NORWOOD, Ohio — This was quite the week for the Norwood High School athletic department.

Norwood saw a total of four no-hitters thrown on the diamonds for the school's baseball and softball teams overall this week.

The Norwood baseball team earned three consecutive no-hitters from Tuesday through Thursday this week.

Senior Hannah Green had a softball no-hitter Wednesday in a shutout win over Withrow.

The Norwood athletic department started a #NorwoodNoHitterClub on its Facebook page and celebrated the accomplishments of its student-athletes for three consecutive days with photos and statistics.

Junior Murphy Peter threw a no-hitter in a 4-3 baseball win against Goshen on Tuesday. He had seven strikeouts in the complete game win. He also had the walk-off hit in the game.

Senior Ryan Peter, Murphy's cousin, threw a no-hitter against North College Hill on Wednesday. Ryan Peter struck out 11 batters en route to a 21-0 win in five innings.

Then, junior Dillon Cole threw a no-hitter in an 11-0 win over Hughes on Thursday. He struck out 12 batters in five innings. Murphy Peter hit a two-run home run as Norwood (8-8) won its fourth consecutive game.

"It's pretty cool," Norwood athletic director Chuck Richardson said. "One no-hitter is great. Two no-hitters are fantastic. Three no-hitters are otherworldly. It tough to wrap my brain around that."

Norwood baseball coach Steve Bosch, who has been coaching in the program for at least a dozen years, said he isn't aware of another time the program had three consecutive no-hitters.

"The pitching has definitely been our staple this season," Bosch said. "I'm just happy for their success. Their hard work and dedication has paid off for them."

Provided

Green earned a no-hitter on Wednesday. Green had nine strikeouts in five innings for Norwood (8-6, 4-2 Miami Valley Conference).

"We are proud of Hannah," Richardson said. "She has not shied away from the challenge of being our ace this year and flourished in the role."

Also Thursday, Richardson was presented two Southwest Ohio Athletic Directors Association awards including as athletic director of the year and in sportsmanship, ethics and integrity.

Richardson is completing his first school year at Norwood. Prior to Norwood, Richardson worked in the Trotwood-Madison athletic department since July 2018. Richardson was previously the Western Hills athletic director for two years after being in the Taft athletic department for two years.

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FOREST PARK, Ohio — Five months after winning the Division II state football championship, Winton Woods hasn't changed its mindset as it prepares for this summer.

"We're just working like underdogs still — that's a fact," Winton Woods coach Chad Murphy said.

Winton Woods hosted dozens of college football coaches late Thursday afternoon as part of the County Fair College Combine, which featured eight schools around Greater Cincinnati.

College coaches from programs at all levels were able to watch and evaluate players in the rising freshman through senior classes in various agility stations and football-related drills without helmets or shoulder pads.

Wyoming started the day at 6 a.m., and the combine schedule also included Mount Healthy, Middletown, Withrow, Walnut Hills, La Salle and Princeton.

Winton Woods, which defeated Akron Archbishop Hoban 21-10 in the Division II state final Dec. 2 in Canton, returns plenty of talent and several players with scholarship offers or verbal commitments for this upcoming season. Winton Woods is poised to begin new journey after a memorable state championship occurred after a 1-2 start in 2021.

There are several talented players including Winton Woods 2023 cornerback Cameron Calhoun, who verbally committed to West Virginia March 30.

Winton Woods defensive back Jermaine Mathews Jr. is rated Ohio's ninth-best player in the 2023 class by 247 Sports with several significant scholarship offers.

Mike Dyer/WCPO

Multiple players picked up scholarship offers Thursday including 2024 wide receiver/athlete Tra'mar Harris (Purdue and Georgia Tech) along with 2025 defensive back Donmiel Rogers (Georgia Tech).

Winton Woods 2023 linebacker Qierstin Williams earned a scholarship offer from Tiffin University. 2023 defensive backs Lorenzo Hudson and Ade Giwa Jr. earned scholarship offers from the University of Charleston.

Multiple other players have previously earned scholarship offers or will do so in the near future for Winton Woods.

Murphy understands the spotlight Winton Woods has received but said the team doesn't discuss its talent on the field. He prefers the focus to be on improvement as summer draws near.

Winton Woods plays host to Trotwood-Madison in the season opener Aug. 19.

Murphy said Thursday's combine was beneficial to the players as the college camp circuit starts in June.

"It's just an absolutely great opportunity with summer camps coming up and the college camps — it's great for our kids to get a little bit of experience on their home turf in front of these guys," said Murphy. "I think it's a difference-maker."

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CINCINNATI — University of Cincinnati golfer Sam Jean is able to finally get more sleep this week with final exams behind him.

With golf as his primary focus, there is no telling what Jean could accomplish at the NCAA Central Regional starting Monday morning on the Scarlet Course at The Ohio State Golf Club in Columbus.

"He doesn't get the most rest because of his academic demands," said Doug Martin, UC men's golf coach. "But, I'm anxious to see what Sam is able to do in a week where he has rest. To where he's not going to have any demands from school. He's not going to be up until 2 o'clock in the morning studying and then having to get up at 6 o'clock to go play golf."

The academic calendar year workload is significant for Jean, who has a 4.0 grade-point average studying mechanical engineering as a senior academically this spring.

"It definitely can be tough with golf and then engineering on top of it," said Jean, who is from Greenwood, Indiana. "I really have to be disciplined and stay on top of it. I don't get to put I feel like the time I want to into both of them. It's kind of a little bit of a sacrifice on both ends which can be frustrating at times."

However, Martin said Jean is the "consummate student-athlete" as the fourth NCAA men's golf tournament qualifier he's coached at UC. Jean strives to excel on the course and in the classroom at all times.

"He does pretty much everything great players do to get ready to compete," Martin said. "I would say with school demands he does an incredible job of being prepared to play every week. And I think that's really as a coach that's all you can ask of your players."

Jean, 22, is the seventh UC men's golfer to appear in the NCAA tournament and the first since Austin Squires in 2019. The top five teams and the top individual not on those squads in six regional tournaments will advance to the NCAA championship in Scottsdale, Arizona, May 27 to June 1.

Jean has been very consistent with his driver this spring and is a very good irons player, Martin said.

Jean earned his second straight All-American Athletic Conference honor after leading the Bearcats with a 71.4 stroke average, the lowest for UC since 2019.

He won Wisconsin's Badger Invitational (Sept. 26-28) as part of five top-10 finishes of the year.

Jean has aspirations of playing professional golf after having played the game since an early age. He couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to compete on a national stage next week.

"It's really exciting," Jean said. "I was a freshman when I got to watch Austin Squires go and play so that was really cool to follow along from home and cheer him on. I'm so thankful to represent UC. Everybody at Cincinnati has been great and so helpful to get me where I am. Excited to wear the C-paw on my shirt and go and compete."

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CINCINNATI — Mason High School left-handed pitcher Brenden Garula and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy outfielder Jack Vogele were named state baseball players of the year on Monday.

Garula, the Division I player of the year, and Vogele, the Division III player of the year, are University of Cincinnati baseball signees.

The Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association made the announcement about the all-state teams on its website. CHCA coach Tony Schulz was named the Division III state coach of the year.

Garula has helped to lead the Comets to the Division I state tournament this week in Akron. The Comets (27-4) play Grove City (25-7) in a Division I state semifinal at 1 p.m. Friday at Canal Park in Akron. The state final is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Canal Park.

Garula has a 9-0 record in 61.1 innings pitched this season, according to the Greater Miami Conference website. He has 99 strikeouts and a 1.027 earned run average. He threw a perfect game against Western Brown in May during the sectional tournament.

The lefty is hitting .365 with nine doubles, three home runs and 16 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases, according to the GMC statistics.

"I don't think it's really clicked in yet," Garula said Monday afternoon of the state player of the year honors. "Just how hard work has been paying off. I'm blessed to have my team around me to give me this opportunity and get me seen by the whole state."

Vogele helped CHCA (25-2) reach a Division III regional semifinal this spring. He hit .593 with 11 doubles, 10 triples, five home runs and 28 runs batted in prior to the regional tournament. He hit a home run in the regional semifinal.

"This is an honor that is well deserved for Jack," Schulz said. "He's one of the most diligent workers that I've ever coached. His teammates absolutely love him and most importantly you can tell how much joy he has playing the game. I'm so proud of what Jack has accomplished."

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BATAVIA, Ohio — West Clermont High School incoming freshman wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the son of the late Bengals receiver Chris Henry, earned an Ohio State Buckeyes scholarship offer on Monday.

"It's one of the rarest offers they've ever done," said Mark Porter, director of ScoutingOhio.com. "He truly is way ahead of the curve. He could be a Randy Moss-type receiver."

Porter, a former Kent State University player, started ScoutingOhio.com in 2004. The website features highlight films and evaluation information about prospective college football players.

Porter doesn't believe Ohio State will typically offer scholarships to eighth graders or current freshmen even in this early, ultra-competitive, college football recruiting landscape.

The Buckeyes made an exception with Henry, who is an in-state player with an NFL lineage and the highest-profile football player in West Clermont football history even before he steps onto the high school field for the first time.

It's still difficult to project what Henry will do on a varsity football field the next four seasons, Porter said. He could continue to play wide receiver or tight end or become a defensive end due to work in the weight room.

Henry is listed at 6 feet 4 and 175 pounds, according to West Clermont coach Nate Mahon. Everywhere he's visited, college programs have been impressed.

Henry's size, speed, athleticism and football IQ are obvious. He ran a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash at Ohio State, Mahon said.

"His ball skills are as good as anybody I've coached," Mahon said.

Henry has other scholarship offers including West Virginia, Marshall, Connecticut and Akron.

Regardless of what the future holds, there will be undoubtedly a spotlight on West Clermont, which opens the season against visiting Hamilton Aug. 19.

The Ohio State University football program hasn't followed its typical recruiting script with scholarship offers to two 2026 players this spring.

The other early Ohio State scholarship offer was reportedly extended to 2026 Georgia high school edge rusher/outside linebacker Tyler Atkinson.

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AKRON, Ohio — The Roger Bacon High School baseball team left Canal Park Thursday night in a different way than it had envisioned.

Although Milan Edison defeated the Spartans 3-0 in a Division III state semifinal, the Roger Bacon players, coaches, alumni and school community won't soon forget this spring.

"I will cherish these memories that we've made the past four years for the rest of my life," said Roger Bacon senior pitcher Jake Tschida, a member of the 2019 state semifinalist team. "To be out here a second time — most people don't get out here one time. It's a true honor and blessing. Sadly going home empty-handed but it's can't always be a fairy tale ending."

Tschida had a very strong pitching performance Thursday night, allowing just two hits and striking out 12 by throwing 116 pitches in 5 2/3 innings.

Roger Bacon limited Milan Edison to just four hits. The game was scoreless through seven innings until the Chargers scored three runs in the top of the eighth.

"We had 14 strikeouts on them," Roger Bacon coach Tim McCoy said. "It's tough to lose a ballgame when you have 14 strikeouts."

The Spartans had scoring opportunities including bases loaded with one out in the fourth inning and a runner thrown out at home plate in the sixth inning.

"We just couldn't come up with the big sac fly or the big hit," McCoy said. "What's pushed us through this tournament is we got that every single day. Every big game we got that big hit when we got second and third. It was just one of those days where it wasn't our day at the plate. Unfortunately, that was the name of the game today."

The Spartans were led offensively by senior Logan Huber who was 2-for-2. He also pitched in relief of Tschida. Senior Luke Wagner was 2-for-4 and junior Anthony Hoffman was 1-for-3.

Roger Bacon (20-9) had the most wins in the program since 1968. It was the team's sixth tournament appearance including its second in the past three seasons.

"I'm proud as hell as these guys," said McCoy. "This group at the beginning of the year, if you would've told me we would be standing here in Akron I would've said just a district championship and roll the dice and see what we get. Again, I'm so proud of this group. They fought, scratched, clawed — this was a hell of a ballgame. They have nothing to hand their heads on. This was a great effort."

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AKRON, Ohio — Mason (27-5) lost 4-1 against Grove City (26-7) in a Division I state semifinal Friday afternoon at Canal Park. The state final is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Canal Park.

The Comets made their third state Final Four appearance. Mason was a 2018 state semifinalist and 1987 Class AA state runner-up.

Mason and Grove City last played each other on April 5, 2014, with the Comets winning the regular-season contest 12-2, according to the Mason athletic department. But the Comets weren't so lucky in the state semifinals.

"You got to play good when you get up here (to state) and unfortunately we didn’t," Mason coach Curt Bly said.

Mason High School community supporting the Comets after the game. ⁦@WCPO⁩ pic.twitter.com/SRonL4W1LW

— Mike Dyer (@MikeDyer) June 10, 2022

This is the fifth state appearance for Grove City and its first since 2012.

Mason was the second Greater Cincinnati to play in the state baseball tournament this week. Roger Bacon lost to Milan Edison 3-0 in a Division III state semifinal Thursday night.

Badin plays Hoban in a Division II state semifinal at 4 p.m. Friday.

Mason won the Greater Miami Conference for a fourth consecutive season including its third outright title in the past four seasons. Despite the loss in the semifinals, Coach Bly is still proud of his Comets.

"Every team is special to me," he said. "Obviously this senior class I’ve been with them for a long, long time. Very special. I told them I love them til the day I die.”

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WEST CHESTER, Ohio — Lakota West 6-foot-7 tight end Luka Gilbert shook his head Tuesday morning as almost a reminder of how the winter and spring felt for the Firebirds.

"Sat with me the whole offseason that one loss," Gilbert said. "But use it as motivation, worked hard in the weight room. I think I can say that's how the rest of us feel so it's good."

Lakota West (13-1 in 2022) was a regional runner-up for a third consecutive season after its 38-20 loss to Moeller in Division I regional final. But the Firebirds have turned the page and are hungry for a new opportunity.

