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Lakota East 33, Lakota West 21 - final – Lakota East senior Derek Sasthav just intercepted Lakota West junior quarterback Malik Grove with 1:42 left in 4th quarter.

Lakota East 33, Lakota West 21 - 2:00 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East junior Nate Mays just intercepted Lakota West junior quarterback Malik Grove’s pass with 2 minutes to play. West now trails by 12 points with under two minutes to play.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 - 4:33 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East just converted a 4-and-2 from the Lakota West 43-yard line with a 3-yard run by senior Will Mahone. That play gives Mahone 101 yards on 20 carries. More importantly, the play gives East the opportunity to run more clock.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 - 8:21 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East was driving down the field, but junior Eric Eichler fumbled the snap which was recovered by senior defensive end Luke Scott at the Lakota West 20-yard line. However, the Firebirds just went 3-and-out.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 – 3:09 left in 3rd quarter – Lakota West junior Malik Grove scored on a 1-yard TD run. On the previous play, Grove connected with junior Tyler Jones on a 59-yard pass play.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 14 – 8:57 left in 3rd quarter – Lakota West drove down to the 3-yard line, but Lakota West junior Malik Grove threw an interception in the endzone on 4th-and-goal to Lakota East senior Tyler Schlensker.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 14 – 10:24 left in the 3rd quarter – Lakota West went 3-and-out on the first possession of the second half. Lakota East senior Rob Harpring then returned the punt 56 yards for the touchdown. (more…)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Lakota East junior Nate Mays scores a touchdown in a win against Middletown this season. Lakota East and Lakota West both head into this Friday’s rivalry with a lot at stake. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com.

For the 15th time since Lakota High School split into two schools, students, alumni, faculty, parents and fans will pack a football stadium this Friday at 7:30 p.m. to witness Lakota East and Lakota West battle in one of the region’s top rivalries.

But there is more on the line than just football bragging rights.

There are principals who could end up having their faces drilled with pie or forced to wear the opposing school’s colors, depending on which Lakota school wins the annual food drive. There is also spirit week, as well as pizza parties and other prizes to win in the days leading up to the game.

“Even though we both will compete hard on the field Friday night and in the food drive, at the end of the day, the best of Lakota will shine through,” said Lakota West principal Gary Elgin Card, whose school will host the game this season.

Card is sweating the food drive, which produced more than 19,000 pounds of donated food for Reach Out Lakota last fall, because the losing principal will have to switch spiritwear after the winning school is announced at halftime. That principal will then have don those colors during the second half of the game and on the following Monday at school.

Lakota West senior wide receiver Grant Pence tries to avoid defenders in a 57-44 loss at Colerain last Friday. The loss was the first of the season for the Firebirds, who could lock up a playoff spot with a win against rival Lakota East this week. The Thunderhawks, however, could sneak into the postseason with a win and some help. Photo taken by Greg Loring.

When it comes to the game, If history is any indication of what could happen, Lakota East principal Suzanna Davis might be one who needs to worry as her Thunderhawks have lost seven straight to Lakota West and haven’t beaten the Firebirds since 2004.

It did appear last fall, that the streak was going to end until Lakota West quarterback Malik Grove threw a touchdown pass to then senior Kayuane Ross with 31.9 seconds left to go, giving West a 25-20 win.

Last season’s loss was the third time that Lakota East came up just short since its win in 2004, losing to West 30-27 in overtime in 2005 and by the score of 20-19 in 2008.

This season’s game will likely be even more meaningful, as playoff spots are on line. Lakota West (8-1 overall, 5-1 in the Greater Miami Conference), which is No. 6 in the OHSAA Region 4 computer rankings (top 8 teams qualify for postseason), needs a win to lock up its first playoff berth since 2009.

Meanwhile, Lakota East (6-3 overall, 4-2 in the GMC), which is No. 11 in the computer rankings, could possibly sneak in the postseason with a win and some help.

“Obviously, it is something we think about because our goal is play in Week 11, but I know some of that stuff is out of our hands in terms of what other teams do,” said Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes, who hopes to lead East to its first-ever postseason appearance. “So our focus needs to be on playing the best we can and winning this football game.”

