HIGH SCHOOL

10 to Comprehend: Proficient Weaponry

Derrick Webb
Reporter

While just a week has passed since the official start of the 2015 fall sports season, this year’s studs are already starting to distance themselves from this year’s duds.

On the football field and on the volleyball court, offense has ruled the land.

This week’s “10 to Comprehend” unloads some of the best offensive weapons around the local area.

•What a performance we saw from Zane Trace on Friday night. A 34-28 decision marked the first time the Pioneers have ever beaten Logan Elm and it was an instant classic. But without the play of senior quarterback Joel Dunkle, it would have never been even remotely possible. On the ground, Dunkle ran like people were chasing him, gaining 195 yards on 30 carries and scoring — count them — four touchdowns. In the air, he completed 8 of 18 passes for 129 yards and another score. The thought in Kinnikinnick was that Truman Love and Trey Rittenhouse would lead the offense. But with Dunkle’s career night, that mindset may have shifted. Dunkle’s Pioneers will host Waverly, this Friday.

•Anybody recognize Ella Skeens’ name? No it’s not basketball season just yet. But in the off-season, Skeens has been eating defenses alive on the volleyball courts. In Southeastern’s first two games this year, the star sophomore was responsible for 40 kills, 39 digs and 10 aces. And, if you were wondering, the Panthers were victorious both times. This Southeastern team is still under the radar but in a dangerous upwards trend nevertheless. Skeens is at the heart of that movement.

•Okay, we’ll throw a bit of defense in as well. Huntington’s football team didn’t exactly come out firing on all cylinders in a 32-0 loss to Symmes Valley, Friday night. But that shouldn’t negate the outstanding play of senior defensive back Micah Reisinger. As the Huntsmen’ do-it-all guy, Reisinger lived up to his high expectations by making tackle after tackle — mostly ones that saved long touchdown runs. Showing excellent containment at his corner position, Reisinger was seconds away from taking a pick to the house as well. He doesn’t get much credit for his abilities and that needs to change. Without him, Huntington’s defense would be up a creek without a paddle.

•I was finally able to catch Chillicothe’s Olivia Eblin in action Saturday against Unioto. I had heard rumors that she was one of the better volleyball players around our area but had never known for sure. Now, I’m here to tell you, those rumors are true. She hits the ball with authority and if you don’t respect that, you’ll most likely an imprint of her spike on your face. The Cavaliers are just 1-4 but don’t think they’re down for the count just yet. With Eblin’s talent, they’re never going to be an easy win.

•Two weeks ago, Waverly had no idea who its starting quarterback was. But the Tigers did know that Drew Harris would start in the backfield. He proved worthy of that spot in the season opener by rushing for 178 yards on 27 carries. Waverly beat its arch rival, Piketon, 9-8 on the heels of Harris’ 1-yard touchdown pummel as well. The junior runs through tackles, has speed in the open field and will carry the load for the Tigers in 2015.

•Losing Mackenna Steinbrook as its setter after last season was a tough blow for Unioto. However, it seems as if Madi Eberst has filled those shoes appropriately. Eberst, a sophomore, has already registered a total of 96 assists — she’s played 11 sets, averaging 8.7. For setters, a prolific milestone is 1,000 career assists. Eberst is a tenth of a way there after just three matches. That’s crazy. Keep it up young lady, your hard work isn’t going unnoticed.

Player on the Rise: This shouldn’t come as any surprise to football fans that actually know their stuff. After being sidelined with an injury for some of last season, Adena’s Cale Free made his senior debut count, Friday night against Greenfield McClain. The running back led an offensive explosion, rushing for 198 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries en route to a 41-34 come from behind win. More wins will be on the Warriors’ horizon if they keep feeding their beast in the backfield.

Senior Spotlight: Look, I know that you may see the name ‘McFadden’ a lot. But when discussing Paint Valley’s Anthony McFadden, you don’t even have to name his talents on a playing field. It’s amazing to me what some athletes take for granted. But Anthony simply ‘gets it’. You’ll never hear a negative word come out of his mouth — well you may not hear any word come out of his mouth — and he’s always the first to give someone other than himself credit. He has a level head on his shoulders and is an outstanding role model for younger Bearcats. Kudos to Anthony’s parents. He’s a pleasure to cover and has been for years. I’ll be sad to see him go after 2015.

SVC Football Player of the Year Watch: After one week of play, it’s extremely early. But early indications show that Anthony McFadden, Joel Dunkle, Cale Free and Erique Hosley are all in the mix. As of now, I’d say that McFadden and Dunkle are leading the race with Free and Hosley close behind. Buckle up; the 2015 SVC season will be a wild ride.

SVC Volleyball Player of the Year Watch: We’ll have this list for you next Sunday after SVC action begins.

dwebb@chillicothegazette.com

Twitter: @dw1509

To join the weekly discussion, use the hashtag #10toComprehend on Twitter or send an email to dwebb@chillicothegazette.com.

Power Rankings

•Football, Week Two

Paint Valley (1-0), Zane Trace (1-0), Chillicothe (0-1), Unioto (1-0), Waverly (1-0), Adena (1-0), Piketon (0-1), Huntington (0-1), Southeastern (0-1), Westfall (0-1)

•Volleyball

Westfall (0-0), Adena (2-0), Southeastern (4-0), Unioto (3-0), Zane Trace (3-0), Huntington (2-1), Piketon (1-0), Chillicothe (1-4), Paint Valley (1-1), Waverly (1-3)