2009 High School Football Preview and Year in Review by Eric Frantz

Who says you have to specialize? Not these guys...

Volume 7

Issue 1

Editor in Chief Steve Helwagen Managing Editor Eric Frantz Assistant Editor Matt Natali Recruiting Editors Mark Porter, Bill Kurelic Staff Writers Kirk Larrabee, Jeff Rapp, Dave Biddle Contributors

Marty Gitlin, Jeff Williams, David Gatwood, Brad Morris, Shayne Combs, Jeff Rice

Photography

Stephanie Porter, Gary Housteau, Nick Falzerano, Joe Maiorana, Jim Rinaldi, Scott Grau, Jim Metzendorf, Os Figuero

Printing Miami Valley Sports Magazine (MVP) miamivalleysports.com

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Ohio High Magazine is published online nine times a year and also produces an online and hard copy issue in July (Football Preview/Year in Review). Ohio High is an independent source of news and features relating to Ohio high school sports. Ohio High strives to report information based on fact, but assumes no responsability for any inaccuracies that may appear. Ohio High is not authorized, sponsored or sanctioned by any university, athletic conference or athletic governing body. Subscriptions are available and may be purchased online at jjhuddle.com. c Copyright 2009, Ohio High Magazine and MVP Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. COVER PHOTOS: Jim Metzendorf, Impact Action Sports Photography

n page 84, I address the Midwest Athletic Conference and its dominance in football. Thing is the conference is dominant across the board in all sports and for several of the same reasons – the same kids playing multiple sports. Although the general trend in youth sports today is to specialize, kids in the MAC specialize in one thing – winning…no matter what the season. On June 18 at my relatives farm in Fort Loramie, we did a photo shoot with MAC quarterbacks Keith Wenning (Coldwater), Wes Ulm (Delphos St. John’s), Greg Kahlig (Fort Recovery) and Wes Hunsucker (Anna). That day – June 18 – was the only day that month that all four guys could get together at the same time – no joke. Wenning, Kahlig and Hunsucker each play football, basketball and baseball. Ulm plays football and basketball. “Every day, no matter when, you’re doing something,” Wenning said. “It’s a lot of wear and tear, but it’s worth it.” Said Hunsucker: “The demand is pretty high. Once you get out of one season it is on to the next one. You don’t get any time off in between, but it’s a lot of fun. Sunday is the only day off.” Sunday, though, often involves a car ride to the next destination, whether it be a camp, combine, clinic or game. There never really is a day of rest. “It’s pretty hard, especially trying to gauge your time between Eric Frantz all of them,” Kahlig said. “You don’t really get any off time. I think it’s good experience playing all three sports though. I enjoy all three.” Kahlig, Hunsucker and Wenning, appropriately, excel at all three. Wenning is a three-time first team MAC baseball player and this past spring, en route to helping Coldwater to its second straight D-III state tournament, tallied an 8-1 record as a pitcher with 57 strikeouts and a 0.98 ERA. At the plate he batted .518 with 50 RBIs, 18 doubles and seven home runs. Wenning was a second team All-MAC performer in basketball where he averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He was also second team All-MAC in football (started at receiver and defensive back). As the back-up QB he completed 23-of-40 passes for 611 yards and eight TDs. Hunsucker was the co-MAC Baseball Player of the Year this spring after going 9-0 with a 1.37 ERA and 72 Ks as a pitcher. He batted .438. A two-year starter in basketball, Hunsucker helped the Rockets to the D-III state tournament in 2008. As the starting QB the last two years, Hunsucker has thrown for 3,062 yards and 32 TDs en route to leading the Rockets to 16 wins. He was second team All-MAC last year as Anna finished second in the conference (highest finish ever) and punched a ticket to the playoffs. Kahlig will end his Fort Recovery career with 12 varsity letters, having started varsity in all three sports since the first day of his freshman seasons. In football he already owns the Indians career, season and single-game records for passing yards and TDs. In basketball he was the MAC Player of the Year last season after averaging 23.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists. In baseball Kahlig led the MAC with 8.56 strikeouts per outing (77 total). Kahlig was all-conference in all three sports. Ulm’s credentials aren’t as extensive as the other three, but he’s fine with playing just two sports. And he’s the only one of the four who has a state title to defend. “I don’t know how those guys play three,” Ulm said. “Both coaches want to see you during the summer. They both want you to be with them and work on their sport but you just have to balance your time. “Yeah, it’s tough. It’s demanding, But you just do what you have to to get it done. There’s no backing down. No feeling sorry for yourself.” And no reason to play just one sport.

Eric Frantz Managing Editor

2008-09 Year In Review

Top Of Their Game

A look back at the state tournaments in all OHSAA-sanctioned sports for the 2008-09 school year

The Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Players of the Year in all OHSAA sports; Coaches of the Year in football and boys and girls basketball recognized

2009 Ohio High Coach of the Year

The ‘09 Ohio High Cup Winner is...

Photo by Gary Housteau

St. Ignatius football coach Chuck Kyle wins overall honor

Hunting Valley University School wins annual all-sports award

2009 High School Football Preview

Division and region overviews and inside looks at some of the state’s top teams and players Division I

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22 30 40

Division II

Division III

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Division IV Division V

Division VI

Ohio High School Football Facts and Figures

72 74 76 78 80 83 84

Key Games for the 2008 regular season

Ohio High’s updated Top 30 senior prospects

Shaw’s Tyrone Williams: Bouncing Back Strong

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Lakota West’s Jordan Hicks: In Demand

Ohio High’s updated Top 25 junior prosecpts

Also...

86 88 89 91

47 55 63

The Midwest Athletic Conference: Barn Burner

All-Star Football Round-Up: Ohio wins Big 33, North victorius

Team USA wins IFAF World Junior Championships

Ball St. building football program with Ohio players

Boys basketball recruiting update

86 Photo by Mark Porter

Photo by Nick Falzerano

St. Paris Graham and junior Max Thomusseit captured yet another Division II state title and finished No. 2 in the country.

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STORY BY OHIO HIGH STAFF & OHSAA REPORTS

he Buckeye State witnessed several stellar performances – both on individual and team levels – again this past school year. The following is a look back at the finals in all every OHSAA sanctioned state championship, including soccer, wrestling, basketball, track and baseball. A roundup of the football playoffs can be found beginning on page 37 in the 2009 football preview section. For more information, please visit www.jjhuddle.com and www.ohsaa.org.

FALL SPORTS

SOCCER

November 7-8, Columbus Crew Stadium

Boys Division I Cleveland St. Ignatius senior Denio Leone’s improbable first-half goal through a cluster of defenders stood up as the game-winning goal to give the Wildcats a 1-0 win over Beavercreek in the Division I boys soccer championship game in Columbus Crew Stadium. In winning its third state championship (also in 2004 and 2005), top-ranked St. Ignatius (19-1-3) went 18-0-3 in its final 21 games and out-scored its opponents 26-0 during its seven-game postseason run to the title. The shutout was a school-record 19th this season for junior goalkeeper Joe Kalt. Second-ranked Beavercreek finished the season 20-2-1. The Beavers were making their second appearance in the state title game (1990).

Boys Division II Junior Jon Buscher converted Dayton Carroll’s final penalty kick to give his Patriots a 3-2 shootout win over defending state champion Cuyahoga Falls Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in the Division II boys soccer state championship game in soggy Columbus Crew Stadium. In a driving rain, CVCA (19-3-1) kicked first in the alternating shootout and connected on three of five penalty kicks. Carroll (20-1-2) connected on four, including Buscher’s dramatic game-ender, to give the Pats their second state title (first since 1980).

Boys Division III Senior midfielder Sam Kuehnle’s 30-yard strike in the 51st minute through an unsuspecting Worthington Christian defense gave Ottawa Hills a 1-0 win in the boys Division III soccer state championship game in rain-soaked Columbus Crew Stadium. It marks the first Toledo-area school to win a boys or girls soccer state championship. Unranked entering the tournament and never having advanced past the regional finals, Ottawa Hills (20-3-0) knocked off the state’s No. 1-ranked team, Gates Mills Hawken, 3-0 in the state semifinals and the state’s No. 2-ranked team, WC, to cap off the Golden Bears’ season-ending 14-game winning streak. Ottawa Hills, which overcame an 0-2-0 season start, shut out 17 of its 23 opponents. Girls Division I In a rematch of the 2007 Division I state champi-

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Photo by Eric Frantz

Dayton Carroll beat Cuy. Valley Christian Academy 3-2 in a shootout for the D-II state title and its first since 1980.

Photo by Greg Beers

Akron Hoban entered the D-II state final with 18 straight wins and nine straight shutouts but fell to Fenwick 1-0. onship, second-ranked Cincinnati St. Ursula Academy prevailed again, beating sixth-ranked Strongsville 1-0 in Columbus Crew Stadium. St. Ursula, which beat Strongsville 2-0 in the 2007 finals, finished the season 20-0-3 and won its fourth girls soccer state title in history to tie Clayton Northmont and Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit for the most titles in OHSAA history. The Bulldogs went 20-1-2 last season for a twoyear record of 40-1-5 and two state championships. St. Ursula’s first two state titles came in 1991 and 1993. Strongsville, which was aiming for its fourth state title, wraps up its season 21-2-1.

Girls Division II Middletown Fenwick senior Alexis Heard scored with eight minutes left in the game and Akron Hoban missed a game-tying penalty kick with 1:12 remaining as the Falcons won the Division II girls soccer state championship 1-0 in Columbus Crew

Photo by Greg Beers

Middletown Fenwick won its first D-II state title in girls soccer. The Falcons had never won a district title prior to this season.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Woodridge became the second school in history to win three straight D-II state titles. The Bulldogs edged Tippecanoe 96-99. Stadium. Third-ranked Fenwick (19-4-0) had never advanced past the district tournament before this season, but went 7-0 in the postseason and outscored its opponents 16-2 along the way. Second-ranked Hoban (21-2-1) brought an 18game winning streak into the state championship game and had shut out its last nine opponents, outscoring them 39-0.

CROSS COUNTRY

November 1, 2008 Scioto Downs

Record-tying showings by the Minster girls and the Peninsula Woodridge boys highlighted the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Annual State Cross Country Tournaments, held at Scioto Downs in Columbus. Other girls champions were Rocky River Magnificat and Cuyahoga Valley Christian

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Photo by Nick Falzerano

Barnesville senior Stephanie Morgan, a Baylor recruit, defended her D-III cross country individual state title.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Mason captured its first D-I boys cross country state title. The Comets had never finished in the Top 10 at state until last year.

points to edge Tipp City Tippecanoe, which had 99. Leading Woodridge was senior Joe White, who placed ninth overall with a time of 15:57.01. Other top finishers were senior Michael Rhodes (19th overall) and sophomore Jimmy Charles (32nd). Alliance Marlington senior Jarrod Eick, last year’s runner-up, was the individual champion, running a 15:38.05, while Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy senior Kyle Sullinger was second. Mason had never finished in the top 10 of the state tournament prior to last year, but the Comets took home the big-school boys championship with 100 points. Hilliard Davidson was second with 120 and defending champion Medina was fifth. Sophomore Zach Wills paced Mason by winning the individual championship with a 15:15.66. Bellaire St. John Central placed seventh, fifth and fourth, respectively, in the last three state tournaments before earning its first gold trophy this year in boys Division III. The Fighting Irish had 104 points, edging runner-up and two-time defending champion Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas, which had 115.

GOLF

October 10-11 & 17-18, 2008 Scarlet & Gray Golf Courses, OSU The Players Club at Foxfire Golf Club

Girls Division I In just its second state tournament appearance, Mason built an insurmountable lead and never looked back, taking home its first Division I girls golf state title on the Ohio State University’s Gray Course. The Comets’ 630 was 26 strokes better than runner-up Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit and tied Dublin Coffman’s 2000 squad for the lowest team score in Ohio girls state tournament history. After placing fourth a year ago as a sophomore, Lancaster junior Samantha Swinehart won medalist honors with a 145 two-day total.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Kettering Alter finished runner-up in D-II for the fourth time in five years. The Knights were state champs last season.

Minster, led by senior Lei Bornhorst (above), captured its record-tying sevennth D-III girls cross country title.

Academy, while Mason and Bellaire St. John Central were other boys winners. Minster’s seventh championship in Division III moved the school into a first-place tie with Cleveland Heights Beaumont for most OHSAA girls cross country championships with seven. The Wildcats had 65 points and narrowly defeated Attica Seneca East, which had 69. Defending champion Versailles was third. Minster, which has won six of those championships in the last 10 years, was led by senior Lei Bornhorst, who was 22nd overall with a time of 19:45.47. Freshman Samantha Hoelscher placed 26th, sophomore Averie Bornhorst 37th, sophomore Sophia Richard 38th and junior Jessica Albers 40th. Barnesville senior Stephanie Morgan defended her individual championship when she ran a 17:57.13. Seneca East sophomore Brittany Stockmaster was second. In Division I, Magnificat, the 2007 runner-up, won

its second championship overall and first since 1995. Its 68 points easily topped runner-up North Canton Hoover, which had 121. Leading the Blue Streaks was junior Madeline Chambers, who was fifth overall with an 18:17.91. Cincinnati Oak Hills senior Brooklyne Ridder recaptured the individual championship that she won as a freshman. Runner-up the past two years, Ridder posted a winning time of 17:51.36. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy was fourth, sixth and second, respectively, in the last three state tournaments before winning its first title in Division II. The Royals had 51 points to easily outdistance second-place and defending champion Kettering Archbishop Alter, which had 95. Senior Katie Gillespie led CVCA by winning the individual championship with an 18:00.43. Woodridge joined Sandusky Perkins (1987-89) as the only Division II boys schools to win three straight cross country championships. The Bulldogs had 96

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Girls Division II In its first trip to the state championship, Poland Seminary shot a final-round 333 to win the first OHSAA Division II girls golf title by one stroke over Tipp City Tippecanoe at the Ohio State University Gray course. North Lima South Range senior Ariel Witmer took home medalist honors with a two-day record-low total of 139 that included an even-par 70 and a oneunder par 69. Her 139 was one-stroke better than the previous state record of 140 by Heather Zielinski of Toledo Notre Dame Academy in 1998.

Boys Division I Cincinnati St. Xavier climbed six teams and overcame an eight stroke deficit on the tournament’s final day to capture its third Division I boys golf state title and first since 1995 at the Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course. The Bombers’ other championship came in 1957. West Chester Lakota West sophomore Korey Ward broke a first-day three-way tie in the medalist race with a 77 on the final day and a 151 two-day total to place first. Division II Boys Taking home its third-consecutive state title, Hunting Valley University School fired a secondround 308 to run away with the OHSAA Boys Div. II

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2 0 0 8 - 0 9 Ye a r I n R e v i e w golf championship by 20 strokes over second-place Dayton Chaminade-Julienne on the Ohio State University Scarlet course. It marks the fifth overall state title for University School to move into a tie for third-place for most boys state golf championships with Columbus Bishop Watterson. The last school to win threestraight state golf championships was Gahanna Columbus Academy from 1997-99. Chaminade-Julienne senior Sam Jandel earned medalist honors with a two-day total of 145 (73-72). McLaughlin, last year’s medalist, tied for second with a 152 (78-74) with Apple Creek Waynedale sophomore Grant Weaver (152, 79-73).

Boys Division III Sugarcreek Garaway shot a 312 on the second and final day of the OHSAA Boys Division III State Golf Tournament for a two-day total of 631 at the Players Club at Foxfire Golf Club in Lockbourne to capture its second consecutive and third overall state championship. The Pirates’ other title came in 2004 giving the school three state championships in five years. Garaway was led by senior Kevin Miller, who took home medalist honors with a three-under 69 final round and a two-day total of 141.

Photo by Joe Maiorana/www.impactactionphotos.com

Chaminade Julienne senior Sam Jandel won the D-II state golf title. His older sister Emma was a state champion in 2005.

Photo by Joe Maiorana/www.impactactionphotos.com

Three-time state qualifier and junior Kara Sherwood of Mentor won the school’s first tennis state title in D-I singles.

GIRLS TENNIS

Oct. 17-18, 2008 Stickney Tennis Center

Four lopsided championship matches were won as the Ohio High School Athletic Association wrapped up the girls state tennis championships at the Stickney Tennis Center on the campus of the Ohio State University. In Division I singles, Mentor junior Kara Sherwood, who was a quarterfinalist as a freshman and sophomore, topped Perrysburg senior Julia Metzger 6-2, 6-0 to give Mentor its first girls singles champion. Metzger finished third last year. The Division II singles championship saw Gates Mills Gilmour Academy freshman Lauren Davis overpower Cincinnati Summit Country Day senior Gabby Steele 6-4, 6-0. It marked the first girls singles titles for Gilmour Academy, while Steele finishes her career with one state championship, two second-place finishes and a fourth-place finish. West Chester Lakota West junior Ashleigh Witte and freshman Amanda Lin posted a 6-1, 6-4 win over Upper Arlington sophomore Nicole Flower and senior Stacey Cox to win the D-I doubles titles. It marked the first doubles title for Lakota West and denied Upper Arlington a fifth doubles championship. Junior Christina Raymond and senior Val Micek of Gahanna Columbus Academy notched a 62, 6-2 win over Chagrin Falls freshmen Anna Benson and Emily Mazzola to win the Division II doubles crown. It marked the first doubles title for Columbus Academy.

FIELD HOCKEY

Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2008 Upper Arlington High School

Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown, making its ninth appearance in the state tournament, won its second field hockey title with a 3-1 victory over Gahanna Columbus Academy at Upper Arlington

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Photo by Joe Maiorana/www.impactactionphotos.com

In its first trip to the state finals, Poland Seminary captured the D-II title with a one-stroke win over Tippecanoe.

West Chester Lakota West junior Ashleigh Witte and freshman Amanda Lin captured the D-I doubles title.

High School. Halle Biggar, who scored a goal in the semifinals, added two more goals in the second half of the title game, while Rachel Koletsky added a goal and an assist for the Blazers. Koletsky assisted on Biggar’s first goal that put Hathaway Brown in front 2-0 just three minutes into the second half. Hathaway Brown won its other state title in 2002 and concluded its season with a 17-2-1 mark, outscoring its opponents 21-2 in the postseason. Academy finished with a 17-2-2 mark and was seeking its ninth state title.

title at Wright State University’s Nutter Center as the Bulldogs defeated the Cincinnati Ursuline Academy Lions in four games, 39-37, 16-25, 25-21, 25-12. The 39-37 first game score is the highest in a state tournament championship match since Ohio went to the rally scoring format in 2004. The previous high was 28-26, set on three different occasions. The first game featured 17 ties and six lead changes. It also marked the first time since Toledo St. Ursula in 2004 that a team from the Girls Greater Catholic League did not win Division I and, with Kettering Alter's loss to Parma Padua in Division II, is the first time that a team from the GGCL did not win a state title since 1992. Olmsted Falls, which finished the season as the only undefeated team in all four divisions in Ohio at 29-0, was led by senior Lauren Whyte, who posted a double-double of 36 kills and 22 digs. The Bulldogs, making their first-ever appearance in the

VOLLEYBALL

Nov. 6-8 Wright State Nutter Center

Division I Olmsted Falls won the Division I state volleyball

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Photo by Joe Maiorana/www.impactactionphotos.com

Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown won its second state field hockey title, outscoring the opposition 21-2 in the postseason.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Parma Padua Franciscan captured its first D-II state title, while denying Alter in its bid for a fourth since 2002.

Division IV Marion Local defended its Division IV state volleyball championship as the Flyers defeated Jackson Center 23-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-14 at Wright State's Nutter Center. The Flyers, who were No. 2 in the final coaches poll, avenged a five-game loss to the No. 1 ranked Tigers September 20 in Maria Stein. It was the second straight title for Marion Local, who was the state runner-up in 2002 and appeared in the state semifinals in 2000. Jackson Center was making its second consecutive appearance in the state final four and its first in the title match. The win for Marion Local gives the Midwest Athletic Conference 11 state crowns in the 34 years of the state tournament (Fort Recovery 1990; Marion Local 2007, 2008; Rockford Parkway 1996, 1997; St. Henry 1985, 1987, 1990, 1994, 1995, 2004). Sophomore Alyssa Winner led Marion Local (263) with a double-double of 29 kills and 19 digs while junior Leah Rosenbeck had 10 kills. Senior Allissa Ware paced Jackson Center (28-2) with a double-double of 23 kills and 23 digs while junior Casey Gates also had a double-double of 22 kills and 26 digs.

WINTER SPORTS

WRESTLING

March 5-7 Schottenstein Center, Columbus

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Marion Local returned just one starter from last year’s D-IV state title team but defended its crown anyways.

Troy Chrisitan’s Zach Toal won his third D-III state title, while the Eagles also captured their third straight team title.

state title match, advanced to the state semifinals in 1977 and 2000. Ursuline (28-1), making its ninth all-time apperance in the state final four, was attempting to win its fourth state title (1975, 1993, 2002) and finished runner-up for the fourth time (1995, 2001, 2003).

Division III Albany Alexander won its first state volleyball title as the Spartans defeated the Gates Mills Gilmour Academy Lancers 25-17, 27-25, 25-15 for the Division III crown at Wright State's Nutter Center. Alexander, who lost to Lima Central Catholic in last year's title match, was making its third straight appearance in the state final four while Gilmour Academy was in the final four for the second consecutive year. The Lancers dropped a five-game decision to the Spartans in last year's Division III semifinals a year to the day of this year's matchup (November 8). Senior Megan McCoy led Alexander (28-1) with 12 kills while senior Betsy Irwin added nine and senior Whitney Smith eight. Senior Sarah Radekin dished out 32 assists and senior Lauren Raines had 23 digs. Junior Mary Kramer paced Gilmour Academy (27-2) with eight kills and senior Madison Mawby chipped in seven.

