by We’ve reached the season’s midway point, and action is heating up across Northeast Ohio. After Massillon’s win over St. Edward Friday night, we have the first shakeup atop the rankings. Before the playoff push gets underway, take a look at this week’s Top Five.
1. Massillon Washington Tigers (5-0, Last Week: 15-13 vs. St. Edward, Previous Rank: 3)
For the second year in a row, the Tigers took down Division I #1 St. Edward, this time eeking out a 15-13 victory. QB DaOne Owens shined again, racking up 176 yards and two scores on the ground. Against the massive offensive line of the Eagles, Massillon’s defense kept backup QB Thomas Csanyi off balance and only allowed 19 yards rushing in the first half. This week, the Tigers host Middletown (DE) (3-0).
2. Archbishop Hoban Knights (5-0, Last Week: 35-0 @ St. Ignatius, Previous Rank: 2)
Following a dominant Week 4 win over Akron East, the Knights’ defense pitched another shutout with a 35-0 win at St. Ignatius. The Wildcats were held to just 117 yards of offense and were sacked seven times. Caleb Jones led the way on the ground with 57 yards and a touchdown, while QB Tylan Boykin went 10-14 for 54 yards through the air and a touchdown on the ground. Hoban has outscored opponents 197-24 through five games and is idle this week.
3. St. Edward Eagles (4-1, Last Week: 13-15 @ Massillon, Previous Rank: 1)
After losing starting QB Casey Bullock to injury in a Week 4 win at Cincinnati Elder, junior Thomas Csanyi stepped in and played admirably in a 15-13 loss at Massillon. More of a passer, Csanyi went 14-29 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Despite giving up 249 yards rushing, the Eagles’ defense tightened up when it counted and held the Tigers to only 15 points. The banged-up Eagles will look to get back into the win column on Saturday when they host River Rouge (MI) (1-3).
4. Avon Eagles (5-0, Last Week: 38-7 @ North Ridgeville, Previous Rank: 4)
While a lot of the attention in Division II is being focused on Hoban and Massillon, Avon is not to be overlooked, as the Eagles kept their undefeated season alive with a 38-7 win at North Ridgeville. QB Nolan Good kept his streak of good play going with a 228-yard, two-touchdown performance that saw Avon score on five straight possessions. RB Jakorion Caffey finished with 111 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. This week, the Eagles welcome in Olmsted Falls (5-0) for a SWC showdown.
5. Glenville Tarblooders (3-2, Last Week: 6-28 @ IMG Academy, Previous Rank: 5)
Despite the loss, it is hard to find any fault in the Tarblooders’ loss to the #3 team in the nation, according to MaxPreps. RB D’Shawntae Jones hit the 100-yard mark on the ground and busted off a 47-yard run for the lone Glenville score. The Tarblooders return to Senate League action Friday when they host John Hay (3-2).
Just Missed
Cleveland Heights Tigers (4-1, Last Week: 14-13 (OT) vs. Mentor)
For the second straight week, the Tigers won a tight one in the GCC, this time taking down Mentor in overtime. Mr. Football candidate Marquise Davis was held without a touchdown but still managed to put up 111 yards on 27 carries. In regulation, the Heights defense held the Cardinals to just a pair of field goals and picked off three passes. The Tigers will face another tough test this week when GCC foe Strongsville (3-2) comes to town.
Hudson Explorers (4-1, Last Week: 30-21 @ Twinsburg)
The Explorers welcomed senior RB Ian Ludewig back and took down a tough Twinsburg squad 30-21 on the road Thursday night. Ludewig returned in a big way, rushing for 116 yards and three scores. QB Peyton Neher went 12-15 through the air for 159 yards and a touchdown. Hudson hosts Wadsworth (4-1) Friday night in a clash of Suburban-National favorites.
Walsh Jesuit Warriors (5-0, Last Week: 49-0 vs. Firestone)
The first time they’ve appeared in these rankings, the Warriors blew past Firestone 49-0 Friday night, a game they led 42-0 at the half. QB Keller Moten went 7-12 through the air for 105 yards and a touchdown in the first half. A team that may be slept on by some in Division II, Walsh faces one of the most challenging stretches of games in the state over the next two weeks as they travel to St. Vincent St. Mary (4-1) and Hoban (5-0).
