Don't look now. Tiger Woods is back.

After going winless for over a year, the man now more famous for his out of control adultery than his golfing is now leading the Chevron World Challenge golf tournament in Thousand Oaks. Tiger Woods shot a six-under 66 today at the par-72 Sherwood Country Club to lead Graham McDowell by four strokes.

It's not just the score that is impressive this weekend; it’s how Woods is playing. He is hitting fairways, he is hitting greens in regulation, and he is punishing the par-5 holes. 

Tiger started to find his golf swing again in the last two events finishing in the top-10 including a 65 in the final round in Australia. He has quietly kept the momentum going into this weekend. It will be nice to see Woods make headlines again for success on the golf course.

By the way, the Chevron World Challenge is an 18-player tournament that benefits Woods' charity, the Tiger Woods Foundation, and pays $1.2 million to the winner. Woods has won the event four times - nothing like having the home field advantage.

Boys High School Basketball Results: 2010-2011

Saturday March 12
Berea 64, Lorain 59 | 2nd story
Lorain hungry for more

(6) Lorain (15-9) (19 9 11 20--59): Cheers 3-0-6, Craighead 3-0-6, Mike Davila 7-6-23, Davis 3-0-7, Jerome Golson 4-3-11 (18 rebounds), Wilson 0-1-1, Winbush 2-1-5
(9) Berea (16-8) (12 16 21 15--64): Bates 1-0-2, Javon Cook 2-12-16 (12-14 FT, 4 steals, 5 assists), Hayes 2-5-9, Jared Paster 6-2-20 (18 pts. on 3-pointers, 11 rebounds, 2 steals), Perry 5-0-13, Swinnerton 1-0-2, Wade 1-0-2

Quitter at the Q tonight and it wasn't LeBron.

What a huge disappointment. The Cleveland Cavaliers have their biggest game of the year as LeBron James returns to the place where he spent his first seven NBA seasons. It was the biggest regular season home game in franchise history. All eyes in the sports world were on the north coast, the TNT game, hundreds of media credentials were issued.

Problem is no one apparently told the Cavaliers that this was a big game.

Maybe the Cavs were swept up in the LeBron hype. Maybe they were licking their wounds from last week's four games in five nights with Thanksgiving. Maybe they were trying to treat tonight like one of 82 games played.

Inexcusable. The team could go 1-81 and if the one win was tonight against the Miami Heat, Cleveland fans would be happy. If there was any game on the regular season to punch in, it was tonight. How can a professional with any kind of pride not get jacked up for tonight’s game?

The Cavaliers came out flat. A very uninspired first half, they shot 29% and did not play much defense. That was before the 3rd quarter debacle when they shot 4-21 and LeBron James scored 22 points. At that point it was time to locate the Hefty bags for garbage time.

Losses happen in pro sports. Just how the Cavaliers lost tonight is the most irritating. Where was the effort? Where was Mo Williams? Why was the Cleveland bench chatting with LeBron during the game?

Cleveland fan should be applauded for their behavior unfortunately the Cavaliers effort did the fans a disservice.

KIA Soul hamster commercial has grown on me

I guess I watch too much football. I used to hate this commercial and now I can't get enough of it ... weird.



Who's the Black Sheep, what's the Black Sheep?
Don't know who I am, or when I'm coming so you sleep
Wasn't in my room, wasn't in my sphere
Knew not who I was, but listen here

Then of course, the choice is yours

You can get with this, or you can get with that
I think you'll get with this, for this is where it's at

Where's the Black Sheep, here's the Black Sheep
Even if we wanted to the flock could not be weak
Watch me swing like this, why should I swing it like that,
Because in fact, on me it might not attract

You can get with this, or you can get with that
I think you'll get with this yes, for this is kinda fat

The Best of Lorain County High School Football

Congratulations to the following players for earning all-Ohio honors.

Division 1
1st team: Chase Farris, Elyria, DE, Sr.

3rd team: Tyler Parris, Amherst, WR, Sr.; Marty Thomas, Amherst, LB, Sr.; Mat Malloy, Amherst, DB, Sr.

Division 2
2nd team: Brian Mihalik, Avon Lake, DE, Sr.; Patrick Furnas, Avon, LB, Sr.

3rd team: Ronnie Willoughby, Avon Lake, WR, Sr.; Matt Eckhardt, Avon, WR, Jr.; Andrew Bohan, Avon Lake, OL, Sr.

Division 3
2nd team: Anthoney Budka, Vermilion, RB, Sr.; Joey Kudella, Firelands, LB, Jr.

3rd team: Carlton Watkins, Buckeye, WR, Sr.; Kyle Smith, Firelands, QB, Jr.; Nick Deichler, Firelands, RB, Jr.

LeBron James returns to Cleveland

Thursday December 2 is a day circled on the calendars of a lot of people particularly Cleveland Cavalier fans. Tonight, Akron born and raised LeBron James returns to Quicken Loans Arena to face the Cavs a team he played for in his first seven NBA seasons.

James now plays for the Miami Heat who was predicted to break the Chicago Bulls 72-win record. Unfortunately, things haven’t worked well for LeBron and the Heat.

