The friendly practice of allowing wildlife officers from other states to buy less expensive Ohio resident hunting and fishing licenses was discontinued about a decade ago. Someone must have forgotten to warn all of the troops in the field.

Duluth News-Tribune/MCTFind out about obtaining a hunting license at www.ohiodnr.com.

The friendly practice of allowing wildlife officers from other states to buy less expensive Ohio resident hunting and fishing licenses was discontinued about a decade ago. Someone must have forgotten to warn all of the troops in the field.

For a second time in five years, the practice has blown up in the face of the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

The latest Ohio officers in trouble are Butler County wildlife officer Aaron Ireland and Josh Zientek, of Huron County. An investigation by Ohio Inspector General Randy Meyer said the two men illegally allowed unidentified Indiana officers to use their home addresses to buy Ohio resident fishing licenses in 2007. The Ohio officers didn’t save their friends much money. An Ohio resident fishing license is $19; a non-resident tag is $40.

Meyer also fingered four unnamed wildlife agency administrators for inadequate 2008 verbal reprimands handed to Ireland and Zientek. The officers, according to the inspector general’s report, said a supervisor authorized them to allow the sale of the resident licenses.

If the Ohio fishing license fiasco sounds familiar, it’s because the Division of Wildlife and former officer Allan Wright of Brown County are both still in court over Wright’s illegal sale of a resident hunting license to a South Carolina friend and wildlife officer, Eric Vaughn. Five wildlife administrators were sidelined in that case, and two have since retired, including former Chief David Graham. While the administrators are still fighting the charges in southeast Ohio district court, Wright was finally indicted in August by a Cincinnati grand jury — five years after the offense — and suspended by the Division of Wildlife.

“Ireland and Zientek certainly won’t be fired over this,” said Chief David Lane. “Whether you agree with process or not, this incident was quite different than the Wright case.”

Walleye champions: Wisconsin anglers Dan Zwick and Ton Kobriger captured last week’s World Walleye Championship held by the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit on the Mississippi River at Prairie de Chien, Wis. Zwick and Kobriger weighed 13 walleye over three days totaling 40.89 pounds to capture the $25,000 top prize.

Ohio anglers weren’t far behind.

Gary Zart of Brunswick and his young son, Nicholas, finished sixth with 27 pounds. Ohio finishers included: Matt Davis of Marion and Dan Gies of Huron (seventh, 26.92 pounds); Mike Knippenberg of Hiram and Ryan Buddie of Lakewood (12th, 21.17 pounds); Dan Johnson of Fayetteville and Larry Rhoads of Oregonia (14th, 18.70 pounds); and Mike Zaborski of Sheffield Lake and Charlie Robinson of Perrysburg (28th, 8.81 pounds).

Wine and steelhead: The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is combining local wines and area steelhead trout fishing for its Fly the Alley weekend on Nov. 11-13. Featured is the Northeast Ohio Fly Fishing Expo steelhead trout seminars on Nov. 12, featuring fly fishing exhibits and sales and noted guides Greg Senyo of Steelhead Alley Outfitters, British Columbia steelheading expert April Vokey, Berkley’s Jeff Liskay, and two-hand casting expert Will Turek. A day pass is $15. Visit flythealley.com. For lodge reservations, call 1-800-227-6972.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: degan@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Look for some good to outstanding steelhead trout fishing in Northeast Ohio steelhead streams, although it may take a while for the Vermilion and Rocky rivers to settle down after the big rains on Wednesday and Thursday.

D'Arcy Egan, The Plain DealerSteelhead trout are running the rivers, with recent rains bringing in more fish.

Steelhead trout are running the rivers, with recent rains bringing in more fish. Heavy rains this week have resulted in high water, putting steelheading on hold through the weekend. Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch are moving closer to shore, with breakwall and pier anglers finding success. Inland lakes and ponds are giving up crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill in good numbers, and some walleye and saugeye as they move to shoreline structure.

Inland lakes

The algae is going away and near-shore waters are giving up yellow perch and even some daytime walleye, although local waters are stained and could get worse as rains pelt the area again today. Anglers are scoring best from East 55th Street and East 72nd Street breakwalls, as well as Edgewater Park and Wildwood Park. Northeast winds and rough lake conditions have kept boat anglers off the water. Before the windy weather, perch anglers were doing well in 40 to 45 feet of water off the east lighthouse in Cleveland Harbor, around the Cleveland Crib and off the Gold Coast.

Steelhead trout are staging around the local rivers and streams, and running the rivers. With the big rains this week, expect the smaller streams, such as Euclid Creek, and the tributaries of the main rivers to be the best bet for trout.

Central Lake Erie

Anglers are finding walleye, but the bite over the last week has been inconsistent. Walleye were being caught in fair numbers both inside and outside of the Lorain Sand Bar, and in 15 to 30 feet of water along the shoreline. Trolling spoons and diving plugs, especially Reef Runner lures, have been fairly productive at times. The top walleye spots have been about 10 to 15 miles northeast of Huron, and in 30 to 45 feet of water between Huron and Vermilion.

Shoreline walleye fishing woke up this past week, with good catches reported just after sunset from the Huron Pier on Husky Jerk lures in blue-silver and “clown” colors. Expect the night bite to heat up on piers and breakwall from Catawba Island to Cleveland in the coming days.

Perch fishing has been erratic, but some good catches were reported off Geneva and Fairport Harbor in 40 to 45 feet of water.

Rivers and streams

Look for some good to outstanding steelhead trout fishing in Northeast Ohio steelhead streams, although it may take a while for the Vermilion and Rocky rivers to settle down after the big rains on Wednesday and Thursday. Rivers and streams to the east hadn’t gotten as much rain, and may be fishable later this weekend. Small spawn bags and jig-maggot rigs are taking fish, with fly fishers casting streamers in minnow patterns, woolly buggers and egg patterns.

