbor(2-6) this week and then travel to Milan next weekend to take on the Edison Chargers who currently sit at 7-1 on the season.

Bellevue(4-4) is currently in 12th in R10. The Redmen who were shocked in OT by Upper Sandusky last week, 41-34 will not get a lot of points this week by beating 0-8 Norwalk but the Redmen cannot afford any slipups and can't be looking ahead to next weeks game against current undefeated Galion(8-0). Bellevue wins out and who knows what the postseason could hold.

The those same Tigers of Galion can assure themselves of a home game in the first round of the playoffs with wins the next two weeks. Galion host Willard(2-6) before travelling to BAF next weekend to take on the Redmen. Galion is currently in first in R14.

The second place team in R14 are the very powerful Genoa Comets(8-0). No opponent has come close to challenging Genoa this year. The Comets can name the score this Friday night against Otsego(0-8), and probably next weekend against Elmwood(3-5). Genoa will need both wins to chase down a home field advantage in week 11.

The Crimson Streaks of Fremont SJCC currently sit in fourth place in R22. The Crimson Streaks(7-1) take on the Tigers of Seneca East(4-4) this Saturday night at the Don. SJCC cannot look ahead to next weeks showdown at Carey or the could slip up and miss out on a home game in the first week of the postseason.

Enjoy week nine. Go out and support your favorite team. Support the kids.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Week eight ticker....

Week eight already and the games keep getting more important.


In R2
Let's start right here in Fremont. The Little Giants playoff hopes have been badly damaged by two consecutive losses. But amazingly Ross is not out of it. Things really have to go our way for the playoffs to be a possibility. A win over a very good Napoleon team this Friday night is a must. The Wildcats(6-1) are ranked 1st in R10 and the Little Giants (4-3) are in 13th place in R2. For the 'Cats a win would go a long way towards helping to clinch home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Next we move to the Little Giants new conference, the Toledo City League. A big battle on Alexis Rd tomorrow night as Whitmer(6-1) hosts Central Catholic (6-1). The Panthers are #1 in R2 and coming in after a 38-0 win over Clay. The Fighting Irish are the top team in R6 after beating St. Francis 10-0. Whitmer Memorial, which has seen some great contests already this season, will be rocking once again. Panthers win.

Another R2 team that has lost two in a row, Massillon Washington has yet another big game Friday. The Tigers (5-2) host Warren Harding (4-2-1). Massillon, currently in third in R2 has dropped games to Cleveland St. Ignatius and Steubenville in consecutive weeks. The Raiders are currently ranked 7th in R1 and lost last week to Cleveland St. Ignatius 10-7. Tigers win.

Another Tiger team, this time the one out of Twinsburg(6-1) have a big showdown at Hudson(6-1). The Explorers are currently 8th in the region after beating Elyria 10-0 last week. Twinsburg rolled Cuyahoga Falls last week 45-7 and sit in 4th. Tigers win.

Canton GlenOak and Boardman tangle in a Fed showdown tomorrow night in Canton. The Golden Eagles(6-1) have rolled along after losing to Massillon and now sit in 5th in R2. GlenOak was a 21-14 winner over Uniontown Lake last weekend. The Spartans sit in 11th in R1 and can really use the points from a win over GlenOak. Spartans win.

North Canton Hoover(5-2), 31-20 winners over Austintown Fitch last weekend host the Canton McKinley Bulldogs Friday. McK(4-3) blasted Massillon Perry 54-21 and sit in 17th in the region. McKinley is still not out of the playoff picture but must win out. Hoover sits in 6th in R2 and would remain stable in the top eight with a win. Bulldogs win.

Elsewhere...

The Clyde Fliers are in a must-win situation this weekend against Perkins. The Fliers(4-3), regular playoff qualifiers of late sit in 16th in R10. Clyde hosts the powerful Perkins Pirates(7-0) at Bishop Field. Perkins is in 3rd in the region and would provide Clyde a lot of points towards a playoff spot. Clyde is coming into the game after beating Sandusky St. Marys 28-0 while the Pirates roll in after beating a good Huron team 21-7. Pirates win.

The Golden Bears of Bryan(5-2) are the #7 team in R10. Bryan would really like to bounce back big after losing to Patrick Henry last week 28-21. It won't be easy as another tough Henry County team pays a visit. Liberty Center(5-2) rolls into Bryan after beating Otsego 48-0. The Tigers are 10th in R18. Tigers win.

