Week four action kicks off Thursday night, so let’s take a look at the NEOSI top five. This week’s article may better be titled Ohio vs The World, as four of five teams in this week’s rankings earned wins over out of state opponents. While the top three remain the same, there’s a new team to crack the top five. Who is it? Let’s find out.
1. St. Edwards Eagles (3-0, Last Week: 13-9 vs Cherry Creek (CO), Previous Rank: 1)
It went down to the wire, but the Eagles held on for a 13-9 victory over three-time defending Colorado state champions Cherry Creek. With the Bruins driving late in the game, senior Cam Drewery picked off the QB for the St. Eds win. Marvin Bell ran for 103 yards and the defense was dominant once again. Up next for the Eagles is a matchup with Cincinnati Elder (3-0) Saturday night.
2. Archbishop Hoban Knights (3-0, Last Week: 35-14 vs Iona Prep (NY), Previous Rank: 2)
Three weeks and three dominant performances over out-of-state opponents for Hoban. In the Knights 35-14 victory over Iona Prep, senior running back Lamar Sperling turned in another spectacular performance. On only 18 carries, the Buffalo commit ran for 241 yards and three touchdowns. The defense shut out the Gaels in the second half and caused headaches all game long. Hoban hits the road for the first time this Friday for a matchup with Cincinnati Withrow (1-2).
3. Chardon Hilltoppers (3-0, Last Week: 31-24 vs First Baptist Academy (FL), Previous Rank: 3)
With a 30-game winning streak on the line, the Hilltoppers took down the Lions 31-24 in overtime. Against a team loaded with high level Division I prospects, Chardon put together a 14 play, 80-yard drive to tie it up with only 17 seconds left. Heath Fetchik had two rushing touchdowns and Alex Kisley finished with 8 TFL and 3.5 sacks along with a blocked extra point. This week, the Hilltoppers kick off league play with a trip to Riverside (2-1) for a matchup with a tough Beavers squad.
4. Ignatius Wildcats (2-0, Last Week: 21-14 @ Mount St. Joseph (MD), Previous Rank: 5)
After falling behind 14-7 at the half, the Wildcats dominated the second half scoring to come away with a 21-14 win on their trip to Maryland. With the game tied at 14, Ignatius pulled a little trickery on a reverse-pass from Brady Haddad to Jonathan Merimee to put them up for good. Senior Steven Favazzo had 87 yards and two touchdowns for the Wildcats. St. Ignatius will square off with Euclid (0-3) this Saturday.
5. Glenville Tarblooders (3-0, Last Week: 27-21 @ Avon, Previous Rank: NR)
The Tarblooders went on the road and made a statement with a 27-21 victory over Avon. Playing in Division IV, Glenville further cemented themselves as a championship favorite with a victory over a top Division II program. Stud junior running back D’Shawntae Jones lead the way with 111 yards and two touchdowns in the win. This Friday the Tarblooders play host to the John Marshall Lawyers (2-1).
Just Missed
Avon Lake Shoremen (3-0, Last Week: 38-7 vs St. John the Baptist (NY))
The Shoremen continue to knock on the door of the NEOSI Top Five. The Avon Lake defense suffocated the Cougars offense and held them to only three yards in the first half. Junior Wade Nelson led the way offensively with 145 yards and two touchdowns. This Friday, the Shoremen host their rival Avon Eagles in what may be the game of the week.
Avon Eagles (2-1, Last Week: 21-27 vs Glenville, Previous Rank: 4)
While Glenville is no slouch, Avon was expected by many (including me) to be able to win at home. All-Ohio QB Sam DeTillio led the way for the Eagles with 209 yards and a touchdown but star running back Jakorion Caffey was held in check, only 34 yards rushing. There’s no time to hang their heads though. This week Avon faces rival Avon Lake (3-0) in a massive showdown.
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