After last week's tailbone pad fiasco, I'm so glad Medina Highland beat Avon Lake 35-23 in a Division II regional quarterfinal football game on Friday night (Oct. 31).
That the Hornets may have lost their undefeated season, some playoff seeding, and their edge because their kicker was flagged for an equipment penalty in overtime was bad enough. But any carryover into the OHSAA playoffs would have added insult to injury.
Medina Highland deserved a perfect regular season and a 20-14 loss to rival Cloverleaf in Week 10 could have been damaging for its psyche. Thankfully, it wasn't.
Highland kicker Eric Duale could have kicked a 30-yard field goal to beat the Colts, but the 15-yard penalty resulted in a wide kick, and Cloverleaf eventually won.
The Hornets built an early 28-3 lead against Avon Lake and coasted to victory. West Virginia-bound running back Chris Snook rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Nick Knerem completed 10-of-16 passes for 156 yards and one TD.
Highland's defense limited Avon Lake's offense to 95 yards in the first half.
The officials were no doubt reprimanded for making that call in overtime in Week 10, with so much riding on the outcome. If the call had been made in the first half, it might have been acceptable. I have heard that a Cloverleaf coach called it to the officials' attention.
Instead, the head referee should have called time and gone to Highland coach Tom Lombardo and said, "Coach, you have three options. One, remove the player from the game before we call the penalty. In effect, use your backup kicker. Two, burn a timeout and fix the equipment problem. Or three, accept a 15-yard penalty and attempt the field goal."
That removes the officials from making such a petty call which had a direct impact on the outcome. If at all possible, allow the players and coaches to determine the outcome.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
SL Football Might Is Apparent
If you need proof that Suburban League high school football is especially strong this season, then consider the numbers.
Eight SL schools were a combined 16-8 against non-league opponents. Two of the eight losses were to Nordonia, a perennial playoff team out of the Northeast Ohio Conference. Four more losses were to Federal League opponents.
Nordonia coach Al Huge said his team received a wake-up when Medina Highland pounded them in a scrimmage. Huge had the team's full attention as it prepared to open the season against Tallmadge and Wadsworth.
"We had a healthy respect for the Suburban League after the Highland scrimmage," Huge said.
Injuries to key players (Cloverleaf quarterback Cody Roberts, Wadsworth end Anthony Schrock) have put playoff contenders Cloverleaf (6-1, 3-1) and Wadsworth (5-2, 3-1) in challenging situations heading into Week 8. Highland (7-0, 4-0) is ranked ninth in the current Division II state poll.
Four SL teams rank in the top eight of their respective regions: Highland is No. 3 in Region 6, Wadsworth is No. 7 in Region 2, Cloverleaf is No. 8 in Region 6, and Revere is No. 8 in Region 5.
Maybe the most revealing SL non-conference win came when Barberton topped Medina Aug. 29 in the Magic City. That was a clear message that the second division was stronger. As one astute fan related, "There are no bad teams in the Suburban League."
Compare 2008 to 2007 when SL teams were a combined 13-11 in non-league games. Last year, Cloverleaf, Tallmadge, and Wadsworth all were 3-0 heading into Week 4. The SL produced two playoff teams in Tallmadge and Wadsworth.
In 2006, SL teams were a composite 12-12 in non-league games, including Barberton's 3-0 mark with wins over Kenmore (40-6), Akron East (29-28), and Firestone (34-33).
Firestone finished 4-6 that year in Tim Flossie's first season at the helm. The Magics were 0-7 in Suburban League contests. Tallmadge was the only SL team to make the playoffs in 2006.
A telling statistic from two years ago had Green posting an 8-2 mark and finishing 12th in the Division I, Region 2 computer rankings.
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Eight SL schools were a combined 16-8 against non-league opponents. Two of the eight losses were to Nordonia, a perennial playoff team out of the Northeast Ohio Conference. Four more losses were to Federal League opponents.
Nordonia coach Al Huge said his team received a wake-up when Medina Highland pounded them in a scrimmage. Huge had the team's full attention as it prepared to open the season against Tallmadge and Wadsworth.
"We had a healthy respect for the Suburban League after the Highland scrimmage," Huge said.
Injuries to key players (Cloverleaf quarterback Cody Roberts, Wadsworth end Anthony Schrock) have put playoff contenders Cloverleaf (6-1, 3-1) and Wadsworth (5-2, 3-1) in challenging situations heading into Week 8. Highland (7-0, 4-0) is ranked ninth in the current Division II state poll.