The powerful Genoa Comets(7-0), the #3 team in R14 visit the Flyers of Lake(5-2). For Genoa it's all about clinching a home playoff berth while the Flyers need this game to have any shot at the postseason. Lake gave a good Eastwood team a battle before falling last week 9-7. Genoa continued their winning ways, 47-0 over Gibsonburg. It won't be any different along Route 795 tomorrow night. Comets roll.

A big NWOAL game tomorrow night in Archbold(5-2) as the Blue Streaks entertain the Patriots of Patrick Henry(7-0). PH is the top team in R18 while the Streaks sit in 14th. Archbold edged Delta last week 17-15. Patriots win.

In R22 a titanic battle take place tomorrow night in Delphos as St. Johns(7-0) hosts Coldwater(7-0) in the MAC. The Blue Jays beat Parkway last week 42-7 while the Cavs beat St. Henry 17-0. DSJ sits in first in their region while the Cavaliers are tops in R20. Cavaliers win.


Bundle up and enjoy this weeks games. Support your team, support the kids.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Toledo City League

Weeks and months of instability and uncertainty came to an end yesterday when the Toledo City League admitted Fremont Ross as a member. Now there is still some official things that need to take place before we actually become members beginning in 2011 but without a doubt those are technicalities that will take place easily.

Make no mistake about it this is great news. Becoming a member of the CL offers Ross and it's athletic programs longterm stability. Even if the long-rumored closing of Libbey becomes reality the number of schools in the league will still guarantee the kind of stability that we have not had since the days of the Great Lakes League. Heck even if two of the Toledo publics were to close, which is a possiblity with declining enrollments in the Toledo City School district, there would still be stability that we would not have had as a member of any other league including he Northern Ohio League.

One of the reasons that Ross was voted in is the fact that we have a long history of competition against CL schools, in all sports, both boys and girls. And Little Giant athletic teams are very competitive with the current CL schools. Look at the attendance at this years Ross-Whitmer football game. Now that won't be the case in all games in the CL but you can be it will be when we face Clay, Whitmer, or any of the parochials.

Much credit for this acceptance goes to Ross AD Art Bucci. Bucci has reportedly been working hard behind the scenes for some time to make this happen. His efforts have led to the Little Giants becoming members of an league that has been around for decades and will be around for a long time to come. His work has given Ross athletic teams longterm league stability.

The downside of yesterdays good news for Ross was the fact that Findlay, and Lima Senior were denied membership. Travel has been cited as the main reason. For the Trojans, Spartans, and Marion Harding the stress of trying to find a league continues. I hope for the best for them.

Now that the big decision has been made let's focus on our remaining time in the Greater Buckeye Conference beginning with Friday nights game against Napoleon. Let's go out and keep our playoff hopes alive with a win over the Wildcats.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Week seven ticker......

Week seven has rolled around already and it's time for the ticker....

In region 2......

An old rivalry that doesn't get as much attention as it should takes place this weekend at Oregon Clay as the Eagles host the Panthers of Toledo Whitmer. Clay (4-2) is the current #12 team in R2 while the Panthers(5-1), despite losing to Toledo St. Francis last week 21-17 remain the top team. Clay comes in after losing to Toledo Central Catholic 29-14. If the Eagles have any hope at all of getting into the post season they must beat the Panthers. While the Eagles will put up a fight, Whitmer should prevail.

A blast from the past type game takes place on Friday night as the #3 team in the region, the Tigers of Massillon Washington(5-1) take to the road to visit Death Valley in Steubenville. Awaiting the Tigers will be the Big Red(6-0), the current top team in R11. The Big Red are coming into the game on the heels of a 39-14 win over Wheeling(WV) Park. Massillon dropped their first game of the season last Saturday night in a controversial 26-21 decision to Cleveland St. Ignatius. Fridays game will be the first time the Tigers and Big Red have met since the breakup of the powerful All American Conference in 1978. The two teams have met 42 times and Massillon has a 37-3-2 lead in the series that began in 1930. The Tigers should win this weeks encouter too. A overflow crowd of 10,000 plus will attend.

