The final week of the high school football season is upon us and it is chalked full of action. The NEOSI Top Five is sure to see a shakeup next week, as #1 Archbishop Hoban hits the road to take on #2 St. Edward. With other huge matchups looming, this could be a chaotic weekend of football. Before things kickoff, it’s time to reveal the Week Ten NEOSI Top Five.
1. Archbishop Hoban Knights (9-0, Last Week: 38-0 @ Benedictine, Previous Rank: 1)
The Knights continued their undefeated march with a 38-0 win on the road at Benedictine. Lamar Sperling shined once again, rushing for 201 yards and three scores. On the season, Sperling has run for 2,045 yards and 31 touchdowns. The matchup everyone has been waiting for finally goes down this week as Hoban takes on #2 St. Edward (8-1). Heading into the matchup, the Knights are #1 in the Division II AP poll and #1 in Region 5.
2. St. Edward Eagles (8-1, Last Week: 6-0 @ Archbishop Moeller, Previous Rank: 2)
In a preview of what may end up being the Division I championship, the Eagles went down to Cincinnati and came away with a 6-0 win over Moeller. Kicker Ben Lavelle proved to be the difference, knocking in field goals from 46 and 26 yards. The schedule doesn’t get any easier this week as St. Edward plays host to #1 Archbishop Hoban (9-0). Following their win over Moeller, the Eagles have a firm grasp on the #1 spot in the AP poll and hold the top seed in Region 1.
3. Massillon Tigers (7-1, Last Week: Idle, Previous Rank: 3)
The Tigers had a week off last Friday ahead of the 133rd matchup with archrival Canton McKinley (5-4). After an opening week loss, Massillon has rattled off seven straight victories, including a big win over St. Edward. Massillon-McKinley is one of those rivalries where you throw the records out the door. Expect the Tigers to rely heavily on star RB Willtrell Hartson, who’s approaching 2,000 yards on the season. The Tigers are ranked 3rd in the Division II AP poll and hold the top seed in Region 7.
4. Glenville Tarblooders (8-0, Last Week: Idle, Previous Rank: 4)
Glenville was slated to take on John Adams last Thursday, but the game was called off. The Tarblooders have been on an insane shutout streak that has them out scoring opponents 228-0 in Senate League play. This week, Glenville will take on their toughest opponent since their Week 3 win over Avon, John Hay (6-2). The Tarblooders have held firm to the top spot in the Division IV AP Poll and hold the top seed in Region 14.
5. Avon Eagles (8-1, Last Week: 42-7 @ Midview, Previous Rank: 5)
Since their Week 3 loss to Glenville, the Eagles have been on an absolute tear, winning their last six games by three scores and outscoring opponents 293-90. The combination of QB Sam DeTillio and RB Jakorion Caffey has been lethal for opposing opponents and should continue to cause headaches in the playoffs. Avon has a chance to win the Southwestern Conference outright this week with a win over Amherst Steele (0-9). The Eagles are ranked 6th in the Division II AP poll and hold the top spot in Region 6.
Just Missed
Highland Hornets (9-0, Last Week: 30-3 @ Aurora)
The Hornets continue to dominate their opponents, this time a 30-3 win on the road at Aurora. Highland’s defense held the Greenmen to just 95 yards offensively and have outscored their opponents 280-17 in Suburban League play. The Hornets clinched their first league title since 2013 and are ranked 7th in the Division II AP poll. Highland currently holds the #2 seed in Region 6, behind Avon.
Medina Bees (8-1, Last Week: 55-13 @ Lorain)
QB Danny Stoddard turned in his third six touchdown game of the season, this time going 19-22 for 363 yards. The junior has thrown for 3,488 yards and 43 touchdowns through nine games. He seems to find a new favorite target every week and will be difficult for teams to handle in the postseason. The Bees are ranked #8 in the Division I AP poll and are the 5th seed in Region 1.
Photo by Luigi Musto
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