"We got a chance to be pretty good," Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said. "I know this: I think we'll be good at the beginning of the year. I think we'll be really, really good by the end of the year. And a lot of that comes into play with breaking in a new quarterback and things like that."

The significant storyline for the reigning three-time Greater Miami Conference champion Firebirds this summer is who will be the starting quarterback when Lakota West travels to St. Xavier on Aug. 18 for the season opener.

Mitch Bolden, Tom's son, was a four-year starter for the Firebirds and is now at Army West Point. The Firebirds have four candidates at the quarterback position including senior Nolan Parker, juniors Sam Wiles and Ashton Sheafe and freshman Jackson Smith.

"I think whoever wins the job, defensively, we've got some dudes over there that will help carry things early defensively," Tom Bolden said. "I like the direction we're going but I need some people to step up."

The offensive line has stepped up and Bolden's like how the unit has improved from a year ago. There are several other players to watch including Gilbert, senior wide receiver Brennan Remy and senior slot receiver Jiovionni Wilson. Senior safety Taebron Bennie-Powell, a Notre Dame verbal commit, will also see time at receiver in an important role, Bolden said.

"We're real hungry," Bennie-Powell said. "We want a state title. Every year, that's the plan. That's the goal."

The Firebirds return running back Eudes Gonzalez Jr., who accounted for seven touchdowns last season.

Defensively, the Firebirds have plenty of players to watch including senior linebacker Jacob Asbeck, who had a GMC-leading 10 sacks last season.

"I refer to him as the ginger assassin affectionately," Bolden said. "He led the league in sacks. Plays with a motor that is unreal. Unmatched. He's a brilliant football player. He kind of sets the tone with those linebackers."

Junior linebacker Grant Beerman, senior defensive lineman Jonas Griffith, sophomore outside linebacker/edge rusher Cam Thomas, senior defensive lineman Elijah Davis (Akron commit), senior safety Drew Minich, junior linebacker Micah Markley, senior defensive end Gabe Flores and senior defensive back Bukari Miles are among other players to watch.

Flores said there is a great deal of energy in the program and he and his teammates are committed to improving each day this summer.

Nothing changes with the Firebirds' mentality since Bolden's arrival in 2019. The Firebirds are 39-8 since the start of 2019.

Yet, the ultimate goal is to win a state title.

"The same core values," said Flores. "The same Firebird brand of football. Run fast, hit hard. All gas, no brakes. Those four-word mottos that we kind of live and embrace in our football."

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Lakota East High School named Jill Meiring as its new athletic director, according to Lakota East principal Rob Burnside.

"During her tenure at Lakota East, Ms. Meiring has proven that she has a strong understanding of the level of excellence that we strive for at Lakota East," Burnside said.

"She has demonstrated a great love of our student-athletes and has a strong vision for how to both maintain and grow the already widely-recognized high standard for our programs. She is the ideal leader for our future."

Meiring, the Lakota East assistant athletic director the past five years, succeeds Rich Bryant who accepted the Loveland High School district director of student athletics starting Aug. 1.

Meiring said she is grateful for Bryant's leadership within the athletic department and the recommendation for the new opportunity. Meiring wants to carry on with the continuity of excellence in athletics at the school.

Meiring is looking forward to the new school year with enthusiasm for the Division I school in the Greater Miami Conference.

"I'm super excited to take over and keep leading the student-athletes," Meiring said.

Prior to Lakota East, Meiring was an assistant athletic director for three years at St. Ursula Academy where she also coached basketball.

Meiring has also taught physical education and coached basketball at Hamilton High School.

Lakota East has had numerous accomplishments within its athletic department in recent years. The Thunderhawks have had an individual or team state champion since 2014.

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FORT MITCHELL, Ky. — One of Kentucky's top high school football players has enrolled at Beechwood High School for his senior season.

Senior defensive back/slot receiver Antonio Robinson Jr., rated Kentucky's No. 2 player in the 2023 class by the 247 Sports Composite, practiced Monday morning and is fully enrolled at Beechwood.

Beechwood (15-0) is the reigning back-to-back Class 2A state champion. The Tigers, who have a 23-game win streak, open the season at Louisville Fairdale Aug. 20.

Robinson, the son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Robinson Sr., verbally committed to Wake Forest in late June. He previously played at Florida Christian High School. Robinson Sr. reportedly told LINK nky last month there was an opportunity to join longtime friend Jordan Nevels to serve as a speed coach for Nevels Fitness, a sports training and fitness facility poised to open this fall in Newport.

"I was a high school coach down in Miami,” Robinson Sr. told LINK nky in July. “I was able to coach my son since eighth grade. That’s definitely been a blessing to be able to do that. Now that he is going into his senior year, I thought maybe I’ll make the move. I wanted to come here to join Nevels Fitness. This is something where my schedule is more flexible — and I get to train athletes from all across the world.”

Robinson Jr., who reportedly had dozens of scholarship offers, is rated a four-star player by 247 Sports and the nation's No. 37 cornerback in the 2023 class by the website.

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WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Lakota West High School senior wide receiver/safety Ben Minich announced Friday night he has given a verbal commitment to play college football at Notre Dame.

Minich made the announcement on the 247 Sports YouTube channel. He also considered the University of Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Stanford and Kentucky among his other finalists this week.

Minich felt comfortable around the Notre Dame coaching staff including head coach Marcus Freeman. He said Notre Dame was a good academic fit, too.

"I think they just had it all for me," Minich told 247 Sports. "Great coaching staff. They had my goals in mind. I want to go to the NFL. I want to get a great degree and they have both."

Minich was named a four-star player by 247 Sports in June. He is ranked the No. 6 player overall in Ohio's 2023 class by 247 Sports and the nation's No. 24 safety in his class.

He is known for athleticism at Lakota West, breaking the Lakota West record this spring in the 100-meter dash in the Division I track and field district meet by running a time of 10.47 seconds.

Minich has over a 4.0 grade-point average and has carried a 33 on his ACT test since his sophomore year.

"He can probably ace the darn thing now," Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said in July. "He's a team captain. There are kids in the country who run a 10.4. But, there aren't a lot of kids in the country that run a 10.4 and got a 33 on their ACT when they're 15 years old. He's special."

Minich, a second-team Greater Miami Conference selection in 2021, had 49 tackles (34 solo) last season, according to the conference statistics.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds last month, Minich had a 76-yard interception return for a touchdown against West Clermont Aug. 27, 2021.

Jenny Walters Photography

He also returned kickoffs for the Firebirds and caught 16 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns on offense.

Minich has had scholarship offers from schools that include the University of Cincinnati, Kentucky, Stanford, Indiana, Wake Forest, Duke, Oklahoma and Notre Dame. Minich received the scholarship offer from Notre Dame July 20.

Minich is part of a special secondary that has five players with scholarship offers. That includes senior All-American safety Malik Hartford, who is verbally committed to The Ohio State University. Senior cornerback Josh Fussell is verbally committed to Northwestern.

"The goal is pitch a shutout every game all season," Minich said in July. "We don't expect anything less than that. We're definitely going to come ready and be prepared."