Inland lakes, reservoirs

Work near-shore brush piles and shoreline docks for crappie by suspending minnows under a float. Bass are chasing spinnerbaits, shallow-running diving plugs and plastic worms cast around weed beds. Some catfish are still being caught on the flats on night crawlers, processed catfish baits, shrimp and chicken livers.

Berlin Reservoir fishermen are working blade baits along the dropoffs and taking home white bass, walleye and crappie. Catfish are still biting on worms and catfish baits.

Portage Lakes are a top fall spot for crappie, sunfish and yellow perch. A tiny ice jig baited with waxworms or maggots and suspended under a float in 3 to 8 feet of water will catch all three at Turkeyfoot, West, East and North reservoirs and Long Lake.

Mogadore Reservoir has been a hot spot for crappie, with lots of 9- to 12-inch crappie reported caught on small jigs and waxworms or small minnows. Cast the Mogadore shorelines for largemouth bass.

The fall bite is heating up at Pymatuning Reservoir, where walleye are being caught along the causeway on blade baits, and trolling minnow-style plugs in deeper water. Good numbers of footlong yellow perch have been caught around the southern end of the big lake.

Western Lake Erie

Western walleye fishing is still a roller coaster ride, with inconsistent catches as walleye begin to arrive for the fall fishing season. Some good catches were reported northeast of Kelleys Island by trolling fishermen before the high winds and big waves. Walleye were also being caught by casting small spinners and weight-forward spinners tipped with night crawlers around Gull Shoal and Kelleys Island Shoal.

The night bite for walleye should begin very soon at Catawba State Park and Lakeside Pier on Marblehead. Anglers are casting weighted minnow-style plugs starting at dusk.

Yellow perch fishing has been just fair, with some perch caught around Ballast Island, Kelleys Island and off the Lakeside Pier.

Mike Holmgren said the Browns are likely to allow Peyton Hillis to become a free agent. If so, where will Hillis end up next season?

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis.

Is there a team out there in need of a fast bruising running back? That may be the case next season since it looks like the Cleveland Browns will allow Peyton Hillis to become a free agent at the end of this season.

The Browns will join the fray and compete for his services, but there's the risk they will allow Hillis, the team's leading rusher last season, to go without much compensation.

Mary Kay Cabot writes on Cleveland.com:

Browns President Mike Holmgren revealed Thursday that talks to extend Peyton Hillis' contract are at a standstill and that the team is set to let him become a free agent after the season.

"I don't think anybody pushed anybody against the wall on contract talks and said, 'We're done,' but right now, it's kind of quiet," Holmgren said. "Let's let Peyton play, let the dust settle and see what happens."

So if Hillis leaves, which team is a good fit for him?

Is the Big East taking expansion too far?

APWest Virginia coach Bob Huggins.

The Big East, just like the rest of the major conferences, plans to expand. But the Big East may take things a bit far with its proposals for a football league with 12 teams and a basketball league with 16 to 24 teams.

Steve Politi of the Newark Star-Ledger writes how most of the coaches think 16 is too many. Twenty-four?

“Why the hell have a league?” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said when presented with that scenario. “Why the hell don’t we all just go independent then? Yeah, I think there’s a point where enough’s enough.”

Huggins, for what it’s worth, reached that point at 10. “I heard 20, now 24,” UConn coach Jim Calhoun cracked in an auctioneer’s voice. “Can I get 30? Can I get 30?”

But the worse thing is not which teams are coming, it's the teams that are going.

But all of that back-room nonsense means nothing to the college basketball fan in the area. They’ll only notice the slow deterioration of the product, more Central Florida coming to town, less Pittsburgh. Even if the Big East also adds teams for basketball — and Marinatto did not rule that out — that will only further dilute the rivalries that made the league special.

Will Peyton Hillis and Colt McCoy be in the Browns' future?

APCleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

If Peyton Hillis and Colt McCoy were already nervous about their futures, Browns president Mike Holmgren gave them no reason to breathe easier on Thursday, writes Ohio.com columnist Marla Ridenour of Ohio.com.

Although Holmgren didn’t want to put it this way, essentially the two have 11 games to prove they should be part of the long-term plan, and Hillis must do it while recovering from a hamstring injury.

Holmgren said he has not seen enough from McCoy to be convinced he’s “the man” and said he would not be opposed to changing quarterbacks every year until he found him.

Can you say Andrew Luck?

Ridenour writes that maybe Holmgren wants us to presume that he's trying to reassure and nurture McCoy and Hillis behind closed doors.

Holmgren said hall of fame quarterback Joe Montana came into every year in San Francisco believing he had to prove himself.

Yeah, right.

But with fans in an uproar about the Browns’ inconsistent offense, Holmgren offered no ringing endorsements for its linchpins.

More Browns

The Cleveland Browns are showing improvements on defense.

Peyton Hillis contract talks are quiet.

No guarantees for quarterback Colt McCoy.

Terry Pluto wants to know what are the Browns waiting for.

Listen live tonight as the top two teams in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division face off. You can hear that game live as well as get live Twitter updates from other area games.

View full sizeLisa DeJong | The Plain DealerCuyahoga Heights takes on Beachwood Friday night.

Click here to listen to the game live. An archive will be made available shortly after the broadcast's completion. 

• Avon at Midview

• Grand Valley at Ledgemont

• Avon Lake at Olmsted Falls

• Hudson at Elyria

• Brunswick at Solon

• Southeast at Mogadore

• West Geauga at Kenston

Don't forget to follow The Plain Dealer's writers on Twitter for updated scores and more:

Kristen Davis: @CleveHSsports
Joe Maxse: @JoeMaxse
Tim Warsinskey: @TimsTakePD
Tim Rogers: @TimRogersPD
Bob Fortuna: @BobFortuna

WFNY discusses what the Cleveland Browns need to do in order to come out with the win this week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Associated PressCan Colt McCoy and Pat Shurmur get the Browns' offense back on track?

Every Friday leading into a Sunday contest for the Cleveland Football Browns, WFNY provides a roundtable-like discussion featuring each writer and his feelings on what the Dawgs need to do in order to leave the contest victorious.  On the flip side of the coin, we aim to feature at least one voice from the opposing team who aims to provide a bit of a contrast; a devil's advocate if you will.

