Olentangy Orange receiver MC Walker makes a first down catch “blind’ in the Division I state championship game with St. Xavier. (Press Pros Feature Photos)
Response in the past week to editorial content on Ohio State, and the Ohio State-Michigan game, makes for an interesting read. And, first responses on the OHSAA state football tournament in the latest installment of ‘The Reader Speaks.’
“Let’s get right to it,” someone shared with us this week pertaining to what many are calling a disappointing state football tournament … and Ohio State’s hiccup against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship game.
Without further ado …
“First-time writer, but a long-time reader of your site and your views on competition. I’ve never thought about Press Pros and hypocrisy with any issue, but let me say this. You constantly write that you try to cover the best high school competition because of reader demand. But it’s hard to believe that anyone read the recent post on Ohio State basketball when they beat Mount St. Mary’s by 63 points. I’m pretty sure there was a more interesting high school game available that served more local communities. Agree, or disagree?” … Harvey Butcher Jr.
(Ed. Note: I guess the best explanation would be that college basketball programs routinely schedule patsies like Mt. St. Mary’s to ensure a winning record by the time conference play begins. Everyone does it. Still, I cannot disagree that there had to be something better to write about than a 63-point basketball game. On the other hand, had Ohio State beaten Michigan in football by 63 points I’m pretty sure you would have found a way to like it.)
“Thank God they finally played the [Michigan] game. Tired of reading opinion. When I read Press Pros I expect something independent, not what everyone else writes.” … Scot Holschuh
“Your coverage of the Ohio State games is the best available. But reading about Ryan Day in a press conference is nothing to write home about. Please leave that to 11 Warriors.” … Dale Laughmann
“Not surprised that Indiana beat Ohio State in the Big Ten championship after watching them score 7 points in the second half against Michigan. All that money and they still can’t run the ball? NIL stands for not illowed to lose.” … Craig Criswell
(Ed. Note: Illowed? Does your computer have spell check?)
Lefeld Welding Supplies proudly sponsors high school sports and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Press Pros Magazine.com.
First responses on last weekend’s state tournament….
“It’s very obvious that the OHSAA wants different champions instead of better ones.” … Joseph Rechichar
“The math of the matter? Does it strike you as more than odd that three teams from the same conference have played in the Division VII finals three years in a row and lost 149-3? Feels like football affirmative action.” … Doug Blankenship
“It’s coincidence when one of the championship games finishes with a running clock, but not five in a row. And no one even mentioned it. Shameful.” … Tim Hoynes
(Ed. Note: The best quote I ever heard about competitive imbalance came from the great Al Hetrick, who coached at Versailles. Hetrick once said, “Once you lose something that makes you special in football it’s really hard to get it back.” He might have added…football, itself.)
St. Henry’s Will Speck runs for a first down in the Redskins’ win over Hillsdale.
“You have written for some time that there aren’t enough athletes for seven divisions of volleyball, basketball, and baseball. You can add football to the list.” … Greg Bennett
“Great to see St. Henry win. The MAC does more for that tournament than the tournament does for the MAC.” … Tim Ewing
“It was a great day (night) for the OCC and Olentangy Orange. And no one else got there by beating two teams like St. Edward and St. Xavier, back to back.” … Tom Killilea
“Fantastic to see Olentangy Orange win the Division I championship. Thanks to Steve Blackledge again for the great coverage.” … Craig Courtney
“The photos of the Olentangy game were awesome. ‘Wow’ on those catches by the Walker kid (above)!” … James Weekly
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