SCOL Football Notebook: Week 4
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
The South Central Ohio League had its best non-league week in recent memory this past week with a 4-4 overall week against their opponents for other leagues or conferences.
With that, before we get into the first week of the actual league season, and knowing I'm a stats nerd, I decided to count up every SCOL non-league game result since the league reformed in '03, and here is what I came up with:
• In weeks with four or more non-league games since '03, the SCOL has had 10 winning weeks out of 34 of those weeks. In that span, there were five tied weeks and 19 losing weeks.
• The overall record for the SCOL in every non-league game (including the weeks with one non-league game) is 120-161 out of a total of 281 games played.
• The best non-league week for the SCOL was Week 1 of the '09 season at 6-1. In fact, the '09 season was the best non-league week since the re-formation of the SCOL as they league went 20-8.
• Currently the SCOL is on a seven-week non-winning streak in non-league play.
Ok, with the non-league history lesson out of the way let's talk about the new eight-team SCOL schedule for the first time since the league reformed.
Looking at the scores, standings and the past I can say without a doubt and probably no one will disagree that this is Clinton-Massie's league to lose. They have won the outright title since '08 and at least a share of the title since '07, so that is an easy comment to make, as they just continue to improve each season.
In fact, they've lost just twice in the league since their became a member in '05 to MT in that season and to Washington in '07 by a combined 15 points (it was a 14-point loss to MT in '05). CM's overall mark in SCOL play is 40-2, outscoring their opponents in the SCOL 1,879-405 since the '05 season.
Currently CM is on a 25-game winning streak in league games where they've outscored their opponents in that span 1,228-199 with six shutouts.
As for the rest of the league … I feel it will be competitive when they face each other as there is no clear-cut number-two team in the league, and I feel that balance for the league, especially with Madison-Plains and London leaving following this season, is a solid for the league.
With all that said, all the numbers, stats and opinions, it is still a good time to watch this league, and I for one am looking forward to see how it all plays out. On to the week four predictions.
• Clinton-Massie Falcons (3-0) at McClain Tigers (2-1)
I can't be a "homer" this week. I've seen the McClain Tigers play in all three of their games this season, and I honestly feel they are a better team than they were one season ago, and the 2-1 record shows that in the standings.
They have a very, very tough task ahead of them with the defending champs on the schedule this week to start league play.
CM this year has outscored their non-league opponents 151-21, including two good teams in Waynesville (39-14) and Jonathan Alder (49-7).
Click here for the preview of the game.
Prediction: Clinton-Massie wins.
• Madison-Plains Golden Eagles (3-0) at Hillsboro Indians (0-3)
I have mixed feelings about this game. Last season when the Indians faced the Golden Eagles at MP, it was HHS who won by a 29-28 score.
This year, Madison-Plains is improved, in my opinion. I'm not even talking about their overall record; I just think their skill players are improved from one season ago.
It could have the possibility to be a competitive game, but for HHS, I believe they can't give up the big plays or play with a large deficit at the start of the second half.
Prediction: Madison-Plains wins.
[[In-content Ad]]• Miami Trace Panthers (0-3) at London Red Raiders (0-3)
Somebody will gain their first win of the season as both teams are winless through three weeks.
From what I've read, and looking at the official stats on the Red Raiders' football website (every school needs to do this), the Red Raiders have played a tough schedule and in the process have allowed 162 points while scoring 35.
As for LHS, their game went almost three quarters last week, but they still suffered a 41-14 loss to West Jefferson. LHS totaled 195 yards of offense on 38 plays with 56 yards rushing on 24 carries and 139 yards passing.
Scoring TDs last week for LHS were Kyle Fisher (16 carries for 43 yards) and Dustin Coffey off a pass from Fisher. Fisher was 6-for-14 for 139 yards passing. Coffey had four receptions for 123 yards. The LHS defense allowed WJ to gain 406 yards of total offense and six TDs.
