Prep football: Badin, CJ have plenty to play for in Week 9 matchup

Chaminade Julienne High School football coach Marcus Colvin figured his squad would be improved this year.

But playoff talk in Week 9 improved?

“A lot of these seniors started on the 2-8 team as sophomores,” Colvin said. “We have a lot of people telling the kids how great they are, but we can’t get caught up in that, and I don’t think we have. Our kids have worked hard. They know they have a chance to do something special.”

The Eagles have overcome an 0-2 start and soared to 6-2 overall and 5-0 in the Greater Catholic League Coed North Division. They are sixth in the Division III, Region 12 Harbin computer ratings.

On Friday night, another team still mathematically alive for a Region 12 spot and the GCLC Central Division title comes to town when Badin (5-3 overall, 3-2 GCLC) invades Roger Glass Stadium.

MORE COVERAGE

The Rams are 19th in Region 12.

“There are a lot of other teams who are playing Week 9 games that don’t mean anything,” Badin coach Nick Yordy said. “To be playing games this late in the year that mean something really helps because the kids are locked in and more focused.”

Both coaches know the defenses are going to have to be locked in Friday. Badin is averaging 329.6 yards per game, while CJ is averaging 278.2

“Their running game is scary,” Colvin said. “They are very multi-faceted and create a lot of problems with how they line up and the angles they show. You don’t tackle their backs one-on-one. You have to have guys around the football and try to gang-tackle them.”

Lavassa Martin is among the league leaders with 1,042 yards on 106 carries for the Rams. Quarterback Jordan Flaig has completed 28 of 51 passes for 381 yards and four scores.

“We are going to have to do our jobs on defense,” Colvin said. “I’m impressed with how their linemen line up and do their job. We have to figure out a way to be up to that challenge.”

CJ takes a few more shots down the field with quarterback Ryan Peltier. The Eagles also have a solid ground attack keyed by Jonathan Bell.

Both coaches say they have to stay in front of the sticks and protect the ball to pick up crucial computer points.

“In the GCL, one, two or three plays can be pretty decisive in how the game comes out,” Yordy said. “We have to worry about focusing on what we do. We know it is going to be a competitive fight.”

MORE COVERAGE

CJ leads the series, which began in 1927, by a 28-21-2 margin.


Friday’s game

What: Badin (5-3, 3-2 GCLC Central) at Chaminade Julienne (6-2, 5-0 GCLC North), 7 p.m.

Where: Roger Glass Stadium, 401 S. Perry St., Dayton

Last year: Chaminade Julienne won 42-10

About the Author