Freddie & Fitzsimmons
Freddie & Fitzsimmons
9:00pm - 1:00am
Freddie & Fitzsimmons

Lance's Sports Blog

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Ten - 2021

The end of the regular season is upon us! What? How? I’m not ready…

 

It’s time for the picks for week ten!

 

My record so far through nine weeks is now 87-20 after going 10-2 in week nine.

 

Arcadia vs Riverdale - Neither team has looked very good this season unless they were playing Vanlue or Cory-Rawson. I think Arcadia finds a way to win this one.

 

Arlington vs North Baltimore - This won’t quite be the blowout it was to open up the 2020 season, but I still have the Red Devils winning this one. 

 

Cory-Rawson vs Pandora-Gilboa - Pandora-Gilboa could score 100 points if they really wanted to. Give me PG.

 

Van Buren vs Vanlue - Van Buren surprised me with how good they looked in spots against Arlington. Not that it will truly matter against this Vanlue team that is struggling to just have enough players to stay on the field. I will take Van Buren.

 

Elmwood vs Rossford - Elmwood will continue their rolling against a pesky Rossford squad.

 

Woodmore vs Genoa - Woodmore has only scored three touchdowns this season through seven games. The odds tell me that Genoa will win this one and Woodmore will score one touchdown if they’re lucky.

 

Lake vs Fostoria - Cancelled due to covid issues within the Fostoria program.

 

Carey vs Buckeye Central - Carey has been steamrolling teams basically the whole season. I don’t see that changing tonight as they look to lock up the number two seed in their region. 

 

Wynford vs Mohawk - Very even match between two 4-5 teams. I’ll take Mohawk on a whim in this one.

 

Lakota vs Calvert - Lakota could force a three way tie for the SBC River if they win and Hopewell-Loudon losses tonight. I think Lakota gets a good win heading into their first true postseason game in school history. The only other time they’ve made the playoffs was last season.

 

Columbian vs Norwalk - Columbian is playing without a good chunk of their starters after a vandalism incident over the weekend. Norwalk though is 1-8. I think Columbian, even with some backups, will find a way to pull this one out and secure a home game in the postseason. 

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Gibsonburg - Second biggest game of the night in the area behind LB and McComb. Two teams that have been really good all season that each have one loss. Hopewell-Loudon lost to a division three team with only a few days to prepare. Gibsonburg lost after Lakota got a two point conversion late to take that win. I think Hopewell-Loudon gets the win in this one.

 

Findlay vs Lima Senior - Findlay has been rolling over the last month or so. I don’t see that changing tonight against Lima Senior. 

 

Northwood vs Cardinal Stritch - Man, when it rains it pours for the Rangers. They lost to Ottawa Hills for just the third time since they’ve been in the TAAC. They’ve only lost to Stritch once and that was back in 2006 when that Stritch team had a couple division one players on it. I think the Cardinals take the Big Apple Deli Trophy for the first time since 2006 tonight.

 

Hardin Northern vs Waynsfield-Goshen  - 7-2 Tigers vs the 6-3 Polar Bears. They are very similar teams though. They’ve both lost to Lima Perry and USV. I’ll go with the Polar Bears, but this game really is a coin flip. 


McComb vs Liberty-Benton - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Nine - 2021

I finally had a perfect week of picks!

 

It might have helped some of those picks that had games moved to Saturday because of all the terrible weather in Northwest Ohio on Friday night, but a win is a win is a win, right?

 

No time to bask in perfection for too long. It’s time for the picks for week nine!

 

My record so far through eight weeks is now 77-18 after going 12-0 in week eight.

 

Liberty-Benton vs Arcadia - Arcadia won big last week over Vanlue, but LB is basically the polar opposite of Vanlue in terms of the BVC. I have LB winning big.

 

Vanlue vs Cory-Rawson - Postponed to 10/29

 

North Baltimore vs McComb - McComb, again, could score 100 points in this one if they wanted to. I think the Panthers win this one big.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Riverdale - PG actually played LB really tough last week. Riverdale wasn’t as fortunate last week vs Arlington. I have the Rockets winning this one big.

 

Eastwood vs Fostoria - Postponed due to covid issues within the Fostoria program.


Elmwood vs Genoa - Elmwood has been a really good football team as of late. It doesn’t look like they handled the weather issues last week very well even though they still pulled it out against Lake. Genoa has played pretty good football this year, but Elmwood is having a special season. I will go with Elmwood to win this one.

 

Wynford vs Carey - Carey is absolutely rolling right now, and Wynford doesn’t have enough to stop them. Give me the Blue Devils in this one. 

 

Buckeye Central vs Mohawk - Buckeye Central hasn’t scored in their last two games. They will probably score in this one, but Mohawk is going to score more.

 

Perkins vs Columbian - TC has struggled the last two weeks in losses to Clyde and Bellevue. Jalen Santoro has got a good thing going at Perkins and he returns to the stadium he played at in college. I think it should be a good game, but I feel like Clyde wins this one.

 

Tiffin Calvert vs Hopewell-Loudon - Hopewell-Loudon continues to roll in spite of a few injuries. Calvert has had a better second half of the season. I think Hopewell-Loudon wins this one though.

Edon vs Lakota - Lakota is a pretty good team this year. They’re 6-2 with those losses coming to Hopewell-Loudon and Elmwood. Edon though is 7-1 with that lone loss coming by one point to Norwalk St. Paul. I have the Bombers winning this one.

 

Northwood vs Ottawa Hills - Ottawa Hills is 5-3 while Northwood is 3-3 due to missing a few games because of covid issues. Northwood has only lost to Ottawa Hills twice since joining the TAAC. I have the Rangers winning this one.

 

Findlay vs St. John’s - Findlay has been rolling of late with wins over Fremont Ross, St. Francis and Clay the last three weeks. I think they keep that going tonight against St. John’s.

 

Hardin Northern vs Ridgemont - Hardin Northern is coming off a big win against Crestline. Ridgemont sits at 1-6 with that win coming against Vanlue. I have the polar bears winning this one. 


Van Buren vs Arlington - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

 

Enjoy the games everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week 8 - 2021

Three points was all that separated me from a perfect week of my picks in week seven… 

 

But I cannot dwell on that for too long since week eight is here! Will tonight be the night I wear something besides a polo? It’s supposed to rain so I guess we’ll find out here soon.

 

My record so far through seven weeks is now 65-18 after going 10-1 in week seven.

 

Vanlue vs Arcadia - Arcadia made this their homecoming game for a reason. I have Arcadia big in this one. 

 

Riverdale vs Arlington - Riverdale struggled the last two weeks against McComb and Liberty-Benton. I don’t see it getting any easier tonight. I have the Red Devils winning it big.

 

Cory-Rawson vs McComb - McComb could score triple digits if they really wanted to. McComb by a lot.

 

North Baltimore vs Van Buren - A sneaky interesting matchup for this one. Van Buren is one of the weirder teams in the area. Aside from their two games in August they have either won or lost in shutout fashion. North Baltimore is 3-3 but very easily could be 4-2 if they had played a better overtime against Arcadia. I will take Van Buren in this one, but I don’t feel great about it. 

 

Fostoria vs Woodmore - Well, someone has to win this one, right? Fostoria is 0-6 and Woodmore is 0-5. Neither team played last week, and Woodmore hasn’t played since 9/17. Fostoria has been able to score more points this season than Woodmore has. The Wildcats have just six points in just five games. I didn’t think I would say it this year, but I will go with Fostoria.

 

Genoa vs Otsego - Genoa has played solid football the last few weeks. Otsego though has to be hungry after not getting a game last week. I have the Knights tonight.

 

Lake vs Elmwood - Lake has been successful this season against most of their opponents so far with ‘wood’ in their name (aside from Eastwood). Tonight luck will not be on their side. I have Elmwood winning this match up big. 

 

Carey vs Seneca East - Carey has been really dominant aside from their week one loss to Hopewell-Loudon. Seneca East has played well, but slipped up a few weeks ago against Mohawk. I think Carey wins this one in a comfortable fashion. 

 

Mohawk vs Bucyrus - Both teams come into this one 2-5. Mohawk though has put up a better fight in their losses. I’ll take the Warriors. 

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Northwood - The scars of 10 years ago just came back for the first time in a while. My senior year, Hopewell-Loudon was the one team that kept our 2011 team from a perfect regular season. Last year this would’ve been a hell of a game. This year, Ashton Bour or not, I don’t think it will. Don’t hate me Ranger fans, but I have to take the Chieftains in this one. 

