ROSS 41
TOLEDO ST. JOHNS 0
Week two of the 2000 season saw the Little Giants travel to Toledo to take on the Titans of St. Johns Jesuit. The game was played on a very hot Friday night before a big crowd at Rogers High. Ross came in 1-0 after beating Toledo Central Catholic 20-6 while the Titans came in 0-1.
The buildup to this game lasted all week with St. Johns students showing up at Ross High with t-shirts that said, "you'll work for us". That kind of hype combined with the fact that the Titans had beaten the Little Giants the previous season 33-0 ignited a fire inside the entire Ross team that St. Johns players would not soon forget.
The Little Giants were led by Kelly Lytle who got things underway in the first quarter with a 47 yard TD run. Brian McCords PAT was good and Ross led 7-0. The second quarter was more of the same from the Little Giants. Lytle rambled for 45 yard TD run as the quarter began and then bolted for a 20 yard score midway through the stanza. McCord PATS after both Lytle scores put the Little Giants up 21-0. While Lytle was running all over the Titan defense, the Little Giant defensive effort was outstanding, stopping every St. Johns posession before they could get any momentum.
St. Johns attempt to regroup at halftime was futile The Little Giant offense continued to roll and the defense continued to smother the Titans in the third quarter. Aaron Hines scored on a 6 yard TD run at the 9:28 mark of the third. The PAT was not good and Ross led 27-0. That score remained the same until the 9:13 mark of the final quarter when Little Giant QB David Rhodes connected wth Derek Carnicom on a 29 yard TD pass. After the McCord PAT Ross had a 34-0 lead on the shellshocked Titans. But the Little Giants weren't quite finished. With 3:13 left in the game Tyrus Hamilton scored from one yard out. McCord put the kick through the uprights and Ross led 41-0.
How dominating were the Little Giants on this hot late summers night? Ross rolled to 437 yards of total offense while holding St. Johns to just 54. Kelly Lytle had 16 carries for 229 yards on the night as he led the Little Giants to a 2-0 record and St. Johns slipped to 0-2.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday morning thoughts...8/28/10
DEFENSE!
When is the last time the Little Giant defense won a game? Well they won last nights game at Spartan Stadium. Ross chugged to a 17-0 victory over the Spartans before a quiet crowd dominated by folks in purple and white. The Ross defense allowed the Spartans just three first downs and a total of 115 yards of offense. Twice the Spartans were in the Little Giant red zone, knocking on the door and twice the Ross defense stiffened and held, posting their first shutout since a 47-0 win over hapless Lorain Southview in the fifth week of the 2007 season.
The Little Giant offense finished with 217 total yards in a less than stellar evening. It seemed as though the first game jitters had set in, but coach Kidwell said that he didn't need to open up the playbook to beat the Spartans. We hope that's the case because a very powerful Whitmer Panther squad visits the Don next Friday night, coming in fresh off a 35-6 win over Tiffin Columbian. We're going to need a similar defensive effort and a much more open playbook to beat what may be the best DI team in Northwest Ohio, maybe in region two.
The running of Brown, Stout and especially Trautwein kept the offense moving. Trautwein is one tough kid. #25 was dragging several Spartan defenders along with him as he gained additional yardage on a number of occasions. Stouts helmet came off as he scored his TD and I was impressed as he just got up, very workman-like as if to say, "it's just another play, time to move on". Also very workman-like last night was Greg Brown. The future Wolverine was hammered by Spartan defenders every time he got near the ball. Greg kept his wits about him, got up, walked back to the huddle and played ball. It might be noted here that Ross was penalized just three times last night. None of those were personal fouls. Start was flagged just one time.
Sophomore QB Tyler Wolfs first varsity game was a decent effort. I believe the young man will only get better. One thing about having a former Mr. Football and former QB as your head coach is that you can be sure you're going to have good QB's . I believe Wolf will compare well with the likes of Opelt, Ottney, and Foos by the time his days at Ross are done.
Other notes...
The Marching Little Giants halftime performance was a good one. They never fail to deliver on the field. We get that Ms. Lewis doesn't care that the band is at a football game otherwise, and it shows as the band generally just sits on their hands during the game when their involvement would be appreciated.
There were significantly more Fremonters at Spartan Stadium last night than the home fans. Despite that fact the Ross fans were real quiet. That will have to change next Friday night when Whitmer comes to the Don for a playoff-atmosphere type game.
44 million dollars in the hole, no sports, closing buildings. That's the situation in the Toledo City School District. We are all aware of the plight of public education in the Glass City. You couldn't tell it from the beautiful new building at Start. I realize that building was built mostly by tobacco settlement money but wow, what a facility...the school, not the stadium.
