Friday, October 13, 2000
Our Fearless Predictions for Cincinnati games
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
No. 1 Colerain (7-0) vs. No. 4 Lakota West (5-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Lakota West Stadium, 8940 Union Centre Blvd, West Chester.
WHAT TO WATCH: Only two league games remain a Colerain victory would clinch at least a chare of the Greater Miami Conference championship for the Cardinals.
However, Colerain's potent offense will best tested by a Firebird defense that is tough against the run but vulnerable against a passing team.
Cardinals quarterback Sean Jones has been outstanding not only throwing the ball (42-of-71 for 695 yards) but also running it (470 yards rushing) while tailback John Mohr (824 yard rushing) and Maurice Johnson (514 yards) can't be overlooked.
After struggling early in the season, Lakota West's offense is finally moving the ball while the defense has been steady.
If the Firebirds can slow the Colerain running attack, it could turn out to be an interesting game.
PICK: Colerain
No. 2 Elder (5-1) vs. No. 5 St. Xavier (4-3).
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Elder Stadium, 3900 Vincent Avenue, Price Hill.
WHAT TO WATCH: Elder last won the Greater Catholic League South Division title in 1997 and the Panthers are hungry for another trophy.
Coach Doug Ramsey won't have to come up with an inspirational talk before the game, knowing that the Panther seniors have never tasted victory against St. Xavier and a win locks up the title.
Tailback Kyle Koester's (1,077 yards rushing) stock continues to rise with the college recruiters, especially after a 202 yard rushing performance against Moeller while quarterback Matt Scholl (62-of-107 for 840 yards) remains consistent.
A victory by St. Xavier would assure coach Steve Rasso's Bombers a share of the title with Moeller and Elder and would be the schools third consecutive championship.
If St. X doesn't establish a running game, quarterback Marty Mooney (77-of-154 for 1,182 yards) be chased by a tough Elder defense. However, it's the Bomber defense that will decide the outcome.
PICK: Elder.
No. 3 Moeller (6-1) vs. Columbus St. Francis DeSales (6-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m., Galbreath Field, Kings Island Dr., Kings Mills.
WHAT TO WATCH: Coming off an emotional loss to Elder (21-7), Moeller can't afford to overlook St. Francis DeSales, a Division II school from Columbus.
Tailback Marcus Blanks (1168 yards rushing) and quarterback Tony Cunningham (90-of-103 for 792 yards), along with tight end Ryan Hamby (24 receptions), are Moeller's major offensive weapons.
St. Francis DeSales defeated Columbus Watterson 28-23 last week, using a diversified offense that features a huge offensive line and two fleet-footed back.
PICK: Moeller
No. 6 Anderson (6-1) vs. Amelia (0-7)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, 7:30 p.m., Amelia Stadium, 1351 Clough Pike, West Clermont.
WHAT TO WATCH: This is a matchup of two programs headed in opposite directions.
While Amelia has had a tough time scoring (22 points), Anderson has racked up 224 points. The Baron defense also hasn't been effective, allowing 207 points, an average of 29 plus a game.
Redskin quarterbacks Kenny Riddell and Matt Dils should have big nights against the Barons.
PICK: Anderson.
No. 7 Fairfield (4-3) vs. Lakota East (1-6)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m., Fairfield Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr., Fairfield.
WHAT TO WATCH: Although this appears to be a mismatch, Fairfield must guard against overconfidence and a letdown following last week heartbreaking loss to No. 1 Colerain.
However, tailback Earl Haynes should be back close to 100 percent for Fairfield and the speedy and shifty tailback could have a field day against the Lakota East defenders, one of the worst in the Greater Miami Conference.
PICK: Fairfield.
No. 7 Western Hills (6-1) vs. Taft (0-5)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m., Taft Stadium, 420 Ezzard Charles Dr., Downtown.
WHAT TO WATCH: Knowing that Taft lacks the offensive and defensive players to compete, Western Hills coach Ed Youngs will probably hold the score down, playing the starters sparingly.
Tailback Kevin Furlow (905 yards rushing) is the major offensive threat while the Mustang defense has also played well the entire season.
PICK: Western Hills
No. 9 Lebanon (7-0) vs. Ross (4-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Ross Stadium, 3425 Hamilton-Cleves, Ross.
WHAT TO WATCH: Senior tailback Mike Way (1,318 yards rushing and 144 points) will be the target of a Lebanon defense that has been tough against the run and the pass.
The Warriors passing attack remains in top form with quarterback Charlie Rittgers (67-of-123 for 1,086 yards) and receivers Ty Merchant (24 receptions for 555 yards) and Nick Resetar (14 for 166 yards) giving opposing teams major problems.
PICK: Lebanon.
No. 10 Princeton (5-2) vs. Sycamore (1-6)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, 7:30 p.m. Sycamore Stadium, 4881 Cooper Rd., Blue Ash.
WHAT TO WATCH: This is a victory that Princeton desperately needs over an Aviator team that has been decimated by injuries.
It's not only important in the race for the Division I playoffs but also would keep the Vikings in contention for at least a share of the Greater Miami Conference title.
Coach Scott Miltenberger's Vikings are only one game behind Colerain in the GMC with the two powers colliding next week at Colerain Stadium.
Tailback Vashann Harrison (931 yards rushing) is Princeton's major offensive ground weapon while quarterback Rob Caress (56-of-121 for 572 yards) is capable of striking through the air.
PICK: Princeton.
Divisions II-VI
No. 1 Edgewood (6-1) vs. Lemon Monroe (2-5)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Edgewood Stadium, Rt. 73, Edgewood.
