Here’s a look at last week’s game and playoff rankings for teams in the South Central Ohio League and the National Division of the Southern Buckeye Athletic & Academic Conference.
SCOL
Chillicothe: Branden Maughman continues to lead a high-voltage Cavaliers offense. He has 650 yards passing and 578 yards rushing to lead Chillicothe to the top of the SCOL standings. Against Hillsboro, Maughmer had 119 yards passing and a touchdown, and 182 yards and four touchdowns on four rushing attempts.
Washington: The Blue Lions unblemished start came to a crashing end at the hands of SCOL powerhouse Clinton-Massie. The Blue Lions were outgained 437 to 184 and turned the ball over four times. Still without starting quarterback Jarett Patton, the Blue Lions couldn’t find their way on offense. Jacob Rice ran for 86 yards. Caleb Rice had six solo tackles for Washington while Jalon Pettiford had five.
Miami Trace: The Panthers celebrated Homecoming with a 33-6 win over McClain. Skyler McDonald had two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in the win. The Panthers returned two interceptions for score — one by Tyrae Pettiford and the other by Brady Wallace. Tyrae also had receiving touchdown.
McClain: The Tigers couldn’t get their offense going in last week’s loss to Miami Trace. Tristan Pitzer struggled to throw or run the ball as the Panthers defense was simply too stout.
Hillsboro: The Indians had a 16-play drive early in the game but came up empty against Chillicothe. From that point on, it was all Cavaliers in 47-7 outcome.
In the playoff ratings, Chillicothe is fourth in Region 11 and Miami Trace is 11th in Region 11. The Cavaliers have huge games against Wilmington and Clinton-Massie coming up, so their fate is in their own hands. Trace has Wilmington and Washington but even with wins there would still likely need help to make the final eight in the region.
In Region 12, Wilmington is seventh with plenty of points still on the schedule with four teams that are a combined 19-5 remaining.
In Region 16, Clinton-Massie is third and with Chillicothe and Wilmington still on the docket could move up to the top spot. Washington is ninth in the region but with Wilmington, Clinton-Massie and Trace ahead, the Blue Lions won’t need any help to make it if they win out.
SBAAC
Williamsburg: After a 3-1 start, the Wildcats have dropped two straight. Against a very tough Goshen squad, Williamsburg managed just 117 yards of offense, but were held to -4 on 25 rushing attempts.
Bethel-Tate: The Tigers ran up 453 yards in a 35-0 win over Batavia last week. They held the Bulldogs to 148 yards of offense. Bethel-Tate was balanced with Chris Wheeler throwing for 296 yards and four scores while Steven Cooper led the rushing attack with 72 yards and a touchdown. Led by Austin Veve’s 112 yards and two scores, three Tigers had at least 71 yards receiving in the win.
Batavia: Injuries continue to hamper the Bulldogs, who started the year with a promising 26-21 win over East Clinton. Since then they’ve been outscored 221-7 in losing five straight.
Clermont Northeastern: The Rockets were manhandled by the Wildcats last wee, gaining just 69 yards on the ground.
In Region 20, Bethel-Tate is 11th and Blanchester is 17th but both appear to have long odds to make the post-season.
Williamsburg, on the other hand, is eighth in Region 24 while future National Division team Fayetteville is sixth. The Wildcats would be close if they win the final four but would likely need things to fall their way in order to make the playoffs.