 

Buckeye Local vs Calvert - Neither team has been great this season. Calvert is 3-4 and Buckeye Local is 2-3. I’ll take Calvert in this one. They need this one heading into a game at Hopewell-Loudon next week. 

 

Findlay vs Clay - Findlay has started to find themselves the last few weeks with their wins over Fremont Ross and St. Francis. I think they take care of business tonight at Clay. 

 

Liberty-Benton vs Pandora-GIlboa - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Seven - 2021

Getting ready for week seven of high school football. I still don’t get how the season goes by so quickly. Enjoy it while it’s here!

 

Let’s get into the picks for this week!

 

My record so far through six weeks is now 55-17 after going 8-4 in week six.

 

Arcadia vs Cory-Rawson - Two teams that have struggled this year. Arcadia has the advantage though in this one. I’ll go with Arcadia.

 

Riverdale vs Liberty-Benton - Liberty-Benton didn’t get to play a game last week. I think they take those frustrations out on Riverdale. Give me the Eagles big.

 

North Baltimore vs Vanlue - Similar to Arcadia and Cory-Rawson, neither team has been great so far this season. North Baltimore has more athletes both in terms of actual numbers and a handful of good skill guys. I gotta go with the tigers in this one.

 

Van Buren vs Pandora-Gilboa - Van Buren was unable to play last week. Pandora-Gilboa was able to get back on track following a tough loss to McComb. I think the Rockets prevail tonight.

 

Fostoria vs Otsego - Cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns within the Fostoria program.

 

Carey vs Upper Sandusky - A big rivalry game. Upper has looked better than they have the last few years, but this is a really good Carey team. I’ll take the blue devils over the rams.

 

Mohawk vs Colonel Crawford - Mohawk surprised some people (including me) in their win last week against Seneca East. Colonel Crawford on the other hand has rolled in their games this year aside from when they played Carey. I will take the eagles over the warriors.

 

Clyde vs Columbian - Another good matchup between these two schools. Each has had postseason success as of late. Columbian made it to the final four in 2020, and Clyde won it all in 2019. Each team comes in at 4-2. I’ll take TC, but I think this is gonna be a close one.

 

Calvert vs Lucas - Calvert has looked better the last few weeks, but Lucas is a top team in division seven. I have to go with the cubs in this matchup.

 

Fremont St. Joe’s vs Hopewell-Loudon - Hopewell-Loudon may have lost last week but it was to a division three team with about 48 hours to prep. I think they show up in a big way against Fremont St. Joe’s. I’ll take the Chieftains big.

 

Northwood vs Montpelier - Northwood got back on track last week against Hilltop. Montpelier is 0-4 and the most points they’ve scored in a game this year is 12. I have the rangers winning this one big.

 

St. Francis vs Findlay - This game just goes to show that not all first year head coaches are created equal. You have Stefan Adams for Findlay who has been a head coach at a couple places already in his young coaching career. On the other side you have a former NFL QB in Bruce Gradkowski for St. Francis. Two similar teams at 3-3. Both have some skill guys that excel in the open space. I have Findlay winning a close one.


Arlington vs McComb - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Six - 2021

Week six already? What the hell. 

 

Speaking of hell, Art Briles.

 

Let’s get into the picks for this week!

 

My record so far through five weeks is now 47-13 after going 8-2 in week five.

 

Arlington vs Arcadia - Arcadia won an emotional overtime game last week against North Baltimore. I don’t think this one is as close. I have the Red Devils in this one.

 

Cory-Rawson vs North Baltimore - North Baltimore had a handful of big plays last week in that loss to Arcadia. I think they have more of them tonight. Give me the Tigers.

 

Vanlue vs Pandora-Gilboa - Kudos to Vanlue for trying as hard as they do with 11-12 guys each week, but PG hung with McComb for about a half last week. PG wins this one big.

 

Liberty-Benton vs Van Buren - Cancelled due to Covid.

 

Fostoria vs Genoa - Fostoria looked to improve slightly last week vs Rossford. That won’t help them as much tonight. I will go with the Comets.

 

Elmwood vs Woodmore - Woodmore is 0-5 and realistically their only shot at a win is in two weeks against Fostoria. I have the Royals by a lot.

 

Gibsonburg vs Lakota - Another emotional week for the Raiders who lost their second coach in the span of 18 days. I can’t even imagine what those kids and that community is going through. I think Lakota can keep it close. At least for a little bit, but I have to take the undefeated Golden Bears.

 

Bucyrus vs Carey - Carey has looked really good since that loss to Hopewell in week one. Bucyrus is 1-4. I have to take the Blue Devils in this match up. 

 

Seneca East vs Mohawk - Struggles have continued for Mohawk since that big win to open up the season. Seneca East has looked impressive in starting 4-1. I have the Tigers moving to 5-1 tonight.

 

Columbian vs Sandusky - Columbian has been able to string a few wins together after some tough losses to Fremont Ross and Avon Lake. Sandusky is better than a season ago when they were 3-8. That won’t help them tonight. I have TC getting the win.

 

Margaretta vs Calvert - Calvert was able to get back on track with a big win last week over Fremont St. Joe’s. Margaretta has their own issues with starting 0-5. I have the Senecas getting back to .500 tonight.  

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Butler - Hopewell was able to get this game to come together on Wednesday afternoon so neither team has had a lot of time to prep. Butler is a DIII team that is 1-3. Hopewell will need to be conditioned in this one since Butler has few two way guys, and Hopewell is mostly led by two way players. I still think behind the arm and legs of Ashton Bour that they find a way.

 

Hilltop vs Northwood - Crazy to think that Northwood hasn’t won since week one. They lost to Lake and Gibsonburg and missed games vs Edon and Lakota in between because of covid issues within the team. They will get back on track tonight against Hilltop.

 

Fremont Ross vs Findlay - I would love to be proven wrong, but with the way Findlay has struggled against Central Catholic and Whitmer I have to take Fremont Ross in this one. 

 

McComb vs Riverdale - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Five - 2021

Man, how are we already more than a month into high school football season?

 

Things are really starting to take shape around the area

 

Still no time for chit-chat. Let’s get into the picks for this week!

 

My record so far through four weeks is now 39-11 after going 8-2 in week four.

 

Arlington vs Vanlue - Arlington rolls along after drubbing Cory-Rawson last week.

 

Arcadia vs North Baltimore - Two teams that haven’t had the most stellar of starts to the season. I’ll take North Baltimore in this one.

 

Liberty-Benton vs Cory-Rawson - Liberty-Benton. By a lot.

 

Van Buren vs Riverdale - One of the more interesting matchups so far this season. I have a feeling Van Buren finds a way in this one.

 

Rossford vs Fostoria - Rossford. By a lot.

 

Eastwood vs Genoa - This matchup has been really good over the last few years. I think Eastwood takes this year’s game.

 

Mohawk vs Carey - Mohawk has struggled since their big week one win. They’ll get some points on the board, but I have Carey winning this Battle of Wyandot County.

 

Margaretta vs Hopewell-Loudon - Hopewell-Loudon. By a lot.

 

Mansfield Senior vs Columbian - A good looking matchup for this one. Columbian is 2-2. Mansfield Senior at 3-1. I have Columbian winning this homecoming matchup. 

 

Calvert vs Fremont St. Joe’s - If Calvert doesn’t win this one then it’s time to hit the panic button. I will go with the Senecas.

 

Findlay vs Whitmer - Findlay ran into a Central Catholic buzzsaw last week. Whitmer is a good team with three wins on the year so far. I think Findlay finds a way to pull this one out.


Pandora-Gilboa vs McComb - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Four - 2021

How in the hell is it week four already?

 

I swear football time is not the same as ‘regular’ time. 

 

Still no time for chit-chat. Let’s get into the picks for this week!

 

My record so far through three weeks is now 31-9 after going 9-2 in week three.

 

McComb vs Van Buren - Van Buren got back on the right track last week against Arcadia while McComb demolished an undermanned Vanlue team. I have McComb winning this one.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Arcadia - Things haven’t gone great for Arcadia thus far, and I don’t think their fortunes change against PG. I’ll take the Rockets.

 

Wilmington Area vs Liberty-Benton - LB was able to get a team from Pennsylvania to come play after covid issues cancelled their game vs North Baltimore. I couldn’t find much on Wilmington other than they won a game 50 to nothing. I just watched Liberty-Benton easily put up 41 on a good Arlington team. I’ll take the Eagles in this Saturday matchup.

