All Sports, All The Time.

  • Top 3 College Football Games You Should Watch for Week 8.

    A grid of various college sports team logos displayed in colorful circular backgrounds, featuring teams from universities such as Michigan, Kentucky, LSU, and UCLA.

    I’ve been battling the flu for a week. I’m still fighting it, so I’m not feeling great.

    I’m not gonna put in a long introductory start or even do a deep dive of evey game.

    I’m just getting straight to the point.

    In no particular order…..

    #14 Houston Cougars (6-1) at #10 Utah Utes (6-0)

    Logo of the University of Houston versus logo of the University of Utah, with a red and black background.

    Game starts at 10:15 PM (EST) on Saturday night, on ESPN.

    This is going to be a QB battle.

    Casey Weigman (HOU) is completing 67.7% of his passes for 1,771 yards, 20 TDs to only 2 INTs. He can run the ball too, with 229 yards and 6 TDs.

    Devon Dampier (UTAH) is completing 73.1% of his passes, for 1,412 yards, with 15 TDs, to 4 INTs. He also can run the ball, with 198 yards and 3 TDs.

    Prediction – My brain is telling me to take Utah at home. However, something is nagging at me to take Houston on the road. I’m gonna listen to my brain, and take Utah in a close, high scoring game. 45-42.

    Logos of Indiana University and the University of Michigan side by side on a blue background.

    #6 Indiana Hoosiers (6-1) at Michigan Wolverines (4-2).
    Game starts at 12:00 (Noon) (EST), Saturday afternoon, on FOX.

    The Hoosiers are coming off their first loss in 1.5 seasons (they were the undefeated national champions last season). How will they respond???

    Michigan has FINALLY benched QB Bryce Underwood, and freshman Tommy Carr (grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr) is getting his first career start. What a tough assignment too.

    Prediction – I feel sooooooooooo bad for Tommy. He’s getting his dream coming true, and it’s against a very tough and fast defense. While “The Big House” is a difficult place to play, Indiana is too good and too well coached. Indiana wins 35-21.

    The Floyd of Rosedale Trophy Game.

    Iowa and Minnesota college logos displayed on a blue background.

    #15 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2).
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on FS1.

    These two teams have battling for this 98 lb bronze pig since 1935.

    Iowa will be starting their backup QB Jeremy Hecklinski for the 2nd straight game. 1st string QB Hank Brown IS available but still dealing with a shoulder injury. HB Kamari Moulton ran for a career high 208 yards last week.

    You NEVER know which Minnesota team is gonna show up on the field, on any given Saturday. If their offense (starting with QB Drake Lindsay) can ever match the play of their defense, this team could be a top tier team Big Ten team. PJ Fleck is a GREAT coach.

    Prediction – Rivalry games are always so hard to predict. I don’t think “the bloom falls of the rose” for Iowa entirely this week, but I do think it’s gonna be a close game. Give me the Hawkeyes 23-20.

    Which game do you think is a “must watch”???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, USAToday.

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

  • College Football Week 7 Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of various collegiate logos, featuring teams from different universities across the United States, displayed in circular designs on a black background.

    I’m down home with the flu, but WHAT A WEEK 7 of college football!!!

    5 of the Top 7 ranked teams lost, for the first time SINCE 1936!!!

    #1 Georgia lost to unranked Auburn 27-24.
    #2 Notre Dame lost to #8 BYU 28-24.
    #5 Indiana lost to #Ohio State 19-15.
    #6 Alabama lost to #Tennessee 26-10.
    #7 Texas lost to unranked Florida 27-24.

    The #12 UCLA Bruins are still undefeated (6-0) after beating Wisconsin 17-7, starting a backup quarterback.

    #15 Kentucky continues its incredible start to the season (6-1), defeating Oklahoma 21-13.

    We had some absolute shootouts with #20 Houston beating #18 Oklahoma State 35-32, and West Virginia beating Cincinnati 45-42.

    For the 18TH STRAIGHT YEAR, the Kansas State Wildcats beat their arch-rival the Kansas Jayhawks to win the Sunflower Showdown 35-24…..can it really be a rivalry now. LOL.

    North Dakota State is now 6-1, in their FIRST YEAR playing FBS football, as they beat Nevada 31-17.

    This was a really, really difficult week to choose from.

    So, without further ado, here are your Week 7 College Football Helmet Stickers.

