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See dozens of football player stat leaders for offense, defense entering Week 9 of 2015 season

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See which football players in Northeast Ohio are leading the way in several offensive and defensive stat categories below based on information reported by teams.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Find out which football players in Northeast Ohio are leading the way in several offensive and defensive stat categories below based on information reported by teams. 

The deadline for team reps to enter their stats to be eligible for these posts is Tuesday at 7 p.m. The stats below reflect what has been entered in the database at the present time, as the charts are updated in real time when the post is opened. 


Don't see your team included? Please ask your coach or athletic director to participate in the Northeast Ohio Media Group's stats program. If they need instructions or access to the database, ask the coach, athletic director or statistician to email high school sports manager Kristen Davis at kdavis@cleveland.com.


To see more than the Top 5 in any category below, click the stat category link (for instance, passes completed) then click the "load more" link.


PASSING LEADERS







RUSHING LEADERS






RECEIVING LEADERS






DEFENSIVE LEADERS






Want more? You can search the interactive stats database for stat breakdowns by conference, by team and more. On that page click "load more" to see more than the Top 5. 


Follow our high school sports Twitter account @NEOvarsity and tag your high school sports Tweets and score updates with the #NEOVarsity hashtag.



Who is the favorite to win cleveland.com Field Hockey Player, Goalie of the Year entering state tournament 2015? (poll)

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Vote for who you think is the early favorite to win the cleveland.com Field Hockey Player and Goalie of the Year 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The field hockey postseason starts Monday, with players from all over the state trying to make it to Upper Arlington for the state tournament.

Last week, fans, coaches and athletic directors were asked to nominate players they deem worthy thus far of being named the 2015 cleveland.com Field Hockey Player and Goalie of the Year.


Below is a rundown of early contenders for the award along with a poll, which includes the option to add in your own nominee. Voting will be open until Nov. 2 -- the week of the state tournament -- at noon.


The poll is just for fun and will not have an impact on who is chosen as the player of the year by the cleveland.com staff after the state tournament ends. 


Check the poll throughout the postseason to see who is trending as the favorites by fans and the tennis community. And look for a post the week of Nov. 2 announcing the top vote-getter.


Here is a look at the early leading contenders for cleveland.com's Girls Tennis Player of the Year (information on 2015 season provided by schools).




Player of the Year nominees


Maggie Cha, Hathaway Brown:The junior midfielder scored five goals and nine assists during the regular season.


Sarah Keller, Hudson: Scored 13 goals and 6 assists before the postseason.


Julia Hillenbrand, Hawken: The senior scored seven goals including a game winner, had six assists and averaged three interceptions per game.


Meagan Mitchell, Shaker Heights: The junior scored 13 goals and dished out 8 assists.


Jessica Morford, Shaker Heights: The senior committed to Indiana University scored 10 goals and dished out 10 assists.


Goalie of the Year nominee


Hallie Wasser, Hathaway Brown. The senior keeper had 92 saves with a save percentage of 79 percent.


We encourage nominations for goalie of the year.


For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact Nathaniel Cline on Twitter (@nathanielcline), by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Dwayne Bowe might not play anytime soon: 'The top 4 guys are entrenched' says Mike Pettine

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Browns receiver Dwayne Bowe has been inactive four out of six games and might not see the field this week against the Rams.

BEREA, Ohio -- It doesn't look like Browns receiver Dwayne Bowe will be seeing the field anytime soon.

Brown coach Mike Pettine made it clear that the "top four guys are entrenched'' and that the ability to contribute on special teams is a huge factor beyond those four. They are Travis Benjamin, Brian Hartline, Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel.

"We make that decision each week,'' said Pettine. "We build a plan and see where we are from a depth standpoint. We talk about the minimum position requirements. The top four guys are entrenched. Marlon Moore is doing an outstanding job on special teams when he's available and then it just goes back to the last question. Then you gotta work backwards from special teams."

Bowe, who suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss most of training camp, has been inactive four out of six games this season, including the last two as healthy scratches.

Heading into the San Diego game the week before that, Bowe vowed "it's starts Sunday'' and said he felt capable of living up to his status as a priority free agent signing.

Instead, he was targeted only once that game and failed to catch the contested ball. He has no receptions this season and has played only 12 snaps.

But offensive coordinator John DeFilippo swore Thursday that the Browns will need Bowe at some point this season.

The Browns are probably reluctant to cut him because of his big contract. Bowe signed a two-year deal in the offseason worth $12.5 million, including $9 million guaranteed.

Tristan Thompson's new contract shows Cleveland Cavaliers are willing to pay the price for a championship

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The Cavs have shown that they're willing to pay the price to win a championship.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - With Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers finally reaching a five-year, $82 million deal to end the power forward's holdout, the team demonstrated that it's willing to pay the price for a championship.

Thompson's salary put the Cavaliers $30 million over the luxury-tax threshold. They'll fork over in the range of a $70 million tax bill. In taxes and player salaries for the 2015-16, the team is on the hook for about $184 million, the second-highest payroll in league history behind the 2013-14 Brooklyn Nets' $197 million.

In the end, the Cavaliers felt like it was time to get this deal done.

Center Timofey Mozgov acknowledged that his right knee is still bothering him after having it scoped in the summer. Anderson Vareajo had an impressive preseason as he recovers from last year's Achilles tear, but the team doesn't want to overdo his workload early on.

Kevin Love and his left shoulder look good, but after only two exhibition showings, it wouldn't be wise to expect him to come out of the gate banging and gobbling up boards like nothing ever happened.

Thompson is as durable as they come. He hasn't missed a game in his NBA career. He was missed while he trained in Miami. He was texted regularly by teammates, especially Love.

The two formed a close bond over the past year. They discussed the damage they could do to opposing frontcourts. Now, we'll get a chance to see what that damage will entail.

The Cavaliers paid $82 million to retain their backup power forward. That's a hefty price, but it proves their commitment to doing whatever it takes to end the city's championship drought. Rich Paul, Thompson's agent, was able to get the same deal former restricted free agent Draymond Green got from the Golden State Warriors.

As for LeBron James, he couldn't be happier, I'm told. When Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert return from their injuries, this will be the deepest team James has been a member of.

The only thing standing in the way of a title for Cleveland isn't talent and depth, but health. General manager David Griffin had a phenomenal offseason, drastically improving the roster by retaining players and then upgrading at backup point guard (Mo Williams) and small forward (Richard Jefferson).

Now it's time to see if the names on the roster will translate to gold, but for now, job well done.

NFL week 7 injury report

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The latest look at injuries around the NFL as week 7 gets underway tonight.

NEW YORK (AP) -- The National Football League injury report, as provided by the league (OUT - Definitely will not play; DNP - Did not practice; LIMITED - Limited participation in practice; FULL - Full participation in practice):

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -- SEAHAWKS: OUT: CB Marcus Burley (hand), DT Jordan Hill (quadriceps), C Patrick Lewis (ankle), LB Nick Moody (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: DE Demarcus Dobbs (shoulder). PROBABLE: DE Cliff Avril (ankle), T Justin Britt (hip), S Kam Chancellor (shoulder), DE Frank Clark (hamstring), T Garry Gilliam (ankle), WR Tyler Lockett (hip), RB Marshawn Lynch (hamstring), CB Richard Sherman (ankle), CB Tye Smith (hip), LB Bobby Wagner (pectoral). 49ERS: QUESTIONABLE: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), RB Carlos Hyde (foot), G Erik Pears (back). PROBABLE: G Alex Boone (shoulder), LB NaVorro Bowman (shoulder), LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder), RB Reggie Bush (calf), TE Vernon Davis (knee), WR Bruce Ellington (calf), TE Vance McDonald (chest), S Eric Reid (chest), T Joe Staley (knee), G Brandon Thomas (ankle).

BUFFALO BILLS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS -- BILLS: DNP: WR Percy Harvin (not injury related), T Seantrel Henderson (concussion), RB Karlos Williams (concussion), DT Kyle Williams (knee). LIMITED: WR Marcus Easley (shoulder), S Corey Graham (groin), QB Tyrod Taylor (knee). JAGUARS: DNP: DE Chris Clemons (not injury related), S Johnathan Cyprien (calf), WR Allen Hurns (ankle, thigh), WR Marqise Lee (hamstring), S James Sample (shoulder), RB T.J. Yeldon (groin). LIMITED: WR Allen Robinson (lower leg). FULL: TE Julius Thomas (chest, hand).

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS -- BUCCANEERS: DNP: LB Bruce Carter (thigh), G Logan Mankins (groin), TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder). LIMITED: T Reid Fragel (head), DT Gerald McCoy (shoulder), DT Tony McDaniel (groin), WR Russell Shepard (hamstring), C Evan Smith (ankle). FULL: CB Johnthan Banks (knee), S Chris Conte (ankle), DE George Johnson (ribs), TE Luke Stocker (hip). REDSKINS: DNP: CB Chris Culliver (knee), CB DeAngelo Hall (toe), DE Jason Hatcher (knee), WR DeSean Jackson (hamstring), C Kory Lichtensteiger (neck), LB Keenan Robinson (heel), RB Chris Thompson (back). LIMITED: DE Stephen Paea (back), TE Jordan Reed (concussion), T Trent Williams (concussion). FULL: CB Bashaud Breeland (knee), RB Matt Jones (toe), T Ty Nsekhe (foot), S Trenton Robinson (ankle).

ATLANTA FALCONS at TENNESSEE TITANS -- FALCONS: LIMITED: LB Justin Durant (elbow), WR Leonard Hankerson (ribs, hamstring), G Mike Person (ankle), WR Eric Weems (knee), WR Roddy White (foot). FULL: S William Moore (hand). TITANS: DNP: CB Perrish Cox (hamstring), WR Harry Douglas (ribs), S Michael Griffin (knee), QB Marcus Mariota (knee), RB Dexter McCluster (illness). FULL: NT Sammie Hill (knee), LB Avery Williamson (hamstring).

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at DETROIT LIONS -- VIKINGS: DNP: DT Sharrif Floyd (knee, ankle), DE Everson Griffen (illness), DE Justin Trattou (foot). LIMITED: RB Matt Asiata (rib), T T.J. Clemmings (knee), CB Terence Newman (ankle), RB Adrian Peterson (finger). FULL: WR Charles Johnson (rib), WR Jarius Wright (hand). LIONS: DNP: S James Ihedigbo (quadriceps), LB DeAndre Levy (hip), TE Brandon Pettigrew (knee, elbow), CB Josh Wilson (concussion). LIMITED: LB Josh Bynes (hip), TE Eric Ebron (knee), DE Jason Jones (neck), P Sam Martin (left knee), DT Haloti Ngata (calf), RB Theo Riddick (groin), LB Tahir Whitehead (shoulder). FULL: RB Joique Bell (ankle).

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS -- STEELERS: DNP: S Will Allen (ankle), CB Antwon Blake (thumb), CB William Gay (not injury related), LB James Harrison (not injury related), TE Matt Spaeth (not injury related), DE Stephon Tuitt (knee), QB Mike Vick (hamstring). LIMITED: CB Cortez Allen (knee), QB Ben Roethlisberger (knee). FULL: LB Jarvis Jones (hip), LB Ryan Shazier (shoulder). CHIEFS: DNP: DE Mike DeVito (concussion), LB Tamba Hali (knee), WR Jeremy Maclin (concussion), LB Ramik Wilson (knee, ankle). LIMITED: LB Justin Houston (elbow), DT Dontari Poe (ankle). FULL: WR Chris Conley (knee), TE Travis Kelce (facial laceration), LB Josh Mauga (groin, Achilles), K Cairo Santos (right foot), QB Alex Smith (right thumb).

CLEVELAND BROWNS at ST. LOUIS RAMS -- BROWNS: DNP: S Tashaun Gipson (ankle), CB Joe Haden (concussion, finger), TE Rob Housler (hamstring), LB Craig Robertson (ankle), DT Randy Starks (not injury related), T Joe Thomas (not injury related). LIMITED: TE Gary Barnidge (ankle), LB Tank Carder (shoulder), DE John Hughes III (knee), WR Marlon Moore (hamstring), LB Nate Orchard (groin), NT Danny Shelton (knee). FULL: QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow). RAMS: DNP: WR Tavon Austin (thigh), TE Lance Kendricks (hand), DE Chris Long (knee), RB Tre Mason (ankle), LB Alec Ogletree (ankle), DE Robert Quinn (knee). LIMITED: CB Janoris Jenkins (concussion).

