The highlight of the final week of the regular-season of varsity football was without a doubt Glen Este concluding its Fort Ancient Valley Conference Buckeye Division (FAVC-B) schedule in a five-way tie for first place and qualifying for the state playoffs for the third consecutive year and four in the last seven. Amelia and Batavia were the other county teams to win on the cold, muddy soil that was played upon Friday night.

Glen Este (8-2) tied Anderson, Harrison, Mason and Winton Woods each with 3-2 FAVC-B records. The only other comparison that can come even close to this finish was the Clermont County League race of 1970-71 when Amelia, Clermont Northeastern, and New Richmond all tied for first place with 3-1-1 league records. Among the five, GE’s record of 8-2 is the best overall, Anderson and Harrison are 7-3, Winton Woods 6-4, and Mason 5-5.

The Trojans broke their two-game losing streak with a 14-8 victory over visiting Winton Woods. The Trojans were on top at the rests 7-0, 7-0, and 14-8. Kyle Slater scored for the victors on a 10-yard pass from Andrew Keller and Keller scored himself on a 20-yard run. Patrick Harder kicked two conversion points. Donnie Talbott rushed 24 times for 81 yards and Jerrick Boykin and Sam Olberding intercepted Warrior passes and Kevin Briggs recovered a fumble.

The Trojans will square off against Clayton Northmont’s Thunderbolts, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m., on the T-bolts’ turf. This is the opening round of the Division I state playoffs.

“They’re good,” said Glen Este head coach Zak Taylor of his Northmont foes. “They’re a real balanced team. Their quarterback throws the ball all over.

“The playing conditions Friday night were bad, but the weather played into our hands a little bit. Defensively we played real well. Donnie Talbott sort of carried the offense.

“I’m pleased with our season. We had some kids I wasn’t sure about, but they really came through for us. We were much better offensively than I thought we would be.”

Amelia (3-7) returned from Morrow, with a 7-0 win over Little Miami. David Carr’s reception of Vinny Terry’s 21-yard pass accounted for the TD in the second quarter. Carr kicked the extra point. Tyler Boston averaged 40 yards on punt returns. Nick Motley recovered three Panther fumbles and Larry Moore swiped a pass.

“It was a game of field position and ball control,” said Amelia head coach Rob Kiefer. “We leaned on our defense to do their job and they did.

“The last win was important for the seniors. They were great and we hate to lose them. They have left a legacy of another step forward for the program.”

Batavia (2-8) made the five-mile trip back from arch-rival Williamsburg (0-10) with a 14-0 win. All the scoring was made in the first period on Andrew Avery’s two-yard plunge and Caleb Corrill’s 43-yard romp. Jordan Larrison kicked both points after.

“The field didn’t look bad until we played on it. I’m glad we scored in the first quarter,” said Batavia head coach Joe Moorehead.

He lauded the efforts of Avery and Corrill who both rushed for more than 80 yards. They received good blocking from left guard Kyle Dillion and right tackle Bobby Currington. On defense, corner Robbie Deroziere, linebackers Tim Roberts and Jake Florez, and lineman Josh Ison were noted.

Goshen (7-3) saw its playoff hopes slip afte ra 22-0 setback at Wyoming. The Warriors were down at each stop after a scoreless first quarter 7-0 and 14-0.

New Richmond (4-6) was beaten by playoff bound Blanchester 40-7.

Clermont Northeastern (4-6) was defeated by East Clinton 14-0.

Bethel-Tate (3-7) was whitewashed by Western Brown 33-0 in Mount Orab. The Broncos were in control at each halt 7-0, 20-0, and 26-0.

Milford (2-8) succumbed to Sycamore 42-0. The host Aviators were on top throughout 29-0, 42-0, and 42-0.