Not off the Press: Golf title decided, league standings shuffle and the Reds win the NL Central
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
I want to start off this week by congratulating the Lynchburg-Clay Mustang golf team for winning the Southern Hills League golf title, breaking the stranglehold of the West Union golf team who, I am told, won the golf title of the SHL for at least the previous eight years.
LC won the golf title by a single stroke … an impressive feat following the two weeks and four courses it took to complete the event.
Thursday's event was fun to see in person as pretty much every golfer there was better than me, but it was also the first time I've ever gone to the Hilltop Golf Course, and it was a nice-looking course.
Also, as far as the All-SHL players, they were selected from their actual play on the course in the four-day tournament with the Top 15 players who had the lowest combined scores earning all-league honors. Highland County finished with six golfers in the Top 15 with Whiteoak's Luke Taggert and Nick Wardlow, along with Lynchburg-Clay's Zach Blankenship, Tristan Wilbanks, Linus Stoltz and Marc Blankenship.
Congrats to all the all-league golfers.
• The Reds are NL Central champions
I think I just have really good luck. I applied for media passes to cover the Reds this past Saturday earlier in the past week, and somehow, through a varied series of events, I was there for the second time the Reds clinched an NL Central Division title in the past three seasons with their 6-0 win over the Dodgers. It wasn't as exciting as '10, but it was still a lot of fun.
Something like that can never get old. Thanks to the Reds for allowing me to cover their team. I'll write more about the Reds later this week, and I can't wait until the MLB Playoffs.
• Looking back at the past week
The team of the past week has to be the Fairfield Lady Lion volleyball team, as they went a perfect 3-for-3 in the SHL with wins over Fayetteville, Whiteoak and North Adams, putting themselves at the top or near the top of the league standings. Two of the wins went five sets, and the win over WHS went three sets.
FHS coach MaryBeth Hodson praised her team this week: "The girls are playing a lot better as a team. The girls have done so well," she said.
Also this past week, the Lynchburg-Clay Lady Mustangs girls soccer team stayed undefeated in league games as I covered them and the boys teams gaining wins over Ripley at LCHS.
In a game I didn't get to see, the HHS Lady Indians tied at Clinton-Massie in girls soccer, meaning it will be an uphill battle for a shot at the league title.
• Looking at the week ahead
- Monday, Sept. 24 — Boys and Girls Soccer: Fairfield vs. Peebles — League games are always more fun to cover as they always have an impact on the overall standings.
- Tuesday, Sept. 25 — Boys Soccer: McClain at Hillsboro — This match is always a fun match to watch, and this one shouldn't be any different at Richards Memorial Field. Earlier this year, HHS defeated McClain 5-4 on Aug. 30.
- Wednesday, Sept. 26 — Boys Soccer: Fairfield at Lynchburg-Clay — Like I always say, matches with Highland County opponents are always fun to watch, and this one has two quality teams facing each other in league play, so it should be worth the price of admission.
- Thursday, Sept. 27 — Volleyball: Whiteoak vs. West Union/ Fairfield vs. Manchester — Again, the way the SHL standings seem to be close, both of these matches will be important as the season continues.
- Friday, Sept. 28 — Football: McClain vs. London — The Tigers will be hosting their homecoming festivities this week and will look for their second straight win and fourth of the season.
• Looking back at Week 3 of the NFL (A quick review)
*This will not include the Monday night game but will include thoughts on all games up to Monday Night Football and a Monday Night Football prediction.
- Giants 36, Panthers 7 — Teams better watch out for the Giants … they win this game with two reserve wide receivers and a backup running back that'd been cut numerous times. Eli Manning is underrated as a QB. The Panthers are a year or two away … still need more players around Cam Newton.
- Bengals 38, Redskins 31 — I'll admit where I am wrong … I picked the Redskins in my weekly picks with family … I was completely wrong on this game. A.J. Green and Andy Dalton have a good chance to be a great duo as their careers keep moving along.
- Chiefs 27, Saints 24 (OT) — I'm totally surprised about how the Saints have began this season at 0-3. I would have never guessed they would start this slow … they really miss Sean Payton. Jamaal Charles of the Chiefs is back, it seems.
