Ohio News

[GardenStateBaller]

Moeller top baller and Louisville safety commit Micah Rice transferred down to Trinity (KY).  Apparently the father was unhappy with something and yanked the senior captain at some point last week. Rice had previously transferred to Moeller from Hoban. More proof that the transfer bug is affecting every state. 

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[GardenStateBaller]

Interested to see how Moe reacts coming off that home loss to Mallard Creek NC. 

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[GardenStateBaller]

ED at Mass link:

https://fanvu.tv/watch/920-nps-massillon-at-st-edward

 

[GardenStateBaller]

 

[GardenStateBaller]

31-21 Mass over ED in Q4

[GardenStateBaller]

1. Massillon (previously #3, beat St. Edward 31-21) - The preseason #1 reclaims the throne this week after a convincing win on the road against St. Edward. Mike Wright and the Massillon D-line were dominant against the new look St. Edward O-line, limiting them to under 2 yards per rush and stuffing them on a big 4th down late in the game with the Eagles driving in Massillon territory down 3. The two-headed monster of Gamble and Lenix went for over 200 on the ground as St. Edward's defense continues to struggle with containing the edge and wrapping up on their tackle attempts.  Massillon also capitalized on special teams with a blocked FG and punt.  The Tigers will look to build on this win as DeMatha comes into town. 9/27 v. DeMatha Catholic (MD) thanks to PGL!! 

2. Moeller (previously #1, beat St. X 45-37) - Hard to drop them after putting up 45 points on St. X, including 6 TD passes from Ponatoski, but the defense looked a little vulnerable in giving up a season high 37 point for the Bombers. Chase Herbstreit ran wild on the ground for 171 yards, including an 80 yard jaunt on the opening series. Still, this is the best offense in D1 this year, and likely the state. 9/27 @ La Salle. 

3. Hoban (previously #4, beat Ignatius 45-14) - The Knights ran roughshod over a St. Ignatius team that is a shell of the former dynasty we knew, and seems to be getting worse by the week. I know nothing about this Illinois team coming in this week other than they are 2-2. I presume Hoban should win it going away, but they can't look ahead to next weeks showdown with a very good (an undefeated) Walsh team. 9/27 v. Mt. Vernon (IL). 

4. St. Edward (previously #2, lost to Massillon 31-21) - For the third year in a row Lombardo cannot seem to figure out a way to tame the Tigers. It doesn't happen often, but this year the Eagles were simply out-manned in the trenches on both sides. They will need to take a good hard look at whether they truly have their best 5 offensive lineman on the field. The guard play has simply been unacceptable to date. There is no making up for losing a player like Brandon White, but even he was having a tough time finding running lanes the first few weeks of the season. Ed's did have success through the air against Massillon with Csanyi throwing 3 Td's and no Int's, but they couldn't convert short yardage 4th downs when they absolutely needed to. No time to lick their wounds as they will play host to Glenville on a short week. 9/26 v. Glenville. 

5. Avon (previously #5, beat North Ridgeville 38-7) - Avon had no issues dispatching of an undefeated N. Ridgeville team that was expected to give them a good fight. There is simply no one left on their schedule that should stand in the way of an undefeated regular season, and I don't know if their is any team in R6 that would pose a legitimate threat of their chances of reaching the final 4.  They do have to go on the road this week to face a good Olmsted Falls team, but OF just got blasted by N. Ridgeville last week. Can't see them giving Avon trouble. 9/27 @ Olmsted Falls. 

6. Winton Woods (previously #6, beat Walnut Hills 49-0) - More of the same defensive domination against inferior opponents. Difficult to tell how much their offense may really be improving, and we won't really know until the Anderson game in week 9. 9/27 @ Little Miami.

7. TCC (previously #7, beat Warren De La Salle (MI) 41-6) - Dominating win on the road against a good DLS team as Isaiah Fox returned from injury at QB for the Irish. I imagine they will punish Ignatius in similar fashion this weekend. 9/27 @ St. Ignatius. 