 

Riverdale vs Vanlue - Riverdale got their first win last week against Cory-Rawson. Vanlue has struggled about as much as Cory-Rawson has this year so I have to take the Falcons. 

 

Fostoria vs Elmwood - Elmwood is 3-0 for the first time in 10+ years. Fostoria is 0-3 for the second straight year. Do I really need to spell this one out? I’ll take Elmwood.

 

Carey vs Colonel Crawford - One of the best games in the area tonight. Colonel Crawford has been dominant in getting to 3-0. Carey is 2-1 with that loss coming against a Hopewell-Loudon team that is gearing up for a big postseason run of their own. If Carey is going to beat Colonel Crawford this is the year. I’ll take the Blue Devils

 

Upper Sandusky vs Mohawk - Mohawk had a tough loss to Gibsonburg last week. Upper is 1-2 though. I have Mohawk getting back on track in this matchup. 

 

Gibsonburg vs Calvert - Calvert is 1-2 after a loss last week to St. Paul. Gibsonburg is now 3-0 with a big win over Mohawk. The transitive property doesn’t always work, but I will still take Gibsonburg in this one.

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Lakota - Lakota is 2-1 and coming off an emotional win last week over Woodmore. Hopewell is 3-0 and absolutely rolling. Lakota doesn’t knock them off the tracks this week. I’ll take the Chieftains.

 

Columbian vs Mayfield - Columbian is a deceiving 1-2. They lost a heartbreaker week one to still undefeated Fremont Ross, and to an also unbeaten Avon Lake. I think they get back on track against an 0-3 Mayfield team.

 

Findlay vs Central Catholic - Another deceiving 1-2 for Central Catholic losing to St. Ed’s and Benedictine. Findlay though is coming off a blow out win and now have a freshman quarterback at the helm. I could be wrong and wrong in a big way, but I’Il take Findlay getting a big road win in Toledo.

 

Cory-Rawson vs Arlington - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Three - 2021

Back already for week number three of high school football!

 

Thank the lord it’ll be cooler tonight than it was the last two week because I can’t possibly describe how sweaty I have been the last two Friday’s.

 

Now that you may or may not have a mental picture of me sweating… Let’s go ahead and get into this week’s picks!

 

My record so far through two weeks is now 22-7 after going 15-2 in week two.

 

Arcadia vs Van Buren - Neither team has looked very good to start the season. I’ll take Van Buren in this one, but I’m not very confident in it.

 

McComb vs Vanlue - Vanlue played with just 11 players last week, and McComb went toe-to-toe with Marion Local. Panthers. Huge.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs North Baltimore - PG took Bluffton to overtime last week. North Baltimore had a blowout win over Crestline. I’ll go with Pandora-Gilboa in this one, but this could end up being a decently close game. 

 

Riverdale vs Cory-Rawson - Riverdale was competitive in their game last week with Hardin Northern. While Cory-Rawson has continued to struggle this season. I have Riverdale getting their first win on the season. 

 

Fostoria vs Hopewell-Loudon - The struggles continue for Fostoria. Hopewell-Loudon is one of the best overall teams in the area. I have Hopewell big in this one.

 

Bowling Green vs Findlay - Bowling Green is 0-2 on the season while Findlay struggled last week to get anything going offensively vs Perrysburg. I have Findlay getting back on track tonight. 

 

Waite vs Carey - Looks like tonight will be the first game of the season for Waite. They did go 4-2 last year, but the City League is not exactly as powerful as it once was. It’s a good thing my mom doesn’t read these because I’m picking against her alma mater and taking the Blue Devils. 

 

Mohawk vs Gibsonburg - Mohawk comes in at 1-1 with a good win over Calvert before falling to a really good Hopewell-Loudon squad. Gibsonburg is 2-0 with wins over Ottawa Hills and Woodmore. Woodmore has not scored any points so far this season. I will take Mohawk getting back over .500 tonight. 

 

Avon Lake vs Columbian - Columbian got back on the right track after a tough loss at the end to Fremont Ross. Avon Lake is 2-0 with wins over Strongsville and Broadview Heights. I just have a gut feeling TC wins this one, somehow. 

 

Norwalk St. Paul vs Calvert - Calvert got back on track following their loss to Mohawk with a win over Monroeville. St. Paul doesn’t appear quite as dominate as they typically are, but I’ll still take the Flyers in this matchup. 

 

Woodmore vs Lakota - This one came together on short notice after Lakota was supposed to play Northwood, but they have covid issues within their team. Lakota will be playing emotionally tonight after the passing away of their defensive coordinator, Jon Ottney, following the game last week. I have Lakota winning this one big. 


Arlington vs Liberty-Benton - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Two - 2021

Back already for week number two of high school football!

 

Rob Thomas said it best because it’s gonna be a hot one tonight.

 

No time to waste so let’s get into this week’s picks. Not a banner week in week one as I went 7-5 in my picks. Who else saw Columbian losing an absolute heartbreaker?! Anyway let’s get back on track...

 

Liberty-Benton vs Archbold - I think LB is going to be a very good team within the BVC, but DJ Newman is ridiculous. I’ll go with Archbold in this one.

 

Waynesfield-Goshen vs Arcadia - Arcadia couldn’t beat Hardin Northern last week, and Waynesfield-Goshen had a good win last week over Ada. I have to go with Waynesfield-Goshen tonight.

 

Ada vs Arlington - Arlington looked very good to start the season. I’ll go with the Red Devils getting to 2-0 heading into their rivalry matchup with Liberty-Benton next week. 

 

USV vs Cory-Rawson - I’ll believe it when I see a Cory-Rawson win. I will go with USV 

 

Hardin Northern vs Riverdale - Riverdale will look better than they did last week against Colonel Crawford. I still don't think this will get them their first win of the season. I will take the polar bears. 

 

Otsego vs Van Buren - Man, did Van Buren not look great against Elmwood last week. It doesn’t get easier for them taking on a really good Otsego team. I will go with the Knights defeating the Black Knights in this one. 

 

Crestline vs North Baltimore - Crestline was 1-7 in 2020 with their only win being over Vanlue. I think this North Baltimore Team is at the least deeper than that squad. I will take the Tigers winning tonight.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Bluffton - PG struggled to get anything going last week vs Grove. Bluffton dominated Cory-Rawson. I don’t think Bluffton has as big of a blowout win in this one, but I will go with the Pirates beating the Rockets.

 

Vanlue vs Ridgedale - It doesn’t look good for Vanlue this year. If Vanlue does win a game this year this one would probably be it. I’ll take Ridgedale in this one though.

 

Fostoria vs Seneca East - Fostoria has some winnable games. I do not think this is one of them. I will take the Tigers.


Findlay vs Perrysburg - Findlay had a great win last week against Anthony Wayne. Perrysburg struggled last week against Dublin Jerome. I have Findlay moving to 2-0.

 

Southview vs Columbian - TC lost a heartbreaker last week. Southview had a nice win against Rodgers. I think Columbian won’t take their foot off the gas this week. I have the Tornadoes big. 

 

Lake vs Northwood - Battle of Lemone Road is always a big one for both of these schools. Lake couldn’t get anything on the board last week against McComb. Northwood didn’t allow any points in their win over Woodmore. I have the Rangers winning this one.


Elmwood vs Lakota - Both teams won to start their seasons. Elmwood though looked even more dominant in their win. I will go with the Royals in this matchup. 

 

Carey vs Galion - Galon had a close win to start their season. Carey lost to a Hopewell team that is one of the best in the area. I think Carey gets back on track in this one. 

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Mohawk - Two very good teams take the field in this one. I liked what I saw from Mohawk last week in their win over Calvert. Hopewell also beat a good team in their win over Carey. I think Hopewell wins this one, but it shapes up to be a fun game. 

 

Calvert vs Monroeville - Monroeville struggled in their game against Lakota. Ditto for Calvert in their game with Mohawk. I think Calvert airs it out a bit more and they get their first win of the season. 


Marion Local vs McComb - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action with Matt Cotman and I on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week One - 2021

Football season has returned!

 

I really couldn’t be more excited for this season. Lots of teams returning great players. Teams looking to break through. What’s not to like?

 

For my picks in 2020, I went 78-26 overall. Considering how crazy last season was I don’t feel bad about that one bit. Enough talking, let’s get into the week one picks!