Division II In a match that featured 37 ties and 19 lead changes, Parma Padua won its first state volleyball title as the Bruins (26-3) defeated Kettering Alter (20-9) in the Division II state volleyball finals at the Nutter Center. Alter, which fell short of winning its fourth state title since 2002, was led by senior Annalyse Schmitt and sophomore Kelly Westerkamp, both with 11 kills. The Knights, who hadn't lost a state final four match in four trips (7-0) previously, won Division II state titles in 2002-03 and 2006.

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Division I Much was made this year of Lakewood St. Edward’s possible demise. Who’s laughing now? That chuckle is from Lakewood. The Eagles withstood challenges from Wadsworth, Massillon Perry and surprise Brecksville-Broadview Heights to capture their 13th straight D-I title and 25th overall. Only Cincinnati St. Xavier’s boys swim team (30) has more state titles in one sport. The Eagles advanced four to finals and took home two titles: junior Jamie Clark (119) and senior Collin Palmer (140). St. Edward ended with 111.5 points, while Massillon Perry was second – for the sixth time in seven years – with 91. Broadview Heights (84) was third and Cleveland St. Ignatius fourth (76.5). Wadsworth finished fifth (74).

Division II Can you picture a football team scoring 100 points in a state final? How about a basketball team scoring 200? That’s the equivalent of what St. Paris Graham did en route to its ninth Division II state title and 11th overall. The Falcons scored a head-shaking 282 points and produced seven individual champions. Both are state records. The previous points record of 229 was set by Lakewood St. Edward in 2007. Graham had 221 by the end of competition on March 6. The D-II runner-up – Uhrichsville Claymont – finished a full 201 points behind. As for the seven individual state titles, that mark breaks the old record of six set by Cleveland West in 1951. Graham qualified 13 wrestlers to state and all of

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2 0 0 8 - 0 9 Ye a r I n R e v i e w them stood on the podium. The Falcons also had wrestlers place second (two), third (three) and seventh. Graham’s winners were: sophomore Nick Brascetta (103), senior Zach Neibert (125), freshman Felipe Martinez (130), senior David Taylor (135), senior Brian Stephens (145), sophomore Kyle Ryan (160) and junior Max Thomusseit (189).

Division III Some saw Troy Christian senior Jordan Thome’s loss in the D-III quarterfinals as a huge upset. And on paper it was. In reality it was a win – literally – for TC that he was even out there. Thome – a four-time qualifier and three-time placer – broke his ankle at the Fairmont District yet tried to gut out the state tournament. e wore a brace for his D-III 135 opener and beat Monroeville’s Cal Clark. Thome then dropped his next two bouts. The victory over Clark though made all the difference. The three points Thome earned in that match helped propel the Eagles to their third straight D-III title. TC beat Monroeville by one point (113-112). Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy was third with an impressive showing (103 points). TC had three individual champions in seniors Zac Hancock (140), Chris Burns (145) and Zach Toal (160). TC knows about winning close ones. Two years ago the Eagles edged Marion Pleasant 154-151.5.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

St. Paris Graham senior David Taylor received a standing ovation after winning his fourth state title in Division II.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

St. Edward senior Collin Palmer won his fourth state title to become just the 18th wrestler in Ohio history to do so.

BOYS BASKETBALL

March 26-28 Schottenstein Center, Columbus

Division I No matter how the Division I boys basketball state final finished the ending was going to be storybook. Turns out it’s Northland that gets to live happily ever after. A year after watching his team lose with him on the bench, Northland star and 2009 Ohio Mr. Basketball Jared Sullinger delivered in the clutch, draining two free throws with 2.7 seconds left to lift the Vikings past Princeton 60-58 in a clash of nationally-ranked teams before 12,104 at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center on March 28. Northland, the No. 16 team in the USA Today Super 25 and No. 1 team in the state, finishes the season 27-1, while Princeton, ranked No. 15 by USA Today and No. 2 in the state, finished 25-2.

Division II Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s most notable alum – NBA superstar LeBron James – was on hand March 28 to watch his alma mater in the Division II basketball state championship game. And the Fighting Irish didn’t disappoint. In a back-and-forth match up with Dayton Thurgood Marshall in front of 11,160 fans at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center, SVSM edged the Cougars 59-53 for its fifth state championship in school history. The Irish have made the state Final Four nine times. SVSM (23-4) trailed 29-23 at the half but amped up its defense outscoring Marshall 35-24 in the second half forcing 16 turnovers in the game. Division III Something took place during the Division III state championship game that had not happened since

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Photo by Gary Housteau

Despite being a six-year old school, Columbus Africentric now has two state titles in its trophy case.

Cleveland Central Catholic junior Chall Montgomery led the Ironmen in the D-III final with 16 points and six rebounds.

1931. Two other things materialized that had never happened before. Defiance Tinora’s scoreless first quarter was the first time in 78 years that a team had not scored a single point in a quarter of a state championship game. Cleveland Central Catholic’s 45-38 win over the Rams marked the first state title in program history. Tinora’s 38 points was a D-III finals record low. On March 28, a crowd of 12,041 at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center witnessed the Ironmen (24-3) run out to an 11-0 lead after one quarter and then rally to head home with the hardware. That’s right, Tinora (23-4) came back to take the lead – twice.

The Oaks had to get past Kalida 48-43 in double overtime at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center in front of 13,582 fans before being crowned state champions. Kalida led 33-30 late in the fourth quarter. Coming out of a timeout, Oak Hill set a screen freeing up forward Ryan Borden for a 3-point bucket from the corner to tie the game and send it into overtime. In OT, Kalida clung to a 38-35 lead but with 30 seconds left Oak Hill ran the same play to Borden and he sunk another 3 sending the game into double overtime.

Division IV The Oak Hill boys basketball team’s motto this season was ‘We Believe!’ And you better believe the Oaks lifted the Division IV state championship trophy for the first time in school history on March 28. But the championship didn’t come easy.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

March 19-21 Schottenstein Center, Columbus

Division I The atmosphere was electric for the Division I girls basketball state championship game on March

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2 0 0 8 - 0 9 Ye a r I n R e v i e w Schottenstein Center, Regina joined the traditional Central Ohio power as the only girls programs to claim six state basketball titles. The Royals, which have never lost a state championship game, won a record four straight titles from 2000-2003 and another in 2005. They have made seven state tournament appearances with the only loss coming to Versailles last year in the semifinals. Regina was the only team this season to go undefeated in winning a title.

Photo by Gary Housteau

Northland won just the third state title by a Columbus City League school since 1971 when it captured the Division I championship.

Photo by Gary Housteau

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary won its first state title since LeBron James led the Irish to the 2003 state championship.

Division IV Berlin Hiland and Columbus Africentric have an extensive postseason history against one another. March 21 they staged another classic. Meeting for the fifth straight time in the postseason and the second straight time in the state championship, Africentric capped a furious comeback from a 16-point third quarter deficit to win its second state title 55-46 over Hiland in the Division IV state championship at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center. Hiland beat Africentric 44-37 in last year’s state championship and also ousted the Nubians from the tournament in 2005 (regional semifinal) and 2006 (regional final). Africentric beat the Hawks in the 2007 regional final en route to its first title.

SWIMMING

February 25-28 C.T. Branin Nataorium, Canton

Photo by Gary Housteau

Senior Ryan Borden drained this 3 at the end of regulation in the D-IV final and another at the end of the first OT. Both forced extra minutes.

Sophomore Therany Dunnigan had a huge state tournament for Regina, tallying 24 points and 15 rebounds in two games.

21 as the Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame faithful came out hoping to witness history. And the Cougars delivered. MND became the first D-I team to win four straight state titles and tied South Euclid Regina out of Division III for the most consecutive championships. The Cougars faced adversity in the title game against Toledo Start but MND relied on its veteran leadership and looked to the bench to notch the 52-38 win at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center. MND (27-1) had four players score in double digits with senior Gabby Smith - a Vanderbilt signee and sophomore Kathryn Reynolds leading the way with 13 points each. Ms. Basketball award winner and Northwestern recruit Kendall Hackney tallied 12 points and pulled down four rebounds.

history to lose three straight state championship games, the Blazers came through, winning the first state title in program history with a 52-46 victory over Wapakoneta in the Division II state championship at Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center. The Blazers broke a 44-44 tie with 2:07 to go on a basket by Molly Crosby and then hit 6-of-8 free throws down the stretch, including four by Erica Almady in the final 14 seconds. Wapakoneta had chances late but failed to convert. The Redskins were limited to two free throws in the final 3:32. Wapakoneta led after the first (12-8), second (2220) and third quarters (34-33), but could not close the deal.

Division II Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown made history March 21, and not the wrong kind. Trying to keep from becoming the first school in

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Division III Pickerington now has company. With a 63-48 win over Oak Hill in the Division III championship at the 34th Annual Girls State Basketball Tournament on March 21 at Ohio State’s

Boys Division I Cincinnati St. Xavier regained the state championship, besting 2008 Champion Columbus St. Charles 322 to 265. It’s the 30th state title for St. Xavier’s swimming and diving team, already the winningest program in state history. St. Xavier took first in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, and junior Matt Columbus won the 500 freestyle. St. Charles junior Sandy Whitaker won a pair of titles, placing first in both the 100 backstroke and the 100 butterfly. Upper Arlington senior Eric Huffman defended his titles in the 50 and 100 freestyle as well.

Boys Division II In the first year featuring a second division in boys swimming and diving, Hunting Valley University School scored 288 points to fend off Cincinnati Wyoming, the runner-up with 180 points. University School, which took third in last year’s D-I competition, became the first Cleveland-area boys swimming team to win a state title since Cleveland Heights in 1965. Seniors Ian Stewart-Bates and Tyler Bailey led the way for the Preppers, as both swam on the winning 400 freestyle relay team, Stewart-Bates won the 200 and 500 freestyle, and Bailey took home the 100 free. Girls Division I Upper Arlington claimed its fifth straight title and sixth overall, scoring 349 points to outdistance Columbus Bishop Watterson (176). The Bears swept the three relays, while senior Darcy Fishback won her fourth title in the 100 butterfly, setting a state record dur¬ing the prelims (53.38). Watterson junior Gracie Finnegan defended her championships in both the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. Olentangy Liberty senior Ashley Specht

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2 0 0 8 - 0 9 Ye a r I n R e v i e w took her third title in the 100 breaststroke.

Girls Division II Gates Mills Hawken won its 19th state championship in the past 26 years, tallying 334 points. Hawken has won 11 titles in a row and 13 out of 14, and only Cincinnati St. Xavier’s boys swimming and diving team (30) and Lakewood St. Edward’s wrestling team (24) have won more championships in state history. Hawken senior Brittany Rospierski set a state record in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.98), repeating as winner in that event. Sophomore Alana Arnold won the 100 butterfly, and Hawken finished first in both the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay. Milford Center Fairbanks junior Margo Geer broke her own state records in both the 50 freestyle (22.58) and 100 freestyle (49.39), and she has won both events each of her three years. Bay Village Bay junior Nikki Craft set a new state mark in one meter diving as well (475.40).

GYMNASTICS

March 6-7 Hilliard Darby High School

One year removed from what had been the second-closest score in state history, BrecksvilleBroadview Heights and Rocky River Magnificat matched the record for the tightest team race in state history. But like last year, the Bees came out on top again, coming from behind to defeat Magnificat 145.825 to 145.700 to become the first school to win six straight titles and claiming its ninth overall championship. The Bees scored 36.700 points on the uneven bars in the final event to cap the comeback. Magnificat’s Kelly Nortz won the all-around after finishing second behind graduated teammate Kayla Kmiecik in 2008. Nortz won the vault, floor and the bars. Magnificat, which has 10 state titles, finished as runner-up for the third straight year and sixth time overall. In 2002, Magnificat edged St. Francis DeSales 145.875 to 145.750, the only other time a team championship was decided by .125 points.

ICE HOCKEY

March 14-15 Nationwide Arena, Columbus

Sophomore forward Ian Robertson scored on a 15-yard slap shot just five seconds into the third period, and Hunting Valley University School went on to win, 3-0, over Toledo St. John’s Jesuit in the 2009 OHSAA ice hockey state championship Sunday in Nationwide Arena. After winning their state semifinal game in doubleovertime Saturday over defending state champion Lakewood St. Edward, some questioned if the Preppers would have enough left in the tank to challenge St. John’s, which cruised in its semifinal game, 7-0, over Centerville. But the Preppers (31-63) applied more pressure from the start and held the Titans (23-10-4) to just 10 total shots in the game after they had 42 yesterday. It marks the second championship for University School – first came in 2003 – and caps off a season that saw the Preppers reach the state’s final week-

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Photo by Gary Housteau

Sophomore Kathryn Reynolds was one of four Cougars in double figures in the title game. She tied for team-high honors with 13.

Photo by Joe Maiorana/impactactionphotos.com

Photo by Gary Housteau

Sophomore Alanna Guy played a key role in the state final win by scoring seven of her nine points in the fourth quarter.

Photo by John Cox/impactactionphotos.com

Cincinnati St. Xavier became the first school in history to win 30 state titles in one sport with the another D-I swim title.

Gates Mills Hawken continued its D-II swimming domination by claiming its 19th state championship.

end for the sixth time in the last eight years.

Beavercreek in the semifinals, took down secondseed Kettering Fairmont 3-1 in the championships. Chase Carter from Riverside Stebbins won the individual crown with a score of 723.

BOWLING

March 6-7 Tiki Lanes, Lancaster

First-time champions were crowned in both girls and boys competition, as Pemberville Eastwood took home the girls title March 6 and Springfield Kenton Ridge the boys honors March 7. Eastwood, a first-time state qualifier, rallied back from a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-five Baker score finals against Troy, which had reached the final for the first time and was the top-seeded team. Troy’s Alicia Benson was the top individual, rolling a three-game score of 608 to best Eastwood’s Carrie Lorenzen (601). Kenton Ridge was the top-seeded boys team, and after needing five games to knock off

SPRING SPORTS BOYS TENNIS

May 29-30 OSU Stickney Tennis Center

All four state champions were first-timers as the Ohio High School Athletic Association boys tennis championships concluded May 30 at The Ohio State University’s Stickney Tennis Center. Division I Singles In a rematch of last year’s Division I singles title

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2 0 0 8 - 0 9 Ye a r I n R e v i e w

Photo by Joe Maiorana/impactactionphotos.com

Upper Arlington brought home its fifth straight D-I girls swimmming state title and sixth overall.

Photo by Joe Maiorana/impactactionphotos.com

Photo by Jeff Mills/impactactionphotos.com

Brecksville-Broadview Heights became the first school to win six straight gymnastics state titles. The Bees have nine overall.

Photo by Jim Metzendorf/impactactionphotos.com

Hunting Valley University School won its second state ice hockey title (first in 2003) with a 3-0 win over Toledo St. John’s.

Springfield Kenton Ridge won its first state bowling title with a four-set win over Kettering Fairmont.

match, New Albany senior Peter Kobelt outlasted West Chester Lakota West senior Wyatt Lippert 36,7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 38 minutes. Lippert won their 2008 championship meeting, which also went three sets, and ends his career with four top-four finishes.

semifi¬nal match, topping Columbus Wellington School sophomore Ian Wagner 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (8-6) before facing Fritz in the finals.

Division I Doubles In Division I doubles, Worthington Kilbourne junior Kevin Metka and senior Johnny Price topped defending state champion Columbus Bishop Watterson brothers Philip, a senior, and Chris Diaz, a sophomore, 6-4, 6-4.

Division III Singles Cincinnati Country Day junior Joey Fritz, who finished third last year, beat Beachwood junior Mark Goldberg 6-1, 6-2 to win the Division II singles crown. Fritz surrendered only six points in his four tournament wins. Goldberg had to win a marathon

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Division II Doubles Sophomores Alex Aleman and Lou Konstan from Cuyahoga Falls Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy won the Division II doubles crown, topping junior Andrew Enslen and senior Joey Frank from Columbus Academy 6-3, 7-5.

BASEBALL

June 4-6 Huntington Park, Columbus

Division I Sixth-ranked Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller captured its fifth state title by knocking off secondranked Pickerington North 5-2.

North scored a run in the top of the first, but the Crusaders (24-5) answered with three tallies in the bottom half, getting an RBI base hit from junior Tyler Hutchison, an RBI groundout from senior Eric Smith, and senior Brett Cisper coming around to score on a passed ball. Senior Eric Brindle had an RBI single for North in the fourth to cut it to 3-2. The Crusaders, though, came back with a run of their own in the fourth, with junior Ethan McAlpine scoring on an error. Moeller pushed across its final run in the fifth on Smith’s RBI single. Brindle, Smith and senior Sage Iacovone each had two hits to lead Moeller’s offense. Junior Robby Sunderman worked five innings and yielded just one earned run to earn the win, while Cisper closed the game with two scoreless frames to pick up the save. North, playing in its first state championship game, finished its season at 30-4. Brindle and Alex Bayer both went 2-for-3. Division II Behind a two-hitter from senior Erik Okleson, unranked Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (284) defeated second-ranked Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit 2-1 to claim its second state title. Okleson allowed a one-out home run in the top of the first to senior Joe Pawlowski and a two-out single in the second, but held the Warriors hitless the rest of the way. He walked four and struck out six in the complete game victory. NDCL tied the score at one in the bottom of the second, with senior Sean Stricker’s single plating senior Matt Bencic. The Lions pushed across the go-ahead run in the sixth as Bencic singled home senior Rob Searles with two outs. The Warriors then put two runners aboard in the seventh, but Okleson ended it by forcing a groundout and flyout. Walsh Jesuit, the defending and four-time state champion, finished with a 25-6 record and as state runners-up for the first time.

Division III Gnadenhutten Indian Valley took advantage of a Hamilton Badin miscue and won its first state title with a 7-6 victory over the top-ranked Rams in eight innings. Badin (29-3) tied the score at six with a run in the sixth inning that eventually forced the game to extra innings. After the Rams went down in order to start the eighth, junior Matt Wheeler walked and junior Logan Gray singled, with Wheeler coming around to score on a throwing error to end it. Junior Adam Mizer pitched the final 5 2/3 innings for sixth-ranked Indian Valley and gave up one earned run to earn the win. Gray had three hits and Wheeler reached base four times, scoring three runs. For Badin, Corey VanNatta scored three times, while Toerner, McKinney and Purcell each drove in two runs. The Rams finished as runners-up for the second straight year and the third time since 2005.

Division IV Hamler Patrick Henry (25-4) succeeded in its title defense by defeating New Middletown Springfield Local 3-1. Fifth-ranked Patrick Henry is the first school since Newark Catholic (2002-04) to repeat as state baseball champions. Newark Catholic accomplished the feat in Division IV as well. The fifth-ranked Patriots scored twice in the top of

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2 0 0 8 - 0 9 Ye a r I n R e v i e w the first. Senior Chris Boyer had a sacrifice fly and senior Tyler Phillips hit an RBI single to put Patrick Henry on the board. Springfield (29-5) tallied its lone run in the second on junior Matt Semach’s sacrifice fly, which scored senior Bryan Visingardi. Patrick Henry tacked on an insurance run in the fifth, as senior Brian Kline’s RBI basehit scored senior Clay Maas. Unranked Springfield was making its second appearance at state and finished as runners-up for the first time.

SOFTBALL

June 4-6 Firestone Stadium, Akron

Division I After finishing as state runners-up each of the past three seasons, Elyria (29-3) claimed its second state title, defeating Hudson 10-1. The game was scoreless through three and a half innings when the top-ranked Pioneers broke through with a six-run fourth. Senior Tess Sito hurled a twohitter, giving up a solo home run to junior Callie Drohan in the sixth inning. After striking out 17 hitters in Elyria’s semifinal win, Sito fanned 11 Explorers in the championship game. Eighth-ranked Hudson, winners of the 2007 title, finished its season at 29-3.

Photo by Joe Maiorana/impactactionphotos.com

New Albany senior Peter Kobelt won the D-I singles state title in a rematch of last year’s state championship match.

Photo by Scott Grau/impactactionphotos.com

After going 0-3 in the last three D-I state championship games, Elyria broke through for the title this season.

Division II Hamilton Ross (26-7) used a four-run fifth inning to propel itself to a 4-2 victory over Bellville Clear Fork for the school’s first state championship. Ross pitcher Brittany Fernandez allowed six hits and struck out five without walking anybody. Clear Fork (29-5), making its first state appearance since 1980, was led by sophomore Taylor Thomas (3-for-3, run scored).

Division III Second-ranked Hebron Lakewood (30-4) repeated as state champions, shutting out fifth-ranked Youngstown Ursuline (27-7) 5-0. Lakewood starter Alissa Birkhimer went the distance and allowed four hits, striking out nine. Birkhimer, a senior, also earned the victory in the 2008 state title game. Birkhimer set down 13 of the last 14 hitters she faced. Ursuline junior Kasey Foley had two of the team’s four hits in the Lady Irish’s first trip to the state tournament.

Division IV Strasburg-Franklin brought home its fifth state championship and first in 18 years as the topranked Lady Tigers downed fifth-ranked Convoy Crestview 2-0. Junior Carly Clark and sophomore Kasey Gerber combined for the one-hit shutout. The Lady Tigers (32-2) shut out all eight opponents they faced in the postseason. Junior Lydia Etzler had the lone hit for the Knights (27-4), who finished as runners-up for the second time (2005).