So now it's on to the home opener at Don Paul Stadium next Friday night against Whitmer. We all..the team, the band, the fans... are going to have to turn up the intensity to beat a very good Panther team. Are you ready? Can we do it?
When is the last time the Little Giant defense won a game? Well they won last nights game at Spartan Stadium. Ross chugged to a 17-0 victory over the Spartans before a quiet crowd dominated by folks in purple and white. The Ross defense allowed the Spartans just three first downs and a total of 115 yards of offense. Twice the Spartans were in the Little Giant red zone, knocking on the door and twice the Ross defense stiffened and held, posting their first shutout since a 47-0 win over hapless Lorain Southview in the fifth week of the 2007 season.
The Little Giant offense finished with 217 total yards in a less than stellar evening. It seemed as though the first game jitters had set in, but coach Kidwell said that he didn't need to open up the playbook to beat the Spartans. We hope that's the case because a very powerful Whitmer Panther squad visits the Don next Friday night, coming in fresh off a 35-6 win over Tiffin Columbian. We're going to need a similar defensive effort and a much more open playbook to beat what may be the best DI team in Northwest Ohio, maybe in region two.
The running of Brown, Stout and especially Trautwein kept the offense moving. Trautwein is one tough kid. #25 was dragging several Spartan defenders along with him as he gained additional yardage on a number of occasions. Stouts helmet came off as he scored his TD and I was impressed as he just got up, very workman-like as if to say, "it's just another play, time to move on". Also very workman-like last night was Greg Brown. The future Wolverine was hammered by Spartan defenders every time he got near the ball. Greg kept his wits about him, got up, walked back to the huddle and played ball. It might be noted here that Ross was penalized just three times last night. None of those were personal fouls. Start was flagged just one time.
Sophomore QB Tyler Wolfs first varsity game was a decent effort. I believe the young man will only get better. One thing about having a former Mr. Football and former QB as your head coach is that you can be sure you're going to have good QB's . I believe Wolf will compare well with the likes of Opelt, Ottney, and Foos by the time his days at Ross are done.
Other notes...
The Marching Little Giants halftime performance was a good one. They never fail to deliver on the field. We get that Ms. Lewis doesn't care that the band is at a football game otherwise, and it shows as the band generally just sits on their hands during the game when their involvement would be appreciated.
There were significantly more Fremonters at Spartan Stadium last night than the home fans. Despite that fact the Ross fans were real quiet. That will have to change next Friday night when Whitmer comes to the Don for a playoff-atmosphere type game.
44 million dollars in the hole, no sports, closing buildings. That's the situation in the Toledo City School District. We are all aware of the plight of public education in the Glass City. You couldn't tell it from the beautiful new building at Start. I realize that building was built mostly by tobacco settlement money but wow, what a facility...the school, not the stadium.
So now it's on to the home opener at Don Paul Stadium next Friday night against Whitmer. We all..the team, the band, the fans... are going to have to turn up the intensity to beat a very good Panther team. Are you ready? Can we do it?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Week one in Ross football history...1960
Louisville(KY) Bishop Flaget 25
Ross 7
Saturday night 9/10/60 the Little Giants made what is to this date, their longest road trip. Ross traveled to Louisville, KY for the first game of that season, losing to the Braves of Bishop Flaget High School 25-7. The game itself was not the best performance in the history of our program but the history behind it holds a few treasures of Little Giant lore.
In the 1960 preseason the OHSAA decided to allow teams to play an 11th regular season game. Ross already had seven home games scheduled for Harmon Stadium so the athletic dept wanted to schedule a road game. Thanks to connections that head coach Mal Mackey had, Ross found a week one game with the Bishop Flaget Braves.
Mal Mackey grew up in New Albany, Indiana, a suburb of Louisville. Through connections Mackey was able to set up the contest between the Little Giants and Braves. Once the game was set decisions had to be made as to how to transport the team to Kentucky. The decision was made easy by generous Fremont businesses and industries, as well as once again, Mal Mackeys connections.
Prior to the 1960 season many of Ohios more prominent programs had taken on out of state opponents. Those trips were all made by train or bus. The News-Messenger reported that Fremont Ross became the first Ohio high school to have its team fly to an out of state game. The Little Giants boarded chartered planes used by the Purdue University football team to fly to Louisville. It is worth mentioning that the Purdue athletic director at the time was Red Mackey. Does that last name sound familiar? Connections help.
