Friday, September 22, 2000
Our Fearless Predictions for Cincinnati games
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
DIVISION I
No. 1 Colerain (4-0) vs. Milford (2-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Milford Stadium, 1 Eagles Place, Milford.
WHAT TO WATCH: After knocking off heavily favored Hamilton, Milford appears a team capable of an upset.
The one-two punch of quarterback Adam Merenda (31-of-68 for 402 yard) and tailback Brad Gordon (437 yards rushing) will challenge a Colerain defense that allows only 95 yards a game)
As in past years under coach Kerry Coombs, Colerain keeps the ball on the ground with John Mohr (453 yards rushing) and Maurice Johnson 320 yards rushing) the catalyst with junior quarterback Sean Jones (26-of-44 for 352 yards passing) directing the offense.
PICK: Colerain
No. 2 Moeller (4-0) at No. 5 La Salle (3-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, La Salle Stadium, 3091 North Bend Rd.
WHAT TO WATCH: Both teams played went open the last last week and plays teams with a win. Moeller came back with a victory over Bethlehem Catholic while La Salle to Canton McKinley.
Since escaping with a 10-7 overtime victory over Lakota West in the first game, Moeller has been an impressive offensive team with quarterback Tony Cunningham (36-of-57 for 495 yards) and tailback Marcus Blanks (99 carries for 612 yards) showing the way.
The Matt DePetro led Crusader defense has also stepped up big and should be a challenge for a La Salle team that relies on quarterback Reggie Watson (513 yards passing.
PICK: Moeller
No. 3 Elder (2-1) vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (2-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Elder Stadium, 3900 Vincent Ave., Price Hill.
WHAT TO WATCH: Guarding against a letdown will be the biggest obstacle the Panthers must overcome against a Chatard team that beat Brebeuf 16-7 last week.
Elder's offense was in high gear against Highlands in the second half with tailback Kyle Koester (404 yards rushing) and quarterback Matt Scholl (35-of-60 for 505 yards) the major offensive weapons.
Chatard, a small private school in Indianapolis, uses six players both ways and should wear down as the game progresses.
PICK: Elder
No. 4 Fairfield (3-1) vs. Sycamore (1-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Fairfield Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive, Fairfield.
WHAT TO WATCH: Facing what appeared to be certain defeat last week against Lakota West, Fairfield's offense grew up in the second half and rallied for the victory.
Quarterback Brett Pogozalski (44-of-91 for 680 yards) is developing into an excellent thrower while tailback Earl Haynes (336 yards rushing), off to a slow start, remains a threat every time he touches the ball.
Sycamore has struggled offensively and haven't reached the end zone in three weeks.
PICK: Fairfield
No. 6 Anderson (4-0) vs. Northwest (2-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Northwest Stadium, 10761 Pippin Rd.
WHAT TO WATCH: Stopping the Anderson express (375 yards a game) will be a tough task for a Northwest team coming off a 35-28 loss to Turpin.
Redskin quarterback Kenny Riddell (413 yards passing) continues to shine, while Kenny Rod (462 yards rushing) is getting it done on the ground.
Northwest is a passing team with the duo of quarterback Darrin Schneider (85-of-165 for 1,063 yards passing) and receiver Marc Burr (38 receptions for 408 yards), the Knights best offensive threat.
PICK: Anderson.
No. 7 St. Xavier (2-2) vs. Indianapolis Arsenal Tech (0-4)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, St. Xavier High School, 600 North Bend Rd., Finneytown.
WHAT TO WATCH: Coming off successive losses to Indianapolis Cathedral and Cleveland St. Ignatius, the Bombers need a breather and Aresenal Tech fills the bill.
The Bomber offense has struggled due to the lack of a running game but coach Steve Rasso may have solved this problem by moving leading receiver Josh Williams to tailback.
Arsenal Tech's offense averages only 190 yards a game, mostly on the ground, while the defense has been easy to run against.
PICK: St. Xavier.
No. 8 Lakota West (2-2) vs. Oak Hills (0-4)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today at Oak Hills Stadium, 3200 Ebenezer Rd., Bridgetown.
WHAT TO WATCH: Defense against the run has been the strength of a Lakota West team that lost close games to Moeller and Fairfield, allowing only 95.8 yard a game rushing.
However, the Firebirds are vulnerable against the pass. However, Oak Hills has only picked up 237 yards passing in four games and has no runner over 275 yards rushing.
If the Lakota West offense comes alive, this game could be a blowout.
PICK: Lakota West
No. 9 Princeton (4-0) vs. Middletown (1-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today at Princeton Stadium, 11080 Chester Rd., Springdale.
WHAT TO WATCH: Pinceton's offense, lacking the past few years, has come alive with tailback Vasha Harrison, the leading rusher in the GMC with 501 yards, showing the way along with quarterback Rob Caress (six TD passes).
Middletown is a better team than the 1-3 record indicates. The Middies have a solid rushing attack with Tyran Thompson (316 yards rushing).
A victory would keep Princeton in a first place tie in the GMC with possibly Colerain and Fairfield. The Vikings play Colerain next week at Colerain.
PICK: Princeton
No. 10 Western Hills (3-1) vs. Hughes (1-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Western Hills Stadium, 2144 Ferguson Rd., Western Hills.
WHAT TO WATCH: The potent Western Hills offense, triggered by tailback Kevin Furlow (559 yards rushing) should have no problem moving the ball against a turnover-plagued Hughes team that doesn't appear to have the fire power to pull off the upset.
PICK: Western Hills
DIVISION III-VI
No. 1 Indian Hill (4-0) vs. Taylor (3-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Indian Hill Stadium, 6845 Drake Rd., Indian Hill.
