Wellington vs. Brookside tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from Dick V. Sevits Stadium as the Brookside Cardinals host the Wellington Dukes. You can tune in to 1320 AM or listen online (replay will be available online as well). I'll be working with play-by-play announcer Bob Karlovec and color commentator Darryl Maynard.

Both teams are on losing streaks. For Wellington (3-6), 2010 has been an up and down season. After starting the year with four losses, the Dukes won three straight only to drop the last two games 24-13 at Black River and 21-7 last week vs. Keystone. After starting the year as a passing team, the Dukes returned to the Wing-T offense. Sophomore Dylan Weidrick has settled into the quarterback position. Wellington started the year with Jason Perry at QB but went down in week 4 with a concussion. Weidrick took over in week six and the Dukes offense has played much better.

Brookside (3-6) under 2nd-year coach Keenan Leichty have dropped four straight games including last week’s 20-6 loss against Clearview. The Cardinals have suffered several season-ending injuries to nine starters. Senior quarterback Josh Bender is playing with a high ankle sprain and has completed 20 of 66 passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. Senior running back Art Howell who is playing through an elbow injury is Brookside’s leading rusher with 276 yards and four touchdowns. Despite this season’s struggles, the Cardinals have their highest win total since 2006.

The two teams meet every year and it’s been almost all Wellington. The Dukes have won two straight, four of five games and six of the last eight. Brookside last won in this series in 2007 when Wellington had an eye on the post-season but the Cardinals won at Dukes Stadium 14-7. Since then Wellington has thumped Brookside 47-0 in 2008 and 46-14 in 2009.

Lorain County High School Football Week 10 Predictions

Final week of high school football – here are my picks.

Wellington at Brookside - I will covering this game for WOBL radio - tune in to 1320 AM or listen online

Oberlin at Clearview
Columbia at Lutheran West
Buckeye at Keystone
VASJ at Elyria Catholic
Amherst at Avon Lake
Firelands at Vermilion
North Ridgeville at Midview
Bay at Avon
Lorain at Bedford
Elyria at Twinsburg



Week 1: 4-7
Week 2: 10-3
Week 3: 10-2
Week 4: 11-3
Week 5: 10-4
Week 6: 10-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 8-5
Week 9: 8-5

Season total: 81-35

Keystone vs. Wellington tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of the Keystone Wellington game. You can tune in to 1320 AM or listen online (replay will be available online as well). I'll be working with play-by-play announcer Bob Karlovec and color commentator Darryl Maynard. It’s a backyard rivalry as the two schools are 10 miles apart.

Keystone (3-5) snapped a four-game losing streak last week with a 28-6 win against Brookside. Senior Fulback Tim McMullen led the way with 25 carries for 123 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Quarterback Stephen Renfrow added 100 yards rushing on 23 attempts and a touchdown. Renfrow added another TD on a 10-yard pass to Caleb Wagner. The Wildcats defense has been stingy allowing only 16 points per game.

Wellington (3-5) started the season slow dropping their first four games. The Dukes proceed to win three straight before dropping a 24-13 decision last week vs. Black River. The three-game winning streak was sparked by a change in quarterback with sophomore Dylan Weidrick taking over completing 28 of 61 throws for 412 yards and four touchdowns. The Dukes leading rusher is Junior Clay Wright with 417 yards and the leading receiver is Austin Fullen with 217 yards on 15 catches.

The two teams meet every year and it’s been almost all Wellington. Since 2002, the Dukes are 7-1 and have won two straight including a 34-17 victory last year. The Wildcats lone victory during that time was a 19-13 win in 2007.

Lorain County High School Football – Team Rankings

Only two weeks left of high school football, seven schools in Lorain County have a chance to make the play-offs. Those are included in these rankings along with the rest of the county:

1. Avon 8-0 – The Eagles are the best of the county thanks to their record and a win against Avon Lake who are the kings of the county. Will look forward to seeing the two teams meet again in the play-offs.
   
   
2. Avon Lake 7-1 – Since losing to Avon in the opener, Avon Lake has been on a roll. All signs are pointing to the week 10 match-up with Amherst. The Shoremen are listed here slightly ahead of the Comets since Avon Lake historically has come out on top but it should be a great match-up.
   
   
3. Amherst 8-0 – The Comets have had a great year from quarterback Brennan Hosier and their strong defense. Regardless of the outcome of the Avon Lake game, Amherst will be home in week 11.
   
   
4. Elyria Catholic 7-1 – The loss to Padua has exposed the Panthers to their shortcomings especially on defense. Sometimes getting punched in the nose can serve as a wake-up call. QB Danny Reaser has more passing yards than Clearview, Oberlin, Vermilion, Brookside, Lorain, Midview, and Firelands COMBINED.
   
