NEWS LINE
Lady
Colts Win District Title
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Brittany Bechtel
Maci Roberts goal in the 38th minute was the difference as
Clear Fork edged Ottawa-Glandorf (1-0) in the division IV district final
played at Tiffin Columbian High School.
The Lady Colts (16-2-2) will play Liberty-Benton, a (2-1) winner over
Mansfield Christian on Thursday, on Tuesday night in the regional semifinals
back at in Tiffin.
Coach Brittany Bechtel says this team has battled adversity this
season. “Oh yeah, I could get
used to this. It was special.
We haven't had a paved road and I do believe that the road we've had
has led us into the journey we're having.
We're finally getting our feet on the ground and we're reaping I
guess what we sow,” she said.
Roberts’ header was the only goal of the game and that kind of goal
is an illustration of the growth of the team, according to Bechtel.
“We’ve talked a lot about just using the head.
Early in the season, there were very few girls on this team, didn’t
matter if was offense or defense or middle of the field, very few would be
willing to put a ball on their head. We
talked a lot about missing opportunities because we wouldn't do it.
We talked about giving up opportunities because we wouldn't do it.
The amount of girls on this team that have just stepped up and begun
to use their head on that field is why we won (Thursday’s) game.
Not just offensively, but defensively through our field.
So many girls are just choosing the path of either feeding that ball
out or putting the ball in the back of the net,” said Bechtel.
The goal was created by an outstanding pass by Ava Boccio.
Bechtel says it found Roberts’ head.
“When “Mace” hit it there were so many girls making that run
into that ball off the corner is that I couldn't actually tell who hit it at
first, but I knew we had Clear Fork girls coming in hungry and there was a
bunch of them willing to put a head on it. Macy's
the one that got a piece of it. I
believe it was Boccio, she's our corner queen, she just had a beautiful
place to take in there sailing in the direction of where its was heading
into the header area. So, just
very well done by all aspects of our field (Thursday).
Maci just capitalizing on that in big moments.
People will say you have to have a little luck and I say you create
your luck. So, when you're
willing to do things you get luckier,” said Bechtel.
In two district matches, the Lady Colts gave up zero goals.
You can’t lose doing that. Bechtel
says keeper Morgan Crunkilton was tremendous with three saves on Thursday.
“Our defense was rock solid. Our
keeper going into the second half, she holds a lot of weight, and I told her
to play big and be confident. I
also told her hey we can't lose this game.
Just trying to lift her and keep her head just confident.
This is her first year as a varsity goalie.
We have got a lot of freshmen on his team and a lot of girls that
come back with very little experience. We
have the leadership that's still on that field just moving mountains and
then all the girls on that sideline,” she told Swankonsports.com after the
win, “We communicated very hard whether it's our ACL tears.
We bring 25 we're trying to have as many people as we can get an
experience. We knew “O-G”
also brings a lot of heat on the sidelines and we knew we didn't want to
have to match. We want make sure
we had a lot of energy coming off the sidelines.
So, when you see big wins like this it is all 25 plus the ball girls.
We take a lot of pride in letting them all know that they're all a
piece of this district championship and the run that we're having right
now.”
Published 10/30/26
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Columbian
Has to Tackle
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ryan Ottney
Tiffin Columbian will be at home for a division III regional
quarterfinal on Friday against the Midview Middies.
They fell in the “NOC” Lake Division championship game last week.
Perkins kicked a field goal with 10 seconds left to beat them (10-7)
on Friday.
Coach Ryan Ottney is very proud of his kid’s effort.
“It’s a great football team, Perkins is, their well coached,
great players. I thought our
guys played extremely well. I
was so proud of them. It was a
heartbreaker to lose at the end, but the fact that we put ourselves in a
position we had an opportunity to have a chance in that game.
We were right there with them and just showed the growth that we
talked about all year about where we wanted to be and where we're heading in
that direction. I feel good
about where we are right now, but it’s playoff football.
So, we have got to turn our attention very quickly to a very, very
good Grafton Midview team,” said Ottney.
Columbian (7-3) has Midview (5-5) on Friday night.
The Middies smoked Amherst (41-20) last week.
They have won three of their last four.
Ottney says they have some pieces on offense.
“One of the things is they have got good size up front that's the
first thing that kind of pops off. They've
got a very, very mobile quarterback who can throw it a little bit and can
run it. They've got a solid
running back in there as well. They've
got a nice receiver that they like to go to.
I think he's got like 700 yards receiving on season,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “They're very kind of balanced
offensively. Defensively, again,
they've got some nice size up front in the box and some pretty solid
athletes there in the back half.”
Ottney says they must continue to do what they have been doing the
last several weeks, most of all be disciplined.
“For us it's going to be a similar kind of fashion of what it is
that we want to do. Establish a
great run game. If we can hit
them with opportunities in the pass game and spread it around a little bit.
Play sound defense and tackling is always going to be the biggest
thing. You get in the playoff
season it's about who's the better and more fundamentally sound disciplined
team. They're usually the ones
that seem to prevail and that's a big focus with what we've been doing all
season. Hopefully, we can
continue to keep growing and continue to keep putting a great product on the
field,” he said.
Published 10/30/26
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Seneca
East in Bad Mood
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ed Phillips
Seneca East entertains Delta in a division VI regional quarterfinal
on Friday night in Attica.
Last week, they lost (14-7) to Upper Sandusky in a Northern 10
Athletic Conference game.
Coach Ed Phillips says they didn’t play as well as they wanted to
and that has made them more than unhappy.
“They came out and played a good game and it was one those nights
for us. We really couldn’t get
the breaks to go our way. They
got a little momentum. We had
some chances, but didn't come through on them,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Thursday evening, “Move on, move forward.
One thing I like about our team is they respond well to this stuff.
I think that one of the best football teams you can have is an
unhappy one. They're not happy
about that. They want to go out
and try to right what was not a very good feeling last Friday night.”
Phillips says it can be good for a team to play with a chip on its
shoulder sometimes. “I think
your best football teams do that for whatever reason it may be when you can
go out and have a little bit of an edge about it I think it puts you in a
good mindset and that's where we need to be (Friday) night,” he said.
Seneca East (7-3) hosts Delta (7-3) on Friday night.
The Panthers drilled Bryan (48-14) last week.
The week before them overwhelmed Evergreen (71-0) on week nine.
In all seven of their wins the Panthers have scored at least 43
points.
Phillps says Delta is going to want to get in some power formations
and run the football. “They
would fit well in the “N10”. They’re
similar to a lot of teams that we've played the last month or so.
They want to run the ball and I think preferred to run it and not
throw it very often. I know they
have got three backs in backfield on offense.
They play a traditional 4-3 on defense.
They're a physical, tough football team.
So, I think that's a good side in the sense that it's a style of
football familiar with coming from the “N10,” said Phillips.
Published 10/30/26
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Norwayne
Has to Bring Energy
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Adam Indorf
Norwayne makes the long trip to Bluffton to take on the Pirates in a
division V regional quarterfinal on Friday night.
They secured a share of the title in the Wayne County Athletic League
with a (35-16) over Northwestern last week.
Coach Adam Indorf says they did what they needed to do.
“I thought our kids played well to finish the season off.
Capped off the league and shared the title.
We have got an opportunity to continue our season week 11 here.
Unfortunately, we have got to travel a little bit, travel a couple
hours, but still playing. We've
done a great job with energy and effort in practice this week.
We have just got to get that two hour bus ride over and make sure
we're ready to play,” said Indorf.
Norwayne (6-4) plays at Bluffton (8-2) on Friday night.
The Pirates lost (17-13) to Columbus Grove last week.
They have scored 35 points in each of their eight wins this year.
Indorf says they have to keep Bluffton off balance.
“They're going to be great offensively.
They have got a quarterback that's athletic and talented and they
want to run him. Again, it's one
of those we're going to keep them off balance.
Try to keep guessing with our secondary with coverages and keep them
off balnce with blitzes up front,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday
night, “As always control the lines scrimmage.
We have to do a great job there.
Then defensively an odd front that we're just going to have to make
sure we're on blocks, get up to the second level and make some holes and
hopefully run downhill with our guys. It’s
just going be a four quarter battle and get in that mindset and get ready to
go.”
Norwayne has had a lot of success in the playoffs over the last
decade. Indorf says they must
focus on themselves. “You try
to figure out what they're doing, their tendencies and things like that.
We really try to tell our guys to focus on themselves.
We have got to focus on ourselves getting better each week, doing
your job to the best of your ability, honing your skills and getting ready
to go. One thing that they have
gotta bring is energy and effort and things that they can control.
We're going to do our part and try to get the best schematics and
game plan together for ourselves,” he said.
Published 10/30/26
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Ashland
Has to be Physical
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Valentine
Ashland travels to Canal Winchester for a division II regional
quarterfinal on Friday night.
They got the 12th seed in region 7 after a (49-7)
destruction of Lexington in an Ohio Cardinal Conference play last Friday.
Coach Scott Valentine says they came out inspired and executed well
against the Minutemen. “I
thought that our kids came out. We
had talked about wanting our seniors to have a good game on their last
night. I think there was a good
focus on what we needed to do and our kids went out and executed,” he
said,
Senior wide receiver Killian O’Brien caught eight passes for 175
yards and two touchdowns last week. O’Brien
hold most of the Arrows career receiving records.
Ashland (6-4) is at Canal Winchester (7-3) on Friday.
The Indians outscored Groveport Madison (32-23) last week.
Valentine says the Indians are athletic and led by senior running
back Jamari Snow. “Well,
I’ll tell you what, they're very athletic.
They run well and they're running back definitely is a guy that you
better tackle him for four quarters because if you don't he's going to break
out and run and get a lot of yards on you.
So, we have got to be prepared for that and then execute on
offense,” said Valentine.
Valentine describes Snow as relentless.
He says the Arrows must be very good tacklers.
“Well, I think the running back at New Philly was similar.
This kid, he's got some weight to him. I
think he's about 200 pounds and he just can wear you down,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “I talked to a few coaches that
I played them and they said he just keeps coming at you, so you better be
ready to keep tackling him. I
think that's going to be the most important thing for us.”
To be successful on Friday, Valentine says they have to be physical.
“When you get in the playoffs, and we're fortunate to get there, I
mean we've got to make sure that we play physical. I
think we got more physical later in the year than we did in the middle, so
that's something that we're going to have to bring on Friday night,” he
said.
Published 10/29/26
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Bellevue
Plays Physical Highland
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Alex Shepherd
Bellevue plays host to the Highland Fighting Scots on Friday night in
a regional quarterfinal in division IV.
They claimed an outright title in the Bay Division of the Northern
Ohio Conference after a (28-7) victory over Vermilion last Friday.
Coach Alex Shepherd says once they got in gear they were pretty good.
“We gave up a score on the first drive and then we settled down a
little bit and got our bearings back to us.
We went ahead and scored 28 unanswered and our kids came back and did
a great job on both sides of the ball and won it outright,” said Shepherd.
They had whipped Port Clinton, like Vermilion a playoff team, (42-7)
the week before. Shepherd says
they are playing pretty good football. “We
won our last two games that we played. Both
of those against really good teams to win the conference.
So, anytime we can get on a roll and start playing our best football
week 10, 11 that's where we want to be,” he said.
Bellevue (7-3) hosts Highland (4-6), out of the Mid-Ohio Athletic
Conference, on Friday. The Scots
earned their spot with a comeback (40-37) win over Marion Pleasant last
week.
Shepherd says this is a good football team.
“They are big and physical.
They're sitting with a 4-6 record, which a lot of people they
don't know much about them are going to kind of scoff at that, but when you
watch them on film they play tough hardnosed football.
They played a lot of really good teams in that conference close, so
they're dangerous,” said Shepherd.
Last week, Kane Stover ran for 245 yards on the ground and scored
four scores in that game. He
also had 15 tackles.
Shepherd says Stover does it all.
“They've got a really good do it all guy, kind of like our #9, he's
#9, he lines up at the wildcat quarterback, he lines up all over the field
and does a lot of things for them. He's
a really good player,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon,
“He's got a last name that's familiar.
He's got some relatives that are playing college football right now.
So, he's every bit as advertised.
So, we've got our hands full.”
Published 10/29/26
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St.
Paul to Face Huge East Canton
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Chris Doughty
Norwalk St. Paul will be at East Canton for a first round playoff
game in division VII on Friday night.
This is the Flyers 28th playoff appearance.
It’s the 14th straight fall St. Paul has played week 11.
They were smoked (36-14) by archrival Monroeville last week.
They secured the 12th and final playoff spot in region 25.
Coach Chris Doughty says they could not slow down the Eagles run
game. “Defensively, we
struggled to slow down Cooper Cleary at running back.
Throughout the course of the night, he continued to wear our defense
down. We had some good moments,
but overall Monroeville’s got a really good team and they did a great job
of executing and controlling the last scrimmage against us,” he said.
St. Paul (5-4) is at East Canton (7-3) on Friday.
The Hornets belted Malvern (33-12) last week.
Doughty says this is a team that wants to run the ball and has the
kids to do it. “Offensively,
they've got a couple of really good skilled kids.
They're main running back Colby Schrader.
He's got like 1700 yards this season and 21 touchdowns.
Then their top receiver Ayden Stevens, he's a heck of a player for
them as well. He's an averaging
like 86 yards a game receiving. Those
two players specifically jump off the tape,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Wednesday evening, “They've got the speed to take any play the distance.
So, we're going to have to do a good job of shutting down both the
run game inside and then also being able to adjust to their wide receiver
screens and things to the outside. So,
it's going to be important that our defense hustles to the football.
They're huge upfront. They've
got one offensive tackle that 6’6”, 290 pounds and the other is 260
pounds. So, as always we're
going to be a little bit undersized, so it's going to be important that we
do some good technique and use some hustle to get to the football.”
Doughty says on defense the Hornets are going to be big too.
“Defensively, we've seen both a five front and a six front out of
them. I'm expecting a mix.
We've got some tape of some similar types of offenses to ours going
against them. Again, they've got
some really big size up front. They
will do some stunting with their linebackers and defensive line, but that's
kind of a hit or miss game to game. So,
we've got to be prepared for both of those things,” he said.
Published 10/29/26
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Orrville
Ready to go
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Brent Besancon
Orrville hosts Akron East Friday night in a division IV regional
quarterfinal to start the playoffs.
They were blasted (42-3) by Wooster Triway in a Principal’s
Athletic Conference game last Friday.
Coach Brent Besancon says they didn’t play very well and Triway was
outstanding. “It was a week 10
game and a rival game and boy we just didn't come out and show up and play
the way I think we're capable of, but I have got to tell you I think Triway
is playing pretty good football right now and they just had their way with
us,” he said.
Besancon says this week has been a work in progress, but all is well
right now. “I think Monday and
Tuesday I don't know that we were over that loss.
That was a pretty good thumping, so it took a while to get it out of
their minds,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “Wednesday
night was very a good night and I think that they can reset and set their
goals and understand that this is a new season.
Nothing in the past matters right now.
It's one game at a time. Win
and you move on.”
Orrville (7-3) is at home for Akron East (9-1) on Friday night.
The Dragons won the Akron City League this year.
They are coming off a (26-6) win over Akron Buchtel last week.
Besancon says they are going to be athletic.
“I got the opportunity Saturday morning, they play Saturday
mornings, and we got the opportunity to go up there and watch them.
They are very athletic, very fast.
They play the city series with some of the inner city Akron schools.
So, a lot of good athletes. To
get into the playoffs at 9-1 they know what they're doing.
They seem to be well coached. So,
it's going to be a pretty good challenge,” said Besancon.
Published 10/29/26
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Upper
Sandusky Must Contain Run Game
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Russell Hall
Upper Sandusky will be at home for Medina Buckeye on Friday night in
a division IV regional quarterfinal.
They were able to jump up and earn a home game as the result of a
(14-7) win over Seneca East in a Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on
Friday night.
Coach Russell Hall says they executed the game plan.
“We were really locked in and well prepared and were ready to
execute and they did just a fantastic job of that,” he said.
Upper has won its last four games and Hall says they have been doing
a lot of good things. “We're
executing at a much my higher level, which is fantastic.
The kids are understanding and grasping everything we are asking them
to do. They are doing a really
good job locking in on each and every play,” he said.
Upper Sandusky (6-4) hosts Medina Buckeye (5-5) on Friday night.
The Bucks literally outscored Westlake (56-55) in regulation last
week.
Hall says they have some playmakers.
“They're impressive to watch. A
very physical run first team. They’ve
got nice looking lineman up front, big, strong, fast, and two great running
backs. An old school hardnosed
fullback, a 215 pound kid, 6’1” #9 and a good tailback, he's 5’10”,
176, he's a senior. A nice
little receiver they move around, #2, 5’9” junior,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “A very solid team, very physical
team on both sides of the ball. They
able to do a variety of different things.
They can spread it out and they can pack the box.
Then on defense they can give you multiple fronts and multiple
coverages on both fronts. So, we
have got our work cut out for us. We've
had a good week of practice so far and hopefully that continues and we put
our best foot forward on Friday night.”
Hall says they are used to preparing for teams like this is the
“N10”. “They are very
typical to a Carey or Crawford team most years.
Just a very physical team that can also throw the ball.
They have good athletes and good lineman that are big, fast and
strong you know on both sides of the ball that try to control the line of
scrimmage. So, it's very
familiar to that, that that's for sure,” he said.
Published 10/29/26
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Clear
Fork Downs Upper Sandusky
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Brittany Bechtel
Clear Fork’s Ava Boccio scored in the 10th minute and
the Lady Colts beat Upper Sandusky (1-0) in the girls’ soccer division IV
district semifinal Tuesday night at Clyde High School.
The Lady Colts (15-2-2) allowed only five shots on goal, all saved by
Morgan Crunkilton. They will
play Ottawa Glandorf (11-4-4) in a district final on Thursday night in
Tiffin.
Coach Brittany Bechtel says that early goal was key.
“It felt later than that, longer than that, but that’s just
because when you're in that kind of environment you don't remember much.
So, it was nice to get one definitely the first half and then the
girls played really well the second half.
They did a lot of good controlling. I
thought we were wearing them down. They
got some good opportunities though. Upper
Sandusky has definitely leveled up over the years.
We played a really good team (Tuesday), so it was nice to get that
“W” to move on,” said Bechtel.
Bechtel says their defense was solid on Tuesday night.
“Our defense definitely was pretty sound (Tuesday). I
think there were five shots on our goal.
We had 30 some on the other side, but there were also like a lot of
numbers in behind the ball, so when that happened it can be tricky in
finding openings and finding the back of the net.
We moved the ball really well,” she said.
Clear Fork has been forced to battle a lot of adversity this fall
with season ending injuries to four starters, but Bechtel says the players
have continued to be leaders for the Lady Colts.
“We have a lot of youth to our team.
We have lost some experience to our team some seniors and a junior
and that loss has been really hard this year.
The team has really levelled up and progressed through the year.
Our girls have had their surgeries, so they're all making it back
into the setting of practices and games where they can help take the lead
also in their leadership role. It's
nice to have them in their perspective places.
We lost people straight down the field from Layla (Daugherty) on
defense to Kendall (Baughman) and Asia (Bechtel) in the middle and Mya
(Perry) up top. So, each of them
kind of have a little home now to be leaders, coach leaders, from the
sideline. Then the team in
general just leveling up and playing the way they have this year.
It's been a really inspiring story,” Bechtel.
Bechtel says they have had a lot of young players step into
significant roles and play well. “Obviously,
I have a bloodline in this, but unfortunately she can't be on the field, but
she's on the sidelines. So, this
team just continuing to grow and level up and mature quickly and build
experience quickly in their first tournament experiences.
A lot of girls are in that right now and I'm just super proud of
them. It's been a wild year,
it's been a hard year, but it's been inspiring year,” she told
Swankonsports.com after the win, “I'm just so thankful for these girls and
what they've been able to accomplish to help just keep our run going.
Every game we keep winning is another game I get to have my kid
beside me too and she's a senior, so those days are numbered at this point.
We're just hoping to potentially go maybe farther than any team ever
has and that would put the stamp on the most inspiring story from the most
heart renching season by building the team and growing and just getting
better by the day. Making
moments like (Tuesday) night happen so that we can be in a district final
playing against another great team, who has taken us out before, and we're
back to kind of have an opportunity.”
Published 10/28/26
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Lucas
Starting to Peak
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jim Sweat
Lucas travels to Pike County to take on the Beaver Eastern Eagles in
a division VII first round playoff game on Friday night.
They pounded Wynford to the tune of (48-18) last week in a Northern
10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
Coach Jim Sweat says it was as good as they have played with the ball
in their hands. “I think
probably our best offensive performance of the year, so nice to see.
We have got a couple things to clean up.
We gave up couple big runs on Friday night defensively, but the kids
played solid. They stayed in the
game mentally and physically played a great football game.
So, we're playing as well as we have all season, which is the right
time to do it,” said Sweat.
Sweat says he really thinks they are peaking at the right time.
“I think with kind of got hit by injury bug down the stretch there,
but got everybody back to being healthy, at least as healthy as you're going
to be playing high school football. So,
we're very happy before we're at right now,” he said.
Lucas (5-5), making their 12th straight playoff
appearance, plays at Beaver Eastern (7-3) on Friday night.
Eastern throttled Franklin Furnace Green (54-8) last week.
Sweat says they want to run the all and have a kid that do it.
“They're solid up front on both sides of the ball.
They have several skilled kids. They’re top running back, he's a
young kid, a sophomore, but he's run for about 1300 yards so far this
season. He's really, really a
great athlete. He’s got a lot
of wiggle to him and good foot speed. So,
we’ve got or work it out for us Friday night,” said Sweat.
Sweat says when it comes to the way run the ball it is somewhat
similar to what they have seen the last two weeks.
“They're a little bit similar to some of the “I” formation type
teams that we played this year. I
think they really kind of schematically remind me of Wynford,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “Just by what they want to do
running the football and whatnot or a Hopewell.
They may not have all the same ingredients as some of those teams,
but schematically pretty similar to those two schools.”
Published 10/28/26
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Highland
Has to Keep the Ball
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ty Stover
Highland makes the trip to Bellevue to meet the Redmen in a division
IV regional quarterfinal on Friday night.
The Fighting Scots (4-6) got into the playoffs after a thrilling
(40-37) win over Marion Pleasant in a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference game on
Friday night.
Coach Ty Stover says the win came because of the effort they put
together last Friday. “It was
a great senior night for out 11 seniors that we have on the team and they
played so hard. It was a battle
to be honest with you. Pleasant
played as hard as they could play. We
just got it done there at the very end and the next thing you know we're
going to week 11,” he said.
Kane Stover, the son of the coach, had an incredible night last week.
He ran for 245 yards and two scores, plus threw TD pass, and returned
one for a score. By the way, he
also had 15 tackles.
Bellevue (7-3) won an outright Northern Ohio Conference Bay Division
title after a (28-7) win over Vermilion last Friday.
Stover says the Redmen are quick up front and have a very good
quarterback in Ike Brown. “They're
pretty good top to bottom to be honest.
Not tremendously big up front, but quick.
They will be good from sideline to sideline.
They have got pretty good quarterback that does a pretty good job
running the football,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “We
have got our hands full, but that's what we've had all year.
We'll go back to finding a way to run the football and stop the run.
Hopefully eat the clock and have one more point than they do on
Friday night.”
Stover says they must do their best to contain Brown and make him put
the ball in the air. “We’ll
try to make him throw. He's a
decent thrower too, so he's just a pretty good athlete back here.
We will try to use our offense, if possible, to shrink the clock and
keep the ball out of his hands. When
it's in his hands, we'll do our best to have our defense locked in and ready
to go,” he said.
Published 10/28/26
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Carey
Must Tackle
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jonathan Mershman
Carey is making its 10th straight playoff appearance on
Friday night as they host Sherwood Fairview in a division VI regional
quarterfinal.
They come into the game off a (57-0) destruction of Willard in a
Northern 10 Athletic Conference game last Friday.
Coach Jonathan Mershman says it was a good way to build some momentum
heading into the postseason. “We
had a really good game I'd say on both sides of the ball Friday night.
Special teams played well. I
thought we did some really good things, especially up front on the offensive
line and defensive line. So. I'm
pretty excited about this game,” he said.
Carey (6-4) is at home for Fairview (8-2) on Friday.
They hammered Wayne Trace (50-7) last week.
The Apaches shared the Green Medows Conference title with Pauding and
Tinora.
Mershman says they are going to spread the field when they have the
ball on offense. “They have a
real spread them out, get the ball, play all 53 and a third yards from
sideline to sideline offense. So,
our defense has got to be able to cover the whole entire field at all times.
It really stretches you out,” said Mershman.
When facing a team like this, Mershman says you have to great one on
one tacklers. “You might have
a guy in the right spot. He
catches the ball and if you tackle him right then and there for two yard or
five yard gain it's only a two or five yard gain,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “If you miss that one-on-one
tackle being spread out that's when those plays go big.”
Carey features a very good running back paced by quarterback Tripp
Phoenix (1315 yards) and running back Mace Puckett (1087 yards).
Mershman says they want to control the clock.
“If we can play a little bit of time controlled offense and hold on
to the ball a little bit and make them have to play defense longer than they
want to that would give us an advantage,” he said.
Published 10/28/26
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Dover
to Play Athletic Columbus South
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Rees
Dover, the Ohio Cardinal Conference champion, plays host to Columbus
South on Friday night in regional quarterfinal in division III.
They claimed an outright “OCC” title when Deiter Weber found
Dante Clark with a touchdown pass with :10 to go to lift the Tornadoes to a
(32-28) win over archrival New Philadelphia last week.
Coach Matt Rees says it was a win that put a smile on his face.
“Just an exciting win for the program.
Exciting to have a conference title.
We haven't had a conference title in several years.
So, just happy for our community. happy for our players and their
fight, happy for our coaches and the fight that they put in,” he said.
Dover (8-2) entertains Columbus South (8-2) out of the Columbus City
League. The Bulldogs won their
first eight games, but lost their last two, including (21-0) to Columbus
Marion-Franklin last week.
Rees says they are going to be athletic.
“They're very aggressive, they're very fast, very athletic.
So, I mean it's going to be one of those games that we're going to
have to play our most disciplined game, we're going to have to play our most
sound game and I think we have to play our most energetic and exciting
game,” said Rees.
Rees says they have played teams with these kinds of skills before.
“They remind us of different teams that we have played in the past.
I’d say of our opponents this past season Mansfield Senior very
similar as it relates to the athleticism and the aggressiveness,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They remind me of teams like an
Akron East that we’ve had played in the past.
So, when I make a comparison that's probably what I would compare
them to.”
In order to win this game, Rees says they have to get better this
week. “We to play sound, we
have to play composed and we have to continue to grow throughout the course
of the game and continue to grow throughout the course this week in
practice,” said Rees.
Published 10/28/26
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Monroeville
to Face Dalton in First Round
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Tylor Nester
Monroeville, the runner-up in the Firelands Conference, plays at
Dalton, of the Wayne County Athletic League, in a first round playoff game
in division VII on Friday night.
Last week, Cooper Cleary ran for 206 yards and four TD’s in the
Eagles (36-14) win over archrival Norwalk St. Paul in a Firelands Conference
game.
Coach Tylor Nester says it was one of their best efforts of the
season. “Always week 10 is a
big week for us as you guys know. We
played one of our best games of the year.
We still need to shore up some things, but I was really proud of our
kids and how they responded,” he said.
It is the first time Monroeville has beaten St. Paul in back to back
years since 1990 and 1991.
Nester says last week they were able to win up front.
“The old adage is you have got to control the line of scrimmage and
on both sides of the ball we did a really nice job on defense and offense. Vinnie
Schafer, Alex Schafer, Caleb Dixon, (Isaac) Krueger and some of our outside
backers really did a nice job of buying into the game plan and executing
it,” said Nester.
Monroeville (5-4) is over at Dalton (4-6) on Friday night.
The Bulldogs are coming off their best win of the season when they
edged Smithville (28-21) last week in “WCAL” play.
They have won four of their last six.
Nester says the teams are really similar in his opinion.
“We are almost like a mirror image of each other.
Both of us kind battled some injuries and played a tough
non-conference schedule. Obviously,
their league is pretty tough too. They're
starting to get healthy and hitting their stride, just like we are,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “Defensively, really sound
across the board. On offense,
they return their all-state quarterback (Carter) Hignight, but he's umm been
playing some wide receiver for them. They've
got some deep threats along with (Jackson) Oswald.
They put him all over the place at tight end and “H”, and
receiver. They want to get him
the ball.”
Published 10/28/26
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“Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1
PM
Mohawk
Must Limit Big Play
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Eric Daniel
Mohawk entertains Wayne Trace in a regional quarterfinal in division
VII on Friday night.
They earned a share of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference title last
week by downing Tiffin Calvert (35-12), scoring four times in the second
half.
Coach Eric Daniel says they used those middle eight minutes well.
“A good rivalry game. Took
Calvert's best shot, which was really good.
Credit to them they were playing hard, but our kids kind of stayed
the course. We seized momentum
right before the end of the first half and got a two for one there coming
out, which was huge. Scored on
the first play of the second half and they kind of kept that momentum and
never gave it back,” he said.
This is likely the first meeting between Mohawk and Wayne Trace and
Daniel says he had to do a lot of research.
“It’s been the most stressful weekend of my life because I didn't
know anything about them. So,
just trying to dig as deep as you can to figure out anything.
Watching film and it's a good quality opponent and should be a good
test for our boys. Certainly,
looking forward to playing an unfamiliar opponent with different colored
jerseys that the guys aren't used to that's maybe not in the “BVC”
because it seems like we run into them quite a bit.
So, we’re excited,” said Daniel.
Daniel says Wayne Trace will come right at them with their run game.
“I would say almost like a Crawford in terms of their offense.
They run a lot of gap scheme stuff and they're really good at doing
it. They've got quite a good
system down. They're trying to
run buck and counter and stuff like that and they can do it in 1000
different formations. They'll
give it to their quarterback, who's a smaller kid, but very, very shifty
hard to square up. They're
running back, their offense runs through him. I
bet you he's a 1500 yard back and does a really good job of getting
north-south,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “He's kind of
one cut and go kind of kid. He
doesn't pitter patter and takes what he can get and gets downhill.
So, we just have got to be sound in our run fits and make sure that
we're trying to fill our gap and do our job and not do somebody else's.
Their play action is very good too.
All of their play action stuff looks like they're run.
So, we have to be disciplined with your eyes.”
Daniel says they are going to need to be very disciplined on defense.
“A lot of our big plays this year have been from busted coverages
on our back end, so that's the point of emphasis this week.
Last week with Calvert, I think it was the first series of the game
Calvert hit some of the top for an 80 yard should have been a touchdown.
We chased it down and then held him to a field goal.
That stuff can't happen. We
have got to more sound, got to be situationally smart and then take care of
stuff like that and have our eyes where they need to be,” he said.
Published 10/26/26
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“Out of Bounds” airs every Friday night
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“Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1
PM
Western
Reserve Hosts Traditional Power Patrick Henry
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ty Stevenson
Western Reserve plays host to Patrick Henry in a first round playoff
game in division VI on Friday night.
The Riders (10-0), #3 in the final Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the small school division, routed New London (47-12) to win an
outright Firelands Conference title.
Coach Ty Stevenson says it feels really good.
“That was kind of what we're shooting for all these years to get
that league title and it helps we get it alone and 10-0 was a cherry on top
of that. So, really proud of
these guys the way they've continued to battle all year.
Now, we are entering the playoffs and we’ll see what we can do from
here,” he said.
It was their first conference title since 2019.
It was the third time the program finished unbeaten in the regular
season. The others were in 2011
and 1984.
Stevenson says this year’s players have really been cohesive.
“It’s been a great year and been a lot of fun.
They have worked really hard. They
have done everything we've asked. They've
really stayed together, really continued to work and play really hard.
I think those benefits have shown on Friday nights,” he said.
Patrick Henry (7-3) comes in off a (49-0) win over Evergreen.
They finished third in the Northwest Ohio League behind Liberty
Center and Archbold.
Stevenson says they athletic, big and strong, and fundamental in
their play. “They're really
good everywhere. Their receivers
6’3”, 6’4”, their linemen are between 200 and 245, so they're big
and strong and athletic. They're
not going to beat themselves. They're
going to play good fundamentally sound football.
They’re going to take what you give them and probably do really
well. So, we're going have our
hands full. We’re going to
have to play really well. Try to
win a turnover battle and see how things stack up,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson says Patrick Henry will show them a lot of looks on both
sides of the ball. “They’ll
get under center and run some “I” stuff.
They'll run some spread stuff. Defensively,
they're kind of back and forth between even and odd fronts.
Honestly, they're kind of similar to us in some of the things they do
uh both sides of the ball,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon,
“I think they are kind of like what we do just a little bit bigger than we
are. It should be a good battle.
Hopefully, we can stand up to that.
Another one of those witness tests.
We have played some really good Northwest Ohio teams over the years
between Carey and Hopewell and Liberty Center and Archbold.
A lot of those teams you see in the playoffs every year.
So, we'll get to add another feather to our cap with Patrick
Henry.”
Published 10/26/26
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“Out of Bounds” airs every Friday night
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PM
Fredericktown
Has to win up Front
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Spitler
Fredericktown is at home for Newark Catholic in a division VI
regional quarterfinal on Friday night.
They earned that home game with a (42-14) destruction of Centerburg
in a Knox Morrow Athletic Conference game last week.
Coach Scott Spitler says they really poured in on in the second half.
“It was a pretty tightly contested game in the first half, 14-14 at
halftime, but our boys came out and I thought they handled the halftime
adjustments and things really well and really cranked up the intensity and
were able to take care of business and really accomplish what they wanted to
accomplish as far as earning an opportunity to host the first round,” he
said.
The Freddies ran for 320 yards in the game.
Parker Saunders had 157 of those yards and a touchdown.
Fredericktown (8-2) plays Newark Catholic (7-3) on Friday.
The Green Wave is coming off a (35-28) win over Utica in the Licking
County League on Friday.
Spitler says they can make some plays on offense.
“It's a very talented team. You can tell coach (Tom) Phillips does
a great job. They're
disciplined, highly aggressive. Skill
wise on offense it’s probably the best receiving core and quarterback
combination that will face all season. The
quarterback can make all the throws all over the field and they're very
talented in the skilled positions. They’ve
got a really nice running back that keeps you honest in the run game as
well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “Defensively, a lot of
team speed. They have two
6’4”, 230 pound defensive ends that are really good athletes.
They do multiple fronts and try to create chaos and get to the ball
well. So, you're talking about a
program that expects to win, has a lot of championship pedigree.