WHAT TO WATCH: Coming off a disappointing loss to Wyoming, Taylor must rebound against an Indian Hill team that has recorded three shutouts in four outings while allowing only six points.
If the Taylor offensive line doesn't provide better protection, sophomore quarterback Chris Moerlein will be under pressure the entire game.
Indian Hill averages 34.5 points and nearly 400 yards offense a game with running back Jeremy Hamilton (359 yards rushing) and receiver Mike Sweeney (24 receptions for 313 yards) the major threats.
PICK: Indian Hill
No. 2 Roger Bacon (0-4) vs. No. 9 Badin (1-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Roger Bacon Stadium, Vine and Paddock, St. Bernard.
WHAT TO WATCH: The Spartans moved into the top 10 for the first time as the result of a stunning 28-17 victory over previously undefeated McNicholas.
Led by tailback Casey Land (304 yards rushing) and junior quarterback Nate Wyrick (18-of-51 for 353 yards), the Roger Bacon offense has kept the defense off the field while dominating opponents.
Badin is a team going in the opposite direction. After turning in an impressive effort in the first game, the Rams have fallen on hard times, losing three consecutive games.
PICK: Roger Bacon
No. 3 Edgewood (3-1) vs. West Carrollton (2-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Edgewood Stadium, Rt. 73, Edgewood.
WHAT TO WATCH: Coming off a disappointing loss to Miamisburg, Edgewood must rebound in order to remain in good position for a Division II playoff berth.
Cougar quarterback Brandon Osborne and tailbacks Ryan White (259 yards rushing) and Matt Moore (348 yards) appear unstoppable but it's the Edgewood defense that must step up.
PICK: Edgewood
No. 4 Purcell Marian (3-1) vs. Kettering Alter (1-3)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Norwood Stadium, Norwood.
WHAT TO WATCH: Just when it looked like Kettering Alter would be the doormat of the GCL North again this season, the Knight offense came alive in a 28-17 upset over Badin last week.
Purcell Marian will again be without veteran quarterback Adam White in a game the Cavaliers must win to remain in contention for the GCL North title and a Division III playoff berth.
Kevin Sanker will feel the pressure for a second week at quarterback while running backs Vince Berry (331 yards) and Justin Blackley (248 yards rushing) must also deliver.
PICK: Purcell Marian.
No. 5 Wyoming (3-1) vs. Mariemont (2-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Wyoming Stadium, 106 Pendery Ave., Wyoming.
WHAT TO WATCH: The potent Wyoming running game of P.J. Pope (555 yards rushing), Jeff Davis (four touchdowns) and Anthony Wright will test a Mariemont defense that has been ineffective against Cincinnati Hills League opponents.
PICK: Wyoming
No. 6 Madeira (3-1) vs. Deer Park (0-4)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, Deer Park Stadium, 8351 Plainfield Rd., Deer Park.
WHAT TO WATCH: Taking a team lightly often proves costly and this could be a problem for a Mustang team that needs a victory to remain in contention for the Cincinnati Hills League title.
Tailback Drew Cloran is Madeira's major offensive threat while Deer Park's offense has struggled moving the ball while the defense has not played up to expectations.
PICK: Madeira
No. 7 New Richmond (4-0) vs. Clermont Northeastern (0-4)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, New Richmond Stadium, 1131 Bethel-New Richmond Rd., New Richmond.
WHAT TO WATCH: Apparently New Richmond took Western Brown lightly last week and struggled to a 22-8 victory.
This game should be another breather for a Lion team that has scored 154 points in four games. Clermont Northeastern's offense has been ineffective and the Rockets will probably misfire again.
PICK: New Richmond
No. 8 McNicholas (3-1) vs. Chaminade-Julienne (4-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today, West Carrollton Jr. High, West Carrollton.
WHAT TO WATCH: Rated the best team in Dayton, Chaminade Julienne pummeled previously undefeated Purcell Marian 38-13 behind tailback James Hill (307 yards rushing), wide receiver Angelo Chattams (26 receptions 213 yards) and quarterback Chad Sears (26-of-52 for 327 yards).
Coming off a loss to Roger Bacon, McNicholas will counter with quarterback Bryan Cupito (36-of-68 for 587 yards) and bruising fullback Tony Pastura (387 yards rushing) but it will be the Rocket defense that must step up.
PICK: Chaminade Julienne.
No. 9 Ross vs. Loveland (2-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Loveland Stadium, 1 Tiger Trail, Loveland.
WHAT TO WATCH: Running backs Mike Way (78 points and 668 yards rushing) and James Sims have been the mainstays of a Ross offense that also has developed a passing attack with Joe Mastin (15 receptions for 177 yards) the main target of quarterback Kevin Hudson (33 completions for 461 yards).
PICK: Ross
Other Games
Glen Este over Turpin
Winton Woods over Mason
Kings over Goshen
Lebanon over Wilmington
Little Miami over Norwood
Mount Healhty over Hughes
Walnut Hills over Taft
Withrow over Woodward
Hamilton over Lakota East
Lakota West over Oak Hills
Princeton over Middletown
Finneytown over Reading
CHCA over New Miami
North College Hill over Landmark Christian
Summit Country Day over Lockland
Dayton Carroll over Lemon-Monroe
Edgewood over West Carrollton
Springboro over Franklin
Miamisburg over Talawanda
Middletown Fenwick over Stebbins
Bethel-Tate over Western Brown
Hillsboro over Williamsburg
Blanchester over South Charleston Southeastern
Jamestown Greenview over Country Day
Record
Last Week: 25-10, Season: 118-32.
Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball
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