MVP Fab 5 Football Rankings Week 9
Fairborn’s playoff chances look bleak but this season has already been a memorable one.
With its 35-14 win over Xenia, Fairborn improved to 3-0 in the GWOC South and earned a share of its first football league title of any kind since 1976 when then-Park Hills High won the Miami Central Conference with a 9-1 record. Park Hills and Baker high schools consolidated in 1983 to form Fairborn High.
“Thirty-five years is a long time to go between titles, so it feels good to be the coach of a championship team,” Fairborn Head Coach Roy Thobe told the Dayton Daily News.
Fairborn’s offense ranks in the top half of the GWOC in total (384 yards per game), rushing (194) and passing (190) yards and scoring (35 points per game). Senior QB Kendrick Williams is third in the GWOC in passing (85-of-172 attempts; 1,497 yards; 15 TDs) while senior RB Devon Hamilton has accounted for 14 TDs (10 rushing, four receiving).
Defensively, senior LB A.J. Wagner (61 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception) leads the attack.
The Skyhawks will try to win the GWOC South outright this week at Lebanon (5-3).
Here are this week’s Big Games:
*Marion Local at Delphos St. John’s (The State’s No. 1 and 2 D-VI teams square off)
*Anna at Versailles (Region 20 playoff game)
*Milton-Union at Waynesville (SWBL Buckeye Division title game)
*Tippecanoe at Kenton Ridge
*Butler at Piqua
Here’s how the Fab 5 shakes out heading into Week 9…
Division I
1. Centerville (5-3)
The Elks finally “are who we thought they were.” The jury is still out as to whether Centerville or Troy is Dayton’s top D-I team, but the Elks certainly are the area’s hottest squad. In the last four weeks Centerville has run for 1,916 yards in lopsided wins over Springboro, Fairmont, Northmont and – most recently – archrival Wayne (63-35). Don’t expect Centerville to lose the rest of the regular season. The burning question is will 7-3 be good enough for a playoff spot in Region 4. Centerville hosts Springfield (2-6) this week.
Previous: 2
2. Troy (6-2)
The Trojans lost a 7-0 first quarter lead and their grip on No. 1 after falling 33-13 to Trotwood-Madison. Troy turned the ball over three times, had just 227 yards of offense and converted just 4-of-11 third downs. This week the Trojans host Miamisburg (2-6).
Previous: 1
3. Beavercreek (5-3)
The Beavers bounced back from their loss to Wayne to beat Springfield 13-0. Creek held Springfield to 172 yards, while senior RB Zach Smith led the offense with 229 yards rushing on 36 carries. This week the Beavers host Fairmont (2-6) and will look to secure a winning record in the GWOC Central Division for the first time ever.
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4. Wayne (4-4)
The Warriors had 513 yards of offense and 22 first downs and still lot to Centerville 63-35. The Elks countered with 619 yards and 27 first downs. Junior QB Javon Harrison led the Warriors by throwing for 369 yards and three TDs and rushing for 99 yards and two TDs. Wayne hosts Northmont (3-5) this week.
Previous: 3
5. Fairborn (6-2)
See Above.
Previous: 5
DROPPED OUT: None
BEST OF THE REST: Lebanon (5-3)
Division II
1. Trotwood-Madison (8-0)
The Rams fell behind 7-0 and then scored the next 33 points in a 33-13 win over Troy. Trotwood, which had 351 yards of offense, was led by senior QB Michael Simpson (99-of-19, 162 yards, three TDs) and junior RB Isreal Green (14 carries, 129 yards, TD).
Previous: 1
2. Tippecanoe (8-0)
The Red Devils continue to roll along. In a 34-24 win over Tecumseh, Tipp racked up 392 yards of offense and never trailed. RBs Jacob Hall (19 carries for 146 yards and a TD) and Cameron Johnson (15 carries for 83 yards and two TDs) led the way. Both had a TD reception as well. This week the Red Devils are at Kenton Ridge (7-1) in a key CBC Kenton Division showdown.