So, we've drawn a really tough battle right out of the gate.
We're going to have to be firing all cylinders to have a shot Friday
night.”
This is the 40th playoff appearance for Newark Catholic,
but their first since 2022. They
have won eight state titles. Their
last coming in 2007.
Spitler says they can’t afford many mistakes and they have to win
at the point of attack. “For
us to be successful we've got to be able to control the line of scrimmage on
both sides of the ball. That's
what we have to set out to do. I
think as talented as they are offensively and then the way they get after
you on defense, we have got to be mistake free and we have got to do the
little things really well. We
can't give them extra possessions because of turnovers.
We can't let them extend drives because of penalties or get behind
the sticks offensively because of penalties.
So, we have got to play clean, we have got be disciplined and we have
got control the line of scrimmage,” said Spitler.
Published 10/26/26
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Shelby
Wants to do it Right
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Robert Mahaney
Shelby is at home for Marion Harding in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
play on Friday night.
A win means a fourth straight undisputed “MOAC” title and a third
straight perfect regular season. The
Whippets have won 32 straight regular season games.
That streak almost ended last week, but Michael Shpeherd scored with
45 seconds left and the Whippets beat Marion Pleasant (30-23) on Friday.
Coach Robert Mahaney says the had to make plays at the end and they
were able to do it. “At the
end of the day really proud of how our kids fought the end and made enough
plays right at the end of that game to win it.
A lot of things to clean up from offense to defense to special teams
and then obviously penalties and all those kind of things.
We have got to continue to build.
For us though at the end of the day, we made some plays and it was
really good to see our kids respond. Hopefully,
we can use it as a learning tool as we get ready for Harding this week with
the postseason right around the corner,” he said.
Shelby (9-0,6-0), #1 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the large school division, hosts Marion Harding (5-4,3-3) on Friday
night. The Presidents lost
(14-7) to Galion last week.
Mahaney says they play really good defense.
“I think coach (C.J.) Westler has done a great job.
They do a lot of different things offensively with formations and
shifts and they try to attack a lot of different ways.
They do some really good things offensively.
Then defensively they do a great job playing a three man front and
playing with a lot of speed. They
keep things in front of them. They
switch up coverages, they switch up in fronts here and there.
They just throw a lot at you,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Thursday night, “They have got a lot of guys that flash to the football,
so you have got to really be sound and your execution and communicate and
trust your rules up front. When
you get a chance to make a big play you have got to do it.
I think looking at their scores they haven't given up more than 27
points all year. So, a really
strong defense that we have to be ready for.”
Shelby has been getting behind their experienced of offensive line in
recent weeks. Mahaney says they
want to do that again. “It
definitely comes down to execution. We
have been relying on our offensive line the last three weeks or so.
We have got to really continue to do that.
Those guys have grown, the five seniors up there, have grown and
started the gel really well. We
have got to continue to do that. Hopefully,
we can rely on those guys. Again,
I think against a good defense it comes down to how well can you just trust
your rules and trust the guys around you and hopefully we can continue to do
that. Like I said earlier, we
have got to try to make plays when we get the chance on the perimeter.
Hopefully, that's something that we can do we've had some success
doing that here and there but hopefully we can put it together on Friday
night,” said Mahaney.
Mahaney says this Friday night can be pretty special for the
Whippets. “That is definitely
the goal. Our seniors have got a
lot to play for in this game in my opinion.
Close this regular season out right.
To win the “MOAC” title outright is a lot to play for.
We have talked about being process driven day after day and now we're
here. Really at the last day of
the regular season here on Friday. It's
crazy that it's here, but the process has got us to the point now on week
10. We're playing one of the
most meaningful games that we can play.
So, we're excited to try to get out there win the league title
outright and really try to close this season out the right way with a chance
to go 10-0,” said Mahaney.
Published 10/23/26
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Clear
Fork Expects Physical Galion
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Brokaw
Clear Fork plays host to Galion in a game in the Mid-Ohio Athletic
Conference on Friday night.
It has playoff implications for both teams.
The Colts (7-2,4-2) routed River Valley (43-0) in a league game last
week.
Coach Aaron Brokaw says they got some scores early and that got them
going. “We got off to a pretty
fast start. On the opening
kickoff we forced a fumble and had a short field to go.
Then I think we got a blocked punt on the first defensive possession
out on the field. So, we had a
short field for the first couple possessions and did a lot of nice things in
all three facets of the game. That
was the expectation going into that,” said Brokaw.
Galion (5-4,3-3) has won its last three games, all in the league,
including beating Marion Harding (14-7) last week.
Brokaw says they try to create a lot of havoc on defense.
“Galion has been in every game this year.
I see a team that’s pretty balanced between run and pass.
They're going to be physical they like to create a lot of confusion
on defense. Mix up fronts, mix
up their blitzes,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening,
“They're a well coached team coach team.
Coach (Matt) Dick has those guys in good positions.
We are looking forward to a physical football game (Friday) night.”
Brokaw says when Galion has the ball they are going to show you a lot
of different looks. “They have
some athleticism at the quarterback position.
They're maybe not as deep at running back as what they've been the
past couple of years, but they have got a nice receiving corp.
A good mix of experienced guys and newer guys on the offensive line.
They will mix it up. They'll
run some spring outs. They'll
throw some screens and then they're going to get into their bread and butter
run game as well,” said Brokaw.
Now Clear Fork has clinched a division IV playoff berth, but a win
could give them a bye next week. Galion
needs a win to have a chance in division V.
Brokaw says they both have something to play for.
“I think Galion is kind of in the same boat as far as the they need
to get a win to solidify their playoff position.
So, it's going to be a big game.
It’s senior night, last home regular season game for our seniors.
Hopefully we are able to go out and put the best foot forward,” he
said.
Published 10/23/26
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Perkins
Pumped up
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jalen Santoro
Sandusky Perkins hosts Tiffin Columbian in what amounts to a
championship game in the Lake Division of the Northern Ohio Conference on
Friday night.
Both are unbeaten in division play going into the game.
Perkins has won four straight conference titles and coach Jalen
Santoro believes that big game experience will help them Friday.
“It helps from a program standpoint in general, but ultimately too
these guys it's their new team, new year, different people in different
positions, and different people in a more critical positions.
So, not any year is like the last.
It presents its own different challenges.
A lot is at stake for both teams (Friday) night with both teams
fighting for a potential bye in the first round and home game playoff game.
So, a lot on the line. You
would like to think it helps and I think it does to a certain extent.
So, these guys have got to go out and prove themselves and (Friday)
night it’s an opportunity from them to do that,” said Santoro.
Perkins (9-0,3-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the large school division, entertains Tiffin Columbian (7-2,3-0) on
Friday night. The Tornadoes
smoked Clyde (40-14) in a division game last week.
Santoro says Columbian looks like a confident football team.
“They are a good team. I
think coach (Ryan) Ottney has breathed some new life into them.
They are playing some confident football.
That's the one thing I think I see on film.
They have a belief in what they do and it's a good thing for any
team. Very good on both sides of
the football. It's not a one
dimensional team. They can throw
the ball and they can run the ball. The
running back does a good job getting downhill and they have some playmakers
on the perimeter. They do a lot
of different things on defense to create some chaos.
So, we have got to be assignment sharp.
Over anything else, we have got to make sure we're communicating up
upfront offensively. When teams
are playing with that kind of confidence that they are you have to strap up
and be ready to play,” said Santoro.
Perkins has only been challenged twice this year, but Santoro says
his kids will b ready to play. “I'm
not necessarily worried about getting into a four quarter game from a mental
standpoint more so than a physical standpoint. I
think we've done the right things up to this point.
We have a great strength coach. We
do what we have to do to make sure we're tracking mileage, tracking steps,
tracking velocity and a lot of things that he does to make sure that the
metrics are matching out to be able to play a four quarter game,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “Again our guys have done all they
need to do Monday through Thursday the last handful of weeks to make sure
they're ready for that. As a
staff we have talked about how we were going to ramp up practice to make
sure our guys are ready for a physical game for four quarters.
We think it was the right call on making sure we're going good on
good more this week and make sure our guys are ready to go.
The mental piece, I think our guys have had some games they have
played in the past when they're out earlier.
The game on Friday night is going to be a four quarter game.
Our guys are competitors and I think they know what's at stake and
their excited for the challenge.”
Published 10/23/26
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Flyers
Have to be Consistent
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Chris Doughty
Norwalk St. Paul makes the short trip to archrival Monroeville for a
Firelands Conference game on Friday night.
The two teams share second place a game behind Western Reserve.
The winner would need a New London upset of the Riders to share the
“FC” title.
The Flyers (5-3,4-1) thrashed Mapleton (45-6) in a conference game
last week.
Coach Chris Doughty says they continue to improve as a football team.
“For the last month or so really the kids have done a great job of
showing some consistent improvement and again last week really pleased with
that continued improvement both offensively and defensively.
I thought we were to run the ball really well and then defensively
able to get some key stops against a really talented Mapleton offense that's
put up a lot of points this year,” he said.
Monroeville (4-4,4-1) belted Crestview (46-6) last week.
Doughty says the Eagles offense is explosive.
“First of all, looking at their offense it runs through Cooper
Cleary. He's a heck of an
athlete back there. He's a big,
strong, physical back, but has also got some really good speed and he's able
to get outside and make some big gains.
Colt Clark at quarterback for them he's a multiple year starter.
He's done a nice job managing the offense.
He's able to pass the ball and he's had some success running the
ball, especially the second half of the season,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Thursday night, “That all starts with their offensive line.
They have some size up front just like they always do.
Really their offensive and defensive lines, some of the same names,
with Schafer boys over there, they do a really good job of controlling the
line of scrimmage. So, that's
going to be essential for us both offensively and defensively is being able
to control their line of scrimmage.”
Doughty thinks it is going to be really important to have a next play
mindset in this game Friday night. “We
have talked a lot this week about having a next play mindset.
You never know when those key plays are going to happen.
Really sometimes it just comes down to somebody on the backside
maintaining a block for an extra half a second and that's the reason a
running back is able to spring a long touchdown run.
So, you have to be ready at any given time and as soon as the play
ends you've got to hit that reset button and refocus in the huddle and get
ready for that next six seconds for the next play.
It's essential that that you're able to reset your focus and attack
that next play,” said Doughty.
Published 10/23/26
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Norwayne
Wants Energy
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Adam Indorf
Norwayne plays at home against the Northwestern Huskies in a Wayne
County Athletic League game on Friday night.
They need a win to at least share the “WCAL” title this year.
They fell back into a share of the lead with Hillsdale and Smithville
when the Falcons smoked them (33-3) last week.
Coach Adam Indorf says they got behind early and could never catch
up. “Just got down quick.
Just kind of couldn't dig ourselves out.
We had a lot of miscues, a lot of things that happened.
We are really focused on this week on working on that and bringing
more energy. Making sure that
we're doing things correctly. Look
at our mental approach on each snap. Just
work to get better,” he said.
Nowayne (5-4,5-1) hosts Northwestern (3-6,1-5) on Friday night.
The Huskies won their only league game of the season last week when
they beat Rittman (14-12) on Friday.
Indorf says they have some athleticism.
“They're going to be a team that's going to come out and battle.
They have some athletes in the secondary defensively. Some
athletes in the backfield and athletes on the perimeter,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “Definitely, we have to keep track
of all those guys and make sure that we are being disciplined across the
board. Up front they have got
some big bodies that like to move people.
So, again keep battling and working to control of the line of
scrimmage up front on both sides of the ball.”
Indorf says they want to start fast, but they have to play four
quarters too to be successful. “We
can talk about building the week up and having a lot of energy when we come
out and taking it to them and mashing the gas.
A lot games we are going mash the the gas for four quarters and stay
on them, that's the approach. Within
that, be disciplined and have a good attitude and just keep working one play
at a time,” said Indorf.
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Centerburg
Faces Rival Fredericktown
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andy Colella
Centerburg needs a win at home against rival Fredericktown to make
the postseason this year.
They were walloped last week (48-0) by conference leader Danville.
Coach Andy Colella says Danville is just really good.
“It’s an excellent football team in all phases of the game I
think we talked about that last week. When
you can see it in person. Just
the way that they move offensively, defensively and special teams.
You have got to be on your game playing a team like.
Coach (Matt) Blum has done an outstanding job over there the last
couple years. He's got some
really good football players. Guys
that play with a lot of energy and effort over there.
You can get on the other side of that thing it's not good,” said
Colella.
Centerburg (6-3,5-1) plays host to Fredericktown (7-2,5-1) on Friday
night. The Freddies downed East
Knox (21-12). The winner would
share the conference title if East Knox upsets Danville.
Colella says you face a different look when you play Fredericktown.
“A little bit different style of play.
Coach (Scott) Spitler and his resume speaks for itself.
He’s doing the same thing at Fredericktown, that's winning lots of
football games, same thing he did at Lucas,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Thursday night, “It's going to be a battle, it's going to be tough with
the philosophy that they have on offense.
They're playing really good football as well.
Just in a little bit different way.
So, we know we have our hands full.
It’s a rivalry game.”
Right now, Centerburg stands 11th in their division VI
playoff region. The top 12 get
in, but the Trojans probably need a win to qualify.
Colella says they look forward to the opportunity.
“There's a lot of stake for the playoffs.
So, it's an awesome opportunity for week 10.
Not too many people get to experience this,” he said.
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Lexington
Wants to Play Spoiler
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jacob Owens
Lexington will take to the road on Friday night to face the Ashland
Arrows in Ohio Cardinal Conference action.
They lost a tough one (20-14) in overtime to Madison last week in an
“OCC” game.
Coach Jacob Owens says they almost got it.
“It was a tough loss. We
were on the wrong end of a really good football game.
Our kids fought. We shut
them out in the second half and we scored 14 points to tie the ball game up.
Our kids fought to the bitter end, but we came up like six inches
short,” he said.
Lexington (1-8,1-5) is up at Ashland (5-4,2-4) on Friday night.
The Arrows are coming off a thrilling (27-21) win overtime last week
against Wooster.
Owens says this is chance for them to play spoiler.
“They are a really good football team.
Coach (Scott) Valentine always does a good job of getting his kids
ready to go. Have a really good
game plan every week. They're
going to play their style of football. They're
going to spread people out and try to get the ball to their playmakers,”
he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “They have to win this
game to get in the playoffs, so that that's a little extra edge for us to
come out and play our way and try to stop them.”
Owens says a win on Friday night would be a big boost for the
program. “We've been in a lot
of close games, our kids have fought, and have been in a lot of close games.
Our 1-8 record does not indicate who we are as a team and who we are
as individuals. We fought and
competed a lot. So, this week
would go a long way for our confidence as a football team and a program.
It would give our seniors one last time to celebrate together with a
win,” said Owens.
Published 10/23/26
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Mt.
Gilead to Face Biggest Rival
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Mike Reid
Mt. Gilead will likely close the season at home on Friday night
against archrival Cardington in play in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference.
They still have a chance to make the division VI playoffs.
Last week, they fell (31-23) to Northmor in a “KMAC” game.
Coach Mike Reid says they couldn’t finish a couple of times.
“We had a lot of great drives offensively Friday night against
Northmor. One of them we
didn’t finish, well actually two, we fumbled inside the red zone once and
we didn't finish right before half. We
ran out of time. We actually
needed all those points. Defensively
we didn't match up well a couple of times against Northmor and we just
couldn't put that one away. Give
credit to them, they played extremely well that night, but we didn’t take
care of our own business,” said Reid.
The Indians (4-5,2-4) hosts Cardington (0-9,0-6) on Friday.
The Pirates were blanked (42-0) by Loudonville last week.
Reid says the Pirates are trying to find the right combinations.
“Cardington has struggled this year but it's not because they don't
have decent guys or good coaching. They've
had a lot of injuries this year. As
I watched them, I see a lot of different personnel combinations out there.
They have got some big fellas up front, they get off the ball pretty
well, and they're going to present some challenges.
Really this week we've really concentrated on ourselves the most and
trying to put four quarters of great football together so we can win this
great rivalry game that we call the “Battle of 42,” he said.
There is always emotion with rivalry games, but Reid says you have to
control those feelings. “We
want to do our talking between the whistles the right way.
Kids are kids, but we have got to be great cultures and keep our kids
focused on the task at hand. Cardington
has been a rivalry for a long, long time.
It's one of the older ones, certainly not the oldest, but one of the
older ones in the state of Ohio,” he told Swakonsports.com on Thursday
afternoon, “We're really, really excited to have this opportunity to not
only win the “Battle of 42” trophy, but also send of seniors out on a
positive note. I know coach
(Chad) Hobbs is telling the same thing to his guys right now too.
So, hopefully we have a great, exciting atmosphere here (Friday)
night. We have just got to take
care of business. We have got to
execute much like any other Friday and not let our emotions get too far out
ahead of us.”
Published 10/23/26
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Bucyrus
to Face a lot of Challenges
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jon Butchko
Bucyrus puts out the welcome mat for the Colonel Crawford Eagles in a
Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
They are coming off a (36-16) setback at the hands of Tiffin Calvert
last week in the “N10”.
Coach Jon Butchko says Calvert was more physical than them.
“We're battling a little bit of injuries.
We don't have an extremely deep roster or an extremely experienced
roster to begin with. I think
some of that started to show last week against Calvert.
We had some guys making their first starts, some guys in different
spots. Other guys that were in
the lineup were pretty banged up and I'm not making excuses. I
mean that's just where we are in week nine,” he old Swankonsports.com on
Thursday night, “We played in some physical games.
I think Calvert came out and was very, very physical with us.
Calvert took it right to us. It
was a bit of a letdown. We
didn’t take anything for granted. I
told you that last week. It was
like a mirror image of us and they came out and they just played a little
bit better. They were a little
bit more physical. We have got
to look to rebound against what's a really really, really good team that's
had a disappointing season.”
Bucyrus (4-5,3-4) has Colonel Crawford (4-5,3-4) on Friday night.
The Eagles lost a heartbreaker (12-10) to Seneca East last week.
Butchko says the Eagles will show you a lot of looks.
“I see that they're getting better now that their original starter
Roen Thew is back at quarterback. Parker
Weithman at receiver, and plays DB, is about as good an athlete as there is
in the “N10”. They're still
very, very good defensively. (Gabe)
Stratton moves around in the second and third level of the defense is an
excellent player. They have
really nice pieces around that. The
one thing Jake (Bruner) always does is he gives you a ton of formations to
prepare for. Some balanced, some
unbalanced. If you try to chart
everyone and prepare for everyone individually you would have nine hour
practices and that doesn't really work very well week 10. You
got to try to figure out what they do best or what they're trying to do,”
said Butchko.
Butchko says Crawford has been getting more explosive on offense.
“I think they're a little bit more dynamic now that Thew is back.
It's a tall order anytime you play them.
Goodness, I wish they weren’t hitting a stride when they are about
to play us,” he said.
Published 10/23/26
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Mohawk
a Step Away
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Eric Daniel
Mohawk needs a win at home against Tiffin Calvert on Friday night to
secure at least a share of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference title.
They share the lead with Hopewell-Loudon.
The Chieftains play one win Buckeye Central.
The Warriors (8-1,7-0) grabbed a big win last week in blanking Carey
(21-0) in an “N10” game.
Coach Eric Daniel says they played solid, consistent football.
“Proud of our kids, proud of their effort and execution,
physicality and they were very, very consistent.
We had a lot of kids do a lot of the little things right and play as
a team and did it against a very good opponent.
So, anytime you could beat a rival it's huge for your school, your
team, the community, it's fun. It's
a great football game and proud of our kids for coming out on top,” he
said.
Calvert (2-7,2-5) has won it’s last two, including (36-16) last
week over Bucyrus in conference action.
Daniel says the Senecas have developed some confidence.
“It's really easy for kids to check out in today's age, especially
when you start like they did. I
give them those kids and their program and the coach a lot of credit for
staying the course. I think
they've gotten healthier. They've
got a young quarterback that's gotten better.
Their athletic as always and playing with confidence right now.
They're very good at front. They
have got some linemen back that they were probably missing throughout the
middle of the year. They're
playing their best football right now. So,
it's certainly a rival for us. These
are our two biggest rivals the last two weeks.
If a league championship and all that jazz didn't get you excited
then you can look no further than one of our biggest rivals,” said Daniel.
Daniel says his kids will be ready to play.
“Keep it really simple and take the emotion out of it and just do
the right things. We'll get our
guys lined up correctly. We just
want to play them ball and do what they've done all year and continue that.
They've done a great job this week of being locked in at practice.
A lot of times that equates to them getting locked in the game,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “There's a lot of carryover
there. So, they're doing the
right things this week as we expected them.
I had a lot of radio shows and newspapers asking about a potential
trap game. I just told them if
you know the character and leadership of these kids they won't allow that to
happen. They won't underestimate
anybody and they haven’t. They've
done a great job of being very business like.
They certainly know what's at stake for them, but they are also just
going about it one day at a time. Keeping
their feet grounded and just getting after it in practice and be ready to go
Friday.”
Published 10/22/26
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Dover
Must Execute
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Rees
Dover, the Ohio Cardinal Conference leader, plays at New Philadelphia
in an “OCC” game on Friday.
It’s the 123rd renewal of the longstanding rivalry in
Tuscarawas County. It’s the
third most played matchup in Ohio.
Coach Matt Rees says the Tornadoes have been focused on consistent
improvement this year. “It's
one of those years that we focused on growth.
When we came out of last season you know we said we have to look at
growing day by day. So, that's
been the point of emphasis growing as a team, growing as individuals, not
focusing on mistakes and so that's what we focused on.
I think that's helped us throughout the course of the season,” he
said.
Dover (7-2,6-0) is over at New Philadelphia (4-5,4-2) on Friday
night. The Quakers lost a tight
one (28-21) to West Holmes in conference play last week.
Rees believes they will be playing a very good football team.
“They’re a very good football team you know and then you bring in
the rivalry piece to it and you have to throw records out the window.
I have been a part of this game as a player, I've been a part of this
game as spectator, and I've been a part of it as a coach.
So, you don't look at records. If
you do, you're going to have a setback at some point.
So, with this game they have a lot of skill and they're continuing to
grow and develop every day each week. They’re
a good football team and I’m looking for a competitive environment on
Friday,” said Rees.
Rees says the ability to run the football is going to key on Friday
night. “I think any team that
is able to run the ball you control the game.
So, when you're able to run the ball it's easier to control the
clock, it's easier to control the course of the game.
They've historically been a very physical team and so we have to at
least match their physicality,” he said.
Rivalry games are always intense, but Rees says they must have solid
execution if they are going to win. “Execution
is key and that’s been a point of emphasis certain points throughout the
season where we had some setbacks because we didn't execute.
Whether it was offense, defense or special teams,” he told
Swankonssports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “It comes back to that growth
piece. Are we growing day by
day? Are we growing week by week? So, as far as the last several weeks we
have shown that growth in our execution.
So, when it comes to any game, but specially into this game execution
is key.”
Published 10/22/26
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West
Holmes With Things to do
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Keaton Leppla
West Holmes, a game back in the Ohio Cardinal Conference, plays at
Wooster in a conference game on Friday night.
They kept themselves in position with a (28-21) win over New
Philadelphia last week.
Coach Keaton Leppla says just kept playing hard last week.
“Anytime you run into New Philly you’re going to get a tough,
you’re going to get a physical, you’re going to get a grinded out win
and we were able to do that. Really
proud of our guys to be able to fight through not very good weather.
You have got to be able to do that.
You have got to be able to find ways to win those games even when the
game plan doesn't go your way. At
the end of the day, our kids were able to do it.
It wasn't the greatest win, but it was another big conference win for
us and it's another thing for us to build off of,” said Leppla.
West Holmes (7-2,5-1) is up at Wooster (3-5,3-3) on Friday night.
The Generals lost (27-21) in OT to Ashland last week.
Leppla says a team that just continues to get better.
“I think with this group you see huge maturity and growth out of
their quarterback. You see again
a system and a program that's in year two and you see them start putting
things together. You start
seeing an offense that is able to move the chains,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “Defensively, we're seeing them
really start flying around and building pressure on the quarterback and
doing a lot of great things. This
is a team that's been in a lot of close games and they've lost some, they've
won some, but it's a hugely improved football team.”
Now to share the “OCC” West Holmes needs New Philadelphia to beat
Dover on Friday night.
Leppla says they have to take care of their business.
“Talking to our team this week we can only control what we can
control and that's and that's how we come out on Friday night and that's how
we perform. After that
everything else is out of our hands as far as the conference and as far as
playoffs. We've taken care of
the business enough to get in the playoffs.
Our main focus is we have got to finish out this regular season
strong, keep the momentum rolling and get a win against a rival,” said
Leppla.
Published 10/22/26
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Western
Goes for Outright Title
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ty Stevenson
Western Reserve will claim an outright title in the Firelands
Conference on Friday night with a win at New London.
Coach Ty Stevenson says that would be a great accomplishment for the
Riders. “It’s important for
our kids to be able to get that outright title.
It would be only the third undefeated regular season in school
history. So, that's a pretty
cool motivator for our kids this week. So,
I think they've stayed pretty locked in, pretty ready to go and hopefully
we're going to play well against New London,” he said.
Stevenson says this year’s group has been very focused on what they
are trying to do. “They've
done everything we have asked of them. They've
really done a great job of being connected.
Our motto is tough and connected this year and they've really done
that and really and pushed everybody in the same direction.
I don't know that we've always had that the last few years, so it's
been kind of refreshing for me to be honest with you.
These guys really played hard and done the things we've asked them to
do,” said Stevenson.
Steveson says to have a special year like they have had so far you
must have everything come together. “We
like to think that we run pretty decent program here, but you got to make
sure the kids are on board, honestly the family’s on board and all that,
to make sure that things go the way that you hope they go.
We've been close the last few years, but have not kind of quite got
it done, so we're excited to have that opportunity Friday night,” he said.
Western Reserve (9-0,5-0), #3 in the Swankonsports.com football
coaches poll in the small school division, is at New London (1-8,1-4) on
Friday night. The Wildcats were
edged (15-8) by South Central last week in a conference game.
Stevenson says they have some players, but have not been consistent.
“They have got some nice pieces of parts and just struggle
sometimes to probably put it all together.
That’s the thing young teams kind of do sometimes,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “You hope that they don't find
all the right pieces Friday night and hope that you play well.
They have got a lot of good athletes over there.
Coach (Jon) Harrison has done a great job of building that thing from
an eight man team to getting back to varsity and competing several weeks
each season. It's a process and
it's not an easy one, especially this day and age, so those guys were
continuing to play hard.”
Published 10/22/26
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Orrville
With Chance for Title
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Brent Besancon
Orrville is down at Wooster Triway for a kind of championship game in
the Principal’s Athletic Conference on Friday night.
Right now, the two teams share the lead the “PAC” with Akron
Manchester. The Panthers play
Northwest.
The Red Riders (7-2,4-1) lost (19-14) to Manchester last week, their
only conference loss.
Coach Brent Besancon says they just couldn’t cash in.
“We had our opportunities and didn't seize them.
It sets us up this week for kind of winner take all the marbles,”
he said.
Triway (8-1,4-1) destroyed Canton Central Catholic (31-0) in a
non-conference game. The Titans
have outscored their opponents 325-74 this year, allowing on 20 points over
the last month.
Besancon says they are really rolling.
“I think it's kind of a tale of two seasons.
I know I saw them earlier in the year and they looked good, but boy
these last five weeks in league play shared a lot of opponents and they've
just really trounced everybody,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday
night, “I don't know what all the points are, it's over 200 they've scored
the last five games and just given up 20 points.
They're playing really good football right now.
We have got to travel their place week 10.
So, it's going to be a huge challenge.”
Besancon says they have to stop the Triway run game.
He says that’s what they do best.
“I think more this year than they want to run it.
Years past go back 10, 15 years they're a spread team and chucking it
around, but right now with their offensive and defensive lines they come off
the ball really well and they've have tended to run a little bit more,”
said Besancon.
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Madison
Has to Contain Tygers
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Kobi Johnson
Madison will host Mansfield Senior Friday night in the annual
“Battle of Mansfield” in Ohio Cardinal Conference action.
They beat another rival in Lexington (20-14) in overtime last week in
an “OCC” game.
Coach Kobi Johnson says they were able to respond and get the win.
“I've seen a lot of growth. I
was really proud of that. It is
something we look at and it’s another opportunity for us this week to
continue just trying to get better and be the best football team we can be
in week 10 against a crosstown rival. So,
just proud of the guys fight there late the game as Lex was able to come
back and tie it up and send it to overtime.
That's where you find out a lot about your football team.
So, our guys stepped up to the challenge and we're able to pick up
the big Richland County road win,” he said.
Madison (4-5,2-4) plays Mansfield Senior (1-8,1-5) on Friday night.
The Tygers were smoked (35-8) by “OCC” leader Dover last week.
Johnson says they must be prepared before they step out on the field
on Friday night. “It’s a
talented young group. A big
physical offensive line. So, for
us when we're looking at them, we know this week that records don't matter
when it comes to this game. It's
all about preparation and making sure that mentally you're ready to go,”
he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “I think our guys have had a
good week so far. We're excited
for the opportunity to finish things off at home this year.
Hoping that you know we're able to kind of slow down some of those
athletic receivers and a young quarterback that is able to extend plays and
keep his eyes downfield and also run the ball.
So, it's a big challenge for us and we're definitely excited to get
to go out and compete Friday night.”
Johnson says a win over Mansfield is important in any year.
He says a fin Friday can give them some momentum.
“It definitely gives you a lot of momentum.
You want to go into the offseason on a positive note.
One of the cool things about our rivalry is we play a Thursday night
JV game that's kind of a mix of JV and freshman guys and then kind of wrap
things up with that Friday night game. So,
it's a great way to end the season and we definitely always look at it as an
opportunity to build momentum and kind of try to make a statement for what
the offseason's going to look like. It
can create a lot of excitement for the kids, so it's definitely a big
game,” said Johnson.
Published 10/22/26
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Fredericktown
With a lot to Play for
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Spitler
Fredericktown visits Centerburg for a meeting in the Knox Morrow
Athletic Conference on Friday night.
Right now, the two teams share second place in the conference a game
behind Danville.
The Freddies (7-2,5-1) downed East Knox (21-12) in a conference game
last week.
Coach Scott Spitler says it was a good win.
“It was nice to get the victory there against a very good East Knox
team, especially with it being senior night and the last guaranteed home
game for this season. Then being
able to find out afterwards that we clinched a playoff spot.
So, it was a good night and now it's back to work.
We have got a tall task this week versus a very good Centerburg
team,” he said.
Centerburg (6-3,5-1) was thrashed last week by Danville (48-0) on
Friday.
Spitler says they have a lot the Freddies will have to contend with
on Friday. “They are very
dangerous offensively. They have
the best receiving corps that we face this season.
Then you've got just the wild card in (Jackson) Ballinger who is just
a matchup nightmare and they move him around and have him do so many things
for them. They've got a very
athletic quarterback that stresses you throwing and running.
He's made a lot of big plays with his legs this season.
Nice size up front. So,
they're very potent offensively. You
can they are well coached and are consistent in what they do.
Then they get after you defensively.
Ballinger and Clarke Redd their defensive end tandem is pretty tough.
They play downhill really well at the linebacker position.
All those receivers that stress you on offense are in their secondary
and big ball hawks.”
It’s week 10 and Spitler says they have a lot of things on the
table this week. “We have the
“Freddiburg” trophy. We took
it on the chin from them last year at our place in the last week of the
season, so our kids want to go out and have a better performance and ensure
that we're a better team than we played last season and continue to improve
week to week,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “We have
got the “Freddiberg” trophy, you have got an opportunity wrap up at
least second place in the conference. Then
we have a shot at hosting a playoff game if everything falls right with a
victory Friday night. So, we
have plenty to play for. Plus,
you want to be playing your best ball heading into the postseason.
We have things that we went back to work on this week and we hope
that we are a better version of ourselves this week.”
Published 10/22/26
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Carey
Thinking Right
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jonathon Mershman
Carey will host Willard in a game in the Northern 10 Athletic
Conference on Friday night.
They lost their second in a row last week when rival Mohawk shut them
out (21-0) in a conference game.
Coach Jonathan Mershman says they moved the ball, but they just could
not stick it in and score. “We
moved the ball, but we just we didn't finish.
We didn't finish with any points.
I think we had the ball inside the 30 a couple times and just didn't
come away with any points. The
first drive was really nice. We
drove there and then we just stalled out.
We can't do that against good teams.
You have got to find a way to scratch and claw and get some
points,” said Mershman.
They are not going to win the “N10” this year, but they are
certainly in the playoff hunt in division VI.
Mershman says a win would be big for them.
“If we get to win this Friday and I think we have like a 96% chance
of hosting. At the end of the
day, that's stuff to play for. That's
stuff to work for. So, I think
the kids are in the right frame of mind of wanting to work for those things.
It's not going to be easy, but I think we're right where we need to
be,” he said.
The Blue Devils stand eighth right now in their region.
Positions five through eight host a first round game.
Carey (5-4,5-2) is at home for Willard (3-6,1-6) on Friday night.
The Flashes fell (42-26) to Wynford last week in a conference game.
Mershman says the Flashes have some athleticism that they have to be
concerned with. “They have a
really explosive quarterback and a really nice receiver in #4 (Gage Stover).
They have got some really good tools on offense,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “If we don't do our assignments
it's going to be a rough night, but I think, like I said before, I think the
frame of mind of the guys is to do their assignments.
I think we're hopefully going to come out on Friday night on the top
end of it.”
Published 10/22/26
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Wooster
Wants to Move Forward
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ray Leek
Wooster will entertain West Holmes Friday night in a game in the Ohio
Cardinal Conference.
Last week, they lost a tough one (27-21) in overtime to Ashland in
“OCC” play.
Coach Ray Leek says they just couldn’t make the plays at the end.
“We have got to be able to get a first down there at the end the
game in regulation. Then
overtime we have got to be able to move the ball better and get a stop.
Our kids fought hard they're definitely proud of that, but we didn't
do enough when it came to the end of the game,” he said.
Wooster (3-6,3-3) plays at home against West Holmes (7-2,5-1) on
Friday night. The Knights edged
New Philadelphia (28-21) last week.
Leek says the Knights are athletic.
“They have had a heck of a season.
They have a lot of athletes. They
are big up front. So, we're
going to have to be ready. Defensively,
they run a three-three stack and kind of let Beachy just shoot around there
and cause havoc. So, we're going
to have to make sure we know where he's at up front,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “I think if we can get the ball and
our playmaker's hands in space we have a shot you know on the offensive side
of the ball. Defensively,
they're going to run the ball and spread it out wide and throw a lot of
screens, quick game. So, we have
got to make sure that we're disciplined and we're on the same page and
communicate to stop their offense.”
