Our day is over, Ohio v. USA is over, and in the end, it is all just the beginning. We are only going into our fourth week on the tour, meaning we have seen 12 games, featured three, and still have 12 games to go. The Ohio v. USA has wrapped up only its second year, and from what I have seen these last two days, this is going to be the main high school football event in the country for years to come.
Check out some great photos of the
Lakeland vs. St. X game.
The people of Ohio are very proud of their football, and even though they lost all four games today, I can see why. These kids put forth a valiant effort today on the field, and just could not come out on top.
There were two games that came down to the last play of the game.
Our "Game of the Week" ended up being a classic showdown between two very good teams. I had St. Xavier beating Lakeland, even though everything and everybody was telling me different. I almost looked like I knew what I was talking about, but a field goal in overtime that hit the crossbar and bounces in, decided the fate of the game. 25-22 Lakeland won.
If I was to tell you who the most impressive team was at this Challenge, I would have to say it was De La Salle. They are a machine, in every sense of the word. They are not the biggest and most talented team, but they do everything so precise, that it almost makes it impossible for a team to stop them.
I expected Byrnes to have a better day, and Lakeland had a tough time throwing the football, but both teams won. With the wins against tough opponents, they earned my respect.
I also came to the realization that there really are 16,000 high schools in the country, and ranking these teams is not an exact science. Anyone of these top programs can beat the other on any given night.
For instance, many people say that Ohio's Greater Catholic League is the hardest in the country? They did not win a game today, so maybe the leagues of these other teams are just as good, if not better. I can not really answer these questions, but by the end of this trip, I hope I will be able to argue my case a little better.
Thanks to all the people that helped us this week in Ohio. Mike and Dan, you are amazing if you read this, and the long blue line should be proud that you are apart of their community. A.M.D.G.