In Kirk Herbstreit’s third installment of the Varsity Football Classic, the most intriguing game arguably comes from Central Ohio. Showcasing two differing styles of offense, the spread oriented Dublin Coffman Shamrocks face off against the Westerville South Wildcats, who will run it down your throat with RB Jayshon Jackson.

Coming off a loss at Groveport, the Wildcats are poised to down Coffman in Ohio Stadium, the same place where Hilliard Davidson squeaked out a one point win vs South just a year ago. The job at hand is a tough one though. South has lost their last two games dating back to last season which was against these same Rocks.

Running out of the spread, Coffman had a very balanced attack last week in a 24-10 victory against rival Olentangy Liberty. Bilal Williamson, the sophomore tailback for the Rocks was superb from the jump. Williamson broke through the Patriot defense early on in the first quarter en route to a 68 yard touchdown score. Williamson would total 163 yards on the day, to help Coffman rack up 390 yards of total offense. Cole Stoudt was effective in the pocket, completing 20 of 31 attempts for 217 yards. A 51 yard strike to Connor Lucas was Stoudt’s only touchdown of the night but was easily enough to defeat Liberty.

South on the otherhand, had trouble all night with the Groveport defense. Aside from the first quarter of play, where South would score ten points, the Wildcats couldn’t muster a point. Although Westerville outgained the Cruisers in total yards (301-282), it was Groveport who made the biggest plays. Even during a night where reigning district player of the year Jayshon Jackson ran for 136 yards, the game was ultimately in Groveport’s hands.

In order to beat Coffman on Sunday, South is going to have to take care of the ball. What cost the Wildcats the game last Saturday were two interceptions thrown by Marcus Ball which allowed the Cruisers to run the ball and control the clock. If Rocky Pentello’s team can get the ball to Jackson at least 25 times on Sunday, they have a chance to beat the top team in Central Ohio, according to Cap City Preps’ Power Rankings. If not, we could very well see South dropping to 0-2 for the second straight season in a row.

For Coffman, they need to keep doing what they do. For the past three seasons, opponents have had a very tough time stopping Stoudt and that seems like it’s very unlikely to stop any time in the near future. With the combination of Williamson thrown into the offense, Westerville is going to have  a very tough task on their hands. A week removed from giving up 231 yards on the ground, I expect Coach Crabtree and Coffman to get the ball to his sophomore star early and often. In order to give first year starter Ball managable situations, Jayshon Jackson is going to have to get 5-6 yards on every carry. If not, we could see Coffman pulling away from the Wildcats en route to a 2-0 start.

PREDICTION- Coffman over Westerville South 24-13

Jimmy Ros, the 6’1″ 285 lb defensive tackle from Franklin Heights decided on Wednesday to return to Columbus West, the school he had a stellar junior season with after the failure of the South-Western City School operating levy. After racking up 73 tackles, 30 for a loss and four sacks in 2009, it had been rumored to return to Franklin Heights all summer long, the school where he played his first two seasons with. Garnering Honorable Mention All-District in ’09 with West, the decision was made to return to the Cowboys when it became known that Franklin Heights coach Rodney Hopkins wouldn’t let him back on the team. Hopkins decision made Ros’ even easier to make.

After receiving an offer from Ohio State over the summer, Ros was very adamant when talking about what he needs to improve on to make it to the Division I level and excel. “First, I need to improve on my grades. I need at least an 18 or higher to go D1.” Outside the classroom, Ros reflected on what he excels at on the field. Ros, a very strong pass rusher, admitted that he needs to, “stay lower on the ball, and get out of blocks easier.” What was clear to see throughout the entire ’09 season was the way Ros was able to get to the quarterback, sometimes at ease. But for the defensive front to truly be effective, they must stop the run gain and Ros was key to West’s run defense last season. “I’m very good with my pursuit angles and good with my hands once I get off a block.”

Clearly, Ros has something going good for him at the moment. Already in a system that he has excelled in historically, the 2010 season should only continue his ascent to the top of recruiting boards. Ros, who plans on racking up 100 tackles this season, had bigger goals when asked about what he wants to accomplish this season, “I want to be first team All-City and All-State.” If he can stay on the field and increase his level of production from last season, there’s no reason why we won’t see Ros in scarlet and gray down the road.

