Parma Redmen (5-1) at Normandy Invaders (1-4)
This hasn't been Normandy's season, but head coach Rich Turner expects his squad to put up a good battle versus in-city rival Parma. The Redmen, coming off of their 27-17 beating of the Brush Arcs, are no stranger to strong finishes down the home stretch. They won their final four games last season to wind up at 7-3, but lost in the first round to the Mayfield Wildcats 31-0.
Lake Catholic Cougars (5-1) at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Lions (1-5)
This matchup heavily favors the Cougars, but the Lions will come prepared, hungry for a victory. The Cougars' starters got a good portion of last week's second half off after putting up 55 points on the Holy Name Green Wave. Lake Catholic has been impressive on the road, with wins over St. Ignatius (28-21) and Walsh Jesuit (31-14). The Cougars square off versus Padua next week, while the Lions travel to Akron to take on the Archbishop Hoban Knights.
Solon Comets (6-0) at Brunswick Blue Devils (4-2)
This is one of the heavyweight matchups this week. Brunswick, despite being outscored by 10 points for the season, has managed to pull off huge victories in the clutch even when things get ugly. Then again, the Comets defensive line has a habit of making things ugly for opposing offenses. Brunswick's bread and butter is its passing game, so a strong defensive effort on their part is vital. The Blue Devils regardless will have a tough time scoring on Solon, who averages just under 11 points per game allowed.
Medina Bees (5-1) at Nordonia Knights (2-4)
Nordonia may be two games under five hundred, but you wouldn't know it based on how disciplined they play. They've still managed to outscore opponents 150-121 for the year, but they struggle late in games. They need a closer; but Medina has just that going for them in their power running attack. Head coach Greg Reed of Medina leads a Bees team that is relentless with their game plan. The Bees' hive was disturbed last week after a loss to Strongsville, which stirred up some conflict. The Bees will try to pester the Knights to the brink of insanity with their blitzing schemes
Shaw Cardinals (4-2) at Maple Heights Mustangs (5-0)
Defense is the name of this game. The Mustangs have allowed 49 points in five competitions. Shaw comes in having given up 81 points in six games. Shaw took care of Lorain 26-8, and the Mustangs bashed Bedford 49-21. These defensive powerhouses look to give no room for space to opposing wide outs and halfbacks. This is one of those games where, if you play offense, you don't want to touch the ball because the offense will take a beating.