It’s finally here. Week 10 is upon us and the action is not going to let up in the games looked at by the Fanatics, as rivalry trophies and playoff spots are still up for grabs.
For 20 years, Wynford has taken home the Picking Copper Kettle, but this year may be Bucyrus’ best chance in recent memory of taking it back from the Royals. At least, that is what sports director Dan Messerschmidt, WBCO color commentator Tim Birie and WQEL play-by-play commentator Josh Stallings think. Meanwhile, the other Fanatics and the fans think Wynford will savor a down year with a win over their down-the-road rivals.
WBCO play-by-play commentator Jared Moore and the fans picked Colonel Crawford to ruin Carey’s run at the playoffs, while the Blue Devils were the majority pick to continue their quest for the postseason.
The Knox-Morrow Athletic Conference title is up for grabs and Northmor comes into the game undefeated, but WQEL morning host Will Beard and the fans are the only ones to believe the Golden Knights will leave Sparta the same. Highland was the favorite for the majority of the Fanatics as the Scots have only lost one game this season.
Friday Night Phoneboard host Davey Jones, Beard and Moore think Crestline will be able to go .500 this season for the first time since 2005, if the Bulldogs can defeat a 7-2 Troy Christian team.
After starting the season 3-0, Galion is not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but will need a win against Buckeye Valley and additional help. Jones and Moore both think the Tigers will handle the first requirement, while all others pick the Barons to claim victory in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference finale.
After two consecutive losses, Shelby was the favorite to right the ship against the sailors, but Beard and the fans think Vermilion will sink the Whippets in the final game before Shelby becomes a full member of the MOAC.
Ridgedale travels to Grove City Christian, and despite the Eagles’ three wins coming against teams with a combined record of 1-26, they are the favorite for most of the Fanatics and the fans. Jones and Beard were the pair of picks in favor of the Rockets.
Since joining the Northwest Central Conference, Elgin has had to keep an eye on Lima Perry while the Comets try to make runs for the NWCC title. However, with Lehman Catholic clinching the title in a Thursday night game versus Riverside, Elgin and the Commodores will battle to move into a tie for second with Riverside, while the loser takes fourth. In the most split pick in Week 10, news director James Massara, Jones, Messerschmidt and the fans all think Perry will push Elgin down to .500 on the season.
Two games were unanimous for the Fanatics, as Mohawk was picked to defeat Wyandot County rival Upper Sandusky and claim the Tarhe Trophy before entering the postseason, and Seneca East was chosen to keep Buckeye Central searching for the its first win in two years before the Tigers move into the playoffs.
FAN PICKS:
Wynford: 81%
Seneca East: 81%
Colonel Crawford: 53%
Troy Christian: 63%
Buckeye Valley: 53%
Mohawk: 84%
Grove City Christian: 69%
Northmor: 52%
Vermilion: 52%
Lima Perry: 61%
STANDINGS AFTER 9 WEEKS:
Mike Sparks – 70-20 (9-1 last week)
Dan Messerschmidt – 68-22 (9-1 last week)
Tim Birie – 67-23 (9-1 last week)
James Massara – 66-24 (8-2 last week)
Fans Pick – 64-26 (7-3 last week)
Jared Moore – 64-26 (8-2 last week)
Davey Jones – 62-28 (9-1 last week)
Will Beard – 61-29 (7-3 last week)
Josh Stallings – 60-30 (6-4 last week)