CINCINNATI —

Week seven featured some high powered matchups that did not disappoint.

A GMC team took a huge step in securing a league title and the GCL was decided with a dominating victory at Nippert Stadium.

NO. 2 MOELLER 42, NO. 4 ELDER 14

Moeller clinched the Greater Catholic League south title with a drubbing of Elder on Friday night at Nippert Stadium. The Crusaders used a stellar defensive effort and explosive offense to overpower their opponent. Moeller outscored Elder 28-0 in the second quarter as they were aided by a flurry of Panther turnovers.

Junior running back Jordan Marshall rushed for 138 yards on only 10 carries to pace the rushing attack. Marshall scored four touchdowns, three of those in a span less than two minutes in the second quarter. The Crusaders also got another strong performance from Alec Weeder who ran the ball 13 times for 108 yards and a score. Quarterback Luke Dunn was efficient through the air going 12-14, 167 yards and a touchdown. Matthew Seliga and Alex French each had seven tackles to lead the defense.

Elder’s Ben Schoster was 6-9 for 80 yards and a touchdown strike to Carson Browne to lead the Panthers in a losing effort.

LOUISVILLE TRINITY 34, NO. 7 ST. XAVIER 7

The St. Xavier Bombers uncharacteristically loss their third consecutive contest on Friday night in Louisville. The Bombers could not get anything going and fell deep into a hole that they could not dig out of.

Trinity jumped out to a 17-0 lead at the break and would not relinquish their dominance. The Bombers would only get as close as 17-7 when Robert Houston blocked a Shamrock punt and teammate Justin Kattus corralled the ball for a St. Xavier touchdown.

The Bomber offense was unable to get anything going against a stout defense as they fell on the road. St. Xavier will look to regain their footing in the king of the road showdown against La Salle next week.

#1 LAKOTA WEST 37, #10 MASON 7

Lakota West used a huge second half to spurt past Mason to victory on Friday night. With the win, the Firebirds took a big step in securing another Greater Miami Conference championship and now they control their own destiny in doing so.

The Firebirds outscored the Comets 27-0 using a tight defensive effort to clamp down on the visitors. Trent Lloyd was a factor for West. Lloyd finished with eight carries for 46 yards and also had eight receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Brennen Remy continued his strong play by scoring two touchdowns and 45 yards receiving on the night.

The West defense continued to be strong by turning over the Comets multiple times including an interception returned for a touchdown by Ohio State commit Malik Hartford. West can ultimately clinch a GMC title next week when they visit Fairfield.

Here are some other scores from key Cincinnati games this week:

No. 5 Princeton 42, Oak Hills 0

No. 6 Fairfield 34, No. 18 Hamilton 13

Indianapolis Cathedral (IN) 37, No. 11 La Salle 6

Middletown 20, No. 13 Colerain 18

No. 14 Milford 42, Walnut Hills 0

No. 15 Lakota East 21, Sycamore 0

No. 16 Badin 42, Alter 14

No. 17 Edgewood 48, Northwest 12

No. 19 Anderson 56, Little Miami 28

No. 20 Wyoming 49, Taylor

No. 22 Western Brown 50, Clinton-Massie 28

No. 25 Taft 41, Western Hills 0

Get the complete scores from all of tonight’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

There were some big scoring nights in Northern Kentucky as several area teams lit up the scoreboard on their way to big convincing victories.

NO. 22 BEECHWOOD 55, HOLY CROSS 3

Beechwood ran away from Holy Cross early and often to the tune of a dominating 55-3 victory on Friday night. The Tigers outgained Holy Cross 363-47 in total offense in an all-around big victory. The Beechwood defense held Holy Cross to 1 yard rushing and 46 yards passing to come three points shy of a shutout. They only allowed two first downs all night.

Beechwood quarterback Clay Hayden was 12-14 for 181 yards and three touchdowns on the night. He connected with three different receivers for scores on his efficient night. On the ground the Tigers were led by Mitchell Berger who rushed for three scores. Berger has seven carries for 115 yards.

Beechwood led 42-3 at the half and never looked back as they seem to be running on all cylinders as we head towards season’s end.

SIMON KENTON 66, DIXIE HEIGHTS 23

Simon Kenton moved to 3-3 on the season with a convincing 66-23 victory over Dixie Heights on Thursday night. The Pioneer offense moved the ball for 662 yards of total offense in the game. Senior running back Jayden Lawson had an incredible night rushing for a career-high 297 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Quarterback Chase Crone threw for 195 yards and called his own number for four rushing scores. Simon Kenton took a 28-0 first quarter lead and never looked back as they snapped a four game losing streak against the Colonels.

