Sports
League Play Begins in SEOAL
By: Jaush Huntsberger
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Week four of the 2011 season was, in a sense, a trip down memory lane for the SEOAL. While two of the matchups this week were within the league, the other two were against former league opponents. Chillicothe traveled to the reconstructed Basil Rutter Field in Athens, and Gallia Academy played host to new member of the East Central Ohio League, Marietta.
Athens handed the Cavaliers their fourth consecutive loss to start the season as the Bulldogs move to 4-0. But the Cavs were faced with this exact situation last season, and somehow snuck into the second place spot in the league. After three close games to start the season, Gallia Academy finally got to catch their breath, with a rout of Marietta 31-8. The Blue Devils don’t want to be forgotten in this league title race, and improve to 3-1.
Warren and Jackson took care of business in their first league matchups. Following a tough loss to Athens in week three, the Warriors made a statement with a 30-point blowout of the Portsmouth Trojans. Jackson handled Logan for the second straight year, winning a shootout 49-32, at Logan Chieftain Stadium. The Chieftains were the first to score points against the Ironmen defense this entire season. But the Jackson defense forced turnovers, and capitalized in this shootout.
The Ironmen solidified their spot at the top this week. While the Chieftains made a game of it, Jackson was in control for three of the four quarters. The Chieftains, along with Portsmouth, and Chillicothe are yet to find wins, but still pose a threat as league play continues next week. Warren may be the surprise of the season for the SEOAL. The Warriors were 3-1 in 2010 but struggled in league play. If the Warriors can takedown powerhouse Jackson this week at home, this title race may be one of the most entertaining in years.
Standings:
1. Jackson (4-0, 1-0)
T-2. Warren (3-1, 1-0)
T-2. Gallia (3-1, 0-0)
T-3. Chillicothe (0-4, 0-0)
T-3. Logan (0-4, 0-1)
T-3. Portsmouth (0-4, 0-1)