This is it. This the game I've had circled for a while. Shortly after an unfathomable loss at Grove City, I began checking the landscape in the OCC Ohio division, as well as Division I, Region 3. Since the following Monday (9/27) I had a hunch that this game would be more than just another conference game. As it turns out, it is SO much more.

Let us being with Groveport Madison and the fact that a win this Friday night would mark the first win against Lancaster in over 10 years. I did not have the time today to go beyond the 2000 season to see, if it has, in fact, happened in the last 15, 20 or even 30 years! Moreover, I'd love to know if that win was IN Lancaster, because I have a feeling it wasn't. Another point is that a win against Lancaster would ALMOST guarantee a playoff berth for the Cruisers. It wouldn't have to, but it could.

Another point I noticed when doing some research was the fact that Lancaster, in the last 10 years, has not lost 3 home games in one season. And what would a win for the Cruisers mean for the Gales??? Loss number 3 at home (St. Iggy, P. North). Amazing as that may or may not be, in that same 10 year span, Lancaster as only lost back-to-back home games once (2008). And if you have been tracking at all, what would a win for the Cruisers mean for the Gales??? A second straight loss at home!

Can the Cruisers travel down SR 33 and make it happen??? Only time will tell.

The Gales are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Panthers of Pickerington North. That loss pushed the Gales further down the totem pole that is DIR3. However, a win over the Cruisers, as well as a win next week at Newark COULD put them right above the cut-off for who is in and who is out for week 11. Again, it wouldn't have to, but it could.

I think the most amazing fact of it all is that after looking over the schedule back in late September, I had a feeling that this would be the Cruisers' make-or-break game. A win, in my book, puts the Cruisers in (even with a loss to Gahanna in week 10). A loss this week though, could have them outside looking in, much like last year. (#8 Springfield - 16.9, #9 GMHS - 16.6)

When it comes to who's in and who's out for the playoffs, I'd rather be the one controlling destinies. Nobody wants to pin their hopes on another team. Maybe that's just me.

Go Cruisers!!

After crunching some numbers, wins by both teams are A) a must for playoff hopes, and B) an impossibility.

Go CRUISERS!!!

I think that the last time that a Groveport team beat Lancaster was the 97-98 football season. The Cruisers won in overtime, 13-10 at Cruiser Stadium.

Translation: LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG overdue. I like your style, gport98.

Cruisers won all meetings from 97-99. The Brian White lead cruisers went into homer city and won in 98.

I have some friends down in Lancaster... they called me to ask why the scoreboard ALREADY says Home: 10, Visitors: 0. I told him I have no clue!

gonna be a great game!

Well, since I nailed the last game, I'll try this one. I'll go with Lancaster in a close one. Lancaster by 3 points! n8gc

Here's a bit of trivia for you cruiser_96. There are 5 coaches on both teams that are involved in this years game that were part of Groveport's 97 win. They were either players or coaches then.

n8gc;526714 wrote:Well, since I nailed the last game, I'll try this one. I'll go with Lancaster in a close one. Lancaster by 3 points! n8gc

Why I oughtta!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll see you on the chatter Saturday morning, mister!

gport98;526935 wrote:Here's a bit of trivia for you cruiser_96. There are 5 coaches on both teams that are involved in this years game that were part of Groveport's 97 win. They were either players or coaches then.

Hmmmm... Allow me to consult my almanac but then I shall return...

Schoons x 2, McGeorge, Arnett... that's all I have.

cruiser_96;527118 wrote:Schoons x 2, McGeorge, Arnett... that's all I have.

Albertini, now coaches @ Lancaster w B. Schoon who. I dont think Eric Schoon coaches anymore.


How about Westcamp? Played round that time I believe and coaches at GPort I believe.....

B. Schoon
McGeorge
Arnie
Westcamp
Albertini


Cruiser - How can the #1 cruiser fan not know this info????? LOL

Two things...

#1) Who is Westcamp? Is this real? Sounds like the company I go with for my hog s emen.

#2) I never claimed to be the #1 fan. I've always said that I'll have to do until that fan shows up.

Congrats slow-n-steady. You got it right. Albertini was the defensive line coach for Groveport in 97. Arnie coached line that year also. B. Schoon, McGeorge, and Westcamp played on the 97 team.

The Gales are out to prove themselves this week...they know they are out with another loss...Lancaster by 10.

Was Carpenter the coach at Lancaster?

Tiger2003;527822 wrote:Was Carpenter the coach at Lancaster?

I believe that Carpenter took over the Lancaster program in the 98-99 season.

With the passing of the Lancaster coach...Lancaster is going to be playing with a lot of intensity and emotion. I now say Lancaster by 17.

14-0 Lancaster at the half....

Melvin Smith took the 4th play of the 3rd quarter for a 50 yard TD.

14-7 Gales

21-14 Gales...

1 minute left in 3rd quarter.

27-14....Gales

Cruisers fumble in endzone Gales recover.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

GoChiefs;528746 wrote:I now say Lancaster by 17.

Or 27. Wow...the Gales must have played one helluva game. 41-14 final.