Week 1: St. Charles at Canal Winchester

[84Indians]

Time to focus on the first game. Last year St. Charles won Varsity, JV, and Frosh. Haven't heard much on St. Charles. Hope Canal fares better this year. Last year for some reason CW had multiple kids sidelined during the game with leg cramps. Hopefully no repeat of that.

What say ye??

[BEAR]

I picked my top 8 in R3 and St C was one of them. Everyone said that the OCC will be the powerhouse's in R3 and St C does not have a chance. I'm picking them cause they don't play any of the OCC teams. I think the OCC loses points because they all play each other. I'm not bad mouthing the OCC I'm new to this and would like someone to explain how I'm wrong.

[ReadyKnightsFan]

I picked my top 8 in R3 and St C was one of them. Everyone said that the OCC will be the powerhouse's in R3 and St C does not have a chance. I'm picking them cause they don't play any of the OCC teams. I think the OCC loses points because they all play each other. I'm not bad mouthing the OCC I'm new to this and would like someone to explain how I'm wrong.

In theory you make sense and I would love to see a day when I believe St. Charles is one of the best D1 programs in Columbus but I highly doubt Ill ever see that. St. Charles does not have a long and storied history as do their 4 Central Catholic League counterparts. They are actually the only CCL school to never win a state championship.

St. Charles simply cannot win in their conference. Its been 30+ years since they beat DeSales, 10+ since they beat Watterson, the last time they played Ready they even got beat. St. Charles is a D1 program that schedules non D1 schools... The points just aren't there to be had. Its very unfortunate but St. Charles will not be competitive on the Division 1 level.

That being said, I see them taking this game against Winchester.

[dad4sports]

These two teams played a very entertaining early-season game last season......look for more of the same this time around. Lots of unknowns for the Indians.....more than they last few years, anyway.

Can anyone give us a scouting report on St. Charles? What teams did they scrimmage?

[ReadyKnightsFan]

St. Charles scrimmaged Dublin Scioto and "won" 28-21... Not sure what the Irish have this year though.

[OldQBScout]

Big Walnut in which both teams moved the ball and scored. SC has a lot of positions to replace mainly QB and running back from last year with wicklife and sparr gone. QB looked good against BW. Their defense had trouble against the run early, but I saw a lot of players being switched in and out so they were searching for combinations...tough to tell who was first team, etc.

[OldQBScout]

In regards to who won the SC/BW scrimmage, I really think it was somewhat a tie but I really don't put much stock in preseason games scores as it may be 1 vs 2 at times. i just look at how well they are coached, do the show enthusiasm, do the make a bunch of mistakes, etc! Both teams passed the look test.

[Walking Boss]

I picked my top 8 in R3 and St C was one of them. Everyone said that the OCC will be the powerhouse's in R3 and St C does not have a chance. I'm picking them cause they don't play any of the OCC teams. I think the OCC loses points because they all play each other. I'm not bad mouthing the OCC I'm new to this and would like someone to explain how I'm wrong.

Bear: I see the reasoning behind your logic, I just disagree in this specific case.

My reasoning is as follows:

* In order the make the playoffs, St. Chaz will have to accumulate a certain number of points. With (virtually guaranteed) losses vs. DeSales and Watty and zero points from the Crusaders, they're going to have to do well in all of their other games (against mostly lower division rivals) and hope those teams do well.

* There are 8 playoff spots in the region. Both Springfield and Troy are talented teams that can make the same argument that can be made for St. Chaz (few, if any, OCC games). Plus they are both far more talented than St. Chaz. Those two arguably have a better track than SC on the playoffs.

* Two spots are definitely spoken for by Pick Central and Hilliard Davidson, who will defnitely make the playoffs. That leaves only six spots for SC.

* The "cannibalization" factor of which you speak (OCC teams knocking each other off), has a degree of truth to it. The counter to that argument, however, is that there are sooooooo many of them competing for so few slots, that the "survivors" stand to have a bundle of points. Lancaster, Pick North, Groveport, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Darby, Olentangy Liberty, Olentangy, Olentangy Orange, Westerville South, and Marysville all stand a good (or reasonable) chance of making the playoffs. They'll help each other with level 2 points immensely, IMHO. For instance, UA plays Gahanna and Springfield. Whoever the losers are, they will still win some games. This will continue to feed the Level 2 points that St. Chaz will struggle for.

This is just my opinion, others can feel free to disagree.