Lakota West (11-2), a Division I regional runner-up in 2021, plays host to St. Xavier (10-3) in the season opener Aug. 19.

The season opener will be the fourth time Lakota West and St. X have met in a game since the 2020 regional final.

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WYOMING, Ohio — If there is a moment when Theo Davis encounters adversity on the football field this season, his mind will harken back to his junior season.

The senior left tackle and defensive end tore his anterior cruciate ligament during Wyoming High School's 2021 season opener. He had to watch his teammates from the sideline.

"This year one of my goals is to come back and have a good senior year," Davis said. "Last year I did tear my ACL, so to be able to play again this year, just have a good season overall and just be able to play again."

About 10 months after that injury, Davis has a special motivation as Wyoming opens the season Aug. 19 against visiting Harrison.

"Just kind of remembering how much I really wanted to be back on the field last year," Davis said. "Just kind of use all the energy I have just to give 100% every single play I have."

Senior offensive lineman Wyatt Metz said Davis turned a negative into a positive. Davis coached then sophomore lineman Jess Hauer during the season.

"Watching Theo come back throughout the summer it's been really inspiring because a torn ACL is a really serious injury," Metz said. "But, the way he's bounced back it's really inspired us."

That chemistry is evident in the Wyoming football program. The Cowboys (12-1 in 2021) went undefeated in the regular season for a sixth consecutive season and qualified for the playoffs for a ninth consecutive year.

Wyoming has won 57 consecutive regular-season games and doesn't want that streak to end anytime soon.

This year's team will be led by several players including senior running back CJ Hester, who was the Division IV state offensive player of the year last season. He rushed for 2,484 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also caught four touchdown passes and played defensive back.

"We have a lot of experience, a lot of varsity playing experience and our team is just really hungry about getting back," said Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock. "We have a very experienced group coming back. We are very senior-heavy — 21 seniors. That's a very large number for what we have at a Division IV school so we're awfully excited about kick-starting off the 2022 season."

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CINCINNATI — The Taft High School football team left no doubt on the field at Bron Bacevich Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

The visiting Senators defeated Roger Bacon 32-0 in one of the opening games of the 25th annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.

"I expect for them to do a performance like this," Taft coach Tyler Williams said. "I expect for them to come out and dominate the person in front of them every single time and whatever the score ends up being as long as we win I'm fine with that."

Taft senior running back Gavin Crawford scored four rushing touchdowns in earning the Showdown MVP honor.

The Taft defense was dominant including multiple sacks from junior defensive end Elias Rudolph along with contributions from senior linebacker Ronald Cutts, senior defensive lineman Lance Byndon and senior linebacker Geneo Jackson among others.

Junior defensive back Quinton Price had two interceptions.

"Our defense played lights out," Williams said. "They gave up zero points. Offense started a little slow in the first half but the second half they picked it up. We got to clean up some penalties and turnovers and I feel like we are a well-put-together football team this year."

Roger Bacon couldn't find a rhythm offensively. Spartans coach Mike Blaut was impressed by Taft and the talent on its team.

"They deserve everything they got," Blaut said.

Crawford scored two touchdowns in the first half as Taft led 12-0 at halftime. He added another two in the second half. Senior Jahmar Richardson scored a short-yardage touchdown in the final seconds.

Crawford, who has a scholarship offer from Purdue, scored five touchdowns against Woodward last season. He definitely enjoyed the opportunity to find the end zone four times on Thursday night.

"The mindset was to come out here and play ball," Crawford said. "Play non-stop. No quit. Just play for each other."

Crawford added 20 pounds to his frame this offseason and kept his speed which makes him dynamic in the backfield, Williams said.

"I think he runs harder than almost any running back in the city right now," Williams said. "And with our line getting movement, Gavin sees the holes and runs — the sky is the limit for him."

Rudolph, who has more than 40 scholarship offers, played an estimated 70 snaps overall between offense and defense Thursday night. His motor on the defensive side is difficult to match.

"We just played hard all night," Rudolph said. "We do the best we can. We had fun tonight. We were just flying around, making great plays. We love it."

Taft (1-0) will soon turn its focus to hosting Wyoming at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Stargel Stadium. Roger Bacon (0-1) plays Aiken Aug. 26.

"We got a special thing going," Rudolph said of the Senators. "What I like most about this team is the chemistry and the love we have for each other. And that's what's going to make us great."

WITHROW WINS: Withrow defeated visiting Walnut Hills 45-7 Thursday night in the Battle of Duck Creek Road.

Quarterback Troy Montgomery threw for three touchdowns and had two rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Gideon Tafari-Thompson had two receiving touchdowns. Galen Combs scored on a touchdown reception. Khilee Willis had two interceptions on defense.

The Tigers (1-0) play host to Springboro Aug. 26.

Withrow (9-2) was a Division II regional quarterfinalist in 2021 after a narrow loss to state-ranked No. 1 Piqua in early November. That experience taught the Tigers a lot throughout the winter and spring.

"It really showed our kids that we can compete with anybody," coach Kali Jones said in July. "We always want to grow but it really showed them that they can compete at a high level, at a championship-contending level. And so we just want to use that as a steppingstone and continue to get better."

Withrow beats Walnut Hills 45-7 in season-opener

FAIRFIELD WINS: Fairfield defeated Huber Heights Wayne 41-24 as part of the Showdown Thursday night. Fairfield coach Jason Krause earned his 150th career win.
After taking its first lead in the final two minutes before halftime, the Indians used a 14-point swing in a 62-second span to build a cushion the Warriors couldn’t overcome.

Fairfield extended its 14-10 halftime lead early in the third quarter when Isaiah Glover caught a pass down the sideline from Talon Fisher and turned it into a 59-yard touchdown. Braeden Shanklin then recovered a loose ball on the ensuing kick return to put the Indians back on the 7-yard line, and Jordan Jackson punched it in to make it a 28-10 advantage with 8:24 left in the third quarter.

Fisher finished with 171 yards rushing for his seventh career game with 100 yards on the ground.

GREAT STATS: Woodward junior defensive back/wide receiver Donte Ferrell had an estimated 200 yards receiving and two touchdowns in Woodward's 32-30 loss at Columbus South Thursday night. Ferrell has earned scholarship offers from schools that include Georgia Tech, Memphis, Eastern Kentucky and Miles College.

STADIUM UPDATE: Sycamore High School is planning for the opening of its new stadium in a Greater Miami Conference football game Sept. 16 against visiting Colerain, according to Sycamore athletic director Mark Harden. The Aviators plan to play Oak Hills (Aug. 26) and Lakota West (Sept. 2) at Sycamore's soccer/lacrosse stadium similar to 2021. Sycamore opens the season Friday night at Kings.
The Journal-News contributed to this report

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It might only be Week 2 of the high school football season, but Friday's games did not lack drama.

VOTE FOR THE PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOW:

In Friday Frenzy's Game of the Week, Wyoming once again refused to let its opponents score. The Cowboys had only a 6-0 lead over Taft late in the second quarter, but a bobbled hand-off scooped up by Wyoming's DJ Gray gave them a 13-0 lead at the half.