    OFFENSE.
    Michael Hawkins Jr – QB – West Virginia Mountianeers
    25 of 33 for 464 yards and 3 TDs
    26 carries for 77 yards and 2 TDs

    DEFENSE.
    Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas Longhorns.
    8 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack.
    Left the game in 4th quarter with injury.

    A football player wearing an orange Texas jersey with the number 1 stands on the field, focused during a game.

    TEAM.

    Cornell Big Red (3-2) defeated #4 Leighton Mountain Hawks 48-38 for their 1st win over a Top 5 ranked opponent since 1939!!!

    The team they beat in 1939…..#4 Ohio State.

    Who do you think deserves a helmet sticker???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures and video courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, and YouTube.

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

  • Crestview Knights Varsity Girls Volleyball Win on Senior Night.

    A group of six people standing on a volleyball court, including two players in uniform, flanked by coaches and supporters, during a recognition event.

    After 3 straight games on the road, the Lady Knights were back at home, one last time this season. That means, it’s Senior Night.

    There are only 2 seniors, on a young team this season, as #3 Kaci Gregory and #19 Lainey Gardner were honored before the game.

    I was sitting with the rest of the team on the floor, for the pregame activities. While most of the girls held it together, there was one who could not.

    Afterwards, the Lady Knights had a tall (they were outsized) task ahead of them.

    The 14-6 Ottoville Big Green were in at The Ray, and looking to play spoiler.

    A volleyball team huddled together on the court, listening attentively to their coach, who is giving instructions. The players are wearing white jerseys with blue accents, and there are visible court markings in the background.

    The Lady Knights would get the first 2 points. Ottoville would respond to make it 2-2. The teams would trade points back and forth, to an 8-8 game. They’d then trade 2 point streaks, and again, be tied at 12-12. The Lady Knights would score 5 straight, and force Ottoville head coach Alexis Lautzenheiser to call a timeout, down 17-12.

    The Big Green would respond by winning 6 of the next 9 points, getting the score to 20-18. This time forcing Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory to call a timeout. The Lady Knights would end up winning the first set 25-21.

    Lady Knights 1st set winning point.

    The Big Green would capitalize on communication mistakes by the Lady Knights, and quickly go up 3-0. A looooooooooong rally, showing off incredible athleticism and stamina, as players from both teams were diving and getting hard digs, ultimately, the Big Green would win the hard-earned point, and give Ottoville a 4-0 lead. Crestview would respond by winning the next 4 straight points, and tying the game up.

    They would go back and forth to an 8-8 game. They’d trade 2-point streaks, and it would be 12-12 now. Ottoville would win 5 of the next 7 points, making the score 17-14 and cause a Crestview timeout. The Lady Knights would make a smally rally, getting it to a 21-19 game, before an Ottoville timeout. In the end though, the Big Green would win a hard-earned 2nd set 25-23.

    An ACE on the serve, by #15 Kinley Crider in a hard fought 2nd set.

    The Lady Knights would get out to a fast start in the 3rd set. They’d get out to a 10-4 lead. The ensuing Big Green timeout, did nothing to stop the momentum though. Crestview would be up 16-8. Lady Knights head coach Tammy Gregory would call a timeout, after a 3rd straight Big Green point, made it 16-11.

    This was a different timeout though. It wasn’t to “stop momentum”. It was a coaching timeout. She was NOT happy with something that happened on that 27th point of the set.

    The girls responded and took the lead to 22-15, forcing a Big Green timeout. As in the 1st set, it would be for naught, as the Lady Knights would win the 3rd set 25-21, and go up 2-1 in the match.

    The game winning point for the Lady Knights, in the 3rd set.

    Crestview would start the 4th set hot, jumping out to an 8-3 lead. Ottoville would be forced to call a timeout, down 12-5. It would work, as the Big Green would win 7 of the next 10 points, and forcing a Crestview timeout, up 15-12.

    Big Green #4 Jenna Suever would score an ACE immediately after the timeout, leading a 3-point streak, that would tie the game at 15-15. The Lady Knights responded with 4 straight points. Not to be outdone, Ottoville answered right back with 4 straight of their own. It was now a 19-19 game.

    Ottoville scored the next point and went up 20-19. Coach Gregory had to use her final timeout.

    The timeout worked, as the Lady Knights would win 4 of the next 5 points, and take a 23-21 lead, forcing Coach Lautzenheiser to call her final timeout as well.

    The Lady Knights would put the Big Green away, winning the 4th set 25-23, and winning the match 3 sets to 1.