• They haven't figured out who is the alpha-dog? LeBron or incumbent superstar Dwayne Wade
• They lack a point guard and a center. It’s interesting the team is now starting Zdrunas Ilgauskas who was exposed as a starting center in the play-offs when also playing with LeBron James in Cleveland.
• Not only haven’t they clicked offensively but it has carried over to the defensive side.
• The team lacks maturity: James has complained about playing too many minutes, while the Heat's third superstar Chris Bosh has come out and said the team would rather "just chill” while it seems no one respects head coach Erik Spoelstra.

It is only a matter of time until Pat Riley once again takes over, much like he did in 2006 when he replaced current Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Miami gets their act together and is playing for the NBA Championship in June.

On the other hand, if Cleveland can get their act together on Thursday night and get a win against LeBron, the other 81 games this season won't matter.

AIW Wrestling from Lakewood, Ohio

Here are the results from last night's card at St. Gregory’s Byzantine Hall.

1. Preshow: Da Latin Crime Syndicate beat Lights Out. Afterwards the beat down continued and Mr. RBI and Kombat Kid made the save
   
   
2. The Duke defeated Aero
   
   
3. Womens Champion Angel Dust pinned Mena Libra
   

Girls High School Basketball Results: 2010-2011

Girls Hoops Co-Players of the year
Westlake's Kalpana Beach and Lorain's Shanique Ogle
Girls Hoops Coach of the Year, Scott Terry
All Morning Journal Girls Basketball Teams
3 area players All-Ohio for girls basketball
Lorain's Shanique Ogle & Alexandria Harris; Avon's Emily Julius


Friday March 18
Oak Hill 53, Elyria Catholic 49 | 2nd story | 3rd story | 4th story
Elyria Catholic seniors finish excellent careers at state

Elyria Catholic vs. Oak Hill preview
EC's Rothgery is coaching girls because of daughters
Eight seniors look to go out as state champions
Shining stars: Schuster and Taylor
EC's Emily Taylor tough to deal with
EC should stay calm, play basketball
EC scouting report
EC coach Eric Rothgery's Panther pride has pedigree
Praise, support for EC girls hoops
Pep rally


Saturday March 12
Elyria Catholic 50, Youngstown Ursline 41 | 2nd story | 3rd story
Elyria Catholic heading to state | EC bench makes difference in win | EC seniors came together early

Youngstown Ursuline (17-8) (9 9 11 12--41): Beasley 3-1-8, Curd 1-0-2, Irizzary 7-0-18, Powell 1-3-5, Whitehead 2-4-8
Elyria Catholic (24-2) (10 8 15 17--50): Flowers 1-0-2, McGrath 4-0-8, McNamara 2-2-7, O'Malley 1-3-5, Schuster 4-4-12, Taylor 4-6-14, Tremont 1-0-2


Elyria Catholic eager for shot at state
EC is trying to become the first team in school history to play in the state tournament and the first in Lorain County since Amy Manco's Avon Lake Shoregals won it all in 1994. Other than Avon Lake's back-to-back appearances in 1993-94, the 1979 Elyria Pioneers are the only other county team to make state.

Area claims district basketball awards
Eric Rothgery, Emily Taylor, Shanique Ogle, Ashley Schuster, Kourtni Taylor

A season to remember
Lorain, Avon Lake, Amherst, North Ridgeville, Keystone, Avon, Elyria Catholic, Lake Ridge Academy

O H ! I O !

In just 3 short days the Scarlet & Gray will once again dominate that school up North on the gridiron for the 7th consecutive season.

Did you know? It's now been:

• 2,559 days since Michigan beat the Ohio State University and it is only
• 3 days until the Buckeyes beat them again!

It’s over for the Browns

Time to get real Cleveland fan: the Browns will not make the NFL play-offs. Bottom line: they're 3-5. Teams with five losses at the halfway point usually means picking in the top ten in the NFL draft. A two-game winning streak against New Orleans and New England does not mean it's time to make plans in January.

Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh have six wins (that's double Cleveland's win total) and have won a head-to-head meeting already. That means three games back and losing the first NFL tie-breaker.

Cleveland had a 10-6 record in 2007 that was not enough to make the play-offs which means 11-5 will assure a wild-card berth. To finish 11-5 would require ending the year on a 10-game winning streak. It isn't going to happen.

So enjoy the two-game winning streak, enjoy the fact that Cleveland defeated their ex-head coach Bill Belichick and enjoy watching the development of QB Colt McCoy and RB Peyton Hillis. Given Cleveland's 2nd half schedule, I would not be surprised to see the Browns go 6-2. They is still a lot of good football this year.

Just don't book any plane reservations for Dallas in February.

Final Lorain County High School Football Rankings

Here is the final Lorain County high school football power rankings:

1. Avon 10-1 (7-0 West Shore Conference) The Eagles had a 10-0 season for the 2nd time in three seasons. Unfortunately, they played their worst half of football in week 11 against Sandusky. Still a great year and coach Mike Elder has plenty of talent returning.
   
   
2. Elyria Catholic 10-2 (4-1 North Coast League, White Division) The Panthers showed me something with their win over Huron in week 11. A team that throws the football all over the place had faced bad weather on a bad field. EC won the game with defense and running game. Unfortunately, the next week against Orville, the Panthers reverted to old form: too many mistakes, not enough defense and questionable play-calling. Still EC played their first home play-off game this year and won their first play-off game since 1992.

PrimeTime Sports: Browns vs Jets is not JUST a game

PrimeTime Sports: Browns vs Jets is not JUST a game
Interesting facts from my friend Rob Trrautman about Sunday's game.