Taft got to the one yard away from the endzone late in the third, but a fourth down stop kept them scoreless. Wyoming won 20-0.

Wyoming wins 59th consecutive regular-season game

Princeton joins Wyoming at 2-0 to start the season with a win over Colerain. The Vikings were up 21-0 at halftime. Senior quarterback RJ West went 12 for 14 with 197 yards and three touchdowns as Princeton won 28-0.

Princeton starts season 2-0 with win over Colerain

In Liberty Township, a crosstown rivalry was the main attraction. Lakota West beat Lakota East 49-6, but most importantly, the community honored a Lakota East graduate who died in a car crash in Indiana over the weekend. Caleb VanHooser graduated in May and was an incoming freshman football player at Indiana State University. Both teams took off their helmets and held a moment of silence for VanHooser.

Lakota West easily wins crosstown rivalry

Elder celebrated its 100-year anniversary in front of a packed house against Pickerington Central Friday night. The Panthers' special teams had a huge stop on a fake punt in the first quarter, leading to Elder taking a 10-0 lead the next play. Quarterback Ben Schoster passed for 167 yards and two touchdowns as Elder won 17-7.

Elder celebrates 100th anniversary with 17-7 win over Pickerington Central

Moeller had no trouble against the top team in Kentucky with a 28-3 win over Trinity High School. Jordan Marshall led the Crusaders' offense, but the Moeller defense had some big plays to keep the Shamrocks to only three points.

Moeller has no trouble against Trinity

Winton Woods had no trouble against Walnut Hills, going into halftime with a 44-0 lead. The Warriors won their second game of the season 52-0.

Winton Woods destroys Walnut Hills, 44-0

Cincinnati Country Day won at Summit Country Day, 34-17.

Cincinnati Country Day wins at Summit Country Day

Up by one in the third quarter, Simon Kenton quarterback Chase Crone was able to give the Pioneers a 28-0 lead against Highlands. Simon Kenton's defense had interceptions on Highlands' next two drives, helping the Pioneers fend off the Bluebirds in a 42-40 nail-biter.

Simon Kenton wins a nail-biter against Highlands

Beechwood is playing no games as they look for their third consecutive state title. The Tigers beat Paintsville at home, 46-7.

Beechwood routs Paintsville, 46-7

Scores from all of tonight's games can be found below.

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CINCINNATI — The Princeton High School football team is having quite the impressive start to this season.

A week after the Vikings scored among the most points (61) in the state against Anderson, Princeton earned another memorable performance to open the Greater Miami Conference on Friday night.

Princeton started the season with a 2-0 record for the fourth consecutive season, after a 28-0 win over visiting Colerain in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.

"I thought the kids played hard," said Princeton coach Andre Parker late Friday night. "I thought they were really physical."

The Princeton defense limited Colerain to 116 yards of total offense — including no passing yards — as the Vikings led 21-0 at halftime.

"We were able to be in attack mode and not back on our heels," Parker said of the defensive effort.

Senior linebacker Breeon Ishmail had a team-high eight tackles to lead the Vikings.

Princeton had 374 yards of total offense. Senior quarterback RJ West was 12 of 14 passing for 197 yards and three touchdowns.

Parker said the team has put a lot on West's shoulders, and he's responded in a significant way during his first season with the program.

Senior wide receiver Riley Woods earned MVP honors as he had three receptions for 72 yards including a 65-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He also had a two-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter.

"He is an unbelievable player and young man," Parker said.

Parker said the offensive production has been consistent, and the Vikings are learning to trust each other during a game.

"It's been pretty fun," Parker said.

Princeton (2-0, 1-0 GMC) plays at Lakota East (0-2, 0-1) on Sept. 2.

RAREFIED AIR: Western Brown senior quarterback Drew Novak moved into 11th place on the Ohio High School Athletic Association's all-time career passing yards list Friday night.

He threw for 450 yards and four touchdowns in the Broncos' 54-40 win over host Washington Court House. Novak has 10,683 yards passing for his career. He is 745 yards away from tying Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (Athens High School) for sixth place all-time.

Novak has 104 career touchdown passes — which is also on the state list in that category.

"Our kids fought for 48 minutes and never quit," said Western Brown coach Nick Osborne. "We faced adversity and we were able to overcome that. I'm very proud of this group for their toughness and effort."

SPEAKING OF OFFENSE: Anderson had 533 yards of total offense in a 42-0 win over host Loveland. Senior quarterback Griffin Scalf was 22 of 30 passing for 466 yards and four touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Santos Alvarez had four receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.

A PICK-SIX TO REMEMBER: Winton Woods senior cornerback Cameron Calhoun had officially a 100-yard interception return early in the second quarter against Walnut Hills Friday night. Calhoun, who is verbally committed to the University of Cincinnati, intercepted the ball in the end zone and sprinted down the Winton Woods sideline where no opposing player was close for the last 30-plus yards.

It is officially a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown due to high school football statistics, but could be determined to be more than 100 yards for the OHSAA state record book.

The OHSAA state record book allows for interception returns greater than 100 yards. Three 108-yard interception returns are tied for the state record.

Winton Woods defeated Walnut Hills 52-0. It was the most points for Winton Woods since a 52-20 win over Anderson during the 2018 playoffs, according to Winton Woods statistician Linda Schiltz.

GREAT START: Oak Hills defeated host Sycamore 20-15 as the Highlanders won back-to-back games for the first time since October 2020.

"I'm thrilled," said Oak Hills coach Justin Roden on the bus ride back to school late Friday night. "This team is resilient, they're scrappy; they want to win."

Roden continued to emphasize the off-season weight room and conditioning efforts for helping the Highlanders early this season. Roden said he doesn't want the team to be content, but he's very happy for the early success.

Opposing Greater Cincinnati coaches sent congratulatory text messages to Roden Friday night, including one from Moeller coach Mark Elder whose Crusaders defeated Oak Hills in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. Oak Hills was 0-11 in 2021.

"I respect the heck out of him as a person and a ball coach," Elder said. "He's a no-excuse guy."

SOARING EAGLE: Milford senior wide receiver/defensive back Jacob Smith did a little bit of everything in the Eagles' 42-39 win over visiting Lebanon.

He had an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown, 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and earned 232 total return yards. He had 10 tackles and an interception to seal the win for Milford.

"Jacob Smith showed that he is one of the best players in the city," Milford coach Tom Grippa said.

Senior wide receiver Cam Livingston's 16-yard touchdown reception from senior quarterback Austin Hardin with 51 seconds left gave the Eagles the win.

MUSTANGS' MOMENTUM: Western Hills is 2-0 for the first time since 2010 after the Mustangs defeated Deer Park 20-14. Junior wide receiver/running back Rashon Hutchinson scored two touchdowns for Western Hills. Senior quarterback Omar Beckley also scored a touchdown. Coach Charles Boyd said the team would celebrate for 24 hours but get to work on preparing for Sept. 2's visit from New Richmond.

