Big Weekend in Ohio

Florida, Texas and California - in that order - are the top three talent producing states in the nation. This is not really a surprise. Ranking states from there gets tricky. Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, Virginia and even New Jersey have legit claims to be in the top-5. Per-capita, Mississippi might be the most talent producing state in the country!

I lean towards the state of Ohio. It is already has the Cradle of Coaches so why not give it the unofficial crown for 4th best recruiting state. That being said, if you are in the Canton/Massillon area this weekend I recommend getting to one of these two stadiums for one of six state championship games. These six games feature plenty of high level D-1 talent, especially in the 2009 class.

Maria Stein Marion Local v. Youngstown Ursuline
Fri. 11 am, Massillon Paul Brown Stadium, Division V

Ursuline is led along the offensive line by big Harold Coates. They also have two stellar '09 prospects. Darrell Mason is a tremendous athlete, maybe the best in the state of Ohio in 2009. Cornerback Dale Peterman is also getting plenty of looks right now. Keep your eyes on these two kids.

Sunbury Big Walnut v. Newark Licking Valley
Fri. 3 pm, Canton Fawcett Stadium, Division III

Make sure to watch SR. running back Josh Bailey who won the game last week for Licking Valley with a 65-yd run with less than :30 left on the clock breaking a 21-all tie. Two more 2009 kids will do battle in this contest too. Licking Valley's Storm Klein is a versitle athlete at 6-2, 220. He is already committed to Jim Tressell and the Buckeyes. Look for Big Walnut linebacker Will Studlein to answer the bell for his squad.

Cincinnati Anderson v. Louisville
Fri. 7 pm, Massillon Paul Brown Stadium, Divison II

Although not loaded with high level prospects, this game should have plenty of fireworks. Louisville starts four wide receivers as they like to spread it out and have only had one close game during the entire playoffs. Anderson RB Elijah Storey has broken the 200 yard barrier in four of his last five games including a 201-yd, 3 touchdown performance over Ashland in the state semis.

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon v. Newark Catholic
Sat. 11 am, Canton Fawcett Stadium, Division VI

Newark Catholic is playing in its 13th state title game. They have won seven championships. Bascom head coach Brian Colatruglio, in his 4th season, has only lost four games as head coach (49-4).

Coldwater v. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney
Sat. 3 pm, Massillon Paul Brown Stadium, Division IV

Current Buckeye Ross Homan will be watching his little brother, Adam Homan, play for Coldwater. Cardinal Mooney is LOADED. Linebackers Taylor Hill (OU), Mike Zordich (PSU) and standout '09 defensive tackle John Simon lead the way on defense as YCM tries to defend their state title. Simon already has offers from Notre Dame, Illinois, Nebraska, Pitt and Ohio St. Penn St commit Brandon Beachum will be on display as he has rushed for 1569 yards and 17 TD's on the season.

Cincinnati St. Xavier v. Mentor
Sat. 7 pm, Canton Fawcett Stadium, Division I

The grand finale. The top level of competition in arguabely the fourth most talented state in the nation features a dynamic running back in St. X's Darius Ashley. The underrated Louisville commit has carried his team all season long. Also, keep an eye on St. X linebacker Fred Craig (Stan). Mentor will be hungry after losing the first ever state title (Division I) to go to overtime last season to Hilliard Davidson.