The Blue Devils of Brunswick(5-1) currently 4th in R2 will visit the Comets of Solon on Friday night. Solon(6-0) is currently ranked 2nd in R1. The Comets dealt Mayfield their first loss of the season last week 27-20. Brunswick rolled over Nordonia 48-13. Look for Solon to beat the Blue Devils.

North Canton Hoover(4-2) the #7 team in R2 has a big game against Austintown Fitch(5-1) on Friday. The Fitch Falcons are currently 10th in R1 and need this one to move up. Fitch was a 45-37 winner over Massillon Jackson last week while the Hoover Vikings lost to Boardman 16-7. I think Fitch pulls out the win in this one.

Sylvania Southview(4-2) the current #9 team in R2 has a chance to move into one of the top 8 spots if they can beat Maumee(5-1). The Panthers were an easy 42-20 winner over Rossford last week and are currently ranked 8th in R6. A lot of folks may have written the Cougars of Southview and their playoff chances off just a bit early after their first two games. Southview will win at Maumee and greatly improve their chances at the postseason.

In other games....

The 50th battle for the IrishKnight Trophy takes place at the Gallagher Athletic Complex at Toledo Central Catholic Friday night as the Fighting Irish(5-1) host the Knights of Toledo St. Francis(6-0). CCHS is currently ranked 5th in R6 while the Knights are the top team in the same region. I think SFS has proven themselves this season as the real deal and they'll solidify their top spot in R6 with a win.

A huge Northwest Ohio Athletic League battle will erupt in Hamler Friday night as the unbeaten(6-0) Patriots of Patrick Henry host the upstart Golden Bears of Bryan (5-1). Bryan is currently ranked 7th in R10 while the powerful Patriots are ranked 3rd in R18. PH was a 52-10 winner over Delta last Friday while the Golden Bears shut out Wauseon 35-0. PH wins this one.

In the Western Buckeye League the Titans of Ottawa-Glandorf (5-1) host the Roughriders of St. Marys Memorial(4-2) on Friday. O-G is the #3 team in R14 coming in on the heels of a 35-10 win over Elida. St. Marys beat Wapakoneta last week 28-17 and are currently ranked 14th in R10. The Roughriders really need this one if they have any hopes of getting into the postseason. WBL battles are always good ones and this one could go either way.

A big neighborhood battle takes place in Crawford County Friday night. The Redmen of Bucyrus(5-1) visit the Royals of Wynford(6-0). Bucyrus is currently 10th in R14 and need a win over the Royals who are the current #2 team in R21. Look for a big crowd and a fairly easy Wynford win.

Eastwood and Lake both 5-1 hook up tomorrow night along SR 795 in Wood County. The Eagles are the #11 team in R14 while the Flyers are back in the #15 spot. The winner of this game will move up nicely.

A big battle in Lima tomorrow night as the Thunderbirds(5-1) host the Silver Knights of Columbus Bishop Ready(5-0). LCC is the #5 team in R18 and they'll face a Bishop Ready squad that sits in 3rd place in R10. Ready was a 30-0 winner over United Military Academy last week while LCC humbled Spencerville 59-14.

A huge Midland Athletic league battle takes place in Bacsom on Friday night as the Cheiftans(5-1) host the Blue Devils of Carey(6-0). H-L is the 6th place team in R21 while Carey is currently 2nd in R22.

Edgerton(6-0), the #6 team in R22 host the Apaches of Fairview(4-2) on Friday. Fairview is in 11th place in R18 and really needs the points from a win over the Bulldogs to move into a playoff spot. Edgerton is coming into the game after beating Holgate 54-32 last week while the Apaches were 30-19 winners over Antwerp. I look for a Fairview win.

A Blanchard Valley Conference showdown take place on Friday night at Cory Rawson as the Hornets(4-2) host the Panthers of McComb(4-2). Cory Rawson is the current 8th place team in R22 while the Panthers are 10th. Should be a great game in Hancock County.

As always, lots of great games this weekend. Get out and support your favorite team. Support the kids.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Week six ticker.....

....Region two



>>Two huge battles this weekend featuring the top two teams in the region. Current #1 Toledo Whitmer has a big City League showdown with the Knights of Toledo St. Francis. Both teams are 5-0. Whitmer is coming off a 20-7 win over Toledo St. Johns while SFS blanked Toledo Woodward 50-zip. St. Francis is the current #1 team in R6. Another playoff atmosphere expected at Whitmer Memorial. Whitmer should win a close one.