Four SL teams rank in the top eight of their respective regions: Highland is No. 3 in Region 6, Wadsworth is No. 7 in Region 2, Cloverleaf is No. 8 in Region 6, and Revere is No. 8 in Region 5.
Maybe the most revealing SL non-conference win came when Barberton topped Medina Aug. 29 in the Magic City. That was a clear message that the second division was stronger. As one astute fan related, "There are no bad teams in the Suburban League."
Compare 2008 to 2007 when SL teams were a combined 13-11 in non-league games. Last year, Cloverleaf, Tallmadge, and Wadsworth all were 3-0 heading into Week 4. The SL produced two playoff teams in Tallmadge and Wadsworth.
In 2006, SL teams were a composite 12-12 in non-league games, including Barberton's 3-0 mark with wins over Kenmore (40-6), Akron East (29-28), and Firestone (34-33).
Firestone finished 4-6 that year in Tim Flossie's first season at the helm. The Magics were 0-7 in Suburban League contests. Tallmadge was the only SL team to make the playoffs in 2006.
A telling statistic from two years ago had Green posting an 8-2 mark and finishing 12th in the Division I, Region 2 computer rankings.
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Friday, September 26, 2008
The Buzzing Noise Is Highland
I am a believer in Highland's football team. Having just watched the Hornets dismantle a pretty competitive Green High team 37-7, I'm all in on Highland.
The undefeated Hornets (6-0, 3-0) have all of the necessary pieces to win a Suburban League title and make a run in the Division II playoffs.
First, Highland is a senior dominated team. Several of these seniors played as a sophomores and they've fought through the SL battles.
But secondly, look at the elements. West Virginia University-bound running back Chris Snook is bruiser and a classic ball-control back. All-Ohio linebacker Tyler Houska is a physical performer and a tackle machine.
Quarterback Nick Knerem is a three-year starter, with a quick release, good arm strength, and wheels. He moves well in the pocket and has the ability to work through his progressions.
Kicker Eric Duale is a weapon. He has eight field goals this season, including a 50-yarder against Green. His kickoffs are high and deep. Highland's kick coverage is excellent and that plays into field position.
Highland's complementary players are playmakers as well. WR Jarrod Swick seems to run good routes and has good hands and better than average speed. RB Ben Brown is a nice change of pace to Snook.
Tom Lombardo has the Hornets playing well. They looked especially fast on Green's new artificial turf. But a key for Highland is staying healthy. There is not a lot of depth. The Hornets are admittedly small in number. Their roster is 43 players.
Highland's remaining SL schedule: Barberton, Wadsworth, Copley, and Cloverleaf.
With Cloverleaf's 21-20 win over Tallmadge, it appears the power of the SL is situated in Medina County this year. The Colts are 6-0. When Highland plays at Cloverleaf on Oct. 24 that could tell the tale in the Suburban League.
If Wadsworth can clear Tallmadge this coming Friday, then the stage is set for the final three weeks of the season.
The Grizzlies host Highland Oct. 10 and play at Cloverleaf Oct. 17. The best games are yet to come. But at the moment, Highland looks very strong.
The undefeated Hornets (6-0, 3-0) have all of the necessary pieces to win a Suburban League title and make a run in the Division II playoffs.
First, Highland is a senior dominated team. Several of these seniors played as a sophomores and they've fought through the SL battles.
But secondly, look at the elements. West Virginia University-bound running back Chris Snook is bruiser and a classic ball-control back. All-Ohio linebacker Tyler Houska is a physical performer and a tackle machine.
Quarterback Nick Knerem is a three-year starter, with a quick release, good arm strength, and wheels. He moves well in the pocket and has the ability to work through his progressions.
Kicker Eric Duale is a weapon. He has eight field goals this season, including a 50-yarder against Green. His kickoffs are high and deep. Highland's kick coverage is excellent and that plays into field position.
Highland's complementary players are playmakers as well. WR Jarrod Swick seems to run good routes and has good hands and better than average speed. RB Ben Brown is a nice change of pace to Snook.
Tom Lombardo has the Hornets playing well. They looked especially fast on Green's new artificial turf. But a key for Highland is staying healthy. There is not a lot of depth. The Hornets are admittedly small in number. Their roster is 43 players.