This season, we will share some of our thoughts with the loyal readers of cleveland.com while inviting you all to continue the conversation with your fellow fans. 

Without further ado, this season's Week 7 edition of The Browns Will Win If...

**

Craig: ...they can play offense. The Browns' defense is still probably banged up between Joe Haden and Fujita, but even last week the defense gave them a chance to win the game. What it comes down to is the Browns' offense putting some drives together and putting some points on the board. The tape of Colt McCoy's performance against Oakland indicates that the pressure is getting to him. The Browns need to complete some of those early slants and screens to keep the defense honest. Better yet, if they could (finally) get some semblance of a running game going, it might just set up the struggling passing game. With Hillis questionable and some new guy with a tough name to spell (Ogbonnaya) coming in, it seems like it could be an uphill battle again this week.

Kirk: ...they can put all this drama out of their minds, put one foot right in front of the other, and make progress with an efficient passing game and an athletic, attacking defense. This is a game the Browns should win. Colt McCoy needs a strong end to end performance though. He doesn't need to light the world on fire, but if he can be mistake free, aware of the rush, and maybe throw in a hard count or two, he can handle what Seattle can throw at him. The Seahawks give up the eighth fewest yards per game rushing but the tenth most passing. The Browns have struggled stopping the run, but this should be a good chance against Lynch. I want Haden back though, because Seattle does have deep threats at receiver like Rice and Baldwin. Patterson scares me in coverage underneath but Brown scares me covering deep.

Click here to continue reading "The Browns Will Win If..."

Browns cornerback Joe Haden returned to the practice field today and appears to have a decent chance of playing Sunday. Peyton Hillis and Scott Fujita were both still absent.

Plain Dealer File PhotoJoe Haden returned to practice on Friday.

BEREA -- Browns running back Joe Haden returned to practice today for the first time since suffering a sprained knee Oct. 2 vs. the Titans and lined up with the first team defense.

Linebacker Scott Fujita was ruled out with his concussion and Peyton Hillis (hamstring) hasn't practiced all week.

Haden moved and jumped well during the early portion of practice open to the media and might play Sunday against the Seahawks. Rookie cornerback Buster Skrine (hip) also returned to action.

Hillis and Fujita were not seen at practice, and Fujita may have been sent home again.

If Hillis can't go, which seems likely, Montario Hardesty will start in his place and newcomer Chris Ogbonnaya will serve as the third-down back. Hardesty, who's been prone to dropped passes the past two games, dropped another easy one over the middle in practice today to draw the ire of coach Pat Shurmur.

Shurmur yelled for Ogbonnaya after the drop, and Hardesty came to the sidelines, dropped and did pushups. He knelt for a few plays while Ogbonnaya replaced him.

In fact, Shurmur was fired up today about several mistakes, and came down hard on his struggling offense in the 15 minutes open to the media. He said his demeanor was no different than any other day.

Also, defensive back Ray Ventrone sat out again with  his pulled hamstring, and offensive lineman Artis Hicks appeared to be limited.

Marty Schottenheimer may finally get his title in football tonight.

APMarty Schottenheimer

Former Cleveland Browns, Kansas City, Washington and San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer may finally get his championship.

Sure, it won't come in the NFL, but Schottenheimer is the head coach of the United Football League’s Virginia Destroyers. And tonight, his team hosts the Las Vegas Locomotives in the UFL Championship Game.

Nick Canepa writes on SignonSanDiego.com how the man who won 200 NFL games — the most of any coach since 1966 to not win a Super Bowl — will take it. Gladly.

Interesting. I always thought Marty would spend the rest of his days in North Carolina playing golf and enjoying his family. Why this? It can’t be for money. He doesn’t need any and it can’t be much. Ego? He has one, for sure, but 99 percent of the people who know football in this country may not be aware the Virginia Destroyers even exist, let alone the fact Schottenheimer was hired in March.

“I’m doing this because my golf game has gone to hell in a hand basket,” he says by phone, laughing.

Plain Dealer Browns reporter answers fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright.

The Browns will host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Which team do you think will win, and by how much? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi, who answers fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

Tony answers questions about why teams negotiate new contracts during the season; Raiders coach Hue Jackson's decision to go for it on fourth down last week; and whether Colt McCoy's development as a QB is on schedule.

SBTV will return Monday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot breaking down the Browns-Seahawks game. And remember to catch this week's Browns Insider show that streamed live Thursday and is archived now.

New Orleans Saints center Olin Kreutz gives up football.

APFormer Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints center Olin Kreutz retires.

METAIRIE, La. — Center Olin Kreutz has informed the New Orleans Saints that he is leaving the team after losing his passion for football.

His agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Friday the 34-year-old Kreutz "has to feel really good about the passion he has got for the game and the love he has got for the game." Bartelstein says Kreutz felt that slipping away and "he's just not someone who can go to work every week and collect a paycheck."

In August, the 14-year veteran couldn't agree to a new contract with Chicago, the only other team he has played for, and signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Saints.

After starting the first three games with New Orleans, Kreutz missed two with an injury — ending a string of 137 consecutive starts.

Josh Hamilton came out on top in the battle of the superstars in Game 2 of the World Series.

APJosh Hamilton rounds the bases.

CBSSports.com columnist Gregg Doyel writes about the difference between Albert Pujos and Josh Hamilton.

One superstar came through and other did not.

The superstar who did his job, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, tied the game at 1 with a sacrifice fly in the ninth. He's playing on a pulled groin that is so bad, he said before the game he'd be on the disabled list if this were the regular season.

The superstar who didn't do his job, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, might have been playing his final game as a Cardinal at Busch Stadium when he made the biggest defensive mistake to date in the 2011 World Series. The box score shows an error for Pujols in the ninth, after the official scorer reviewed the play. The Rangers' second run in the ninth, the run that won the game?

That's on Pujols.