 

VAN BUREN vs ELMWOOD - Two teams that were solid in 2020. Give me the Black Knights over the Royals in this future league matchup.

 

ARCADIA vs HARDIN NORTHERN - Both teams were hit hard by graduation. I’ll take Arcadia in this one.

 

CORY-RAWSON vs BLUFFTON - Bluffton struggled out of the gate, but their offense was great as the year progressed. I gotta take the Pirates in this one.

 

RIVERDALE vs COLONEL CRAWFORD - Colonel Crawford had one of, if not their best, teams ever last season. They graduated a lot of those guys, but Riverdale is on their third coach in as many seasons. I’ll take the Colonels in this matchup. 

 

ARLINGTON vs PAULDING - Arlington loses a bunch of talent from last season, but I saw Paulding last year. They weren’t great and they were mostly seniors. I’ll take the new look Red Devils in this one.

 

NORTH BALTIMORE vs EVERGREEN - Two teams that struggled last season matchup. North Baltimore has some good senior leaders on this team. Mitch Clark and Gunner Kepling to name a few. I'll take the Tigers in a shootout. 

 

PANDORA-GILBOA vs COLUMBUS GROVE - Grove has to replace Blake Reynolds and Gabe Clement among others. PG has some new faces, but I’ll go with the Rockets tonight.

 

RIDGEMONT vs VANLUE - Ridgemont wasn’t all that great a season ago, but Vanlue lost six seniors. Vanlue has just 12 kids. That’s small even for Vanlue. I have to go Ridgemont here.

 

MCCOMB vs LAKE - McComb had their first down year basically ever last year. Lake was a solid team in 2020. I’ll go with Lake in this one, but I would love to be proven wrong.

 

FOSTORIA vs OAK HARBOR - Fostoria didn’t win a game last year, and their prospects for this season aren’t great. I’ll go with the Rockets.

 

FINDLAY vs ANTHONY WAYNE - Third coach in three years for the Trojans, but that won’t stop them in their return to Donnell. Give me Findlay in this one.

 

CAREY vs HOPEWELL-LOUDON - For my money the best game in this area tonight. Both return great quarterbacks, but Ashton Bour is greater. I’ll take Hopewell-Loudon in this one.

 

NORTHWOOD vs WOODMORE - My Northwood Rangers lose a bunch of talents from last year’s team that won their second playoff game in postseason history. Woodmore though is still in rebuilding. I will go with the Rangers in this one.

 

COLUMBIAN vs FREMONT ROSS - Columbian doesn’t bring back every starter from last season’s state semis team, but they are loaded. Ross is gonna be a contender this season in the TRAC, but that won’t start this week. Give me the Tornadoes. 


LEIPSIC vs LIBERTY-BENTON - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling tonight. Hear all the action on Classic Hits 96-7 right here.

 

Enjoy week one!!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Ten - 2020

Well this is (probably) it. Week ten of the football season and round four of the playoffs. I never would’ve thought we would make it this far. That’s still kind of crazy to me. Enjoy high school football while you can because you never know when it can be taken from you. Leipsic had that pain this past Friday night, and my heart goes out to them. 

 

Now let’s get into this weekend’s games

 

Last week I went 7-4. For the year I am 69-26. Nice.


Week Ten Games: 

 

Friday Playoff Game’s 

 

West Holmes vs Columbian - West Holmes is 7-2 with one of those losses coming to a team that is also still in the playoffs. Columbian’s lone loss also came to a team still in the postseason. Columbian fell behind last week, but I don’t think they do that two weeks in a row. I think they prevail to have a possible rematch next week against Holy Name for a Regional Title.

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Arlington - I won’t pick this game since it’s the game I will be calling. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight for Hopewell-Loudon vs Arlington. Hear all the action on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Friday Non-Playoff Game’s

 

McComb vs Fostoria - I wouldn’t have been able to predict quite the drop off for both of these teams compared to last season. McComb has done some good things since their struggles early on this season. I’ll take McComb keeping Fostoria winless.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Ayersville - Ayersville looks improved from the team I saw last season. PG is still pretty good though so I will go with the Rockets.

 

Allen East vs Leipsic - A lot of uncertainty for the Vikings after last week's Covid related forfeit knocked them out of the playoffs. Assuming they have all or almost all of their key pieces I think they win this game. 

 

Bluffton vs Cory-Rawson - A traditional rivalry game that is typically played one of the first two weeks of the season. Time won’t be kind though this time around to Cory-Rawson as I think Bluffton will roll in this one. 

 

Lakota vs Van Buren - Two teams I was off on last week. I had Lakota losing to McComb and Van Buren losing to Patrick Henry. I literally flipped a coin for this one. I’ll take Van Buren. Tails never fails, right?

 

Liberty-Benton vs Wynford - Liberty-Benton certainly didn’t wake up Saturday morning last week thinking they would be playing a regular season game the following week. I think they do what they didn’t do last week and come out with a vengeance and take down Wynford.

 

Vanlue vs Crestline - Crestline has not won a game all season. Vanlue has won a game this season. I can’t argue with those numbers. Give me the Wildcats.

 

Carey vs Tinora - Two teams that could’ve matched up in a postseason contest if they each had been able to win last week. I’ll take Carey in a close one. 

 

Enjoy the fourth round of the playoffs everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Nine - 2020

Another week of playoff football! No time to waste so let’s get into the games!

 

Last week I went 7-4. For the year I am 62-22. 


Week Nine Games: 

 

Friday Playoff Game’s 

 

Mohawk vs Lima Central Catholic - Mohawk is peaking at the correct time. Meanwhile LCC hasn’t played in forever. At least not since their win over Arlington on 10/2. I might not be picking this one with my head, but I have Mohawk finding a way to win this one.

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Lima Perry - Both teams are undefeated and haven’t struggled a whole lot. Hopewell definitely impressed me in those wins over Calvert and Patrick Henry. I have the Chieftains getting it done tonight.

 

Revere vs Columbian - Columbian will be challenged a little bit for the first time this postseason, but I have them prevailing vs Revere.

 

Friday Non-Playoff Game’s

 

North Baltimore vs Fremont St. Joe’s - I think this should be a very close game between two teams that have struggled this season. I’ll go with the Tigers over the Crimson Streaks.

 

Cory-Rawson vs Hardin Northern - I have the Polar Bears rolling over the Hornets in this one.

 

McComb vs Lakota - Lakota rolled last week against Riverdale while McComb narrowly lost last week to Spencerville to end their postseason. I think McComb gets it done.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Delphos St. John’s - I was a little surprised Mohawk was able to handle PG the way they did. I think the Rockets will roll in this contest.

 

Van Buren vs Patrick Henry - Patrick Henry is clearly not the team of old from last season. Both teams want to run the crap out of the ball. I don’t like doing this, but I’m going to take Patrick Henry in this game.

 

Vanlue vs Springfield Central Catholic - Both teams are 1-7 and have had some rough stretches. I know they burned me last week, but I think Vanlue finds a way to pull this game out.

 

Fostoria vs Rossford - The time off won’t help Fostoria at all. I think Rossford blows them out.

 

Saturday Game’s

 

Carey vs Archbold - Carey is looking to replicate last season’s postseason run by looking to take down the top seed in their region. Archbold though historically hasn’t struggled in the postseason. As much as it pains me to say I think the road ends for the Blue Devils on Saturday night.

 

Northwood vs Fairview - Two high powered offenses with the defences to back them up. I don’t like picking against Northwood, but this Fairview team is really good and honestly might be my pick to win the whole region. Sadly taking the Apaches.

 

Leipsic vs Arlington and North Union vs Liberty-Benon - I won’t pick these games since they will be the games I call this weekend. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight for Leipsic vs Arlington and Saturday join Shayne Nissen and I around 6:50 for LB hosting North Union. Both games will be on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy the third round of the playoffs everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Eight - 2020

More high school playoff football is on the way this weekend. As nice as it was for some of those teams that aren’t frequent playoff teams now we start to see who is legit. 

 

Let’s get into this week’s games!

 

Last week I went 6-4. For the year I am 55-18. 


Week Eight Games (second round of the postseason unless noted below): 

 

Friday Game’s 

 

McComb vs Spencerville - McComb is starting to come together at just the right time. I think they pull off the win on the road against Spencerville.

 

Antwerp vs Leipsic - Antwerp’s only win of the season was last week. I’ll take Leipsic in this one.

 

Mohawk vs Pandora-Gilboa - Man this should be a really good game. I’ll take PG but I don’t feel great about it. 

