Not off the Press: It's postseason time
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
The regular season for all fall sports, except football, has been completed, and with that, it was the Lynchburg-Clay Lady Mustang soccer team winning their second straight league title. Also winning a league title this past week were the Hillsboro boys cross-country team for the South Central Ohio League and the Fairfield boys cross-country team in the Southern Hills League.
But with the end of the regular season slate of games, it's now time for the postseason, or more appropriately the "second season" as everyone starts 0-0, and if you lose once … you go home.
This week's schedule is full of postseason games, starting in the sectional round, but before we get too into that, let's talk about the past week.
Sorry, Jim Mora … we are going to talk playoffs.
• The week that was
It was a busy week in Highland County this past week with the SHL volleyball title chase wrapping up, but it wasn't Fairfield or Whiteoak winning the league title, as it was Fayetteville who overcame the pressure from both Highland County teams by holding off both the Lady Lions and Lady 'Cats to claim the SHL title. Fayetteville was 3-0 this past week with wins over Peebles, FHS and Ripley. The match that was big for Fayetteville was a 3-0 win over Fairfield this past Tuesday.
As for the rest of last week, there were many senior nights held, the Lynchburg-Clay Marching Band put on a good halftime show at the Lynchburg-Clay vs. Eastern Brown soccer match and there was the actual match between the Lady Mustangs and Lady Warriors for the league soccer title … let's talk about that match.
What stands out to me the most in that match was the hand ball call made by the official that would have put LC ahead 2-0 with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. The call was made, EB scored and though LC won the league girls soccer title, it was the least happy I've ever seen a team after winning a league championship … but that tied score cost them their perfect undefeated season for the second straight year. The LC team had nothing to hold their heads down about … they are a very quality soccer team and have the postseason to look forward to this coming Saturday as they host a sectional final match against a to-be-determined opponent.
There was also this past week at HHS, with a four-goal performance by Jordan O'Connor against Lynchburg-Clay, and the match with the HHS girls soccer team defeating LC 3-2 was one of the better soccer matches of the year I've seen with Madison Colliver scoring the game-winning goal for the Lady Indians' 13th win of the season.
It wasn't a good week for Highland County football as both teams ended Friday with losses (my SCOL Week 8 predictions were 75-percent wrong), and due to having Thursday off from work, I was unable to attend the SCOL Cross-Country Championships and the same for Saturday's SHL Cross-Country Championships … but congratulations to all the athletes who won in those events.
• Previewing the upcoming week
Like I mentioned earlier, this is a busy week of postseason events. (Remember, I can't attend all events, but feel free to email results to sforsha@gmail.com if you don't see me at a postseason event. I'd appreciate it.)
Here are the postseason games for the upcoming week (wins by teams could add more events throughout the week, so check back to the HCP for game times, locations and dates):
Monday, Oct. 15
- Girls Soccer: McClain at Chillicothe (5 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Hillsboro vs. Circleville (6 p.m.)
- Volleyball: McClain vs. New Lexington (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 16
- Boys Soccer: Hillsboro vs. McClain (6 p.m.)
- Girls Soccer: Fairfield vs. South Point (5 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Lynchburg-Clay at North Adams (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 17
- Boys Soccer: Lynchburg-Clay vs. TBA (5 p.m.)
- Boys Soccer: Fairfield vs. TBA (5 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 18
- Girls Soccer: Hillsboro vs. TBA (5 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Whiteoak at Notre Dame (6 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Fairfield vs. Western (6 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 20
- Girls Soccer: Lynchburg-Clay vs. TBA (1 p.m.)
As for all of those games, I'll pick one that really stands out to me to preview, which is Tuesday's boys soccer match with Hillsboro hosting the McClain Tigers.
I've seen both matches between both these teams this year at McClain Field in Greenfield and at Richards Memorial Field in Hillsboro.
The first match at MHS (Aug. 30) was the more competitive match in terms of the score (5-4). The second meeting was a 5-0 win by HHS on Sept. 25 as Jordan O'Connor had a hat-trick.
This game could go either way in terms of competitiveness and in terms of the final score, but when two league and county rivals meet up in the postseason, especially in the postseason where one season will end … that is a match to look forward to this week.
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• A (really) quick look at Week 6 of the NFL
- Titans 26, Steelers 23: This result surprised me a lot. I didn't think the Titans had a chance, but Matthew Hasselbeck, Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt offensively had different plans.
- Ravens 31, Cowboys 29: For the Cowboys, their clock management ruined the late fourth-quarter rally … for the Ravens, Ray Rice is still really good.
