EAST (6-2)
vs. WARREN HARDING (3-5)

Game time: 7 tonight at Mollenkopf Stadium
TV: FSN Ohio
Notebook: The Panthers will probably not make the playoffs, despite having a good chance to finish with 8 wins. Last weekend’s narrow loss to Canton Central Catholic deprived East of much-needed computer points. This week, the Panthers return to Mollenkopf Stadium, the site of last weekend’s loss, to battle the Raiders who are sinking fast. Back-to-back 56-0 losses to Cleveland St. Ignatius and Massillon have Warren Harding in danger of a seven-loss season for the second time in three years.

COLUMBIANA (6-2)
vs. EAST PALESTINE (3-5)

Game time: Friday, 7 p.m. at East Palestine.
Last meeting: In 2006, Columbiana won, 32-0.
Common opponents: Both teams shut out Lisbon (Clippers, 43-0; Bulldogs, 19-0). Both lost to South Range (Clippers, 34-14; Bulldogs, 44-12). The Clippers defeated Mineral Ridge (28-20) and Springfield (24-10). The Bulldogs lost to those opponents (48-6 to Mineral Ridge, 21-14 to Springfield).
Notebook: With only one loss in the Inter Tri-County League Tier One, the Clippers (4-1) remain alive in the league chase. South Range leads everyone with a 5-0 record and plays Mineral Ridge (7-1, 4-1) on Friday. Also at stake for the Clippers are precious playoff points. In this week’s computer playoff ratings, Columbiana is in fifth place in the Division VI Region 21 rankings. The top four teams in each region earn a home playoff game in the first round. Columbiana coach Bob Spaite says there is a friendly hatred between Columbiana and East Palestine that goes back forever. In last week’s loss to South Range, the Clippers gave up 21 points in the game’s first 16 minutes, allowing the Raiders to score three touchdowns on their first four possessions. When the Clippers put together a 65-yard scoring march right before halftime, Raiders running back Steve Bensinger responded by breaking loose for a 65-yard touchdown on the final play of the half. Josh Hertel led the Clippers with 90 yards rushing on 20 carries. Quarterback Ryan Williams completed 8 of 19 tosses for 99 yards and one interception. Brian Warchol caught three of them for 42 yards. In last week’s loss to Mineral Ridge, Bulldogs quarterback Shane Peterson rushed 11 times for 94 yards. He completed seven of 25 passes for 52 yards and one interception. Nick Baiamonte caught five of them for 52 yards.

HUBBARD (5-3)
vs. LIBERTY (6-2)

Game time: Friday, 7 p.m. at Liberty.
Last meeting: In 2006, Hubbard defeated Liberty, 17-7, in a first-round playoff game. The Eagles also won the regular-season matchup (35-0).
Common opponents: Both lost to Lakeview (28-23 for Liberty, 28-13 for Hubbard). Both have league wins over LaBrae and Newton Falls. Liberty lost to Girard (31-30) while Hubbard gave Girard its only league loss (33-14).
Notebook: Hubbard is fighting for its playoff life. In this week’s Div. III Region 9 ratings, the Eagles are 10th. Wins over Liberty and Brookfield might earn enough points for a playoff return. In last week’s 35-14 victory over Champion, Hubbard’s offense was directed by quarterback Marc Kanetsky who completed 13 of 23 passes for 239 yards. His top receiver was Andre Taylor (five receptions, 138 yards). Robert Wigfall rushed 13 times for 66 yards and caught three passes covering 49 yards. Champion’s Kris Wildman was able to rush for 145 yards on 28 attempts against the Eagles defense. Despite just two losses, Liberty’s weak non-league schedule most likely has cost the Leopards any hope of a playoff berth. In last week’s 21-12 win over Brookfield, Ryan Pennington rushed 14 times for 91 yards.

Vindicator sports staff