Top Games for Week 7
Lakewood St. Edward (5-1) at Cleveland St. Ignatius (4-2) – St. Edward is coming off a big 22-21 “come from behind” victory over St. John’s College, DC (4-1). They also own a 17-14 win over Akron Hoban. St. Ignatius defeated Pickerington North (5-1), arguably the best team in the 33-team Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) based on comparative scores, with losses to Avon in the opener by one point and Hoban by seven points. This classic matchup is clearly one of the two top games in the state this week.
Steubenville (5-1) at Youngstown Ursuline (4-2) – Steubenville’s only loss was to a really good Indian Valley team, which is favored to win the Division 4 state championship. Ursuline has a win over Louisville (4-2) and last week handed Farrell, PA, (4-2) their only loss, by the score of 24-13. Should be a good one.
Worthington Kilbourne (6-0) at Big Walnut (6-0) – This one is for the the league trophy. Big Walnut is the second best team in the OCC, only they have yet to play a solid opponent. Kilbourne, which is ranked 7th, is surely an improvement. But, they also haven’t played a good team. An upset by Kilbourne would help Massillon in the computer standings, but don’t count on it happening.
Upper Arlington (5-1) at Olentangy Liberty (3-3) – The only reason this game in listed is because Liberty is ranked 5th in the OCC and lost by just three points to St. Edward in the opener. They also lost to Cleveland Glenville (4-2) and unbeaten No. 3 Gahanna Lincoln in overtime. No. 4 Upper Arlington lost to No. 9 New Albany (5-1) by a touchdown, but blasted Avon (4-2), 43-22. A good game for comparing scores.
Lakota West (5-1) at Middletown (4-2) – Three teams are vying for second place in the Greater Miami Conference: Lakota West, Lakota East and Middletown. Each has one league loss, that coming at the hands of No. 1 Cincinnati Princeton. This games provides an opportunity for some separation. Middletown’s other loss was to Cincinnati Elder.
Vandalia Butler (5-1) at Troy (5-1) – This one may also be a battle to see who is second best in the ECC. Butler’s loss was to Tippecanoe, the current No. 1 team. Troy has a loss to the Pickerington North, the best team in the OCC.
Cincinnati Elder (5-1) at Cincinnati Moeller (4-1) – Also one of two top games in state this week. Could there be a 3-way tie at the top of the GCL when the clock expires on Friday? Moeller beat St. Xavier (3-3) in Week 5, 30-15, and St. X beat Elder last Friday, 31-29. An Elder win would even the slate, with Cincinnati LaSalle at the bottom of the heap. Both teams have impressive resumes.
Cincinnati St. Xavier (3-3) at Louisville Trinity, KY (5-1) – St. X is coming off of a big win over Cincinnati Elder (5-1), which was picked recently to win the Division I state title. Trinity is the best team in Kentucky, with wins over Cincinnati Anderson (59-13), Christian Brothers, MO, 52-21, Moeller (31-14) and Louisville St. Xavier (44-0). The lone loss was to national power Baylor, TN, 35-27. Might be a long night for the Bombers.