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3. Butler (6-2)
The Aviators got blasted by the big play last week in a surprising 34-8 loss to Lebanon. Butler dominated time of possession (30:54) but allowed TDs of 84, 70, 62 and 40 yards. This week the Aviators travel to Piqua (4-4).
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4. Piqua (4-4)
The Indians snapped a two-game losing skid with a 75-14 win over Sidney. Piqua built a 47-0 lead at halftime and rolled up 437 yards of offense. QB Tyler Welbaum threw for four TDs and six different RBs each scored a TD. This week Piqua hosts Butler (6-2).
Previous: 4
5. Franklin (7-1)
Since losing to Bellbrook, the Wildcats have rattled off three straight wins – their latest an impressive 38-35 win over Eaton. Defensively, Franklin forced five turnovers, including four second-half interceptions, the first of which was returned for a TD. The Wildcats host Brookville (6-2) this week.
Previous: 5
DROPPED OUT: None
BEST OF THE REST: Bellbrook (4-4), Tecumseh (5-3), Wilmington (6-2)
Division III
1. Alter (8-0)
Led by junior QB Malik Zaire, who got a scholarship offer from Ohio State this week, the Knights blew open a 14-10 game with 21 unanswered fourth quarter points in a 35-17 win over Fenwick. Zaire carried the ball 17 times for 96 yards and three TDs and completed 3-of-6 passes for 83 yards and another TD (71-yarder to Drew Gillis to open the fourth quarter). This week Alter travels to Roger Bacon (3-5).
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2. Springfield Shawnee (8-0)
The Braves racked up 545 yards of offense and 21 first downs in a 55-0 win over Bellefontaine. Nine Shawnee backs combined to rush for 383 yards and six TDs on 54 carries. Five players had over 40 yards each. This week the Braves host winless Stebbins (0-8).
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3. Thurgood Marshall (7-1)
The Cougars won their seventh straight game with a 56-7 win over Belmont. That sets up a showdown with Dunbar (5-3) for the City League Championship this week.
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4. Dunbar (5-3)
The Wolverines notched an impressive 19-2 win over Cincinnati Taft to re-energize their playoff chances. This week Dunbar meets Marshall (7-1) at Welcome Stadium with a City League title (and playoff points) on the line.
Previous: 5
5. Eaton (6-2)
The Eagles held a 28-26 halftime lead but four second-half interceptions doomed Eaton in a 38-35 loss to Franklin that snapped the Eagles 13-game SWBL Southwest Division win streak. Eaton had five turnovers overall. This week the Eagles host Valley View (2-6).
Previous: 4
DROPPED OUT: None
BEST OF THE REST: Kenton Ridge (7-1), Urbana (5-2)
Division IV
1. Waynesville (8-0)
The Spartans defense registered 14 TFL and held Dayton Northridge to minus-26 yards rushing in a 69-12 win. Offensively, senior QB Luke Creditt threw four first half TDs and ran for another. This week Waynesville hosts Milton-Union (7-1) with the SWBL Buckeye Division title on the line.
Previous: 1
2. Chaminade Julienne (6-2)
The Eagles entered the Muscle Milk & JJHuddle D-IV Power Poll at No. 10 after winning their sixth straight game with a 32-0 shutout win over Carroll. During its winning streak CJ has scored 30 or more points every week. The Eagles allowed just 127 yards, while junior RB Brandon Payne went for 161 yards himself (and three TDs) on 23 carries. Up next is a trip to Purcell Marian (2-6).
Previous: 2
3. Milton-Union (7-1)
Week 9 is here and so is a showdown with Waynesville (8-0) for the SWBL Buckeye Division title. The Bulldogs are coming off a 28-18 win over Dixie win which RB Jake Finfrock ran for three TDs.
Previous: 4
4. Clinton-Massie (6-2)
The Falcons didn’t reach 70 for the fourth time in five weeks but they were awful close in a 69-7 win over Washington Court House. Massie scored its 10th TD of the game with 7:05 remaining but before the Falcons could attempt their PAT lightening was spotted. The officials called the game instead of waiting out the delay. Massie will go for its 25th straight South Central Ohio League victory (and another 70-point game) this week when it travels to Madison Plains (3-5).
