Week 10 >> Games to watch

ROCKY RIVER AT ELYRIA CATHOLIC

What: Matt Medley Memorial Game of the Week When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Knights of Columbus Field Records: Rocky River 6-3(3-2 GLC), Elyria Catholic 7-2(4-1 GLC) Last meeting: 2017— 32-10, Rocky River For the record: This one is simple: the winner gets in. The loser, while not eliminated, will need some help. In reality, both teams stand a pretty strong shot of making it in, win or lose. But better to get the win and know you are in, rather than put your fate in the hands of other teams. And, while there’s a lot riding on this one for both teams, perhaps just a bit more weight is being felt by Elyria Catholic. The Panthers are looking to secure their first playoff berth since 2010, which also happens to be the last time Knights of Columbus Field has hosted the postseason. Additionally, the Great Lakes Conference title — whether solely possessed or shared with Bay — is still on the table for the Panthers. However, you can bet that both teams will be bringing their best as they look to make the postseason. What does that mean? What could very likely be an instant classic game. Both teams possess a high-powered offense, with Elyria Catholic having a balanced attack led by quarterback Cameron Engrish (1,857yards, 23touchdowns) and running back Leighton Banjoff (1,021yards, 13touchdowns), while Rocky River has reinvented itself into a passing offense this year, spearheaded by quarterback Michael Finnegan (1,811yards, 15 touchdowns) and wide receivers Cristain Dean (33reception, 448yards, four touchdowns) and Owen Bebie (36rec., 441 yards, four touchdowns). This could quickly turn into a game in which defense is optional — which is saying something as the Panthers are allowing an average of 18.3points per game and the Pirates check in at 20.2. Sit back and enjoy this one.

OLMSTED FALLS AT NORTH OLMSTED

What: Southwestern Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: North Olmsted Stadium Records: Olmsted Falls 7-2 (6-2SWC), North Olmsted 5-4 (4-4SWC) Last meeting: 2017— 49-7, Olmsted Falls For the record: Three weeks ago, anyone would have said that this matchup was impossible. Olmsted Falls was coming off a loss against BereaMidpark where issues with the defense were exposed, Southwestern Conference title hopes were dashed and the Bulldogs were in serious danger of missing the playoffs. As for North Olmsted, the Eagles had just lost to North Ridgeville, dropping to 3-4on the season and were staring down the heart of the SWC schedule with Amherst, Berea-Midpark and Olmsted Falls on tap to end the season. Fast forward to Week 10, and the rivals are in control of their own playoff destiny, playing in a win-and-in, loser most likely goes home contest. Anyone who saw that coming should head to Vegas right now. But the high-stakes on this SWC finale makes this game that much more fun. It has been years since this classic rivalry has meant anything outside of a rivalry game to end the regular season. North Olmsted is going for its first postseason berth in 12years, and it would take a St. John’s Jesuit or Valley Forge loss with virtually no Level 2points for the Eagles to make it in without a win. In other words, this one is a must-win, as Week 8 against Amherst and Week 9 against Berea-Midpark were. Olmsted Falls is a two-time defending regional finalist, and does not want its streak to end. The Bulldogs stand a much better chance at making the playoffs with a loss, but as with North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls would benefit greatly from losses by St. John’s Jesuit or Valley Forge. But, as either Olmsted Falls coach Tom DeLuca or North Olmsted coach Tim Brediger would say, why leave it to chance when all you have to do is win to make it in? And it’s going to be an interesting one to see who wins. Olmsted Falls’ Jack Spellacy and North Olmsted’s Darren Anders are two of the top running backs in the SWC and it should be fun watching them go toe-to-toe. But at the base of everything, North Olmsted is on a hot run, Olmsted Falls is still one of the best that the SWC has to offer and this is still a rivalry game. So any attempt at prediction would be futile. Just enjoy.