TRACK

June 4-6 Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, Columbus Division I Boys Gahanna-Lincoln gave Central Ohio a sweep of

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Photo by Jim Metzendorf/impactactionphotos.com

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Cincinnati Moeller captured its fifth Division I state baseball title with a win over Pickerington North.

Gahanna-Lincoln won its second D-I boys track title and first since 1979 by edging Cleveland Glenville 48-45.

the big school state titles at the D-I boys state track and field championships on June 6 by edging perennial power Cleveland Glenville 48-45 for the title. G-L also won the state championship in 1979. It was the first title by a Central Ohio team since 1999 (Thomas Worthington) and just the third since 1983 (Marion Harding). Junior Blake Heriot captured the only two titles for the Lions, winning the 200 (21.25) and 400 (47.47). He was also second in the 100. Junior Herman Washington was second in the 110 hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles..

Cortland Lakeview 47-38. Eastwood was also runner-up in 2003. The Eagles accumulated nearly 75-percent of their points in the field events. Junior thrower Justin Welch defended his discus title with a stadium record heave of (196-1). He was also third in the shot put. Senior Crosby Schemenauer won the pole vault (15-4), while senior Josh Hoodlebrink was second in the long jump (22-9.25).

Division II Boys When people hear “track” championships they often forget about the “field” part. Pemberville Eastwood has a huge reminder. After finishing runner-up last year, the Eagles captured their first Division II boys state track and field title on June 6 by besting second place

Division III Boys Garfield Heights Trinity has dominated the North Coast League in boys track, winning 18 of a possible 24 championships and 10 of the last 12. Now the Trojans can add the rest of the state to their list of conquests. On June 6 at the 102nd annual boys state track and field championships, Trinity won its first Division III state title by outscoring PandoraGilboa 45-38.

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2 0 0 8 - 0 9 Ye a r I n R e v i e w seconds (3:43.83). Cordell also won the open 800 (2;10.79). Walker, who won the individual 400 (54.74), teamed with Gause, Washington and senior Timia Ingram to set the record in the 800 relay (1:37.02). Senior Melissa Dodaro defended her discus title (146-04). The Raiders 400 relay of Ingram, Gause, sophomore Kacia Grant and senior Ashley Phillips was second.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Reynoldsburg won its first D-I girls track title by blowing out the competition with 82 points.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Columbus Hartley won a share of its fourth track title when it placed second in the meet’s final event (1,600 relay).

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Garfield Heights Trinity captured the D-III boys track title. It’s the first boys state title for Trinity since 1980 (football).

Led by sophomore Candace LonginoThomas, Gates Mills Gilmour Academy won its fourth D-III title in five years.

The state championship is just the second earned by a boys program at Trinity (also won football in 1980) and the sixth state title in school history. Trinity’s rise to the top has been fast. In 2007 the Trojans didn’t score a point at state and last year managed just nine en route to finishing 22nd. Things were different this year. Senior standout Jonathan Bobak captured both the 100 (11.11) and 200 (21.92) titles and anchored the winning 800 relay (1:28.96), which also included junior Brian Smith and seniors Steve Mlinaric and Nick Swanson. Sophomore Nick Gliha (9:28.16) won the 3,200 title.

6 at Ohio State’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The 82 points were the fourth most in the 35 year history of the girls championships. Cleveland Beaumont scored 98 points in 1990 and also had tallies of 89 (1999) and 87 (1997). The title is also the first for a Central Ohio school in the big school division since 1985 when Upper Arlington claimed the Class AAA championship. It doesn’t appear to be the last. The Raiders are heavy on underclassmen. Freshman Destinee Gause had a hand in three titles. She won the 200 (24.21), ran on the winning 1,600 relay and anchored the winning 800 relay. Just for good measure, both the 1,600 and 800 relays set new state and meet records. The 1,600 quartet, which also included freshman Faith Washington and sophomores Azia Walker and Taneisha Cordell, bettered the previous mark (3:45.89 set last year by Walnut Hills) by over two

Division I Girls If you like blowouts, the Division I girls state track and field championships were to your liking. Reynoldsburg obliterated the competition en route to its first state title, beating second place Cincinnati Withrow 82-35 in the team race on June

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h io H i g h

Division II Girls With two events to go, Columbus Bishop Hartley led Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy by four points in the Division II girls team standings at the state track and field championships om June 6. With one event to go, Hartley suddenly trailed CVCA by two. Needing to finish ahead of the Royals in the meet’s final event – the 1,600 relay – the Hawks came through in the clutch, placing second in 3:55.24. CVCA was third (3:58.59). As a result, both Hartley and CVCA scored 55 points and grabbed a share of the D-II girls track title at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The state championship is CVCA’s first in track and Hartley’s fourth (first since 1988). Hartley grabbed its share of the team title thanks in part to its success in the meet’s fastest events. Junior Chesna Sykes swept both the 100 (12.05) and 200 (24.53), while sophomore Aisha Cavin was second in the 200 (24.63). Junior CharAnna Dixon was seventh in the 100 (12.79). The Hawks 400 relay of Dixon, Sykes, Cavin and senior Ashlee Hoffman was also first with a new state and state meet record time of 47.09. Division III Girls Gates Mills Gilmour Academy is the undisputed class of Ohio when it comes to Division III girls track. Rallying from a 24-8 deficit after the first six events, Gilmour captured its fourth D-III state title in five years on June 6 by scoring a whopping 65 points in the meet’s final 11 events for 73 overall. That’s an average of 5.9 points, meaning the Lancers averaged no worse than third in any event on the final day. The 73 points was the most for a small-school girls team since Minster put up 75.33 in 1979. Gilmour was runner-up last year. Relays and sophomore Candace LonginoThomas did most of the damage for Gilmour. Longino-Thomas became just the 18th girl in state history to capture for firsts when she won the 100 (12.05) and 200 (24.42) and anchored the winning 400 (48.70) and 800 (1:41.31) relays. Gilmour’s 400 and 800 relays also set new state and state meet records with their times. Sophomores Alexandria Dahlhausen and Longino-Thomas, junior Kathryn Drew and senior Rebbecca Bloom ran the 400, while Dahlhausen, Longino-Thomas, Drew and junior Bekka Simko competed in the 800. Simko also won the 400 (56.11). Gilmour’s 1,600 relay (Dahlhausen, Simko, senior Melanie Frank and junior Grace Brennan) won in 3:57.19, while the Lancers 3,200 relay finished second to Versailles by less than a second. With the stable of underclassmen it returns, Gilmour better make more room in its trophy case. It appears the Lancers are far from slowing down. Versailles second place tally of 62 points would have been good enough to win the state title in every state meet from 1985-2007. — OH

J J H U D D L E . C O M 17

2 0 0 8 - 0 9 H u n t i n g t o n B a n k / O h i o H i g h P l a y e r s o f t h e Ye a r

t was another great school year in Ohio high school athletics and Ohio High is proud to partner with Huntington Banks to present player of the year awards in all OHSAA sanctioned sports. For more information on the winners and articles on each log onto jjhuddle.com.

FOOTBALL Erick Howard, North Canton Hoover GIRLS TENNIS Lauren Davis, Gates Mills Gilmour Academy GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Brooke Ridder, Oak Hills Photo by Gary Housteau

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Zach Wills, Mason GIRLS SOCCER Ashley Cuba, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney BOYS SOCCER Matt Wiet, Worthington Kilbourne

Photo by Gary Housteau

VOLLEYBALL Lauren Whyte, Olmsted Falls BOYS GOLF Kevin Miller, Sugarcreek Garaway GIRLS GOLF Ariel Witmer, North Lima South Range FIELD HOCKEY Natasha Leickly, Columbus Academy BOYS BASKETBALL Jared Sullinger, Columbus Northland GIRLS BASKETBALL Kendall Hackney, Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame WRESTLING David Taylor, St. Paris Graham BOYS BOWLING Chase Carter, Dayton Stebbins

Photo by Gary Housteau

GIRLS BOWLING Emily Figer, Beavercreek BOYS SWIMMING Matt Columbus, Cincinnati St. Xavier GIRLS SWIMMING Darcy Fishback, Upper Arlington

Photo by Nick Falzerano

ICE HOCKEY Pat Shedlock, University School GYMNASTICS Kelly Nortz, Rocky River Magnificat BASEBALL Tyler Skulina, Walsh Jesuit SOFTBALL Tess Sito, Elyria BOYS TRACK Danny Neff, Vandalia-Butler GIRLS TRACK Candace Longino-Thomas, Gates Mills Gilmour Academy BOYS FIELD Erik Kynard, Toledo Rogers GIRLS FIELD Emily Pendleton, Elmore Woodmore BOYS TENNIS Peter Kobelt, New Albany BOYS BASKETBALL COACH Norm Persin, Oak Hill GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH Dante Harlan, Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame

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Submitted Photo

FOOTBALL COACH Scott Bartholomew, Circleville Logan Elm

JJ Hu ddleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s O h io Hi gh

O h i o H i g h C o a c h o f t h e Ye a r

STORY BY JEFF WILLIAMS

n the span of a 30-minute conversation with legendary St. Ignatius football coach Chuck Kyle, it’s nearly impossible to get him to talk about himself. He’ll steer you in the direction of his assistant coaches. Guys like 27-year offensive coordinator Nick Restifo or 13-year defensive coordinator Dan Corrigan. “You do this at the high school level and really, you enjoy your friends. Coaching’s a fun thing to do with your friends,” he says. He’ll talk about the great men he teaches about in his capacity as English teacher at St. Ignatius – William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer. “In all honesty, when I started this, I was going to be a high school English teacher first and also coach. At no time did I even think I was going to be a head coach. I didn’t even think that far, I just wanted to coach and teach. I thought it was a great occupation and I still love teaching English,” he said. He’ll talk about the endless Division I players and the work ethic he’s tried to instill at the place he graduated from in 1969. “If you come in January and February and you take a look in the weight room you’ll see a pack of kids working to get better. And if you drove to St. Ignatius today at any point, and just walk onto our field, there’ll be some kind of conditioning thing going on and there’ll be 60 kids in the morning and then later on another 60 kids will be out there.” He’ll glow when discussing the great job his daughter Maureen is doing as a news reporter on WKYC Channel 3 out of Cleveland. “I have to introduce myself as Maureen Kyle’s dad now,” he said with a smile. Most of all, he’ll talk about what’s great about his job as a high school football coach. “I love coaching and teaching this age group because they enter high school and they’re boys; they walk out of high school, they’re men. During those four years it’s amazing for those young kids. It still is the bastion of innocence and I hope it always stays that way. They’re playing because they love it,” the 10time state champion coach said. That’s right. Ten state championships out of the 11 times his Wildcat teams have reached the playoff finals. Kyle’s program stands alone in the Ohio playoff era in championships after

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beating Cincinnati Elder 28-20 last December at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium. He has accrued unbelievable numbers like his 257-57-1 overall record or 54-11 playoff record, which both hover just over the .800 mark for winning percentage. His teams have made it to the postseason all 21 years he’s been the head coach and they won the whole thing as repeat champions in 1988 and 1989 before going from 1991 to 1995 with an unbelievable five straight titles. After taking second in 1996, the Wildcats tacked on championships in 1999 and 2001 before its extended break before this year’s title.

Chuck Kyle Cleveland St. Ignatius

Even in June, Kyle had no trouble talking about the players who led last year’s team to its 14-1 record and 10th title. “We’ll miss the seniors,” he said. “If I could put that team in a bottle and pull it out every year, I’d be coaching until 90 or when the legs give out. It was just a pleasure to work with them. The kids didn’t really care who scored the touchdowns, who made the tackles. Seniors, juniors, everyone just got along. It was just all for team and that was enjoyable. They had a nice work ethic.” Seniors like quarterback Andrew Holland, who’s headed to Penn, or Connor Ryan, who is a Ball State recruit. Notre Dame signee Dan Fox heads the list that also includes Miami of Ohio recruit Pat Hinkel. “Our kids graduate and they go to college,” said Kyle. “I am so proud of our track record with these young men. They go to college, they succeed and they graduate. Last year’s group was no exception. They truly led our ballclub and they’re most certainly going to be

missed.” Kyle pointed to the dedication of his players and the sheer numbers that he pulls together at Ignatius. “We had 102 kids on the varsity last year and total in the program we had a little over 250 kids playing football,” he said. “You add that up, some are going to grow and some are going to work. You’re probably going to find some players in that group.” Kyle’s teams were USA Today National Champions in 1989 and 1993 and last year, took MaXPrep’s National Runner Up honors after finishing first in Region I and fourth in the Associated Press media polls. That’s despite dropping its first game of the season 20-17 to Cleveland Glenville. “I think they looked at our schedule and we lost to Glenville on the last play and they realized, ‘Ok, maybe losing that first one gets us a little more focused on what we need to work on,” said Kyle. “Their focus the rest of the year was astounding.” Like rolling over St. Ed in the first round of the postseason 37-0 before beating top-ranked Glenville 8-7. Then rolling Strongsville and North Canton Hoover by a combined score of 71-7 to get to the championship win over Elder. After the state title, Kyle had to get to work on his summer experience, which is leading Team USA in the World Junior Football Championships in Canton as teams from Mexico, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, France and Sweden descend upon the state from June 27 to July 5. “It’s a great honor,” said Kyle, whose team is made up of recently-graduated seniors from all over the U.S. “At 58 years old, there’s still time to try something new and this is going to be a wonderful experience for me and for the players.” And what the future holds for the 58-year old who has been coaching at his alma mater since graduating from John Carroll in 1974? How has he withstood what can only be estimated as numerous phone calls from college or professional programs looking to retain his successful services? “Of course there have been calls inquiring about positions, but I got the chance to go back right away from college to the high school I went to so there’s a little bit of that loyalty there,” Kyle said. “And I never wanted to get talked out of doing what I wanted to do. You look at the college level. Amazing athletes, huge excitement, I understand that, but I would miss the classroom, teaching English. Guys will come back from playing at all the great colleges where we’ve sent them and they’ll say, ‘Coach, it’s not quite as fun now as it was in high school.’ The idea of playing it for fun with your friends is there in high school. I want that. I still love that.” — OH

J J H U D D L E . C O M 19

Ohio High Cup

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

2008-09 Ohio High Cup Standings Sch o o ls t ha t e a r n e d a t l e a s t 5 po i nt s

1 7 — Hunting Valley University School (D-II boys golf champions, D-II boys swimming champions, DII wrestling third, ice hockey champions). 1 4 - 1 / 2 – Cleveland St. Ignatius (D-I football champions, D-I boys golf third, D-I boys soccer champions, D-I wrestling fourth, D-I baseball semifinalist). 1 3 - 1 / 2 – Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown (D-II girls golf third, field hockey champions, D-

Hunting Valley University School wins 2008-09 Ohio High Cup; St. Ignatius second

or the sixth year in a row, Ohio High will present the Ohio High Cup to the school that scores the most points in Ohio High School Athletic Association-sanctioned state championship events. This competition is patterned after the Directors’ Cup standings for colleges and universities. In the Ohio High Cup competition, schools accumulate points by finishing in the Ohio High Cup Winners top four at OHSAA-sanctioned state team championships. 2003-04: Versailles Schools that win a state title 2004-05: Cuyahoga Falls are awarded five points. Runner-up teams receive Walsh Jesuit three points, third-place teams 2005-06: Cincinnati St. Xavier get two points and fourth-place 2006-07: Kettering Alter teams get one point. In sports where state semifinal teams 2007-08: Lakewood St. Edward tie for third, they each receive 2008-09: Hunting Valley 1-1/2 points. University School In this issue, we tabulate the third and final set of standings for the 2008-09 school year. These standings include points awarded for the spring season state championships in baseball, softball and boys and girls track. With state championships in boys gold, boys swimming and ice hockey as well as a thirdplace finish in wrestling, Hunting Valley University School tallied 17 points in to claim the 2008-09 Ohio High Cup. Cleveland St. Ignatius, the leader after the fall season, gained 11/2 points in the spring by reaching the baseball state final four. That left St. Ignatius in second place with 14-1/2 points. A state title in girls basketball helped Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown finish in third place with 13-1/2 points. Versailles captured the first Ohio High Cup in 2003-04. In 200405, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit claimed the cup. In 2005-06, Cincinnati St. Xavier won the Ohio High Cup competition. In 200607, Kettering Alter won the cup. Last year, Lakewood St. Edward took the Ohio High Cup. — OH

20 J J H U D D L E . C O M

II girls

soccer semifinalist, D-II girls basketball champions). 1 3 — Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (D-II girls cross country champions, D-II boys soccer runner-up, D-III wrestling third, D-II girls track runner-up) 1 2 - 1 / 2 – Kettering Alter (D-IV football champions, D-II volleyball runner-up, D-II girls cross country runner-up, D-II girls basketball semifinalist). 1 0 — Cincinnati St. Xavier (D-I boys golf champions, D-I boys swimming champions), Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (D-III girls volleyball runner-up, D-III boys golf third, D-III girls track champions), Mason (D-I boys cross country champions, D-I girls golf champions), Pemberville Eastwood (girls bowling champions, D-III boys track champions). 9 — Rocky River Magnificat (D-I girls cross country champions, girls gymnastics runner-up, D-I girls track fourth). 8 - 1 / 2 – Brecksville-Broadview Heights (D-I girls volleyball semifinalist, D-I wrestling third, girls gymnastics champions), Columbus Hartley (D-II girls volleyball semifinalist, D-II boys track third, D-II girls track champions), Upper Arlington (D-I girls cross country fourth, D-I girls soccer semifinalist, D-I girls swimming champions, D-I boys swimming fourth). 8 — Cincinnati Moeller (D-I boys golf fourth, D-I boys swimming third, D-I baseball champions), Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame (D-I girls volleyball semifinalist, field hockey semifinalist, D-I girls basketball champions), Oak Hill (D-IV boys basketball champions, D-III girls basketball runner-up), Versailles (D-III girls volleyball semifinalist, D-III girls cross country third, D-III girls basketball semifinalist, D-III girls track runner-up), Youngstown Ursuline (D-V football champions, D-III softball runnerup). 6 - 1 / 2 – Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (D-II boys cross country fourth, D-I girls golf tied for second, D-II baseball runner-up), Gates Mills Hawken (D-III boys soccer semifinalist, D-II girls swimming champions), Lakewood St. Edward (D-I wrestling champions, ice hockey semifinalist), Maria Stein Marion Local (D-V football semifinalist, D-IV girls volleyball champions). 6 — Cincinnati St. Ursula Academy (D-I girls golf fourth, D-I girls soccer champions), Columbus Academy (D-III football runner-up, field hockey runner-up), Columbus DeSales (D-II football semifinalist, D-II boys soccer semifinalist, D-II boys basketball semifinalist, D-II baseball semifinalist), Minster (D-III girls cross country champions, D-III boys golf fourth), Peninsula Woodridge (D-II boys cross country champions, D-II girls cross country fourth), St. Paris Graham (D-II girls golf fourth, D-II wrestling champions), Tipp City Tippecanoe (D-II boys cross country second, D-II girls golf runnerup). 5 - 1 / 2 — Akron Hoban (D-II football semifinalist, D-II girls soccer runner-up, D-II girls track fourth), Columbus Watterson (D-I girls golf tied for second, D-I girls swimming runner-up). 5 – Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (D-II boys basketball champions), Albany Alexander (D-III girls volleyball champions), Aurora (D-III football champions), Bellaire St. John Central (D-III boys cross country champions), Centerville (D-I girls swimming third, D-I girls basketball semifinalist, ice hockey semifinalist), Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (D-II baseball champions), Cincinnati Wyoming (D-II boys swimming runner-up, D-II girls swimming third), Cleveland Central Catholic (D-III boys basketball champions), Columbus Africentric (D-IV girls basketball champions), Columbus Northland (D-I boys basketball champions), Dayton Carroll (D-II boys soccer champions), Delphos St. John’s (DVI football champions), Elyria (D-I softball champions), Gahanna Lincoln (D-I boys track champions), Garfield Heights Trinity (D-III boys track champions), Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (D-III baseball champions), Hamilton Ross (D-II softball champions), Hamler Patrick Henry (D-IV baseball champions), Hebron Lakewood (D-III softball champions), Middletown Fenwick (D-II girls soccer champions), Olmsted Falls (D-I girls volleyball champions), Parma Padua Franciscan (D-II girls volleyball champions), Poland Seminary (D-II girls golf champions), Reynoldsburg (D-I girls track champions), South Euclid Regina (D-III girls champions), Springfield Kenton Ridge (boys bowling champions), StrasburgFranklin (D-IV softball champions), Strongsville (D-I girls soccer runner-up, girls gymnastics third), Sugarcreek Garaway (D-III boys golf champions), Sylvania Southview (D-II football champions), Toledo Ottawa Hills (D-III boys soccer champions), Troy Christian (D-III wrestling champions).

JJ H u ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Photo by Stephanie Porter

Ohio High Football Preview: Division I

Both Division II state finalists from last year - runner-up Anderson (the 2007 champion) and champion Sylvania Southview - are both in Division I this season thanks to realignment.

