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FAIRFIELD TWP. — Starting next season, the Cincinnati Christian High School football program is taking an extended break from the Miami Valley Conference.

The Cougars have experienced mostly misery since beginning MVC play in 2004, so the goal is to play an independent schedule and build the program up, then return to the league in four or five years.

"We feel it's a chance to take a step back and build this program the right way," CCHS coach Nate Johnson said. "Cincinnati Christian began football with a JV season under its belt and jumped right into the varsity ship. The MVC is a fantastic football league. We're going to ... develop against teams that are more along our talent line."

Johnson said the school will try to maintain its football ties with some of the MVC's smaller programs. Cincinnati Christian's other sports will continue to participate in the league. Next season, Clark Montessori will begin MVC football play.

"The MVC is a very competitive league, and our play to this point hasn't been," Johnson said. "Our goal is to return to the league ready to compete."

The Cougars began MVC competition with a 53-6 loss to Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in 2004.

Cincinnati Christian (1-7) hosts North College Hill on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Lakota Freshman School.

New Miami

It's a big week for the Vikings (5-3), who have legitimate Division VI playoff hopes heading into Friday's game against Cincinnati Country Day at Mara Field.

New Miami needs to beat CCD and Dayton Christian to have a chance at the postseason, though Vikings coach Jeremy Rogers said this week is more about a very good senior class finishing strong on Senior Night.

"They've brought back a level of football to New Miami that's been missing for quite some time," Rogers said. "So I think they're deserving of a good sendoff at home."

A playoff berth would provide a nice ending as well. New Miami has never made it to the postseason.

"At this point, every game is a playoff game," Rogers said. "We told the kids we're starting the playoffs a couple weeks early."

Fairfield

The Indians (0-8) will try to end their 22-game losing streak Friday at home against Lakota East. Only four other Division I teams in Ohio are winless — Lyndhurst Brush, Grove City Central Crossing, Marion Harding and Westerville Central.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com.