It is week 5 of the high school football season and that means that we are halfway through the regular season already. The first four weeks of the season have flown by very quickly and this halfway mark will show us a lot about where teams stand and what they have in the tank heading towards the back half of the schedule. Last week we saw a quartet of high level and intense games across multiple leagues. Anderson, Wyoming, Harrison, and Colerain all picked up big wins to push themselves in the right direction. We will see what is in store this week and are hopeful that the matchups are as intense as last week.
Here in week 5 things will get interesting as Kings travels to Anderson in an ECC battle. La Salle heads to Hamilton to take on the Badin Rams in a great tilt. In the GMC, Lakota West visits Princeton with a league title in mind and over in Kentucky, Highlands makes the trip to Ryle. All these teams have a giant opportunity in front of them and it will be interesting to see who can make enough plays to seize that said opportunity. We will find out in a few short days. Here are the Best Bets for week 5.
#20 Kings at #6 Anderson
In their three wins Kings has been a dominant force by scoring 121 total points and holding down their opponents. In their lone loss to Winton Woods, things were flipped in reverse as they did not score and gave up 35 points. Which version of the Knights that show up will be vital on Friday night. Oliver Young as 410 yards rushing with seven touchdowns on the season and Nathan Tucker is second in the league in receiving with 365 yards and four scores. Jack Pearson leads the squad defensively with 24 stops.
Anderson has been even more dominant in their three wins this season. They have blown out three straight opponents and seem to be back on track after a uncustomary defeat in week one. The Raptors have scored over 50 points in all three of their wins including a 70 point outburst in week two. They have only given up a total of 46 points in that three game span as well. Owen Scalf leagues the league in passing with 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns through four games. Tysin Weaver is his top target and league leading receiver with 523 yards and 8 scores. Jerod Lindsey, Antwoine Higgins, and Ace Alston have paced the defense.
Anderson has been the dominating force in the ECC. Bet on the Raptors to stay hot.
#13 La Salle at #14 Badin
After a 2-0 start, La Salle has dropped its last two and will be looking for redemption this week. A shutout loss to Elder a week ago should have the Lancers on the top of their games as they look to end the short losing skid. La Salle has been a tough team so far this season and still look to be a threat come playoff time. Quarterback Garrett Fraley has been the main source of offense for the Lancers. Fraley has thrown for 396 yards and 4 touchdowns while rushing for 227 yards and another score. Tyler Roby and Jack McLaughlin have been threats at wide receiver and Haden Neff leads the GCL South in tackles with 39.
Badin sits undefeated but will undoubtedly be facing their stiffest competition of the season on Friday night. They will learn a lot about themselves win or lose this week. The Rams have a ton of firepower and a stingy defense that can take them a long way. Chase Even is a dynamic tailback who leads the GCL CO-ED in rushing with 430 yards and five scores. Hudson Heid has four receiving touchdowns and over 200 yards receiving. Balin Wong and Rylan Osterberger both have four sacks to tie for the league lead. A two quarterback system could be something to keep an eye on in the long run.
With a win, Badin has to be looked at as a clear frontrunner in their division. La Salle hopes to get back on track. Bet on the Lancers to secure a road win.
#3 Lakota West at #1 Princeton
Lakota West sits at 4-0 and tied atop the GMC with Princeton. The Firebirds are back to their winning ways after a pedestrian season compared to their standard a year ago. Kenyon Norman has been one of the best backs in the area and consistent every week. He’s rushed for 800 yards and 13 scores already on the season. He’s had three consecutive 200 yard rushing games and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Judah Blair and Roman Combs man the defense and have been tackling and turnover machines so far this year.
Princeton has been a dominating team this season with a 4-0 record through the first four weeks. The Vikings, with an influx of transfers have taken a huge step and look to be a favorite to get out of the region. Monsanna Torbert ranks fifth in the league in passing and sixth in the league in rushing and has shown an ability to break defenses down through the air or on the ground. Running back Jordan Hall has shown the ability to break loose for big games and Lorenzo McMullen Jr, maybe the best wideout in the state is due for a big performance. Terrance Jones Jr. and Jon Civils have shown an ability to get to the quarterback often.
This is a tough one to call. Bet on Princeton to sneak out a win.
#10 Highlands at Ryle
The Bluebirds are 3-1 and have won three straight games after a week one loss. Highlands has gotten back on the right track and have put major numbers up in their three wins. The Bluebirds have been one of the more balanced teams in the area as they are passing for 185 yards per game and rushing for 163 yards per game. Sophomore QB Bryce Armstrong has been a threat as a passer and a runner. Tayden Lorenzen has been a tool to use all over the offense as well as on defense as a linebacker.
Ryle sits at 1-3 with two straight losses. The competition has been steep for a young squad looking to regroup after graduating many experienced players. In their three losses, the offense has only managed six combined points as they have been shut out in their last two outings. The Raiders will need a superb effort on both sides of the ball to pull the upset.
Bet on Highlands to get a big win.
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GAME OF THE WEEK
Make sure to check out the COMPLETE PREVIEW for this week’s featured game on the Blitz 5 Tour, No. 4 Moeller at No. 5 St. Xavier
Here are some other games for teams ranked inside the Blitz 5 Top 25:
OHIO
No. 8 Lakota East at Hamilton
No. 9 Middletown at No. 18 Colerain
No. 15 Harrison at Ross
No. 17 Oak Hills at No. 21 Mason
Little Miami at No.19 Lebanon
No. 24 Wyoming at Taylor
KENTUCKY
No. 23 Beechwood at No. 11 Covington Catholic