HOUSTON TEXANS at MIAMI DOLPHINS -- TEXANS: DNP: G Brandon Brooks (toe), LB Jadeveon Clowney (ankle), CB Kareem Jackson (ankle), LB Benardrick McKinney (concussion), WR Cecil Shorts III (hamstring). LIMITED: S Quintin Demps (hamstring), RB Arian Foster (groin). FULL: T Oday Aboushi (toe), RB Alfred Blue (toe), T Duane Brown (hand), LB Akeem Dent (hamstring), RB Jonathan Grimes (hamstring), S Andre Hal (shin), T Derek Newton (knee), LB Brian Peters (hamstring), RB Chris Polk (knee), WR Nate Washington (hamstring). DOLPHINS: DNP: CB Zack Bowman (not injury related). LIMITED: T Branden Albert (hamstring), DT A.J. Francis (back), CB Brent Grimes (knee), S Reshad Jones (shoulder), CB Brice McCain (knee), DT Jordan Phillips (ankle), WR Kenny Stills (back), DE Cameron Wake (hamstring).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS -- SAINTS: DNP: T Terron Armstead (knee), LB Dannell Ellerbe (hip), CB Keenan Lewis (hip, stomach), T Andrus Peat (knee). LIMITED: S Jairus Byrd (knee), WR Marques Colston (shoulder), LB Ramon Humber (thigh), G Tim Lelito (shoulder), P Thomas Morstead (right quadriceps). FULL: CB Damian Swann (head). COLTS: DNP: S Mike Adams (hamstring), CB Vontae Davis (not injury related), LB Jerrell Freeman (groin), S Clayton Geathers (knee), WR Andre Johnson (not injury related), LB Robert Mathis (not injury related). FULL: LB Nate Irving (knee).

NEW YORK JETS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- JETS: DNP: S Jaiquawn Jarrett (knee), RB Bilal Powell (ankle), CB Buster Skrine (concussion). LIMITED: G Willie Colon (knee), WR Chris Owusu (knee), CB Marcus Williams (hamstring). FULL: S Dion Bailey (elbow), LB Quinton Coples (elbow), WR Eric Decker (knee), QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (right elbow), NT Damon Harrison (finger). PATRIOTS: DNP: T Marcus Cannon (toe), LB Rufus Johnson (illness), C Shaq Mason (knee), DE Jabaal Sheard (ankle). LIMITED: DE Trey Flowers (knee, shoulder), LB Dont'a Hightower (ribs), G Josh Kline (shoulder), RB Dion Lewis (abdomen), WR Matthew Slater (knee).

OAKLAND RAIDERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -- RAIDERS: DNP: DT Justin Ellis (ankle), S Charles Woodson (shoulder, knee). FULL: DE Denico Autry (concussion), RB Taiwan Jones (foot), RB Latavius Murray (shoulder). CHARGERS: DNP: WR Keenan Allen (hip), T D.J. Fluker (ankle), TE Antonio Gates (knee), RB Melvin Gordon (ankle), T Chris Hairston (ankle), CB Craig Mager (hamstring), LB Manti Te'o (ankle), C Chris Watt (groin), S Eric Weddle (groin), LB Tourek Williams (foot). LIMITED: WR Stevie Johnson (hamstring).

DALLAS COWBOYS at NEW YORK GIANTS -- COWBOYS: DNP: WR Dez Bryant (foot). LIMITED: TE James Hanna (ankle). FULL: WR Brice Butler (hamstring), DE Randy Gregory (ankle). GIANTS: OUT: CB Prince Amukamara (pectoral). DNP: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring), WR Victor Cruz (calf), CB Trumaine McBride (groin), CB Trevin Wade (concussion). LIMITED: DE Robert Ayers Jr. (hamstring), LB Jonathan Casillas (neck), LB Devon Kennard (hamstring), WR Rueben Randle (hamstring), LB Uani Unga (neck).

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at CAROLINA PANTHERS -- EAGLES: DNP: WR Nelson Agholor (ankle), WR Riley Cooper (knee), LB DeMeco Ryans (hamstring). LIMITED: LB Kiko Alonso (knee), DE Brandon Bair (groin). FULL: WR Josh Huff (knee), LB Mychal Kendricks (hamstring). PANTHERS: DNP: TE Richie Brockel (hamstring), DT Dwan Edwards (ankle), LB Shaq Thompson (knee), T Daryl Williams (knee). LIMITED: DE Jared Allen (back), CB Teddy Williams (concussion). FULL: LB A.J. Klein (concussion).

BALTIMORE RAVENS at ARIZONA CARDINALS: No data reported.

Week 9 football preview capsules for all Top 25 cleveland.com teams 2015 (photos, videos, polls)

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See preview capsules for every Week 9 football game involving a team ranked in the cleveland.com Top 25.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are preview capsules for all Week 9 football games involving teams ranked in the cleveland.com Top 25.

RELATED:



NO. 1 ST. EDWARD VS. CINCINNATI ARCHBISHOP MOELLER


What: Nonconference game.


When: Saturday, 5 p.m.


Where: Lakewood High, First Federal Lakewood Stadium, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood. Call 216-221-3776.


RecordsSt. Edward, 7-1; Moeller, 4-4.


Our coverage: Reporter Matt Goul will be at Saturday's game. Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap, and come back Sunday for action highlight videos.


TV/online: TWC SportsChannel and stedwardeagles.com and ihigh.com/letsgobigmoe.


St. Edward last week: Defeated Canada Prep Academy, 42-10.


Moeller last week: Defeated No. 10 St. Ignatius, 55-52.


About St. Edward: Refined from a regional (and international) schedule the past four weeks, it's all Ohio schools the rest of the way for St. Edward. The Moeller game comes a week before the annual battle with St. Ignatius for first-year coach Tom Lombardo's program. The Eagles didn't need much last week from leading running back Cole Gest, who broke 1,000 yards rushing in Week 7 and has 1,081 on the season. Gest scored once. This week offers an opportunity for the secondary to showcase its ability against a strong passing team in Moeller. DB Tony Butler has a slew of Division I college offers and safeties Kyle Fallon and Liam Coyne each have a team-best 94 tackles.


About Moeller: The Crusaders are on the edge of the playoff picture at No. 16 in Division I, Region 2, good for the last spot in if the season ended today. However it does not, and Moeller must face the state's No. 1-ranked team a week after giving up a season high in points. Six-foot-4 senior quarterback Thomas MacVittie threw for 475 yards and six touchdowns last week and comes to Lakewood armed with Ohio State commit Jake Hausmann at tight end. Hausmann had seven catches for 189 yards and three TDs vs. St. Ignatius. MacVittie has 1,361 yards passing, while Hausmann has a team-high 33 catches. He is second to Kyle Butz (25 catches for 523 yards) in yards receiving.


-- Matt Goul

NO. 2 MIDVIEW VS. AVON LAKE

What: Southwestern Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Avon Lake High, Avon Lake Memorial Stadium, 175 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake. Call 440-933-5164.

Records: Midview, 8-0, 7-0; Avon Lake, 3-5, 3-4.

Midview last week: Defeated Lakewood, 41-14.

Avon Lake last week: Lost to No. 22 Olmsted Falls, 22-14.

About Midview: QB Dustin Crum returned to the lineup with a strong performance, throwing for 296 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 70 yards and a touchdown. Crum's return allowed Logan Bolin to move back to receiver, where he caught six passes for 176 yards and a touchdown. The Middies did turn it over three times in the win. 

About Avon Lake: The Shoremen played tough against Olmsted Falls, falling by just eight points. Avon Lake will need to protect the football better after throwing three interceptions. The Shoremen have lost three of their past four games. In their five losses, they have not scored more than 14 points.

-- Tim Bielik

NO. 3 BENEDICTINE VS. WALSH JESUIT

What: North Coast League Blue Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Walsh Jesuit High, Conway Memorial Stadium, 4550 Wyoga Lake Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Call 330-929-4205.

Records: Benedictine, 8-0, 3-0; Walsh Jesuit, 2-6, 1-2.

Benedictine last week: Defeated Lake Catholic, 21-3.

Walsh Jesuit last week: Lost to Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, 20-15.

About Benedictine: Ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Division III state poll, the Bengals are riding a 20-game winning streak. Ohio commit Dontez Rash returned to the lineup last week after missing a game with an unspecified muscle strain. He delivered a 60-yard touchdown run to help the Bengals knock off Lake Catholic. Rash leads Benedictine with 980 yards on 97 carries and 15 TDs. WR Justin Layne (Michigan State) returned a kick 69 yards for a touchdown. It was Layne's second kickoff return for a score this year. The Bengals have outscored their past three opponents 110-20.

About Walsh JesuitThe Warriors had won four consecutive games against Benedictine prior to last year's 26-7 setback. The Warriors will be without RB Joseph Penna, who missed last week's loss to NDCL with an unspecified injury. Absent Penna, the Warriors turned to junior Josh Bennet, who scored twice against the Lions. Quarterback Mac Shinaberry is the next leading rusher with 159 yards. Shinaberry has 700 passing yards and four touchdowns with five interceptions. His top target is Patrick Keough with 29 catches for 381 yards and four scores. Defensively, Walsh Jesuit is led by LB Zach Pipoly with 54 tackles including one sack and Steve Walko with 31 stops.

-- Joe Noga

NO. 4 ARCHBISHOP HOBAN VS. NOTRE DAME-CATHEDRAL LATIN

What: North Coast League Blue Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, Lions Stadium, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon. Call 440-286-6226.

Records: Archbishop Hoban, 8-0, 3-0; Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, 6-2, 1-2.

Hoban last week: Defeated Padua, 35-7.

NDCL last week: Defeated Walsh Jesuit, 20-15.

About Hoban: Ranked No. 2 in the AP Division III state poll, the Knights have rolled to an 8-0 record behind a defense that is allowing just 3.6 points and 146 yards per game. Daeshon Coppinger, Marc Westover and Jonah Morris (Michigan State) have come up big for Hoban. Leading tackler Dane Kersh missed last week's game with a bruised knee. Offensively, the Knights feature RB/Ohio State commit Todd Sibley, who has 850 rushing yards and 12 TDs. Quarterback Danny Clark (Ohio State) has passed for 1,315 yards and 14 TDs, while Morris leads the team with 21 catches for 436 yards and six scores. Sophomore Nate Bauer is averaging better than 26 yards per punt return, including one for a score. The Knights have beaten NDCL in five of their past seven meetings, but the Lions won last season's meeting, 28-24.

About NDCLThe Lions feature a three-headed rushing attack with Savion Grove (398 yards) Brandon Mounts (369) and Harrison Richardson (306). Senior quarterback Tyler Sabath has more than 1,030 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. His top targets include Brendan Leininger with 33 catches for 455 yards and nine TDs, and Alex Balogh with 17 catches for 211 yards and a pair of scores. Chase Klein leads the Lions with 85 tackles, while Ryan LeBanc has 66 stops and Brenden Jackett 65.

-- Joe Noga

NO. 5 STOW VS. NO. 19 BRECKSVILLE

What: Suburban League National Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Brecksville-Broadview Heights High, 6380 Mill Road, Broadview Heights. Call 440-740-4700. 

Records: Stow, 8-0, 5-0; Brecksville, 7-1, 4-1.

Our coverage: Reporter Robert Rozboril will be at Friday's game. Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap, and come back Saturday for action highlight videos.

Stow last week: Defeated Cuyahoga Falls, 34-0. 

Brecksville last week: Defeated Wadsworth, 21-13. 

About StowThe Bulldogs could clinch at least a share of the league title if they win Friday. At No. 8, Stow controls its own destiny in the hunt for a Division I, Region 1 playoff berth. Jayson Gobble rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns against Cuyahoga Falls, while QB Kyle Vantrease completed 6 of 8 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns, both to wideout Logan Lindsay. Lindsay hauled in three catches for 114 yards. Week 8 marked the Bulldogs' first shutout. They're allowing about 18.3 points per game and scoring a little more than 39 points. 

About BrecksvilleThe Bees kept their Division II, Region 3 playoff hopes alive with the win against Wadsworth while simultaneously dashing those of the Grizzlies. Josh Underwood had touchdown runs of 11 and 43 yards, the latter of which sealed the victory in the fourth quarter. A key to Brecksville's win against Wadsworth was the defense's ability to keep the Grizzlies' potent running game in check for the most part. The Bees' defense will be tested against the Bulldogs, who have proven to be dangerous on the ground and through the air.  

-- Robert Rozboril

NO. 6 MENTOR VS. BRUNSWICK

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Mentor High, Jerome T. Osborne Stadium, 6477 Center St., Mentor. Call 440-974-5304.

Records: Mentor, 6-2, 4-1; Brunswick, 3-5, 3-2.

Radio/online: WINT 1330-AM and wintradio.com

Mentor last week: Defeated No. 25 Strongsville, 35-24.

Brunswick last week: Lost to No. 12 Euclid, 27-14.

About Mentor: The Cardinals are in a three-way tie for first place in the GCC. They are also fifth in Division I, Region 1 of the computer rankings and likely to clinch a playoff berth with a win. RB Alex Mathews has rushed for 433 yards and eight TDs the past two weeks. DB Michael Ballentine had two interceptions last week, including one returned for a TD.

About BrunswickThe Blue Devils started 0-4 before winning three straight in GCC play. They're a longshot for the playoffs, sitting 21st in Region 1, but are not mathematically eliminated.

-- Scott Patsko

NO. 7 AVON VS. NO. 14 BEREA-MIDPARK

What: Southwestern Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Baldwin Wallace University, Finnie Stadium, 141 E. Bagley Road, Berea. Call 216-898-8900.

