THE 10 BEST GAMES TO SEE IN OHIO - WEEK NINE
By Kyle Holsinger
I decided to review the 100 closest games by point spread on Drew Pasteur’s Fantastic 50 website. I also added a couple games into the respective honorable mention districts due to out-of-state opponents being featured. My apologies for having this out a little late. I’ve been ‘under the weather’ for a while now.
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Raiders won at Ottawa Hills, 34-15; and the Wildcats won at Margaretta, 39-13.
Previous Meeting: Sept. 12, 2025; Woodmore won at Lakota, 42-6.
Intrigue: Lakota needs to win to have any chance of earning a playoff bid, and Woodmore needs the win to set up a chance to win the Sandusky Bay Conference outright next week.
Lakota senior quarterback Nick Elchert was 5-of-7 passing for 33 yards along with 27 rushing yards and two touchdowns on five carries last week. Senior A.J. Gosche ran for 84 yards on 22 attempts to go with a 19-yard catch, and classmate Graham Harmon gained 63 rushing yards and two TDs on 12 touches. Sophomore Reed Elchert ran for 66 yards and a TD on eight rushes while also making a 12-yard reception, and classmate Jaxson Sommers had 57 yards rushing and two catches for eight yards.
On defense, Raiders freshman Luke Hoffman led the team in tackles a week ago with six. Seniors Max Nordhaus (five tackles, one sack) and Brady Kern (four tackles, a forced fumble) each had two tackles-for-loss. Sophomore Hudson Prenzlin (three tackles) and Gosche (four tackles) each had a fumble recovery.
Woodmore senior QB Calvin Lipstraw went 8-for-15 passing for 109 yards last Friday. Junior Collin Perkins was Lipstraw’s top target with four receptions for 67 yards. Sophomore Lucas Caldwell did the heavy lifting with 203 yards and five TDs on 19 rushes.
Defensively, Wildcats senior Trevor Runkle made seven tackles a game ago. Junior D.J. Orcelletto had three tackles and two TFL. Senior Adley Anstead made six tackles and a forced fumble; and Caldwell had four tackles and an interception.
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Prexies defeated Pleasant at home, 28-14; and the Tigers won at Caledonia River Valley, 27-10.
Previous Meeting: Oct. 17, 2025; Galion won at Harding, 28-20.
Intrigue: Galion needs this win to have a chance at the postseason.
Harding’s Dez Feliciano is 64-of-130 passing for 865 yards, seven TDs, and six picks to go with 261 rushing yards and four TDs on 73 attempts on the season. Feliciano’s primary receiver has been Jackson Payne—who has 33 catches for 484 yards and three TDs. Marcus McGary has 723 rushing yards and four TDs on 99 carries along with 12 receptions for 105 yards and a TD. Mattic Simmers has 184 rushing yards and four TDs on 46 tries.
On defense, the Prexies’ Simmers leads the team with 57 tackles on the year. Azair Gray has made 53 tackles, eight TFL, and five sacks. Noah Shockley has wrapped up 30 tackles, eight TFL, and seven sacks. Payne leads the team with four INTs, and Sean Kelly has five TFLs, four sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Kolten Sibrel has made 46 tackles, seven TFLs, three sacks, a pick, and a forced fumble.
Galion junior QB Kane Hay completed 10-of-12 passes for 147 yards and a TD last week. Hay’s top target was senior wideout Jamesen Glew hauled in 11 catches for 170 yards and a TD. Senior running back Kale Early rushed for 116 yards and two TDs on 22 touches.
The Tigers defense only gave up 29 rushing yards and 184 passing yards for a total of 213 defensive yards given up last Friday.
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: Port Clinton won at Milan Edison, 51-16; and Bellevue lost to Tiffin Columbian at home, 35-21.
Previous Meeting: Oct. 17, 2025; Bellevue won at PC, 12-3.
Intrigue: Port Clinton can clinch a piece of the Northern Ohio Conference Bay division with a win as Bellevue is a game ahead in league play with one more NOC Bay game ahead of them.
Port Clinton is likely coming off their best performance of the year—racking up 51 points on Edison. Hopefully, they can keep that momentum rolling because they have their toughest test yet in Bellevue. Although PC is 7-1, they very likely need to win out in order to get a first round bye in the playoffs. First-year coach, Fremont St. Joseph alum, and former Wisconsin Badger Kevin Huntley has done a fine job, but a 23-39 combined opponent record has yet to generate enough computer points to clinch the postseason.
Bellevue’s Ike Brown completed 12-of-28 passes for 136 yards, a TD, and one pick along with 76 rushing yards and two TDs on 19 attempts last week. Caden Cramer was their primary receiver with seven receptions for 85 yards.
Defensively, Evan Bova made 10 tackles a week ago. Vinny Sberna made seven tackles and a sack. Maddex Bailey and Cramer had seven tackles each.
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Eagles lost to Mohawk at home, 31-27; and the Tigers beat Lucas at home, 17-0.
