Week 4: St. Xavier (2-1) at Withrow (3-0)

Pick the Winner and Spread

  • Total voters
    50
  • Poll closed .
R

ReLoad

Moderator
StX (2-1) travels across town to Hyde Park to take on the Withrow Tigers (3-0) this Friday for a 7pm kickoff

This is the 30th meeting between the 2 teams.
The Bombers have a 14-12-3 all-time record against Withrow.
Their first meeting was in 1936, then they played in 1938 and 1939.
After that, they played for 23 straight seasons between 1945-67, then again in 1994 and 1995.

Withrow has outscored their first 3 opponents (Walnut Hills, Springboro and Lima) 104-10
However, their first 3 opponents have a combined record of 1-8
The Tigers are tied for 1st place with Taft in the Red Division of the Metro Athletic League

StX opened with victories over Lakota West and Martin Luther King, 2 teams with marginal offenses due to line and QB issues.
In Week 3 the Bombers travelled to Chattanooga TN and lost 34-11 to a talented McCallie team
 
Last edited:
 
The Withrow passing attack features three 4 star receivers

Withrow receivers through 3 games (receptions, yards)
Chris Henry 13 for 193 (14.8 ypc) and 1 TD (4 star Ohio State commit)
Quintin Simmons 8 for 187 (23.3 ypc) and 2 TDs (4 star, 17 D1 offers)
Dantrell Moses 14 for 169 (12.1 ypc) and 2 TDs
Myles Rochelle 6 for 92 (15.3 ypc) and 2 TDs
Kristian Bonner 6 for 52 yards (8.7 ypc) and 1 TD
Teryhon Nichols 3 for 41 yards (13.7 ypc) and 1 TD (4 star Kentucky commit)
 
dexksim said:
I think X wins. I'm rooting for Withrow, though. I don't have anything against the Bombers, mind you. I just always support the city schools
Click to expand...
This is where I am. I have nothing against X, but I think it would be cool to have Withrow win this game.

Alot of eyes on this game as it's very intriguing. Kudos to both schools for scheduling this game.
 
ReLoad said:
The Withrow passing attack features three 4 star receivers

Withrow receivers through 3 games (receptions, yards)
Chris Henry 13 for 193 (14.8 ypc) and 1 TD (4 star Ohio State commit)
Quintin Simmons 8 for 187 (23.3 ypc) and 2 TDs (4 star, 17 D1 offers)
Dantrell Moses 14 for 169 (12.1 ypc) and 2 TDs
Myles Rochelle 6 for 92 (15.3 ypc) and 2 TDs
Kristian Bonner 6 for 52 yards (8.7 ypc) and 1 TD
Teryhon Nichols 3 for 41 yards (13.7 ypc) and 1 TD (4 star Kentucky commit)
Click to expand...
I think X can score. Wondering if St X has the dudes to cover Withrow’s WR? I guess even if they don’t, their ends can/will have to pressure QB to disrupt? Thoughts.
 
I'd be shocked if X doesn't win this game. Would be a feel good story for Withrow, but I can't see it happening. Too much in the trenches for X on both sides of the ball. But....that's why you play the game.

Withrow will probably have some success, but I can't see them sustaining it for an entire game. Specht will also have the coaching advantage.
 
I'm curious, when is the last time a GCL team (LaSalle, Moe, Elder, X) lost to a Cincinnati Public?

They do not schedule one another often, so I'm not even sure if it has happened this century.
 
boothmark77 said:
I think X can score. Wondering if St X has the dudes to cover Withrow’s WR? I guess even if they don’t, their ends can/will have to pressure QB to disrupt? Thoughts.
Click to expand...
X's D scheme is really predicated on getting pressure the QB, but leaves db's on islands. If they get pressure consistently from the two big 10 recruits up front, along with a blitzing LB, they'll be fine. I can see this in the 27-14 range, X getting burnt on a couple deep balls.
 
PURPLE REIGN said:
I'm curious, when is the last time a GCL team (LaSalle, Moe, Elder, X) lost to a Cincinnati Public?