Ros will begin his senior season on the road as West takes on Centennial, a team who currently has a 31 game losing streak. For more on Ros, contact him at http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=3673&name=jroc76

The Big Ten Network has just released the new conference divisions that will take place in solely football for the 2011 season and on. Included in this change is the separation of arch rivals Ohio State and Michigan. In the new alignment, the first conference includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin. In the other division is Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern. Building up to the realignment was speculation whether or not the protected rivalries would retain their place on the schedule. According to Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, these rivalry games will keep their place on the schedule, so fans in Columbus and Ann Arbor will no longer fear losing the “Game,” which has lost some of it’s importance since Rich Rodriguez arrived on the scene. The heavily anticipated Big Ten Championship Game will take place on December 3, 2011 at Lucas Oil Stadium, marking the first time the 115 year old conference has had a championship game in football. This is what Delany had to say on the change;

“We focused on competitive equality, traditional rivalries and geography. We considered multiple models and countless permutations in an effort to achieve the most competitively balanced divisions while at the same time respecting our traditions, preserving existing rivalries, and creating opportunities for the establishment and growth of new rivalries. We have listened to the feedback from our institutions, alumni and fans, and while we understand that no final alignments could possibly satisfy all of our constituents, we believe that we have achieved a very exciting result.”

In City Leage action, the Northland Vikings upset Eastmoor in an interleague matchup between two of the best teams in Columbus. Kevin Tooson’s team was led all night by Myles Taylor-Hicks, the dual threat Northland quarterback who scored twice on Friday. The Vikings took an early first quarter lead as Taylor-Hicks hooked up with Trey Bias for a 25 yard strike. Eastmoor would tie the game in the second quarter as Ron Tanner, who is headed to Ohio State, and Jalen Crosby connected for a 45 yard score. Going into halftime tied, Northland took a six point lead in the third behind Jarell Jones’ 3 yard touchdown run. Jones would score again in the fourth but was shortsighted as Ron Tanner led the EA Warriors to consecutive touchdowns in the final quarter, the last coming with a little over a minute remaining. Going into overtime tied, the second City League matchup to do so on Friday, as Briggs and Whetstone also went into the extra period, Northland would come out on top 25-19. Jones scored once again for Northland and an interception on Eastmoor’s first possession of overtime guaranteed the Vikings the victory. For Northland, this is a promising start to what many think will be a successful season. Behind Taylor-Hicks, who was one of the top quarterbacks at the Next Level Football Combine held at Grove City Christian early this month, Northland looks to take the north by storm this season. Traditionally, Brookhaven and Beechcroft have been the major powers but after the Bearcats were downed by Marion-Franklin 27-2 on Friday, a power shift seems to be coming into effect. The Vikings visit Central Crossing on Friday and hope to continue their early season success.

-how to play the game the right way

-how to play fair, with rules

-how to interact with others and be a helping hand towards a greater cause

-how to grow as a person

-how to deal with the situation your forced with

-how to make your teammates that much better

-and lastly, MOST importantly, when to be loyal to your team and your hometown, the team that watched you grow up from a young phenom to a freak of nature athletically on the court.

I’m not a Cavs fan. But I feel like he ripped the hearts out of all Cleveland sports fans.

I feel for the city because every time I talk to a Cleveland fan about sports, it’s almost painful no matter what. They don’t get hopeful anymore. And they have every right to feel that way. They are like the girl that gets her heart broken every time she “falls in love”. Well this city has fallen in love enough. LeBron was the perfect guy for the town. He’s been around here all his life, and they let his problems go. Yankees hat? “Eh, who cares, just bring us a title, King.” Cowboys gear? “No biggie, just win it when it matters in June, ‘Bron.” I’m not from Cleveland, but boy I sure feel the pain. I don’t even like Cleveland sports teams but I’m hurt. Because I watched him grow up from a strong freshman that came into the state tournament with a team that was ready. LeBron, you didn’t show weakness and try to sprint to the locker room when you got pummeled physically by Cincinnati Roger Bacon your junior year. Your teammate did though. But I don’t get you LeBron. How can you hurt your city like that? The town you grew up in, lived in. But hey, the Browns and Indians we’re never good enough for you anyways. Now, your saying the Cavs aren’t either. Go ahead and be the guy that breaks the girl’s heart for no reason. Just remember, they won’t call the day after looking to be just friends.

