Breaking down the big games for Week 6

Sports Editor Jon Behm looks at this week’s big games, including Olmsted Falls at Amherst and Rocky River at Bay. Plus, Athletes of the Week and football statistics.

What: Medley Memorial Game of the Week When: 7p.m. Sept. 29 Where: Mercy Health Stadium, 450Washington St., Amherst Records: Olmsted Falls 4-1, Amherst 4-1 Last time: 2016— 38-35, Olmsted Falls For the record: This one is a must-win for both teams. Amherst is looking to prove that it belongs at the top of the Southwestern Conference. Olmsted Falls wants to show that last week’s tight game with North Ridgeville was a fluke and not an indication of bigger problems. Those are the short-term reasons both teams need a win. Long-term, a win not only keeps the winner in the running for the SWC title, but also in the hunt for the postseason in a crowded Division II, Region 6race — a region strong enough that two losses might keep a team out of the postseason. With both teams’ possession strong ground games, expect to see a lot of Amherst’s Khennedy Scagliozzo and Olmsted Falls’ Luke Lombardo and Jack Spellacy. Both teams have stingy defenses that have excelled at stopping the run game, so this one should come down to the defenses.

Last time: 2016— 28-9, Bay For the record: The annual rivalry game always has bragging rights on the line, but this year it means a lot to both teams. The winner will take control of the race for the Great Lakes Conference title at best and share control with Valley Forge at worst, as all three teams enter Week 6 undefeated in conference play. Additionally, this game is a big one for both teams in the D-III, Region 10race. Bay is looking for some much needed Level 2 points to put itself in a position to host a playoff game, while Rocky River, sitting at No. 10 in the region, is feeling the pressure to win out to secure a spot. Offensively, the Rockets will run the ball often behind Trey Psota, Andrew Veverka, Mark Olson, Matthew Cover and a host of other players. Rocky River presents a more balanced offense, with Dameon

Records: Columbia 3-2, Lutheran West 3-2 Last time: Columbia For the record: Columbia is looking to prove that it is still the team to beat in the PAC Stripes Division, and the Longhorns might happen to be the team that draws the wrath of the Raiders following their Week 5loss to Buckeye. However, Lutheran West is by no means a victory for Columbia. The Longhorns are an up-andcoming team in the PAC, and are looking to make a name for themselves at the expense of the Raiders. Lutheran West has one of the more big-play heavy offenses in The Morning Journal area, which usually means feast or famine when it comes to the Longhorns’ offense. Columbia

2016— 41-7,

As the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division gets underway, both Vermilion and Oak Harbor are teams looking to show they are in the title picture. Vermilion has momentum on its side, posting back-to-back wins over SBC Lake Division teams Perkins and Tiffin Columbian. Expect the Sailors to utilize the talents of quarterback Seth Hurd as they have all season, with Caine Zannoni gaining some valuable yards at running back. Defensively, Vermilion will apply plenty of pressure on the Rockets and try to capitalize on the turnover game.

— Jon Behm