- Vikings 24, 49ers 13 — Surprise of the weekend? I think so … would have never guessed the Vikings could hang with the 49ers. I'll give the 49ers' defense a mulligan this time … every team has their one game they should have won, but lost every season … this is probably it for the 49ers. As for the Vikings, it looked like Christian Ponder is quietly working his way to improving at QB … keep your eye out for him.
- Jets 23, Dolphins 20 — Didn't see much on this game … I'm surprised the Jets had to go into overtime to win.
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- Jaguars 22, Colts 17 — Both of these teams are in total rebuilding modes with a rookie QB and a second-year QB … looks like the Jaguars are just a little ahead of the Colts this week. Andrew Luck will be a force in the league, though, as his career continues.
- Titans 44, Lions 41 — I missed this one, too. Looks like neither defense decided to show up in this one with a combined 85 points. Jake Locker of the Titans probably had his best game of his career, and the play at the end of regulation … Shun Hill to Titus Young on a throw and a prayer to go into overtime … is always fun to watch.
- Cowboys 16, Buccaneers 10 — Don't have much to say about this one … neither team had much offense, and the Cowboys' line needs a lot of work or Tony Romo won't be able to finish the season.
- Bills 24, Browns 14 — The Bills managed to win even though they began the game without their starting RB, and the other starter, C.J. Spiller, left the game with an injury. I guess that can happen (gaining a win with a third-string RB) when you are playing the Cleveland Browns.
- Bears 23, Rams 6 — Neither team is great, but the Rams aren't that good at all right now. Nobody had that great of a game if you look at the box score.
- Falcons 27, Chargers 3 — The Falcons are really good, and the Chargers weren't a very good 2-0 team, it seems. How a team with Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates only gets three points stumps me.
- Cardinals 27, Eagles 6 — This was my upset pick of the week, and the Cardinals made me look smart. I believed in the Cards' defense so much I used them on my fantasy team. Also, I want to apologize to the Cardinals as I said they would be the worst team in the NFL … I was wrong it seems, as they are 3-0.
- Raiders 34, Steelers 31 — Only in the NFL can we have outcomes like this … Ben Roethlisberger threw for TDs, and his team lost. Carson Palmer did finally beat the Steelers though, so good for him. Scary moment when Darrius Heyward-Bey was hit in the end zone … though I love tough-hitting football, moments like that put things in perspective.
- Texans 31, Broncos 25 — The Texans seems to be near the top of the class in the AFC. Matt Schaub lost part of his ear and still had a great game (290 yards, 4 TDs). Any QB who can take a hit like he did, lose part of his ear and continue to play in the game should earn everyone's respect.
- Ravens 31, Patriots 30 — This was the game of the week, in my opinion. Torrey Smith's performance less than 24 hours after his brother's death was magical and heartwarming all mixed together. I don't think I rooted for a player more than Smith this week. I hope these two teams meet in the playoffs later this winter.
- Monday Night Football Prediction: Packers 21, Seahawks 10.
• A few non-high school sports thoughts
- It's premiere week, finally … Time to start watching show on delay.
- Didn't watch much college football this week … I'll catch up during the week.
- Who knew Dunkin' Donuts closed at 9 p.m. on a Saturday night? How is a guy supposed to get a coffee fix?
- I'm loving these MLB Playoff races more and more each week. Going to be an exciting finish. I'm predicting a one-game playoff for the AL Central title.
- All I saw of the Emmys was the tribute part to the celebrities who died in the past year.
- So tired of all the presidential election commercials … do they realize a yard sign or TV ad will never change my mind … such a waste of money. Don't you love how the candidates say how they will save cash, BUT spend (waste) money on all these ads?
- Tired of hearing about the NFL replacement officials …
• Stat of the Week
In 13 sets of volleyball this past week, the Fairfield Lady Lions won 9 times.
• Quote of the Week
"We're really thrilled defensively. I've repeated over and over, we're not that big, so we'll use our speed. Our philosophy is we may give up a play here or there, but we'll get more than we give up. Speed on defense is key for us." — Pete Hollon, Paint Valley head coach, on the Bearcats' defense following five weeks of games.