Hamilton did his job. Pujols did not. Baseball can be a complicated game, but Game 2 of the World Series was as simple as that, writes Doyel.

More on the World Series

It's a win-win for former Tribe pitcher.

Disappoint for Cards fans at the blink of an eye.

 Expect the excitement to continue in the World Series.

With the series tied, who has the advantage?

Kinsler steals bag and Game 2.

Pat Shurmur talks to the media today.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerCleveland Browns new head coach Pat Shurmur.

Browns cornerback Joe Haden works with the first-team defense on Friday, but is still questionable for the Seahawks game on Sunday. Watch video

"It went pretty good," he said. "We still don't know for sure until it'll be game time. I'll probably come in [today] again and see how it goes."

He said it'll be up to him to determine if the knee is ready.

"It's my knee, so that's something that you've really got to take care of," he said. "You're not really trying to force anything. The coaches told me to make sure unless I'm feeling like I can go and not hurt myself again, I can't be out there."

Haden looked good running drills and jumping for the ball in practice. He also sprinted full-out.

"I've been doing that," he said. "Today I was trying to open it up, see how I really felt," he said Friday. "I tried to test it out to the max and see how it feels going. It felt really good, I mean, it didn't really hurt too much. Some stuff you still feel it, so I'm going to come in [today] and see if it's even better."

He stressed that the risk of re-injury will be a key factor.

"I'm not going to go out there with a chance to hurt it again," he said. "It's one game. If I don't play next week, then the week after I'll definitely be ready. But I want to make sure I'm out there 100 percent, not being able to hurt it again or hurt the team."

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerCornerback Joe Haden is hoping to get back on the field for the first time since the game against Tennessee on Oct. 2. Haden missed last week's game against the Raiders with a knee injury but practiced Friday for the first time since being injured.

He said the "coaches said I didn't have too much of a limp going on, so that was pretty good. I was able to jump, I was able to run, I was able to do a lot of the stuff I'd do in the game."

Fujita ruled out: Linebacker Scott Fujita was ruled out of Sunday's game with the concussion suffered last week against the Raiders. Kaluka Maiava will step in on the weak side and Chris Gocong will shift to Fujita's spot on the strong side.

"I'm real confident," said Maiava. "We had a good week of work. I'm just excited I can get out there and show the guys I can make plays and have them count on me."

He complimented Gocong for his ability to move to the other side.

"He's real smart," said Maiava. "Only a few guys can actually be a Will [weak side linebacker] and at moment's change he goes to the Sam [strong side] and does the same things for us. His versatility really helps the team. He's a playmaker and he's another leader on our team. We're just real fortunate to have guys like that on our team."

Fujita Tweeted Friday: "Feeling better each day. Thanks to everyone for your nice thoughts."

Shurmur fiery: Cool, collected coach Pat Shurmur showed some of his intense side during practice Friday when he got on some offensive players for making mistakes. But tight end Alex Smith, for one, thought that it was great that Shurmur turned up the heat.

"I definitely think it's that we have a sense of urgency to get this thing cranked up a little bit and sometimes guys just need a little kick in the butt like that," Smith said. "He's doing everything that everybody else is feeling inside so I don't think it's out of left field. We all feel the passion and anger that he feels."

Shurmur didn't think he was any different than usual.

"There's a lot of practice that you folks don't see," he said. "I think my demeanor was very similar to a lot of practices."

Mohamed Massaquoi agreed.

"He's very passionate, but he doesn't always come off that way and maybe people get confused," said Massaquoi. "He can be whatever he needs to be given the moment."

Jackson doubtful: Seahawks starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is doubtful with a pectoral injury, and Charlie Whitehurst is expected to make his third career start. Whitehurst subbed for an injured Jackson Oct. 9 against the Giants and led Seattle to a 36-25 victory, completing 11 of 19 passes for 149 yards. He threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin with 2:37 left in the game and had a 100.5 rating.

Other injuries: Four other Browns besides Haden and Peyton Hillis are questionable. They are offensive lineman Artis Hicks (back), right tackle Tony Pashos (ankle), cornerback Buster Skrine (hip) and cornerback Ray Ventrone (hamstring). Four Browns are probable: linebacker Titus Brown (ankle), receiver Josh Cribbs (knee), offensive lineman Alex Mack (illness) and tight end Evan Moore (ankle).

See a photo gallery of the game here. ELYRIA, Ohio — Another week, another tight win for the Hudson Explorers -- and another step closer to the playoffs.

Hudson's Tim Kennedy hurdles Elyria's Bryce Ziegman on a punt return in the second quarter Friday. - (Joshua Gunter, PD)

See a photo gallery of the game here.

ELYRIA, Ohio — Another week, another tight win for the Hudson Explorers -- and another step closer to the playoffs.

The Explorers (8-1, 4-0) held on for a tough 27-21 road win over Elyria in a key Northeast Ohio River Conference River Division showdown -- with crucial computer points at stake -- at Ely Stadium on Friday.

Hudson, ranked No. 15 in The Plain Dealer Top 25 poll, kept Elyria's potent offense off-balance and off the scoreboard for three quarters before the Pioneers offense came to life. In the fourth quarter the Elyria offense woke up quickly, scoring three times before the clock ran out on their rally.

"We had some young guys in the game, and they [Elyria] don't stop," Hudson head coach Ron Wright said.

The Explorers' swarming defense, coupled with some inconsistent play by the Elyria offense, set the tone for the first half and for most of the game, forcing four turnovers which led to 21 points. The most important one may have been the final turnover, a 65-yard interception return for a score by Ross McLelland.

"Our defense has played very well all year," Wright said. "Our kids play hard, they're very well coached, they're disciplined, and we talk to them about being physical, and being a physical football team and I think we are pretty physical."

One of the most physical performers on the Hudson defense was Adam Coberly. The junior defensive lineman terrorized the Elyria backfield all night, registering three unofficial sacks and recording a fumble recovery.

