Not off the Press: SHL volleyball down to the wire, McClain football, and NFL thoughts
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Let's begin the week talking about the Fairfield volleyball team and the upcoming week of Southern Hills League volleyball … well, the Division II of the league standings.
The league has a big battle for the league title on its hands this final week as Fairfield and Fayetteville each have two league losses and face each other this week, and Whiteoak will need help but have three league losses, but they did defeat Fayetteville this past Thursday, bringing the standings closer.
This week for those teams will for sure determine the league title, and isn't this what we want as fans or followers of high school athletics? Seeing teams battle in the final week to see who is the best of the best … not to mention the Lady Lions are defending champions of the league.
Fairfield volleyball coach MaryBeth Hodson spoke about the upcoming road trip for her team: "We are on the road all next week, but it will be fine playing on the road for those three games. The road trips don't bother the girls … they are a strong group."
Here is Fairfield's (8-2) schedule this upcoming week: Monday they'll be at Ripley, Tuesday at Fayetteville and Thursday at Manchester.
Fayetteville's (8-2) schedule this week is at West Union, vs. Fairfield and vs. Ripley on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Whiteoak (7-3) finishes the season at Peebles, at Ripley, at North Adams and at West Union on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, though the game against West Union is their non-league match of the season.
This race to the league championship is worth keeping track of this week.
[[In-content Ad]]• Looking back at last week
The month of October began with many great wins for Highland County teams last week. There was Monday's big volleyball win for Hillsboro over rival McClain, the Highland County Cross-Country Invitational was a big success, Fairfield boys soccer had a 10-goal win, the MHS soccer program honored the memory of former coach Shawn Jackson with an alumni match, FHS had a sweep of Peebles in volleyball and the Tigers' football team earned their fifth win in seven games this year.
And those were just games I covered.
There was also another big cross-country win for Fairfield on Saturday, and on Thursday, the aforementioned volleyball win by Whiteoak occurred against Fayetteville. Plus, even though it wasn't a win, I read the article by HCP Publisher Rory Ryan on the Hillsboro football team and their great effort … I'll write more on them this week in my football notebook as they prepare for Week 8 of the season.
Also, the golf season ended for Highland County teams recently, wrapping up in the districts. All I'm saying is watch out for the HHS boys golf team the next two or three years … if they continue to progress like they have, they will do great things in the future.
I think this was one of the most productive weeks for high school athletics in Highland County in a while.
On a side note, I want to send congrats to Paint Valley head football coach Pete Hollon on his 100th career coaching victory this past Friday on the PV homecoming against Adena. All 100 wins have come at Paint Valley.
My favorite moment of the week was the Shawn Jackson Benefit Alumni Game with many players from the first team he coached against a lot of players from last season and the past couple years … I miss Shawn not being around the soccer matches. As I was telling someone the other day at the event, I miss the phone calls this time of year trying to figure out the South Central Ohio League soccer standings and the point system that goes along with soccer. Shawn actually taught me about the point system with the soccer standings. This soccer season just hasn't been the same without him around, and it probably won't ever be the same without those entertaining calls, trying to figure out the standings.
It was good to see the turnout that occurred on Tuesday for the event. A lot of people cared for Shawn, and it showed on that night. For all of those who put together the event … thank you. You all did a great thing.
• The week ahead (high school sports)
Games that catch my attention this week (besides the aforementioned SHL volleyball match-ups) include:
Monday, Oct. 8 — Hillsboro vs. Lynchburg-Clay girls soccer: Every year this is usually one of the better soccer match-ups of the season, and what better way for both teams to prepare for the postseason than play a quality opponent near the end of the regular season in non-league play?
Wednesday, Oct. 10 — Lynchburg-Clay vs. Eastern Brown girls soccer: Another good SHL match, as both teams have a league title in their sights … this is their league match of the season.
Wednesday, Oct. 10 — Fairfield at North Adams girls soccer — Playing with nine to 10 players right now, this is still a nice shot for the Lady Lions to gain their fifth win of the year. They've previously defeated NA this season at FHS.
Thursday, Oct. 11 — Hillsboro at London boys soccer — The Indians are battling for the second spot in the standings in the SCOL … this is another league game that can keep him in that spot.
Friday, Oct. 12 — McClain at Miami Trace football — This will be the game of the week in the SCOL. I don't think I've been this excited for a football game in Week 8 for a very long time. There is a lot on the line in not only the SCOL standings, but potentially a spot in the playoffs. MT has won four in a row, and MHS has three straight wins … going to be one of those "must-see games" in my book.