Records: Avon, 7-1, 6-1; Berea-Midpark, 6-2, 5-2.

Our coverage: Reporter Joe Noga will be at Friday's game.Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap.

TV/radio: Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (tape delayed to 11:30 p.m.) and WOBL 1320-AM.

Avon last week: Defeated Amherst, 45-3.

Berea-Midpark last week: Defeated North Olmsted, 56-28.

About Avon: Big computer points will be on the line for the Eagles as they look to hold onto position for a first round home playoff game in Division II, Region 4. Quarterback Jake Sopko has more than 1,600 passing yards and 19 touchdowns with no interceptions. This will be the first time Avon has faced Berea-Midpark since joining the Southwestern Conference.

About Berea-MidparkThe Titans are No. 13 in the Division I, Region 1 computer ratings. With their only remaining game against 1-7 Westlake, this might be the Titans' last chance to grab some precious second-level points and guarantee a spot in the postseason. Quarterback Nick Gassman has passed for more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Linebacker Joey Bachie (Michigan State) took over running back duties last week and scored six touchdowns against North Olmsted.

-- Joe Noga

NO. 8 ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY VS. MASSILLON

What: Nonleague game.

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, 1 Paul E. Brown Dr. SE, Massillon. Call 330-830-3901.

RecordsSTVM, 7-1; Massillon, 4-4.

Our coverage: Reporter Scott Patsko will be at Friday's game. Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap, and come back Saturday for action highlight videos.

Radio/online: WHBC 1480-AM, WARF 1350-AM, WTIG 990-AM and whbc.comsportsradio1350.comq92radio.comespn990.com and isportsnow.com.

STVM last week: Defeated Cleveland Heights, 42-0.

Massillon last week: Defeated Cincinnati Mount Healthy, 28-26.

About STVM: The Irish have won three straight since their only loss of the season, to Archbishop Hoban. They are third in Division III, Region 7 of the computer rankings, and might clinch their seventh straight playoff berth with a win. RB Markus Hurd is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, and has 12 rushing TDs. He rushed for 209 yards and three scores last week. QB Dom Davis has passed for 15 TDs and rushed for 279 yards and three scores. The Irish have allowed two teams to score more than 20 points, and none more than 24.

About Massillon: The Tigers, under first-year coach Nate Moore, are trying to avoid a playoff miss for the fourth time since 2000. They are ninth in Division II, Region 5 and have won three of their past four after a 1-3 start. RB Keyshawn Watson rushed for 128 yards last week. QB Seth Blankenship threw for 234 yards and a pair of TDs, and WR Lee Hurst II had nine receptions for 185 yards and a TD. The Tigers are 1-2 vs. STVM since they began playing regularly in 2012. The Irish have won the last two.

-- Scott Patsko

NO. 9 GLENVILLE VS. COLLINWOOD

What: Senate Athletic League game.

When: Friday, 3 p.m.

Where: Collinwood Athletic Complex, 1070 E. 152nd St., Cleveland. Call 216-451-8782.

Records: Glenville, 7-1, 5-0; Collinwood, 0-8, 0-5.

Glenville last week: Defeated John Adams, 47-0.

Collinwood last week: Lost to Rhodes, 40-14.

About GlenvilleSenior quarterback Marcus Drish continues to lead the Tarblooders, completing 66 of 101 passes for 1,121 yards and 17 touchdowns against one interception. Senior DB Aaron Pope leads the defense with three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. Glenville, ranked No. 7 in the Division II state poll, looks to keep pace in the Senate tied with John Hay at 5-0 for the league title. Glenville will host John Hay next week. Glenville is projected to qualify for the playoffs ranked No. 3 in Region 4.

About CollinwoodThe Railroaders are in search of their first win. Collinwood has allowed 26 points per game and has struggled on offense, scoring an average of 10. In the last meeting with Glenville, the Railroaders were nearly shut out, falling 42-2. Collinwood will have a challenge scoring against Glenville, which is allowing an average of four points.

-- Nathaniel Cline

NO. 10 ST. IGNATIUS VS. CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER

What: Nonconference game.

When: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Where: Byers Field, 7600 Day Dr., Parma. Call 216-651-0222.

Records: St. Ignatius, 4-3; Cincinnati St. Xavier, 5-3.

Our coverage: Reporter Tim Bielik will be at Saturday's game. Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap, and come back Sunday for action highlight videos.

Online: www.ignatius.edu/SIBN.

St. Ignatius last week: Lost to Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller, 55-52.

Cincinnati St. Xavier last week: Lost to Warren Central (Ind.), 28-21.

About St. Ignatius: The Wildcats have a lot of work to do to try to get into the playoffs. After the loss to Moeller, they sit at No. 23 in Division I, Region 1 and will need to win out to get into the playoffs for a 27th time. St. Ignatius last missed the playoffs in 2010. Against Moeller, the Wildcats had a 24-point lead late in the first half but gave up three touchdowns in a 1:40 span and led by only three at halftime. The Crusaders hit two late field goals to win. Despite the loss, QB Dennis Grosel broke his own school record with 465 yards passing. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for three as well.

About Cincinnati St. Xavier: The Bombers have lost two of their past three games, but have only played one game against a team with a losing record. St. Xavier junior QB Sean Clifford, a Penn State commit, has thrown for 1,178 yards and 10 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Andrew Homer and J.P. Bitzenhofer have been the Bombers' top two tacklers all season. Michael McCuen leads the team with three sacks.

-- Tim Bielik

NO. 11 MAYFIELD VS. EASTLAKE NORTH

What: Western Reserve Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Eastlake North High, Nick Carter Stadium, 34041 Stevens Blvd. Eastlake. Call 440-975-3677.

Records: Mayfield, 7-1, 4-1; Eastlake North, 3-5, 1-4.

Mayfield last week: Lost to No. 16 Madison, 24-20.

Eastlake North last week: Lost to Brush, 21-14.

About Mayfield: Turnovers hurt the Wildcats in their loss to Madison. Quarterback Mario Monastero has 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns with four interceptions. The Wildcats have also lost six fumbles in eight games. RB Michael Canganelli was held well under his season rushing average of 136 yards by a Madison defense that surrendered 271 yards of offense. 

About Eastlake NorthThe Rangers have lost five of their last six games, including last week's defeat to previously winless Brush. Quarterback Zane Bunnell has been a bright spot for North. Bunnell has 1,243 rushing yards, including a five-touchdown performance against Kenston in Week 7. This will be the first meeting between Mayfield and North since 2006, a game won by the Wildcats, 33-6. Mayfield has won four out of the past five meetings between the schools.

-- Joe Noga

NO. 12 EUCLID VS. MEDINA

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Medina High, 777 E. Union St., Medina. Call 330-636-3226.

Records: Euclid, 6-2, 4-1; Medina, 4-4, 2-3.

Euclid last week: Defeated Brunswick, 27-14.

Medina last week: Defeated Shaker Heights, 28-6.

About Euclid: The Panthers have won four straight, are in a three-way tie for the GCC lead, and stand seventh in Division I, Region 1 of the computer rankings. A win likely clinches their first playoff berth since 2009.

About MedinaThe Bees ended their losing streak at three games last week, but it might be too late for the playoffs. At 20th in Region 1, the Bees are not mathematically eliminated, but would need wins against Euclid and Solon in Week 10 and lots of outside help for their first playoff berth since 2010.

-- Scott Patsko

Greater Cleveland Conference standings

NO. 13 SOLON VS. SHAKER HEIGHTS

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game.

When: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Where: Shaker Heights High, Rupp Stadium, 15911 Aldersyde Dr., Shaker Heights. Call 216-295-4200.

Records: Solon, 6-2, 4-1; Shaker Heights, 3-5, 0-5.

Solon last week: Defeated Elyria, 28-20.

Shaker Heights last week: Lost to Medina, 28-6.

About Solon: The Comets have won three straight, are in a three-way tie for the GCC lead, and know that wins against Shaker Heights and Medina in Week 10 earn them a spot in the Division I playoffs, and probably a first-round home game. QB Johnny Mooney has passed or rushed for 27 TDs. He's the team's second-leading rusher, behind RB Andrew Mason (259 yards). Four Comets have at least 150 yards rushing.

About Shaker HeightsAfter a 3-0 start in which they outscored opponents, 113-9, the Raiders have lost five straight in the GCC and have been outscored, 40-151.

-- Scott Patsko

NO. 15 HUDSON VS. WADSWORTH 

What: Suburban League National Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Hudson High, 2500 Hudson Aurora Road, Hudson. Call 330-653-1416. 

Records: Hudson, 6-2, 4-1; Wadsworth, 3-5, 3-2. 

TV/radio: Wadsworth Community Television (tape delayed to 11 p.m.) and WKNR 850-AM and WHLO 640-AM.

Hudson last week: Defeated Twinsburg, 29-0. 

Wadsworth last week: Lost to No. 19 Brecksville, 21-13. 

About HudsonThe Explorers rebounded from their Week 7 loss to Stow with a shutout against Twinsburg. It was Hudson's second shutout and sixth time holding a team to 10 points or fewer. The Explorers did a tremendous job of limiting RB Jayson Gobble to 77 yards and one score, which marked Gobble's smallest offensive output all year. The Stow passing game is what did them in. Wadsworth employs a run-heavy offense. Hudson did not let Twinsburg get anything done through the air or on the ground, holding the Tigers to 83 rushing yards and 84 passing while collecting two interceptions.

About WadsworthThe Grizzlies made things interesting for Brecksville but ultimately could not get enough going offensively to come away with a win that would have boosted their slim playoff hopes. They have a chance to be spoilers if they can pull off an upset against Hudson, which is sixth in the Division II, Region 3 standings. Running backs Dan Weinerman and Alex Jones each scored a touchdown against the Bees. Weinerman's came through the air on a 14-yard pass from QB Connor Montgomery. Montgomery may be called upon to throw more than usual should Hudson's defense prove as effective against the Grizzlies' rushers as in previous weeks. 

-- Robert Rozboril

NO. 16 AURORA VS. WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS

What: Nonconference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Aurora High, 109 W. Pioneer Trail, Aurora. Call 330-562-3501.

Records: Aurora, 7-1; Warrensville Heights, 3-5.

Aurora last week: Defeated No. 21 Copley, 28-21.

Warrensville Heights last week: Lost to Revere, 35-24.

About Aurora: The Greenmen's turn to break from Suburban League American Division play comes at the right time. While coach Bob Mihalik might have preferred it last week, his crew survived a showdown with Copley despite not having quarterback Nolan Sotka, plus senior running backs Ben Nelson and Austin Piunno, because of injuries. As a result, the Greenmen are wrapped in a three-way tie atop the seven-team division and sit alone in the No. 1 spot of the Division II, Region 3 playoff rankings. Mihalik told cleveland.com after Friday's win he hoped Sotka can return for the postseason, but was not as optimistic about his two running backs. After Warrensville Heights this week, they close the regular season at Tallmadge.

About Warrensville Heights: It's been a tough stretch for coach Desean Washington's club, dropping four of its past five. Only an Oct. 2 win against Lutheran East sits between those setbacks. The Tigers, a member of the Lake Erie League for other sports, will return there next year for football. They are currently independent, which allowed for this late-season matchup. An upset here could do wonders for a squad sitting in 14th of the Division V, Region 15 rankings.

-- Matt Goul

NO. 16 MADISON VS. KENSTON

What: Western Reserve Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Kenston High, Bomber Stadium, 9500 Bainbridge Road, Chagrin Falls. Call 440-543-3046.

Records: Madison, 7-1, 5-0; Kenston, 2-6, 0-5.

Madison last week: Defeated No. 11 Mayfield, 24-20.

Kenston last week: Lost to Willoughby South, 37-36.

About Madison: The Blue Streaks are in the driver's seat in the Western Reserve Conference title chase after last week's upset win against Mayfield. Nick Brooks rushed for 226 yards and Josh Gibson threw two touchdown passes as Madison's defense forced three Mayfield turnovers and held the Wildcats to 2 of 8 on third down. LB Vince Primer is playing his best football of the season. Against Mayfield he recorded a QB sack for a safety, caught a touchdown pass and came away with an interception to seal the win. 

About KenstonThe Bombers have not faced Madison in more than 15 years. Decimated by injuries, Kenston has relied on senior quarterback Parker Gdula for offense. Gdula has 1,112 yards and seven touchdowns passing and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry (721 yards). Christian Cassaro is Gdula's top target with 22 catches for 230 yards. Defensively, Mike Thigpen leads the Bombers with two interceptions. 

-- Joe Noga

NO. 18 NORDONIA VS. TWINSBURG 

What: Suburban League National Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Chamberlain Middle School, Twinsburg Tiger Stadium, 10270 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg. Call 330-486-2000.

Records: Nordonia, 5-3, 3-2; Twinsburg, 0-8, 0-5.

TV: Cable Nine (tape delayed to 10:30 p.m.). 

Nordonia last week: Defeated North Royalton, 17-14. 

Twinsburg last week: Lost to No. 15 Hudson, 29-0. 

