TriStateFootball.com

Best Bets: Week 9

Purcell Marian DB Shamar Battle (photo by: Kelsey Rebman /TriStateFootball.com)

We are at the point of the season where every play is critical for teams in the race for league titles and playoff seedings. We take a look at some of the games with the biggest implications in this week’s Best Bets.

INDIAN HILL AT #21 WYOMING
Wyoming brings (8-0, 5-0) its state record 75-game winning streak to the field on Friday night. Indian Hill (6-2, 5-0) has aspirations of ending that run. The Braves have the talent to pull it off, but the effort will have to be flawless. Both teams like their chances in a close contest. Wyoming is 4-0 in games decided by eight points or less. Get Indian Hill in scoring range and they can rely on the foot of kicker Alex Grace who nailed a school record 54-yard field goal last week against Finneytown.

#14 HAMILTON AT #18 SYCAMORE
Two of the best feel good stories of 2023 battle it out in this one. Hamilton (6-2, 5-1) is on the doorstep of its first seven-win season since 2010. Defense has fueled the Big Blue. They have given up 14 points or less in five of their six victories. Sycamore (5-3, 5-2) has found its identity on offense running the ball with Eugene Harney carrying a large portion of the load. of the load. Harney has run for 130 yards or more five times in the last seven contests with 11 rushing touchdowns. The Aviators have the weapons to give Hamilton fits. They match up well at the skills positions with the Big Blue.

#19 MASON AT #4 LAKOTA WEST
Lakota West (6-2, 6-1) is on fire after dropping their first two contests. The Firebirds have won six straight and have put at least 30 points on the board in all of those victories. The defense has been equally as good in that span allowing just 28 total points with three shutouts. Mason (4-4, 4-3) has had trouble putting points on the board averaging 18.6 points per contests. Turnovers have been a major contributor to that lack of potency. Mason has had three turnovers three times in its last six games.

ROGER BACON AT PURCELL MARIAN
Purcell Marian (6-2, 3-0) is looking to be the new sheriff in the MVC. The Cavaliers are in position to win their first league championship since 1999. They must avoid being their own worst enemies on Friday night. Staying turnover free and not making mental mistakes is paramount in Purcell Marian’s final push for a crown. Last week Roger Bacon (5-3, 2-1) lost to CHCA. It was the first loss for the Spartans in MVC Scarlet play since joining the league in 2019, snapping a streak of 19 straight victories in conference play. Look for Roger Bacon to come out with a vengeance. They still have a shot at sharing the league title with a win.

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

OHIO
No. 1 Princeton at Colerain

No. 3 Moeller at St. Edward

No. 6 Anderson at Turpin

No. 7 Elder at Bishop Chatard (IN)

No. 8 St. Xavier at St. Ignatius

No. 9 Withrow at Hughes

No. 10 Winton Woods at Loveland

No. 15 La Salle at Detroit Catholic Central (MI)

No. 16 Taft at Aiken

No. 20 Clinton-Massie at Batavia

Bishop Watterson at No. 23 Harrison

No. 24 Mount Healthy at Talawanda

Fairfield at No. 25 Middletown

KENTUCKY
Harrison County at No. 11 Covington Catholic

Conner at No. 13 Highlands

No. 17 Beechwood at Carroll County

Boone County at No. 23 Cooper

INDIANA
No. 2 East Central at Roncalli

+++

GAME OF THE WEEK
Make sure to check out the COMPLETE PREVIEW for this week’s Blitz 5 Game of the Week, West Clermont at undefeated #5 Milford.

+++

 

 

 

 

 

You must be logged in to post a comment Login