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Tag: football

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Crestview Boys & Girls Cross Country Show Out at Ohio Health XC Invitational.

    Five young athletes posing together in a grassy field after a track and field event, each wearing medals and team apparel, with a backdrop of spectators and trees.

    It was a cold 48 degree, Saturday morning, in the small city of Van Wert, Ohio; that even the hot coffee in my thermos could barely conquer.

    The air was heavy with a thick fog, that clung to it, like a blanket with an unwavering grip.

    Hundreds of people were milling about the grounds, excitedly talking about the upcoming races.

    A foggy scene featuring a grassy field with indistinct figures scattered across it, some people walking while others are seen in the background on a hilltop, partially obscured by mist.

    Which teams were the strongest?

    Which runner was going to win?

    Did they or the teams have a chance to make it to state? (yes, they were talking that far ahead) LOL.

    The Ohio Health XC (cross country) Invitational was being held at the Van Wert Country Reservoirs and Hiestand Woods and Parks Preserve, right next to the hospital.

    The high school girls’ race, kicked things off at 9:00 AM.

    A cold, foggy start to the Ohio Health High School Cross Country Invitational.

    Knights runner Emily Heth would get off to a quick start (as seen above), but would fade a bit throughout the race. She would finish in 18th place with a time of 21:35.3.

    Lydia Grace 30th place and Jetta Merkle 84th place, would both run new personal records of 22:20.3 and 26:47.5.

    The Crestview Lady Knights would end up finishing 8th out of 12 teams that participated.

    At 10:10-ish AM, the high school boys race started, and that is when Crestview history was made.

    Knights’ runner Derek Young sets a brand new school record of 15:45.9, to win 1st place.

    The boys team got off to a fast start, and they were able to hold serve.

    Derek Young dominated from the opening shot, and never looked back, as he absolutely smoked the field (see above video, nobody behind him), with a new school record.

    Newly crowned homecoming king, Kale Vining, finished 10th with a time of 17:17.

    After Kale, 4 Knight runners group together to finish 20th, 22nd, 27th, and 29th, in Hudson Perrott(17:39.5), Andy Heth(17:46.2), Caleb Thomas(17:56.9), and Luke Sawmiller(18:08.8).

    4 Knight boys also set new personal records as well.

    Hunter Waltmire(19:28.9)
    Cole Miller(19:57.4)
    Evan Knueve (21:21.2)
    Carter Perkins(24:03.2)

    The boys team finished 2nd out of 14 participating teams.

    A smiling young athlete in a blue 'Track & Field' shirt holds an event card while standing on a grassy field with other people in the background.

    DEREK YOUNG is the allsportsfan.com Player of the Game…..or in this case, Runner of the Meet. LOL.

    Thank you to Daily Dose in Convoy for being our sponsor.

    The Knights and Lady Knights next race is the Kalida XC Invitational, on October 3rd, at 9:00 AM.

    – by Sean McKenzie

  • Crestview Knights Varsity Football Loses on Homecoming Weekend.

    A group of students standing on a football field, dressed in formal attire for homecoming, with a football and bouquets in their hands. The backdrop includes spectators in the stands, trees, and a cloudy sky.

    Alison Owens and Kale Vining were crowned as Homecoming King and Queen at Friday nights football game.

    The small town of Convoy, Ohio had been abuzz all week long. It was homecoming week at Crestview Local Schools.

    Spirit Week had kids and teachers dressing in their PJs, Whiteout Wednesday, dressing up as their favorite hero or villain, and then the home colors last night.

    The smell of Friday night popcorn and pizza from Cheers and Gears Bar & Grille filled the air, as people milled about and talked at the concession stand.

    As the Knights football took to the field, the kids and the home crowd were hyped up and ready.

    A packed grandstand at a high school football game, with fans in various attire and a vibrant sky in the background. Cheerleaders are on the field, and players walk nearby.

    Unfortunately, that would be as good as it would get for the Knights, as they would lose to the visiting Allen East Mustangs 41-0.

    The Knights would bobble the opening kickoff but recover. They’d drive down the field, all the way to the 11 yardline. They’d get a holding penalty on 4th down. They’d miss the field goal with 6:05 left in the game.

    The Mustangs immediately responded with a 38 yard TD run by HB Miles McDorman, to end the 1st quarter with a 7-0 led.

    Allen East would get another TD from McDorman from 30 yards, then QB Keagan Jones would find WR Cam Smith for 2 TDs in the second quarter, for 66 yards and 55 yards, and take a 27-0 lead into the locker room at the half.

    In the third quarter, QB Keagan Jones would score on a 30 yard scramble, and a 2 yard run by McDorman.

    Allen East HB Miles McDorman scores his 3rd touchdown of the day, on this 2 yard run.

    McDorman would finish the game with 141 yards, on 15 carries with 3 TDs.

    Knights Freshman QB Calin Balliet went 14-21 for 75 yards, but threw 3 INTs. One of which, was an absolutely TERRIBLE missed DPI (defensive pass interference) by the side judge.