Last but certainly not least, here is Zach with his definition for “Sports are…”

Sports are about a city that has gone through all sorts of depression, whether it be economic or sports related, get a breath of fresh air from the home grown. Watching that potential grow to great proportions, it seemed that the city of Cleveland was on the way to reversing the “curse” that they so desperately hold. Behind the dominance of LeBron James, the Cavaliers had to many, the best team chemistry in the NBA. But in reality, this was the complete opposite. When one person on a successful team gets all the attention and credit, it seems that that ship will finally sink, and this is what happened in Cleveland. LeBron, who is revered as the ultimate team player by many, is the direct descendent of selfishness. For seven years, the “ooh” and “ahh” we’re what kept bringing fans to the Quicken Loans Arena. LeBron did some things on the court, that have never been done by any other player to wear a Cavaliers jersey. The Hollywood type antics, from the pregame dance routines, to the chalk throwing before tip-off, everything about LeBron was a show. But this is not what team players do. In sports, talent is crucial, but when it comes down to it, team chemistry is what breeds champions. To attain success in a team sport, every single member on a team must be on the same page, and each player must work together to achieve the ultimate goal. We have seen this accomplished the previous two seasons from the Los Angeles Lakers. Each game, a new teammate stepped up. Whether it was Ron Artest, Derek Fisher or Pau Gasol, the crucial moments were shared with the entire team. For Cleveland, this was not the case. When the Cavaliers would be the topic of discussion, it was always, “LeBron and the Cavaliers,” not just the team, but LeBron first. And LeBron First was the motto for seven disappointing seasons in Cleveland. When Larry Hughes wasn’t the right fit for the “King,” what was the end result? When Mike Brown couldn’t bow down to James, where did he go? When Danny Ferry couldn’t assemble a team where LeBron didn’t have to take responsibility for the early playoff exits, what happened to him? Each one of these men were run out of town due to the inability of the “Chosen One,” to win when it mattered most. For LeBron, he has always been known to make his teammates better. But where was this improved production in the playoffs? It remains to be seen, because on a team, equal distribution of success needs to be evident, and for Cleveland this wasn’t true. Every accomplishment from 2003-10 will fall on the shoulders of LeBron. Last time I checked, there are five players on the court at one time, but to LeBron, there’s one and one only. And in sports, divas don’t win championships, ask Terrell Owens how his selfishness has added to his trophy case. For Cleveland this only adds to the sad story of sports in the city. At one point in 2007, it seemed that the city was finally going to reverse the curse. The Cavs had reached the NBA Finals, the Indians were a 90 win ball club behind CC Sabathia and the Browns we’re winning again. But piece by piece, this illumination faded. From the departure of back to back Cy Young winners, and the complete disassembeling of a football team, Cleveland fans still in their minds, had LeBron and the Cavaliers. But when a phantom elbow injury was the reason for the Cavaliers departure, it was evident that LeBron didn’t want to belong in Cleveland. It was clear to see the way he walked off the court at the Boston Garden, that LeBron knew in his mind that he would not be returning, because the 60 win team he had wasn’t good enough for his egotistical mentality. And after being the most talked about figure in sports for the past two months, LeBron aggravated the nagging injury that comes with Cleveland sports, by severing the pain of the people althroughout Ohio. Needing a way to create the stage for himself, LeBron had the sports world in his hands. “The Decision,” which will live in infamy for Cleveland fans for as long as they live, is the epitome of LeBron James and what his legacy will become. Offering no remorse for his former teammates and his own hometown, LeBron made himself into the selfish man that we are becoming to annoit him as. To athletes, winning is what counts, and I respect LeBron’s decision to win, but after what he did to the place that he called home, I don’t think I can respect the man.

LeBron, you may be tired and down in this picture. But multiply that by about 500,000 , and you will find that many people that feel just the same now. Your a heck of an athlete, but don’t let the door hit you on the way out bud.

]]> http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/07/09/sports-are/feed/ 0 http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/06/05/braxton-millerreplacement-or-upgrade/ http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/06/05/braxton-millerreplacement-or-upgrade/#comments Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:07:06 +0000 Zach Fleer http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/?p=1629

Fresh off a Rose Bowl victory and arguably his best performance thus far in his career at Ohio State, Terrelle Pryor has fans around the Buckeye State confident in his performance. Initially coming out of Jeanette High School in Pennsylvania, Pryor looked as if he was the best QB commit the Buckeyes had received in recent memory. With the signing of Braxton Miller, who according to ESPN is the no.2 signal caller in the nation, it’s clear to see that Jim Tressel found his replacement to TP, or did he upgrade? For Pryor, his running ability is what set him apart from the rest of the quarterbacks in his class. But for Miller, his legs are only an add on to an already superb passing game. And what makes Miller a more intriguing prospect is the fact that he has been clocked various times in the 40 running 4.4′s. Scary. It has been expected since he came onto campus that Pryor would be gone after his junior season, and if this does happen, it will clearly open the window for Miller to come in and take the job, with Kenny Guiton being the only reasonable competition for the spot. The thing Miller has over Pryor in this situation, is that Miller is well advanced for his age when it comes to the passing game. This is what ESPN Scouts had to say about Miller.