ECC ROYALTY: Kings has won 21 consecutive regular-season games after a 42-3 win at Turpin to open the Eastern Cincinnati Conference schedule. Senior quarterback Will Kocher threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 76 yards including a 69-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter.

Senior running back Jay Holubetz had seven carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 30-yard touchdown reception early in the third quarter. Senior wide receiver Michael Musari had four receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown.

PRIME-TIME PERFORMANCE: Badin improved to 2-0 after a 27-14 win over Columbus St. Francis DeSales at Fairfield in a game that was televised by Spectrum. Junior quarterback Alex Ritzie was 16 of 22 for 208 yards passing and two touchdowns, according to Rams coach Nick Yordy.

Senior running back Carter Russo had 20 carries for 100 yards. Senior wide receiver Braedyn Moore — a UC commit — had eight receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown.

"It was a big win for us, our kids and our program," Yordy said.

WOLVES WIN: West Clermont coach Nate Mahon earned his first career victory with the ECC program as the visiting Wolves defeated Little Miami 21-16. Mahon said he was pleased with the strong effort of running the football and playing sound defense.

Senior Zach Moats had 20 carries for 152 yards. Sophomore Hayden Jones had four receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Mahon said he enjoyed his return to Little Miami where he led the Panthers to one of their most successful seasons in program history in 2018.

MEMORABLE VICTORY: Mount Healthy coach Jordan Stevens earned his first career head coaching win after a 42-7 win over Ponitz Tech Thursday night.

"The first one is always the toughest one," Stevens said. "We have a ton of first-year varsity players so it meant a lot to me that they got to get their first win as a varsity player as well."

Sophomore quarterback Jahmeir Spain was 18 of 30 passing for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He also had six carries for 37 yards and a touchdown. Junior Mike Watson had 18 carries for 164 yards.

"After the game I simply told the team that I'm very proud but to continue to live out our motto which is to want more," Stevens said. "To continue to win in the classroom and in the community and the wins on the football field will come. We can't be satisfied because our families, our school and our community deserve it."

NOTES: Moeller defeated Louisville Trinity 28-3 for the first win over the Shamrocks since 2018. Moeller had lost the previous two matchups to Trinity by a combined score of 85-7. Moeller coach Mark Elder said he was pleased with all three phases of the game Friday night at Shea Stadium.

• Fairfield junior quarterback Talon Fisher rushed eight times for 156 yards and a touchdown and threw for 106 yards and another score as visiting Fairfield defeated Middletown 42-14.
• Simon Kenton senior quarterback Chase Crone rushed 21 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns as the Pioneers defeated Highlands 42-20. Crone also threw for two touchdowns.
• Lakota West defeated host Lakota East 49-6 in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. The Firebirds lead the all-time series, 17-9.
• Elder senior quarterback Ben Schoster was 13 of 16 passing for 167 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers defeated visiting Pickerington Central 17-7. Senior linebacker Ben Volkerding had a game-high 12 tackles including two sacks and three tackles for loss. Pickerington Central's only points came from a pick-six. "We beat a good team," Elder coach Doug Ramsey said. "We took control early and our defense shut them down." Friday night was a celebration of Elder's 100th anniversary.
• Beechwood defeated visiting Paintsville 46-7. Mitchell Berger rushed 13 times for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Beechwood has a 25-game win streak.
• La Salle defeated Royal Imperial College/Canada Prep 70-7 at Lancer Stadium. It was the most points for the Lancers since Sept. 14, 2012 in a 70-20 win over Indianapolis Northwest, according to La Salle statistician Paul Hummel. "We had a lot of guys play and play well," Lancers coach Pat McLaughlin said. Senior running back Jaylen Grant had three touchdowns.
• Summit Country Day defeated Cincinnati Country Day 34-17. Several players performed well for the Silver Knights including senior quarterback Alex Davis, senior running back/linebacker Eric Deal, senior fullback/defensive back Jerome Goodloe and junior wide receiver/safety Donovan Matthews, according to coach David Wirth. "It was a gutsy performance, that’s what I liked the most," Wirth said.
• Woodward coach Jeremy Pflug won his debut with the program as the Bulldogs defeated Shroder 54-12. "I'm just so proud of my young men and how far they've come," Pflug said. "They have bought in wholeheartedly which is the cause of the instant turnaround. It's created an excitement at our school that hasn't been been there in quite some time."
• St. Xavier arrived in Chicago Saturday morning as the Bombers prepare to play Loyola Academy at 2 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPN.

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It's Week 4 of the high school football season, and the intensity keeps rising in the Tri-State! Vote for your Player of the Week now:

Friday Frenzy's Game of the Week was Milford at Anderson. With both teams averaging more than 400 yards per game this season, a high-scoring game was expected — and the two teams delivered.

Milford topped Anderson in a close one, 48-47. Quarterback Austin Hardin was 28 for 39 with 372 passing yards and five touchdowns in the win.

Milford beats Anderson in high-scoring game

While all eyes might have been on freshman Chris Henry Jr. — one of the highest-rated players in the country — as West Clermont hosted Walnut Hills Friday night, the Wolves showed that football is much bigger than one person. Running back Mysaun Sanders gave West Clermont the early 7-0 lead in the first quarter, and the team never looked back.

The Wolves led 21-7 at halftime after two rushing touchdowns by quarterback Bryson Earley. West Clermont went on to win 28-7.

West Clermont defeats Walnut Hills, 28-7

Kings dominated Loveland, with the Knights winning 55-12.

Kings routs Loveland in Eastern Cincinnati Conference action

Madeira advanced to an impressive 4-0 after a 33-0 win over Mariemont. Senior running back Nick Heisser was like a bull in a china shop, running through the Mariemont defense all night.

Madeira shuts out Mariemont, advances to 4-0

Reading took down Cincinnati Hills League rival Deer Park 28-14.

Reading takes down Deer Park in CHL play

Princeton running back RJ West continued to dominate, faking out even the photojournalists covering Friday's game and helping the Vikings shut out Hamilton 26-0.

Cincinnati Country Day routed Hillcrest Academy 38-0.

Cincinnati Country Day dominates Hillcrest Academy

Coming off their first loss of the season, La Salle struggled against Trinity High School out of Louisville. The Lancers lost 31-10.

La Salle loses second straight game

Covington Catholic spoiled homecoming at Dixie Heights, winning 47-14. CovCath quarterback Zacc Roberts was 12 for 14 with 179 yards and four touchdowns.

Covington Catholic spoils Dixie Heights homecoming

Newport was able to get within one score of Holmes by late in the third quarter, but could not overcome the Bulldogs' offense. Holmes went on to win 32-28.

Holmes beats Newport, 32-28

Beechwood beat Simon Kenton handily, 30-7, though the Pioneers were down a couple of starters due to injury.

Beechwood continues to roll with win over Simon Kenton

Find the full list of games below:

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There is plenty at stake Friday night in a GCL South showdown at Nippert Stadium.

That's when Moeller (6-0) plays host to Elder (5-1) in one of the most anticipated high school football games this season.

Moeller can win the GCL South outright with a win. Elder can clinch at least a share of the league title with a victory as the Panthers still have to play La Salle Oct. 21.

