Elida vs Van Wert
October 25th, 2024
Game of the Week Preview

The matchup between Elida (2-8) and Van Wert (4-5) is featured as Lima’s Sports Radio 93.1 The Fan Game of the Week this Friday. Both teams have struggled in the highly competitive Western Buckeye League (WBL) this season, but this game will still hold significance as Van Wert and Elida both still have a shot at making the playoffs, with the winner of this game getting a much needed boost to try to make it in.

Van Wert, while struggling early has put together 3 straight wins and is looking to make it 4. They are averaging 27.7 points per game led by a solid rushing game. Their defense, while giving up 310 points this season, has shown flashes of potential. Despite their struggles, they have standout performances from players like Briston Wise, who contributes heavily in both the passing and rushing game.

Elida comes in having allowed 312 points this season, and offensively, they’ve averaged 17.2 points per game.  Elida is lead by standout lineman Parker Crim, who currently has interest from several Division I schools while still just a junior.  Parker has been terrorizing opponent’s quarterbacks with his pass rush ability.  Look for Parker to make a big impact if Elida wants to win this game.

While neither team is expected to make a significant playoff run, Van Wert has a slight edge, and a win would help them secure a mid-tier finish in Division IV, Region 14. Elida on the other hand needs this win in order to have a possibility of squeezing into the 16th and final playoff spot in the region. Drew Pasteur’s Fantastic 50 gives Van Wert a favorable chance to win this game, positioning them as the likely victor.

 Tune into Lima’s Sports Radio 93.1 The Fan this Friday at 7pm to catch all the action in this WBL matchup!

-David Mansell