Monday Mailbag: catch vs. no catch

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

The Monday Mailbag includes questions about the elevator at Eggerss Stadium, a record setting performance, Bluffton vs. Lima Central Catholic, and Marion Local vs. Versailles.

Q: What is going on with the elevator situation at the (Eggerss) stadium? We’ve been told more than once that it would be running in time for home games this season. Now, a notice was issued today (Friday) it won’t be available again tonight due to the inspection. That’s three games out of five. Is there something we’re not being told? Name withheld upon request

A: No doubt, it’s frustrating for all involved that elevator isn’t available yet. It was on back order last year, but was expected to be fully functional and up and running (no pun intended) for this season. The current delay has been caused by a part that is on order. Once it arrives and is installed, then the elevator will have its final state inspection and hopefully be cleared for use. There’s no great cover-up or conspiracy, it’s just one of those frustrating things that has taken longer than hoped.

Q: The OHSAA has a state record book for football, which is fun to read. I looked at it Saturday after reading your story about Liam Putman’s seven sacks, but out of all the categories listed, I don’t see one for sacks. Am I somehow missing it? Name withheld upon request

A: I did the same thing and I didn’t see it either. Along with that, there’s no category for most tackles in a game, season or career either. I’m going to submit the information about Putman’s game and request if nothing else, it be placed in the “Individual Miscellaneous Feats” category. With the passing game becoming such a big part of the game though, the OHSAA may want to consider adding a sack category.

Q: Are you surprised that Lima Central Catholic beat Bluffton Saturday night and how do you think Crestview will do against the Pirates this week? Name withheld upon request

A: I picked Bluffton to win the game but I’m not shocked the Thunderbirds won it. I’m a little surprised by the margin though. A lot of people were high on LCC entering the season and they’re obviously very talented. They’re also the only NWC team left with an overall undefeated record and one could argue they’re in the driver’s seat.

As far as Friday’s game against Crestview, check back on Thursday. I’ll make my official prediction then.

Q: Have you seen the controversial play from Friday night’s Marion Local vs. Versailles game? It was late in the game, a catch that wasn’t actually a catch. The video is all over the internet. Is there anything Versailles can do, because it seems like they got the short end of the stick. Name withheld upon request

A: I’ve seen it and yes, you can make an argument it wasn’t a catch, especially when you watch it in slow motion. In real time, tough call. I suppose if they wanted to, Versailles could file a protest with the OHSAA, but it’s not going to change the outcome of the 20-19 Marion Local victory. It doesn’t work like that.

Crestview boys win Kalida Invite

VW independent sports

KALIDA — It was a banner day for Crestview runners at the Kalida Wildcat Invitational on Saturday.

The boys’ varsity team had an outstanding performance, finishing first out of 21 teams. Lincoln Smith won the race and broke a 35-year-old school record previously held by Darrel Clayton, finishing with a time of 15:58. He was followed by Derek Young in fourth place (16:05), Kale Vining in ninth (16:41), Hudson Perrott in 14th (17:02), Andy Heth in 23rd (17:31), Caleb Thomas in 28th (17:37), and Drayden Hoffman in 52nd (18:21).

In the boys’ junior varsity race, the Knights also finished first out of seven teams. Jake Heth claimed the title of individual champion with a time of 18:19. Following him were Luke Sawmiller in second place (18:33), Levi Hoblet in fifth (19:06), Brentyn Rodriguez in seventh (19:41), Quentin Smart in eighth (19:42), Cole Miller in 17th (20:19), and Hunter Waltmire in 41st (22:14).

The varsity girls’ team finished 11th out of 17 teams, with Emily Heth leading the way, placing 16th with a time of 20:20. She was followed by Anna Gardner in 25th place (20:51), Kenzie Harting in 54th (22:28), Ava Motycka in 139th (27:21), Marlee Temple in 144th (27:43), Taylor Kittle in 157th (29:08), and Chloe Miller in 165th (32:42).