“ He has a big arm and can make every single throw. This offense provides him opportunities to stretch the field both outside of the numbers and between the hashes. Shows good velocity on his deeper throws. Can fit the ball into a lot of tight spots. He does a very nice job surveying the field and goes through his progressions.”

“Shows ability to change velocities and throw catchable balls underneath. He also shows good accuracy and touch in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Release mechanics are compact, but can be about 3/4. He is in the shotgun most of the time and needs more reps from under center to develop as a drop-back passer reading on the move. Possesses good lateral movement and shows the ability to slip pressure and create second-chance opportunities. He has very good speed for the position. He is elusive and quick for his size and displays some start and stop ability.”

For all of Buckeye nation, this scouting report is very promising. Not since the days of Troy Smith have the Buckeye had a consistent passing game. But with Miller, it seems that the Ohio State offense will be able to expand the spread offense, as this is what he has ran in all three years at Huber Heights Wayne. Dangerous once he is in open field, it’s very clear that the Buckeyes won’t lose anything in the ground game from their quarterbacks once Pryor is gone.

What will hurt Miller once he is on campus is the expectations that will be waiting for him. In two very solid seasons under center, Pryor has been criticized heavily, despite winning 18 of 21 games as a starter, including wins over Oregon in the Rose Bowl, at Penn State and home against Iowa, the defending Orange Bowl champions. Compiling 3405 yards and 30 TD’s through the air, the job Pryor has done thus far in his career is quite astounding. Considering the pressure that was thrust upon him upon arrival, there isn’t much to knock on Pryor. Going into the last three games of ’09, the inability to win “the big one” is what hurt Pryor the most. But after defeating the aforementioned Penn State and Iowa, and winning on the road against Michigan, the Rose Bowl victory only put those notions to rest. When Miller comes into the starting role, I expect his expectations to be much higher, as only two days after he committed to Ohio State, most analysts and fans are concluding that he will be better than Pryor. For now, I see him as a mere replacement to Pryor, but not yet an upgrade. For that to happen, Miller must improve the passing offense his freshman year, along with equaling the things Pryor has done on the ground. Either way, the quarterback position for the Buckeyes has been solidified for the next five years.

Directly from ESPN, while watching the Scott Van Pelt Show, here are the new playoff overtime rules passed just a few minutes ago by a tally of 28-4.

1. If the first team with the ball scores a touchdown, the game is over.
2. If the first team with the ball makes a field goal, the other team now gets an oppurtunity to tie or win the game on their possession.
3. If both teams make a field goal, the next team to scores wins the game.
4. Any score by opposing defense or special teams ends the game.

• In his first season, Mark Sanchez already has the most playoff wins in Jets history.
• Michael Beasley guaranteed an “easy victory” over the Charlotte Bobcats yesterday only to lose 104-65.
• Both hockey teams in the Canadian province of Alberta lost by a combined 15 goals on Monday night.
• Tim Lincecum asked for a pay raise up from $600,000 a year to $13,000,000, 15x his current salary.
• Rasheed Wallace returned to Detroit last night, claiming the Palace was still his, only to be blocked three times in a 92-86 loss.
• The Dallas Mavericks extended their streak of one-point victories, in a 94-93 win over the Washington Bullets uhm i mean Wizards.
• The Nets only lost by 11 points on Monday night, a moral victory for a team that has a record of 3-38.
• Kelvin Sampson finally hung up the phone Tuesday night.
• Johnny Damon remains unsigned along with Miguel Tejada, that’s what happens when you’re 35 and think you deserve Albert Pujols money.
• Jose Canseco didn’t call anyone else out this week, a first for the washed up steroids user.
• Tiger Woods checked into sexual rehab this week, it’s a good thing that they have all male nurses there.
• Central Crossing boys basketball has a three game winning streak.
• Northland won by 68 on Tuesday over Mifflin, 30 more than the total points scored the Punchers.
• Alex Rodriguez will play for Haiti in the next World Baseball Classic, his third team in three renditions of the tournament.
• John Wall’s name was once again mentioned on Sportscenter last night, breaking Tim Tebow’s former record of 20 consecutive shows.
• The color man for the Michigan-Wisconsin game on Wednesday said this when referring to a shot attempt by the Wolverines’ Manny Harris, “They better hope State Farm covers the damages from that brick.” And we thought Bob Griese was bad.
• Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady have sufficient votes for the All-Star Game, funny when McGrady has not played this season and Iverson quit on the Grizzlies then moved back to Philadelphia to ask for more shots.
• Evan Turner continued to dominate on Monday, abusing the Northwestern Wildcats for 20 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists.
• RIP Gaines Adams

If you have anything you’d like to share from this week, comment below!