    The 4th set and matching winning point for the Crestview Lady Knights on Senior Night.

    After the game I spoke to Crestview Lady Knights head coach Tammy Gregory.

    It was a big win on Senior Night, but Ottoville didn’t make it easy, as it was a very competitive game.

    “We knew that coming in, Kaci knows a lot of the girls very well, and is good friends with them from club volleyball, we knew it was going to be tough.”

    Ottoville played a power style game, and it left the Lady Knights scrambling at times.

    “We have the mindset, that every ball is coming to you. You want to have that confidence that you’re going to be able to handle whatever comes your way.”

    With the regular season drawing to a close, and tournament time coming up; I asked Coach Gregory, what she thinks the team needs to improve on, to “make that tournament run?”

    “We need to be more consistent. We are the team that scores a lot of points, and then gives up a lot of points. It’s just the consistency. We need to do better, and we can do better. I believe in these girls.”

    I tried 10 times to download a picture here, but the “tech team” at WordPress couldn’t figure out why it kept turning sideways. I got tired of their excuses and moved on.

    Leading the way for the Lady Knights……

    erving

    Kaci Gregory 20/21 with 5 aces

    Delanie Balliet 17/17 with 2 aces

    Kinley Crider 13/14 with 3 aces

    Lainey Gardner 11/12 with 1 ace

    Hitting

    Kaci Gregory 13 kills

    Ayla Kreischer 9 kills

    Kenadie Schwartz 8 kills

    Kaylee Owens 7 kills

    Setting

    Nora Perkins 22 assists

    Kinley Crider 21 assists

    Digs

    Delanie Balliet 13 digs

    Kaci Gregory 12 digs

    Ayla Kreischer 9 digs

    Zoe Ross 7 digs

    Blocks

    Kaylee Owens 3 blocks

    A volleyball match featuring two teams shaking hands at the net after the game, with spectators in the background and coaches observing.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of…..Tammy Gregory.

  • Week 6 College Football Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of college sports team logos arranged in a grid format, featuring logos from various universities including Florida State, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, UCLA, and others.

    WHAT A WEEK OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!

    We had a lot of upsets on Saturday.

    #21 UCLA Bruins beat #13 Oregon Ducks 17 – 15, in Eugene (this was the only prediction I lost).

    The unranked Kentucky Wildcats upset #10 LSU Tigers 35- 34 in overtime.

    Unranked South Carolina Gamecocks went into The Swamp, and beat #16 Florida Gators 38- 19.

    Now, if you follow me on Twitter/X (which you should @JoeAmerican6771), you’d seen that all season long, I’ve been saying the LSU and Florida are being extremely overrated by ESPN, or as everyone with common sense calls them, E(SEC)PN.

    Now, they’re going to overrate Kentucky and South Carolina next.

    There were a lot of players, that deserved a helmet sticker this week, but, here the ones who get the nod.

    OFFENSE.
    Branden Atkinson, QB, Oregon State Beavers.
    29 of 38, for 409 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs

    DEFENSE.
    Michael Molnar, LB, Ohio Bobcats.
    5 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

    Football player wearing a green Ohio jersey with the number 25, holding a football in front of him against a white background.

    TEAM.
    Oklahoma Sooners.
    Defeated #1 Texas Longhorns 27 – 24.

    Everyone had written off the Oklahoma Sooners for the season, coming into this game.

    BUT, as I said in my “3 Games You Should Watch for Week 6” article, anything can happen in a rivalry game.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures and Videos courtesy of…..YouTube and ESPN

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

    Who do you think deserves a helmet sticker???

  • Crestview Knights Get Rolled by the State Ranked Bluffton Pirates on Senior Night.

    A group photo on a football field, featuring a team of players in blue uniforms standing in the center, surrounded by supporters wearing red and blue attire. The scene is set during sunset with trees in the background.

    The sun was starting its’ descent in the small town of Convoy, Ohio. A horizontal streak of orange lay across the top of the school to the west. The air was choked with the smell of burgers and brats, that assaulted your nose, and made your mouth water, as the Knights Pride Club had another fund raiser for the student-athletes.

    The slight breeze and the warmth, shone brightly onto the football field. The stadium filled with children running and laughing. On the grass of the gridiron, parents stood with their kids, talking and reminiscing about treasured memories, as they were introduced and celebrated, one last time, as it was Senior Night,

    Knights OT/DE Senior Will Sheets carries the sledgehammer out on Senior Night.