Lawson and Crone have battled injuries this season for Simon Kenton but appear to be coming into form at the right time. The two had big nights last week and followed it up with solid performances this week as well.

Dixie Heights had 280 total yards on the night with quarterback Armani Gregg accounting for 218 of those yards in the passing game. Trey Barnette had a solid night with 10 receptions, 136 yards, and a touchdown as Gregg’s favorite target in the loss.

NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC 60, LUDLOW 30

Newport Central Catholic exploded for 60 points and got the better of Ludlow in a high scoring affair on Thursday night. NCC rushed for 388 yards on the ground in a physical win. Demetrick Welch Jr. carried the ball 13 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Thoroughbreds. NCC also got a strong performance in the backfield from Kaleb Cole. Cole rushed five times for 119 yards and a pair of scores to do his part.

Quarterback Kolton Smith was efficient under center going 11-13 for 160 yards and three touchdowns in a winning effort. He connected with three different receivers for his touchdown throws.

Jason Rice was a bright spot for Ludlow in the loss. The quarterback was a threat in both the passing and rushing game. Rice was 18-21 for 288 yards and three touchdowns for his team. He also carried the load on the ground by rushing 19 times for 72 yards and another score.

Here are some other scores from Northern Kentucky teams in action:

No. 24 Highlands 50, Boone County 0

Ryle 35, Campbell County 20

Cooper 41, Conner 7

Lloyd 44, Newport 22

Walton-Verona 29, Owen County 7

Dayton xx, Bellevue xx

Bishop Brossart 7, Bracken County 6

Get the complete scores from all of tonight’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

CINCINNATI —

The battle of the skies rivalry between Sycamore and Mason is one of the best in the area and this year’s matchup stacked up to be much of the same, at least for a half.

The two squads went toe to toe in the first half but Mason played a dominant second half to come away with a 38-18 victory over Sycamore at Dwire field.

Mason was led by Nick Sailers who had a career-night. The running back had five total touchdowns to lead his team to victory in front of a big home crowd.

The two teams got off to a slow start as both defenses were up to the task in the first quarter. The teams exchanged punts all quarter long until Mason finally got some things going late in the quarter. The Comets were able to get into field goal range but Colson Bunch’s try was no good with 2:10 to go in the quarter. The score was tied at zero after one stanza.

The second quarter saw a scoring outburst for the two teams. Mason got another drive going midway through the quarter and was aided by a pair of penalties on the Sycamore defense. After a completion, the Aviator secondary was hit for targeting and the very next play, a facemask penalty. The Comets were suddenly in the red zone and tailback Nick Sailors would cap the drive with a 3-yard score with 6:42 to go in the half.

Sycamore answered immediately in their first play from scrimmage. The Aviators drew up the halfback pass and Adrian Larkins found a wide open Gio Garrett for a 70-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. This had the Aviators pumped up with a bit of momentum.

It showed as Sycamore forced Mason into a three and out. The Comets came out to punt and duped the Aviators’ special teams with a fake. Sean Kruekeberg rolled out to punt but instead went 33 yards up the sideline for the first down. Several plays later, Sailers would punch another score in from three yards out for a 14-7 advantage. Sycamore went on the two minute drill, efficiently driving into field goal range and Tucker Groppe knocked in a 46-yard field goal as time expired. Mason led 14-10 at the half.

The second half started similarly as the first as there were three straight punts to start the half. Mason got the ball rolling with a solid drive on their second possession as they methodically drove down the field. Sailers found the endzone again with a 15-yard scamper to give the Comets a 21-10 lead. Sycamore went on a sustained drive but stalled inside the 10-yard line and had to settle for a Groppe field goal to start the fourth quarter. Sycamore had cut the lead to 21-13 but then Mason took off.

The Comets responded to the field goal almost immediately. Quarterback Larson Brown executed the screen pass and found none other than Nick Sailers who took the short pass and went 42 yards for the score, his fourth of the night. After forcing a quick three and out, it was Sailers once again striking. He took a handoff and went 66 yards for the score and his fifth of the night. Mason led 35-13 and were able to secure the victory in front of the home victory.

SCORING BY QUARTERS

Sycamore 0-10-0-3-13

Mason 0-14-7-17-38

SCORING PLAYS

M: Nick Sailers 3-yard rush TD (Colson Bunch kick)

S: Gio Garrett 70-yard rec TD from Adrian Larkins (Tucker Groppe kick)

M: Nick Sailers 3-yard rush TD (Bunch kick)

S: Tucker Groppe 46-yard field goal

M: Nick Sailers 15-yard rush TD (Bunch kick)

S: Tucker Groppe 34-yard field goal

M: Nick Sailers 42-yard rec TD from Larson Brown (Bunch kick)

M: Nick Sailers 66- yard rush TD (Bunch kick)

M: Colson Bunch 30-yard field goal

RECORDS: Sycamore (0-8, 0-7 GMC; Mason (6-2, 6-1 GMC)

UP NEXT: Sycamore vs. Princeton; Mason vs. Fairfield

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

The stakes were high in Northern Kentucky in Week 9 with several key district matchups on the slate as teams fought for playoff seeding and getting home-field advantage once the calendar hits November.