[mcph07]

Looking forward to a great game. St Charles is definitely a different look on O this season. With Wickliffe gone it will be a much more balanced attack. Only being a few boys over the DI limit ST Charles will struggle to sniff the playoffs this season.

[OldQBScout]

FYI...Not that I want to argue.....i looked at Joe Eitel and St Charles would have made the playoffs more times in R3 than they have in R7.......they would have made it the last two years alone and didn't make it in 2009 in R7. Not saying they are going to this year but they only played 9 games last year too so the argument theyncan't make it because of that is flawed! And they were 5 and 4 last year and would have been in the same spot in r3 as they were in R7.....just something to chew on!

[OldQBScout]

FYI...Not that I want to argue.....i looked at Joe Eitel and St Charles would have made the playoffs more times in R3 than they have in R7.......they would have made it the last two years alone and didn't make it in 2009 in R7. Not saying they are going to this year but they only played 9 games last year too so the argument theyncan't make it because of that is flawed! And they were 5 and 4 last year and would have been in the same spot in r3 as they were in R7.....just something to chew on! The reason...they are playing teams that are making the playoffs and have good records that give them points! Just spend some time looking at it! I think the OCC beats itself up that's why it is difficult for them to get some teams in that are probably deserving!

[Walking Boss]

OldQB: Not sure if the "9 game" reference to my post or not, but the point I was trying to make is that the fewer games you play (9 vs. 10) the fewer chances you have to win games and accummulate points. It didn't end up mattering last year for St. Chuck. It doesn't matter with teams like Pick Central or Davidson, because they'll win 8 or 9 if they play 9. IMO, the St. CHuck game is different, because they are spotted 2 losses. The unsanctioned Crusaders are a non-game, so that leaves 7 games to get all of your playoff points. Not saying it can't be done, I'm just saying I wouldn't paint myself into that corner if I had other options. If I didn't have other options, I wouldn't consider myself "fortunate" to have been dealt that hand.

Two points I think you are missing, however: A.) Pointwise, R3 has been easier for R7, so there are many teams that would have made the playoffs in R3 that missed it in R7. That being said, B.) this year's R3 is not the same as R3 in year's past. They've gotten rid of West, Franklin Heights, Marion Harding, and Lima Senior and have added Olentangy Orange, Dublin Scioto, Olentangy, Hilliard Bradley, and Dublin Jerome. The additions are not necessarily 'powerhouses', but several of them provide greater competition for the 5-8 slots than the teams they replaced. In general, R7 has been significantly weakened and R3 has gotten stronger, coincident with St. Charles moving the R3.

[OldQBScout]

As you know...things change from week to week...we shall see if you are right...every year is different and this year always starts out with some optimism for your teams. Not having grown up here, i just enjoy the rabid nature of Ohio Football!

[OldQBScout]

Don't forget the lower divisor which actually helps teams that play less games......especially if one of their opponents also plays one less game....even lower divisor.

[ReadyKnightsFan]

If you play 10 games and win 10, that does not mean you automatically receive more points than a team who played 8 games and won 8. The divisor is different.

[Walking Boss]

QBFan: Welcome to Ohio.

Ready: I'm well aware of the divisor. I am also well aware that a team who wins 10/10 won't "automatically" get more points than one who wins 8/8.
The divisor is minor to that point, really. Quality wins in far more important than divisor to the math and that is precisely what I am talking about. Playing fewer games gives you fewer chances to accumulate quality wins. St. Chuck was fortunate to nip Canal in the opener and then have Canal run the table. They may not be as fortunate this year.

I'm pretty much done with thi subject for now. If others want to believe that the Cardinals have a good shot at the R3 playoffs, more power to them.

[84Indians]

Back to focusing on the game tomorrow.

I think Canal has a good chance to return the favor and nip St. Charles in this game at home. A little payback from last year. If the defense holds up, the offense should be able to get some scores. I predict 20-17 CW in an epic battle. We had several hundred fans at the Newark scrimmage last week so I predict a very full and rocking Mike Locke field come Friday evening.

Go Indians!:cool:

[Tiresias]

This is an interesting discussion about whether or not SC will make the play-offs.

I was under the assumption that if you are in D1 and only play 1 other D1 school you have little chance to make the play-offs. I imagine if SC beat Watterson or Desales they may accrue a goodly number of points but based on the history of these games I'm not counting on it.

