The final week of Friday ‘Picks’ and four area teams that stand on the threshold of a year’s hard work…and dreams.  For Covington (above), Marion Local, New Bremen, and Anna…it’s regional finals week.

You rarely hear it anymore because of the decline of music radio.  But of all the hit songs ever recorded, this one stands out for being a hit for no fewer than 70 different artists…and making money for every one of them.  But none more than Tom Jones.

The mailbag was full again this time with comments relative to volleyball, football, competitive balance…and yes, even one who found something negative to say about bowling.  Enjoy the best of what the readers write in this week’s forum.

If you haven’t heard, our resident hall of famer Hal McCoy suffered a setback last week, but he’s on the road to recovery and reminds high school seniors…it’s time to apply for next spring’s journalism scholarship from Press Pros.

The key to Anna’s prolific running game isn’t just Bart Bixler (below, right) and Riley Huelskamp. It’s the other nine guys, too. Rockets football is now ‘power’ football, and everyone is looking for someone to block. Read more on their evolution in today’s Press Pros inside feature.

Otte’s Big Play…Marion Local’s Peyton Otte tight-roped the sideline to score the tying touchdown with a minute left, sending the game into overtime, where the Flyer’s knocked out Fort Loramie Saturday in the Div. VII regional semi-final with a field goal. Read about the game in today’s Press Pros.

Covington lost two key players early in its regional semifinal game, but the “next man up” mentality lifted the Buccs’ to a 36-20 victory and spot in next week’s regional title game. Greg Billing writes the story for Saturday’s Press Pros.

Sad as it was to see, the end of Thursday’s Browns-Steelers game gave us all the more reason not to watch the NFL, and question those who fail to understand that first, second, and third impressions go a long way towards determining the future of a sport.

There was nothing more anticipated than the phone call from downstate…and the invitation to hunt my first opening day with Uncle Mel. To commemorate a generational tradition amongst outdoorsmen everywhere, columnist Tom Cappell graces the pages of Press Pros, sponsored by Olde English Outfitters, in Tipp City.

In the wake of last weekend’s first round football games, explanation has been requested – and hereby granted – on how we (I) could make three such obviously poor picks.  Hint:  It seemed like a good idea at the time. Some self deprecation in today’s Press Pros inside feature.

The #3 seed Fort Loramie dominated from the start in their Division VII, Region 28 quarterfinal with nine straight touchdowns against Hardin Northern to set up a showdown with Marion Local next Saturday. Greg Billing shares the details in today’s Press Pros.

Excited? Diana Kramer and the New Bremen Cardinals redeemed themselves by capturing the 2019 Div. IV volleyball title Saturday with a four-set win over Fort Loramie. Read about how they did it in today’s Press Pros inside feature.

While most focused on the state volleyball finals and the opening weekend of the football playoffs Saturday, another and even more anticipated season for the next new culture in Ohio High School sports.

Covington got off to a fast first half start, then held off a Worthington Christian comeback in the second half to post a 33-27 opening night playoff win. Read about the game in today’s Press Pros.