COOPER 54, BOONE COUNTY 0

Cooper picked up their third straight win behind another explosive offensive effort as they shutout the Rebels on the road Friday night, 54-0.

The Jaguars tallied 455 yards of total offense, including 344 yards through the air by Cam O’Hara. The freshman shined as he completed 12 of 19 passes and threw for four touchdowns.

Eli White led the team with nine carries and two rushing touchdowns and pulled in six balls for 176 yards and additional score.

Sophomore Austin Alexander led the way on defense with 4.5 total tackles (three for loss) and two of the team’s four sacks. The unit as a whole has now allowed seven or less points in each of the last three contests. They completely bottled up Boone’s ground game here as the Rebels netted just 24 yards rushing on 23 attempts.

Cooper has a tougher assignment next week as they travel to Highlands. Boone County will have a week to think about with a Week 10 bye before wrapping the season vs. Tates Creek at home on October 28.

NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC 54, DAYTON 0

The Thoroughbreds claimed the Class 1A, District 4 title on Friday as they breezed past Dayton, 54-0. This came on the heels of last week’s 60-30 win over Ludlow and Bellevue, who NewCath was supposed to face next week, canceling their season.

Steven Lickert’s crew is clicking on all cylinders right now and now winners of six straight contests since dropping their season opener versus Campbell County. Over their last five contests NCC has outscored their opponents by 245 to 98 margin.

Demertick Welch Jr. made his way into the end zone four times (3 RuTD, 1 ReTD) and netted 98 total yards on just seven touches. Quarterback Kolton Smith continued his impressive play as he completed 9-of-14 passes for 141 yards and two touchdown passes. Luke Runyon made a splash on both sides for the ball with 123 total yards and two touchdowns while adding 3.5 total tackles and an interception on defense.

Here are some other scores from Northern Kentucky teams in action:

Simon Kenton 50, Campbell County 13 (Thursday)

No. 22 Highlands 32, No. 11 Covington Catholic 21 (RECAP)

No. 21 Beechwood 34, Lloyd 7

Ryle 48, Dixie Heights 14

Boyd County 34, Scott 13

Holmes 48, Harrison County 15

Walton-Verona 28, Shawnee 0

Bishop Brossart 38, Paris 13

Holy Cross at Newport (Saturday 2PM)

Get the complete scores from all of tonight’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

CINCINNATI —

A pair of westside programs went to battle Friday night. Both Elder and La Salle were looking to dispatch their rival and generate some momentum for the postseason.

For Elder, a win would keep their confidence riding high as they head to a week 11 home game.

La Salle on the other hand needed a win just to find themselves in the playoffs. A lot was on the line at The Pit in Price Hill.

Things went the Panthers way as they were able to get a convincing home victory by a score of 31-7 over La Salle.

Elder got things started offensively late in the first quarter. The drive was powered by a pair of Ben Schoster long passes to Luke Autenreib and Ben Collins.

Luke Flowers capped off the 59-yard drive as he took a handoff and scored from seven yards out to give Elder a 7-0 lead with 2:36 left in the first quarter.

La Salle was able to generate a first down for the first time in the game but were forced to punt shortly thereafter. Elder took over on their own 43-yard line and ensued to make a methodic drive down the field.

Schoster and Flowers were keys on the ground and the quarterback would finish the drive off with a 9-yard scamper up the middle. It was 14-0 close to midway through the second.

The Panthers would force a quick three and out. Elder was once again gifted great field position as they started on their own 49-yard line. Flowers would take over the drive on the ground with a pair of solid runs.

Things went Elder’s way all half as Flowers caught a poor snap and went 33 yards for a score and a 21-0 with 5:00 until the half.

La Salle would respond with their best drive of the night but still were forced to punt. Elder went on the offensive in the two minute drill.

Schoster found Autenreib for a big 22-yard gain after a pair of runs. Justin Re got into the action with a 9-yard catch and Flowers scored his third touchdown of the half from five yards out.

Elder led 28-0 at the half. The La Salle offense could only muster a total of 40 yards in the first half as they were unable to get any rhythm going on offense.