"I think that the atmosphere is going to be pretty neat," Moeller coach Mark Elder said. "I'm excited for that for our kids."

Coach Elder and Elder High School coach Doug Ramsey join the WCPO High School Insider to discuss this game.

You will also hear from Winton Woods senior running back Trey Cornist, who reflects upon the reaction he received after he rushed for 343 yards and six touchdowns last week.

Covington Catholic coach Eddie Eviston explains the key to the Colonels' five-game win streak after a district win at Cooper last week.

Edgewood coach Scott Clemmons discusses the Cougars' five-game win streak.

And Cincinnati Country Day coach Dennis Coyle explains a why a loss to rival Summit Country Day in late August became a turning point for the Nighthawks this season.

Watch this episode in the video player above or listen and subscribe in the podcast player below:

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CINCINNATI — Vote now for the WCPO's player of the week!

This week's candidates are:

• Hughes quarterback Marvin Good, who threw for four touchdowns in a 46-40 win over Woodward
• Ross running back Jaye Warren, who ran for 226 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in the Rams' 28-0 win
• Princeton quarterback RJ West, who carried the ball for 118 yards and a touchdown and threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-0 win over Oak Hills
• Highlands quarterback Brody Benke, who had 214 yards and four passing touchdowns, all in the first, in a 55-0 win
• Roger Bacon wide receiver Beamer Walker, who finished with six receptions for 156 yards and three touchdowns, as well as a touchdown carry

Week 7 of the high school football season featured one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium.

The WCPO game of the week features Moeller (6-0, 2-0 Greater Catholic League South division) hosting Elder (5-1, 1-0) in a GCL South showdown. The Crusaders defeated Elder in front of an estimated 10,500 at Nippert Stadium.

Moeller, rated No. 1 in the Division I, Region 4 computer points standings, clinched the GCL South title outright with a win — its first GCL South crown since 2018.

Not much went St. Xavier's way in Louisville Friday night. They lost to Trinity, 34-7.

Winton Woods got their first lead of the game with just six seconds left in the first half against Kings. They won 28-23.

Undefeated Lakota West remains perfect after defeating Mason 37-7 at home.

Hughes quarterback Marvin Good helped lead his team to a 46-40 win over Woodward. Good threw for four touchdowns in the victory.

Cincinnati Country Day routs New Miami, 44-6.

On homecoming night, Reading put on a show worthy of a king in their 55-13 win over Finneytown.

Deer Park took down Mariemont on the road, winning a close one 26-23.

Check all scores and schedules below:

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CINCINNATI — Everything seemed to go Moeller's way on Friday night at Nippert Stadium.

The state's top-ranked Crusaders defeated visiting Elder 42-14 to capture the Greater Catholic League South division title outright in front of an estimated 10,500 fans. It is the first GCL South title for Moeller since 2018.

"Just one of those I would've never predicted that in a million years that's how it would've gone because that's a good football team but everything kind of went our way tonight," Moeller coach Mark Elder said.

The Crusaders (7-0), ranked No. 19 nationally by MaxPreps, led 42-7 at halftime and had a running clock in the third quarter with a 35-point differential.

Junior running back Jordan Marshall scored a career-high four rushing touchdowns on 10 carries for 138 yards, including an 80-yard score. Marshall has rushed for 917 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

"I can't do this without my team and the o-line helped me accomplish that," said Marshall, who also scored four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) at Massillon Aug. 19.

Senior running back Alec Weeder had 13 carries for 108 yards including a 67-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.

Moeller led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter and scored 28 unanswered points in the second quarter. Junior quarterback Luke Dunn was 12 of 14 passing for 133 yards including a 31-yard touchdown pass to senior Josiah Love midway through the second quarter.

Moeller, which had 401 yards of total offense, capitalized on four Elder turnovers including two straight fumbles on kickoff returns.

"Obviously some things went our way with getting some takeaways," Coach Elder said. "The kickoff unit running down and getting two straight takeaways. That ended up making it a little bit lopsided."

Elder (5-2) scored in the first quarterback when senior quarterback Ben Schoster connected with senior Carson Browne, who made an outstanding catch in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown.

Junior Evan Meier scored on a 62-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter for the Panthers, ranked No. 4 in the state poll this week.

Moeller plays at Cleveland St. Ignatius Oct. 7 while Elder travels to Roncalli (Ind.).

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Believe it or not, the high school girls basketball season is just a matter of weeks away.

The WCPO High School Insider podcast previews this upcoming season and what is expected from the top teams and players around Greater Cincinnati.

Official Ohio High School Athletic Association coaching is scheduled to begin Oct. 21.

She Hoops Ohio's Bryce McKey and Drew Fladung, a West Clermont High School assistant coach, joined this episode to discuss several topics related to girls basketball.

The conversation includes 2021-22 state champion Purcell Marian and sophomore star Dee Alexander as the team moves to Division II.

You will also find out why Princeton may be the top Division I team in in the state led by senior point guard Solè Williams.

Plus, you'll find out some of the other top players, coaches and teams to to watch for in the Southwest District as the season officially begins Nov. 18.

Watch to this episode in the video player above or listen and subscribe in the podcast player below.

Subscribe to High School Insider with Mike Dyer podcast:

FAIRFIELD, Ohio — Friday's Greater Miami Conference showdown at Fairfield Alumni Stadium will feature two quarterbacks who are no strangers to success and each other.

Lakota West senior Mitch Bolden has thrown for a conference-leading 1,293 yards while Fairfield junior Talon Fisher has rushed for a conference-leading 884 yards.

"We're both having a great season," Fisher said. "I hope we put a show on for these people this Friday night."

Lakota West (7-0, 6-0 GMC), ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Division I state poll, plays at Fairfield (6-1, 5-1) in what is expected to be a capacity crowd (5,500) Friday night during homecoming weekend. It is the WCPO game of the week, too.

Fairfield athletic director Aaron Blankenship said the school has added additional seating to the stadium in order to accommodate a large crowd.

"I think it will be a great atmosphere," Fairfield coach Jason Krause said. "I think it's going to be a packed house."

Bolden and Fisher have known each other going back to their days at Colerain Middle School and the two have remained friends ever since.

"I feel like we both have a great competitive edge," Fisher said. "I feel like we both want to win and I think that shows on both of our stats and both of our winning records right now."

Talon's father, Jonathan Fisher, previously coached with Tom Bolden, Mitch's father, at Colerain High School for a number of years.

"My dad and him coached together for 13 years at Colerain," Fisher said. "They're great friends. All love there. They're great people."

Fischer, a three-year starter, and Bolden, a four-year starter, are dual threats who have led their teams atop the GMC standings.

Fisher was 12 of 19 passing for a season-high 222 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-13 win at Hamilton last week. He also rushed 17 times for 123 yards and a touchdown. Fisher has thrown for 916 yards this season.

"He threw it pretty well Friday night," Krause said. "It's kind of funny — he wore No. 18 instead of No. 8. I said before the game, 'Maybe you will throw it like Peyton (Manning) tonight.' Obviously, he threw it much better. Three touchdown passes out of him was a huge effort; that means a lot to our offense."

Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said the quarterbacks have a great deal of respect for each other. The two are known for playing with a similar physical style reminiscent of a linebacker; they're not reluctant to run the football.

"Talon is just a tremendous athlete," Tom Bolden said. "We're going to have to account for him for sure."

Mitch Bolden, who is 33-6 as a starter, has thrown for 17 touchdowns. He's rushed for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns.

Bolden was 15 of 21 passing for 258 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-7 win over visiting Mason last week.

"Obviously Mitch Bolden is a really good football player," Krause said. "He's a guy that you got to take care of with his feet and his arm. He's a true dual-threat guy."

Both teams will rely on the star quarterbacks with plenty at stake in the GMC and in the Division I, Region 4 playoff computer points standings.

"I think it's going to come down to who plays clean football," said Krause. "You know penalties and turnovers and not getting behind chains. And being able to stay ahead of the sticks. Being able to stay on track with your offense. And big plays — we can't give up any big plays."

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A Greater Miami Conference showdown highlights Week 8 of the high school football season Friday night.

Fairfield (6-1, 5-1 GMC) plays host to Lakota West (7-0, 6-0 GMC) in a game that will go a long way in helping determine the conference champion this month.

Fairfield coach Jason Krause joins the WCPO High School Insider podcast to discuss the matchup and the season overall.

Western Brown coach Nick Osborne discusses senior quarterback Drew Novak as the 2021 Mr. Football finalist became third in state history in career passing yards last week.

And Moeller coach Mark Elder discusses what the outright Greater Catholic League South division title means for the Crusaders after a 42-14 win over Elder at Nippert Stadium.

Plus, you'll hear about some of this week's top games throughout Greater Cincinnati as the postseason draws near.

Watch this episode in the video player above or listen and subscribe in the podcast player below:

Subscribe to High School Insider with Mike Dyer podcast:

CINCINNATI — Playoff pictures are becoming clearer as high school football returned for week 8.

Make sure to vote for this week's WCPO Player of the Week:

• Wyoming senior running back CJ Hester rushed 28 times for 322 yards and six touchdowns in a 49-14 win over visiting Mariemont.
• Mason senior running back Nick Sailers rushed 15 times for 138 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-13 win over Sycamore. Sailers had a 41-yard touchdown reception, too.
• Badin senior running back Carter Russo rushed 22 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns as the host Rams defeated Chaminade Julienne 28-21.
• Blanchester sophomore quarterback Michael Mulvihill threw for 100 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 22 times for 139 yards and four touchdowns in the Wildcats' 45-20 win over host Bethel-Tate.
• Highlands junior quarterback Brody Benke was 9 of 12 passing for 224 yards and three touchdowns in the Bluebirds' 50-0 win over Boone County.

Vote below:

The matchup between Lakota West and Fairfield was our WCPO game of the week and the game went into double overtime with Lakota West taking victory with a final score of 38-31.

Fairfield and Lakota West were scoreless after the first quarter, but Senior Tyler Bohn’s 35-yard field goal put Lakota West on the board as Fairfield led 10-3 at the half after Fairfield Junior QB Talon Fisher found senior RB Jordan Jackson wide open near the right sideline and Jackson went 47 yards for the touchdown.

Lakota West answered back when Mitch Bolden scored on a 22-yard TD run on 3rd down making the score tied 10-10 in the third quarter.

This tie would eventually be rung up to 24-24 by the end of the regular game, heading into what was double overtime where Lakota West was able to get the win with a Mitch Bolden 4-yard touchdown run, one of 4 TD's Bolden scored Friday night.

Lakota West beats Fairfield in double OT, 38-31

Our team was around the Tri-State, gathering highlights from more than a dozen games.

St. Xavier with the upset over La Salle, 16-7.

St. Xavier with the upset over La Salle, 16-7

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy ended the game one touchdown up on Summit Country Day with a final score of 21-14.

Upset alert, CHCA over Summit Country Day 21-14

Cincinnati Country Day with its sixth win, this time over Clark Montessori, 38-26.

Sixth straight win for Cincinnati Country Day with win over Clark Montessori, 38-26

Chaminade Julienne lost at Hamilton High School to Badin, 28-21.

Defense huge in a Badin win over Chaminade Julienne, 28-21

Cooper showed up with a big win at Conner, 41-7.

Cooper crushes Conner in district football game

Check all the scores from around the Tri-state below:

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WYOMING, Ohio — Wyoming High School senior running back CJ Hester is just 243 yards away from joining the state's all-time career rushing yards list.

Hester has rushed for 5,407 yards in his career, according to the Cincinnati Hills League statistics. The minimum requirement to join the Ohio High School Athletic Association career rushing yards list is 5,750 yards.

On Friday, Hester took a step closer to the state record book.

Hester rushed 28 times for 322 yards and six touchdowns Friday night n the Cowboys' 49-14 win over visiting Mariemont. Hester has rushed for 1,502 yards and 25 touchdowns this season.

"I think he's the best running back in the state of Ohio," Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock said. "I do think that he performs his best in big games and he has an opportunity to really continue to thrive this year. He's a competitor. He plays both ways; he also plays safety for us. He's a worker and he's willing to do whatever it takes for his team to be successful."

Hester, who is verbally committed to Western Michigan University, tied a school record with six rushing touchdowns for the second time this season.

"Just a great captain, great leader, great football player," Hancock said.

Hester had six rushing touchdowns in a 48-7 win at Indian Hill on Sept. 9, too. That mark tied Josh Boggan (2008) and Richard Hall (1998) for the most rushing touchdowns in a single game for Wyoming.

Hester's 322 yards rushing Friday night is the second most all-time in program history, according to Hancock. Gene Fleming ran for 345 yards in a 2002 game against Finneytown.

Hester, who had a 96-yard touchdown run Aug. 26 at Stargel Stadium, has the second-most touchdowns (89) in program history behind Hall (121), according to Hancock.

Hancock credited the offensive line saying it is one of the best units he's seen in his time at Wyoming.

"Just a lot of experience," Hancock said. "A lot of these guys have been playing since their sophomore or freshman year as a starter on the offensive line. They work well together. They're big, they're physical and they just got a scrappiness to them that's fun to watch."

Wyoming (8-0, 5-0 Cincinnati Hills League) has won 65 consecutive regular season games which is the most in the state regardless of division, according to Drew Pasteur's Ohio Fantastic 50 website.

The Cowboys are No. 1 in the Division IV, Region 16 computer points standings and have unofficially clinched a playoff spot, according to computer points analyst Joe Eitel.

Wyoming plays host to Finneytown (1-7, 0-5 CHL) for senior night on Oct. 14. Hancock said the team is focused on the weekly tasks and trying to remain healthy as the postseason draws near.

"Our guys just continue to get better each and every week," Hancock said. "They're doing a great job Monday through Thursdays so that they perform well on Friday. Our guys - I'm really happy with our progress each and every week. And just continuing to take that next step each and every week is going to be crucial when we get to the playoffs."

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