Freeman At Last! Wayne, OSU Grad Next Irish Football Coach

 Feeeman At Last; Wayne, OSU Grad Next irish Football Coach 

Marcus Freeman, a Dayton native, has become the next head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and it was made official earlier in the week.

After Brian Kelly dipped out on the Irish to take a 10-year 94 million dollar contract (laced with a crazy amount of unbelievable incentives), it was a bit of a suprise to many, who thought Kelly would stay firmly entrenched at South Bend.

But Kelly was gone, and there was a new name who had surfaced,  to which the Irish insiders had a idea.  Once it was out in the public, the debate was on. 

Who would be the next coach?

Brady Quinn, former Irish QB legend, had spoken on Fox Sports Radio about how the Irish team had talked privately about who they wanted their next coach to be on their Podcast.  

And that name was Marcus Freeman. 

Why Feeeman? Well a few reasons, but most notably, the inspritation, pride and energy he brings to each organization he works with, which has always been his staple. 

Throw in the fact that he has taken every defensive unit he has had has gotten immeasurably better, then mix that with the fact that he is arguably the best defensive coordinator in the country, and now you got something special.

Freeman junped in with Luke Fickell and never looked back, becoming the "hot Assistant Coach " last year before being snapped up by Kelly and the Irish. His made for TV smile and style and his soundbites are media gold. 

And while some may wonder if this was a PR stunt for Notre Dame, this is their first African American coach ever and Freeman checks all the boxes except for experience as a Head Coach. 

Freeman is now one, if not the youngest coach in D-1 football. But like he said, "Im grateful for the opportunity and ready to leade these young men," in his press conference.  

While we all knew he would be going somewhere soon, Notre Dame was not at the top of the list. Until he got there.

Then everyone fell in love with him. And I mean everyone in South Bend. 

Now comes the hard part for the Wayne and Ohio State legend and former NFL player. Just don't be suprised when he exceeds the expectations which will be lofty and with major scrutiny, especially in his first year or two.

Salute a Dayton boy doing amazing things in the world.  Good luck to Freeman, his family, and the Irish for giving a chance to a deserving individual. 

Freeman At Last. 

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Hot 5: Buckeyes Fall to Michigan, Dayton Upsets #4 Kansas; Springfield to State; Rams Stop Eagles; Bengals Squash Steelers

 Here's the Hottest Headlines during the Thanksgiving Weekend.

SELIVE HOT 5 (THANKSGIVING WEEKEND)

(1) Michigan Defeats OSU 

The Wolverines was able to stop Ohio State for the first time in 10 years 42-27 in Ann Arbor. 

The Buckeyes were not able to stop the run, as Haskins ran for 5 TD's, a record. With the win Michigan will play Iowa in the Big Ten Championship. Ohio State falls to 10-2 and will play in a New Years bowl game that will be determined at a later date. offensively it was a good performance, but defensive and coaching wasn't on their "A Game" which sealed the deal. 

(2) Bearcats Now Sit at 12-0; Will face Houston in AAC Championship

The Cincinnati Bearcats went on the road and handled business by defeating East Carolina 35-13 to stay undefeated. With the solid win it keeps the Bearcats in the thick of the College Football playoff standings (which drops today). 

After a slow 1st quarter Desmond Ridder and the running game got going, as he hit Springfield grad Leonard Taylor on a 44-yard TD strike. Taylor made a nice play to get in the end zone and launch a 21- point outburst in the 2nd quarter.  Jerome Ford and Alex Pearce would find the end zone to turn a 3-0 deficit into a 21-3 lead at half.

(3) Dayton Upsets Kansas, Then Wins Tournament 

The UD Flyers went to the ESPN Invitational in Orlando with concerns of inconsistency; By the time they came back, they were ESPN Invitational Champions as Coach Anthony Grant took his young squad and won 3 games to hoist the championship. 