Saturday night will see another bigR2 battle, this time in Northeast Ohio when the Tigers of Massillon Washington(5-0), the current #2 in R2 visit the Wildcats of Cleveland St. Ignatius(5-0) at Byers Field in Parma. The Wildcats are the current top team in R1. Iggy is coming off a 30-14 win over Buffalo NY St. Francis. Massillon beat Akron Garfield last week 44-13. I hate to do this to my many Massillon friends but the Wildcats will win.



#3 Wadsworth(5-0) has a game at Copley(4-1) on Friday night. The Grizzlies beat Green 49-21 last week. Copley the #3 team in R5 are 4-1 after a 31-14 win over Cloverleaf last Friday. Wadsworth could really cement their top 8 status with a win over the Indians . Wadsworth wins.



North Canton Hoover (4-1) can get some good points with a win over Boardman Friday night. The Spartans are currently 15th and could make a jump towards the top eight with a win over the Vikings. Boardman is 3-2 after a 34-16 win over Massillon Perry last week. Hoover beat Uniontown Lake 35-20. Hoover wins.



Canton GlenOak and Canton McKinley hook up Friday night, both teams coming in 3-2. Glenoak is 9th in R2 and McK is 14th.



As we leave R2 just a reminder that our Little Giants are currently in 11th in R2. Ross is less than a full point out of the #8 spot right night. Looks like this....



8. Perrysburg 7.9000

9. Canton GlenOak 7.7000

10. Oregon Clay 7.350

11. Fremont Ross 7.0778



In other games...

A big R6 battle at the Gallagher Athletic Complex up on Cherry St. in Toledo two 4-1 teams hook up. The Fighting Irish(4-1) hosts Oregon Clay. The Fighting Irish were 38-0 winners over Toledo Bowsher last week while the Eagles edged Toledo Satrt 27-24. A lot of playoff points on the line here. CCHS wins.

This weeks "are they for real?" team are the 5-0 Edison Chargers. Edison hosts unbeaten Gary Quisno coached Perkins Pirates(5-0). Edison is currently the #2 team in R14 and shellacked Port Clinton last week 50-9. The Pirates are well sitting in the #3 spot in R10. Perkins of Sandusky St. Marys last Saturday night up at Strobel 57-0. Perkins wins.

Bryan and Wauseon hook up this week at the home of the Golden Bears. Bryan sits in 7th place tie in R10 while The Indians are in 12th place in R14. Bryan can help solidify their spot with a win over Wauseon. The Golden Bears (4-1) beat Montpelier 49-6 while the Indians (3-2) lost a tough one to Liberty Center 7-3. This one should be a great game. I look for Bryan to win.

The best game in Northwest Ohio could be tomorrow night in Genoa. A titanic Suburban Lakes League battle between the Comets(5-0) and the Eastwood Eagles(5-0). The powerful Comets are currently ranked 6th in R14 while the Eagles are in the 8 spot in that same region 14. Genoa rolled Northwood last week 48-6 while the Eagles slapped Woodmore around 76-34. Standing room only in Genoa tomorrow night. Comets win.

In R14 this week Tinora and Wayne Trace hook up at the home of the Rams. Tinora(4-1) is the current #3 team in the region. Wayne Trace comes into the game ranked 14th. The Raiders(3-2) lost to Hicksville last week 39-9. Wayne Trace needs this one if the want to get into the playoffs. Tinora wins.

Down in the Bucyrus area the Wynford Royals(5-0) host the Bucks of Buckeye Central(4-1). Wynford is the #5 team in R21 while Buckeye Central sits in 11th. The Bucks really need this to get in. Wynford wins.

Also in R21 Hopewell-Louden is at Seneca East. H-L(4-1) will want to prove they are past the OT loss to SJCC last week. Seneca East(3-2) needs a win to keep their playoff hopes going. Cheiftans win.

The Red Devils of Arlington out of the Blanchard Valley Conference travels to Leipsic tomorrow night. Both teams are 4-1 on the season. Arlington is ranked 6th in R22 while Vikings of Leipsic are in 7th. Should be a great game. Red Devils win.

Gonna be another great night of high school football all over Ohio this week. Support your favorite team. Support the kids.