8. Princeton (previously #9, beat Mason 30-7) - Solid victory over Mason. I want to see the defense continue to dominate the weaker competition and offense put up 4 TD's plus against a remaining schedule that should not give them problems. 9/27 @ Hamilton.  

9. Lakota West (previously #10, beat Middletown 51-7) - Utter domination of a previously undefeated Middletown team. I can't justify having them above Princeton just yet with that loss still fresh, but they certainly look like they are playing better at the moment. If it keeps up and Princeton waffles at all then I'll have no problem moving them up. 9/27 v. Colerain. 

10.  St. X (previously #8, lost to Moeller 45-37) - The Bombers hang on this week in the top 10 after a barn-burner with Moeller, but several others could challenge for this spot in the coming weeks. They take a trip to the Pit this week and cannot afford a letdown. 9/27 @ Elder. 

[GardenStateBaller]

@reggid @hardhit1 @concha 

[GardenStateBaller]

Another public beats a Power Private. Say it ain't so!!!! @reggid @hardhit1 

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@reggid @hardhit1

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[GardenStateBaller]

Glenville 28, St. Edward 27

Eagles come up inches short going for 2 late in the 4th. Some terrible officiating certainly impacted the outcome, but this Ed’s team is simply underperforming. Special teams are a train wreck and Lombardo is making some head-scratching decisions in critical moments in games. It’s all adding up to a potential .500 finish to the regular season with remaining games against Hoban and Moeller. @reggid @hardhit1 

[GardenStateBaller]

 Clarkson North Canada 28

Ironton 27

Final

OH continues to get decimated in OOS games. And all of these losses have been homes games!! 

@reggid @hardhit1

[GardenStateBaller]

The Buckeye state has not fared well in the OOS slate this year. Aside from one magnificent quarter by St. Edward against SJP, the top teams have dropped pretty much every other premier matchup. After having multiple top-25 caliber teams last year, none are in this week's T25 pools. 

1. Moeller (previously #2, beat La Salle 38-0) - Dominated a previously unbeaten LaSalle team, but I think everyone knew the Lancers record was largely fools gold given the strength of schedule. Regardless, this Moeller offense is the real deal and Ponatoski has to be in the Mr. Football conversation. 10/4 v. Elder. 

2. Hoban (previously #3, beat Mt. Vernon (IL) 56-13) - The Knights did not get caught looking ahead and blew out this overmatched opponent. Hoban has a chance to make some big statements these next few weeks with Walsh, Glenville and Ed's on the slate. Walsh is undefeated once again heading into this game and looking for a program-defining win. Last year they got blow out twice against Hoban, so we'll see if a year makes a difference. 10/4 @ Walsh Jesuit. 

3. Massillon (previously #1, lost to DeMatha 14-20) - The Tiger offense has been tamed this year by east coast powers Bergen and DeMatha thanks to Joe & PGL. Both of these teams simply had too much size and power in the trenches for Massillon to deal with. Luckily for them the only other team they'll see the rest of the way that can match that size will be Hoban, and that matchup wouldn't come until the state finals. 10/4 v. Football North (ON), who just beat Ironton.  

4. Avon (previously #5, beat Olmsted Falls 35-14) - Comfortable win against a solid OF team. Nothing should stand between Avon and an undefeated regular season this year. 10/4 v. Berea-Midpark. 

5. Winton Woods (previously #6, beat Little Miami 41-14) - Only the week 9 game against Anderson will tell us if Winton Woods has the offense to win R4 this year. 10/4 @ Loveland. 

6. Lakota West (previously #9, beat Colerain 52-0) - The Lakota West offense has really been putting it together lately to compliment their defense, going for 50+ the last three weeks. The opponents have not been that great, but it's still impressive. With Princeton absolutely shitting the bed against Hamilton, the Firebirds bump up a few spots here. 10/4 @ Bishop Sycamore. 

7. TCC (previously #7, beat Ignatius 27-26) - Narrowly escaped a St. Ignatius team that was absolutely reeling as of late.  The Wildcats were starting a sophomore QB for the first time this year, and it appears he gave them a spark. Still, TCC ran roughshod over the Ignatius defense most of the night. The Irish are certainly not as good as the past few years, and there look to be a couple real challengers in D3 this year. 10/4 v. St. John's Jesuit. 