“Overall, all the teams performed exceptionally well today,” Crestview head coach Randy Grandstaff said. “I am particularly excited about Lincoln breaking the school record and Lincoln and Jake winning their races. Next week, we will race at Coldwater, which will be a challenging race with several state-ranked teams participating.”

Van Wert competed at the Kalida Invitational as well, finishing sixth in the varsity boys’ race. Johan Gemmer led the Cougars with a 24^th place finish and a time of 17:31. The Van Wert girls finished third behind Ottawa-Glandorf and Napeleon. Symphony Schuerman led the Cougars with a seventh place finish (19:30).

Weekend roundup: volleyball, soccer

VW independent sports

Volleyball

Lady Knight Invitational

Crestview went 1-2 in the Leland Smith Insurance Lady Knight Invitational on Saturday. Ottawa-Glandorf topped the Lady Knights 25-15, 25-21 in the opening match. Crestview was then victorious vs. Norwalk St Paul 22-25 25-17, 25-19, but then lost to Marion Local 22-25, 25-20, 28-30.

In the three combined matches, Haley McCoy finished with 29 kills and Kaci Gregory added 27 and Lillie Best 21. Emily Lichtle had a combined 53 assists and Lydia Grace finished with a total of 29 digs. Gregory was perfect from the service line, going 46-of-46 with six aces.

Crestview (11-5) be back in action tonight as they host the Kalida Wildcats in non-conference action. The JV match will begin at 5:30pm.

Lincolnview 3 Hicksville 0

The Lancers enjoyed a three-set sweep of Hicksville, 25-18, 25-20, 25-13 on Saturday.

Ila Hughes had 12 kills and two aces and Kara Suever recorded 11 kills and three blocks in the match. Anabel Horstman and Ella Elling chipped in with seven and six klls respectively. Brooklyn Byrne had five blocks and Makynlee Dickinson and Beth Hughes each had seven digs. Dickinson added 35 assists.

Lincolnview (12-5) will travel to Bluffton on Tuesday.

Bryan 3 Van Wert 0

Bryan recorded a straight set victory over Van Wert, 25-14, 25-10, 25-10 on Saturday. The Cougars will return home to face Delphos Jefferson for Senior Night tonight.

Soccer

Coldwater 7 Crestview 1

COLDWATER – The Lady Knights fell to Coldwater 7-1 on Saturday. Ellie Ward had one goal with an assist from Evie Williman. Ella Lamb had 18 saves with defensive support by Kenzie Heffner and Evvy Lamb. Crestview will host Delphos Jefferson for Senior Night tonight.

On the Air: radio stations WKSD/WERT

VW independent sports

Here are this week’s football broadcast schedules for 99.7FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM. All games will air live.

Friday, October 3

WKSD – Crestview at Bluffton (6:30 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. kickoff)

WERT – Van Wert at St. Marys Memorial (6:30 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. kickoff)

Saturday, October 4

WKSD and WERT – Minnesota at Ohio State (6 p.m. pregame, 7:30 p.m. kickoff)

Putman sacks Jefferson, Knights win

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

CONVOY — It was, without a doubt, Crestview’s finest defensive showing of the season.

During Friday’s 35-0 Military Appreciation Night win over Delphos Jefferson, the Knights (6-1, 3-0 NWC) held the visiting Wildcats to just 14 total yards of total offense, including -79 yards rushing, thanks in part to senior defensive end Liam Putman, who spent the night in the Jefferson backfield and recorded a school record seven sacks.

“Tonight, our defense stepped up in a huge way,” Crestview head coach Cole Harting said. “We have struggled on that side of the ball but tonight they played lights out. Liam wreaked havoc in the backfield all evening. I hoped that his performance last week would propel him the rest of the season, and he picked right up where he left off.”

Harting also noted the defense created three turnovers, interceptions by Braxtyn Couts and Hayden Perrott as well as a Couts fumble recovery.