The Elyria defense did its part to keep the No. 14 Pioneers (7-2, 2-2) in the game while the offense struggled to get going. In the first half the Hudson defense was regularly flipping the field in favor of the Explorers, evidenced by Hudson's offense starting four drives inside Elyria territory, and one more on the Explorers' 48. Despite the decided field disadvantage, the Elyria defense stiffened and limited the damage to just 14 points, and Hudson took a 14-0 lead into halftime.

Offensively Ben Gedeon paced Hudson's opportunistic attack, rushing 18 times for 104 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdowns were key, but just as important were several big carries on the Explorers' final drive, when they were able to run the clock down to under three seconds remaining before Elyria got the ball for the final possession.

"When we need a big play the offensive line holds their blocks, Steve Nagy, our fullback, makes a great block and we make plays when we need to," Gedeon said.

Hudson's offense got a boost by the return of quarterback David Nelson, who played the entire first half and rotated the second half along with Ben Hart. It was Nelson's first sustained action since a knee injury suffered in week three against Brunswick.

Bill Mayville is a freelance writer in Parma Heights.

SOLON, Ohio — A home game and a fresh winning streak. That's the way Solon's football team looked at Friday's 56-3 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division win against Brunswick at Stewart Field.

SOLON, Ohio — A home game and a fresh winning streak.

That's the way Solon's football team looked at Friday's 56-3 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division win against Brunswick at Stewart Field.

Two weeks removed from a loss to Mentor that snapped a 20-game home winning streak, the Comets (8-1, 3-1) welcomed the Blue Devils to Solon in grand fashion.

Though it should be noted that Brunswick (6-3, 1-3) was missing its leading rusher in Nick Roberts (broken right hand), the Comets looked like they were in postseason form.

And a lot of that had to do with home, sweet home.

"We lost on our home field in front of a lot of fans," Solon wide receiver Cory Stuart said. "We came back and wanted to show them that two weeks ago was a fluke."

The Comets did that, as Stuart (four catches, 49 yards, TD, interception), Drew Barksdale (five carries, 77 yards, two TDs) and Patrick Kramer (10-of-16, 169 yards, two TDs) handed Brunswick its worst loss in 41 years (1970, 57-0, Triway).

The squad intercepted Dan Yohman (12-of-27, 173 yards) four times, as C.J. Hanna highlighted that defensive performance, taking one back 26 yards for a score.

What the win means for Solon is a likely spot in the playoffs for the 12th time in the past 13 seasons.

While coach Jim McQuaide isn't looking past a home game against Strongsville (1-8, 0-4) next week, he saw his team make great strides following last week's overtime victory against Twinsburg.

"We went from Saturday morning until the game tonight talking about every coach and every player doing their job," he said. "We were tired of talking about it, we just needed to go out and do it.

"We didn't do any of this rah-rah stuff. I never say it's our best effort until after I watch the whole film, but we came out ready to play."

The Blue Devils will more than likely be looking to 2012, as their playoff chances are almost extinct.

That's a stark contrast for Brunswick, which had made the postseason nine years in a row but probably will miss Week 11 for the second straight season.

"After a loss like this, it's all about playing for pride," Blue Devils coach Luke Beal said. "What I told them after the game is, 'Do we want to finish the season like this or how we started [when they won their first five]?'

"We need to finish the season with a sense of accomplishment, and we can still do that, especially with a win at home."

GRAFTON, Ohio — For his walk from the locker room to the bus Friday night, Avon senior inside linebacker Mark Holkenborg wore pajama bottoms, flip-flops and an ungodly excuse for a hat. Given the play Holkenborg made in the final minute against Midview, he could wear anything off the rack and still appear to be styling.

GRAFTON, Ohio — For his walk from the locker room to the bus Friday night, Avon senior inside linebacker Mark Holkenborg wore pajama bottoms, flip-flops and an ungodly excuse for a hat.

Given the play Holkenborg made in the final minute against Midview, he could wear anything off the rack and still appear to be styling.

Holkenborg intercepted a pass by Middies quarterback Cody Callaway at the Avon 16 to preserve a 14-10 victory at Adelsberg Stadium.

The Eagles, ranked No. 5 in The Plain Dealer Top 25, improved to 9-0 overall and clinched the West Shore Conference title at 6-0.

Avon coach Mike Elder said his team clinched a spot in the Division II playoffs. The Eagles, attempting to post back-to-back perfect regular seasons, close with Lake Catholic next Friday.

The 21st-ranked Middies (7-2, 4-1) had a seven-game winning streak snapped. They remain alive in the Division II playoff race.

Avon and Midview authored a classic game on the muddiest of muddy fields. It is amazing the players were able to stay upright in the mud, let alone execute at such a high level.

"That was a great high school football game," Elder said. "It's a game that, as a coach, you hate to see anybody lose. It was a great way to decide a championship."

Elder tipped the proverbial cap to Midview coach Bill Albright, who tipped it right back.

"That's a good football team, and I feel we're a pretty good football team," Albright said. "The kids played great. I have nothing but admiration for our young men."

Albright can feel great knowing he has the rocket-armed Callaway for two more seasons beyond this one. Callaway came up just short in what would have been a stirring comeback.

With Midview trailing, 14-3, in the fourth quarter, Callaway connected with Eric Lauer for a 6-yard touchdown pass with 8:32 left. He threw a dart to Lauer's back shoulder on the right side.

On the ensuing possession, Avon converted a fourth-and-1 from the Midview 48, but was denied on a fourth-and-1 from the 37.

The Middies, hurt by a holding penalty, eventually faced a fourth-and-23 from their 24. Callaway threw a hook to Lauer, who lateraled to Ryan Mains. As good as the play looked, it came up 2 yards short, and the Middies appeared to be finished.

But Avon fumbled on a second-down run with 1:47 remaining. Midview took over at its 41.

On first-and-10 from the Avon 29 with 55 seconds left, Callaway fired over the middle. The pass appeared headed for a completion until, seemingly out of nowhere, Holkenborg picked it and hit the deck at the Avon 16.

"I was basically just playing football," he said. "I dropped back like I do on every other play, and he threw it in my direction."