In the semifinal, the Flyers pulled off a comeback against one of the elite programs  and coaches in the country in Bill Self  and the Kansas Jayhawks to get the game to 73-72, then watched Mustapha Amzil drop a 15-ft fadeaway floater that will go down in the books as one of the great shots in Flyer history. 

Dayton would then defeat Belmont 63-61 in the Final to win the ESPN Invitational. Freshman PG and younger brother of "Scoochie Smith" Malachi Smith won the MVP Award.  Dayton now sits at 5-3 and should have some confidence to take their season to a Top 25 level, even with a young core of players. 

(4) Springfield, Winton Woods, Badin, Clinton Massie to State Final

The Springfield Cats rode their senior  quarterback to a comeback win over the Moeller Crusaders in OHSAA State semifinal football action. Moeller held a 14-10 lead but Springfield went on a game clinching 12-7 run to grab a spot in the OHSAA State Finals in Canton, Ohio this weekend.

Ta'Sean Smoot, the odds on favorite to win Ohio Mr Football, led the Cats to 2 TD drives late in the 2nd half to help seal the deal. The defense closed the door, catapulting the Cats to the D-1 Championship on Friday night. 

Winton Woods also secured a OHSAA State Final Berth after a big semifinal win. Woods would force 4 turnovers in knocking off Green and was led by dynamic RB TyRek Spikes ran for 129 yards in the win. 

Badin showed why their defense could be second to none after shutting out Granville 14-0. Badin will now play for a D-3 Title after running through the GCL and now smacking opponent after opponent. 

 

(5) Trotwood Stops Chaminade-Julienne as Basketball Season Jumps off

The Trotwood Rams got off to a great start of the basketball season by knocking off the State Semifinalst in C-J in a close game. Last season wasnt good for either team, until C-J got to the tournament and went on a huge run to the State. 

This game shows that the Rams could be back to its winning ways. Tim Carpenter and Delamarr Blanton led the charge for Trotwood. Evan Dickey and Johnathan Powell led the Eagles in the loss. 

(6) NFL Ohio: Bengals Crush Steelers; Browns Fall To Ravens Despite 4 Ints by Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals pulled out a can of smackdown on the Pittsburgh at home by the score of 41-10. The Steelers was no match for the riled up Bengals who now have won 2 in a row after a 2-game skid. The Steelers couldn't get anything going and the murmurs of Big Ben riding into the sunset have started to gain more steam. The Bengals now sit at 7-4 while the Steelers sit at 5-5-1. Joe Mixon went crazy on the Steelers, rushing for over 160 and using his physicality to the max. 

The Browns fell to the Baltimore Ravens after a very ineffective performance from the offense. The defense gave the Browns every chance to win, intercepting Lamar Jackson 4 times and holding the Ravens to 16 points. However, the Browns offense was inept, and now Cleveland sits at 6-6 with some questions headed into the final portion of the regular season. Baltimore is now 8-3. 

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Dunbar Grad Tavion Thomas Making NFL, College Football Nation Take Notice

 Dunbar Grad Tavion Thomas Making NFL, College Football Nation Take Notice at Utah 

By Deon Cash

Tavion Thomas, one of the top running backs in college football, has risen from the depths of obscurity to reach a improbable point in his life:

Am I ready for the NFL?

Thomas, literally about a year ago, was homeless, and trying to find a way. 

But before we get to that part, lets rewind back to high school.

Thomas, a Dayton product, was a "Can't Miss" prospect in high school, as his Dunbar Wolverine team was a powerhouse and he was in full steam. 

Thomas would run over, around and through defenders to grab a opportunity at Cincinnati.  Thomas would start his freshman season as a backup for the Bearcats.  But the way he was playing after his freshman season, it looked to be Thomas job in his last 2 or 3 years. 

But Thomas was still a little immature and couldn't seem to handle college life, all the while being a backup his first season there. He also had a kid, which seemed to add pressure to Thomas to do  something, and quickly.

Thomas wasn't able to keep it together at UC, and left after a year and change.