WHAT TO WATCH: On paper, this game appears to be a mismatch with Edgewood's potent offense of fullback Matt Moore (724 yards rushing), quarterback Brandon Osborne and tailbacks Ryan White (817 yards rushing) in line for a track meet against a weak Hornet defense.
PICK: Edgewood.
No. 2 Wyoming (6-1) vs. No. 5 Reading (5-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Wyoming Stadium, 106 Pendery Ave., Wyoming.
WHAT TO WATCH: A third consecutive Cincinnati Hills league title is on the line for Wyoming with a victory over the Blue Devils clinching it.
Reading hasn't won a league championship since 1978 and coach Ken Minor's team needs a victory to pull even with Wyoming with one game remaining.
Both teams prefer keeping the ball on the ground with Wyoming relying on P.J. Pope (923 yards) and Reading countering with DeShawn Wynn (761 yards).
Defense will decided the outcome of this game with Wyoming having the decided advantage.
PICK: Wyoming
No. 3 McNicholas (6-1) vs. Badin (2-5)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Hamilton Stadium, 1165 Eaton Ave., Hamilton.
WHAT TO WATCH: Newly found receiver Terry Coates adds another dimension to a Rocket offense that can light up the scoreboard behind quarterback Bryan Cupito (104-of-213 for 1,570 yards) and tailback Tony Pastura (677 yards rushing).
Badin's biggest problem has been inconsistency, especially on offense while the defense usually tires late in the game.
Coach Terry Malone's Rams would like playing the spoilers role. If Badin upsets McNicholas, it would deny the Rockets at least a share of the GCL North Division championship.
PICK: McNicholas.
No. 4 New Richmond (6-0) vs. Batavia (4-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, New Richmond Stadium, Bethel-New Richmond Rd., New Richmond.
WHAT TO WATCH: The Lions need to continue winning to remain in the Division II playoff picture but it could be tougher than expected against the Bulldogs.
Quarterback Matt Armbruster (649 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns) lead New Richmond wishbone offense with tailback John McMonigle (707 yards rushing) and Matt Godsey (509 yards rushing) also an important part of the offense.
If the defense comes continues to play well (allowed 57 points and 187 yards a game, the Lions would prevail.
PICK: New Richmond
No. 6 Purcell Marian (5-2) vs. No. 10 Roger Bacon (4-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Norwood Stadium, Rich Ave., Norwood.
WHAT TO WATCH: Coming off successive losses to Badin, Kettering Alter and Chaminade-Julienne, Roger Bacon faces another major hurdle in Purcell Marian.
The Spartans offense has been the problem while the defense wears down as the game goes on. Purcell Marian's offense has also struggled and the team that puts it together will prevail.
PICK: Roger Bacon.
No. 7 Glen Este (4-3) vs. Northwest (1-6)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Northwest Stadium, 10671 Pippin Rd., Cincinnati.
WHAT TO WATCH: Coming off a mistake filled loss to Winton Woods, the Trojans must regroup against a Northwest team that has struggled this season.
Senior tailback Mike Clyburn (788 yards rushing) is Glen Este's major offensive weapons while Northwest counters with quarterback Darrin Schneider (151-of-292 for 1,819 yards) and a host of receivers including Matt Burr (61 receptions for 692 yards).
PICK: Glen Este.
No. 8 Indian Hill (5-2) vs. Deer Park (0-7)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Indian Hill Stadium, Drake Rd., Indian Hill.
WHAT TO WATCH: Successive losses to Wyoming and Reading have jeopardized Indian Hill's Division IV playoffs hopes and eliminated the Braves from the CHL title picture.
However, the high powers Braves should get back on track behind tailback Jeremy Hamilton and receiver Mike Sweeney (32 receptions for 428 yards).
PICK: Indian Hill.
No. 9 Madeira (5-2) vs. Taylor (3-4)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Madeira Stadium, 7465 Loannes Rd., Madeira.
WHAT TO WATCH: The Mustangs remain alive in the Cincinnati Hills League, as well as for a Division IV playoff berth, with a victory over the Yellowjackets.
Drew Cloran is the Mustangs offensive threat, scoring nine TD's and rushing for nearly 500 yards while the defense has been touch to crack.
Taylor is on a three game losing streak but it won;t be easy breaking against a solid Madeira team.
PICK: Madeira.
Other Games
Harrison (5-2) over Mason (3-4)
Winton Woods (5-2) over Turpin (4-3)
Goshen (2-5) over Norwood (1-6)
Wilmington (5-2) over Kings (4-3)
Loveland (4-3) over Little Miami (1-6)
Aiken (3-4) over Woodward (2-5)
Withrow (3-4) over Hughes (1-6)
Walnut Hills (4-3) over Mt Healthy (2-5)
Hamilton (4-3) over Middletown (1-6)
Milford (4-3) over Oak Hills (1-6)
Madeira (5-2) over Taylor (3-4)
Cincinnati Country Day (4-3) over Lockland (0-7)
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (2-5) over Landmark Christian (1-6)
North College Hill (4-3) over New Miami (4-3)
Dayton Carroll (4-3) over Middletown Fenwick (3-4)
Talawanda (5-2) over Franklin (3-4)
Miamisburg (5-2) over West Carrollton (0-7)
Bethel-Tate (5-2) over Hillsboro (1-6)
Williamsburg (5-2) over Clermont Northeastern (2-5)
Blanchester (7-0) over Cedarville (5-2)
Summit Country Day (6-1) over Yellow Springs
La Salle (3-4) over East Clinton (Ind.)
Kettering Alter (2-5) over Western Brown (0-7)
Valley View (6-1) over Middletown Madison (5-2)
Last Week: 29-8, Season: 199-57.
Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball
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Our Fearless Predictions for Cincinnati games
