With the midpoint of the regular season for central Ohio high school football still a week away, there was plenty of room for surprise during Week 4.
The biggest likely was what occurred at Olentangy, where the Braves followed a 31-7 loss to Reynoldsburg on Sept. 8 by putting a similar hurting on previously undefeated Dublin Coffman, winning 31-14 on Sept. 15 to improve to 3-1.
By the way, what the Raiders did to Olentangy hardly looks like a fluke considering they, too, are 3-1.
In addition to the drama that the Braves have created, here are five things we learned from Week 4:
1. Hilliard Bradley and Olentangy Orange have been central Ohio’s most impressive teams to date.
The Jaguars’ 21-7 victory over Hilliard Darby on Sept. 15 is their only win thus far that has come by fewer than 18 points. As impressive as Bradley’s offense has been during a 4-0 start, its defense has been equally so behind leader Cannon Blauser.
Orange trailed 10-7 at halftime but scored 28 second-half points to pull away from Big Walnut 35-10. The Pioneers have given up just 24 points during their 4-0 start.
2. Beechcroft and Worthington Kilbourne showed their pride.
Although the Cougars lost their first three games and were playing previously undefeated Mifflin, they began the City League-North Division schedule on a 20-game winning streak. Three-time defending league-champion Beechcroft held off a late charge by the Punchers to win 14-8.
Kilbourne entered its matchup with previously undefeated Thomas Worthington at 1-2 but had won the last five matchups between the programs.
On Sept. 15, the Wolves stopped Thomas on a two-point conversion attempt in overtime and won 26-25 to continue their dominance over their community rival.
3. DeSales and Dublin Coffman endured double-digit losses.
The Stallions had a 22-game regular-season winning streak snapped with a 42-7 loss Sept. 15 to Indianapolis Chatard at Earlham College.
Their next task will take place Sept. 22 when they travel to Park Hills (Kentucky) Covington Catholic, which is 5-0.
Coffman, which hadn’t given up a point before losing to Olentangy, next faces Gahanna in a matchup of 3-1 teams.
4. The City-South has three undefeated teams.
Independence, Marion-Franklin and Walnut Ridge all won City-South openers Sept. 15 to improve to 4-0.
Walnut Ridge likely had the toughest task, as it beat 2016 playoff qualifier Columbus West 31-22. Independence beat Briggs 56-10 and Marion-Franklin defeated Africentric 44-12.
5. Pickerington Central, Pickerington North and Gahanna bounced back with ease.
Coming off tight losses to out-of-area teams in Week 3, these three OCC-Ohio title contenders posted bounce-back wins.
While Central’s victory came over winless Groveport (33-7), North blew past Westerville Central (42-3) and Gahanna pulled away from New Albany (40-20) as all three moved to 3-1.
julrey@thisweeknews.com
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