Almost Playoff Time...

[R4LAXFAN]

Playoffs start in about a week... Let's talk about some of the key match-ups to watch.

D1
Likely regional final matchups will be:
R1- UA vs. TW, UA wins to advance to state semis (again)
R2- Kilbourne vs. Scioto- WK wins to advance to semis
R3- Wooster vs. Hudson- predict Hudson win
R4- most interesting as likely will be Moe vs. IH and St.X vs. Sycamore in round 2. Moe should win vs. IH to set-up rematch w/ X or Sycamore. I'll predict Sycamore takes X in rematch and then Moe wins in close game to advance to state semis vs. UA for 3rd straight year.

Moeller has not shown big improvement in scores vs. Columbus teams so odds are UA wins to move on against WK in state final and wins it (again...).

D2
Cinci teams look strong and likely to repeat as state champs in D2. Key match-up will likely be Mariemont vs. Loveland in regional final. One goal game during season. I'll predict an upset (based on my preseason prediction) and Loveland wins and eventually takes D2 title against Solon or University.

Club
Sylvania (defending state champs) looks tough again this year and should make it to finals. Milford, Little Miami, Elder and Dayton should be good match-ups in south. Based on experience and head to head, I'd say Milford is most likely to advance to state final and unfortunately probably falls short against Sylvania who play some good competition and have more experience in big games.

Just predictions- anything can happen. Best of luck to all Cinci teams in the post seasonarty:

 

[Badger]

Moeller R4, but Sycamore gives them a game.
Loveland is very confident, but will lose to Mariemont.
Milford will represent Club in R4.

UA, Mariemont and Sylvania are champs in 2008.

 

[R4LAXFAN]

St. X?

Not counting the Bombers out against Sycamore, just think it's unlikely they will get past both Sycamore and Moe to take R4 title this year.

From what I saw on Waycross, Sycamore was handling X until the unsportsmanlike call and stick check penalty gave St. X a chance to grab 4 or 5 goals and get back in the game. If Sycamore plays smart or X doesn't elevate their game then it could go either way.

Moe has beaten both teams this season and last year beat X twice to take R4. St. X looked good in first half against Moe but didn't move the ball extremely well and Moeller's defense and goalie played flat. In late 3rd and 4th quarter, Moe dominated and I'd expect they learned a lesson in the first match-up and would bring that intensity to the rematch. Vs. either, I like Moeller's chances to take R4 title and play UA in semis.