OhioVarsity.com - Weekend Watch

October 29, 2009

Ohio Varsity staff
OhioVarsity.com Staff

Week 10 action has just about a bit of everything: fierce rivalries, league titles up for grabs, and huge playoff ramifications.

Ohio Varsity's Weekend Watch highlights several games that will have playoff berths hanging in the balance and several games that are considered to be amongst the most storied rivalries in the entire country.

Cuyahoga Heights (9-0) vs. Independence (9-0)

Cuyahoga Heights, ranked third in the state in Division V, will look to lock up the top seed in Region 17 with a win. Looking to stop them is Independence, ranked sixth in the state.

The two neighboring schools each have been dominant thus far. Cuyahoga Heights has used one of the best defenses in the state, a unit that has pitched six shutouts and allowing just 4 points per game. Independence has ridden a powerful offense that has scored 47 points or more in five of their games.

The marquee name is Cuyahoga Heights' Zack D'Orazio, an Akron recruit who shines at both quarterback and safety. Independence must know where D'Orazio is at all times as he can single-handedly take over games.

Mike's Prediction: Cuyahoga Hts. 24 Independence 14
Steve's Prediction: Cuyahoga Hts. 48 Independence 24

Dover (8-1) vs. New Philadelphia (9-0)

One of the oldest rivalries in the state, Dover and New Philadelphia have battled on the gridiron since 1896 and will meet for the 106th time. Dover owns a 49-47-9 lead in the series and has won 13 of the past 15 matchups.

Both teams feature high-octane offenses and stingy defenses. New Philadelphia, in particular, can really light up the scoreboard, averaging over 45 points per game. But they will have to face a Tornadoes defense that has allowed just 9.4 points per game against a difficult schedule. Dover hasn't allowed an opponent to score more than eight points since week three.

Dover's biggest challenge will be stopping record-setting New Philadelphia running back Will McEwan, who has already rushed for nearly 1,600 yards. But Quakers' quarterback Cody Cox is also dangerous, having thrown for over 1,200 yards and 12 TDs without an interception.

Surprisingly, New Philadelphia could miss the playoffs with a loss despite their current 9-0 record due to a relatively weak schedule. They will need a win to ensure a postseason berth.

Mike's Prediction: Dover 23 New Philadelphia 17
Steve's Prediction: Dover 28 New Philadelphia 21

Euclid (5-4) vs. Shaw (6-1-1)

A Division I, Region 1 playoff berth is likely the prize for the victor when the Panthers and Cardinals square off Friday night.

Euclid, despite its pedestrian record, has accrued enough computer points that a win over the upstart Cardinals will propel them into the postseason. Shaw, meanwhile, has impressed in their first season in Division I.

Euclid enters coming off an impressive 34-30 victory over Maple Heights that kept their playoff aspirations alive. Running back Devon McGowan was the catalyst with a 183-yard, three touchdown performance. But the Panthers will have their hands full with a quick-strike Shaw offense that features Ohio State commit Tyrone Williams at wide receiver. He creates all sorts of matchup problems with his 6-foot-6 frame.

Shaw won last season's meeting 34-23.

Mike's Prediction: Shaw 30 Euclid 24
Steve's Prediction: Euclid 21 Shaw 20

Ada (9-0) vs. Lima Central Catholic (9-0)

Anytime you lose an All-Ohio quarterback, the future generally looks bleak. But at Ada, things continue to flourish. Despite losing Mitchell Faine to injury in week five, his favorite target Heath Jackson moved to under center and the high-flying Ada offense hasn't missed a beat.

Jackson, who was an all-state wideout last season, is now on top or near the top of the county leaders in receiving, rushing and passing. Last week, Jackson tossed for 323 yards and three touchdowns and added 86 yards and a score on the ground in the Bulldogs' 33-6 win over Delphos Jefferson.

Lima Central Catholic will present the second-ranked Bulldogs with their toughest test of the season. The Thunderbirds boast a tough defense that has four shutouts to their credit this season. On offense, sophomore Tyler O'Conner has turned in a stellar campaign with 1,251 yards and 18 TD passes.

The question is whether LCC's talented defense can slow down Jackson and an Ada offense averaging 51.8 points per game. If they can, they have enough offense of their own to grab the win. Mike likes the upset on LCC's home turf while Steve says Ada soars into the playoffs on a high note.

Mike's Prediction: Lima CC 31 Ada 28
Steve's Prediction: Ada 49 Lima CC 27

Game of the Week

Massillon (7-2) vs. Canton McKinley (5-4)

It's difficult not to place the most widely-recognized and chronicled high school football rivalry in the country as the game of the week.

Massillon, who re-entered the Ohio Varsity Division I poll at no. 10 this week, has already clinched a playoff berth in Region 2. McKinley, however, is on the bubble and will need a victory and some help to join the Tigers in the postseason. In a similar situation last year, a 5-4 Massillon team punched their ticket to the playoffs with a win over the Bulldogs.

Massillon will again ride the arm of senior quarterback Robert Partridge, who has thrown for over 1,700 yards to a deep stable of wide receivers. Devin Smith has been his favorite target, although Bo Grunder and Justin Olack have been reliable playmakers as well.

McKinley will look to force the issue and get after Partridge with their formidable front seven on defense. Jewone Snow anchors the middle at linebacker while junior Steve Miller, who just committed to Ohio State this week, is the team's leading sack artist off the edge. Miller, however, has been hampered by an ankle injury over the last month. His status is uncertain. If he can't go, S'Von Pittman will need to step up at defensive end to apply pressure.

In a rivalry game like this, anything is possible. Add in the dire straits McKinley faces to make the playoffs adds a little more intrigue. And on Halloween? It could be a "thriller."

Mike's Prediction: Massillon 23 McKinley 20 (OT)
Steve's Prediction: Massillon 28 McKinley 21

Season-to-date standings

Mike: 26-12 (4-1 last week)
Steve: 24-14 (3-2 last week)

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