CINCINNATI — The number of high school football games in the Tri-State keeps getting smaller and smaller as we get closer to the ultimate goal: state championships.
Our WCPO 9 Friday Football Game of the Week was a rematch between Lakota West and St. Xavier. The Firebirds, the No. 2 seed, beat the Bombers, the No. 6 seed, in Week 1. The score that time was 17-13. Tonight's score wasn't too different ... but with the other team coming out on top.
With St. X up 16-13, Lakota West had a chance to tie it up and send it to overtime with a field goal, but the kick was wide left. The Bombers advance to the regional final Nov. 22.
They'll face Moeller, who took down Princeton 28-10 in the other Division I, Region 4 semifinal. The Crusaders led by just a touchdown at halftime, but continued to extend their lead in the second half. Moeller QB Matt Ponatoski, a sure-fire Mr. Football candidate, had 315 passing yards and four touchdowns in the win.
Anderson came into Friday's game against Mount Healthy virtually unchallenged this season — and that did not change. The Raptors won 42-0. In the first three rounds, they outscored their opponents a combined 169-21.
La Salle, the No. 2 seed in the region, had no trouble against their opponent, Harrison, winning 37-0.
Taft was able to take care of business, beating Indian Hill 30-14 to head to their regional finals.
Taylor made their first regional semifinal in program history this week. They stuck with Alter in the first half, but couldn't keep up in the second half, falling 37-13.
Lee Thomas showed out but Cincinnati Country Day, the No. 2 seed in their region, fell to No. 3 Anna 56-14 in their regional semifinal at Monroe.
Get the full list of this week's matchups here.
We're not forgetting about Kentucky! Ryle is still dancing after a 38-17 win over Louisville St. Xavier. They scored on the first offensive play of the game.
Cooper, the undisputed top team in all of Class 5A remains perfect with a 45-20 win over Scott County. Southwestern comes to town next week.
Highlands handled Woodford County on the road, winning 55-38.
In Class 4A play, special teams made all of the difference for Covington Catholic, helping the Colonels to their 10th straight win 14-13 after a missed extra point by Johnson Central. They face a good Boyle County team.
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