    Unfortunately for the Knights, the pregame festivities would be as good as it was to be on this night.

    Just 56 seconds into the game, Pirates HB Parker Lovell would score his 1st of 4 touchdowns in the game from 4 yards out. He’d run another in from 3 yards out, and QB Tayte Giesige would hit WR Blayne Hill on a 40 yard TD pass, to put the #7th ranked Pirates up 21-0 after the 1st quarter.

    Bluffton Pirates HB Parker Lovell scoring his 2nd of 4 TDs of the game.

    The Pirates would jump out to a massive 34 – 0 lead, behind a fast and physical defense. Crestview’s offensive line, just didn’t seem to have an answer for the blitz packages, as I heard multiple players tell the coaches.

    The Knights would finally get on the board with a 32 yard TD pass from Cash Hammons to Beau Lichtensteiger, with :34 seconds left in the 1st half. The PAT (point after touchdown) was blocked, but at least they didn’t get shutout, and were on the board 34-6. They’d end the first half on a high note. Not just with the TD, but the final play was a much need QB sack, by DL #55 Kale Lichtensteiger and DL #1 Beckam Putman.

    Knights QB Cash Hammons finds Beau Lichtensteiger on this 32 yard TD pass.

    That momentum would carry over into the 2nd half. The Knights received the kickoff. They’d get a Pirates 15 yard facemask penalty on a 2nd and 6. They’d connect on a 33 yard pass on a 3rd and 11. Once again, they’d hit another big pass, this time for 29 yards.

    A 3 yard run, followed by an 11 yard pass, would get them down to them a 1st and Goal from the 7 yardline.

    QB Cash Hammons would scamper in for another Knights TD. They’d miss the 2 point attempt was no good, but it was now a 34-12 game, with 9:21 left in the 3rd quarter.

    Knights QB Cash Hammons runs for a 7 yard TD.

    The Bluffton Pirates are the #7th ranked in Division 5 for a reason. They would immediately squash all that momentum by the Knights, by scoring 2 TDs in a matter of 4 minutes.

    QB Giesige would hit WR Blayne Hill for their 2nd TD of the night, this time from 52 yards out. Lovells’ final TD of the game (4 yard run) and it was 49 – 12 to end the 3rd quarter, as well as the final score of the game.

    Bluffton Pirates HB Parker Lovell, scores the final points of the game, on this 4 yard TD run.

    Knights Junior QB Cash Hammons went 16 of 28 for 168 yards, with 1 passing TD, and 1 INT (which was an uncalled DPI), and had 13 carries for 33 yards and 1 TD.

    Freshman WR Beau Lichtensteiger had 10 catches for 115 yards and 1 TD.

    4 different Knights, led the team with 5 total tackles.

    I spoke to Knights head coach Cole Harting after the game.

    High school football team kneeling on the sidelines during sunset, with a crowd in the background and a marching band visible on the field.

    “Well, we wanted to come in and limit their big plays. Make them earn every drive. Unfortunately, at the beginning they got some easy ones and had a few short drives. We’ve got to do a better job tackling and making those type of plays, when we have the opportunity to do so.”

    I asked him, what positives he and the staff could take away from this loss?

    “A big positive is that Cash came in and gave us a lot of really good stuff back there at quarterback. He showed a surprising ability to come in and command the offense.”

    I asked Coach Harting about Hammons ability to run, and how it limited the Pirates ability to blitz in the 2nd half.

    “Absolutely. Cash brings some size and playmaking ability to extend plays, that we didn’t have before. He did a really good job of keeping his eyes downfield. These were his very first snaps he’s ever played at quarterback in a live game. We’re very proud of the way he played tonight.

    The defense was able to bat a few balls out of the air. Which was something that I rarely saw this season, covering the Knights.

    “We’re blessed to have 2 defensive ends with really good size at 6’5″. They were able to get their hands up and if those passes aren’t up, they’re going to be able to effect those throwing lanes.”

    The Knights are now 2-6 overall, and 2-3 in the Northwest Conference.

    They play their final home game of the season, next Friday against state ranked Columbus Grove, at 7:00 PM (EST).

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

  • The 3 College Football Games You Should Watch for Week 6.

    Collage of various college sports team logos, including mascots and symbols from institutions such as Michigan, Kentucky, and UCLA.

    What a week of college football, Week 6 has in store for us.

    The Red River Shootout/Rivalry between the #1 Texas Longhorns vs the Oklahoma Sooners. No matter the rankings, this game is always chippy and physical.