First was Pete Carroll, who left a good USC team and a program that had it’s first non conference championship season in seven years to coach the Seattle Seahawks. What was more puzzling was why Carroll would leave such a prestigious program for the Seahawks, come on the Seahawks. After a few days of speculation it was highly rumored that USC will soon be under investigation for improper benefits given to former players, cough cough Reggie Bush. What we have here was a coach who wasn’t going to pay for his mistakes and leave a group of very young men to pay the price. Integrity? I think not.

When we thought that whole debacle with USC was over, the Trojans  made another splash. This time with the hiring of Lane Kiffin, who less than a year ago was hired at Tennessee to turn around one of the more successful programs in the nation. When Kiffin, who by the way has a career record of 12-22, real impressive, told Vols fans that when they “beat Florida, they would be singing ‘Rocky Top’ all night” bolted out of the Smokey Mountains as fast as Chris Johnson’s 40 time. Kiffin, who is entering his third job in four years, is the epitome of what we have at hand in college football.

Many coaches no longer have integrity and commitment to their respective schools, essentially using their current job as a way to move up in the ranks. Case in point, Brian Kelly, who abandoned an undefeated Cincinnati Bearcat team to take the job at Notre Dame, which is arguably the top job in the country. Three decades ago, this move would have never happened. First, Kelly would have been expected to not only build the Bearcats up but stay there until he decided to retire. Although there have been many coaches that have used lower schools as pit stops, the problem has increased as many high profile jobs have been available the last several seasons. How can you expect a player to remain committed to a university when the coach he has decided to play for, isn’t so sure about his own future? The other argument that has been raised is whether a player who decides to transfer should have to sit out an entire year if the coaches are allowed to leave on demand. When you sit down and think about it, the debate makes sense. Why are these coaches allowed to leave 100 men depending on them, but the players can’t leave without a price? When you break down the numbers, the salaries of college coaches are much higher per year then say tuition for a student athlete. If this is the case, I think players should be allowed to leave and play the following season, if the burden put on the school is much less than the departure of a coach. Whether this gets done or not, the problem still exists. College coaches nowadays are less dedicated as in years past and with the Bobby Bowden era ending at Florida State, and Joe Paterno close to retirement in Happy Valley, the new revolution is about to take over, and as of now, nothing is stopping the trend.

On a day where Brady Quinn’s alma mater entered a new era with Brian Kelly, the trend of losing in Cleveland froze just as the weather suggested. With wind chills reaching -15 degrees, the 1-11 Cleveland Browns virtually ended any playoff reservations the defending Super Bowl champs were hoping to make.

Led surprisngly by a stout defensive assault, Rob Ryan’s bunch got pressure all night on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who continued to struggle, completing 18 passes for 201 yards, but failed to get the ball into the endzone. The Browns, on the otherhand were far from a Mistake by the Lake on Thursday night, gashing the usually tough Pittsburgh run game for 171 rushing yards and a touchdown, the first by any Browns running back in over six games. Using the wildcat extensively with five tool hybrid wideout Josh Cribbs, the Kent State alum bruised the Steelers for 191 all purpose yards and a key rush on third down which saw Cribbs break mulitple tackles for a 16 yard gain and kept the ball in the Browns’ possession.

Coming off a 30-23 loss to the San Diego Chargers last week, hopes were high for Eric Mangini’s club and the usually ill fated Cleveland fan base was sent home with a victory behind the performance of a defense that was filled with no names who have been given their chance this season. A key example is Marcus Benard, a 24 year old Jackson State grad who coming into the game had three tackles in his NFL career. Blowing past the right side of the Pittsburgh offensive line, Benard collected two sacks and lived up to his nickname, “King Kong Benard.” Also important in the constant pressure put on Roethlisberger was Corey Williams, the constantly criticized six year vet who also had two sacks and five total tackles. Along with Benard and Williams, Brian Schaefering, David Bowens, Hank Poteat and Kaluka Maiava collected sacks, who?

This has been the story all year long for this Browns team. With a roster full of fill in’s and add on’s, this group has proven to Mangini that they can play and with 11 draft picks in the next upcoming NFL Draft, the future looks bright in Cleveland. If this rag tag group of players can send the defending champs home with a loss and end their playoff hopes, imagine what this team can do when given a doze of talent.

Aside from Cribbs, Chris Jennings took a load of the carries tonight, running the ball 20 times for 73 yards and a 15 yard scamper late in the second quarter. When it seemed the wheels were reading to fall off late in the game, the defense once again stepped up for the Browns and made sure the reeling Steelers would go back to Pittsburgh with an unprecedented fifth straight loss and an invitation to the golf course this January.

How does it feel Pittsburgh?