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October 2009

28 local teams likely set for playoffs

The Ohio High School Athletic Association is scheduled to release its official football playoff pairings Sunday, Nov. 1, at about 2:30 p.m. Here are the local teams expected to be in:

Division I: Wayne, Centerville, Springfield

Division II: Tecumseh, Trotwood-Madison, West Carrollton, Wilmington

Division III: Tippecanoe, Bellefontaine, Chaminade Julienne, Monroe, Eaton, Shawnee

Division IV: Clinton-Massie, Alter, Valley View, Carlisle, Waynesville

Division V: Coldwater, West Liberty-Salem, Anna, St. Henry

Division VI: Ansonia, Lehman Catholic, Marion Local, Southeastern, Fort Loramie, Covington

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Before it even plays, Marshall is out

The Marshall High School football team hasn’t even finished its season, but in some ways, it’s already over.

Marshall will play Ponitz Tech tonight at Welcome Stadium to finish one of the more spectacular offensive regular seasons in recent area memory. In nine games, the Cougars have gained 5,073 yards rushing, an average of 563.6 per game.

Even though Marshall has won all of its nine games on the field, it forfeited its first three victories for using an ineligible player. That meant Marshall coaches and supporters watched several games Friday night knowing they needed some help to make the Division IV playoffs.

They didn’t get it. Coach Earl White discussed his disappointment this afternoon knowing that, even before his Cougars finished the season (likely at 7-3), they had no hope of a postseason.

“We’re very disappointed, extremely disappointed,” said White, who was calm and collected, having already accepted the news. “The playoffs is what you work for and strive for when you start lifting weights in January. You sell the kids on it, and we didn’t get in this year.

“You can’t say it was because of them, it was because of an administrative mistake. We think that we definitely belong there this year, we just have to sell the kids on, ‘Hey we didn’t lose on the field this year and have to go with that.’ “

In the past few weeks, as Marshall kept winning and watching other teams’ results, the coaches constantly checked computer points and projections while continuing to prepare their devastating rushing attack.

“It was like an addiction,” White said of eyeing other scores and scenarios.

Marshall, though, came up short. Because of that, one of the most effective rushing teams to ever play in Dayton — one that an opposing coach said “literally makes you sick to your stomach” to prepare for — won’t have a chance to match up against the state’s best and try to make its run.

“Everybody wanted to see us get in,” White said. “For the City of Dayton itself, struggles with academic things, anytime you can draw something positive, especially in football, a sport like no other, is good. There’s so much teamwork, so much community involvement, it can be very uplifting to the community.”

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CJ vs. Alter on ONN tape delay X 3

The Chaminade Julienne-Alter football game will be shown on tape delay on ONN three times.

The first airing is at 10 p.m. today, Oct. 30. It’ll also air at 12:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

The Eagles are 8-1 and the Knights 9-0. The game was moved to Northmont H.S. to accommodate an expected large crowd.

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Against Alter, no one has been close

The Alter High School football team has been skilled and fortunate enough that no team has yet challenged it in the fourth quarter. In winning games by an average of more than 25 points, the Knights haven’t yet faced that late-game, must-win drive against a hyped-up opponent.

Some think that could happen on Friday against Chaminade Julienne.

If that happens, it will be interesting to see how Alter responds. Always one of the best-coached and mentally tough teams in the area, we’ve all been waiting to see how the Knights respond under pressure, if it comes.

“Of course, you prefer not to go into a possession late in the game with things in doubt,” Alter coach Ed Domsitz said. “If we’re mentally where we should be and execute, we should certainly be no worse off than being in a position to be in a ballgame.”

And don’t think, Domsitz said, that games have been softer because they haven’t been close late.

“Purcell and Bacon, they hit down to the end of the ballgame,” Domsitz said. “No one has let up on us.”

Alter’s 2009 results

Fairmont, 47-21

Bellbrook, 27-0

St. John’s Catholic Prep, 27-12

Badin, 27-7

McNicholas, 32-6

Carroll, 53-14

Fenwick, 35-7

Roger Bacon, 27-0

Purcell Marian, 44-14

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Alter-CJ X factor: CJ QB Michael Simpson

Andy Helms was hesitant to start with the praise when asked about his quarterback, Michael Simpson.

“He’s sitting right here studying film with me,” said Helms, the Chaminade Julienne football coach. “So, I can’t say too many nice things.”

Simpson, though, left to grab some lunch, so Helms relented. Simpson, a sophomore, is third in the Greater Catholic League in passing, with 1,462 yards, and has thrown 14 touchdowns against five interceptions.

His play has been a main reason CJ enters Friday’s GCL North Division-deciding game against Alter 8-1 and ranked No. 6 in the state in Division III. Alter, of course, is 9-0 and No. 1 in D-IV, making the game one of the most anticipated in the area this season.

Simpson’s play will help decide the matter.

“We’re really happy with his development, and the team believes in him, in his leadership,” Helms said. “He’s a kid where you sit there and say, ‘He’s a sophomore, how good can he be?’ He’s playing well as a sophomore, and if we put a little run together, the more games you play the more opportunities to grow and get better.”

CJ, like Alter, has already clinched a spot in the playoffs, so that pressure is alleviated. CJ’s challenge is to get close late in the game. Alter has won its nine games by an average of 25.3 points and has only allowed more than 14 points once, in a season-opening 47-21 win against Fairmont.

The Eagles will look in part to Simpson to help them do better.

“He’s been dinged up a little bit, but now he’s fully healthy,” Helms said. “He’s a kid that I think we can use his legs a little bit, use him as a runner heading into the playoffs.”

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Payne to announce college choice Thursday evening

Adreian Payne, the highly recruited Jefferson High School center, is expected to announce his college choice on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m. at Jefferson High School, Jefferson coach Art Winston said Wednesday.

Payne, listed as the 20th-best prospect in his class nationally by Rivals.com, is expected to choose between Arizona, Kentucky, Michigan State and West Virginia.

Known as a skilled shot blocker and rebounder who moves quickly up and down the floor, Payne has been highly recruited throughout his high school career.

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9 in, 16 more Top 8 in playoff nail-biting

Right this second, nine area football teams have qualified for the playoffs.

Then, 16 more are are currently in the Top 8 of their regions, which would qualify them for the playoffs if the season ended today.

Then, there are those who need to win and cross their fingers.

