In the small town of Obetz, Ohio; the best cross country teams and runners in the state, were locked in and ready to go, on a cold 46 degree Saturday morning.
The young student athletes, family and friends, who all made the trip, were buzzing with excitement.
In Division 4, there was a team looking to finish some unsettled business from a season ago.
The Crestview Knights finished state runner-up last season. It was something that they carried with them through offseason training, and throughout the regular season, as they ran.
These boys were running with determination and purpose.
These boys were running for a title.
These boys were running for history.
Senior Lincoln Smith led the Knights, finishing in 17th place and earning 1st Team All-Ohio Honors.
As runners crossed the finish line, and the results were posted, the boys were beginning to realize that they were indeed Division 4 State Champions.
The Crestview Knights beat their biggest cross country rival, the Columbus Grove Bulldogs, and that made it all the sweeter.
The Knights ended up tallying 86 points, while the Bulldogs finished as the runner-up with 99 points.
In cross country, the lower the score, the better.
Crestview Knights lone senior Lincoln Smith lifting the state championship trophy high.
In the typical small-town fashion, that I’ve come to know and love, the tiny town of just over 1,000 people, welcomed the team home as champions, with lights, sirens, silly string and confetti.
As well as toilet papering the fall foliage, in the front of the school on the main road.
At the pep assembly inside the gymnasium, head coach Randy Grandstaff was emotional at the microphone.
He pointed out Knights runners 1 through 5, all finished within 46 seconds of each other.
Talking about how much hard work the boys put in over the summer.
The determination they ran with over the entire season.
After the assembly, I spoke to championship winning head coach Randy Grandstaff.
My first question was how does it feel to hear those words state champions?
“It’s a pretty good thing to hear. It still hasn’t really set it yet. I’m so proud of these boys, and everything they accomplished.”
In their individual speeches, a lot of the boys thanked Senior Lincoln Smith for his leadership and friendship. They spoke about how much they appreciate him and how much they’ll miss him. I asked Coach Grandstaff, what it means to have that type of runner and leader on the team?
“Yeah, when you have that type of runner and leader, all the others follow. It makes my job just a touch easier when you have that type of person. I’m thankful for everything Lincoln has done his entire career here with us.”
It came down to Knights runners 4 and 5, as they finished ahead of the Bulldogs runners. They really brought it home. I asked Coach what it was like seeing those guys run their best race, when it mattered most.
“Yeah, that’s the great thing about cross country. When one or two guys aren’t having a good day, others step up to the plate and help the team out, and honestly, that’s exactly what happened today. We had people step up, and now we are state champions.”
Lincoln is the only senior on the team. The Knights have a lot of talent coming back next season. I asked if he had any expectations for next season?
“Yeah, it would be nice if we could repeat. It’s going to be a challenge. An even bigger challenge than going from second place in Division 3 to being state champions of Division 4.”
I congratulated Coach Grandstaff, and the team on their historical achievement.
All the hardware from an incredible 2025 season, with the State Championship Trophy, right up front.
– by Sean McKenzie
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Some photos courtesy of…..Wyatt Richardson of Richardson Photography.
After a solid Week 9 of college football, that had 3 Top 25 upsets, we come to Week 10.
There is no “marquee game” this week.
Cry me a river #5 Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gator fans, your rivalry game is NOT a marquee matchup. It’s not even in the Top 5 rivalries in all of college football. Heck, maybe not even Top 10.
Overall, it’s a nice B.
So, without further ado, here are the Top 3 Games to watch and my predictions, on Saturday.
I went 1-2 last week.
Making me 13-9 for the season.
1) #17 Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1) at #24 Utah Utes (6-2). Game starts at 10:15 PM (EST) on ESPN.
The Big-12 might be my favorite conference to watch, year in and year out.
Because you have absolutely no clue, who is going to be in this conference title race.
NOBODY expected the Cincinnati Bearcats to be leading the conference in Week 10, but we all expected Utah to be right up near the top.
QB Brendan Sorsby is quietly having an All-American type of season. He’s thrown for 1,843 yards, with 20 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s also added 69 carries, for 425 yards, and 7 TDs in the running game. LB Jake Golday leads the team in total tackles (67) and sacks (3.5). There kicker is a perfect 11 of 11 so far, and 4-4 from 40+.
Utah QB Devon Dampier needs to be smarter with the football. He’s thrown his 4 INTs in the last 4 games that he’s played. He should get the start, after missing last weeks game. I haven’t heard otherwise. He’s thrown for 13 TDs, and has added 442 yards, with 5 TDs on the ground. Utah has one of, if not the best, DE in the country, with John Henry Booty. He has 36 total tackles, and he’s 4th in the country with 9.5 sacks.