The game was scheduled for the 14,000 seat stadium at Louisville Manuel High School, and played in a light rain. Flaget drew first blood on an 8 play 51 yard drive capped by a 12 yard TD run by Sophomore Sonny Alexander. Ross took over after the score and committed the first of two first half fumbles. The Braves took advantage and punched in their second score to lead 13-0. Ross closed the Flaget lead to 13-7 thanks to two Brave penalties. The Little Giant scoring drive was a 64 yarder capped by 2 yard touchdown run by Maurice Gnepper.
After Flaget took a 19-7 lead the Little Giants moved the ball to the Brave 24. Two Ross pass attempts fell short and the half ended 19-7 Bishop Flaget. The Braves put the final points of the game on the board capping a 56 yard drive to go up 25-7 in the second half.
Jim Ohms led Little Giant runners with 68 yards on 10 carries. The Little Giants completed no passes to 4 completions for Flaget. Ross outgained the Braves on the ground 199-163.
Ross 7
Saturday night 9/10/60 the Little Giants made what is to this date, their longest road trip. Ross traveled to Louisville, KY for the first game of that season, losing to the Braves of Bishop Flaget High School 25-7. The game itself was not the best performance in the history of our program but the history behind it holds a few treasures of Little Giant lore.
In the 1960 preseason the OHSAA decided to allow teams to play an 11th regular season game. Ross already had seven home games scheduled for Harmon Stadium so the athletic dept wanted to schedule a road game. Thanks to connections that head coach Mal Mackey had, Ross found a week one game with the Bishop Flaget Braves.
Mal Mackey grew up in New Albany, Indiana, a suburb of Louisville. Through connections Mackey was able to set up the contest between the Little Giants and Braves. Once the game was set decisions had to be made as to how to transport the team to Kentucky. The decision was made easy by generous Fremont businesses and industries, as well as once again, Mal Mackeys connections.
Prior to the 1960 season many of Ohios more prominent programs had taken on out of state opponents. Those trips were all made by train or bus. The News-Messenger reported that Fremont Ross became the first Ohio high school to have its team fly to an out of state game. The Little Giants boarded chartered planes used by the Purdue University football team to fly to Louisville. It is worth mentioning that the Purdue athletic director at the time was Red Mackey. Does that last name sound familiar? Connections help.
The game was scheduled for the 14,000 seat stadium at Louisville Manuel High School, and played in a light rain. Flaget drew first blood on an 8 play 51 yard drive capped by a 12 yard TD run by Sophomore Sonny Alexander. Ross took over after the score and committed the first of two first half fumbles. The Braves took advantage and punched in their second score to lead 13-0. Ross closed the Flaget lead to 13-7 thanks to two Brave penalties. The Little Giant scoring drive was a 64 yarder capped by 2 yard touchdown run by Maurice Gnepper.
After Flaget took a 19-7 lead the Little Giants moved the ball to the Brave 24. Two Ross pass attempts fell short and the half ended 19-7 Bishop Flaget. The Braves put the final points of the game on the board capping a 56 yard drive to go up 25-7 in the second half.
Jim Ohms led Little Giant runners with 68 yards on 10 carries. The Little Giants completed no passes to 4 completions for Flaget. Ross outgained the Braves on the ground 199-163.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saturday morning thoughts 8/21/10
It's been a loooooong time since I've taken the time to post some thoughts but this muggy Saturday morning is as good a time as any to get back at it. This brief scrimmage edition of my Saturday morning thoughts looks at last nights Jamboree at Don Paul Stadium.
As I pulled into the parking lot at the Don it was heartening to see so many people already in their seats. Fans from four schools, Ross, SJCC, Lake, and Toledo Waite, were all there to watch their favorite squad in preseason action. I bought my $5.00 worth of 50/50 tickets not caring if I won at all. I knew the money was going to a good cause, the recovery of Lake High School from the devastating tornado damage suffered in June. I dropped some cash at the booster store buying a new Ross flag to fly from my home up here in Michigan, as well as some new shirts. I also bought one of the jamboree shirts to benefit the Lake recovery effort. Sales looked brisk and that was a good thing to see as well. When the 50/50 was drawn, the Fremonter who won showed his Little Giant class by donating his winnings to the Lake Schools.
Moving onto the Ross-Waite scrimmage the word dominant comes to mind. The Little Giants allowed the Indians to cross the 50 just two times. In two quarters Ross rolled up 35 easy points. The offense Coach Derek Kidwell has chosen to run this season was put on display and was very effective against a weak Indian defensive effort. Greg Brown put the first points on the board with a 55 yard run for a TD in the first quarter. Brown was then on the receiving end of a 65 yard pass from T.J. Wolf for the second Little Giant score. Trent Stout and Tyler Trautwein both had good nights with strong runs. Trautwein, as well as Jared Ballenger scored TD's. I must admit I do not have the young mans name but our kicker this year is an exchange student from Brazil and he did a good job last night. His kickoffs were crisp and he made all but one PAT.