    #14 Missouri Tigers are coming off a big win over (then ranked) #8 Florida, and they’re taking on the Texas A&M Aggies (who are rumored to be under investigation for NIL violations). Can the Tigers handle being the hunted, instead of the hunter???

    Can Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule FINALLY beat a ranked team? They take on last year’s National Champions, #7 Indiana Hoosiers. Personally, I’m saying doubt it.

    With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to pin down a list, but, here are the 3 games you should watch…..

    1) #20 Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1) at Washington Huskies (3-2)
    Game starts at 9:00 PM (EST), Friday night, on FOX.

    Split image featuring the logos of the University of Iowa and the University of Washington, with Iowa's black hawk logo on a yellow background and Washington's 'W' logo in beige on a purple background.

    Both teams are coming off crushing losses (Iowa to Ohio State at home, and Washington at USC).

    While, Iowa was simply outclassed on the field, Washington SHOULD have won, and simply choked the game away.

    It seems like Iowa has finally found a good QB in Senior Hank Brown (832 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT). As usual with the Hawkeyes, it’s all about defense and the running game. Senior Kamari Moulton gets the bulk of the carries (50 carries for 311 yards, and 2 TDs), but Braeden Jackson, Xavier Williams, and Nathan McNeil all have over 100 yards on the ground. Senior LB Cam Buffington has 44 tackles to lead the team, and DE Joesph Anderson has 3 sacks.

    Washington has one of my favorite dual-threat QBs to watch, Demond Williams Jr (1,327 yards, 8 TDs and 3 INTs in the passing game, 53 carries for 191 yards, and 2 TDs running). On defense, it all runs through Senior safety Alex McLaughlin, as he leads the team in total tackles (36), sacks (2.5), and INTs (2).

    The Huskies are favored by 3 points (as of this writing).

    Prediction – I badly want to take Washington. My gut is telling me that Williams will try too hard and cost his team the game late. Give me the Iowa Hawkeyes in a close 28-27 upset win.

    2) #21 UCLA Bruins (4-0) at #13 Oregon Ducks (3-1).
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on CBS.

    Graphic featuring the UCLA and Oregon logos split diagonally, with UCLA in blue and Oregon in green and yellow.

    Are Bob Chesney and his UCLA Bruins for real???

    Well, we’re about to find out, as they face their toughest test BY FAR.

    This Bruins offense goes through the running game, NOT QB Nico Iamaleava. Senior HB Wayne Knight followed Chesney from James Madsion and leads the team with 49 carries, for 445 yards, and 9 TDs. He’s not alone though. HBs Anthony Woods (36, 269, 4), and Jaivian Thomas (28, 155, 3), help shoulder the load. On defense, LB Sammy Omosigho simply has a nose for the football. He leads the team in total tackles (38), sacks (3), and forced fumbles (4).

    Junior transfer QB Dylan Raiola (Nebraska) will get the start. He’s 30 for 36, for 413 yards, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs, so far this season. He’ll need to continue playing well, which he didn’t do at Nebraska. On defense, transfer S Koi Perich (Minnesota) leads the team in total tackles (24). LB Matayo Uiagalelei leads the team in sacks (3). DB Jett Washington leads the team in INTs (2) and forced fumbles (1). What does that tell you??? That they have playmakers all over the defensive back 7.

    Prediction – The UCLA storyline is great, and Bob Chesney is going to bring the Bruins back to relevance for the next few years. HOWEVER, he’s in for a rude awakening. The Ducks are favored by 11.5, and I’ll take that. Ducks win 42-21.

    3) #2 Georgia Bulldogs (5-0) at #5 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST), Saturday night, on ABC.

    Logos of the University of Georgia (UGA) and the University of Alabama (UA) displayed diagonally, with UGA's red and black logo in the top half and UA's crimson and white logo in the bottom half.

    Get your pizza and popcorn ready, don’t forget your TUMS too (if you eat this late LOL); because this game is gonna be fun!!!

    Georgia is led by the best QB in the SEC (yes, I said it) in Gunnar Stockton (1,049 yards, 13 TDs, 1 INT). He simply doesn’t make mistakes. They need the run game to step up in this game. Their leading rusher, HB Nate Frazier, only has 211 yards on the ground, but does have 5 TDs. As usual, the UGA LBs are fast and active. They have 9.5 of the teams 13 sacks and 4 of the teams 5 forced fumbles. They fly around to the football, and they will need to continue to cause turnovers in this game.

