By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
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Heading into week six of the football season many of the playoff contenders appear to be the usual suspects.
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First, will St. Henry ever beat Coldwater again? Many felt that last Friday night would be the Redskins' moment, but the Cavaliers held off the Skins, 14-7. The loss drops St. Henry to 4-1 on the year, but it remains one of the top teams in Division V. As for the Cavs, it was their 20th-consecutive win and keeps them on track in an effort to defend their Division IV title.
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Cincinnati St. Xavier bounced back from its heartbreaking loss to the Lakeland, Fla., by downing Covington Catholic, Ky., 23-3. Junior running back Darius Ashley rolled up 203 yards rushing. Not to be out done Cincinnati Colerain continued rolling along as they took out Lakota West, 21-7. It is looking more and more likely that these two teams are headed on a collision course in the postseason.
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Heading up I-71, the high school scene is even less clear. Cleveland St. Ignatius is surprising some at 5-0. For a program with the history of the Wildcats, it seems nearly impossible to surprise anyone. They will play Massillon Washington (3-2) this weekend in a crucial game for both squads.
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The Mentor Cardinals continue to make noise. First they knocked off Glenville in week one, and now they have taken down the aforementioned Massillon Washington, 19-7. The Cardinals are rolling and could be in good position for a playoff berth.ÿ
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Speaking of Glenville, in between watching his son play for Ohio State, Ted Ginn, Sr. has gotten his team back on track. The Tarblooders have won four-straight since the Mentor loss and will likely be playing in November.ÿ
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Lakewood St. Edward eased some concerns with a 14-7 victory over nationally-ranked Chaminade-Madonna College Prep, Fla. It was a big win for the Eagles, who should now move into one of the top eight spots for the playoffs.
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One of the surprise teams this season is Allen East, heading into week six at 5-0. Former player Randy Woods has the Mustangs back on track with the help of former head coach Bill Goodwin. Goodwin has returned to Allen East after spending a few years with his son, Tim, at Marion Local where they won two state titles.ÿ
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West Milton has completed its comeback. Milton is one of Ohio's oldest programs, but has suffered through some difficult years. Those days appear to be in the rearview. The Bulldogs are firmly planted as one of the top teams in D-IV this season. Led by quarterback Mitchell Evans, West Milton downed Valley View, 19-14, to remain perfect on the season.
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The Troy Trojans won their 600th game Friday night downing Springfield North, 42-6. Troy's overall record is 600-352-44 they will play their 1000th game later this year in one of Ohio's longest-running rivalries when they hook up with Piqua.
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Two of Ohio State's big recruits continue to make Buckeye fans smile. Piqua's Brandon Saine scored two more times Friday night, bringing his total to 19 on the season.
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Toledo Central Catholic's wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher is also putting up big numbers, gathering in six catches for 156 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown in a 24-14 win over Toledo Rogers.