8. Glenville (previously others, beat St. Edward 28-27) - In one of the more entertaining games of the season, Glenville stuffed a late 2-pt. conversion attempt by Ed's to seal the upset.  The Tarblooder defense has tremendous size and speed, and the team is very young across the board. D4 is in trouble the next few years and we'll see if Glenville ever opts up to D1. Top '26 LB Cincere Johnson looks like he could step on the field for Ohio State today and play. Glenville certainly benefited from some horrendous calls that went against the Eagles, and I'd like the Ed's in a rematch, but today they deserve to be ranked ahead of them. 10/4 @ Rhodes. 

9. St. Edward (previously #4, lost to Glenville 27-28) - Some bad breaks and even worse play calling doomed the Eagles against Glenville, but this team is just not playing up to its potential and its unclear if and when it will get sorted out. The offense can't run the ball and the defense can't stop the run. You have to be able to do those things in Ohio in November and December. There is still time to figure it out, but an unforgiving schedule makes it difficult. A .500 finish to season is a real possibility with Hoban and Moeller left. This week though, it's all about beating rival Ignatius. The Wildcats showed some fight against TCC, and Ed's cannot let that happen to them. 10/4 @ St. Ignatius. 

10.  St. X (previously #10, beat Elder 22-17) - X escaped the Pit with a win and hangs on this week. 10/4 @ Trinity (KY).  

[GardenStateBaller]

CN is coming off a win at Ironton OH. 

[GardenStateBaller]

1. Moeller (previously #1, beat Elder 42-14) - Might Moe's offense keeps on rolling, and looks to be comfortably ahead of the rest of the D1 field. 10/11 @ Ignatius.

2. Massillon (previously #3, beat Football North (ON) 45-6) - Tigers rebound from last week's loss with a decisive victory over Football North. I don't think this is the best version of FN we've seen over the years, but still, the margin of victory was impressive. This week they host Legacy Sports Sciences (TX).

3. Avon (previously #4, beat Berea-Midpark 49-7) - Cruise control until the playoffs. 10/11 @ Midview.    

4. Walsh Jesuit (previously others, beat Hoban 19-14) - Warriors make the big jump this week after proving their legitimacy against Hoban. The rest of the schedule sets up nicely for an undefeated season and #1 seed in R5, where a potential rematch with Hoban will await at some point. 10/11 at NDCL.  

5. Hoban (previously #2, lost to Walsh 14-19) - Still a very talented team capable of taking it all in tough D2. No time to lick their wounds as Glenville comes in looking to make another statement against a big private school power.  10/11 v. Glenville. 

6. Winton Woods (previously #5, beat Loveland 49-0) - One more speed bump this week before the week 9 Anderson matchup. 10/11 v. West Clermont. 

7. Lakota West (previously #6, beat Bishop Sycamore 52-0) - Another 50-burger for the LW offense and shutout for the defense. 10/11 @ Oak Hills. 

8. Glenville (previously #8, beat Rhodes 35-14) - Not the blowout score I expected against an overmatched Senate League team, but I imagine plenty of backups played in this game. Last chance to make a big statement this week as they go on the road to Hoban. After that it's two more Senate scrubs and then the DIV playoffs, where their talent will far exceed the field. 10/11 @ Hoban.   

9. St. Edward (previously #9, beat Ignatius 28-6) - Eagles won comfortably against their rival making it 8 in a row, the longest winning streak by either team in the history of the series. Ed's has gone to Eaton as the primary ball-carrier and he went for 160 yards against a porous Ignatius run defense.  Ignatius' only score came off a blocked punt which set them up in Ed's territory (Ed's needs to get their shit together on special teams). They never really threatened at any other point in the game. 10/12 v. Football North (ON). 

10.  TCC (previously #7, beat SJJ 56-21) - Probably should have dropped TCC down a bit last week after the all-too-close win over Ignatius, but I was giving the Wildcats the benefit of the doubt in thinking they might have turned a corner. Turns out they haven't. 10/11 v. Orchard Lake St. Mary's (MI). 

