By Dom DiPasqua/Staff Writer

Sunday, October 23, 2011

BRECKSVILLE – Halloween weekend appropriately kicks off with a visit from the Demons.

Westlake travels to Mill Road Friday for a Southwestern Conference game with Brecksville-Broadview Heights. Toe meets pigskin at 7:00 pm in the season finale for both teams at the Bee Hive.

The Bees (5-4, 4-2 Southwestern Conference) will be out to ward off any evil spirits that they don't want to haunt them in the off-season. A BBHHS victory puts a second straight winning season into their bag of treats.

The Demons (4-5, 2-4 Southwestern Conference) will be looking to play a trick on the Bees with the hopes of spoiling the team's Senior Night party.

Westlake is coming off a tough 21-14 loss at Berea, a game in which they scored 14 fourth quarter points before falling short.

The Demons have played nearly everyone on its schedule to the hilt this season. Their average margin of victory has been seven points. That margin in defeats has been 15 points.

"Westlake has played every one in the conference close, it doesn't matter who it is." Said Bees head coach Jason Black. "We have a heck of a task this week. They are a good team."

Following a 34-9 loss on opening night at North Ridgeville the Demons knocked off Rocky River (10-6) and rival Bay (34-24) in non-league games.

In the SWC Westlake has been involved in three 21-14 games and were routed at home by conference leading Avon Lake, 35-10. The forest green and white are 1-3 overall on the road this fall.

On paper things look pretty even. Number geeks will love the fact that both the Bees and the Demons are allowing an average of 22.8 points per game this season. Brecksville is putting up points at a 21.8 per game average while Westlake scores 17.8 per contest.

Beeville ran and passed past the Demons in week ten a year ago in a game played in the mud and dampness of Lou Duchez Stadium. Brecksville's defense was outstanding in that game, permitting a 2010 season low three points.

That 35-3 victory gave the Bees the fraction of a computer point that they needed to gain access to the OHSAA's post-season dance.

Twenty-two seniors are on the Brecksville roster this year and as much as they don't want their high school football careers to end on Friday the last thing they want to remember is it being on the wrong end of the Community Stadium's scoreboard.

"You'll never forget your last high school game period, but you'll remember it even more if you win." Black said.

Those 22 seniors and over 40 more underclassmen will practice with vigor this week in an attempt to keep the Demons from playing tricks on them.

"It will be really emotional, but I'm excited to play." Said veteran Brecksville linebacker and senior co-captain Kyle Graham.

Brecksville used a balanced attack on offense and a stubborn defense to run away from Midpark last Friday by a 32-9 count at the Hive.

Junior quarterback Tommy Tupa completed 15 of 20 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. Junior running back Jay Schott picked-up 135 yards on 20 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns in the league win over the Meteors.

Seniors Jack Rose, Brian Colarik and Graham led the 'Beefense'. Midpark was held to a 21-yard second quarter field goal and a late fourth quarter touchdown. The Meteors had only 218 yards of offense.

SCOUTING THE DEMONS:

District: Northeast.
County: Cuyahoga.
Superintendent: Daniel Keenan.
Principal: Timothy Freeman.
Athletic Director: Tony Cipollone.
Head Coach: Mark Campo.
Head Trainer: Corey Gildea.
School Colors: Forest Green and white.
Nickname: Demons.
Conference: Southwestern Conference.
Male enrollment: 488.
Division: II.
Region: 6.
Notable: Fellow SWC schools Berea and Olmsted Falls are also in D-2, Region 6. The Bulldogs, despite losing to Avon Lake Friday night, have a chance of getting into the playoffs with a win at North Olmsted this week.

WESTLAKE, OHIO (44145):

Population: 32,729 (2010 census).
Mayor: Dennis Clough.
Land area: 15.9 square miles.
Elevation: 709 feet above sea level.
Median annual family household income: $81, 223.
Founded: 1810 as Dover Township.
Incorporated: As Westlake in 1957.
Corporate home to: Energizer, Hyland Software and Travel Centers of America.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011:

Day Time high: 42.
Night Time low: 38.
Winds: NE at 16 mph.
Chance of rain: 20%.
Humidity: 86%.

GAME TIME CONDITIONS:

Temperature: 40.
Chance of rain: 25%.
Winds: 10 mph.
Sunset: 6:27 pm.
In a nutshell: Cold, a good night for a Russian Hunting Hat.

See You At The Bee Hive!

To contact: Ddipa67834@aol.com.

Follow the Lady Bees volleyball team on the web at: www.beesvolleyball.com.

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