The Panthers started the second half with a solid drive taking up almost half of the third quarter clock. The Lancers were able to hold and force a field goal. Max LeMasters buried a 34-yard field goal to give Elder a 31-0 lead and start the running clock.

La Salle was able to finally get on the board late in the game when quarterback Patrick Mclaughlin took on in from nine yards out to avoid the shutout.

Elder outgained La Salle 345-156, 232 of those yards came on the ground. Luke Flowers led the charge on the ground as he carried the ball 14 times for 83 yards and three touchdowns.

Ben Schoster added a touchdown on the ground to go along with his 39 yards rushing.

The Panthers defense was the main catalyst as they kept La Salle from getting anything going for the majority of the night in the dominating win.

SCORING BY QUARTERS

La Salle 0-0-0-7-7

Elder 7-21-3-0-31

SCORING PLAYS

E: Luke Flowers 7-yd rush TD (Max LeMasters kick)

E: Ben Schoster 9-yd rush TD (LeMasters kick)

E. Luke Flowers 33-yd rush TD (LeMasters kick)

E: Luke Flowers 5-yd rush TD (Max LeMasters kick)

E: Max LeMasters 34-yd field goal

L: Patrick Mclaughlin 9-yd rush TD (Mason Luensman kick)

RECORDS: La Salle (3-7, 0-3 GCL South); Elder (8-2, 2-1)

UP NEXT: OHSAA Playoff Brackets TBD

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

CINCINNATI —

Round one of the playoffs got off to a fantastic start as some top contenders put up some big numbers to advance to the next round and keep their title chances alive.

DIVISION I, REGION 4

#6 PRINCETON 43, #11 WEST CLERMONT 6

The Princeton Vikings sprinted past visiting West Clermont on Friday night in Sharonville. RJ West hooked up with wideout Riley Woods for two touchdown scores and tailback Teryntino Brown-Freeman added two scores of his own on the ground to pace the Vikings.

West Clermont got their lone score when Bryson Earley connected with wide receiver Hayden Jones for a 60-yard touchdown pass. Princeton outgained the Wolves 225-81 in the first half and led 29-6 at the half and never looked back as they put together yet another big offensive performance in the victory.

#7 MILFORD 62, #10 WESTERN HILLS 16

The Milford Eagles advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a convincing win over Western Hills Friday night. The Eagles outgained the Mustangs 398-201 in total yards for the ball game including a 263-58 advantage through the air.

Austin Hardin passed for 5 touchdowns and rushed for another to lead the charge for the Eagles. They will continue their season next week in a battle against Elder at The Pit.

More Finals:

No. 1 Moeller 39, No. 16 Hamilton 14

No. 2 Elder 49, No. 15 Middletown 7

No. 3 Lakota West 43, No. 14 Lebanon 7

No. 4 Springboro 42, No. 13 Oak Hills 10

No. 5 Mason 14, No. 12 Colerain 7

No. 9 St. Xavier 42, No. 8 Fairfield 28 (FULL RECAP)

DIVISION II, REGION 8

#10 ANDERSON 44, #7 TROY 7

Anderson went on the road and ripped apart the Troy Spartans in the first round in Division II. The Raptors jumped out to a 28-0 lead at the half as their potent air attack was on display for the majority of the night. Anderson scored 21 second quarter points to blow the game open and used the second half to put away the Spartans.

#9 ROSS 41, #8 NORTHWEST 7

Ross got revenge on Northwest in the first round on Friday night. The Rams were able to overcome a regular season loss and dominate the Knights in the SWOC rematch. The Rams jumped out to a 34-0 lead through three quarters as they were dominant from the start and advanced past their league foes.

More Finals:

No. 1 Winton Woods 35, No. 16 La Salle 13

No. 15 Little Miami 27, No. 2 Xenia 24 - 2OT

No. 3 Edgewood 38, No. 14 Lima Senior 6

No. 4 Kings 56, No. 13 Sidney 7

No. 5 Withrow 44, No. 12 Loveland 7

DIVISION III, REGION 12

No 1 Badin 42, No. 16 Woodward 0

No. 2 Western Brown 33, No. 15 Mount Healthy 20

No. 4 Wapakoneta 28, No. 13 Wilmington 14

No. 10 Monroe 52, No. 7 Hughes 15

No. 9 New Richmond 28, No. 8 Tecumseh 27

DIVISION IV, REGION 16

No. 1 Wyoming 44, No. 16 Waverly 0

No. 2 Taft 45, No. 15 CHCA 7

No. 14 Eaton 31, No. 3 Fenwick 28

No. 13 Clinton-Massie 38, No. 4 Chillicothe Unioto 0

No. 6 McNicholas 42, No. 11 Northridge 14

No. 10 Alter 21, No. 7 Reading 14

No. 8 Shawnee 33, No. 9 Roger Bacon 7

Get the complete scores from all of tonight’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

The playoffs got off to a nice start in Northern Kentucky as some Pioneers and some Colonels advanced and the Bluebirds of Highlands were up to their old scoring tricks in the first round.