   
5. Columbia 7-1 – The best Raider team in a long time. This club is balanced offensively, can win a high scoring game, can win a defensive struggle, have several players that always seem to be in the right place at the right time. Columbia has broken Clearview’s stranglehold on the Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division.
   
   
6. North Ridgeville 6-2 – Need to win out. Big showdown game against Rocky River this week. The loss to Westlake in week 1 could haunt the Rangers as both teams are looking to qualify for the play-offs in Division 2, Region 6.
   
   
7. Clearview 5-3 – Disappointing loss to Lutheran West last week ensures they will not make the post-season. The Clippers didn’t qualify last year with an 8-2 record.
   
   
8. Elyria 3-5 – Loss to Stow last week snaps a modest two game winning streak. A win this week against Lakewood could equal their win total from last year.
   
   
9. Wellington 3-5 – Three game winning streak comes to an end against Black River. The Dukes appeared to have righted the ship but the third varsity start for sophomore QB Dylan Weidrick was not a good one.
   
   
10. Keystone 3-5 – Defeated Brookside 28-7 last week snapping a four game losing streak. Their missing offense re-appeared after being MIA. Still could finish 5-5 with Wellington and Buckeye remaining.
    
    
11. Brookside 3-5 - Seemed like they were a couple of plays from being 5-1. Now, they’re on a three game losing streak and getting worse each week. Still, winning their final two games would be a huge improvement for 2nd-year coach Keenan Leichty's program.
    
    
12. Lorain 2-6 – The Titans started the season with a Hollywood scripted victory against Midview. After that came six straight losses – a streak snapped last week against Warrensville Hts. Although Lorain faces a difficult opponent this week against Maple Hts., they do have a winnable game against Bedford to close the season. A 3-7 record would match the number of wins combined on the field for both Admiral King and Southview last year.
    
    
13. Midview 2-6 – Shut out last week for the 2nd time this year. The Firelands game couldn’t come any sooner.
    
    
14. Vermilion 0-8 – Anthony Budka has done everything this year, running back, quarterback, receiver, kicker, punter, drove the bus, filled the Gatorade containers, and pumped up the footballs.
    
    
15. Firelands 1-7 – Team is still fighting despite all of the struggles on the field and the adversity off the field. They finish the season against Midview and Vermilion which provide good opportunities for interim head coach Mike Passerello to notch his first win.
    
    
16. Oberlin 0-8 – Hard to believe this team was 6-4 last year and in contention for the play-offs. Now they’re back to being a bottom-feeder. Coach Fred Howery seems like a great guy – let’s hope he has adequate time to turn things around.

Lorain County High School Football Week 9 Predictions

Two weeks remaining. Here are my predictions for the week with the winner listed in bold.

Keystone at Wellington - I will covering this game for WOBL radio - tune in to 1320 AM or listen online

Elyria Catholic at St. Peter Chanel
Lakewood at Elyria
Maple Heights at Lorain
Midview at Firelands
Vermilion at Bay
Avon at Fairview
Rocky River at North Ridgeville
Amherst at Olmsted Falls
Avon Lake at Brecksville
Clearview at Brookside
Brooklyn at Columbia
Lutheran West at Oberlin

North Ridgeville vs. Firelands tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of Firelands High School as the Falcons host the North Ridgeville Rangers. You can tune in to 1320 AM or listen online (replay will be available online as well). I'll be working with play-by-play announcer Bob Karlovec and color commentator Darryl Maynard.

For North Ridgeville (5-2) they are fighting for their play-off lives. The Rangers hold the #9 spot in Division 2, Region 6 which puts them on the outside looking in as top eight teams in each region qualify. Last week in a 34-9 win at Vermilion, North Ridgeville exploded for 27 unanswered points in the 4th quarter.

The Ranger offense is remarkably balanced as they average 184 yards per game rushing and 181 yards per game passing. Senior quarterback Mike Mees is a 2-year team captain and with over 1200 passing yards already has eclipsed last year’s total. The offensive backfield features running backs Brandon Mundell, David Boden and Josh Dietz. The Rangers have weapons in the passing game as well with Mark Szlakowski, Christian Watkins, and 6-6 TE Nate Alpine.

Firelands (1-6) are a team in disarray. After winning their first game in week 2, head coach Todd Pooch was arrested and placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned leaving the team in the hands of defensive coordinator Mike Passerello. Since then, the Falcons have lost five straight including a 59-14 pasting last week against Avon.

Since West Shore Conference play began in 2005, the two teams have met every year and North Ridgeville has won all 5 meetings including a 42-0 win last season. During that five game stretch, the Rangers have outscored the Falcons 252-20. Firelands has scored just 7 points in the last four meetings.