Leek says this is an important game for the program as a whole.
“You want to end it the right way.
We're not mathematically eliminated, so to have a chance you have got
to win. Also, it’s senior
night and you want to end last home game on high note and send the seniors
out the right way for what they have been able to do for our program.
The standard they set the last two years with me here has been
remarkable. So, I'm proud of
those seniors and I want to send them out the right way.
For the younger guys, it's great to take that momentum into the
offseason and into the weight room as we head into December,” said Leek.
Published 10/22/26
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Columbian
Has to Limit Big Plays
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ryan Ottney
Tiffin Columbian is at Sandusky Perkins in the championship game in
the Northern Ohio Conference Lake Division on Friday night.
Both are unbeaten and really unchallenged in division games this
year.
Columbian (7-2,3-0) hammered Clyde (40-14) in a division game last
week.
Coach Ryan Ottney says they continue to take steps forward.
“We've got some things on the right direction.
It's a matter of continuing to keep growing every single day at
practice. Every single
opportunity we have learning from our mistakes because we haven't played any
perfect football. Just like as
anybody else has. We’re just
trying to keep that momentum and positive things going the right direction
moving into this week,” he said.
Perkins (9-0,3-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the large school division, belted Huron (48-14) in a crossover game last
week.
Ottney says they are athletic and very well coached.
“They're still well coached. Coach
(Jalen) Santoro over there and staff. They've
been together for a while as a corps and they've done a really nice job and
those guys are really well coached, they're very disciplined.
They have got great athletes and those athletes they have got to
instill confidence in themselves from the coaches who put them in the
positions to make opportunities happen.
As a result, they've continued to be at the top of the conference
even though it’s a new one, but before in the “SBC” they won the last
four league titles. So, it's a
new name, but in my opinion they're still the champs until somebody is able
to knock them off,” said Ottney.
A key to winning the Tornadoes, according to Ottney, is not allowing
Perkins to get the big play. “We
have to do our best to kind of limit the explosive plays.
They're very good at creating explosiveness on the offensive side of
the ball, but they also do a very good job on their special teams as well
creating those explosive plays,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday
evening, “We have got to minimize those as much as you possibly can and
try your best to kind of keep everything in front and make sure we make
tackles when we have the opportunity to make them.
If we can do that. If can
you know play good, sound offensive football I think we give ourselves a
chance at least when it comes down to it to see what we can do in the fourth
quarter.”
Published 10/21/26
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New
Philadelphia to Face Archrival Dover
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Mike Johnson
New Philadelphia will be at home for first place Dover in an Ohio
Cardinal Conference game.
Right now, Dover leads the “OCC” standings by a game over West
Holmes.
Last week, the Quakers lost (28-21) to second place West Holmes.
Coach Mike Johnson says they didn’t take advantage of their
chances. “That was a tough
one. West Holmes played a really
good game. We had some
opportunities early. Drove right
down the field and got into the red zone and didn't put it in.
At the end of the day, that kind of becomes the difference.
When you have opportunities like that you better make the most of
them. So, that's going to be one
of the focuses this week as we prepare for the rivalry game,” he said.
New Philadelphia (4-5,4-2) is at Dover (7-2,6-0) on Friday night.
Dover blasted Mansfield Senior (35-8) last week in an “OCC” a
game.
Johnson says the Tornadoes make big plays.
“They just have a bunch of different playmakers.
They do a really nice job getting their playmakers the ball.
The (Dante) Clark kid is just tremendous.
The quarterback, the (Dieter) Weber kid is very good.
They have got a couple other good wideouts who they spread it to,”
he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “Running backs who really
keep your defense guessing because they do such a good job spreading it out.
Their defense is just fundamental.
They read their keys and once they read it they play fast and they
get downhill and they're good finishers, good tacklers. So,
we're going to have to come out and play our best game of the season this
week.”
This is a rivalry that dates back to the days of the horse drawn
carriage. Johnson says this week
is all about tradition. “This
is the 123rd time that we've met.
We're the third longest rivalry in high school football here in Ohio.
It's great tradition, great communities, great community support, a
lot of fun things happening this week leading up to it.
So, it’s always so much more than a game, but on Friday night it's
all about the game,” he said.
The Quakers have a chance to make the division III playoffs and
Johnson says all he knows is they have to win.
“Somebody asked (Tuesday) about the playoffs.
To be honest, there is too much math involved for me.
All we really know that we can control is how we play on Friday
night. So, it's about preparing
well this week, coming in with a great attitude, our kids knowing the game
plan and being dialed into it and then being focused and carrying it out on
Friday night,” said Johnson.
Published 10/21/26
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Monroeville
Not Thinking Playoffs
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Tylor Nester
Monroeville tangles with longtime archrival Norwalk St. Paul on
Friday night in Firelands Conference game.
The two teams share second place in the conference a game behind
first place Western Reserve.
The Eagles (4-4,4-1) buried Crestview (46-6) in a conference game
last week. A two-point loss to
Western is their only blemish since the first week of September.
Coach Tylor Nester says they are playing well.
“We're hitting our stride. We
kind of talk about each week and throughout the year about getting better
each rep, each practice, and each game.
Our kids have bought into that and playing some of our best football
right now,” he said.
St. Paul (5-3,4-1) hammered Mapleton (45-6) last week in “FC”
action.
Nester says like always St. Paul is very fundamental.
“A typical St. Paul team. Chris
Doughty does a heck of a job. They're
quick, they're fast, they take proper angles to the ball whether that's on
defense or offense,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening,
“They're aggressive all the way across the board and they’re
disciplined. Like I said, that's
a typical St. Paul team that we've seen year in year out.”
Nester says they expect that the Flyers are going to come right at
them. “That's their identity
to run the ball. With Fries and
Couch and their offensive line that does a heck of a job.
They are a physical football team and they want to get downhill and
they want to run right at you,” he said.
Monroeville gets in the division VII playoffs with a win, but Nester
says they playoffs are not their focus.
“First and foremost, we want to take care of business this weekend
and our eyes are set on the rivalry game that we talked about and our kids
are excited for this opportunity. This
year it's at Marsh Field and Marsh Field is a special place and obviously we
want to protect “The Marsh,” said Nester.
Published 10/21/26
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Galion
Must Make Clear Fork Drive it
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Dick
Galion visits Clear Fork in play in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
on Friday night.
A win could boost the Tigers into the playoffs.
Right now, they are 14th in their division V region.
They have to finish in the top 12.
The Tigers (5-4,3-3) won their third straight game last week in
edging Marion Harding (14-7) in league play.
Coach Matt Dick says they did what was required to win.
“We really played the well in the first half.
I think we played really good defense in the second half.
I do think the weather, the rain and that stuff, I think they did a
good job of making some good halftime adjustments were able to take away a
lot of things for us offensively. You
have got to give them a credit, but at this point in the season we're just
trying to find a way to win,” he said.
Clear Fork (7-2,4-2), #4 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the large school division, smoked winless River Valley (43-0) last
week.
Dick says they play really well on defense.
“I really like their defense. I
think they fly around. The 3-3
stack provides a lot of pressure to anybody.
I think they have really good athletes and their coaches could put
them in good position. I just
notice how many three and outs, six and outs they get,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “It really comes down to one or two
series a half you have that you have a chance to score.
I think that they've pretty much done that every game versus every
team in the “MOAC”. So, I
have got a lot respect for their defense.
Offensively, I think they’re really smash mouth and they run the
ball hard.”
Dick says a key for them is they have force Clear Fork to drive the
field to score points. “I
think our defense has done a good job of stopping the run, but we usually
give up some yards. I think we
wait to get that tackle for loss, holding penalty or a kid just makes a play
then and then we usually get off the field, but it's usually a slow process.
I think Clear Fork runs the ball well.
The question is can get off the field in seven plays, or six plays.
Offensively, can we put the defense in good position where they have
to drive the whole length of the field and score.
I think you give Clear Fork the ball at the 50, they're a different
offense than if you've give them the ball at their own 10.
I think that ball position battle, the special teams, all that's
going to come down to a couple plays. Hopefully,
we have a chance to win in the fourth,” said Dick.
Published 10/21/26
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Danville
Wants East Knox
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Blum
Unbeaten Danville will be at archrival East Knox for a Knox Morrow
Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
A win means an outright “KMAC” title.
They put themselves into that position by routing Centerburg (48-0)
last week in a conference game.
Coach Matt Blum says they started fast are were consistent.
“Just really proud of the way the team came out and played from the
very first snap. We played
consistent all the way through the final whistle even though the score was
decided. Our kids played hard
through the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
So, I'm very proud of their effort and just the ability that we've
had the last few days to be able to get off to fast start.
That’s something we are going to need to do this week,” said
Blum.
Danville (9-0,6-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in small school division, plays at East Knox (5-4,2-4) on Friday.
The Bulldogs lost (21-12) to Fredericktown last week.
Blum says the Bulldogs will offer a challenge.
“They are a lot better than last year.
I think coach (Gage) Steinmetz has done a really good job building
here in year one with his group. They're
playing tremendously hard on defense. In
they're box they do a really nice job of planning and angling and getting
their linebackers playing downhill and playing some man coverage on the
outside and have the athletes back it up,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Tuesday night, “Defensively, they're doing a really nice job, they are
fundamentally sound. Offensively,
they have some really nice skilled players out on the edge and have a
dangerous running game with their quarterback and running back.
So, I think they’re much improved from last year and it will be a
game Friday night.”
A win means an undisputed title, a perfect regular season, but Blum
says what they really want to do is beat East Knox at their place.
“That is our program goal number one.
This is my fifth year and as soon as I took over that was kind of
what we established as our foundation and our number one goal.
We have the opportunity to do that Friday night on their senior night
at their house, so that's obviously a big deal for us,” he said.
Published 10/21/26
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Colonel
Crawford Still Battling
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jake Bruner
Colonel Crawford plays at rival Bucyrus in Northern 10 Athletic
Conference action.
They lost (12-10) last week when Seneca East blocked a field goal on
the last play of the game.
Coach Jake Bruner says he has been very proud of how the kids have
battled adversity. “The
combination of number one a really tough schedule.
You look at our five losses there most are within a score.
A young team with some injuries on older kids that are important in
different places in the season. It
says a lot about our kids and adversity and they played really hard all
season and I can’t be prouder of them with what they've done and the
injuries they've played through,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday
afternoon, “Friday night we’re in a rainstorm and our quarterback is
playing with a cast on his hand. He
hadn't played for three or four weeks now.
So, it says a lot about our kids and their tenacity, but give Seneca
East a lot of credit. They’re
a heck of a football team. We
missed a field goal at the end to win and that's just how it goes.”
Colonel Crawford (4-5,3-4) is at Bucyrus (4-5,3-4) on Friday night.
The Redmen lost (36-16) to Tiffin Calvert last week.
Bruner says Bucyrus has been a pretty good team this year.
“They've had a tremendous season for them.
I was at Bucyrus for seven wonderful years.
I root for them every year to go 9-1.
They're having a great season. They
beat Wynford for the first time since 1996.
So, I can't say a bad thing about them and what a great season. I'm
proud of those guys and what they're doing.
I don't wish them good luck on Friday.
It's a rivalry game and those kids are going to play really hard.
The Makeeves and the (Hayden) Butcher kid and a lot of other skill,
they're dangerous. We know we're
going to be in a war Friday night in a rivalry game,” said Bruner.
Bruner says starting in December they must start building for next
year. “Every offseason is
important and we played a lot of young kids this year.
We're going to bring back you know 25 kids have lettered or played a
lot for us. We're going to miss
our seniors, those nine guys, but we're going to bring back a lot of kids.
Our league is really tough, so we're have to work really hard,” he
said.
Published 10/21/26
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Seneca
East to Get Pressure
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ed Phillips
Seneca East will be home in Attica for the Upper Sandusky Rams in a
Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
Last week, they blocked a kick as time expired and beat Colonel
Crawford (12-10) in a “N10” game.
Coach Ed Phillips says it was an important win for the Seneca East
program. “Just really exciting
and you see the energy carrying over to this week. Colonel Crawford is a big
win for us and that means a lot to the kids and the program and to do it in
that way was pretty special. To
hang on at the end and make the plays we need to make to win on offense and
defense and the kicking game was huge. It
makes you feel pretty good,” said Phillips.
Isaac Stockmaster kicked two field goals for the Tigers.
One was 42 yards on a rainy night.
Seneca East (7-2,5-2) entertains Upper (5-4,4-3) on Friday night.
The Rams walloped Buckeye Central (42-0) in a conference game last
week.
Phillips says the Rams want to throw it.
“They're explosive. They
have a lot of explosive athletes. They're
the opposite of what we've seen for a while.
It's been a while this season since we've seen somebody that throws
the ball a lot,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “It’s a
throw first mentality and they do it really well.
They have got a great group of receivers and they have got a
quarterback that’s doing a really good job.
So, there's certainly a different challenge than what we've had and
one that's good for us at this point. There
was one week that our corners basically didn’t do much practice, so it's
their time to shine here for us this week.”
Upper’s Keegan Dunn leads the “N10” in passing yards with 1964
on the season.
Phillips says they have to get some pressure on Dunn on Friday night.
“That’s super important. We
can’t let him get comfortable. When
he can sit back there and let it rip, he's very good at it.
So, that certainly is a goal of ours.
Hopefully, upfront we can win some battles and put some heat on
him,” he said.
Published 10/21/26
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South
Central Has Something on the Table
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Derek Fisher
South Central plays at home versus Black River in a non-conference
game on Friday night.
The Trojans (4-5) downed New London (15-8) in a Firelands Conference
game last Friday.
Coach Derek Fisher says they were able to get it done.
“I mean hats off to those guys.
They were ready to play. It
wasn't pretty, but as a lot of people told me all week you take an ugly win
over a pretty loss any day of the week.
We have got plenty of stuff to clean up.
The defense played well to hold them to eight points.
Offensively, we seem to splutter a little bit here.
Trying to get over the hump. Trying
to find a way to put good plays, good drives, good series together and then
capitalize at the end. That’s
kind of been a theme with us the last couple of weeks.
Handle a little bit of adversity that we had right at the end of the
first half. With the conditions
and everything and kind of made everybody one sided.
Happy with our kid’s effort. I
think that's five one score games and were 4-1 in those.
So, that's put a positive spin on it.
Our kids are battle tested and ready to prove themselves in
situations like that,” he said.
Black River (2-7) beat Wellington (12-0) last week.
Fisher says can make some plays in the run game.
“There's a lot of history. They
used to be in our conference way back when.
Not being too far away from us we were fortunate that we were able to
find somebody to replace Plymouth that's close to home.
A lot of the same ideals. They're
a little more spread out this year. They
have a quarterback that's really shifty, really quick, he's a good runner,
they have got some size on the outside.
They'll spread you out, but then they'll run the ball as well,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “Having assignment football on
defense is huge. Offensively,
with what they show on defense. They'll
show you different fronts and stuff, they'll bring pressure from different
positions and simulated pressure. It's
kind of hard to diagnose what coverage their always in.
They kind of run a funky defense that we've had some experience with
in the past, but can be hard to diagnose it and find a way to beat.
So, I'll be a good test for us to close out our season at home on
Friday night.”
The Trojans are 14th in their playoff region.
Fisher says that’s a sign of progress for the program.
“We have stressed to our kids that we're building something and
when you're building something you have got to start at the bottom and work
your way up brick by brick. It
doesn't always appear that you see the finished product.
When we first arrived a couple years back, we weren't in this
conversation in week 10. We were
usually mathematically eliminated well before this.
So, just the fact that we're finishing higher in the conference than
what we traditionally have. We're
not mathematically eliminated week 10. We
see that as a win. In order for
all those things to come to fruition and us to earn another week we have to
go out and take care of business this Friday.
I'm happy to have the game at home.
Just hoping that we can respond and our kids see the gravity of the
situation and how cool it is that we get to play at home and we're not just
playing just for bragging rights we’re playing for something else,” said
Fisher.
Published 10/21/26
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Crestview
With Last Test
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Steve Haverdill
Crestview will play its final game of the season as they host the
Mapleton Mounties in a Firelands Conference on Friday night.
They fell last week to Monroeville (46-6) in a conference game.
Coach Steve Haverdill says they continue to play hard and learn the
game. “Our kids gave great
effort for all four quarters and that's all you can ask for is they go out
there and still be competing to the best of their ability and working on the
things that we're trying to work on in practice to get better,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They're doing that, so that's a
plus. We can see that and that's
going to be something we'll talk about going into the offseason about
continuing to work on those things and the experience that they've gained so
far this year is going to be invaluable.”
Crestview (1-8,0-5) hosts Mapleton (2-6,1-4) on Friday night.
The Mounties were smoked (45-6) by Norwalk St. Paul last week.
Haverdill says against Mapleton you are always going to face a lot of
misdirection. “They’re a
good football team. A lot of
misdirection stuff on offense, line is good size, they have got some backs
that can run the ball extremely hard. If
you get too worried about the run, they have got a quarterback that can
sling it a little bit here and there. So,
it's one of those things that's another learning curve of being disciplined
and reading your keys and that's what we've been stressing so far in
practice,” said Haverdill.
In terms of wins and losses this has a non-typical year of the
Cougars, no question. Haverdill
says this coming off season is going to be important to returning to that
level of performance. “The
numbers are going have to be up in the weight room and the stuff that we do
in the offseason and continue to build on what we've gotten better at this
year and be able to add some things. Definitely,
we have got to get bigger and stronger and faster with as young as we are.
If we're able to do that that's going to be a plus going into next
year,” he said.
Published 10/21/26
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Ontario
Wants to Play Well
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Eckert
Ontario takes its act to River Valley to meet the Vikings in a game
in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference on Friday night.
They are in second place in the “MOAC”, a game behind Shelby, the
only team to beat them this year.
They downed Highland (23-6) last week in a conference game.
Coach Aaron Eeckert says it was a good win against an underrated
team. “You look at
Highland’s schedule. It's like
I told our kids last week they've been in every game.
They've been there in the end and some games they pulled out a win
and other games they've come up just a bit short.
They have been a team that has been competitive all year round.
The game against us was no different.
They were competitive and it came down to us kind of pulling away in
the fourth, but for a long part of that game it was really back and
forth,” said Eckert.
Ontario (8-1,5-1), #3 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the large school division, is at River Valley (0-9,0-6) on Friday night.
The Vikings were hammered (43-0) by Clear Fork last week.
Eckert says with Carter Myers, the leading receiver in the
conference, River Valley is still dangerous.
“I think this is always a dangerous game, especially when you have
a kid that is a division one type athlete in the (Carter) Myers kid.
I could see it being a game where it's been a season hasn't been so
great let's just pull out all the stops and get a little wild and crazy.
They've got a kid that can score from anywhere on the field, so that
always concerns you,” he said.
Eckert says their goal is to go out and play Warrior football.
“I think anytime you go into a game and you try to be something
you're not that you're also going to fall short of whatever your standards
are,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “For our standards
here, this is the game that we should go out and compete our tails off just
like we have tried to do each and every week.
End the season on a high note and then see what happens beyond the
suite for us.”
Right now, Ontario is in position to earn a first round bye in the
division III playoffs. Eckert
says they want to win and let the chips fall where they may.
“It's a new thing, it's the second year for the having those the
top four seeds get a bye. That's
something that we’re in a position to get one of those currently and what
does that look like for us. I’m
happy with the way that we have performed each and every week up to this
point and hopefully we continue to do the same things over and over again as
we move forward,” said Eckert.
Published 10/20/26
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Hillsdale
With Big Opportunity
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Trevor Cline
Hillsdale travels to Chippewa on Friday night for another big game in
the Wayne County Athletic League.
The Falcons (8-1,5-1), #5 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the small school division, drilled Norwayne (33-3) last week in a
huge conference win for them. They
now share the lead in the “WCAL” with Norwayne and Smithville.
Coach Trevor Cline says it was a great win.
“That's our best game that we've played so far.
When you go up against the quality team in Norwayne, a team that has
dominated the “WCAL” like they have in recent years.
To get a win like that's a huge win for the program and to go out
there and do it in that fashion is even better.
Like I said, definitely a big win for us and something that we're
definitely excited about but also that we have to turn our focus to Chippewa
this week,” he said.
Chippewa (6-3,4-2) was roasted (31-0) by Smithville in a league game
lasy week.
Cline says Chippewa is a team that is vastly improved.
“It has been interesting to watch this them have the turn around
they've had this year. One of
the things they just they play really hard.
They're a run first team. They
run the ball about 93% of the time only pass 7% of the time according to the
films that we have,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “They're
backs run extremely hard. It's
one of those situations that it's going to be extremely important for us to
get off to a good start because they have the type of team that if you don't
get off to the good start they eat up a lot of clock and really put you in
bind. We're going to have
to make sure that we're efficient on offense and tackle extremely well
because if not, they're going to be able to control the time of possession.
That's something that we can't allow to have happen.”
Cline says not only is this a big game for the league, a title is in
the balance, but for the playoffs too. “Not
only is it a huge win for the “WCAL” and be able to clinch that.
It's also big computer points for our region 21 too.
The last couple years we have been in first place going into the last
game and Norwayne has been able to beat us.
It's one of those situations we're trying to finally seel the deal.
I feel our guys have put in the work up to this point to be able to
achieve that now we just have to kind of go out there and execute on Friday
so we can take care of business and bring that fourth “WCAL”
championship in school history back to Jeromesville.
Plus, get a lot of computer points for our region 21 too and
hopefully move up in the region,” said Cline.
Published 10/20/26
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Bellevue
Wants it
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Alex Shepherd
Bellevue heads to Vermilion on Friday and if they win, they will
undisputed champions in the Northern Ohio Conference Bay Division.
If their Sailors win, the two teams will share conference title.
Last week, Bellevue (6-3,3-0) whipped Port Clinton (42-7) in a
division game.
Coach Alex Shepherd says they adapted and got things done.
“Our kids stepped up to the plate in a big way last week.
The weather around the area kind of caused some people some issues
and kind of limited what we were capable of, at least offensively, and our
kids got it done bring a little bit more one-dimensional than normal,” he
said.
The Redmen ran for 270 yards last week against Port Clinton.
Vermilion (7-2,2-1) belted Edison (37-7) last week in Bay Division
action.
Shepherd says he expects a physical battle with a team that wants
that division title too. “They
are physical and they are a good team. They
beat Port Clinton as well a handful of weeks back.
They're right there with us in trying to make a run at this
championship in week 10,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon,
“We're expecting a battle against the really good team.
Physical and some playmakers on the edge.”
Vermilion over the last few years has been run based.
Shepherd says they are little less than that this year, but still a
run first team. “They seem to
hand it off more often than not, but their quarterback looks like he's
gotten better since last year. He
does a good job throwing it when they need to.
They've got some guys out on the edge that are capable of running by
people. So, they hand it off
more than they don't, but they've got some options for sure,” said
Shepherd.
Bellevue already has a share of the title, but Shephard says they
aren’t in the mood to be charitable. He
says they want it to themselves. “We
shared it last year and we were thrilled to do that, but at the end of the
day we want to be number one. We
don't want to share anything. So,
it's a de facto commerce championship game in their eyes as well as ours,”
he said.
Published 10/20/26
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“Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1
PM
Triway
Plays Rival for Title
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Cody Kelly
Wooster Triway and Orrville square off on Friday night for no less
than a share of the title in the Principal’s Athletic Conference.
Right now, the Titans (8-1,4-1) share first place with Orrville and
Akron Manchester in the “PAC.” Manchester
plays at Northwest on Friday.
Triway is the defending conference champion.
The Titans belted Canton Central Catholic (31-0) in a non-conference
game last week.
Coach Cody Kelly says they have been playing some good football.
“We got a hiccup there in the middle of the season, there early on.
Ever since we've been playing pretty well against some pretty good
opponents. So, we like where we
are right now going into a pretty big game.
It doesn't get any better than that,” he said.
Orrville (7-2,4-1) lost their first conference game of the season
last week when Manchester knocked them off (19-14) on Friday.
Kelly says Orrville shows some balance on offense.
“They are a physical team. They
can do pretty much everything. They
have got a great quarterback with great legs there.
He extends plays down the field.
They have some tremendous receivers there and a good running game,”
he told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “They can kind of do it all.
You have got to play an all around type of game against them.
It's a rival game as well. So,
it's always close no matter who's record is who.
It just happens that we've both got pretty good records this year.”
Like in a lot of games, Kelly says a key on Friday night is to be
able to contain the Orrville big play. “They
have some guys who can make some plays on the ground with the running game,
but things start with the QB both in the running game and the passing game.
He really does extend plays and allows the good receivers to run
around back there and get open. So,
we have got to eliminate the big plays.
We like our chances, but that’s easier said than done,” said
Kelly.
Published 10/20/26
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“Out of Bounds” airs every Friday night
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“Sports Saturday” every week 10 AM to 1
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Ashland
Just Wants to Win
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Valentine
Ashland will be at home for the Lexington Minutemen in Ohio Cardinal
Conference play on Friday night.
They have a chance to earn a playoff berth with a win, but that is
not guaranteed.
They railed from behind to beat Wooster (27-21) in overtime on a Gabe
Baith TD run last week.
Coach Scott Valentine says it was a very good win for the kids.
“For sure, I mean anytime you're down and the kids keep battling
and keep working and make some plays there.
Then to make defensive stand in overtime and then get our score.
Just so happy for our kids,” said Valentine.
Ashland (5-4,2-4) plays at home against Lexington (1-8,1-5) on Friday
night this week. The Minutemen
in overtime (20-14) to Madison last week.
Valentine says the Minutemen have shown the ability to score points
in bunches this year. “Well, I
think like they have the capability of scoring quite a few points and have
some guys who can make some plays,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday
evening, “That's something for us defensively.
We're going to have to contain them that way.
Then defensively, they run two different fronts.
They run a three man and a four man front.
So, our guys are going to have to prepare for that.”
The playoffs aside, Valentine says winning the game is very important
for the program. “It’s our
last home game for our seniors and that's something we always want to do is
have your seniors win their last game on their home field.
So, that's our focus this week is getting ready to get that job
done,” he said.
Published 10/20/26
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Upper
With a Chance
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Russell Hall
Upper Sandusky with a win has a chance to make the 12 team field in
their region of the division IV playoffs.
It is going to be a tough game as they play at Seneca East in a
Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
The Rams right now sit in the 11th spot in their region.
The top 12 qualify, but Upper does not control its own destiny.
Last week, they blew out Buckeye Central (42-0) in a conference game.
Coach Russell Hall says they executed pretty well.
“It was good to see our kids execute for the most part.
So, it was a lot of fun. It's
always fun when you get a win,” he said.
Upper Sandusky (5-4,4-3) visits Seneca East (7-2,5-2) on Friday
night. The Tigers are coming off
a (12-10) win over Colonel Crawford. They
blocked a kick on the last play of the game.
Hall says they have some very good players on both sides of the ball.
“They've got some nice football players.
A great coaching staff. They
keep finding these really good quarterbacks.
They have Brandon Robinson this year stepping in.
He's done a great job. They've
got some really good receivers. #44
Jackson Gayheart there. He's
good on both sides of the ball. Running
the ball and linebacker play. A
very sound football team, that's for sure,” said Hall.
Winning and maybe getting in the playoffs would be great, but Hall
says they want to have fun too. “That's
the easiest path, that's for sure. So,
that's kind of how we're taking it, but also just trying to have fun and
enjoy the moment,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “These
kids have worked hard. These
seniors the last four years. That's
what I told them (Monday) in practice was enjoy the moment and enjoy playing
with each other. It's a big
game, but don't forget too it's still a game and you get to play at least
one more time with your friends and teammates.”
Published 10/20/26
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Northmor
Rewarded
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Armrose
Northmor will be at Loudonville to face the Redbirds in a Knox Morrow
Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
They likely played their best game of the season last week in beating
Mt. Gilead (31-23) in a conference game last week.
Coach Scott Armrose says they played four quarters of football.
“We were finally able to finish a football game.
We have been in a lot of those games at halftime and that was another
one of those games that was really close in half.
We just put together a complete game and we were able to make enough
plays to get the win,” he said.
Brad Bowlin scored three touchdowns in the game for Northmor.
Armrose is very happy that kids got rewarded with a win after what
has been a tough year wins and losses wise.
“It's nice you know to get a reward for that hard work.
It says a lot about these guys and our coaches that were able to put
together our best performance of the season week nine against a good Mt.
Gilead football team. Despite
the way things that turned out we're still getting better, still working
hard, and I'm glad that our guys got rewarded for it,” said Armrose.
Northmor (2-7,2-4) is at Loudonville (4-5,2-4) on Friday.
The Redbirds demolished Cardington (42-0) in a conference game last
week.
Armrose says this is a team that has a lot of speed.
“I see a lot of things with Loudonville that are very similar to
us. They play a lot of close
football games and some of those games they’ve won and some of those games
they've let go,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “They have
probably some of the fastest guys we've seen all season.
Good speed at running back and quarterback and they have got some
size too. Some big boys up
front. So, they're a good
combination. We expect another
close football game Friday night.”
Published 10/20/26
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Wynford
Preparing for Lucas
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andrew Amlin
Wynford will host Lucas in a Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on
Friday night.
Last week, the Royals scored five touchdowns in the second half and
rallied to outscore Willard (42-26) in a conference game.
Coach Andrew Amlin says they made some key adjustments on both sides
of the ball. “We got stops
defensively. We came out and ran
a different defensive front the second half.
First of all, we got the ball and went down and scored to make it a
two score games 26-14. We were
got a couple stops and made them punt the ball.
Our offense was just clicking. It
actually was working the first half. We
just fumbled the ball twice, turned it over.
So, once we got stops, we were able to move the ball fairly
efficiently. It kind of just
snowballed from there. We just
started playing really well. Played
really well defensively. Had an
interception for touchdowns that really helped.
So, our second half was a great team effort,” said Amlin.
Wynford (3-6.2-5) entertains Lucas (4-5,3-3) on Friday night.
The Cubs lost (51-21) to unbeaten Hopewell-Loudon in the “N10”
last week.
Amlin says Lucas is back to running their football in a phone booth
offense. “The are back to old
Lucas with their double wing, double tight formation were the get a lot of
guys to the point of attack off tackle and they get to the outside.
They run wedge. So,
they've had quite a bit of success for last month or so,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “Earlier in the season they were in a
different offense. You can look
at the scores you can tell how much better they have gotten. They're a good
team. They play hard and you can
see that on film. So, that's a
concern too. Sometimes like last
week, we didn't play as well in the first half and play better.
They play well, the last month or so, the entire game.”
Amlin says the Cubs are difficult to prepare for and this week will
be different than other weeks at practice.
“It's hard to teach your young guys how to run that.
So, you almost have got to break it down in in little aspects of it
to try to get your kids’ eyes on the right spots and make sure they really
understand their job. Lucas is
very simple, but they're very good at what they do and that's the key to
almost everything. Get good at
three of four things then you can build off that,” he said.
Published 10/20/26
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Danville
Needs Fast Start
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Blum
Co-leaders in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference clash on Friday
night as Danville hosts Centerburg.
The winner is going to get at least a share of the conference title.
Coach Matt Blum says they look forward to playing in this kind of
game. “One of our goals every
year is to be able to compete for a conference championship.
When you're able to play a team week nine to determine that you've
put yourself in a good position to achieve that, but now it's on us to be
able to go out and do that on Friday night on the field,” he said.
Danville (8-0,5-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the small school division, is at home for Centerburg (6-2,5-0) on Friday
night. Both won last week as the
Blue Devils pounded Cardington (52-6) and Centerburg got past Mt. Gilead
(13-12) in “MOAC” games.
Blum says Centerburg get the ball to players where they need to have
it. “The first thing is they
are extremely well coached. Coach
(Andy) Colella does a heck of a job over there.
He's been in the league my entire time in Danville.
He's always scheming up things. Him
and his staff. They do a really
good job getting the ball to their playmakers offensively in space.
Their run games is always really good with their guys up front that
they have. Defensively, pretty
simple they fly around, they come downhill, they tackle well, play hard,
play with good effort. So, you
know it should be a really good game,” said Blum.
Danville has been building a significant lead early in games and Blum
says they must continue to do that. “The
biggest key and something we've been doing pretty well and that’s start
fast. We have got to be able to
start fast in these types of games and the type of environment we're going
to have (Friday),” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “We
have got to limit their playmakers out on the edge.
They have a couple really good receivers they target.
We have to be slow them down. Offensively,
we have got to be able to block their defensive line in pass pro and in the
run game. They have a really
couple of talented individuals, so we're going to have to be able to do
those things to get a “W.”
Published 10/16/26
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Must
Win for Colonel Crawford
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jake Bruner
Colonel Crawford plays at Seneca East on Friday night in a very
important game for them in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference.
They need a win, and the playoff points that come with it, to have a
chance to make the postseason playoffs.
Right now, they stand 15th in their division VI region.
They must finish in the top 12.
They lost a heartbreaker last week when Mohawk got them (31-27) when
they scored late in the game.
Coach Jake Bruner says they continue to battle adversity.
“That first half obviously we made some mistakes and Mohawk is a
really good football team. We've
been fighting that combination of great opponents and playing some younger
guys and just battling the injury bug all year.
We just can't seem to get over it.
At the same time Mohawk is a really good football team.
Our kids really came back in the second half and gave them a run for
their money,” he said.
Colonel Crawford (4-4,3-3) visits Seneca East (6-2,4-2) on Friday
night. The Tigers blanked Lucas
(17-0) last week.
Bruner says the Tigers have a lot of good players that do a lot of
good things. “It just keeps
getting better for us. We've had
quite the schedule with Fairfield Union and Hopewell-Loudon and Carey and
Mohawk and Seneca East. Seneca East has a proud tradition in football.
The (Jackson) Gayheart, their running back is a great wrestler, he's
6’, 225 pound kid. I think
he's on his eighth season at Seneca East, seems like he has been playing for
a long time. They just have some
great players,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon,
“They've got some young kids, some sophomores, this sophomore class has
been a really talented group for them all the way up.
They've got some great older kids with Hicks and Gayheart and those
guys in there and then a mixture of some great juniors and sophomores.
They are having a great season. They
throw the ball well, they run the ball well, they're fast.
We know we’re going to Seneca East, and they got that turf up
there, they’re excited, having a great season.
It should be a heck of a challenge for us.”