Here’s a summary of where area teams stand:

Division I, Region 4

Top 8: No. 5 Wayne (6-3), No. 8 Lebanon (7-2)

Not eliminated: No. 9 Centerville (7-2), No. 12 Northmont (5-4), No. 13 Springboro (7-2), No. 14 Fairborn (6-3)

Division II, Region 8

Already in: No. 3 Tecumseh (8-1), No. 4 Trotwood-Madison (6-3)

Top 8: No. 5 West Carrollton (8-1), No. 6 Wilmington (7-2)

Not eliminated: No. 11 Carroll (5-4), No. 13 Greenville (3-6)

Division III, Region 10

Already in: No. 5 Tippecanoe (7-2)

Top 8: No. 6 Bellefontaine (8-1)

Not eliminated: No. 9 Graham (7-2)

Division III, Region 12

Already in: No. 1 Chaminade Julienne (8-1)

Top 8: No. 4 Monroe (7-2)

Not eliminated: No. 9 Eaton (7-2), No. 10 Franklin (6-3)

Division IV, Region 16

Already in: No. 1 Clinton-Massie (9-0), No. 3 Alter (9-0)

Top 8: No. 5 Valley View (6-3), No. 6 Carlisle (7-2), No. 7 Milton-Union (6-3) No. 8 Waynesville (7-2)

Not eliminated: No. 10 Marshall (6-3)

Division V, Region 20

Already in: No. 1 Coldwater (8-1), No. 2 West Liberty-Salem (9-0)

Top 8: No. 4 Anna (8-1), No. 6 St. Henry (6-3)

Not eliminated: No. 9 Miami East (8-1)

Division VI, Region 24

Already in: No. 2 Ansonia (9-0)

Top 8: No. 3 Fort Loramie (8-1), No. 4 Southeastern (7-2), No. 6 Lehman Catholic, No. 8 Marion Local (4-5)

Not eliminated: No. 9 Covington (6-3), No. 12 Mississinawa Valley

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Centerville, Creek steamroll to girls soccer rematch

The Centerville and Beavercreek girls soccer teams were already strong when they entered their significant Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division matchup on Sept. 23.

Then, after 80 minutes, they still hadn’t decided anything in a 1-1 tie. In fact, it was the second straight tie between the teams over two seasons.

“So after 160 minutes we’re still trying to figure it out,” Beavercreek coach Steve Popp joked afterward.

Since, seemingly on a mission to play each other again, Centerville and Beavercreek have been mostly dominant. The Beavers have gone 8-0 by a combined score of 48-3 in their games since, including a 4-1 tournament victory against Springboro on Monday.

The Elks have the only slip. They’re 8-1 since but lost to Wayne 3-1 in the regular-season finale on Oct. 14. They’ve taken those eight wins by a total margin of 46-3.

Granted, a few of those big wins came in early tournament games against much weaker opponents, but even disregarding the margins, they’re both playing well.

Now, the teams are a combined 34-1-3 as they go into their head-to-head tournament matchup on Thursday at Northmont High School.

And this time, there can’t be a tie.

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Lebanon RB Bonny helping Warriors to edge of playoffs

The Lebanon High School football team hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2002, a streak in great compromise heading into Week 10.

Preparing for their regular season finale at Miamisburg (1-8), the Warriors (7-2) stand No. 8 in the Division I, Region 4 computer points. If they win, they won’t get those second-level points, of course. But, they’re also in a better position than, say, No. 9 Centerville, No. 12 Northmont or No. 13 Springboro.

Dusty Isaacs and his passing prowess have been deservedly in the spotlight this season for Lebanon, but running back Trey Bonny has been coming on very strong. In last Friday’s 49-21 win against Xenia, Bonny rushed for 247 yards on 15 carries (16.4 yards per carry).

In the past three weeks, Bonny has gained a total of 537 yards and scored three touchdowns, pumping up the Lebanon rushing game to make defenses lose some attention on the pass.

It will be a Friday night filled with watching other scores for the Lebanon parents and supporters this week, but with the Warriors’ offensive capabilities, opposing defense coordinators might not want to see them make it.

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Collaros well-known to Alter football fans

For Alter High School football fans, the heavy use of the name Zach Collaros in recent national football highlights might bring particular sting.

Collaros, a redshirt sophomore quarterback at the University of Cincinnati, made highlight reels for the second straight game on Saturday, Oct. 24, during his performance in the No. 5 Bearcats’ 41-10 win against Louisville. He completed 15-of-17 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns and ran 11 times for 52 yards.

For Knights fans, the box score could have produced reminders of the 2006 Division III state championship football game. In it, Collaros, a Steubenville High School senior, completed 10-of-16 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns and ran 26 times for 44 yards and two more scores in Steubenville’s 34-33 win.

In playing a part in each of Steubenville’s five touchdowns, Collaros turned his previous title game numbers on their head. The year before, in a 28-7 win against Columbus St. Francis DeSales for the title, Collaros ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns and passed for another score.

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Braxton Miller’s Big Day

HUBER HEIGHTS — There was probably only one person rooting for Wayne in Heidkamp Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23, who might have had to smile in half-disappointment with Braxton Miller’s breakout, 320-total-yard game against Centerville.

That was Javon Harrison, the Warriors’ backup freshman quarterback. By the time he entered, Harrison — like everyone else in the stadium — had watched Miller, the junior starter, run for 165 yards and four touchdowns and pass for 155 more yards and another score as Wayne topped Centerville 42-20.

Harrison had already proven his bright future at Wayne, and Wayne coach Jay Minton had talked during the week about how his play had given the Warriors another significant option on offense — that is, Harrison at quarterback and Miller at receiver or some other spot on the field — and many wondered how they would be used on Friday.

It turned out that Miller, seeming now fully healthy, was ready to take over.

It was a result that surprised almost everyone (even the Wayne fans would have to admit that). The Elks, entering the game, had lost only to Moeller 21-19 in Week 3, and Moeller had ascended to the state’s No. 2 ranking in Division.

Wayne, just the week before, had beaten Beavercreek (which is now 4-5) by a score of 9-5, and the Warriors needed to rally to even do that.

In that game, Minton had effectively used Harrison as a substitute for the highly recruited Miller, splitting Miller out at receiver instead of placing him under center. The Wayne offense, admittedly, had been sputtering.

