karma29;482322 wrote:Don't rule Rittman out. I look for Rittman to be a winner over Norwayne! It is Rittman's homecoming and last year the the only scorer for Norwayne was a Senior.

I agree, i know rittman will be ready to play them bobcats after last year losing a close one to them. I know rittman's hate for norwayne has grown lately so thats going to be a hard hitting game!

Anyone who does not think Rittman will be a handful this year is either crazy or not knowledgeable about what they have. A four year starting QB, the best receiver in the WCAL, a strong senior class and a desire to win. This team is a bit scary especially playing them early in the year.

i definitely think they will be a handful, I just don't see them competing for the title - or beating norwayne. They are obviously moving in the right direction, though.

Saw on fb that Dalton ranked first in region?

mompov;483281 wrote:Saw on fb that Dalton ranked firs
t in region?

Can they maintain that throughout league play? I mean is it realistic that they can pick up enough points in the WCAL to be in first place come week 11?

its going to be tight

The WCAL limps into league play with an uninspiring 10-14 non conference record. Not quite what I was hoping for, but it ain't over yet. I still predict at least 2 teams advance out of our conference. Dalton, being in D6 can probably afford to lose a game or two and still squeak in. The D5 schools will probably cancel each other out but I still think at least one makes it to week 11. Also, I see in the Cleve. Plain Dictator that AP D6 5th ranked Dalton picked up 4 first place votes...congrats Dawgs!, somebody is noticing you.

Rittman fans, I'm not looking to offend anyone, its just very hard to gauge if the tribe is any good or not. Conotton Valley & Brookside are 2 of the biggest reclamation projects in the state. Since 2007 both of them have identical records of 6-27. Of those 12 victories, 11 have come against teams that won 0 or 1 game. See my point. I just can't dance around the wig-wam until the tribe takes out someone like NWN, SMV or WD. I think the Norwayne game will be close, afterall its a backyard rivalry.

I am basing my Rittman opinion on the fact they have senior leadership and experience at most positions. This will keep them in a lot of games they previously would have been out of. With that said, I think if you pressure and contain Bauman, you have a good chance to beat this team. We will see as it all starts Friday night. Should be a great WCAL season with unknown outcomes every week.

What are the key injuries heading into league play for all teams? We know about Roesler and Bates at Smithville. Lint at Dalton. Who else is out for at least the next week or two?

Is Lint back for Dalton, yet? And how big of a loss will it be for the team losing the kid who fractured his leg on the opening kickoff last week? If Lint isn't back yet, the absense of BOTH those players could hurt them. But if Lint can come in when the other kid goes out, it shouldn't affect too much, I wouldn't think. But then again, that's just me rambling!

we r hoping for next wk for hillsdale

Obviously it is never good to be the bearer of bad news. Mark Hilty has not one but two sprained ankles for Smithville, He is indeed one of the top 3 players, just like the other two who ARE OUT this week. Hopefully Roseler can get back for some of the rest of the season. That was his 3rd concussion, if anybody follows the NFL or knows anybody who has had 3, that's not something to mess with. Mark is Smithville's fullback and middle linebacker so hopefully he can get back and help the wounded Smithies have a fighting chance this week against Dalton.

I am out of the loop, Zimmerly for Norwayne? Waynedale's quarterback? Schickler from Chippewa? They are all injured correct?

Red Rum;483700 wrote:The WCAL limps into league play with an uninspiring 10-14 non conference record. Not quite what I was hoping for, but it ain't over yet. I still predict at least 2 teams advance out of our conference. Dalton, being in D6 can probably afford to lose a game or two and still squeak in. The D5 schools will probably cancel each other out but I still think at least one makes it to week 11. Also, I see in the Cleve. Plain Dictator that AP D6 5th ranked Dalton picked up 4 first place votes...congrats Dawgs!, somebody is noticing you.

Rittman fans, I'm not looking to offend anyone, its just very hard to gauge if the tribe is any good or not. Conotton Valley & Brookside are 2 of the biggest reclamation projects in the state. Since 2007 both of them have identical records of 6-27. Of those 12 victories, 11 have come against teams that won 0 or 1 game. See my point. I just can't dance around the wig-wam until the tribe takes out someone like NWN, SMV or WD. I think the Norwayne game will be close, afterall its a backyard rivalry.

Brookside is a team with also alot of experience and depth so i wouldnt say they are a scrub team. Someone that went to the rittman vs brookside game said that they were talking to a ref after the game and he said brookside will be a top 3 team in their conference.

