Louisville's Bobby Swigert and Canton South's Gerald Robinson continue rivalry this week

Zac Jackson, OhioHSsports.com, September 16, 2009 3:03 p.m.

Gerald Robinson vs. Bobby Swigert.

It's a personal rivalry of almost six years that's part of a neighborhood rivalry that's been going on for decades.

Problem is, the ankle injury Swigert -- Louisville's do-it-all leader -- suffered in last week's win over Akron Hoban may stop the personal part of it from having one last go.

Swigert is one of the state's top defensive backs, and he's moved to quarterback for his senior year after playing in the slot the last two. His outstanding play has pushed the Leopards to a 3-0 start - with all three wins over playoff teams from a year ago - and the top ranking in the initial Associated Press Div. II state poll released earlier this week.

The headliner for Canton South, Louisville's opponent this week in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference opener for both teams, is Robinson, who's regarded as one of the state's top wide receivers and is committed to play at Michigan next fall.

Robinson caught 3 passes for 65 yards and the first touchdown of his senior season last week as South got its first win over Ravenna. He was in Ann Arbor Saturday for Michigan's wild win over Notre Dame, and he's tried to carry some of that energy back to the practice field this week as his Wildcats prepare for what could be a season-changing home game.

"We know what's at stake with us already having two losses," Robinson said. "But from my standpoint, I really hope Bobby is playing. I want to measure myself against the best."

Louisville Head Coach Paul Farrah told the Canton Repository that Swigert isn't practicing this week and if he plays Friday night, he'll only play offense.
According to reports, Swigert ---who's also an outstanding baseball player -- has been offered by Boston College, Stanford, Michigan, Pitt and Nebraska, among others. That leaves open the possibility that Swigert and Robinson will be teammates a year from now, but Robinson said that's not something he's thinking about this week.

"Right now Bobby and I don't talk, because that's the way it is between South and Louisville," Robinson said. "That's for later. This is a big game, big rivalry. South and Louisville don't like each other."

Robinson had 6 touchdown catches last season and also recorded 7 interceptions on defense. With three-year starting QB Matt Trissel graduated and South facing quality opponents Dover and Canfield to open the season, it's no real surprise that his opportunities were limited as South slipped to 0-2.

"That was real hard, because no matter what your situation is you want to have a great senior year," Robinson said. "I'm excited as can be to go to Michigan, but I want to leave South with a great year. And I want people to see what I can do and why I'm going to Michigan.

"We've been moving me around, trying to create some man-to-man situations, and hopefully that can open things up for me and for some other guys."

Justin Keith has emerged as a reliable runner for the Wildcats, and new QB Jared May has gained confidence while throwing to Robinson and fellow receiver James Lucas. But Louisville's blitzing, aggressive defense doesn't make it easy on any offense, and the Leopards' spread offense can score in a hurry.

Swigert has accounted for 7 touchdowns this season; he threw 5 touchdowns to 5 different receivers in a televised trouncing of archrival and '08 Div. I state semifinalist North Canton Hoover two weeks ago. Louisville played in the state title game in '07 and was eliminated by Columbus DeSales in the regional finals last fall.

AT THE TOP: Joining Louisville atop the initial AP poll are Cleveland St. Ignatius in Div. I, Columbus Watterson in Div. III, Kettering Alter in Div. IV, Coldwater in Div. V and Delphos St. John's in Div. VI.

Ignatius, Alter and DSJ are defending state champions. Watterson dropped to Div. III from Div. II, and Coldwater dropped to Div. V from Div. IV after losing to Alter in last year's playoffs.

Ignatius faces a monster test Friday night with a trip to Mentor. Ditto for Watterson, which hosts Div. II state title hopeful Cincinnati Winton Woods.
Alter and Coldwater each face unbeaten opponents as Coldwater continues MAC play against Marion Local and Alter travels to Hamilton Badin.
Coldwater plays Delphos St. John's in Week Seven.