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D-I W

hen the dust settled at the end of the Ohio high school football season, a familiar program and coach were holding the gold trophy as the Division I state champion. Cleveland St. Ignatius extended its record to playoff state championships to 10 by defeating Cincinnati Elder 28-20 in the 2008 Division I state title game. It marked the 10th title in 21 years for the Wildcats and their longtime head coach Chuck Kyle. It also ended St. Ignatiusʼ sevenyear state championship drought – the longest period between titles for the school since it won its first title in 1988. One certainty – it seems – is that a Cincinnati-area school will be in the title game. Cincinnati schools have reached the championship game seven times in the last eight years with Cincinnati Elder and Cincinnati St. Xavier each winning two titles and Cincinnati Colerain one during that span. Those three schools – along with reemerging Cincinnati Moeller and any number of Dayton-area schools – figure to be the class of Region 4. Cincinnati Anderson, the Division II state champion in 2007 and the state runner-up last year, has moved up to DI and could add some spice to that always competitive region. Region 3, covering much of central Ohio, could be wide open. In recent years, Dublin Coffman and Pickerington Central have been the teams to beat. Northeast Ohio is split into two regions. As always, St. Ignatius, Strongsville, Mentor and Cleveland Glenville could be the key teams to watch in Region 1. Region 2, which skews more toward the inland teams in northeast Ohio, could be wide open. North Canton Hoover won the region, defeating Canton GlenOak in the regional final last year. But longtime powers Canton McKinley and Massillon Washington will be lurking and working to try and regain their past glory. Also, defending Division II state champion Sylvania Southview has moved up to Division I this year and could challenge in this region. The goal will be to reach the state championship game, set for Sat., Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Cantonʼs Fawcett Stadium.

JJ H u ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

Region 1

Teams To Watch

Cleveland Glenville (11-1) * Players to Watch – WR/DB Christian Bryant (5-10, 175, Sr.), DB Latwan Anderson (5-11, 185, Sr.), DE Jayrone Elliott (6-3, 210, Sr.), WR/DB Shane Wynn (5-8., 155, Jr.), WR/DB Cardale Jones (6-4, 190, Jr.), LB Andre Sturdivant (6-3, 205, Jr.). * Outlook – The Tarblooders won their first 11 games and appeared to be a potential state championship contender. That streak including an opening week win over rival Cleveland St. Ignatius. But St. Ignatius avenged that early defeat with a stunning 8-7 win in a regional semifinal before going on to the state championship itself. As always, there are heavy graduation losses. OL Marcus Hall and LB Jonathan Newsome signed with Ohio State. But coach Ted Ginn Sr. has quite a bit of talent still on hand to try and make another title run. Bryant has scholarship offers from schools from coast to coast and could be the next spotlight player out of this inner city school. Anderson transferred from Lakewood St. Edward, where he was a defensive standout. Elliott’s stock has also risen with colleges during the spring and early summer. Glenville is expected to win the Senate League again. The nonconference is daunting with road games against St. Ignatius and trips downstate to face Reynoldsburg and Huber Heights Wayne.

Cleveland St. Ignatius (14-1, State Champions) * Players to Watch – DE Pat Dowd (6-3, 230, Sr.), DE Gerard Ramella (6-2, 215, Sr.), OLB Jake Ryan (6-2, 215, Sr.), LB Scott McVey (6-1 225, Sr.), OT Stewart Ross (6-4, 225, Sr.), TE Brendan Carrozoni (6-4, 215, Sr.), QB Mark Myers (6-4, 220, Sr.), RB Kevin Johnson (5-11, 190, Sr.). * Outlook – Coach Chuck Kyle, back for his 27th year with the Wildcats, welcomes back three players with starting experience on offense and five on defense from his 10th state championship team. Kyle hopes to maintain the momentum built on that title run. “We had a couple of camps recently and the kids were all like, ‘It feels like we just stopped (playing),’ ” Kyle said. “Now the kids know what the reality is about winning a state championship. What you hope is that you get to practice an extra five weeks because last year, that really did help our young kids get more experience during our playoff run.” McVey issued an early commitment to Ohio State after a dominant four-sack performance in the state title game win over Cincinnati Elder. For the year, McVey had 94 tackles and 34-1/2 tackles-for-loss. “Scott’s the type of kid, he’s a very focused athlete,” Kyle said. “He loves playing the game. It’s almost like, ‘That’s (his recruitment to Ohio State) done, now let’s get ready to play the season.’ He’s glad it’s out of the way so he can play the game for his team. He had an amazing season last year.”

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Ohio High Football Preview: Division I

Johnson, who rushed for 302 yards and four TDs last year, was a state qualifier in the 100-meter dash. Carrozoni is being heavily recruited as a tight end. Myers started a few games for departed senior Andrew Holland last year at quarterback. The schedule has Glenville at the beginning and rival Lakewood St. Edward at the end with a ton of challenges – including Clayton Northmont, Mentor, Massillon Washington and Cincinnati St. Xavier — in the middle.

Mentor (9-3) * Players to Watch – QB Sam Mayse (6-5, 200, Sr.), OG Bryan Vayo (6-3, 285, Sr.), RB Mike Korecz (5-11, 195, Jr.), LB Nick Lamonica (6-2, 215, Sr.). * Outlook – The Cardinals had back-to-back state runner-up finishes in 2006-07. They only got as far as the second round last year before a 17-3 loss to Strongsville. But coach Steve Trivisonno, back for his 13th year at the helm, has six starters back on offense and three on defense. “I think it will be an interesting year,” Trivisonno said. “We are going to be a young team. We may be a year away from being the real deal. We have some talent in some spots. It will come down to how quickly they come along.” Korecz rushed for 1,100 yards last year as a sophomore. “Mike is one of the more talented backs we’ve had,” Trivisonno said. “He has very good speed and good balance.” Mayse took over at quarterback and threw for 1,800 yards. “Sam is a big-time quarterback,” Trivisonno said. “He is a big, strong-armed kid. He is being recruited by everybody. He has a great arm. He has solid speed and he is a smart kid and a good football player.” Before getting into Lake Erie League play, Mentor faces a murderer’s row, including Lakewood St. Edward, Strongsville, Solon, Cleveland St. Ignatius and Cincinnati Moeller. “It is a very difficult first five,” Trivisonno said.

Solon (6-4) * Players to Watch – TE/DE Darryl Baldwin (6-6, 266, Sr.), QB Jake Voigt. * Outlook – The Comets saw their string of playoff beths snapped at nine straight after finishing ninth in the region last year. But coach Jim McQuaide, back for his seventh season as the Solon head coach, welcomes back seven starters on each side of the ball. “We have some guys with experience,” McQuaide said. “On our defense, we have experience on all three levels. That is advantageous for us.” The key name is Baldwin, who is considered the state’s No. 6 senior prospect. He has offers from all of the top schools in the Midwest, including Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Notre Dame and Michigan State. “He has tremendous skill for a guy his size,” McQuaide said. “He runs very well. He plays defensive end and tight end for us. He is a big man, but he has the skill to match that size.” Solon opens at Garfield Heights, but has four of

its tougher games – Mentor, Mayfield, Brunswick and Strongsville – at home.

Euclid (7-4) * Players to Watch – FB/LB Shane Byrne (5-10, 220, Sr.), DE William Nunnally (5-11, 260, Sr.), OLB Marcus Brown (6-0, 220, Sr.), C/DL Nick Nebe (510, 215, Sr.), QB/DB Chuck Bradford (6-0, 175, Jr.), WR Devonte Jones (5-9, 160, Sr.) * Outlook – Longtime assistant Tom Gibbons took over as the Panthers’ new head coach last year and he helped lead Euclid to a playoff berth. But the Panthers fell to Strongsville 35-28 in the first round. He has two starters back on both sides of the ball. “We do not have a lot of experience coming back,” Gibbons said. “Our senior class is still pretty strong. Some of them even had to play JV ball last year and that team was 8-2. We like the group of underclassmen who are coming up. I think we have good team quickness and pretty good size.” Jones could be a difference maker as a slot receiver. Bradford figures to get some look from colleges as an athlete prospect, Gibbons said. “Chuck is a dual threat kind of guy,” Gibbons said. “We think his arm strength can improve as he gets stronger and we think he can make some things happen.” The nonleague schedule includes Strongsville, Lakewood St. Edward, Willoughby South and Warren Harding.

Youngstown Boardman (5-5) * Players to Watch – QB Rob Boyd (6-0, 195, Sr.), DE J.T. Moore (6-3, 230, Sr.), WR Chase Hammond (6-5, 200, Sr.), WR Ken Jones (5-10, 180, Sr.). * Outlook – The Spartans want to get back into the playoffs this year after missing the field a year ago. Coach D.J. Ogilvie, back for his sixth year at Boardman, has four starters back on offense and three on defense. “We have a big senior class, but we do not have that much experience on either line,” Ogilvie said. “We have a lot of kids the same size. I told them this summer I have no idea who is going to play (on the lines).” Moore accepted an early scholarship offer from Ohio State. “The number one thing with J.T. is he has a great motor,” Ogilvie said. “He plays both ways for us. He is a good, quality kid with good grades. The thing I like about him is he is a good leader.” Boyd started at quarterback last year. “Rob has a great arm and he is very accurate,” Ogilvie said. “He has a great throwing motion. He has a rifle for an arm.”

Strongsville (11-2) * Players to Watch – OT Andrew Sinko (6-4, 270, Sr.), TE Ray Hamilton (6-4, 235, Jr.), OL David Kaminski (6-3, 225, Jr.), TB Lew Holder (5-9, 175, Sr.), TB Matt Bianco (5-10, 170, Jr.), TB Kyrun Trigg (5-11, 185, So.). * Outlook – The Mustangs enjoyed a big year, posting playoff wins over Euclid and Mentor before

J J H U D D L E . C O M 23

Ohio High Football Preview: Division I falling to Cleveland St. Ignatius in the regional final. Russ Jacques is back for his 17th year as the Strongville head coach and he has a strong nucleus returning with seven starters back on offense and four on defense. “Our numbers are great and having a great season last year that really motivated these guys,” Jacques said. “We went into the summer with a great attitude to try and get some things done. We were there knocking on the door and now we want to take that next step.” Hamilton is already attracting interest from some major colleges. “Our lines should be our strength,” Jacques said. “We only lost one kid on the offensive line and the tight end, Hamilton, is already being recruited by a couple of big D-I schools.” Jacques must find a replacement for departed starter Kellen Pagel at quarterback. “That is our biggest question mark, who that’s going to be,” Jacques said. “But we have a lot of candidates to look at.” The nonleague slate includes rematches from the playoffs with Euclid and Mentor as well as a game against D-III playoff qualifier Parma Padua. Willoughby South (8-3) * Players to Watch – DE/OT Marcus Williams (6-3, 250, Sr.), TB/LB Gary Harmon (6-0, 205, Sr.), TB Dominique Darling (5-10, 195, Jr.), QB Cal Rainey (6-4, 200, Sr.), WR Ed Nicholson (6-0, 180, Sr.). * Outlook – The Rebels got into the playoffs last year as the sixth seed in the region before dropping a first-round game to Mentor. Matt Duffy is back for his seventh year as the South head coach. “With a very competitive schedule, we hope our guys can mature and grow into their roles,” Duffy said. “If that occurs, we hope to be competitive every week. Williams was a two-way standout last year. He blocked at 91 percent on offense and tallied 48 tackles on defense. Harmon followed up a 1,000-yard season as a sophomore by rushing for 987 yards and 14 touchdowns in eight games last year. He split carries with Darling, who had 1,200 yards and 12 TDs as a sophomore last year. Rainey takes over at quarterback for departed starter Patrick Nicely, who signed with Akron. His main target could be Nicholson, who averaged 17 yards on his 23 catches last year.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Lakewood St. Edward (6-5) – St. Edward goes in a new direction (again) as it has hired Mayfield defensive coordinator Rick Finotti to replace Scott Niedzwiecki, who left after just two years on the job. Finotti helped Mayfield post a 10-2 record and six consecutive shutouts in 2008. The 2008 season ended with consecutive losses to St. Ignatius in the regular season and first round of the playoffs. "I know how important that game is to the community, the alumni and everyone on both sides of

24 J J H U D D L E . C O M

these fine institutions," Finotti said. "That is the one game we are looking forward to and I fully understand the importance of that." * East Cleveland Shaw (9-1) – Shaw posted a 9-0 regular season record and qualified for the Division II playoffs before a firstround loss to Madison. Now Shaw moves up to Division I. * Brecksville-Broadview Heights (7-4) – The Bees secured the fifth seed for the playoffs last year but they ran into a buzz saw with Glenville in the first round. * Warren Harding (5-5) – The Raiders have a nice nucleus in WR/CB D.J. Williamson (6-2, 175, Sr.) and QB/SS Mike Dorsey (6-2, 205). Williamson has already accepted a scholarship offer from Michigan. * Mayfield (10-2) – The Wildcats take the jump up from Division II to D-I. Mayfield was ousted by Akron Hoban in a regional semifinal game last year.

Also In This Region:

North Royalton (5-5), North Olmsted (4-6), Painesville Riverside (5-5), Shaker Heights (5-5), Garfield Heights (4-6), Austintown-Fitch (5-5), Cleveland John Adams (8-2), Cleveland John Marshall (4-6), Parma (6-4), Cleveland Rhodes (46), Lakewood (1-9), Eastlake North (4-6), Parma Heights Valley Forge (3-7), Middleburg Heights Midpark (4-6), Lyndhurst Brush (0-10), Cleveland John Marshall (4-6), Cleveland Lincoln West (1-9).

Region 2

Teams to Watch

Macedonia Nordonia (7-4) * Players to Watch – RB/S John Spooney (5-10, 170, Sr.), WR/CB Aaron Welsh (5-9, 165, Sr.), WR/CB Kory Clark (5-7, 170, Sr.), OL/DL Aaron Highberger (6-1, 240, Sr.), OL/DL Jeff Bruhn (5-11, 230, Sr.), LB/TE Zach Seimon (5-9, 185, Sr.), DE/TE Jamil Pickens (5-11, 200, Sr.), WR/S Ryan Buck (5-10, 175, Sr.). * Outlook – Al Huge, an assistant at Nordonia since 1997 and the defensive coordinator since 2002, took over as the head coach last year and led the Knights to a playoff berth. Nordonia dropped its firstround game to Brunswick 14-10. “We will have new faces out on the field with a lot of opportunities for juniors to have significant playing time,” Huge said. “We will not be a very big team, but we will be athletic.” The Knights face a difficult schedule in the Northern Ohio Conference. "Our team is facing its toughest schedule in school history,” Huge said. “We are excited about the challenge. We are moving to the upper division of the NOC. Strongsville, Solon, Brunswick, Mayfield and Medina make up our conference. Tallmadge and Wadsworth are the first two game on

the schedule.”

Canton GlenOak (10-3) * Players to Watch – ILB/FB Andrew Garman (60, 210, Sr.), QB Brandon Martin (5-10, 170, Sr.), ILB/FB Spyro Spondyl (5-8, 190, Sr.), TB/SS Colin Mitchell (5-11, 185, Sr.), OLB Thomas Ross (5-11, 205, Sr.). * Outlook – Scott Garcia returns for his third year as the coach at GlenOak, which welcomes back four starters on offense and five on defense. GlenOak advanced to the regional final before losing to Federal League rival North Canton Hoover 14-0. “We have a lot of experience at the skill positions,” Garcia said. “We only have one starter back on the offense and defensive lines. We need some inexperienced guys up front to step up if we’re going to be able to get back to where we want to be.” Garcia hopes the playoff run will provide his team some momentum for 2009. “We made it to the third round, so we got those three extra weeks of practice,” he said. Martin passed for over 1,000 yards and rushed for close to 800. “We are a multiple offense,” Garcia said. “We will run out of the I-formation, but we will also run some out of the shotgun with Brandon running the ball.” Ross will be a three-year starter at OLB. Garman led the team in tackles (107) as a sophomore in 2007 and had a team-high 125 stops last year. He also scored three defensive touchdowns. “Andrew has been a pretty good player for us,” Garman said. “He needs four tackles to become the all-time leading tackler at the school.” As always, the Federal League schedule will be a challenge. GlenOak also plays Massillon Washington and Green outside the league.

Canton McKinley (6-5) * Players to Watch – DE Steve Miller (6-4, 235, Jr.), LB Jewone Snow (6-3, 232, Sr.), ILB Ronald Gillum (5-9, 205, Sr.), S Jamon McClain (5-11, 185, Sr.), RB Bryce Wilder (5-9, 170, Sr.), QB Kyle Ohradzansky (6-0, 202, Jr.). * Outlook – Former Miami (Ohio) assistant Ron Johnson took over the McKinley program last year and led the Bulldogs to a playoff berth in his first season. McKinley dropped its playoff opener to Federal League rival GlenOak 14-7. “It was very encouraging,” Johnson said. “We came in following a 3-7 season and took the program over. We came in and played so many young guys. We started out 0-2, but then we went on a pretty good run.” Johnson welcomes back six offensive starters and 10 on defense. “It’s very exciting,” Johnson said. “Our kids are locked in and focused. They got after it this off-season. I think this is a mature, seasoned group and they have high aspirations.” One of the youngsters that got playing time in 2008 was Ohradzansky, who started at quarterback as a sophomore. He threw for 1,400 yards with 15 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. “He can bench 350 pounds and runs a 4.7 40-yard time,” Johnson said. “He is a big, strong kid.”

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I Miller is considered one of Ohio’s top five junior prospects as he tallied 100 tackles, 11 sacks and 23 tackles-for-loss. He earned first-team All-Ohio honors as a sophomore and is in line for a number of major college offers. “He just plays with great effort,” Johnson said. “He takes coaching very week. He is strong, uses good technique and just plays very hard.” McKinley could be a team to watch in the Federal League. Nonleague games with Cleveland East Tech, Huber Heights Wayne and rival Massillon Washington (which won that Week 10 showdown 17-0 last year) all loom large. Massillon Washington (6-5) * Players to Watch – QB Rob Partridge (6-1, 195, Sr.), OG Jeff Myers (6-4, 290, Sr.), WR Bo Grunder (5-10, 170, Sr.), NG Joe Studer (6-2, 230, Sr.), LB Spencer Leno (5-11, 210, Sr.), OLB Danny Huhn (6-0, 195, Sr.). * Outlook – Jason Hall, who previously coached at Ravenna Southeast, Lyndhurst Brush and Macedonia Nordonia, assumed control of the Massillon program last year. He led the Tigers to a playoff berth. Massillon dropped its first-round game to North Canton Hoover 14-7. Hall welcomes back seven starters on offense and five on defense. “Our kids had a great off-season,” Hall said. “If our kids can reach their potential, I think we can have a very successful season. Our junior and senior classes are a very tight-knit group. We are having fun coaching them and they are responding by bringing it every day.” Partridge has the potential to be a run/pass threat. He started half of last season and tallied 471 yards and four touchdowns passing. “Rob had a great end of the season and had a great off-season,” Hall said. “He is developed physically. He has really matured and he is the leader of our offense. Our whole offense is predicated on him. We run multiple formations and run the zone, the zone read, the stretch and the power.” Grunder had 19 catches for 271 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. He also had 54 tackles and three interceptions on defense. Leno tallied a teamhigh 102 tackles and 17 tackles-for-loss as a junior. As an independent, Massillon plays a challenging schedule. Opponents include GlenOak, St. Ignatius, Steubenville, Warren Harding, Mentor and the rivalry with McKinley. Sylvania Southview (15-0, Division II State Champions) * Players to Watch – LB/RB Dylan Coleman (60, 208, Sr.), S/WR Jimmy Hall (6-1, 194, Sr.), DL/OL Spencer Marker (5-11, 238, Sr.), RB/DB Mo May (5-11, 184, Sr.), OL/DL Nate McDaniel (6-0, 260, Sr.), WR/DB Jake Rhodes (5-10, 176, Sr.), RB/LB Drew Stansley (5-10, 185, Sr.), QB/DB Thomas Stichter (6-0, 175, Sr.), RB/LB Ryan Stricklin (5-11, 205, Jr.), QB/S Alan Gant (6-1, 191, So.), OL/DL Patrick Harrington (6-0, 258, Sr.), OL/DL Kris Hrovatich (6-1, 256, Sr.), WR/LB Sean Brady (6-0, 178, Sr.). * Outlook – The Saints rolled all the way to the Division II state championship, defeating defending champion Cincinnati Anderson 29-25 in the title

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game. But with the OHSAA two-year cycle for shuffling the divisions by enrollment coming this year, Southview moved up to Division I and will not defend its title. Southview lost 2,500-yard passer Alex Pidcock to graduation. Gant, though just a sophomore, could be an answer at that pivotal position. Hall was a two-way standout last year as a junior. He had 47 catches for 963 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense and 84 tackles and four interceptions on defense. Coleman tallied 90 tackles and 11-1/2 tackles-forloss to help lead the defense. Southview outscored its opponents 40.9-12.0 on average in 2008.

Also Keep An Eye On

* North Canton Hoover (12-2) – Hoover reached the state semifinals behind the exploits of Ohio’s Mr. Football award winner and the Ohio High player of the year RB Erick Howard (5-10, 210, Sr.). Howard rushed for 2,387 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also registered 98 tackles, three sacks and eight tackles-for-loss. Hoover dropped its semifinal game to Cleveland St. Ignatius 34-7. * Brunswick (10-2) – Brunswick is led by coach Rich Nowak, who returns for his 18th year at the helm. He guided the Blue Devils to the second round of the playoffs, where Brunswick fell to Canton GlenOak 28-3. * Fremont Ross (8-2) – The Little Giants missed the playoffs, but could contend in 2009 behind QB Cody Foos (6-0, 180, Sr.). * Wadsworth (5-5) – The Grizzlies are led by wide receiver Anthony Schrock (6-3, 175, Sr.), who had 32 catches for 738 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. * Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (5-5) – Anthony Wayne makes the jump up from the Division II ranks. OL Andrew Donnal (6-7, 265, Sr.) has a wide range of scholarship offers. * Twinsburg (9-3) – Twinsburg made a jump from 3-7 in 2007 to nine wins and a berth in the regional semifinals in 2008. The Tigers downed Amherst Steele 20-11 in their playoff opener before falling to North Canton Hoover 13-10 in the second round.