The Panthers have allowed 110 points but have scored 76. MT's problem last week was the second half, where they were outscored 29-7 in a 49-28 loss to Logan Elm. MT led 21-20 at the half.
Players to watch for MT will be Marcel Pettiford, who scored two first-quarter TDs last week. Cedric Pettiford is another player to watch as he had a receiving TD.
In last week's game, MT totaled 470 yards of offense while allowing 410.
Prediction: Miami Trace wins.
• East Clinton Astros (1-2) at Washington Blue Lions (1-2)
This might be the most competitive game of the week, or it could be a total surprise … who knows?
These teams are both coming off their first win of the season last week as Washington defeated Adena, 32-13 and EC toppled Southeastern, 49-14.
Both teams are similar and have had about equal opponents this season. Each possesses the ability to gain offensive yards with their running game and can get stops defensively.
Watch out for the running games as WCH will run Tye Smith (five TDs against Adena) and Zack Zurface. The Astros will use Max Morrow, who has 537 yards and eight TDs, including six last week against Southeastern.
Should be a fun game.
Prediction: East Clinton wins.
• Last Week's Scores
Week 3 Football Schedule/Results
(Friday, Sept. 7)
Wilmington 48, Hillsboro 6
Zane Trace 17, McClain 12
London 14, West Jefferson 41
Madison-Plains 21, Southeastern Local 9
Southeastern 14, East Clinton 49
Washington 32, Adena 13
Miami Trace 28, Logan Elm 49
Clinton-Massie 49, Jonathan Alder 7
• Last Week's Predictions
Last week, in 8 games predicted, I went 4-4. Overall, after 24 games, my prediction record is 17-7. Week two, I was 7-1, and week one, I went 6-2.
• 5 Things I'd like to see in Week 4
1. I'd like to see a Hillsboro win to start the SCOL season.
2. I'd like to see competitive games throughout the league.
3. I'd like to see no inclement weather this week so games can start on time.
4. I'd like to see an injury-free week.
5. I'd like to see the stands packed. So far, the crowds I've seen this year have been good.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.
With that, before we get into the first week of the actual league season, and knowing I'm a stats nerd, I decided to count up every SCOL non-league game result since the league reformed in '03, and here is what I came up with:
• In weeks with four or more non-league games since '03, the SCOL has had 10 winning weeks out of 34 of those weeks. In that span, there were five tied weeks and 19 losing weeks.
• The overall record for the SCOL in every non-league game (including the weeks with one non-league game) is 120-161 out of a total of 281 games played.
• The best non-league week for the SCOL was Week 1 of the '09 season at 6-1. In fact, the '09 season was the best non-league week since the re-formation of the SCOL as they league went 20-8.
• Currently the SCOL is on a seven-week non-winning streak in non-league play.
Ok, with the non-league history lesson out of the way let's talk about the new eight-team SCOL schedule for the first time since the league reformed.
Looking at the scores, standings and the past I can say without a doubt and probably no one will disagree that this is Clinton-Massie's league to lose. They have won the outright title since '08 and at least a share of the title since '07, so that is an easy comment to make, as they just continue to improve each season.
In fact, they've lost just twice in the league since their became a member in '05 to MT in that season and to Washington in '07 by a combined 15 points (it was a 14-point loss to MT in '05). CM's overall mark in SCOL play is 40-2, outscoring their opponents in the SCOL 1,879-405 since the '05 season.
Currently CM is on a 25-game winning streak in league games where they've outscored their opponents in that span 1,228-199 with six shutouts.
As for the rest of the league … I feel it will be competitive when they face each other as there is no clear-cut number-two team in the league, and I feel that balance for the league, especially with Madison-Plains and London leaving following this season, is a solid for the league.
With all that said, all the numbers, stats and opinions, it is still a good time to watch this league, and I for one am looking forward to see how it all plays out. On to the week four predictions.