 

Vanlue vs Fremont St. Joe’s (not a playoff game) - Vanlue will get their second big win of the season over a struggling Fremont St. Joe’s squad.

 

Ridgemont vs Cory-Rawson (not a playoff game) - Ridgemont is just 2-5 but with how thin Cory-Rawson is I gotta take the Golden Gophers in this contest.

 

Riverdale vs Lakota (not a playoff game) - Both teams had aspirations to do something in the postseason, and fell to Bluffton and Elmwood respectfully. I’ll take Lakota in a close one.

 

Arcadia vs Waynesfield-Goshen (not a playoff game) - Neither team looked great in the postseason. Arcadia played a better team though so I have Arcadia winning.

 

Patrick Henry vs Hopewell-Loudon - These two programs have some solid history of doing well in the postseason. Patrick Henry’s though is more recent making the state semi’s last year. Hopewell looks really good though so I think the Chieftains take this one.

 

Norton vs Columbian - Columbian rolls to start their postseason run.

 

Saturday Game’s

 

Convoy Crestview vs Calvert - Crestview dominated North Baltimore last week, but I think Calvert makes the most of their bye week and takes down the Knights.

 

Elmwood vs Liberty-Benton - Elmwood would need to play their best game of the season to even have a shot. I don’t think they will. Gotta take the Eagles in this one.

 

Ashland Crestview vs Carey - Both teams are pretty good. Each has just one loss. Carey though has absolutely rolled at home and I don’t think that will change. I’ll take the Blue Devils.

 

Edon vs Arlington and Van Buren vs Northwood - I won’t pick these games since they will be the games I call this weekend. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight for Edon vs Arlignton and on Saturday join Matt and I around 6:40 for Van Buren vs Northwood. Both games will be on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy the second round of the playoffs everyone!

 

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Seven - 2020

The playoffs are here! Playoffs? Yes, Jim, playoffs. 

 

Let’s get into this week’s games!

 

Last week I went 12-1. For the year I am 49-14. 


Week Seven Games (first round of the postseason unless noted below): 

 

Friday Game’s 

 

Upper Scioto Valley vs McComb - McComb is clearly not the McComb most people are used to. They figured some good things out last week against Leipsic in the second half. I’ll go with the Panthers.

 

North Baltimore vs Crestview - Crestview isn’t the Crestview of old either. I still see them finding a way against North Baltimore.

 

Vanlue vs Patrick Henry - As much as I would love Vanlue to pull off the upset I just don’t see it happening. Sadly taking the Patriots.

 

Spencerville vs Leipsic - Leipsic looked pretty good for most of last week’s game against McComb. Spencerville though is a pretty good team. I’ll go with the Bearcats in this one. (not a playoff game)

 

Minster vs Pandora-Gilboa - After an automatic advance over Cory-Rawson due to injury and depth concerns the Rockets were able to snatch up a game against an always tough Minster squad. This year though Minster is not an amazing team as we’ve seen pretty recently from state title wins and appearances. I’ll take the Rockets. (not a playoff game)

 

Ridgedale vs Mohawk - Mohawk rolls to open up the postseason.

 

Findlay vs Springboro - Findlay was able to pick up where they left off last week, and I have them doing the same tonight. Gotta take the Trojans. 

 

Hardin Northern vs Delphos St. John’s - Neither team has looked all that great this season. I’ll take the Polar Bears though.

 

Saturday Game’s

 

Bluffton vs Riverdale - Riverdale has had some really good moments this season. I think they have some on Saturday as well with a win over Bluffton.

 

Montpellier vs Carey - Carey should have little trouble winning this one. 

 

Fostoria vs North Union - Things don’t get any easier for Fostoria. I think they lose big.

 

Edon vs Arcadia and Paulding vs Van Buren - I won’t pick these games since they will be the games I call this weekend. Listen to Tom Grine and I live around 6:50 tonight for Edon vs Arcadia and Saturday join Chase Bachman and I around 6:40. Both games will be on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy the first round of the playoffs everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Six - 2020

Week six has arrived!

 

This is definitely the weirdest week six of all-time. Simply because we already know the playoff matchups. The season was shortened to a six game regular season this year because of the pandemic. But we can’t get there until we get through this week, right?

 

Let’s get into this week’s games!

 

Last week I went 10-3. For the year I am 37-13. 


Week Six Games:

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Liberty-Benton - Pandora-Gilboa could put up some points, but this Liberty-Benton team is just too good. Give me LB.

 

Cory-Rawson vs Riverdale - Riverdale had a bad loss last week against Arcadia. I think they take out their frustrations on Cory-Rawson.

 

Arlington vs Lima Central Catholic - A battle between two of the top teams in their region. They have one major similarity. They each lost to Liberty-Benton. I think Arlington wins this one. 

 

North Baltimore vs Arcadia - Arcadia is looking like they will finish above .500 and host at least one playoff game, how about that?! I’ll take Arcadia in this one. 

 

Van Buren vs Vanlue - Vanlue got a giant win over Cory-Rawson last week. This week won’t be as kind to them. Give me the Black Knights.

 

Fostoria vs Otsego - It doesn’t get any easier for Fostoria tonight when they take on 5-0 Otsego. Going with the Knights.

 

Lima Senior vs Findlay - The Findlay Trojans finally get to get back on the field after being sidelined for two weeks. I think the Trojans pick up where they left off.

 

Norwalk vs Columbian - Always a big SBC matchup when these teams collide. I think Columbian gets it done. 

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Calvert - Two unbeaten teams come in and only one can come out. I think Hopewell-Loudon pulls this one out.

 

Mohawk vs Buckeye Central - Mohawk wins big in this one over 1-4 Buckeye Central.

 

Carey vs Wynford - Two 4-1 teams in the NTAC for this game. Both having lost to Colonel Crawford. I will take Carey in this one. Why may you ask? They haven’t given up points in a month.

 

Riverside vs Hardin Northern - I don’t see the Polar Bears taking down 4-1 Riverside.

 

Northwood vs Cardinal Stritch - The Big Apple Deli Trophy isn’t going anywhere. Give me the Rangers.

 

McComb vs Leipsic - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy week six everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Five - 2020

Week five has arrived!

 

We have updated regions. Soon enough we’ll have playoff games; it’s starting to feel real!

 

No need for much of a preamble this time. Let’s get into the picks!

 

Last week I went 8-4. For the year I am 27-10. 


Week Five Games:

 

Cory-Rawson vs Vanlue - Someone has to win this game between two 0-4 teams. I’ll take Cory-Rawson in this one. 

 

McComb vs Pandora-Gilboa - Both teams have struggled a bit more than you’d expect. Both teams have lost their last two games. Because McComb is really banged up I will take Pandora-Gilboa.

 

Riverdale vs Arcadia - Came down to the wire last season. I don’t expect that part to be different. I do though see Riverdale coming out on top this time around. 

 

North Baltimore vs Van Buren - Despite Van Buren not playing all that well last week I think they figure things out tonight. I’ll go with the Black Knights.

 

Leipsic vs Lima Central Catholic - Leipsic surprised me with how they were able to beat Pandora-Gilboa in week three. I don’t see them surprising me with a win over LCC though.

 

Fostoria vs Genoa - Fostoria’s most likely win of the season passed them when they lost to Woodmore last week. I just don’t see a winnable game for them at this point in the season.

 

Columbian vs Perkins - Perkins is a program rebuilding under a new head coach in Jalen Santoro. Columbian rolls in this one. 

 

Calvert vs Margaretta - Margaretta is 0-4 and that won’t change this week. Give me the Senecas.

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Lakota - Both teams have looked really good this season. Hopewell-Loudon is undefeated and Lakota is 3-1 with a three point loss to Calvert. I’ll take Hopewell-Loudon in a close one.

 

Bucyrus vs Mohawk - Bucyrus has scored 16 points all season and recently opted out of the playoffs. Mohawk will dominate.

 

Seneca East vs Carey - Seneca East hasn’t been the same team this season. I’ll go with the Blue Devils in this one.

 

Hardin Northern vs Perry - Hardin Northern is on a roll after losing to open the season. Perry though is 4-0. My instinct tells me to go with Perry, but I’ll reverse-jinx it and take Hardin Northern.

 

Northwood vs Edon - Not much of a challenge in the TAAC this season. The Rangers will roll in this one, but it’ll be their toughest league game of the season. Edon’s one loss is to a pretty good Lakota squad.