Both teams have several players participating in the Rush for a Cause nonprofit organization to raise funds for injured high school athletes through contributions or pledges.

Rush for a Cause

Brecksville-Broadview Heights running back Matt Galland started a nonprofit organization to raise funds for injured high school athletes through contributions or pledges including the rushforacause.org website.

The inspiration was the story of Medina Highland’s Kory Wiita who was paralyzed from the waist down after suffering an injury in the final game of the 2009 season.

Galland spent the summer contacting other coaches and players to join the cause. I’ll be covering North Ridgeville vs. Firelands tomorrow night and those two schools have the highest participation for the cause.

Among those participating on North Ridgeville are:
David Bowden, Josh Dietz, Stephen Harmon, Brandon Mundell, and Christian Watkins

For Firelands high school participating are:
Nick Deichler, Brandon Filker, Joe Kudela, and Joe San Felippo.

Congratulations to both schools and the athletes for participating and best of luck to Kory Wiita as he continues his recovery.

Lorain County High School Football Week 8 Predictions

Teams are making their final push to the end of the season. Here are my predictions for the week with the winner listed in bold.

North Ridgeville at Firelands - I will covering this game for WOBL radio - tune in to 1320 AM or listen online

Elyria Catholic at Cleveland Central Catholic
Stow at Elyria
Warrensville Hts. at Lorain
Westlake at Avon Lake
Brecksville at Amherst
Midview at Avon
Vermilion at Rocky River
Brookside at Keystone
Wellington at Black River
Clearview at Lutheran West
Oberlin at Brooklyn
Columbia at Buckeye

Week 1: 4-7
Week 2: 10-3
Week 3: 10-2
Week 4: 11-3
Week 5: 10-4
Week 6: 10-3
Week 7: 10-3

Season total: 65-25

Padua vs. Elyria Catholic tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of Knights of Columbus Field as the Padua Franciscan Bruins travel from Parma to Lorain County to take on the Elyria Catholic Panthers in a North Coast League crossover game. You can tune in to 1320 AM or listen online (replay will be available online as well). I'll be working with play-by-play announcer Bob Karlovec and color commentator Darryl Maynard.

For the Padua (4-2), they have won at least seven games in each of the last four years and have made the play-offs the last three seasons. The Bruins graduated 16 senior starters a year ago but still return a strong senior-filled squad. Padua is coming off a 28-7 win against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin. The Bruins are 4-0 this year at home and 0-2 on the road.

Padua is led offensively by RB Xavier Means, WR Nico Sidari, and TE Tom Walsh on offense. QB Kurt Freeman suffered an ankle injury in week 1 forcing junior Jim Solano into action. Solano has led 4th quarter game-winning TD drives in wins over Shaw and Madison. Defensive stars on Padua include Ball State recruit DE Collin Perchinske, LB Mike Sustar, and DBs Zak Baumer and Kyle Tomko. Kicker Zack Paul already has three field goals this year over 30 yards and has received some interest from colleges.

Elyria Catholic (6-0) is in the middle of a special season. The Panthers are trying to start the year 7-0 for the 2nd time in school history and are looking to return to the post-season for the first time since 2007. Last week after trailing 10-0, Elyria Catholic stormed back and won going away 54-31 vs. Trinity.

Third-year starting quarterback Danny Reaser leads a high-powered offense that averages 43 points per game while Reaser himself is averaging 377 yards passing and almost four touchdowns per game. Reaser is already Elyria Catholic’s all-time leading passer and he has a chance to set several Lorain county records this year. His favorite targets are seniors Conor Voreis, Zach Rogers, and junior James Baker. Corey Campbell and Joe Dempsey are the primary ball carriers. Defensively, the Panthers are led by three-year starter at CB Zach Rogers, safety Joe Dempsey, and LB Buddy Davila.

EC has a two game winning streak against Padua winning in 2005 (24-14) and 2004 (43-14). The Bruins delivered a 48-0 thumping in 2003 and the Panthers won an overtime thriller 20-14 in 2002.

Lorain County High School Football Week 7 Predictions

Stretch time for high school football. Here are my predictions for the week with the winner listed in bold.

Padua @ Elyria Catholic - I will covering this game for WOBL radio - tune in to 1320 AM or listen online

Firelands at Avon
North Ridgeville at Vermilion
Fairview at Midview
Avon Lake at Berea
Midpark at Amherst
Elyria at Hudson
Lorain at Bishop Watterson
Brooklyn at Clearview
Columbia at Oberlin
Lutheran West at Keystone
Black River at Brookside
Buckeye at Wellington

Week 1: 4-7
Week 2: 10-3
Week 3: 10-2
Week 4: 11-3
Week 5: 10-4
Week 6: 10-3

Season total: 55-22

Lorain County High School Football – Team Rankings

After six weeks of high school, here are the best and the worst of Lorain County:

1. Elyria Catholic 6-0 – Trying to start the year 7-0 for the 2nd time in school history. Quarterback Danny Reaser continues to hum along averaging 377 yards passing and almost four touchdowns per game.
   