Then came Friday. It was clear from the game’s first two plays — a 22-yard pass from Miller to Bear Westmoreland and a 49-yard Miller touchdown run — that Wayne was emerging from its offensive cocoon.

Miller’s left leg, as well, seemed to have a new life. He suffered what coaches called a deep thigh bruise in Week 4 against Trotwood-Madison, then missed the next two games before playing at a clear partial speed in the next two.

Hence the expectations for a close game, if not a similar score going Centerville’s way instead. The Elks had been winning games (including the previous week 32-0 against Northmont, a team that defeated Wayne) by nearly 40 points apiece.

Centerville moved the ball respectably against Wayne, but three stops on fourth down in the red zone stunted them on the scoreboard.

Wayne had no such trouble. Behind Miller’s legs and his arm — his tosses more accurate and powerful as the game progressed — the Warriors moved into a better playoff position, having entered the game No. 9 in the Division I, Region 4 computer points. With a season finale against Springfield remaining, things look much better for Wayne than they did three weeks ago after the loss to Northmont, 27-14.

Miller’s key plays

— A 49-yard touchdown run on the game’s second play.

— A 2-yard scoring run with 10:07 left in the first quarter to finish a short drive following a fumble on Centerville’s first play to make it 14-0 Wayne.

— A 23-yard touchdown pass to Seth Stuart with 5:22 left in the second quarter to make it 21-14 Wayne. The pass was fast and true, cutting through the Centerville defense into the back of the end zone.

— A 6-yard touchdown run to make it 35-14 Wayne with 11:55 left in the fourth quarter.

— A 10-yard completion to running back Anthone Taylor on a fourth-quarter drive that was decisive and direct to the right sideline. Despite the relatively small 10 years, Miller set up confidently, fired straight and kept the spiral tight, all of which had been missing at times in his throwing motion.

— A 51-yard touchdown run with 7:08 left to make it 42-14 Wayne and set the Heidkamp Stadium crowd into madness. It was joked afterward that Minton ran nearly as fast as Miller down the sideline in excitement during the run.

— And, finally, a kickoff return to the Wayne 38-yard line with 3:04 left, following Centerville’s final score, that looked for a moment like it could turn into more. After he was tackled, Miller clapped his hands together, seemingly frustrated that he couldn’t score a touchdown on a third avenue in an already impressive game.

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Another Mauk leads state in passing

Here we go again with a prolific Mauk at Kenton High School.

This time, instead of record-setting Ben, it’s sophomore Maty, who leads the state in passing with 2,937 yards (367.1 per game) and 31 touchdowns while completing 64 percent of his passes.

Ben Mauk, who played for Kenton from 1999-2002, holds state records in career yards (17,364) and touchdown passes (178). He went on to play for Wake Forest before transferring to Cincinnati to finish his college career.

The second-best passer by yards (Zac Dysert, who went from Ada High School to Miami University) trails Mauk by 6,190 yards, and the No. 2 player in TD passes trails Mauk by 39.

Could Maty Mauk challenge his brother? There are years yet to come.

Ohio’s top prep passers

  1. Maty Mauk, Kenton: 2,937 yards, 31 TDs

  2. George Gresko, Eastlake North: 2,474 yards, 30 TDs

  3. Kyle Copeland, Union Local: 2,212 yards, 17 TDs

  4. Derek Langenkamp, Versailles: 2,128 yards, 25 TDs

  5. Derek Carmichael, Triway: 2,101 yards, 27 TDs

  6. Adam Charles, Girard: 2,079 yards, 24 TDs

  7. Brock Mosier, Fairview: 2,038 yards, 20 TDs

  8. Greg Kahlig, Fort Recovery: 2,016 yards, 21 TDs

  9. Kyle Seyfried, Wyoming: 1,946 yards, 26 TDs

  10. Curtis Watson, Bellevue: 1,924 yards, 12 TDs

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A Replogle, again, playing big for Centerville defense

With two Replogle brothers still in the Centerville football program to continue the family tradition of competitive spirit, coach Ron Ullery has to wonder what the family’s house was like when all four boys were youngsters.

“There had to be some serious driveway basketball games,” Ullery said.

Continuing the line started by older brothers Tyler and Adam, Elks junior Mike Replogle had perhaps his best varsity game last Friday, Oct. 16, in Centerville’s 32-0 defeat of Northmont. The linebacker totaled 15 tackles, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakout (a fourth-down hit heard throughout the stadium).

The win helped the Elks (7-1, 3-0) take control of the Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division heading into the Dayton Daily News Game of the Week against Wayne.

Two other Elks defenders — defensive backs Bryan Kiger (seven tackles, interception, fumble recover) and John Ehrensberger (six tackles, two forced fumbles) — had standout games against Northmont, but Replogle was the leader.

“He has the same business-like approach to football, Ullery said.

The fourth Replogle brother, Jake, is a freshman. He practices several days a week with the varsity but plays in the freshman games.

One wonders why there aren’t holes all over the Replogle family walls with the brothers’ competitive spirit.

“I’m not so sure,” Ullery said, “that there’s not.”

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Marshall coach: ‘I probably lost 15 pounds that week’

Thurgood Marshall had just finished football practice on the low-lying field that once hosted practices for the old Roth High School, and coach Earl White was talking about his team.

Behind him, his four running backs with the mind-boggling numbers — Tavion Wright, Dionte Oliver, Brandon Walker and Quincy Surles — were posing with quarterback Avontae Penn for a photo. They wore their jerseys with serious looks on their faces.

These are serious times for the Marshall football team. Forced to forfeit its first three games for using an ineligible player, Marshall stands 5-3 and on the cusp of the Division IV playoffs. Entering a Week 9 matchup with Dunbar to decide the city championship, the Cougars are No. 9 in the D-IV, Region 16 computer points.

Sports often provide major “What if?” situations, and here’s one for Marshall: What if the Cougars hadn’t been forced to forfeit those games? Would they indeed be considered one of the best teams to ever play in the city?

Discussion on that will continue. But the reality at Marshall is that those three games — wins on the field against Greenon, Chaminade Julienne and Jefferson — are now losses.

“I was absolutely devastated,” White said of learning of the ineligibility. “I probably lost 15 pounds that week, I was absolutely devastated. But, you know, we had no choice but to pick up the pieces and move on.”

