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Hoban unanimous No. 1 but Tallmadge keys shakeup in Top 5 of high school football rankings

akron beacon journal
·4 min read
Hoban linebacker Cartier Williams scoops up an Iona Prep fumble and takes it all the way to score during the second half of a high school football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Akron, Ohio.
Hoban linebacker Cartier Williams scoops up an Iona Prep fumble and takes it all the way to score during the second half of a high school football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Akron, Ohio.

Top-ranked Archbishop Hoban just continues to do what great teams do, but even though the Knights remain a unanimous No. 1 in the Beacon Blitz High School Football Rankings, they took a back seat for one Friday night and an epic battle between new No. 2 Tallmadge and previous No. 2 Green.

The Blue Devils escaped with a 47-46 overtime win over the Bulldogs on a 2-point conversion run by quarterback Ty Hurst.

Tallmadge quarterback Ty Hurst gets rid of the football as he is brought down by Green linebacker AJ Fortunato during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Green, Ohio.
Tallmadge quarterback Ty Hurst gets rid of the football as he is brought down by Green linebacker AJ Fortunato during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Green, Ohio.

The loss dropped the Bulldogs to No. 5. Tallmadge took over at No. 2 and undefeated and improving Hudson continued it's climb, landing alone at No. 3.

Nordonia posted an impressive win over Mayfield and moved up to No. 4.

Numbers game:Top Performers from Week 3 of the 2022 high school football season

Here are the Beacon Journal's Top 5 and others to watch:

1. Archbishop Hoban (3-0)

The Knights made big plays on offense, defense and special teams and rolled over their third consecutive out-of-state opponent. Lamar Sperling ran for 241 yards and touchdown runs of 34, 45 and 89 yards to again lead Hoban. Sperling now has nine touchdowns in three games. The Knights also got a fumble return for a touchdown by linebacker Cartier Williams and a punt return for a touchdown by Tysen Campbell. Quarterback JacQai Long continues to improve and receivers Jayvian Crable and Jalen Hightower have been the beneficiaries.

Last week: No. 1

Next: at Cincinnati Withrow

2. Tallmadge (3-0)

The Blue Devils went on the road and took down the team they seem to be molded after in a thrilling overtime win over Green. Quarterback Ty Hurst put up big passing numbers again (21-of-34 for 262 yards and two touchdowns) but it was a quick decision and a 2-point conversion run that was the difference in the game. Collin Dixon was, again, Hurst's favorite target. Dixon caught 13 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns and added a 98-yard interception return for another TD. Next up for the Blue Devils is a date with Suburban League American Conference rival and also undefeated Highland.

Last week: Tied for No. 3

Next: at Highland

3. Hudson (3-0)

The Explorers haven't been as spectacular as Hoban or Tallmadge, but they are again establishing themselves as among the favorites to unseat Stow as the Suburban League National Conference champion. Quarterback Jagger Pallay has made plays when they are needed and continues to lead a steady and well-rounded Explorers team. Junior running back Ian Ludewig has become the primary ball-carrier and ran for 152 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries in a win over Warren Harding

Last week: Tied for No. 3

Next: at Twinsburg

4. Nordonia (3-0)

The Knights used a vastly improved defense to go along with their usual explosive offense in 2021 to bounce back from a couple of down years. That defense has continued to play well and the Knights are still scoring in bunches, including a 48-27 win over usually strong Mayfield team. Quarterback Joey Palinkas completed 17 of 23 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 49 yards and two touchdowns against Mayfield

Last week: NR

Next: North Royalton

5. Green (2-1)

The Bulldogs lost a tough one to Tallmadge in overtime but continue to look like a team that has reloaded despite losing a lot of talent to graduation. Quarterback Robby Klockner was again sensational in defeat, throwing five touchdown passes. Green looks like a contender in the rugged Federal League and will look to bounce back on Friday at home against Jackson in the league opener for both teams.

Last week: No. 2

Next: vs. Jackson

Next five: Highland (3-0), Walsh Jesuit (2-1), St. Vincent-St. Mary (1-1), Wadsworth (2-1), CVCA (2-1).

Also receiving votes: Coventry (3-0), Norton (2-1)

Looking back on Weeks 1-3 of high school football

Miss any of our earlier coverage this season, here it is:

Akron-area high school football Week 3:Akron-area high school football scoreboard: Tallmadge tops Green in overtime thriller

Akron-area high school football Week 2:No. 1 Hoban rolls; North wins first game since 2019: Akron high school football scores

Akron-area high school football Week 1:Friday night prep scoreboard: Twinsburg edges Copley; Tallmadge, Hoban win big

Ohio high school football:Greater Akron high school football: Everything to know for the 2022 season

For more high school football news, listen to our Beacon Blitz High School Football Podcast

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron-area high school football rankings led by Hoban, Tallmadge