93.1 The Fan Game of the Week

Columbus Grove vs. Lima Central Catholic

Friday, November 8, 2024

This Round 2 playoff game brings us an NWC rematch between the undefeated Columbus Grove Bulldogs and the Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds. Columbus Grove won the first game between these teams earlier this season, but Lima Central Catholic is eager for revenge.

Columbus Grove Bulldogs (11-0, #1 in Division 7, Region 26)

The Bulldogs are the top seed in their region with an impressive 11-0 record. They’ve been strong all season, thanks to running back Trenton Barraza, who ran for 185 yards and scored four touchdowns in last week’s 42-8 win over North Baltimore. Barraza averages 175 yards per game and has racked up 28 touchdowns this season.  Barraza has wracked up and impressive 1911 yards this season, averaging 9.1 yards a carry.  Barraza has also eclipsed the 5,000 yard career rushing mark.  For the 2nd year in a row Trenton Barraza was name the NWC Offensive Player of the Year. Columbus Grove’s defense also plays tough, making them a hard team to beat. Defensive tackle Kylan Mayes has 9 sacks, 14 QB hurries, 1 interception and 3 batted balls for the Bulldogs this season.  Mayes was named the Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (8-3, #8 in Division 7, Region 26)

Lima Central Catholic comes in as the eighth seed, but they’ve shown they can compete with anyone. Last week, they narrowly squeezed out a 33-28 win over Pandora-Gilboa after leading 27-7 at halftime thanks to 4 rushing TDs from Brady Parker. Pandora-Gilboa was able to bring it back but LCC was able to hold on. They’re scoring about 25 points per game this season, while their defense has held opponents to 16.5 points. Earlier in the year, they gave Columbus Grove a real challenge, only losing by one touchdown (28-20). They’ll be hoping to turn the tables this time.  The T-birds are led offensively by the tandem rushing duo of runningback Matthew Quatman and Quarterback Brady Parker who have both rushed for over 500 yards this year.  Quatman was named 1st Team All NWC while Parker was Honorable Mention.  LCC leads the all time series 9-8 and won 8 in a row over Grove before their loss to the Bulldogs earlier this season.  The T-birds outgained the Dogs in the first match up 303 to 299, but had 2 costly fumbles.

Columbus Grove’s strong season and home-field advantage make them the favorite, but Lima Central Catholic’s defense and determination could keep things close. Columbus Grove will lean on Barraza’s rushing, while LCC will aim to slow him down and use their running game to control the game’s pace. This game is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams giving it their all to advance in the playoffs. 

Catch all the action Friday, November 8th on Lima’s Sports Radio 93.1 The Fan!

-David Mansell

 

Lima, OH
63°
Mostly Cloudy
7:12 am5:28 pm EST
Feels like: 63°F
Wind: 6mph NW
Humidity: 82%
Pressure: 30.06"Hg
UV index: 0
ThuFriSat
57°F / 37°F
61°F / 36°F
59°F / 46°F

RSS ESPN Sports News

  • McIlroy emerges after 3-week swing reworking
    Rory McIlroy said he has been hunkered down in a studio -- first in Florida, then in New York -- for three weeks, just hitting balls at a screen with a modified swing and not even looking at the flight of his shots.
  • Mendy partially wins unpaid wages case vs. City
    Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy on Wednesday won a partial victory in his case against the Premier League club for over 11 million pounds ($14.3 million) in unpaid wages, after he was charged with and acquitted of sexual offences.
  • Amorim tempers Utd expectations after City romp
    Rúben Amorim has warned Manchester United supporters not to expect the his new team to play as Sporting CP does when he takes over the team.
  • Chelsea duo praise Bompastor's smooth takeover
    Chelsea duo Erin Cuthbert and Zecira Musovic praised new manager Sonia Bompastor following their unbeaten start to the season and the smooth transition to her leadership.

Our Radio Family