Week 6 has graced us with its presence and we have another full slate of games that are sure to bring out the best in players and coaches alike. We have officially passed the halfway point of the season and things are only going to heat up as teams fight to secure playoff berths, high seeds, and maybe most of all momentum as we head towards the postseason. Anything can happen and there is a ton to still play for all across the area.
A week ago, several teams took another step forward in their march toward the playoffs. Life was good for Anderson who outscored Kings 49-33. La Salle picked up a solid road win at Badin 27-14. Princeton outlasted Lakota West 27-24 and Highlands blanked Ryle 28-0. Kings, Lakota West, and Badin left with losses but should feel encouraged about where they can potentially be in a few weeks as well.
This week the intensity will be at a high level as Princeton battles Lakota East, Elder and St. Xavier renew their rivalry, Lebanon visits Kings, and Madeira makes the short trip over to Deer Park for a CHL tilt. Teams are looking to make a big statement this week. Here are the Best Bets for week 6.
#1 Princeton at #7 Lakota East
Princeton makes the short trip up I-75 North looking to keep its perfect season rolling and maintain its place atop the GMC standings. The Vikings have been powered by quarterback Monsanna Torbert and running back Jordan Hall, who have combined for 739 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Torbert has also thrown for 687 yards and seven scores, with three going to five-star wide receiver Lorenzo McMullen Jr. Defensively, Brayden Berry and Terrence Jones Jr. have been leaders up front, while Gianni Simpson has helped anchor the secondary.
Lakota East has dropped just one game, a loss to rival Lakota West, and now gets an opportunity to make a major statement in the GMC race. Nile Knutson ranks third in the conference in passing, while Braxton Thurman and Carter Jones give him a pair of dangerous targets. If the Thunderhawks can consistently create plays through the air, they could put pressure on Princeton. Tra’Vion Bailey has been one of East’s defensive leaders.
Lakota East is a quality team with home-field advantage, but Princeton has shown another gear through the first half of the season. The Vikings have too many ways to attack offensively and enough playmakers on defense to slow down East’s passing game. Bet on the Vikings to remain undefeated.
#8 St. Xavier at #2 Elder
St. Xavier comes into its battle with Elder looking for its offense to pick up in the second half of the season. Aidan Newdigate has been the main source on that side of the ball at quarterback. Newdigate has done most of his damage on the ground with 527 yards. The Bombers will surely be looking to slow this game down, and if they can lean on the running game, it would be a huge plus. Through the air, Newdigate has thrown for 473 yards, with experienced Logan Von Holle serving as his top target. Griffin Lyons leads the Bombers in tackles.
Elder is looking to continue its dominance so far this season, but the Panthers will now have to move forward without standout wide receiver Andrew Lyman. The transfer from Kings, who caught eight touchdown passes through the first five games, has been ruled ineligible for the remainder of the season by the OHSAA. Kaden Estep still leads a potent Elder offense and is well on pace to become a 2,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher this season. Braydon Tepe leads a tough Panthers defense that has not allowed a point in its last 10 quarters.
Bet on the Panthers to get things done.
#18 Lebanon at #19 Kings
Lebanon battles Kings in a matchup on the northeast side of town. The running game will be the difference in this one, as both teams love to establish themselves on the ground. The team that does it better will surely gain an inside track toward a great seed in the postseason. Lebanon will look to Logan Schmenk, while Kings will rely on Oliver Young to have a big game. They are two of the best backs in the ECC, and both defenses will need to be on their toes to slow them down.
Bet on Kings to win at home.
Madeira at Deer Park
In the CHL, Madeira and Deer Park go to battle to stay near the top of the league standings. Both teams are stepping up in competition this week and looking to show that their hot starts are no fluke. Deer Park remains undefeated, while Madeira has just one loss. Tink Sellers and Morgan Brown have been a great duo for Deer Park, while Cooper Blackburn, running back Simon Peters and wide receiver Sam Redlinger have done the damage for the Mustangs. Whichever team executes better and avoids costly turnovers should have the upper hand.
Bet on Madeira to get the job done on the road.
+++
GAME OF THE WEEK
Make sure to check out the COMPLETE PREVIEW for this week’s featured game on the Blitz 5 Tour, No. 11 East Central at No. 13 Harrison
Here are some other games for teams ranked inside the Blitz 5 Top 25:
OHIO
#20 Fairfield at #3 Lakota West
#4 Moeller at #12 La Salle
#21 Colerain at #17 Oak Hills
#23 Talawanda at Ross
KENTUCKY
#14 Beechwood at Owen County