Bruner says they must beat Seneca East and then Bucyrus next week to
have a chance at week 11. “We're
probably do or die right now. We've
got to win this one to get a chance to win week 10 to have a chance to get
in. It's one game at a time
mentality anyways for us. We’ve
got a heck of an opponent in Seneca East.
They just have a good football team.
Ed Phillips has done a great job over the years there.
He might the longest tenured coach in the Northern 10 right now.
We know it's going to be a huge challenge for us against a good team
that's had a lot of success. So,
it's going to be a big one for us,” said Phillips.
Published 10/16/26
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Fredericktown
with Goals in Mind
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Spitler
Fredericktown will entertain East Knox in a game in the Knox Morrow
Athletic Conference on Friday night.
They are coming off a (35-34) win in overtime over Loudonville in the
“KMAC” last week.
Coach Scott Spitler says there were a lot of things they learned from
that win. “You're not going to
complain about a win. It’s a
lot easier to fix mistakes and correct some things coming off a victory.
There are a lot of things that we learned from film and allowed us to
go out this week and really focus on trying to improve in those areas that
we have breakdowns. So,
hopefully we've got those things fixed this week and because we have got a
good football team coming in,” he said.
The Freddies (6-2,4-1) have East Knox (5-3,2-3) on Friday night.
The Bulldogs beat Northmor (26-7) in a conference game last week.
Spitler says they have some skilled players that can do some things
and are improved in the trenches. “A
much improved football team led by Rush Beatty their quarterback.
He is about 6’3”, 210. Kind
of like a high school version of Josh Allen.
A very physical kid that can run the ball and a good passer, a dual
threat. A guy that could put it
in the end zone any time he touches it,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Thursday night, “His running mate in the backfield Logan Clark is a
tremendous running back, an athlete. They're
really skilled at the wide receiver position out of their spread sets.
The thing I'm most impressed with them this year is the improvement
I've seen up front on the offensive and defensive lines.
We've got a tremendous battle for us this Friday.”
Right now, Fredericktown stands 10th in their playoff
region in division VI. The top
12 get in.
Spitler says a win is important to earn points, but there are other
reasons too. “There are a lot
of things that you want to do each week.
We focus on being 1-0 each week.
This week is senior night, so we want to play for our seniors and get
them a victory in their last guaranteed home game.
A victory against a good football team like East Knox will help us
points wise for the postseason, which is a goal of ours as well.
We have got to make sure we're the best version of ourselves first
and foremost ,” said Spitler.
Published 10/16/26
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Lexington
to Play Crosstown Rival
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jacob Owens
Lexington entertains rival Madison in an Ohio Cardinal Conference
game on Friday night.
Last week, the Minutemen were outscored (63-35) by New Philadelphia
in an “OCC” game.
Coach Jacob Owens says they did not play a consistent enough football
game. “I thought our kids came
out and played hard the first half. It
was 28-28 at halftime. Our
offense did really well driving the football, scoring in the red zone
against them, but they're a really good team.
At this level at the varsity level, you're going to have to play all
three phases of football. Our
special teams kind of struggled a little bit, so we have got to get that
cleaned up this week, but New Philly, they're a good football team,” he
said.
Lexington (1-7,1-4) hosts Madison (3-5,1-4) on Friday night.
The Rams were drilled (43-13) by “OCC” leader Dover last week.
Owens says the Rams have some kids that can make plays.
“I think they're another really good team.
Another good conference opponent coming here to our place.
It’s senior night for us, so I've been preaching to our kids that
we want to get this one for our seniors,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Thursday afternoon, “They are a really good team.
They want to run the ball. They
have a capable quarterback who can throw the ball as well.
They have some guys with some speed and athletic ability.
So, we have got our work cut out for us, but it’s another game for
us to get back on track.”
Lexington and Madison have been playing each other for 40 years.
Owens the proximity of the schools and the familiarity of the players
makes this game different. “Anytime
you play a team that's in your own city.
That's five or 10 miles away that adds an extra layer of
competitiveness. We know the
coaching staff pretty well over there. Coach
(Kobi) Johnson does a great job over there at Madison.
A lot of our kids know their kids.
They play travel baseball together, travel basketball together, so
that adds the extra competitive nature of knowing your opponent,” said
Owens.
Published 10/16/26
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Wooster
Must Contain Ashland
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ray Leek
Wooster will be at home for the Ashland Arrows in Ohio Cardinal
Conference action on Friday night.
They beat Mansfield Senior (25-13) last week in “OCC” play.
Coach Ray Leek says he was happy.
“Anytime you win in the “OCC” it's a good week.
We're just moving on here this week and ready for Ashland.
Back home for the next two, so we're excited to be back in front of
the home crowd. Anytime you can
walk out of an “OCC” opponent with a win it’s good for us,” he said.
Wooster (3-5,3-2) hosts Ashland (4-4,1-4) on Friday night.
Leek says Ashland has playmakers.
“Ashland is good. They
can throw the ball. They're
going to throw the ball around they got a lot of playmakers.
Really good talent in the receiving core.
So, we're going to need to be disciplined in our secondary and make
sure that we're all on the same page in coverage and we tackle well because
they have got playmakers that can take a quick five yard out to the
house,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “Definitely
something to keep an eye on and make sure guys are consistent with what
we're doing and make sure that we fly to the football.”
Ashland continues to be a five wide team and they create one on one
situations. Leek says they have
to be good tacklers. “They're
an empty, no back in backfield hardly ever.
So, there's going to be some islands for our db’s to be on.
With their talent out wide, it makes sense if you do that, but we've
got to make sure that we're wrapping guys up and bringing them to the ground
because they could take a slip screen five yard out, anything short, and
turn it into a big play for them with their weapons outside.
Our db’s definitely have to play smart.
We're also need to bring some pressure on their QB as well,” said
Leek.
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Perkins
With Goals
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jalen Santoro
Sandusky Perkins is over at Huron in a crossover game in the Northern
Ohio Conference on Friday night.
They overwhelmed Norwalk (75-0) in a Lake Division game last week.
Coach Jalen Santoro says they continue to stress getting better.
“It’s the idea that we have been chasing is improvement.
We have some lofty goals ahead of us each year.
With those lofty goals is the idea that you have to be really, really
good to achieve them. At the end
of the day when you feel you're doing good there's always still more still
more to work on,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “We had
some games here where didn’t play our best and we still found a way to win
and I know that's kind of big for us.”
Santoro says they have a lot of goals on the table.
“We are trying to find a way to keep these guys motivated.
Let these guys know what they're still playing for and they're
searching for. For us right now
at this point in the season you’re playing for not only playoff seeding,
which is big, but you're playing for a league title, you're playing for a
chance to have a 10-0 record, you're playing for a home playoff game and a
bye. Regardless who is up in
front of us now at this point in the year every game is a big game.
So, the guys are motivated and they know what’s at stake,” said
Santoro.
Perkins (8-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll in
the large school division, is at Huron (1-7) on Friday.
Huron won their first game last week edging Vermilion (43-42) in a
Bay Division game.
Santoro says Huron is better than that record indicates.
“They have playmakers and their quarterback makes plays and does a
good job putting the ball downfield. I
think the big thing is when you look at Huron they don't look like a team
that represents a one win team. They
have more size than they've had in the past.
They have a bigger up front than they've been in the past.
They've had a tough schedule obviously this year.
I think looking at their schedule there are probably seven, eight
maybe nine teams that make the playoffs that they played in the regular
season. So, they’ve had a
brutal schedule. They play a lot
of teams that I consider pretty good teams pretty close.
They were able to pull one out last week, so there'll be feeling
pretty good. It's a game where
both towns are very close to each other everybody's very familiar with each
other, So, at this point, in this type of game, you kind of throw the
records out the window and have to ready to play football,” said Santoro.
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Bucyrus
Expects Good One With Calvert
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jon Butchko
Bucyrus heads for Tiffin Calvert Friday night for a game in the
Northern 10 Athletic Conference.
They broke a long losing streak in beating Wynford (8-7) last week
for the first time since 1997.
Coach Jon Butchko says they had to work hard to get it.
“It was a great effort and we did it in a real old school fashion
with great defense. We could
never really establish some things we wanted to do on offense, but we kept
hanging our hat on our defense. When
we scored with 8:30 to go it was a no brainer to go for two and that ended
up being the winning margin,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night,
“In the long losing streak like that with one opponent you start to wonder
could it ever be done or you know what the mistakes is going to be.
We had a partially blocked punt and found their best player.
He almost runs it back. We
get a pass interference to extend the game.
All this after a unsportsmanlike conduct where we're kneeing it out.
We finally get an interception. So,
it felt like it was going to take something drastic and we got that last
week.”
Bucyrus (4-4,3-3) is at Calvert (1-7,1-5) on Friday night.
Calvert got their first win of the season in beating Buckeye Central
(35-0) in a conference game last week.
Butchko says their record is deceiving.
“They're much better than the record I'll tell you they are.
They played some different competition both in the conference and out
of conference. They've gone to a
freshman at quarterback. I
happened to play with his dad when I was in college and he's a very athletic
kid. He could he can run really
well. They have a couple of nice
targets on the outside. Defensively,
their second and third level are full of great athletes that on par with
much of the rest of the “N10”. I
think like us they've had some of the same struggles we've had at the line
of scrimmage for the past couple of years,” said Butchko.
Butchko says they are not going into this game over confident.
“It’s two teams that are kind of trying to find their way, but we
by no means think they our record is this and theirs is that and this would
be a walk in the park. We have
got our hands full with the Senecas,” he said.
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South
Central Has to Prevent Big Play
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Derek Fisher
South Central entertains New London in a Firelands Conference game on
Friday night.
They were smoked last week (34-0) by Norwalk St. Paul in a conference
game.
Coach Derek Fisher says they couldn’t get off the field on defense.
“The game got away from us there at the end.
We had the ball twice inside the five.
We have just got to capitalize. We
did a pretty good job of containing them a little bit on defense.
They had a couple big plays. We
looked at some of the stats and, and St. Paul wants to run the ball, but
they're throwing stats weren’t what they usually are.
We need to just do kind of do a better job of taking care of the
football on offense and score when we have a chance.
You can't give a team like that new life.
I think on the first drive we let them out third down self-inflicted
once or twice. We let time out
on third down three or four times on that first drive.
Teams like that don’t beat themselves and we can’t beat ourselves
when we play teams like that,” said Fisher,
South Central (3-5,2-3) hosts New London (1-7,1-3) on Friday night.
The Wildcats were drilled (53-22) by Mapleton in a conference last
week.
Fisher says they make big plays in the passing game.
“The first thing it jumps off is they're leading the conference,
their quarterback is leading the conference in passing.
They have a couple receivers that are up there towards the top of the
conference as well. They like to
throw the ball. They're really
good at throwing it. They like
to air it out. The quarterback
is effective at doing that. They
have some kids that are tall, some big kids that will go up and jump up and
get the ball and get good yards after catch.
Up front they give them lots of time to throw.
That’s kind of what they want to do on offense.
They like throwing it and they are pretty good at it,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “On defense, they will show you
some different stuff. They will
bring different exotic pressures. Trying
to diagnose what they’re doing on defense can be tough sometimes.
So, if will be a good test for us.
We have been trying to, as I’ve said for a couple weeks, try to not
beat ourselves, try to focus on the things we need to get better at doing.
This will be a good measuring stick for us this week.”
Fisher says they must keep things in front of them.
“Knowing they want to throw it you want to make sure that you're
confident in your outside guys and hope that you can cover them long enough
for the pass rush to get there. You
want to make sure that they can't take the top off the defense kind of
knowing what they want to do and the stats that they have.
You just kind of want to keep everything in front of you and not play
prevent. You want to have some
different things that that are in place that'll help you,” he said.
Published 10/16/26
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Northmor
has to Play Complete Game
Click
here to listen to an interview with Scott Armrose
Northmor puts out the welcome mat for Mt. Gilead in a Knox Morrow
Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
They lost (26-7) to East Knox in a “KMAC” game last week.
Coach Scott Armrose says they just didn’t step up to the plate in
the second half. “We just
didn’t finish. The game was
7-7 at halftime and we had done some good things and we just weren't able to
finish. We had to make more
plays in the second half. That’s
kind of been our story this season just not able to finish the game,” he
said.
When you get in that red zone it gets tougher to make plays.
Armrose says they have to execute when they’re in that position.
“We have to execute better. We
had a drive that got us down to the one yard line and we weren't able to get
in the end zone and couldn't get stops when we needed to,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “It's a sign of our immaturity a
little bit. We just have to gain
some more experience, get bigger and stronger and keep working.”
Northmor (1-7,1-4) is at home for Mt. Gilead (4-4,2-3) on Friday.
The Indians lost (13-12) to conference co-leader Centerburg last
week.
Armrose says Mt. Gilead is still physical.
“They're not as big as they've been in years past, but they're just
as physical. They play a
physical brand of football. They
line up in the “T” and they pound the ball and they do it very well.
When you least expect it, they'll break out into play action pass.
They do that very efficiently. So,
they're always a challenge and they are not less a challenge this season,”
said Armrose.
Published 10/16/26
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Shelby
Can Win a Share
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Robert Mahaney
Shelby can earn a share of the title in the Mid-Ohio Athletic
Conference with a win on Friday night at Marion Pleasant.
In a battle of unbeatens last week they destroyed Ontario (41-7) to
take sole possession of the lead.
Coach Robert Mahaney says they wanted to run the ball right at the
Warriors. “I thought our kids
came out executed the game plan really well.
They had a great week of preparation and then came out really as a
program we lived up to our standards and our core values and did a great job
with everybody out there. I
thought our offensive and defensive line kind of controlled the game and did
a great job of establishing the running game.
Offensively and defensively did a great job of kind of controlling
the game and did a great job of establishing the run game offensively and
defensively of controlling theirs. Just
went on from there. Really,
really proud of our guys. Now,
we get to go into week nine with even more exciting things ahead of us,”
said Mahaney.
Shelby ran for 311 yards last week.
Quarterback Michael Shepherd ran for three touchdowns and threw for
two more in the game.
The Whippets (8-0,5-0), #1 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the large school division, plays at Pleasant (2-6.1-4) on Friday
night. They lost (28-14) to
Marion Harding last week.
Mahaney says they have a good run game.
“I think Pleasant does a lot of good things.
They're in a lot of football games.
They were playing with Ontario through the fourth quarter too.
A new coach, they have the leading rusher in the conference.
They do a lot of good things formationally and shifting and doing
different things to try to put your defense in a bind.
So, it's a really good challenge for us, especially going there.
Defensively, their kids play hard.
They pursue the football and do a lot of little things right.
So, it's a really good challenge for us this week,” he said.
A win gives the Whippets at least part of the title and Mahaney says
it would be a product of their weekly dedication.
“We talk about it all the time we want to be process driven and
hopefully the results take care of itself.
If we can continue to do that. If
we can go out there and do those kind of things Friday night it gives us a
chance to see those results kind of play out on a larger scale for the whole
season rather than play by play or game by game,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “I think the one thing about this
week is that it’s kind of been the big focus for our kids is we know where
we're at but we can't forget what it took to get there.
To be a part of the process and do that so hopefully we've had a
great week so far and hopefully we can go out there and continue to do that
on Friday.”
Published 10/15/26
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West
Holmes Plays Big One
Click
here to an interview with coach Keaton Leppla
West Holmes will host New Philadelphia in an elimination game in the
Ohio Cardinal Conference race on Friday night.
The two schools share second place in the “OCC”, a game behind
Dover.
The Knights (6-2,4-1) beat Ashland (42-21) in a conference game last
week.
Coach Keaton Leppla says anytime they beat Ashland it’s pretty
exciting. “I think if you look
at us across the conference we've probably got the worst overall record
against Ashland as a program, so anytime you can go out and you can get a
win over a program like Ashland, especially with coaches like coach (Scott)
Valentine it's a big one for your program.
Are we happy with the second half? No, but we came out, we came out
fast, got a big conference win for us against perennially very good program.
So, at the end of the night, happy with the win and continue to set
yourself up for these last two weeks and into your second season,” he
said.
New Philadelphia (4-4,4-1) outscored Lexington (63-35) in a league
game last week.
Leppla says the Quakers offense is physical and diverse.
“They have toughness and physicality. I
think that's been the calling card of that program.
Coach (Mike) Johnson is a great job.
Those guys are physical. The
motor that you see from their guys from play one to play 160 is very
impressive. The defense flies
around, they're aggressive, they're going to come get you, their defensive
line's got a motor like we haven't seen yet,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Wednesday afternoon, “Offensively they have got a quarterback man that
sits back there and we saw him last week deliver the ball downfield.
We saw him navigate the pocket really well as an athlete.
They have got two backs that are both physical downhill runners.
From last year to this year again we keep seeing more athletes at
receiver to be able to stretch the ball downfield.
So, I think this is a very good football team that had a very tough
non conference schedule. It
should make for a great matchup. One
of these teams is going to be sitting around waiting for week 10 to try and
get a piece of piece of this conference title.
So, we’re ready to go.”
Leppla says it’s exciting to play in a game with these kinds of
ramifications this late in the season. “We're
at a situation I think where we're turning right now as a program.
We got to the situation last year when we were sitting at five wins
an ran into the meat of our schedule and faltered a little bit.
This year we've gone through that meat of the schedule and put
ourselves right now with six wins that put yourself in a situation to play
for a second season and to play for potentially higher standings in the
conference and a potential conference title.
You can't ask anymore as a coach to be sitting here in week nine 6-2
with a lot of different things on the line,” said Leppla.
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Carey
Has to Battle Back
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jonathan Mershman
Carey makes the short trip to Mohawk to meet the Warriors in a big
one in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference on Friday night.
As it stands now, Mohawk and Hopewell-Loudon share first place in the
conference with Carey a game back.
The Blue Devils (5-3,5-1) fell out of a share of the lead when
Hopewell drilled them (42-14) last week.
Coach Jonathan Mershman says the second quarter just killed them.
“That second quarter was not our
best football. Against good
opponents you have got to play some of your best ball.
That second quarter got away from us. I
believe they scored 28 points in the second quarter on us and that was
pretty much the difference in the game. After
that stopping the run with #8 (Kellen Frankart) was a tough feat after that.
We just didn't get things done that like we wanted to,” said
Mershman.
Mohawk (7-1,6-0) won their seventh straight last week when they
rallied to beat Colonel Crawford (31-27) last Friday.
Mershman says they are very good on both sides of the ball.
“They have got it going on right now.
They're dangerous on offense, they are flying to the ball on defense,
and they're playing really good ball right now.
So, we have got to turn it up again this week.
We have got to put the past behind us and move on.
The focus needs to be on Mohawk this week,” he said.
Mohawk quarterback Andon Clouse, the leader in passing efficiency in
the “N10” (131.51) with a completion percentage of 64% to go with a
league high 21TD’s and only four interceptions.
Mershman says they have to contain him.
“He’s been playing a lot of ball for a long time. I'm
not going to be sad when he graduates. Offensively
everything goes through him and we have got to make sure we know what we're
doing there. He's not a bad
defensive player as well. So, we
just have got to make sure that we keep track of him,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “They're running back (Kaden
Bish) at the same time. They're
a dangerous team. They're
excited because if they win this game and win game 10 and they tie with
probably Hopewell undefeated in the league without playing each other and so
they would get a share of the title.”
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Norwayne
Wants to Win up Front
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Adam Indorf
Norwayne, the Wanye County Athletic Conference leader, visits
Hillsdale in a key league game on Friday night.
They lead Smithville, Hillsdale and Chippewa by a game and a win
would give them no less than a share of the title.
The Bobcats (5-3,5-0), #5 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the small school division, handed Smithville their first loss of the
season (31-25) in a league game last Friday.
Coach Adam Indorf says they came up with big plays.
“We did well the first half. Had
a couple opportunities that we didn't score there, but came out in the
second half and we're doing well, but had some miscues and it’s a tie ball
game and then the last second play to win the ball game.
Great job by both teams battling for four quarters great job by our
kids continuing to fight and work. Definitely
had some opportunities to put it away in the second half, but squandered
those way. So, definitely proud
of the way we fought and battled. Kudos
to Smithville, a solid ball team and they fought for four,” said Indorf.
Norwayne would score 19 points off three Smithville turnovers in the
win.
Hillsdale (7-1,4-1) belted Rittman (34-7) last week to stay one back.
Indorf says the Falcons are going to athletic when they have the
ball. “Hillsdale offensively
is going to be athletic. They
have a great quarterback that can scramble and make some plays and
definitely have got a lot of skilled guys there.
So, defensively we're going to try to keep them off balance.
Get them behind the chains a little bit,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Wednesday evening, “Make sure we're getting pressure on the QB and keep
it in front of us and maybe get some shots early on.
For us offensively, again take what the defense is giving.
Have the ability to matriculate the ball and be able to take
advantage of every opportunity and don’t squander anything away.”
Indorf says they always want to be physical and that will be the case
again on Friday. “I love to
play physical football. I think
it comes form being an ex-offensive lineman.
Just the ability to control the trenches and control the line of
scrimmage I think is imperative and do that with physicality and try to make
sure we're disciplined there as well, not just be physical up front.
On the perimeter when you get an opportunity to make a play make sure
that they know you're there,” he said.
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Tiffin
Columbian Focused on Clyde
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ryan Ottney
Tiffin Columbian, the co-leader in the Lake Division of the Sandusky
Bay Conference, plays up at Clyde in a division game on Friday.
They beat Bellevue (35-21) in a crossover game in the “NOC” last
week.
Coach Ryan Ottney says they stayed focused on what they had to do.
“I was very proud of our guys.
They executed in all phases of the game.
We knew Bellevue was a really good football team and we knew that
they were going to be able to find ways to cause some problems for us on the
defensive side of the ball. So,
for us we had to just kind of continue to just stay in the course of what it
is that we wanted to make sure we were able to do.
Take advantage of when we had the opportunities and I thought we did
that. We played very well
defensively. We knew weren’t
going to be able to completely stop Ike Brown and the Kramer kid.
They had their moments, but we were able to control the rest of the
offensive team of theirs. So,
put ourselves in a great position for the win,” said Ottney.
Columbian (6-2,2-0) is at Clyde (3-5,1-1) on Friday night.
The Fliers edged Sandusky (21-20) in a division game last week.
Ottney says they continue to show improvement.
“They're getting better and better and better.
We know going into this one I said it's kind of another like rivalry
type game. They're in our
league, it's not a crossover, they're actually in the Lake,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “For us we want to take care of
this this one because we know how important it is for us to continue to keep
taking care of the wins when we have the opportunity, especially in the Lake
division. So, we know that we're
going to get their best effort and they're going to come ready to play.”
Now, Columbian shares first place with Sandusky Perkins and plays
them next week, but Ottney says their focus is on just Clyde.
“We're not looking at week 10 right now.
We’re looking only at week nine and the Clyde Fliers right now.
We have to take care of that before we can ever worry about week 10.
As I keep telling the guys, and they continue to keep saying to other
people, week 10 is an eternity away right now.
The only thing to worry about is Friday night at Clyde and making
sure that we play our brand of football and we come out victorious,” he
said.
Published 10/15/26
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St.
Paul to Play Potentially Explosive Mapleton
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Chris Doughty
Norwalk St. Paul entertains Mapleton in a Firelands Conference game
on Friday night.
They produced their third straight shutout last week in smoking South
Central (34-0) last Friday.
Coach Chris Doughty says again they were very good on both sides of
the ball. “I was really
pleased with how our defense stepped up again.
There were sometimes where we definitely get some bending, but didn't
break. We had a couple of goal
line stands that I was really pleased with us defensively.
Just overall did a good job of containing both their run game of
their pass game. Offensively,
again did a great job of establishing the run early and then continuing that
success throughout the course of the game,” he said.
St. Paul (4-3,3-1) plays host to Mapleton (2-5,1-3) on Friday night.
The Mounties outscored New London (53-22) for their first conference
win last week.
Doughty says the Mounties do a lot of things on offense.
“Mapleton’s got a really good scoring offense.
They do a good job of spreading the ball around.
#12 Cameron Nichols is definitely a speedy back for them.
They've got Keith Donley at quarterback for them,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “They've kind of mixed up their
offense a little bit this year. They've gone to some spread, but also their
wing-T that they've done traditionally. Running a lot of the same plays out
of both, but they do a good job of mixing things up.
Last week, against New London they kind of committed more to the
wing-T throughout the course of the game.
So, we have to be ready to defend those styles of attack.”
Doughty says they are going to get some different looks from Mapleton
on defense too. “Defensively,
they've shown both a 5-2 and we're expecting maybe a mixture of 6-2 and 5-2
against our double tight offense again.
Somebody who stands out on film is #60 Lucas Jenkins.
He's a two way starter for them on the offensive and defensive lines.
He's a very talented lineman and does a great job of hustling to the
football and disrupting things in the middle of the line.
So, we are going to have to account for him,” said Doughty.
Published 10/15/26
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Lucas
Must be in Right Spots
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jim Sweat
Lucas entertains “N10” leader and unbeaten Hopewell-Loudon in a
Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
Last week, the Cubs lost (17-0) to Seneca East in a conference game.
Coach Jim Sweat says again they had a chance in the fourth quarter.
“We have got to find a way to win one of these close games against
these top teams. Again, another
week for us we're where we had the ball in the fourth quarter they either
make it a one possession game or to tie it up and couldn't get it done last
week,” he said.
Lucas (4-4,3-3) plays host to Hopewell-Loudon (8-0,6-0), #1 in the
Swankonsports.com football coaches poll in the small school division, on
Friday night. The Chieftains are
coming off perhaps their best win of the season in hammering Carey (42-14)
last Friday.
Sweat says Hopewell has it all. “First
of all, they are well coached and they are very disciplined.
They have great size up front. They
run a three quarterback system and their top running backs are come back off
some injuries, but last week watching the film against Carey they're the
real deal. There’s a reason
they were the state runners up in division IV last year and and heavy
favors to get back to that game in division VII this year,” said Sweat.
With three different kids at quarterback Sweat says Hopewell gives
you a lot to prepare for. “Depending
on who is in the backfield they have different things they like to do with
each one of those kids. So,
having to prepare for that,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night,
“They do a really good job of getting you into formations and then trading
formations and motioning to get the matchups that they like to have.
So, definitely this week having to be disciplined and lining up on
defense that's going to be huge for us.”
Published 10/15/26
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Wynford
Preparing For Willard
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andrew Amlin
Wynford takes its act to Willard to face the Flashes Friday night in
a game in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference.
They lost for the first time since 1997 to Bucyrus last week.
The Redmen won (8-7) last Friday.
Coach Andrew Amlin says Bucyrus was more physical and they made fewer
mistakes. “It was tough.
It was a disappointing loss. Both
teams fought really hard. I
thought Bucyrus was a little more physical than us and I think that was the
difference in the game. They
went out and really got physical with us and played a good game and didn't
make many mistakes,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening,
“Generally team that makes less mistakes wins when the teams are evenly
matched. I thought they did a
good job defending us. They took
away some things that really wanted to do. So,
at this point, you can always learn from everything, so we're trying to
learn from that and move on and see what we can do this week versus
Willard.”
Wynford (2-6,1-5) is at Willard (3-5,1-5) on Friday night in the
“N10”. The Crimson Flashes
are coming off a (28-20) loss to Upper Sandusky last week.
Amlin says they are going to try and spread the field.
“Everything is new with them to me.
I've never really watched them on film in the several years, so it's
new. They're up kind of a spread
team. They get in the shotgun.
A lot of two by two three by one and they put some tight end in
there. They run the quarterback.
He's a good runner, very good athlete, throws the ball well.
Throws it to #2 (Grant Poston) quite a bit and #4 (Gage Stover).
The other guys can hurt you too, so they will spread you out,” said
Amlin.
In watching film, Amlin says the Flashes are a team that has shown
some improvement. “If you
watch them on film you can see throughout the year they've continually
gotten better, better and better. So,
hats off to the coaching staff for getting the kids in the right spots,”
he said.
Published 10/15/26
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Monroeville
Back at it with Crestview
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Tylor Nester
Monroeville returns to action Friday night after a bye week to play
host to Crestview in a Firelands Conference game.
Currently, the Eagles stand 11th in their division VII
playoff region. The top 12 get a
postseason berth,
Coach Tylor Nester says this game is important from that standpoint.
“It’s been kind of our model we have been talking about the last
couple years is every game is important, but there are playoff implications
on this one for sure,” he said.
The Eagles (3-4,3-1) put out the welcome mat for Crestview (1-7,0-4)
on Friday night. The Cougars are
coming off a (46-8) loss to conference leader Western Reserve last week.
Nester says the Cougars still have size and they are better each
week. “They have typical
Crestview sized them. They got
big guys up front. The (Carson)
Keener kid #5 he's a threat and he's tough to handle,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “We'll have to keep an eye on him.
Each week they're getting better and better and coming downhill.
The old adage win in the trenches is going to be true Friday
night.”
Nester says Crestview plays the three-three stack defense and they
must make sure they know how they want to attack that.
“They run that three-three stack, which is always difficult to
block up front. You have got to
be really consistent really clear with your communication with your guys.
Then on Friday night the same thing is going to happen because they
can do some movements and stuns and bringing backers here and there.
So, the defensive wise their alignment.
They do man up, so our wide receivers there have to be on their
“A” game when their running their routes,” said Nester.
Published 10/15/26
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Ontario
Needs to Get Back to Fundamentals
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Eckert
Ontario hosts Highland on Friday night in a game in the Mid-Ohio
Athletic Conference.
They lost their first game of the season last week when they were
thumped (41-7) by “MOAC” leader Shelby.
Coach Aaron Eckert says they learned some things about themselves.
“It didn't go our way, or what we thought it was going to go.
The good thing about having a game like that during the regular
season is that you get an opportunity to regroup and reevaluate and try to
learn from it and get better. For
us, I think that's been our main focus this is to identify some deficiencies
that we have and work to get better with those as we head into the playoffs
here,” he said.
Ontario stands in second place in its division III playoff region.
Eckert says they need to be sharper in the execution of the
fundamental elements of football. “For
us a lot of it comes back to fundamentals and it's something that I thought
we had been doing a pretty good job of. I
really liked the spot we were in, but we didn't execute very well in terms
of just triggering and tackling or our initial step off the ball wasn't very
good in terms of blocking and or in the defensive line,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “It's those fundamental things
that you work on and sometimes what you think you may be doing a really good
job of is kind of hidden or covered up until you get to a team that's as
good or better than you and then they really get exposed.
So, I think for us going forward we need to really focus on those
fundamental things that I thought made us a pretty good football team.
Get back to doing those things the right way.”
Ontario (7-1,4-1), #3 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the large school division, plays at home against Highland (3-5,2-3) on
Friday night. The Fighting Scots
lost (20-14) to Clear Fork in a “MOAC” game last week.
Eckert says Highland is a physical, well coached football team.
“I don't want to use the word typical in disrespect by any means
because I think any Ty Stover coached football this is it.
He runs a really nice program down there at Highland.
Every time you play Highland you know that you're in for a really
physical contest and this is no different.
It starts up front for them. I
think they've gotten a lot better as the years went on. I
think they're physical on both sides of the ball.
Then you throw in probably the best defensive player in the
conference at linebacker in the (Kane) Stover kid.
They have been in just about every game other than the Shelby game.
They have had opportunities to win some games that they didn't.
So, they are a very serviceable opponent for us and we've got to play
really well Friday night to win,” said Eckert.
Published 10/14/26
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Hillsdale
Must be Physical
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Trevor Cline
Hillsdale is at home for Norwayne in a huge game in the Wayne County
Athletic League on Friday night.
Right now, Norwayne leads Hillsdale, Smithville and Chippewa by a
game in the conference standings.
The Falcons were able to maintain their position after beating
Rittman (34-7) last week in a league game.
Coach Trevor Cline says they were able to get it going in the second
half. “In the first half we
couldn't get out of our way. I
think we ran only 16 plays in the first half because, first of all Rittman
did a good job of consuming the clock, we also helped them with that too.
We had two turnovers in the first half.
It was very similar to the 2025 game and where we were close to half,
but in the second half our guys obviously stuck together and we were able to
make some adjustments at halftime then just went out and took care of
business the second half and played to our ability,” he said.
Hillsdale (7-1,4-1) hosts Norwayne (5-3,5-0), #5 in the
Swankonsports.com football coaches poll in the small school division, on
Friday. The Bobcats handed
Smithville their first loss of the season last week beating them (31-25) on
Friday.
Cline says they have to contain the Bobcats physical run game.
“Norwayne is a phenomenal program.
Their non confidence schedule is very tough.
One thing with Norwayne is they're big up front.
They have been able to control line of scrimmage against basically
all the teams that they played against,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Tuesday evening, “We have to find a way to being able to match that
physicality at the point of attack and be able to get their running backs to
go side to side instead of downhill. The
years that we have struggled against them is when they line up and run us
over. So, we're going to have to
be able to slow them down and find ways to create turnovers.
That's what we're looking to do this week.
The last two years Norwayne has won their matchup with Hillsdale
(24-17) last year and (45-21) in 2024.
Cline says they have to play physical.
“That's one of the things that they're known for.
They usually have a big guys on their team and those guys try to
bully you. So, we have got to
make sure that we go out there we match that physicality and make sure that
they're not able to do that at will. Our
guys have worked extremely hard in the weight room in the past year.
They're looking forward to this opportunity against Norwayne because
it’s the team that has kept us winning the league the last two years.
Our guys are looking for to put our best foot forward and take care
of business against them,” said Cline.
Published 10/14/26
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Centerburg
Must Limit Mistakes
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andy Colella
It’s a battle between co-leaders on Friday night in the Knox Morrow
Athletic Conference as Centerburg visits Danville.
The Trojans are the defending conference champions and have won their
last five games. Danville is
undefeated on the season.
Centerburg (6-2,5-0) railed to down Mt. Gilead (13-12) in a
“KMAC” game last week.
Coach Andy Colella says they did what they had to do.
“It was a tough ballgame, we knew it was going to be with their
style of play and limited possessions and what they do they do really well.
The second half we were able to figure out just enough offensively.
Defensively, we shut them out in the second half and that’s a
pretty hard thing to do with their style of play.
So, just really pleased with how our kids you know were able to kind
of adapt. It was not pretty, but
at the end of the day it's a win,” said Colella.
Danville (8-0,5-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the small school division, is coming off (52-6) dismantling of Cardington
last week in a conference game. They
have outscored teams 384-58 this year.
Colella says they score in so many different ways.
“They're playing really well obviously.
Those guys have been playing together for a while in multiple
football games, so they have quite a bit of experience.
