It was a sad and tragic two days for the Greenville City Schools and the Greenville community as a whole, Thursday and Friday. To think that the lives of so many people were forever altered in such a short period of time is almost unbelievable, as well as heartbreaking. The community will come together around the families affected, but it will take considerable time for healing and closure to take place. It’s impossible to understand the depths of human nature when these types of events occur, isn’t it?
Arcanum, Preble Shawnee, and Tri-Village all recorded lopsided victories to remain 3-0 on the young football season, while Mississinawa Valley notched its second win in a row in WOAC action. In the MVL, the losing teams in the five Friday contests scored a total of only 21 points as Stebbins, Tipp, Piqua, Xenia, and Troy all scored convincing wins.
Troy and Piqua square off this week in the “Battle on the Miami”, a competition first established in 1899, making it one of the oldest high school rivalries in the country. Through 140 contests, the Trojans lead the all-time series 68-66-6; number 141 should promise more of the same!
In the MAC, Versailles and Coldwater rolled on, as did the Flyers of Marion Local in winning their 67th consecutive game, albeit a struggle in downing a strong St. Henry squad 21-14.
How’s this for a hard-luck team to this point of the fall campaign? The Fairmont Firebirds are winless through the first three weeks, losing to Alter by giving up two touchdowns in the final minute of the game; falling to Trotwood 22-21 on a touchdown and two-point conversion with with:03 showing on the clock; and coming up short to Cincinnati La Salle 24-23 when their own two-point conversion was stopped with 0:08 left in regulation!
Speaking of tough losses, how about the Dodgers-Orioles game Saturday night? LA pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a 3-0 lead and a no-hitter going with two outs in the bottom of the ninth when Baltimore’s Jackson Holliday connected on a solo homer to ruin Yamamoto’s night and make the score 3-1. After Yamamoto was taken from the game, the Dodger bullpen promptly gave up a double, hit batsman, two walks (making the score 3-2), and a two-run single as the O’s came from behind to claim the 4-3 victory!
At the US Open tennis tournament, Aryna Sabalenka claimed her second consecutive women’s title, defeating Amanda Anisimova in two sets and promptly stating, when asked how she would celebrate the win, that “she would be drinking quite a bit of champagne”. Now that’s being honest!!
In the men’s play, Carlos Alcaraz dominated Jannik Sinner in four sets to claim not only the title but also return to number one in the world rankings. Tremendous young players who will meet again many times over their careers!
Huge crowds at Eldora Speedway this weekend as Ricky Thornton, Jr. commanded the final 59 laps of the World 100 to take home the $72,000 top prize. The Dirt Late Model race Saturday was the finale of three nights of competition for the right to claim the final checkered flag. Next up on the schedule at the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile Dirt Track” is the 43rd 4-Crown Nationals beginning on Thursday,the 18th of this month.
The Bengals actually won a season opener in the NFL, defeating the Browns 17-16 as Cleveland’s new kicker Andre Szmyt missed an extra point and a 36-yard field goal attempt in the closing minutes. The Browns outplayed the Stripes most of the second half but came up short in the AFC North contest.
In another afternoon division contest, the Steelers took down the Jets 34-32 as Aaron Rodgers threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns. Another team with a new QB at the helm, the Colts dominated the Dolphins as Daniel Jones, given a reprieve after a long stint with the Giants, tossed for 272 yards and a touchdown and scored two more on runs.
Kathy and I had the chance to catch a small college NAIA football game in Ft Wayne, Saturday afternoon. Our good friends Randy and Deb Reed’s grandson, Jack, is a starting offensive guard for the Saints of Siena Heights from Adrian, Michigan. The host Cougars of St. Francis overcame a 20-0 deficit in the late going to post a 21-20 victory and snatch a win in week two. Great facilities, courteous and friendly staff, enthusiastic fans (about 1,500 in attendance), and a competitive game on a sunny day—what more could you want?
Finally, when did spitting on your opponent become a thing? The Eagles All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter did so to the Cowboys QB Dak Prescott before the first offensive play of the game and was rightfully ejected while in the college ranks a Florida defensive lineman did the same to a South Florida player late in the game, causing a 15-yard penalty that put the Bulls in position to kick the game-winning field goal and upset the Gators 18-16. Sounds like some people need to be taught some manners!! Stay healthy and active!