Holkenborg's uniform was so muddy, only his buddies knew for sure who had made the play. More than a few observers in the press box had not even noticed Holkenborg during the throw because he basically was the same color as the ground.

"It was fun," he said of moving around in the mud.

Holkenborg put the exclamation point on a victory made possible by superior performances from quarterback Justin O'Rourke and receiver Matt Eckhardt.

O'Rourke delivered big play after big play. Eckhardt burned the Middies out of the wildcat formation on several occasions, including a 5-yard TD run in the first half that made it 14-3.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

On Twitter: dmansworldpd

MOGADORE, Ohio — Throughout the season, the Southeast Pirates have eased their way to an undefeated record, rarely trailing in the second half. But in a 35-28 victory over Mogadore on Friday night, the Pirates were forced to play the comeback role.

MOGADORE, Ohio — Throughout the season, the Southeast Pirates have eased their way to an undefeated record, rarely trailing in the second half.

But in a 35-28 victory over Mogadore on Friday night, the Pirates were forced to play the comeback role.

"We haven't been behind all year," said Southeast coach Steve Sigworth.

"That's been a concern for us."

Although the Pirates haven't trailed often this season, they were forced to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit to keep their perfect record.

Southeast (9-0, 6-0) clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2005. With the win over Mogadore (6-3, 4-2), the Pirates captured the outright Portage Trail Conference Championship.

A big part of that was because of Tylor Brokaw's rushing, scoring three touchdowns.

"He really had to be physical tonight," Sigworth said. "He just came out like a man possessed."

After losing the lead for the first time late in the third quarter, the Pirates scored 14 straight points to silence the Wildcats.

"We never thought we were going to lose," Brokaw said. "We just kept battling and kept our heads up."

Bryant Lavigna tied the game, 28-28, with a 2-yard touchdown run with 5:26 left. On Southeast's next drive, Brokaw broke loose for his third touchdown.

"Our line is a big part in our offense, and I got to give all the credit to my line," Brokaw said.

Brokaw carried the ball 68 yards for the go-ahead TD with 2:57 remaining.

Trevor Norquest intercepted the ball with 57 seconds remaining, closing out Mogadore.

The Wildcats tied the Pirates two minutes into the second half. Anthony Ricci threw a short screen to Gary Strain, who weaved past the defense for a 55 yard touchdown.

Ricci hit Kasey Beard for the 2-point conversion, tying the score, 14-14.

The Pirates immediately regained their lead as Brokaw took a pitch 10 yards for a touchdown. Following the extra point, Southeast led, 21-14, with 7:33 left in the third quarter.

Strain answered with his third touchdown of the game, this time an 83-yard kickoff return to even the score, 21-21.

The Wildcats took their first lead when Ricci hit a wide-open Beard for a 14-yard touchdown. A successful extra point gave the Wildcats a 28-21 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

After starting the game with eight straight rushes, the Pirates took a 7-0 lead when Noah Kainrad tossed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Norquest with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter.

The Pirates ate up 7:40 of the clock on their next drive. After taking the ball 79 yards to the Wildcats' 1, the Pirates failed to convert a fourth-and-goal situation.

Kainrad capitalized on defense, intercepting an overthrown ball to give Southeast the ball at Mogadore's 27-yard line.

On the first play of the drive, Brokaw broke loose for a 27-yard touchdown run with 4:03 remaining in the half.

Mogadore answered with its only first-half score as Strain had a 9-yard touchdown run. The extra point failed, giving Southeast a 14-6 halftime lead.

Cody Erbacher is a freelance writer in Kent.

The Mentor scoring machine continued to churn Friday night behind junior standout quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky made good on 14 of 24 passes for 259 yards and touchdown passes to Warren Ashton, Cameron Kavan and Brandon Fritts in a 38-7 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division victory over host Strongsville.

Mentor quarterback Mitch Trubisky. - (PD file)

The Mentor scoring machine continued to churn Friday night behind junior standout quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

Trubisky made good on 14 of 24 passes for 259 yards and touchdown passes to Warren Ashton, Cameron Kavan and Brandon Fritts in a 38-7 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division victory over host Strongsville.

Kavan also ran the ball four times for 43 yards and a touchdown as the Cardinals -- ranked No. 1 in The Plain Dealer and state poll, 22nd in MaxPreps, 25th in Rivals and 38th in ESPN -- accumulated 455 yards in total offense.

The win clinches at least a title tie for Mentor.

No. 6 St. Vincent-St. Mary 17, Buchtel 14 The Fighting Irish (8-1), ranked ninth in the Division III state poll, needed touchdown runs of 44 and 60 yards by Matt Matuska for the nonleague victory.

No. 7 Walsh Jesuit 42, Padua 15 The Warriors (7-1, 4-0) got 242 rush yards and four touchdowns in the North Coast League Blue Division win. Quarterback Nick Wargo completed 8 of 10 passes for 90 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown to Kevin Enright. Enright finished with three receptions for 40 yards.  

No. 8 Lake Catholic 28, Archbishop Hoban 6 Mark Baniewicz threw two touchdown passes in the North Coast League Blue Division win. The host Cougars (8-1, 4-1 and ranked fifth in the Division III state poll) led, 28-0, in the fourth quarter.

No. 10 Chagrin Falls 27, Orange 6 The Tigers (9-0, 6-0), ranked No. 4 in the Division III state poll clinched at least a tie for the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division title behind Bradley Munday's 114 yards rushing. Josiah Rogers rushed for 72 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown run.

No. 11 Cleveland Heights 28, Warren Harding 0 Quarterback Bryce Jones passed for two touchdowns when the Tigers (8-0, 5-0), ranked No. 14 in the Division I state poll, easily handled Harding in the Lake Erie League game.

No. 13 Ravenna 56, Streetsboro 14 The Ravens (8-1, 6-0), ranked 15th in the Division III state poll, took advantage of three interceptions and a fumble recovery in the PTC Metro Division triumph. C.J. Jones and Brandon Holt combined for 353 yards rushing and four touchdowns, while Holt passed for 129 yards and two touchdowns.