Marshall has indeed moved on, winning its four games since the decision by scoring an average of 62 points. The Cougars give up their share of points, but with a tight double wing offense and the mix of speed and power backs, opposing coaches say it’s just too difficult to catch up with their offense.

“They’re the best offensive team we’ve ever played,” said Brad Burchfield, coach at Columbus Bishop Hartley, which Marshall defeated 60-41 in Week 7. “Not even close.”

At the time, Marshall officials declined to elaborate on the ineligibility. On Tuesday, White explained a bit more.

“We had a young man on our roster who was academically ineligible,” White said. “It’s a kid who was here, he was with us last year. Somehow, administratively, we missed his grades, not checking his grades.”

By the time Marshall officials learned of the problem, the players had already participated in the first three games. They all became losses.

But somehow, if Marshall can catch some magic and indeed make the playoffs, with the running backs the coaches expect to gain a combined 5,000 rushing yards during the regular season, many feel the Cougars would be a major threat in D-IV.

“If they make the playoffs and someone stops them, I want to see how they do it,” Burchfield said. “People have an idea how to stop double wing, but I think when you combine backs with those linemen, it’s sickening.

“It literally makes you sick to your stomach.”

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Fairmont soccer has serious momentum

Things might have seemed grim for the Fairmont boys soccer team back on Saturday, Sept. 12.

That day, the Firebirds lost to Lakota East 3-1 to drop to 4-3 on the season following their final non-conference game.

But what a conference season it turned out to be.

Following that loss, Fairmont won eight of its next nine games to become champion of the Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division. It’s a division, by the way, that includes two state-ranked programs, No. 9 Beavercreek and No. 10 Centerville.

Centerville dropped Fairmont 3-1 Oct. 6, but the Firebirds rebounded to beat Beavercreek 3-2 on Oct. 13. With a 4-1-0 division record, Fairmont finished ahead of second-place Centerville (9-0-6, 2-0-3) and third-place Beavercreek (10-2-4, 2-1-2).

As a nod to the accomplishment, Fairmont’s Tom Robey was named GWOC Central coach of the year.

With that momentum, Fairmont will begin its postseason with a game against Little Miami (11-3-1) on Saturday. With the enthusiasm of a strong conference finish, Fairmont could make a strong tournament run.

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Wayne RB Taylor taking heat off QBs

When freshman Javon Harrison made his second start at quarterback for Wayne High School against Northmont in Week 6, many wondered just how much the sub for junior star Braxton Miller would do.

Answer: He threw the ball 45 times. And what did that say about Wayne’s running game?

Those questions have been answered in the past two weeks by junior running back Anthone Taylor. Against Fairmont and Beavercreek in consecutive Wayne wins, Taylor has rushed for a combined 347 yards.

He’s coming on strong at the right time, as Wayne stands No. 9 in the Division I, Region 4 computer points and is struggling for a postseason. The Warriors (5-3) can pick up big-time points — possibly even enough to get over the hump — on Friday against Centerville (7-1) in the Dayton Daily News Game of the Week.

To do it, it looks like Wayne will need more help from Taylor. Last week against Beavercreek, the Warriors got just 57 total passing yards, and Harrison came in late in the game to relieve Miller (who was playing his second game since returning from the thigh bruise that kept him out of two games).

Taylor rumbled, averaging 8.4 yards on 21 carries in helping Wayne to the win. Granted, Taylor went through a rough patch as Wayne struggled to a win against Trotwood-Madison (Taylor had 52 yards) and losses against Troy (40 yards) and Northmont (81 yards as Harrison chucked it 45 times).

With the quarterback position still iffy, despite the unquestioned upside of both Miller and Harrison, it might be Taylor who becomes the most important offensive player for Wayne in weeks 9 and 10.

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CJ-Alter moved to Northmont High School

Feeling the building enthusiasm for the season-ending football matchup between Alter and Chaminade Julienne (which we discussed earlier today) will be played at Northmont High School’s stadium on Friday, Oct. 30, CJ athletic director Michael Raiff said today.

Alter, the defending Division IV state champion, is 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state in D-IV. CJ, at 7-1, is ranked No. 6 in D-III. Both lead their region in computer points. Both also play 1-7 opponents this Friday.

Both are members of the Greater Catholic League North Division, in which Alter is 5-0 and CJ is 4-1. CJ’s only loss (aside from a defeat against Marshall that was later forfeited) came in overtime against McNicholas, 17-16, in Week 4.

“Alter’s just had a phenomenal run, so I think everybody is excited about what they’re doing,” Raiff said. “And CJ, the boys here have put together a nice run, so it should be a fun game.”

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Can Lebanon’s Dusty Isaacs get to 2,000 yards?

Lebanon quarterback Dusty Isaacs leads the Greater Western Ohio Conference’s top passing attack.

In the season’s final two weeks, the senior can also reach a big passing milestone before moving on to the baseball season and, then, pitching at Georgia Tech.

After throwing for 214 yards last Friday against Fairborn, Isaacs now has 1,595 passing yards this season. In his final two games, he needs 405 yards to reach 2,000 for the season.

He also has 18 touchdown passes against just two interceptions.

So, can it happen? In its final two games, Lebanon (6-2, 2-0) plays Xenia (2-6, 1-2) and Miamisburg (1-7, 0-2). Xenia has allowed 121.9 passing yards per game, and Miamisburg has allowed 83.4 passing yards per game, although no one else aside from Lebanon has been throwing all that much.

Unless he misses significant time because Lebanon is ahead, Isaacs has a very good shot of being a 2,000-yard passer.

Isaacs game by game

Week 1: vs. Kings, 6-12, 138 yards

Week 2: at Loveland, 7-13, 175

Week 3: vs. Trotwood-Madison, 10-23, 195

Week 4: at Fairmont, 13-19, 206

Week 5: vs. Piqua, 19-25, 396

Week 6: at Springboro, 13-25, 208

Week 7: at Troy, 5-18, 63

Week 8: vs. Fairborn, 14-27, 214

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Alter-CJ matchup growing with Eagles’ jump in polls

By beating Purcell Marian 25-3 on Friday, Oct. 16, Chaminade Julienne jumped three spots in the Associated Press state Division III poll, from No. 9 to No. 6.

The improved state ranking, as well as the Eagles’ 7-1 record, makes their season-ending matchup with state power Alter (8-0) in Week 10 more interesting by the day.