Prediction – This is a must win game for Utah to stay in the Big-12 title picture. Cincinnati is looking to get a statement win, against a perennial power team. My heart wants to go Cincinnati, but my head is saying Utah. I’m going with my head. I’m taking the Utes in a close game at home 35-31.
2) Navy Midshipmen (7-0) at North Texas Mean Green (7-1). Game starts at 12:00 PM (EST) or Noon, on ESPN.
Who would’ve ever thought we’d see this coming. Undefeated Navy and in 1st place, vs a once beaten Mean Green in 3rd place.
The Midshipmen play an option offense, and it all runs through QB Blake Horvath. He leads the team with 1,063 yards passing, 7 TDs and 3 INTs. He leads the team in rushing with 814 yards, and 12 TDs. Senior DT Landon Robinson has 5.5 sacks and gets pressure up the middle right into the face of opposing quarterbacks.
The Mean Green are led by freshman QB Drew Mestemaker, who’s coming off a 608-yard performance. He’s thrown for 2,468 yards, with 21 TDs to only 4 INTs. I’ve watched him 3 times this season, he’s a gunslinger. He’s going to be HIGHLY sought after by P4 schools. They have fast linebackers that force mistakes. 7 INTs, 9 forced fumbles, and 10 fumble recoveries.
Prediction – I love my Middies. Makes me so happy to see them doing good. Unfortunately, I don’t think this game goes well for Navy. I’m taking the Mean Green to win big 42-28.
3) #9 Vanderbilt Commodores (7-1) at #20 Texas Longhorns (6-2). Game starts at 12:00 PM (EST) or Noon on ABC.
The big news here is that we don’t know yet, if Longhorns starting QB Arch Manning is going to play or not.
We all know that the Commodores want to control the clock on offense. That starts with MY Heisman frontrunner, QB Diego Pavia. He’s thrown for 1,698 yards, with 15 TDs and 5 INTs. He also has 458 yards rushing with TDs. On defense, they’re gap sound and run to the ball. The DL has 17 of the teams 21 sacks. They make plays when they need them.
The Longhorns offense, for good or for ill, revolves around QB Arch Manning. If he can’t play, then senior QB Matthew Caldwell will step in. No matter who’s at QB, they have to get WR Ryan Wingo involved. The defense is led by LB Anthony Hill Jr. He leads the team in total tackles (60) and forced fumbles (3). LB Colin Simmons leads the team in sacks (7).
Prediction – I have thought about this all week long. I just have this gut feeling that Texas is going to get a favorable call late, and pull this one out at home. I’m going Longhorns to win a very close 28-27 game.
For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean. Check out their Facebook (Meta) page for hours and drinks menu.
I’m a simple black coffee man myself, but their Sugar Shake latte is excellent.
– by Sean McKenzie
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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of……wallpapercave, capperspicks, espn, and clutchpoints.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t start this article, without mentioning that LSU fired head football coach Brian Kelly, late Sunday night, after their 49-25 loss at home, to #3 Texas A&M. Kelly had a 34-14 record over his four seasons at LSU.
Personal opinion – It was a bad hire from the start. I said so at the time, and caught a lot of crap for it. I think that LSU thinks it’s a better job than it really is. IF I were Interim President Matt Lee, I would immediately go get Memphis Tigers head coach Ryan Silverfield.
Onto other business, it was a solid week of college football. We had 3 Top 25 upsets.
Aforementioned Memphis Tigers defeated #18 USF 34-31, in a banger of a game. The Washington Huskies beat #23 Illinois, 42-25, and the Houston Cougars defeated #24 Arizona State 24-16, in one of the worst officiated games, that I’ve even seen. Absolutely disgraceful by that Big-12 crew.
We had some close calls, as well. #4 Alabama squeaked by South Carolina 29-22. #6 Oregon eked out a 21-7 win over Wisconsin. #16 Virginia survived a scare from North Carolina, 17-16 in OT, and #22 Texas held off Mississippi State 45-38 in overtime.
For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean in Convoy. Check out their Facebook page for hours and special drink menu. The friendly staff always makes you feel welcome.
Indiana, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Miami, Vanderbilt, BYU, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Michigan, all held serve as Top 25 teams and got the win.
Time for your favorite part, it’s Helmet Sticker time. I thank you readers for the messages, telling me that you like this segment.
(Team) North Dakota State Bison.