They made deep run last year once they got into the playoffs. I
think the one thing that kind of sticks out to me is, they play hard, they
always do, but they're able to score in every phase of the game,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “That's how they accumulate a lot of
their points. When you start to
watch and they score on special teams, they score on defense, obviously
they're scoring on offense, but I think in at least every game that they
play they've scored one, if not multiple times, outside of their offense.
So, you've got to be prepared in every phase of the game with them.
So, they're really good at capitalizing on opportunities because of
the experience that they've had and the amount of football games they've
played together.”
Colella says they have to limit mistakes because Danville is going to
take advantage of them. “It's
another thing too if you watch them play, they're able to get up early on
teams. It's usually because
they're good and they force teams to make mistakes.
Teams get the ball deep. There
was a safety I think in one of the games.
They had a turnover or something like that usually happens early on
and then they're able to capitalize on that.
So, to not make those mistakes because they're really good at taking
advantage,” he said.
Published 10/14/26
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Madison
Has to Play Well
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Kobi Johnson
Madison will be down at Lexington to take on the Minutemen in an Ohio
Cardinal Conference game on Friday night.
They played “OCC” leader Dover last week and were smoked (43-13)
by the Tornadoes.
Coach Kobi Johnson says they have to learn from the experience.
“Dover’s a good football team.
They came out and executed at a high level and credit definitely goes
to those guys for putting together a great game plan and executing.
They're going to be a tough team for anybody to knock off here as the
season winds down. For us, it's
just looking at what we did do well. What
did we not do so well and trying to figure out okay how can we get better as
we prepare for another big Richland County matchup with Lexington,” he
said.
Madison (3-5,1-4) plays at Lexington (1-7,1-4) on Friday night.
The Minutemen were outscored by New Philadelphia (63-35) last Friday.
Johnson says the Minutemen can be explosive.
“We tell our guys man you can't really ever look at records or
anything like that. They have
some talented kids. It all kind
of starts with the quarterback. He's
a really a good, young athlete. He's
able to extend plays with his feet and does a really nice job scrambling
around and making plays. So, we
have got to make sure that we're prepared to slow him down,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “They have a couple really nice pieces
around him. With Cam Glennon,
who plays receiver and running back for them.
He is really just a spark plug. He
can make plays in the special teams game.
A good defensive player as well.
So, we just have got to be really assignment sound and make sure that
we know what we're trying to do in terms of scheme to go out and put
together a great game plan and compete with a big Richland County rival.”
Lexington has given up some points this year.
They have given up more than 30 in seven of their eight games.
Johnson says they are still pretty physical.
“We've got a lot of respect for their defense.
Their defensive line is proven to just be a physical, tough group.
They have some older guys playing up there that do some really nice
things. They have guys on the
back end that are just playing hard. When
you watch them on film they're running to the ball.
They're physical when they get there.
They've given up some points, but they've also played some really
good teams throughout the season. So,
for us, we have got to look at what they're trying to do and try to figure
out what we can do best to try to put some points up against them and play
great football games. So, should
be a fun night,” said Johnson.
Published 10/14/26
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Ashland
to Play Improved Wooster
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Valentine
Ashland plays over at Wooster against the Generals in Ohio Cardinal
Conference action on Friday night.
Right now, Ashland stands in the 12th and final playoff
spot in their division II region.
Last week, they lost (42-21) to West Holmes in “OCC” play.
Coach Scott Valentine says they just didn’t get off to a good
start. “We came out and we
didn't execute and got ourselves in a hole, but I was really proud of the
way our kids. We went into the
half not happy with where we were. It
would have been easy to just lay down and not fight back, but I thought our
kids competed,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “We got
it down into two scores and had the ball and just couldn't get that next one
in. So, yeah they're a very good
football team and we just didn't get to start we wanted.”
Ashland (4-4,1-4) is at Wooster (3-5,3-2) on Friday night.
The Generals downed Mansfield Senior (25-13) last week in a
conference game.
Valentine says they are vastly improved from last year.
“Oh yeah, they have a good coaching staff.
Coach (Ray) Leek and his staff are going to do a good job.
They've got some young kids that are improving as the year went on.
So, again for us we have got to take care of ourselves and make sure
we can start out the game a lot better than we did last week,” he said.
Valentine says Wooster will come out in a lot of different formations
and run a number of different plays. He
says they have to adjust to those. “Well,
they do a lot of different things. I
think that's what gives you trouble because you have to see all the
different alignments and where they place people and be ready to adjust.
So, that's the key for us defensively is that we can see what they're
in and make sure we're in position to make our plays,” said Valentine.
Published 10/14/26
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Upper
Putting Things Together
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Russell Hall
Upper Sandusky takes the bus to Buckeye Central for a game against
the Bucks in Northern 10 Athletic Conference play on Friday night.
Right now, they stand 13th in their division IV playoff
region. The top 12 get in.
They have to beat Buckeye and Seneca East next week and maybe get
some help.
The Rams (4-4,3-3) beat Willard (28-20) last week.
Coach Russell Hall says showed some intestinal fortitude.
“I'm proud of my players there.
We started out really well and then Willard hit some plays and made
it very, very interesting. Our
kids doubled down and we were able to get the win,” said Hall.
Upper has won its last two and Hall says they are playing better, but
they still have things they need to clean up.
“We're executing at a higher level on offense and defense, which is
good. Unfortunately, we're still
committing a lot of penalties and flags and helping the other team out. So,
we're looking to try and improve that this week,” he said.
Buckeye Central (1-7,0-6) was beaten last week (35-0) by Tiffin
Calvert in conference play.
Hall says it has not been a good season for the Bucks record wise,
but they continue to play the game the right way.
“They're a hardnosed team. Hats
off to their coaching staff and their players.
They play hard. They play
the game of football the way it's intended to be played,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “Where you play every single snap as
hard as you can whether it's the first play or the 101st play.
That's noticeable throughout the season as I'm sitting there watching
film.”
Published 10/14/26
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Willard
Has to Control Ground Game
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Eli Fisher
Willard entertains the Wynford Royals in a Northern 10 Athletic
Conference game on Friday night.
The Flashes fell to Upper Sandusky (28-20) in a conference game last
week.
Coach Eli Fisher says again they had too many mistakes.
“I thought overall we played pretty decent, but it just took us a
while to get going. We had some
penalties and shot ourselves in the foot a few times and it hurt us in the
end,” he said.
Willard (3-5,1-5) is at home for Wynford (2-6,1-5) on Friday night.
The Royals lost (8-7) to Bucyrus last week in “N10” play.
Fisher says they are physical and want to run it.
“They’re a good team who can run the football and they’re
physical up front. They have got
a really good quarterback who is leading the league in rushing and he's
played well for them,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening.
“He's young and he's going to be really good.
We have got to control the line of scrimmage and tackle well and get
guys to the football.”
Wynford quarterback Braylon Wells leads the “N10” in rushing with
1178 yards on the year.
Fisher says they have to put them behind the sticks.
“You have to force them into passing situations and not let them go
four yards a time at you and churn away the clock.
So, we have got to get stops early and that'll be key for us,” said
Fisher,
Published 10/14/26
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Crestview
Learning on the Go
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Steve Haverdill
Crestview plays on the road at Monroeville in a Firelands Conference
game on Friday night.
Last week, they were smoked (46-8) by conference leader Western
Reserve on Friday.
Coach Steve Haverdill says they again learned what a very good
varsity football team looks like. “They're
a very good, well coached, football team.
We were just out matched with the experience, size, physicality being
as young as we are. Our kids
gave great effort throughout the game and kept battling.
Hats off to Western, there's the reason why they're co-champs right
now and a very good football team. It's
something that we're going to learn from because eventually that's what we
want to get to is that level again. So,
it's nice to play teams like that and see what it takes to be at that
level,” said Haverdill.
Crestview is a young football team that is learning the skills that
need to develop. “I think they
are starting to realize the offseason is very, very important. I
think sometimes, especially younger ones, they've never been to that true
offseason and the weight room is very important.
The offseason workouts, the things you do, is getting you ready for
the season. So, I think that
they're starting to see that and we'll get a good offseason this year right
for next year,” he said.
Crestview (1-7,0-4) will be at Monroeville (3-4,3-1) on Friday.
The Eagles did not play last week.
It would have been their Plymouth week.
Haverdill says the Eagles are another very good football team that
they are playing. “It’s the
same thing. Very good football
team, big, fast, athletic, experienced.
They only lost by two to Western late in the game.
They are well coached,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday
afternoon, “It's another good, another test for us again to see where
we're at from last week and to continue to get better.
Again, it's another notch that we can see the level we want to be at
with this team next year and the year after and beyond.
So, it's another opportunity to get that experience against a good
football team.”
Published 10/14/26
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Clear
Fork Focused on This Week
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Brokaw
Clear Fork hosts winless River Valley in a game in the Mid-Ohio
Athletic Conference on Friday night.
Last week, the Colts scored two fourth quarter touchdowns and beat
Highland (20-14) in a conference game. They
tied the score on a Marcus Hoeflich to Quentin Rinehardt TD pass with 9:38
to play. They got the winning
score on a Nash Evans 8-yard run for 1:01 left.
Coach Aaron Brokaw says they made the right adjustments at halftime.
“They did some things and were physical with us. We
were physical with them. We had
a couple of short possessions in the first half.
Didn't have a lot of plays. I
think they got an onside kick and they had the ball for quite a lengthy
amount of time. We got in at the
half and regrouped and got the guys calmed down a little bit and coached up
on a couple of adjustments that we needed to make.
We were able to go out in the second half and do those and be able to
pull out the win in the fourth quarter,” said Brokaw.
Clear Fork (6-2,3-2), #4 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the large school division, had rallied twice before this season to
got wins in the second half.
Brokaw says they don’t want to rely on that, but they have shown
they have confidence in what they are doing.
“As a coach we are always on them, we would like to start a little
bit faster, but they're trusting the coaching and making the adjustments and
taking that into the second half. That's
a sign that they've got a lot of confidence in what they're doing and
they've got a lot of confidence in each other,” he said.
River Valley (0-8,0-5) lost (27-10) to Galion in “MOAC” play last
week.
Brokaw says this is a team that likes to put the ball in the air.
“Definitely want to throw the ball.
They have got the (Carter) Myers kid going to Wake Forest.
They like to move him around and put him in different spots.
They have had a couple different kids play quarterback,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “They've run the ball a little bit more
in the past couple of weeks than maybe what they did earlier in the year,
but they're, I'd say, definitely a pass first team.
Defensively, they'll mix up fronts a little bit.
They've got some young guys playing on that side of the ball, but
they do have some pretty good size on the offensive and defensive lines
well.”
Clear Fork has clinched a division IV playoff spot, but Brokaw says
they want to improve their seed. “I
think we're third in our region right now.
We have got two weeks of the regular season left.
The goal is to be 1-0 this week and then move on to that and put
ourselves in a position that we're hosting a playoff game,” he said.
Published 10/13/26
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Mohawk
Faces Carey in Huge Game
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Eric Daniel
Mohawk, the co-leader in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference, plays
host to Carey in a game with a lot of meaning on Friday night.
The Warriors (7-1,6-0) rallied to edge Colonel Crawford (31-27) in a
conference game last Friday. Andon
Clouse scored on a one yard run and Mohawk was able to then stop Crawford on
their last drive.
Coach Eric Daniel says their kids showed some guts in getting the
win. “I'd rather not go
through that again if at all preferable.
No, I was really proud of our kids and I give their kids a lot of
credit for fighting back. They
hits us on some nice trick plays. We
did not do a good job with our psyche and being disciplined and
keeping stuff underneath us. When
you do that it's hard to seize momentum back and ultimately that what's
happened. I think they had like
250 yards on four plays. Just to
give you an idea of chunk plays. It
was pretty disheartening in the fourth quarter, but our kids do a heck of a
job of kind of riding the wave and playing a four quarter battle and had
never say die. We were able to
turn it around and come out on top,” said Daniel.
Carey (5-3,5-1) lost to the “N10’s” other co-leader
Hopewell-Loudon (42-14) last week knocking the Blue Devils out of a share
the lead.
Daniel says that Carey is a lot better than that score would
indicate. “It’s a typical
Carey team. I mean that in the
highest regard possible. Their
physical, they get to the ball on defense and swarm.
Offensively, they come off the ball.
Last week, it kind of got away from them just with turnovers and
whatnot. I think Hopewell played
a really good game, really clean game. You
know how it is with high school sports, fighting momentum is a very powerful
thing. Hopewell did a good job
of never to giving it back. I
don't think score is indicative of how Carey is to be honest with you. I
think they're a great football team. They've
lost to some great football teams and they've beat some damn good football
teams too. So, we have got a
heck of a match up coming up,” he said.
Carey quarterback Tripp Phoenix is second in the conference in
rushing yards with 1110 for the season.
Daniel says he really has never seen a kid this fast.
“He is the Usain Bolt of northwest Ohio.
I've never seen a kid so fast honestly and Ive been a coach for now
20 years now. I have never seen
in person live or on film, at a school our size, a kid that moves that fast
end of story. If he gets a seam
he's gone. I don't know what
he's averaging to carry. I'd
have to look it up, but it's in the mid teens.
It's unbelievable,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night,
“If you misstep and you fit the wrong gap for a split second or turn your
shoulders he gone… gone. So,
we have got to be incredibly sound. We
have got to know where he's at at all times.
But, they have other kids that can hurt you too.
So, you can't just sell out on one kid you have got to be sound
defensively. He's a heck of a
corner as well.”
Daniel says after eight week all of their goals are still on the
table. “We kind hit on that
(Monday) and we talked to kids about it a little bit.
Just about how all of their goals are in front of them.
I'm just really proud of them for where they’re at, but also not
satisfied, but certainly proud of them to this point how far they've changed
since week one. Listen, this is
a different football team than played Margaretta.
So, just really proud of our kids for being coachable, want to get
better, doing the right things and ultimately that led to a quite few wins
this year,” said Dunn.
Published 10/13/26
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New
Philadelphia Has Big One with West Holmes
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Mike Johnson
New Philadelphia plays at West Holmes in a battle between two teams
that share second place in the Ohio Cardinal Conference on Friday night.
It’s pretty much an elimination game when it comes to the “OCC”
title. Both trail Dover by a
game.
The Quakers (4-4,4-1) smoked Lexington (63-35) in an “OCC” game
last week.
Coach Mike Johnson says they had the ball nine times and scored nine
times last week. “It was about
as efficient as you can be. We're
looking at the quarterback’s passer rating and I don't know what's
perfect, but they said he was just a couple points off of it.
So, we had a really good night on Friday night,” said Johnson.
West Holmes (6-2,4-1) belted Ashland (42-21) in their conference game
last week.
Johnson says the Knights are very good on both sides of the ball.
“Their offense is very, very good and they play so hard.
They do a really good job of working and getting after the ball and
coming off the line up front. So,
I think just their intensity really on both sides of the ball is
excellent,” he said.
Johnson says West Holmes shows a lot of balance when they have the
ball. “The running back has
really impressed me, but then they throw it out there.
They screen it well. They
have got the (Coi) Beachy kid, #11. They
do a good job of getting him the ball in various ways.
He's just excellent when he has that ball in his hands,” he told
Swanksports.com on Monday evening, “They have got a couple other receivers
who go out and they make plays. They
will catch the ball, they'll block for each other in the screen game.
The running back is good and they'll work it.
The quarterback kind of runs the whole show and he's a pretty cool
customer back there delivering.”
Johnson adds that the Knights are very good on all levels on defense.
“They play a three man front. They
come off the ball. The defensive
line really comes off the ball well. The
guys behind it kind of fill the gaps and they have got a guy who cleans it
all up. The Beachy kid does a
really nice job kind of cleaning up anything that needs cleaned up.
So, they play fast on the defensive side and they will get after you
for sure,” said Johnson.
Johnson says they know this is a big game and they look forward to
it. “This what it’s all
about playing good football in October.
That is where you have to start setting yourself apart.
So, thus far we've been pretty pleased with the way we're playing in
October. Let's keep building on
it,” he said.
Published 10/13/26
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Western
Reserve With a Different Challenge
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ty Stevenson
Western Reserve will be at home on Friday night for Brookside in a
non-conference game.
They captured no less than a share of the Firelands Conference title,
their first title since 2019, when they hammered Crestview (46-8) last
Friday.
Coach Ty Stevenson says were ready to play and got some of their
younger players into the game. “I
thought it was a team that went through the week and did a great job
preparing for Crestview and I thought played a really good game Friday
night. Jumped on them early and
got a few scores ahead there and we're able to play some young guys.
Making a few different combinations of the offensive line.
It may be a little bit of what next year's going to be.
So, that's always good anytime you get that opportunity.
So, happy for the kids, proud of them, for winning this conference
championship and excited to get going this week,” said Stevenson.
On the table for the Riders is an unbeaten regular season.
It would be the third in school history following 2011 and 1984.
Stevenson says they know that Brookside won’t be a push over of any
kind. “We're excited about the
chances that we have got ahead, but this Brookside team is, their record is
not very good, they're 2-6, but I did the math (Monday) and the six teams
that have beat them are like 39-8 or something like that.
So, they have played really good teams.
They present a lot of challenges because they can really throw.
The quarterback is 6’6” and slings the thing all over the place.
That will be a huge challenge for us,” he said.
Western Reserve (8-0), #3 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the small school division, does host Brookside (2-6) on Friday
night. Brookside beat Black
River (36-28) last week, their second win in a row.
Stevenson says they really haven’t played a team like this so far.
“We haven't seen a team that throws it quite like this and throws
it as often as they do, so that will be a challenge.
I don't know that they're the best team we've seen.
I think Margaretta beat them by 10, Monroeville is a good team, St
Paul's a good team, but they do things a little bit differently,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “It's similar to playoff football
in the fact that we've never played them and we don't really don’t know
anything about them. We're
approaching it that way and telling our kids that we need a great week of
preparation, a great week of focus, so we are our best on Friday night.”
Published 10/13/26
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Orrville
Will Try to Protect the Lead
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Brent Besancon
Orrville, the leader in the Principal’s Athletic Conference, takes
its act to Akron Manchester for another important game in the “PAC” on
Friday night.
They lead Manchester, Wooster Triway and Northwest by a game in the
conference standings. A win
would lock up no less than a share of conference title.
They edged Worthington Christian (10-9) in overtime in a
non-conference game last week.
Coach Brent Besancon says they feel fortunate to come out of there
with a win. “It was one of
those games that you’re coming off a Northwest win the week before and we
knew it was an emotional win and you have got to travel a long way.
So, we figured it, you hate to call it a trap game, because we'd like
to keep everything one week at a time, but we travel down there and walked
away in overtime and feel fortunate to win and healthy coming out of the
game. So, it's nice to be
7-1,” said Besancon.
Orrville (7-1,4-0) will be at home for Manchester (4-4,3-1) on
Friday. The Panthers lost their
first conference game of the year last week when Triway beat them (38-6) on
Friday.
Besancon says they have a very good running game.
“Well, they have a really good running back. The offense seems to
run through him. I don't like to
compare and say this guy's the best or anything like that, but only he's a
one man wrecking crew. He's
coming back from an injury a couple years back.
He just seemed to hit his stride.
They ran into a pretty good Triway team, but they just pose a real
challenge,” he said.
Besancon says to win on Friday night they have to play well in all
phases of the game. “To me
it’s play a complete game. Let's
get to the ball on defense. When
they’ve got a good running back and they find ways to get him the ball
whether it's on flares or screens or anything like,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “He seems to just always be around for
the ball. To me it's find him
and get to the ball and then just play a complete game.
Last week, we won on special teams and I think that at this point in
the season everything's on the table. We
just have got to play a complete game.”
Published 10/13/26
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Bellevue
Can Get a Share
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Alex Shepherd
Bellevue will host Port Clinton this week in play in the Bay Division
of the Northern Ohio Conference and with a win they can do no less than
share the division title.
Last week, they lost (35-21) to Tiffin Columbian in a crossover game
last Friday.
Coach Alex Shepherd says the Redmen just made too many mistakes.
“They are a good team, a really good team, came in and they made
more plays than we did. We had a
few too many mistakes, especially early on and let it got away from us,”
said Shepherd.
Bellevue (5-3,2-0) entertains Port Clinton (7-1,2-1) on Friday night.
The Redskins demolished Edison (51-16) in a division game lasy week.
The Redskins broke open the game with five straight scores in the
second half.
Shepherd says they have an opportunity on Friday night.
“We’ve got a chance to at least secure a share of the Bay
Division this week and we would have a chance to win it outright if we get
the next too,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “A lot to
play for, seeding in the playoffs is getting rounded up.
So, now we've got to come out and do our job.”
Right now, Bellevue stands eighth its division IV region.
The top four earn a bye and teams five through eight have a home game
in the first round.
Shepherd says Port Clinton is a experienced ballclub.
“Similar to last week, it’s a team that has got a lot of guys
returning, a lot of seniors starting. They're
very talented, they've got some good size and it's a good opponent,” he
said.
Shepherd adds that the Redskins are athletic and they need to contain
them. “They’ve got a lot of
athletes, a lot of kids that are capable of making big plays.
We have got to keep everything in front of us and play assignment
football just like always,” he said.
Published 10/13/26
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Mt.
Gilead Needs Win
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Mike Reid
Mt. Gilead needs to finish the regular season with two wins to make
the division VI playoffs and their first task is Friday night at Northmor in
a Knox Morrow Athletic Conference game.
Last week, they took “KMAC” co-leader Centerburg to the end
before losing (13-12) to the Trojans.
Coach Mike Reid was very pleased with what he saw form the Indians.
“Well, I'm really proud of the fellows.
They fought extremely hard in that ball game against Centerburg.
We did a lot of things right. We
made a couple crucial mistakes at the end where we couldn't finish some
drives, but on the whole, I was very, very proud of our guys effort.
Centerburg presents matchup problems for us. I
thought we stood up for those issues really well. We just didn't come up
with enough points, we were sort by two,” said Reid.
Mt. Gilead (4-4,2-3) is at Northmor (1-7,1-4) on Friday night.
The Golden Knights lost (26-7) to East Knox in conference play last
week.
Reid says despite their record, the Golden Knights have some players.
“Northmor is probably the best one win team I've seen in a long,
long time. They do an awful lot
of things really well. Offensively,
they have still got Tanner Milley at quarterback and he’s doing a nice job
distributing the football. He's
got a couple nice targets with Brad Boland and Jackson Welch.
They're still dangerous offensively.
They got some nice weapons,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday
afternoon, “They have got a couple nice defenders too.
The Welch kid plays a great defensive end for them I feel like and
the other defensive end Rodney Acord does a really good job for putting a
lot of pressure on quarterbacks and they're pretty stout upfront
defensively. So, that's going to
be a county rival game so both teams you throw the records out.
Both teams are going to get after it.”
Reid says they need to beat Northmor and Cardington next week to make
postseason. “What I told the
boys on Saturday is one thing is for sure losing one of our last two games
and we’re not getting in. So,
really the focus is just taking care of our own business first and then just
letting things fall where they fall,” he said.
Published 10/13/26
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Playoff
Implications for Seneca East
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ed Phillips
Seneca East will be at home for the Colonel Crawford Eagles in a game
that will have an impact on both team’s post season chances.
The Tigers stand seventh in division VI, region 22 and Crawford is 15th
in region 23. The top four in
each region get a bye. The top
12 qualify for week 11, which schools five through eight hosting a first
round game.
Last week, Seneca East blanked Lucas (17-0) in an “N10” game.
Coach Ed Phillips says they were well prepared.
“It goes along with what we talked about.
Our scout team did such a great job last week getting us ready, which
allowed our defense to go out and shut them out.
Shutouts are hard to come by in in this day and age and so to go out
do that against a good Lucas team was a feather and our cap and something
that we're pretty happy about,” said Phillips.
Seneca East was able to hold Lucas to 159 rushing yards.
The Tigers (6-2,4-2) hosts Colonel Crawford (4-4,3-3) on Friday
night. The Eagles lost a
heartbreaker (31-27) to conference co-leader Mohawk last Friday.
Phillips says the Eagles present a different challenge with their
offense. “They're a little
more diverse than Lucas. They
can run it just like you'd expect from a Colonel Crawford team and then they
get a lot of explosive passing plays out of out of their offense too,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “Definitely a challenge for us
coming up on Friday and one we we've got to work this week get ready for.”
A win for Seneca East would pretty much guarantee home playoff game.
Meanwhile, Crawford needs it to have a chance to get in.
Phillips says there is a lot riding on the outcome.
“They all are when you at this point of the season.
You’ve got two good programs like Colonel Crawford and us there's
always a lot riding on it and this year I think is no different for either
one of us, which just adds to the excitement.
So, a big one to get ready for,” said Phillips.
Published 10/13/26
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Galion
Looks for Three in a Row
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Dick
Galion is at home for Marion Harding for a game in the Mid-Ohio
Athletic Conference on Friday night.
The Tigers (4-4,2-3) downed River Valley (27-10) in a conference game
last week.
Coach Matt Dick says it was really a very good performance by the
Tigers. “I thought of defense
really really great lights out, especially in the second half.
Offensively, I was proud that we really started to run the ball well.
Our completion percentage, especially our starting quarterback Kane
Hay was really off the charts. It
was one of his better games. I
think Jamesen Glew had 200 yards receiving,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Monday evening, “We did some really good things.
I think anytime you win two in a row with this season obviously
you're excited and trying to make it three this week.
I think that it only gets harder each week, but that's just the
“MOAC” and the grind.”
Dick says he is very pleased with how hard his kids have worked this
year. “The idea that they have
basically had to fight for four quarters as we are at week nine.
The idea that those guys have taken that many hits and played that
hard and are finding ways to win in the fourth quarter.
It’s really hats off to the level of fight and the level of effort
this team has. I think as
coaches we just keep trying to put them in better situations and hopefully
increase our execution a little bit more that makes it a little bit easier
so maybe we can be up in the first half instead of always trying to come
back in the second,” said Dick.
Marion Harding (5-3.3-2) beat Pleasant (28-14) in an “MOAC” game
last week.
Dick says the Presidents are good, but they are beatable.
“I think the first time I watched them I really thought they just
jumped off the film explosively whether it's quarterback running, throwing
the ball, special teams and then defense they just move a lot of guys around
bring a lot of pressure. But, I
think as you see more film they look like any other “MOAC” opponent. They
have some really, really positives and they have some things that we can
hopefully take advantage of. It's
going to be a great game on Friday” he said.
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Clear
Fork Expects Physical Game
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Brokaw
Clear Fork takes to the road Friday night to play the Highland
Fighting Scots in a Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference game.
They lost a tough one to conference co-leader and unbeaten Shelby
(28-21) last week in conference play.
Coach Aaron Brokaw says the effort was there, but they just came up a
few plays short. “Overall, our
kids played really hard. Shelby
is a talented team. We did some
things really well, but we didn't do enough things well enough to win that
one. So, we have got to bounce
back this week,” said Brokaw.
There were almost 300 yards in penalties called on both teams last
week in a game that seemed to fail to achieve any rhythm despite featuring
two pretty good football teams.
Clear Fork (5-2,2-2) plays at Highland (3-4,2-2) on Friday night.
The Fighting Scots outlasted River Valley (34-33) in double overtime
last week in a “MOAC” game.
Brokaw says they want to rely on a power run game and solid defense.
“Highland is a good football team.
They try to play physically on both sides of the ball.
I think they pride themselves on running the ball and playing good
defense. It should be a good old
fashioned football game,” he said.
Kane Stover has been one of the better players in the league this
year on both sides of the ball. He
scored five touchdowns last week.
Brokaw says they have to know where he is at all times.
“That is one thing that we didn’t do a very good job of last
year. They move him around to
different positions in the defensive linebacker rotation.
At mic, he sometimes is on the edge,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “Offensively, he's played a little
bit of receiver, a little bit of running back, a little bit of H-back, a
little bit of quarterback. So,
they do a lot of different things with him and they've got some other guys
that can handle the ball. I
think they've had a couple maybe three or even four guys that have thrown
passes this year.”
The Colts remain in fourth place in their playoff region in division
IV. Brokaw says a win will be
important to them. “The focus
has been on being 1-0 this week and getting back in the win column.
The focus has been on Highland. We're
not worried about what goes beyond that,” he said.
Published 10/09/26
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Mohawk
Needs Great Effort
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Eric Daniel
Mohawk, one of the co-leaders in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference,
plays at Colonel Crawford in a big game for both sides.
The Warriors (6-1,5-0) belted Willard (44-0) last week in an
“N10” game.
Coach Eric Daniel says they played with more intensity than they did
the week before. “I was proud
of our kids. We started off fast
and kind of took the momentum early and maintained it.
Much better energy and enthusiasm, which leads to better
communication and more physicality. So,
I was really proud of how we jump started and then maintained all of way
through the second half,” he said.
Colonel Crawford (4-3,3-2) held off Wynford (33-27) in a conference
game last week. The Eagles two
losses in the conference came to the other two co-leaders in Hopewell-Loudon
(38-22) and Carey (16-0) earlier this season.
Daniel says this is a very good football team.
“They are a very good football team, they're good.
They've played a really good schedule.
They were tied with Hopewell in the fourth quarter.
They were able to move the ball on Carey and slow them down multiple
drives and just had a couple bad bounces,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Thursday evening, “They had a close one last week where they were able in
a big rivalry game and they were able to etch it out, kind of grind it out.
So, they're incredibly capable, incredibly dangerous, and a very
winning program. They've got
great tradition. So, even though
they've lost a couple games their kids still know how to battle.
They still know how to play football and be physical and be sound.
So, we're anticipating a really good football game.”
Daniel adds that this is a fun rivalry with Crawford.
“It's a lot of fun to play there. We
really enjoy playing them, whether it's at our place or theirs because it
always seems to be a good football game.
Like I said, it's been back and forth over the last couple years.
They got us last year on back and forth, probably seven lead changes
last year. So, we've got some
stuff that we need to look to shore up because it certainly will be a really
good football game. We
anticipate that type of football game (Friday) night.
So, we just want our guys to be ready mentally, physically,
anticipate a hard fought match with a lot of adversity and be prepared to
respond,” said Daniel.
Published 10/09/26
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Trenches
a Key for Bellevue
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Alex Shepherd
Bellevue plays at home against the Tiffin Columbian Tornadoes in a
crossover game in the Northern Ohio Conference on Friday night.
Last week, they remained unbeaten in Bay Division play with a (56-21)
whipping of Huron.
Coach Alex Shepherd says overall their play was solid.
“Outside of a couple plays. Gave
up a kick return in the first half and a touchdown there towards the end of
the first half that we had a couple miscues.
We had a lot of success on offense early and often and our defense
played pretty well throughout most of the game,” he said.
Quarterback Ike Brown accounted for six touchdowns.
Bellevue (5-2) hosts Columbian (5-2) on Friday night.
Tiffin destroyed Norwalk (63-7) in Lake Division play last week.
Shepherd says again the Tornadoes have some players.
“They are talented and it seems like they always are.
They've got some good size up front, great quarterback and a lot of
receivers on the edge and a couple backs that do a lot of good things,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “A talented team that plays
hard and they've had a pretty good year so far, so should be a good game.”
On defense, Shepherd says Columbian will show a lot of fronts and
they will be aggressive. “They
are good up front. They bring a
lot of pressure and move some guys around and create a bunch of different
looks. So, you have got to try
to maximize what you're doing on each play because they make some plays as
well. They're going to get you
at times. We have got to control
the ball and do well up front and give our quarterback some time,” said
Shepherd.
Both teams are 10th in their respective playoff regions,
Bellevue in division IV, and Tiffin Columbian in division III.
Shepherd says a win will be a boost.
“We're both 5-2, so whoever wins this one's going to get a lot of
second level points that should move one of us up a decent amount in the
standings,” he said.
Published 10/09/26
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Madison
Being Competitive
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Kobi Johnson
Madison takes the bus to Dover to face the first place Tornadoes in
an Ohio Cardinal Conference game on Friday night.
Last week, they made a tremendous comeback, but fell just short and
loss (34-28) to New Philadelphia in an “OCC” game.
Coach Kobi Johnson says he was really proud of the kid’s
performance. “Yeah, it was
great game. I was really proud
of our guys and their fight. We
kind of put ourselves in a little bit of a hole in the first half.
Didn't play our best football, but we were able to come back in the
second half and play a great 24 minutes and give ourselves a chance.
We just ran out of time there, but I thought it was really good in
terms of growth for our program to see us in a situation down 34-14 at the
half and be able to come back and shut them out in the second half and give
ourselves an opportunity to try to get the ball back to win the game. So,
some growth out of it, but definitely things that we know we need to improve
on so that we're in a better situation throughout the entire game to be in
the right spot at the end,” said Johnson.
Madison (3-4,1-3) plays at Dover (5-2,4-0) on Friday night.
The Tornadoes outscored Wooster (44-22) in an “OCC” game last
week.
Johnson says Dover has some bigtime playmakers.
“They have some really talented skilled guys. I
think quarterback does a really nice job of facilitating the ball to these
guys. Dante Clark is really,
really good in the slot. He just
makes a ton of plays in the special teams game,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Thursday night, “For us this week, we have got to be really in tune
with the game plan and make sure we have eyes on those guys that are capable
of making huge plays. On the
offensive side of the ball, it's all about execution and blocking our butts
off. So, it's going to be a big
challenge for us, but we have just got to go out and play great football for
48 minutes and see where we're at the end.”
Johnson says they are still learning what it takes to win games
against good opponents. “We
continue to talk to our guys about if you want to be playing playoff
football you have got a knock off teams that people don't think you're
supposed to beat. So, for us
it's full focus on Dover and trying to play the best football we can.
I think we're capable of playing with anybody, but it's a tall task
and we have got to make sure mentally we're engaged and ready to go and have
a great road trip and go get the job done,” he said.
Published 10/09/26
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Seneca
East Has to Get Back on the Beam
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ed Phillips
Seneca East will be at home for Lucas for a game in the Northern 10
Athletic Conference on Friday night.
The Tigers lost a heartbreaker (8-7) to Carey last Friday in an
exciting league contest. The
Blue Devils scored with a minute to play to win the game.
Coach Ed Phillips says they were great on defense, but they just
couldn’t punch another one in. “We
played no doubt our best game of year on defense.
Their defense is really good and we couldn't finish it off in the
second half. It was a great high
school game and one we just got to keep building on,” he said.
Seneca East (5-2,3-2) plays host to Lucas (4-3,3-2) on Friday night.
The Cubs thumped Buckeye Central (49-0) in conference play last week.
With the double wing, double tight look, the Cubs can be hard to
prepare for, but Phillips says practice went well this week.