Also In This Region

Hudson (5-5), Medina (4-6), Toledo Start (4-6), Toledo Whitmer (4-5), Perrysburg (6-4), Toledo St. John’s (7-3), Stow-Munroe Falls (4-6), Massillon Perry (4-6), Lorain Admiral King (7-3), Amherst Steele (8-2), Massillon Jackson (5-5), Findlay (6-4), Cuyahoga Falls (2-8), Green (4-6), Toledo Bowsher (4-6), Elyria (2-8), Oregon Clay (7-3), Toledo Waite (1-9).

Region 3

Teams to Watch

Dublin Coffman (7-3) * Players to Watch – QB Cole Stoudt (6-4, 185, Jr.), OL Sam Schulte (6-1, 275, Sr.), ILB Brent Buehler (6-1, 218, Sr.), LB Kyle Frazier (5-11, 225, Sr.), K Kyle Clinton (6-0, 185, Sr.). * Outlook – After reaching the state semifinals with a 13-1 season in 2007, Coffman went 7-3 and finished 10th in the region to miss the playoffs. Mark Crabtree, back for his ninth year at Coffman and 15th season as a varsity head coach, has six starters back on offense and five on defense. “I think our players were definitely disappointed about missing the playoffs last year, but we had nobody to blame but ourselves,” Crabtree said. “We started out 7-0, but we lost our last three games by a total of 15 points. We weren’t probably athletic enough to make enough of the plays we needed to defeat the teams we played at the end of the year. We lost to three playoff teams there at the end.” Stoudt, whose brother Zack was the previous starter and a Louisville signee last year, stepped in as the starter last year as a sophomore. Stoudt, son of former NFL quarterback Cliff Stoudt, is now regarded as one of the state’s top 20 prospects in the 2011 class. “The first thing we saw with Cole was he does have the ability to play at this level,” Crabtree said. “As a sophomore in high school, you never know. He came in and competed against kids two years older than him. He did a good job being a leader and taking charge. He was not intimidated by the situation. “It’s nice to know we have him for two more seasons. He is mechanically sound and has the ability to make good decisions. His future is pretty bright.” Coffman opens with Powell Olentangy Liberty with a game at Ohio Stadium as part of the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Series. As always, the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division – with the likes of Upper Arlington, Hilliard Davidson and Worthington Kilbourne – looms large. Upper Arlington (10-2) * Players to Watch – C J.J. Blevins (6-2, 282, Sr.), OLB/SS Mark McClain (6-1, 195, Sr.), DB Phil Jascot (6-1, 191, Sr.), OT Pete Scrivens (6-4, 272, Sr.), LB Daniel Bodomungo (6-1, 246, Sr.), QB Kyle Cassady (6-2, 176, Sr.). * Outlook – The Golden Bears downed Marysville 28-16 in their playoff opener last year before falling to Pickerington Central 24-16 in a regional semifinal. Coach Mike Golden returns five starters on offense and three on defense. “There is a lot of enthusiasm around the program,” Golden said. “The expectations are always high at Upper Arlington. Our freshmen were undefeated and the JV team was 8-1 last year. There are a lot of good kids in the program. I think we’re just excited for the year. “I think we’re going to be very good up front. We have a number of kids back who played on the line

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I last year. We are excited about that and we will build around our offensive and defensive lines.” Cassady is the grandson of Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, who won the Heisman Trophy for Ohio State in 1955. “Kyle was going to be our starter last year, but he broke his arm in the first scrimmage and was out for the whole year,” Golden said. “He is an exciting player. He is a really good athlete. He plays on our lacrosse team.” It doesn’t get any tougher than UA’s opening game assignment. The Golden Bears open in the Herbstreit Series at Ohio Stadium, but they must play defending USA Today national champion Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas.

Hilliard Davidson (11-2) * Players to Watch – ILB Kenny Klatt (6-0, 190, Sr.). * Outlook – Davidson won the 2006 Division I state championship, but ended up 10th in the region in 2007 and missed the playoffs. After a 9-1 regular season, the Wildcats took playoff wins over Grove City and Worthington Kilbourne before falling to Pickerington Central 7-3 in the regional final. Brian White returns for his 10th year at Davidson and 12th season as a varsity head coach. “If we can match the leadership and chemistry we found last year, we should be able to compete for a spot in the playoffs for the sixth time in the last seven years,” White said. “(The OCC Central) is a tough league. We have several rivals with Upper Arlington, Coffman, Kilbourne and crosstown rival Hilliard Darby. “If all the pieces fall into place, I think we have an opportunity to be there in the end. We are still waiting for a couple of key players to buy into the philosophy we have at Davidson, and a couple others to provide the leadership necessary to allow us to reach our potential. High expectations have become the norm at Davidson. If this group can do as many groups before them and reach or exceed their potential, it could be a good year for the Wildcats.” Pickerington Central (13-1) * Players to Watch – FS/QB Josh Kristoff (6-1, 190, Sr.), CB Malcolm Parnell (5-11, 170, Sr.), OL Bill Hinderschied (5-8, 190, Sr.), QB Grant Hammond (6-1, 170, Jr.), DB Eilar Hardy (6-0, 180, Jr.). * Outlook – It has been a great three-year run for the Tigers, who have posted a 37-4 record and two state final fours. Central was the state runnerup in Division II in 2006 before moving to D-I in 2007. Last year, the Tigers reeled off 13 wins to open the year, including playoff wins over Delaware Hayes, Upper Arlington and Hilliard Davidson. The run ended with a 24-10 loss to Cincinnati Elder in the state semifinals. Central lost several major college signees off that team, including DB Jamie Wood and LB Zach Boren to Ohio State and DB Patrick White to Michigan State. Jay Sharrett, back for his seventh year as the Central head coach, has just two starters back on offense and three on defense. “I think we’ve got some good guys who can fill

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some of those holes,” Sharrett said. “When you send guys on to play ball on scholarship, you know it may take two or three guys to do some of the things those guys did. You still have to put it together. I think we have some guys who are motivated. “You just have to wind it up and give it a shot. We may not be picked to be very good, but that can sometimes give you some extra motivation.” Hammond is the leading candidate to step in at quarterback. Hardy is considered among Ohio’s top 20 prospects in the 2011 class. Parnell could be a difference maker at corner. “Malcolm is our best cover corner,” Sharrett said. “He’s fast. He has 4.4 speed. He is a top track kid, too.” Central will face Orange (Calif.) Lutheran in the Herbstreit Series at Ohio Stadium. Worthington Kilbourne (9-3) * Players to Watch – DE Jason Cunningham (64, 225, Sr.), OT/DT Brian Skura (6-7, 250, Sr.), QB/SS Nathan Sparks (6-0, 170, Sr.), C Matt Skura (6-4, 260, Jr.), OG Jeff Holzaepfel (6-2, 260, Sr.), OL Josh Keller (6-2, 265, Sr.). * Outlook – Kilbourne downed Columbus Brookhaven 14-6 in its playoff opener before falling to OCC Central rival Hilliard Davidson 21-7 in a regional semifinal. Coach Vince Trombetti, back for his fourth season as the Wolves’ head coach, has four starters back on offense and two returning on defense. “We don’t have a lot of guys back, but I think we have them back at the right positions at least to start with,” Trombetti said. “We had 30 seniors on the team last year and we have 20 coming back this year. We know we need some juniors to step up and fill some of those gaps. “Only one time in school history has Kilbourne gone to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons and that was 2004-05. We can do that with this team, but we need to see some more consistency to do that.” Sparks was a starter on defense and will slide into the quarterback spot. “Nathan will be more of a quarterback this year,” Trombetti said. “He will still play some at strong safety, though. He has played quarterback in our system in middle school and with the JV team. It may be hard to step in as an option quarterback.”

Westerville South (5-5) * Players to Watch – QB John Jennings (6-0, 175, Sr.), WR Jack Tomlinson (5-9, 175, Sr.), WR Ryan Barber (6-0, 185, Sr.), LB Jamar Williams (60, 225, Sr.), LB Murtada Jabbie (6-2, 215, Sr.). * Outlook – Coach Rocky Pentello has three starters back on offense and nine returning on defense. The Wildcats have a tough early schedule with games against Hilliard Davidson at Ohio Stadium in the Herbstreit Series as well as against Columbus Watterson and Clayton Northmont. “We better get off to a good start,” Pentello said. “I think we’ve got some potential coming back. But it’s what the kids do with that potential.” Jennings has limited experience at quarterback. “He only played quarterback for two games after our starter broke his leg,” Pentello said. “But we think he runs well. If we want to run the quarterback on the option, we think he can do that. He can also

throw it pretty good.”

Also Keep An Eye On

* Gahanna Lincoln (4-6) – John Snoad is looking for better success in his second year at the helm with Gahanna. RB/WR Earl Cunningham, a two-year letterwinner, is among the top returnees. * Westerville North (2-8) – Mike Owens takes over as the new coach at North. Key returnees include TE/DE Andrew Ziegler (62, 225, Sr.), ILB/FB Drew Hall (510, 215, Sr.) and WR/OLB Kevin Macauley (6-0, 175, Sr.). * Lancaster (6-4) – The Golden Gales will look to get back into the playoff hunt behind DB Nathan Carpenter (5-10, 181, Sr.), son of coach Rob Carpenter. * Springfield (4-6) – Former North coach and Kettering Fairmont athletic director and coach Rick Robertson took over as the head coach in the first year at the consolidated Springfield High. The Wildcats could take a step toward contention in 2009 behind DL Desmond McCown (6-3, 230, Sr.) and LB Trey DePriest (6-2, 210, Jr.). DePriest is considered among Ohio’s top five prospects in the 2011 class. * Powell Olentangy Liberty (8-4) – Liberty makes the leap up to Division I from D-II, where the Patriots advanced to the regional semifinals last year before falling to Medina Highland 35-0.

Also In This Region

Lima Senior (2-8), Hilliard Darby (6-4), Westerville Central (0-10), Groveport-Madison (4-6), Pickerington North (5-5), Marysville (7-3), Newark (1-9), Delaware Hayes (7-3), Thomas Worthington (2-8), Reynoldsburg (2-8), Grove City Central Crossing (1-9), Grove City (6-4), Marion Harding (19), Mount Vernon (1-9), Galloway Westland (1-9), Columbus Franklin Heights (5-5), Columbus Northland (4-6), Columbus West (1-8), Troy (6-4), Hilliard Bradley (new school). Note: Four schools in this region (Grove City, Grove City Central Crossing, Columbus Franklin Heights and Galloway Westland) needed to have a ballot issue pass in August in order to support football teams and athletics for the coming school year. If that issue fails, many teams in this region will be scrambling at the last minute to fill scheduling vacancies. Also, Hilliard Bradley is a new school. Bradley’s exact divisional assignment will be made once its enrollment total is certified.

Region 4

Teams to Watch

Cincinnati St. Xavier (4-6) * Players to Watch – QB Luke Massa (6-6, 205, Sr.), OL Matt James (6-7, 290, Sr.), OL Eric Gantzer

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I (6-3, 250, Sr.), CB Nick Weston (6-1, 185, Sr.), CB Will Carroll (6-1 ½, 175, Sr.), LB Steven Daniels (60, 235, Jr.). * Outlook – Between 2005-07, St. Xavier posted a 40-2 record with a pair of 15-0 state championship seasons. But the Bombers took a step back in 2008, losing several tight games and posting a losing record. “You never settle for anything but the best,” said St. X coach Steve Specht, who is back for his fifth year with the Bombers. “But we felt the schedule we had was brutal. We played a number of teams ranked in the top 20 in the country. We didn’t stay healthy. We lost three games by a total of seven points. I don’t look at last year as a failure. We had a group of young kids who worked hard. The ball just didn’t bounce our way last year.” Specht welcomes back seven starters on offense and five on defense. “Our offensive line should be the strength of our team,” Specht said. “We bring back our quarterback and we feel he is a major college prospect. We have a nice stable of running backs. We have to find some receivers.” Massa, a Cincinnati commit, split time at quarterback last year. He threw for 752 yards and three TDs. “He is the smartest quarterback I have coached,” Specht said. “He makes unbelievable decisions. He is very even keeled and poised in the pocket.” James is considered one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects with offers from a number of top schools, including Cincinnati, Notre Dame and Ohio State. “We have leaned Matt out a little bit and he looks good,” Specht said. “Other than the fact he’s got size and athleticism, if you come to our practices you’ll see a kid who works as hard in practice as he does in a game.” St. X opens with Cincinnati Colerain in the Crosstown Showdown. Four state championship teams – Indianapolis Cathedral, Louisville Trinity, Fort Thomas (Ky.) Highlands and Cleveland St. Ignatius – dot the schedule. Plus, the usual Greater Catholic League challenges of Cincinnati Elder and Cincinnati Moeller loom large. Clayton Northmont (10-2) * Players to Watch – C Reuben Victoria (5-10, 260, Sr.), WR Josh McClain (6-2, 225, Jr.), CB Quinton Cooper (5-9, 175, Sr.), DT Chavez Leath (5-11, 295, Jr.), FS Ethan Zoellner (6-2, 195, Sr.), QB Tyler Kerlin (6-0, 170, Sr.), QB Rob Sakosky (60, 170, Jr.). * Outlook – The Thunderbolts have qualified for the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons. Northmont edged Kettering Fairmont 28-27 in its playoff opener before losing to eventual state runner-up Cincinnati Elder 13-10 in the second round. Coach Lance Schneider, starting his 11th year at Northmont, has three starters back on offense and five on defense. “The biggest thing is we have to replace four of our five offensive linemen and all three linebackers,” Schneider said. “How well we can do that will determine how good we’re going to be. Last year, we had to do the same thing with the offensive line and we had some kids step up.”

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Kerlin and Sakosky will battle to replace departed starter Chase Belton, now at Wabash, at quarterback. McClain made 12 catches last year and is already attracting interest from schools, including offers from Colorado and Alabama. Cooper, a threeyear starter, also has a handful of offers. Northmont opens with West Chester Lakota West in the Crosstown Showdown and will also visit Cleveland St. Ignatius before diving into Western Ohio League play.

Centerville (7-4) * Players to Watch – OL Michael Bennett (6-2, 270, Jr.), OL Benny McGowan (6-3, 280, So.), OL Chris Duffy (6-1, 240, Sr.), WR Kyle Torpey (6-0, 180, Sr.), HB/FB Nick Miller (5-9, 230, Jr.), QB Zak Bertram (5-11, 190, Sr.), DL Kyle Rose (6-4, 235, Jr.), LB Jamael Green (5-11, 215, Sr.), LB Mike Replogle (6-2, 210, Jr.), DB John Overstreet (5-10, 170, Jr.). * Outlook – The Elks have been one of the most consistent programs in Ohio under Ron Ullery, who returns for his 10th year as the Centerville coach. Centerville dropped its playoff opener to Cincinnati Elder 52-27 last year. Ullery welcomes back five starters on offense and seven on defense. “We had a great senior class last year, but we still had a lot of young guys who got experience and ended up starting as the year went on,” Ullery said. “I think we’ve got a lot of expectations, but we’ll still be relatively young. We may have as many as nine juniors starting on defense. “We have some young and hungry guys who are eager to be coached.” Bertram will be a first-year starter at quarterback. Miller and Rose were each placers in the state wrestling meet. Centerville will play Liberty Twp. Lakota East, Mason and Cincinnati Moeller before diving into WOL play.

Huber Heights Wayne (8-4) * Players to Watch – QB Braxton Miller (6-2, 190, Jr.), DL Terry Talbott (6-3, 265, Sr.), CB Terrence Talbott (5-10, 175, Sr.), MLB Josh Harrison (6-1, 220, Sr.), DB Tre Moore (5-11, 180, Jr.). * Outlook – Wayne was off to a 5-0 start before Miller, its standout quarterback, suffered a broken leg in a Week 6 game against Clayton Northmont. Wayne still made the playoff field and swamped unbeaten Cincinnati Woodward 52-0 in its opener before falling to Cincinnati Colerain 23-0 in the second round. Miller has recovered from the injury and is considered Ohio’s top prospect in the 2011 class. After throwing for 1,000 yards and rushing for 500 as a freshman, he threw for 642 yards and five touchdowns in six games before the injury. “When you have a player like Braxton, you have to feel good about that,” said Wayne coach Jay Minton, who returns for his 11th year as the Wayne coach and 19th as a varsity head coach. “His competitiveness and athletic ability, that is a combination that you don’t see very often. He’s a special

player who, when he steps on the field, he makes everyone else around him better.” Minton has five starters back on offense and six on defense. “We feel we are pretty solid up front,” Minton said. “At receiver, we don’t have that one marquee guy. With Braxton being there, you want to make sure you have some guys who can run great routes and catch the ball.” The schedule will be a challenge. Wayne opens against Cincinnati Princeton in the Crosstown Showdown before going upstate to visit Canton McKinley and hosting powerful Cleveland Glenville. Wayne also figures to be in the WOL hunt.

Cincinnati Colerain (11-2) * Players to Watch – QB Greg Tabar (6-0, 180, Sr.), OLB Tyon Dixon (6-0, 200, Sr.), FB Trayion Durham (6-1, 227, Jr.), RB Tyler Williams (5-8, 155, Jr.), C Brandon Good (6-2, 265, Sr.), MLB Jarrett Grace (6-4, 235, Jr.), S Bam Harrison (5-9, 180, Sr.), CB Chris Dukes (5-10, 178, Jr.). * Outlook – It has been a pretty good two years at the helm for Tom Bolden, who followed the legendary Kerry Coombs as the Colerain coach in 2007. In two seasons, the Cardinals have gone 213 under Bolden. Last year, Colerain downed Cincinnati Moeller and Huber Heights Wayne in the playoffs before falling to Cincinnati Elder 27-20 in double overtime in a heartstopping regional final. Middletown snapped Colerain’s string of 61 straight Greater Miami Conference wins, but the Cardinals still won the conference title. Bolden welcomes back seven starters on offense and six on defense. “Without a doubt, we are still a young team,” Bolden said. “We played six sophomores last year. They did not perform like sophomores. They excelled. Defensively, we think we will be as athletic and as fast as we have ever been.” Tabar is a caretaker in the option offense, although he threw for 515 yards and six touchdowns last year. Williams and Durham each eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last year. Williams finished with 1,269 yards and 16 TDs rushing, while Durham had 1,032 yards and nine scores. Colerain meets St. Xavier in the Crosstown Showdown and visits Cincinnati Elder as well. Another GMC title will be the goal when the conference season arrives. Cincinnati Moeller (6-5) * Players to Watch – LB Nick Galvin (6-1, 230, Sr.), QB Andrew Hendrick (6-3, 220, Sr.), DE Marcus Rush (6-3, 235, Sr.), OT Jeff Tanner (6-4, 280, Sr.), TE David Schneider (6-3, 245, Sr.), OG Ali Kassem (6-4, 330, Sr.). * Outlook – John Rodenberg stepped in as the Moeller coach last year and led the Crusaders to a playoff berth. Moeller dropped its first-round game to Colerain 17-10. Rodenberg’s team could be poised to go deeper in 2009 with seven starters back on offense and eight returning on defense. “We were excited with the way we got into the playoffs,” Rodenberg said. “We beat St. Xavier and Lakewood St.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I Edward. Unfortunately, we got in there and lost to Colerain. We have a lot of guys coming back. We hope they can play up to their potential. Our region is extremely tough, but if they can do that we could be in the thick of it this year. “We are excited to have that many starters back. That puts me under a lot of pressure I guess,” Rodenberg joked. All eyes will be on Hendrix, who verbaled to Notre Dame in late June. He threw for 1,609 yards with 11 TDS against seven interceptions last year. “He’s got phenomenal arm strength and release,” Rodenberg said. “He is very intelligent.” Galvin tallied 9-1/2 sacks as a junior. Rush and Tanner each have a host of college offers.

Cincinnati Elder (13-2, D-I Runner-Up) * Players to Watch – QB Mark Miller (6-0, 185, Sr.), TE Alex Welch (6-5, 235, Sr.), WR Tim O’Connor (6-3, 180, Sr.), LB Corey Mason (6-3, 215, Sr.), CB Jake Fishburn (6-2, 180, Sr.). * Outlook – Elder moved back into the forefront in the GCL as well as on the statewide stage with its run to the state title game. There had been some lean times for the Panthers since winning back-toback state titles in 2002-03. After winning the regional title, Elder downed Pickerington Central 24-10 in a state semifinal before falling to Cleveland St. Ignatius 28-20 in the title game. Still, it was a major breakthrough for an Elder program that had failed to win a playoff game in its two playoff appearances since winning its last title in 2003. “It was an exciting year,” said Elder coach Doug Ramsey, who is starting his 13th year as the Panthers head coach. “I’m not sure there were a ton of expectations for that team. That team was a big-time overachiever. We won 13 games and we lost one to the eventual national champion (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and one in the state title game.” Elder will have four returning starters on offense and seven on defense. “Our skill positions on offense should be pretty good,” Ramsey said. “But we lost all five of our linemen from last year. We have a chance to have a bigger line than we had last year. On defense, we don’t normally have seven guys back. We expect the defense to play well.” Miller threw for 1,968 yards with 21 touchdowns against just four interceptions. “Mark understands the game,” Ramsey said. “He is a very accurate quarterback and gets the ball to the open receiver.” Welch, who had four touchdowns among his 16 catches last year, has already verbaled to Notre Dame. The schedule is tough as nails. Elder faces Illinois state champion East St. Louis and Kentucky state champion Louisville Trinity. Elder also faces Colerain, Lakewood St. Edward and Columbus DeSales in addition to the usual GCL challenges.