In order to win the game, Lakota East will rely heavily on its running game, which is ranked second in the GMC with an average of 292 rushing yards per game. Leading the potent attack is senior Will Mahone with 963 yards and 15 touchdowns on 157 carries. The No. 2 back, Chamada Palmore, who has rushed for 479 yards and two scores on 62 carries, could be back after breaking his knuckles in a game against Sycamore on Oct. 5.

Ironically, Lakota West’s top rusher this season, Mikel Horton, led Lakota East in rushing as a sophomore last season. Horton, whose family moved prior to the school year, has rushed for 955 yards and 12 touchdowns on 187 carries this fall.

Horton is an exception, as many of these student athletes have stayed on the same team for their entire high school careers. On Friday, a total of 48 seniors combined between the two schools will take part in their last East/West game.

“These kids have all grown up playing together,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said. “This is sort of the end of football for a lot of them and something they would obviously like to hang their hat on.

“This game will be a heavyweight battle.”

Impact players

Lakota East Thunderhawks

• Jr.. QB Eric Eichler – 23-of-44 passes for 339 yards, 6 TDs and 1 INT, 470 rushing yards and 8 TDs on 111 carries
• Sr. RB Will Mahone – 963 rushing yards and 15 TDs on 157 carries
• Jr. RB Bobby Brown – 339 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 53 carries, 98 receiving yards and 1 TD on 7 catches
• Jr. OL Jarrett LaRubbio – offers from Akron and Pittsburgh
• Jr. WR/DB/KR Nate Mays – 185 receiving yards and 5 TDs on 12 catches, 25.5 KR average, 3 INTs
• Sr. LB Jake Chestnut – leads team with 52 total tackles (4 for loss) and 2 pass breakups
• Sr. LB Keith Brady – 32 total tackles (4.5 for loss), 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble
• Sr. RB Chamada Palmore – Been out last two weeks with injury, hopes to return – 479 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 62 carries

Lakota West Firebirds

• Jr. QB Malik Grove – 72-of-158 passes for 948 yards, 10 TDs and 6 INTs, 499 rushing yards and 10 TDs on 94 carries
• Jr. RB Mikel Horton – 955 rushing yards and 12 TDs on 187 carries
• Soph. RB Kole Gentry – 435 rushing yards and 6 TDs on 70 carries
• Jr. K/WR/TE Justin Martin – 84 yards and 2 TDs on 7 catches; made 9-of-12 FGs and 34-38 EPs
• Sr. OL Kyle Meadows – offers from top Division I programs including Florida State
• Sr. DL Luke Scott – 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT, leads team with 44 tackles
• Sr. DB Tyler Cross – 6 INTs (school record), 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick
• Sr. DB Nick Bengal – Played all season with two broken wrists – leads team with 8 pass breakups, also has 32 total tackles and a blocked kick

For game story, check back here on WestChesterBuzz.com

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

After defeating Greater Miami Conference opponent Middletown Friday night, the 2012 Lakota West football team became the first in school history to begin a season with an 8-0 record.

In the latest win, the Firebirds took a 27-0 lead late into the third quarter before holding onto to a 27-14 win at home.

Lakota West junior quarterback Malik Grove has been one of the many reasons that the Firebirds are off to their best start in school history. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II in a 30-13 win against Mason Sept. 14.

6-foot-3 junior kicker Justin Martin caught his second touchdown pass of the season when junior quarterback Malik Grove connected with him from 10 yards out midway through the first quarter.

Running backs, junior Mikel Horton and sophomore Kole Gentry, each added touchdowns in the second quarter, as Lakota West took a 20-0 halftime lead. Horton would finish the game with 103 yards on 24 carries, while Gentry added 24 yards on six carries.

In the second half, the scoring started when senior Michael Carter incepted a pass from Middletown senior Jalin Marshall and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown. The interception was one of three thrown by Marshall, who will play college football at Ohio State. The other two INTs came at the hands of Lakota West senior Tyler Cross, who had two interceptions in a single game for the second time this season.

