It's the final countdown in Cincinnati's high school football scene, and the stakes are higher than ever! Week 13 brings us to the third round of playoff games, where teams battle for a spot in the regional finals. But who will emerge victorious? Let's dive into the thrilling action and uncover the stories behind each game.
Anderson vs. La Salle: The Raptors soared to a 35-28 win, thanks to a 35-point explosion in the second quarter. La Salle took an early lead, but Anderson's five consecutive touchdowns, including a punt return and a pick-six, sealed their fate. Despite a late comeback attempt, Anderson's defense stood tall, securing their undefeated record. Quarterback Owen Scalf shone with 281 passing yards and a touchdown, while Tysin Weaver caught the TD pass and racked up 140 yards.
Elder vs. Princeton: This game was an instant classic! Elder, the No. 1 seed, found themselves in a 23-0 hole in the second quarter on their home turf, where they'd never lost a playoff game. But they stormed back, scoring 32 of the next 39 points to secure a 32-30 victory. Elder's quarterback, Kaden Estep, was the hero, scoring three straight touchdowns and tying the game with a two-point conversion. The game's momentum swung wildly, with Princeton blocking a field goal and returning it for a touchdown, only for Elder to respond with a 75-yard TD pass. A recovered onside kick and a last-minute field goal sealed the deal for Elder.
Indian Hill vs. Taft: In a clash of undefeated teams, Indian Hill emerged victorious, 25-19. With just a minute left, Taft had the ball at the Indian Hill three-yard line but fumbled into the endzone, sealing their fate. Indian Hill's defense held strong, and their offense did just enough to secure the win.
St. Xavier vs. Moeller: The No. 3 St. Xavier Bombers pulled off a thrilling 17-13 win over No. 2 Moeller in the final minute. A touchdown and a defensive stop sealed the deal, marking St. Xavier's first victory over their rivals since 2021.
But wait, there's more! The night was filled with other exciting matchups, including Trotwood-Madison's 49-0 shutout of Harrison, Middletown's 14-0 win over Springfield, and Tippecanoe's 23-16 victory against Badin. Mariemont, an underdog in Division V, trailed Lewistown Indian Lake 21-14 at halftime, while Indian Hill held a 3-0 lead over Taft in the first quarter.
And this is where it gets controversial: Was Elder's win over Princeton a fluke, or did they simply rise to the occasion? Could Indian Hill's late-game heroics against Taft be a sign of things to come? What do these results mean for the future of these teams? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep the football conversation going!