Cincinnati Anderson (12-3, D-II Runner-Up) * Players to Watch – OL Andrew Norwell (6-7, 275, Sr.), OL Greg Mancz (6-5, 270, Sr.), QB Brandon Bornhauser (6-0, 185, Sr.), TB Kyle Slater (6-0, 195, Sr.), LB Kevin Cripe (6-0, 175, Sr.), NT Ty Knabb (5-10, 220, Sr.), LB Jake Lackner (6-0, 215,

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Sr.). * Outlook – Over the last two years, Anderson has posted a 25-5 mark with a Division II state title in 2007 and a runner-up finish in 2008. So what kind of reward do the Redskins get as a reward? They get moved up to Division I after the latest enrollment survey by the OHSAA. “We are moving up and we will be the smallest school by enrollment in Region 4,” said Anderson coach Jeff Giesting. “We will do the best we can. It’s a chance to show where our program is at. The biggest difference is the physicality of the football. In Division I, hardly anybody plays both ways. We do two-platoon. “It is a chance for us to play some great teams like St. X and Elder and Moeller and Colerain. We get to see where we stack up after two pretty successful years in D-II.” Giesting has five starters back on offense and six on defense. The key name is Norwell, who is considered among the nation’s best OL and has already verbaled to Ohio State. “He is a very physical player who works to get better,” Giesting said. “He has size and long arms and good balance. He works at it.” It helps to have a talent like Slater at running back. He tallied 1,965 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns last year, including 26 carries for 177 yards and three touchdowns in Anderson’s 29-25 loss to Sylvania Southview in the D-II state title game. Kettering Fairmont (7-4) * Players to Watch – OL Michael Shope (6-4, 270, Sr.), OL Jordan Erbes (6-4, 260, Sr.), WR Brendon Cunningham (6-1, 205, Sr.), WR Sherman Wilkinson (6-2, 165, Sr.), WR/RB Ben Victor (5-11, 195, Sr.), DL Cody Tangeman (6-2, 240, Sr.), OL Timothy Trummer (6-1, 250, Jr.), WR/DB Tyler Downing (6-1, 175, Jr.), LB Matt Jackson (5-11, 205, Sr.). * Outlook – Fairmont made its first-ever playoff appearance last year, finishing seventh in the regional rankings. The heartbreaking first-round loss to Clayton Northmont has not stemmed excitement. “It was an outstanding off-season after the team’s first playoff trip,” said coach Brain Blevins, back for his seventh year as the Fairmont head coach. “All of that contributes to some high expectations. We expect to compete for a (WOL) championship and to make a run in the playoffs.” Shope and Erbes are building blocks on the offensive line. Cunningham had 58 catches and six touchdowns last year, Wilkinson made 27 catches with three touchdowns. Jackson had 124 tackles and nine tackles-for-loss on defense last year. West Chester Lakota West (6-4) * Players to Watch – LB Jordan Hicks (6-2, 223, Sr.), TE Alex Smith (6-5, 250, Sr.), OT Kevin Schloemer (6-6, 270, Sr.), TB Jordan Thompson (60, 210, Sr.), QB John Peters (6-6, 210, Sr.). * Outlook – Lakota West coach Larry Cox is back for his 13th year with the Firebirds. He welcomes back 11 starters (six offense). “We never change our expectations,” Cox said. “We have a good senior class coming back. There

are 30-plus seniors. Our main goal is to win the (GMC) championship. We feel if you win our league, you’ve got a shot to win a state championship. It is easier to get into the playoffs than it is to win our league.” Hicks is rated as Ohio’s No. 1 college prospect and as one of the nation’s top linebackers. He tallied 88 tackles, 15-1/2 tackles-for-loss and two interceptions as a junior. He is considering offers from Ohio State, USC, Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. (More on Hicks, page 80.) Smith tallied 27 catches and four touchdowns as a junior. He committed early to Cincinnati, but has reconsidered that verbal. Peters threw for 765 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Lakota West faces Clayton Northmont, Lancaster and Kettering Fairmont before GMC play.

Also Keep An Eye On

* Cincinnati Sycamore (8-2) – The Aviators were in the hard-luck spot of finishing ninth in the region’s playoff standings and missed the field. There is more hard luck as top rusher Bud Golden and top receiver Steve Hull have graduated. * Cincinnati Princeton (5-5) – Princeton could push for a playoff berth behind the play of quarterback Spencer Ware (6-0, 215, Sr.), who is considered one of the state’s top 10 prospects for 2010. Ware threw for 1,938 yards and 13 TDs last year and also rushed for 741 yards and 15 scores. * Cincinnati Woodward (10-1) – The Bulldogs went 10-0 and claimed a playoff berth before being upended by Wayne 52-0 in the first round.

Also In This Region:

Cincinnati LaSalle (4-6), Cincinnati Withrow (4-6), Beavercreek (5-5), Xenia (2-8), Fairborn (3-7), Springboro (7-3), Cincinnati Glen Este (5-5), Liberty Twp. Lakota East (3-7), Hamilton (7-3), Middletown (6-4), Loveland (6-4), Milford (4-6), Lebanon (7-3), Mason (2-8), Miamisburg (2-8), Cincinnati Oak Hills (3-7), Cincinnati Western Hills (3-6), Fairfield (1-9).

Ohio High Division I Predictions

Region 1 Glenville over Cleveland St. Ignatius Region 2 Canton GlenOak over North Canton Hoover Region 3 Dublin Coffman over Upper Arlington Region 4 Cincinnati Elder over Cincinnati Colerain Championship Game Cincinnati Elder over Glenville

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I State Final

Cleveland St. Ignatius 28, Cincinnati Elder 20

State Semifinals

Cleveland St. Ignatius 34, North Canton Hoover 7 Cincinnati Elder 24, Pickerington Central 10

Regional Finals

Region 1 Final (1) Cleveland St. Ignatius 37, (2) Strongsville 0 Region 2 Final (1) North Canton Hoover 14, (2) Can. GlenOak 0 Region 3 Final (3) Pickerington Central 7, (1) Hilliard Davidson 3 Region 4 Final (3) Cincinnati Elder 27, (1) Cincinnati Colerain 20

Regional Semifinals

Region 1 (1) Cle. St. Ignatius 8, (4) Cleveland Glenville 7 (2) Strongsville 17, (3) Mentor 3 Region 2 (1) North Canton Hoover 13, (4) Twinsburg 10 (2) Canton GlenOak 28, (3) Brunswick 3 Region 3 (1) Hilliard Davidson 21, (5) Worth. Kilbourne 7 (3) Pickerington Central 24, (2) Upper Arlington 16 Region 4 (1) Cincinnati Colerain 23, (4) H. Heights Wayne 0 (3) Cincinnati Elder 13, (2) Clayton Northmont 10

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 1 1 Cle. St. Ignatius 37, 8 Lakewood St. Edward 0 2 Strongsville 35, 7 Euclid 28 3 Mentor 31, 6 Willoughby South 2 4 Cleveland Glenville 35, 5 B’ville Broadview-Heights 8 Region 2 1 N. Canton Hoover 14, 8 Massillon Washington 7 2 Canton GlenOak 14, 7 Canton McKinley 7 3 Brunswick 14, 6 Macedonia Nordonia 0 4 Twinsburg 20, 5 Amherst Steele 11 Region 3 1 Hilliard Davidson 38, 8 Grove City 7 2 Upper Arlington 28, 7 Marysville 16 3 Pickerington Central 38, 6 Delaware Hayes 21 5 Worthington Kilbourne 14, 4 Col. Brookhaven 6 Region 4 1 Cincinnati Colerain 17, 8 Cincinnati Moeller 10 2 Clayton Northmont 28, 7 Kettering Fairmont 27 3 Cincinnati Elder 52, 6 Centerville 27 4 Huber Heights Wayne 52, 5 Cin. Woodward 0

2008 Revisited

St. Ignatius wins title No. 10

Division I State Championship

ANTON – When the St. Ignatius football players arrived at practice the Thursday before the state championship game, 300 former Wildcats greeted them. Never mind that it was Thanksgiving. They had a tradition to uphold. Some had played on one or more of the school’s nine state championship teams from 1988 to 2001. Others hadn’t experienced the thrill. But their mere presence inspired the current edition to greatness. That greatness was achieved Nov. 30 at Canton Fawcett Stadium. The Wildcats clawed their way to a 28-20 triumph over persistent Elder to win their first Division I crown in seven years. And if the performance of one particular junior is any indication, an 11th state title for Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle could certainly be earned in

Photo by Stephanie Porter

Division I Playoffs

Final 2008 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Cincinnati Edler (13-2) 2. Pickerington Central (13-1) 3. Cleveland Glenville (11-1) 4. Cleveland St. Ignatius (14-1) 5. Cincinnati Colerain (11-2) 6. North Canton Hoover (12-2) 7. Strongsville (11-2) 8. Mentor (9-3) 9. Upper Arlington (11-1) 10. Hilliard Davidson (11-20

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Senior quarterback Andrew Holland completed 12-of-22 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns.

2009. That player is linebacker Scott McVey, who registered four-and-a-half of the team’s eight sacks, added an interception, and spent half the evening in the Panthers’ backfield. McVey was so impressive that Kyle compared him to Massillon Washington legend Chris Spielman, who went on to be a standout linebacker at Ohio State and three-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. “There have been some great players who have played on this field over the year, kids like Spielman, and this is a kid who can be like that,” Kyle exclaimed. “He loves playing the game. Send him on a blitz - he loves it. Put him out in coverage and he’ll get an interception for you. He has skill, that’s for sure, but you can also see that he loves the game. There are certain players who are just playmakers and he’s one of them.” So is Wildcats quarterback Andrew Holland, who placed his team in control from the start by engineering a scoring drive on the game’s opening possession. He fired a pass over the middle to tight end Brendan Carozzoni, who shed a tackle and raced into the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown that made it 7-0. The Panthers responded by driving into Ignatius territory, but an interception by McVey (who else?) killed the march. Hot-Hand Holland continued to fire away, then stretched the advantage to 14-0 on a perfect arc pass to senior Connor Ryan. The Wildcats were merely revving up. They made it three touchdowns in three possessions on a 2-yard run by Pat Hinkel, a brilliant safety who doubled as a goal-line back. The teams traded interceptions in the second quarter, after which prolific Elder quarterback Mark Miller and receiver Tim O’Conner went to work. The pair hooked up on a 9-yard scoring strike with three minutes remaining in the first half to give their team hope. It would become a trend. Miller continued firing away the rest of the game and finished with Division I title game records of 28 completions and 401 passing yards. O’Conner contributed 15 receptions, which is a championship game record for all divisions. But the Panthers couldn’t recover until their defense did. And that defense yielded another touchdown on the Wildcats’ first drive of the second half when Holland dumped a short pass to Ryan, who broke a tackle and raced 51 yards down the right sideline to increase the lead to 287. “Our offensive coaches called some great routes,” said Holland, who completed 12 of 22 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns. “And I had great protection. I tried to look at it like a regular season game, but that was hard to do. The coaches did a great job putting together a scouting report. (Elder) played a 4-2 and dropped their defensive backs, so those curl routes in the middle of the field were going to be open all night.” Elder finally found itself defensively from that point on, but it was a classic case of too little, too late. A 45-yard bomb from Miller to 210-pound wideout Josh Jones chopped its deficit to 28-13 (Ignatius safety Dan Fox blocked the extra point) with 17 seconds left in the third quarter. Miller added a 2-yard scoring pass to O’Conner with 1:22 remaining in the game. — Marty Gitlin

J J H U D D L E . C O M 29

Ohio High Football Preview: Division II Lexington senior quarterback and defensive back Courtney Avery has committed to Michigan. Avery originally decided on Stanford but changed his mind in June.

Photo by the Mansfield News Journal/www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com

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D-II T

here is a tremendous amount of change in Division II this season with several top-notch programs moving in and out of the division, and many other teams switching regions. How much change exactly? Well, try this on for starters: All 2008 Division II state semifinalists are no longer in the division, including state champion Sylvania Southview and runner-up Cincinnati Anderson who are both moving up to D-I. (The other semifinalists were Akron Hoban and Columbus DeSales, who are each moving down to D-III this year.) However, plenty of talented programs have replaced the ones that have departed. Perhaps the most notable addition is the return of Columbus Brookhaven to the Division II ranks. The Bearcats won the 2004 D-II state championship, but moved up to D-I the following season. They are now back in Division II where they feel like they belong. Also joining Division II this season are 2008 D-III state champion Aurora and 2007 D-III state champ Sunbury Big Walnut. Despite all the alterations to Division II, plenty of the usual suspects are right where they have been for years. Fans can expect recent D-II powers like Avon Lake, Cincinnati Turpin, Cincinnati Winton Woods, Columbus Marion-Franklin, Lexington, Logan, Louisville and Toledo Central Catholic to be strong squads once again.

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STORY BY DAVE BIDDLE

Region 5

Teams To Watch

Akron Garfield (8-2) * Players To Watch – RB/DB Tyson Gulley (5-9, 210, Sr.), RB/DB Toneo Gulley (5-9, 175, So.), OL/DL Sheldon Spaulding (6-1, 220, Sr.), WR/DB Davonne Dixon (5-10, 170, Sr.), C/LB Kevin Jones (5-9, 190, Jr.), TE/DE Kevin Brewton (6-3, 215, Jr.) * Outlook – Garfield narrowly missed the playoffs last year in Division I (11th in Region 2) and this year the Rams move down to D-II which should help their postseason chances. Tyson Gulley is ranked as the No. 67 senior in the state by Ohio High and has scholarship offers from Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kansas, Kent State, Miami U., Ohio U., Syracuse and Toledo. Last season, he had 1,376 rushing yards (7.9 yards per carry) and a total of 22 touchdowns (18 rushing, two on kickoff returns, one on a punt return and one on a fumble return). He played sparingly on defense last year, but had 15 tackles, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and an interception. Younger brother Toneo Gulley is ranked as the No. 10 sophomore in the state according to Ohio High. Last year as the only freshman on Garfield’s varsity, he had 64 tackles, five pass break-ups, a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown and a forced fumble. Dixon had 35 tackles and a fumble recovery and will have a bigger role offensively and defensively this season. “Sheldon Spaulding, Kevin Jones and Kevin Brewton did an outstanding job run blocking for us,” head coach Bob Sax said. Sax is entering his eighth season at Garfield’s head coach and has been at the school for 21 years. He has a career mark of 45-26 and coached former Ohio State and current Arizona Cardinals running back Chris “Beanie” Wells at Garfield. Sax is honest when asked about moving down a division. He knows nothing will come easy, but believes it will help his team’s playoff chances. “We are excited about dropping down to D-II,” he said. “Our region is very strong, but we feel like we can compete at a high level with these teams. Our schedule is primarily a bunch of D-II teams, so finally getting to compete for a playoff spot in D-II is beneficial for us.” Aurora (13-2) * Players To Watch – QB Ty Watson (6-4, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Mike Ganoe (6-1, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Steven Snyder (6-1, 185, Sr.), TB/OLB Eric Schultz (5-9, 185, Sr.), TE/DE Mitch Knapp (6-5, 220, Sr.), C Ben Jubell (6-2, 305, Sr.) * Outlook – Aurora roared to the Division III state championship last year and the Greenmen are moving up to D-II this season. The problem is, they graduated an extremely talented senior class, including OL/DL Adam Bellamy (now at Ohio State), QB Brendan Gallagher and WR/CB Dee Brizzolara. Aurora beat Sunbury Big Walnut (which also moves up to D-II this season) 20-14 in the

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Ohio High Football Preview: Division II state semifinals and then knocked off Columbus Eastmoor 21-10 in the championship game. “Last year was a magical season,” head coach Bob Mahalik said. “You have to have so many things go right to win a state title. Fire and foremost, we had great senior leadership and good kids that believed in each other. And we were talented and we had some breaks go our way.” Watson – who played some linebacker last year – takes over the quarterback duties this season and the coaching staff is confident in him. “Ty is a big, strong kid and has waited his turn for two years and is going to have great senior season,” Mahalik said. “He can make all the throws; he really has a major league arm. Since he hasn’t played much, colleges want to see what he does this fall. MAC schools are interested in him.” The Greenmen return five key starters from their championship squad. Ganoe and Snyder each hauled in over 20 receptions last year. Their roles will increase both as receivers and defensive backs. Schultz was the defensive MVP in the state title game with two sacks and the interception which clinched the game. His role will also increase, especially offensively at tailback. Even with the loss of Bellamy who started both ways, Aurora returns solid offensive and defensive lines. Jubell graded out very high last year and he returns at center. Knapp will anchor the defensive line and Mahalik calls him a “strong kid who never leaves the field and is a throwback football player.” As for moving up in competition to Division II, the Greenmen think they are ready for the challenge. “We kind of knew it was coming,” Mahalik said. “We were one of the biggest D-III schools the last couple years. We had an inkling it would happen and it’s exciting. If we’re fortunate enough to make the playoffs, we’ll face new teams and it’s a new challenge.”

Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (9-3) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Cameron Ontko (6-0, 220, Sr.), QB Connor Cook (6-4, 195, Jr.), WR/DB Truvante Riley (5-9, 165, Sr.), WR/DB Dylan Ford (5-8, 150, Sr.), OL/DL Shawn Cooper (6-1, 250, Sr.), OL/DL Adam Redmond (6-3, 215, Jr.), RB/LB Justin Lovdahl (6-0, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – Walsh was the No. 1 seed in Region 9 of Division III last year and the Warriors move up to D-II this season. Ontko is ranked as one of the top 150 seniors in the state by Ohio High and has a scholarship offer from Eastern Michigan. Cook is one of the top 10 junior quarterbacks in the state according to Ohio High. He has a strong arm and 4.71 speed in the 40. The bad news for the Warriors is they have to replace all five starters on the offensive line, including second-team AllOhio selection Pat McShane who is playing college football at Indiana. They also must replace second-team All-Ohio running back Armand Dehaney who signed with Ball State. Head coach Gerry Rardin is entering his 29th season at Walsh.

Kent Roosevelt (8-3) * Players To Watch – WR/CB/KR Denerio Bryant (5-9, 165, Sr.), QB Evan Shimensky (5-10, 175, Jr.), OLB Marcus Rogers (6-2, 215, Sr.), SS Sam Thomas (6-1, 222, Sr.), MLB Marcus Wright (6-4, 225, Sr.), C Eric Pucillo (6-2, 265, Sr.), WR/CB Shakeel Howard (5-5, 165, So.), OG/DE Ryan Anderson (6-4, 260, So.) * Outlook – Roosevelt is the first team we’ve featured so far in Region 5 that was actually in this region last year. The Rough Riders won the Portage Trail Conference championship and made the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in 2008. This season, they have even higher expectations for themselves. Bryant is ranked as one of the top 150 players in the state by Ohio High and was a first-team AllOhio selection at cornerback last year when he tied a school record with six interceptions. He also had 43 receptions for 760 yards (17.7 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. He also averaged 30.6 yards on kickoff returns (one touchdown) and 11.2 yards on punt returns. “There aren’t any better than Denerio around here returning punts and kickoffs,” Kent Roosevelt head coach John Nemec said. “He’s also a great deep threat in the passing game and is a great corner on defense. All the MAC schools have been in to look at him, but he needs to get his grades and his (ACT) test score up a little bit.” Shimensky returns as the starting quarterback and he threw for 1,346 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. He also had 291 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Those were pretty solid numbers for a sophomore. “Evan is a good player,” Nemec said. “He makes plays. He is a great leader and he makes plays; that’s what you want out of the quarterback.” The Rough Riders return a rough-and-tumble center in Pucillo who can bench 315 pounds and is probably the strongest overall player on the team according to Nemec. (Pucillo’s cousin is Ohio State wrester Mike Pucillo who won the 2008 NCAA national championship at 184 pounds.) Roosevelt also has plenty of team speed and Howard is near the top of the list as he is consistently timed in the 4.5 range in the 40. Last season, he had 29 receptions for 281 yards (9.7 yards per catch) and three touchdowns, and added 140 rushing yards (5.6 yards per carry). “He started all 10 games as a freshman, which is only the second time that’s happened here since the 80’s,” Nemec said. “He was a two-way starter on a league championship team as a freshman.” Howard wasn’t the only freshman that received a lot of playing time last year though. Anderson received a few starts at offensive guard and he’s a strong player with 5.2 speed in the 40. Defensively, Rogers was the team’s leading tackler last year with 66 (55 solo). Thomas was not too far behind with 62 stops (43 solo). The “captain” of the defense is Wright who had 55 tackles last year (32 solo). Madison (8-4) * Players To Watch – FB/DT Ty Law (6-2, 225, Sr.), WR/DB Miles Iverson (5-11, 175, Sr.), RB/DB Steve Isabella (5-10, 175, Sr.), OT/DT Seth Boggs (6-3, 245, Sr.), TE/LB Hunter Legeza (6-2, 215,

J J H U D D L E . C O M 31

Ohio High Football Preview: Division II Sr.), WR/S Jason O’Bryan (6-3, 175, So.) * Outlook – The Blue Streaks won a playoff game for the first time in school history last season. They were the No. 7 seed in Region 5 and they knocked off East Cleveland Shaw on the road in the first round. This year, they return a solid nucleus of players and are optimistic about the upcoming season. “Our expectations are the same as any other year,” offensive coordinator Mike Martin said. “Our primary goal is to win our league (Premier Athletic Conference). We feel that whoever wins the league will end up being in the playoffs, because if you were good enough to take care of business in the conference, your out-of-conference work should be good enough to get you in. “But we definitely feel like after getting a playoff victory that the expectations are notched up a bit. Getting there just isn’t enough. If the leadership of our seniors comes together, we feel like we are actually a deeper team than we were last year. So, expectations are high. A lot of that depth is going to come from a tremendous sophomore class that is asserting itself. Right now, we expect that five or six sophomores are going to play major roles, so the sooner we get them some seasoning, the better we will be.”