CLASS 6A

#1 SIMON KENTON 54, #4 MARSHALL COUNTY 7

Five different players scored rushing touchdowns as Simon Kenton ran past Marshall county on Friday night. Durell Turner scored three touchdowns on the night along with Tucker Ober, Jayden Lawson, Kaleb Breier, and Chase Crone all crossing the goal line as well in the route. Crone also threw for a touchdown connecting with wideout Chase Williams for a 17 yard strike.

The Pioneers outgained Marshall County 375-90 in total yards on the night and advanced to face Louisville Trinity next week.

More Finals:

No. 2 Louisville Trinity 47, No. 3 Campbell County 14

No. 1 Ballard 55, No. 4 Dixie Heights 14

No. 2 Ryle 42, No. 3 Eastern 14

CLASS 5A

#2 COVINGTON CATHOLIC 21, #3 GREAT CROSSING 0

Owen Leen rushed 18 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns to lead CovCath to a big victory in the first round on Friday night. Zacc Roberts was 22-32 for 198 yards at quarterback. The Colonels outgained Great Crossing 329-151 as the Colonels pitched a crucial shutout.

Gabe Nicholas paced Great Crossing at quarterback going 10-22 for 93 yards in the loss.

NO. 1 HIGHLANDS 49, No. 4 MONTGOMERY COUNTY 0

Highlands shut out Montgomery County in the first round on Friday night.The Bluebirds used a big defensive effort combined with a plethora of offensive fireworks to put the game away early en route to the big win. Highlands led 42-0 at the break and took their foot off the gas to cruise to victory.

More Finals:

No. 2 Scott County 56, No. 3 Cooper 20

No. 1 Frederick Douglass 50, No. 4 Conner 0

CLASS 4A

No. 1 Lexington Catholic 50, No. 4 Scott 6

No. 3 Bourbon County 28, No. 2 Holmes 14

CLASS 2A

#1 WALTON-VERONA 22, #4 NEWPORT 12

Walton-Verona led 17-6 at the half and pushed through for a victory against Newport in the first round on Friday night. The Bearcats advance to meet Lloyd next week in the second round.

More Finals:

No. 1 Beechwood 55, No. 4 Trimble County 0

No. 2 Carroll County 35, No. 3 Holy Cross 6

No. 2 Lloyd Memorial 42, No. 3 Owen County 7

CLASS 1A

No. 1 Newport Central Catholic 52, No. 4 Eminence 0

No. 2 Frankfort 50, No. 3 Ludlow 13

No. 2 Dayton 22, No. 3 Berea 7

No. 1 Bishop Brossart 36, No. 4 Fairview 14

Get the complete scores from all of tonight’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

Football players at Bethel Park High School in Pittsburgh typically meet in the workout room at 9 a.m. But when school is closed, they take their workout to the neighborhood.

When a massive winter storm dumped several inches of snow on Pittsburgh Monday, coach Brian DeLallo tweeted to tell his players that their daily workout had been canceled. Instead, they were to find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway.

"Due to expected severe weather, Monday's weightlifting workout has been cancelled. Find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway. Don't accept any money - that's our Monday workout," he tweeted.

"It's great to see the kids buy-in and get out there," DeLallo said. "They'll shovel all morning and then, hopefully, they'll go sled riding in the afternoon and get to be kids."

Members of the Black Hawk football team said they were happy to help.

"It is nice getting out here at helping the community," tackle Braedon Del Duca said.

Del Duca and teammate Colton Pfeuffer said the "workout" gave them a chance to thank the community for their support. One homeowner thanked the boys by promising to make a donation to the school's football program.

"It's about community. We talk about in our program all the time, so this is another chance we have to go out and interact with our community in a positive way and show them that they're important to us," DeLallo said.

Kentucky has one more week of the regular season, but district titles are already being determined with more teams being crowned district champs on Friday night.

NO. 13 COVINGTON CATHOLIC 27, CONNER 7

The Covington Catholic Colonels extended its win streak to four on Friday night, beating the Conner Cougars 27-7 in Hebron.

Preston Agee kicked off the scoring for the Colonels on back-to-back touchdown rushes to give CovCath an early 14-0 lead. The two scores were Agee’s team-leading seventh and eighth of the season.

