Marion Local lost to St Henry's 24-7 in D7 breaking ML 76 consecutive win streak the longest in the US and 7th longest ever. WOW

The streak should have been broken against Versailles back in week six. ML got the benefit of a clear incompletion being ruled complete on a 4th down try late in the game and went on for the winning TD.

The streak should have been broken against Versailles back in week six. ML got the benefit of a clear incompletion being ruled complete on a 4th down try late in the game and went on for the winning TD.

Yep but now it's official! Still a great accomplishment.

[St. Edward (11-2) v. Olentangy Orange (13-0)]

Semifinal slate:

D1:

St. Edward (11-2) v. Olentangy Orange (13-0) - If you asked me two weeks ago, I'd have said Ed's was a clear (albeit small) favorite. But after Orange destroyed a very good Pick Central team last week I'd say this game is a coinflip. Aside from that showing by Orange, St. Edward is banged up and not at full strength. Star receiver and return man Hackleman is playing through his leg injury but is sporting a brace that clearly hampers the fluidity that makes him special. He has comes up with some big catches the past few weeks but is not returning kicks and they appear to be limiting his route tree. DE Paulozzi is also sporting a brace and does not look as explosive off the edge. Lastly, it looks like MSU safety commit Brayden Thomas may be done for the year after coming down awkwardly on his shoulder/arm late in the Mentor game while trying to break up a pass in the pouring rain. Ed's usually relies heavily on the run game this late in the year, and they will need Brandon White to continue to be special to win this. Orange has the most dynamic QB left in the playoffs of any team in Levi Davis, and his ability to run is a constant threat that may temper how aggressive Ed's is with their blitz schemes. Davis isn't a one-man show and Orange has playmakers and size across the board.

St. Xavier (10-2) v. Middletown (11-2) - After coming out on top in R4 and avenging losses to rivals Moeller and Elder, it's presumed X has pretty much punched their ticket to the final going up against R2 winner Middletown. I tend to agree with that line of thinking and would have X a pretty heavy favorite in this game. Middletown does have a stifling defense, but I can't see their offense being able to generate much against the X defense. X just has to focus on regrouping after that emotional comeback last weekend and focusing on the task at hand.

D2:

Walsh Jesuit (11-1) v. Avon (12-1) - Really exciting matchup here among two talented and very well-coached programs. I've been really high on Walsh this year and they proved it was worth it after blowing out Hoban in the second half of last weekends regional final. The Warriors are a balanced team that can hurt you with Marty Tobin on the ground or Miami WR commit Milan Paris through the air. The return of QB David Ternosky was also a big spark for them against Hoban. Avon has just been downright dominant since their week 2 setback and is certainly capable of going back-to-back in D2. Undefeated Wadsworth and Highland were thought to be in position to dethrone Avon in R6, but both got beat convincingly.

Anderson (13-0) v. Big Walnut (12-1) - This is a rematch of last years semifinal which saw Anderson prevail 28-24. The Raptors will be the favorite again and are coming off a 38-7 win over a very talented Trotwood team. BW knocked off Massillon in the R7 final for the second year in a row despite being heavy underdogs. While lacking in star players, they execute their game plan well and don't hurt themselves. As long as Anderson can avoid excessive penalties or multiple turnovers I think they will win this one comfortably.

Walsh takes opening KO 99 yds 7-0

I'm watching Ed's- Orange & Avon- Walsh games

Avon ties it up at 7

Orange 7 Ed's 0

Avon 98 yd INT 14-7 Avon

About as bad a half from Ed's as you could have. Down just 7-0 thanks to the defense. Offense doesn't have any answers right now. Evanchick looks really off. Orange will get the second half kick.

Halftime scores
Avon 23 Walsh 7
Orange 7 Ed's 0
St X 14 Middletown 3

Avon 23, Walsh 7 Half. Wow.

Orange 14, St. Edward 0. Orange converts on a fake pooch kick on 4th down, gets a questionable PI call on another 3rd and long, and then punches it in.

Orange 21-0 Ed's O pathetic & QB tonight way off

Avon 35-7

Orange 21-0 Ed's O pathetic

Lombardo is lost when his o-line can't dominate the opponent.

X 21-6 over Middletown

CVCA 20 TCC 14 with 3 left TCC ball

Lombardo is lost when his o-line can't dominate the opponent.

We never have the slant over the middle. The one we can't defend