1486wd;482872 wrote:i definitely think they will be a handful, I just don't see them competing for the title - or beating norwayne. They are obviously moving in the right direction, though.

I personally think norwayne is the most overated team in the league.. Sure they beat a couple teams that will go .500 this year but i heard norwayne hasnt played good yet they have just been able to get lucky and sneak some wins out

ogs211;484077 wrote:Brookside is a team with also alot of experience and depth so i wouldnt say they are a scrub team. Someone that went to the rittman vs brookside game said that they were talking to a ref after the game and he said brookside will be a top 3 team in their conference.

and sandy valley going to win the ivc

The Patriot Athletic Conference has been very weak the last few years. (check Calpreps) A top 3 finish in this league is hardly a playoff ticket. Don't know much about the IVC except Rittman lost to Sandy Valley.

Who knows? maybe I'm wrong about Rittman and they will contend for the WCAL title. I'm just saying the information typically used for evaluation doesn't support the Indians being a contender yet. This Friday at Waynedale will be a nice measuring stick.

A look back at the WCAL 2000-2009
Overall Records
1. Smithville 88-30 .745 (7 playoff app. 11-7)
2. Dalton 71-39 .645 (6 playoff app. 4-6)
3. Waynedale 59-47 .556 (4 playoff app. 2-4)
4. Northwestern 57-48 .542 (3 playoff app. 2-3)
5. Norwayne 48-53 .475 (1 playoff app. 0-1)
6. Hillsdale 41-61 .401 (1 playoff app. 1-1)
7. Rittman 32-69 .316 (1 playoff app. 0-1)
8. Chippewa 31-69 .310 no playoff app.

WCAL Playoff Record 2000-2009
20-23 .465

These stats were compiled by me to the best of my abilities which frankly is highly questionable at best. I welcome scrutiny in the form of errors and omissions as I am after a true picture of the last 10 years of WCAL football.

ogs211;484082 wrote:I personally think norwayne is the most overated team in the league.. Sure they beat a couple teams that will go .500 this year but i heard norwayne hasnt played good yet they have just been able to get lucky and sneak some wins out

Totally agree to your statment. You also have to have good coach with leadership to have a good team. They just don't have that.

Wow - three concussions for Roseler already by 17-18 yrs old? If that is true and that is my kid there is no way he is playing another football game EVER! The more evidence that comes out about the long-term effects of head injuries, the worse it gets.
Waynedale QB is back as of last week. Biggest quesion for Waynedale is can the D stop Rittman?

i agree

Will be great when Lint is back for Dalton. While Kandel is a big loss and will be missed, we did win the game he was hurt in and then Timken, too. Zeek is making a statement as a receiver and DMil and Hostetler are doing what needs done defensively. Raff also contributing with pass defense and Hackett a big help on defense also. And as qb he is probably best in the league. Barring further injuries the Bulldogs are looking as good as possible.
Sorry to hear about Hilty...they were at Kidron elementary with my kids. Nice guys. Wish they would've stayed for both football and wrestling!
Torn between wanting Rittman to do well and not wanting to be the league team they show up against!
Norwayne and Northwestern most interesting game for me this week after my Dawgs. Hoping the result will confirm or deny what we have heard here and in the news.

I was discussing this with a buddy of mine the other day and we were debating the best rivalries in the WCL. I would be curious to know what others in the league think about this. I am focusing on league rivalries here. The only decent out of conference rivalries I know of in the WCL are Dalton-Tuslaw, Waynedale-Triway and Hillsdale- Loudonville. Here are each teams top rivals from my perspective:

DALTON -
1. Smithville (most intense rivalry in the league and I think most WCL fans would agree with me here)
2.Waynedale

SMITHVILLE-
1.Dalton
2.Waynedale
3.Norwayne

WAYNEDALE
1. Smithville
2.Dalton

NORWAYNE
1.Northwestern
2.Rittman
3.Smithville

Rittman
1.Chippewa
2.Norwayne

Chippewa
1.Rittman
2.Is there another?

NORTHWESTERN
1.Norwayne
2.Hillsdale? Smithville?

Hillsdale
1. I don't really feel like they have a real rival outside of Loudonville - Northwestern possibly? Dalton a little bit recently?

Would love to here your thoughts on this. And yes, I am bored at work today.

DALTON SMITHVILLE WOULD BE THE BIGGEST ONE

If comparing league titles....Dalton-Waynedale is top rivalry

1. Dalton v. Smithville
2. Rittman v. Chippewa
3. Waynedale v. Dalton
4. Norwayne v. Rittman
5. Northwestern v. Hillsdale

IMO