My WOBL radio games

From left to right: Bob Karlovec, Eric Girod, and Darryl Maynard

WOBL van

This is my 4th year covering high school football in Lorain county Ohio. Click the listen link to hear games. Audio player will open in a new browser.

Date	Game					Listen
8/27	Firelands	7	at	Brookside	21		Listen
9/03	Wellington	0	at	Avon	42		Listen
9/10	Akron Kenmore	44	at	Oberlin	0		Listen
9/17	Columbia	42	at	Black River	20		Listen
9/24	Buckeye	13	at	Clearview	21		Listen
10/01	Keystone	0	at	Black River	7		Listen
10/08	Padua	41	at	Elyria Catholic	23		Listen
10/15	North Ridgeville	54	at	Firelands	21		Listen
10/22	Keystone	21	at	Wellington	7		Listen
10/29	Wellington	35	at	Brookside	14		Listen
11/05	Sandusky	42	at	Avon	35		Listen
11/06	Ohio Wesleyan College	12	at	Oberlin College	16		Listen

Prior Year Games

**To listen to games, copy and paste any of the below URLs into your web browser.**

High School Football Announcer

10/31/09: Southview vs. Admiral King
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/2009/football/wdlw_20091031.html

High School Basketball Announcer

Wellington vs. Avon
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/archive/WOBL_20081222.smil

Dalton vs. Oberlin
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/archive/WOBL_20080223.smil

Firelands vs. Wellington
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/archive/WOBL_20071228.smil

High School Football Sideline Reporter

Amherst vs. Twinsburg
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/archive/WOBL2_20081101.smil

Southview vs. Admiral King
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/archive/WDLW_20081025.smil

Black River vs. Clearview
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/archive/WDLW_20080919.smil

Amherst vs. Elyria
http://www.loraincounty.com/liveaudio/archive/WDLW_20080822.smil

Sandusky vs. Avon tonight

High school playoffs start tonight from Avon Stadium as the Avon Eagles host the Sandusky Blue Streaks in a Division 2, Region 6 match-up. You can tune in to 1320 AM or listen online (replay will be available online as well). I'll be working with Bob Karlovec and Brian Dietz.

Sandusky (6-4) from the Greater Buckeye Conference has a long storied history as a football powerhouse in the state. The Blue Streaks were state champions in 1965 and 1988. They have made the play-offs seven times between 1978 and 1990. However, the most recent years have not been kind to Sandusky. This year’s 6-4 record marks the first winning season since 1999. The Blue Streaks 8th play-off appearance is their first in twenty years.

The Blue Streaks head coach Mike Franklin is in his 5th year (22-28) coaching and is a Sandusky graduate. Senior running back Cordney Strickland (6-1, 185) had a huge year with 1479 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Lucas Poggiali (Jr., 6-1, 180) is among the leading passers in the GBC while Tristen Jeffries and Dameyion Smith were among the league leaders in receptions.

Avon had a perfect 10-0 season and is making their 4th trip to the post-season. Their last trip to the play-offs was in 2008 which was also an undefeated regular season plus wins against Defiance and Columbian before losing Big Walnut. The Eagles 2010 campaign started big with a win at Avon Lake spoiling the Shoremen’s $2.8 million renovated stadium. After a pair of shut-outs against Wellington and Lorain, Avon rolled through the West Shore Conference.

The Eagles are a deep team. They have a trio of running backs featuring sophomore Ross Douglas (680 yards, 9 TDs), junior Adam Horrocks (366 yards, 5 TDs), and sophomore Mark Kvach (219 yards, 2 TDs); they have two quarterbacks in senior Cody Schroeder (99-167-1615, 19 TDs, 4 INTs) and junior Justin O’Rourke (36-61-511, 7 TDs, 2 INTs); and talented receivers junior Matt Eckhardt (37-709, 10 TDs), senior Kevin Krakora (27-358, 5 TDs), and senior Connor Friss (23-366, 6 TDs). The Eagle defense has several talented athletes as well including senior Patrick Furnas (six sacks), junior Bryan Cox, sophomore Alex Kelly, and junior Matt Tomlin.

The winner of tonight’s game faces the winner of Maple Heights and Toledo Central Catholic.

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.

Lorain County High School Football Week 6 Predictions

October is coming up. High School football is close to it's final month. Here are my predictions for the week with the winner listed in bold.

Keystone @ Black River - I will covering this game for WOBL radio - tune in to 1320 AM or listen online

Trinity @ Elyria Catholic
Lorain @ Shaw
Elyria @ Cuyahoga Falls
Avon @ Vermilion
Bay @ North Ridgeville
Midview @ Rocky River
Firelands @ Fairview
Amherst @ Berea
Midpark @ Avon Lake
Oberlin @ Wellington
Brookside @ Buckeye
Clearview @ Columbia

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

Season total: 45-19

Buckeye vs. Clearview tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of Tom Hoch field as the Clearview Clippers (3-1, 1-0) host the Buckeye Bucks (1-3, 1-0). 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 have dominated the Patriot Athletic Conference since the PAC originated in 2005. Buckeye has won the Stars division three straight years and four of the last five seasons. Clearview has won the last four Stripes Division titles and the last two years outright.