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5. Fenwick (6-2)
The Falcons may have seen their playoff bubble pop with a 35-17 loss to Alter. Even wins in the final two weeks over host Badin (5-3) and visiting Carroll (3-5) may not be enough. Fenwick led Alter 10-7 at half before allowing 28 straight points, including 21 in the fourth quarter.
Previous: 3
DROPPED OUT: None
BEST OF THE REST: Brookville (6-2), Carlisle (4-4)
Division V
1. Lima Central Catholic (8-0)
The T-Birds had 538 yards in a 39-3 win over Bluffton. Senior QB Tyler O’Connor threw for two TDs (both to Mykale Rogers) and ran for two more. Defensively, LCC held Bluffton to 139 yards. The T-Birds are at Allen East (1-7) this week.
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2. Coldwater (6-2)
The Cavaliers held Marion Local to seven first downs but several wasted trips inside the Flyers 20-yardline spelled doom in a 7-0 loss. Coldwater fumbled the ball at the Marion 1-yardline, missed a 22-yard field goal and had a pass intercepted in the end zone. Next up is a visit from winless New Bremen (0-8).
Previous: 1
3. Anna (5-3)
The Rockets defense didn’t allow a first half first down and held St. Henry to minus-26 first half yards in a 40-0 win. Anna, which led 34-0 at the break and racked up 399 total yards, was led by RBs Dustin Noffsinger (three TDs) and Cole Furgason (two TDs). If the Rockets want any shot at making the postseason they have to win this week at Versailles (6-2), which boils down to an elimination game for the loser.
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4. Versailles (6-2)
The Tigers rallied from a 7-0 hole and watched a missed PAT with less than two minutes left secure a 21-20 win over Minster. QB Nick Campbell led the way by throwing for two TDs and running for the other. This week the Tigers host Anna (5-3) in what boils down to a Region 20 playoff game. The loser is likely out of the running for Week 11.
Previous: 5
5. Covington (8-0)
RB Alex Baskerville scored four TDs and the Buccs turned five National Trail turnovers into five TDs in a 70-0 shutout. This week Covington hosts Ansonia (6-2).
Previous: 4
DROPPED OUT: None
BEST OF THE REST: West Liberty-Salem (8-0), Dayton Christian (7-1), Miami East (5-3), Triad (6-2)
Division VI
1. Marion Local (7-1)
The Flyers managed just seven first downs but sophomore QB Adam Bertke’s 4-yard TD run in the second half was enough in a 7-0 win over Coldwater. Marion Local’s defense forced four turnovers and rose the occasion several times, including three stops in the red zone in the first half and a second half interception in the end zone. This week the Flyers face another huge test at No. 2 Delphos St. John’s (5-3).
Previous: 1
2. Delphos St. John’s (5-3)
The Blue Jays beat Fort Recovery 35-14 thanks in part to Tyler Jettinghoff who rushed for 113 yards and a TD on 13 carries and returned a kickoff 68 yards for a TD. This week St. John’s hosts No. 1 Marion Local (7-1) in what shapes up as a MAC title game. Wow is right.
Previous: 2
3. Minster (5-3)
The Wildcats battled back from TD deficits twice only to have a missed PAT with 1:40 left decide the outcome in a 21-20 loss to Versailles. This week Minster is at Parkway (3-5).
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4. Fort Loramie (7-1)
The Redskins racked up 471 yards of offense and won their seventh straight with a 55-14 win over Troy Christian. Overall 12 players logged carries for Loramie, which ran for 311 yards and four TDs on 35 carries. Junior QB Seth Guillozet threw for three TDs, giving him seven in two weeks. The Redskins are at Dayton Jefferson (0-7) this week.
Previous: 4
5. Springfield Catholic (6-2)
Senior QB Brian Kelly broke two of his own school records by throwing for 432 yards and six TDs in a 47-7 win over Greeneview. Kelly’s previous bests were 415 yards and five TDs (twice). This week SCC is at Mechanicsburg (3-5).
Previous: 5
DROPPED OUT: None
BEST OF THE REST: Tri-County North (6-2), Ansonia (6-2), Fort Recovery (3-5)
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