As we enter to another rugged season of Football here in the Miami Valley, one thing is for certain; With all the moves that happened in the Miami Valley Area, this is sure to be one exciting season. With a plethora of players committed to D-1 colleges, teams trying to get back to the state, and social sports awareness at a all time high, its easy to see why we could be in for a epic season here in the Miami Valley.
Top 5 Predictions:
(1) Trotwood will win State this season
While I know this is not jumping out on a limb, the Rams did lose the man who rebuilt the Trotwood organization into a dynasty (Maurice Douglass) and also a couple of key players. However, the new coach (Jeff Graham) although while not as experienced as Douglass, has some experience of his own (NFL Veteran) and he has a experienced QB (Messiah DeWeaver) who will lead the way along with a Small College ready D with D-1 talent lurking at every position; Make a note as Trotwood plays Springfield in Week 1 tonight.
(2) Belmont will go .500 this season
Now this is jumping out on a limb! Anybody who knows the history of Belmont knows that when it comes to football? Haven't hit on much in the last say......50 years or so?....But a new day is coming, as former Thurgood coach (Earl White has moved over to the Bison after leading Thurgood to consecutive playoff appearaces and building a reputation for rolling over folks with the running game. Add to that a pack of young, athletic, hungry players who give not one inkling of a thought to history and you get a possible great story here; the Bison thrashed Ansonia 36-22 to start the season 1-0. Stay tuned.
(3) Springfield will fight for state - in two years
When the news leaked that Maurice Douglass was leaving the Mighty Rams program and moving to Springfield, it was almost like a earthquake had been sent through the GWOC and Southwest Ohio. Why leave the place that is going to State Championship Games every single year, all the while sending kids all over to D-1 programs? But make no mistake; Douglass has a way with his players, and he can restructure a program quickly; And although it seemed like a bad move, it was the perfect one for him to make; He knows there is a wealth of talent in Springfield, but the community was dying. Players not caring, or transferring. Nothing that a guy who took a middling program and turned it into a powerhouse couldn't handle. While he's already changed the mindset, it will take a year or so to change the results on the scoreboard to the point where we see them in the State Semis. But don't doubt Douglass, as when he gets his QB back in midseason if they are over .500? Watch out.
(4) Wayne will end up in Final Four this year
The Warriors have been really close in getting to the state title game, but because of the powerhouses that roam down in Cincy, its been too tough to get through; well that could change this year, as the Warriors are primed and ready to breakthrough with QB DMitrick Trice leading the way; With a top D back and weapons galore, this will be a banner year for the Warriors. Question is, can they put it all together when it counts?
(5) West Carrolton will have the hottest freshman in the state
Yes you read it right; The Pirates, of all people, have one of the best talents in the State, and he will be debuting as the starting RB for the Pirates. Jaylen Artis, nicknamed the "Tank", will put his talents on display this weekend. He has been punishing opponents since pee wee, and now the Pirates have put the ball in the hands of the talented frosh; Can he help rise the Pirates from the depths of the GWOC bottom?
Here is SportsEffectLive Top Players to watch for this Season:
Messiah DeWeaver QB, Trotwood - DeWeaver will look to prove his commitment to Michigan as a junior is no fluke. And he's definitely ready for the challenge.
Jamahl Manley QB , Thurgood - Without the coach to run the scheme that worked so well, can Manley step up to the challenge to become a All-State QB and lead his Cougars back to playoffs?
Damian Popp RB, Centerville - Popp popped all over the scene last year, and didn't stop until he ran for almost 2k (1,982 yds) and 20 TD's; Can he top 2,000 this season?
Chris Young RB/ LB, Miamisburg - Young was dominant with the Vikings last season, amassing 16 TD's on the ground; however, he's even scarier on the defensive side, which is what the D-1's see.
D'Mitrick Trice QB, Wayne - Trice lit it up for 34 TD's and only 8 INT's for a 11-2 squad last year. Can he go one more notch and get them boys to the State?
Davion Lankford RB, Belmont - Lankford was unstoppable racking up 3 TD's and 130 yards in Game 1; Can he keep that up all season when the D is keying on him? Great start nevertheless.
Nick Coleman RB, Alter - Coleman was a monster last year, and will follow fellow Knight Malik Zaire to Notre Dame; Question is, can he lead a Alter team deep into the playoffs?
Jaylen Artis RB, West Carrollton - Artis, nicknamed the "Tank", has been unstoppable up into this point; Now the heralded frosh will be tested early and often; Can he handle the transition?
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