They do not schedule one another often, so I'm not even sure if it has happened this century.
Click to expand...
I know Elder Lost to Aiken at Aiken in a Double or Triple Overtime thriller I believe in the late 80s. Steve Keller I believe was the Elder QB. Can’t remember exact yr, sure one of the older Elder fans can though.
 
I think X wins this, but this match is very intriguing. Withrow has the skill guys, but not much in the trenches, and Specht definitely has a coaching advantage.

1 thing I've noticed with X..... Since Coverdale has taken over as OC, I feel like their offense has regressed. Which is surprising with how successful he was at Trinity (Louisville). Not sure what the hiccup is or if I'm overthinking. But they've only scored over 14 once which was against a bad Detroit team.

Withrow is averaging over 37 points a game, but they haven't played anybody worthwhile yet.

Regardless, this should be a good measuring stick for both programs. One team is loaded with line talent and the other is loaded with skill talent. Should be a fun game and great atmosphere over on Madison Road on Friday night.
 
cincifbfan said:
I think X wins this, but this match is very intriguing. Withrow has the skill guys, but not much in the trenches, and Specht definitely has a coaching advantage.

1 thing I've noticed with X..... Since Coverdale has taken over as OC, I feel like their offense has regressed. Which is surprising with how successful he was at Trinity (Louisville). Not sure what the hiccup is or if I'm overthinking. But they've only scored over 14 once which was against a bad Detroit team.

Withrow is averaging over 37 points a game, but they haven't played anybody worthwhile yet.

Regardless, this should be a good measuring stick for both programs. One team is loaded with line talent and the other is loaded with skill talent. Should be a fun game and great atmosphere over on Madison Road on Friday night.
Click to expand...
Its too complex. They have over 600 play combos. Two armbands worth of plays. They need to simplify it.
 
Cincyfan33 said:
Its too complex. They have over 600 play combos. Two armbands worth of plays. They need to simplify it.
Click to expand...
Yea that's a lot.

I wonder why Trinity could do it, but X can't? You have to test into X unlike Trinity, so one would think X kids could handle it better.

Thanks for the info. 2 armbands is entirely too much.
 
Playbook is not an issue. They showed that when they won the State Title in 2020. I think it is more of a talent issue. I wouldn't put too much stock into the loss in Tennessee. Lot of travel back to back weeks for high school football. I think StX bounces back pretty strong and wins by a couple TDs.
 
Smarty2022 said:
I know Elder Lost to Aiken at Aiken in a Double or Triple Overtime thriller I believe in the late 80s. Steve Keller I believe was the Elder QB. Can’t remember exact yr, sure one of the older Elder fans can though.
Click to expand...
If Keller was the QB, it was likely his first year (taking over for current Sycamore coach Scott Dattilo who broke his collarbone) which would have been 1987.

Elder lost to Western Hills in 1990
 
This is the Game of the week. Might have to check out this Withrow Team and get an in person look at Henry.
 
Smarty2022 said:
I know Elder Lost to Aiken at Aiken in a Double or Triple Overtime thriller I believe in the late 80s. Steve Keller I believe was the Elder QB. Can’t remember exact yr, sure one of the older Elder fans can though.
Click to expand...
The Elder game was 3 OT's. Keller was the QB, in place of Scott Diatillo (Sycamore head coach). The year was fall of "87. I remember because I was a senior on that Aiken team. Aiken beat X in "85 and '86. In 87, X beat Aiken 7 to 6. Aiken got a Pick 6 but was it was nullified on a phantom clipping call. I remember this vividly because it was my TD that was called back! LOL. Aiken also beat Lasalle in "87.
 
cincifbfan said:
I think X wins this, but this match is very intriguing. Withrow has the skill guys, but not much in the trenches, and Specht definitely has a coaching advantage.

1 thing I've noticed with X..... Since Coverdale has taken over as OC, I feel like their offense has regressed. Which is surprising with how successful he was at Trinity (Louisville). Not sure what the hiccup is or if I'm overthinking. But they've only scored over 14 once which was against a bad Detroit team.

Withrow is averaging over 37 points a game, but they haven't played anybody worthwhile yet.

