Week three of the Ohio high school playoffs offers us the regional semifinals. Only 16 teams remain in each region and they all will be fighting for a chance to move one step closer to a possible state championship. The weather has gotten colder but things are heating up as the week inches closer to Friday. The juices will be flowing warm as players, coaches, and fans alike will be ready to make an impact for their team. It’s almost go time for more high level playoff football.
This week the cream has risen to the top as many of our top ranked teams have advanced and have set up some colossal matchups. In division I, region 4 Princeton heads to The Pit for a date with top seeded Elder. St. Xavier and Moeller renew their rivalry once again in the postseason as well. In division II, region 8 Withrow looks to pull off a major upset when they head east to Anderson and in division IV, region 16 CHCA puts their season on the line when they visit Valley View.
It’s win or go home once again. Here are the Best Bets for Week 13.
Division I, Region 4 – regional semifinals
No. 4 Princeton at No. 1 Elder
Princeton is coming off of a come from behind victory that saw them outscore Winton Woods 13-0 in the finals 3:30 en route to a one point victory. Statically the Vikings had no business winning the game but their heart and desire outweighed all in the victory. Tailback David Hambrick led the charge but not with his legs but rather his arm. Hambrick threw for 105 yards and the two late touchdown passes to help his team secure the win. Neamiah Neal was on the receiving end of both of those scores and the Vikings will hope for another big game from him. Landon Miree and Zion Neal will be relied upon heavily offensively and the entire Princeton defense will need to fly around and perform well.
Elder knocked off visiting Fairfield and did so on the back only running back Tommy Becker. Becker rushed for 148 yards and four touchdowns in the 27-7 win. Elder tightened the defense out outscored Fairfield 13-0 in the second half. The Panthers got solid games from Kaden Estep, Chase Walpole, and Jackson Ruth on offense. Andrew Paff was a bright spot on defense along with Alex Dugan.
Elder has been on a mission. Bet on the Panthers in a close one.
No.3 St. Xavier at No. 2 Moeller
St. Xavier scored 42 unanswered points last week to knock off Lakota East 42-7. The Bombers defense rose to the occassion as they were able contain the potent running game of the Thunderhawks and held star running back Ryder Hooks out of the endzone. Kobe Clapper set the tone defensively with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks. The usual suspects in Reeder, Reilly, and Britt did their thing as well for a total defensive effort. Offensively the Bombers were efficient and really got their run game going behind Daniel Vollmer. Vollmer scored three touchdowns on just 13 carries and had 89 yards on the night. Jackson Frey managed the game well and connected on a score to Andrew McClatchey.
Moeller dispatched Lakota West once again in the postseason. The Crusaders outscored the Firebirds 14-0 in the second half to break open a tight game. Matt Ponatoski threw for 156 yards and three touchdowns on the night and tailback Tyler Joselyn ran wild for 166 yards on the ground and a score. Landen Adams, Sam Hamilton, and Cooper McCutchen all caught touchdown passes in the win. Andrew Stofko led the charge on defense with seven tackles.
In rivalries anything goes. Offense beats defense in this one. Bet on Moeller to advance.
Division II, Region 8 – regional semifinals
No. 5 La Salle at No. 1 Anderson
La Salle knocked off Xenia in a seeding upset last week and looked good doing so. The Lancers stepped up defensively and were able to do just enough offensively to get the win. Garrett Fraley stepped in at quarterback and threw for two scores both of which to Drew Dipzinski. Fraley also had 69 yards rushing and David Malone added 65 yards on the ground. Colin Wooldridge led the team with eight tackles.
Anderson dispatched Withrow although they scored quite before their average on the season. Owen Scalf controlled the game for the Raptors. He passed for 294 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 108 yards on the ground. Cooper Kathman had over 100 yards receiving and Landen Edwards paced the defense with 12 tackles.
Anderson is poised to make another run. Bet on the Raptors to advance.
Division IV, Region 16 – regional semifinals
No. 3 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy at No. 2 Germantown Valley View
CHCA got a comfortable win over Brookville last week to keep their season alive. Quarterback Griffin Ridner Richard tossed three touchdowns and had 265 yards passing. Aidan Meyer caught two of those touchdowns and Marcus Sheanshang had the other. Alex Wells did not score but had 127 yards receiving. The Eagles also got great complimentary play out of the running game last week. Pedro Guimieras rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries. Aden Lamb had seven tackles to pace the Eagles while Sam Norby added six with two of those being tackles for loss.
Valley View slipped past Wyoming using a potent rushing attack to down the Cowboys. The Spartans got big games from Brodie Hopkins and Anthony Valenti in the run game. Valenti rushed for 143 yards and two scores while Hopkins wasn’t far behind with 119 yards and two scores himself. Valenti made himself known on the defensive side of the ball as well as he led the team with 15 tackles.
CHCA has been on a mission with unfinished business. Bet on the Eagles to move on.
Game of the Week
Make sure to check out the COMPLETE PREVIEW for this week’s featured game, No.4 Taft at No. 1 Indian Hill.