Alex Castrucci got the Cougars on the board with a 12-yard run of his own. However, the Colonels would slam the door shut with two Eli Nally field goals of 37 and 39 yards. Reid Hummel also added a 45-yard run for extra measure.

With the win, Covington Catholic won the 5A, District 5 championship after going 5-0 in the district in 2021.

The Colonels will look to end the regular season on a five-game winning streak next week when they return home to take on Ryle. Conner will try to go into the postseason with a winning record when they face George Rogers Clark.

HIGHLANDS 35, COOPER 7

Coming off a close loss to rival CovCath, Highlands ended its regular season on a high note after knocking off the Cooper Jaguars 35-7. The Bluebirds will head into the playoffs in two weeks after finishing 5-5 in the regular season.

Highlands found a groove early on the tails of Charlie Noon, who gave the Bluebirds a 14-0 lead after scoring runs of 67 and one yards. On defense, Highlands converted two turnovers for points in the second quarter with an interception and fumble.

The Bluebirds made a change behind center, opting to start sophomore Cam Bottom. Bottom’s arm made quite the debut when he found Carson Class for a 55-yard pass, which set up Charlie Noon’s third rushing touchdown. Bottom found the end zone on a 57-yard pass to Davis Hinegardner to put Highlands up 28-0.

Cooper’s Drew Warth got the Cougars on the board in the third quarter when he found Xavier Smith for a 13-yard touchdown pass. However, Highlands responded with another touchdown of their own when Bottom tossed his second touchdown pass of the game.

Highlands will take a week to rest up before the start of the 5A playoffs while Cooper will travel to face Butler.

NO. 12 BEECHWOOD 54, NEWPORT 0

The Beechwood Tigers wrapped up the district championship on Friday night, blowing out the Newport Wildcats 54-0 on Friday night.

The Tigers got on the board when star quarterback Cameron Hergott found Mitchell Berger for a touchdown. That was quickly followed up by back-to-back rushing touchdowns for Avery Courtney to give Beechwood an early 21-0 lead.

Beechwood forced a running clock by halftime and rolled to the dominant 54-0 victory and 9-0 record. Friday night’s shutout was the fourth of the season for the stellar Tiger defense.

On the season, the Tigers have only given up 55 points, the lowest amount in all of 2A. On the other side of the ball, Beechwood has scored 348 points, the most in Class 2A.

The Tigers will look to cap off another undefeated next week when they host Newport Central Catholic. Newport will hit the road again next week to take on Pendleton County.

Here are some other scores from Northern Kentucky teams in action:

Dixie Heights 41, Campbell County 21

Holmes 40, Scott 0

Newport Central Catholic 55, Bellevue 14

Lloyd 40, Holy Cross 7

Ludlow 49, Dayton 6

Walton-Verona 54, Trimble County 20

Bishop Brossart 24, Pendleton County 14

Carroll County 48, Gallatin County 16

Simon Kenton at No. 23 Ryle (SAT - 7:00 PM)

Check out the COMPLETE SCOREBOARD.

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

Ohio's 2020 high school football season will be comprised of just six games beginning Aug. 24 with every team eligible for the playoffs, according to a message from the Ohio High School Athletic Association's interim executive director, Bob Goldring, on Friday.

If the plan is approved by Gov. Mike DeWine, all teams will enter the playoffs beginning Oct. 9, and state championship games will be played no later than Nov. 21.

"Schools also will be afforded the opportunity to play 10 total regular-season contests — whether they continue regular-season games after they are eliminated from the playoffs or should they decide not to enter the playoffs — as long as they complete their season by November 14," Goldring's announcement read.

OHSAA's board approved the measure unanimously Friday.

“To both ensure we can offer students the opportunity to participate in education‐based athletes but do so with their best interests in mind, we believe this modified plan offers a positive solution by addressing many of the concerns of our member schools,” said Jeff Cassella, president of the OHSAA Board of Directors and athletic administrator at Mentor High School. “Those that are able to start their seasons on time will be able to do so. Those that are starting later can still have a season. Add in the option of all schools entering the playoffs and the possibility of schools still being able to play 10 regular-season contests, and this plan is helpful to virtually all of our schools.”

In a recent OHSAA membership survey, the highest number of responses to one of the questions posed of superintendents, principals and athletic administrators indicated that nearly 60% (890 of 1,498 respondents) favored reducing the regular season and maintaining full OHSAA tournaments, or maintaining the full regular season and maintaining full OHSAA tournaments.

In 2020, the number of playoff rounds will be dependent upon the number of schools entering the playoffs in each division. Schools eliminated from the OHSAA playoffs or that choose not to enter the OHSAA playoffs will have the option to schedule additional regular-season contests through Nov. 14, with a maximum of 10 regular-season contests permitted.