The defending FCS National Champions and #1 ranked Bison, absolutely MOLLYWHOPPED their rival (then ranked #2) South Dakota State Jackrabbits 38-7 on Saturday. HB Cole Payton had 4 rushing touchdowns.
(Offense) Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas Mean Green.
This was the easiest choice so far this season.
The freshman QB went 37 of 49, for a massive 608 yards, and 4 TDs, as he led the Mean Green to a 54-20 win over Charlotte. North Texas is 7-1 on the season, and still in the hunt, for that G5 college football playoff spot.
(Defense) Cade Uluave, LB, California Golden Bears.
Cal is #0.
The junior linebacker was all over the field, and causing havoc, as he did everything, he could in a double overtime loss to Virginia Tech.
Cal finished the game 19 total tackles and 2 sacks.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to?
– by Sean McKenzie
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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, meangreensports, and SI.
We all know some of the AP voters, don’t even watch the games, or even highlights (Haley Sawyer).
We all know that ESPN doesn’t even hide their SEC bias at all. You can’t be unbiased when you literally own the SEC Network (so much for real journalism and reporting).
At any time on Saturday’s, I’m watching up to 6 games at the same time. Then I spend Sunday morning watching games on my laptop.
So, without further ado, here are the REAL Top 10 teams, after Week 9.
1) Indiana Hoosiers – 8-0 – defeated UCLA 56-6. No team in America, is playing better than Indiana on both sides of the football.
2) Ohio State Buckeyes – 7-0 – Bye. What’s scary is that their offense isn’t even hitting on all cylinders yet, and they still have the #1 defense in the country.
3) Texas A & M Aggies – 8-0 – defeated #20 LSU 49-25. QB Marcel Reed has this offense playing at a high level and the defense is finally getting to the quarterback this season.
4) Alabama Crimson Tide – 7-1 – defeated South Carolina 29-22. Since their Week 1 loss to FSU, QB Ty Simpson is playing at a Heisman Trophy level clip.
5) Georgia Bulldogs – 6- 1 – Bye. All the “breaks” are falling in their favor right now…..with a lot of help from their officiating friends (see the SEC official suspension article on ESPN).
For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, go to The Rebel Bean. Delicious drinks and a friendly staff. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.
6) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – 8-0 – defeated Syracuse 41-16. QB Haynes King is a beast, and doesn’t make mistakes.
7) Vanderbilt Commodores – 7-1 – defeated #15 Missouri 17-10. QB Diego Pavia is my Heisman front-runner, and is carrying this team on his back.
8) Ole Miss Rebels – 7-1 – defeated #13 Oklahoma 34-26. QB Chambliss and HB Lacy just control the clock and beat you down.
9) Oregon Ducks – 7-1 – defeated Wisconsin 21-7. QB Dante Moore slings it all over the field.
10) BYU Cougars – 8-0 – defeated Iowa State 41-27. They run it, they pass it, and play great pressure defense.
Next 4 teams – Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Virigina, Tennessee.
The Crestview Knights were hosting the #4 ranked Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds.
The Knights needed a win, and some help to make the playoffs.
The Thunderbirds were just hoping to avoid an upset, as they had already clinched a playoff spot.
The Knights defense dropped LCC for a 4-yard loss on the first play of the game.
LCC answered right back with runs of 10 and 9 yards, before a false start penalty would set them back 5.
They’d connect on a 7-yard pass, before Thunderbird head coach Colin Stolly called a timeout with 8:41 remaining in the first quarter.
LCC went right back to the ground and pound, with runs of 5, 3, 2, 28, 4, and 0, before a 5-yard TD run by Lausen Flores. PAT was good, and it was a 7-0 Thunderbird lead with 4:41 left is the first.
The Knights first drive of the game, would feature their strength, the run game.
HB Braxton Leeth would have runs of 4 yards, 1 yard, and 8 yards, on the first three plays.
An incomplete pass, a 1-yard loss, and a WR run for 3 yards by Hayden Perrott, would put the Knights in a 4th and 7 from the 48-yard line.
Crestview would catch LCC with an encroachment penalty, would make it a 4th and 2 now.
The Thunderbirds would answer the call and stop Leeth for no gain, causing the Knights to turn the ball over on downs.
On the very next ensuing play, LCC HB Xavier Pernell would take the ball 54 yards to the house. PAT was good, and the Thunderbirds were up 14-0, with :21 seconds remaining. That would be the final score of the quarter.
Leeth would run for 3 and a first down.
