by The smell of fall is in the air, and teams across Northeast Ohio are beginning to round into form. While most start league play next week, Week 3 presents some high-level non-conference matchups, including one inside our Top Five. Before action kicks off, take a look at this week’s Top Five.
- St. Edward Eagles (2-0, Last Week: 28-7 vs Good Counsel (MD), Previous Rank: 1)
After Good Counsel tied it up at 7-7 early, the Eagles scored 28 unanswered and ended up dominating the game in front of a national audience on ESPN. Senior QB Casey Bullock ran for a touchdown and threw for one. RB Josh Groudle added another score on the ground. Defensively, the Eagles held the Falcons to just 119 yards and added a touchdown on a fumble recovery from Eddie Andrews. St. Edward will take on another tough squad out of Maryland this week when they host Rock Creek Christian (1-0) on Saturday afternoon.
2. Archbishop Hoban Knights (2-0, Last Week: 44-12 @ Cathedral Prep (PA), Previous Rank: 2)
After a big opening week victory over a team from Kentucky, the Knights kept their season rolling with a 44-12 win over a tough Cathedral Prep team from Pennsylvania. RB Caleb Jones followed up his big Week 1 performance with another two touchdowns, and QB Tylan Boykin continued to settle in and threw for two first-half scores. The defense was stifling once again, and Tysen Campbell took a punt 50 yards to the house. Hoban will play their third straight out-of-state opponent this Saturday night when they play host to Trinity Episcopal (VA).
3. Glenville Tarblooders (2-0, Last Week: 34-10 @ Olentangy Liberty, Previous Rank: 3)
The Tarblooders hit the road last Friday night and came home with a 34-10 win over Olentangy Liberty. Senior RB D’Shawntae Jones turned in another massive performance with 205 yards and three touchdowns, giving him seven in just two games. QB Ruel Tomlinson added a rushing score of his own early in the game. The schedule doesn’t get any easier this week as Glenville will travel to Avon to square off with the Eagles (2-0). A season ago, the Tarblooders sealed a 27-21 win with a late interception from Jermaine Agee.
4. Massillon Tigers (2-0, Last Week: 56-7 vs. Canton GlenOak, Previous Rank: 5)
A team thought of by many as the best Tiger squad in years, Massillon continued their run towards the elusive state championship with a 56-7 thumping of Canton GlenOak. Both QBs shined as Jalen Slaughter went 4-6 for 153 yards and two touchdowns while DaOne Owens went 5-8 for 125 yards and another three scores. RB Peytton Mitchell added another 127 yards on the ground. This week is the big TI vs. TY game as the Tigers play host to the Mansfield Senior Tygers (1-1) Friday night.
5. Avon Eagles (2-0, Last Week: 28-7 @ Canton McKinley, Previous Rank: NR)
Always one of the top teams in Northeast Ohio, the Eagles crack this week’s list after taking care of business on the road with a 28-7 win over McKinley. In a game marred by penalties, Avon’s stifling defense kept the Bulldogs in check, and the offensive line paved the way to victory. RB Jakorion Caffey led the way offensively with 70 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles will have revenge on their minds this week when Glenville (2-0) comes to town Friday night. Last year, the Tarblooders won a 27-21 thriller at Avon.
Just Missed
Avon Lake Shoreman (2-0, Last Week: 38-15 @ Benedictine)
Senior RB Jake Bova continued to power the offense with a three-touchdown performance in a 38-15 road win over Benedictine, two of which came in the fourth quarter. The Shoreman will face their biggest test of the young season on Friday night when they hit the road to play the always-dangerous Chardon Hilltoppers (1-1).
Hudson Explorers (2-0, Last Week: 45-8 @ North Canton Hoover)
RB Ian Ludewig turned in a 345-yard, three-touchdown game to lead the Explorers to a 45-8 blowout win over the Vikings. In just two games, the Utah lacrosse commit has eight touchdowns. Hudson faces a huge test this week against Cleveland Heights (1-1).
Medina Bees (1-1, Last Week: 28-53 vs. Olentangy, Previous Rank: 4)
The Bees fell behind early and were forced to play catch-up all night in their 53-28 loss to Olentangy last Friday night. Despite the loss, QB Danny Stoddard still managed to put up 412 yards and four touchdowns. Medina will look to get back in the win column Friday when the Wadsworth Grizzlies (2-0) come to town.