Back to Greg Brown for a moment. Most of last season and into the postseason, the young man was the subject of a lot of criticism for his attitude both on and off the field. Fans from Fremont as well as other communities(including myself) were hard on the young man for what was seen as selfish behavior. Well last night the future Wolverine provided some proof that he has grown up and moved beyond that kind of attitude. The Greg Brown I witnessed last evening was a TEAM leader. I saw him working hard, slapping his teammates helmets, encouraging them. He seemed to be getting up when plays were complete, going back to the huddle, without the actions that created so much controversy last season. It's early in the season to be sure, but what I saw last night was the kind of Senior leadership out of an incredibly talented young man that will be needed for a successful 2010 season. Let's hope it continues.
All in all a successful night at the Don all the way around. Good luck to the Indians, our friends at SJCC, and best of luck on a great season and continued recovery to the good folks up in Lake Township. I'll see my fellow Little Giant fans at Spartan Stadium next Friday night!
As I pulled into the parking lot at the Don it was heartening to see so many people already in their seats. Fans from four schools, Ross, SJCC, Lake, and Toledo Waite, were all there to watch their favorite squad in preseason action. I bought my $5.00 worth of 50/50 tickets not caring if I won at all. I knew the money was going to a good cause, the recovery of Lake High School from the devastating tornado damage suffered in June. I dropped some cash at the booster store buying a new Ross flag to fly from my home up here in Michigan, as well as some new shirts. I also bought one of the jamboree shirts to benefit the Lake recovery effort. Sales looked brisk and that was a good thing to see as well. When the 50/50 was drawn, the Fremonter who won showed his Little Giant class by donating his winnings to the Lake Schools.
Moving onto the Ross-Waite scrimmage the word dominant comes to mind. The Little Giants allowed the Indians to cross the 50 just two times. In two quarters Ross rolled up 35 easy points. The offense Coach Derek Kidwell has chosen to run this season was put on display and was very effective against a weak Indian defensive effort. Greg Brown put the first points on the board with a 55 yard run for a TD in the first quarter. Brown was then on the receiving end of a 65 yard pass from T.J. Wolf for the second Little Giant score. Trent Stout and Tyler Trautwein both had good nights with strong runs. Trautwein, as well as Jared Ballenger scored TD's. I must admit I do not have the young mans name but our kicker this year is an exchange student from Brazil and he did a good job last night. His kickoffs were crisp and he made all but one PAT.
Back to Greg Brown for a moment. Most of last season and into the postseason, the young man was the subject of a lot of criticism for his attitude both on and off the field. Fans from Fremont as well as other communities(including myself) were hard on the young man for what was seen as selfish behavior. Well last night the future Wolverine provided some proof that he has grown up and moved beyond that kind of attitude. The Greg Brown I witnessed last evening was a TEAM leader. I saw him working hard, slapping his teammates helmets, encouraging them. He seemed to be getting up when plays were complete, going back to the huddle, without the actions that created so much controversy last season. It's early in the season to be sure, but what I saw last night was the kind of Senior leadership out of an incredibly talented young man that will be needed for a successful 2010 season. Let's hope it continues.
All in all a successful night at the Don all the way around. Good luck to the Indians, our friends at SJCC, and best of luck on a great season and continued recovery to the good folks up in Lake Township. I'll see my fellow Little Giant fans at Spartan Stadium next Friday night!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Holiday weekend rememberances
Sitting in my ratty recliner on this Thanksgiving weekend morning has me reflecting on our past.
I read this morning that another part of Fremonts business community has announced that they will be closing up shop. Swint-Reineck hardware has announced that they will be closing after serving Fremont for well over a century. This isn't a blog to blast companies that aren't local, or folks who support them. I'll leave that for other forums and blogs. This simply is just to look back, and remember.
Remember when Swint-Reineck was located downtown? They had department store neighbors like Josephs, Penneys, The Lion Store, Montgomery Ward, and Marconi's. Clothing stores abounded along Front St. Names like Lytles, Lords, Bintz, Richards, and Pfisters provided clothing options to the local shopper. You had the option of eating and drinking at Creightons, and Nickles Cafe, along with the restaurants at the Hotel Fremont. Speaking of "The Fremont" travellers could stay there, or at the Hotel Jackson, or at the Colonial Hotel(before it became seedy). Those three were forerunners of the Fort Stephenson Hotel which later became what we now know as the Fort Stephenson House.
