Panthers jump up two spots in state poll after tie with Pirates

Elyria Catholic coach Tony Rozanc knew his team’s scoreless tie with Rocky River would help the Panthers maintain their No. 8 ranking. Instead, the Panthers moved up two notches in the state poll, taking over the No. 6 slot on Oct. 6.

The Panthers also picked up their 11th win of the season with a 5-2 victory over St. Joseph’s Academy on Oct. 6. They eill head to Bay for the final regular season match of the year to face the 10-4-1 Rockets in an anticipated matchup.

In the Division III sectional bracket, Elyria Catholic, seeded No. 1, drew Open Door, the No. 10 seed. Notables

The Norwalk Truckers completed their regular season with a 13-3-0 record. They get a bye in Round 1 of sectionals before hosting the winner of the Madison-Lexington matchup on Oct. 16.

Huron (9-2-2) is still seeking doubledigit wins in the regular season. They have the opportunity to do so as they still have two regular season matches with Firelands (9-4-2) and Port Clinton (8-5-1) remaining.

Rocky River (7-3-4) has had a tough schedule and the end doesn’t relent. Another anticipated match takes place Oct. 11 as the Pirates host Magnificat (11-2-1), the No. 1 seed in sectionals. First, the Pirates have to get past the 11-3-1 Lakewood Rangers on Oct. 8. Area sectionals Division I

North Olmsted received the No. 2 seed in sectionals and is slated to face the winner of the first-round match between Westlake and Olmsted Falls. Amherst, the No. 4 seed, will play the winner of Midview and BereaMidpark. Avon squares off against Avon Lake in Round 1 as the No. 5 and 6 seeds respectively. Elyria and North Ridgeville will play as the No. 9 and 11 seeds. Division II

Bay holds the No. 1 seed on a bye. The Rockets will take on the victor of the seventhseeded Brookside and 10th-seeded Vermilion match.

Rocky River, seeded second, has a good shot at beating Brooklyn, the No. 11 seed, while Firelands (No. 6) and Keystone (No. 8) will fight for a chance at Holy Name (No. 3). Division III

Oberlin, seeded seventh, must get past No. 4 Cuyahoga Heights in the first round for a chance at Lutheran West (No. 6). The winner of that match can expect Elyria Catholic in the semifinals.

Wellington (No. 3) faces Lake Ridge (No. 8) in Round 1.

Sectionals begin Oct. 13.