9th Region Week 4 Rankings and Preview

The high school season is officially at the halfway point for the regular season.  There is one team for sure that is starting to separate itself as a contender for the regional title this year.

1. Dixie Heights (7-0-0) - The Red Colonels have beaten every 9th Region foe they have faced to date.  They have a solid team and, in my opinion, deserve this spot
2. Covington Catholic (3-3-1) - The Colonels play a tough schedule but are moved to #2 this week as Dixie beat pre-season #2 and #3.
3. St. Henry (6-1-1) - The Crusaders are having a good year.  Only giving up 4 goals while netting 20.  They play 2 district games this week
4. Ryle (1-4-1) - The only reason I have them above Conner is they tied Cov Cath.  
5. Conner (3-4-1) - The Cougars need to figure some things out.  I have a feeling they are going to go on a nice winning streak to get them ready for end of year.
6. Highlands (5-2-0) - The Bluebirds have a big game this week, they are improving
7. Beechwood (2-4-0) - The Tigers are dropped down below the Birds this week in my poll.  They just haven't progressed since beating Highlands.
8. Cooper (3-3-1) - I'm not sure sometimes how to rank this team.  I'm not sure if they would know how to rank themselves.
9. Newport Central Catholic (3-2-0) - Big week for the young Thoroughbreds this week.  They have the chance to move up next week.
10. Holy Cross (3-3-0) - I was surprised by the 1-5 loss to Scott.
11. Boone County (2-3-2) - Rebels are young.
12. Villa Madonna (0-3-2) - Still looking for that first win.
13. Holmes (1-1-0) - Go Bulldogs!

Games to Watch

Tuesday

• Covington Catholic @ Boone County - Easy win for the Colonels.
• Highlands @ Ryle - Game of the day for sure.  Can the Birds make a nest on the Raider ship, or will they just crap all over it?  We'll see.
• Cooper @ Newport Central Catholic - I'm assuming the home field advantage of Morscher Field is coming to an end with the building of the new field on campus.  I look for Cooper to get their first 9th Region win this week.
• Villa Madonna @ Holy Cross - Both play on grass fields, I still think the advantage goes to Holy Cross.

Wednesday

• St. Henry @ Dixie Heights - I need to find a way to attend this one.

Thursday

• Covington Catholic @ Cooper - Can the Jaguars get the upset win in Union?  I don't think so.
• Newport Central Catholic @ Conner - I think Conner wants revenge for last year's embarrassing loss to NCC.  

Games outside the 9th Region

• Beechwood @ Calvary Christian - Tuesday
• Lawrenceburg (IN) @ Conner - Tuesday (Senior Night for the Cougars)
• Bishop Brossart @ Holy Cross - Thursday
• Great Crossing @ Ryle - Thursday
• Holmes @ Scott - Thursday (Crazy these two schools are not in the same district or region)
• Pendleton County @ Villa Madonna - Thursday
• Simon Kenton @ Beechwood - Thursday
• Somerset vs Boone County @ Madison Central - Thursday
• Centerville (OH) @ Covington Catholic - Saturday
• Cooper @ Ashland Blazer - Saturday
• Gallatin County @ Conner - Saturday
• Mason County @ Villa Madonna - Saturday
• Ryle @ Simon Kenton - Saturday
• St. Joseph Central Catholic (WV) vs Cooper @ Ashland Blazer - Saturday (2 games in one day)