This is one of those stature games with lots of Harbin computer points at stake.
Don’t let Massie’s .500 record fool you as Dan McSurley’s crew lost a 31-28 shootout at Coldwater last week. It’s tough for Massie to find games, but how many schools would agree to pick up a road game against Coldwater? Very few, that’s for sure.
Fenwick is winning with speed and toughness and a new head man (Dan Haverkamp) in the program. And the home Falcons certainly don’t fear the visiting Falcons … Fenwick defeated Massie in overtime in the 2015 Division IV playoffs. That’s the only time they’ve ever met.
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2. Madison (2-0) at Valley View (1-1)
The Mohawks have been regularly pummeled by the View over the past three decades, losing 20 straight in the series. Madison’s last win came in 1990.
That said, the Mohawks appear primed to end that lengthy drought. They haven’t given up a point this season, while senior fullback Cameron Svarda is back to full strength this week after resting on offense in Week 2.
Still, don’t sleep on the Spartans. They’ve got a proud program and a pretty strong team of their own this year. Junior quarterback Cade Cradlebaugh has been Mr. Everything on offense.
3. Fairfield (1-1) at Hamilton (0-2)
Both teams are coming off losses as Greater Miami Conference play begins.
Fairfield would seem to be the solid favorite on paper, but quarterback Jeff Tyus is questionable with a shoulder injury, and who knows how the Indians will react after the brutal 15-14 loss to Springfield last Saturday.
Hamilton has a budding star in sophomore running back Keyshawn Stephens, who erupted for a school-record 293 yards last week against Anderson. The Indians will counter with a star back of their own – junior JuTahn McClain had 437 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in Week 1 against Centerville.
4. Badin (2-0) at Edgewood (2-0)
The annual Butler County clash might be a fast game as both teams like to keep the ball on the ground.
Badin’s last trip to Kumler Field ended with an embarrassing 56-0 loss in 2016. It was the biggest margin of defeat since BHS opened its doors in the fall of 1966.
But the Rams look to be on the upswing under second-year coach Nick Yordy. They’ve got a strong-armed quarterback in junior Zach Switzer that can keep defenses honest, and senior halfback Davon Starks is moving up the Hamilton Catholic/Badin all-time scoring list (he’s got 114 points).
Edgewood, meanwhile, keeps grinding out rushing yards in the Wing-T. Wade Phillips and Elijah Williams are a powerful 1-2 punch coming out of the Cougar backfield.
A Friday victory would give the Cougars their first-ever three-game winning streak in this series.
5. Western Brown (0-2) at Ross (1-1)
The Rams took Monroe apart by a 42-7 margin last week, and 62 points in two weeks is a very good sign for the future of their triple-option offense.
Adding to the Ross optimism is the fact that Western Brown has allowed 79 points in losses to Hillsboro (30-28) and Little Miami (49-21). The last time the Rams were above .500? They were 2-1 after beating Western Brown in 2016.
It’s also homecoming week at Ross.
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