Regardless, this should be a good measuring stick for both programs. One team is loaded with line talent and the other is loaded with skill talent. Should be a fun game and great atmosphere over on Madison Road on Friday night.
Click to expand...
He's been the coordinator for 5 years now I believe, and there have been plenty of fireworks in that time. He does have a tendency to get too big shot happy at times, which is great when it works. Unfortunately there are some games when he will just absolutely forget to run the ball, and defenses pin their ears back and rush like hell. I wouldn't put too much stick in the LW game, zero use putting the ball in danger when the other team can't move it. The McCallie game was one of those where he had one or two decent series of calls , and then loses his mind trying to score immediately on every play instead of taking what the d gives. It's incredibly frustrating to watch as a fan.

This X team is a year away. They have a lot of talent in the Jr and So levels. I'd have liked to have seen the QB play be better by now, considering where McCaughey was at the same point... but he also had much better and more experienced WR's.
 
bomberinmonroe said:
He's been the coordinator for 5 years now I believe, and there have been plenty of fireworks in that time. He does have a tendency to get too big shot happy at times, which is great when it works. Unfortunately there are some games when he will just absolutely forget to run the ball, and defenses pin their ears back and rush like hell. I wouldn't put too much stick in the LW game, zero use putting the ball in danger when the other team can't move it. The McCallie game was one of those where he had one or two decent series of calls , and then loses his mind trying to score immediately on every play instead of taking what the d gives. It's incredibly frustrating to watch as a fan.

This X team is a year away. They have a lot of talent in the Jr and So levels. I'd have liked to have seen the QB play be better by now, considering where McCaughey was at the same point... but he also had much better and more experienced WR's.
Click to expand...
Agree, only thing that hurts the QB is that he is generally running for his life and doesnt have time to get set and throw it.
 
SW Supporter said:
Agree, only thing that hurts the QB is that he is generally running for his life and doesnt have time to get set and throw it.
Click to expand...
X's QB has been running for his life? I don't ever recall poor line play by any X team.

If X's line can't hold up against Withrow, it's going to be a long night for the bombers with all of Withrow's talent at the skill positions.
 
bomberinmonroe said:
He's been the coordinator for 5 years now I believe, and there have been plenty of fireworks in that time. He does have a tendency to get too big shot happy at times, which is great when it works. Unfortunately there are some games when he will just absolutely forget to run the ball, and defenses pin their ears back and rush like hell. I wouldn't put too much stick in the LW game, zero use putting the ball in danger when the other team can't move it. The McCallie game was one of those where he had one or two decent series of calls , and then loses his mind trying to score immediately on every play instead of taking what the d gives. It's incredibly frustrating to watch as a fan.

This X team is a year away. They have a lot of talent in the Jr and So levels. I'd have liked to have seen the QB play be better by now, considering where McCaughey was at the same point... but he also had much better and more experienced WR's.
Click to expand...

Why not get Vollmer more snaps at QB? Only had a few touches last week.
 
My guess would be the coaches see them everyday and all off season in practice, they have the guy they believe to be the best option to win playing in the games.
 
cincifbfan said:
Because his name isn't Herbstreit.
Click to expand...
Name has little if anything to do with it. There are plenty of kids with recognized last names that come through X that don't see the field.

SS was asked just about this same question on the podcast this week, and his answer was that the offense thry run is complex, especially for a HS level, and that Herbstreit has been running it for almost a full year at the varsity level. Vollmer has taken a couple snaps here and there, and it sounds like the plan is to utilize him in the O wherever they can because he's such a great athlete.
 
I would not put any stock into the game in TN, team looked fatigued and that is a lot of travel for high school.

StX O-Line is much improved from last season. They might not be as big, but a lot more athletic.

Herbstreit is QB1 because he earned it. Time will tell if he can stay healthy and also keep it. Vollmer has freakish athletic ability and in time he will get his shots. Specht is not a big believer in throwing players to the wolves. I think his track record speaks volumes.

The OC likes the big plays and I think that is sometimes his weakness, but the proof is in the pudding, he is a heck of a HS OC.

Brogan Mccaughey was a special kid. If that kid is 2 inches taller he is probably starting for a Powerhouse. He was smart and took his talents to Yale which will payoff in the future.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top