Best Bets: Week 11

Folks, it is that time of the year. The regular season has come and gone in Ohio and we now push into postseason play where all the marbles will be on the line. While the playoffs usually give us new and exciting matchups, Week 1 is highlighted by some conference rematches that could possibly make this a Friday night to remember. The GMC and ECC headline this playoff edition of the Best Bets.

OHIO DIVISION I
NO. SYCAMORE AT NO. 5 LAKOTA EAST
This GMC matchup will be played at the same venue as earlier in the season. These teams did battle in Week 6 with the Tunderhawks winning a close one 34-27. The biggest difference in the first matchup was the number of playmakers that stepped up. Star quarterback Will Ingle ran for 189 yards and threw for 92 more while scoring all of the Aviators’ points. However, many of the other skill position players stayed quiet. 

On the other hand, East had a big day from signal caller Charlie Kathman, Eric Davis, and Charlie Kenrich, with Kathamn and Davis both finding the endzone. With that being said, these two teams come in feeling different about themselves. 

The Aviators have won two straight games and scored over 40 in both. Meanwhile, Lakota East has lost two straight and have gone cold on offense and are struggling defensively as well. If the Aviators get solid contributions from more of their skill position players, they can pull off the upset. The Thunderhawks have experience on their side which could prove pivotal on this stage. Look for another high-scoring game between these conference rivals with the more disciplined team coming out on top.

NO. 9 MASON AT NO. 8 FAIRFIELD
These teams battled it out in Week 8, also at Fairfield, with the Indians coming out with a 27-22 victory. Now playing for the second time in four weeks, what changes? The Indians dominated in essentially every category in the first meeting, but penalties and a turnover kept the Comets in the game. 

Look for talented sophomore quarterback Talon Fisher to be a dual threat just as he has been all year. He accounted for over 300 total yards and scored all four of the Indians’ touchdowns in the previous meeting. 

For Mason, generating enough offense and continuing getting contributions will be critical. Nick Sailers, Michael Molnar, and Cobi Lewis are all capable big play threats, and the Comets will look for a few to really kick start the team and execute the game plan. Both defenses have struggled throughout the season, but have also shown signs of good play. 

Neither team will look to make the big mistake that could cost them the game, but with everything on the line, both coaches will take more chances and trust their players. The Indians have momentum on their side, but with two foes who know each other so well, anything is possible.

NO. 11 LEBANON AT NO. 6 MILFORD
Jumping into the ECC, here are two teams playing for the second time in three weeks. Milford went to Lebanon and lost 24-20 in Week 9. After a horrible start to the season where they lost their first six games, things have now turned around for the Warriors as they come into the playoffs winners of three straight. 

During their skid, they struggled getting on the board, scoring under 20 points in five of the six contests. During this win streak, the Warriors have scored 20 or more in every game. The Eagles have had an up and down season. After starting the year 5-2, they are 1-2 since and trying to get things right in time for this week’s playoff game. 

When these two teams met a few weeks back, it was the turnovers that derailed Milford, as they gave the ball away twice and the Warriors didn’t give it away once. Both teams were heavily penalized and both ran the ball effectively. Paired with the turnovers, Zane Dunning’s seven receptions, 117 yards and a touchdown proved massive as well. The Eagles couldn’t keep up through the air. 

Although now home field changes and the Eagles know they have to take care of the ball. If they do and continue to run the ball with Natwan Webster and Sawyer Cop, the Eagles can have the last laugh. This game more than almost any other on the slate could prove that beating a team twice in a season is hard, and doing it for the second time in three weeks will be even more difficult.

GAME OF THE WEEK
Make sure to check out the COMPLETE PREVIEW for this week’s Blitz 5 Game of the Week, No. 10 Colerain at No. 7 Elder.

DIVISION II
NO. 10 TURPIN AT NO. 7 WINTON WOODS
Here is a rematch, unlike the others discussed, that was a blowout in the first meeting. The Warriors went into Turpin and won 41-20 in Week 8. 

In the first meeting, Turpin won the turnover battle by +2, had over 10 more minutes of possession, less penalties, and 163 more passing yards yet still lost by 22. With 2:33 left to go in the third Turpin had a 19-13 lead after a Keenen Alcade TD run. On the ensuing kickoff KC Spears took the return 73 yards to the house. The Warriors went on to score three more times after that and Turpin went scoreless. 

Unfortunately for the Spartans, they played their toughest part of the schedule at the end of the season against the Warriors, Kings, and Anderson. They lost all three games and will need to figure things out quickly on Friday night. 

After losing two of their first three games, the Warriors have won six of seven and come into the playoffs with a lot of confidence especially while possessing a suffocating defense. The Spartans have some excellent players and are well coached, but Winton Woods has had their number and are the favorites here.

Check out the full OHSAA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE.

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