No. 18 Glenville 35, John Adams 0 The Tarblooders (5-3, 5-0), with Ted Ginn Sr. coaching on the sidelines, posted their fifth Senate Athletic League shutout as Willie Henry had a team-high six tackles and the offense accounted for 349 total yards. V'Angelo Bentley, who paced the ground attack with 106 yards and a touchdown, also threw a 19-yard touchdown pass.

No. 17 Willoughby South 21, Riverside 7 The Rebels (7-2, 6-0) got touchdown runs of 21 yards and 1 yard from Kareem Hunt, and that's all they needed for the Premier Athletic Conference win.

No. 20 Tallmadge 42, Copley 14 The Blue Devils (7-2, 6-0) maintained their Suburban League lead in the home rout. Junior quarterback Anthony Gotto was 18-of-25 passing for 300 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Tyrin Williams had 27 carries for 152 yards and four scores, while Tucker Linder caught six passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Copley was led by quarterback Lou Gigliotti, who completed 14 of 25 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown.

No. 23 Kirtland 54, Fairport 6 The Hornets (9-0, 4-0), the state's second-ranked in Division V, continued to wreak havoc in the CVC Valley Division as quarterback Scott Eilerman passed for 212 yards and four touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns went to Damon Washington.

No. 24 Kent Roosevelt 54, Norton 7 Junior quarterback Tra Chapman threw six touchdown passes in the first half of the Portage Trail Conference Metro Division game as host Kent moved to 8-1, 6-0

John F. Kennedy 42, East Liverpool 6 Ronald Jefferson rushed for 156 yards and a touchdown while Anthony Howard had two interceptions for the Eagles (8-1) in the nonleague road.

Rhodes 54, Collinwood 0 LaKeith Walls rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns and also had a touchdown off an interception as the Rams (4-4, 3-2) cruised.

Brush 49, Parma 10 The Arcs (4-5, 4-0) clinched the NOC Lake Division championship on their own turf as quarterback Isiah Wilson connected on 6 of 10 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan recruit Pharaoh Brown caught three passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Eastlake North 23, Geneva 0 Quarterback George Gresko passed for 321 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Rangers (7-2, 4-2) to the Premier Athletic Conference victory.

Kenston 12, West Geauga 9 The Wolverines scored what looked like the tying touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Zak Kucera to Nick Cuthbert with 7:09 left in the game, but the extra point went wide in the Bombers' 12-9 victory in Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division play.

Cuthbert's touchdown pulled West G (6-3, 2-3) within 10-9. The Wolverines got the ball back on their own 18, but a bad snap went into the end zone for a safety for the Bombers and a 12-9 advantage.

Nick Lombardy had a big game for Kenston (6-3, 5-1), rushing for 106 yards. Kenston also got a 25-yard field goal from Sky Zahner.

Mayfield 28, Cuyahoga Falls 7 Quarterback Caden Loew and a staunch defense proved the difference for the Wildcats (5-4, 3-1) in the NOC River Division showdown. Loew ran for 82 yards and two touchdowns and also clicked with Ray Guerrini for a 51-yard scoring toss while the defense held the Black Tigers to 59 yards in total offense.

Benedictine 42, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 16 The Bengals (7-2, 3-2) jumped out to a 21-7 first-quarter lead and never looked back in winning the North Coast League Blue Division game.

Bryan Lacy ran for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Dan Piasik passed for 132 yards and two touchdowns, and Jovon Dawson had a 50-yard touchdown off an interception. NDCL quarterback Robbie Nash passed for 224 yards and a touchdown.

Waterloo 30, Garrettsville Garfield 17 Kristian Youngsblood and Tommy Saviers teamed up to gain 216 yards on the ground and three touchdowns as the Vikings (6-3, 4-2) won a key Portage Trail Conference County Division game.

Garfield Heights 28, Lakewood 26 James Bennett's 11-yard touchdown pass to Teven Weaver with 7:18 left salvaged the NOC Lake Division game for the Bulldogs (4-5, 3-1) and gave coach Chuck Reisland his 100th win at Garfield Heights and 201st victory overall.

Cuyahoga Heights 21, Beachwood 14 Troy Janashak's 3-yard touchdown run proved the difference as the Redskins (7-1, 4-1) edged the Bison in a key CVC Metro Division game. Janashak, who rushed for 141 yards, scored two touchdowns and kicked three extra points.

Crestwood 24, Akron Springfield 21 Junior Garrett Gerardi led a comeback with touchdown runs of 3 and 8 yards as the Red Devils (2-7, 2-4) overcame a 21-9 deficit for the PTC Metro Division victory. Gerardi had a 7-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Firelands took a step closer to its first football playoff berth in school history Friday night with a 55-26 Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division win over visiting Black River. The undefeated Falcons (9-0, 5-0), who entered the week ranked 10th in the Division III, Region 9 computer poll, will earn a bunch of points after amassing 600 yards in...

Firelands took a step closer to its first football playoff berth in school history Friday night with a 55-26 Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division win over visiting Black River.

The undefeated Falcons (9-0, 5-0), who entered the week ranked 10th in the Division III, Region 9 computer poll, will earn a bunch of points after amassing 600 yards in total offense.

Senior running back Nick Deichler gained 283 yards and scored three touchdowns, and senior quarterback Kyle Smith threw for 320 yards, including four touchdowns.

No. 7 Walsh Jesuit 42, Padua 15 The Warriors (7-1, 4-0) got 242 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the North Coast League Blue Division win. Quarterback Nick Wargo completed 8 of 10 passes for 90 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown to Kevin Enright. Enright finished with three receptions for 40 yards.

No. 10 Chagrin Falls 27, Orange 6 The Tigers (9-0, 6-0), ranked No. 4 in the Division III state poll, clinched at least a tie for the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division title behind Bradley Munday's 114 yards rushing. Josiah Rogers had 72 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown run.