Friday, Oct. 12 — Hillsboro vs. London football — This game is about pride, as one of these teams will leave the field with their first win of the season. Both teams have had their struggles this season, but one can wipe a lot of that away with a Week 8 victory. Also on that night, the 1992, 10-0 in the regular season HHS football team will be recognized.
• Week 5 NFL Thoughts
- Rams 17, Cardinals 3: Didn't see this happening, just for the fact of the Cardinals defense. I still don't like the Cardinals' offense … needs a lot of work everywhere (except for Larry Fitzgerald). The Rams are better than I thought they'd be this time of year, but I don't see them in the playoffs … this season. Jeff Fisher will build a quality team eventually there.
- Dolphins 17, Bengals 13: This is one of those games at the end of the season that could be a "what if" for Cincinnati. On paper, they should have won, but that's the NFL this season … it's tough to pick a winner. Andy Dalton didn't have his best game, but it happens. Running game with only 80 yards for Cincinnati (68 for Miami) was close to nonexistent for both teams.
- Falcons 24, Redskins 17: Not a good day for the Redskins … they get a loss and lose the QB and No. 2 overall draft pick Robert Griffin III. Not a fan of his team, but I hope he's not too hurt. RG3 is good for the NFL. Matt Ryan continues to keep the Falcons in the game … (34-52, 345 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) … and does Tony Gonzalez ever age? The future Hall of Famer has 13 catches (was targeted 14 times) for 123 yards (9.5 yards per catch) and one TD. The Falcons are dangerous.
- Pittsburgh 16, Eagles 14: This was just a black-and-blue type of football game between two in-state rivals. The stats are not impressive from this game, with two lost fumbles by Michael Vick and a total of 246 offensive yards by the Eagles … they won't get many wins.
- Giants 41, Browns 27: The Browns couldn't keep their early lead, and the Giants played down one top receiver but didn't miss a step. I actually feel bad for Cleveland fans. By the way … Eli Manning is good.
- Ravens 9, Chiefs 6: This wins the most unlikely score of the season award. A battle of kickers, with Justin Tucker defeating Ryan Succop, 3-2.
- Colts 30, Packers 27: This wins the "never would have bet this to ever happen" award. A rookie QB and a team on the rebuild defeating a team that is a Super Bowl contender … this is why every week matters in the NFL. Oh, the Packers are 2-3, down two games in their own division to the Vikings and Bears.
- Bears 41, Jaguars 3: I don't know which team is worse, the Jaguars or the Browns, but the Bears are doin' work this season, much better than I ever guessed they would. The Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall combo (12 receptions for 144 yards, one TD) is tough to beat right now for Da' Bears. Cutler also totaling 292 yards, 2 TDs and just one interception is huge for this team, and with a two-game lead on the Packers … this is why I love the NFL so much. (BTW … the Bears' offense had 501 yards.) I have nothing to say abut the Jaguars, but the Bears' defense holding them to just 189 yards (three turnovers) doesn't help matters.
- Vikings 30, Titans 7: Are the Vikings for real? I sure didn't see the Vikings being 4-1 after five weeks (there has been a lot of that this year, right?). Percy Harvin is having a career year thus far, and Christian Ponder continues to improve at QB in his second season (258 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) … I know their schedule hasn't been the toughest, but they are winning, and that's what they are paid to do. The Titans aren't very good … not much to say about them.
- Seahawks 16, Panthers 12: Russell Wilson throwing for 221 yards is good for a rookie QB in his fifth game (folks overreact wanting him benched so soon) and 85 yards on 21 carries by Marshawn Lynch seemed to help their offense … and the Seahawks had three turnovers they somehow overcame. The 'Hawks' defense held Cam Newton to 141 yards passing and 42 yards rushing … any team that is able to do that deserves the win. No Carolina WR had over 45 yards in receiving. Again … credit a kicker in this one … Steven Hauschka was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts for 10 points (including a PAT) for Seattle.
- Patriots 31, Broncos 21: I always love watching Peyton Manning and Tom Brady face-off on the football field. This is the greatest QB rivalry, in my book, of all-time, but this game wasn't their greatest meeting. The Patriots are starting to show why they are a Super Bowl contender, but the Broncos looked sloppy. I hope we see another Brady vs. Manning meeting in the postseason.