 

Liberty-Benton vs Arlington - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy week five everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Four - 2020

Week four is here!

 

In terms of football things are starting to get more ‘normal’. High school football is almost a month into games, college football is back (more or less), and the NFL is back. The Browns disappointing me has returned as well. Although they did beat the Bengals last night so that was enjoyable. 

 

The Big Ten (finally) got it right! I don’t understand why they couldn’t have just postponed the season for a few weeks instead of to the spring, but that’s a whole different story.

 

How in the hell are we more than halfway through the regular season? I mean I know some of these teams will keep playing after they are eliminated, but I just don’t have a clue how all of this will work..

 

Anyway let’s get into this week of picks!

 

I was going to let Matt Cotman pick the slate of games as well, but I guess instead he will keep using his Twitter fingers to blast me… 

 

Last week I went 10-2. For the year I am 19-6. 


Week Four Picks:

 

Leipsic vs Arlington - After what Arlington did to Leipsic I can’t pick against the Red Devils this week. Although Leipsic surprised me with a win over Pandora-Gilboa last weekend

 

Van Buren vs Riverdale - Van Buren has started to click over the last few weeks. I think they take care of business against Riverdale.

 

Vanlue vs North Baltimore - Vanlue has 20 points this season. North Baltimore has 30 points this season. Vanlue got blown out by Riverdale, and North Baltimore almost beat Riverdale. I’ll take the Tigers in this one.

 

Arcadia vs Cory-Rawson - Cory-Rawson has some nice pieces on their team, but Arcadia has just a little more depth. I’ll go with Arcadia for the second straight week; how about that?!

 

Woodmore vs Fostoria - If Fostoria is gonna win a game this year then it has to be here. I’ll take Fostoria even though I don’t feel great about it. 

 

Findlay vs Central Catholic - WON’T BE PLAYED DUE TO A FINDLAY PLAYER TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.


Columbian vs Bellevue - A great matchup of two teams that have started 3-0. Both have beaten good teams already. I’ll take Columbian tonight.

 

Calvert vs Lakota - A surprising matchup of two more teams that have started 3-0. Both teams beat Fremont St. Joe’s pretty good, but Calvert’s overtime win last week over Gibsonburg gives me more hope in the Senecas than the Raiders in this one.

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Fremont St. Joe’s - Fremont St. Joe’s has been shut out twice and couldn’t beat Cardinal Stritch. Hopewell-Loudon is 2-0. I’ll take the Chieftains in a big win on Saturday night.

 

Upper Sandusky vs Carey - Taking Carey in a big win over Upper Sandusky.

 

Mohawk vs Colonel Crawford - Colonel Crawford comes in at 3-0 vs Mohawk’s 2-1, but give me the Warriors over the Eagles.

 

Lehman Catholic vs Hardin Northern - They both come in at 2-1. I’ll take the Polar Bears on a whim. Again.

 

Northwood vs Hilltop - Rangers. Huuuuge.

 

Liberty-Benton vs McComb - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy week four everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Three - 2020

Week three is coming up, and it seems to come even quicker following a holiday weekend. 

 

We’re starting to know which teams are good and which teams aren’t so good. Nonetheless let’s get started with a new week of picks. No time for fluff.

 

Last week I went 8-5. For the year I am 19-6.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Leipsic - After what I saw from Leipsic last week; I have to take the Rockets over the Vikings. 

 

McComb vs Arlington - Both teams have looked really good to start the season. Plus they’re both 2-0. Arlington jumped ahead last season before McComb came back to win. I may come to regret it, but I’m taking Arlington over McComb this week. I still see a really close game.

 

Riverdale vs North Baltimore - Both teams have first year head coaches. Both teams are 1-1. I think there will be a lot of offense in this one. I’ll take the Falcons over the Tigers.

 

Arcadia vs Vanlue - Well someone has to win this one, right? Both teams come in at 0-2. Arcadia has put up more of a fight in their games so I’ll go with Arcadia tonight.

 

Findlay vs St. John’s - Don’t let St. John’s coming in at 1-1 fool you. They lost a shootout with Central Catholic last week. We’ll know if the Trojans are for real after this week, but I just don’t see them scoring enough points to beat St. John’s. Give me the Titans.

 

Columbian vs Clyde - Big SBC match up in this one. Columbian is 2-0 as are the defending state champs. Columbian won this game in a shootout last year. I just have a feeling Clyde wins this one.

 

Calvert vs Gibsonburg - Calvert is rolling to start the year. Gibsonburg doesn’t look to be the same team as last season since a lot of those guys graduated. Give me the Senecas.

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Margaretta - Hopewell-Loudon finally got on the field on Monday, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. I’ll take the Chieftains over the Polar Bears.

 

Mohawk vs Seneca East - A game that has been a very important game of the last few seasons. Seneca East hasn’t had any trouble in their first two games. While Mohawk shutout Upper Sandusky in week one, but fell to Carey last week. I have a feeling though the Warriors win this one.

 

Bucyrus vs Carey - Carey is 1-1 with a good win over Mohawk last weekend. Bucyrus has scored 7 points in two weeks. I’ll go with the Blue Devils.

 

Northwood vs Montpelier - Northwood is 2-0, and Montpelier is 0-1 after not being able to start their season against Hopewell-Loudon. They also lost to Cardinal Stritch. Give me the Rangers. Big.

 

Hardin Northern vs Ridgemont - Taking Hardin Northern on a whim. Neither team looks very stout this season.

 

Van Buren vs Cory-Rawson - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy week three everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week Two - 2020

Week two is quickly approaching! As much as I didn’t think week one would ever come I am much more confident we have a ‘full’ high school football season. 

 

As long as teams/coaches and fans keep being safe along with the media, pressbox folks and other workers can as well I have high hopes for the season. Damn you Panic At The Disco.

 

Last week I went 11-3. 

 

Here are my predictions for week two:

 

Arlington vs Pandora-Gilboa - Battle of two teams who dominated in week one. Shot in the dark but I’ll go PG.

 

Troy Christian vs McComb - Both teams won their week one game. McComb is still McComb though so I will go with them.

 

Arcadia vs Van Buren - Both teams lost their first game. They both played pretty good teams though as well. I’ll take Van Buren in this one.

 

North Baltimore vs Cory-Rawson - Neither team put points on the board in week one. Although North Baltimore at least was able to put some drives together. I’ll take the Tigers.

 

Vanlue vs Riverdale - Both teams lost to start the season. I just don’t see a way Vanlue wins this one so I have to take Riverdale.

 

Carey vs Mohawk - Mohawk looked impressive against Upper Sandusky. While Carey only put up 7 on Colonel Crawford. I think it should still be a close game, but I’m going with the Warriors over the Blue Devils.

 

Fostoria vs Lake - Another matchup where neither team looked good to start the year. I think Dom Settles finds a way to win this one for the Redmen. 

 

Findlay vs Fremont Ross - Rivarly week comes early this year for the Trojans with the change in the schedule. Both teams won in week one, but Whitmer is a tougher opponent than Clay. Taking the Trojans to move to 2-0.

 

Sandusky vs Columbian - This game has been a very interesting one over the last few years. I see Columbian winning by 10+ in this one.

 

Calvert vs Fremont St. Joe’s - Calvert rolls on after a beatdown of Hilltop and does something similar to Fremont St. Joe’s.

 

Gibsonburg vs Hopewell-Loudon - Well Hopewell-Loudon will get their week two game in. Maybe a little later than they hoped, but still. Although they didn’t pick a great game to come back to because the Golden Bears are gonna want a big win after losing to Northwood. Gotta go with the Golden Bears.  (Game will be played on Labor Day)

 

Northwood vs Ottawa Hills - Ottawa Hills surprised people (well at least me) with a win over Margaretta to start their season. I don’t think Northwood will have much trouble though with the Green Bears. 

 

Hardin Northern vs Ridgedale - Both teams lost big in week one. I’ll take the Polar Bears again though...

 

Leipsic vs Liberty-Benton - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight! It will be the first ever high school football broadcast on Classic Hits 96-7! 

 

Enjoy week two everyone!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week One - 2020

Did you think we’d get here?

 

Neither did I.

 

High School Football makes its glorious return tonight! Things are going to look and feel a whole lot different than normal. That kind of goes without saying.

 

Nonetheless, let’s not dwell even more on how messed up things are in this country right now. 

 

If you wanted picks for High School Football then you’ve come to the right place!