Previous Meeting: Oct. 3, 2025; CC beat SE at home, 31-0.
Intrigue: Two familiar foes in Northern 10 Athletic Conference competition. Colonel Crawford needs to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Colonel Crawford’s Roen Thew is 57-for-108 for 833 yards, nine TDs, and two picks on the year. Parker Weithman is Thew’s top target with 39 receptions for 637 yards and six TDs. Avery Powers has rushed for 654 yards and five TDs on 97 touches.
On defense, the Eagles’ Tyler Lash and Weithman have three interceptions each in 2026. Weithman also averages 17.5 yards per punt return.
Luke Christman is averaging 38 yards per punt on the season.
Seneca East’s Branson Robinson has completed 111-of-170 passes for 1,531 yards, 13 TDs, and four INTs. Robinson’s main receiver is Jaron Depinet—who has 32 catches for 523 yards and five TDs. Jackson Gayheart leads the team in rushing with 708 yards and 10 TDs on 109 attempts.
Defensively, the Tigers’ Jackson Gayheart has 88 tackles and 18 TFL. Eli Cline has 22.5 TFL, five sacks, three fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles this year. Bentley Gayheart has 17.5 TFL and eight sacks. Landyn Hicks has made 14.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks. Colton McConnell has made three interceptions.
On special teams, Isaac Stockmaster is 24-of-25 on point-after-tries and 1-of-2 on field goals this season.
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Blue Devils lost at Hopewell-Loudon, 42-14; and the Warriors won at Colonel Crawford, 31-27.
Previous Meeting: Oct. 17, 2025; Mohawk won at Carey in overtime, 29-28.
Intrigue: Mohawk’s trying to stay perfect in N10 conference play while Carey sits one game back in the standings. This cross-county rivalry has been played every year since 1960.
Carey’s Tripp Phoenix is 25-for-63 passing for 388 yards, four TDs, and five picks to go with 1,110 yards and 14 TDs on 75 rushes. Mace Puckett has 755 yards and six TDs on 143 attempts.
On defense, the Blue Devils’ Puckett has 99 tackles, 14.5 TFL, and three forced fumbles. Joe Reinhart has 86 tackles, 24.5 TFL, and 6.5 sacks while Louis Watkins has 84 tackles, 30.5 TFL, 14 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Lane Baldridge has two fumble recoveries.
On special teams, Carey’s Benson Kloepfer is 21-for-23 on PATs as well as 2-for-3 on FGs with a long of 37 yards.
Mohawk’s Andon Clouse, last year’s N10 offensive player of the year, has completed 82-of-128 passes for 1,520 yards, 21 TDs, and four INTs while also rushing for 571 yards and 10 TDs on 89 tries in 2026. Clouse’s top targets have been Levi Tiell and Jagger Ekleberry. Tiell has made 38 receptions for 745 yards and 12 TDs while Ekleberry has 16 catches for 454 yards and six TDs. Kaden Bish has run for 670 yards and nine TDs on 80 carries.
Defensively, the Warriors’ Tiell has three interceptions on the season.
Tiell is also the N10’s top returner with a 45.7-yard kick return average and one KR TD along with an 18.8-yard punt return average. Rhett Leeth has 35.7-yard kick return average also. Aiden Patrizi has made 41-of-46 PATs along with 2-of-3 FGs with a long of 36 yards.
Toledo Christian (4-4) @ Bloomdale Elmwood (4-4), and Eastwood (7-1) @ Millbury Lake (4-4).
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Bulldogs beat Bath at home, 42-0; and the Titans defeated Van Wert at home, 38-26.
Previous Meeting: Oct. 17, 2025; Celina defeated O-G at home, 45-28.
Intrigue: Who wants to take sole possession of the top spot in the Western Buckeye League?
Celina’s Jett Warner is 63-for-99 passing for 922 yards, 17 TDs, and one pick along with 542 rushing yards this year. Noah Talmadge has 780 rushing yards and eight TDs on 119 attempts as well as 63 receiving yards.
On defense, the Bulldogs’ Adam Jacob has 92 tackles, three TFL, and two sacks this season. Matt Eicher has wrapped up 69 tackles, six TFL, and two sacks.
On special teams, Bridon Jeffries has made 39-of-40 PATs and 3-of-3 FGs with a long of 35 yards.
Ottawa-Glandorf’s Tanner Vogt has completed 120-of-167 passes for 1,547 yards, 16 TDs, and one INT to go with 470 rushing yards. Vogt’s primary receiver is Deegan Miller—who has 34 catches for 574 yards and five TDs. Oscar Salsburey has rushed for 715 yards and nine TDs on 87 attempts.
Defensively, the Titans’ Riley Trombley has wrapped up 63 tackles, 11.5 TFL, and four sacks in 2026. Jordan Schumaker leads the WBL with four INTs, and Carson Yeager has three INTs with one of them returned for a TD.