 He seemed to be slipping out of his chance right before our own eyes. He was having issues, and he mentally had checked out. He was lost, and seemed ready to give it up to live that street life. 

But with a solid core, including his family, peers,  former coach (Darran Powell) and  staff, Thomas found his purpose, and possibly saved his - and his family's life - for the better. 

Thomas would still have 3 years left, and got a chance with a JUCO in Kansas.

It was there Thomas would get his focus back and would end up showing why Utah and coach Whittingham took a chance on him. He would dominate in 5 games at JUCO, which would get him to Utes country.  

Thomas would get a chance to shine early in the season, but he still had to shake off some rust and lock in, which we are seeing now.

Thomas has scored 10 TDs in the last 3 games, with 8 coming in the last 2 weeks.

4 TDs against UCLA and Stanford are national eye openers, and have Thomas on the NFL radar, no doubt. 

And did we mention what he did against USC? Which started his incredible run. With a new QB at the helm, Utahs dynamic duo has been deadly, and it has the Utes in line to take on Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship game. 

Thomas leads the Pac-12 with 14 TDs and is 5th in rushing yards, despite being the 3rd stringer until mid-season. He started ok this season, but was benched for fumbling.  

The old Tavion Thomas would have left.

The grown man Tavion Thomas? Sat on the bench, waited patiently for his second chance, and hasn't looked back. 

While Thomas a not a "High Profile NFL prospect" like some guys, he is definitely a NFL running back in the making. He has changed his work ethic and and now is a legitimate NFL prospect and is on fire in the Scouting departments. Take a look and you see all the makings of a NFL running back. 

6'2 with size (230), agility, speed, and a stiff arm and truck stick that reminds us of a young Eddie George, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Henry. Hell, even Earl Campbell. 

One thing is for sure; Thomas has fully embraced his change of life, and seems ready to enjoy the fruits of every opportunity. 

"I'm blessed for this opportunity, and I plan to take advantage of it." Thomas said.

Congrats to Thomas and his amazing journey. 

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Dayton Coaches Making Noise In Cincy Schools

Dayton Coaches Mobley, Jones Battle For CMAC Supremacy; 

Hughes, Withrow Ready For War

By Deon Cash 

Kali Jones and Chris Mobley are both similar in their style of not really wanting much publicity for the work they have done for their respective schools. 

They aren't built that way, despite their looks, the swagger, their talent, and the success they have had everywhere they have went.

But when you have changed the game the way they have? You end up with these type of moments.

And the moment is no bigger for either team as Jones and his Withrow Tigers (8-1) take on Mobley and the "Big Red" Hughes program, who is sitting at 6-1 at Withrow HS on Friday night in week 10, the final regular season week of OHSAA football.

Both guys, from Dayton, have a way of handling their business, producing results, and getting the most out of their kids, which has revitalized the Withrow and Hughes football programs once again.

While both teams have lost to Taft, they could possibly still tie for a CMAC championship with a win,  which would be huge boost for both coaches and their programs.

Mobley has put his team in the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive season, while getting everyone to play and believe in his style of ball. 

Jones will get the Tigers back into the OHSAA tourney after the Tigers have took a hiatus from the playoffs in the recent years.

Jones came up coaching in the Dayton area through the Wayne circuit, where Mobley navigated as well before landing in Cincinnati. 

Regardless where they are from, these coaches are young, vibrant, and have a great grasp on what it takes to achieve success, as both played on the high school and collegiate level in sports. 

Good luck to two of the best young minds in the OHSAA game. 

Jones and Mobley are making the Dayton football fraternity proud, along with the entire Region as well and especially in the Nati. 

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Kali Jones, in his 2nd season with Withrow, has taken the Tigers back to prominence 

Jerrold Gilbert Effect; Meadowdale Battles For Lead, Jackson Carman Starts At Home For Bengals For 1st Time

"JG Effect" In Full Force Tonight 

By Deon Cash

Jerrold Gilbert, one of the most influential coaches in the last decade in Dayton Public Schools district, passed away in the last year.  

