Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Warriors Look to Remain Number One

Winton Woods Cant Afford to Look Past Loveland

by Bret Sims

Winton Woods started the season ranked #1 in the Hacks preseason rankings for smaller schools in the Cincinnati area. The Warriors have done nothing to dispel that ranking as they find themselves atop the latest Enquirer poll.

Jeremiah Goins has been the player the Warriors expected this season, amassing over 1,100 yards rushing and 13 TD’s. Goins is ranked second in the FAVC in rushing yards only behind Norwood’s Jeremy Scott. Goins has already surpassed last year’s rushing total but has only half the touchdowns compared to the 26 times he found the end zone in 2008.

Dominique Brown has thrown for 872 yards while racking up another 522 yards on the ground. Brown like Goins are big, physical players that have reached their offensive status by combining speed, size and physical play. The seniors are looking to ride the wave into the playoffs this year but unlike last year and earlier this season should the run into Anderson they expect a different result.

Loveland comes into the game with an overall record of 4-4 and a rusher in Adam Engel who has compiled nearly 1,000 yards on the ground this season. The senior QB often does most of his damage on the ground but when he has to put the ball in the air he is more a capable passer with Andrew Newbold on the receiving end most of the time.

If this game were a boxing match it would more resemble a boxer (Winton Woods) vs. a puncher (Loveland) in their contrasting style. The Warriors often strike quickly on big plays from anywhere on the field while the Tigers are comfortable in their slow, methodical approach.

Winton Woods has had trouble this year on the defensive side of the ball. Often they seem to lose focus during the game and instead of closing it out they allow their opponents to get back into the game so as long as a team doesn’t panic what might seem like and insurmountable lead can be erased.

The Tigers are solid at almost all of their positions but they don’t have the athletes that Winton Woods can put on the field. On the high school level, a team loaded with athletes, are able to overcome mistakes as have the Warriors this season.

Loveland needs to keep the game within two scores if they want any shot at taking down the Warriors.

Winton Woods has playoffs on their mind and while the possibility of being derailed by looking ahead it isn’t likely.

Look for Goins to get it going early and the Warriors ride his back en route to another lopsided victory.