OBERLIN AT COLUMBIA

What: Patriot Athletic Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Columbia Raiders Stadium

Records: Oberlin 3-6(1-3PAC Stripes), Columbia 6-3(3-1PAC Stripes) Last meeting: 2017— 34-20, Oberlin For the record: Columbia is in a place that it has not often found itself during Jason Ward’s tenure as coach: needing a win and some help to make the playoffs. But that’s the reality of the situation for the Raiders, who could easily be on the outside looking in with a 7-3record in Division VI, Region 21. That, however, is something the Raiders will be worrying about around 10 p.m. on Friday. Because if they don’t focus on the task at hand, defeating Oberlin, the Phoenix may make it so that JoeEitel. com isn’t being continually refreshed in Columbia Station. Oberlin is by no means an easy out. The Phoenix are highly athletic and can score in the blink of an eye. Running back Ravon Eisom has quietly put together a masterful season, rushing for 909yards and nine touchdowns on 135carries through nine weeks. And receiver Aaron Arnold is a perennial deep-threat, averaging 22.7yards per catch this season. But what about defense? It has, admittedly, been a bit of an issue for Oberlin this season. But when the defense is on, Oberlin is a hard team to top. The same, though, can be said about Columbia. The Raiders are a much more dynamic team than in years past. Yes, they are led by the new Lorain County career rushing king, Brandon Coleman. But he’s not the only weapon this season. Quarterback Jared Bycznski has been impressive, throwing for 881 yards and eight touchdowns. And, while Coleman is the clear-cut No. 1back with 1,344 yards and 23touchdowns on 117carries, Ben Alten has been impressive as second-fiddle with 492yards and five touchdowns on 65carries. And don’t forget the defense, which has been harassing quarterbacks to the tune of 19sacks and six interceptions this season.

AVON LAKE AT MIDVIEW

What: Southwestern Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Ross Field at Ed Adelsburg Stadium

Records: Avon Lake 8-1(7-1 SWC), Midview 2-7(2-6SWC) Last meeting: 2017— 17-13, Midview For the record: No, the Shoremen are not fighting for the playoff like last year. They’ve already secured a spot. And no, the Middies will not be seeing Week 11. But this game will still impact both teams. On Avon Lake’s side, the Shoremen are looking for their first Southwestern Conference crown since 2012— albeit potentially shared with Avon if both teams win in Week 10. To put that in perspective, the last time Avon Lake went five years between conference titles was the six year gap between Lorain County Conference titles from 1942-47. Additionally, the Shoremen have not locked in homefield advantage for Week 11. For the Middies, the playoffs may not be an option, but the role of spoiler is one Midview would happy play. Plus, if the Middies can deny Avon Lake the SWC title, it would ensure that still only two teams can call themselves champion since the SWC expansion — Midview and Avon. Whichever outcome happens, though, will be a fun one to watch. Midview quarterback Andrew Gooch has cemented himself as the quarterback to beat in The Morning Journal area this season, ranking first in yards (2,549) and second in touchdowns (21). And his receivers have been the benefactor, with Isiah Johnson (824yards, five touchdowns) and Edwin Ralat (757yards, 12touchdowns) coming in at Nos. 1and 2, respective, in The Journal area for yards. That’s not to say Avon Lake quarterback Jack Mikolich is far behind (1,688yards, 16touchdowns). And it would be fair to say that Mikolich could be close to par with Gooch if it were not for the talent of running back Konner Riggs (1,354yards, 20 touchdowns). It’s going to be the defense that decides this one, and that’s where it will get interesting as Midview’s defense (excluding Week 8 against Olmsted Falls) has been looking better and better as the season progresses.