No. 18 Glenville 35, John Adams 0 The Tarblooders (5-3, 5-0), with Ted Ginn Sr. coaching on the sidelines, posted their fifth Senate Athletic League shutout. Willie Henry had a team-high six tackles, and the offense accounted for 349 total yards. V'Angelo Bentley, who paced the rushing attack with 106 yards and a touchdown, also threw a 19-yard touchdown pass.

North Royalton 10, Stow 3 The Bears (5-4, 3-1) squeezed out the NOC River Division win on Evan Adams' 7-yard touchdown run, overshadowing Nick Mutaali's 104-yard rushing performance in a losing effort. Royalton quarterback Travis Tarnowski passed for 103 yards.

No. 23 Kirtland 54, Fairport 6 The Hornets (9-0, 4-0), the state's second-ranked team in Division V, continued to wreak havoc in the CVC Valley Division as Scott Eilerman passed for 212 yards and four touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns went to Damon Washington.

Rhodes 54, Collinwood 0 LaKeith Walls rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns and also had a touchdown off an interception as the Rams (4-4, 3-2) cruised.

Brush 49, Parma 10 The Arcs (4-5, 4-0) clinched the NOC Lake Division championship on their own turf as quarterback Isiah Wilson connected on 6 of 10 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan recruit Pharaoh Brown caught three passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

John Marshall 26, Lincoln West Dominique Dickerson scored on a 5-yard scamper and a 51-yard pass from Terrell Stanley for the Lawyers (6-3, 5-2) in the SAL rout.

Rhodes 54, Collinwood 0 LaKeith Walls rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns and also had a touchdown off an interception as the Rams (4-4, 3-2) cruised.

Normandy 21, Valley Forge 14 The Invaders (3-6, 2-2) scored 21 straight points to win the NOC Lake Division game played for neighborhood bragging rights. Austin Petruska's two 1-yard touchdown runs sealed the victory.

North Olmsted 40, Amherst 0 The Eagles (5-4, 4-2) took advantage of five Comets turnovers while Brad Novak and Shamir Tomlinson combined for more than 200 yards rushing to key the Southwestern Conference win.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights 32, Midpark 9 Quarterback Tom Tupa completed 16 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown, and running back Jay Schott ran for 148 yards and two scores as the host Bees (5-4, 4-2) won the SWC game.

Garfield Heights 28, Lakewood 26 James Bennett's 11-yard touchdown pass to Teven Weaver with 7:18 left salvaged the NOC Lake Division game for the Bulldogs (4-5, 3-1) and gave coach Chuck Reisland his 100th win at Garfield Heights and 201st victory overall.

Cuyahoga Heights 21, Beachwood 14 Troy Janashak's 3-yard touchdown run proved the difference when the Redskins (7-1, 4-1) edged the Bison in a key CVC Metro Division game. Janashak, who rushed for 141 yards, scored two touchdowns and kicked three extra points.

Nordonia 24, Cloverleaf 22 Junior Tyler Alders scored the winning touchdown on a 68-yard run in the fourth quarter as visiting Nordonia (2-7, 2-4) won the Suburban League game. Alders also scored on runs of 46 and 3 yards.

Fairview 24, Columbia 21 Senior quarterback David Lansu scored the game-winner with 42 seconds remaining on a 1-yard sneak to give the Warriors (4-5, 4-2) their fourth straight win in the PAC Stripes Division game. Lansu also threw a 17-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

Lorain 32, Euclid 27 Christian Nogueras scored from 63 yards for the game-clincher with 9:18 to play as the Titans (5-4, 2-3) won the LEL game. Nogueras gained 211 yards with three touchdowns.

Benedictine 42, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 16 The Bengals (7-2, 3-2) jumped out to a 21-7 first-quarter lead and never looked back in winning the North Coast League Blue Division game. Bryan Lacy ran for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Dan Piasik passed for 132 yards and two touchdowns, and Jovon Dawson had a 50-yard touchdown off an interception. NDCL quarterback Robbie Nash passed for 224 yards and a touchdown.

Waterloo 30, Garrettsville Garfield 17 Kristian Youngsblood and Tommy Saviers teamed up to gain 216 yards on the ground and three touchdowns as the Vikings (6-3, 4-2) won a key Portage Trail Conference County Division game.

Garfield Heights 28, Lakewood 26 James Bennett's 11-yard touchdown pass to Teven Weaver with 7:18 left salvaged the NOC Lake Division game for the Bulldogs (4-5, 3-1) and gave coach Chuck Reisland his 100th win at Garfield Heights and 201st victory overall.

Cuyahoga Heights 21, Beachwood 14 Troy Janashak's 3-yard touchdown run proved the difference as the Redskins (7-1, 4-1) edged the Bison in a key CVC Metro Division game. Janashak, who rushed for 141 yards, scored two touchdowns and kicked three extra points.

Crestwood 24, Akron Springfield 21 Junior Garrett Gerardi led a comeback with touchdown runs of 3 and 8 yards as the Red Devils (2-7, 2-4) overcame a 21-9 deficit for the PTC Metro Division victory. Gerardi had a 7-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Kenston 12, West Geauga 9 The Wolverines scored what looked like the tying touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Zak Kucera to Nick Cuthbert with 7:09 left in the game, but the extra point went wide in the Bombers 12-9 victory in Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division play. Cuthbert's touchdown pulled West G (6-3, 2-3) within 10-9. The Wolverines got the ball back on their own 18, but a bad snap went into the end zone for a safety for the Bombers and a 12-9 advantage. Nick Lombardy had a big game for Kenston (6-3, 5-1), rushing for 106 yards. Kenston also got a 25-yard field goal from Sky Zahner.

Mayfield 28, Cuyahoga Falls 7 Quarterback Caden Loew and a staunch defense proved the difference for the Wildcats (5-4, 3-1) in the NOC River Division showdown. Loew ran for 82 yards and two touchdowns and also clicked with Ray Guerrini for a 51-yard scoring toss while the defense held the Black Tigers to 59 yards in total offense.