While he has been mourned by many and toasted by others, somewhere in heaven he has to be smiling, as the Meadowdale Lions battle for City League supremacy (6pmET). 

Meanwhile, down the street, one of his students will be making his first start on his home field for the Cincinnati Bengals tonight vs the Jacksonville Jaguars in NFL Thursday Night Lights 8:15pmET).

Gilbert was one of the coaches that really helped make the vaunted coaching staff that was at Belmont (now at Meadowdale) really change the energy of the Bison program. 

But due to health issues, "Coach Gil" or "JG" as he was affectionately known as,  wasn't able to make it to the Lions program with the rest of the staff. 

However his legacy is in full effect as Jackson Carman, the beast of a offensive lineman who was the 2nd round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals,  continues to live in Coach Gil's name. 

Carman would tell Meadowdale assistant coach Doug Spears, "I do this for JG" before starting his first game up in Pittsburgh last week. 

While pundits and naysayers were talking after a month about how he could be a bust, and should have picked Penei Sewell with the 1st round pick, the Bengals went a different direction and didn't rush Carman, fully understanding what they had in their hands. 

Instead of rushing him, they switched him to a whole new position and let him get accustomed to it, all along while healing from a few minor  injuries sustained in college.

But since he has been in camp, there is no doubt that Carman will be a anchor in the long run. And in his 1st start against the Steelers, he allowed 0 sacks or any real pressures as the Bengals did something no offensive line had done to the Steelers in over 70 games - not give up a sack. 

So, Carman will start again tonight against a guy he protected his whole college career in Trevor Lawrence. Think Lawrence would love to have him protecting him right now? Im sure he and Ohio State legend Urban Meyer would open that with welcome arms. 

Now back to Meadowdale. 

The Lions were moribound before this season. Hadn't been relevant for decades. And in a half of a season, Earl White and the super staff that has already transformed 2 organizations in its tenure (Thurgood and Belmont), is now literally doing it again, as the Lions face the Wolverines in a huge battle that will go a long way to deciding the City League Championship and a OHSAA  playoff berth.

The Wolverines have talent in Senior QB Nate Roberts, WR Darian Leslie. 2 way stud Lamar Payton and others, and are led by a good coach and staff in James Jacking. 

But can they stop a Lions team who has taken the knowledge of a elite coaching staff, the energy of Coach Gil,  and with a surprising group of real talented players such as dual threat QB Charles Sumlin Jr and dynamic WR-RB James Peebles leading the Lions resurrection?

Somewhere JG is barking quotes, staying hype and enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Lets get ready for some football shall we?

 Long Live JG. 

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Its Official: "Coach Spoon" Grabs Head Coaching Job

 Deon Weatherspoon Gets Mississinawa Valley Boys Hoop Job 

by Deon Cash

   Deon Weatherspoon, one of the top assistant coaches in the Miami Valley for decades, has gotten his chance to be a varsity head coach starting next season.

 Weatherspoon has taken the Mississinawa Valley High School position and will now call the shots after 30 years – (31 to be exact). 

 Weatherspoon started his coaching career as a player - coach at the age of 19 years old. He knew then he wanted to be a head coach. 

 While Weatherspoon has enjoyed great success being a assistant coach, it is always been his dream to be a head coach. Weatherspoon has won three OHSAA State championships in three different sports as a coach. 

He won in football and basketball with the Trotwood Madison Rams. However “Spoon” as he is affectionately known throughout the Miami Valley in southwest Ohio, knew that his time was coming. Weatherspoon had worn the interim tag for a couple of different programs (Belmont and Riverview Academy), but neither turned into a long term position.

 Never deterred, "Coach Spoon" just continued to work, work on his craft, and when the Blackhawks opportunity came up, he decided that he would take his shot.

