Hilliard Davidson vs. Westerville South, Tomorrow 3:30 ET (ESPNU) (3 of 3)
Monday: Hilliard Davidson Preview
Yesterday:
Westerville South Preview
Tonight:Preview of the South-Davidson game that takes place on Saturday, 3:30 ET at Ohio Stadium (can be seen live on ESPNU)
As most of the Week 1 games are going on right now within Central Ohio, two of the teams from the Ohio Capital Conference (Central and Capital Divisions) are sitting at home watching it rain. They get to sit at home and watch it rain because they get to play tomorrow, on the hallowed grounds of Ohio Stadium, in the 5th annual Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Series presented by BURGER KING®. This will be game number 2 of the 2 games at the ‘Shoe tomorrow, with the first matchup being between Upper Arlington and St. Thomas Aquinas HS (FL).
The meeting last year resulted in a blowout victory for the Cats of Davidson, helping them get the winning started in 2008. Last year was a great year for Davidson, getting to 11-2, reaching the regional final, falling however to Pickerington Central 7-3 in that final. Hilliard is led by star running back Rico Butler, who is one of the quickest the OCC has seen in a long time, 4.43 40-time, and probably could go much faster than that after watching his videos on scoutingohio.com. “[South coach]Rocky [Pentello] has made the comment to a few people that this defense is as good as any defense he’s ever had there,” Davidson coach Brian White said. “Westerville South is known for its defense. Obviously, we rely more on ball control and a steady flow for our offense and their defense relies on making big plays and creating turnovers, so we have great concern about their defense.”
Westerville South is trying to recover from last years’ 5-5 season, although they did split the crown in the OCC-Capital three ways. The non-conference schedule was very difficult for South last year, getting crushed by a total margin of 92-15 in those first three games, including a 35-0 defeat to the team on the other side of the field Saturday in Hilliard Davidson (0-0, 0-0 OCC-Central). The problems for South continue onto the quarterback situation, with the injuries to Jonathon Jennings. That has left the Cats without a true experienced varsity quarterback under center. “For us to win this game our playmakers have to step up,” South senior wideout Ryan Barber said. “We have to limit our mistakes and play disciplined. That’s the biggest thing. They’re a very disciplined team. They capitalize on mistakes.”
Predictions:
Jason- This meeting for both teams is going to be very interesting, because in high school football you can never truly tell how good a team is on paper. I think this is especially true for Westerville South, because if they can develop a rhythm on offense tomorrow, they could make this a close game. South has to play a nearly perfect game to beat Davidson however. This game could be close for 2 1/2, maybe 3 quarters. All of the factors are pointing to Davidson, especially if Butler goes off for a big game tomorrow. South’s defense better be ready to contain him. I don’t see that happening, and Davidson wins this one going away: Davidson 38, South 20.
Zach- After winning the state in 2006, Davidson is just as strong and will likely get the best of South on Saturday. With an unproven quarterback, South is prone to defeat as Davidson is poised to start out with another winning season in fine fashion. Still searching for a proven quarterback, the Wildcat offense must establish the run against a stout Davidson defensive line. The Davidson running game has a big star of their own in Rico Butler, who attended the same middle school as South’s Jayshon Jackson, is a speedy back who shows great versatility. In a battle between two Wildcat teams, Davidson is clearly the better team and the results will show in the ‘Shoe: Davidson 28, South 14.