Perrott was able to return his interception 50 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter that gave Crestview a 14-0 lead.

“When your defense plays like that and everyone contributes, that makes for a fun night,” Harting said.

While the final margin was 35 points, points didn’t necessarily come easy for Crestview’s offense. The game was scoreless until the 1:17 mark of the first quarter, when quarterback Huxley Grose scored on a 59-yard run, followed by the first of five Perrott PATs.

Perrott’s pick-six in the second quarter put the Knights ahead by two scores, then Grose teamed up with Couts for a 25-yard touchdown pass with four minutes left until halftime.

Moyer leads Wapakoneta by Van Wert

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

A second quarter goal line stop then ensuing touchdown drive proved to be a key factor in Friday night’s WBL matchup at Cougar Alumni Field at Eggerss Stadium.

Trailing 14-7, Van Wert had driven to the Wapakoneta 1-yard line but was turned away on downs with 4:40 left until halftime. From there, the Redskins marched 97 yards and scored on a 2-yard run by quarterback Caleb Moyer with just 34 seconds left until the break, putting the visitors ahead 21-7. The final margin proved to be 14, as Wapakoneta (6-0, 5-0 WBL) remained unbeaten on the season with a 42-28 victory. It was the 19^th consecutive regular season victory by the Redskins.

“That was big,” Van Wert head coach Keith Recker said of the stop and drive by Wapakoneta. “They played good defense obviously but there were two blocks that we could have had to finish it – it’s just finishing those blocks and the guys know and understand that. You never know how the rest of the game plays out but if we get that score we could be driving at the end to tie the game instead of down two scores.”

Wapakoneta, ranked No. 2 in Division III in the last Associated Press poll, received the second half kickoff and drove 82 yards in 10 plays and scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Moyer to Kaden Page, upping the lead to 28-7. Moyer went on to complete 21-of-27 passes for 258 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed 22 times for 125 yards and four touchdowns. Ohio University-bound Kaden Page caught 11 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.

The Cougars (3-3, 2-3 WBL) quickly responded and moved 65 yards in four plays, including a 34-yard pass from Zach Crummey to Micah Cowan and a 19-yard touchdown sprint by Xavier Kelly, making it 28-14. However, two more touchdowns by the Redskins – a 4-yard run by Gage Vaughn and a 34-yard run by Moyer put the game out of reach.

Van Wert did add two touchdowns in the final 5:24, one on a 6-yard run by Kelly and the other from a yard out, also by Kelly. The latter was set up when Moyer was intercepted by Micah Cowan, who returned the ball to the Wapakoneta 30. After both scores, the attempted an onside kick but both were unsuccessful. Cowan later recovered a fumble.

Football Friday Scoreboard Week No. 6

Here are final scores of area high school football games played on Friday, September 26.

GMC

Edgerton 48 Ayersville 27

Paulding 36 Fairview 31

Tinora 42 Antwerp 12

Wayne Trace 54 Hicksville 21

MAC

Anna 42 Delphos St. John’s 0

Coldwater 63 Parkway 19

Fort Recovery 20 New Bremen 13

Marion Local 20 Versailles 19

St. Henry 45 Minster 0

NWC

Columbus Grove 44 Allen East 7

Crestview 35 Delphos Jefferson 0

Fort Loramie 37 Spencerville 14

Bluffton at Lima Central Catholic (Saturday)

WBL

Bath 42 Elida 17

Celina 70 Kenton 35

Shawnee 34 Defiance 14

St. Marys Memorial 17 Ottawa-Glandorf 3

Wapakoneta 42 Van Wert 28

Roundup: volleyball, sectional golf, soccer

VW independent sports

Volleyball

Crestview 3 Bluffton 0

Crestview took sole possession of first place in the NWC with a straight set win at Bluffton Thursday night. The Lady Knights jumped out early in the first set with a lot of fire, winning 25-13 and then got down early in the second and third sets yet pulled together and trusted one another to win both 25-16, 25-22.