Alter, of course, is unbeaten, ranked No. 1 in the state in Division IV and everyone’s favorite to repeat as the D-IV state champion.

Both have one game remaining before the matchup, and by record, it shouldn’t be much of a challenge. On Friday, CJ hosts Roger Bacon (1-7) at West Carrollton Junior High School, and Alter hosts Purcell Marian (1-7) at Fairmont.

Both should also remain on top of their region’s computer points rankings — CJ in D-III, Region 12, and Alter in D-IV, Region 16 — so a loss wouldn’t hold one out of the playoffs. The game would be for a conference championship and bragging rights.

Area teams in state Top 10

DIVISION II: No. 8 (tie) Tecumseh

DIVISION III: No. 6 Chaminade Julienne

DIVISION IV: No. 1 Alter, No. 6 Clinton-Massie

DIVISION V: No. 2 Coldwater, No. 5 Anna, No. 9 West Liberty-Salem

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Golf, tennis state tournaments this weekend

State champions in Division I boys and girls golf and Divisions I and II girls tennis will be determined this weekend in Columbus.

The D-I boys golf will be played Friday and Saturday at the Ohio State University Scarlet Course. Centerville qualified as a team with players Shane Combs, Drew Dunaway, Nathan Fischer, Austin Sipe and Caleb Wolters. Sidney’s Zach Yinger qualified as an individual.

The D-I girls golf will also be played Friday and Saturday, at OSU’s Gray Course. There were no local team qualifiers, but Tippecanoe’s Laura Murray and Megan Swan both qualified as individuals.

Both D-I and D-II girls tennis will be played Friday at the Stickney Tennis Center on the Ohio State campus and Saturday at Hilliard Davidson High School. In D-I, Marianne Bonanno (Northmont) and Sierra Nellessen (Tippecanoe) qualified in singles and the pair of Anastasia Voevodin and Elise Ranich qualified in doubles.

In D-II, there were two local singles qualifiers — Alyssa Ritchie (Waynesville) and Katie Boeckman (Alter) — and two local doubles qualifiers — Nicci Dresden and Mollie Buerschen (Chaminade Julienne) and Hilary Paisley and Jackie White (Oakwood).

Last weekend, the Oakwood won the Division II boys golf state championship.

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Oakwood, Alter 1-2 after first day of boys D-II state golf tourney

COLUMBUS — Oakwood is the first-day team leader in the boys Division II state golf tournament, and a familiar foe trails in second: Alter.

Ronnie Stump and Adam Bogdan each fired 73 at the Northstar Golf Resort at Sunbury on Friday, Oct. 16, to lead the Lumberjacks with a first-day 308 total. Those 73’s also tied four others for first-day medalist honors, including Alter’s Alec Tahy.

In Friday’s D-II girls state tourney at the OSU Gray Course, Graham is fourth, Alter fifth and Chaminade Julienne seventh. At the OSU Scarlet Course, Minster is second in the D-III boys tourney, trailing lead Stasburg-Franklin by three strokes. Lehman Catholic is 10th.

All the tournaments resume at 9 a.m. Saturday for the final 18 holes.

Also joining in Oakwood’s scoring were Corey Weckerling (80) and Patrick Meeks (82).

Alter trails Oakwood by five strokes. Other Knights who figured scoring were Jon Neroni (76), Sam Bertrams (81) and Andrew Henehan (83).

In the D-II boys individual field, Versailles’ Wes Drees shot 80.

Graham’s Jessie Jordan shot 85 to lead Graham in the D-II girls tourney. However, the Falcons trail leader Poland Seminary by 26 strokes.

Grace Nikolai (79) paced Alter, good for a tie for seventh overall. CJ was led by Madeline Kaminski and Micaela Cronin (88 each).

Among the D-II girls individuals, Fort Loramie’s Brooke Albers shot 82 and Miranda Cunningham of Dayton Christian 87.

In the D-III boys tourney, Craig Purpus (78) led Minster and Ben Thieman paced Lehman Catholic (82).

The boys and girls Division I state tournaments are next weekend.

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The biggest game in Ohio this weekend (hint: small schools)

Could it be bigger than two teams ranked No. 1 in the state facing off?

That’s what it will be on Friday, Oct. 16, when Coldwater visits Delphos St. John’s in what should be a spectacular high school football game.

Coldwater is 7-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state in Division V.

St. John’s is 7-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state in Division VI.

But, ask those teams, and they might tell you the win is more important for the Midwest Athletic Conference than for any state ranking. St. John’s won four consecutive league titles from 1997-2000 before Coldwater won or shared six of the next eight titles, including last year’s.

Some research by our department’s B.J. Bethel brought about this nugget: Since the 2002 season, Coldwater has only lost only two league games, one against Versailles in 2003 (12-10) and another against Marion Local in 2007 (35-14).

It’ll likely be the best game in Ohio this weekend.

If you’re going, get there early.

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Adam Conlon’s PK goal enables Fairmont to beat Creek for GWOC Central title

By Dave Long

Contributing Writer

Beavercreek and Centerville had the boys soccer rankings, but Fairmont has the Central Division championship in the Greater Western Ohio Conference.

The Firebirds won their first conference championship in 10 years Tuesday, Oct. 13 with a controversial 3-2 win over Beavercreek, the top-ranked team in the area.

Fairmont finished 4-1-0 in the Central with an .800 winning percentage. Centerville, No. 2 in the area, played to a 0-0 tie with Wayne Tuesday. That gave the Elks a 2-0-3 record (.700). Creek was 2-1-2.

The winning goal for Fairmont came with 47 seconds remaining on a penalty kick from senior Adam Conlon. It was his second goal of the night.

Conlon.JPG
Fairmont’s Adam Conlon (left), here working against Alter this season, provided the winning Firebirds goal with :04 left. Photo by Nick Falzerano

The PK was given after a Fairmont player was taken down on the end of penalty area by a Creek defender.

“It was close, but two officials called it at the same time,” said Fairmont coach Tom Robey. “We went with Adam on the PK because he had scored a goal earlier in the game. He’s played well the last couple of matches. We just felt he was the hot player.

“We had a 2-0 lead and let it get away.”

Beavercreek coach John Guiliano was obviously not happy with the call.

“The foul came outside the box and it shouldn’t have been a PK,” he said. “But there’s not much I can do about it.”