“They're different, they do have some similarities to Carey in
terms of the way they want to play, so that was nice to have them and Carey
back-to-back. A little bit
different look than we've seen in a long time,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Thursday night, “It makes it fun to prepare for.
I'll tell you one thing this week that was phenomenal is a right from
the get go on Monday our scout team did a really good job on their offense,
which is different and hard to duplicate, but our young guys did a really
good job of pulling that off.”
Seneca East likely will not win the “N10” title this year, but
they are in position to make the playoffs standing 11th in their
division VI region. The top 12
get it.
Phillips says they still have things to play for.
“On Saturday, we have a good film session and then on Monday we had
a really good practice and then just followed up Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday. Our kids are really
consistent and they like football. We
like being around them and I think that goes a long way into to handling the
good and the bad,” he said.
Published 10/09/26
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Fredericktown
to Face Explosive Loudonville
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Spitler
Fredericktown pays a visit to Loudonville for a game in the Knox
Morrow Athletic Conference on Friday night.
They are a game behind Danville and Centerburg in the conference
standings.
They are coming off a (28-18) win over Northmor in the “KMAC”
last week.
Coach Scott Spitler says they came alive in the second half.
“Pleased to get the victory. I
thought we were not as crisp and clean in the first half that I would like
to be, but I thought the kids came out the second half and started flying
around having fun and taking care of business and we're able to get out of
there with a win against a talented Northmor team,” he said.
Quarterback Cirk Parker ran for 182 yards and two scores last week.
Fredericktown (5-2,3-1) is at Loudonville (3-4,1-3) this week.
Unbeaten Danville walloped the Birds (55-0) last week.
Spitler says the Redbirds are big in the trenches.
“They are very skilled and it starts with the Caley brothers in the
backfield, Colton and Collin, running back-quarterback tandem, extremely
athletic, very dangerous, can put in the end zone and on any play in a
heartbeat,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “Probably
the biggest group on the line of scrimmage that we faced all season.
They're really huge up front on the offensive line led by Jacub
Poole, a senior at tackle at 6’7”, 315.
So, they’re going to be a handful.
They run out of the spread offense and stretching you horizontally
and vertically. Like I said, the
quarterback, he's a dual threat that can hurt you on any play.”
With their run based offense play in the trenches is always a big
factor the Freddies and Spitler says that will be a battle for them.
“It's a big challenge. We've
got to have success on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and
it's going to be a huge challenge this week.
Playing in their house makes it even more difficult.
Like I've always said, every week in the “KMAC” is a tough week
and we've got to come ready to play,” said Spitler.
Published 10/09/26
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Galion
to Play Dangerous River Valley
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Dick
Galion takes its act to River Valley for a game in the Mid-Ohio
Athletic Conference on Friday night.
Last week, the Tigers (3-4,1-3) beat Marion Pleasant (21-7) in
conference play.
The win broke a three game losing streak and coach Matt Dick says he
is happy for the kids. “I
think anytime the kids get paid for all their hard effort and all the time
they put into it, the same thing with coaches, but especially the kids, it's
all good for them. Hopefully try
to find a way to win one this week,” he said.
River Valley (0-7,0-4) almost got one last week when they lost to
Highland (34-33) in double overtime in a conference game.
Dick says they are improved. “The
power 5 receiver-tight end kid is just off the charts.
They do a good job of getting the ball to him in a variety of ways.
I think their defense has improved.
I watched them play some of the teams in “MOAC” and they've had
some hard outs. Games that they lost in OT or just lost late in the game.
They're just another tough “MOAC” opponent, but they are
different. They are five wide.
We haven't seen a lot of throwing this year, so it'll be interesting
to see how we match up with that,” said Dick.
Carter Myers, headed to Wake Forest, leads the “MOAC” in
receiving this year.
Dick says they must give him some extra attention.
“I just think make things hard on the quarterback.
Make him throw deep. Don't give them all the easy stuff and then
obviously double the Myers kid as much as possible,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “I think with all the different
formations you could do out of empty and quads and motion him into the
backyard and out it makes it hard to double him. It
makes it hard to get your best guy on him all the time.
They do a good job over there of mixing it up.
So, I think our challenge is to try to keep as often as possible two
guys on him and keep hopefully the offense off balance and that's the
challenge.”
Published 10/09/26
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Hillsdale
Needs This One
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Trevor Cline
Hillsdale travels to Rittman Friday night for an important game in
the Wayne County Athletic League on Friday night.
They scored 22 points in the first quarter and 43 in the first half
in destroying Northwestern (49-0) in league game last week.
Coach Trevor Cline says they came out ready to play and that was key.
“That's a second week in a row where we went up against an opponent
that it could have been a trap if we didn’t come out and play the way that
we should. Our guys did a really
good job of just finding ways to get better than what they were the week
before and go out and take care of business right at the get go,” he said.
They limited Northwestern to only 82 yards of total offense.
Hillsdale (6-1,3-1), #5 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the small school division, is at Rittman (3-4,0-4) on Friday night.
Unbeaten Smithville crushed the Indians (41-0) last week.
Cline says they need to get off to a better start than they did last
year against Rittman. “Just
watching Rittman they’re a team that their goal was to be towards the top
of the “WCAL” this year. They're
definitely moving in the right direction.
They gave us a lot of trouble last year in the first half.
We were only up a touchdown. They
came out and played us really well last year,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Thursday evening, “We're looking to get off to a better start than what
we did against these guys last year and be able to put ourselves to the
situation to control the game. Last
year, when we played them at home it was a battle until we were able to get
settled down and able to get things going for us.”
The Falcons trail Smithville and Norwayne by a game in the “WCAL”
standings, those two play each other Friday, and Cline says this is a win
they must have. “This is a big
game for us because our hope is to still be able to win a league title.
We're going to need some help to get to that point, but we can also
take care of the business ourselves too.
If someone's able to knock off Smithville.
We need to take care of business the rest of the way to be able to
put ourselves back in the title hunt. These
last three games of the year are going to be big points for us playoffs
point wise. So, it's going be
important for us to go out and put our best foot forward and take her
business to set ourselves up for hopefully another home football game for
the start of the playoffs,” said Cline.
Published 10/09/26
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Mt.
Gilead to Play Co-Leaders
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Mike Reid
Mt. Gilead host “KMAC” co-leader Centerburg on Friday night in a
Knox Morrow Athletic Conference game.
They picked up a win last week (27-21) at East Knox last week in
“KMAC” game.
Coach Mike Reid says they had to come from behind to do it.
“Last Friday was a real gutsy effort by our guys.
They showed a lot of heart, they showed a lot of stubbornness.
We started out kind of slow offensively.
Had to punt the ball away. They
put together a couple nice drives and scored one touchdown, but we battled
back and actually took the lead 7-6. They
had the lead at halftime 14-7. They
had to lead in the fourth quarter 21-13.
Our guys found a way to get the offense going in the fourth quarter
and came from behind and won that game.
Had to hold them off on our goal line at the end.
So, it was a very, very exciting game I'm sure if you're a fan, but
another knuckle biter for us. Proud
of the guys, proud about how hard they fought,” said Reid.
Tyler Harr ran for 198 yards, including two fourth quarter
touchdowns.
Mt. Gilead (4-3,2-2) hosts Centerburg (5-2,4-0) on Friday night.
The Trojans walloped Cardington (42-7) last week in the conference.
Reid says the Trojans are really athletic, but they think they have a
chance. “They're a
well-rounded team. Coach (Andy)
Colella year in and year out does a great job having his guys in contention
for a league title. Honestly,
we've come a long way here at Mt. Gilead, but that's kind of where we want
to be. We kind of want to
develop ourselves to finally get to that stage and we're not quite there
yet,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “Centerburg
presents a lot of problems. They've
got a great big, tall, strong kid that's really, really fast, that’s
committed to go to Florida. The
quarterback is really nice. They
have even lost it looks like Miles Marshall's out with injury, but their
replacement is really, really good. So,
they're good across the board. They
have got a nice line and they have got a great big defensive line that plays
really, really well. So, it's
going to be another “KMAC” challenge.
It seems like week in and week out the “KMAC” is a big challenge
for the Mt. Gilead Indians, but we're up for it.
We're going to try to give them everything we’ve got here and come
out with a “W.”
A win by Indians would be a boost their playoff chances, according to
Reid. “That's one of the
things we did talk about even though it doesn't say we control our own
destiny on the Joeeitel.com site, or anything like that, we actually do
control our own destiny. A win
could really almost guarantee us a spot.
Anything can happen in the last two weeks of the season, but a win
would absolutely be, not to mention just for the playoffs, but just for
gaining confidence in my ball club as we continue the weeks nine and 10 and
hopefully 11,” he said.
Published 10/09/26
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Carey
Must Play as a Team
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jonathan Mershman
Carey and Hopewell-Loudon are two of the three leaders in the
Northern 10 Athletic Conference and they meet on Friday night in a huge
clash in the conference in Bascom.
Last week, Mace Puckett scored with :60 to play and then added the
two point conversion to give the Blue Devils an (8-7) win over Seneca East
in conference play.
Coach Jonathan Mershman says the defense gave them a chance to win
that game. “We grinded and got
that one. I thought the kids
battled hard the entire game. The
Seneca East defense would not let us score.
Then we found a way to score with one minute to go and then found a
way to get that two point conversion and win the game,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “Our defense played just lights
out I thought all night, especially in the second half.
I thought they played excellent football in the second half and kept
us right in the game until our offense decided we wanted to score.”
Carey (5-2,5-0) plays host to Hopewell-Loudon (7-0,5-0), #1 in the
Swankonsports.com football coaches poll in the small school division.
The Chieftains dominated Tiffin Calvert (42-0) last week.
Mershman says Hopewell will be prepared for the game.
“They are well coached and every year they ready to go, ready to
reload, and keep playing. I know
they have got a three headed monster at quarterback and it seems like
they've been there forever. So,
I can't wait for them to graduate after this year.
I think it's just a really good coaching staff that knows what they
need to do and they get after it after it every week,” said Mershman.
Mershman says the Chieftains will spread the field and they have to
play team defense. “They make
everybody play and when you do that it stretches you out,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “Everybody on defense needs to
do their job, their assignments, and play together and use each other.
Don't always try to make everything one single person doing the job.
Rely on others and I think we're doing that right now at a high level
on defense.”
Mershman says the team that wins will be disciplined.
“Discipline, that's what I heard when you said that.
It was just discipline. You
have got to play disciplined. I
think both teams will do that,” he said.
Published 10/08/26
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Lucas
Has to be Disciplined
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jim Sweat
Lucas will be over at Seneca East on Friday night for a game in the
Northern 10 Athletic Conference.
The Cubs (4-3,3-2) blasted Buckeye Central (49-0) last week in a
conference game.
Coach Jim Sweat says they played well last week, including a lot of
their younger players. “The
kids played well last week. It
was most importantly nice to see how excited they were when some of the
younger kids had an opportunity to get on the field Friday night and be
successful also. Just to see the
way that the older kids celebrated their accomplishments too.
Sometimes it's hard for kids to want to step off the field in that
situation, but they did, and just goes to show you what a great group of
kids that have,” said Sweat.
The Cubs ran for over 240 yards last week.
Seneca East (5-2,3-2) were edged last week (8-7) by conference
co-leader Carey.
Sweat say the Tigers are balanced on offense and they have a lot of
size in their lineup. “First
of all, they're huge. They've
got a lot of great sized kids. They're
skilled positions are really solid. They
have a big running back that likes to bruise it.
So, they have got a great compliment on film of both run and pass.
The kids work hard and they're extremely well coached,” he said.
SE quarterback Branson
Robinson has thrown for almost 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns on the year.
Sweat says against Seneca East you must be very disciplined on
defense. “You have to be
disciplined. They have a lot of
formations, so we have to align properly and try to do our best to
understand what they're trying to do in each formation and be
disciplined,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “You have
got to have great eye discipline when you have a well balanced football
team. You can't sell out on the
run or the pass. They also have
the compliment of a great screen game too.
So, this week more so than a lot of weeks you have got to be
extremely disciplined this week and trust your instincts and trust your
keys.”
Published 10/08/26
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New
Philadelphia Must Contain Lex
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Mike Johnson
New Philadelphia, a game back in the Ohio Cardinal Conference, will
entertain the Lexington Minutemen in a conference game on Friday night.
Last week, they hung on to beat Madison (34-28) in an “OCC” game.
Coach Mike Johnson says they made the plays where they had too.
“I was really proud of our kids.
We came out and played a great first half.
In the second half, we struggled to get off the field a little bit
and we were a little less consistent offensively, but we had a lot of guys
who stepped up,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “We had
a couple guys out with injuries on the offensive line.
We had guys who didn't have much, or any varsity experience, step in.
We played great in that first half and were able to bring it home in
second half. So, even though it
wasn't necessarily pretty, I am proud of the way that we were able to finish
that game. Madison came back got
it within a score, kicked an onside kick, we were able to recover it and put
together a nice drive to end the game.”
The Quakers (3-4,3-1) hosts Lexington (1-6,1-3) on Friday night.
Johnson says the Minutemen are athletic, especially at quarterback.
“Lexington’s quarterback is unbelievable.
He runs it whatever the heck he wants, he's got a nice arm to sling
it, so we're going to have to contain him.
Defensively, we've seen them do a couple of different things.
We've seen them send the house and then blitz a lot of guys.
We've seen them play back. So,
our guys have been preparing all week to face both of those different
scenarios or those different styles. We're
excited for an opportunity to come out and have a great senior night,” he
said.
Johnson is concerned about the Lexington athletes and says they have
to contain them. “Like I said,
their quarterback is the real deal, I'm very impressed with his athleticism.
He moves great in the pocket, he can hurt you downfield and they've
had a couple other players step up throughout the course of their season
too. They got an outside
linebacker and receiver #11, who is a really good football player as well.
We have got to be consistent up front, that’s what we have been
hammering home this week. We're
going to have to get after them defensively,” said Johnson.
Published 10/08/26
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Lexington
Has to Get off Field
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jacob Owens
Lexington will be over at New Philadelphia for an Ohio Cardinal
Conference game on Friday night.
Last week, the Minutemen (1-6,1-3) were blanked (35-0) by West Holmes
in the “OCC.”
Coach Jacob Owens says last week they just didn’t play well.
“Last week, we didn't play well at all on either side of the ball.
We didn't play up to par, to our standards by any means.
West Holmes, give them credit, they're a really good ball club.
They came into town and they ran their stuff really well,” he said.
New Philadelphia (3-4,3-1) held off Madison (34-28) in an “OCC”
game last week.
Owens says the Quakers are physical and want to run the football.
“They are a very good football team, very disciplined.
Coach (Mike) Johnson has done a very good job with that program and
they like to run the ball, like to be physical up front.
They have ran the ball really well as of late.
They do some different things with “I” formation, under center,
old school type of football, so we'll be ready for that,” said Owens.
It is important to get running teams behind the sticks, but Owens
says for them they have to be more consistent on defense.
“We have got to stop them on first down, but second and third down
as well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “They do a
really good job of sustaining drives and moving the football and giving
themselves opportunities to win games. So,
first down is very important, but all the downs are very important.
We have to do a better job of getting off the field on third down.”
Published 10/08/26
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Danville
Preaching Focus
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Blum
Danville, the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference leader, will be at
Cardington to face the Pirates on Friday night.
The Blue Devils (7-0,4-0), #3 in the Swankonsports.com football
coaches in in the small school division, blasted Loudonville (55-0) in a
conference game last week.
Coach Matt Blum says they got a good start and were able to keep
going from there. “We were
proud of the way our kids came out and fought at the kickoff. From
the very first snap set the tone the entire game.
Defensively, able to get a safety on the first possession.
Then on offense we were able to take advantage of that short field
and get a touchdown and go up 10-0 pretty quick.
I thought our kids did a good job building on that.
We're going to have to do similar things this Friday night,” said
Blum.
Cardington (0-7,0-4) was hammered (42-7) by Centerburg last week in a
conference game.
Blum says they do some good things.
“They've had some injuries, but they're scrappy bunch.
We're going to get their best shot, especially it being homecoming.
They do have some nice athletes they going to try to get the ball
too,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “We're going to
have to keep everything in front of us, flying on the ball, tackle in space.
Defensively, they do a good job with their blitz games, so have to do
a good job up front with our keys an our communication and give time for our
quarterback to execute the passing game.”
Danville quarterback Parker Proper is the leading passer in the “KMAC.”
Blum says their goal is to get better as a football team on Friday
night. “Our focus is just what
we can do today to have success and that's the biggest thing you know we've
been preaching this week. It’s
just focusing on ourselves, what can improve on to get better for today.
That's no different from Friday night.
We have got to worry about this, we have got to worry about right
now. What we are doing.
We have got to win the game and then we'll move on and prepare the
same way we do for every opponent next week,” he said.
Published 10/08/26
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South
Central Must Have Intensity
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Derek Fisher
South Central will be at home for Norwalk St. Paul in a Firelands
Conference game on Friday night.
They were smoked by conference leader Western Reserve (39-8) last
week.
Coach Derek Fisher says the Riders have very good personnel and it
showed. “They are undefeated
for a reason. They are a good
team, well coached, they play hard. They’ve
got some athletes, they have got some size and they made us pay for it.
They're good all across the board. I
think fourth in their region right now and deservedly so.
So, it was a learning experience for our guys.
Back to the drawing board and try to get ready for this week,” said
Fisher.
South Central (3-4,2-2) will put out the welcome mat for St. Paul
(3-3,2-1) on Friday night. The
Flyers destroyed Crestview (45-0) last week.
Fisher says the Flyers are fundamental, just like always.
“They have been a measuring stick in this conference for a long
time. Perennial power year after
year. I know they lost some guys
here and there, but it’s next man up for them every year,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “You can put on film from this
year of St. Paul and film from years ago and they look identical.
We always tell our kids that they know one speed and it's really,
really fast. Well coached, lots
of speed, very disciplined, they're not going to beat themselves, size,
making good angles, they sustain blocks, they fly to the football, great
kicker, special teams battle. They're
good all across the board and well coached.”
Fisher says they have to play hard on every play.
“We have got a match their intensity.
We have got to try to make fewer mistakes than they do.
Hope that we can keep it close in in the fourth quarter have a chance
to win it,” he said.
Published 10/08/26
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PM
Wynford
to Play Rival Bucyrus
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andrew Amlin
Wynford makes the short trip to Bucyrus to take on the Redmen in game
in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference on Friday night.
They lost a tough one (33-27) to Colonel Crawford last week in
conference play.
Coach Andrew Amlin says they were right there at the end, but just
couldn’t get over that final hurdle. “We
had opportunities to win the game it just didn't happen for us. We
kind of made a few mistakes early in the game and that cost us later.
Our kids fought. We got
down 7-0, tied it, got down seven, tied it again, down seven, tied it, and
then they got up by two and then we got within one.
We just couldn't finish off, but our kids really responded well to
the challenge. They really
played hard and I think that was overall offensively one of our best games.
We just didn't happen to come out with a win,” said Amlin.
Wynford (2-5,1-4) is at Bucyrus (3-4,2-2) on Friday night in league
play. The Redmen were drilled
(37-0) by Upper Sandusky last week.
Amlin says the Redmen have a lot of guys that can make plays.
“They are a team that relies on big plays.
If you watch some of those games a lot of their scores are big plays,
so they can score quick. The
quarterback is a good athlete, he throws the ball well, he runs the ball
well. Their running back #8
(Wyatt Mckeever), he runs the ball well too,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Wednesday night, “They kind of move him around a little bit, so you have
got to find out where he is. #12
(Da’Shawn Cosey), they find ways to get him the ball.
Their team that relies on big plays.
Defensively, they're very aggressive. #5
(Hayden Butcher) is a very good football player.
They like be really aggressive with him.
He's aggressive, he tackles well, plays the run well.
We like to run the football, so he's a concern for us.”
Just like last week, this a rival game for the Royals, and Amlin says
they have to be ready to play. “Definitely
a rival, just like last week. They're
the biggest rivals that we have. So,
the kids will be fired up on both sides.
Bucyrus is out to prove something this year.
They’ve had a nice year so far this year.
They had a streak where they won two or three games on a row and that
hasn’t happened for a while. So,
they've improved. They're
greatly improved from last year I feel,” he said.
Published 10/08/26
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Crestview
Continues to Learn
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Steve Haverdill
Crestview plays at home on Friday night against first place Western
Reserve in a Firelands Conference game.
They were manhandled (45-0) by Norwalk St. Paul last week in a
conference game.
Coach Steve Haverdill says St. Paul was just a lot better, but they
learned from it. “We got
punched in the mouth. We got out
played across the board. They
came out ready to go and attacked us and played downhill all night and we
didn't answer the call and it got out of hand pretty early.
So, anytime you play a team and you're not ready to go you’re in
for a long night. With our young
group it was a good wake up call for them and a good taste of a good,
physical, Friday football game and we didn’t handle it very well.
So, another learning curve for them for the future,” said Haverdill.
Crestview (1-6,0-3) entertains Western Reserve (7-0,4-0), #4 in the
Swankonsports.com football coaches poll in the small school division, on
Friday. The Riders roughed up
South Central (38-9) last Friday.
Haverdill says the Riders are just good everywhere on the field.
“They're good everywhere. They
can score with any guy on offense, they're fast, athletic, their defense
flies to the ball, they tackle very well, and they're well coached.
So, I mean there's a reason they’re 7-0 and there's a reason why
they've done as well as they have been so far.
We have got to play a perfect game and hope things go our way on
Friday night,” he said.
Friday night, according to Haverdill, is another opportunity for the
Cougars to get better. “That's
what we've dealt with all year. Our
seniors have been great leaders all year and then continue to work extremely
hard. It's not year that they've
wanted, but they're giving back and they're leading the young guys,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “Our young guys are learning by
baptism what Friday football is and each week we're gaining something from
that will make this better in the long run.
We've gotten a little bit better every single week, which is all you
can ask for in the low areas. If
we can continue to do that the future is bright.”
Published 10/08/26
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Shelby
Has to Make Explosive Plays
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Robert Mahaney
Shelby hosts Ontario in a battle for first place in the Mid-Ohio
Athletic Conference on Friday night.
Both teams are unbeaten on the season.
Shelby (7-0,4-0), #1 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the large school division, edged Clear Fork (28-21) last week in
“MOAC” play.
Coach Robert Mahaney says there is a lot of hoopla about this game,
but they want to try to make this a normal week.
“I think at the end of the day we want to be what the Shelby
Whippets are. Live our core
values and like we talk about every week being process driven, fearless with
one another and being thankful. I
think every Friday night is an awesome opportunity, but big games, big
opportunities like this, you want to stick to who you are and what you've
done and that's what it is. We're
going to continue to be exactly who we are and that’s the message to the
team. It's been the message over
the years is just to continue to trust that and hopefully we can do that
again on Friday night,” he said.
Ontario (7-0,4-0), #3 in our poll, downed Marion Harding (27-12) last
week in a conference game,
Four times this year they have scored more than 40 points in a game
and Mahaney says they have kids that make big plays.
“They create a lot of expensive plays and explosive plays are one
of the huge indicators of winning football games at any level, so that's why
they had the success that they've had. For
us to challenge them defensively we have to try to match up with athletes
that they have. They can get the
ball to a lot of different people and they have a really good running game
too. So, really when you're able
to spread the ball to they athletes that they have and be able to take shots
vertically downfield and then have a strong running game with a back that's
really physical and can make explosive plays it gives you the opportunity to
be really successful offensively and that’s what they've done up to this
point,” said Mahaney.
Ontario’s defense has been good this season too.
Four times holding teams to less than 12 points.
Mahaney says the Warriors also have really good players at each level
of their defense. “I think
defensively they do a good job. Their
front six or even the seventh would be adjuster coming down to a good job of
really trying to swarm to the football and take care of the run game.
Their three stacked linebackers are really good football players and
they do a great job of flowing and getting to the football.
Those same athletes on offense are in the secondary.
They do a good job of getting matched up,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “One thing they do is play the ball in
the air. They go up and they win
contested plays and create a lot of turnovers with interceptions.
We have to make sure we limit that and make sure upfront we continue
to talk through that 3-3 stack and the linebackers that are moving and all
that kind of stuff. They've had
a lot of success playing that defense this year and we just kind of make
sure we can do our best to try to attack it in different ways.”
Both of these teams have made explosive plays in the kicking game
this year. Mahaney says special
teams is going to be a big factor. “It's
the third phase of the game for a reason and I think special teams are huge
in the game and games of this magnitude we have seen that in the past.
So, I think for us to get out there and each unit to kind of do their
job whether we can try to flip the field or make a play on a return.
We want to get all the points that we can on extra points and field
goals and all those opportunities. So,
really try to make sure we win in yardage and all that kind of stuff is
going to be big in any game with this much on it,” he said.
Published 10/07/26
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Norwayne
Battles Smithville for Lead
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Adam Indorf
Norwayne and Smithville share the lead in the Wayne County Athletic
League and they play each other at Norwayne on Friday night.
The Bobcats (4-3,4-0) have won their last four, including a (23-18)
win over Dalton last week in league play,
Coach Adam Indorf says they had a solid first drive, but then they
were inconsistent. “We came
out of the gate and we're driving the ball first possession and we drove the
ball down and the scored. We
were really efficient and then it was hit or miss throughout the rest of the
game. We made some mistakes
hurting ourselves with inopportune penalties.
Just continuing to battle for four quarters and get after it.
Dalton had a good football team there and they fought for four as
well. So, we have got to get
back at it this week and make sure that we're putting our best foot forward
and improving,” said Indorf.
Smithville (7-0,4-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the small school division, drilled Rittman (41-0) last week.
Indorf says the Smithies have a lot of athletes and they can’t
allow them to get in a rhythm. “They're
always going to play physical. They
have a lot of offensive weapons and they have got a lot of opportunity to
use those weapons or those tools offensively to make some big plays,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “We have got to work as well to
get some big plays and make sure that we're working to get them off track
there offensively and behind the chains early.
Play disciplined football. Defensively,
they're going to be aggressive, physical at the point of attack and rally to
the ball. So, offensively for us
to continue to work and continue to take what they're giving and be
disciplined, be efficient and not get off track there and stay on the
schedule to work for first downs.”
Games between really good teams lots of times it boils down to
mistakes and Indorf says they can’t have many of those, especially the
mental kind. “Especially
avoidable penalties like an encroachment or a procedure something that's
more mental, so try to avoid those make that we're putting added emphasis on
the fact of doing your job and making sure that’s first.
Line up and do the same thing and take the same approach every play
so that we're not putting ourselves in the disadvantage,” he said.
Published 10/07/26
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Big
One for Crawford
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jake Bruner
Colonel Crawford plays host to Mohawk Friday night in the Northern 10
Athletic Conference in game very important to the Eagles postseason chances.
Last week, they held off rival Wynford (33-27) in a league game.
Coach Jake Bruner says man they have to get better.
“We have got a lot of things to improve on from last week.
Defensively, we gave up way too many yards and way too many missed
assignments on defense. We need
to get better at that. It is
going to be a harder challenge this week with a good team in Mohawk,” he
said.
Crawford (4-3,3-2) is at home for Mohawk (6-1,5-0) on Friday night.
The Warriors are coming off a (44-0) destruction of Willard last week
in “N10” play.
Bruner says the Warriors have a lot of kids that can play the game of
football. “They return the
offensive player of the year in the (Andon) Clouse kid at quarterback and he
plays linebacker too. They bring
back the (Kaden) Bish kid at tailback and he's had a great career there.
Then the (Levi) Tiell kid one of the best players in the league at
receiver and defensive back as well as the (Rhett) Leeth kid and some other
guys that that were on their team last year that was really successful,”
he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “They've lost one game for
a reason and we are going to have our hands full Friday night.”
Bruner says they have got to be able to contain the Warriors
offensive spurts, but that is easier said than done.
“I think they do such a great job defensively as well.
Their kids are always tough, they're always well coached and they do
a great job on both lines of scrimmage.
It's always a good football game with them.
We've got some of them over the years and they've gotten some of us
over the years. This is one of
those no difference in season. It
seems like no matter where we're playing it's always going to be a good game
against the Mohawk Warriors,” he said.
Right now, the Eagles are 15th in their division VI
computer region and Bruner says a win would be a big boost to their chances.
“We have got three weeks that are guaranteed left and each week is
very important and we're just taking one game at a time.
We're just trying to keep our season extended.
We have played quite the schedule so far.
The way our conference schedule has played out compared to others in
our conference is a little different because we played all the harder teams
and some of the teams in our conference don't have to play those teams.
So, it’s a little different each year for each team.
That's just how the cookie crumbles and we've got to figure a way to
get over this hump,” said Bruner.
Published 10/07/26
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Ashland
Has to Tackle
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Valentine
Ashland travels to West Holmes for a game in the Ohio Cardinal
Conference on Friday night.
The Arrows (4-3,1-3) broke a three game losing skid with a (30-7)
domination of the Mansfield Senior Tygers in “OCC” play last week.
Coach Scott Valentine says they got more confidence as they started
to play more consistent last week. “I
think our guys as we went through the game got more confidence, but also we
just did a lot of the little things right, which we had been really
inconsistent with,” said Valentine.
West Holmes (5-2,3-1) is game behind Dover in the “OCC” standings
going into this week after they hammered Lexington (35-0) last week.
Valentine says they will need to play very well to have a chance.
“They've got a good team overall.
They do a lot of good things on both sides of the ball.
So, again they're a team that we're going to have to play at a top
level and a lot of mistake free football to have a chance to be
successful,” he said.
The Knights have had six games this year when they have scored at
least 35 points in game and three when they have put up more than 47, so
they are very explosive.
Valentine says they must tackle well.
“I think the first thing is you have got to tackle them because
they run hard,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, "If
you don't do a good job tackling that that leads to big plays.
If we read our keys, which I thought we did a lot better job last
week of making sure we're reading our keys on defense, I think that that can
help with that too.”
Ashland pretty much must have this game to make the division II
playoffs. They stand 12th
in their region and the top 12 get in, but they are not going to get a lot
of points from their final two opponents.
Valentine says they know the assignment.
“I think just like now with where we're at every game's important,
so for us to go down there and play good football game, four quarters and,
hopefully come home with a win,” he said.
Published 10/07/26
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Tiffin
Trying to Slove Bellevue
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ryan Ottney
Tiffin Columbian will be at longtime rival Bellevue for a crossover
game in the Northern Ohio Conference on Friday night.
They demolished winless Norwalk (63-7) last week, leading (53-0) at
halftime.
Coach Ryan Ottney says they wanted to get off to a good start and
they did that last week. “We
wanted to make sure we came out and we got going early and establish a great
offensive session going and then defensively I thought we played well and
special teams was very, very good as well.
So, it was an overall great performance by our guys,” he said.
Columbian (5-2) is at Bellevue (5-2), #5 in the Swankonsports.com
football coaches poll in the large school division, on Friday night.
The Redmen whipped Huron (56-21) last week in a Bay Division game.
Ottney looks for an outstanding game.
“They are a very good football team, well coached, got some great
players over there. So, for us
our big focus is trying to make sure that we are disciplined.
Defensively, they make it very difficult for us offensively what they
do over there so. It's going to
be a dogfight. We know that
we're applying for a four quarter football game,” he said.
Bellevue quarterback Ike Brown accounted for six TD’s last week
against Huron.
Ottney says they need to contain him.
“He's a very, very good runner and he also throws the ball fairly
well as well. So, he's got some
nice pieces and some nice targets over there.
So, we've got to be aware of where they're at.
The big focus is if we're going to be able to try to contain him.
We let him get loose and we're going to have some issues in the game.
So, if we can find a way to kind of contain him and give ourselves a
chance on the offensive side of the ball, and do some good things, we’ll
have a shot in this game, that's for sure,” said Ottney.
Tiffin is 10th in their division III region and Bellevue
is 10th in their division IV region.
The top 12 make the playoffs.
Ottney says this is big game for both from that perspective.
“I think both of us are sitting in very similar situations right
now. I think as we're getting
down to the end of the season you start to take a peek and see if there's a
possibility for a week 11,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening,
“I think with this game for both of our programs it's a big win.
It would be a big win for all of us and if we can give get the
“W” on our side it gives us a lot of momentum and making that push to
get a chance to play in the postseason and same for them as well.
So, I know it's going to be a great game I'm looking forward to it
and we'll see what happens on Friday night.”
Published 10/07/26
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Norwalk
St. Paul Finding Their Grove
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Chris Doughty
Norwalk St. Paul will be down at South Central for a Firelands
Conference game on Friday night.
St. Paul blanked Crestview (45-0) last week in a conference game.
Coach Chris Doughty was pleased.
“I was really pleased with the improvement again.
They've been able to do that consistently for weeks now, so really
happy with that,” he said.
The week before the Flyers (3-3,2-1) had smoked New London (49-0) in
league play.
Doughty says they are starting to run the ball a lot better.
“I think a lot of it has to do with our offensive line play
improving quite a bit and also our running backs being more aggressive the
way they hit the holes and also being able to break tackles.
When you're able to combine that and you have got a strong run game
and you can control the clock and that that allows us to do a lot of things
we want to accomplish in the game,” said Doughty.
The Flyers have now run for over 1,200 yards on the season and most
of the come in the last two weeks.
South Central (3-4,2-2) lost last week to conference leader Western
Reserve by a (39-8) count.
Doughty says the Trojans have some skilled players that they have to
be concerned with on Friday. “The
thing stands out is they've got some really big offensive lineman first and
foremost. They've also got a lot
of skilled kids that they work in the game.
They have Brayden Viock at quarterback for them,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “He's a nice strong athlete.
He's a strong runner and an accurate passer.
As far as skilled kids, they've got Greyson Fisher, he's one of their
better athletes and then we've got a mix of some other kids with Jaxson
Strickland and Price Knoll and
Justin Gillum. They like to
spread the ball around and the mix a few different guys in at running back
form and they move the receivers in an out of the slot at receiver spots.”
Published 10/07/26
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Northmor
Working Hard
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Armrose
Northmor hits the road for East Knox for another test in the Knox
Morrow Athletic Conference on Friday night.
Last Friday, the Golden Knights (1-6,1-3) did some good things in a
(28-18) setback at the hands of Fredericktown in conference play.
Coach Scott Armrose says they just could not put a complete game
together last week. “We
definitely did some good things and then again, we made some mistakes and
then our mistakes were costly. We
just we couldn't compliment each other offensively and defensively,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening, “Defensively, would get a stop
and then we'd end up going three and out and punting.
Offensively, we would go down and score and then defensively we'd
give up a touchdown. So, we just
didn't complement each other very well.