   
2. Avon 6-0 – The Eagles can already place their order for West Shore Conference Championship rings. With the WSC having a down year, Avon won’t be tested again until the first round of the play-offs.
   
   
3. Amherst 6-0 – The Comets will try to avoid a repeat of 2008 when they started 8-0 only to lose their final three games. Recently handed Westlake their first loss of the season.
   
   
4. Avon Lake 5-1 – Have won five in a row – soon to be six as the Shoremen travel to Berea. Then Avon Lake finishes with Westlake, Brecksville, and Amherst.
   
   
5. North Ridgeville 4-2 – The Rangers bounced back from a loss to Avon with a dominating win against Bay. Next two opponents are Vermilion and Firelands so expect North Ridgeville to have a 6-2 record leading to the showdown with Rocky River in week 9. Strong finish will be needed to make the play-offs.
   
   
6. Columbia 5-1 – The win last Friday against Clearview was the biggest in school history since 2003. The Raiders are another team that could run the table and finish the regular season 9-1.
   
   
7. Clearview 4-2 – The Clippers find themselves outside of the play-offs for the 2nd straight year. Major special teams errors led to the loss against Columbia and almost cost Clearview a win against Buckeye.
   
   
8. Elyria 2-4 – The Pioneers four losses are against Amherst (6-0), Elyria Catholic (6-0), Mayfield (4-2), and Parma (5-1). Schedule turns very favorable with winnable games against Hudson, Stow-Munroe Falls, and Lakewood coming up.
   
   
9. Midview 2-4 – Blown out last week against Rocky River in a game that was not as close as the 44-30 score would indicate. Still have difficult games remaining against Avon in week 8 and North Ridgeville in week 10.
   
   
10. Wellington 2-4 – Have won 2 in a row and apparently have settled on sophomore Dylan Weidrick at quarterback.
    
    
11. Brookside 3-3 - Seems like everyone in the PAC is 2-4 so the Cardinals stand out a little. This team could easily be 5-1.
    
    
12. Keystone 2-4 – The Wildcats can play defense with anybody in the county. Unfortunately, they have had trouble scoring points. WB Ryan Clement is one of the most exciting players in the county you’ve never heard of.
    
    
13. Lorain 1-5 – Travel to Columbus this week to face off against the Bishop Watterson Eagles. Had a break-out game offensively scoring 41 points against Marion Harding but allowed 47 to lose. Have scored 27 total points in their other 5 games.
    
    
14. Vermilion 0-6 – Showed huge improvement this week losing only 42-19 to Avon. Anthony Budka has been moved back to tailback and had a huge game against the Eagles: 20 carries for 185 yards rushing and three TDs.
    
    
15. Firelands 1-5 – Team still struggles on offense: bad snaps to quarterback, missed assignments, and forgetting the snap count - all signs that show the team is still in disarray.
    
    
16. Oberlin 0-6 – Five teams (South, McDonald, Kenmore, Buckeye, and Black River) got off the snide with wins against the Phoenix. Doesn’t get any easier with Columbia coming to town.

Keystone vs. Black River tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from Stevenson Field as the Black River Pirates host the Keystone Wildcats. You can tune in to 1320 AM or listen online (replay will be available online as well). I'll be working with play-by-play announcer Bob Karlovec and color commentator Darryl Maynard.

It's a Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division match-up and both teams are desperate for a win. Keystone (2-3, 0-2) is coming off two losses against Brooklyn and Columbia to start conference play while Black River (1-4, 1-1) finally notched their first win of the season against Oberlin last week after opening the year with four losses.

For Keystone, the offense is struggling. In the 21-7 loss to Columbia, the Wildcats had 50 yards of offense and their only points came on a Ryan Clement kick-off return for a TD. Clement has established himself as a dangerous return man. So far he has three touchdowns on kick-off returns and another TD on a punt return.

Offense was not in short supply last week for Black River. The Pirates had a huge 62-8 win over Oberlin. In that game, Black River scored on nine of ten offensive possession and accumulated 466 yards of offense all rushing including:

• Jake O'Connor 13-146, 3 TDs
• Matt Joppeck 11-124, 3 TDs
• Andrew Vaughn 7-103, TD
• Austin Phillips 52 yards, 2 TDs
• Dillion White 41 yards

The Pirate defense came alive as well with five sacks and three interceptions.

The teams have met every year since the PAC started play in 2005. Black River is 4-1 during the span including a win last year at Keystone 28-21. The Wildcats lone victory during that time was a 21-12 win in 2007.