Sidney won the GWOC North Division with a 3-0-0 record. Miamisburg was the South Division champ at 3-0-1.

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GWOC to vote on expansion in November

Three area school districts have applied to join the Greater Western Ohio Conference, and the conference is expected to vote in November on the possible expansion, commissioner Eric Spahr said.

West Carrollton, Greenville and another unidentified school have applied to potentially add a school each to the North and South divisions and expand them to six schools. The Central Division currently has six schools.

West Carrollton and Greenville are both independent.

Spahr said the conference had previously considered reorganizing into two divisions of eight teams each with the current membership, but that idea fizzled. Since, the conference has become interested in the possibility of expanding the two divisions that now stand at five schools each for competitive, scheduling and travel balance.

The GWOC offers 21 sports and competitions in academics and cheerleading.

“We are a solid conference,” Spahr said. “Our members’ needs are important from the biggest to the smallest members, and a possible expansion can improve our operations and competition as a conference.”

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Missing Homecoming, and then practice

TIPP CITY — Alex Trotter said the toughest phone call wasn’t to his coach about his sickness, but to his Homecoming date.

“I started feeling really bad at about 3 or 4,” said Trotter, a Tippecanoe tight end and defensive end, about the flu arrival on Saturday, Oct. 3. “So I called my date and said I couldn’t go.”

How did she take it?

“Oh, she was so mad,” he said.

I was talking with Trotter this afternoon about preparing for and playing football with the flu, which has been a big storyline in the Miami Valley this season. Almost every team has been touched at some point by the flu bug, and some more than most. Tipp, for instance, had to push off its Oct. 9 game against Bellefontaine because of mass sickness at the school.

The schools made up the game on Sunday, and Tipp won the significant matchup. That came after a week of wondering how many players would be there (coach Charlie Burgbacher said as many as 28 of his 45 varsity players missed school last Wednesday) and preparing for the difficult physical matchup with weakened players.

The problems had started the previous Saturday, affecting some, like Trotter, on their Homecoming plans.

“Well, the guy you’re gonna talk to next,” Trotter said of teammate Jon Bruce, the next interview, “he took her instead.”

But even though Bruce made it to the dance, he missed some school and also had to rally to return to the field. The Tipp center talked about the difficulties of wearing pads and being physical after missing conditioning and practice.

“It just feels like you’re carrying a bigger load,” Bruce said. “Everything seems like it’s going slower, the helmet is heavier. Everything is just different.”

With three regular-season games remaining, teams could face challenges in fielding their top players weakened by illness as those wins become even more important for the playoff push. It will be a key storyline through the end of October.

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Elks enter tough stretch run

The Centerville High School football team enters Week 8 after elevateing itself into the clear top big-school team in the Miami Valley, but it’s a tough road ahead.

The Elks, in their final three games, travel to Northmont, travel to Wayne and host Fairmont. But they’ve shown, at 6-1 and 2-0 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division, that they can handle tough opponents.

Centerville fans likely got a boost this weekend in learning that Moeller, the only team to beat the Elks this season, beat Elder 35-13 on Friday at Elder. The Elks hosted Moeller in Week 3 and lost 21-19.

Since, Centerville has been wiping out its opponents, as the closest game during its four-game winning streak has been its 30-point victory against Beavercreek on Friday.

But, including the passion surrounding each game, few teams in the area have a tougher close to their season.

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Tipp-Bellefontaine rescheduled for Sunday

The anticipated matchup between the Tippecanoe and Bellefontaine high school football teams postponed from Friday, Oct. 9, because of mass illness at Tipp will be played at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Bellefontaine.

Matt Shomper, athletic director at Tippecanoe, announced the rescheduled game Friday night.

Tipp announced that student presale tickets will be available at Clark’s and at the Tippecanoe Atthletic Booster Fan Store during the weekend at a cost of $4 each.

Bellefontaine is 6-0 and 1-0 in the Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division heading into the game, while Tippecanoe is 5-1 and 1-0. Tipp’s only loss came in its season opener against Graham (28-3) in a game missed by nearly a dozen Tippecanoe players because of injury or suspension.

There will be plenty more fun in the CBC Kenton Trail Division, though, after Sunday. Aside from Bellefontaine and Tippecanoe, Tecumseh is 7-0 after a 43-6 win against Stebbins on Friday.

Tecumseh closes with Tippecanoe in Week 9 and Bellefontaine in Week 10.

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Freshman starts, but Miller finishes for Wayne

By Kyle Nagel Staff Writer

KETTERING — Freshman Javon Harrison started the Wayne High School football team’s game against Fairmont tonight, Oct. 9.

Braxton Miller, Wayne’s star junior quarterback, didn’t start for the third straight game since suffering a thigh bruise in Week 4 against Trotwood-Madison.

Miller, however, entered on the second series as a wide receiver, and Harrison threw an incomplete pass toward Miller deep down the right side.

Miller also took snaps with the starters during warmups, but Harrison entered on the first series to start.

Beginning with the fifth series, though, Miller returned to quarterback, and he helped Wayne beat Fairmont 21-14 with two fourth-quarter touchdown runs.

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Flu bug doesn’t slow Tipp golfers

With the flu making its way through several Miami County schools including Tippecanoe High School, Red Devils girls golf coach Mike Moore worried about having enough players to field a team for the Division I sectional tournament on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Tipp — playing with four girls battling or just over the flu — recovered enough to tie Centerville for first after both shot 352 at Pipestone Golf Course. Centerville won with the fifth-place tiebreaker.

Tipp junior Laura Murray, who was sick earlier in the week, captured medalist honors with her 74. Freshman Kristy Kagy shot 83 for fifth and senior Megan Swan shot 87 — she averages in the 70s — to tie for seventh. Junior Taylor Cook (108) and senior Danae King (113) rounded out the card.

“They didn’t play as well compared to their season averages, but they played well enough to get to the next round,” Moore said. “I’m really proud of them. They really stepped it up.”

The district tournament is at Weatherwax Golf Course in Middletown on Wednesday.

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Flu sacks football, weekend events

The flu has hit Tippecanoe High School hard this week, leading school officials to postpone the football game with Bellefontaine on Friday, Oct. 9, and other weekend activities.

