OHIO — To say that Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering has been good for Ohio State football over the years is an understatement.
Jeff Graham, Jim Borchers, Jerry Rudzinski and Nick Mangold were all Knights that went on to experience glory days as Buckeyes.
By the way, that’s Dr. Jim Borchers, who was named the Big Ten Conference’s first-ever chief medical officer two weeks ago, after serving as head physician for Ohio State’s athletic department. It’s the same Borchers who presented compelling evidence a year ago that convinced the Big Ten to reverse its decision to cancel the 2020 football season due to the pandemic.
The next name on the list is linebacker C.J. Hicks, who is considered one of the top 10 players in the entire country, and the best senior at his position, according to www.247Sports.com. He joins future Ohio State teammates Gabe Powers (Marysville), Tegra Tshabola (Lakota West) and Jyaire Brown (Lakota West) in making an appearance on the Ohio High School Athletic Association Game of the Week on Spectrum News 1.
Alter visits rival Dayton Chaminade Julienne Friday night, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. for viewers in southwest Ohio.
Both are in Region 12 (Division III) and are fighting for their playoff lives, even with the field expanding. The Eagles (3-4) are currently 12th and are likely in with a win. The Knights (4-5) are 17th and might need some help to advance. Alter has made the playoffs 20 straight years, dating back to 2001.
Recent history is on Alter’s side, having won 20 of the previous 25 meetings, dating back to the 1999 season. Chaminade Julienne’s last win in the series came in a 2017 postseason clash. The most recent win over the Knights in the regular season was back in 2010.
The Eagles have the Greater Catholic League Co-Ed Division’s leading passer in Luke Chandler. He’ll face a challenge with Alter’s defense that features not only Hicks, but defensive lineman Derrick Shepard, who will play in college at Cincinnati.
In the northern part of the state, the attention turns toward a Region 1 meeting that will see Strongsville (5-4) make the short trip south on U.S. Route 42 to play Brunswick (5-4). The two schools are currently ninth and 11th in the computer points and will reach the playoffs. The winner could host a first-round game.
The Blue Devils were 35-14 victors a year ago, with the most recent Mustangs’ triumph in the series coming in 2018. Since 1999, Brunswick holds a 15-7 advantage.
Strongsville fell 48-13 to Medina back in week five, in a contest that was also an OHSAA Game of the Week. For those who closely follow recruiting, you’ll recall offensive tackle Blake Miller is committed to Clemson.
Finally, in central Ohio, Olentangy Orange (1-8) is riding off the momentum of its first win of the year last week, into a match-up with Olentangy Liberty (4-5). The Pioneers could still make the Region 3 playoffs, currently in the 16th and final spot in the rankings.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are 11th in Region 2 and in position for a likely eighth straight postseason appearance.
The schools have met every year since 2010, with Liberty claiming an 8-4 record. The Patriots were 42-21 winners a year ago, with Orange coming out on top 10-7 in 2019.
There’s talent on display in this game, too, with Olentangy Liberty’s Carter Smith (OT) heading to Ball State, and Dylan Graber (DL) committed to Ball State. The Pioneers counter with Grand Valley State pledge Connor Kemmerling (OT), while sophomore quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer is beginning to attract attention.
Coverage for all three games begins at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News 1 and the Spectrum News App. Plus, the playoffs begin next Friday, and Spectrum News 1 is your exclusive home for live games and state championships. The postseason also brings the return of High School Blitz, immediately following the games.