- Buccaneers 38, Chiefs 10: The Chiefs had Brady Quinn at quarterback … that about explains this score.
- Lions 26, Eagles 23: This would have been a fun game to see … personally, I can never complain over a loss by the Eagles.
- Jets 35, Colts 9: Nice to see the Jets found a team they could actually beat in convincing fashion this week. The Colts are rebuilding and will be back again one day.
- Dolphins 17, Rams 14: The Dolphins don't have a losing record at this point of the season, and I didn't see that happening. The Rams need some work.
- Browns 34, Bengals 24: Though I picked the Browns to win in my weekly picks with family members, I thought it was just a lucky guess rather than believing the Cleveland Browns could win a football game. I can't explain the Bengals the past two weeks. Not a good week for Cincinnati sports.
- Falcons 23, Raiders 20: The Falcons overcame a tough day and were still able to get the win … that's what championship caliber teams do, right?
- Redskins 38, Vikings 26: Am I wrong for being surprised by this score? Really, though, Robert Griffin III can play some football … the Redskins wouldn't have as many wins without him. I think giving up all those draft picks in April is paying off in October.
- Giants 26, 49ers 3: Didn't see this type of score at the start of my day. I didn't think the 49ers' defense could allow this many points in this big game, but their offense didn't help matters with turnovers, so a lot of this loss is on the 49ers' offense, rather than their defense.
- Seahawks 24, Patriots 23: The Seahawks have some big wins this year, and the pass from Russell Wilson to Sidney Rice for a 46-yard TD to top the Pats could be their biggest win of the season.
- Bills 19, Cardinals 16: A Bills win in overtime … and the Cardinals seem to be falling back to earth … still didn't see the Bills being the winners of this game.
- Packers 42, Texans 24: I didn't think the score would be this big for either team, and I didn't think the Packers would win this game. But after this week of NFL games, with the results we've seen, I don't think it pays to think anything. Also … how about that Aaron Rodgers … discount double-check?
- Monday Night Football Prediction: Broncos 21, Chargers 20: Peyton Manning will shine on Monday night.
• The Cincinnati Reds end '12 season
The collapse of the Reds this past week from a 2-0 NLDS lead to being swept at home in three straight games by the San Francisco Giants put a damper on the overall season of the Reds. Losing like that in the postseason just can't happen.
I was there for Game 3, and it just wasn't a pretty sight seeing the Reds lose that type of series lead in the postseason, being just one win away from getting to the NLCS. By the way, the St. Louis Cardinals were nine wins behind the Reds in the regular season standings and have advanced further than the NL Central champion Reds. The Cardinals just prove that as long as you can get in the playoffs, anything is possible.
• Random thoughts on sports and such
- So glad "The Walking Dead" Season 3 began Sunday … love that show.
- I read on the OHSAA site that high school basketball practices (first day of coaching) begin Oct. 26 (girls) and Nov. 2 for boys … wow, that will be here before we know it.
- Did anyone see daredevil Felix Baumgartner's 24-mile skydive/free fall from the edge of space Sunday? I watched it live on TV, and all I can say is amazing.
- Is the presidential election over yet?
- Saw just a few plays of college football this weekend … I'll eventually catch up.
- I saw the first BCS standings Sunday … does it really matter? My guess is whomever plays Alabama will lose to Alabama.
- Notre Dame in the Top 5? Looks like they are playing really well … can't wait until they play USC … that will be a good game. The BYU game this coming Saturday will be a good game as well.
- The "Saturday Night Live" parody of the vice presidential debate was hilarious.
- Looks like my spring training pick of the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series could be right … I probably just jinxed it. As of this writing, the Tigers have a 2-0 lead in the ALCS with the Yankees.
- NBA starts in 16 days.
- I want to congratulate one of my best friends, Stephen Hamby, and his new wife Natasha on their marriage this past Saturday. Some of you might know him from bowling leagues at Highland Lanes.
• Quote of the Week
"We have a bunch of upset players because we didn't gain our second golden soccer ball trophy. The good thing is we won the league title outright." — Dennis West, Lynchburg-Clay girls soccer coach following their 1-1 tie with Eastern Brown.
• Stat of the Week
In the past two seasons in SHL play, the Lynchburg-Clay girls soccer team is 13-0-1 in 14 matches.
