By Zach Gregory
Can you believe we’ve already played through seven weeks of football? There are just two games left in the regular season, and Greene County has some teams with legitimate playoff hopes.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Beavercreek Beavers (6-1) continued to rely on their running attack to pull out a close win over Springfield, 31-28. Tim Bradshaw had 92 running yards on 20 attempts, and Hunter Maloney had 58 yards on 14 attempts. Stone Kincer added 74 yards on just six attempts. The Beavers even got special teams involved. Jullian Linkhart returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 28 with 7:13 left in the game.
Beavercreek was ranked 14th in the latest OHSAA Football Computer Ratings in Region II of Division I school. However, they face some tough opponents in the next couple of weeks. The Elks are up next. Despite their 4-and-3 record, Centerville should pose a challenge for the Beavers. The Elks are still fighting for a playoff spot, which should only make this rivalry game even more intense. Beavercreek plays Wayne and Fairmont in its last two games.
The Rams also came up with a big win thanks to a reliable player. Logan Test ran for two touchdowns, returned a kickoff 75 yards for another, and came up with a fumble recovery as time was winding down, setting placekicker Bryce Wilson for a game-winning 20-yard field goal. Greeneview (5-2) held on to beat Springfield Northeastern’s, 31-28 win. The Rams are on the road this week, visiting South Charleston Southeastern.
After two straight losses, Carroll (4-3) rebounded with a 49-19 trouncing of Roger Bacon. The Patriots’ Corey Hastings had a monster day carrying the football. He ran for 302 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. Frederick Butts, AJ Stanziano and Sean Pauley each ran for a rushing touchdown as well. Jacob Severt threw for 106 yards on 5-for-9 passes. Carroll plays its last home game of the season when they host Purcell Marian this Friday.
The Bucs continued their rough schedule, hosting Springboro on Homecoming. Xenia (3-4) put up a lot of points on the offensive end, but the Panthers won 52-26. Xenia is ranked in the twelve spot of the D-II OHSAA Football Computer Ratings. They continue to face the top of the Greater Western Ohio Conference, South Division, taking on the division leading Miamisburg Vikings this Friday.
Bellbrook (2-5) and Fairborn (1-6) both lost to tough league opponents in week seven. The Golden Eagles gave up two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns in a 28-20 loss to Franklin. The Skyhawks played Miamisburg in a 35-13 loss.
Bellbrook remains on the road, playing Northridge this week. The Hawks visit Lebanon, who has the top-ranked passer in the GWOC. Dakota Allen has thrown for over 2,000 yards on the season for the Warriors.
Cedarville (1-6) hosts Springfield Catholic Central after a 41-8 loss to West Liberty-Salem last week. Greenon (0-7) will host Indian Lake this week. The Knights lost to St. Paris Graham 53-0 last Friday.
Week 7 Area Poll
(Team, record, season points differential)
1. Beavercreek (6-1) +44
2. Greeneview (5-2) +17
3. Carroll (4-3) +59
4. Xenia (3-4) -67
5. Bellbrook (2-5) -55
6. Fairborn (1-6) -87
7. Cedarville (1-6) -195
8. Greenon (0-7) -350
THIS WEEK:
Beavercreek (6-1) at Centerville (4-3); Greeneview (5-2) at South Charleston Southeastern Local (2-5); Purcell Marian (2-5) Carroll (4-3); Miamisburg (6-1) at Xenia (3-4); Bellbrook (2-5) at Northridge (3-4); Fairborn (1-6) at Lebanon (3-4); Springfield Catholic Central (3-4) at Cedarville (1-6); Indian Lake (5-2) at Greenon (0-7).