Before the game ended, Marshall would add a pair of touchdowns for the Middies – scoring on a run of 53 yards and throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Jordann Thomas. For the game, Marshall finished with 165 rushing yards on 24 carries and was 4-of-18 passing for 39 yards.

Next week, the Firebirds, ranked No. 3 in The Enquirer Division I area coaches’ poll, plays at No. 1-ranked Colerain (8-0). Entering this Friday, Lakota West and Colerain were also No. 2 and No. 1 in the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s region 4 computer rankings.

LW – Martin 10-yard pass from Grove (Martin kick)
LW – Horton 4-yard run (kick failed)
LW – Gentry 4-yard run (Martin kick)
LW – Mitchell 57-yard INT return (Martin kick)
M – Marshall 53-yard run (kick failed)
M – Thomas 15-yard pass from Marshall (A’Keeno King recp)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: football preview, game preview, Jalin Marshall, Jalin Marshall Ohio State, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West

Lakota West running back Mikel Horton runs for a touchdown as he’s wrapped up by Mason defensive back Gus Thieken in the Firebirds’ 30-13 win against Mason earlier this season. Overall, Lakota West is 7-0 and is only one of two unbeaten teams in the Greater Miami Conference. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

Lakota West (7-0 overall, 4-0 in the Greater Miami Conference), who is ranked No. 3 in The Cincinnati Enquirer coaches’ poll, will host Middletown (2-5 overall, 1-3 in the GMC) this Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Firebirds are coming off a 37-10 win against Oak Hills, while Middletown enters the game after losing 41-14 last week to Colerain.

Middletown: After making the postseason and winning at least 10 games in the each of the past three seasons, expectations were high in 2012 for the Middletown Middies. This team, surprisingly, has struggled – especially lately – losing its last three games, which included losses against Lakota East, Oak Hills and Colerain. Despite their struggles, the Middies are a dangerous team that is led by one of the state’s top players in senior quarterback Jalin Marshall, who is committed to continue his football career at Ohio State. Last season, in a 47-7 Middletown victory against Lakota West, Marshall rushed for 226 yards and four touchdowns on 11 carries. So far this season, Marshall has rushed for 953 yards and nine touchdowns and has thrown for 559 yards and seven touchdowns.

Lakota West: The Firebirds are off to their best start since 2004, are ranked No. 3 in The Enquirer’s coaches’ poll and are now No. 2 in the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s region 4 computer rankings. Unlike Middletown, Lakota West struggled the past two seasons and has been one of the area’s top teams in 2012. Overall, the offense has played well – scoring 30 or more points in all seven games this season. As a team, the Firebirds have outscored their opponents 256-90. Their offense is led by junior quarterback Malik Grove, junior running back Mikel Horton and senior offensive tackle Kyle Meadows.

Bottom line: Lakota West appears to be the favorite, but Middletown has to be considered a dangerous opponent. Just last year, the Middies blew out Lakota West, 47-7. Also making this matchup possibly dangerous for the Firebirds is the thought of the team’s next opponent – Colerain, who is ranked No. 11 nationally by USA Today and is the only other unbeaten team in the GMC this season. By comparing common opponents, Middletown has defeated Fairfield, 41-26, and lost to Oak Hills, 27-26, while Lakota West defeated Fairfield, 32-8, and Oak Hills, 37-10.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: football preview, game preview, Jalin Marshall, Jalin Marshall Ohio State, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West

Lakota West senior linebacker Mike Kelly leads his team onto the field for a game against Anderson Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. The game lasted for one offensive play before a lightning delay went into effect. Photo taken by Mark Ferland of ferlandfotos.smugmug.com.

The game started with a kickoff by Lakota West junior Justin Martin that went through the end zone Friday night. Anderson then picked up a false start penalty and a two-yard run by junior quarterback Kevin Rogers before a 30-minute lightning delay went into effect.

Continuous lightning strikes off in the distance kept resetting the delay. Eventually, the game was postponed to Saturday at 6 p.m.