On special teams, Larson Kreinbrink is 33-of-38 on PATs while also making 5-of-6 FGs with a long of 37 yards. Schumaker also has 211 kick return yards and a TD on 10 returns
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Grizzlies beat Hudson at home, 24-22; and the Hornets defeated Solon at Home, 51-7.
Previous Meeting: Aug. 30, 2019; Wadsworth beat Highland at home, 42-20.
Intrigue: The two final undefeated teams in the Suburban League National division battling for league supremacy.
This is likely the toughest test that Wadsworth will face in the regular season, and the Grizzlies will likely need to win one of their remaining two games to get a first round bye in the playoffs.
Aside from playing Walsh Jesuit in Week One, this will likely be Highland’s toughest game of the regular season. They’ll also need to win one of their last two for the chance of a first round bye.
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Trojans beat Terre Haute (IN) South Vigo at home, 34-12; and the Panthers won at Fort Thomas (KY) Highlands, 30-27.
Previous Meeting: Oct. 17, 2025; Elder won at Chatard, 28-7.
Intrigue: A 17-time state champion from the Hoosier State invades The Pit.
Chatard’s Harrison Odom was 18-for-34 passing for 208 yards and two TDs last week. Odom’s primary target was Julio Graves with five receptions for 56 yards. Daniel Adams IV rushed for 83 yards on 13 attempts.
On defense, the Trojans’ Anthony Cmehil made 18 tackles, and Jagger Guidry wrapped up 17 tackles a week ago.
When: Sat. Oct. 17 at 3 p.m.
Last Week: The Eagles beat Mississauga (ON) Clarkson Football North, 63-46; and the Crusaders won at Cleveland St. Ignatius, 43-21.
Previous Meeting: Oct. 18, 2025; St. Ed defeated Moeller at home, 35-10.
Intrigue: Two of the best programs in the nation duking it out.
St. Ed’s Langston Lucas went 10-of-13 passing for 232 yards and four TDs while also rushing for 125 yards and three TDs on 11 carries a week ago. Caleb Hall Jr. was Lucas’ top receiver with three catches for 120 yards and two TDs. Ronnie Neal rushed for 115 yards on 13 touches while also making a 22-yard TD catch.
On defense, the Eagles’ Noble James garnered 13 tackles, one sack, and a pick last week. B.P. Paulozzi made two tackles and two TFL. Michael Pietch made five tackles, one TFL, and one pass deflection.
Moeller sophomore QB Hunter McLaughlin was 9-of-18 for 82 yards, one TD, and one INT last week. Reggie Watson had seven receptions for 66 yards and a TD. Juice Glover-Brown ran for 167 yards and two TDs while Phil Bailey had 103 yards and two TDs on 10 rushes.
Defensively, senior linebacker Andrew Stofko wrapped up nine tackles, and Julian Dwyer had six tackles, three TFL, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a recovery.
Jack Mallabar went 5-of-5 on PATs and was 2-of-2 on FGs with a long of 39 yards a week ago.
When: Fri. Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Last Week: The Eagles won at Columbus Bishop Hartley, 63-7; and the Warriors beat Youngstown Ursuline at home, 45-7.
Previous Meeting: Sept. 13, 2019; Watterson won at Walsh, 24-21.
Intrigue: This might be the best regular season matchup of the entire OHSAA season.
Watterson’s Dash Hoy went 2-for-4 passing for 35 yards and a TD while rushing for 122 yards and four TDs on five carries last week. Caden Mangini rushed for 55 yards and two TDs on seven touches while also grabbing a 34-yard TD reception.
On defense, the Eagles’ Michael Boyle had eight tackles and three TFL last game. Ben Uhlenhake made seven tackles and two TFL. Kaden Hoy had three tackles, a pass breakup, and an INT while Carter Baldwin had three tackles and an INT. Joe Hayes had three tackles and two PBUs.
Aside from the loss to Hoban, Walsh has played some of the best football in the state this year. Since that loss in Week Six, Walsh has beat Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary and Youngstown Ursuline by a combined score of 101-14. There is no tougher test than Watterson though.
CENTRAL - Tipp City Tippecanoe (7-1) @ Troy (7-1).
EAST - Columbus St. Francis DeSales (6-2) @ Steubenville (6-2).
NORTHEAST INLAND - Mayfield (8-0) @ Copley (6-2).
NORTHEAST LAKE - Willoughby South (8-0) @ Eastlake North (8-0).
NORTHWEST - Orchard Lake (MI) Orchard Lake St. Mary (5-2) @ Toledo Central Catholic (6-2); Perrysburg (8-0) @ Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (4-4).
SOUTHEAST - Beaver Eastern (5-3) @ Crown City South Gallia (6-2)
SOUTHWEST - Bellbrook (8-0) @ Dayton Oakwood (7-1); St. Paris Graham Local (7-1) @ Lewiston Indian Lake (5-3).
Let’s hope everyone has a healthy, competitive, and sportsmanlike weekend!