• Clinton-Massie Falcons (3-0) at McClain Tigers (2-1)
I can't be a "homer" this week. I've seen the McClain Tigers play in all three of their games this season, and I honestly feel they are a better team than they were one season ago, and the 2-1 record shows that in the standings.
They have a very, very tough task ahead of them with the defending champs on the schedule this week to start league play.
CM this year has outscored their non-league opponents 151-21, including two good teams in Waynesville (39-14) and Jonathan Alder (49-7).
Click here for the preview of the game.
Prediction: Clinton-Massie wins.
• Madison-Plains Golden Eagles (3-0) at Hillsboro Indians (0-3)
I have mixed feelings about this game. Last season when the Indians faced the Golden Eagles at MP, it was HHS who won by a 29-28 score.
This year, Madison-Plains is improved, in my opinion. I'm not even talking about their overall record; I just think their skill players are improved from one season ago.
It could have the possibility to be a competitive game, but for HHS, I believe they can't give up the big plays or play with a large deficit at the start of the second half.
Prediction: Madison-Plains wins.
[[In-content Ad]]• Miami Trace Panthers (0-3) at London Red Raiders (0-3)
Somebody will gain their first win of the season as both teams are winless through three weeks.
From what I've read, and looking at the official stats on the Red Raiders' football website (every school needs to do this), the Red Raiders have played a tough schedule and in the process have allowed 162 points while scoring 35.
As for LHS, their game went almost three quarters last week, but they still suffered a 41-14 loss to West Jefferson. LHS totaled 195 yards of offense on 38 plays with 56 yards rushing on 24 carries and 139 yards passing.
Scoring TDs last week for LHS were Kyle Fisher (16 carries for 43 yards) and Dustin Coffey off a pass from Fisher. Fisher was 6-for-14 for 139 yards passing. Coffey had four receptions for 123 yards. The LHS defense allowed WJ to gain 406 yards of total offense and six TDs.
The Panthers have allowed 110 points but have scored 76. MT's problem last week was the second half, where they were outscored 29-7 in a 49-28 loss to Logan Elm. MT led 21-20 at the half.
Players to watch for MT will be Marcel Pettiford, who scored two first-quarter TDs last week. Cedric Pettiford is another player to watch as he had a receiving TD.
In last week's game, MT totaled 470 yards of offense while allowing 410.
Prediction: Miami Trace wins.
• East Clinton Astros (1-2) at Washington Blue Lions (1-2)
This might be the most competitive game of the week, or it could be a total surprise … who knows?
These teams are both coming off their first win of the season last week as Washington defeated Adena, 32-13 and EC toppled Southeastern, 49-14.
Both teams are similar and have had about equal opponents this season. Each possesses the ability to gain offensive yards with their running game and can get stops defensively.
Watch out for the running games as WCH will run Tye Smith (five TDs against Adena) and Zack Zurface. The Astros will use Max Morrow, who has 537 yards and eight TDs, including six last week against Southeastern.
Should be a fun game.
Prediction: East Clinton wins.
• Last Week's Scores
Week 3 Football Schedule/Results
(Friday, Sept. 7)
Wilmington 48, Hillsboro 6
Zane Trace 17, McClain 12
London 14, West Jefferson 41
Madison-Plains 21, Southeastern Local 9
Southeastern 14, East Clinton 49
Washington 32, Adena 13
Miami Trace 28, Logan Elm 49
Clinton-Massie 49, Jonathan Alder 7
• Last Week's Predictions
Last week, in 8 games predicted, I went 4-4. Overall, after 24 games, my prediction record is 17-7. Week two, I was 7-1, and week one, I went 6-2.
• 5 Things I'd like to see in Week 4
1. I'd like to see a Hillsboro win to start the SCOL season.
2. I'd like to see competitive games throughout the league.
3. I'd like to see no inclement weather this week so games can start on time.
4. I'd like to see an injury-free week.
5. I'd like to see the stands packed. So far, the crowds I've seen this year have been good.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow Stephen on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.