FOX Sports Ohio will broadcast one of the top match-ups of the early season this Thursday, when Cincinnati Colerain (3-1) travels to play undefeated Middletown.
Both teams are legitimate state championship contenders in Division-I, and the winner will pick up a large amount of computer points toward achieving that goal.
Both teams are loaded with individual talent on both sides of the football, and also led by two of Ohio's most respected coaches in Colerain's Tom Bolden and Middletown's Troy Everhart.
Joe Bolden: Colerain. Senior linebacker. The Michigan commit is an absolute terror from his linebacker spot, and he will be key in attempting to stop Middletown's triple option offense. Bolden has the speed to roam sideline to sideline, while having enough of a physical presence to cause turnovers. He is ranked as a four-star prospect on Scout.com.
Trae Clark: Colerain. Senior defensive tackle. Clark has the ability to stop the inside running game, forcing the Middies to run wide in the triple option attack. If Clark can effectively take away the middle of the field it will go a long way toward leading Colerain to victory. Clark holds offers from Michigan State, Cincinnati, Arkansas and West Virginia, and is listed as a three-star recruit.
E.J. Junior: Middletown. Senior fullback. The play of Junior has been a pleasant surprise for Everhart and the Middies. His exceptional inside running ability has made defenses play Middletown honest and not key on quarterback Jalin Marshall. The match-up between Junior and Clark will go a long way toward determining the outcome Thursday night.
Jalin Marshall: Middletown. Junior quarterback. "Mr. Excitement" in Ohio football for 2011, Marshall is an electrifying athlete with the football in his hands. He is listed as one of the early five-star prospects on Scout.com and he holds offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Ohio State, and others. Marshall vs. Bolden is another great match-up to watch, as two of Ohio's best do battle.