A BIG WIN...is what the Ansonia Tigers put together was they came from behind to beat Fort Recovery.

The opening Friday night of the 2009 season was one of highs and lows for the Cross County Conference as teams tested themselves against non-conference opponents.

The highs were Ansonia's big win over MAC opponent Fort Recovery, 52-48; Bradford's 64-14 thrashing of Yellow Springs; Mississinawa Valley's victory over Dayton Jefferson; and Bethel's 21-7 win over Northridge.

The lows were defending conference champion Miami East falling big to Milton-Union 48-16; Covington dropping a heartbreaker to New Bremen 29-22; Tri-County North getting blanked by Brookville 41-0; Twin Valley South falling short against Dixie 28-21; Arcanum losing to West Liberty Salem 41-7; and National Trail being upended by Preble Shawnee 33-12.

For the winners, Ansonia made an early season statement that it is a serious challenger for the conference title by beating a respectable opponent - and coming from behind to do so. Combine that win with some impressive performance in scrimmages against playoff seasoned opponents like Lehman and Marion Local, all indications is this could be the year of the Tigers.

Bradford's win over Yellow Springs was impressive considering the manner in which the Railroaders dominated the game on the road. Yellow Springs is no juggernaut, but Bradford dominance over the Bulldogs can't be overlooked for a program headed in the right direction with a strong nucleus of young talent.

The same can be said for Mississinawa Valley and Bethel after big victories to open the season. For teams that are looking to turn the corner in 2009, double-digit victories in the season opener is a good start.

The top two teams in the CCC from a year ago dropped their season openers against stiff competition - much like a year ago.

Miami East ran into a talented Milton-Union team that has looked very impressive in it scrimmages and carried the momentum in the season opener. The Bulldog's team speed and their strength at the line of scrimmage was evident as they ran away from the Vikings, 48-16.

Covington's struggles from its scrimmages carried over into the first half against New Bremen as the Buccs were fortunate to be down 16-7 at the break. But Covington battled back to tie the score at 22-22 and was driving for the potential game-winner inside the New Bremen 15 with under two minutes to go - only to fumble at the ten.

The Cards took advantage by driving 90 yards for the winning score and hand Covington a 29-22 loss.

Tri-County North stepped up the challenge in its season opener against a very strong Brookville team, which is a credit to the Panther program. Brookville dominated the game 41-0, but the final outcome isn't an indication of where the Panthers stand within the CCC. What is does indicate is the Panthers are looking to improve themselves by taking on stiff competition outside of the league.

Also taking on stiff competition was Arcanum, who challenged a perennial playoff caliber program in West Liberty Salem. The Trojans fell 41-7, but saw first hand the level they need to get to in order to make a playoff run should they acquire the victories from here on out to qualify.

Twin Valley South's defeat to Dixie and National Trail's loss to Preble Shawnee are also building blocks for the future. The Panthers are just in their second year under coach Jason Schonelmeyer, while the Blazers are looking to build from the ground up under the newly hired John Graher.