- 49ers 45, Bills 3: Looks like the 49ers are just more than a pretty defense this week. Not only did their defense do what they do, their offense scored 45 points. Alex Smith had a great day for the 49ers at QB, and I can say I'm disappointed in what I thought the Bills defense could have been this season. For the Bills … when your QB and two top running backs don't total 200 total yards, you know you've had a long day.
- Saints 31, Chargers 24: First off, if anyone was to break a Johnny Unitas record, it should be Drew Brees. He seems like a classy individual and helped make the Saints relevant in the NFL. As for this game … trying to watch this and baseball was tough, but I battled through. The way the Saints played Sunday night is what I've expected of them all season (they finally won a game). The Chargers … well, I still like Philip Rivers, though he lost the ball on the final play. The final drive had too many penalties up front on the Chargers, which took away a couple big plays and a real chance to win the game.
- Monday Night Football Prediction: Texans 38, Jets 10: The Texans are really good … the Jets, not so much right now.
• Random Thoughts
- It wasn't safe to be in the Top 5 in the polls in college football this past Saturday, huh?
- Notre Dame's one-time uniforms made me feel like there were three teams on the field. Goodness, those uniforms were awful … but the Fighting Irish team is growing on me. I really respect ND linebacker Manti Te'o … seems like a great person, and he's fun to watch play football.
- How about those Nittany Lions … 4 wins in a row. Not bad for a team whose players could have left if they wanted. They are right with their motto: "One Team."
- I can't remember the last time I saw an Ohio State team score 63 points that wasn't playing basketball.
- I forgot this last week, I think, but the McClain Marching Band and Tigerettes deserve a thumbs up for their "Thriller" routine. I love the creativity.
- What a finish for the Talladega race Sunday. Matt Kenseth was the winner. Only six races remain until a champion is crowned.
- I can't get enough of the MLB Postseason.
- I'm crazy, I know, but Oct. 30th is the start of the NBA …
- The Reds are good ... more on them later today. Check back to this web site.
• Quote of the Week
"The kids are staying humble, and they brave the attitude to the locker room after games and to practice on Monday." — Randy Closson, McClain football head coach, following their 21-15 win over Washington Friday.
• Stat of the Week
10: That's the number of consecutive match wins by the Fairfield volleyball team this season.
• One last item of business
I can't believe this is the last week of the regular season for most sports this upcoming week. Championships will be decided, and before we know it, the postseason will be here. Once I get the postseason brackets I'll post the matchups for soccer and volleyball.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.
The league has a big battle for the league title on its hands this final week as Fairfield and Fayetteville each have two league losses and face each other this week, and Whiteoak will need help but have three league losses, but they did defeat Fayetteville this past Thursday, bringing the standings closer.
This week for those teams will for sure determine the league title, and isn't this what we want as fans or followers of high school athletics? Seeing teams battle in the final week to see who is the best of the best … not to mention the Lady Lions are defending champions of the league.
Fairfield volleyball coach MaryBeth Hodson spoke about the upcoming road trip for her team: "We are on the road all next week, but it will be fine playing on the road for those three games. The road trips don't bother the girls … they are a strong group."
Here is Fairfield's (8-2) schedule this upcoming week: Monday they'll be at Ripley, Tuesday at Fayetteville and Thursday at Manchester.
Fayetteville's (8-2) schedule this week is at West Union, vs. Fairfield and vs. Ripley on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Whiteoak (7-3) finishes the season at Peebles, at Ripley, at North Adams and at West Union on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, though the game against West Union is their non-league match of the season.
This race to the league championship is worth keeping track of this week.
[[In-content Ad]]• Looking back at last week
The month of October began with many great wins for Highland County teams last week. There was Monday's big volleyball win for Hillsboro over rival McClain, the Highland County Cross-Country Invitational was a big success, Fairfield boys soccer had a 10-goal win, the MHS soccer program honored the memory of former coach Shawn Jackson with an alumni match, FHS had a sweep of Peebles in volleyball and the Tigers' football team earned their fifth win in seven games this year.
And those were just games I covered.
There was also another big cross-country win for Fairfield on Saturday, and on Thursday, the aforementioned volleyball win by Whiteoak occurred against Fayetteville. Plus, even though it wasn't a win, I read the article by HCP Publisher Rory Ryan on the Hillsboro football team and their great effort … I'll write more on them this week in my football notebook as they prepare for Week 8 of the season.
Also, the golf season ended for Highland County teams recently, wrapping up in the districts. All I'm saying is watch out for the HHS boys golf team the next two or three years … if they continue to progress like they have, they will do great things in the future.
