Because of the large expected crowd, the game was moved from West Carrollton Junior High School (where CJ commonly plays its home games) to Northmont High School.
The change in venue is a nod to the buzz building around the game that, quite frankly, could be Alter’s first major second-half challenge this season. CJ, meanwhile, is trying to make its return to state power status in coach Andy Helms’ fourth year.
Both Alter (8-0), ranked No. 1 in the state in Division IV, and CJ (7-1), No. 6 in D-III, play 1-7 opponents this weekend, so the prospect of a combined 17-1 record is high.
One wonders what CJ’s offense — including improving sophomore quarterback Michael Simpson and running back Aaron Stokes, one of the best in the GCL — will be able to do against an Alter defense that has made opposing coaches miserable all season.
The venue change is another example of the benefit of having large stadiums with field turf and athletic directors willing to allow other teams to play there.
For a game such as CJ-Alter, the fans going deserve a good view, a comfortable seat and the best game possible. The teams have done their part so far, Northmont helped, and the fans now just have to wait nine more days.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com
.
About the Author
