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5 Best Bets: Week 5

There is one word to describe Week 4 in the Tri-state this week, domination. There were not too many games last week where the results were in doubt. Teams such Winton Woods, St. Xavier, and La Salle all solidified themselves as state championship contenders.

We also saw teams take a step forward in their development, while others have a lot of soul searching to do. The heart of conference season is now upon us, and it’s about that time to step up, or step aside. Here are this week’s 5 Best Bets.

South Dearborn at No. 8 East Central
East Central has looked the part of state title contender and then some. Coming of a dominating 43-0 win against Batesville, they are playing their best ball of the year. The Trojans’ only close game was an overtime thriller against Harrison. Outside of that game, they have been blowing the doors off opponents. South Dearborn has had a very impressive season as well. After a tough Week 0 loss to Seymour, they haven’t looked back since. The Knights have scored 30 or more points in each of the past four games. They will have to play a near flawless game and win the turnover battle if they want to dethrone a highly talented East Central Squad. South Dearborn still has a sour taste in its mouth from last year’s playoff loss to the Trojans and have revenge on their minds here.

No. 17 Mason at No. 10 Sycamore
Mason has struggled this year. The Comets lost their first three in convincing fashion, and finally got on the winning side against an inferior Oak Hills squad. It has been about the lack of offense for Brian Castner’s team. In their three losses, they scored a combined 21 points. In their only win, they tallied 35. Sycamore has had a very impressive start to their season with a record of 3-1, but want to forget last week’s loss to Lakota West. They came out slow and uninspired. They did make a comeback from 28-7 and made it 28-21, but it was too little too late.The records may suggest that a Sycamore blowout is coming, but with this rivalry records often get thrown out the window.

No. 20 Wyoming at Mariemont
This week features a battle of two unbeaten teams from the CHL. Wyoming has continued to handle their business. The reigning state champs look the part in their pursuit of a second straight title. After being taken to the limit in Week 3 against Mount Healthy, the Cowboys came right back and dominated Reading 55-7. Mariemont is playing exceptional ball as well, and they have a chance because of their defense. In three of their four wins, they have allowed 10 points or less. That same defense is going to have to show up if they want to keep up with Evan Prather and the crew. Wyoming is far and away better than anyone Mariemont has faced. The Warriors will have to come out of the gates fast and score early. This is a confident bunch, we will see if this game lives up to the potential.

No. 22 Ryle at No. 1 Elder
What a fascinating showdown for a multitude of reasons. Both teams are coming off very disappointing losses. Ryle got beat at Highlands. Elder traveled north and to a took a loss versus the reigning Division I state champs, Lakewood St. Edward. Ryle is still a very good team and can make a run, but have not shown up in the big games at all. The two high level teams they have played, Covington Catholic and Highlands, the Raiders were outscored 64-0. Elder is a very vulnerable team on defense. They have been bailed out by an incredible offense, but against top-notch competition, not being able to get stops will haunt. In the last three weeks, the Panthers have given up 31, 54, and 42 points. If they want to compete for a state title, the defense has to play better. Expect all kinds of points to be on the scoreboard in this contest.

Newport Central Catholic at Newport
NewCath has had an up-and-down season. They went through a two-game losing streak, and are currently on a two-game winning streak. They have played well against inferior competition, and haven’t shown the ability to play up to the higher level teams. The Wildcats haven’t exactly been through a gauntlet either, but they have taken are of business, and their offense has been rolling as of late. This matchup will be a great litmus test for Newport. They have scored 30 or more points in three of their five games. This contest will come down to the Thoroughbreds’ defense vs the Wildcats’ offense. NCC has allowed 14 points or less in four of their five games. They will have to do it again if they want to win this game of bragging rights.

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GAME OF THE WEEK: Fairfield at Lakota West
Make sure to check out the COMPLETE PREVIEW for this week’s featured game on the Blitz 5 Tour presented by TriStateFootball.com.

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Here are some other games for teams ranked inside the Blitz 5 Top 25:

OHIO
#1 St. Xavier at #24 Moeller
#3 Colerain at Middletown
#5 Winton Woods at St. Edward
#7 La Salle at Buffalo St. Joseph’s
#16 Princeton at #12 Lakota East
#13 Harrison at Edgewood
#14 Turpin at Kings
Oak Hills at #15 Hamilton
Withrow at #18 Anderson
#21 Walnut Hills at West Clermont
#23 Mount Healthy at Ross
#25 Talawanda at Little Miami

KENTUCKY
Cooper at #6 Covington Catholic
#11 Highlands at Boyle County
#19 Simon Kenton at Johnson Central

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