I think this was one of the most productive weeks for high school athletics in Highland County in a while.
On a side note, I want to send congrats to Paint Valley head football coach Pete Hollon on his 100th career coaching victory this past Friday on the PV homecoming against Adena. All 100 wins have come at Paint Valley.
My favorite moment of the week was the Shawn Jackson Benefit Alumni Game with many players from the first team he coached against a lot of players from last season and the past couple years … I miss Shawn not being around the soccer matches. As I was telling someone the other day at the event, I miss the phone calls this time of year trying to figure out the South Central Ohio League soccer standings and the point system that goes along with soccer. Shawn actually taught me about the point system with the soccer standings. This soccer season just hasn't been the same without him around, and it probably won't ever be the same without those entertaining calls, trying to figure out the standings.
It was good to see the turnout that occurred on Tuesday for the event. A lot of people cared for Shawn, and it showed on that night. For all of those who put together the event … thank you. You all did a great thing.
• The week ahead (high school sports)
Games that catch my attention this week (besides the aforementioned SHL volleyball match-ups) include:
Monday, Oct. 8 — Hillsboro vs. Lynchburg-Clay girls soccer: Every year this is usually one of the better soccer match-ups of the season, and what better way for both teams to prepare for the postseason than play a quality opponent near the end of the regular season in non-league play?
Wednesday, Oct. 10 — Lynchburg-Clay vs. Eastern Brown girls soccer: Another good SHL match, as both teams have a league title in their sights … this is their league match of the season.
Wednesday, Oct. 10 — Fairfield at North Adams girls soccer — Playing with nine to 10 players right now, this is still a nice shot for the Lady Lions to gain their fifth win of the year. They've previously defeated NA this season at FHS.
Thursday, Oct. 11 — Hillsboro at London boys soccer — The Indians are battling for the second spot in the standings in the SCOL … this is another league game that can keep him in that spot.
Friday, Oct. 12 — McClain at Miami Trace football — This will be the game of the week in the SCOL. I don't think I've been this excited for a football game in Week 8 for a very long time. There is a lot on the line in not only the SCOL standings, but potentially a spot in the playoffs. MT has won four in a row, and MHS has three straight wins … going to be one of those "must-see games" in my book.
Friday, Oct. 12 — Hillsboro vs. London football — This game is about pride, as one of these teams will leave the field with their first win of the season. Both teams have had their struggles this season, but one can wipe a lot of that away with a Week 8 victory. Also on that night, the 1992, 10-0 in the regular season HHS football team will be recognized.
• Week 5 NFL Thoughts
- Rams 17, Cardinals 3: Didn't see this happening, just for the fact of the Cardinals defense. I still don't like the Cardinals' offense … needs a lot of work everywhere (except for Larry Fitzgerald). The Rams are better than I thought they'd be this time of year, but I don't see them in the playoffs … this season. Jeff Fisher will build a quality team eventually there.
- Dolphins 17, Bengals 13: This is one of those games at the end of the season that could be a "what if" for Cincinnati. On paper, they should have won, but that's the NFL this season … it's tough to pick a winner. Andy Dalton didn't have his best game, but it happens. Running game with only 80 yards for Cincinnati (68 for Miami) was close to nonexistent for both teams.
- Falcons 24, Redskins 17: Not a good day for the Redskins … they get a loss and lose the QB and No. 2 overall draft pick Robert Griffin III. Not a fan of his team, but I hope he's not too hurt. RG3 is good for the NFL. Matt Ryan continues to keep the Falcons in the game … (34-52, 345 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) … and does Tony Gonzalez ever age? The future Hall of Famer has 13 catches (was targeted 14 times) for 123 yards (9.5 yards per catch) and one TD. The Falcons are dangerous.
- Pittsburgh 16, Eagles 14: This was just a black-and-blue type of football game between two in-state rivals. The stats are not impressive from this game, with two lost fumbles by Michael Vick and a total of 246 offensive yards by the Eagles … they won't get many wins.
- Giants 41, Browns 27: The Browns couldn't keep their early lead, and the Giants played down one top receiver but didn't miss a step. I actually feel bad for Cleveland fans. By the way … Eli Manning is good.
- Ravens 9, Chiefs 6: This wins the most unlikely score of the season award. A battle of kickers, with Justin Tucker defeating Ryan Succop, 3-2.
- Colts 30, Packers 27: This wins the "never would have bet this to ever happen" award. A rookie QB and a team on the rebuild defeating a team that is a Super Bowl contender … this is why every week matters in the NFL. Oh, the Packers are 2-3, down two games in their own division to the Vikings and Bears.