 This is a huge coup if you are Mississinawa Valley, as they get a great coach who should do good things with the program, provided he gets the support from the staff and community. Make no mistake, Coach Spoon wants no handouts and would prefer to jus let the work do the talking. 

 Weatherspoon was a Co-Host on the 2-Time Award Winning Sports Show Dayton HS Sports for a couple of seasons before joining the Rams in 18.

 “I feel blessed to get this opportunity. It’s time to go to work,” Coach Weatherspoon stated.

 Congrats to a elite coach who deserved this shot as much as anyone. A humble individual, with a great work ethic and a true love to help kids become better at the game. 

His motto? 

No complaints, just hard work. 

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Its Official: Trice Lands Wright State Coaching Job

 Its Official: Warriors Trice Lands Coaching Job at Wright State 

By Deon Cash

 Travis Trice, one of the elite High School coaches in the country, has decided to move up to the collegiate level, starting in the Miami Valley area. 

Trice has accepted a role as one of the Assistant Coaches  on the Wright State Raiders Mens' Basketball team. 

Trice, who has a OHSAA State boys title under his regime at Wayne, has always wanted to get into the college coaching ranks. This move propels him right into the fold with a winning program. 

  The Raiders, who have been good with Scott Nagy at the helm, still haven’t been able to grab the elite players from around the Miami Valley, which, in turn, has hurt them from becoming a elite “Mid Major Program.” 

Bringing on Trice should bring a connection that was sorely needed for the Raiders, as they hire the  coach from Wayne.  

“We’re thrilled to have Coach Trice on our staff.” Nagy said. 

Trice was a star in his own right, as he lead the Butler Bulldogs to heights they hadn’t seen in years in the 80s. Once Trice was done with playing, he and wifey packed their bags, came to Ohio, and have been here leading the Wayne Warriors boys and girls hoop teams back to prominence over the last 2 decades. 

While he was a finalist for the Women’s Head Coaching job with the Raiders, he ultimately would  land back in men’s basketball, where he was looking to get back to after a great stint recently with the Lady Warriors. 

  They would lose to eventual OHSAA Champion Mount Notre Dame last season in the Regional Finals, all the while turning Bree Hall into a McDonald's All-American along with a host of other former players who garnered D-1, D-2, and small school scholarships. 

 “I’m very excited for the opportunity to coach college hoops. I love the energy that Coach Nagy and the organization brings and I’m looking forward to helping the Raiders program.” Trice stated. 

 Congrats to Coach Trice for making a big jump and being the change that needed to happen for the Raiders to take it to the next level. 

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Trotwood Great To Enter Transfer Portal; Where Could Davis Land? "Big College Watch List"

 Amari Davis in Transfer Portal: A Possible "Watch List" 

By Deon Cash

 Amari Davis, the Trotwood Rams grad and one of the best college basketball players in the Horizon League last year, has decided to put his name in the college transfer portal as he will look to transfer to another school for next season. 

 Davis, a 2nd Team All-League performer who averaged almost 18 ppg last season, decided he will test the portal waters and possibly look to go to a bigger league. He was one of the few of the Horizon Leagues top NBA prospects. 

While Wisconsin Green-Bay's Coaching Staff was sad, they did understand that Davis has great potential to be a pro. And while they'd love to have him dominate the last 3 years, they respect his decision, as Davis will receive an extra year of eligibility due to the Covid-19 year.

 While Davis and his camp has been quiet on the situation, we know that he will have his options when the process is all said and done. 

Here are some intriguing places that Davis could end up: 

Wisconsin- The Badgers have gotten a first hand watch of Davis, and they play in the Big Ten. They could use Davis explosiveness, and have a star guard from Dayton already in senior D'Mitrik Trice. 

 Ohio State - Coach Holtman and the Buckeyes watch Davis do work at the State Championships 2 years ago. The #7 ranked Buckeyes are on the upswing, and are well aware of Davis prowess and his good seasons. 