About NordoniaThe Knights are coming off an upset scare against the Bears during which they out-gained North Royalton, 423-222, but still nearly lost. They needed a 23-yard field goal by Trey Crockett with three seconds remaining to avoid overtime. It was his third of the game. The Knights needed 11 points in the fourth to complete the comeback. Anthony Perrine rushed for 245 yards and scored the Knights' lone touchdown. A pair of lost fumbles derailed a couple of drives.

About TwinsburgThe Tigers failed to score for the third time when they played Hudson. Twinsburg did a good job of keeping the Explorers out of the end zone in the first half before surrendering three touchdowns in the third quarter. Tigers quarterback Jalen Tucker completed 10 of 15 passes for 84 yards and two interceptions. Running back Jared Eaton led the Tigers' rushing game with 83 yards on 12 carries. 

-- Robert Rozboril

NO. 20 PERRY VS. WEST GEAUGA

What: Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: West Geauga High, 13401 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Call 440-729-5950.

Records: Perry, 7-0, 4-0; West Geauga, 7-1, 5-0.

Our coverage: Reporter Matt Goul will be at Friday's game. Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap, and come back Saturday for action highlight videos.

Perry last week: Defeated Orange, 61-28.

West Geauga last week: Defeated Wickliffe, 55-0.

About Perry: Josh Petruccelli enjoyed a career rushing day in a Perry uniform last week, gaining 260 yards and scoring five times on 25 carries. His season rushing total is 852 yards. A repeat performance is a tall order against the Wolverines, but another productive game will serve the Pirates well. Linebacker Nick Lauria, who's up to 105 tackles, will lead a defense looking to bring down versatile Cameron Searight.

About West Geauga: Speaking of Searight, the quarterback has 1,183 yards passing and nearly 500 rushing after he ran for 113 and two touchdowns last week. Leading rusher Joe Daddario has 838 yards on the ground after he had 119 and two scores last week. The defense has been unforgiving with two shutouts in the past three games. It has not allowed 14 points in a game since Week 2. The Wolverines ride into this one with a seven-game win streak.

-- Matt Goul

NO. 21 COPLEY VS. KENT ROOSEVELT 

What: Suburban League American Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Copley High, 3807 Ridgewood Road, Copley. Call 330-664-4822. 

Records: Copley, 7-1, 4-1; Kent Roosevelt, 3-5, 1-3. 

Copley last week: Lost to No. 16 Aurora, 28-21. 

Kent Roosevelt last week: Lost to Barberton, 41-27. 

About CopleyRB Weston Bridges scored a pair of touchdowns against Aurora but was held to an uncharacteristically low 71 yards. Copley's defense will look to do better against the run than it did last week, surrendering more than 200 yards on the ground. Three Greenmen takeaways also severely hurt Copley.

About Kent RooseveltThe Rough Riders gave up 301 rushing yards to RB Brandon McCall and 512 total yards en route to the Week 8 loss. Facing a potent Copley offense that can throw and run effectively, Roosevelt's defense will need to play much better this week. QB Christian Mehlmann threw for 347 yards and four touchdowns last week. Three went to Kelvon Blackmon, who finished with 143 receiving yards. A combination of stellar defense and precision passing will be critical if the Rough Riders are to make Friday's matchup a close one. 

-- Robert Rozboril

NO. 22 OLMSTED FALLS VS. NORTH OLMSTED

What: Southwestern Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Olmsted Falls High, Charles A. Harding Memorial Stadium, 26939 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-6100.

Records: Olmsted Falls, 6-2, 5-2; North Olmsted, 4-4, 3-4.

Our coverage: Freelancer Michael Fitzpatrick will be at Friday's game.Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap, and come back Saturday for action highlight videos.

Olmsted Falls last week: Defeated Avon Lake, 22-14.

North Olmsted last week: Lost to No. 14 Berea-Midpark, 56-28.

About Olmsted Falls: Spencer Linville returned last week from an injury that kept him out of the Bulldogs' Week 7 loss to Midview. Against Avon Lake, Linville rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Linville should reach 1,000 yards this week. Josh Jaecken got his first touchdown of the season last week. He leads the team with an average of 10.5 yards per carry and is third with 242 rushing yards. Olmsted Falls is ranked No. 8 in Division II, Region 4 and will move one step closer to a playoff berth with a win.

About North Olmsted: The common theme with North Olmsted's four losses has been a struggling defense. In the four losses, the Eagles have allowed at least 41 points in each game. Against Berea-Midpark, North Olmsted allowed 403 yards rushing, including 202 yards from Tyrese Holland and five rushing touchdowns from Joey Bachie. North Olmsted is ranked No. 15 in Region 4.

-- Tim Bielik

NO. 23 BUCKEYE VS. KEYSTONE

What: Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Keystone High, 580 Opportunity Way, LaGrange. Call 440-355-5601.

Records: Buckeye, 8-0, 3-0; Keystone, 3-5, 2-1.

Buckeye last week: Defeated Firelands, 42-7.

Keystone last week: Defeated Wellington, 41-26.

About Buckeye: The Bucks continued their strong season by holding a tough Firelands team to seven points. Buckeye has held each of its last six opponents to single digits. The Bucks have won 16 straight regular-season games dating back to Sept. 5, 2014. Against Firelands, Buckeye's trio of Nathan Polidori, Trevor Thome and Nathan Scott combined to rush for 325 yards and all six of their team's touchdowns. Polidori had three, Thome scored twice and Scott had the game's first touchdown. Buckeye is averaging 44.4 points per game.

About Keystone: The Wildcats put up their best offensive game of the season against Wellington. In that game, Austin Conrad rushed for 221 yards and four touchdowns. Keystone has won three of its past five following an 0-3 start. Only once since that start have the Wildcats failed to score in double digits.

-- Tim Bielik

NO. 23 NORTH RIDGEVILLE VS. LAKEWOOD

What: Southwestern Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Lakewood High, First Federal Lakewood Stadium, 14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood. Call 216-529-4034.

Records: North Ridgeville, 6-2, 5-2; Lakewood, 0-8, 0-7.

North Ridgeville last week: Defeated Westlake, 42-35.

Lakewood last week: Lost to No. 2 Midview, 41-14.

About North RidgevilleThe Rangers join the cleveland.com Top 25 after Week 8 ranked No. 23. The team is 3-1 in road games as North Ridgeville closes out the regular season at Lakewood then Midview in Week 10. Junior quarterback Collin Sullinger led the charge last week, completing 9 of 20 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown to Jordan Montgomery, who had four receptions for 120 yards. The Rangers were without Ohio State commit Demario McCall. The senior RB suffered a shoulder injury against North Olmsted in Week 6 then hurt his hamstring in Week 7. His status for this week is uncertain. Cameron Bright took most of the carries and led the team with 26 attempts for 169 yards and three TDs. If the playoffs started today, North Ridgeville would qualify ranked No. 6 in Division II, Region 4.

About LakewoodThe Rangers are in search of their first win. Stopping opponents and taking care of the football have been two challenges for the Rangers, who are allowing an average of 38 points per game. Senior quarterback Jack Witri has completed 89 of 188 passes for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns, but has 10 interceptions. Lakewood's offense has also struggled to points on the board, averaging just under 14 points per game. Leading rushers Quentin Palmer and Michael Goolsby have combined for 356 yards. Linebackers Joe Fitchwell and Kevin Musai will be looked upon to help lead the defense against a North Ridgeville team that is averaging 28 points.

-- Nathaniel Cline

NO. 25 STRONGSVILLE VS. ELYRIA

What: Greater Cleveland Conference game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Strongsville High, Pat Catan Stadium, 20025 Lunn Road, Strongsville. Call 440-572-7100.

Records: Strongsville, 4-4, 2-3; Elyria, 4-4, 1-4.

Strongsville last week: Lost to No. 6 Mentor, 35-24.

Elyria last week: Lost to No. 13 Solon, 28-20.

About Strongsville: The Mustangs have lost three straight and are clinging to a playoff spot at No. 15 in Division I, Region 1. While RB Zach Kahn has been a mainstay in the backfield, the Mustangs have inserted freshman QB Johnny Major for senior Ryan Robertson. Major brings a running threat to his position.

About ElyriaLike the Mustangs, the Pioneers are trying to turn things around before the playoffs are out of reach. They have lost four of their past five and are 18th in Region 1, two spots away from a playoff spot. RB Chris Atkinson has 940 yards and 12 TDs rushing for the Pioneers' run-heavy offense. LB Zack Mason has 177 tackles, and DE Simeon Lawrence has 12 sacks.

-- Scott Patsko

Other:

LORAIN VS. BEDFORD

What: Lake Erie League game.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Bedford High, 481 Northfield Road, Bedford. Call 440-439-4848.

Records: Lorain, 5-3, 2-0; Bedford, 4-4, 1-2.

Our coverage: Freelancer Ryan Isley will be at Friday's game. Get updates on Twitter at #NEOvarsity and cleveland.com/hssports. Visit cleveland.com afterward for his recap, and come back Saturday for action highlight videos.

Lorain last week: Defeated Maple Heights, 28-0.

Bedford last week: Defeated Shaw, 41-0.

About Lorain: The Titans put themselves in the driver's seat for a Lake Erie League championship, if they can get by Bedford. Cleveland Heights visits George Daniel Field in Week 10. Will it be for a share or the outright championship? Lorain's defense has given up just seven points – against Sandusky in Week 7 – in its last 11 quarters. Offensively, junior running back Carlos Chavis gained 103 yards and scored three times in the win against Maple Heights. Lorain stands 16th, which is the last playoff spot, in the Division I, Region 1 computer rankings.

About Bedford: The Bearcats are eliminated from LEL contention, but are not yet out of the playoff picture. Sitting at No. 14 in Division II, Region 3, wins against Lorain (5-3) and Copley (7-1) can certainly help Bedford reach the top eight. Last week's win against Shaw was a turnaround from Bedford's 34-20 setback two weeks ago against Cleveland Heights, which prevented this game from being for a title share. Junior QB Arshaun Wilson-Boone enjoyed a four-touchdown game last week vs. Shaw. The focus of Lorain's defense will be Pittsburgh commit Chawntez Moss, who has 1,009 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing.

-- Matt Goul

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Cleveland Indians' minor league starting pitching depth starting to rise to the surface

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The Indians might have some more immediate help should the back end of their rotation again morph into a revolving door. Mike Clevinger and Ryan Merritt figure to begin the season at Columbus. Adam Plutko will likely start the year at either Akron or Columbus.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the Indians' ideal world, they never would have needed to call up Cody Anderson in late June.

It has been well documented that TJ House, Bruce Chen, Shaun Marcum, Gavin Floyd, Larry, Curly and Moe all flopped in the Tribe's search for a reliable No. 5 starter in 2015. Cody Anderson was the club's next -- and, possibly, final -- choice. Anderson, though, had logged only three starts at Triple-A Columbus. He was a bit of an unknown commodity, given his struggles just a year earlier at Double-A Akron.

Alas, the Indians didn't have much of a choice. The other options at Triple-A included Nick Maronde, Michael Roth, Jordan Cooper and Toru Murata.

Many of the Indians' top minor league pitchers are years away from potentially contributing to the big league club. Justus Sheffield, Rob Kaminsky and Brady Aiken -- all first-round draft selections and all ranked among the organization's top six prospects, according to MLB.com -- have yet to advance past A-ball.

Next year, though, the Indians might have some more immediate help should the back end of their rotation again morph into a revolving door. Mike Clevinger and Ryan Merritt figure to begin the season at Columbus. Adam Plutko will likely start the year at either Akron or Columbus.

Plutko, an 11th-round selection in the 2013 amateur draft, pitched with Tribe right-hander Trevor Bauer and Pittsburgh Pirates righty Gerrit Cole at UCLA. The 24-year-old logged a 1.27 ERA in eight starts at Class A Lynchburg this season and a 2.86 ERA in 19 outings with Akron.

"I'm surprised by how the year turned out, but a lot of work went into it, too," Plutko said.

He totaled 137 strikeouts and only 28 walks in 166 innings, while allowing only 6.8 hits and 0.7 home runs per nine. He said he featured a curveball more frequently in his repertoire this year, which "really paid off."

"It was more feeling things mechanically," Plutko said. "Some days in the bullpens, you're not going to feel great. Sometimes on the sides or in games, something might not be there, but you know it's going to be there for the majority of the games, so let's not freak out about that. Let's stay locked in with our mechanics."

Merritt, a 6-foot, 170-pound southpaw, doesn't wield overpowering pitches, but he excels at mixing in his off-speed stuff.

"[He] isn't backing down from any challenges," said Carter Hawkins, the Indians' director of player development.

The organization's Pitcher of the Year in 2014, Merritt registered a 3.51 ERA in 22 starts for Akron in 2015. In 141 innings, he struck out 89, walked only 16 and served up only eight home runs. He earned a promotion to Columbus, where he posted a 4.20 ERA in five starts. The 23-year-old was the club's 16th-round draft choice in 2011 out of McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas.