A pass for no gain, a 2-yard by Leeth would make it 3rd and 8.
Knights head coach Cole Harting would call a timeout with 9:56 left in the 2nd quarter.
Knights QB Huxley Grose would connect with HB Leeth for a 14-yard pass, but it was negated by a Crestview penalty (illegal man downfield), and it was now 3rd and 13.
A 22-yard pass from Grose to Perrott would give the Knights a first down.
Leeth had quick runs of 2 and 3 yards.
A high snap led to a big 11-yard loss on third down.
The Knights would go for it on 4th and 15, but QB Huxley Grose would fumble the football. The Thunderbirds recovered at the 46-yard line.
Once again, it would be a 1 play scoring drive for the Thunderbirds, as QB Brady Parker would connect with WR Mike Quatman on a 54-yard touchdown pass. PAT was good, and the lead was extended to 21-0 with 6:43 remaining in the half.
Crestview plays of 2 yards, 1 yard, 11 yards, -2 yards, 7 yards, and 3 yards, would bring it to another 4th and 2.
Coach Harting would call his 2nd timeout of the half, with 2:29 left in the half.
QB Huxley Grose would run a keeper, but only gain 1 yard, and once again, the Knights would turn the ball over on downs.
LCC would run for 5 yards, before suffering a 1-yard loss to make it 3rd and 6, from the 46-yard line.
They’d connect on a pass (I missed the numbers). An incomplete pass and Thunderbird head coach would call a timeout with :36 seconds left in the half.
A Knights defensive pass interference penalty (bad call, should’ve been OPI), made it 1st and 10 at the 24-yard line.
An incomplete pass and a 5-yard loss would force LCC to call its final timeout of the half with :11 seconds left.
Another incomplete pass, and the Thunderbirds took a 21-0 lead into the locker room.
The Knights would get the ball to start the 2nd half of the game.
They’d start deep in their own end, after being stopped quickly on a Knights special teams mistake.
With the ball on their own 19-yard line, Crestview would have to drive the length of the field.
HB Braxton Leeth would pop off, with a 59-yard run on the first play of the half.
A penalty on the next play would make it 1st and 15.
An incomplete pass and a Leeth 6-yard run, would make it 4th and 9, from the 29.
The Knights would get the first down on a reverse for 11 yards.
Runs of 5 yards and 6 yards, then a shovel pass inside to TE Liam Putman for 4.
Leeth would run for no gain. Back-to-back runs by Leeth on 3rd and 4th down would end in no points, as the Thunderbirds stopped the Knights at the 2-yard line. Another turnover on downs for the Knights.
With a long field of their own, the Thunderbirds would go on a long drive.
Pass of 8 yards to start the series.
Runs of 6 yards, 3 yards, 6 yards, 9, yards, a 10-yard pass, run of 7 yards, 18 yards, and then an 8-yard run.
A holding penalty on LCC would negate a run, and make it 2nd and 12 from the 32-yard line.
A 1-yard run, and incomplete pass, would make it 4th and 11, from the 31-yard line.
A bad snap over the head of Thunderbirds QB Brady Parker, forced an interception by Knights WR/DB Hayden Perrott.
The Thunderbirds would take a 21-0 lead, into the 4th quarter.
HB Braxton Leeth would run for 8 yards.
A LCC penalty (personal foul) would tack on 15 more yards, and the Knights were quickly at the 42-yard line.
A 3-yard run, followed by a 23-yard pass, had them in scoring position.
An incomplete pass by Grose, then a 13-yard run by Leeth.
Leeth would be hurt on the next play, after a 1-yard run.
Crestview would finally get on the board, when Hayden Perrott took a jet sweep for 9 yards to the endzone. The PAT no was good, and it was now a 21-6 game with 8:26 left in the 4th quarter.
The Knights would recover the onside kick, and start on the 44 yard line.
They’d start with a 1-yard loss, then Huxley Grose would find Hayden Perrott for a 19-yard gain, to the 25 yard line.
Leeth would run for 1 yard on 1st down, an incomplete pass on 2nd down, and a pass for no gain on 3rd down, had the Knights facing a 4th and 9, at the 24.
Once again, QB Huxley Grose would find WR Hayden Perrott, as he went up and over, not 1, not 2, but 3, Thunderbirds to pull in a 24-yard TD pass, his 2nd of the game. PAT was good. It was now a 21-13, with 5:59 left in the game.
The Knights lined up for another onsides kick.
The Thunderbirds knew it was coming. Everyone in the stands knew it was coming.