[GardenStateBaller]

1. Moeller (previously #1, beat Ignatius 44-0) - Running clock in the first half and coasted the second half. The Moeller offense continues to fire on all cylinders and will need to keep clicking as they host St. Edward this week. The home loss to an unranked Mallard Creek NC is their only blemish. For the first time in a while, the Crusaders will be a heavy favorite in this cross-state rivalry that has been played every year since 2003 (except for the 2020 covid season). 10/19 v. St. Edward. 

2. Massillon (previously #2, beat Legacy Sports Sciences (TX) 41-0) - Don't know if I've ever heard of LSS (TX), but the game went about as expected. The Tigers hit the road this week in an interesting matchup with a resurgent WGH program. The Raiders have a real nice athlete in Chaz Coleman who has been blowing up on the recruiting trail, with the Noles being the latest to offer. He could cause Massillon some problems, but not likely enough to swing the tide in their favor. Still expect Massillon to win this game comfortably. 10/18 @ Warren G. Harding. 

3. Avon (previously #3, beat Midview 49-10) - Only concern for Avon at this point is not having a real challenge late in the season as the playoffs ramp up. Maybe they get it in week 10 against rival Avon Lake, but I don't think the Shoreman have the horses this year to hang with them. 10/18 v. Amherst. 

4. Walsh Jesuit (previously #4, beat NDCL 63-21) - Walsh is sitting pretty and is almost certain to finish the year 10-0 and with the top seed in a very solid R5. 10/18 @ Brunswick.  

5. Hoban (previously #5, beat Glenville 20-0) - Impressive shutout over Glenville. This game was bound to be low scoring with all the horses both teams have on defense. The Knights have a long field trip this week as they head out to face a 7-1 Central York (PA) team. I know nothing about Central York or their quality of competition, but this has all the makings of a classic trap game. Long road trip on a Friday after a physical game and possibly looking ahead to the week 10 showdown with Ed's. 10/18 @ Central York (PA). 

6. Lakota West (previously #7, beat Oak Hills 52-7) - Hard to make heads or tails of all these 50-point beatdowns against weak GMC competition. I'll start to feel a little better about their chances of being able to score with Moe in the R4 playoffs if they can hang 50 on rival Lakota East this week. 10/18 v. Lakota East. 

7. Glenville (previously #8, lost to Hoban 20-0) - The Tarblooders finish 2-3 against their OOC schedule with the loss to Hoban. Wins over Ed's and UA were impressive, and losses to Avon, Hoban and Olentangy Liberty on the road are nothing to be ashamed of. Hopefully we see them opt up to D1 in the next few years with all the young talent in the program because D4 doesn't stand a chance. Glenville gained the respect of the entire HSFB community by visiting IMG last season.  

8. St. Edward (previously #9, beat Football North (ON) 22-12)- I was hoping to see a larger margin of victory against the Canucks, but Lombardo's insistence on trying to figure out the run game is preventing the offense from reaching its full potential IMO. The Csanyi/Hackleman connection continues to look unstoppable, and several of the other receivers got in on the mix this week as well. The pass game will need to keep clicking as they head to Cincy this weekend to take on top-ranked Moeller. Since the Eagles started their prolific run in 2010, Moeller has only beaten them once (a 28-21 OT victory in 2021). I have to imagine the Moeller coaching staff is brining this lop-sided result to his team's attention all week in practice. 10/19 @ Moeller. 

9. Winton Woods (previously #6, beat West Clermont 12-7).  Playing their first opponent with a winning record since week 2, the WW offense struggles to score against West Clermont. For comparison's sake, Anderson hung 52 on this same team. Now the Warriors will hit the road to take on Anderson in one of the best matchups of the week. Big statement game for both teams. 10/18 @ Anderson. 

10.  TCC (previously #10, beat OLSM (MI) 7-6) - TCC scores in the waning moments of the game to steal a victory. They are holding onto the last spot in my top ten by a finger with their up and down play this year.