Although the history between the two teams is brief (played each other every year since 2007, Buckeye leads the series 2-1), the game tonight is pivotal for play-off implications. Clearview defeated Buckeye in 2008 en route to a perfect 10-0 regular season. Buckeye was victorious last year 19-17 which allowed the Bucks to make the play-offs and Clearview missed the post-season despite an 8-2 record.

Buckeye had a slow start this year with three losses (Cloverleaf, Elyria Catholic, Midview) but rebounded with a resounding 29-14 win last week against Oberlin. School district financial woes have forced each player to pay $600 to play. Prior to 2010, the Bucks have enjoyed seven straight winning seasons.

Austin Friel takes over at quarterback for Buckeye this year after serving as the back-up to Mike Kelly in 2009. Friel comes into the game 43-83 for 496 yards passing, 4 TDs, 6 INTs and 54-149 rushing with 2 TDs. Carlton Waitkins is the leading receiver in Medina-County with 23 catches for 350 yards. He set school records with 14 catches and 233 yards against Elyria Catholic three weeks ago.

Clearview started the season with a 45-6 thrashing against Elyria Catholic. Since then, it’s been one-sided victories against Vermilion, Fairview, and Wellington.

The Clippers are living life without superstar running back Anthony Hitchens. He’s now at Iowa and the Clippers haven’t missed a beat. They feature a four man rushing attack that have picked up the slack with senior quarterback Davon Daniels, and running backs Matt Jordan, DeShawn Carter and Chad Anderson.

Both head coaches Billy Burke (Buckeye) and Mike Collier (Clearview) are in their 4th season at their respective schools.

Lorain County High School Football Week 5 Predictions

Half way through the season. Can you believe it? Here are my predictions for the week with the winner listed in bold.

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

Midview @ Bay
Avon @ North Ridgeville
Fairview @ Vermilion
Marion Harding @ Lorain
Parma @ Elyria
St. Thomas Aquinas @ Elyria Catholic
Keystone @ Columbia
Wellington @ Lutheran West
Avon Lake @ North Olmsted
Brookside @ Brooklyn
Black River @ Oberlin
Rocky River @ Firelands
Westlake @ Amherst


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

Season total: 35-15

Lorain County High School Football – Team Rankings

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

1. Elyria Catholic 4-0 – Huge win last night against Columbus Bishop Hartley. After blowing out their first three opponents, the Panthers proved they can win a grind it out game.
   
   
2. Avon 4-0 – The win in Week 1 vs. Avon Lake put the Eagles on the map. Convincing wins against Wellington, Lorain, and Rocky River proves it wasn't a fluke.
   
   
3. Amherst 4-0 – This team has a lot of firepower on offense. QB Brennan Hosier is the most underrated player in the county.
   
   
4. Avon Lake 3-1 – Has rebounded from the week 1 setback vs. Avon. Last night's victory against Olmsted Falls should put Shoremen fans at ease.
   
   
5. North Ridgeville 3-1 – Puzzling loss to Westlake in week 1. The Rangers have rebounded and could make some noise in the West Shore Conference. Huge game this week vs. Avon.
   
   
6. Clearview 3-1 – Gained a measure of revenge against Wellington last night. The Clippers have a new look and are more of a grind it out team. Listen to Clearview’s next game against Buckeye this Friday night.
   
   
7. Columbia 3-1 – This team will contend in the Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division. Last night’s win against Black River showed the Raiders are as tough as anybody. QB John Banyasz is another underrated player in Lorain County.
   
   
8. Keystone 2-2 – Will have a difficult task next week against Columbia.
   
   
9. Midview 2-2 – The jury is still out on this team. Two wins in a row against Buckeye and Vermilion shows they can beat bad teams.
   
   
10. Brookside 2-2 - The Cardinals look much improved this year and started the year with four straight home games. Tough loss last night to Lutheran West.
    
    
11. Elyria 1-3 – The Pioneers play in the very tough Northeast Ohio Conference. Their defense has proven they cannot stop anybody.
    
    
12. Lorain 1-3 – Struggling to score points. The win against Midview in week 1 was a great victory for the new high school and the city of Lorain. Since then the Titans have not scored a TD.
    
    
13. Wellington 0-4 – Only 30 players in the program, the Dukes will struggle all season.
    
    
14. Firelands 1-3 – Assistant Coach Mike Passerello takes over after head coach Todd Pooch was placed on administrative leave. Lost last night to previously winless Bay.
    
    
15. Vermilion 0-4 – – It’s going to be a long season for the Sailors.
    
    
16. Oberlin 0-4 – It’s going to take some time for new coach Fred Howery to implement his program. Lost 44-0 at home to Akron Kenmore who has now won 4 times since 2005. The Phoenix followed that up with a loss to previously winless Buckeye.

Columbia vs. Black River tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of Black River High School as the Pirates host the Columbia Raiders in the Patriot Athletic Conference opener for both teams. 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 visiting Columbia (2-1), they are off to their best start since 2006 when they won their first three games of the season. After a 30-22 setback in week 1 against Cleveland Central Catholic, the Raiders have defeated South Central 41-14 and Newbury by a score of 47-14.

Columbia has an experienced team.

• Four seniors on their offensive line
• Junior QB John Banyasz who has started 21 games in his varsity career
• Junior RB Brandon Heidinger who has been a starter since he was a freshman; rushed for 1000 yards in 2009 and rushed for 110 yards and 2 TDs in the win over Newbury.
• Returning 10 starters on both sides of the ball.