We all watched, as the improbable, become reality, as the Knights recovered another onsides kick, as the ball took a high bounce on that needed second hop.
The crowd, which had been mostly quiet during the game, was now loud as I had heard them all season long. The coaches and players on the sidelines were jumping and cheering. All the momentum had turned in favor of the Knights.
QB Huxley Grose would find HB Braxton Leeth on a 16-yard pass to the 30-yard line.
Leeth would take the next play 13 yards on a run, to the 17-yard line.
LCC would take a timeout with 5:00 minutes remaining in the game.
A Grose incomplete pass, and runs of 5 yards, and 2 yards, put the Knights in a pivotal 4th and 2, at the 10-yard line.
Knights head coach Cole Harting would call a timeout, to talk it over, with 3:31 in the game.
With the momentum going against them, the Thunderbird defense took the field, knowing exactly what needed to be done.
The Knights decided to ride with what had led them to 6 wins in 9 games.
They handed the ball off to HB Braxton Leeth, but the LCC defense, stood its’ ground, and made the stop when they needed it the most.
Despite the Knights using their last two timeouts, the Thunderbirds were able to run out the clock and get the hard fought 21-13 win, and clinch a 1st round bye in the OSHAA playoffs. The loss officially eliminated the Knights from playoff contention.
QB Huxley Grose finished the game 11 of 16, for 118 yards, and 1 TD. HB Braxton Leeth had 28 carries, for 144 yards. WR Hayden Perrott had 5 catches, for 87 yards, and 2 total TDs and an INT. Luke Eggleston had 8 total tackles.
I spoke to Knights head coach Cole Harting after the game about the game.
“Well, you know, it really starts with the seniors and the amount of work that they put in these last four years. I was telling them afterwards, that when I got this job three years ago, those guys were the best class we had.”
I asked about those seniors and being honored, here on Senior Day.
“When it came to accountability, and just showing up to workouts and the amount of work it takes, and if you’re willing to do that. They showed all of it. That’s what I really take away from this group of seniors. I’m just really proud to have had the opportunity to coach these guys.”
(One final huddle for the 8 outgoing seniors, as family and friends gather. There were a lot of hugs and tears, as emotions were high).
I personally saw them practice onsides kicks, when I covered the team in the summer, I asked him about those kicks.
“Yeah, you know, there’s always a weird one, but we were fortunate. Hayden did a great job of really getting a nice bounce on those balls, and our team did a fantastic job of getting after it, and getting down there. They were willing to stick there nose in there and go get the ball.”
(Senior captain HB Braxton Leeth leads the Knights, into the locker room, for the final time in his career).
It’s been an exciting start to Week 9 already, as 2 games have gone into overtime and exciting finishes.
Western Kentucky beat Louisiana Tech 28-27, and Missouri State beat New Mexico State 24-17.
Some sad news, as the Auburn Tigers have lost starting center Conner Lew for the season with a torn ACL. Lew is going to be a Day 1 starting center in the NFL next season. Good luck to him, as we all wish him a speedy and full recovery.
That news actually bumped their game with Arkansas off my list. It’s still one of the more under-rated game and isn’t being talked about enough, IMO.
I went 2-2 in my picks last week.
I am 12-7 for the season.
So, without further ado, HERE are the Top 3 games you should watch (in no particular order).
1) #18 South Florida Bulls (6-1) at Memphis Tigers (6-1). Game starts at 12:00 PM (Noon) (EST) on ESPN2.
That’s right. One of the best games this week, is from the AAC (American Athletic Conference). The Bulls are ranked and in the driver’s seat for the G5 spot in the college football playoffs. Memphis is coming off an absolutely embarrassing loss to UAB last week. Both teams are highly motivated.
The USF Bulls are simply put, “The Byrum Brown Show”. They go as he goes. He’s thrown for 1,695 yards, with 16 TDs and 5 INTs. He’s added 99 carries, for 475 yards, with 6 TDs. He leads the team in passing and rushing. On defense, they’re led by LB Mac Harris. He’s 2nd on the team in tackles (56) and 1st in sacks (5.5). He’s also has 3 forced fumbles and an INT.
Memphis has a dual-threat QB of their own. Brendon Lewis has thrown for 1,337 yards, with 8 TDs and 4 INTs. He’s added 86 carries, for 440 yards, with 7 TDs. I know, it’s weird seeing Memphis not have gaudy passing yards, but this is a running team. HBs Sutton Smith and Greg Desrosiers Jr have a combined 869 yards rushing, and 11 TDs between them. The defense forces mistakes and turnovers, as they have 10 INTs, 7 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.