Highland's remaining SL schedule: Barberton, Wadsworth, Copley, and Cloverleaf.
With Cloverleaf's 21-20 win over Tallmadge, it appears the power of the SL is situated in Medina County this year. The Colts are 6-0. When Highland plays at Cloverleaf on Oct. 24 that could tell the tale in the Suburban League.
If Wadsworth can clear Tallmadge this coming Friday, then the stage is set for the final three weeks of the season.
The Grizzlies host Highland Oct. 10 and play at Cloverleaf Oct. 17. The best games are yet to come. But at the moment, Highland looks very strong.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Revere Is For Real
Revere is going to finish its non-conference schedule 3-0, after humbling Springfield next week. The Minutemen defeated North Royalton 20-13 and certainly are the talk of Suburban League football.
Junoir linebacker Dave Flegal leads seven returning starters on defense and this may be the breakthrough season sixth-year coach Terry Cistone has been waiting for.
Senior quarterback Zach Weidrick saw plenty of action last season and now the job is his.
This is a very dangerous team and a sleeper in the SL chase. Most experts feel Tallmadge and Wadsworth will fight it out after finishing tied last season, but Revere once again could have a say. The Minutemen have always been something of an "x" factor in the championship hunt.
The SL is 10-6 after two weeks. The results are much better this year compared to last.
The six losses are to: Nordonia (twice), Massillon Perry, Akron Garfield, Jackson, and Lake. There is no shame in any of those losses.
After Revere's blanking of Firestone, maybe the SL's biggest surprise win is Barberton spanking Medina 26-10. Brian Staats is starting to get it done in his second year in the Magic City. The Magics are 1-20 in three SL seasons. That is going to change quickly.
Nordonia has knocked off the SL's preseason top two, beating Tallmadge 28-7 in Week #1 and Wadsworth 24-14 in Week #2. The Knights just reload. It doesn't matter who the coach is, and doesn't matter who the featured back is, whether Jordan Mabin or John Hamilton.
I have to re-consider my Summit County ranking. The top two team are Nordonia and St. Vincent-St. Mary. Hoban's 38-21 win at Walsh Jesuit might have been as big a shock as John McCain selecting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his VP.
Junoir linebacker Dave Flegal leads seven returning starters on defense and this may be the breakthrough season sixth-year coach Terry Cistone has been waiting for.
Senior quarterback Zach Weidrick saw plenty of action last season and now the job is his.
This is a very dangerous team and a sleeper in the SL chase. Most experts feel Tallmadge and Wadsworth will fight it out after finishing tied last season, but Revere once again could have a say. The Minutemen have always been something of an "x" factor in the championship hunt.
The SL is 10-6 after two weeks. The results are much better this year compared to last.
The six losses are to: Nordonia (twice), Massillon Perry, Akron Garfield, Jackson, and Lake. There is no shame in any of those losses.
After Revere's blanking of Firestone, maybe the SL's biggest surprise win is Barberton spanking Medina 26-10. Brian Staats is starting to get it done in his second year in the Magic City. The Magics are 1-20 in three SL seasons. That is going to change quickly.
Nordonia has knocked off the SL's preseason top two, beating Tallmadge 28-7 in Week #1 and Wadsworth 24-14 in Week #2. The Knights just reload. It doesn't matter who the coach is, and doesn't matter who the featured back is, whether Jordan Mabin or John Hamilton.
I have to re-consider my Summit County ranking. The top two team are Nordonia and St. Vincent-St. Mary. Hoban's 38-21 win at Walsh Jesuit might have been as big a shock as John McCain selecting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his VP.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Eight SL Athletes Recognized By WAKR
Eight SL student-athletes were among 35 academic and athletic standouts from Greater Akron recognized last Thursday at WAKR’s Student-Athlete awards banquet at Todaro’s Party Center.
Six scholarship prizes were presented and one of the two top prizes was captured by Green High senior, four-sport athlete Brian “Gus” Dudek.
Dudek and Coventry soccer and track captain Alyssa Porter were named WAKR Student-Athletes of the Year and were presented $1,000 scholarship awards by IBEW-NECA (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-National Electrical Contractors Association).
Dudek, the Bulldogs’ No. 1 distance runner and a starting midfielder on the soccer team, also played basketball for three years. He was an All-Ohio cross-country performer as a sophomore and led the team to states in 2006. “Gus” carries a 3.9 GPA and is headed to the University of Akron where he plans to compete in both cross country and track.