“I hope they (Lakota West players) come out with that same preparation that they came out with tonight,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said. “That was the bad part about this because we thought we had a good week of practice. We thought we were on cue, we thought we were ready to go, but you can’t beat Mother Nature.”

Saturday’s game at Lakota West High School will begin with Anderson with the football, 2nd-and-13 from its own 17-yard line. There will be no admission cost to enter the game.

“We had postpone the game for the safety of our players, our fans and our students,” Lakota West principal Gary Elgin Card said. “Their safety is paramount for us. So, we will come back tomorrow night. We hope every one will come out and watch the Firebirds play hard.”

According to Cox, scouts representing West Virginia and Kentucky were on hand tonight to watch senior offensive tackle Kyle Meadows.

Meadows, who was ranked No. 5 among the top 50 players in Greater Cincinnati to watch in the 2013 class by The Enquirer, has scholarship offers to play college football from Louisville, Ohio, Youngstown State, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Akron, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, West Virginia, Northern Illinois, Florida State, Purdue, Kansas, North Carolina State and Kentucky.

He is currently trying to decide where he will take his official visits.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Kevin Rogers, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows football recruiting, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Larry Cox, Larry Cox Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton football recruiting, Mikel Horton Lakota West

Lakota West junior Tyler Jones catches a pass from junior Malik Grove during summer practice July 30, 2012. Jones is competing with Grove for the starting quarterback job this summer. Whoever doesn’t end up at quarterback could see time at wide receiver. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

Lakota West (3-7 overall, 2-5 in the Greater Miami Conference in 2011) kicks off its season against La Salle (7-3 overall, 1-2 in Greater Catholic League in ’11) as a part of the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown at Nippert Stadium at 8 p.m. this Saturday. In its history, Lakota West has played La Salle once – losing by the score of 28-6 in 2010.

La Salle: University of Dayton baseball recruit Brad Burkhart is expected to take over the starting quarterback duties this fall for the Lancers. However, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Mike Dyer, Burkhart is questionable and there is 50 percent chance he will play in this game. If he plays, his top target would likely be 6-foot-5 junior Derek Kief, who caught 44 passes for 612 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. On defense, La Salle features highly touted defensive back Jaleel Hytchye, who has narrowed his college choices to Arizona State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Kentucky. Other talented players to watch include senior offensive lineman Dave Baumer and sophomore defensive lineman Jordan Thompson.

Lakota West: Senior left tackle Kyle Meadows, who has offers from many of college football’s top programs, believes this could be the year that Lakota West returns to the postseason after it has suffered back-to-back losing seasons. If the Firebirds make that leap, junior quarterbacks Malik Grove and Tyler Jones could help. Lakota West head coach Larry Cox didn’t name a starter this summer, but both players have been practicing at QB and at WR – meaning they could be on the field at the same time. Another player, who hopes to help the team, is incoming junior Mikel Horton. The running back, who is listed at 6-foot-1 230 pounds by Rivals.com, has transferred in from Lakota East where he led the team in rushing with 662 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2011. Defensively, Lakota West is led by senior linebacker Mike Kelly, who has attracted the attention of college programs in the Ivy League and in the Mid-American Conference.

Bottom line: La Salle enters the game No. 6 in The Cincinnati Enquirer coaches poll, while Lakota West is ranked No. 10. Both teams appear to have talent, but with La Salle’s previous success in the Crosstown Showdown (10-3) and its overall better season last fall – the Lancers appear to be the favorite in this season opener for both teams.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows football recruiting, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Malik Grove football recruiting, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton football recruiting, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Tyler Jones, Tyler Jones football recruiting, Tyler Jones Lakota West

Cincinnati Enquirer high school sports editor Mike Dyer posted video interviews Monday with local football players and coaches.

One of the local players featured was Lakota West offensive lineman Kyle Meadows.

• Cincinnati Enquirer’s recruiting blog with Mike Dyer
• Lakota West football news from WestChesterBuzz.com
• Lakota West OL Kyle Meadows video highlights

Meadows, who was ranked No. 5 among the top 50 players in Greater Cincinnati to watch in the 2013 class by The Enquirer, has scholarship offers to play college football from Louisville, Ohio, Youngstown State, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Akron, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, West Virginia, Northern Illinois, Florida State, Purdue, Kansas, North Carolina State and Kentucky.