They play the schedule of a D2or 3 team. I would venture to guess that Watterson or Desales would have a better chance getting into the D1 play-offs with their schedules as D3 teams, than SC does.

It never entered my mind that SC could make the playoffs this year.

[ff23]

Last season they went 5-4 and made the playoff in DII. That was b/c they beat teams w/ winning records. I feel they could easily get in the playoffs in DI just by winning 2 more games on their schedule...if the teams they beat win a majority of their games. Lvl 2 points add up fast and a victory over DeSales or Watterson would add greatly to those points. Granted the teams they beat last season may not have the same amount of wins this season but it's certainly a possibility. Good luck to St. C this season.

[Tiresias]

I don't know much about Jackson, Rogers or Canal Fulton other than they are all D2 or 3. I think Jackson is kind of a big school playing in a small school conference aren't they? I'm glad to hear the Cards might have a chance at a play-off spot.

[judge_smales]

I was hoping to read something about this game.....Good Luck tonight Canal.

[tomeboy]

Canal 6 StCharles 0 half

[tomeboy]

St Charles scores 1st possession

[tomeboy]

End of 3 St C 7 Canal 6

[tomeboy]

With 8 to go St Charles fumbled on 1 and Canal takes over and gets quick 70 us RD run. With 6 to go Canal 12 St C 7

[tomeboy]

That's final

[dad4sports]

Big win for the Indians.....

Out of town....can anyone provide details?

Thanks in advance!

[creeksider]

Congratulations to Canal! Go MSL.

[84Indians]

Very big win, very proud of the team. Canal started off well holding St. Charles on their first series then marching downfield for a score to go up 6. St. Charles got a penalty against them on the xp so Canal opted to go for 2 and failed. The rest of the first half saw canal move the ball ok but then drives sputtered out. Very little running game. #28 went out early, looked like he tweaked a knee, hopefully he will be back. He was using crutches in second half.

Right before half Canal had a snap sail over the QB's head on 4th down at St. Charles 15. St. Charles took over near midfield and quickly drove down to CW's 5 aided by a pass interference call in the endzone. Canal's corner (Sophomore # 2) who was called for the penalty then picked off a pass at the goal line to end the threat and half.

St. Charles scored on a long run early in the third. Canal really struggled to move the ball much of the second half and St. Charles controlled much of the half. St. Charles drove to the CW 1 with about 7 minutes left and looked like they could put themself up 2 scores. However they fumbled at the 1 and CW got it back. Canal finally had the momentum back and rooted it out to about the 30 and then the QB broke free on a designed run for the long score. 2 pt conversion failed.

CW then held on for a hard fought victory. All in all CW got the win but the offense has some work to do. Lots of pressure in our QB's face especially in the 2nd half. Defensively we looked pretty good. Not sure why St. Charles threw as much as they did deep. Only hit a couple, QB had to be well under 50% completions.

CW's DE #50 (jr) played very well putting pressure on the St. Charles QB and had some nice sacks. Linebacker #33 (Jr) also had some monster hits. On offense #88 looked good catching the ball and the big Junior RB (#4) had some nice runs when he had a hole.

It gets no easier from here, at Grove City then home with Marion Franklin next 2 weeks. At least we started 1-0. Great to see them play the whole game, no quit in them tonite.

They sang Happy Birthday to coach Hinkle in the endzone after the game, good birthday present. Congratulations, love hearing that victory bell at Mike Locke field.

As always..... Go Indians!

[sccards7]

It was a great game and both teams played well. Our offense really surprised us, as well as our team. The whole school did not have much confidence in the team, but we played well against a great Canal team. Just eliminating the turnovers (espescially the red zone turnovers) and we have a shot. Surprises include Sean Fitzmartin (#22) who played very well. Wouldn't be surprised if we can upset a Watterson or Desales team. Tough game next week against Eastmoor, but if we limit the mistakes, we can pull it off.

[cwindian]

Hope the Cards knock off Eastmoor next week. Good luck to St Charles the rest of the season. Hopefully you can give us as many computer points as we gave you last year.

CW offense still trying to find its identity. Some great weapons on that side of the ball. Just missing cohesiveness first week. The Indian offense will have a number of games in the 40's but maybe not for a week or two.
CW defense is fast and swarming. Got caught a few times out flanked but for the most part looked good. Coach Leist would have been proud.