Black River has an 0-3 record for the sixth straight season. All 18 losses came against Western Reserve (34-7 in 2010), Northwestern (18-15), and Manchester (21-3).

The Pirates have some experience as well:

• Both senior running backs Jake O’Connor and Matt Joppek return. Joppek is coming off of two straight 1,000 yard seasons.
• LB John Sas returns this year after receiving 2nd-team all-Ohio honors in 2009.

Despite starting 0-3, the Pirates have rebounded each of the last five years to have a winning record in Patriot Athletic Conference play.

Last year, Black River was victorious at Columbia 53-20.

Lorain County High School Football Week 4 Predictions

Week 4 is coming up. Here are my predictions with the winner listed in bold.

Columbia at Black River - I will covering this game for WOBL radio - tune in to 1320 AM or listen online

Elyria at Mayfield
Vermilion at Midview
Rocky River at Avon
Firelands at Bay
Fairiview at North Ridgeville
Lorain at Sandusky
North Olmsted at Amherst
Olmsted Falls at Avon Lake
Bishop Hartley at Elyria Catholic
Oberlin at Buckeye
Clearview at Wellington
Brooklyn at Keystone
Lutheran West at Brookside


Week 1: 4-7
Week 2: 10-3
Week 3: 10-2

Season total: 24-12

NY Jets = overrated

Ravens 10, Jets 9

Monday night's NFL game at the new Meadowlands Stadium was billed as an AFC Championship game between two teams expected to have strong seasons and ready to break into the New England-Indy-Pittsburgh stranglehold on the AFC.

The Baltimore Ravens look ready to join that group. However, someone forgot to tell the NY Jets.

The Jets have made headlines all summer.

• Big-name acquisitions like LaDainian Tomlinson, Jason Taylor, Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie
• HBO and NFL Films featured the Jets for the TV show "Hard Knocks"
• The head coach Rex Ryan making Super Bowl guarantees and feuding with fans and media, including former coach Tony Dungy, for excessive use of expletives.
• Now the NFL is investigating the Jets for inappropriate actions when visited by a female reporter during practice last Saturday.
• Opening of a new stadium and playing their first regular-season game on Monday night.

All of this makes the Jets a sexy pick for the Super Bowl – not any more.

The Jets' offense was shockingly bad: 6 first downs, 1-11 on third down, 60 yards passing - against the Ravens defense missing two starters in the secondary. The Jets almost had more penalty yards than total yards on offense.

Cleveland Browns fans will see Jake Delhomme's struggles at QB and wish they had Mark Sanchez. Let's look at the Jets QB: he has a pro-bowl left tackle (D’Brickashaw Ferguson), pro-bowl center (Nick Mangold), pro-bowl receiver (Braylon Edwards), and a hall of fame running back (Tomlinson). It's time Sanchez starts getting it done.

The Jets are good at drawing people's attention. Now let's see how they play football with a target on their chest.

Cleveland Browns and NFL reactions

Bucs 17, Browns 14
The Browns let one get away yesterday. They played horrible and lost to a bad team with a 2nd year quarterback who has a broken thumb. I'm sure this season Cleveland will win a game that it has no business winning but the Tampa Bay game stings a bit.

I wonder how bad Jake Delhomme was injured. Looks like his ankle or foot was hurting him on his throws. His decision-making was still very questionable.

Given that the Browns should have ran the ball more often. I know Peyton Hillis fumbled twice but given the rain, the Delhomme injury, and Tampa couldn't stop it, Cleveland should have been running the ball.

I'm happy with the defense overall, both Tampa TDs came on a short field. However, the lack of pass rush is still alarming. Yes, the Browns recorded three sacks but it seemed the only way Cleveland could pressure Bucs QB Josh Freeman is by blitzing. They got caught in a blitz on the game winning TD. Hopefully when Shaun Rogers is on the field more often, the pocket will collapse more often. Let's hope.

Steelers 15, Falcons 9 - big win for Pittsburgh. Today's game shows that it's Troy Polamalu who is the team MVP and not Ben Roethlisberger. Just a total lost weekend for Atlanta. They catch a break with the schedule when Big Ben sits in their game but will be available when Pittsburgh plays New Orleans. The Falcons don't have to play Minnesota. Instead the Saints win and the Falcons lost to the Steelers minus Roethlisberger. Not to mention this is a big confidence boost for Dennis Dixon.

Bears 19, Lions 14 - the officials made the wrong call on Calvin Johnson's touchdown catch in the final minute of the Bears-Lions game. Once again, a lack of common sense ruins the end of the game.

Patriots 38, Bengals 24 - I'm curious to see in the coming weeks whether New England is going to be very good or Cincinnati is very over-rated. Chad Ochocinco had a huge day - I'll have to check out his reality show to see if he's a hit with the ladies now. Neither Ochocinco or Terrell Owens were on the field for a Hail Mary attempt at the end of the first half because they had left early for the locker room - OOPS.

Texans 34, Colts 24 - hard to believe it's the first win for Houston against Indianapolis. How long have they been in the league?

Golf take: Congratulations to Myrtle Beach's Dustin Johnson for winning this week's BMW tournament at Cog Hill. After blowing up in the final at the US Open and taking a tough penalty at PGA to miss the play-off, the golf gods needed to make good with Johnson. He may have a shot to win the Fed Ex Cup next week.