Medina Highland (11-2) * Players To Watch – TB/DB Aaron Maslowski (5-10, 183, Sr.), TE/ILB Tyler Phillips (6-1, 220, Sr.), FB/OLB Jared Serafin (6-0, 195, Sr.), SS Anthony Petrilla (5-10, 175, Sr.), OL/DT Chris Justik (6-2, 225, Jr.), OL/DT Colin Butler (5-10, 225, Jr.) * Outlook – Highland was a regional finalist out of Region 6 last year. The Hornets entered the postseason with the No. 4 seed and defeated Avon Lake and Powell Olentangy Liberty. This season, Highland is moving over to Region 5. Maslowski is ranked as one of the top 150 seniors in the state by Ohio High. Last year, he had 432 rushing yards (7.2 yards per carry) and six total touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving, one interception return). His role will expand quite a bit this season and he will likely have more than double the carries he did last year. “Aaron has college scholarship ability,” head coach Tom Lombardo said. “He’s fast and quick with great vision as tailback. As a DB, he’s one of the tops in the league. We’re still deciding between corner or safety, but he’ll be out there somewhere.” Another top returning player is the versatile Phillips who had 70 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year. “Tyler is getting recruited by colleges,” Lombardo said. “He’s a college-level player in my coaching opinion. Tyler played defensive end for us last year, but he’s going to move to linebacker this year. He’s solid and quick.” Serafin had 65 tackles last year at linebacker and will also start at fullback this year. “Jared is a very good blocker and this year he will be a guy that can line up in different spots,” Lombardo said. “He has good hands. He runs good routes and can carry the ball.” Petrilla returns as the starting strong safety (65

32 J J H U D D L E . C O M

tackles last year) and he’ll also be the backup quarterback. (The starting QB will likely be a sophomore and Lombardo didn’t want to mention him for this story because the situation was still unsettled.) “Anthony is a very good safety,” Lombardo said. “He might also be our quarterback, but he’ll probably be the backup. He’s a 4.0 student and he’s a good all-around athlete that plays baseball as well. He gets us in the right spots and calls. He’s a very smart, heady player.” Two other players that are drawing a lot of buzz for the Hornets are Justik and Butler. They started at defensive tackle as sophomores and they each look to be two-way players this year. “They had real good sophomore years,” Lombardo said. “They have great technique, they’re very strong and they’re going to be good for us on both sides of ball.” Highland graduated three players that were firstteam All-Ohio selections last year: RB/LB Chris Snook (who signed with West Virginia), LB Tyler Houska and PK Eric Duale.

Ravenna (7-4) * Players to Watch – QB/FS Zach Thomas (5-9, 165, Sr.), RB/LB Parnell Taylor (5-10, 10, Sr.), FB/LB Xavier Jones (5-9, 235, Jr.), RB/CB Deiondre Mack (5-10, 140, Jr.), OL/DL Dan McCoy (6-1, 270, Sr.), TE/LB Nick Winn (6-1, 185, Jr.), RB D.J. Jones (5-10, 170, So.), QB/DE Josh Chechak (6-2, 202, Jr.), RB/LB Stephan Wilmington (6-0, 180, Jr.), RB D.J. Jones (5-10, 170, So.) * Outlook – Ravenna made the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in Region 9 of Division III last year (lost to Hubbard on the road in the first round) and it moves up to D-II this season. The Ravens have now made the playoffs two consecutive seasons and three times in school history. “We have a really good junior class of kids that really helped us out playing as sophomores last year,” head coach Jim Lunardi said. “Last year, we really weren’t sure if we were going to make it back to the playoffs – we were hoping to obviously – but that sophomore class really helped bridge that gap.” “Jones scored 42 touchdowns in freshman ball and played some varsity and Ohio State has called about him. He is a just a hard runner and has motor that goes. I might have made the mistake of not moving him up (to varsity) early enough but he definitely is a good football player.” If it sounds like Lunardi is optimistic about the upcoming season, you don’t need to get your hearing checked. “I feel good in the sense that we had a really good off-season,” Lunardi said. “Time will tell what happens and we’ll take one day at a time, but according to our off-season, it was the best that we’ve ever had. If that is any indication, then hopefully we can at least compete for the league and make it back into the playoffs and make a run for it. “The kids being there (in the off-season strength and conditioning program) and understanding they are there not because the coaches want them there but they’re there because they don’t want to lose. They want to win a league championship again and make the playoffs. That is important to them and they know they need to be in the weight

room in order for those things to happen.” Ravenna won the Portage Trail Conference championship in 2007 and placed second last year. The Ravens turned the ball over seven times in a 19-12 loss at Kent Roosevelt in what amounted to the league title game.

Tallmadge (9-4) * Players To Watch – OL/LB Steven Reedy (60, 220, Sr.), WR/DB Phil Emling (5-10, 170, Sr.), QB/DB Thomas Linder (6-2, 170, Sr.), OL Dory Price (6-0, 215, Sr.), OL/DL Eddy Simmons (6-1, 205, Sr.), OL/DL Kevin Barger (6-1, 190, Sr.), FB/LB Ryan Peterson (5-10, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Aaron Jackson (6-3, 250, Sr.), RB/DB Brian Ball (60, 180, Sr.), TE/OLB Steve McAninch (6-0, 205, Jr.), RB/DB Noah Winters (5-10, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – The Blue Devils return two – count ‘em, two – starters this season but they always seem to find themselves in the playoff hunt. Last year, they were the No. 6 seed in the Region 5 playoffs and they knocked off Parma Padua Franciscan on the road in the first round and then defeated Madison. They lost to Akron Hoban in the regional finals, but it was another successful season for head coach Joe Vassalotti and crew. “We graduated 20 starters from last year’s regional final team, so we’ll be very inexperienced this season,” Vassalotti said. “We only have two returning starters (Reedy and Emling) but we do have a lot of talented kids coming back that got a little bit of playing time last year in reserve roles. “We have many questions that won’t be answered until we begin full contact drills. Our overall lack of team speed is a concern. We hope to improve to the point where we can be competitive against a schedule that includes Nordonia, Ellet and Ashland, in addition to the quality teams we face in the Suburban League. “I also think that Region 5 appears to have become stronger with the additions of teams like Walsh and Aurora.”

Also Keep An Eye On

* Canfield (7-3) – The Cardinals finished 10th in Region 7 of Division II in 2008 and they move over to Region 5 this season. It was a rarity for them to miss the playoffs last year and they will likely be a contender this time around. * Lodi Cloverleaf (8-3) – Cloverleaf made the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in Region 6 last year (lost to Lexington in the first round) and it moves over to Region 5 this year. The Colts must replace graduated linebacker Kyle Juszczyk who was a secondteam All-Ohio selection last year. * Mentor Lake Catholic (4-6) – The Cougars placed just 15th in Region 9 of Division III and they are moving up to D-II this year. However, a few coaches have mentioned them as a team that could surprise. * Warren Howland (7-4) – The Tigers qualified for the playoffs in Region 5 last year as the No. 4

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io High

Ohio High Football Preview: Division II seed (lost to Akron Hoban in the first round). This year, they return QB Matt Preston (6-2, 195, Sr.) and RB Mike Mangiarelli (5-11, 175, Sr.).

Also In This Region:

Akron East (3-7), Akron Ellet (6-4), Akron Firestone (0-10), Akron Kenmore (3-7), Akron North (6-4), Ashland (4-6), Ashtabula Lakeside (55), Barberton (3-7), Kenston (2-8), Chardon (3-7), Chesterland West Geauga (6-4), Copley (2-8), Geneva (5-5), Painesville Harvey (4-6), Richfield Revere (6-4), Wooster (6-4), Youngstown Chaney (2-8), Youngstown East (4-6).

Region 6

Teams To Watch

Avon (12-1) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Zak Wearsch (6-1, 205, Sr.), C Jake Shagovak (6-0, 210, Sr.), LB Josh Conrad (5-10, 200, Sr.), WR/CB Brandon Mahaffey (6-1, 175, Sr.), SS Patrick Furnas (5-10, 185, Jr.) * Outlook – Avon was the No. 1 seed in Region 10 of Division III last year and won a pair of playoff games (over Defiance and Tiffin Columbian) before falling to Sunbury Big Walnut in the regional finals. This year, the Eagles move up to Division II and they will do so without graduated quarterback Ryan O’Rourke (who will play college football at Slippery Rock) and graduated strong safety Garrett Gronowski (Eastern Michigan). The latter had two interceptions in the 2009 Ohio NorthSouth Classic and was named MVP of the game. However, despite those losses, Avon returns a solid squad and could be in the mix for a playoff bid. The team will be led by Wearsch who is entering his third season as a starter. But this year he will have a much-larger role as the main ball carrier at tailback. In 2008 playing fullback, he had 295 rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. He also had 14 receptions for 178 yards (12.7 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. “We expect Zak to have a big year,” head coach Mike Elder said. “He’s the real deal. He’s fast and powerful. He would’ve had better numbers last year, but we had a senior running back that went for over 1,000 yards.” Shagovak returns as the starting center and might also play some defensive line this season. “Jake is a scholarship-worthy kid,” Elder said. Conrad is a three-year starter and last season he had 64 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, one sack and one forced fumble. Mahaffey is a returning starter at cornerback where he had two interceptions last year. He will also play wide receiver this year. Furnas was the fourth-leading tackler on the team last year (66) including seven for loss. He also had a sack, a fumble recovery and an interception. Elder is not sure who will replace O’Rourke as the starting quarterback. “We have four guys competing for the spot,” he

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said.

Avon Lake (8-3) * Players To Watch – OL Christian Pace (6-4, 271, Sr.), TE/DE Dan Schneider (6-4, 238, Sr.), TB/DB Mike Mansnerus (6-0, 185, Sr.), FB/LB Nick Marinkov (6-1, 218, Sr.), DL Jon Rodgers (6-4, 245, Sr.), DB Jordan Market (5-10, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Kevin Morissette (5-10, 175, Sr.), OT/DE Brian Mihalek (6-6, 235, Jr.) * Outlook – Avon Lake was the No. 5 seed in the Region 6 playoffs last year and lost at Medina Highland in the first round. The Shoremen return an impressive group of players and should be better this season. Pace is a verbal commitment to Michigan. He is ranked as the 17thbest senior in the state by Ohio High, making him the highestrated Division II player in the state. “He is tough and physical,” head coach Dave Dlugosz said. Schneider is ranked 40th in the state by Ohio High and was a second-team All-Ohio selection last year. He has scholarship offers from Air Force, Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Colorado, Florida State, Indiana, Louisville, Miami U., Ohio, Pittsburgh and Toledo. Ohio State is also taking a close look at him. “Dan is smart, experienced and gives us good leadership,” Dlugosz said. Mansnerus returns as the bell-cow tailback. Last season, he piled up 1,700 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in just eight games. Mihalek is the top player in Avon Lake’s junior class and he will be a two-way starter. “He has great tools,” Dlugosz said. “Good size and good speed (4.8 in the 40).” Marinkov returns as a two-way starter and he is a strong and quick player that “plays downhill and has great hands out of the backfield.” Rodgers is coming off an injury and Dlugosz is happy to have him back due to his good size and athletic ability. Market and Morissette are returning starters that bring leadership to the secondary. The latter also plays offense as a wideout. “Our expectations are high this year as they always are,” Dlugosz said. “Our goals are to win our opener, dominate at home, win the SWC (Southwestern Conference) and qualify for the playoffs.” Dlugosz is entering his 17th season at Avon Lake and has a career record of 168-32. The Shoremen won a state championship under his watch in 2003.

Lexington (11-1) * Players To Watch – QB/CB Courtney Avery (5-10, 170, Sr.), TE/LB Kevin Smith (6-1, 215, Sr.), OL/DT David Willis (6-2, 255, Sr.), OL/DL Zach Myers (6-2, 275, Sr.), LB Terrance Cyphers (5-9, 205, Sr.), S Tyler Hamman (6-2, 205, Sr.), WR/S Shaquille Jefferson (6-1, 190, Sr.), WR/DB Kenya Coombs (5-10, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – The Minutemen were the No. 3 seed in Region 6 last year and their only loss of the season came at the hands of eventual Division II state champion Sylvania Southview in the regional semifinals. This season, they have larger plans

in mind. Avery has verbally committed to Michigan and is ranked as the No. 28 senior in the state by Ohio High. He will play corner in college and he previously committed to Stanford before switching to UM. Avery has been Lexington’s varsity starting quarterback since the first game of his freshman year and he was named first-team All-Ohio as a defensive back last year. He was also stellar as a quarterback in 2008 when he threw for 2,600 yards with 26 touchdowns and just three interceptions (and completed 71 percent of his passes). Avery was named the Ohio Cardinal Conference offensive player of the year. Smith returns to lead the defense from his linebacker spot and he had 80 tackles and seven sacks last year. He was named honorable mention All-Ohio, first-team all-district and first-team allleague. Willis is entering his third season as a starter and he was named honorable mention all-district and second-team all-league. Myers and Willis are very comparable players. They are similarly-sized linemen that start both ways and they claimed identical postseason awards last year (HM all-district, second-team allleague). Cyphers plays next to Smith at linebacker and was nearly as productive last year. Cyphers had 78 tackles, five sacks, one interception and was named second-team all-league. Hamman is steady at strong safety and last year he had 65 tackles, one interception and was named second-team all-league. As if they weren’t already stockpiled with talent, the Minutemen also welcome in a pair of talented transfers from Mansfield Senior in Jefferson and Coombs. Jefferson is the younger half-brother of former Ohio State safety Jamario O’Neal and has scholarship offers from Bowling Green and Central Michigan. Coombs was a starter at quarterback and wide receiver at Mansfield, but he won’t play any QB for Lexington unless something unfortunate happens to Avery.

Maple Heights (6-4) * Players To Watch – OL/DT Dominic Flewellyn (6-3, 275, Sr.), TB Devonte Ransom (5-9, 160, Sr.), WR/KR/PR Andre Stubbs (5-7, 150, Jr.), TB/OLB Calvin Blackman (6-0, 200, Sr.), SB/S Ian Hill (5-9, 160, Sr.), OLB Aaron Russell (6-0, 205, Sr.), Fred ILB Robertson (5-10, 205, Sr.), OL Donauon Garner (6-3, 275, Jr.), QB Shaquille Washington (5-9, 150, Jr.) * Outlook – The Mustangs barely missed the playoffs last year when they finished ninth in the Region 5 computer standings (the top eight teams get in). This season, they move over to Region 6 and will likely be a postseason contender once again. Flewellyn is ranked as one of the top 150 seniors in the state by Ohio High and he has scholarship offers from Bowling Green and Toledo. “Pitt and some Big Ten schools are also looking at him,” head coach Todd Filtz said. “Dominic is an athletic offensive lineman which helps him on the defensive side too. He’s big, physical and athletic. He can move people out of the way offensively and

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II make plays defensively. He didn’t play too much defense last year because we had a couple of seniors we started at defensive tackle. But he’s probably going to play a lot of defense for us this year.” Ransom is an explosive tailback and he rushed for over 1,000 yards in just five games last season before going down with a seasonending injury. “I’m looking for huge things out of him this year,” Filtz said. “He’s physical, fast and athletic.” The good news for Ransom is that he doesn’t have just one standout offensive lineman leading the way for him in Flewellyn. Maple Heights also has Garner who is ranked as one of the top 10 junior offensive linemen in the state by Ohio High. The top returning defense player is Blackman who Filtz calls “an athletic linebacker and a playmaker.” Taking over at quarterback is the diminutive but quick Washington who is a transfer from the Ginn Academy in Cleveland. Overall, the Mustangs are eager to rev it up for the 2009 season. “We’re expecting a lot more this year,” Filtz said. “Last year was our first year taking over as a staff. We actually had enough playoff points to make the playoffs last year, but something out of our control took that away from us. East Liverpool had to forfeit two games which took away points from us (Maple Heights beat East Liverpool). We were seventh and we would have played Shaw in the first round of the playoffs. We found out the Monday before our last game that (East Liverpool) had to forfeit and that it would cost us computer points. So, that was a tough pill to swallow for our team last year. “Our kids are very motivated this year. We have eight starters back on both sides of the ball. We’re an experienced, athletic team and the kids are fired up for this year.” Parma Normandy (5-5) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Jake Squirek (511, 215, Sr.), QB/DB Casey Pierce (6-4, 195, Sr.), WR/SS Mike Travvagliante (5-8, 165, Sr.), C/NG Mike Samjilenko (5-9, 230, Sr.), OT/DE Ryan Fitzsimmons (6-1, 235, Sr.), RB/CB Mike Louis (59, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Normandy moves over from Region 5 where it finished in 14th place last year. However, with almost the entire team returning, the Invaders believe it will be tough to keep them from entering the playoffs this year. Squirek is one of the top 150 seniors in the state according to Ohio High magazine and is the son of former NFL linebacker Jack Squirek. Last season, he had 1,500 rushing yards (seven yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns. He also returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. “Jake is a difference-maker on offense,” head coach Rich Turner said. “Game planning against him, I can only imagine what it’s like. He can take it the distance or he can pound it at you. He had 285 yards and five touchdowns against North Royalton last year who is a good team.” Squirek did not have any scholarship offers as of press time. “Not yet,” Turner said. “I think he’ll definitely get one, but we’re still waiting. He went to a lot of

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camps this summer and he’s on the radar of several college programs.” Pierce returns at quarterback and he was solid in his first year in the role in 2008 with 600 passing yards, 300 rushing yards and a total of 10 touchdowns (seven passing, three rushing). “He’s a lefty, so we kind of do everything backwards as far as rollouts and things like that,” Turner said. “We didn’t throw the ball very much last year. Casey’s biggest thing is he can run it too. He benefited from defenses keying on Jake last year. He could roll out and keep it himself. He really came on at the end of the year and we feel we have a dual-threat quarterback this year. He also starts at corner; we have we have three of our starting DB’s back.” Travvagliante returns as a two-way starter and he had 450 rushing yards last year. “He does so many things well for us,” Turner said. “Mike can run the ball effectively and he did a great job of blocking for Jake, too. Mike is also a starter at strong safety and he makes plays.” Samjilenko is extremely strong, plays low and returns to anchor both lines. “Mike made state as wrestler and he won our lineman lifting challenge,” Turner said. “He’s a typical Ohio hard-nosed wrestler, center and nose guard. He’s back both ways and he’ll be even better this year as a senior.” Also returning as a productive starter on both lines is Fitzsimmons. “Ryan is one of our best blockers,” Turner said. “Colleges wish he was taller, but they like the way he looks.” Louis is the team’s No. 3 running back and he had around 300 rushing yards last year. But more importantly, he is the Invaders’ “shutdown corner” according to Turner. Normandy went into battle last year with an inexperienced team for the most part. But with a talented group returning, the Invaders hope “D Day” in 2009 will be in reference to them playing the first weekend of December. Toledo Central Catholic (10-1) * Players To Watch – TE/DL Jamaal Tarrent (62, 260, Sr.), OL/DT Chris Boles (6-3, 300, Jr.), LT/DT Kyle Cameron (6-2, 285, Jr.), QB Dave Walender (5-11, 175, Sr.), WR/CB Nate Hobbs (61, 190, Sr.), DB Zach Messer (5-8, 175, Sr.), K Kyle Burkhardt (6-0, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – The Irish rolled through the regular season undefeated and were the No. 1 seed in Region 6 last year, but fell in the first round of the playoffs at home to Powell Olentangy Liberty (which moved up to D-I this year). This season, TCC is loaded with talent as usual. Tarrent is ranked as one of the top 150 seniors in the state by Ohio High and has a scholarship offer from Akron. Last season, he had 36 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks. “His athleticism for his size really jumps out,” head coach Greg Dempsey said. “Jamaal is an excellent athlete and he does a great job using that to his advantage. He does a good job of rushing the passer and is explosive for his size. He is mostly a defensive end for us, but we’ll play him a little bit at tight end.” Boles is ranked as one of the top 30 juniors in

the state by Ohio High’s Mark Porter and he is one of two main starters back on the offensive line. “Chris is a pretty talented kid,” Dempsey said. “Buffalo called me about him.” Dempsey is also high on Cameron who is ranked as one of the top 50 juniors in the state by Ohio High. “Kyle was offered by the Tennessee staff before they were fired,” Dempsey said. “(Ohio State offensive coordinator/offensive line coach) Jim Bollman calls frequently about him. Illinois said all he has to do is come to camp and he has an offer. He’s mobile and mean and really finishes his blocks. He started all season for us as a sophomore at left tackle and also played some defensive tackle. He’s a tad shorter version of Christian Pace from Avon Lake.” Walender returns as the starting quarterback and he threw for 1,147 yards (53 percent completion) with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions last year. Three of his interceptions came in the final game of the season when Central Catholic was upset in the first round of the playoffs. “He’s not a dual-threat; he’s more of a pocket guy,” Dempsey said. “Dave is mobile, but he’s not a running threat. We are in the shotgun 30-40 percent of the time and he does a good job of running our offense and throwing the ball.” Hobbs is a talented athlete that will play all over the field. He is even Walender’s backup at quarterback. “We don’t want anyone to be comfortable,” Dempsey said. “Nate will take some snaps at quarterback even if he plays wide receiver. The Wildcat offense has hit us.” Last season, Hobbs had 29 receptions for 546 yards and five touchdowns. He added 12 carries for 62 yards and another touchdown. The bad news for the Irish was that Hobbs missed the final three games of the season due to injury (including the playoff game). Messer returns to lead the secondary and he had 56 tackles from his strong safety spot last season. Central Catholic also has a solid kicker in Burkhardt (5-of-9 on field goals with a long of 48; 30-for-30 on extra points).