• One last item of business
Sometimes it is just important to take a step back from all the scores, games and work and realize there is more to life. This past weekend was one of joy and happiness seeing my friends married, and one of sadness as a family that I know through a mutual friend had a teenage child pass away. I pray that family heals through this difficult time. Remember that life is precious.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.
But with the end of the regular season slate of games, it's now time for the postseason, or more appropriately the "second season" as everyone starts 0-0, and if you lose once … you go home.
This week's schedule is full of postseason games, starting in the sectional round, but before we get too into that, let's talk about the past week.
Sorry, Jim Mora … we are going to talk playoffs.
• The week that was
It was a busy week in Highland County this past week with the SHL volleyball title chase wrapping up, but it wasn't Fairfield or Whiteoak winning the league title, as it was Fayetteville who overcame the pressure from both Highland County teams by holding off both the Lady Lions and Lady 'Cats to claim the SHL title. Fayetteville was 3-0 this past week with wins over Peebles, FHS and Ripley. The match that was big for Fayetteville was a 3-0 win over Fairfield this past Tuesday.
As for the rest of last week, there were many senior nights held, the Lynchburg-Clay Marching Band put on a good halftime show at the Lynchburg-Clay vs. Eastern Brown soccer match and there was the actual match between the Lady Mustangs and Lady Warriors for the league soccer title … let's talk about that match.
What stands out to me the most in that match was the hand ball call made by the official that would have put LC ahead 2-0 with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. The call was made, EB scored and though LC won the league girls soccer title, it was the least happy I've ever seen a team after winning a league championship … but that tied score cost them their perfect undefeated season for the second straight year. The LC team had nothing to hold their heads down about … they are a very quality soccer team and have the postseason to look forward to this coming Saturday as they host a sectional final match against a to-be-determined opponent.
There was also this past week at HHS, with a four-goal performance by Jordan O'Connor against Lynchburg-Clay, and the match with the HHS girls soccer team defeating LC 3-2 was one of the better soccer matches of the year I've seen with Madison Colliver scoring the game-winning goal for the Lady Indians' 13th win of the season.
It wasn't a good week for Highland County football as both teams ended Friday with losses (my SCOL Week 8 predictions were 75-percent wrong), and due to having Thursday off from work, I was unable to attend the SCOL Cross-Country Championships and the same for Saturday's SHL Cross-Country Championships … but congratulations to all the athletes who won in those events.
• Previewing the upcoming week
Like I mentioned earlier, this is a busy week of postseason events. (Remember, I can't attend all events, but feel free to email results to sforsha@gmail.com if you don't see me at a postseason event. I'd appreciate it.)
Here are the postseason games for the upcoming week (wins by teams could add more events throughout the week, so check back to the HCP for game times, locations and dates):
Monday, Oct. 15
- Girls Soccer: McClain at Chillicothe (5 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Hillsboro vs. Circleville (6 p.m.)
- Volleyball: McClain vs. New Lexington (6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 16
- Boys Soccer: Hillsboro vs. McClain (6 p.m.)
- Girls Soccer: Fairfield vs. South Point (5 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Lynchburg-Clay at North Adams (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 17
- Boys Soccer: Lynchburg-Clay vs. TBA (5 p.m.)
- Boys Soccer: Fairfield vs. TBA (5 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 18
- Girls Soccer: Hillsboro vs. TBA (5 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Whiteoak at Notre Dame (6 p.m.)
- Volleyball: Fairfield vs. Western (6 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 20
- Girls Soccer: Lynchburg-Clay vs. TBA (1 p.m.)
As for all of those games, I'll pick one that really stands out to me to preview, which is Tuesday's boys soccer match with Hillsboro hosting the McClain Tigers.
I've seen both matches between both these teams this year at McClain Field in Greenfield and at Richards Memorial Field in Hillsboro.
The first match at MHS (Aug. 30) was the more competitive match in terms of the score (5-4). The second meeting was a 5-0 win by HHS on Sept. 25 as Jordan O'Connor had a hat-trick.
This game could go either way in terms of competitiveness and in terms of the final score, but when two league and county rivals meet up in the postseason, especially in the postseason where one season will end … that is a match to look forward to this week.
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• A (really) quick look at Week 6 of the NFL
- Titans 26, Steelers 23: This result surprised me a lot. I didn't think the Titans had a chance, but Matthew Hasselbeck, Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt offensively had different plans.
- Ravens 31, Cowboys 29: For the Cowboys, their clock management ruined the late fourth-quarter rally … for the Ravens, Ray Rice is still really good.
- Buccaneers 38, Chiefs 10: The Chiefs had Brady Quinn at quarterback … that about explains this score.
