OhioVarsity.com - Weekend Watch

October 16, 2009

Mike Parris
OhioVarsity.com Staff

The 40 degree temperatures, wind and cold rain can only mean one thing: the Ohio high school football season is coming down the stretch and the playoffs are in sight.

There are some big games this weekend, including one in Division I between two ranked teams in the Columbus area. Check out the link to the right for Ohio Varsity's preview of Dublin Coffman vs. Hilliard Davidson as featured on RivalsHigh.

Here we focus on five other big contests, including a battle between the top-ranked teams in both Division V and VI.

Mentor (4-3) vs. Maple Heights (6-1)

This game might not have much pizazz on paper, but there are huge playoff ramifications riding on it. Mentor, currently sitting 12th in the Region 1 standings, desparately needs a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Maple Heights would all but lock up a top four seed in the Division II, Region 6 standings with a victory.

Mentor must establish its running game and play a solid, ball-control style of game. Keeping the ball out of the hands of electric Maple Heights quarterback Shaq Washington as much as possible is paramount. Washington is a game-changer who has several games this season in which he has eclipsed 250 all-purpose yards.

Mentor head coach Steve Trivisonno is no stranger to big games and will have his troops ready. Playing at home should also benefit the Cardinals. Whether or not they can limit the big play by the Mustangs is the question.

Mike's Prediction: Mentor 24 Maple Heights 20
Steve's Prediction: Mentor 28 Maple Heights 13

Toledo Central Catholic (6-1) vs. Toledo Whitmer (6-1)

Two of Northwest Ohio's finest will fight for area bragging rights and attempt to lock up the number one seed in their respective regions. Whitmer, currently sits atop the Division I, Region 2 standings while Central Catholic leads the way in Division II, Region 6.

Central Catholic is coming off an emotional, hard-fought 10-0 victory last weekend over rival St. Francis. Whitmer bounced back from a week five loss to the same St. Francis squad and dominated Oregon Clay 38-0 last Friday.

Central Catholic again will want to play a defensive-themed contest. The Fighting Irish have been terrific defensively as of late, pitching shutouts in three of their last four contests. Whitmer, meanwhile, boasts a powerful offense that has eclipsed 35 points in five of seven games.

Mike's Prediction: Central Catholic 16 Whitmer 10
Steve's Prediction: Central Catholic 13, Whitmer 7

McDonald (7-0) vs. Berlin Western Reserve (7-0)

Two of the best in Division VI, Region 21, plenty of key computer points will be up for grabs with the victor likely wrapping up a playoff berth. McDonald sits fifth in the recent standings while Western Reserve is hanging on in the seventh spot.

Both teams feature stellar defenses. McDonald has allowed just 7.4 points per game on the season while Western Reserve has surrendered just 40 points all season (5.7 ppg) and no opponent has reached more than 13 in a game.

The difference may be McDonald running back Nick Cupan. The senior has been a catalyst for the Blue Devils with 853 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns through seven weeks.

Both teams know each other well, as they squared off twice last season. McDonald rolled to an easy 47-6 win in the regular season, but had to fight for a narrow win in the first round of the playoffs. Western Reserve is seeking to turn the tide.

Mike's Prediction: McDonald 27 Western Reserve 16
Steve's Prediction: Western Reserve 14, McDonald 13

Youngstown Boardman (5-2) vs. Canton GlenOak

The inside track to a Federal League title could be at stake in a Region 1 & 2 crossover game with a playoff berth as a potential bigger prize.

Boardman, currently 11th in Region 1, is facing a near must-win situation. The Spartans have some momentum, riding the defense to a three-game winning streak and holding each of their last two opponents to just seven points a piece. The front seven on defense, led by bookend DEs J.T. Moore and Ryan Phillis, have made life difficult on opposing running backs. Mr. Football Erick Howard of North Canton Hoover can attest, as he was held to just 78 yards on 20 carries during Boardman's 16-7 week six victory.

GlenOak is still going to take their chances with the run. The Golden Eagles have featured their running game all season, led by workhorse sophomore Brionte Dunn. The 6-2, 205-pounder has tallied five consecutive 100+ yard games.

If Boardman can stop the run, the Spartans will win. If GlenOak can unleash Dunn, the Golden Eagles will fly high. It could be as simple as that.

Mike's Prediction: Boardman 23 GlenOak 14
Steve's Prediction: Boardman 28 GlenOak 21

Game of the Week

Coldwater (7-0) vs. Delphos St. John's (7-0)

It's rare that any time during the regular season you get to see a #1 vs. #1 matchup. But that's exactly what will be the case when the Cavaliers and Blue Jays battle. Coldwater is the top-ranked team in Division V while DSJ owns top billing in Division VI. And to add a little extra incentive, the highly coveted Midwest American Conference title will likely be up for grabs.

Both teams are perennial state title contenders, are no strangers to big games, and each feature All-Ohio playmakers.

Keith Wenning has been the engineer of a solid Coldwater offense after converting from receiver last year. He has nearly 1,900 combined rushing and passing yards and has accounted for 21 touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, St. John's catalyst is All-Ohio senior signal caller Wes Ulm, who has over 1,000 total yards (459 rushing). His backfield mate Jordan Leininger has scored 20 touchdowns.

Coldwater has owned this series, having won each of the last seven matchups. However, Delphos St. John's have shaken off losses and have gone on two win two state titles during that span (2005, 2008). Last season, the Blue Jays got trounced 38-7 by the Cavaliers but proceeded to roll through the Division VI playoffs.

Coldwater has the more balanced offense and seemingly has the psychological advantage in this rivalry, which is why we like the Cavaliers. But DSJ has shown that a loss--even a lopsided one--certainly won't derail their state title aspirations.

Mike's Prediction: Coldwater 27 Delphos St. John's 24
Steve's Prediction: Coldwater 30 Delphos St. John's 20

Season-to-date standings

Mike: 19-9 (3-1 last week)
Steve: 19-9 (1-3 last week)

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