[crab42]

I figured I'd start this here since most posters are from the north and Crestview is in Ashland County.

Valley defeated West Lafayette Ridgewood last night 28-21... Crestview defeated Grandview Heights (not sure of the exact score).

I don't know much about Crestview. Being 11-0, they are obviously a talented football team. On the same token, Valley is also 11-0 and looks to have played a more challenging schedule.

I'd think Valley is the favorite in this one, but I'm sure it will be a very intense battle next Friday.

I would love to know what people think of Crestview and what their opinions are of this matchup.

[badelman05]

Crestview is a run oriented team. They probably run 75-80% of the time. Their starting running back has had a great season (sorry cant remember the name). They also have an excellent defense. Hope this was some help.

[Bird Nation]

Mason Minnich

[Big Country]

Actual score friday night was Crestview 45 Grandview 29. Minnich has set the single season and career rushing records at Crestview, but dont forget if you keep Mason from running around you, Mongomery will be more than happy to run over you. Mason gets alot of attention and rightfully so, but we are not a one pony backfield.

[ranman888888]

Minnich had right around 2000 yards i think. I am a Norwalk St. Paul alumni and they are in the same conference as AC. And AC scored real late in the 4th quarter that night to beat SP with 25 seconds left. But SP had the better of the play in the entire 2nd half and AC's only other TD in the 2nd half came on a fumble return. And in that game Minnich had like 90 yards on 1 drive in the 1st quarter and then had like 30-40 yards the rest of the game. That being said AC knows how to win close games and their QB led them to 4th quarter wins in close games numerous times. And their conference the Firelands Conference was probably as competetive from top to bottom as it has ever been. Although AC is the underdog in this game I would not be surprised to see them win they are a very good team!!!!

[crab42]

I have no doubt that Crestview is a good team and they have some impressive running backs... I just think that Valley's schedule will have them a little better prepared. Valley beat #5 seed Portsmouth West in week 7 and they beat D-IV Reg 15 #8 seed Chesapeake in week 4. Chesapeake lost 30-27 on a last second FG to #1 seed St Clairsville.

Valley's defense has been very impressive against running teams. They have a big physical offensive and defensive line. As Ridgewood fans will tell you, they had much more success spreading Valley out and throwing the ball. Valley hasn't seen their equal on offense or speed wise yet, so I'm anxious to see how Crestview stacks up. I expect an excellent game Friday night... I'm sure it will be well worth the price of admission!

[crab42]

Looks like the game is being played at Upper Arlington

[Moose73]

You will like Marv Moorehead Memorial Stadium at Upper Arlington. Plenty of seating (about 12,000), ADA accessible, good concessions, and easy to get to. Up to date facility yet an old school feel.

Good luck Friday night.

[you think you know]

Good Luck Cougars!

[Moose73]

Directions from Lucasville (allow about an hour and 45 minutes).... Proceed North on US23 to I-270 on the south side of Columbus. Go West to I-71. Then north on I-71 to the 70-71 split to where OH-315 goes north. Stay on OH-315 to Lane Ave. Exit and go west on Lane Ave. to North Star Rd. Go North on North Star to Zollinger Rd. West on Zollinger to Mt. Hoyloke. The Stadium will be on the left - you can't miss it.

Directions from Ashland (allow about an hour and a half).... South on I-71 to I-270. West on I-270 to to OH-315. South on OH-315 to Ackerman Rd. West on Ackerman to Kenny. North on Kenny to Fishinger. West on Fishinger to North Star. South on North Star to Zollinger. West on Zollinger to Mt. Holyoke. Stadium on left.

There is a decent amount of parking at the high school as well as on street parking. Note that Mt. Holyoke is one-way southbound and Brandon Rd. (on the other side of the stadium) in way-way northbound. You can also park at the Kingsdale Shopping Center about a block or so to the west of the Stadium.

[izladoom]

crestview reminds me alot like portsmouth west run mainly from the I. valley normally plays the best against these types of teams. they only have problems when you spread them out. valley can pass the ball as good as anybody but they never have to. is ua stadium turf or grass?