The following announcement is posted on Tipp’s school website:

“All evening activities have been canceled for both Tippecanoe High School and Tippecanoe Middle School for tonight, October 8, 2009. Sporting events and the band competition have been canceled for Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10.”

Tipp is 5-1 and No. 6 in the Division III, Region 10 computer rankings. Bellefontaine is 6-0 and No. 5 in Region 10. There’s no word yet on when the game will be played.

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Wayne’s Miller improving, could play Friday

HUBER HEIGHTS — Braxton Miller, the Wayne High School star junior quarterback who has missed two games with a thigh bruise, practiced on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and is significantly improving, coach Jay Minton said.

“I don’t know that he’s 100 percent, but he participated in some scrimmage yesterday,” Minton said. “It’s what he can tolerate now. The injury is not totally cleared up but it’s getting there.

“He looks good, a lot better than he did this time last week.”

Miller suffered the injury against Trotwood-Madison in Week 4, and Wayne has lost two straight without Miller, against Troy and Northmont. The Warriors travel to Fairmont on Friday.

At 3-3, Wayne is desperate for a win, but the Warriors were closer against Northmont. With freshman Javon Harrison subbing for the second game, Wayne lost 27-14 but had several offensive close calls. Two sure touchdown passes were dropped — one a long, impressive pass down the sideline and another a short toss into the end zone — and Northmont used a strong goal line stand at the 1-yard line on fourth down to prevent another possible score.

Harrison is a skilled backup. Against Northmont, he threw 45 passes, taking many snaps from the shotgun and dropping back with significant arm strength.

Minton said Miller will be evaluated today for his possible participation on Friday.

“It depends on how he recovers from yesterday, what his mindset is,” Minton said. “We’ll see what the trainer and the doctor say, but he’s definitely looking better.”

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Xenia coach: Northmont front four is one of best around

I mentioned during a conversation with Xenia football coach Bob DeLong this week that I had covered Northmont’s past two games, wins against Fairborn and Wayne.

I said I liked the look of the Northmont defense, and DeLong went a step further.

“Their front four and (middle) linebacker are the best I’ve seen, and that includes the teams they’ve played,” DeLong said.

DeLong’s Buccaneers lost to Northmont 30-0 in Week 3, which started the Thunderbolts’ rally from a 1-2 start to their 4-2 record heading into Friday’s game against Springfield, also 4-2.

One of Northmont’s key strengths has been its rush defense, which ranks second in the Greater Western Ohio Conference in allowing 108.8 rushing yards per game.

The past three games have been better, as opponents have gained just 203 total yards rushing, an average of 67.7 per game.

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CJ lineman, receiver getting BCS attention

I had just arrived to Chaminade Julienne High School on Wednesday to visit with coach Andy Helms about his team when Helms’ cell phone rang. It was a coach from the University of Cincinnati football team.

It was the second call he had taken that day, in fact, about offensive lineman Andy Jomantas, and the coach also wanted to hear about Chaminade wide receiver Laron Brown.

Jomantas, a 6-foot-8, 259-pounder, is also getting heavy attention from Kansas and some feelers from Michigan State, Maryland, Kentucky and Indiana. Ohio State has also called, although the Buckeyes are mostly keeping tabs on who else is interested in Jomantas, Helms said.

Brown is a 6-4 receiver who can run 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and he’s getting plenty of Division I attention as well, Helms said.

The good players are helping. CJ is 5-1 (granted, with the help of a forfeit from Marshall), and the Eagles’ only loss came in overtime against McNicholas. In that game, CJ scored on its possession, but the extra point was called wide. McNicholas then scored and kicked the extra point to win.

CJ travels to Carroll this weekend, but if the Eagles and Alter keep winning, the season’s final week could give us 8-1 CJ against 9-0 Alter, which would potentially be one of the best games of the season.

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Upstart Fort Loramie No. 1 in rankings

Fort Loramie has the top spot in the weekly DDN D-VI poll. The Redskins haven’t taken long to establish their program. Now, if they could only land in a league.

DIVISION VI

1. Fort Loramie (6-0): It’s a first in the top spot for the Redskins.

2. Ansonia (6-0): Tigers haven’t scored fewer than 42 points, at Mississinawa Valley in a CCC showdown.

3. Marion Local (3-3): Flyers’ losses are to unbeaten Coldwater and Delphos St. John’s and also to St. Henry.

4. Southeastern (4-2): Trojans have lost two straight.

5. Mississinawa Valley (4-2): Ansonia pitched a shutout on the Blackhawks last week.

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Coldwater running through the MAC again, so far

Looks like Coldwater is on another title-season run. The Cavaliers have a firm grip on No. 1 in the DDN D-V weekly ratings.

DIVISION V

1. Coldwater (6-0): Good luck finding a seat against visiting St. Henry.

2. Anna (5-1): Rockets have only lost to Coldwater and stung St. Henry last week.

3. West Liberty-Salem (6-0): Tigers are rolling to another OHC title.

4. St. Henry (5-1): Redskins’ loss to Anna tarnished a much anticipated date at Coldwater.

5. Versailles (3-3): Tigers giving it their best shot to rejoin the MAC race.

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Unbeaten Alter takes its weekly place as No. 1 in DDN D-IV ratings

The question is, when last was Alter NOT the DDN’s top rated team in its division?

DIVISION IV

1. Alter (6-0): Fenwick is next up for the Knights.

2. Clinton-Massie (6-0): Falcons made believers of London.

3. Marshall (3-3): Cougars must win at Columbus Hartley (5-1) for any playoff shot.

4. Carlisle (5-1): Indians suffered first loss to Monroe, 21-17.

5. Fenwick (5-1): Falcons fell to CJ and now get Alter.

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Chieftains No. 1 in D-III rankings

Bellefontaine is the lone remaining unbeaten D-III team in the weekly DDN rankings.

DIVISION III

1. Bellefontaine (6-0): Chieftains get their first big test with visiting Tippecanoe.

2. Monroe (5-1): Hornets flexed their might by handing Carlisle its first loss.

3. Franklin (5-1): Wildcats have won five straight after losing opener to Carlisle.

4. CJ (5-1): Eagles lead Region 12 in computer points.

5. Tippecanoe (5-1): Red Devils have won five straight.

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Unbeaten Tecumseh on a football roll

It wasn’t too long ago that Tecumseh was labeled a boys basketball school. Guess what sport is king of the Arrows now.