“It was definitely a whole team effort in tonight’s big conference matchup and loved seeing the girls intensity as they battled for each and every point,” Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory said.

Lillie Best, Kaci Gregory and Haley McCoy each had 10 kills. Gregory added 10 digs and was 12-of-13 serving with an ace. Emily Lichtle had 19 assists and was 12-of-12 at the service line with three aces. Noah Perkins added 14 assists and was 14-of-15 serving with a pair of aces. Lydia Grace chipped in with nine digs.

Crestview (10-3, 5-0 NWC) will host the Lady Knight Invitational on Saturday and will face Ottawa-Glandorf in an opening round match at 9 a.m.

Lincolnview 3 Lima Central Catholic 0

Ila Hughes and Brooklyn Byrne recorded 13 and 10 kills to lead Llincolnview by Lima Central Catholic 25-12, 25-11, 25-22 on Thursday. Kara Suever added nine kills for the Lancers. Beth Hughes had 13 digs and three aces, MaKayla Marsee finished with 10 digs and Makynlee Dickinson had 37 assists.

Lincolnview (11-5, 4-1 NWC) will host Hicksville on Saturday.

Sectional golf

Division II

At Moose Landing, Van Wert came up one stroke shy of advancing to district competion, as the Cougars finished fourth as a team with a score of 326. However, Zach Stoller advanced to districts as an individual with a 78. Griffin McCracken, Carter Wright and Brock Stoller each shot an 83. Ottawa-Glandorf was crowned the team sectional champion (291), followed by St. Marys Memorial (308) and Liberty-Benton (325). Each of those teams moved on to next week’s districts.

Division III

Lincolnview’s season came to an end with a fifth place finish at the Division III sectionals at Colonial Golfers Club on Thursday. Bosten Bailey led the Lancers with an 85, followed by Jacob Geier (86), Chayse Overholt (90) and Holden Price, who shot a 91. As a team, Lincolnview shot a 352. Delphos St. John’s won the sectional title with a 314 and Allen East was the runner up with a 320.

Meanwhile, at Pike Run Golf Club, Crestview’s Mathew Dealey was crowned as the Division III individual sectional champion after carding a 68. He’s advancing to district competition as an individual. Teammate Logan Schlemmer shot an 88, followed by Kash Lichtensteiger (93) and Chase Feasby (98).

Soccer

Lima Sr. 1 Van Wert 0

At Spartan Stadium, Van Wert was edged 1-0 by Lima Sr., on Thursday. The game’s lone goal came at 20:18 of the first half.

“It’s been four years with the team and tonight I finally started seeing everything they have been working for start to come together,” Van Wert head coach Ashley Showalter said. “They wanted it, not for themselves, but for each other and that was the difference. That’s the culture I want for this program.

Van Wert will host Shawnee on Tuesday. 

Pigskin Pick’Em: Week No. 6

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

Way back in the day, the football season didn’t kick off until mid-to-late September. Seriously – go back and look at some of the schedules from many years ago. Now, here we are, the weekend of September 26, and the high school football season is entering Week No. 6 of 10. It’s been a fun ride this point and I think it’ll be even better during the remaining five weeks of the regular season. This weekend’s schedule features a couple of games that will likely go a long way in determining conference championships.

Last week I went 17-1 (94.4 percent), with the only incorrect pick being Edgerton over Wayne Trace. The Raiders outscored the Bulldogs 28-0 in the third quarter and won 35-28. Congratulations to Matt Holden and the Raiders on a great mid-season win! My season record is now 99-20 (83.1 percent) with 19 more games on this week’s Pigskin Pick’Em slate.