The Indians acquired Clevinger from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for reliever Vinnie Pestano in 2014. Originally a fourth-round draft selection, Clevinger logged a 2.73 ERA in 27 outings for Akron this season. He totaled 145 strikeouts in 158 innings in his second year since undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The 6-foot-4 righty with long, brown locks joined the Clippers for their postseason run and he made the experience more memorable with a pair of dazzling starts. In his Triple-A debut, he tossed 7 2/3 hitless innings. He was pulled after 102 pitches, but he limited Norfolk to two walks and he struck out 10. Marcum relieved him and allowed a pair of base knocks. Clevinger's outing propelled Columbus to a 5-0 victory in a decisive Game 5 that advanced the club to the final round of the playoffs. In that series, Clevinger twirled another gem, with 7 2/3 scoreless innings.

"He really found the consistency, mentally and physically, to tap into his natural athleticism and explosiveness," Hawkins said. "The raw tools had been there, but this season he really started to put it all together and the results soon followed. He'd be the first to tell you that there are still strides to be made, but his progress over the course of the last year and a half has been impressive, to say the least."

Merritt and Clevinger participated in the Indians' winter development program prior to the 2015 campaign. Plutko was part of the organization's fall development program held at Progressive Field last month. A group of more than 30 prospects spent a week at the ballpark. They watched a Sunday afternoon game in September.

"Cody [Anderson] was looking up at us and we were making hand gestures to each other," Plutko said. "Danny Salazar, we were going back and forth with each other when they were in the dugout and we were sitting up in the suites.

"We're still not in the dugout yet."

Not yet. Soon, perhaps. It certainly would help the Indians the next time they need to tap into their minor league system to fill a big league spot.

Kenston boys cross country wins Fall Sports Team of the Week contest Oct. 22, 2015

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The Kenston boys cross country team was named Team of the Week after collecting 29.83 percent of the 1,512 votes.

CHAGRIN FALLS TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The Kenston's boys cross country team, ranked 19th in the State in Division I, was named Fall Sports Team of the Week after winning the Western Reserve Conference Championship with a score of 22 points. Team placed 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th & 8th overall - each runner earning 1st Team all WRC honors.

Kenston received 29.83 percent of the 1,512 votes followed by 24.74 percent of the votes for Aurora's boys and girls cross country teams.


Each week during the fall season, high school sports fans will help to crown a new Team of the Week.


Similar to Player of the Week, we will be accepting nominations from fans who believe their team had a big week either in terms of wins, a significant milestone, etc. Fans can nominate their Team of the Week by leaving a message in the comments section below.


The deadline is Tuesdays at 9 a.m. If you want to nominate your team, please leave a message in the comments section.


Our high school sports staff will go through the nominations. Look for the Team of the Week poll every Tuesday afternoon. Voting is open until Thursday at 9 a.m.


We want to hear from you. Whether it’s asking us questions in the comments or commenting as you check out all the high school sports content, please take advantage of the comments section and let us know your takes on local teams, players and conference predictions. 


For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact Nathaniel Cline on Twitter (@nathanielcline), by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.


Rating Cleveland Indians 40-man roster bottom to top for 2015: No. 20 to No. 1

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Oufielder Michael Brantley, despite being limited to 137 games because of injuries in 2015, is the Indians top ranked player on the 40-man roster for the second straight year according to beat writer Paul Hoynes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Is half a pizza better than the whole pie? It probably depends how hungry you are.

You know who the 20 Indians are at the bottom of the 40-man roster, numbers 40 through 21 to be precise. Now let's take a look at the upper crust, No. 20 to No. 1, according to beat writer Paul Hoynes.

Remember, every team's 40-man roster is built on sand. Things tend to change depending on trades, free agent signings, contracts tendered and non-tendered, players being designated for assignment and outrighted. This is a look at the Indians 40-man roster following the end of the 2015 season.

No. 20. OF Ryan Raburn, 34: Raburn's job was to hit lefties and that's exactly what he did. He hit .325 (49-for-151) with eight homers and 25 RBI against them. He had only 22 at-bats against right-handers during the season. Three days after the World Series ends, the Indians must decide if they're going to exercise his $3 million club option for 2016. Stat line: .301 (52-for-173), 8 HRs, 29 RBI.

No. 19. UT Jose Ramirez, 22: Ramirez opened the season as the starting shortstop and flopped. He was recalled from Class AAA Columbus for good on Aug. 3 and performed well, hitting .259 (42-for-162) with 31 runs, eight doubles, three triples, five homers and 19 RBI. Stat line: .219 (69-for-315), 6 HRs, 27 RBI with the Indians; .293 (51-for-174), 1 HR, 12 RBI) at Class AAA Columbus.

No. 18. RHP Jeff Manship, 30: The Indians didn't promote Manship until June 18 and he proceeded to turn in a memorable performance. He went 1-0 and posted a 0.92 ERA in 32 relief appearances. It was the lowest ERA in the big leagues this year and the lowest in team history in a single season for a pitcher with at least 30 appearances. Pencil him in to the 2016 bullpen. Stat line: 1-0, 0.92 ERA, 32 games, 39 1/3 innings, 10 walks, 33 strikeouts, four earned runs for the Indians; 0-2, 1.99 ERA, 23 games, 31 2/3 innings, 9 walks, 31 strikeouts, 7 runs.

No. 17. RHP Zach McAllister, 27: McAllister pitched well in his first full season in the bullpen. He gave the bullpen innings (65), strikeouts (79) and holds (12). He ranked second on the club in relief innings and tied for eighth in strikeouts by AL relievers. Stat line: 4-4, 3.00, one save, 61 games, 69 innings, 23 walks, 84 strikeouts.

No. 16. CF Abraham Almonte, 26: The switch-hitting center fielder was acquired from San Diego on July 31 for lefty Marc Rzepczynski. Almonte filled in well for departed Michael Bourn. The Indians must determine if he's the solution in center field or a fourth outfielder. Stat line: .250 (58-for-232), 5 HRs, 24 RBI for San Diego and the Indians; .274 (69-for-252), 4 HRs, 34 RBI for Class AAA El Paso and Columbus.

No. 15. C Roberto Perez, 26: When starter Yan Gomes was injured early in the season, Perez started from April 12 through May 23. Perez threw out 42 percent (18-for-43) of the base stealers he faced, while the AL average was 32 percent. Stat line: .228 (42-for-184), 7 HRs, 21 RBI.

No. 14. RF Lonnie Chisenhall, 27: Chisenhall struggled as the opening day third baseman, but found success in right field after being recalled following the July 30th trade of Brandon Moss. Chisenhall is out of options and in line for his second bite of the arbitration apple. Stat line: .246 (82-for-333), 7 HRs, 44 RBI with the Indians; .280 (44-for-157), 3 HRs, 21 RBI at Class AAA Columbus.

No. 13. C Yan Gomes, 28: An April 9th right knee injury put Gomes behind the eight ball offensively for the season. He still did a good job behind the plate, but the Indians missed the presence of his productive right-handed bat. Stat line: .231 (84-for-363), 12 HRs, 45 RBI.

No. 12. RHP Josh Tomlin, 31: Tomlin, a mid-August addition from Class AAA Columbus following spring-training surgery on his right shoulder, helped the Indians stay in the wild-card race and finish with a winning record with 10 strong starts. Stat line: 7-2, 3.02, 10 starts, 65 2/3 innings, 8 walks, 57 strikeouts for the Indians; 1-2, 4.22, 4 games, 21 1/3 innings, 1 walk, 17 strikeouts for Columbus.

No. 11. RHP Cody Anderson, 25: The rookie right-hander, just like Tomlin, helped the Indians stay in the wild-card race and end the year at 81-80 by going 5-0 with a 1.36 ERA in six September starts. He did it primarily with two pitches, a fastball and change up. Stat line: 7-3, 3.06, 15 starts, 91 1/3 innings, 24 walks and 44 strikeout for the Indians; 4-3, 1.89, 13 starts, 71 1/3 innings, 14 walks, 54 strikeouts at Class AA Akron and Class AAA Columbus.

No. 10. RHP Trevor Bauer, 24: Bauer probably has never had a dull season in his career and this was no exception. After a fast start, he slumped in the second half and was moved to the bullpen. He ended the year with a strong seven-inning start against the Twins. Stat line: 11-12, 4.56, 31 games, 30 starts, 176 innings, 79 walks, 170 strikeouts.

No. 9. RHP Bryan Shaw, 27: Shaw leads big league relievers with 224 appearances over the last three years. Teammate and closer Cody Allen is second with 223. After lefties hit .294 (32-for-109) against him in 2014, they hit .226 (21-for-93) against him in 2015. Stat line: 3-3, 2.96, 2 saves, 74 games, 64 innings, 19 walks, 54 strikeouts, 24 holds.

No. 8. 1B Carlos Santana, 29: Santana led the Indians with 19 homers, 85 RBI, 108 walks and 154 games played this year. He batted .231 for the second straight season and said he played most of the season with sore back. Stat line: .231 (127-for-550), 19 HRs, 85 RBI.

No. 7. RHP Danny Salazar, 25: This was a breakout season for Salazar as the Indians finally took the wraps off and let him pitch. He was better in the first half (8-4) than the second half (6-6), but still finished seventh in the AL with 195 strikeouts. Stat line: 14-10, 3.45, 30 starts, 185 innings, 53 walks, 195 strikeouts for the Indians; 1-0, 0.00, 1 start, 6.0 innings, 0 walks, 7 strikeouts for Class AAA Columbus.

No. 6. RHP Carlos Carrasco, 28: What kind of season did Carrasco have? He tied Cy Young candidate Dallas Keuchel for fifth place in the AL with 216 strikeouts. Carrasco posted a 2.99 ERA in 12 starts after the All-Star break. Burning question: if you're the Indians do you trade Carrasco or Danny Salazar for a hitter? Stat line: 14-12, 3.63 ERA 30 starts, 183 2/3 innings, 43 walks, 216 strikeouts.

No. 5. SS Francisco Lindor, 21: Lindor played 99 games with the Indians. He spent 85 of them hitting in the No.2 spot. When he wasn't there, he was leading off or hitting third. Add a dash of Gold Glove defense to the mixture and you have his rookie season. Stat line: .313 (122-for-390), 12 HRs, 51 RBI, 12 steals in 14 attempts for the Indians; .284 (26-for-229), 2 HRs, 22 RBI for Class AAA Columbus.

No. 4. 2B Jason Kipnis, 28: Kipnis and Francisco Lindor led the Tribe with a 4.6 WAR, according to baseball-reference. The Tribe's second baseman flourished in the leadoff spot and had an All-Star first half (.323, 59 runs, 6 HRs, 37 RBI). A sore right shoulder and a trip to the disabled list hurt him in the second half. Stat line: .303 (171-for-565), 86 runs, 9 HRs, 52 RBI.

No. 3. RHP Cody Allen, 26: Allen proved he'll take the long way home to get a save. He led the big leagues with seven saves in which he pitched at least 1 1/3 innings. He's arbitration eligible and it will be interesting to see if the Indians offer him a multiyear deal. Stat line: 2-5, 2.99, 34 saves in 38 chances, 70 games, 69 1/3 innings, 25 walks, 99 strikeouts.

No. 2. RHP Corey Kluber, 29: It's hard to get around Kluber's AL-leading 16 losses. It's harder to dismiss his 222 innings, 245 strikeouts, .231 batting average against and an offense that scored two or fewer runs for him in 21 of his 32 starts. Stat line: 9-16, 3.49, 32 starts, 222 innings, 45 walks, 245 strikeouts.

No. 1. LF Michael Brantley, 28: Brantley, for the second straight year, sits atop the Tribe's 40-man roster as the player who packs the most punch. His WAR slipped from 6.8 in 2014 to 3.4 in 2015 as injuries limited him to 137 games. He still led the AL with 45 doubles, finished fourth in the AL in batting average and hit .324 with runners in scoring position. Stat line: .310 (164-for-529), 15 HRs, 84 RBI, 15 steals in 16 attempts.

Berkshire wins Football Team of the Week contest Oct. 22, 2015

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The Berkshire football team was named Team of the Week after collecting 61.7 percent of the 684 votes.

STOW, OH -- The Berkshire football team was named Team of the Week after defeating Cuyahoga Heights, 41-40, in Week 8.

Stow received 61.7 percent of the 684 votes followed by 21.64 percent of the votes for Madison.


Each week during the fall season, high school sports fans will help to crown a new Team of the Week.


Similar to Player of the Week, we will be accepting nominations from fans who believe their team had a big week either in terms of wins, a significant milestone, etc. Fans can nominate their Team of the Week by leaving a message in the comments section below.


The deadline is Tuesdays at 9 a.m. If you want to nominate your team, please leave a message in the comments section.


Our high school sports staff will go through the nominations. Look for the Team of the Week poll every Tuesday afternoon. Voting is open until Thursday at 9 a.m.


We want to hear from you. Whether it’s asking us questions in the comments or commenting as you check out all the high school sports content, please take advantage of the comments section and let us know your takes on local teams, players and conference predictions. 