    Alabama’s’ high-octane offense, is led by dual-threat Sophomore QB Keelon Russell. He’s thrown for 1,414 yards, 11 TDs and 2 INTs, and has run for 184 yards with 4 TDs. The Crimson Tide have 3 HBs with 200+ rushing yards, Daniel Hill (51 carries, 247 yards, 4 TDs), Trae’shawn Brown (42 carries, 211 yards, 5 TDs), and EJ Crowell (26 carries, 204 yards, 3 TDs). Future 1st round pick WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, leads the team with 20 catches, for 376 yards, and 4 TDs. The defense gets after the QB, as they have 16 team sacks this season, causing 8 INTs, and forcing 6 fumbles.

    Prediction – Some think this will be high scoring. Some think this will be a defensive struggle. I think it’ll be in the middle. Alabama got them in the regular season last year, but lost in the conference title game. I DO NOT think that happens here. Bulldogs get the win in Tuscaloosa, 35-28.

    What game do you think should’ve made the list???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and ESPN.

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

  • Crestview Lady Knights Get Their 5th Straight Win Over LCC.

    A volleyball team huddled together on the court, discussing strategy. The players are wearing black and white uniforms with knee pads, showing a mix of engagement and focus.

    After playing most of the season in the Elementary/Middle School gymnasium, the Crestview Lady Knights, finally got to play on their newly renovated home court.

    The Lady Thunderbirds would get the first point of the game. LCC would win the 13th point, on a long rally between the two teams. They would trade points back-and-forth, all the way to an 8-8 tie. LCC would go up briefly 9-8, before the Lady Knights would score 6 straight points to take a 14-9 lead, and force a Thunderbirds timeout. It would all be for naught, as the Knights would dominate the first set, winning 25-12.

    Crestview would get the first point of the second set. Like in the first set, the teams would trade points. The Lady Thunderbirds would take a 6-5 lead, and would keep the lead for most of the set. Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory would call a timeout, after losing the 23rd point of the match, down 13-10.

    The Lady Knights would take the lead at 14-13. LCC would retake the lead, getting it to 20-18. Crestview would score 2 points, and force a LCC timeout. Like in the first set, it wouldn’t work out for the Lady Thunderbirds, as the Lady Knights would win a hard fought second set, 25-22.

    The Lady Knights would get out to a fast start in the third set, jumping to a 4-1. The Lady Thunderbirds would fight back and get it to a 6-6 tie. Crestview would take an 8-6 lead, before the teams trade single points back-and-forth, all the way to a 11-10 game. The Lady Knights would score 4 straight points getting it to 15-10.

    They’d get it to 19-14, and once again, the Lady Thunderbirds would fight back, and take a 20-19 lead. That would force a Crestview timeout. The Lady Knights would take the lead, and never relent, winning the third set 25-23, and sweeping the match 3-0.

    After the game, I asked Lady Knights Head Coach Tammy Gregory about their 5 game winning, and how they’ve kept this energy up, after playing 3 games this week alone.

    “Yeah, it’s a quick turnaround, but the girls know what it takes, and they’re gonna keep battling. We’re back at it Saturday, and we know what we face Saturday is gonna be completely different from what we’ve seen this week. The tempo and the level of play. It’s gonna open our eyes, and it could be a long Saturday. We love the competition, and it’s gonna make us better down the road.”

    I asked her with the regular season coming to an end this month, what does she, the staff, and the girls, need to do, to keep this momentum going.

    “First off, we need to stay healthy. With the change in the weather, we have a couple girls actually dealing with illnesses. We also need to just focus on the little things, and the basics. We can never get enough practice serving. All those fundamental things, the comeback, the backcheck, we know that we gotta be stronger in every area on the board.”

    I noticed that in the first 2 sets, nobody was on the backline. In the third set, there was. I asked if that in-game adjustment was her call.

    “No. A lot of their balls were going long, and the girls read the hitter.”

    Leading the way for the Lady Knights…..

    Serving

    Delanie Balliet 20/20 with 5 aces

    Nora Perkins 10/10 with 3 aces

    Ayla Kreischer 14/14 with 1 ace

    Hitting

    Kaci Gregory 13 kills

    Kaylee Owens 9 kills

    Kenadie Schwartz 9 kills

    Setting

    Nora Perkins 23 assists

    Digs

    Kaci Gregory & Delanie Balliet 7 digs each

    Ayla Kreischer 6 digs

    Blocks

    Kaylee Owens 2 stuff blocks

    Serve Receive

    Kaci Gregory 29/29

    A group of female volleyball players walking on the court, with some teams in uniform and a crowd in the background in a sports arena.

