Sep 24, 2015 5 min read

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For 20 years, the Big Nine Conference title went through either Thomas Jefferson or West Mifflin. Disrupting the pecking order was Ringgold head coach Nick Milchovich’s goal entering last season and the Rams accomplished that.

Well, sort of. The Rams did defeat the Titans on the road last fall, but could not beat the Jaguars. That changed this year when Ringgold beat Thomas Jefferson in Week 1, but its fight for a conference title is far from over.

The Rams (3-0, 3-0) host West Mifflin (3-0, 3-0) Friday night at Joe Montana Stadium with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

The Titans did lose prolific running back DiAngelo Mitchell, but Russell Tyree has stepped in to fill the void. He is averaging almost nine yards per carry and has eight touchdowns.

Quarterback Karlyn Garner is also back and is a threat to run, but can keep defenses off balance with his arm. He has only attempted 18 passes this season with a touchdown and an interception. The Titans have 15 rushing touchdowns behind Tyree.

Ringgold beat West Mifflin last year by wearing the Titans’ linemen down and leaning heavily on the running game. Expect more of the same this season. Rams running backs Chacar Berry and Brenden Small have combined for 12 touchdowns and are averaging more than 10 yards per carry.

Before last season, Ringgold tried to beat West Mifflin at its own game; using a spread offense to stretch the defense and using a variety of screen passes. But the Titans have the athletes to stop such an attack, plus they did have running back Jimmy Wheeler two years ago.

The Rams’ power running game was too much for West Mifflin, which had an inexperienced line decimated by injuries.

The Titans should have some success running the football Friday night against Ringgold, but I don’t think it can keep up or sustain that success for four quarters. The Rams cannot lose contain when Garner leaves the pocket and cannot afford to allow big plays. Remember this: Ringgold is allowing an average of just 101 rushing yards per game.

Look for West Mifflin to stack the box and force Ringgold quarterback George Martin to make a play, which he’s more than able to do. Though the Titans are 3-0, their opponents have a combined record of 1-8 through three weeks.

They haven’t been tested, while the Rams took on Thomas Jefferson.

Prediction: Ringgold runs away with a win.

The Hillers were the team of Week 3 with their victory over Elizabeth Forward, which kept them in the playoff picture and will be a big confidence boost moving forward. It’s obvious that this team is finding its identity under head coach Jon Miller.

Producing 400 yards of total offense on the road is a nice accomplishment and look for that to continue this week.

Prediction: Trinity wins

Yes, we’re talking about two teams with losing records, but that’s what kind of week this is. There are only two games this week where both teams have a winning record.

Regardless, the Blue Devils need a win to stay in the hunt and Charleroi has to bounce back after last week’s disappointing loss. The story could be whether or not Cougars wide receiver Trey Douyon plays after leaving last week with an injury.

He’s the focal point of that offense, so if he is out, look for Charleroi to lean on running back Brock Shannon. I picked Burgettstown to win this one because of quarterback Brad McLaughlin and its ability to contain the running game.

The Bucs have not been shy about handing first-year starting quarterback T.J. Johnston the keys to the spread offense. The sophomore has attempted 67 passes through three games, throwing for 567 yard with five touchdowns and five interceptions.

Those numbers are a bit deceiving because of his four-touchdown performance last week against Western Beaver, but nonetheless, he’s been solid and has already faced Avonworth and North Catholic. It will only get easier.

Johnston threw touchdowns to four different receivers last week, but what was more impressive about Chartiers-Houston’s first win were the touchdowns on defense and special teams. The Bucs have plenty of weapons on offense, but can the offensive line hold up? Depth and avoiding injuries are always important in Class A.

Northgate did earn a non-conference win over Vincentian, but was defeated by five points last week against Bishop Canevin and was beat by North Catholic in Week 1. It’s difficult to get a read on the Flames.

Four different players have attempted a pass and it seems that the offense’s success is determined by the running game. Tailback Rodney Burrow has rushed for 386 yards and is averaging 7.4 yards per carry, but only has two touchdowns.

Once again, it looks like Chartiers-Houston could be positioned for a late playoff push. The rest of its conference schedule includes Northgate (1-2), Bishop Canevin (2-1), OLSH (0-3), Brentwood (2-1) and Fort Cherry (1-2).

Prediction: The Bucs grab their second win, but it will be close. They did lose 19-13 last year against the Flames at home.