For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact Nathaniel Cline on Twitter (@nathanielcline), by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ohio State football injury update: Replacing DT Tommy Schutt? Former elite recruit gets his chance

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"You don't worry about the guy that's gone," defensive line coach Larry Johnson said of Schutt. "We're going to miss him but we've got to go forward." Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Michael Hill wanted to be the guy to replace Michael Bennett. He wasn't. But he will be now.

Senior defensive tackle Tommy Schutt was the lineman who won the job in the preseason to fill the one hole on Ohio State's defensive line coming into this year. Technically, it was Adolphus Washington sliding to the three-technique spot that filled Bennett's job, while Schutt moved in as the noseguard that Washington played at the end of the last year.

Now Schutt is gone, at least for a few weeks, with a broken wrist. He actually broke the wrist last week but decided to play with it against Penn State before having surgery this week.

"He played very well, had a sack and a tackle for a loss. This was all with a broken bone in his wrist," Urban Meyer said. "It was his decision to do the best he could. Obviously, a big game. He wanted to play in it, and he did very well."

Meyer appreciates Schutt's story and the way he had played as a senior after what Meyer perceived previously as an underachieving career. Now it's on to Hill's story.

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson said Wednesday that either Hill, a redshirt sophomore from South Carolina, or Joel Hale, a fifth-year senior who has played both offense and defense in his career, would start in Schutt's place against Rutgers on Saturday. Johnson said Donovan Munger, another inside lineman, is playing that three-technique spot behind Washington and therefore is less of an option.

"You don't worry about the guy that's gone," Johnson said of Schutt. "We're going to miss him but we've got to go forward."

As much as Meyer and the Buckeyes always talk next man up, Johnson is as matter of fact about injury replacements as any coach on the staff. He used the same attitude when All-American end Joey Bosa was suspended for the opener against Virginia Tech.

Regardless of whether Hale or Hill starts, both will play and both have played already in the Buckeyes rotation on the line. While Schutt has 20 tackles this season, Hale has nine and Hill has six.

"No question," Johnson said. "They'll play half and half. That's my goal, split those guys up. But both are going to play a lot of football."

They'll get a rest with Ohio State's third-down package that was implemented the last two games. In that look called The Rushmen Package, Bosa moves to an inside spot on the line while Sam Hubbard comes in at end. With those two joining Washington and defensive end Tyquan Lewis, the Buckeyes have four strong pass rushers on the field.

Bosa likes the move because it gives him a better chance to face one blocker instead of a double team, but it's not a look that the Buckeyes will use every down. No matter how well Hubbard has played, the full-time replacement for Schutt at tackle won't be Bosa.

That alignment will give Hale and Hill a chance to rest, though. When they're in there, they can't be the place on the defense that an offense can attack, because teams already were trying to hit the Buckeyes with inside runs.

"Both guys are working hard," said Johnson, who said he hadn't made the decision on the starter yet. "It's a challenge."

Hill wants it. A member of Ohio State's foundational 2013 recruiting class, Hill was the No. 178 prospect in the nation according to 247sports.com. That made him one of 14 OSU pledges ranked in the top 200. But Hill hasn't yet made the contributions that some of his classmates have.

"It hasn't been what I expected," Hill said in January. "It's really just the talent. We have talent everywhere. All I can do is prepare my hardest. I believe when I get my chance, people will know that I'm more than ready to play."

Schutt, Hale and Washington are all seniors, so this is Hill's chance to prove for now, and for the 2016, that he is ready. There will be more options inside next year to push him. For instance, true freshman Robert Landers hasn't played yet but Johnson said he is contemplating playing Landers, and burning his redshirt season, if necessary.

"I think our backups, Joel Hale and Mike Hill at noseguard, have been playing well and we've got a freshman, Robert Landers, who's going to come up and help us," Bosa said. "I think they've been playing solid, they're doing their job, they're making plays and I don't think we're worried at all.

"Of course, it sucks to lose Tommy. But he'll be back and I think we'll be good inside."

State coaches' cross country polls released Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 for Ohio

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St. Ignatius' boys lead a Division I field with four Northeast Ohio teams in the top 10.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The latest batch of state cross country polls from the Ohio Association of State Track and Cross Country Coaches was released Thursday, Oct. 22. Here are the rankings, including point totals and first-place votes in parenthesis:

DIVISION I BOYS
























































1.


St. Ignatius

180 (12)



2.



Mason



163



3.



Thomas Worthington



146



4.



Solon



137



5.



Louisville



124



6.



Dublin Coffman



107



7.



Hudson



105



8.



Medina



100



9.


St. Xavier

79



10.



Watkins Memorial



52



Others receiving votes: 11. Hilliard Darby 51, 12. Hilliard Bradley 39, 13. Olentangy Orange 36, 14. (Massillon) Jackson 27, 15. Olentangy Liberty 32, 16. Hilliard Davidson 17, 17. La Salle 11, 18t. Mentor 8, 18t. Wadsworth 8, 20. Sycamore 7, 21. Twinsburg 6, 22. Beavercreek 3. 23t. Kenston 1, 23t. Lancaster 1.


DIVISION I GIRLS
























































1.



Centerville



180 (12)



2.



Mason



164



3.



Olentangy Liberty



157



4.



Hilliard Davidson



147



5.



Thomas Worthington



105



6.



Beavercreek



94



7.



Dublin Jerome



89



8.



Troy



81



9.



Chardon



68



10.



Medina



63



Others receiving votes: 11. Perrysburg 53, 12. Granville 48, 13. Watkins Memorial 42, 14. Brunswick 38, 15. Shaker Heights 28, 16. Solon 23, 17. (Massillon) Jackson 18, 18. Upper Arlington 11, 19t. North Royalton 9, 19t. Notre Dame Academy 9, 21. Hudson 5, 22. Kings 3, 23t. Miamisburg 2, 23t. Turpin 2, 25. Avon 1.


DIVISION II BOYS
























































1.



Sheridan



175 (8)



2.



Tippecanoe



171 (4)



3.



Lexington



151



4.



Woodridge



140



5.



Bay



123



6.



(Springfield) Shawnee



120



7.



Defiance



100



8.


St. Vincent-St. Mary

97



9.



Otsego



62



10.



Perkins



51



Others receiving votes: 11. Unioto 42, 12. Gilmour Academy 40, 13t. Carroll 32, 13t. Oakwood 32, 15. Badin 21. 16. (Springfield) Northwestern 20, 17. Indian Valley 11, 18t. Napoleon 10, 18t. Tuslaw 10, 20t. Eaton 9, 20t. Indian Hill 9, 22t. Bowling Green 5, 22t. Van Wert 5, 24. Valley View 4.


DIVISION II GIRLS
























































1.



Lexington



180 (12)



2.



Archbishop Alter



163



3.



Gilmour Academy



142



4.



Tippecanoe



132



5.



Woodridge



127



6.


St. Vincent-St. Mary

105



7t.



Oakwood



102



7t.



Unioto



102



9.



Chagrin Falls



80



10.



Cloverleaf



69



Others receiving votes: 11. (Springfield) Shawnee 68, 12. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 60, 13. Bellevue 27, 14t. Athens 19, 14t. Minerva 19,16. Sheridan 12, 17. Monroe 9, 18. Morgan 7, 19. Liberty-Benton 6, 20. Huron 4, 21. Marlington 3, 22. Fairfield Union 2, 23t. Mariemont 1, 23t. Napoleon 1.


DIVISION III BOYS
























































1.



Maplewood



180 (12)



2.


St. Thomas Aquinas

168



3.



McDonald



148



4.



Colonel Crawford



146



5.



Liberty Center



119



6.



Anna



116



7.



Fort Loramie



111



8.



Fredericktown



89



9.



(Leesburg) Fairfield



82



10.



Carey



69



Others receiving votes: 11. Smithville 51, 12. Lincolnview 45, 13. Botkins 24, 14. Mount Gilead 23, 15. Milton-Union 18, 16. Mapleton 17, 17. Minster 14, 18. St. Henry 7, 19. West Liberty-Salem 4, 20t. Fairfield Christian Academy 3, 20t. Garaway 3, 20t. Summit Country Day 3.


DIVISION III GIRLS
























































1.



Minster



178 (10)



2.



McDonald



166 (2)



3.


St. Thomas Aquinas

159



4.



Garaway



134



5.



Russia



130



6.



Liberty Center



111



7.



Covington



109



8.



Xenia Christian



92



9.



Canton Central Catholic



78



10.



(Reedsville) Eastern



60



Others receiving votes: 11. Fredericktown 48, 12. St. Henry 31, 13. St. Mary Central Catholic 28, 14. Black River 27, 15. Columbus School for Girls 24, 16. Northmor 21, 17. Lincolnview 13, 18. East Canton 10, 19. Mount Gilead 8, 20. Fairfield Christian Academy 7, 21. Pettisville 4, 22. Miami East 2.


For more high school sports news, like NEOvarsity on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Contact high school sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul), by email (mgoul@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

Sports Insider live at noon: Talking Tristan Thompson, Browns and Indians

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Join us live at noon as we talk all things Cleveland sports.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Tristan Thompson is back in the fold for the Cavaliers. The Browns are getting ready to play St. Louis. Plus, we're looking back on the Tribe's 1995 playoff run.

Join Bud Shaw and me for our live half-hour show, starting at noon, talking all things Cleveland sports.

Chris Haynes will call in to talk about the Tristan Thompson deal. Mary Kay Cabot will talk Browns and look ahead to the Rams. Paul Hoynes will share his 1995 Indians memories and his Indians player rankings.

Click play on the player above when the red "Live" icon appears on the bottom to watch the show. A complete archive of the show will be made available later today.

The inside story of how the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tristan Thompson came to a deal -- Terry Pluto (photos)

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It took more than a year, but the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tristan Thompson agreed to an $82 million deal. Here is how it happened.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Tristan Thompson contract situation was one of the most unique in NBA history.

That's part of the reason that it took so long for the Cavaliers and Thompson's agents to agree on the five-year, $82 million deal for the power forward.

Both sides did feel the pressure of the regular season, which is set to open in less than a week. They knew it would be destructive for both sides if Thompson wasn't signed once the games began to count.

Both sides had different agendas, different views of what was fair.

And both sides had LeBron James looming over the situation.

Consider the following:

THE PLAYER

Thompson is a 6-foot-10 power forward who will probably be the Cavs sixth-man this season. He stepped in for the injured Kevin Love and started in the last three rounds of the playoffs, distinguishing himself as a defender and rebounder.

The 24-year-old Thompson averaged 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in the playoffs. It was 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in the regular season. He led all NBA reserves in rebounding.

Thompson was the fourth pick in the 2011 draft by former Cavalier General Manager Chris Grant.

Thompson is also one of first clients for Rich Paul and his Klutch Sports Agency.

THE AGENTS

Rich Paul has been close to LeBron James since 2002.

A Benedictine graduate, Paul worked for LRMR (James' Marketing agency). With the blessing of James, Paul decided to form his own agency in 2012.

Paul brought Mark Termini into his agency. A veteran sports attorney who has represented players such as Ron Harper and Brad Sellers, Termini serves as the chief contract negotiator for Paul.

Termini is a Clevelander, attended Holy Name High and Case Western Reserve.

Another key member of the agency is Maverick Carter, a friend of James for years who heads their LRMR marketing group.

This is a Cleveland-based agency.

THE FRANCHISE

That's James.

Without James, it's doubtful Paul would be leading his own agency.

Without James, it's doubtful the Cavs would be making such a major commitment to Thompson.

That's because James changed the Cavs franchise when he returned in the summer of 2014. They went from having the NBA's worst record between 2010-14, to the 2015 NBA Finals.

Because of James, Kevin Love wanted to come to the Cavs. Other players followed. They are chasing the siren song of bringing the first major sports title to Cleveland since the 1964 Cleveland Browns.

Thompson's rebounding and defense are very important to that mission, as was evident in the 2014 playoffs. The things he does on the court mean more to a good team where he is not required to score.

THE OWNER

When Dan Gilbert met with James, Paul, Carter and Termini on July 6, 2014, the Cavs owner was apologizing for his inflammatory email after James left the Cavs for Miami in 2010.

The goal was for Gilbert to convince James to return home to the Cavs.

James loves Northeast Ohio. It helped having Paul, Termini and Carter as members of his inner circle. They are all Cleveland/Akron natives. Other agents from bigger markets may have tried to push James in a different direction.

When Gilbert met with James and his advisors, the goal was to see if there was a way to come back to Cavs -- and also immediately contend for a title.

THE PROMISE

Gilbert promised that he'd spend to help James play for a contender right now.

Gilbert had credibility in this area. Between 2008-10, he spent $49 million in luxury tax payments to allow the Cavs to go through salary cap. That was the third-highest total in the NBA in those three seasons.

James would only sign with the Cavs if he was convinced they could win a title in the next few years, and that ownership would spend to make it possible.

THE GENERAL MANAGER

David Griffin had taken over for Grant as the Cavs general manager in February of 2014. He had been Grant's assistant for four years.