Kenmore vs. Oberlin tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of Oberlin High School as the Phoenix host Kenmore High School. 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.

The match-up features two teams that are traditionally also-ran programs. Although Oberlin had some success recently under coach Dave McFarland, Fred Howery takes over this year and inherits a program with 32 players and just six seniors. One of those seniors is Shane Ramsey who is a three-year starter at left tackle whose father Jeff is the football head coach at Oberlin College.

The Phoenix start the year 0-2 after losing to Columbus South 20-7 in week 1 and McDonald 35-6 in week 2. The game against Bulldogs was close as it was a 7-7 game in the 4th quarter. Last week, McDonald led 35-0 at halftime and Oberlin held the Blue Devils scoreless in the 2nd half.

Kenmore is 0-2 in 2010 and has a 12 game losing streak (49 losses in the last 52 games dating back to 2005). Their Head Coach is 56 year old Ed Peltz who returns to coaching after a 21 year layoff. He retired from teaching last May and was the head coach for 9 years in the 80’s culminating in a three year stint at Kenmore from 1987 to 1989.

Both teams have had three winless seasons in the last 10 years. Kenmore: 2006, 2007, 2009, Oberlin: 2002, 2004 and 2006. The two teams played at Oberlin last year with the Phoenix winning 46-10.

Lorain County High School Football Week 3 Predictions

On to Week 3 of high school football. Here are my predictions with the winner listed in bold.

Akron Kenmore at Oberlin - I will covering this game for WOBL radio - tune in to 1320 AM or listen online

Elyria Catholic at Elyria
Avon at Lorain
Amherst at Vermilion
Columbia at Newbury
Clearview at Fairview
Toledo Woodward at Brookside
St. Jean de Brebeuf at Avon Lake
Wellington at Edison
North Ridgeville at Cloverleaf
Buckeye at Midview
Keystone at Firelands

Week 1: 4-7
Week 2: 10-3

Season total: 14-10

Wellington vs. Avon tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of the Wellington Avon 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.

Avon & Wellington meet in week 2 as a pair of longtime rivals. Avon has had the better of the series winning the last three games and five of six.

Avon is coming off a huge win last week as they upset Avon Lake at the Shoremen’s brand new $2.8 million dollar facility. The Eagles defense led the way forcing five Avon Lake turnovers and shutting down the Shoremen offense. Although Avon rotated quarterbacks on Friday between Justin O’Rourke and Cody Schroeder, it was Schroder who had the hot hand with 11 for 18 passing for 188 yards including a 54 yard TD pass to Matt Eckhardt and a 53 yard TD pass to Ralph Smith.

Wellington is coming off a 7-6 loss vs. Norwayne. The Dukes defense was tough allowing only eight first downs. Typically, the Dukes run the Wing-T offense but they promise to throw more this year. Against Norwayne, Wellington passed 33 times for 128 yards.

Last year’s game between Avon and Wellington was a tight affair that wasn’t decided until late with Avon’s Kevin Krakora scoring the go ahead TD and then sealing the win with an interception. The Eagles prevailed 29-25.

Lorain County High School Football Week 2 Predictions

The season is off and rolling. Here are my predictions with the winner listed in bold.

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

Shaker Heights @ Avon Lake
Midview @ Amherst
Vermillion @ Clearview
Parma @ Lorain
Elyria @ North Olmsted
Buckeye @ Elyria Catholic
North Ridgeville @ Lakewood
Keystone @ Chippewa
South Central @ Columbia
New London @ Firelands
Rittman @ Brookside
Oberlin @ McDonald

High School Football – Week 1 thoughts

Brookside defeated Firelands 21-7. You can hear the replay online.
The Cardinals won because:

• Brookside dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage. Gio Taw had a terrific game with two sacks and a fumble recovery.
• Brookside QB Josh Bender had a great game with two touchdowns, one rushing, and one passing on a 49-yard toss to Luke Ackerman on the game’s opening drive.

Firelands QB Kyle Smith had a rough night - was hit hard on several occasions. He did have a terrific TD pass to Nick Deichler on 4th and goal in the 1st quarter.

Thoughts and prayers go to Firelands RB Joey Kudela who was taken off the field on a stretcher. Let’s hope he’s OK.

Other thoughts:
Congratulations to Coach Todd Auvil and the rest of the Lorain High Titans. Last night was their first win in school history. If there is anyone who lives and dies with Lorain football, it’s Auvil. The 13-6 win over Midview is probably the biggest win in Auvil’s coaching career.

Amherst looked very strong in defeating Elyria 27-20. Quarterback Brennan Hosier was 20-35 for 342 yards and 3 TDs.

Elyria Catholic over Clearview 45-6 as Panthers QB Danny Reaser showed why he is the best QB in the county. For Clippers coach Mike Collier, life after Anthony Hitchens could be rough.

Shocker #1: Avon spoiled the debut of Avon Lake’s newly renovated stadium with a 21-3. If it wasn’t for an Avon fumble deep in their territory, the Shoremen would have been shut out. I saw Avon Lake in week 1 last year and Maple Heights took it to them. The Mustangs were really good in 2009 and Avon Lake bounced back. We’ll see if Avon is really this good and if Avon Lake can bounce back in 2010. The Shoremen have lost 3 straight home openers.

Shocker #2: Westlake defeated North Ridgeville 6-0. Where did this one come from? The Rangers receive and early wake-up call. They’re expected to contend for the West Shore Conference title. Looks like it’s back to the drawing board.

