OhioVarsity.com - Weekend Watch

October 8, 2009

Ohio Varsity staff
OhioVarsity.com Staff

Don't look now, but only four weeks of the regular season remain in what has been an entertaining 2009 high school football season.

Now is the time that teams can begin to lock up playoff berths in their respective regions. With several of these teams playing quality opponents, plenty of harbin points can be had that would all but assure a spot in the postseason.

Ohio Varsity previews four games across the state that have major playoff implications.

Steubenville (6-0) vs. Massillon Washington (5-1)

This game looked good on paper before the season began, and now it even has more appeal given the success the Big Red and Tigers have enjoyed this year. Two teams with rich histories, passionate fans, and talented players. What else could you ask for?

Steubenville, ranked second in Division III, is riding an incredible 66-game regular season winning streak. They have rolled over five outmatched opponents thus far, but registered a solid win in week two over Woodland Hills (PA). The Big Red offense has been unstoppable all season, averaging 34.3 points per contest. The conductor is talented senior quarterback Dwight Macon, capable of carving up a defense via run or pass. Junior Shaquille Petteway is a division I recruit who shines on both sides of the ball.

Massillon, ranked tenth in D-I, is coming off its first loss of the season, a 26-21 heartbreaker to St. Ignatius. The Tigers proved they are for real, giving the state's top-ranked team all they could handle. Quarterback Robert Partridge is a dual-threat but especially shines throwing to talented wide receivers Bo Grunder and Devin Smith.

This game is the proverbial toss-up. What type of advantage will Steubenville have playing at home in "Death Valley"? How will Massillon respond to its week six loss? Which outstanding quarterback will make the bigger plays? It should be a good one.

Mike's Prediction: Steubenville 34 Massillon 31
Steve's Prediction: Steubenville 27 Massillon 21

Warren Howland (6-0) vs. Poland Seminary (6-0)

Howland enters ranked fifth in the latest Ohio Varsity Division II rankings and will put its unblemished record on the line against fellow unbeaten Poland Seminary, ranked sixth in Division III.

Howland will feature its powerful running attack led by tailback Mike Mangiarelli. The senior all-purpose threat has been a thorn in the side of opposing defenses. In Howland's impressive week three win over 5-1 Canfield, Mangiarelli rushed for 142 yards as the Tigers totaled over 250 rushing yards.

Howland, however, will have to deal with a stingy Poland Seminary defense that has pitched back-to-back shutouts the past two weeks. The key name for the Bulldogs is senior Luke Wollett, a two-way standout. In the Bulldogs' marquee win over Hubbard, Wollett picked off two passes, recovered a fumble, and rushed for 133 yards.

Wolett and Mangiarelli should put on quite a show. Mike expects a tough, low-scoring battle in the mold of last season's 10-7 Howland win, but Steve envisions more points on the scoreboard. Regardless, we like the Tigers.

Mike's Prediction: Howland 17 Poland Seminary 13
Steve's Prediction: Howland 30 Poland Seminary 20

Cincinnati Moeller (6-0) vs. Cincinnati Elder (5-1)

If you are a fan of Notre Dame football, pay attention to this one as two future members of the Fightin' Irish will square off in an ultra-important game in Region 4.

Moeller quarterback Andrew Hendrix and Elder tight end Alex Welch are both Notre Dame commits and will be integral to their team's success this weekend. Hendrix, who has had a quiet season due to Moeller's poweful running game and multitude of blow-out wins, will need to be at his best and get the Crusaders' passing game clicking. Meanwhile, Welch has come on strong as of late as a key target for quarterback Mark Miller. Welch immediately has become Miller's top target after the Panthers lost All-Ohio wide receiver Tim O'Conner for the season last weekend in their loss to St. Xavier.

Elder, who just two weeks ago was ranked as high as second in the country, is licking its wounds after falling to X and losing O'Conner and starting left tackle Pete Bachman to injury in back-to-back weeks. Meanwhile, Moeller continues flourish offensively, having put up 45 or more points in all but one contest this season.

Moeller must venture to "The Pit," Elder's raucous home stadium, no easy task for any opponent. But will the homefield advantage be enough to slow down the Crusaders?

Mike's Prediction: Moeller 24 Elder 17
Steve's Prediction: Elder 28 Moeller 27

Game of the Week

Columbus Bishop Watterson (5-1) vs. Columbus St. Francis DeSales (4-2)

Two of the top teams in Division III will duke it out for Region 10 supremacy and Columbus area bragging rights. Watterson enters ranked third in the D-III state poll while DeSales comes in at fifth in the state.

These two teams are no strangers to one another, having played twice last season in down-to-the-wire finishes. DeSales defeated Watterson both times, but with hardly room to spare. The Stallions inched out a 21-17 win during the regular season and snuck past the Eagles 20-17 in the first round of the playoffs.

Both are battle tested, with Watterson owning quality wins over St. Vincent-St. Mary, Westerville South, and LaSalle. Their only loss was an overtime thriller to Winton Woods. DeSales' two losses were 7 and 3-point setbacks at the hands of current unbeatens Youngstown Cardinal Mooney and Cincinnati Anderson.

Watterson will call on the leadership and arm of quarterback Greg Hock, who has been stellar this season. But Hock & Co. will have to be at their best against a DeSales defense that features a variety of top-tier talent. The Stallions have a dominant front seven led by blue-chip junior DE Chris Rock, Michigan State commit Travis Jackson at tackle, and Northwestern commit Chi Chi Ariguzo at linebacker.

This game will be a defensive-minded battle between two teams that know each other's ins and outs. Don't be surprised if it comes down to the final minutes.

Mike's Prediction: DeSales 20 Watterson 16
Steve's Prediction: Watterson 24 DeSales 21

Season-to-date records

Mike: 16-8 (2-3 last week)
Steve: 18-6 (4-1 last week)

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