    The Crestview Lady Knights improves to 5-0 in the NWC and 8-5 overall. They will be back in action on Saturday, as they host The Lady Knight Invitational, and will compete in three matches on the day with their first match being the second one at approx. 10am vs Fairbanks.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of…..Tammy Gregory

  • Crestview Lady Knights Varsity Volleyball, Win Third Straight Game

    A volleyball team huddles together in a gymnasium, wearing matching uniforms while preparing for the game, with spectators seated in the background.

    For the 2nd time is 24 hours, the Crestview Lady Knights were back on the floor. This time taking on the Delphos Jefferson Wildcats, in Northwest Conference Action.

    Just like Monday night, the Lady Knights got off to a fast start in the first set, scoring the first 6 straight points. The Lady Cats would get their third point on a long rally, and that would start a 5 point streak for the, getting the set to 8-9.

    Again, the team would trade point and mini runs, getting the score to a 13-13 tie. Crestview Head Coach Tammy Gregory would call a timeout with Jefferson up 15-14. They’d win 2 straight coming out of the TO. They’d continue trading, until finally, the Lady Knights would win a very competitive first set, 25-22.

    The 2nd set was like looking in a mirror. The Lady Knights jumped out to a STRONG start, forcing the Lady Cats to call a timeout down 9-2 quickly. Jefferson would get it to 12-7, before Crestview would win a long rally, that had a lot of saves and digs, to go up 13-7.

    It was pure domination by the Lady Knights from that point on, winning the 2nd set by a score of 25-13.

    The Lady Knights would get the first point of the 3rd set, BUT, the Lady Cats, were not going to let them get off to another hot start. Jefferson would take the lead early, at 3-1. They’d trade back and forth, before the Lady Cats would score 3 straight points and going up 9-5. That mini-run would force Knights Head Coach Tammy Gregory to call an early timeout.

    As she talked to her players, all eyes were focused on her. I don’t think any of the players actually blinked, as I watched and listened.

    The timeout worked like gangbusters. It stopped the Lady Cats momentum C-O-L-D, as the Lady Knights would win the next 7 straight points to take a 12-9 lead.

    Crestview #3 Kaci Gregory would make an incredible, one handed, diving save on the 28th point, that the Lady Knights would end up winning and going up 16-12. She is so fun to watch. More on her later.

    Jefferson would call a timeout down 19-15. The Lady Cats would not go quietly. They’d get it as close as 21-18, but the Lady Knights would get the final 3 points and win the 3rd set 25-18, sweeping the match 3-0.

    I spoke with Crestview Lady Knights Head Coach after the match.

    I asked her about the teams 3 game winning streak.

    “I’m happy. It feels good. Our girls feel good. You know, we’re playing different styles of volleyball. We played a lot of MAC opponents early, and they just come and hit at you. In our conference, it’s all different styles, so we just have to be prepared and play whatever style we need to play.”

    Delaine Balliet has been on fire, serving the last 2 games. I asked Coach, if that was something she’s been working on.

    “She’s definitely worked on it, and having to go up against our hitters everyday in practice, really helps with that.”

    I asked Coach about Kaci Gregory, and her diving and the energy she brings to table, and what that means to the rest of the team.

    “They feed off of her. They look at that and play harder for each other. She had three serving errors tonight, which is unlike her, but she went and made plays in other areas, and that shows leadership, and again, they feed off of that.”

    The timeout in that 3rd set, was very timely. I asked Coach about that timeout.

    “We had to squash that. As you know, volleyball is such a game of momentum, and they had the momentum, and we couldn’t let it get anymore out of hand. We had to get that momentum back on our side.”

    A volleyball match conclusion, with players shaking hands at the net. The scoreboard shows a final score of 25-18. Teams in yellow and red/white uniforms are visible in a gymnasium setting.

    Leading the way for the Lady Knights…..