Prediction – The loss to UAB will have the Tigers playing of their toes. USF is battle tested. I’m going to go with the better quarterback. Give me the USF Bulls to win 35-31.
2) Houston Cougars (6-1) at #24 Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2). Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN2.
The winner of this game could end up tied for 2nd place in the Big-12 or in 2nd all alone. While it was expected that ASU would be competing for the conference title again, nobody saw the Cougars being here, at this point in the season.
Cougars transfer QB Conner Weigman has managed to stay healthy this season. He’s thrown for 1,380 yards, with 11 TDs to only 2 INTs. They balance it out with HB Dean Connors. He has 115 carries, for 538 yards, and 4 TDs. It’s a feisty defense that has 17 team sacks, 6 INTs, and 11 forced fumbles.
The talk of the Sun Devils offense is about the Leavitt-Tyson connection. QB Sam Leavitt has thrown for 1,358 yards, with 9 TDs and 3 INTs. WR Jordyn Tyson has 57 catches, for 628 yards, and 8 TDs. What’s not talked about is HB Raleek Brown, and the balance he brings. 110 carries, for 642 yards, with 3 TDs. The defense has 21 team sacks, with 14 coming from the defensive line. They get to the QB quick and often.
Prediction – It’s been fun watching the Cougars go on this run. I think they simply run into a better team on Saturday. Give me the Sun Devils to win 27-21.
3) #15 Missouri Tigers (6-1) at #10 Vanderbilt Commodores (6-1). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.
It’s been a wonderful season for both teams so far, but somebody’s run is about to end here. The loser of this game is officially out of the SEC conference title picture.
Yes, QB Beau Pribula has thrown for 1,617 yards, however, he has 7 INTs to his 11 TDs. This is a running, ball control offense. HB Ahmad Hardy has 139 carries, for 840 yards (3rd in the nation), with 11 TDs (2nd in the nation). DE’s Damon Wilson and Zion Young, have a combined 10.5 sacks, and get pressure off the edges.
Vanderbilt is led by QB Diego Pavia (my Heisman Trophy frontrunner). He’s thrown for 1,569 yards, with 15 TDs to 4 INTs. He also has 77 carries, for 438 yards, with 4 TDs. He’s the heart and soul of this team. This is a gap sound defense, that gets pressure from multiple positions, as they have 20 teams sacks.
Prediction – I think this is going to be a close football game. Somehow, someway, I believe Pavia will make just enough plays to give the Commodores the win. I’m taking Vandy 24-21.
– by Sean McKenzie.
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Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, nytimes, and ESPN.
What an incredible week of college football we had on Saturday.
We had MAJOR Top 10 upsets!!!
It all started on Friday night, when the Louisville Cardinals upset (then #2) ranked Miami Hurricanes, 24-21. DO NOT look deep into this one, as it took QB Carson Beck throwing 4 INTs for it to happen.
The Arizona State Sun Devils knocked off the (then #7) Texas Tech Red Raiders, 26-22, in game that came down to the wire.
The UAB Blazers upset the (then #22) Memphis Tigers, 31-24, in a game that nobody saw coming.
As I said in my Top 3 Games to Watch article, the best game of week, was between (then #13 and #20) Notre Dame and USC. The Trojans had no answer at all for the Fighting Irish’s running game, as ND won 34-24.
Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama, and Oregon, all took care of business, and got wins, to stay in the Top 10.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Florida Gators have fired Billy Napier. Billy Gonzales has been named the interim head coach.
So, without further ado, here are your Week 8 College Football Helmet Stickers.
(Team) UCLA Bruins.
After starting the season 0-4 and firing their (now former) head coach Deshaun Foster, the Bruins have won 3 straight games. Not just any games either, they’re conference games. The UCLA Bruins are currently 3rd in the Big Ten, as they defeated Maryland 20-17.
They needed something to jump start this program, and it’s working out quite well so far in the month of October, as interim head coach Tim Skipper, has this team playing hard and rolling.
The Associated Press Poll, better known as the AP Poll will be out on Sunday.
As we all know, the AP voters are out of their minds. With AP Poll voters like Haley Sawyer, admitting that they don’t watch the games, nobody takes it seriously anymore.
The ESPN Poll is completely bias, as they own the SEC Network and don’t even hide it.
I’m here to give you the unbiased, real Top Ten college football teams, after Week 8.
1) Ohio State Buckeyes – 7-0 – defeated Wisconsin 34-0.
2) Indiana Hoosiers – 7-0 – defeated Michigan State 38-13.