“My coaches have always stressed (leadership) and they say leading by example is the best thing that you can do,” Dudek said.
Seemingly in perpetual motion, Dudek certainly has established a high level of academic, athletic, and civic achievement for future Green students to emulate. He is the second Bulldog in four years to win this prestigious WAKR award, following three-sport athlete Phil Dickey in 2005.
Seven additional SL athletes were recognized as well, including tennis state runnerup Stephanie Danesis (Revere), soccer-basketball standout Britt Busson (Wadsworth), golf winner Heather Arison (Copley), multi-sport letter winner Patrick Pakan (Tallmadge), wrestling state runnerup Adam Cogar (Barberton), swim sensation Daniel Borchik (Copley), and sophomore footballer and wrestler Ben Buzzelli (Wadsworth).
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Six scholarship prizes were presented and one of the two top prizes was captured by Green High senior, four-sport athlete Brian “Gus” Dudek.
Dudek and Coventry soccer and track captain Alyssa Porter were named WAKR Student-Athletes of the Year and were presented $1,000 scholarship awards by IBEW-NECA (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-National Electrical Contractors Association).
Dudek, the Bulldogs’ No. 1 distance runner and a starting midfielder on the soccer team, also played basketball for three years. He was an All-Ohio cross-country performer as a sophomore and led the team to states in 2006. “Gus” carries a 3.9 GPA and is headed to the University of Akron where he plans to compete in both cross country and track.
“My coaches have always stressed (leadership) and they say leading by example is the best thing that you can do,” Dudek said.
Seemingly in perpetual motion, Dudek certainly has established a high level of academic, athletic, and civic achievement for future Green students to emulate. He is the second Bulldog in four years to win this prestigious WAKR award, following three-sport athlete Phil Dickey in 2005.
Seven additional SL athletes were recognized as well, including tennis state runnerup Stephanie Danesis (Revere), soccer-basketball standout Britt Busson (Wadsworth), golf winner Heather Arison (Copley), multi-sport letter winner Patrick Pakan (Tallmadge), wrestling state runnerup Adam Cogar (Barberton), swim sensation Daniel Borchik (Copley), and sophomore footballer and wrestler Ben Buzzelli (Wadsworth).
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Juniors Lead Tallmadge Baseball
Five years ago, they led Tallmadge to the Little League World Series. Today, they have the Blue Devils at 19-2, after Monday's 7-1 win over Highland.
In 2003, Joe Cochran, Matt Keen, Paul Pakan, Jake Patrick, Andrew Powelson, and A.J. Williams, were key contributors when Tallmadge won the Great Lakes region and became one of eight U.S. teams to advance to Williamsport.
Now as juniors, those six boys are determined to lead Tallmadge to a Suburban League title and a deep run in the OHSAA tournament.
Keen's father, Randy, managed that championship Little League team, and interestingly enough was a member of the Tallmadge team which placed fourth at the Little World Series in 1974.
It's been said baseball is to Tallmadge what football is to Massillon. That's hard to dispute given the town's tradition of diamond success.
The Blue Devils were OHSAA Division II state champions in 2002.
In 2003, Joe Cochran, Matt Keen, Paul Pakan, Jake Patrick, Andrew Powelson, and A.J. Williams, were key contributors when Tallmadge won the Great Lakes region and became one of eight U.S. teams to advance to Williamsport.
Now as juniors, those six boys are determined to lead Tallmadge to a Suburban League title and a deep run in the OHSAA tournament.
Keen's father, Randy, managed that championship Little League team, and interestingly enough was a member of the Tallmadge team which placed fourth at the Little World Series in 1974.
It's been said baseball is to Tallmadge what football is to Massillon. That's hard to dispute given the town's tradition of diamond success.
The Blue Devils were OHSAA Division II state champions in 2002.
SL Track At Revere
Revere High School's Joseph Pappano Stadium will be the site of the 2008 Suburban League Track & Field Championships for boys and girls May 15 & 17.
The meet originally was scheduled for Green; however, the Bulldogs are having synthetic turf installed at Memorial Stadium and the meet was moved.
Green will again host the championship meet in 2009.
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The meet originally was scheduled for Green; however, the Bulldogs are having synthetic turf installed at Memorial Stadium and the meet was moved.
Green will again host the championship meet in 2009.
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