10 high school football games to watch this weekend
Lakota West (1-0) at Elder (1-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday at Elder
WHAT TO WATCH: Lakota West has one of its toughest schedules in recent memory and the Firebirds understand the challenge of playing at The Pit. The Firebirds must cut down on the penalties (10 for 79 yards) from last week's win over Loveland. Watch for senior quarterback Blake Darland a week after he threw for a Lakota District single-game record 356 yards against Loveland. Sophomore running back Zelwyn Robinson had five receptions for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Elder defeated host Oak Hills 34-6 last week. The Panthers' defense tackled well; senior linebacker Kyle Orloff had a team-high eight tackles (six solo). Junior running back Ja'Vahri Portis had 24 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. The two schools are playing each other for the first time since Sept. 9, 2011 when the visiting Panthers won 35-10.
Colerain (0-1) at St. Xavier (1-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday at St. Xavier
WHAT TO WATCH: St. X could've put more points on the board in the win over East St. Louis but the Bombers had five fumbles. Still, St. X had an impressive start to the season against a big and athletic Flyers' team. Watch for St. X senior running back Ben Glines and senior linebacker Justin Hilliard in this rivalry game. Both players know Colerain has won the past three meetings in this series. Colerain lost to La Salle 40-21 last week. Colerain senior running back Jordan Asberry had a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and senior defensive back Jeffrey Christian had a 77-yard interception return for a touchdown last week.
Loveland (0-1) at Lebanon (0-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday at Lebanon Junior High
WHAT TO WATCH: This game will be interesting to see how both teams respond after an opening week loss. Loveland, the reigning Division II state champion, lost in the final seconds to Lakota West 49-46. Tigers coach Fred Cranford said his squad is poised and eager to return to action this week. Sophomore running back Luke Waddell rushed 13 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Giovanni Ricci had five receptions for 128 yards. Lebanon lost to Kings 21-14 last week. Senior linebackers Nick Bauer (nine tackles) and Ryan Perkins (eight tackles) were among the defensive standouts. Junior Mitch Turpin rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries.
Covington Catholic (2-0) at Moeller (1-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday at Lockland
WHAT TO WATCH: This is the 11th meeting between the two schools with the Crusaders leading 9-1. Moeller has won nine consecutive games going back to the 1993 season. Moeller defeated Pickerington North in the season opener last week and held the Panthers to 86 yards on 39 rushes. Wide receiver Chase Pankey, tight end Jake Hausman and quarterback Matt Crable were among the offensive leaders. Senior cornerback Noah Able and senior linebacker Ryan Stofko also played well. CovCath defeated Dixie Heights 41-7 last week. The Colonels' defense has allowed just 13 points in the first two games. Senior safety Alex Wagner had 11 tackles last week and had nine in the season opener against Boone County.
CHCA (1-0) at Indian Hill (1-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday at Indian Hill
WHAT TO WATCH: CHCA defeated Fenwick 30-15 at Kings in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. Defense and special teams made key plays for the Eagles as coach Eric Taylor said it was a very significant opening win for his program. Junior Johnny Noyen threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns. Bobby Mumma (121 yards receiving and a touchdown) and James Deaton (126 yards receiving and a touchdown) were also key. Indian Hill defeated New Richmond 28-21 last week. Senior running back Charles Stephens rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore linebacker Dan Becker had a team-high eight tackles.
McNicholas (1-0) at Anderson (0-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday at Anderson
WHAT TO WATCH: Anderson lost to Northwest 19-17 last week. Anderson senior Austin Fucito rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown. The Rockets defeated Turpin 21-7 last week. Senior running back Sean Byrne rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown. Senior linebacker Elliot Higgins had 11 tackles (nine solo).
Walnut Hills (0-1) at Princeton (0-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Princeton
WHAT TO WATCH: It will be interesting to see how both teams respond after Week 1. Princeton coach Calvin Johnson says he signs of promise with this group and wants to continue to instill confidence. Watch for senior wide receiver Elijah Ball, who is one of the area's top players in the 2015 class. Walnut Hills senior quarterback Kevin Blount threw two touchdown passes and ran for another in a 28-20 loss to Sycamore.
Harrison (1-0) at Oak Hills (0-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Oak Hills
WHAT TO WATCH: Harrison defeated East Central 21-17 last week. Senior quarterback Jake Weber was 11 of 18 passing for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Watch for junior Mitchell Hogue who rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown. Oak Hills lost to Elder 34-6 last week. The Highlanders want to rebound quickly this week. Senior wide receiver Jason Walters had seven receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown last week.
Northmont (0-1) at Fairfield (1-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Fairfield Stadium
WHAT TO WATCH: The Indians got off to a good start in the season opener with a win over Withrow. Sophomore James Mitchell had four receptions for 95 yards including two to touchdown receptions in the first half. Sophomore running back Kesean Gamble was also impressive in his debut. The Fairfield also played well defensively as the Tigers never got into a rhythm. Northmont lost to Hilliard Darby 42-21 last week. Junior linebacker Jimi Saul had 13 tackles for the Thunderbolts. Junior running back Avery Miliner had 126 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Mount Healthy (1-0) at Fenwick (0-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday at Fenwick
WHAT TO WATCH: Mount Healthy defeated Beechwood 40-34 last week. Watch for junior David Montgomery, who threw for 144 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Hjavier Pitts rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Milan Lanier had 1.5 sacks. Senior linebacker Conner Cottongim had 11 tackles (eight solo).
