The string of hot, dry days continues here in West Central Ohio as field crops mature and an early harvest is anticipated—be sure to give farmers room on the roads and highways as they move equipment from field to field.
If you think it’s been hot here, it could be worse. Phoenix has had temperatures over 100 degrees for 105 straight days, with temperatures over 110 sixty times. Of course, that’s dry heat!
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his fourth concussion in five years in a game against the Buffalo Bills Thursday night. The talented, former Alabama signal caller exhibited all of the signs of brain trauma while sprawled on the field after being tackled on a scramble. You’ll hear all sorts of opinions about whether he should continue playing not only in the short term but also whether he should consider retirement. More and more studies of former players show significant impairment as a result of concussions, but in the end, it comes down to the player, his family, and, hopefully, medical advice as to any decision.
How about an early trivia question in this week’s award-winning column? The American public consumed which of the following dairy products the most in 2023—butter, cheese, ice cream, or yogurt? Answer to follow!
Some big high school football games coming up in the next few weeks as we near the halfway point in the regular season. Following a 28-14 win over Arcanum, the Ansonia Tigers put their 3-0 WOAC record on the line and travel to New Madison this Thursday night to take on the 2-1 Patriots of Tri-Village. The Tigers are tied for the league lead with the Preble Shawnee Arrows, a team they will host on October 18th.
In the MAC, Versailles edged New Bremen 18-17 to remain undefeated and tied atop the standings with Minster, Coldwater, and Marion Local. Those four teams will clash over the next few weeks, so great football and large 50-50 drawings will be the order of the day up north!
In the MVL, a huge game takes place Friday at Butler. The undefeated Aviators host the equally unbeaten Xenia Buccaneers, while Troy entertains undefeated Tipp at Memorial Stadium. Tipp will host Butler next week on Thursday, the 26th, so the strength of the MVL will solidify over the next two weeks. This makes for great viewing for high school football fans!
UCLA might want to rethink the move to the Big Ten as the Bruins fell to the resurgent Hoosiers of Indiana by a 42-13 count. The Hoosiers defensive coordinator is Bryant Haines from Piqua. With new head coach Curt Cignetti at the helm and a host of transfers, including former Ohio University QB Kurtis Rourke, playing well, IU could be a surprise team this season. However, Washington, Michigan, and Ohio State are all on the schedule’s horizon, so the proof will still be in the pudding.
How about Toledo going to Starkville, Mississippi, and thrashing the Mississippi State Bulldogs of the mighty SEC 41-17? Not only did the win shock the locals, but the Rockets also pocketed $1.2 million for making the trip down South! Throw in Northern Illinois’ earlier win last week over Notre Dame, and the MAC has some bragging rights. Coming off tough losses to Northwestern and Cincinnati, the Miami RedHawks make the trip to South Bend this week and hope to duplicate NIU’s upset of the Irish. On the other end of the spectrum, Ball State and Kent State got hammered by Miami (FL) and Tennessee, respectively.
Two weeks left in the baseball season and the playoffs are somewhat settled. The top two teams in each league earn byes, while the next four teams (including the wild cards) will play the best two-of-three series. In the AL, the Yankees, Guardians, and Astros hold division leads while the Orioles and Royals appear set as wild cards, with the Twins trying to hold off the Tigers and Mariners for the third wild card. In the NL, the Phillies, Dodgers, and Brewers are set as division winners, with the Padres, Diamondbacks, Braves, and Mets all fighting for the three wild card spots. It should make for some interesting baseball down the homestretch!
According to Bloomberg News, the average American consumes 42 pounds of cheese yearly, more than butter, ice cream, and yogurt combined. I would assume that includes cheese on pizzas, casseroles, grated Parmesan, etc. I don’t know about you, but I do love Swiss, Asiago, Feta, Blue, and a whole variety of specialty cheeses—I’m not really a fan of Velveeta and Cheez Whiz, however! What’s your favorite? Have a great week!