Below is a list of other video interviews recently captured by The Enquirer:

• St. Xavier football coach Steve Specht
• Moeller football coach John Rodenberg
• Walnut Hills football coach George Kontsis
• Colerain football coach Tom Bolden
• Mason football coach Brian Castner
• Middletown QB Jalin Marshall

To follow high school football news throughout Cincinnati, visit The Enquirer’s prep page on Cincinnati.com.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows football recruiting, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Kyle Meadows video highlights, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports

Lakota West junior Tyler Jones catches a pass from junior Malik Grove during summer practice July 30, 2012. Jones is competing with Grove for the starting quarterback job this summer. Whoever doesn’t end up at quarterback could see time at wide receiver. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

Senior left tackle Kyle Meadows believes this could be the year that Lakota West returns to the postseason after it has suffered back-to-back losing seasons.

“Right now, we are at the bottom of the totem pole and we want to go to the playoffs. Ever since Jordan Hicks signed (with Texas after 2009 season), we wanted to get back there,” Meadows said recently after a summer practice session.

“Expectations are very high. We are going to work more than 100 percent … we will not stop at all. It is unbelievable the talent we have. We just have to put it to good use.”

As evident by the numerous college scholarship offers, Meadows is among the most talented players on the roster. The senior anchors an offensive line, which still doesn’t know who will be under center to start the season.

• 2012 Lakota West football schedule
• 2012 Lakota West summer practice photos

“The best thing I got right now is that I got two real good quarterbacks,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said of his two junior QBs Malik Grove and Tyler Jones. “I have a luxury and I am going to use that luxury.

“To be honest that is something that won’t play out until the end.”

Last summer, Cox made the decision just days from the season opener to start Jones over Grove and then junior Dustin Parker.

Despite losing six of his seven starts, Jones finished fifth in passing yards in the Greater Miami Conference, threw nine touchdowns and rushed for three more in 2011.

In Week 7, Grove replaced Jones and nearly led the Firebirds to an upset victory over Colerain. In that game, Grove completed 14-of-23 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

After the heartbreaking defeat, Grove would start the remaining three games for Lakota West and helped lead the team to wins against Hamilton and Lakota East.

“It is kind of like the Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez situation,” Grove joked about the current quarterback controversy at West. “We are both getting work at wide receiver too … it will be alright.” (more…)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: 2012 Lakota West football preview, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows football recruiting, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West football preview, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Malik Grove football recruiting, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton football recruiting, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Tyler Jones, Tyler Jones football recruiting, Tyler Jones Lakota West

Mikel Horton, who starred for Lakota East last fall, will likely be given the opportunity to carry the football for Lakota West in 2012. Horton, who rushed for 662 yards last season, is making many preseason recruiting lists. Photo taken at Winton Woods in 2011 by Barb Trimble of Trimble Photography, www.trimphoto.com.

Cincinnati Enquirer recruiting reporter Mike Dyer mentioned four Lakota West football players among those to watch this season in the classes of 2013 and 2014.

The only Lakota West senior mentioned in Dyer’s list of “50 area football players to watch in the 2013 class” was offensive lineman Kyle Meadows. Meadows, however, was ranked No. 5 among the list of 50 athletes from throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

The 6-foot-5 lineman has had a busy summer making visits and attending camps. As of right now, he has offers from Louisville, Ohio, Youngstown State, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Akron, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, West Virginia, Northern Illinois, Florida State, Purdue, Kansas, North Carolina State and Kentucky. Furthermore, according to Lakota West head coach Larry Cox, Ohio State is “extremely interested in him.”

The other three Lakota West student athletes were mentioned in Dyer’s “40 area football players to watch in the 2014 class.” Making that list was running back Mikel Horton (No. 8), quarterback/athlete Tyler Jones (No. 16) and quarterback Malik Grove (No. 18).

