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