Firelands vs. Brookside tonight

I will be covering high school football tonight from the sidelines of Brookside High School as the Cardinals host the Firelands Falcons. 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.

The two teams have some history with each other.

• Conference rivals until 2004
• Firelands joined the West Shore Conference (WSC) and Brookside joined the Patriot Athletic Conference (PAC) in 2005. The teams met in week 1 every year since then as part of their non-conference schedule.
• Firelands will join Brookside in the PAC in 2011.
• Firelands have won the last two meetings – Brookside won the previous four contests.

Firelands

• Coach Todd Pooch starting his 3rd year; 4-16 record
• Won first two games in 2009 and lost the final eight games
• Have an 18-game losing streak in the WSC; last win was against Fairview on 9/28/07
• Returning stars include Nick Deichler RB/OLB, Joe DeWitt (TE/NT), and Brandon Filker (FB/ILB).

Brookside

• 2nd year head coach Keenan Leichty had a full summer to ready the team for the season. He took over in July 2009 after the sudden resignation of Keith Grabowski.
• Two wins in 2009 were against winless teams (Lutheran West and Woodward). After a winless 2008 season, the last winning team Brookside defeated was Wellington on 10/19/07.
• Returning stars include Luke Ackerman TE/FS, Austin Tackett FB/LB, and Gio Taw G/DE

Lorain County High School Football – Team Rankings

Here are my pre-season rankings:

1. Avon Lake – This is the gold standard for Lorain County football. All other teams wish they could be like the Shoremen.
   
   
2. Elyria Catholic – With QB Danny Reaser, Alex Nielsen and Conor Voreis on offense and Buddy Davila, Corey Campbell and Zack Rogers on defense, the Panthers will be tough. Awesome non-conference schedule against Clearview, Buckeye, and Elyria.
   
   
3. North Ridgeville – Coming off their best team in school history, the Rangers are hungry and returning QB Mike Mees is looking great.
   
   
4. Amherst – another team that reloads every year. If they can replace their QB & OL quickly, they can challenge for a play-off spot.
   
   
5. Avon – A lot of players returning from a 6-4 team a year ago. The Eagles face Avon Lake in week 1 - they’ll get an early litmus test.
   
   
6. Elyria – They have the state’s best linemen in Chase Farris. The Pioneers could be the most improved team in the county.
   
   
7. Midview – The Middies were 5-5 last year and easily could have been 8-2. In the wide-open West Shore Conference, Midview will contend.
   
   
8. Clearview – A ton of question marks at QB, RB, and WR but tough to bet against a team that has won their division 4 straight years.
   
   
9. Columbia – Another candidate for most improved team in the county. The Raiders return a 1300 yard passer (John Banyasz) and an 1100 yard runner (Brandon Heidinger).
   
   
10. Lorain – The new high school with a larger student body. Unfortunately, the schedule is brutal and improvement may not be reflected in the won/loss column.
    
    
11. Wellington – The Dukes offense will open up this year more than in the past. Offensive line is getting an overhaul.
    
    
12. Keystone – The Wildcats need to replace star RBs Jimmy Reid and Corry Sprouse. The defense needs to learn how to tackle.
    
    
13. Brookside - Coach Keenan Leichty will have a full summer to get ready for his 2nd season. The Cardinals two wins last year came against winless teams.
    
    
14. Firelands – Team is very young and inexperienced especially on the defense where the Falcons need to replace Ryan Waldmann, Jordan & Jacob Sosinski.
    
    
15. Vermilion – The offensive and defensive lines will carry this team. The Sailors need to find a QB and a RB.
    
    
16. Oberlin – Former Coach Dave McFarland worked wonders with this program. New coach Fred Howery inherited an empty cupboard.

Lorain County High School Football Week 1 Predictions

Football starts this Friday night. Here are my predictions with the winner listed in bold.

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

Lorain @ Midview
Amherst @ Elyria
Vermilion @ Huron
C.C.C. @ Columbia
North Ridgeville @ Westlake
Monroeville @ Keystone
Avon @ Avon Lake
Oberlin @ South
Norwayne @ Wellington
Elyria Catholic @ Clearview

Dustin Johnson got jammed

No one will remember who won yesterday's PGA championship - just the guy who got hosed.

Dustin Johnson was the leader on last hole of the tournament. His tee on the 18th hole went into the gallery forcing him to play his 2nd shot an area where there was a lot of foot traffic and loose sand.

After finishing the hole with a bogey 5, Johnson was getting ready for a play-off when a PGA rules official said there was a problem. Since the loose sand was considered a bunker, Johnson was assessed a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club.

Rules are rules. They're there for a reason but calling that area where Johnson played out of a 'bunker' was a joke. If people can walk through it for a week, it's no longer a bunker. It's not part of the hole. The Whistling Straits course map does not graphically illustrate that area as a bunker.

At least the rules official brought it to Johnson's attention before signing an incorrect scorecard and thus getting disqualified. He should have taken it a step further by following Johnson to his ball and reminding him.

As an amateur softball umpire, I frequently tell people that officiating is "95% common sense." None of which was applied yesterday at the PGA championship.

Cleveland Browns: so far so good

I usually don't watch pre-season game because it's mostly garbage football (Hall of Fame game comes to mind). However, I was pleasantly surprised with the Browns and Green Bay Packers - a good game to watch for 60 minutes. I was unable to watch the game live so I DVR'd it and then watched it later. I know who records NFL preseason games?