• Cincinnati Enquirer’s recruiting blog with Mike Dyer
• Lakota West football news from WestChesterBuzz.com
• Lakota West OL Kyle Meadows video highlights
• Lakota West RB Mikel Horton video highlights
• Lakota West QB Malik Grove video highlights
• Lakota West ATH Tyler Jones video highlights

Last fall, Horton starred at Lakota East High School and predominantly lined up at fullback in the Thunderhawks’ triple-option offense. In the first two games of the season, Horton rushed for a combined 279 yards and five touchdowns in wins against Western Hills and at Winton Woods.

Lakota West QB Malik Grove runs a drill during summer practice in July of 2011. This summer, he will have a chance to earn the starting QB job. Photo by Adam Kiefaber.

Horton has also been mentioned by Rivals.com as the No. 6-rated prospect in Ohio’s class of 2014.

Meanwhile, the other two student athletes mentioned by Dyer will be competing for starting quarterback duties at Lakota West this season.

Last summer, Tyler Jones was named the starter for the season opener. He would eventually end the season ranked fifth in the Greater Miami Conference in passing yards. He also tossed nine touchdowns and ran for nine more. According to Cox, Cincinnati has shown interest in Jones.

Towards the end of the season, Malik Grove became the starter after almost leading the Firebirds to an upset win against Colerain. After that game, Grove won two of his three starts, including a last-minute touchdown pass that defeated rival Lakota East in the season finale. Grove also plays basketball and bowled a perfect game, earning GMC Bowler of the Year honors in 2010.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows football recruiting, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Kyle Meadows video highlights, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Malik Grove football recruiting, Malik Grove Lakota West, Malik Grove video highlights, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton football recruiting, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Mikel Horton video highlights, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football, Tyler Jones, Tyler Jones football recruiting, Tyler Jones Lakota West, Tyler Jones video highlights

Lakota West quarterback Tyler Jones runs past teammate Kyle Meadows and breaks a couple of tackles during a game against the Elder Sept. 2, 2011. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

Cincinnati Enquirer recruiting expert Mike Dyer reported Friday that three Lakota West football players are attracting recent interest from colleges.

Lakota West head coach Larry Cox told Dyer that senior linebacker Mike Kelly is receiving interest from Miami and Ball State. The coach also said that senior offensive tackle Kyle Meadows is receiving interest from Ohio State and junior quarterback Tyler Jones is receiving interest from Cincinnati and Mid-American Conference schools.

Kelly, who was fourth on the team in tackles for loss in 2011, is the brother of Lakota West graduate and University of Alabama offensive lineman Ryan Kelly. He has also received interest from Akron, Northern Illinois and Ivy League programs that include Yale, Harvard, Princeton and Cornell.

In 2011, Kelly was sixth on the team with 38 total tackles. He also had 10 tackles for loss and an interception.

• Cincinnati Enquirer’s recruiting blog with Mike Dyer
• Lakota West football news from WestChesterBuzz.com
• Lakota West OL Kyle Meadows video highlights
• Lakota West LB Mike Kelly video highlights
• Lakota West ATH Tyler Jones video highlights

Meanwhile, Meadows already has offers from Louisville, Ohio, Youngstown State, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Akron, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, West Virginia, Northern Illinois, Florida State, Purdue, Kansas, North Carolina State and Kentucky.

Cox told Dyer that Meadows is taking his time with the process and could take three finalists into the season and make his official visits. Cox said Ohio State is still “extremely interested in him.”

Also, according to Cox, UC is showing interest in Jones, who began last season as Firebirds’ starting quarterback. Eventually, fellow sophomore Malik Grove earned more playing time at QB and started the last three games.

Statistically, Jones completed 51-of-122 passes for 772 yards. He also threw for nine touchdowns and ran for three more.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows football recruiting, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Kyle Meadows video highlights, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Mike Kelly, Mike Kelly football recruiting, Mike Kelly Lakota West, Mike Kelly video highlights, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football, Tyler Jones, Tyler Jones football recruiting, Tyler Jones Lakota West, Tyler Jones video highlights