OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
jjhuddle.com (free)
8/23/05
8/23/05
The following are Bill's thoughts on the day plus a photo gallery by Gary and Case of all the action:
My day started at the Akron Rubber Bowl to see the match up of Northwest and Akron Garfield. Both teams were playoff teams in 2004 and expect to be there in 2005.
Garfield is led by the state's top player in Chris Wells. Wells, 6-2, 230 pounds, did not disappoint as he ran the ball like an Ohio State recruit should, including a 70 yard touchdown run that was a thing of beauty. The comparisons between Wells and Maurice Clarett are starting and they are valid. Get used to hearing the name Chris Wells as he is destined to become a Buckeye great.
Junior safety Justin Barnett also played well for Garfield. Barnett had an interception and was around the ball all day. He looks like he could be a special player for coach Bob Sax's Rams this season.
While Wells was the best player, Northwest was clearly the better team. Northwest was in mid-season form and I'm tempted to say post-season form, because they will be a playoff team once again. Coach Vic Whiting had the Indians firing on all cylinders in a very impressive performance. I could probably single out 10 players but I'll stick with four.
Scott Weber is a returning all-state running back and he just might be better this season. Scott had added muscle and is faster than he was in 2004. Weber has played varsity football since he was a freshman and he's looking for a state title in his last year. He is being recruited by most of the Mid-American conference teams as is teammate Randy Ardman, a returning starter on the offensive line. Ardman, 6-2, 275 pounds, is a punishing drive blocker and has excellent footwork for someone his size.
Two names you might not be aware of are John Bertsch and Teddy Robb. Bertsch is a transfer from North Canton Hoover where he started as a sophomore. Bertsch, 6-2, 220 pounds, missed most of his junior year with a knee injury, but is healthy and ready to go in 2005. Bertsch plays tight end and linebacker, and is also being recruited by most of the MAC teams. Northwest coach Vic Whiting has been impressed with Bertsch.
"He is the same type of player as Scott Weber," said Whiting. "He's a great football player and we're counting on Bertsch this season to play like one. I expect John to have a great season for us."
Finally, sophomore Teddy Robb, 6-2, 180 pounds, played well at cornerback and wide receiver. Robb had a 30-yard touchdown catch and broke up a pass in the end zone on defense. Robb, who ran a 4.5 forty at Akron's summer camp, has a chance to be a great player in Whiting's system.
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