CHILLICOTHE — There were multiple mornings this past week where it felt like an introduction to fall.
While warmer weather eventually settled in during the afternoon and evening hours, it was a nice reminder that hoodie weather is almost here.
For most of our high school athletic programs, a new fall season has indeed already begun. And for those who haven’t gotten to play yet, this week will feature their season-opening contests.
As we re-introduce “10 to Comprehend,” a weekly feature that highlights accomplishments throughout the area, it only makes sense to shine the spotlight on players who have gotten off to fast starts.
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- Chillicothe’s MarisaStiteler has been impressive in each of the Cavaliers’ first three matches. The 6-foot middle hitter has collected 21 kills and 12 blocks in just seven sets, giving her teammates a reliable weapon at the net.
- In a season-opening sweep of South Webster, Adena’s net duo of JaceyJones and KelseaBrown raised eyebrows. Jones had 14 kills in the victory while Brown added 10 of her own. The Warriors are 1-0 with a huge game at Unioto Tuesday.
- In the midst of a 3-1 start, Unioto’s EllianaMyers is living up to her captain status. The senior has scored eight of the team’’s 11 goals, powering wins over McClain, North Adams and Lynchburg-Clay.
- There’s a star freshman in Williamsport and she’s made a huge splash in her first week of varsity action. AddisonWallace has scored four goals in her first three games, giving the Mustangs a second scoring option, opposite of Kyleigh Mercurio.
- EliEsham has helped Chillicothe’s boys soccer program go 1-1 in its first two contests, which matches half of the team's win total from last fall. Esham has 15 saves in between the pipes and a shutout to boot — 1-0 win over Centennial.
- On the golf course, Piketon’s LailaKelley has helped her Redstreaks win each of their first two SVC matches. She was the meet runner-up in the league’s first gathering, shooting a 39, and won meet medalist honors in her next outing with a 37 (+2).
Unsung Hero(es) of the Week
Here are three names you didn’t read this past weekend — Chillicothe’s KarterWilliams, Unioto’s JonahRenner and Zane Trace’s LeviMarshall.
All three played important roles in their team’s defensive performances in Week 1.
Williams picked off a pass in the red zone while adding three tackles, Renner led the Shermans’ defense with a team-high eight tackles, and Marshall tallied 11 takedowns in the Pioneers’ victory — he had 18 all of last season.
Team of the Week
In just three games, Zane Trace’s boys soccer team has already doubled its win total from a year ago. The Pioneers handed McClain a 4-2 loss before beating Logan Elm by a 3-2 score, thanks to scores from AlexKarwatske, CalebSkaggs, AadenGigley and OliverColopy.
“We haven’t won back-to-back games in two years and now, we’ve ended that streak,” Zane Trace coach Andrew Ramsey said. “This was and always will be a team effort.”
The Pioneers’ next three contests will come against New Boston, Portsmouth West and Alexander. But every win from this point forward is just another sign of things returning to normal for a program that has had a ton of success in recent history.
Stat of the Week
In a 35-21 statement win over Jackson, Unioto football's defense was downright suffocating. The Shermans recovered two fumbles, one that was returned 51 yards for a touchdown, and limited the Ironmen’ offense to just 2-of-13 passing for four yards.
Historical Fact of the Week
When Chillicothe handed Circleville a 34-0 loss in Week 1, it was the Cavaliers’ first win over the Tigers since 1987. To be fair, the two teams haven’t met since that year. On Sept. 4, 1987, Chillicothe handed Circleville a 20-13 loss in overtime to start the season. The Cavaliers pieced together a 10-0 regular season that fall before ending their year with a 17-7 playoff loss to Gahanna Lincoln. After Friday’s win, Chillicothe is 30-17-1 throughout history against the Tigers. The two’s first meeting was on Nov. 5, 1898, when the Cavs took home a 16-0 win.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: 10 to Comprehend | Fast starts for area teams