Games of the Week

Bluffton (5-0) at Lima Central Catholic (5-0)

It’ll be the only show in town at Spartan Stadium Saturday – how fitting. A lot of fans have this one circled on the calendar and for good reason. It’s a key game in determining the NWC championship. Some consider it the NWC championship game. I’m not quite there yet but I can see how people would think that. Both teams still have some challenging conference games left on their respective schedules. Bluffton is the highest scoring team in the NWC (45 ppg) while Lima Central Catholic is No. 1 in scoring defense (11.6 ppg), so something has to give. The more I think about this game, the more I’m starting to think it’s a coin flip. The Thunderbirds have had a couple of close calls this season. Bluffton had a close one in the opener but has cruised by four straight opponents since then. My initial thought was to take the Pirates and I’m sticking with that thought.

The pick: Bluffton

Fairview (5-0) at Paulding (5-0)

Another battle of unbeatens. Fairview has had a couple of close calls this season, 34-28 over Wauseon and 36-32 over Delta. The Panthers rolled in their first four games, then got by Ayersville 35-32 last Friday night. Before that, Paulding had given up a total of 14 points. Fairview has given up 28 or more in three games. Do I think Paulding can win? Absolutely, but I also think the Apaches will continue their unbeaten streak.

The pick: Fairview

Hicksville (1-4) at Wayne Trace (1-4)

The Raiders stunned previously undefeated Edgerton 35-28 last Friday night. Four of Wayne Trace’s first five opponents have a combined 17-3 record. With all due respect, the schedule is a little less daunting during the second half of the season, so there’s a chance for the Raiders to get on a roll. Will there be challenges? Yes, certainly, but the “meatgrinder” portion of the schedule is over. I do think Friday night’s game could be entertaining but I also think the Raiders pick up their second consecutive victory.

Cougars prepping for No. 2 Wapak

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

The biggest challenge of the season awaits Van Wert on Friday night. That’s when the Cougars will entertain the second ranked team in all of Division III – the undefeated Wapakoneta Redskins. It’s the start of a challenging second half lineup of teams, including St. Marys Memorial and Shawnee.

Wapakoneta (5-0) has rolled by all five its opponents by an average score of 33-8. The offense has been more than efficient and the defense has held four of five opponents to seven points, while giving up 14 points in the other game. In fact, the Redskins allow less than 200 yards of total offense per game, are No. 1 among WBL schools against the pass (111 yards per game) and No. 1 in scoring defense. On offense, four year starter Caleb Moyer has completed an astounding 90 percent of his passes, 72-of-80, for 1,143 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions.

“The thing that sticks out about Wapak is they don’t have a lot of weaknesses with their personnel,” Van Wert head coach Keith Recker said. “They have very good skill players on offense and defense, with their quarterback Moyer and wide receiver Kaden Page (Ohio University commit, 22-438, four touchdowns) leading the way for them.”

“Credit our players for finding a way to be successful the first half of the season,” Wapakoneta head coach Travis Moyer said. “We will need to continue to compete at a high level and continue to improve each week.”

While Van Wert has moved the ball successfully and has kept big plays to a minimum defensively, Recker said he’s looking for improvement from both the offensive and defensive lines, despite a rash of injuries up front.

“Injuries have hurt us a bit on both sides of the line, but blocking and block destruction are two things that we have worked on since June and we need to continue to get better at those,” he said. “We need to be better in pass protection and run blocking, and on the flip side we need to hold our gap responsibility and control the line of scrimmage on defense. “Those two groups have a great attitude during practice and continue to give great effort towards improving, and I know they are hungry to better themselves.”

I have been very pleased with our defensive backs,” Recker said. “The majority of those guys played last year and have really done a good job this season of taking away big plays but also providing strong run support. Cohen had a great off season and I am so happy for him that it is paying off during the season.”

“He has a great understanding of the game and puts himself in the a great position to make plays,” Recker said. “He communicates well to everyone on the defense and is doing a great job defending the run and pass for us.  He is also a very capable wide receiver who we can throw in on offense and we know we won’t miss a beat.”