BAY AT VALLEY FORGE

What: Great Lakes Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Byers Field

Records: Bay 7-2(4-1GLC), Valley Forge 6-3(4-1GLC) Last meeting: 2017— 34-0, Bay For the record: It’s a simple mission for both teams: win and earn at least a share of the Great Lakes Conference title and start preparing for Week 11. Bay has already clinched a playoff berth, but has yet to secure homefield advantage. A win against Valley Forge would secure that and potentially the No. 1or 2seed. On top of that, the Rockets would remain the GLC champion — potentially sharing the title with Elyria Catholic — and ensure that there is still not a season where the Rockets were not champion. It’s not that simple, though, as Valley Forge is not the Patriots of old. The six wins are the most Valley Forge has had since going 6-4in 2003. The turnaround has come largely due to the play of running back Matthias Chmielewski. The dynamic running back has scored seven touchdowns and is averaging over 150yards per game in the Patriots last three games. Bay, however, knows a thing or two about running the ball and has a three-pronged attack of its own that is pretty effective. Andrew Veverka, Connor Shell and Joe Galati have combined for over 1,500 yards on the ground while scoring 17touchdowns. In other words, expect this game to be played out on the ground with only a handful of passes to go around.

BEREA-MIDPARK AT AVON

What: Southwestern Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Joe Firment Stadium, 3075Stoney Ridge Road, Avon

Records: Berea-Midpark 5-4 (5-3SWC), Avon 8-1(7-1SWC) Last meeting: 2017— 63-35, Avon For the record: Avon most certainly is not entering the postseason on an easy note. And that’s just the way the defending Division II, Region 6 champion wants it. Even with a playoff spot locked in, there is still plenty on the line for the Eagles in Week 10. Thanks to Olmsted Falls in Week 9, Avon can clinch a share of the Southwestern Conference title with rival Avon Lake should the Eagles win. Also, with a win over the Division I Titans, Avon would secure Week 11 at Joe Firment Stadium and give itself a strong shot at the No. 2seed in Region 6— and even an outside shot at No. 1. But the win won’t come easy. By now, everyone knows that the Berea-Midpark offense is arguably the most lethal in the SWC. Averaging 47.7points per game, the Titans have only once been held under 25 points this season (Week 8vs. Avon Lake). They have scored 50-plus points six times, and even hit the 70-point plateau against Olmsted Falls in Week 7. But don’t discount Avon’s offense, which was been rejuvenated with the return of running back Nick Perusek following an ankle injury early in the season. The Eagles’ primary ball-carrier ranks No. 14in The Morning Journal area for yards (700) in only 5games played. A healthy Perusek frees up Ryan Maloy to be a true dual-threat player. And, of course, don’t discount the Avon defense. This week will most likely be the most points they have allowed this season, but with the Eagles holding opponents to 16.1points per game this season, expect that number to be significantly lower than the Titans season average.

CLEARVIEW AT BROOKLYN

What: Patriot Athletic Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Brooklyn Athletic Complex

Records: Clearview 8-1(4-0 PAC Stripes), Brooklyn 3-6 (0-4PAC Stripes) Last meeting: 2017— 46-14, Clearview

For the record: The final page of the Patriot Athletic Conference will be written in Week 10, and Clearview wants to go out as the sole champion. A win against Brooklyn will ensure that the Clippers are undefeated in the Stripes Division and do not have to share the title. Additionally, a win would put the Clippers in a strong position to host their first playoff game since 2008. And, even though Clearview has not actually clinched a playoff spot yet, the Clippers should see Week 11 even with a loss. But that’s not what Clearview wants. How can the Clippers get the win? By doing what they do best: run the ball and punish the opposing offense. Senior running back Drew Engle, who set the Clearview career rushing record in Week 8, has been getting better by the week and enters Week 10needing 67yards to have the third 1,000-plus rushing yard season in his career. Additionally, two rushing touchdowns would tie his career record of 16set last year. On defense, Clearview is allowing 13points per game and has created multiple turnovers per game this year. Expect the secondary to hawk the ball and the linebackers to disrupt any rhythm that Brooklyn tries to get on offense. And, if all goes well, get ready to spend Week 11at Tom Hoch Field.