UCLA - The Bruins fit the mold in that head coach Mick Cronin recruits Ohio boys, and coached here just 3 years ago. While it is on the west coast, Davis would fit in the hard-core style of Cronin and his defensive minded and ranked Bruins team. 

 Texas A & M – While Buzz Williams has a squad, he loves the type of players such as Davis; Multi-Dimensional wing players who are very family oriented, which Davis is to a tee. Not to mention Buzz has a local player in Andre Gordon, the Sidney star running the helm as a Sophomore - who will also get a 3rd year as well. Davis and Gordon in the backcourt would be dynamic.

 Dayton – The Flyers lose major talent from the guard positions, including the bulk of the scoring in future pros Ibi Watson and Jalen Crutcher. What player could Grant and his staff plug in and provide instant juice?

 West Virginia – Bob Huggins always is looking to grab a elite transfer, and his team has already grabbed players from the Dayton area, even when “Hugs" was with the Cincinnati Bearcats sidelines over a decade ago. Huggins now has a sniper on the team that’s having success in senior guard Sean McNeil, who went to Sinclair Community College before landing in Morgantown. 

 Michigan State – Izzo has admitted he missed one in D'Mitrik Trice, and will be losing some offense from the team after this season. He has aa affinity for lefties, as he once had Morris Peterson, a lefty, and now has his star guard (Henry). Could he add another lefty to the Spartans?

 While there are no confirmations on any of these teams, we know Davis is being looked at by the NBA, and he should have been 1st Team All Horizon League.

 What team will take a chance on one of the elite sophomores in the country? Regardless where he ends, Davis will be ready for all the smoke, best believe that. 

 Tune in as we follow Amari Davis on his Journey! 

@DaytonWeekly 

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EASY BREE-ZY; Hall Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer at Wayne

 Bree Hall Becomes Warriors All-Time Leading Scorer As Wayne Defeats Fairborn

 By Deon Cash 

    Bree Hall, one of the top players in the Class of 2021, led the Wayne girls squad to a big win against a feisty and young Fairborn team in the OHSAA Girls Tournament in the 2nd round at Troy, Ohio. 

Hall was unstoppable in the game, to nobody’s surprise. She has been remarkable all year, as she claimed the GWOC Player of the Year Award earlier in the week. But on this night, it was something even more special in store for Hall. 

 Hall would become the all-time leading scorer in Wayne basketball history after a beautiful hop step move and finishing score in the second quarter. 

After the shot was made her teammates and the bench would go and mobb her and celebrate the great achievement. The announcer would say that Hall had broken the record, and the game was momentarily stopped, which was a classy move by the legendary coach Ed Zink and Beavercreek, who were well aware of the numbers. 

 Hall, who took it in stride, felt blessed and humbled to be the All-time leading scorer. 

 “This is a amazing accomplishment and I want to thank my family, coaches, and organization for helping me get to this point,” Hall said after the game. 

 While it was a great night, Hall and the Wayne team are far from satisfied. 

              Hall is a 2021McDonald's All-American 

“But we want to win the state.” Hall would say, in a tone that has been set since last year’s loss in the Regionals. 

 Hall and the Warriors now sit in the District Finals after defeating Beavercreek last night. 

Trice, who has been very direct with the team this season, responded when asked about Hall's accomplishment: 

“Bree's one of those “Once in a Lifetime” type of players. It has been a honor to watch her become the player she has. She truly deserves it.”

 Hall would eclipse Trice son in the process, as Travis Trice III held the record before heading to Michigan State and now with USA Basketball. Hall has committed to South Carolina, and she was on the under-18 USA Basketball team. 

With Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley being happy with Hall’s progress, it is evident she will be a factor come day one. But for now? Enjoy watching history as one of the all-time greats continue on her journey through one of the toughest high school tournaments in the country.

 Congratulations to Bree Hall and the Wayne Lady Warriors. Follow us and the Lady Warriors on their Journey through the OHSAA Tournament.

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