 

If not, well, I don’t know what to tell you..

 

How did I do last year? Good question. I actually don’t remember the answer..

 

Last season I went 113-30 during the regular season and the opening round of the postseason. This season won’t have that many games in all likelihood, but let’s see if this season can survive throughout the fall!

 

Here are my predictions for week one:

 

Arcadia vs Liberty-Benton - Liberty-Benton lost a lot of really good players, but they brought back a pretty good amount as well. Taking the Eagles.

 

Riverdale vs Leipsic - Leipsic made it all the way to the Regional Finals a season ago. They still have some of those pieces from that team. Plus Riverdale is breaking in a new head coach for the third time in as many years. Vikings over the Falcons.

 

Lima Central Catholic vs Van Buren - Van Buren was struck by the injury bug and then some last season leading to a 2-8 finish. LCC lost in the first round of the playoffs to a really good Fairview team. Gotta take LCC.

 

Vanlue vs McComb - McComb is breaking in a new QB and a good amount of skill guys are new to starting this season. Vanlue has just 14 players on their team. The Wildcats could have some moments this year, but those won’t happen against McComb. Taking the Panthers. 

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Cory-Rawson - PG still has a very good passing offense and probably the best receiver in the BVC in Bryce Basinger. Taking the Rockets over the Hornets.

 

Upper Sandusky vs Mohawk - Mohawk brings back most of their starters from a young team that found a way to make the playoffs. Upper went 2-8 last season. Gotta go with the Warriors over the Rams in this one.

 

Carey vs Colonel Crawford - Carey made a cinderella run to the regional finals a season ago, and if they didn’t take their foot off the gas against East Knox they would’ve made the state semi’s. They’ll have a few new faces, but they bring back an O-line that started four sophomores last season. Going with the Blue Devils.

 

Findlay vs Whitmer - Whitmer may not have Riley Keller, but it’s still Whitmer. Taking the Panthers.

 

Fostoria vs Eastwood - Fostoria could be a fun team this season with Dom Settles returning at QB. Eastwood though is an institution that wins every single year no matter who’s on the field. Taking the Eagles in this one.

 

Genoa vs Elmwood - Elmwood is a program on the rise after some down seasons. Genoa had themselves a down season last year for the first time in a long time. Gotta take Genoa in this one.

 

Tiffin Columbian vs Port Clinton - Columbian has been a playoff team each of the first two seasons under Judd Lutz. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be a strong team this year in the SBC. Going with the Tornadoes

 

Tiffin Calvert vs Hilltop - Calvert had a slightly down season after making the playoffs for five years straight. They’ll start the year on a good note with a win over Hilltop.

 

Hardin Northern vs Waynesfield-Goshen - Both teams made the playoffs last year. I will go with the Polar Bears in this one though.

 

Northwood vs Gibsonburg - Man if this matchup doesn’t excite you then you weren’t paying much attention last year. Only two times prior to 2019 did undefeated regular season teams not make the playoffs. It happened to both my Northwood Rangers and the Gibsonburg Golden Bears last season. The Rangers though still have Jay Moten at QB so because of that I will (unsurprisingly) take the Rangers. 


Arlington vs North Baltimore - I won’t pick this one since it’s the game I will be calling. Listen to Matt Cotman and I live around 6:50 tonight!

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week 11 - 2019

The Playoffs are here so let’s have one more dive into weekly picks for this season. While I was pretty consistent over the regular season you already know that the playoffs are a whole different animal. Let’s get into the picks!

 

Record this season: 110-26 overall, 14-1 in week 10

 

Holy Name vs Tiffin Columbian - Columbian gets a home game for the second straight season after going winless two seasons before that. 

 

Columbian looks to be peaking at the right time. Only a few close games with the others being blow outs.

 

Holy Name has some nice wins over Bay and Buckeye, but somewhat strange losses to Elyria Catholic and Padua Franciscan.

 

I’ll take the Tornadoes in this one.

 

Carey vs Western Reserve - Kudos to Carey for being able to rally and make the postseason thanks to an overtime win over Seneca East. Those kudos won’t help them against Western Reserve.

 

Going with the Roughriders

 

Norwayne vs Seneca East - Second straight season the Tigers open up with a 5-5 team that somehow made the postseason. Norwayne actually opened the season going 0-4 and still found a way to make it to week 11. The only team they beat worth a damn was Hillsdale.

 

Taking the Tigers over the Bobcats.

 

Mohawk vs Leipsic - How the tables have turned from a year ago! Last year Mohawk was the top ranked team in the state along with being the top team in Region 26. This year Leipsic is the top seed in the region with Mohawk finding a way to sneak in. 

 

The biggest difference is that last year Leipsic got in at 9-1 with a loss to the eventual state champions for the second time. This Mohawk team is 6-4 with their biggest win being over Lakota or Hopewell-Loudon.

 

Going with Leipsic big in this one.

 

Edgerton vs McComb - Well, well then. Yet another rematch. This time from last year’s regional finals. Last year Edgerton dominated Pandora-Gilboa and it made us (all the people I talked with in the media before the game last year) expect they would do the same to McComb. McComb dominated that game from the moment the clock started. 

 

McComb is banged up and clearly not the same team as last season, but they still managed to put up 35 on a pretty good Liberty-Benton defense last week. Oh, and they want another shot at Leipsic after losing to them for the first time in six year.

 

Give me the Panthers.

 

Arlington vs Patrick Henry - Now this should be a fun one. Arlington very easily could be 9-1 right now. If they had any semblance of a better offense against Liberty-Benton they beat them and don’t need to go into overtime. 

 

They were up big on McComb in the first half before they got too conservative and let them back in the game in the later part of the second quarter.

 

Meanwhile Patrick Henry looks similar to last year’s team. They bring back QB/NG TJ Rhamy. They lost to three really good teams in Archbold, Wauseon and Liberty Center. All of which made the playoffs. 

 

But I believe in the Arlington defense. And I believe in Connor Foust running the ball.

 

Give me the Red Devils over the Patriots. 

 

Edon vs Norwalk St. Paul - I have to show some love to the one school from the TAAC making the postseason (I don’t want to talk about Northwood not making the playoffs. Leave me alone)

 

But Edon is a year ahead of schedule making the postseason this year. They start a crap ton of sophomores. Their losses came to three pretty good teams. Two of those made the playoffs (I SAID I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT IT)

 

St. Paul seemingly rested their starters in their Saturday tilt against Monroeville. Why else would they have randomly lost to a two win team? When their starters have played they’ve done pretty well. Aside from that loss to 9-1 Western Reserve points have been hard to come by. 

 

Edon will score some points but won’t win the game. Taking the Flyers.


Liberty-Benton vs Eastwood. I won’t pick this game since it’s the game I’m calling. It should be a fun one! Join Matt Cotman and I live on Mix 96.7 WBVI and online here

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week 10 - 2019

The playoffs are so close you can almost taste it. No need for fluff this week. Let’s get into the picks!

 

Record this season: 96-25 overall, 13-1 in week 9

 

Fostoria vs Woodmore - Fostoria. Big.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Arcadia - A closer game than I would’ve thought at the start of the season, but I still think PG wins comfortably. 

 

Arlington vs Leipsic - Came down to the wire last season and I expect a lot of the same this time around. I still have Leipsic finding a way to win. 

 

Cory-Rawson vs Van Buren - A matchup of two of the most injured teams this season. Taking Van Buren in this one.

 

North Baltimore vs Riverdale - Riverdale could possibly be a playoff team if they weren’t in one of the most stacked regions in all of Ohio. Taking the Falcons over the Tigers.

 

Crestline vs Vanlue - It was so fun when Vanlue started the season 2-0. That was a while ago though. Going with Crestline.

 

Mohawk vs Upper Sandusky - Mohawk needs this win to hold ground and sneak into the postseason. 

 

Colonel Crawford vs Carey - Carey might sneak into the playoffs with this win while going .500. I’ll take the Blue Devils.

 

Buckeye Central vs Seneca East - Seneca East. Huge.

 

Findlay vs Central Catholic - A Findlay win would get them into the playoffs for a rematch against Whitmer. Their defense could get a couple stops but they aren’t going to score enough points. Taking the Irish.

 

Lakota vs Tiffin Calvert - Toss up for two teams that have struggled. I’ll take Calvert on a whim.

 

Tiffin Columbian vs Norwalk - Super fun game in the SBC between two 8-1 teams. Norwalk struggled to get by Clyde in OT last week. I think TC finds a way to get the win and take down the top team in their region. How about that?! 