We just didn't make enough plays down the stretch to get us a win.
We're improving every week and definitely did some things really
well.”
The wins have not been there like they have been in some other years,
but Armrose says this group works very hard to be as good as they can be.
“We have got a group of guys that regardless of the result of our
games on Friday night they fight hard to get better.
So, we probably had one of our best nights of practice (Tuesday)
night after the loss last week. So,
these guys keep working, they really want to get better and I hope that we
continue to improve. I hope we
can show it with some wins here soon,” he said.
East Knox (4-3,1-3) fell last week to Mt. Gilead (27-21) in a
“KMAC” game.
Armrose says the Bulldogs like to spread the field on offense and
when defending they come after you with a lot of good blitzes.
“They’re athletic, they're not the biggest team we've played, but
they've got a lot of team speed both offensively and defensively.
Offensively, they like to spread the field out a little bit.
They'll throw the ball to open up the run game, so they complement
each other really well. Defensively,
they are a 3-3 stack, play a lot of man coverage behind it and they are one
of the best blitzing teams that we've seen this year,” said Armrose.
Published 10/07/26
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Ontario
Must Make Good Decisions Quickly
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Eckert
It’s the battle for first place in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
as a pair of unbeatens clash as Ontario is at Shelby on Friday night.
The Warriors (7-0,3-0), #3 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the large school division, downed Marion Harding (27-12) last week
in conference play.
Coach Aaron Eckert says this week with all of the outside noise they
must keep their focus. “You
try to approach every day as the same. Obviously,
it's not, it's a game between two unbeaten teams, but for us it's the same
schedule that we're going to follow every other week.
We're going to prepare the same way.
At the end of the day, it's a week eight game against an adjacent
district that's good football team. So,
we're trying to lock in and focus on the task at hand.
Again, this is the only game that matters this week for us,” he
said.
Shelby (7-0,4-0), #1 in our poll, edged Clear Fork (28-21) in
“MOAC” action last week.
Eckert says the Whippets, who average 40 points per game, are still
very multiple on offense. “They
don't have the luxury of having two division one tight end/H-back kids.
Last year, gosh it was a mess. They
still have one of them back, but he’s playing quarterback.
So, they're not as multiple as they have been, but they still are
really multiple. They get in a
lot of different formations, try to put you in different binds. They
still have the leading receiver in Shelby football history and (Brady)
Bowman. So, they have plenty of
weapons, they're big up front, it's a really good offense at Shelby,” said
Eckert.
On defense, Shelby has allowed 60 points all year long.
Eckert says they are very fast on that side of the ball and force you
to make quick decisions. “If
you're talking statistically speaking they're better than they were last
year when they went to the state finals.
What makes them so good is their defensive line and the defensive
pressure they put on you,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon,
“They've got two kids in there from their state relay team that are
playing defensive end, so they get to the quarterback.
They want to make you make a decision quickly and feed you to the big
hogs they have got in the middle. Their
linebackers do a nice job and their secondary has been solid this year.
So, defensively is probably where they've been most impressive this
year as a team.”
Shelby has been explosive scoring two or three times over a five
minute period. Eckert says they
really can’t get behind by multiple scores.
“Anytime you allow a team to score three times in a row it makes it
really difficult to come back win the game.
A couple of years ago we played these guys in the regional semis over
at Arlin and that's kind of what happened.
It was 14-13 at the half and they scored 35 in the third quarter the
next thing you know we're down 20. Fortunately
for us, we able to come back and get that that win, but it's not something
you want to do or want to have to make a 20 point comeback in the fourth
quarter to win a ball game,” said Eckert.
Special teams can be a big factor on Friday.
Eckert says a big play there could be the difference.
“They've got a couple returns for touchdowns as well with Bowman. So,
I think that'll be huge. It
could be the deciding factor in the game.
Get a great return and set up a score or just a score on special
teams and both teams have dangerous returners, so it'll be interesting to
see how that all unfolds along with the offense defense cat and mouse
game,” he said.
Published 10/06/26
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Western
to Play for a Share
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ty Stevenson
With a win at Crestview Friday night, Western Reserve will earn no
less of the Firelands Conference title this season.
They set themselves up for that with a (39-8) win over South Central
last week in conference play.
Coach Ty Stevenson says they played okay.
“I thought we played pretty well for the most part and got a 39-8
win there. They got their score
kind of late. Started really
well, started pretty hot and got moving a little bit and second half kind of
slowed down a little bit. I
think we only scored once. Not
the cleanest game we've played but, it'll work for a week seven game and now
we’re moving on,” said Stevenson.
Quarterback Colton Meagrow threw for 179 yards and a score.
The Riders limited South Central to 127 total yards.
Western Reserve (7-0,4-0), #4 in the Swankonsports.com football
coaches poll in the small school division, plays at Crestview (1-6,0-3) this
week. The Cougars were besieged
(45-0) last week by Norwalk St. Paul in conference play.
Stevenson says they have a lot of young kids in the lineup.
“They're playing two or three freshmen, two or three sophomores.
They're pretty big up front, they got a really nice defensive line
and the big Rose kid is playing mic linebacker and he fills downhill really
well,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday afternoon, “We have got to
make sure we stay focused. That
magic number is down to one to clinch a share of the conference title, so we
definitely have got to stay focused and make sure to put our best foot
forward and play well Friday night.”
Western won this game (34-0) last year, but the Cougars had won the
previous five meetings between the two.
Stevenson says the Cougars are always ready to play them.
“There's no doubt they'll be ready.
It's down there and any time you get to play on your own turf you're
always excited to go, so they will. Honestly,
we haven’t fared really well against them over my nine years here.
So, we're making sure that we're ready to go and prepared and
hopefully play really well,” he said.
Published 10/06/26
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West
Holmes Will Face a lot of Looks
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Keaton Leppla
West Holmes will host Ashland in an Ohio Cardinal Conference game on
Friday night.
Right now, the Knights trail Dover by a game in the “OCC”
standings.
They responded to their only loss in conference play with a (35-0)
thumping of Lexington last week.
Coach Keaton Leppla says that performance was what they needed.
“I think it was a good bounce back win from the tough loss.
A loss that I don't think anybody in the program is happy with how we
performed. So, to kind of see
our guys rally back together. Our
staff rally back together kind of course correcting get back on the right
track was a very big positive for us as we approach the end of the year and
things wind out. So, very happy
with the way we responded this past week,” he said.
West Holmes (5-2,3-1) is at home for Ashland (4-3,1-3) on Friday
night. The Arrows broke a three
game losing streak with a (30-7) destruction of Mansfield Senior in
“OCC” play last week.
Leppla says they are going to be well prepared for the game.
“You're talking about a program and you're talking about a coaching
staff that’s been together for a long time and has been coaching football
for a long time. So, you're
going to get a team that's prepared. Are
they experienced as last year? No, but we fully expect you know we're kind
of the tip of the spear so to speak for them to get into the playoffs.
So, we're going to get their best shot.
We know we’re going to get everything thrown at us.
We know we're going to get a well coached team that knows how to
exploit a defense offensively,” said Valentine.
Currently, Ashland stands 12th in their division two
region. The top 12 make the
playoffs. West Holmes is fourth
in their division IV region.
Leppla says the Arrows do a very good job of disguising what they do
on defense. “Defensively
they've done a really good job over the past couple of years of being really
multiple and disguising their looks. We're
going to get the kitchen sink thrown at us this week.
Our biggest thing is we just have got to focus on ourselves.
Do what we do and execute what we have to execute and take what the
defense gives us,” he said.
Leppla says when you face that Ashland offense, they will stress you
in a lot of ways. “I think
they have had a running back hurt most of the year and they have got him
back. So, they are able to use
that 1-2 punch. They're going to
spread you out wide and with this running back they're going to force you to
honor the box and even with their quarterback running the ball they're going
to force you to honor the box,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday
afternoon, “You can't spread out as much.
I played in high school against Scott Valentine.
I’ve coached against Scott Valentine.
I know that program is in good hands with him even with you the lack
of experience. We know they're
going to try and spread us out and then attack us in the box.
When we adjust to that, they're going to attack us out wide.
They're going to be really well coached on how to handle everything
we throw at them defensively.”
Published 10/06/26
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Triway
to Play Aggressive Manchester
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Cody Kelly
Woster Triway, a game back in the Principal’s Athletic Conference,
will be at Akron Manchester for a huge game in the “PAC” on Friday
night.
They slaughtered Canton South (62-6) in a conference game last week.
Coach Cody Kelly says they executed the game plan.
“I think we did what we came in and did what we we're supposed to
do. The defense played very well
getting multiple turnovers. The
offense really through the air got clicking.
We have been doing it in the run game for multiple weeks in a row, so
it was nice to see that we were able to go through the air and have that
dual capability. So, proud of
the guys for pulling it out and getting a bunch of other guys in the game
and now it's on to the end of the season here,” said Kelly.
Triway (6-1,3-1) is at Manchester (4-3,3-0) on Friday night.
The Panthers edged Fairless (27-21) on Friday night.
They share first place in the “PAC” with Orrville.
Kelly says they want to be physical and run the ball.
“They are going to be a physical run team.
They have a pretty special running back back there and in front of
him to some big offensive linemen. So,
offensively they're going want to run the ball,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Monday evening, “First and foremost, we have got to be able to stop the
run and play physical up front. With
our offense we're just going to have to maintain their pressure.
They're going to send a bunch of blitzes and try to cause chaos.
So, we just got to be able to protect our QB up front and establish a
running game of our own to we continue to sustain some drives.
They are a big, physical run team.
We have to make sure we limit their rushing attack.”
Kelly says against an aggressive defense like this, they have to
consistently execute. “There
is risk and reward to what they do. If
they guess wrong and we time out the right run play and we do our job it's
definitely opportunities for some explosive plays out there.
What you want to do is eliminate the negative. So, if we can sustain
the drive, eliminate the big TFL, the big sacks, and be able to chunk then I
think eventually the big play does come. I
think that's how you sustain a drive and be successful against teams like
this,” he said.
Published 10/06/26
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Centerburg
Wants to get Indians off Schedule
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andy Colella
Centerburg, the co-leader in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference,
heads for Mt. Gilead for a game with Indians on Friday night.
Last week, they pummeled Cardington to the tune of (42-7) in a
“KMAC” game.
Coach Andy Colella says they played some good complementary football
last Friday. “I was really
happy and pleased with the way that we came out really in all three phases
of the game. I thought we played
really well. Defensively, we've
been playing well for a couple weeks. Offensively,
it's been a challenge at times, but we kind of simplified things a little
bit on Friday and got in a good rhythm and that definitely helps on that
side of the ball, so felt pretty good with that,” said Colella.
In total yards last week it was Trojans 473 and Pirates 146.
Centerburg (5-2,4-0) visits Mt. Gilead (4-3,2-2) on Friday night.
The Indians are coming off a (27-21) win at East Knox last week.
Colella says they want to feature the power running game.
“Coach (Mike) Reid has done a great job over there turning that
program around. That's exactly
what they want to do. It's kind
of a little old school football, but it fits their kids,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “He's trying to play keep away from
you in some regards as well and physically trying take a toll on you.
So, it's a challenge, it's a different style of football maybe that
you don't see typically all the time and that presents its own
challenges.”
Mt. Gilead rushed for 318 yards last week.
Colella says against Mt. Gilead first down in key for them
defensively. “We talked about
that (Monday) actually our kids. That's
kind of the goal there is to create some pressure and to get them off
schedule. When you get them off
schedule and they're not getting three or four yards on first down.
They have got to do some things that they really don't want to do
like throw the football or there's some other things there.
So, that would definitely help,” he said.
Published 10/06/26
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Wooster
Must be Fundamental
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ray Leek
Wooster takes its act to Mansfield Senior for a game in the Ohio
Cardinal Conference on Friday night.
“OCC” leader Dover beat the Generals (44-22) last week.
Coach Ray Leek says he is proud of the effort his team put together.
“It was 10-7 and halftime. We
had a disappointing third quarter there.
Missed assignments, we gave up a few big plays, but Dover's known for
that. They've got a lot of
playmakers, a good quarterback, so they're going to do that to you.
At the end of the day, we kind of beat ourselves with penalties and
mistakes. So, we have got to
clean those things up this week. Proud
of our effort. With five minutes
to go in the game we're driving with the ball down by one score.
So, our kids fought until the end getting great effort from our kids.
We have just got to put it all together for all four quarters,”
said Leek.
Wooster (2-6,2-2) will be at Mansfield Senior (1-6,1-3) on Friday
night. The Tygers were buried
(30-7) by Ashland in a conference game last week.
Leek says they have to respect the Tygers athleticism. “They have a lot of athletes. They’re big up front. They want to establish the run. So, we've got to make sure again that we play all three phases because they've got a lot of weapons on special teams as well that they can take you to the house,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “They'll run some fake punts and stuff like that, so we have got to be disciplined. Offensively, we've got to establish a run game. We've got to lean on our offensive line and make sure that we take care of the football. That that we're going to consistently drive the ball and we're in the red zone. We've got to punch it in. We can't go down to the red zone and not walk away with points.”
Leek says they have to expect that Mansfield Senior will try about
anything in this game. “They're
hungry too. They want to get a
win. It’s at home for them.
So, we've got to be ready for everything, especially on the defensive
side of the ball. We've got to
stay at home just do our job, trusting that guy next to you, play assignment
football. Db’s got to make
sure they stay back for any trick plays, anything like that.
It's just going to come down the fundamental football, doing our
assignments and make it sure we're aligned and we're communicating with each
other,” he said.
Published 10/06/26
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Willard
Has to Contain Upper
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Eli Fisher
Willard is down at Upper Sandusky in a game that has that old
“NOL” feel to it in a Northern 10 Athletic Conference game on Friday
night.
The Flashes (3-4,1-4) were smoked by “N10” co-leader Mohawk
(44-0) last week.
Coach Eli Fisher says Mohawk has good players.
“Mohawk's pretty good and they showed that against us.
We didn't put our best foot forward against them.
They're really good at a lot of different positions.
They have got two or three of the best probably ten players in the
league. So, they're a good
football team they showed it last Friday,” said Fisher.
Upper (3-4,2-3) snaped a three game losing streak with a (37-0)
dismantling of Bucyrus last week in league play.
Fisher says the Rams have an outstanding pass game.
“They're about 75 percent pass at least and they have a bunch of
really good receivers, one that's in the top two in the in the league in
receiving yards,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday evening, “We have
got our work cut out for us there. They
also have got a quarterback who gets it to those guys and I think leading
the league in touchdown passes. So,
we definitely have got our hands full and we're going to be sound in our
coverages.”
Keegan Dunn threw for 286 yards and four scores against Bucyrus last
Friday. Dunn has 17 TD passes on
the season.
Fisher says they have to find a way to get some pressure on him.
“Your defensive line's has got to have sound pass rush lanes and we
have to got to make sure for the most part that we don't let them take the
top off. That we that we keep
stuff in front of us and rally to the football and gang tackle and not let
them hit the big plays,” he said.
Published 10/06/26
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Execution
Was and Will be Key for Upper
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Russell Hall
Upper Sandusky will be at home for Willard in a game in the Northern
10 Athletic Conference on Friday night.
These schools were both members of the former Northern Ohio League
for almost 70 years, but they haven’t played in football since 2010.
Upper (3-4.2-3) broke a three game losing streak with a (37-0)
whipping of Bucyrus last week.
Coach Russell Hall says they were clicking on all cylinders.
“I felt like our kids had a great week in practice and it carried
over to kick off on Friday. I
believe we executed at a very high level on both sides of the ball.
It was fun,” said Hall.
Quarterback Keegan Dunn threw for 286 yards and four touchdowns in
the win. Kasen Gottfried caught
seven passes for 168 yards and two scores for the Rams.
Willard was toasted (44-0) by “N10” co-leader Mohawk in a league
game last week.
However, Hall says the Flashes (3-4,1-4) have shown they can play
good football. “I think
they've got some really nice football players, that's for sure.
A little streaky, but when they're playing well they're playing
really well on both sides of the ball, that's for sure,” he said.
Willard quarterback Jake Rothaar has thrown seven TD passes and ran
for nine for the Flashes.
Hall says they have to contain him.
“He's got to have I don't know 15, 16, 17 touchdowns this year.
He's a very elusive pocket passer that can take off in a blink.
On a scramble that you know he's exciting to watch, that's for
sure,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “He reminds me a lot
of Mason Vent that was quarterback for us several years ago.
Just an incredible athlete, super explosive.”
Hall says again execution is key for them.
“Just like last week we just need to come out and execute at a high
level. If we understand that one
guy doesn't have to do everything. You
do your job and you know everything else will take care of itself,” he
said.
Published 10/06/26
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Shelby
Wants Fast Start
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Robert Mahaney
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference co-leader Shelby will be at Clear Fork
to face the Colts in a conference game on Friday night.
Clear Fork is a game back.
Last week, the Whippets (6-0,3-0), #1 in the Swankonsports.com
football coaches poll in the large school division, took down River Valley
(54-0) in league play.
Coach Robert Mahaney says they were ready.
“I thought our kids did a great job of starting fast offensively.
Made a big play on special teams to start the game and offensively
pushed it in. Then really just
kept things going. We want to
really push our kids to come out the gate and try to execute fast and early
and try to get the other team on their heels. I
thought they did a great job of that last week.
I'm really proud of our guys effort and then all the rest of the game
too,” he said.
Quarterback Michael Shepherd passed for 285 yards and four
touchdowns.
Clear Fork (5-1,2-1), #4 in our poll, downed Marion Harding (21-7) in
“MOAC” play last week. The
Colts ran for 389 yards in the game.
Mahaney says the Colts are a run first team.
“Their offensive identity is definitely to run it.
Coach (Aaron) Brokaw, first and foremost, does a tremendous job.
Does things the right way. I
think you can see that on film. They
play football the right way and that’s being tough and physical and
finding ways to run the football. Their
offensive line comes at you. The
quarterback is a good runner and the running backs are really good runners.
So, at the end of the day in high school football to be successful
you have got to run the ball and that is what they do.
They play really good defense as well.
Those two things together can make you really successful and that's
why they're where they're at,” said Mahaney.
Clear Fork allowed 166 yards last week and they have not permitted
more than 17 points in a game this year.
Mahaney says they have to execute if they are going to put up points.
“I think we have to make some plays when we get the opportunity.
With their 3-3 stack they do a great job of really controlling the
run game and giving you a unique front but and they play it so tight and are
so well coached. Coach (Tim)
Shied does a good job of coaching it,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Thursday night, “Their kids play fast and they're downhill at you.
We have got to really stick to our assignments up front and you have
got to be assignment sound. With
the adjuster coming in there it’s hard to run the ball.
You really have to get a hat on a hat and try to make some plays when
you get the opportunity to run game. Then
the pass game you have got to try to win your matchups.
That's something that we have got to try when we get an opportunity
as a receiver to make a play and to give us a chance we got to try to
execute.”
Mahaney believes getting an early lead would be important for both
teams. “I think that's most
high school football teams. You
want to be in your comfort zone or have control.
So, I think you can just kind of get out and take momentum at the
beginning of the game it's going to help either team.
I think that's why we always try to preach we want to score on the
first drive. It’s one of our
goals every week. If you can do
that it really sets yourself up with momentum and a lot of success through
the rest of the game,” he said.
Published 10/02/26
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Seneca
East With Big One at Carey
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ed Phillips
Seneca East, a game back in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference
standings, plays at “N10” co-leader Carey on Friday night.
Already a game back in the standings, and this late in the season,
this is a must win for the Tigers.
They blew out Bucyrus (41-0) last week in “N10” play.
Coach Ed Phillips says his kids had some fun.
“Just played really well in special teams, defense, offense and
kind of took care of each other in in all those phases from my top guys to
the young guys that we got out there we got to have some fun.
It's just fun night because we've had in our first six games a lot of
battles. So, it was nice to have
one that wasn't down the wire and stressful and enjoy it and enjoy the
kids,” said Phillips.
Seneca East (5-1,3-1) travels to Carey (4-2,4-0) on Friday night.
The Blue Devils blanked Tiffin Calvert (35-0) last week.
Phillips says the expect what they always expect from Carey.
“It’s a typical Carey team,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Thursday evening, “They are really athletic.
Physical on both sides of the ball, very aggressive in what they do.
They'll bring pressure. Put
pressure on your offense and they'll bring some people and put pressure on
you on defense. Just what you
would expect from Carey.”
Carey quarterback Tripp Phoenix leads the conference in rushing yards
with 966 and has scored 12 TD’s.
Phillips says they have to contain him.
“That's a huge key to corral him and not let him rip off a big one
and that's a challenge for us and one that we're excited to go over to Carey
see if we can take care of (Friday) night,” he said.
Phillips says sometimes your best defense can be your offense.
“If we can control it and then use the clock a little bit that
certainly is to our advantage. Then
we have got to put the points on board and to put a little pressure on
them,” he said.
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Western
Has to Keep Going
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ty Stevenson
Unbeaten Western Reserve, the Firelands Conference leader, is at home
for South Central in a conference game on Friday night.
The Riders (6-0,3-0), #4 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the small school division, edged Monroeville (38-36) last week to
take sole possession of first place.
Colton Meagrow scored on a short run with 1:38 to play and punched in
a two-point conversion for the lead. Cooper
Roe then picked off a pass to preserve the win.
Coach Ty Stevenson says they were in position to make plays at the
end of the game. “It was what
makes high school sports great. It
was two teams who worked really hard to get to that point you know and
played tremendously hard that night. The
(Copper) Cleary kid ran for about million yards,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday afternoon, “We didn't have one guy who ran
for a bunch or threw for a bunch or caught for a bunch, but we spread it out
pretty well. I thought that
probably helped us a little bit. In
the end, we were a little fresher down the stretch.
Monroeville played a great game too.
It was a lot of fun and happy to be able to say we’re in first
place by ourselves. Now we have
got to make sure that we hold court the rest of the way.”
Western Reserve also stands in fourth place in their division VI
region. The top four get a first
round bye.
Stevenson says now they have to have focus going forward.
“You have got to be even keel.
You can't get out of control either way because that's when things
start to break down. So, just
have got to continue to put your best foot forward every day and continue to
work hard and let that chips fall where they may,” he said.
South Central (3-3,1-2) edged Mapleton (41-40) in overtime last week
in their conference game. That
came after a (15-7) win at Crestview the week before.
Steveson says he expects another good game.
“They've won as many games as we have in the last two weeks.
So, they're 2-0 just like we are in the last two weeks.
They're really big up front. They
have got a lot of nice pieces. The
quarterback can really throw it and run, got a couple nice running backs,
and have got some dudes on the edge that can catch football.
So, I think it should be another really good football game.
Hopefully, we will play pretty well and see where it goes,” said
Stevenson.
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Run
Game Key for Wooster
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Ray Leek
Wooster travels to Dover to meet the “OCC” leading Tornadoes in
an Ohio Cardinal Conference game on Friday night.
The Generals pulled off one of their biggest wins in quite some time
last week when they beat New Philadelphia (17-10) in an “OCC” game.
Coach Ray Leek says they played consistent football.
“We put four quarters of football together in all three phases.
I felt like that was the first time this year that we've been able to
do that. So, proud of our kids
and the fight they're showing again. They
just keep getting better each week we're out there.
So, we have another tough test this week though.
Dover is 3-0 in the conference. So,
we are going to have to be ready,” he said.
Wooster (2-4,2-1) is at Dover (4-2,3-0) on Friday night.
The Tornadoes are coming off a (56-35) win over West Holmes last week
in a conference game.
Leek says Dover has a lot of weapons.
“Offensively, they just put up points.
They put up 56 points last week.
They're good at throwing the screens and then when you start biting
on that they will hit you over the top with the deep ball.
They gave a really good, solid quarterback who can throw and is also
dangerous with his feet,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening,
“Thay have got receivers all over the place.
We're going to be solid again on defense.
We're going to have to stop the run, but they're also not afraid to
throw the ball. So, we have got
to be solid. We have to got to
play mistake free football, take care of the football and control line of
scrimmage.”
Leek says the run game is going to be important when the Generals
have the ball in their hands. “It’s
going to be a similar defense. A
lot of high school teams now run the 3-4, so they're going to be similar in
that area. They return a decent
amount in the secondary. So,
they're going to move and get after you and try to make you one-dimensional.
So, we're going to have to make sure that we have a solid run game
again, we have our offensive line, and again limit turnovers, control time
of possession. Similar story to
last week. We just have to
continue to take care of the football,” said Leek.
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Lexington
Must Limit Big Plays
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jacob Owens
Lexington entertains the West Holmes Knights in an Ohio Cardinal
Conference game on Friday night.
The Minutemen (1-5.1-2) looked like they were going to win last week,
but Mansfield Senior scored in the final minute with a long pass and beat
the Minutemen (32-27) in “OCC” play last Friday.
Coach Jacob Owens says they did not execute in the final moments.
“We gave one up last week. I
thought our kids played hard. They
never gave up. We got behind
early to Mansfield and our kids never wavered.
They came back and kept fighting and made it a game and even took the
lead, but in high school football you have got to play until last second.
We gave one up at the end, but I I'm super proud of our kids for
fighting and never giving up,” said Owens.
West Holmes (4-2,2-1) fell out of first place when they lost (56-35)
to Dover last week.
Owens says the Knights are solid.
“They are really good and talented and physical up front.
They have a really good receiver, athlete in Corey Beecey.
He is a sophomore kid that played against us last year.
They're a really good team. Our
conference is really good. This
is another conference opponent for us for us Friday night.
We invite them into our home field and we have to be ready to go,”
he said.
Owens says a key Friday will be tackling in open space and scoring
when they get down close. “We
definitely have to move on the next play.
We can't give up the big play. We
have to make sure we're taking care of our business and tackling in open
space. They run a lot of screens
and things of that nature,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday
afternoon, "We have to make sure we're tackling and being very sound
defensively as well. Offensively,
we have to move the ball and finish drives. I
told our kids on Monday, we have to be able to have fun and finish drives
when we're in the red zone. So,
our kids have the game plan and we have one more day of practice (Thursday)
to kind of clean things up and get things ready to go.
I think our kids are ready to go.
We're ready to move on from last week.”
Published 10/02/26
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Norwayne
Has to Execute Better
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Adam Indorf
Norwayne plays at traditional rival Dalton in a Wayne County Athletic
League game on Friday night.
The Bobcats share the lead in the league with Smithville.
They downed Chippewa (21-7) in a league game last week.
They won, but coach Adam Indorf says they didn’t necessarily
execute that well. “Chippewa
was definitely playing hard and coming downhill.
We didn’t take advantage of some opportunities that we had.
We shot ourselves in the foot with some penalties.
So, definitely need to work on cleaning that up and being better with
ourselves and not creating any bad positions as far as field position.
Cleaning up things like procedure calls or line up wrong. Just
continue to work on ourselves and then make ourselves better,” said Indorf.
Norwayne (3-3,3-0) goes to Dalton (2-4,2-1) on Friday.
The Bulldogs blanked Rittman (35-0) in league play last week.
Indorf says Dalton will show intensity and they have to do that too. “They
are definitely a team that is going to come out and play for fourth
quarters. Bring a lot of energy
and they don't back down. On
every film that we have they're full go for four and seem to wear some
people down,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “We need to
make sure that we are being totally disciplined and we're going to continue
to match that effort and intensity. Just
do a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Offensively take what they are giving us and defensively keep them
off balance.”
This is a rivalry game, but Indorf knows that they can’t just live
on that extra energy. “We want
to have some good energy, but definitely need to go out and execute.
Eliminate the mistakes where we can.
Do a good job of playing hard and doing our job.
We continue to preach to do your our job and put yourself in a
situation for success,” he said.
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Perkins
Must Contain Athletes
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jalen Santoro
Sandusky Perkins entertains rival Sandusky Friday night in a game in
the Lake Division of the Northern Ohio Conference.
They destroyed Clyde (62-22) in a division game last week, scoring 62
points in the first quarter.
Coach Jalen Santoro says there were efficient.
“I thought we came out and we played pretty efficient.
When you make some big plays on special teams whether it be punt
returns or turnovers it gets you started in the right direction.
Again, saw some light for offense that we've been wanting to see that
we knew we had in us. Again, the
word of efficiency comes in mind. I
thought we ran the ball well too. So,
I thought we played well in all phases of the game last week and that was a
result,” he said.
Perkins (6-0,1-0), #2 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches poll
in the large school division, plays at home against Sandusky (0-6,0-1) on
Friday. The Blue Streaks lost
(47-0) to Tiffin Columbian in a division game last week.
Santoro says they have to contain Sandusky quarterback Zion Henlon.
“Obviously, they have a good team.
I think they are still a little bit young in some aspects and haven't
gotten the results they wanted. They
have a playmaker at quarterback in Zion Henlon.
He is a little younger getting his first starts this year, but a guy
that can make some happen off schedule.
When you have a quarterback make something happens when nothing's
there. He can pass or run and
that makes another dimension to your defense that you have got to make sure
you're prepared for,” he told Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “He's
a dynamic playmaker and we have got to do a great job making sure we're
playing the line of scrimmage and downfield.
When we get him in space you have got to make sure you bring him
down. So, adding a bunch of
layers to what they can do. We
have been honing in on that all week here.
That’s our focus to get the job done and make sure we stop him.”
Published 10/02/26
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Willard
to Play Talented Mohawk
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Eli Fisher
Willard plays host to Northern 10 Athletic Conference co-leader
Mohawk in a conference game on Friday night.
The Flashes (3-3,1-3) picked up their first ever “N10” win by
blasting Buckeye Central (32-0) in a conference game last week.
Coach Eli Fisher says they did what they set out to do.
“We were pretty happy with how played.
We started off slow, but towards the end of the first half started
playing better. Did a good job
stopping the run, which we haven't done in a while,” he said.
Mohawk (5-1,4-0) takes a five game winning streak into the game.
They belted Wynford (35-7) last week.
Fisher says they have a lot of guys that can play.
“They can run the ball, they throw it well, their quarterback seems
like he’s been in high school a while and he kind of gets them started.
(Kaden) Bish is a really good running back too.
They're both really good linebackers.
He's throwing to some studs too.
So, we have got our hands full,” said Fisher.
Fisher says the Warriors will stress your defense.
“They're about 50/50 and they're really good at doing both of them.
So, like you can only take one thing away,” he said.
Fisher adds that Mohawk has the kids to make plays on defense too.
“They run an odd front and they get after it.
They have got really good outside backers to play on the line
scrimmage and can cover the pass. Clouse
is one of the best linebackers we've seen all year, if not the best.
Kind of same thing with offense, it kind of starts with him and he
makes a bunch of plays for them.”
Published 10/02/26
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Monroeville
Working on Being Better
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Tylor Nester
Monroeville will be down at Mapleton to face the Mounties in a
Firelands Conference game on Friday night.
They now trail Western Reserve by a game in the conference standings
after losing (38-36) to the Riders last week.
Coach Tylor Nester says they lost a real battle.
“It was a good game all around.
Coach (Ty) Stevenson does a really good job over there.
It seems like every time we get together it's a battle.
So, unfortunately, we didn't come out on top, but in the grand scheme
of things it was a great high school football game all around,” he said.
Nester says their goal this week is to get better as a football team.
“We talked about it after the game on Friday and then Saturday to
kind of lick your wounds a little bit, but we got back to work on Monday.
Everybody is hungry to continue to get better.
That's kind of been a thing for us. We
started off the year with those non league games 0-3 and we learned through
adversity you just have got to get back to work and evaluate yourself,” he
told Swankonsports.com on Thursday evening, “Our word of the week this
week is discipline. Some of that
discipline is working inside ourselves.
Hey, what could I have done better? What do I need to do to continue
improving. Our kids are buying
into that. They're working
really hard right now.”
Monroeville (2-4,2-1) is at Mapleton (1-4,0-2) on Friday night.
The Mounties lost a tough one (41-40) in overtime to South Central in
“FC” action last week.
Nester says they can be dangerous.
“They have got a nice line up front Lucas Jenkins is returning,
probably one of the best uh lineman in the in the conference.
Along with #12 (Cameron) Nichols is their go to guy.
So, they have got some threats and they have got some guys up front.
They can move the ball when they get consistent with it,” he said.
Netser says they have to show discipline.
“You have got to be disciplined.
You can't get your eyes in the backfield with all the misdirection.
What we like to call eye candy for our linebackers.
So, we have to be locked into our reads across the board.
We have got to win the battle in the trenches for sure,” he said.
Published 10/02/26
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Centerburg
to Face Scrappy Cardington
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andy Colella
Centerburg, the co-leader in the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference,
will be at home for winless Cardington in a “KMAC” game on Friday night.
They outlasted Loudonville (7-0) in a conference game last week.
Coach Andy Colella says it may not have been a work of beauty, but it
is still a win. “We kind of
joked around about it too. You
don't typically see that score anymore. I
don't even know the last time Centerburg had a score like that, but you're
just finding a way. Really at
the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you win by one or 30 or 40 or
whatever it is. We found a way
to win. There's a lot to build
on from that. There's a lot of
things to work on too moving forward into (Friday) night's game,” said
Colella.
Centerburg (4-2,3-0) hosts Cardington (0-6,0-3) on Friday night.
The Pirates were taken to the woodshed (57-7) by East Knox last week.
Colella says they have been dealing with the injury bug.
“I think the battling some injuries it looks like.
They’re kind of the same as us here.
It seems they have a scrappy bunch there.
Kind of similar to Loudonville last week,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Thursday night, “They have got some young guys out
there. They run a kind of a
version of the wing-T on offense. They
get after you on defense. So,
just like any week in the “KMAC” it's always a challenge.
We look forward to the opportunity.”
With games against Mt. Gilead, Danville and Fredericktown to close
the regular season, all quality teams, Colella says they must avoid a
letdown this week. “In the
locker room you don't want to look beyond where you're at right now, but I
think everybody kind of knows what's ahead.
So, you just have to use the opportunity to prepare yourselves as
best as you can as you move forward here and that's kind of the idea every
week for us,” he said.
Published 10/02/26
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Clear
Fork Has to Execute
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Brokaw
Clear Fork hosts Shelby in big game Friday night in the Mid-Ohio
Athletic Conference.
The Colts (5-1,2-1), #4 in the Swankonsports.com football coaches
poll in the large school division, trail Shelby and Ontario, both unbeaten,
by a game in the conference. A
win Friday night is a must.
They downed Marion Harding (21-7) last week in a conference game.
Coach Aaron Brohaw says they put it together in second half.
“It was a 7-7 game at the half and we had to get some things sorted
out. Got the guys squared away.
