CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

The Reds opened the week with four games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in GABP. Two weeks ago they swept the "Snakes" in their home park. This week the Reds could only split.

The UC Bearcats played N.C. State before a national audience on Thursday night in Raleigh and again stunk up the gridiron. The Wolfpack attacked from the start and the Cats couldn't get it going until it was too late. The fall 30-19 and are now 1-2 going into the big Oklahoma game next weekend.

Friday night lights:
Colerain (1) 44-7 over Fairfield
Moeller (2) 49-31 over Findlay
La Salle (3) 48-0 over Northwest (IN)
St Xavier (5) 14-7 over Louisville Trinity
Fenwick 42-35 (2 OT) over McNicholas
Hamilton (8) 48-10 over Oak Hills

The Reds went to Houston to try to get back on track but continued their mediocre play and lost two of three. Cincinnati is a beaten and battered marathoner stumbling toward the finish line. It seems they will win but will hardly be in condition to enjoy it.

They end the week at 84-66. They are six games ahead of the Cards with 12 to play. The magic number sits at eight. Any combination wins by the Reds and losses by the Cards that equals eight puts Cincinnati in the playoffs.

Sunday afternoon the Bengals hosted the Ravens in the division opener for both teams. Cincinnati's offense was not only not clicking; it was sputtering like a drowning duck. The stripped helmets were able to win (and winning is what its all about) but they looked more like a 6-10 team than the 10-6 team the locals are hoping for. Final 15-10. Five field goals - no TDs. They had better figure out the problems before it is too late.

:o)