League races heat up with key Week 8 matchups
Week 8 of the high school football season could have large ramifications on the playoff picture. Plenty of computer points remain up for grabs, and a few rivalry games will heighten emotions and stakes.
Here are five things to watch:
1. Beechcroft looks to remain atop City League-north
Beechcroft enters the week essentially tied atop the City League-north with Northland (6-1, 3-0), and those two teams meet in Week 10.
In between now and then, the Cougars (4-3, 4-0) look to maintain their dominance of host East (5-2, 1-2) on Friday. Beechcroft has won 20 consecutive games against East dating back to 2003.
Powered by a veteran offense featuring senior Aurelius Scott at quarterback and classmates Rosean Burns and Khalil Samuel at running back and wide receiver, respectively, the Cougars are averaging 49.3 points in league play. Junior Tyrell Russell has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, and Samuel has amassed more than 800 yards.
“The biggest thing is knowing our identity on the offensive side and defensive side,” coach Humphrey Simmons said. “We’ve executed. We have a pretty balanced offense (and) a pretty athletic team to where we can run the ball and we’re able to pass. That’s been to our advantage because we’re not predictable.”
2. Groveport faces familiar challenge at Pickerington Central
Grove City (4-3, 2-0) is embracing a trip to Central (4-3, 2-0) that will decide first place in the Occ-buckeye and possibly the league championship.
Cruisers freshman starting quarterback Baker Bowden is relied on as a game manager in the team’s wing-t offense, and juniors Keishaun Calhoun (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) and Jalen Joyce (5-10, 240) anchor a stout defensive line.