We are just about at the pinnacle of the high school football season as there are only a couple weeks possibly left in each team’s season. Many have fallen short and had the dream of becoming a champion taken away. Those who have made it this far can see themselves hoisting that gold trophy if they can execute at a higher level than their opponent for a couple more weeks. This is what you play for, a chance to reach the state championship game to give yourself an opportunity to bring home a title to your school and community. Fans will travel in droves to root on their team to victory and hope that they can give them something to cheer for in the final week of the season. A lot is on the line and both players and coaches alike will be doing their best to put their team in position to advance one final time.
This week in Kentucky, Murray visits Lloyd Memorial in a battle of unbeaten teams. Ryle makes the trip to South Warren as they look to get back to the state championship game. In Ohio, Anderson has a state semi-final rematch with Big Walnut as they look to advance to their second straight championship game. Indian Hill also travels up north to face Shelby in another matchup featuring undefeated squads. Determination, passion, and grit is what got these teams this far and it is also what will take them a little further. Championship berths are on the line. Here are the Best Bets: Week 15.
Class 3A semifinal
Murray at Lloyd Memorial
The Tigers set a school record for wins with 13 as they defeated Lexington Catholic last week. A defensive stand in overtime followed by an 11-yard touchdown run by Gage Chapman propelled them into the state semifinals with a 20-13 win. Quarterback Wyatt Robbins has been a bright spot for the Tigers as a great passer and runner. He helped secure the win with timely passes to multiple wideouts and a touchdown run of his own. He passed for 225 yards and a touchdown while leading the offense to 346 yards of total offense. Wideout Isaiah Martin was a stud as he had 11 receptions for 115 yards.
Lloyd is coming off of a two touchdown win over Russell as they avenged a loss to the Red Devils last season with a 28-13 victory. Quarterback Kaleb Evans led the team to the victory. Evans threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns as he was able to hook up with Colten Barger and Izzy Turner for scores in the game. Lloyd also got a strong game from Avery Conrad who rushed for 81 yards and his own two scores on the night. The Juggarnauts ran for 153 yards as a team as they controlled the tempo and played the game on their terms. The defense slowed down the Russell running game and held the Red Devils to just 94 yards on the game.
Bet on Lloyd to pull through at home.
Class 6A semifinal
Ryle at South Warren
Ryle survived OT last week to win on the road at Fredrick Douglass and will look to take another big road victory on Friday night. Senior quarterback Nathan Verax has thrown for more than 1,600 yards and has amassed more than 500 yards on the ground this season to pace the Raiders. Ryle has been most effective with a rushing attack that averages 224 yards a game. Jacob Savage leads the way with 1,222 yards and 24 scores. Damynn Anness has 851 yards and 10 scores. Combine that with the work of Verax and you have a stout three headed monster of a running game. The defense has stepped up in big moments and Savage is a huge part of their success on that side of the ball as well.
South Warren defeated Cinderella Henderson County last week with a big second half to pull away from a close game. The Spartans had a balanced attack on offense, finishing with 450 total yards — 236 in the air and 214 on the ground. Kayden York ran for 102 yards, while Jamir Boards added 60 yards. The quarterback tandem of Camden Page and Chase Bell were fabulous for a second straight week. Page finished 11-for-13 passing for 165 yards, while Page was 5-for-6 for 71 yards.
Bet on Ryle to reach a second consecutive 6A final.
Ohio
Division II State Semifinal
Big Walnut vs. Anderson
Anderson defeated Big Walnut in last season’s semi-final and they’ll look to repeat that feat again this season. The Raptors rolled past Trotwood Madison last week as they got their offense back humming after a couple of week’s that were lower than their standard. Owen Scalf threw for 406 yards and five touchdowns in the win. Cooper Kathman (107 YDS, 1 TD)and Tysin Weaver (138 YDS, 2 TD) both had over 100 yards receiving in the romp. Brayden More and Tanner Holt also caught touchdown passes on the night as Anderson really had their passing game rolling all night. Jordan Davis added 48 yards on the ground in the win.
Anderson looks poised for another championship game appearance. Bet on the Raptors to move on.
Division IV State Semifinal
Shelby vs Indian Hill
Indian Hill secured a huge win over Valley View in the regional final and look to be a team that can win it all in a couple of weeks. The Braves have been led by Devlan Danial and Evan Riggs who have combined to be a tremendous rushing threat for opposing defenses. A week ago Riggs ran wild as he amassed 165 yards and 4 touchdowns on the night. Daniel was not far behind as he rushed for a touchdown and had 152 yards on the ground. The Indian Hill defense has been impressive for the entire postseason and bring it week after week. Topher Wachtel has been a bright spot defensively along with Riggs to lead the charge.
Indian Hill is playing great football at the right time. Bet on the Braves to play another week.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Make sure to check out the COMPLETE PREVIEW for this week’s featured game, STATE SEMI-FINAL: St. Xavier vs Middletown
