High school football sometimes shows the disparity between programs at the various levels of play. For example let’s look at the results of Friday night’s games in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference and the Miami Valley League. Of the five games played between WOAC teams, the winning teams outscored the losing squads 250-6, with only Dixie able to put points on the board. Meanwhile, in the MVL, the discrepancy in the five games was 188-39, with only the Xenia win over Piqua being close, as the Buccaneers prevailed 16-14. Compare those scores with the four games played within the Greater Western Ohio Conference the same evening: Springfield 24, Springboro 20; Miamisburg 22, Fairmont 21; Beavercreek 22, Centerville 21; and Wayne 49, Northmont 28.
Possible reasons for the gap between teams include community traditions, injuries at key positions (particularly among smaller schools), lack of numbers, down years in athletic talent for several years, or just an off night against a team with better players. Regardless, the use of a running clock once the difference in a game reaches thirty points or more in the second half is a really good rule!!
Staying on the gridiron, this time at the college level, THE pulled away from Illinois in the second half to advance to 3-1 with a 42-19 win over the Illini. The Bucks were led by Julian Sayin, passing for 367 yards with four scoring throws to All-World receiver Jeremiah Smith. Most of the country was thrilled with Iowa’s last-play touchdown to defeat Michigan 20-19 in the “Big House”. Justice was served, particularly for Western Michigan, after the Broncos were robbed of a huge upset win over the Wolverines a few weeks ago on a questionable “extra second” Hail Mary touchdown.
Speaking of the Buckeyes’ Smith, I was with some longtime high school friends at the Top Golf facility in Columbus in the late spring of ‘25 when a large group of OSU players arrived. It was pretty obvious which one Smith was—about 6’4” with the long, lean look of an exceptional athlete with just a certain fluidity of movement that most don’t have!
The only other time I saw an individual with that prowess was when San Diego State’s basketball team came to Oxford to play Miami. You knew immediately which Aztec was destined for NBA greatness by watching the pre-game warmups. Long and lean, Kawhi Leonard stood out among mere mortals!
Continuing with my weekly recognition of small college football squads, Saturday’s finals included: the Gentlemen of Centenary bowing to the Schreiner Mountaineers 14-7; Tufts’ Jumbos falling short of the Wesleyan Cardinals 42-7; and the Presidents of Washington and Jefferson overruling the Case Western Reserve Spartans 35-7.
Congratulations to OHSAA district qualifiers in both boys and girls golf, with all competition to be held at Springboro’s Heatherwoode Golf Course. Greenville’s boys finished third in D-I sectional play, paced by junior Hayden Null’s 69, a Wave school record, and senior Brody Weaver’s 71. The team moves down the tournament trail to play on October 5th. Arcanum’s boys were D-II champions, with Luke Stephens garnering medalist honors with a 73. Versailles placed second and Miami East third as they all advance to September 29th. In D-III Josh Brubaker was medalist with a 73 in leading National Trail to a sectional title. Tri-Village was second, Newton third, and Mississinawa fourth as all move on to play Monday the 28th. Reed Brumbaugh of Franklin-Monroe and Ryder Sanders of Ansonia also advance as individuals.
In girls’ action, Greenville’s girls came up one place short of advancing in D-I, but freshman Piper Jenkinson qualified as an individual with a 78 and will play on October 6th. Meanwhile, in D-II, Versailles, Arcanum, and Tri-Village all advanced and will play October 7th.
How about a quick look at the MLB playoff picture as the regular season ends? The best-of-three Wild Card series feature the Red Sox-Yankees and White Sox-Astros in the AL, with the Rays and Guardians (!!) earning first-round byes. In the NL, it’s the Padres-Cubs and Braves-Phillies, with the Dodgers and the Brewers, the winningest team in the majors, having a few days off. The Division Series begin on Saturday at the home of the byes.
And what to make of the Reds’ last-place finish in the NL Central? Lots needs to be done to become competitive next year (if there is a season pending negotiations), and whether Cincinnati ownership will do the necessary things during the off-season is questionable based on past performance! Have a great week; enjoy the fall weather the next few days!