Here's what the 2020 season will look like:

• Regular season Week 1: Week of Aug. 24
• Regular season Week 2: Week of Aug. 31
• Regular season Week 3: Week of Sept. 7
• Regular season Week 4: Week of Sept. 14
• Regular season Week 5: Week of Sept. 21
• Regular season Week 6: Week of Sept. 28
• Playoffs begin Friday, Oct. 9
• State finals end no later than Saturday, Nov. 21

Read more in the viewer below:

20200807 Administrator Update by WCPO Web Team on Scribd

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Anderson High School football coach Evan Dreyer avoids field goals and punts (the team punted 15 times all last season) when he can.

Having a long snapper is a luxury he rarely indulges, but when he does, he knows he’s in the good hands -- some of the best in the country, in fact -- of Zach Zoglio.

“I just don’t remember us thinking about long snapping in four years,” Dreyer said. “Now he’s going to graduate and we’re thinking, how do we develop a long snapper?”

It’s a problem Dreyer never anticipated.

Zoglio is nearly a self-made success story. With the help of his dad, Bob, a former specials teams coach at Walnut Hills and Turpin, Zach has made himself into one of the best long snappers in the country.

In the latest Kohl’s Long Snapping Rankings – considered the gold-standard of the industy – Zoglio is the eighth best snapper in the 2021 class.

“Snapping is a skill,” he said. “Not a lot of people can grip the ball, snap it the same way in the same spot.”

It’s a skill where perfection is the expectation. In addition to Anderson’s practices, Zoglio estimates he does 10 hours of extra individual work. Snap, after snap, after snap.

“Our motto is ‘No days off,’” Bob Zoglio said. “On Thanksgiving Day – it was a nice day – we were on the Anderson field snapping, before turkey.”

Zoglio knows the work he puts in away from all the eyeballs will prevent eyeballs focused on him during games.

“A snapper, their job is to be perfect,” said Kohl’s Kicking Camps long snapping coach Casey Casper. “When Zach steps up there and grabs the football, he doesn’t have mistakes. He doesn’t put it on the ground or left or right. Always a clean rotating ball that’s easy to catch.”

College recruiters are increasingly trying to snag skilled long snappers.

“It’s not a position everyone hoots and hollers about,” Zoglio said. “Usually long snapper is the last position, if not the last position, that (coaches) will look at.”

He’s getting his share of looks – Eastern Michigan just offered him a spot on their roster.

Zoglio has become a name to know at an anonymous position, even at the Blue-Gray All-Star Game in Dallas, where he was questioned by his teammates.

“I told people I’m a long snapper and they’re like, ‘Oh … ‘” Zoglio said.

His next step – becoming some college coach's non-worry.

CINCINNATI — Four Greater Cincinnati high school football games canceled last week due to the number of COVID-19 quarantined student-athletes.

Three games are canceled this Friday and another contest is already off the schedule for Sept. 3.

These cancellations, or what are considered no contests in Ohio, may only be the beginning this fall season. The reality is a sobering thought after a significant challenge for schools during the 2020-21 school year.

"I don't unfortunately see it changing which stinks," Wyoming High School athletic director Jan Wilking said. "It's going to continue to be a mad shuffle for games and to get everybody back at school and doing the right thing. I wish we were in this for the short run but unfortunately it's looking like another school year of mad shuffling and trying to just piece things together which will be a lot."

The natural reaction during this time of the delta variant is to wonder if history is repeating itself from 2020 when a number of games around Ohio were canceled in the first few weeks.

"No, I do not believe it's a here we go again situation," said Lakota West athletic director Scott Kaufman, who is the Ohio High School Athletic Association board of directors president. "I do believe it's time to reset and go back to some protocols from last year to minimize the number of quarantines that we're going through."

OHSAA

On Wednesday, the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations announced it has partnered with the NCAA, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the National Athletic Trainers' Association, eight national medical organizations and the U.S. Department of Education to promote COVID-19 vaccination in school-age students ages 12-18.

The District of Columbia, Hawaii and Connecticut are among the state athletic associations with campaigns to promote vaccinations.

The Hawaii High School Athletic Association has delayed its football season to Sept. 24 and is requiring all student-athletes, staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated.

In Ohio, there are no state mandates regarding vaccinations, masks and social distancing. School districts and local health departments could set their own requirements.

Wilking said the parameters are clear in Wyoming City Schools for students to be able to fully participate in school and interscholastic athletics.

"As far as what we can do to prevent outbreaks and to keep kids in school which is what we all want whether they're being the star of the play or the star of the tennis team; you know vaccinations help," Wilking said. "You don't have to quarantine if you are vaccinated and masking helps."

