Thursday, August 21, 2008
East vs. CleVELAND South
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Canfield High
Notebook: After four years with Sal Battles at QB, the Panthers turn to Division I prospect Roncarlos Hilton to lead the offense, which has just one returning starter. Six starters return on defense. This marks the first time in years East/Rayen hasn’t started with Canfield, but its assignment isn’t any easier. Cleveland South went 8-3 and lost in the first round of the playoffs last season. Led by electric QB Devontae Payne, the Flyers should contend for another postseason berth.
Chardon vs. Canfield
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Canfield High
Notebook: The Cardinals get a tough first test with perennial playoff contender Chardon, which went 7-3 last season and just missed the playoffs. Canfield returns strong-armed QB Adam Muth, who split time last year and should have a big year. The Cards lost arguably their best player in FB/LB Dan Banna, who tore his ACL in the first scrimmage. RBs Christian Smith and Kyle Vaclav lead the backfield.
Struthers vs. Springfield
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at Springfield
Last meeting: Struthers won 27-23 last year
Notebook: Struthers returns seven on defense and six on offense from last year’s 4-6 season. Terrance Myers, who ran for 350 yards last season, and two-year letterman Dom Lariccia key the backfield for the Wildcats. RB Ronnie Snyder and FB Dylan DeJane return for the Tigers, who will look to start off the season with a big win after going 2-8 last year.
Liberty vs. Brookfield
Game time: 7 p.m. Thursday at Brookfield
Last meeting: Liberty won 21-12 last year
Notebook: Leopards RB Fitzgerald Toussaint joins fellow University of Michigan recruit Isaiah Bell in leading a Liberty team that has high hopes for this season. Brookfield was hit hard by graduation but returns RB Mack O’Brien from last year’s 5-5 season.
Tuslaw vs. South Range
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at South Range
Last meeting: Tuslaw won 37-28 in the first round of the 2000 playoffs
Notebook: South Range QB Jack Dawson returns to lead a fairly inexperienced Raider team that hasn’t lost in the regular season since 2004. Tuslaw went 7-3 last season and returns 11 senior lettermen. QB Shelby Combs is the leader of the Mustangs’ spread offense.