    I spoke with Knights Head Coach Cole Harting after the game.

    “We operated really well on that opening drive, until we got into the redzone. That penalty backed us up and we weren’t able to finish that. Scott kicked well in practice, so we decided to give him a shot. We missed, and from that point on, we couldn’t a get stop when we needed it. Couldn’t get a first down, when we needed it. We got to do a better job of executing the little things. We just got to get better at that, and if not, it’s going to be a long rest of the season.”

    A clear plastic cup filled with a dessert featuring whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and topped with pecan nuts and chocolate chips, placed on a wooden table.

    The Daily Dose in Convoy is a sponsor of the allsportsfan.com Player of the Game.
    For all your special-tea drinks, high protein breakfast and snacks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.

    The Knights are now 1-5 overall and 1-2 in Northwest Conference play. They travel to take on the Delphos Jefferson Wildcats (3-3 overall 0-3 NWC), next Friday Night at 7:00 PM (EST).

    – by Sean McKenzie

  • Crestview Girls Varsity Volleyball Get Big Win on Homecoming Week.

    A group of young female volleyball players huddled together on a court, wearing matching white uniforms with blue accents, engaged in a team discussion.

    It’s homecoming week for the students at Crestview High School in the small town of Convoy, Ohio.

    You opened the door to the school, and you could hear and see the excitement. The students singing and dancing. Elementary kids running around talking with their friends, while their parents were up in the stands. The smell of popcorn and pizza from the local bar, filled the gymnasium.

    The Knights (4-5) girls varsity volleyball team was playing in front of a home crowd, for the first time in 10 days (4 games), taking on the Bluffton Pirates (10-5), in a Northwest Conference action.

    The first set was a back and forth affair, with both teams trading points and streaks. The Knights would go up 10-9 on a long rally by both teams, with lots of digs and blocks. The Pirates would call a timeout down 12-9. They’d go on a small run, and get the set to 17-16, before forcing the Knights to call a timeout. A Crestview ace, would make it 21-18, and the Pirates would use their last timeout. It would be to no avail, as the Lady Knights would win the first set 25-20.

    A volleyball match in a gymnasium, featuring players in action with a net in the center and spectators on the benches in the background.

    The Lady Knights would start out the 2nd set hot, winning the first 4 points. The Lady Pirates would get on the board after a long rally to make it 4-1. They’d come back and tie it at 5-5. Crestview would get it to 10-7, but again, Bluffton came back to tie it at 10-10. Crestview would call a timeout with the game tied at 18-18, after Bluffton got 4 of 5 points. They’d trade point back and forth, getting it to 22-22. Crestview would score 2 straight, to make it 24-22. A Bluffton timeout would get them a point at 24-23, but the Lady Knights would close it out, winning a hard fought 2nd set 25-23.

    A high school volleyball game in action, featuring a player in mid-jump preparing to hit the ball over the net, while opposing players attempt to block the shot.

    The Lady Pirates however, would not go out quietly. They quickly got out to a 8-3 lead, forcing Knights head coach Tammy Gregory to call an early timeout. The break worked, as they’d get 4 of the next 5 points to make it 9-7. A Bluffton point, then Crestview rattled off 4 straight to take their first lead of the 3rd set 11-10.

    As it was all game long, it would be back and forth. Both teams making hard digs and saves, trading points and short streaks. It was a 17-17 game, when the Lady Pirates would score 3 straight points to make it 20-17. That would force the Knights to use their final timeout of the set.

    Once again, that timeout stopped all the momentum C-O-L-D, as the Crestview Lady Knights would score 7 straight points, and win the 3rd set 25-20, and the match with a 3-0 sweep.

    Scoreboard displaying the final score of a basketball game: Home team 25, Guest team 20, with 1:00 remaining in the third period.

    I spoke with Crestview Lady Knights Head Coach Tammy Gregory after the game.

    “There was so much on the line. We knew that Bluffton would be at the top of the conference at the start of the year, and knew that we could not overlook anybody. I’m so proud of the girls and how they played tonight.”

    I noticed that the Knights had a player, all the way at the back line. That was something I hadn’t seen them do so far this season. I asked Coach Gregory, if that was specific for this game, or would that be a season long change.

    “They’re not a team that’s going to tip a lot, so we were able to move our defense around a bit more. We wanted to make sure that we protected that out of bounds line.”

    A volleyball player in mid-air preparing to serve during a game, with teammates and spectators in the background.

    Leading the way for the Lady Knights in the victory tonight…..

    Serving

    Ayla Kreischer 15/16 with 2 aces

    Kenadie Schwartz 13/14 with 2 aces

    Kaci Gregory 11/13 with 2 aces

    Nora Perkins 14/14 with 1 ace

    Hitting

    Kaci Gregory 12 kills

    Kenadie Schwartz 9 kills

    Ayla Kreischer 8 kills

    Setting

    Nora Perkins 21 assists

    Kenadie Schwartz 9 assists

    Digs

    Kaci Gregory 10 digs

    Ayla Kreischer 8 digs

    Zoe Ross 6 digs

    Blocks

    Alecta Baxter 3 stuff blocks

    Kenadie Schwartz & Ayla Kreischer 2 stuff blocks each.