Tecumseh retains the No. 1 spot in the weekly DDN prep football rankings.

DIVISION II

1. Tecumseh (6-0): Next up for the Arrows is Stebbins, losers of 26 straight games over three seasons.

2. West Carrollton (5-1): Should be another good week for the Pirates, who host 0-6 Aiken.

3. Trotwood-Madison (3-3): Rams handed interim coach Jeff Graham his first win by beating Piqua.

4. Wilmington (4-2): Hurricane outlasted Little Miami 51-48 to crack this lineup.

5. Carroll (3-3): Patriots were blasted by Alter, gets CJ this week.

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Elks retain DDN rankings top D-I spot

Centerville, it’s yours to lose.

The Elks have lost only to unbeaten Moeller, which is Cincinnati’s No. 1 team.

DIVISION I

1. Centerville (5-1): That two-point loss to Moeller might not be the last time these teams play.

2. Northmont (4-2): T-Bolts rack up the first win in the “Big 3” series after taking out Wayne last week.

3. Lebanon (5-1): A shoot-out loss to Trotwood is the Warriors’ only blemish.

4. Springboro (5-1): Panthers were in good position to defend their GWOC South title, until falling to Lebanon.

5. Wayne (3-3): The first time a team has ever lost and limped back into the rankings.

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The offensive debate: Running or passing?

A look at the Greater Western Ohio Conference offensive statistics brings to mind a common question among high school observers.

Which offense is better: Running or passing?

At the top, there’s Centerville, which has gained 78 percent of its yards (2,029 of 2,603) rushing.

Next is Lebanon. The Warriors, behind quarterback Dusty Isaacs, have gained 51 percent of their yards (1,318 of 2,570) passing.

Both are scoring points in bunches (37.3 per game for Centerville, 36.3 per game for Lebanon), and most would probably argue that the Warriors, with the more-used passing game, are in a better position to beat a wider variety of teams.

The topic came up Tuesday during an interview with Alex Sator for the MVPpregame podcast for posting on Friday on the Miami Valley Sports Magazine site. Near the end, we discussed which local big-school team is most prepared for a significant playoff run.

Many would not include Centerville in that group, because of the Elks’ struggles in past seasons throwing the ball in the playoffs. But, maybe the running game can work. Against Moeller in Week 3, Centerville trailed by eight points in the fourth quarter but still pounded out a 65-yard drive to score with a little more than 2 minutes left (although they failed to convert the two-point conversion and lost 21-19).

In that case, Centerville’s offense was strong enough to move the ball on one of the big-school Cincinnati powers.

It’s a topic that has been discussed for years, since passing attacks started developing.

In the GWOC, it is front-and-center in the offensive statistics.

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Marshall’s game one of the weekend’s biggest

If you’re thirsting for games important to the playoff picture already, Marshall’s game against Columbus Bishop Hartley is for you.

Marshall stands 3-3 after forfeiting its first three games for use of an ineligible player, and Hartley, at 5-1, is the last winning team on Marshall’s schedule. That’s huge for second-level playoff points.

Marshall, though, is hanging tough. The Cougars are ranked No. 10 in the state in Division IV and are within striking distance of a playoff spot in the computer points.

Hartley coach Brad Burchfield said Monday that Marshall is “big, strong and fast” and is a significant challenge for his team. Plus, Marshall runs the unusual, extremely tight Wing-T offense that some have likened to a rugby scrum more than a running game.

Perhaps no area team this weekend has as much of a must-win game, so keep an ear our for this score.

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Wayne QB will miss major Northmont matchup

HUBER HEIGHTS — Braxton Miller, Wayne’s star junior quarterback, will not be available for the Warriors’ major conference game against Northmont on Friday, Oct. 2, Wayne coach Jay Minton said Thursday afternoon.

Miller suffered a thigh bruise during a Sept. 18 game against Trotwood-Madison that caused him to miss Wayne’s 14-12 upset loss to Troy last Friday. Minton said the coaches were hopeful Miller could play against Northmont but learned after Miller met with a doctor Thursday morning that he would be unavailable.

“He doesn’t have a full range of motion,” Minton said. “He needs to be relatively pain free (before he can play).”

In Miller’s place, Wayne is expected to start freshman Javon Harrison, who Minton said is himself a skilled player. Against Troy in his first high school action, Harrison completed 7-of-14 passes for 88 yards and rushed 14 times for 29 yards.

Also, Minton said running back Seth Stuart suffered a sprained ankle in practice Wednesday, so coaches would evaluate him in practice Thursday to determine if he would be available for the Northmont game. Stuart has gained 178 yards on 43 carries this season.

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Advice for Lebanon & Springboro fans: Arrive early

Going to the Lebanon vs. Springboro football game on Friday, Oct. 2?

Get there early … and with ticket already in hand.

A large crowd is expected for the Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division clash — and backyard rivalry — between Lebanon (4-1) and Springboro (5-0). Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday in the Springboro athletic office.

It’s also recommended fans carpool to the game since the parking lots will fill up quickly.

Gates open at 5:55 p.m.

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Fairmont in the middle of a brutal schedule

KETTERING — Heading into Week 6 and beginning play in the Greater Western Ohio Conference’s Central Division, Fairmont might be wondering when it can catch a break.

Entering Friday’s games, Fairmont’s 10 opponents this season have a combined 33-17 record.

“The thing we hope is that it prepares us for the league,” said Fairmont coach Brian Blevins. “The five league games are pretty brutal, so it’s a Catch 22. We’re in arguably not only the toughest region in the state but in the nation, so you have to schedule up if you want to compete and be ready.”

First up in conference play for the Firebirds is Beavercreek, which is 4-1 and whose only loss came 13-10 in overtime against Fairborn. The Beavers rallied against Xenia last week and now await Fairmont.

Then, Fairmont (2-3) is lucky enough to get Wayne and Springfield at home before closing the season on the road against Northmont and Centerville.

Fairmont’s schedule, with current records included:

Archbishop Alter (5-0), 47-21 loss

Miamisburg (1-4), 53-6 win

Lakota West (4-1), 35-7 loss

Lebanon (4-1), 40-29 loss

at Butler (1-4), 43-27 win

at Beavercreek (4-1)

Wayne (3-2)

Springfield (4-1)

at Northmont (3-2)

at Centerville (4-1)

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