[Moose73]

Turf

[izladoom]

that may help valley out since it is what they play on does crestview have turf?

[quasimodo]

Be wary of comparing schedules based on who made the playoffs and their ranking. We're talking about teams over two hours away. I'm not saying Crestview is favored, but you can't compare strength of schedule, based on opponents that have nothing in common.

[crab42]

Originally Posted by quasimodo

Be wary of comparing schedules based on who made the playoffs and their ranking. We're talking about teams over two hours away. I'm not saying Crestview is favored, but you can't compare strength of schedule, based on opponents that have nothing in common.

I agree somewhat... I just think it bodes well to have played good teams. If there are only 4 teams left in the region and 2 of them are from the same conference then it can be a useful measuring stick of your team. Now, I know that has no bearing on what will happen Friday night... But it may be a little boost in confidence to know that you match up well with the better teams.

I have also seen turf brought into the discussion here and elsewhere... Yes, Valley plays on turf but I don't see how it is an advantage or disadvantage for either team. I could see playing on grass in rough weather being a disadvantage to speed or spread teams, but turf seems to be a neutral surface. I don't think it will be much of a factor in the game.

Also after reading about Crestview and their running back, it looks like we could be in for a treat Friday night. The Indians have a back that has around 1500 yards and 31 TDs. He has done this on roughly 165 carries, so he's just under 10 yards a pop. I know the Crestview kid has approx 2000 yards and has a big number (5000+) for his career. Is he a 25-30 carry back? Isn't he more of a straight ahead bruiser? Valley's RB is big (6-2, 205) but he's very quick and has great vision in the open field.

This should be a great contest! Go Valley!

[Big Country]

Its my understanding that every game after week 11 is required to be played on turf and while Crestview does not have a turf field in the regular season they seem to adapt to it quite well last week. I didnt think Minnich could look any faster, but turf seems to suit him.

[hasbeen1]

It will be interesting with crab42 thinking they played better competition. What is better football here or football there? We'll find out but i know Loudonvilles record didn't show it but they were a pretty good football team that Crestview beat in the last minute. Good luck cresview go show them where the best football is.

[TYfortyger]

good luck this week cougars! hopefully we'll see you and wynford at arlin field next week

[crab42]

It may not be the best football on a yearly basis... as a matter of fact it probably isn't. I was looking at the size of the schools and the record of each teams competition. I see bigger schools on Valley's schedule and schools with some playoff success this season. The Columbus Dispatch picked Ridgewood over Valley, basically calling Valley's SOS suspect. It didn't turn out that way and this game may not turn out that way either. I'm not at all taking anything for granted with a team that is 11-0 and sitting in the Regional Semis. I just think Valley has seen some better competition at this point. I don't expect many in the Football north forum to agree with me.

[redbird_balla21]

Some notes about Crestview

Offense

Quarterback Troy Stimpert has roughly 850 yards passing and 5 TD in his limited passing this season. He makes quality reads and has a big arm when needed. Throws a very solid deep ball.

Mason Minnich.. If Mason isn't the fastest RB in DV.. he certainly is close. He comes in to the game with 2330 yards and 23 Rushing TDs. He is averaging just over 8.6 yards per carry. If he gets in to the open field.. Forget about it.

Garrett Montgomery.. Garrett brings the power to the Crestview running attack. Hes big, 6'1" and extremely physical. He comes in to the game with 971 yards and is averaging about 6.5 yards per carry. He also is fast in the open field, but does the majority of his running between the tackles.

Wide Receiver Tyler George is the Cougars deep play threat and has 380 yards receiving and 3 TD's on the year.

Defense

Steven Petroff leads the way for the Cougars with roughly 138 tackles, 38+ TFL, and 10 sacks.

Brett Vanderpool has somewhere in the neighborhood of 115 tackles.

Jake Hill leads the area with 5 Interceptions

Kicking

Tanner Graybeal has become extremely consistent for the Cougars. He is 42/43 on Extra Points and 3/3 on Field Goals.