We've finally reached the midway point of the 2024 regular season.
That means it's nearly that time again to start talking postseason and looking ahead to who our area teams will be facing off with come week 11.
But in the meantime, there was plenty of action across the state of Ohio last weekend and we have some things to continue keeping an eye on and talk about as we hit the back half of the season schedule.
In terms of 1,000 yard rushers, we have a couple of area running backs who are on pace to reach that milestone this regular season. Coal Grove's Kaden Murphy currently sits at 730 yards after 5 games, Rock Hill's Anthony Stamper has 566 yards, and Chesapeake's Drew Plantz with 476 yards.
There's two area quarterbacks who are on pace to reach 2,000 yards passing for the season. Ironton's Braden Schreck eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark passing last Friday and currently sits with 1,104 yards. Fairland's Ethan Wall has 932 passing yards and should reach the 1,000-yard threshold this weekend.
Fairland's Keegan Smith is on pace to be a 1,000 yard receiver with 565 yards at the midway point of the season.
Probably the biggest game around the state - in terms of the top divisions - happened in Division III last Friday. The top-ranked in the AP poll, Bishop Watterson, routed No. 2-ranked Chardon 41-9. The Eagles took control in the first quarter behind two big plays from Jake Uhlenhake, who returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and later caught a 75-yard touchdown pass. Watterson also got a big performance from quarterback Drew Bellisari, who tossed 4 touchdown passes in the win.
As for the biggest game among the small school divisions, the Minster Wildcats and Coldwater Cavaliers did not disappoint. The Wildcats scored 14-straight points in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead at the break. But momentum shifted to Coldwater in the third, as the Cavaliers forced a turnover and converted it into points to tie the game. With the game tied 21-all and time winding down, the Cavaliers drove deep into Minster territory to set up a game-winning 32 yard field goal by junior Bryce Couchot, with just under 2 minutes to play.
Bella's Paw-gnostications Results
Things didn't go so well for Bella this past Friday. She hit on two picks, Portsmouth and Spring Valley. But she's still sporting a 15-10 overall.
Check out last week's picks here: https://www.tristatesportspage.com/post/high-school-football-week-5-1
Helmet Sticker Performances:
1-Sticker: Chase Heiland (Portsmouth) Offense: 11 rushes for 140 yards, 3 touchdown runs.
2-Stickers: (tie) Anthony Stamper (Rock Hill) Offense: 18 carries for 185 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns.
J.T. Williams (Portsmouth) Offense: 14 carries for 124 yards, 2 touchdowns. 3 of 4 passing for 54 yards.
3-Stickers: Keegan Smith (Fairland) Offense: 6 catches for 148 receiving yards, touchdown. Defense: interception returned for touchdown.
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