Tich's Picks: previews and predictions for every Week 3 game

Previews and picks from every local Week 3 high school football game:

The Daily Record Game of the Week: Mogadore (2-0) at Dalton (0-1)

It hasn't been the ideal start for Dalton, heading into Week 3 with a loss and no game at all during the second week of the season.

Still, despite the weird couple of weeks, Dalton is in no worse shape than it was prior to Week 1. The Bulldogs are still very much a contender for the Division VII state title, pushing a Kirtland team in Week 1 that might be the Division VI state title favorite. Mogadore, which has won 10-plus games eight times since 2012, looks like one of the top teams in Div. VI.

These programs are mirror images of each other in many ways. Two small school programs that play disciplined football and find ways to win year after year. There might not be a ton of fireworks, but it'll be a well-played football game between two teams that will very possibly be playing big games in November.

Tich's pick: Dalton

VOTE: Route 30 Football Player of the Week

Waynedale (0-2) at Triway (0-2)

After a tough couple of weeks, one of these rivals will get back on track in Week 3. Triway had it particularly rough in Weeks 1 and 2, facing a West Holmes team that hasn't lost a regular season game since 2020 to open the season before facing Marengo Highland and the reigning Division V Player of the Year in Dane Nauman last week. Meanwhile, Waynedale is coming off a loss to a tough Garaway team. Neither team's offense has found its footing yet, but both have a chance to get in a rhythm this week.

Tich's pick: Triway

Loudonville (1-1) at Hillsdale (2-0)

Can Hillsdale take the next step? The Falcons have been plenty successful for years but want to seriously contend for the Wayne County Athletic League title and make a deep playoff run. Their play over the first two weeks, especially defensively, gives reason to believe the Falcons could push for bigger things in 2023. Meanwhile, Loudonville will be trying to get things back on track after a Week 2 loss to Utica where little went right.

Tich's pick: Hillsdale

Wooster (1-1) at New Philadelphia (1-1)

Wooster may have played the best team on its schedule in Week 2 when it made the trip to Wadsworth, preparing the Generals for their OCC opener this week. The Generals will look to really improve on the defensive side of the ball after giving up big plays to Orrville and Wadsworth over the first couple weeks.

Tich's pick: New Philadelphia

West Holmes (2-0) at Licking Valley (0-2)

The Knights set a new program record with 23 straight regular season wins in a crazy win over Orrville and have a good chance to make in 24 against a Licking Valley team that's been outscored 79-31. West Holmes' coaching staff will make sure its players aren't looking ahead to a huge matchup at Mansfield Senior in Week 4.

Tich's pick: West Holmes

Norwayne (2-0) at Heath (2-0)

Both teams have started the year in equally impressive fashion. Norwayne's defense has been especially potent during the first two weeks, allowing just two total touchdowns and forcing six turnovers in a 33-7 win over Canton Central Catholic. Heath brings in a potent offense that is fully of returnees from 2022, scoring 48 and 46 points in wins over Liberty Union and Licking Valley. It should be a real test for both teams ahead of conference play.

Tich's pick: Norwayne

Orrville (0-2) at Akron Springfield (0-2)

It's been two straight weeks of heartbreak for Orrville, watching double-digit fourth-quarter leads evaporate against both Wooster and West Holmes, but the Red Riders should be able to get in the win column against a program that hasn't won a game since 2019. Sawyer Hamsher and Greg Smiley have been two of the most impressive players in the area over the first two weeks, despite Orrville's winless start.

Tich's pick: Orrville

River View (0-2) at Tuslaw (1-1)

Tuslaw picked up a confidence-building 34-0 win over Chippewa last week and has a very real chance of heading into PAC-7 play at 2-1. Opponents have outscored River View 109-6 through two games. It might not be quite as lopsided, but the Mustangs proved they could move the ball in Week 2.

Tich's pick: Tuslaw

Chippewa (0-2) at Crestwood (1-1)

Chippewa hopes to head into conference play with a little positive momentum after 38-7 and 34-0 losses over the first two weeks. The Chipps earned one of their two wins in 2022 against the Red Devils.

Tich's pick: Crestwood

Northwestern (0-2) at Columbia (2-0)

The young Huskies are still trying to figure things out, and a matchup with Columbia is possibly their toughest matchup yet. Raiders RB Marco Cirigliano has rushed for 150 yards in Weeks 1 and 2 as Columbia has rolled to two double-digit wins.

Tich's pick: Columbia

Rittman (2-0) at Fairport Harding

The last time Rittman won three games in a season: 2019. And yet, it could very easily head into Week 4 with that many wins facing off against a Harding team that lost 14-6 to David Anderson in Week 2. Rittman hasn't been tested yet, but this is its most talented team in years, headlined by running back Artie Sonego, who scored seven TDs already.

Tich's pick: Rittman

Smithville (2-0) at Lucas (0-2)

It's a pretty safe bet Lucas is going to come out extra motivated for this one. The Cubs have seen victory slip away late in back-to-back games against Clear Fork and Hillsdale. The Cubs are by far the Smithies' best test so far after facing rebuilding Tuslaw and St. Thomas Aquinas teams to begin the year.

Tich's pick: Lucas

Last week's picks: 10-1

Overall picks: 18-4

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Football: previewing every Week 3 Wayne/Holmes area game