One final push for conference titles, playoff spots
Oct. 19—It's hard to believe Week 10 of the regular season is upon us.
It seems like yesterday, we were putting together the 2023 Star Beacon Football Preview.
But, we're at this point. After this weekend, most of the football teams will be finished for the 2023 season.
But there's still plenty to be decided in Week 10.
Geneva and Pymatuning Valley will look to clinch the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division and Northeastern Athletic Conference titles, respectively, outright.
Lakeside, Edgewood, Conneaut and Madison are seeking to stay in the top-16 and reach the postseason.
Unfortunately, it appears Grand Valley, Jefferson and Saint John will play their last game of the season.
Here's a look at games involving Ashtabula County teams and Madison:
FRIDAY
Lakeside (4-5) at Edgewood (5-4)
The Dragons, with a 30-6 win over Conneaut last Friday, improved from 18th to 16th in Division II, Region 5 in the latest Ohio High School Athletic Association computer ratings. Devan Miller Jr. has 766 yards rushing, while Nate Bartone has contributed 597 and 88 tackles on defense. The Warriors broke a three-game losing streak with a 54-7 win over Jefferson last Friday. They are ranked 12th in D-IV, Region 13. This game always has intrigue and this year it's no different. Quarterback Tony Hall threw for 291 yards and a school-record
six touchdown passes against Jefferson. On the season, he has 2,199 yards and 28 TDs. Wide receiver Jacob Ernst has 42 catches for 695 yards and 10 scores. On defense, Seth Enos has
posted 99 tackles, while Hunter Braat checks in with four interceptions.
Conneaut (5-4) at Madison (7-2
The Spartans
are ranked 10th in D-V, Region 17. Quarterback Running back Wyatt Payne and QB Max Gleason continue to battle for the county rushing lead. Payne has 1,196 yards and Gleason 1,184. Linebacker Ty Covill paces the county with 102 tackles. The Blue Streaks will look to bounce back after a 42-21 loss to Geneva on Oct. 12. Madison is 12th in D-III, Region 9. Dual QB Carson Alley has 1,330 yards in rushing and passing. On defense, Demetrius Williams leads the way with four sacks.
Jefferson (0-9) at Geneva (8-1)
The Falcons have one more chance to win a game this season. Kaige Boczar has attained 1,143 yards between rushing and passing with nine scores. Luke Funtash has chipped in with 458 rushing yards. QB Dylan Burlingham has passed for 532 yards and six TDs. The Eagles are all but assured a home first-round playoff game. With an average-point total of 26.9242, Geneva is second after Youngstown Ursuline (29.1163) in
the D-III, Region 9 computer ratings. The Fighting Irish (9-0) close the regular season at home against Cardinal Mooney (5-4) on Friday. Hayden Diemer and Giovanni Rice have four interceptions apiece. Kicker Owen Pfeifer is 45 of 47 in extra points and has converted a field goal.
Crestwood (4-5) at GV (2-7)
Both teams are seeking to close out the season with a win to have a positive feeling entering 2024. The Mustangs have scored just six points in their last four games. QB Sammy Goforth has thrown for 636 yards. Robert Rogers paces the Mustangs with 20 receptions for 352 yards. The Red Devils are seeking to break a four-game losing streak.
PV (6-3) at Windham (2-7)
The Lakers have outscored their last four opponents 212-40 in a four-game winning streak. They've also tallied 40 or more points in each of those games. A win gives PV the NAC crown outright. It
would be a fifth-straight conference championship. QB Ryan Croston (1,115 yards and 15 TDs) and running back Ty Vickery (1.095 and 19 scores) lead the offense. Defensively, Jaron Nowakowski paces the team
with seven sacks, while Jon Finello has added five. The Bombers
are looking to break a four-game losing streak.
SATURDAY
Lincoln West (0-5) at Saint John (3-6)
It's been a rough couple of weeks for
the Heralds, who are on a two-game losing streak. Saint John has tallied 28 or more points in four games this season. The Wolverines, a D-III, Region 10 team, have scored
just 26 points in five games.