    Serving

    Delanie Balliet 20/21 with 3 aces

    Kenadie Schwartz 11/11 with 1 ace

    Ayla Kreischer 12/12

    Hitting

    Kaci Gregory 15 kills

    Kaylee Owens 8 kills

    Ayla Kreischer 6 kills

    Setting

    Nora Perkins 17 assists

    Kenadie Schwartz 13 assists

    Digs

    Ayla Kresicher 10 digs

    Kaci Gregory & Kenadie Schwartz 7 digs each

    Blocks

    Alecta Baxter 4 stuff blocks

    The Crestview Lady Knights are now 7-5 overall and 4-0 in the NWC. Crestview will be back in action on Thursday Night, as they host LCC in another conference matchup. The JV match will begin at 5:30pm.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of…..Tammy Gregory.

  • Crestview Lady Knights Volleyball, Defeat Cross County Rival Van Wert.

    A group of female volleyball players wearing blue and red uniforms is gathered in a huddle, showing enthusiasm and teamwork on the court.

    The Crestview Lady Knights varsity volleyball team, took on their cross county rival, the Van Wert Cougars on Monday night.

    The Lady Knights got out to a fast start in the first set, winning the first 7 points of the set, forcing the Cougars to call a timeout. It worked, as Van Wert would get 3 straight points. The momentum wouldn’t last, as it quickly got to 17-5, and win the first set 25-12.

    The second set was another fast start for the Lady Knights at 5-1. The Cougars would battle back to get it to 6-5, before the Lady Knights would rattle 6 straight points, making it 12-5. The Cougars would sprinkle in a point here and there, but the Lady Knights would dominate the second set, winning 25-8.

    The theme of the night was fast starts by the Lady Knights, as they got 8 straight points to open the third set. The Cougars would not go quietly though, as then responded with 6 straight points of their own, getting it to an 8-6 set. The two teams would trade points, small runs, long rallies, and a lot of digs.

    The Cougars would get it as close as 23-20, before falling to the Lady Knights in 3 straight sets 25-20.

    Leading the way for the Lady Knights…..

    Serving

    Delanie Balliet 18/19 with 4 aces

    Nora Perkins 10/11 with 4 aces

    Kaylee Owens 9/10 with 3 aces

    Kinley Crider 5/5 with 3 aces

    Hitting

    Kaci Gregory 6 kills

    Alecta Baxter 5 kills

    Kaylee Owens 4 kills

    Ella Ream 3 kills

    Setting

    Nora Perkins 11 assists

    Kenadie Schwartz & Kinley Crider 5 assists each

    Digs

    Delanie Balliet 6 digs

    Kaci Gregory 5 digs

    Blocks

    Alecta Baxter 3 stuff blocks

    A group of young female volleyball players in matching uniforms shake hands at the end of a game, with a volleyball net in the background.

    The Lady Knights are now 6-5 on the season, and are right back on the court Tuesday Night in a conference match against the Delphos Jefferson Wildcats. JV game starts at 5:30 PM, with varsity immediately afterwards.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of…..Tammy Gregory.

  • Week 4 College Football Helmet Stickers.

    A grid of college sports team logos from various universities, featuring mascots and symbols distinct to each school.

    Week 4 of the college football season, has come and gone.

    We had an almost upset on Friday night, with the Northwestern Wildcats giving the #5 ranked Indiana Hoosiers, all they could handle. Barely escaping with a 29-23.

    The #21 Florida Gators absolutely dominated the #4 ranked Ole Miss Rebels, getting a massive 52-28 win at home.

    Twitter conversation discussing college football predictions and coaching strategies.

    As I predicted months ago (see above), the Wisconsin Badgers went on the road, and pulled the upset, beating the #13th ranked Penn State Nittany Lions, 24-20.

    #16 Louisville Cardinals got upset by the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 30-27.

    Of course, the play that EVERYONE is talking about is #17 Iowa Hawkeyes going into “The Big House” and beating #18 Michigan Wolverines 20-19, on the final play of the game.

    With so many greats games.

    With so many great plays.

    With so many great players.

    Here are your Week 4 Helmet Stickers.

    OFFENSE.
    Jeremiah Smith – WR – Ohio State Buckeyes.
    12 catches for 217 yards, and 4 TDs.

    DEFENSE
    Austin Romaine – LB – Texas Tech.
    8 total tackles, 2 INTs, 2 TDs.

    TEAM
    UCLA Bruins.
    Defeated Maryland 54-3.
    Last time UCLA football was 4-0 under a new head coach was 1949 (since Henry “Red” Sanders).

    Who would you give a helmet sticker to???

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures and videos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, YouTube, UCLA Athletics, bleacherreport, NBC Sports, and Southeast Sports Network.

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.