• One last item of business
Again, this is another important week in terms of league standings, and it should be fun to see how it all turns out.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.
LC won the golf title by a single stroke … an impressive feat following the two weeks and four courses it took to complete the event.
Thursday's event was fun to see in person as pretty much every golfer there was better than me, but it was also the first time I've ever gone to the Hilltop Golf Course, and it was a nice-looking course.
Also, as far as the All-SHL players, they were selected from their actual play on the course in the four-day tournament with the Top 15 players who had the lowest combined scores earning all-league honors. Highland County finished with six golfers in the Top 15 with Whiteoak's Luke Taggert and Nick Wardlow, along with Lynchburg-Clay's Zach Blankenship, Tristan Wilbanks, Linus Stoltz and Marc Blankenship.
Congrats to all the all-league golfers.
• The Reds are NL Central champions
I think I just have really good luck. I applied for media passes to cover the Reds this past Saturday earlier in the past week, and somehow, through a varied series of events, I was there for the second time the Reds clinched an NL Central Division title in the past three seasons with their 6-0 win over the Dodgers. It wasn't as exciting as '10, but it was still a lot of fun.
Something like that can never get old. Thanks to the Reds for allowing me to cover their team. I'll write more about the Reds later this week, and I can't wait until the MLB Playoffs.
• Looking back at the past week
The team of the past week has to be the Fairfield Lady Lion volleyball team, as they went a perfect 3-for-3 in the SHL with wins over Fayetteville, Whiteoak and North Adams, putting themselves at the top or near the top of the league standings. Two of the wins went five sets, and the win over WHS went three sets.
FHS coach MaryBeth Hodson praised her team this week: "The girls are playing a lot better as a team. The girls have done so well," she said.
Also this past week, the Lynchburg-Clay Lady Mustangs girls soccer team stayed undefeated in league games as I covered them and the boys teams gaining wins over Ripley at LCHS.
In a game I didn't get to see, the HHS Lady Indians tied at Clinton-Massie in girls soccer, meaning it will be an uphill battle for a shot at the league title.
• Looking at the week ahead
- Monday, Sept. 24 — Boys and Girls Soccer: Fairfield vs. Peebles — League games are always more fun to cover as they always have an impact on the overall standings.
- Tuesday, Sept. 25 — Boys Soccer: McClain at Hillsboro — This match is always a fun match to watch, and this one shouldn't be any different at Richards Memorial Field. Earlier this year, HHS defeated McClain 5-4 on Aug. 30.
- Wednesday, Sept. 26 — Boys Soccer: Fairfield at Lynchburg-Clay — Like I always say, matches with Highland County opponents are always fun to watch, and this one has two quality teams facing each other in league play, so it should be worth the price of admission.
- Thursday, Sept. 27 — Volleyball: Whiteoak vs. West Union/ Fairfield vs. Manchester — Again, the way the SHL standings seem to be close, both of these matches will be important as the season continues.
- Friday, Sept. 28 — Football: McClain vs. London — The Tigers will be hosting their homecoming festivities this week and will look for their second straight win and fourth of the season.
• Looking back at Week 3 of the NFL (A quick review)
*This will not include the Monday night game but will include thoughts on all games up to Monday Night Football and a Monday Night Football prediction.
- Giants 36, Panthers 7 — Teams better watch out for the Giants … they win this game with two reserve wide receivers and a backup running back that'd been cut numerous times. Eli Manning is underrated as a QB. The Panthers are a year or two away … still need more players around Cam Newton.
- Bengals 38, Redskins 31 — I'll admit where I am wrong … I picked the Redskins in my weekly picks with family … I was completely wrong on this game. A.J. Green and Andy Dalton have a good chance to be a great duo as their careers keep moving along.
- Chiefs 27, Saints 24 (OT) — I'm totally surprised about how the Saints have began this season at 0-3. I would have never guessed they would start this slow … they really miss Sean Payton. Jamaal Charles of the Chiefs is back, it seems.
