This Week in Richland County Football
The 2025 high school football regular season is nearing its end, and excitement is in the air! Richland County teams compiled a commendable 5-4 record this week, showcasing grit, strategy, and the hunger for Fridays under the lights.
"Winning at this stage is about momentum and confidence, especially as playoff spots tighten up!"
Ontario Warriors Dominate Highland
Ontario 35, Highland 0
The Ontario Warriors showcased their offensive firepower with a commanding 35-0 victory over Highland, firmly establishing their place in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference standings. Kooper Kilgore ignited the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run, which set the tone for the evening.
- Alex McWhorter added excitement with a stunning 68-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Gavin Miller.
- Miller also connected with Guy Trader on a 20-yard touchdown, and even managed a one-yard rushing touchdown, reaching the end zone three times.
- Trader struck again on special teams, returning a punt for 65 yards, proving his versatility.
- Defensively, McWhorter didn't just shine with his offense; he also forced a fumble, leading to an all-around stellar performance.
With this win, the Warriors elevate their record to 5-4 and dive into their upcoming clash against River Valley full of momentum.
Clear Fork Colts Rule Over River Valley
Clear Fork 44, River Valley 7
The Clear Fork Colts decisively defeated River Valley, 44-7, in a performance that leaves little doubt about their playoff aspirations. Ben Campbell started the onslaught early with a two-yard touchdown run and continued to showcase his talents throughout the game.
- After gaining an early 14-0 lead, Campbell threw a short pass to Devyn Oswalt for yet another touchdown, demonstrating Clear Fork's offensive versatility.
- Despite River Valley putting points on the board, Oswalt struck back with an explosive 81-yard rushing touchdown, asserting Clear Fork's dominance.
- Campbell capped off his remarkable evening with two additional rushing touchdowns, totaling a staggering 203 yards on the ground.
Clear Fork improves to 6-3, showcasing their lethal offense while holding River Valley to a staggering negative-42 yards rushing. Their next game against Galion looms large as they eye playoff positioning.
Heartbreak for Crestview Cougars Against Monroeville
Monroeville 28, Crestview 26
The Crestview Cougars suffered a gut-wrenching loss to Monroeville, dashing their championship dreams. The Cougars began strong with a touchdown run by Ayden Reymer and a subsequent trick play that caught Monroeville off guard.
- Despite their strong start, Crestview allowed Monroeville to rally back, scoring 21 unanswered points.
- Trailing late in the game, Crestview responded with a critical touchdown pass, yet the potential game-tying conversion failed to connect.
Now sitting at 5-4, Crestview must regroup as they head into their Week 10 matchup against Mapleton, looking for redemption.
Other Notable Games
GlenOak 44, Mansfield Senior 12
The Mansfield Senior Tygers faced a tough loss, trailing significantly after a promising start. GlenOak's dominance was evident, scoring 28 unanswered points to secure their victory.
Western Reserve 40, Plymouth 0
The Plymouth Big Red struggled mightily, managing just 55 total yards against a relentless Western Reserve defense.
Upcoming Challenges and Implications
As we move forward, team dynamics will become even more vital. Playoff hopes are hanging in the balance, and every game will matter. With critical matchups ahead, here are the key storylines:
- Ontario vs. River Valley: Can the Warriors maintain their winning streak?
- Clear Fork vs. Galion: Will Clear Fork's momentum push them to even greater heights?
- Crestview vs. Mapleton: Can Crestview recover from their heartbreak to keep their playoff dreams alive?
With just a few games left, this is the time for teams to dig deep and prove their mettle. There's a spark in the air and it's time to ignite that fire! Friday night lights await!