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Gibsonburg - Gibsonburg will win this game and have a perfect season and probably miss the playoffs. That’s super depressing. 

 

Northwood vs Cardinal Stritch - Northwood finishes their perfect regular season and hoists the Big Apple Deli Trophy. Man I need some Big Apple Deli in my life...

 

Hardin Northern vs Waynesfield-Goshen - A matchup of two 7-2 squads. Essentially a play-in game to make the postseason in region 28. I’ll go with Hardin Northern finding a way to get the win and make the postseason for the first time since 2006.


McComb vs Liberty-Benton - I won’t pick this game since it’s the game I’m calling. It should be a fun one! Join Matt Cotman and I live on Mix 96.7 WBVI and online here

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week 9 - 2019

Week 9 is finally upon us. Teams around the area are starting to have a better idea about their fate. Maybe someone gets caught looking ahead on Friday night. That’s why you play the game! Let’s look at the picks for this week.

 

Record this season: 83-24 overall, 13-1 in week 8

 

Otsego vs Fostoria - Otsego is down for the first time in a couple of seasons. Give me Fostoria getting above .500 for the first time since Micah Hyde was in school. 

 

North Baltimore vs Liberty-Benton - Liberty-Benton by a lot.

 

Van Buren vs Arlington - Arlington wins big heading into their big game against Leipsic.

 

Arcadia vs Cory-Rawson - Points won’t be an issue in this one. I’ll take Arcadia. 

 

Riverdale vs Vanlue - Riverdale. Big.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Crestline - Pandora-Gilboa. Big

 

Carey vs Buckeye Central - Carey. Big.

 

Wynford vs Mohawk - Wynford gets a win to give themselves a small chance at making the postseason in division five.

 

Seneca East vs Colonel Crawford - Seneca East keeps rolling. 

 

Lima Senior vs Findlay - Findlay was so, so close to taking down a really good St. John’s team. They will right some of their wrongs this week against Lima. 

 

Perkins vs Tiffin Columbian - Big win coming for TC heading into their game with Norwalk. 

 

Tiffin Calvert vs Hopewell-Loudon - Two teams that have struggled this season. Nice little rivalry game in Bascom. I’m going with Calvert in this one. 

 

Northwood vs Ottawa Hills - Northwood still may be on the outside looking in come postseason time despite being 8-0. Shows how much the TAAC has dwindled after losing both Gibsonburg and Danbury to the SBC. 

 

Quick aside: Gibsonburg may miss out on the postseason too. They stand at eight for the time being (Joeeitel) The Golden Bears are in a stacked region that has Coldwater, LCC, Anna, Liberty Center, Archbold, Minster and Allen East above them. Fairview is beneath them at 7-1 with their lone loss coming to division four Wauseon. Oh and Fairview beat Gibsonburg in the first round of the postseason a year ago. Fairview is really good.

 

Hardin Northern vs Ridgemont - Sure looks like Hardin Northern will make the playoffs if they win out in a region that includes Marion Local.

 

Leipsic vs McComb - I won’t pick this game since it’s the game I’m calling. It should be a fun one! Join Matt Cotman and I live on Mix 96.7 WBVI and online here 

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week 8 - 2019

Week eight really is when you see who will be true contenders and what teams fall by the wayside. Why waste time? Let’s get into this week’s picks!

 

Record this season: 70-23 overall, 11-3 in week 7

 

Fostoria vs Genoa - Really tough loss for Fostoria last week. They will rebound against a Genoa team that’s down for the first time in more than a decade.

 

Arcadia vs North Baltimore - I have a feeling we’ll see a lot of offense in this game. Last season they combined for 100 some total points. I don’t think we see quite that output tonight. North Baltimore will have a couple highlight plays, but they won’t have enough. Taking Arcadia in this game.

 

Pandora-Gilboa vs Arlington - Lots of fun games in the BVC this week. Arlington’s offense has been a lot more fluid once they gave Connor Foust more touches. I will take the Red Devils over the Rockets. 

 

Vanlue vs Cory-Rawson - Cory-Rawson hasn’t been able to stop much throughout the season. Including giving up 51 to Crestline last week. I’ll go with Vanlue. 

 

Crestline vs Riverdale - Riverdale bounces back after a tough couple of weeks losing to Arcadia on a late field goal and running into a really good Liberty-Benton squad. 

 

McComb vs Van Buren - McComb by a bunch.

 

Wynford vs Carey - Very interesting game in the NTAC. Both teams still fighting for the league crown. Going with Wynford over Carey in this one.

 

Buckeye Central vs Mohawk - Mohawk keeps Buckeye Central winless.

 

Seneca East vs Upper Sandusky - Seneca East rebounds after an overtime loss to Carey.

 

Findlay vs St. John’s - St. John’s has looked amazing this year. They took Central Catholic down to the wire. Taking the Titans over the Trojans.

 

Bellevue vs Tiffin Columbian - Big SBC game between a 5-2 team and a 6-1 squad. I think we’ll see another close game that the Tornadoes win.

 

Hopewell-Loudon vs Danbury - Chieftains big over winless Danbury.

 

Whetstone vs Northwood - Whetstone acts as the replacement game with Toledo Christain playing eight man football this season. They are a division two school from Columbus. They’re 3-4 but those wins are against teams that combine to have just two wins in total. A win here should really help the Rangers who are currently outside of the playoff picture despite behind 7-0.

 

Hardin Northern vs Elgin - I’ll bet it has been a while since Hardin Northern was above .500 for the season. That’ll change after this week.


Liberty-Benton vs Leipsic - I won’t pick this game since it’s the game I’m calling. It should be a fun one! Join Matt Cotman and I live on Mix 96.7 WBVI and online here

Lance's High School Football Picks - Week 7 - 2019

Week 6 was an interesting one. Things are finally starting to feel like fall. The weather is getting crisper. The leaves are changing. Heck I even went to a pumpkin patch for the first time in like five years. Let’s get into this week’s picks!

 

Record this season: 59-20 overall, 9-5 in week 6

 

Rossford vs Fostoria - Man, the NBC is weird this year. Genoa’s down for the first time in a while. Eastwood remains at the top but both Rossford and Fostoria are the next two teams to look out for. This seems to be a pretty even matchup. I think we’ll see another close game that the Redmen find a way to win.

 

Riverdale vs Liberty-Benton - Riverdale has been fun in spots this season and they’re coming off a tough loss to Arcadia. That doesn’t mean this week will be better for them. Going with LB.

 

Cory-Rawson vs Crestline - It won’t be nearly as bad as it was last week against McComb, but I still have Cory-Rawson falling to Crestline. 

 

Arlington vs Arcadia - Arlington. Big.

 

McComb vs North Baltimore - McComb keeps rolling.

 

Vanlue vs Pandora-Gilboa - Pandora-Gilboa. Massive.

 

Mohawk vs Bucyrus - I’m not sure what to make of this game. Neither team has been very impressive so far this season. I’ll take Bucyrus but I don’t feel great about it. 

 

Carey vs Seneca East - Give me the Tigers rolling to 7-0.

 

Tiffin Calvert vs Danbury - Calvert. Huge.

 

Fremont St. Joe’s vs Hopewell-Loudon - A pair of 2-4 teams that have struggled so far this season. I’ll go with Hopewell-Loudon on a whim.

 

Clyde vs Tiffin Columbian - Both teams started the season 5-1. Clyde’s loss came to start the season while Columbian’s was this past week. Last year TC lost because of a late field goal. I think they remember that well and find a way to get the win.

 

Findlay vs Clay - Findlay is banged up, but so are a lot of teams at this point in the season. I think they get a better flow on offense and take down the Eagles.

 

Northwood vs Montpelier - One team hasn’t scored a point in their last two games. One team has scored at least 50 points each of the last four weeks. I will go with the team that has scored at least 50 for the last four weeks. (Yes, it’s Northwood. I just wanted to be somewhat creative)

 

Hardin Northern vs Lehman Catholic  - Another seemingly close matchup for Hardin Northern. Considering Hardin Northern easily beat Riverside and Lehman Catholic needed OT to do so. I will go with the Polar Bears

 

Van Buren vs Leipsic - I won’t pick this game since it’s the game I’m calling. Join Matt Cotman and I live on Mix 96.7 WBVI and online here 

Weather

Listen Live Online

Community Calendar

Tri-County Broadcasting