[JC88]

It was a great game and both teams played well. Our offense really surprised us, as well as our team. The whole school did not have much confidence in the team, but we played well against a great Canal team. Just eliminating the turnovers (espescially the red zone turnovers) and we have a shot. Surprises include Sean Fitzmartin (#22) who played very well. Wouldn't be surprised if we can upset a Watterson or Desales team. Tough game next week against Eastmoor, but if we limit the mistakes, we can pull it off.

Great game?
Great Canal team?
Played Well?

Either we weren't watching the same game or you are generous with the superlatives?

Did you also believe Tressel's job was safe back in December?

[dad4sports]

Very big win, very proud of the team. Canal started off well holding St. Charles on their first series then marching downfield for a score to go up 6. St. Charles got a penalty against them on the xp so Canal opted to go for 2 and failed. The rest of the first half saw canal move the ball ok but then drives sputtered out. Very little running game. #28 went out early, looked like he tweaked a knee, hopefully he will be back. He was using crutches in second half.

Right before half Canal had a snap sail over the QB's head on 4th down at St. Charles 15. St. Charles took over near midfield and quickly drove down to CW's 5 aided by a pass interference call in the endzone. Canal's corner (Sophomore # 2) who was called for the penalty then picked off a pass at the goal line to end the threat and half.

St. Charles scored on a long run early in the third. Canal really struggled to move the ball much of the second half and St. Charles controlled much of the half. St. Charles drove to the CW 1 with about 7 minutes left and looked like they could put themself up 2 scores. However they fumbled at the 1 and CW got it back. Canal finally had the momentum back and rooted it out to about the 30 and then the QB broke free on a designed run for the long score. 2 pt conversion failed.

CW then held on for a hard fought victory. All in all CW got the win but the offense has some work to do. Lots of pressure in our QB's face especially in the 2nd half. Defensively we looked pretty good. Not sure why St. Charles threw as much as they did deep. Only hit a couple, QB had to be well under 50% completions.

CW's DE #50 (jr) played very well putting pressure on the St. Charles QB and had some nice sacks. Linebacker #33 (Jr) also had some monster hits. On offense #88 looked good catching the ball and the big Junior RB (#4) had some nice runs when he had a hole.

It gets no easier from here, at Grove City then home with Marion Franklin next 2 weeks. At least we started 1-0. Great to see them play the whole game, no quit in them tonite.

They sang Happy Birthday to coach Hinkle in the endzone after the game, good birthday present. Congratulations, love hearing that victory bell at Mike Locke field.

As always..... Go Indians!

Thanks so much for the recap. Since I had to miss the game, it's nice to get a feel for how things went.

[dad4sports]

Good luck to St Charles the rest of the season. Hopefully you can give us as many computer points as we gave you last year.

That would be great!

[mommaindian]

Great game Canal...The kids played hard. Fox had a nice game at QB, had a nice game passing and showed good speed in his 78 yard td run and defense looked very good.On the down side, lots of kids cramping and we have some hurt kids, hopefully nothing serious. Lets get ready for Grove City.....Go Indians

[dad4sports]

That's back-to-back season openers with cramping problems for CW. Was it especially hot/humid last night?

[sccards7]

Great game?
Great Canal team?
Played Well?

Either we weren't watching the same game or you are generous with the superlatives?

Did you also believe Tressel's job was safe back in December?

Yes I believe that it was a good game and yes Canal was good. their quarterback threw for almost 200 yards. and no i did not think tressels job was safe

[84Indians]

That's back-to-back season openers with cramping problems for CW. Was it especially hot/humid last night?

It was nothing like last year. A couple kids on defense did cramp a little mainly when the offense had back to back 3 and outs putting the defense on its heels. Overall our conditioning looked pretty good. No one stayed out and the kids looked fine today.

[cwjordon]

congrats to canal on a big win!alex fox played super! RECIEVERS LOOKED GOOD #88 #5 DEFFENSE -COSBY #50 TOLEDO#33 GREAT GAME OSBORNE#51 CAME OUT IN THE SECOND HALF TOOK CONTROL

[jtullonly]

Very simply put it was a poorly played game by both teams. SC gave the game to CW.

[cwindian]

St. Charles will be kicking themselves all season for turning the ball over inside the 5 yrd line 2x. That was the difference between a win and a loss. Shoulda-woulda-coulda is definitely in play here. Just glad that it was the Indians on the right side of it this year.

[SANDMAN965]

Either tell your athletes to eat a banana before the game or take a potassium supplement and they won't get cramps.