Griffin was under tremendous pressure to upgrade the roster after James agreed to sign with the Cavs.

He put together a major deal for Kevin Love. When Gilbert met with James, one of the ideas was how the Cavs could acquire Love from Minnesota.

When the Cavs stumbled to a 19-20 start, Griffin made major trades for Timofey Mozgov, Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith in early January. Those deals saved the season and turned the Cavs into contenders.

THE FIRST OFFER

The Cavs tried to extend Thompson's contract prior to the 2014-15 season. The Cavs had until November 1, 2014, to sign Thompson to an extension on his rookie deal. It would start at $5.1 million for 2014-15, then go up from there.

Like most salary cap things, this became very complicated.

I first reported that the Cavs had offered Thompson $50 million for four years, and it was turned down. You can read the details here. But that decision set up the long contract talks in the summer of 2015.

THE FREE AGENT SUMMER

Griffin's goal in the off-season was to "bring the band back."

He meant the key free agents from the 2015 Finals team.

Love signed a five-year, $113 million maximum contract on July 1 -- the first day he was eligible to do so.

Griffin quickly signed Shumpert to a four-year, $40 million deal. It took a few weeks, but he brought Smith back on a complex two-year deal.

But one player remained unsigned: Thompson.

Complicating the matter was Thompson being a restricted free agent. He was free to sign with any team, but the Cavs could match any offer and retain him.

Thompson was not going to get a major offer sheet because other teams were sure the Cavs would match it.

THE PRESSURE

During the playoffs and at other times, James praised Thompson play. At one point, he said Thompson should "end his career" with the Cavs.

In the NBA Finals, Thompson averaged 11.6 points, 12.6 rebounds and shot 52 percent. Coach David Blatt and others in the Cavs organization praised his play.

James clearly wanted Thompson back, and not just because they share the same agent. James saw Thompson's value to the team.

And let's face it, Gilbert had promised to spend. James and the agents knew that.

THE JAMES CONTRACT

There is no indication that James wants to leave the Cavs.

He keeps digging deeper roots into the community with his different charities, scholarship programs and civic ventures. His family loves living here.

But James keep signing "1-and-1" contracts.

Those are deals for a maximum salary for one year, with a player option for the next year.

So James is under contract for $23 million for this season. He has an option for about $24 million next year.

The short-term deals were conceived by James and his agents to cash in on the booming salary cap in the next few years.

But let's face it, James is on a one-year deal. If he wants, he can leave in the summer of 2016. Everyone with the Cavs knows that.

THE RISK/REWARD

When Thompson turned down that four-year, $50 million extension in 2014, some agents quietly criticized him.

But Paul/Termini believed Thompson could be in line for a much bigger deal this summer. Yes, there was a risk that he could suffer a major injury.

But Thompson was "willing to bet on himself," as one source told me.

And his agents believed it would pay off.

THE EXPANDING SALARY CAP

Here is what the salary cap looks like in the next few seasons:

  • 2015: $70 million.
  • 2016: $89 million.
  • 2017: $108 million.
  • 2018: $120 million.

The new television contract money starting in 2016 means more money for everyone.

Get this: In 2016, teams must SPEND at least $75 million on salaries as part of the labor deal. That's called the "floor." It's $63 million this season.

When Thompson's agents asked for the $94 million maximum contract, one of their points was the deal would be 30 percent LESS than a maximum deal in 2016 when the salary cap nearly explodes.

THE CAVS SITUATION

This was Griffin's first big contract negotiation as a general manager.

Yes, Kyrie Irving and Love signed for more money. But those players were in line for maximum contracts. There was no real back-and-forth. You hand the player the maximum and he either signs or he doesn't.

But it wasn't that clear for Thompson.

The Cavs didn't want to pay him a maximum deal. There is pressure on the owners not to just throw maximum contracts around. That could lead to players like Thompson on other teams wanting maximum deals.

Owners and general managers want to hold the money line, the agents and players want to break the barriers.

THE CAVS SALARY CAP

Because the Cavs have such a high payroll, they could not allow Thompson to leave and use the money from his contract to sign a player from another team. You can only go past the cap to keep your own players.

For the Cavs to improve their team, they need players such as Thompson, Love, Shumpert, Anderson Varejao and others under contract so they can be available as possible trade pieces for players who are well paid on other teams.

You can forget about the Cavs signing big-time free agents from other teams. The cap won't allow it.

So Thompson is valuable to them both as a player and a possible trading asset in a few years. That's when his contract won't be nearly as expensive as it is right now because of the increasing salary cap.

THE TAX BILL

While you can shatter the salary cap to keep your own players, it becomes expensive after a while.

This also is very complicated. With Thompson's first-year salary of $14.2 million, the Cavs regular payroll will be in the $110 million range.

ESPN estimates it will rise to $170 million as the Cavs pay about $60 million this season in luxury tax. It's believed only the 2013-14 Brooklyn Nets ($197 million) had a higher payroll.

Even for a billionaire with wide holdings from Quicken Loans to casinos, that's serious cash for Gilbert.

But the agents counter with how much is James and a title-contending team worth to Gilbert?

THE WAITING GAME

During the summer, Thompson's agents signed Cory Joseph to a four-year, $30 million deal with Toronto, and Kosta Koufas to a four-year, $33 million deal with Sacramento. Neither had been starters for their previous teams.

For months, Thompson's representatives wanted a five-year, $94 million maximum deal.

I heard the Cavs started in the $70 million range and eventually moved up to $80 million about six weeks ago. There was never anything close to an $80 million agreement in early July, as was reported in some circles.

In the summer of 2014, Paul's agency was criticized for turning down a four-year, $48 million contract extension offer for restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe. That dragged until September 26, 2014.

Bledsoe signed a five-year, $70 million deal with Phoenix.

So Paul/Termini knew the value of patience. They practiced it once again with Thompson.

But the Cavs knew they simply couldn't make Thompson a maximum player. It would look as if James were running the entire franchise.

So they waited.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Finally, everyone realized it was time to finish the deal.

Thompson wanted to stay with the Cavs. The Cavs needed Thompson.

Gilbert was being true to his word, spending at an incredible pace.

With five days before the season began, the two sides put together the five-year, $82 million deal.

The Cavs avoided paying a maximum deal and have their forward in camp before the season opens.

Thompson will be the No. 6 highest paid power forward in the NBA this season:

  1. Kevin Love, $19.6 million.
  2. Lamarcus Aldridge, $19.6 million.
  3. Blake Griffin, $18.9 million.
  4. Paul Millsap, $18.6 million.
  5. David Lee, $15.4 million.
  6. Thompson, $14.2 million.

This contract is another sign of how Klutch Sports Group is becoming a significant player in the NBA agent game. They have signed players (including James) to $211 million worth of contracts in 2015.

In the end, both sides can declare a victory. Or at least a compromise was reached that avoided a negative impact on the Cavs season.

Bowling Green and QB Matt Johnson are on an offensive roll: MAC Football 2015 (photos)

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The Bowling Green Falcons are a high-scoring offensive machine that will play at Kent State, 1 p.m. Saturday, against KSU's strong defense.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You can't talk about Bowling Green football without talking about the numbers. Coach Dino Babers arrived two seasons ago and said he was going to turn up the offensive wick. From the outset last season, Babers has delivered.

It's all about the 'O' with the Falcons. And the numbers for 2015 speak loudly.

Bowling Green (5-2, 3-0), which plays at Kent State (3-4, 2-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday, has been on an offensive roll all season. The fewest points the Falcons have scored is 28 and the most they have scored is 62.

Bowling Green is averaging 43.3 points a game. The Falcons have scored more than 40 points four times.

They scored 30 points against Tennessee, 48 against Maryland, 41 against No. 16 Memphis, and 35 against Purdue. That's one SEC team, two Big Ten teams and the No. 16 team in the nation.

Meanwhile, Kent State's defense has held the Big Ten's Minnesota to 10 points, and most recently held UMass to 10. But the KSU offense is the worst in the MAC and three times this season has failed to scored one offensive touchdown in a game.

And while the defense is tough, it has yet to play against a high-powered unit like the Falcons, who have scored 41 touchdowns and just six field goals. In seven games, BG has 4,160 yards worth of total offense. No other team in the MAC has yet to reach 3,000.

Kent State's defense is one of the best in the nation, holding teams to 290.7 yards per game. Bowling Green's offense averages 594.3.

The BG offense is predicated on completing a high percentage of passes and running a high number of plays. Quarterback Matt Johnson has completed 215 of 305 passes for 2,891 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Johnson, a senior from Pennsylvania, is the No. 1 passing quarterback in the nation this season. He is averaging 413.0 yards passing per game. Those are Heisman Trophy-type numbers and around BG, at least, Johnson is mentioned as a 2015 candidate.

And he has help. Johnson's No. 1 target is sophomore Roger Lewis, who ranks among the national leaders in receptions (54), yards (1,020), and touchdowns (9). When the Falcons opt to run, senior Travis Greene is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 76.7 yards per game.

To understand how daunting Kent State's challenge will be on Saturday, note that the Golden Flashes do not have one offensive player listed among the conference leaders in any category.


How about Braxton Meyer in a wishbone QB look? Urban Meyer radio show highlights

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A caller asked about a look that would include Miller, Ezekiel Elliott, Curtis Samuel and Jalin Marshall and Meyer said the Buckeyes have thought about something like that.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Remember the look? Urban Meyer raised his eyebrows in July at the possibilities that came with Braxton Miller's move to H-back.

Miller has accounted for 416 yards from scrimmage through seven games, an average of 59.4 per game, with 191 on the ground and 225 on 17 receptions.

The Buckeyes have moved away from using Miller taking direct snaps at quarterback, which was more of an option early in the season, and you can imagine that might happen even less with J.T. Barrett starting at quarterback now.

But a caller to Meyer's radio show on Thursday suggested a wishbone look, with Miller at quarterback flanked by Jalin Marshall and Curtis Samuel and Ezekiel Elliott lined up behind him.

It's always fun when fans scheme up plays, but that's the same thing Meyer did in the preseason when he said he was doodling plays for Miller. But there's something that would hold back a look like that now.

"I've thought about that," Meyer said of that kind of lineup with Miller at QB. "Believe it or not, he was not a great option quarterback. Braxton likes to keep it."

That's something that could be seen when Miller was Ohio State's quarterback in 2012 and 2013. Miller has the speed but not the natural instinct to make those reads and make the toss or the handoff required in those plays where there's a choice on the fly.

When Meyer arrived at Ohio State, he thought Miller would be the ideal quarterback to run those plays.

"I thought, 'Oh my gosh.' When we first got here, I thought, 'Oh my goodness, here we go,'" Meyer said on the radio show. "He's just not naturally an option guy. But we've thought about that because those three names you just said are very dynamic. But that's a big change. You're talking about wishbone stuff. And we're pro-style. We do zone-reads now with J.T but not a whole lot of option. But maybe down the road."

But Miller as a receiver? As he has said many times before, Meyer again praised Miller's progress at his new position. He said he promised Miller when the move was made that they would make him a complete receiver to get him ready for the NFL, not just throw him swing passes. So that's what Meyer sees still happening.

"I'm so proud of him," Meyer said. "He's practiced his tail off."

That includes practicing punt returns. Meyer hasn't used Miller there yet because he wants to make sure he's ready and because Marshall is the No. 1 punt returner and Meyer thinks Marshall has done very well there.

But that could be ahead as well.

Mentor DB Michael Ballentine's pick-6 wins Top Play of Week 8 video contest

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For the second time in the contest's relatively short history, readers and staffers both chose the same winner for Top Football Play of the Week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Readers and staffers both chose Mentor DB Michael Ballentine's pick-6 against Strongsville as the top highlight in cleveland.com's high school football Top Play of Week 8 video contest.

This is the second time the readers and staffers have picked the same play as the winner in a given week. The first occurrence came in Week 2 when both picked Mentor QB Tadas Tatarunas' game-winning touchdown pass to Malik Porter against St. Ignatius. 


Aurora RB Bubba Arslanian received second place honors from both voting parties for his block which led to a Mac Austin touchdown against Copley. 


The contest continues every week. Scroll to the bottom to find out how you can submit your video for inclusion.


Here are the Top 3 results from the reader's poll on cleveland.com:


1. Ballentine, Mentor (451 votes, 39 percent)


2. Arslanian, Aurora (370 votes, 32 percent)


3. Vince Primer, Madison (161 votes, 14 percent) 


Here is the staff breakdown:


1. Ballentine, Mentor (4 votes)  


2. Arslanian, Aurora (2 votes)


3. Chris Collins, Euclid (1 vote)


See all of the nominees for Week 8 below and find out how the other videos fared in the readers' poll

How to submit your videos for future contests:

Plays in the video contest are recorded by Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters and freelancers, school broadcasts and submissions from fans. We want to showcase your team's best runs, catches, defensive plays -- you name it -- every week.

Fans and teams are invited to send us video clips of their top plays through email (hssports@cleveland.com), Twitter, Vine or Instagram. The deadline to submit videos from Thursday and Friday games is Saturday at noon, and video from Saturday games is accepted until 10 p.m. Saturday.