Props to Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace for strong games. I think we're going to like Brian Robiskie and Ben Watson. The passing game has to be better in 2009. It can't be any worse. For the first time in a couple of years, the Browns looked like an offense and more importantly an NFL-competent offense. I was especially impressed with Wallace's arm – looks better than Delhomme's who I hope is recovered from surgery.

Green Bay has a great offense but I'm still concerned about the defense. Packers didn't attempt to run the ball and the secondary got carved up. It was almost too easy for QB Aaron Rodgers. I like the fact that Joe Haden and TJ Ward both played a lot and made some nice plays and some bad plays.

Unsung heroes we take for granted: Phil Dawson and Blake Constanzo. The Browns special teams have been very solid these last few years.

Stallworth getting a second chance

Donte’ Stallworth was recently profiled in yahoo sports as he makes a comeback with the Baltimore Ravens.

I was one of those who felt 24 days in prison for killing a man was way too lenient and thought this was another case of an athlete with a lot of money. After reading the article from Les Carpenter, you find out there is more to Stallworth than spiking fellow Braylon Edwards and running over a man partying after his roster bonus was picked up by the Cleveland Browns.

The NFL these days is full of these types of stories. Add Stallworth to the list that includes Michael Vick, Ricky Williams, Leonard Little, Vince Young and Cedric Benson.

I'm glad Stallworth is no longer with Cleveland but also glad he appears to be picking up the pieces of his life.

Avon Lake preview

I visited Avon Lake High School last night. In two weeks when the Shoremen host Avon High School, there will be brand new football stadium. Changes include Field Turf, new bleachers, and new pressbox. Not only will Avon Lake fans enjoy the stadium itself, it will enjoy the product on the field.

Five reasons why Avon Lake will have great success in 2010.

1. QB Trent Toy
   Started 2009 a bit shaky but came strong at the end. He can beat opponents with his legs as well as his arm.
   
2. WR Ronnie Willoughby
   Tall target at 6-5, averaged 24 yards a catch last year
   
3. LT Andrew Bohan
   Attending Akron next year. Won the left tackle job a year ago and allowed all-world tackle Christian Pace to remain on the right side.
   
4. TE/DE Brian Mihalik
   Another tall target and a horse upfront
   
5. Hall of Fame Coach Dave Dlugosz
   Since he took over in 1992, the team has 15 conference titles, went to the play-offs 13 times, finished undefeated five times, and won the state championship in 2003.

I'm not going out on a limb saying Avon Lake will be good. They consistently year in and year out deliver quality players. Last year was Pace, Dan Schneider, Mike Mansnerus and Nick Marinkov. The year before was Zach Murray, Adam Schneid and Joe Gaydosh. The year before that was Mike Haddad, Jeff Tell, Sean Oxley and Nick Firment.

Avon Lake reloads every year and 2010 will be no different.

My WOBL radio assignments

High school football begins in two weeks. Below are the games I will cover for WOBL radio including kick-off time. Every Friday night, listeners can tune in to 1320 AM or listen online. This year I will be moving up to the sideline reporter role and will work with play-by-play announcer Bob Karlovec and color commentator Antonio Castro.


Week 1: August 27
Firelands @ Brookside - 7:30 kick

Week 2: September 3
Wellington @ Avon - 7:00 kick

Week 3: September 10
Kenmore @ Oberlin - 7:30 kick

Week 4: September 17
Columbia @ Black River - 7:30 kick

Week 5: September 24
Buckeye @ Clearview - 7:30 kick

Week 6: October 1
Keystone @ Black River - 7:30 kick

Week 7: October 8
Padua @ Elyria Catholic - 7:00 kick

Week 8: October 15
North Ridgeville @ Firelands - 7:00 kick

Week 9: October 22
Keystone @ Wellington - 7:30 kick

Week 10: October 29
TBD

LeBron James watch needs to end

Ever since LeBron James announced "The Decision", it seems every day there is a sighting.

People, this needs to come to end. It is time to move on. LBJ plays for the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers don't play a game until late October. It's time to take a break.

Football will begin shortly. The Cleveland Browns play an exhibition game this Saturday, high school football starts in two weeks, and the Ohio State Buckeyes will be national title contenders.

Charles Barkley ripped LeBron yesterday. I like Charles but he's a hypocrite. This guy couldn't get out of Philadelphia fast enough to join an already good Phoenix team and then when that went south he orchestrated a trade to Houston to join Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.

Final thought on James: his twitter name is King James. As far as I'm concerned, the only Kings are Elvis Presley, Richard Petty, Jerry Lawler, and Budweiser.

9th Annual WWE Royal Rumble Party

Congratulations to Dave LeGates and Eric Girod as they were the big winners at tonight's 9th annual Girod Royal Rumble party. Both had wrestler Edge who was the 29th entrant and the last man standing in a 30-man over the top rope battle royal.

All WWE blog posts
Wikipedia Royal Rumble page

UNDERCARD

Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres, and The Bella Twins defeated Maryse, Katie Lea Burchill, Jillian Hall, Alicia Fox, and Natalya when Kelly pinned Hall with a driving crossbody.

ECW Champion Christian defeated Ezekiel Jackson (with William Regal ) after hitting the Killswitch.