- Bears 41, Jaguars 3: I don't know which team is worse, the Jaguars or the Browns, but the Bears are doin' work this season, much better than I ever guessed they would. The Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall combo (12 receptions for 144 yards, one TD) is tough to beat right now for Da' Bears. Cutler also totaling 292 yards, 2 TDs and just one interception is huge for this team, and with a two-game lead on the Packers … this is why I love the NFL so much. (BTW … the Bears' offense had 501 yards.) I have nothing to say abut the Jaguars, but the Bears' defense holding them to just 189 yards (three turnovers) doesn't help matters.
- Vikings 30, Titans 7: Are the Vikings for real? I sure didn't see the Vikings being 4-1 after five weeks (there has been a lot of that this year, right?). Percy Harvin is having a career year thus far, and Christian Ponder continues to improve at QB in his second season (258 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) … I know their schedule hasn't been the toughest, but they are winning, and that's what they are paid to do. The Titans aren't very good … not much to say about them.
- Seahawks 16, Panthers 12: Russell Wilson throwing for 221 yards is good for a rookie QB in his fifth game (folks overreact wanting him benched so soon) and 85 yards on 21 carries by Marshawn Lynch seemed to help their offense … and the Seahawks had three turnovers they somehow overcame. The 'Hawks' defense held Cam Newton to 141 yards passing and 42 yards rushing … any team that is able to do that deserves the win. No Carolina WR had over 45 yards in receiving. Again … credit a kicker in this one … Steven Hauschka was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts for 10 points (including a PAT) for Seattle.
- Patriots 31, Broncos 21: I always love watching Peyton Manning and Tom Brady face-off on the football field. This is the greatest QB rivalry, in my book, of all-time, but this game wasn't their greatest meeting. The Patriots are starting to show why they are a Super Bowl contender, but the Broncos looked sloppy. I hope we see another Brady vs. Manning meeting in the postseason.
- 49ers 45, Bills 3: Looks like the 49ers are just more than a pretty defense this week. Not only did their defense do what they do, their offense scored 45 points. Alex Smith had a great day for the 49ers at QB, and I can say I'm disappointed in what I thought the Bills defense could have been this season. For the Bills … when your QB and two top running backs don't total 200 total yards, you know you've had a long day.
- Saints 31, Chargers 24: First off, if anyone was to break a Johnny Unitas record, it should be Drew Brees. He seems like a classy individual and helped make the Saints relevant in the NFL. As for this game … trying to watch this and baseball was tough, but I battled through. The way the Saints played Sunday night is what I've expected of them all season (they finally won a game). The Chargers … well, I still like Philip Rivers, though he lost the ball on the final play. The final drive had too many penalties up front on the Chargers, which took away a couple big plays and a real chance to win the game.
- Monday Night Football Prediction: Texans 38, Jets 10: The Texans are really good … the Jets, not so much right now.
• Random Thoughts
- It wasn't safe to be in the Top 5 in the polls in college football this past Saturday, huh?
- Notre Dame's one-time uniforms made me feel like there were three teams on the field. Goodness, those uniforms were awful … but the Fighting Irish team is growing on me. I really respect ND linebacker Manti Te'o … seems like a great person, and he's fun to watch play football.
- How about those Nittany Lions … 4 wins in a row. Not bad for a team whose players could have left if they wanted. They are right with their motto: "One Team."
- I can't remember the last time I saw an Ohio State team score 63 points that wasn't playing basketball.
- I forgot this last week, I think, but the McClain Marching Band and Tigerettes deserve a thumbs up for their "Thriller" routine. I love the creativity.
- What a finish for the Talladega race Sunday. Matt Kenseth was the winner. Only six races remain until a champion is crowned.
- I can't get enough of the MLB Postseason.
- I'm crazy, I know, but Oct. 30th is the start of the NBA …
- The Reds are good ... more on them later today. Check back to this web site.
• Quote of the Week
"The kids are staying humble, and they brave the attitude to the locker room after games and to practice on Monday." — Randy Closson, McClain football head coach, following their 21-15 win over Washington Friday.
• Stat of the Week
10: That's the number of consecutive match wins by the Fairfield volleyball team this season.
• One last item of business
I can't believe this is the last week of the regular season for most sports this upcoming week. Championships will be decided, and before we know it, the postseason will be here. Once I get the postseason brackets I'll post the matchups for soccer and volleyball.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.