All those businesses survived because folks travelling across Northern Ohio had to go through downtown Fremont to get to their destination. If you were going from Toledo to Cleveland on US 20 you came through Fremont on State Street. If you were headed from the Columbus area to Lake Erie, you came through downtown on SR 53 on Front Street. If you were travelling from Lima to Sandusky you followed US 6 through downtown. And in those days there was only one bridge over the Sandusky River. The State Street Bridge carried all the traffic over the River as the Miles Newton Bridge was not even thought of yet.
I can still recall wanting to go downtown when my parents would head down there for shopping. The streets were busy with folks doing their business. And during the holidays it was a treat to walk from store to store with the snowflakes falling around you.
The long-ago memories didn't just exist downtown. If you needed to buy groceries you didn't have to go to a Super K-Mart or Wal-Mart to do it. All you had to do was go to your neighborhood corner store. They were all over Fremont. Now don't confuse these neighborhood markets with the party stores of today, they are nothing like that. In our west side neighborhood we would patronize Stierwalts Market at Napoleon and Spruce Sts. They were one of literally dozens of neighborhood markets all over the city. If you look closely as you go through town you can see remnants of these little stores. Names like Schwartz, Koebels, the Stadium carryout and more come to mind. And if you wanted a special treat there were the soda fountains that provided good stuff. Behrens at East State and Fifth Sts, Trempers downtown, and my favorite, Falquettes at West State and Franklin Ave, were places where you could get a sweet treat. I still recall Joe Wise calling us all by name as we came into Falquettes as we walked home from Stamm School. You don't get that at Wendys or McDonalds.
The few links to our past are becoming fewer and fewer. Grund Drugs downtown is one of the few links to our history that comes to mind. It's a sad fact that times and memories change.
I read this morning that another part of Fremonts business community has announced that they will be closing up shop. Swint-Reineck hardware has announced that they will be closing after serving Fremont for well over a century. This isn't a blog to blast companies that aren't local, or folks who support them. I'll leave that for other forums and blogs. This simply is just to look back, and remember.
Remember when Swint-Reineck was located downtown? They had department store neighbors like Josephs, Penneys, The Lion Store, Montgomery Ward, and Marconi's. Clothing stores abounded along Front St. Names like Lytles, Lords, Bintz, Richards, and Pfisters provided clothing options to the local shopper. You had the option of eating and drinking at Creightons, and Nickles Cafe, along with the restaurants at the Hotel Fremont. Speaking of "The Fremont" travellers could stay there, or at the Hotel Jackson, or at the Colonial Hotel(before it became seedy). Those three were forerunners of the Fort Stephenson Hotel which later became what we now know as the Fort Stephenson House.
All those businesses survived because folks travelling across Northern Ohio had to go through downtown Fremont to get to their destination. If you were going from Toledo to Cleveland on US 20 you came through Fremont on State Street. If you were headed from the Columbus area to Lake Erie, you came through downtown on SR 53 on Front Street. If you were travelling from Lima to Sandusky you followed US 6 through downtown. And in those days there was only one bridge over the Sandusky River. The State Street Bridge carried all the traffic over the River as the Miles Newton Bridge was not even thought of yet.
I can still recall wanting to go downtown when my parents would head down there for shopping. The streets were busy with folks doing their business. And during the holidays it was a treat to walk from store to store with the snowflakes falling around you.
The long-ago memories didn't just exist downtown. If you needed to buy groceries you didn't have to go to a Super K-Mart or Wal-Mart to do it. All you had to do was go to your neighborhood corner store. They were all over Fremont. Now don't confuse these neighborhood markets with the party stores of today, they are nothing like that. In our west side neighborhood we would patronize Stierwalts Market at Napoleon and Spruce Sts. They were one of literally dozens of neighborhood markets all over the city. If you look closely as you go through town you can see remnants of these little stores. Names like Schwartz, Koebels, the Stadium carryout and more come to mind. And if you wanted a special treat there were the soda fountains that provided good stuff. Behrens at East State and Fifth Sts, Trempers downtown, and my favorite, Falquettes at West State and Franklin Ave, were places where you could get a sweet treat. I still recall Joe Wise calling us all by name as we came into Falquettes as we walked home from Stamm School. You don't get that at Wendys or McDonalds.
The few links to our past are becoming fewer and fewer. Grund Drugs downtown is one of the few links to our history that comes to mind. It's a sad fact that times and memories change.
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.
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.
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.
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