5) Georgia Bulldogs – 6-1 – defeated #5 Ole Miss 43-35.
6) Miami Hurricanes – 5-1 – lost to Louisville 24-21. It took QB Carson Beck throwing 4 INTs for them to lose. Don’t overthink this, they’re still a top team in the nation.
7) Oregon Ducks – 6-1 – defeated Rutgers 56-10.
8) Ole Miss Rebels – 6-1 – lost to #9 Georgia 43-35. They choked away a late lead. Still a top 10 team.
10) Texas Tech Red Raiders – 6-1 – lost to Arizona State 26-22. They didn’t have their starting QB Behren Morton (knee) and barely lost to a vastly under-rated Sun Devils team on the road. Like Miami, don’t overthink this. Texas Tech is better than Georgia Tech and Oklahoma, who many will rank above them now with the loss.
Homecoming is a week full of fun and celebration. The schools have spirit week. Where each day the kids dress up in a different theme. There’s a parade through town, where kids ride in trucks and in flatbeds, and fire departments from around the area get to play with their lights and sirens.
It’s also a week where alumni return to school, to talk about “the good old days” and reconnect with their alma mater. As well as see and talk to people that they haven’t seen in a while, as they get lost in the shuffle of life.
It all cumulates on a cool, slightly breezy, fall Friday evening, I was surrounded by mothers taking pictures on their phones, as a new king and queen were crowned, in a ceremony before a big conference football game.
Brentyn Rodriguez and Ellie Ward were voted king and queen for 2025.
After all the pomp and circumstance, and pregame activities, run by Coach Dylan Hicks, it was time to get down to the business at hand.
The #14 Crestview Knights needed a win to keep their slim hopes of a playoff berth alive, against the #22 Spencerville Bearcats, in a very tough Division 6, Region 22.
On the first play of the game, HB Braxton Leeth ran the ball for 24 yards to keep the crowd cheering loudly. QB Huxley Grose hit TE Liam Putman on a shovel pass, that went to the 1-yard line. Spencerville defense held strong and stopped Leeth for a loss of 3 yards.
On third down, the Bearcats held strong again, and dropped Leeth for 2 yards. It was now fourth and goal from the 6-yard line. Crestview head coach called his first timeout of the game with 8:24 left in the first quarter.
Instead of attempting a field goal, the Knights went for it. QB Huxley Grose dropped back to pass, but there was nothing open. He scrambled around the left side, and took it into the endzone for the first touchdown of the game.
The PAT was no good. The Knights had a 6-0 lead early.
The Crestview defense had a good first series, as DE Will Sheets had a TFL on second down, to force a third and long for the Bearcats. DB Cash Hammons (more on him later) got the interception on the pass in great field position.
Leeth had a 12-yard catch from Grose on first down. He’d hit WR Hammons for 8 yards, and then Leeth would take it in for a 3-yard touchdown run. A bad snap (something the Knights have struggled with all season), led to another missed PAT, making it a 12-0 Crestview lead, with 6:07 left in the first quarter. That would be the last score of the first.
The Bearcats would not go quietly, as they proceeded to eat away at the clock. Runs of 5, 4, 3, 8, 4, and 4 just tired out the Knights and defense. They’d get a 10-yard run on a very nice QB scramble by Grady Smith. They’d finally get on the board, on a beautiful play action fake, and a wide-open touchdown. PAT was good, to make it a 12-7 Knights lead.
Knights TE Liam Putman would return the squib kick for 30 yards. He’d drop a pass from Grose on first down, and Crestview would end up turning to the ball over on downs, after another missed connection by Grose and Putman.
Once again, the Bearcats would just march the ball down the field. Runs of 12, 2, 2, 13, 9, and 15 yards, would force Knights head coach Cole Harting to call another timeout with 4:01 left in the half, as the defense was completely gassed. A Knights facemask penalty would setup a Bearcats touchdown on a QB sneak. PAT was good and Spencerville had a 14-12 lead with 2:15 left in the first half.
It would be a VERY SHORT lead for the Bearcats, as Knights WR/DB/K Hayden Perrott took the ensuing kickoff up the middle, before cutting to the right, and breaking tackles, all the way to the endzone for an 85-yard touchdown, to get the crowd back into the game.
The Knights would go for the two-point attempt, and it would be no good. Crestview would take an 18-14 lead into the locker room, as the Bearcats couldn’t do anything before the half.