Kaufman said too many people entered this fall season thinking circumstances were back to normal. Now is the time for teams to look in the mirror and take full responsibility.

"What are you willing to sacrifice in order to save your season?" Kaufman said. "We know the delta variant is more contagious than what we dealt with a year ago. And it's hard to believe that we are dealing with something worse than a year ago. It's a shame we are dealing with it because we have a solution."

If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19, that individual has to isolate for 10 days and receive medical clearance to return to play.

If a student-athlete is unmasked and unvaccinated and considered to be a close contact, the quarantine is a minimum of 10 days but that can be reduced to eight days if a negative test occurs after five days.

"We all need to be going back to our protocols and restrictions athletically that we started with last fall," Kaufman said. "Everything that we did last fall was designed to keep the kids healthy, to minimize the possibility of A: infection but B: being quarantined because of a close contact."

The Ohio High School Athletic Association said 16 season openers were canceled statewide last week.

The OHSAA said last week it is discussing policies related to COVID-19 cancellations and how that might impact the Harbin ratings, also known as the computer points playoff system.

Prior to 2020, there was an eight-game minimum in order to qualify for the postseason.

In Kentucky, there were 17 high school football games canceled out of 120 contests scheduled last week, according to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

Six games have been canceled this week out of 117 scheduled on the KHSAA website.

KHSAA

"Schools just send us a report," KHSAA spokesperson Dan White said. "They go through the website and they report that game as a COVID cancellation and they are able to say if the COVID situation is with the home team or if it's with the visitor team."

The result is initially entered as the team with the quarantined student-athletes takes a loss while the opposing team receives the win. There are also procedures if both teams are in quarantine.

White said teams may choose to reschedule that canceled game or find other opponents which would change the initial result.

Cancellations involving soccer games and girls volleyball matches are also tracked weekly, White said.

"The (KHSAA) commissioner (Julian Tackett) is always in communication with the schools," White said. "Our COVID-19 guidance is up on the website so schools have been sent that. Obviously, keeping track of the virus as it changes."

Athletic administrators know circumstances change from hour to hour. They are starting to wonder about the winter season, too.

"It concerns me because we're still in summer months and if we don't get this more under control with the help of vaccinations by the time it gets colder and we're indoors, I worry about how many more steps backwards we're going to take," Kaufman said.

The top-ranked team in the Blitz 5 Top 25 poll St. Xavier Bombers started off their season with a mark in the win column after overcoming an early 14-3 deficit to knock off the second-ranked Lakota West Firebirds 31-14 in Week 1 of the 2021 high school football season.

St. Xavier struck first in the opening quarter when Mason Rohmiller nailed a 27-yard field goal to put the Bombers up 3-0.

The Firebirds took over in the second quarter, however, when Mitch Bolden found Brennan Remy for a four-yard score, followed by a 30-yard touchdown pass from Bolden to Alex Afari from 30 yards out.

Just before the half, St. Xavier inched closer to the Firebirds with a five-yard scoring scamper from Charles Kellum, taking the halftime score to 14-10 in favor of Lakota West.

The second half was all Bombers, starting with a pick-six from Grant Lyons, returning it 24 yards to give St. Xavier the 17-14 lead. Lyons would go on to pick off another pass later in the game, finishing with two interceptions, a sack, and four solo tackles.

A 25-yard pass from Brogan McCaughey to Max Klare and a 13-yard rush from Kellum would scap off the 28-0 run for the Bombers, solidifying the 31-14 win.

McCaughey led the Bombers with 113 yards through the air and a touchdown. Charles Kellum went for 107 yards on the ground on 24 rushes and two touchdowns .

Mitch Bolden led the Firebirds both through the air and on the ground, going for 8-for-21, 103 yards and two touchdowns passing while contributing 81 yards on the ground.

SCORING BY QUARTERS

Lakota West 0-14-0-0-0

St. Xavier 3-7-14-7-0

SCORING PLAYS

St. X: Mason Rohmiller 27-yard FG (3-0)

LW: Mitch Bolden to Brennan Remy 4-yard pass (L 7, StX 3)

LW: Mitch Bolden to Alex Afari 30-yard pass (L 14, StX 3)

St. X: Charles Kellum 5-yrd run (L 14, StX 10)

St. X: Grant Lyons pick 6 (St. X 17, L 14)

St. X: Brogan McCaughey to Max Klare 25-yard pass (St. X 24, L 14)

St. X: Kellum 13-yard run (St. X 31, L 14)

RECORDS: Lakota West (0-1); St. Xavier (1-0)

UP NEXT: Lakota West vs. West Clermont; St. Xavier at Colerain

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.