- Lions 26, Eagles 23: This would have been a fun game to see … personally, I can never complain over a loss by the Eagles.
- Jets 35, Colts 9: Nice to see the Jets found a team they could actually beat in convincing fashion this week. The Colts are rebuilding and will be back again one day.
- Dolphins 17, Rams 14: The Dolphins don't have a losing record at this point of the season, and I didn't see that happening. The Rams need some work.
- Browns 34, Bengals 24: Though I picked the Browns to win in my weekly picks with family members, I thought it was just a lucky guess rather than believing the Cleveland Browns could win a football game. I can't explain the Bengals the past two weeks. Not a good week for Cincinnati sports.
- Falcons 23, Raiders 20: The Falcons overcame a tough day and were still able to get the win … that's what championship caliber teams do, right?
- Redskins 38, Vikings 26: Am I wrong for being surprised by this score? Really, though, Robert Griffin III can play some football … the Redskins wouldn't have as many wins without him. I think giving up all those draft picks in April is paying off in October.
- Giants 26, 49ers 3: Didn't see this type of score at the start of my day. I didn't think the 49ers' defense could allow this many points in this big game, but their offense didn't help matters with turnovers, so a lot of this loss is on the 49ers' offense, rather than their defense.
- Seahawks 24, Patriots 23: The Seahawks have some big wins this year, and the pass from Russell Wilson to Sidney Rice for a 46-yard TD to top the Pats could be their biggest win of the season.
- Bills 19, Cardinals 16: A Bills win in overtime … and the Cardinals seem to be falling back to earth … still didn't see the Bills being the winners of this game.
- Packers 42, Texans 24: I didn't think the score would be this big for either team, and I didn't think the Packers would win this game. But after this week of NFL games, with the results we've seen, I don't think it pays to think anything. Also … how about that Aaron Rodgers … discount double-check?
- Monday Night Football Prediction: Broncos 21, Chargers 20: Peyton Manning will shine on Monday night.
• The Cincinnati Reds end '12 season
The collapse of the Reds this past week from a 2-0 NLDS lead to being swept at home in three straight games by the San Francisco Giants put a damper on the overall season of the Reds. Losing like that in the postseason just can't happen.
I was there for Game 3, and it just wasn't a pretty sight seeing the Reds lose that type of series lead in the postseason, being just one win away from getting to the NLCS. By the way, the St. Louis Cardinals were nine wins behind the Reds in the regular season standings and have advanced further than the NL Central champion Reds. The Cardinals just prove that as long as you can get in the playoffs, anything is possible.
• Random thoughts on sports and such
- So glad "The Walking Dead" Season 3 began Sunday … love that show.
- I read on the OHSAA site that high school basketball practices (first day of coaching) begin Oct. 26 (girls) and Nov. 2 for boys … wow, that will be here before we know it.
- Did anyone see daredevil Felix Baumgartner's 24-mile skydive/free fall from the edge of space Sunday? I watched it live on TV, and all I can say is amazing.
- Is the presidential election over yet?
- Saw just a few plays of college football this weekend … I'll eventually catch up.
- I saw the first BCS standings Sunday … does it really matter? My guess is whomever plays Alabama will lose to Alabama.
- Notre Dame in the Top 5? Looks like they are playing really well … can't wait until they play USC … that will be a good game. The BYU game this coming Saturday will be a good game as well.
- The "Saturday Night Live" parody of the vice presidential debate was hilarious.
- Looks like my spring training pick of the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series could be right … I probably just jinxed it. As of this writing, the Tigers have a 2-0 lead in the ALCS with the Yankees.
- NBA starts in 16 days.
- I want to congratulate one of my best friends, Stephen Hamby, and his new wife Natasha on their marriage this past Saturday. Some of you might know him from bowling leagues at Highland Lanes.
• Quote of the Week
"We have a bunch of upset players because we didn't gain our second golden soccer ball trophy. The good thing is we won the league title outright." — Dennis West, Lynchburg-Clay girls soccer coach following their 1-1 tie with Eastern Brown.
• Stat of the Week
In the past two seasons in SHL play, the Lynchburg-Clay girls soccer team is 13-0-1 in 14 matches.
• One last item of business
Sometimes it is just important to take a step back from all the scores, games and work and realize there is more to life. This past weekend was one of joy and happiness seeing my friends married, and one of sadness as a family that I know through a mutual friend had a teenage child pass away. I pray that family heals through this difficult time. Remember that life is precious.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.