AMHERST AT WESTLAKE

What: Southwestern Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Lou Duchez Field at University Hospitals St. John Medical Center Stadium

Records: Amherst 5-4(4-4 SWC), Westlake 1-8(1-7SWC) Last meeting: 2017— 41-0, Amherst For the record: To be blunt, a once promising season for Amherst has turned bleak. Four losses in a row will do that to a team. Still, though, the Comets are not completely out of the playoff race. It’s not going to be easy to get to Week 11by any means, but Amherst must get the win first and foremost this week. As the Southwestern Conference has seemed to prove on a weekly basis, no win is guaranteed. And with a pair of high-powered offenses, this one will be interesting. Two of the top running backs in the area will battle in Amherst’s Khennedy Scagliozzo (1,587 yards, 23touchdowns) and Westlake’s James Coleman (1,125yards, five touchdowns). Expect to hear the P.A. announcer say those names often throughout the night. The passing edge goes to Westlake, where Jacob May is fourth in The Morning Journal area for yards (1,810) and third for touchdowns (20). The defensive edge, however, is in the Comets’ favor. Even with the losing steak, Amherst is allowing 21points per game this season, significantly better than Westlake’s 43.7 average.

FAIRVIEW AT LUTHERAN WEST

What: Patriot Athletic Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Alumni Field

Records: Fairview 3-6(2-2 PAC Stripes), Lutheran West 6-3(2-2PAC Stripes)

Last meeting: 2017— 29-7, Fairview

For the record: The crossLorain Road rivalry writes its final chapter as members of the Patriot Athletic Conference. No, playoffs aren’t on the line. Neither is the PAC title. In fact, this rivalry does not appear to even be done as rumor has it both teams want to keep each other on the schedule even with Fairview off to join the Great Lakes Conference and Lutheran West heading to the Chagrin Valley Conference. So what is at stake in this game? Pride and bragging rights. Anyone who knows the history of this rivalry game knows that the competition is always fierce and the game is more often then not a close and enjoyable one. That will not change this year, with Lutheran West in the midst of one of its most successful seasons in recent history and Fairview much better than its record indicates after playing a brutal schedule that featured three teams already in the playoffs and three others that are likely to make it in Week 10. The Warriors are going to come out running, with Jack Provenza, who in Week 9set the Fairview career mark for yards gained, leading the charge. As for Lutheran West, the Longhorns will use their athletic ability to hit on long plays while keeping the Warriors honest with runs and slants. This may not be a game at the top of many lists, but it is always a fun one and, if you’re a fan of small-school football, well worth your time to check out.

FIRELANDS AT KEYSTONE

What: Patriot Athletic Conference game When: 7p.m., Oct. 26 Where: Wildcat Stadium, 580 Opportunity Way, LaGrange

Records: Firelands 4-5(2-2 PAC Stars), Keystone 4-5(2-1 PAC Stars) Last meeting: 2017— 31-13, Firelands For the record: It may be a game that has no playoff and minimal conference implications, but the Week 10showdown between the Falcons and Wildcats should be entertaining nonetheless. Why? Because it’s going to showcase four of Lorain County small school’s finest athletes. On one side, there is Keystone’s Jacob Shackelford and Dylan Naylor. On the other, it’s Firelands’ Blake Ruffner and Alex Angle. Seeing those four offensive forces battle will make this one entertaining. Shackelford is one of the few Morning Journal area athletes to be in the top20in multiple categories. He is 13th in passing yards (916), 11th in rushing yards (926) and ninth in scoring (90total points). Not to be outdone, Ruffner ranks in the top-20of multiple categories as well. He is 12th in passing yards (972), 19th in rushing yards (635) and 13th in scoring (72total points). Naylor is ninth among Journal area running back with 1,005 yards and ranks No. 5in scoring with 108total points. Angle is third in receiving yards (746) and second in receptions (50). In other words, top-notch athletes playing for pride in the last game of the season. It should be a close game and a very fun one to watch.