Be sure to tag "NEOvarsity" on the social media message so we receive the video clip.

Like NEOvarsity on Facebook and follow our high school sports Twitter account @NEOvarsity and tag your high school sports Tweets and score updates with the #NEOVarsity hashtag.

Emotional victory helps jockey finally get past the death of his brother

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The day after his richest victory, jockey Jacob Radosevich visited his older brother's grave to tell him it was time to move on.

By BOB ROBERTS

radosevich cemetery photo.jpgJacob Radosevich visits the grave of his older brother, Josh, with the trophy he got for winning the Best of Ohio Endurance race at ThistleDown Racino. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jacob Radosevich has always been close to his big brother, Josh. The dates of their birth place them less than four years apart.

After urging Dubacious to win the $150,000 Best of Ohio Endurance at ThistleDown on Oct. 10, the richest victory of his career as a jockey, Jacob decided he must visit his brother in central Ohio. He had to tell him it was time to move on.

For the both of them.

The following morning, Radosevich, with his shiny golden trophy in tow, drove 2 1/2 hours to see Josh at the Grove City Cemetery.

"I had to go the next day," said Radosevich. "That's why I was so emotional in the winner's circle after winning the Endurance."

Josh Radosevich, who began his riding career at 16, also rode his last race at 16. He died from injuries suffered in spill in a race at Beulah Park on Nov. 16, 2005. The cemetery where he is buried is less than two miles from the defunct thoroughbred track.

Jacob, now 22, was in his seventh grade classroom that horrible autumn afternoon. The death of his brother engulfed him in a fog of disbelief. It's been nearly 10 years, but Radosevich believes the fog is finally lifting.

"I've never felt that Josh has crossed over to heaven," said Radosevich. "I always thought that he was still here, riding alongside me. I've felt that way ever since I became a jockey at 18. I didn't want him to move on. But I told Josh at the cemetery that his duty here is fulfilled."

It took a spill of his own to convince Jacob that Josh has finally gone to his reward. In the Best of Ohio's John Galbreath Memorial, Jacob was riding Cassie Lou when the juvenile filly broke down in midstretch, sending him to the turf.

"When I went down and was unhurt, I didn't feel Josh's presence, anymore," said Radosevich. "I think he decided to move forward. And I didn't feel him when I won the Endurance, either."

The road to tranquility has been anything but easy for Radosevich. When his brother died on the track, Jacob was 12.

"I didn't cry. I didn't have any emotion. I didn't know what to do," he said.

What he did do was endlessly watch a video tape of the accident that claimed his brother.

"I didn't understand it," said Radosevich. "I was looking for answers, but I just kept wondering why. It got pretty rough. There were times I didn't want to be in this world. I jut wanted to be with my brother."

Radosevich said he finally cried for his brother when he began his own riding career over the same racing surface where Josh died.

"I started to grieve then because I knew Josh was riding with me," Radosevich said.

Jacob is certain that Josh was in the saddle with him in the winter of 2011 at Beulah Park when one of his mounts broke down and he was pitched to the ground.

"It was in the same spot where Josh went down,"said Jacob. "I survived but it was a bad spill. I broke my collarbone and still have a plate, 11 screws and five pins holding it back together."

Radosevich said he healed so quickly, he was back riding in six weeks. Another spill, this one at Thistledown the following year, left him with four vertebral compression fractures.

"It also shrunk me," said Radosevich. "I was 5-foot-8 1/2 inches before the accident. Now, I'm 5-7."

Following his driving victory in the Endurance and his trip to the Grove City Cemetery, Jacob looks a bit taller and speaks in a more confident tone.

"I always wanted to ride in a race with my brother," he said. "It will happen one day, but it's going to have to wait."

Cleveland Browns should start talking about their Johnny Manziel problem: Bill Livingston (photos)

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How many problems of physical and drug abuse have been empowered by 'keeping it in the family'?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns and most other professional teams handle player misconduct "internally."

Sometimes the term is "in-house."

The "house" has had more of the feel of a fraternity kegger lately, starring Johnny Manziel as Bluto from "Animal House," Justin Gilbert as the driver of the Deathmobile, and featuring guest appearances by Josh Gordon as either Cheech or Chong.

Gordon is out of the picture for this season, suspended yet again for substance abuse. Like a baseball switch hitter, he can hurt his team either way, with alcohol or marijuana.

Gilbert brings a little more of the Fall Classic flavor to the mess after he drove into a ditch at the end of a high speed chase in a road rage incident. Before Gilbert crashed his car, he flung a cup of tobacco juice on the other vehicle.

Gilbert was taken eighth in the first round, compared to 22nd for Manziel. An alleged cornerback, Gllbert hasn't even had Manziel's brief flashes of exciting play, although Gilbert certainly will claim he has.

Still, all the headlines go to the former Johnny Football, a sensation on Twitter, Facebook and the world of TMZ, if not that of professional football.

In every instance with these players, the Browns have been more afraid of airing their dirty laundry in public than of publicly confronting what has happened in open and honest dialogue with reporters and, through them, their fans.

Everyone lawyers up so much in sports these days that no one wants to blow it by violating the players' due process. You know, the way NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his cockamamie legal department have done with Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Tom Brady.

But is it possible that "handling it internally" is a form of denial? Is the players' right to privacy greater than the resources for treatment?

Think of how much domestic abuse, child abuse, drug abuse and alcohol abuse have been empowered by not talking about it and by keeping it in the family.

Despite the many seemingly sincere words of contrition Gordon and Manziel have offered, the Browns' culture of private admonition and discipline hasn't exactly encouraged personal accountability. Both Manziel and Gordon have been a classic backsliders.

Gordon reacted to a failed test by blaming others' second-hand smoke.

Manziel complained when he did not get the starter's job after his big plays against the Titans. Why stay on the straight and narrow if he wasn't going to play anyway?

For his part, Gilbert denied culpability. "Other than one play, it was flawless for me," he said after a spotty exhibition game performance against Washington.

What if Mike Pettine "handled it externally" or "dealt with it for everyone to see"? Better yet, what if general manager Ray Farmer or owner Jimmy Haslam did that?

How much of a difference in everyone's lives would it make if an authority figure with the Browns had said, "Johnny is a young man who has a lot of problems. Some are common to every player his age, and some are particular to wealthy young men who live public lives in the spotlight. He's had trouble with alcohol. He's had trouble controlling his emotions. He has trouble making good life decisions that affect others."

"We think he can be a valuable football player," the Browns could conclude, "and we're doing what we can to help. But ultimately, he has to grow up."

Privacy isn't sacrosanct for repeat offenders. If the players union and the players' agents object, and there is no doubt they would, the Browns would have a ready response:

"If they don't like it, they can stop embarrassing themselves, their teammates, their employers and their fans."

5 reasons Ohio State football will beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Buckeyes cornerbacks are best friends

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Gareon Conley and Eli Apple allow their friendship to make them better players on the field.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Five reasons the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes will beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday night in Piscataway, N.J.

1. Gareon Conley and Eli Apple, cornerbacks like brothers: They didn't know each other until they hit campus when the freshmen reported in June of 2013, cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Eli Apple paired together as roommates.

Now, what they know about each other and what they learn each game helps allow Ohio State to play the defense it wants to play.

Both were part of the 2013 recruiting class, but Apple hit the field first as a starter last season. Conley joined him this year, which makes Apple a little wiser in a partnership of equals that gets together every time the defense leaves the field on a Saturday.

They have to give up something. Every corner in a defense like Ohio State's, where the cornerbacks press up and play aggressive one-on-one coverage on their own, gives up something. But Conley and Apple haven't given up much as they talk about everything.

"That's my best friend, that's just like my blood brother," Conley said of Apple. "We're so close."

5 reasons Rutgers will win

Placed together as freshmen, they roomed together again in year two and now share an apartment in their third years on campus.

Players don't have to be that tight to work well together, but it certainly can help. Positioned on opposite sides of the field, they don't see each other much while playing defense. But when they come off the field, they sit next to each other on the bench with the rest of the secondary and assistant coach Kerry Coombs and get to work.

"We talk about what we see, what the receivers have release-wise and speed-wise," Conley said. "We do, 'Oh, No. 12 is fast,' or, 'No. 12 like to use his hands on a slant.' It's great communication that helps us play better."

The talk has worked. The Twitter account @CFBFilmRoom has frequently produced stats about how little Apple and Conley have allowed this season.

Conley said they know a bit about the numbers, with the Buckeyes themselves tracking everything. Coombs mentioned something a week or so ago. But that's rare.

"I don't think they try to bring it up so it doesn't get in our heads," Conley said. "I don't really care about stats right now. I'm worried about the stats for the next game."

It's not the numbers, it's the words. Come Saturday night against Rutgers, the roommates tasked with shutting down a Rutgers pass game that features one of the Big Ten's best receivers in Leonte Carroo will figure it out.

"I have confidence in Eli and he has confidence in me," Conley said. "That's what helps us player better."

2. The gunners: This week we declared that punter Cameron Johnston was doing his job as well as any player on the team. Urban Meyer this week made sure he didn't forget Johnston's sidekicks on the punt team.

On his radio show Thursday, Meyer made obvious his fascination with some of the technology the Buckeyes use and what that technology can tell him.

Like the fact his fastest coverage guys run almost as fast as Meyer drives. In particular, Meyer expressed his admiration for freshman defensive back Denzel Ward and receivers Terry McLaurin and James Clark for the way they bust down the field as the outside coverage guys on the punt team.

Meyer said Ward ran 21.6 miles per hour while getting down the field on the opening kickoff. In punt coverage, he said Ward, Clark and McLaurin all hit over 21 miles per hour on the first punt of the game against Penn State that saw Johnston hit the ball 56 yards, with those three there to force a fair catch when it landed.

"When you have three guys run over 21 miles per hour, you have a pretty good football team," Meyer said.

Meyer then compared that to the room Jalin Marshall gets to return punts because the Buckeyes block opposing coverage teams so well.

On the OSU punts, Johnston is instructed to land the ball at the 8-yardline so his teammates have a chance to down the ball before the endzone after it hits and rolls. In practice, the whole team gathers to watch as Johnston tries to nail the exact yardline. Meyer can't believe how often in practice and in games that Johnston hits it.

As for practicing anything like the bad result off the dropped punt that cost Michigan a win last week?

"Why the heck would you say that?" Meyer asked when it was mentioned by show co-host Jim Lachey on the radio Thursday. Meyer was joking but also looking to avoid a jinx.

"Do we? No, no we don't. Next subject. No, no, no. So they ran 21 miles per hour down the field ..."

3. Third-down quarterback runs: This deserves a deeper investigation, but for now, watch for how often Ohio State leans on a quarterback run and converts it on third down.

Whether it's a draw or a quick, smart scramble once the defense drops into coverage, it never ceases to amaze how often running lanes are open on a do-or-die play for a team that works that play so well so often.

Braxton Miller did it. J.T. Barrett did it. Cardale Jones could do it. But with Barrett back as the starter this week, expect the Buckeyes to do it a lot. Meyer mentioned third down as one of the main reasons he went to Barrett as the starter. 

Last week, the Buckeyes were 5 of 11 on third down. Jones was 2 of 7, Barrett was 3 of 4. Jones' seven plays were two passes for first downs, two completions short of the sticks, an incompletion, a sack and a run for a loss.

Barrett's four plays? The one that didn't work was a pass to Ezekiel Elliott for negative yards on third-and-5. The others - a 12-yard run when he needed 7 yards, a 6-yard when he needed 4 and a 27-yard run when he needed 10.

It works. It will keep working.

4. Vonn Bell: The junior safety is the player most worth mentioning when outsiders ask for a Buckeye to watch that may not be as well-known to fans of other teams. On a team with Ezekiel Elliott, Braxton Miller, Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett, Joey Bosa and Darron Lee, the Bell name may not be as familiar.

His time as an under-the-radar answer may be over, though.

On ESPN's midseason All-American team, two Buckeyes made the list: left tackle Taylor Decker and Bell. On the same list from Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports, it was the same two, Decker and Bell.

We like to joke about how often Bell in interviews talks about making plays. We'll admit that all of us here do some form of a Bell impression that basically boils down to "Playmakers make plays."

He talks that because he is that, in the run game and the pass game.

"Vonn is an unbelievable coverage safety," co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash said. "Vonn can play man-to-man, he can play slot, he could go press a receiver if we needed him to."

Make sure you're noticing. People around the country are.

5. Kyle Flood: This is a Rutgers athletic department and football program in disarray. The Scarlet Knights almost certainly need to change athletic directors and football coaches. Betting that both will happen in the next year might be smart.

However, the Scarlet Knights probably have more talent than our occasional mocking may suggest. They have won at least nine games three of the four previous seasons. Ask how many Big Ten teams would take that.

Flood, in his fourth season is 26-19. Not bad. But Rutgers hasn't beaten a ranked team since 2009, which was a shutout of No. 23 South Florida. 

Ohio State is not South Florida. Rutgers isn't going to win this.

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