Spencerville would receive the kickoff, and it was the same old story. Run the ball and wear the defense out. Runs of 1, 28, and 12 yards, before another Knights penalty (encroachment) would help them even more. They’d score on an 8-yard run. PAT was no good, but the Bearcats had the lead again, 20-18 with 10:06 left in the third.
The Knights were backed up after the kickoff, but Leeth would take over the drive. Runs of 27 yards, 13 yards, 8 yards, a Bearcat penalty (encroachment), would all lead to a 23-yard touchdown run by Leeth. The 2-point attempt was successful.
Crestview regained the lead 26-20 with 7:07 left in the third quarter. That would be it for the quarter. A bone-headed unnecessary roughness penalty by Crestview, was the only real highlight after the score.
Leeth had runs of 6 and 3, before a Spencerville penalty (encroachment). Leeth would continue to run, and ultimately score from 6 yards out. PAT was good, giving the Knights a 33-20 lead with 11:55 left in the game.
The Bearcats got stuffed on the ensuing kickoff, getting tackled at the 15-yard line. Spencerville runs of 8, 17, 2, 3, and 4 yards, had them quickly down the field. A Bearcat pass of 14 yards took them to the 32-yard line. Knights LB #55 Kale Lichtensteiger had a 3-yard TFL, hoping to stop the momentum.
The Bearcats answered right back the next play with a 14-yard run. The Knights answered that with a 1-yard TFL (missed the number), to bring up a big fourth down and two. Spencerville ran the ball up the gut, to get the first down, on a generous spot, that the side judge was overruled on.
Runs of 7 yards and 10 yards, got the Bearcats into a first and goal from the 6-yard line. Back-to-back runs of 2 yards each made it third and goal. Knights LB #28 Conner Hammons was hurt on the play, but walked off under his own power.
Spencerville scored the next play, with a 2-yard touchdown run. The PAT was good, cutting the lead to 33-27, with 4:46 left in the game.
The Bearcats recovered the ensuing onsides kick, after the Knights special teams, looked scared to go after the ball. There was an almost 5-minute delay of the game, because the officials had another pow-wow, to discuss where the ball should be spotted.
By rule, the ball cannot be advanced by the runner, on an onsides kick. The Bearcats recovered it on the bounce and returned it almost to the 30-yard line. The officials finally did get it right, and moved the ball back to the 41-yard line.
The Bearcats quickly had runs of 1 yard, 3 yards, and 4 yards, to make it fourth and two. A false start penalty, pushed it back 5 more yards, and it was now fourth and seven, from the 38.
Knights WR/DB sophomore Cash Hammons would grab his 2nd INT of the night, and stop the comeback attempt in its’ tracks.
HB Braxton Leeth had a long touchdown run negated by a very controversial holding penalty, that was discussed by the officials for over a minute.
It literally happened right in front of me at the 15-yard line. It was a bad call.
Leeth came back to the huddle, quite unhappy, and proceeded to have an ANGRY ten-yard run on the very next play, where he absolutely TRUCKED a Bearcat defender, and got the Knights sideline jumping around.
The Bearcats called their final two timeouts, after runs of 5 yards, and 11 yards, by Leeth. Crestview would take a knee to run out the clock, and get a big 33-27 win on homecoming,
WR/DB Cash Hammons was the allsportsfan.com Player of the Game.
He had 2 big INTs, that stopped the Bearcat offense dead in their tracks, when they had all the momentum.
HB Braxton Leeth had 23 carries, for 238 yards, and 3 TDs to lead the offense.
I spoke to Crestview Knights Head Coach Cole Harting after the game, about getting this big win after a 2-game losing streak.
“Yeah, I mean coming off our last two weeks, you look at those teams, and they are excellent football teams. It’s definitely good to get back into the win column. Hats off to Spencerville, but our guys made enough plays down the stretch and seal it up.”
I asked coach, about need to get the upset win against LCC next Friday on senior night, at a chance to make the playoffs.
“You know, we just got to play with a little bit more physicality all the time. Right now, it’s coming in spurts. Every single man. We have to play physical, and if we do that, I think we can really be in that game next week.”
I spoke to him about Cash Hammons big game.
“We talked about it all week. We have to stop them on first and second down, and get them into third and long situations. Cash came up with a great play to setup our second touchdown, and another great play to seal the game for us. The really great thing is he’s only a sophomore, and he’s going to continue to learn.”
The Crestview Knights (6-3, 4-2 NWC) play the Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (8-1, 5-1 NWC) at home for Senior Night. Game starts a 7:00 PM (EST).
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.
Pictures courtesy of…..Wyatt Photography and myself.
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