    A clear plastic cup filled with a layered dessert featuring creamy toppings, chopped pecans, caramel drizzles, and crunchy bits.

    I’d like to thank Daily Dose in Convoy for being a sponsor of the allsportsfan.com Player of the Game.
    For all your special-tea drinks, high protein breakfasts, and snacks, stop into the Daily Dose in Convoy.
    I personally eat and enjoy their Banana Nut Protein Bowl.
    Located at the corner of US-49 and Tully Street in downtown Convoy. Check out their Facebook page for store hours, drink menu and specials.

    The Lady Knights are now 5-5 overall and an undefeated 3-0 in Northwest Conference play.

    Their next game is next Monday night, at home against the Van Wert Cougars 1-11 overall and 1-4 in Western Buckeye League.

    JV starts at 5:30 PM, with varsity to start afterwards.

  • Top 3 College Football Games You Should Watch for Week 4.

    A collage of various college sports team logos arranged in a grid pattern.

    Well, it’s Week 4, and that means for most college football teams; we are a quarter (25%) of the way through the season.

    There are a lot of good games this week, as conference play begins for a lot to teams.

    Of course, E(SEC)PN or just ESPN is just promoting the living crap out of the SEC games.

    This is a GREAT week for SEC football though, so as annoying as it is, it’s actually justified this week.

    I will say this, #1 Texas Longhorns vs #14 Tennessee Volunteers (Game starts at Saturday afternoon, 12:00 PM Noon, on ABC), is NOT on my list. Neither you nor I, have any interest in seeing TEN HC Josh Heupel meltdown in a big game again.

    Neither you nor I, want to watch the extremely overrated South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers pull another Heupel, against #8 Alabama Crimson Tide (Game starts Saturday night, at 7:00 PM, on ESPN).

    So without further ado, are the REAL Top 3 games you should watch this weekend (in no particular order)…..

    Logos of Ole Miss and Florida, featuring the Ole Miss logo in red and Florida Gators logo in blue and orange.

    1) #4 Ole Miss Rebels (3-0) at #21 Florida Gators (3-0).
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on ABC.

    I could go on and give you all the stats, and make your eyes cross as you read this.

    I won’t do that.

    This game is going to show us if the Florida Gators are for real, and deserve to be ranked.

    Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss and HB Kewan Kacy are going to score points.

    Can Florida QB Aaron Philo and HB Jaden Baugh, keep up.

    That’s the nut and bolts of this game. Plain and simple.

    Prediction – The Ole Miss offense is simply too much. Give me the Rebels BIG. 42-21.

    Logos of Oregon and USC displayed side by side on a dark background.

    2) #20 Oregon Ducks (2-1) at USC Trojans (4-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST), Saturday night, on NBC.

    This is a rivalry game. It means a lot on the West Coast, especially on the recruiting trail.

    The Oregon Ducks have the worst P4 (Power 4) loss of the season (to Oklahoma State), and then put up 84 points against Portland State.

    They have to win this game. This is their only ranked opponent until November 7th (Ohio State).

    For USC, they don’t have to win this game. They still play 3 more ranked teams (as of now), in Penn State (October 10th), Ohio State (October 31st), and Indiana (November 14th). They have small bit of leeway.

    Prediction – USC is a different team at home than on the road. I’ll take the Trojans in a close game 35-31.

    Logos of Oklahoma State University and West Virginia University with their respective names displayed.

    2) Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) at West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0).
    Games starts at 7:00 PM (EST), Saturday night, on FS1.

    Nobody is talking about this game, and that is a big mistake. This is going to be a really fun game to watch. BOTH teams have momentum in their favor.

    The Cowboys are still riding high off their massive upset of the afore mentioned Oregon Ducks.

    Cowboys QB Drew Mestemaker is your classic “gunslinger”. He’s going to make incredible throws and some boneheaded throws. He’ll always keep them in contention.

    They’re gonna need HB Caleb Hawkins to continue to ground out the yards in this game, and keep the WVU offense off the field.

    Speaking of…..

    West Virginia is coming off their 38-27 upset win over (than ranked) #25 Virginia last week.

    Mountaineers QB Micheal Hawkins Jr is the entire offense. He’s thrown for 477 yards, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs, and he’s the leading rusher with 44 carries, for 322 yards, and 6 TDs.

    They need SOMEBODY ELSE to step up.

    Prediction – This is going to be a game of “big moments” and back and forth play. WVU is favored by 1.5 points. This is hard, but I trust the proven QB that can throw. Give me Oklahoma State to go into Morgantown and win on a game winning drive 28-27.

    What game are you looking forward to the most???

    – by Sean McKenzie

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

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and USAToday.