- Vikings 24, 49ers 13 — Surprise of the weekend? I think so … would have never guessed the Vikings could hang with the 49ers. I'll give the 49ers' defense a mulligan this time … every team has their one game they should have won, but lost every season … this is probably it for the 49ers. As for the Vikings, it looked like Christian Ponder is quietly working his way to improving at QB … keep your eye out for him.
- Jets 23, Dolphins 20 — Didn't see much on this game … I'm surprised the Jets had to go into overtime to win.
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- Jaguars 22, Colts 17 — Both of these teams are in total rebuilding modes with a rookie QB and a second-year QB … looks like the Jaguars are just a little ahead of the Colts this week. Andrew Luck will be a force in the league, though, as his career continues.
- Titans 44, Lions 41 — I missed this one, too. Looks like neither defense decided to show up in this one with a combined 85 points. Jake Locker of the Titans probably had his best game of his career, and the play at the end of regulation … Shun Hill to Titus Young on a throw and a prayer to go into overtime … is always fun to watch.
- Cowboys 16, Buccaneers 10 — Don't have much to say about this one … neither team had much offense, and the Cowboys' line needs a lot of work or Tony Romo won't be able to finish the season.
- Bills 24, Browns 14 — The Bills managed to win even though they began the game without their starting RB, and the other starter, C.J. Spiller, left the game with an injury. I guess that can happen (gaining a win with a third-string RB) when you are playing the Cleveland Browns.
- Bears 23, Rams 6 — Neither team is great, but the Rams aren't that good at all right now. Nobody had that great of a game if you look at the box score.
- Falcons 27, Chargers 3 — The Falcons are really good, and the Chargers weren't a very good 2-0 team, it seems. How a team with Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates only gets three points stumps me.
- Cardinals 27, Eagles 6 — This was my upset pick of the week, and the Cardinals made me look smart. I believed in the Cards' defense so much I used them on my fantasy team. Also, I want to apologize to the Cardinals as I said they would be the worst team in the NFL … I was wrong it seems, as they are 3-0.
- Raiders 34, Steelers 31 — Only in the NFL can we have outcomes like this … Ben Roethlisberger threw for TDs, and his team lost. Carson Palmer did finally beat the Steelers though, so good for him. Scary moment when Darrius Heyward-Bey was hit in the end zone … though I love tough-hitting football, moments like that put things in perspective.
- Texans 31, Broncos 25 — The Texans seems to be near the top of the class in the AFC. Matt Schaub lost part of his ear and still had a great game (290 yards, 4 TDs). Any QB who can take a hit like he did, lose part of his ear and continue to play in the game should earn everyone's respect.
- Ravens 31, Patriots 30 — This was the game of the week, in my opinion. Torrey Smith's performance less than 24 hours after his brother's death was magical and heartwarming all mixed together. I don't think I rooted for a player more than Smith this week. I hope these two teams meet in the playoffs later this winter.
- Monday Night Football Prediction: Packers 21, Seahawks 10.
• A few non-high school sports thoughts
- It's premiere week, finally … Time to start watching show on delay.
- Didn't watch much college football this week … I'll catch up during the week.
- Who knew Dunkin' Donuts closed at 9 p.m. on a Saturday night? How is a guy supposed to get a coffee fix?
- I'm loving these MLB Playoff races more and more each week. Going to be an exciting finish. I'm predicting a one-game playoff for the AL Central title.
- All I saw of the Emmys was the tribute part to the celebrities who died in the past year.
- So tired of all the presidential election commercials … do they realize a yard sign or TV ad will never change my mind … such a waste of money. Don't you love how the candidates say how they will save cash, BUT spend (waste) money on all these ads?
- Tired of hearing about the NFL replacement officials …
• Stat of the Week
In 13 sets of volleyball this past week, the Fairfield Lady Lions won 9 times.
• Quote of the Week
"We're really thrilled defensively. I've repeated over and over, we're not that big, so we'll use our speed. Our philosophy is we may give up a play here or there, but we'll get more than we give up. Speed on defense is key for us." — Pete Hollon, Paint Valley head coach, on the Bearcats' defense following five weeks of games.
• One last item of business
Again, this is another important week in terms of league standings, and it should be fun to see how it all turns out.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.