Just reaffirmed what we were doing assignment wise and we were able
to come out in the second half and sort of impose our will.
Play good defense. I
think we had a missed field goal and maybe one or two touchdowns called back
in the second half. Overall, we
did a lot of good things. Definitely
some things to work on and we've been focused on those this week in
practice,” said Brokaw.
Quarterback Marcus Hoeflich ran for 163 yards and running rack Trey
Sellers added 158 on the ground. The
Colts held Harding to 166 total yards.
Shelby (6-0,3-0), #1 in our poll, lit up River Valley (54-0) last
week.
Brokaw says Shelby can do a lot of things.
“I think they are pretty versatile. They've
been playing some good defense this year.
They're not giving up a lot of points.
They've been getting up on teams pretty early,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “Then they are able to dictate the
pace of play. Offensively,
they've still got some explosiveness. They're
different than they were a year ago, but they still really thrive on the big
play.”
Brokaw says the Whippets are a little different in the way they go
about it on offense, but still very explosive.
“I think it's maybe a little bit more a traditional pass game.
Not that the (Brayden) DeVito couldn’t throw last year because he
clearly could, but the big thing with him was he would just extend plays for
so long. It's a different animal
at quarterback for them this year, but also there's still a really talented
guy,” said Brokaw.
Michael Shepherd passed 285 yards and four TD’s against River
Valley.
Last week, the Vikings didn’t cross the 50 until the final moments.
Brokaw says you have to be very sharp in your going to move the ball.
“You have got to be able to execute your base schemes.
They're going to throw some things at us that we probably haven't
seen from film on them. We've
got to be able to make those adjustments and continue to stack positive play
after positive play,” he said.
Brokaw says they have to challenge Shelby.
“I think the more you can put them in positions they haven’t been
into a lot the better you are of increasing your chances of success,” he
said.
Published 10/01/26
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Orrville
Meets Northwest for Lead
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Brent Besancon
Orrville and Northwest share first place in the Principal’s
Athletic Conference and they meet on Friday night in Orrville for the
conference lead.
The Red Riders hammered Canton South (41-14) in conference play last
week.
When it comes to Northwest on Friday night and coach Brent Besancon
says these are the games that you want to play in.
“Those summer days and stuff like that and things are kind of
dogging along and you're like why am I doing this stuff? Well, it's for
weeks like this. So, yeah it's
good to get to something like this,” he said.
Orrville (5-1,3-0) hosts Northwest (6-0,2-0), #5 in the
Swankonsports.com football coaches poll in the large school division, on
Friday night. The Indians
handled Akron Coventry (34-6) in a non-conference game last week.
Besancon says Northwest is run first team that also plays very solid
defense. “They can run the
football. They have really
patient running backs running between the tackles.
On defense, just so fundamentally sound.
They never seem out of position.
They don't run a lot of different coverages and not a lot of smoke
and mirrors. It's just good
fundamental football,” said Besancon.
Besancon says Northwest is a very patient team who is going to try
and play keep sway from the Red Riders.
“They are a time of possession team.
I don't even stat time of possession. I'm
sure if I click it up on Huddle I'd maybe find it.
You can just tell that their game is keeping the ball away from the
opposing team,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “To them a
three yard gain is a great gain and it is.
The style that they play they can just munch along and chew the clock
up and they're happy to do that.”
Published 10/01/26
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“Out of Bounds” airs every Friday night
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Danville
Getting Better
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Blum
Unbeaten Danville will be at home for Loudonville in a game in the
Knox Morrow Athletic Conference on Friday night.
The Blue Devils (6-0,3-0), #3 in the Swankonsports.com football
coaches poll in the small school division, share first place in the
conference with Centerburg, the defending champion.
Quarterback Parker Proper threw for 320 yards and seven touchdowns in
a (57-7) romp over Northmor last week.
Coach Matt Blum says they were able to get a lot of things going.
“I thought we did a really good job in our passing game.
Offensively, we were you able to execute some things on the edge and
downfield. So, I was pretty
happy with that. Defensively, I
thought we did a pretty good job containing their pass game along with their
run game getting off to the edges. So,
we did some good things, but we definitely have some things that we need to
clean up too,” he said.
Blum says this is a team that has continually gotten better as the
season has unfolded. “I think
the true testament to that is our young kids.
Week four when we put our young kids in they gave up a touchdown
against Fredericktown and last two weeks when we put our young kids in
they've been able to get some stops defensively,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “I think that shows the true
growth with those kids being able to get good reps while keeping the other
team’s offenses from scoring. So,
I think we're getting better, but have some other areas that we need clean
up as we progress throughout the rest of the season.
We're getting there, but we're not all the way there yet.”
Loudonville (3-3,1-2) lost (7-0) to Centerburg last week in
conference play. They have twice
scored more than 40 points this year.
Blum says they have some kids that can be dangerous.
“They have some really good players. I
really like their running back #21 (Collin Caley), really like the
quarterback that they've moved there a couple weeks ago #4 (Coltin Caley)
and then I think they have a nice weapon out on the edge in #0 (Chayse
Wright). So, I definitely think
they have some dynamic playmakers. We're
going to have to keep things in front of us defensively while being able to
attack downhill in the run game. Defensively,
I think they play really hard. So,
we're going to be able to execute offensively and sustain drives,” said
Blum.
Published 10/01/26
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“Out of Bounds” airs every Friday night
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Ashland
Has to Tackle
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Valentine
Ashland will be at home for the Mansfield Senior Tygers Friday night
in an Ohio Cardinal Conference game.
They lost their third straight game last week when Madison beat them
(21-7) in a conference game.
Coach Scott Valentine says again they just had too many mistakes at
bad times. “Like I said over
the weekend, it's one of those games it could have gone either way.
They made a few more plays and we had a couple breakdowns that we
have to get fixed. Again, we're
on to this week and getting ready for this week,” said Valentine.
Ashland (3-3,0-3) hosts Mansfield Senior (1-5,1-2) on Friday night.
The Tygers won their first game of the season last week when they
scored in the final minute to beat Lexington (32-27) in a league game.
Valentine says they must keep the Tygers from making big plays.
“Like always they are a very athletic group.
So, that's the thing they're looking to get some big plays and make
some plays,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday afternoon, “That's
something that for us we're going to have to keep them from making big plays
on defense, offense and special teams, especially offense and special teams.
So, offensively we just have to start executing better ourselves and
completing our drives.”
Mansfield has allowed at least four scores in every game this year.
Valentine says take advantage of their chances to score.
“We've lost a lot of opportunities with some mistakes and not being
consistent. So, those are the
things we're focusing on right now,” he said.
When they are on defense, Valentine says they have to keep the Tygers
in front of them. “The thing
is it is going to be our tackling. There's
no doubt they will make plays and if you don't tackle and move your feet and
run your feet through on tackles and finish them they're going to make those
big plays. So, we have got to
limit those for them this week,” said Valentine.
Published 10/01/26
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Lucas
Must Control Point of Attack
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jim Sweat
Lucas puts out the welcome mat for Buckeye Central in a Northern 10
Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
Last week, the Clubs fell (20-7) to Colonel Crawford in conference
action.
Coach Jim Sweat says it was a great start for the Cubs, but after
that they couldn’t convert. “We
started out the game and we had about a 10 minute, 16 play drive, and went
down and scored. It was good old
fashioned Lucas drive,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night,
“From there, we had some mental mistakes, they cost us us some penalties,
they cost us and couldn't finish drives after that.
It was a 14-7 ball game in the second half.
We had our opportunities and just couldn't finish drives and couldn't
take care of business.”
Lucas (3-3,2-2) hosts Buckeye Central (1-5,0-4) on Friday night.
The Bucks were smoked (32-0) by Willard in a conference game last
week.
Sweat says they have to come out and be focused in this game.
“They are unfortunately a lot like us, what I mean by that is that
they don't have a lot of numbers, a smaller school.
So, the kids play hard and they're coached well.
So, we'll have to take care of business to be successful on Friday
night,” he said.
Sweat says they want to put the Bucks behind the sticks.
“There's no doubt they're about 70 percent run and 30 percent pass.
They're a lot like us they don't want to throw the ball or unless
they need to throw the ball. Commanding
the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and playing mistake free
football is the key to victory this week for us,” said Sweat.
Published 10/01/26
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West
Holmes Must Win Matchups
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Keaton Leppla
West Holmes makes the trip to Lexington to face the Minutemen in Ohio
Cardinal Conference play on Friday night.
They lost their first conference game last week when Dover outscored
them (56-35) last Friday,
Coach Keaton Leppla says they played about half of a game.
“We did what we wanted to do starting out the game.
We went up 14-0 and we kind of let our foot off the gas and took a
step back. Got a little bit
complacent with a good start which we have not had for very much of the
year. Offensively, we kind of
stuttered a little bit. Defensively,
throw out the first quarter, we played a really good first quarter and we
played a really good third quarter,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Wednesday afternoon, “Just weren't able to put those other two quarters
together. A couple of special
teams plays got us. So, for us
it shows that we're right there, that's a really good football team in Dover
right there. Our biggest focus
is we have got to get this team to play four quarters in all three phases of
the game.”
West Holmes (4-2,2-1) plays at Lexington (1-5,1-2) on Friday.
The Minutemen lost (32-27) to Mansfield Senior last week in an
“OCC” game.
Leppla says Lexington offers a lot of challenges.
“They are very athletic. They
have athletes all over the place. The
quarterback is really growing a lot this year being able to push the ball
downfield, scramble around back there make plays happen with his arm and his
legs. Up front in their run game they've loaded up the box and they've
really taken a toll on some teams with their physicalness.
So, looking at it from our defense perspective we see a lot of
physicalness on the offensive side. We
really, really have got to run to the ball and we have got to be physical
and establish the line of scrimmage,” said Leppla.
When they have the ball, Leppla says they will have to handle the
Lexington pressure. “For us as
an offense we look at them and they're bringing a lot of pressure, so we
have got to be ready up front to have our eyes up to see what's coming, to
see where the pressures are coming. With
as much man coverage as they play we have got to win our one-on-one matchups
and take advantage of our athletes,” he said.
Published 10/01/26
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Galion
Has to Help Itself
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Matt Dick
Galion will host Marion Pleasant in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference play
on Friday night.
They lost a tough one last week as Highland railed to beat them
(24-21) in conference play.
Coach Matt Dick says they just kept shooting themselves in the foot
last week. “I thought we did
some really good things at different times in the game, but it just got away
from us. If I was being honest,
I felt like we kind of just gave it away.
You have to give Highland a lot of credit, especially the mic
linebacker (Kane) Stover. I
think he caused at least two different turnovers in the game,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday night, “I think the turnovers gave them
momentum, short fields, and then they found the way to score and claw their
way back. It was an up and down
roller coaster, but the end of the day I really felt like our execution with
penalties, with holding penalties, false starts and turnovers.
Those things we have got to clean up.
It's been kind of our “Achilles Heel” all year and just kind of
showed their ugly face pretty bad at Highland last week.”
Galion (2-4,0-3) is at home for Pleasant (2-4,1-2) on Friday night.
The Spartans were dusted (42-28) last week by unbeaten Ontario in
conference play.
Dick says Pleasant wants to run the ball and they are good at it.
“I think they are a tough “MOAC” opponent.
You hope to have the ball in fourth quarter with a chance to win. They
do a great job of running the ball in a variety of different ways with their
quarterback, sometimes they move him to running back.
They just really overload a side and play smash mouth football. I
think their kids do a great job of being physical and being disciplined and
that'll be a challenge,” he said.
Weston Shaffer leads the “MOAC” in rushing with 1163 yards.
Dick says they have been able to play physical football this year.
“I do think that we've played you know lots of physical teams this
year, Highland was physical. I
thought our defense last Friday that was probably a bright spot.
I really felt like they got better as the game went on.
My problem is we started giving them short fields.
I hope that our defense, and some of the stuff we did in the second
half, we can start that way this week and I think it will make a good game.
Pleasant is definitely a tough challenge to stop the run,” said
Dick.
Published 10/01/26
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South
Central to Play First Place Western
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Derek Fisher
South Central will be on the road at first place Western Reserve on
Friday night for a game in the Firelands Conference.
Last week, the Trojans railed to beat Mapleton (41-40) in overtime in
a conference game. They led by
two scores going into the fourth quarter, gave up three straight tallies,
and then won in the end.
Coach Derek Fisher says they have been good at executing at crunch
time. “It was a wild game.
It had a little bit of everything.
As I mentioned before situational football four times this year we've
had one score games and three times we have pulled them out.
So, proud of our kids, proud of our effort.
Hats off to Mapleton and they came ready to play.
Wild game, happy to come out on top.
It makes it a little nicer there at the end of the night,” said
Fisher.
South Central (3-3,2-1) travels to Western Reserve (6-0,3-0), #4 in
the Swankonsports.com coaches poll in the small school division, on Friday
night. The Riders scored with
less two minutes to play to edge Monroeville (38-36) and claim first place
to themselves last week.
Fisher says the Riders are just talented all over the field.
“They're good at everything. Coaching,
execution, they've got athletes, they've got speed, they've got size,
they've got a little bit of everything.
They know who they are and they fit those roles perfectly.
They play to their scheme, they play to their system,” he told
Swankonsports.com on Wednesday evening, “You can tell that they are pretty
good at game planning for teams. They
know who they're getting and they know how to utilize their personnel and
their schemes. They come up with
stuff that kind of catches teams off guard.
So, it's just kind of a perfect combination of a lot of good things
going in their favor right now.”
Fisher says they need to do a lot of things well to have a chance.
“They have great play design, great execution, and a lot of good
athletes. So, you have got to
keep your eyes on your keys and do the right thing try to eliminate the big
play, try to win the turnover battle, etc.
You can't give these guys a short field, can't give them an easier
chance than what they already need to score.
Try to hold them at bay as best as we can,” he said.
Published 10/01/26
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“Out of Bounds” airs every Friday night
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PM
Wynford
to Play Rival Colonel Crawford
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Andrew Amlin
Wynford plays at home against rival Colonel Crawford in Northern 10
Athletic Conference action on Friday night.
They were handled (35-7) by Mohawk in a conference game last week.
Coach Adrew Amlin says the end of the first half put them in a bad
spot. “I felt pretty good
mostly through the first half. It
was 14-0 with about three minutes to go in the first half.
We just kind of fell apart there a little bit and it’s 28-0 at the
half. That was a huge difference
in our momentum at halftime. So,
they came out and they drove the ball down the field a couple times.
They did a nice job and they made less mistakes we did.
So, there were some positives out of that game.
We didn't quit the second half that felt really good for us as a
coaching staff, so it's on a Crawford,” said Amlin.
Wynford (2-4,1-3) play host to Colonel Crawford (3-3,2-2) on Friday
night. The Eagles beat Lucas
(20-7) in a conference game last week.
Amlin says Crawford is really good football team.
“Their a good football team. Hopewell-Loudon
and them were tied at 22 piece. I
think they ended up losing by touchdown and Hopewell is really good team.
They played really well and had every opportunity to win that game.
We watched them versus Carey and really they kind of moved the ball
the more consistent than Carey,” he told Swankonsports.com on Wednesday
evening, “Carey just had a couple big plays.
So, that was really even match too, 16-0. So,
they do things very well offensively. They
are in multiple sets. They do a
lot of good things with that. Defensively,
they're very sound. They don’t
make many mistakes. They have
got a good coaching staff with a lot experience and a lot of players.
They do a good job over there.”
Amlin says this game, the “Iron Plow” game, does has a rivalry
feel to it. “The kids
know each other too, so there's talk and talk to each other this day and age
with social media and all that stuff. So,
it’s a rival, it's a big game for us.
This week and next are our two biggest rivals. So,
hopefully we can come out play well and see how all the pieces fall,” he
said.
Published 10/01/26
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Northmor
Must be Physical
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Armrose
Northmor plays over at Fredericktown against the Freddies Friday
night in Knox Morrow Athletic Conference play.
The Golden Knights (1-5,1-2) were overwhelmed (57-7) by unbeaten
Danville in the “KMAC” last week.
Coach Scott Armrose says it was not a good week for them.
“Our schedule's been brutal. We
play a lot of really good football teams.
We've seen some good opponents and Danville's just as good as any of
them. They did everything right,
we made mistakes, they took advantage of all those mistakes.
So, we're just looking to the future now,” said Armrose.
Fredericktown (4-2,2-1) beat Mt. Gilead (21-12) last week.
Armrose says this is a team that wants to be physical.
“The way that they run their offense it's very physical style of
offense and that bleeds down through the entire team.
They play physical football, they take a lot of pride in their
physical football and you can see it on offense and on defense,” said
Armrose.
Armrose says to have success Friday night is they must be physical.
“That’s our key to victory we have to match their physicality.
We have to play a physical football game.
They force you to play a fundamental football game when on defense.
You have to do things right defensively and if you don't they take
advantage,” he said.
When you play Fredericktown Armrose says they are going to be patient
and you cannot lose yours. “If
everybody does their job and does what they're supposed to do it's going to
be tough for them to find seams, but you get one guy that gets himself up
feel too far they find a seam and they're gone,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Wednesday evening, “They're a kind of football team that's not afraid
to use up an entire quarter on a drive.
They'll do that if you let them and it makes it tough to get your
offense going because you're not on the field very much.”
Published 10/01/26
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Ontario
Focused on Improved Harding
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Aaron Eckert
Ontario, the “MOAC” co-leader, takes to the field at home on
Friday night against Marion Harding in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference play.
Last week, the Warriors (6-0,3-0), #3 in the Swankonsports.com
football coaches poll in the large school division, beat Marion Pleasant
(42-28) in league play.
Coach Aaron Eckert is happy with the win.
“I think anytime you get into league play in the “MOAC” it's
tough a game and last week was no exception.
Pleasant is really tough. They
have got a great quarterback over there that runs the ball really and
effectively. So, it's one of
those games for us that we probably didn't exceed people's expectations just
on paper, but at the end of the day we won the game and did enough to do
that. So, we're happy with
moving on,” said Eckert.
Quarterback Sean Tanner threw for 318 yards and four TD’s last week
against Pleasant.
Marion Harding (4-2,2-1) lost (21-7) to Clear Fork in an “MOAC”
game.
Eckert says Harding is young and improving.
He says they are athletic. “They're
a young team. They've gotten a
lot better over the course between last year and this year.
They're starting to play really good football.
They're a scary team in the “MOAC,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Tuesday afternoon, “They have some athletes, they have some big offensive
lineman to do a nice job of creating holes.
They’re trying to be a physical football team.
So, for us it's about coming out and doing what we do and then trying
to match that physicality and executing when we can.”
Harding quarterback Dez Feliciano is among league passing leaders and
Marcus McGary is among the rushing leaders.
Eckert says they show balance. “I'd
say they're probably one of the more balanced teams in our league.
They're about 50/50 run-pass. So,
anytime a team gets there you can't just key on one thing.
Then again, they have athletes and they put them in space.
They've got a big offensive line they like to run behind that is
getting a lot better it looks week to week.
So, they're a pretty balanced attack and I wouldn't expect anything
different from them on Friday night,” said Eckert.
Now, the big game against Shelby next week is already generating
excitement.
Eckert says they can’t be thinking about the Whippets.
“You can't win any game in the future, you can win the game that's
present for us that's Harding this week.
We'll deal with whoever comes after Harding after that.
Our focus this week, it’s homecoming, and we have enough
distractions to worry about at Ontario with homecoming this week.
So, we're focused on Marion Harding and doing the best we can on
Friday night with that game,” he said.
Published 9/30/26
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Carey
and Seneca East to Collide
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jonathan Mershman
Carey plays host to Seneca East in a battle between contenders Friday
night in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference.
Right now, the Blue Devils share first place with Hopewell-Loudon and
Mohawk. Seneca East is a game
back.
Last week, the Blue Devils (4-2,4-0) blanked Tiffin Calvert (35-0) in
conference play.
Coach Jonathan Mershman says they were far from perfect.
“I thought we played really well offensively and defensively,
especially Friday night. We had
some good plays on special teams and we have got some things we need to fix
on special teams. Overall, I
thought overall focus and overall play was good,” said Mershman.
Seneca East (5-1,3-1) is coming off a tremendous effort in beating
Bucyrus (41-0) last week.
Mershman says they must be able to deal with the Tigers size.
“Well, they have got good size everywhere, they're dynamic on
offense and they run around and get to the ball on defense.
If you can't take care of that size that they have up front it's
going to be a long night,” he said.
Branson Robinson is second in the conference in passing yards with
1246, but Jackson Gayheart has almost 600 on the ground.
Mershman says they have to have a solid defensive game plan.
“If you look at stats I think they're very close to being 50/50
yard wise,” he told Swannkonsports.com on Tuesday afternoon, “On defense
you got to be balanced and ready to go for either one.
So, it's a big challenge for our defensive coaches and they need to
make sure that they have everything buttoned up this week.”
Gayheart is third in the “N10” in tackles, Carey has the top two,
and Mershaman says they have to control him.
“I mean #44 for them it seems like he's been there for years, which
he has been there for years, but I mean more years than you would think.
He's a good player for them and he's a good plugger.
He does a lot of good work for them flowing over the top,” said
Mershman.
Published 9/30/26
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St.
Paul Starting to Run the Ball
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Chris Doughty
Norwalk St. Paul will be at home for Crestview in a Firelands
Conference game on Friday night.
On Saturday, they walloped New London (49-0) in a conference game at
Contractor’s Stadium.
Coach Chris Doughty says they did a lot of very good things.
“We started off the game really well with a kickoff return a
touchdown and kind of never looked back from there.
Our defense did a great job of forcing three and outs.
Offensively, we did a great job of moving the ball.
Accomplishing some things we've been trying to work for and did that
Saturday night,” he said.
Doughty says a big thing for them was being able to run the football
successfully. “The big thing
we were able to do was run the football and score some points.
We ended up having 450 yards of offense total for the game.
We ran for you know a little over 400,” he told Swankonsports.com
on Tuesday might, “Those are some things that within our offense that's
going to put us in the best position to win football games.
So, that's something we can continue to build off of.
A lot of it came down to the kids using better technique and better
blocking backside to give our running backs some cut back lanes and we were
able to that.”
St. Paul (2-3,1-1) hosts Crestview (1-5,0-2) on Friday night.
The Cougars are coming off their first win of the season in beating
Springfield Catholic Central (47-7) in a non-conference game last week.
Doughty says the Cougars are young, but improving.
“Crestview has got a lot of young guys playing and with that I
think they're doing some good things over there with improving those young
guys. They're going to have a
real good team here in the next couple years.
I think they're battling. Their
record is what it is, but they're continuing to improve,” he said.
Doughty says Crestview can throw it, they threw for 153 yards last
week, but he says they are still a run first team.
“Offensively they like to run the football.
They've worked a couple different kids at a quarterback this year.
Both a senior #16 and a freshman, the younger (Carson) Keener, has
played some quarterback form them. They're
not afraid to throw the ball with them, but they're main focus is to run the
football. Defensively, they're
still running their 3-3 stack defense. It’s
not quite as aggressive as it's been in the past, but they've still done a
nice job of developing their defense overall,” said Doughty,
Published 9/30/26
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Quakers
Must Start Better
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Mike Johnson
New Philadelphia, now a game back in the Ohio Cardinal Conference,
will visit Madison in an “OCC” game on Friday night.
They lost (17-10) to Wooster in a conference game last week.
Coach Mike Johnson says they just didn’t get enough done on
offense. “I thought Wooster
played a good game. I thought we
had some opportunities and didn't make the most out of those and to their
credit they made plays and we didn't play good enough offense I think to get
there. Our defense played pretty
well. I think our special teams
and offense didn't play as well as we needed them to.
So, that's been a big focus this week is let's clean that stuff up,
let's get better, and let's hit the road and head out to Madison,” said
Johnson.
Johnson says early their execution wasn’t up to standard and they
made a lot of mistakes, including by the head coach.
“In the first half I don't think we were clean enough.
We cleaned it up and we played a much better second half. I
told the kids I had a call, I should have had a timeout, and I had a bad
fourth down call that didn't help us. So,
I told them I didn't help them in some spots.
We all need to be better gone into week seven,” he said.
New Philadelphia (2-4,2-1) is at Madison (3-3,1-2) on Friday night.
The Rams beat Ashland (21-7) in “OCC” action last week.
Johnson says Rams can make plays on offense and will be aggressive on
defense. “They just keep
getting better. From last year
to this year they are much improved. They
have some young skilled guys who contribute.
Some old skilled guys who contribute and play pretty well,” he told
Swankonsports.com Tuesday evening, “They spread the ball out and they
spread it around pretty well on offense.
Defensively, they play a 3-3 stack get after you.
They send a little pressure and it confuses offensive lines.
They look pretty good at doing some of those things.
We are going to have to weather the storm up front, come off the ball
pretty well on the offensive line and try to get the ball to our playmakers
and our playmakers hands.”
Johnson believes playing well early is going to be important for the
Quakers. “We have got to come
out and we have got to make some plays early in this game without a doubt.
If you're able you know go down the field, drive, and score and put
pressure on them it puts you in a better position than trying to make a play
or hoping to make a play because that never works,” he said.
Published 9/30/26
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Tygers
Getting Confident
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach David Phillips
Mansfield Senior plays at Ashland in an Ohio Cardinal Conference game
on Friday night.
They won their first game of the season as David Phillips III threw a
56-yard TD pass to Xavier Taylor with less than a minute to play to give the
Tygers a (32-27) win over rival Lexington last week.
Coach Davis Phillips says he is happy for the kids.
“It was a thriller man. I’m
truly proud of the kids getting their first “W” of the season.
We hadn’t rung that bell at home since 2023.
So, proud for the community, but the kids are the most important,”
said Phillips.
Phillips says the win over Lexington was very important to them
mentally. “They get a lot of
more confidence, especially my young guys, my young kids, my freshmen, I’m
playing a lot of freshmen,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday evening,
“So the confidence they have is a blessing to them.
Like I said, I’m proud of them. I’m glad for them.
We have to move forward as a team.”
Mansfield Senior (1-5,1-2) will be over at Community Stadium to face
Ashland on Friday. The Arrows
(3-3,0-3) lost (21-7) to Madison in “OCC” play last week.
The Arrows have lost three in a row, but Phillips says he sees the
things you always see with Ashland. “Ashland
has that traditional five wide. They
have a good quarterback. They
always have a great defensive line. They
play hard and are disciplined. Valentine's
a great coach and we are going to see what we get,” he said.
Published 9/30/26
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Fredericktown
Needs Depth
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Scott Spitler
Fredericktown will host Northmor in game in the Knox Morrow Athletic
Conference on Friday night.
Last week, the Freddies (4-2,2-1) beat Mt. Gilead (21-12) in a
conference game.
Coach Scott Spitler says they played well with exception of some
hiccups in the red zone. “I'm
pleased with how the kids played. A
little disappointed in the fact that in the first half I thought we left
some points on the field. I
thought we played to the point where we controlled the first half really
well, but we shot ourselves in the foot and inside 10 yard line a couple
times and came away with no points. So,
a little disappointed in that. So,
we have to clean that up. To
play a quality, well coached team like Mt. Gilead and get a hard fought
victory was very pleasing. I
like where our kids are headed. I
think we're progressing with a relatively young team.
I think we're growing each week.
I wish we would have gotten out of it a little bit more healthier.
We're starting to get a little bit by the injury bug and that's a
little concern. We just have to
have guys step up. Next man up
mentality,” said Spitler.
Spitler says they are always trying to build more depth on their
roster. “That’s kind of how
we approach it with our kids. I
think the way we practice and continue practice I think we do a really good
job. There's been several weeks
where we've had 30 some or 40 some guys that have gotten in on Friday night
and play significant roles. Whether
it be an offense, defense or special teams.
So, when you're getting guys out there and getting them some
experience to play on Friday night that helps you in these situations.
So, we're going to lean on some of those guys and get them coached up
and ready to go against a good Northmor team,” he said.
Northmor (1-5,1-2) was dominated (57-7) by Danville in a conference
game last week.
Spitler says despite their record, the Golden Knights are a pretty
good team. “I think their
record is deceiving. They played
some real good football teams. They
played North Union, they played Smithville, who’s undefeated, they played
Danville, who is 6-0. They
played some really good football teams, buy they're a very good football
team. They have just taken some
tough ones early in the season,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday
night, “They will stress you with their offense.
They have got Tanner Milley back at quarterback, the kid back in
(Brad) Bowlin at wide receiver. They have got a really nice tight end in the
(Jackson) Welch kid. Nice size
up front led by Rodney Acord at tackle.
Here's a nice kid at like 6’4”, 240.
So, they have got good size, they have got a good mix of balance
offensively with passing and running. Then
defensively they really get after you. The
Acord is leading our conference and tackles for loss from the defense end
position. So, it's going to be
quite the battle.”
Published 9/30/26
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Bellevue
Going About Business
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Alex Shepherd
Bellevue will make the short trip to Huron to take on the Tigers in a
game in the Bay Division of the Northern Ohio Conference on Friday night.
They won their Bay Division opener last week with a (42-10) thumping
of the Edison Chargers,
Bellevue fell behind (7-0) and then coach Alex Shepherd says they got
busy. “We started a little
slow on that first drive defensively. We
challenged our kids to change it and we did.
From there we had a lot of success after that.
So, clearly it turned into a great show on Friday,” said Shepherd.
Quarterback Ike Brown threw for 273 yards and ran for another 103
against Edison.
Bellevue (4-2,1-0) is at Huron (0-6,0-1) lost (35-21) to unbeaten
Port Clinton in a Bay Division game last week.
Shepherd says this is a team that is dangerous.
“They have good size and some good skill athletes.
The quarterback does a nice job,” he told Swankonsports.com on
Tuesday afternoon, “They have played a tough schedule and they've come up
short. Watching them on film
they look very capable. So, it's
going to be another test.”
Shepherd says Huron is going to be hungry.
“They are struggling a little bit, at least record wise.
They are going to come out playing with nothing to lose.
We have got to expect a four quarter battle.
So, we have to have a great week practice this week and go out with
the same mentality we do every week,” he said.
Published 9/30/26
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Bucyrus
Wants to Compete
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Jon Butchko
Bucyrus will be over at Upper Sandusky to face the Rams in a Northern
10 Athletic Conference game on Friday night.
They were smoked (41-0) by Seneca East in a conference game.
Coach Jon Butchko says late in first half they made some mistakes and
got themselves behind. “We had
a hot start. We came out and our
players did what we asked them to do and that's trade punches with one of
the teams that is constantly at the top of the league.
I thought for about a quarter and a half we were matching them stride
for stride and then they pop a big run out of there and hit a long pass play
and we have a turnover on downs and the special teams game on a mishandled
punt snap. It just kind of went
on from there. Our effort was
very, very good early on. Hey,
we knew was a tall order with a good team and for a while, like I said, we
traded punches with who's at the top of the league,” said Butchko.
Butchko says they want to compete every week on every down.
“Of course, we talk wins and losses, but more than that we use
words like compete and improve and we've done that at every stop in my head
coaching career. Those are the
most important points of focus. I
think they're doubly important for us right now.
We have to focus on the process of improvement, the process of
competition on an every snap basis. We
play some young guys, we play some undersized guys, especially on the
interior. We want to make sure
that those guys understand even if it's a tall order that great technique,
great physical strength, great preparation can carry you a long way in high
school football. That's part of
the beauty of this thing,” he said.
Bucyrus (3-3,2-2) is at Upper (2-4,1-3) on Friday night.
The Rams played well overall, but lost (32-10) to unbeaten
Hopewell-Loudon in “N10” game last week.
Butchko says this is going another tough one for the Redmen.
“I think this is the most complete Upper team in the four years
that I've been here. Russell
(Hall) does a great job over there. First
and foremost, he’s a good friend, but a great football coach.
They seem to have very, very few holes. I
like what they're doing defensively. They're
as fast as they've ever been on the defensive side of the football. I'm
sure he would tell you they are as athletic as they've been on the defensive
side of the football in in quite some time and certainly in the last four
years,” he told Swankonsports.com on Tuesday night, “Offensively, that
quarterback he does a great job. He's
gotten more into the RPO stuff. He
competes, he took a shot and left the game temporarily last week and came
right back and captained the few scoring drives to take what everybody
believes is the best team in the conference to the half in a one score game
and play that game pretty tight for most of the night.
Hey, this is another a team that might be ahead of us. I
don't know where they compare to Seneca East and the rest of the conference,
but they're certainly ahead of us right now.
We know it's going to take a great effort, another great effort, to
come out victorious.”
Published 9/30/26
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Madison
Needs an Even Better Performance
Click
here to listen to an interview with coach Kobi Johnson
Madison, coming off a big win over Ashland, returns home to host the
New Philadelphia Quakers in an Ohio Cardinal Conference game on Friday
night.
Last week, the Rams (3-3,1-2) downed Ashland (21-7) in an “OCC”
game on Friday.
Coach Kobi Johnson says they did a solid job executing on both sides
of the ball. “I was really
proud of our guys. I thought we
competed at a much higher level for 48 minutes of the game.
It helps when you get off to a good start, but you can't get off to a
good start without kind of executing some of your stuff.
Our guys did a really nice job of making some improvements from last
week to this week to be able to go out there and get off to that start that
we needed. I felt like that gave
us a little bit of life to be able to start to put together some drives.
Both sides of the ball competed at a high level.
So, still plenty to learn from and get better from the Ashland game.
We're going to have to do that to beat another good team in New
Philadelphia,” said Johnson.
Madison had not beaten Ashland since 2014 and not won at Community
Stadium since 2005.
New Philadelphia (2-4,2-1) was upset last week by Wooster (17-10) in
a conference game.
Johnson says they have a really good run game.
“I see a really well coached team.
I think coach (Mike) Johnson does a nice job over there and his kids
play really hard. They have got
a couple nice running backs, a quarterback that can make some plays and
extend things. For us it's going
to be a big challenge to make sure that one we're matching their physicality
from a defensive standpoint and doing everything we can to slow down their
run game, but also being aware that they have some nice athletes out there
at receiver and a quarterback that can get them the ball.
So, from a defensive perspective we have got our work cut out for us
to go out and perform at a high level,” he said.
Johnson says they execute well on defense too, but it is something
they have some familiarity with too. “Defensively,
I think they're always really sound and do some nice things with rolling
their coverage,” he told Swankonsports.com on Monday night, “Similar to
what we've seen a little bit out of Ashland.
So, it's nice to kind of have a similar front scheme that we're going
against this week because the same very similar to last week, but they do
some things a little bit differently. It's
going to take a good week of preparation for us to go out and get after it
to try to get a big win.”
Published 9/29/26
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