Also Keep An Eye On

* Bedford (5-5) – The Bearcats are moving down from Division I this year. Last season, they finished in 14th place in Region 1. * Holland Springfield (6-4) – The Blue Devils must replace graduated quarterback Eric Page who was Ohio’s Division II co-offensive player of the year last season. * Maumee (8-2) – The Panthers finished 11th in Region 6 last year and their only losses came at the hands of Holland Springfield and eventual state champ Sylvania Southview. * Olmsted Falls (5-5) – The Bulldogs placed 10th in Region 5 last year and they’ll see if their bark is any bigger in Region 6. But they have to replace a talented class that graduated. * Toledo DeSales (5-5) – The Knights placed

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II 17th in Region 6 last year, but they have a solid group returning led by defensive end Chris Rock (6-5, 245, Jr.). He is ranked as the No. 2 DE in the state by Ohio High in the 2011 class and that’s no joke.

Also In This Region:

Berea (5-5), Bowling Green (5-5), Cleveland Collinwood (1-9), Cleveland JFK (6-4), Cleveland South (7-3), Grafton Midview (5-5), Lorain Southview (1-9), Mansfield Madison (2-8), Mansfield Senior (2-8), North Ridgeville (6-4), Norwalk (0-10), Rocky River (6-4), Sandusky (4-6), Sylvania Northview (2-8), Toledo Rogers (3-6), Toledo Scott (2-8), Toledo Woodward (0-10), Westlake (2-8).

Region 7

Teams To Watch

Columbus Beechcroft (9-2) * Players To Watch – SS Larez Harper (5-10, 200, Sr.), RB/MLB Wallace Hale (5-11, 210, Sr.), TE/DE Rasean Moore (6-5, 215, Sr.), RB/OLB B.J. Watkins (5-11, 200, Sr.), WR/DB/P Billy Croom (62, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – Beechcroft made the playoffs last year (No. 5 seed in this region) and lost on the road to Columbus Marion-Franklin in the first round. This season, the Cougars have a first-year head coach in Bruce Ward and he has a lot of talented, experienced players at his disposal. Harper was a second-team All-Ohio selection last season. He has scholarship offers from Ohio U., Southern, Syracuse and Toledo. “Larez is a leader on defense,” Ward said. “He’s an explosive tackler. He has a tremendous work ethic and really gets the team going.” Hale piled up 1,530 rushing yards (7.3 yards per carry) and 26 touchdowns last year. He also led the team with 107 tackles. “Wallace is being recruited by most of the MAC and a few Big Ten schools,” Ward said. “Michigan State is looking at him and Eastern Michigan really wants him. He’s working on the academic part of it. “He’s a big, physical runner and he’s explosive in the open field for a runner his size. He’s a punisher; he runs people over. He also has deceptive speed and was timed last fall in the 40 at 4.51. He’s a great talent.” Beechcroft utilizes a power running game and almost had two runners reach 1,000 yards last year as Watkins had 930 rushing yards (8.3 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns. He also recorded 42 tackles on defense. Moore is one of the top defensive ends in the Columbus City League and he had 43 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks last year. Croom is one of the best punters in central Ohio and had an average of 41.9 yards last year. Columbus Brookhaven (9-2) * Players To Watch – TE/DE Derrick Bryant (64, 235, Sr.), QB/FS Ryland Ward (5-11, 185, Sr.), DB Michael Sellers (6-0, 175, Sr.), RB/LB Demetrus Johnson (5-11, 235, Sr.), WR DeShawn Alston (5-11, 170, Sr.), QB Tajuan Green (6-0, 165,

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So.), WR William Tweedy (6-0, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – The Bearcats won the 2004 Division II state championship and then they spent the 2005-08 seasons in Division I (last year they made the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in Region 3, but lost in the first round to Worthington Kilbourne). Now back in D-II, they are trying to regain their championship form and their roster is dripping with talent. Bryant is ranked as the No. 25 senior in the state by Ohio High and has scholarship offers from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina and Purdue, among others. “Derrick has great size and strength, as well as a great work ethic,” head coach Anthony Thornton said. “He’s a good kid grade-wide and is a kid with high character.” As for moving down to Division II, Thornton doesn’t try and hide the fact he’s happy about it. “It’s very beneficial for us,” he said. “We were one of the smaller Division I schools and we accepted the challenge, but numbers-wise it was very difficult for us to compete at that level. We are back in our wheelhouse, but D-II offers no slouches. There are a lot of good teams in our region and across the state in D-II. “Our first four games out of the box are going to be tough. We have to be ready from the start to play good football.” Thornton is entering his second season as Brookhaven’s head coach. He was the offensive coordinator under Tom Blake prior to that. This season, he and his players believe they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run. “Well, we talked about our goals all the way back in January,” Thornton said. “I asked them what they wanted to accomplish and their goal is a state championship. I told them there a lot of mountains we have to climb before we get there.”

Columbus Marion-Franklin (10-2) * Players To Watch – QB Verlon Reed (6-3, 193, Sr.), OT Aaron Shelton (6-6, 320, Sr.), DT Matthew Williams (6-1, 325, Sr.), WR/SS Dominque Marsh (5-10, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – Marion-Franklin was the No. 4 seed in this region last year and defeated Columbus Beechcroft in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Columbus DeSales (which has moved down to D-III) in the regional semifinals. Reed calls the shots at quarterback and he is ranked as one of the top 150 players in the state by Ohio High. He has scholarship offers from Bowling Green, Kent State, Syracuse and Toledo. As a junior in 2008, Reed threw for 1,200 yards, ran for 700 and accounted for a total of 20 touchdowns. “He is a threat running or throwing,” head coach Brian Haffele said. “Last year was his first year as the starting quarterback, so that experience will make him even better this year. He started as a sophomore at wide receiver.” But it’s far from a one-man show at MarionFranklin. The Red Devils return all five starters on their offensive line, led by the massive Shelton. “We feel pretty good about our O-line,” Haffele said. “We have five seniors up front and they average 6-5, 300 pounds. Four of the five bench over 300. We’re going to go as far as those kids take us.” Returning to lead the defensive line is Williams

who is a player that often controls the middle of the line of scrimmage by himself. “Matthew is completely a run-plugging D-tackle and he’s the strongest kid I’ve ever coached,” Haffele said. “He benches 470.” One of the very few two-way starters on this deep team will be Marsh at wide receiver and strong safety. “Dominique is our best defensive back,” Haffele said. “He’s strong with a 300-pound bench press and he’s a 4.4 kid in the 40. He’s probably our second-best athlete behind Verlon. He’s very athletic and versatile.” Haffele is confident that he has a dangerous team coming back and with good reason. The Red Devils have a lot of talent and they’re looking to turn up the heat on their opponents this year. “Every year our No. 1 goal is to win our conference (Columbus City League South),” Haffele said. “We’re fortunate enough to have won it each of the last five years. Offensively, we have a lot of seniors. We feel good at quarterback and on the offensive line. Most of skilled guys are underclassmen. We’ll probably start eight juniors – all first-time starters – but four of them played in the playoffs against Beechcroft and DeSales for us.” Dublin Scioto (5-5) * Players To Watch – DL Grant Pleasant (6-3, 230, Sr.), QB Charlie Suich (5-11, 185, Sr.), OG Chris Latimer (6-2, 250, Sr.), OT Tyler Tanner (6-4, 295, Sr.), RB/LB Alex Gordon (5-10, 165, Sr.), RB Clay Strawser (5-11, 175, Sr.), WR Stacey Blunt (6-1, 175, Sr.), TE Jamare Mills (6-5, 240, Jr.) * Outlook – Scioto missed the playoffs last year (12th in this region) but the Irish hope their luck will change this year. Pleasant is ranked as the No. 82 senior in the state by Ohio High and has scholarship offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Ohio and Toledo. “He is a big, fast, physical player that doesn’t quit,” head coach Karl Johnson said. Suich enters his second season as the starting quarterback and he has the confidence of his coaching staff. “Charlie has a strong arm and good feet,” Johnson said. “He should be a threat in the air and on the ground.” Scioto returns an excellent offensive line led by Latimer (three-year starter) and Tanner (two-year starter). The Irish also have a pair of good running backs in Gordon and Strawser. “Alex is a tough, old-school football player,” Johnson said. “Clay is a solid playmaker that could have a breakout year.” Blunt is the top receiver on the team and he is ranked as one of the top 150 seniors in the state according to Ohio High. “Stacey has the potential to have a big year and to be a big playmaker for us,” Johnson said. Last year was a disappointment for Dublin Scioto and the team is determined to not have a repeat performance. The Irish will be one of the most veteran teams in the state and that usually goes a long way in football. “We will have a senior class of about 35 that have stuck together through thick and thin,” said Johnson, who is entering his 10th season at Scioto and has a career record of 66-35. “They are excit-

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II ed about their season which gets everyone else excited. Over the last three seasons, we have learned that there is a fine line between being a good team and being a great team.”

Lewis Center Olentangy (7-4) * Players To Watch – DT Brad Young (6-0, 300, Sr.), SS Aaron Gutentag (6-0, 165, Sr.), MLB David Greenzalis (5-8, 215, Sr.), OL Matt Wilson (6-2, 265, Sr.), RB Joe Eschenbach (5-11, 195, Sr.) * Outlook – The Braves qualified for the 2008 playoffs as the No. 7 seed in Region 6 and gave eventual state champion Sylvania Southview a good game on the road before falling 2814. This year, Olentangy tries its hand at Region 7. “I don’t know if it’s a good move for us – 12 teams from this region made the playoffs last year, including Brookhaven and the teams that are moving up from D-III,” head coach Ed Terwilliger said. “But nothing has changed for us. We still have the same goals and we want to get in the playoffs and see what happens from there. But it’s going to be really tough to get in. Louisville is always good. Logan is a great team with their senior quarterback back. Scioto has got something like 38 seniors this year. “We also want to compete for a league championship, but our division is loaded with good D-I teams and good D-II teams: Marysville, Westerville South, Westerville North, Olentangy Liberty, Westerville Central, Jerome, Scioto. So, we’re about week-to-week.” Terwilliger says the vacant starting quarterback job will be decided in preseason camp. “Yeah, we don’t know about quarterback yet,” he said. “Our quarterback last year was a senior and graduated. We probably have four guys competing for the spot and it’s a toss-up right now. “Traditionally, we have a lot of seniors graduate and juniors step in. We’ll have some younger kids playing this year since they split our district up again with adding Olentangy Orange.”

Logan (11-1) * Players To Watch – QB/S Pat Angle (6-1, 190, Sr.), WR/CB Mason Mays (5-11, 175, Sr.), FB/LB Michael Snider (6-0, 200, Sr.), C/DT Bobby Russell (6-2, 220, Sr.), TE/DE Ralph Robinson (6-0, 200, Sr.), OG/DT Jeff Murphy (5-11, 210, Sr.), RB/DB Zach McDaniel (5-11, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – The Chieftains were the No. 3 seed in the Region 7 playoffs last year and lost to Louisville 7-0 in the second round in a game where they turned the ball over seven times. (They knocked off Dublin Jerome 23-7 in the first round.) This year, they return one of the best quarterbacks in the state regardless of division in Angle. He was named firstteam All-Ohio last year and is entering his third season as Logan’s starting quarterback. In 2008, Angle threw for 2,496 yards with 25 touchdowns – both school records – and added 557 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Angle set a school record when he threw for 324 yards in a 35-10 win over Pickerington North last year. Angle has a good No. 1 target in Mays, who was a second-team All-Ohio selection last year when

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he had 57 receptions for 852 yards and 13 touchdowns. Snider had over 100 tackles last year and returns to lead the defense from his linebacker spot. Robinson and Murphy are returning starters, while McDaniel was the backup tailback last year and moves into the starting role this year. Head coach Dale Amyx is entering his 20th season at Logan and has a career record of 129-70. He has directed the Chieftains to 12 Southeastern Ohio Athletic League championships and six trips to the playoffs. He’s also been named SEOAL Coach of the Year five consecutive seasons.

Louisville (12-1) * Players To Watch – WR Bobby Swigert (6-1, 180, Sr.), LB Hunter Potts (6-0, 205, Sr.), OL/DL Joe Poyser (6-0, 215, Sr.), OT/DT Bob Gothot (5-9, 190, Sr.), TB/LB Jake Adkins (5-11, 195, Sr.) * Outlook – The Leopards were the No. 2 seed in the Region 7 playoffs last year and they advanced to the regional finals where they fell to Columbus DeSales (which has moved down to DIII this year). Louisville defeated Columbus Independence and Logan in the first two rounds of the postseason. This year, the Leopards must say goodbye to graduated quarterback Neal Seaman who was Ohio’s co-Offensive Player of the Year in Division II last year. The good news is that they return Swigert who was a secondteam All-Ohio selection last year (first-team all-district, first-team all-league). He is ranked as the No. 45 senior in the state by Ohio High and has scholarship offers from Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Colorado, Eastern Michigan, Indiana, Kent State, Miami U., Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Toledo, Western Michigan and Wisconsin. Potts was a second-team all-league selection last year at linebacker and Poyser was named honorable mention all-league as a defensive lineman. Head coach Paul Farrah is entering his 10th season at Louisville and has a career mark of 8424. He is a former player at Louisville and also played college football at Baldwin-Wallace as a defensive back.

Sunbury Big Walnut (11-3) * Players To Watch – QB Johnny Cannell (6-6, 215, Sr.), TB Cody Leitner (5-9, 180, Sr.), WR Bret Myers (6-0, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Brad Beltram (5-8, 175, Sr.), LB Jacob Walaszek (6-1, 220, Jr.) * Outlook – Big Walnut won the 2007 Division III state championship and advanced to the state semifinals last year (qualified for the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in Region 10). This season, the Golden Eagles move up in class to Division II. Big Walnut has a new head coach this year in Joe Weaver and he’s pleased to have a returning starter at quarterback in Cannell. Last season, Cannell earned the starting job early in the season and threw for 1,079 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. “We expect big things from Johnny this year,” Weaver said. “You start to see him grow up and

take on those leadership responsibilities. Getting experience as the starter last year was important for him.” At tailback, Leitner split time with a senior last year, but still managed 636 rushing yards (5.8 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns. This season, he has the job all to himself. “He’s a hard worker,” Weaver said. “One thing about that kid he’s hard nosed and works his tail off. That’s pretty much the cookie cutter of our team. We have a lot of kids that are around the 5-9 size. They’re not very big, but they’re scrappy, hard-nosed, fast kids.” Myers returns as a starting wide receiver and he had 26 catches for 374 yards and two touchdowns last year. Beltram had three interceptions last year and is the “best defensive back coming back” for Big Walnut according to Weaver. Weaver was Big Walnut’s defensive coordinator the last three seasons and has been a coach in the program for nine years (including middle school and freshman ball).

Also Keep An Eye On

* Canal Winchester (9-2) – Canal qualified for the playoffs in 2008 as the No. 6 seed in Region 12 of Division III (lost at Chillicothe 13-7 in the first round). This year, the Indians move up to D-II. * Canton South (8-4) – Canton South made the playoffs last year in Division III (No. 4 seed in Region 11) and defeated Canal Fulton Northwest in the first round. An OHSAA said in June that Canton South was moving up to D-II this year. However, head coach Moe Daniska told Ohio High that his team was staying in D-III this season. * Columbus Independence (7-4) – The 76ers made the playoffs last year with the No. 7 seed in this region and fell at Louisville in the first round. * Columbus St. Charles (6-4) – The Cardinals narrowly missed the playoffs last year (No. 11 in this region) but return a talented group this year led by OL Justin Stumph (6-4, 270, Sr.) and WR Mike Ryan (6-3, 185, Sr.). Stumph is ranked as the No. 57 senior in the state by Ohio High and he had scholarship offers from Bowling Green, Indiana, Northwestern and Toledo before committing to Miami (Ohio) in early July. * Dresden Tri-Valley (7-3) – The Scotties finished 15th in Region 7 last year. They return one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Clay Cameron (6-0, 210, Sr.). He was named first-team All-Ohio last year. * Dublin Jerome (6-5) – The Celtics were the No. 6 seed in this region last year and fell in the first round of the playoffs to Logan. LB Steve Mehrer (6-1, 220, Sr.) is ranked as the No. 38 senior in the

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II state by Ohio High and has scholarship offers from Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Indiana and Toledo. ATH Cameron Wilson (6-1, 180, So.) is ranked as the No. 6 sophomore in the state by Ohio High. * New Philadelphia (8-3) – The Quakers barely made the playoffs last year as the No. 8 seed in Region 11 of Division III. This year, they convert to D-II. * Uniontown Lake (5-5) – The Blue Streaks just missed out on the 2008 playoffs, finishing ninth in this region. They are a program that is in the mix for the postseason nearly every year.

Also In This Region:

Canton Timken (3-7), Columbus Briggs (4-6), Columbus Centennial (0-10), Columbus Hamilton Township (5-5), Columbus Mifflin (1-9), Columbus Walnut Ridge (6-4), Columbus Whetstone (7-3), Olentangy Orange (2009 will be first year playing varsity football), Marietta (4-6), New Albany (6-4), Pataskala Watkins Memorial (4-6), The Plains Athens (4-6), Warren Vincent (4-6), Zanesville (55).

Region 8

Teams To Watch

Cincinnati Turpin (9-2) * Players To Watch – RB Wayne Dunham (5-7, 175, Sr.), FB/DL Jeff Groene (6-2, 245, Sr.), QB Eric Martin (6-2, 185, Jr.), OL John Adkerson (6-1, 275, Jr.), MLB Matt Kelly (6-0, 195, Sr.), OLB Ken Mason (6-0, 205, Sr.), DB Zach Page (6-1, 180, Sr.), K Alec Gates (5-11, 160, Sr.) * Outlook – The Spartans were the No. 4 seed in Region 8 last season (lost to Kings Mills Kings in the first round) and they have made the playoffs four consecutive times. This year, with 14 returning starters (nine offense, five defense) Turpin is primed for another quality season. Dunham has racked up 2,679 career rushing yards (1,221 last year, 1,458 as a sophomore in 2007) and 28 touchdowns (15 last year, 13 in 2007) while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He also has 24 career receptions for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Groene is the best college prospect on the team and he starts both ways at fullback and on the defensive line. In addition to being a good blocker, he is a quality receiver out of the backfield and has 25 career receptions for 215 yards (8.6 yards per reception) and four touchdowns. He also has 73 career rushing yards (3.3 per carry) and six scores on the ground. Martin took over starting quarterback duties last year and was very solid in the role. He threw for 1,267 yards (57.2 percent) with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. He added 290 rushing yards (3.8 yards per carry) and five touchdowns. Considering he was able to do all of that as a sophomore, Martin’s numbers could rise exponentially in 2009.

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“We have tons of potential this year,” Turpin head coach Rob Stoll said. “Our backfield, if healthy, should be one of the best in the city. Jeff Groene is a big, bruising, athletic fullback who is often a lead blocker. Wayne Dunham is looking to completely re-write our record book this year. At quarterback, Eric Martin brings a year of experience under his belt, as well as a ton of athleticism. All three of his main targets (Mike Millikin, Shade Whitfield and Will Stocker) were sophomores last year. Stoll is entering his eighth season at Turpin and has a career record of 53-25.

Cincinnati Winton Woods (11-2) * Players To Watch – QB Dominique Brown (62, 226, Sr.), RB Jeremiah Goins (5-10, 235, Sr.), DB Avery Cunningham (6-1, 185, Sr.), NG Cameron Brown (6-2, 278, Sr.), CB Corey Webber (6-0, 171, Jr.), ILB David Hampton (6-1, 175, Sr.), RB Thomas Owens (5-10 ½, 205, Jr.), DB Chuck Wynn (5-11, 185, Jr.) * Outlook – The Warriors entered the 2008 playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Region 8 and advanced to the regional finals where it fell to eventual state runner-up Cincinnati Anderson in a tight 24-21 contest. Brown runs the show at quarterback and he is a verbal commitment to Cincinnati. Brown is ranked as the No. 56 senior in the state by Ohio High and he was a second-team All-Ohio selection last year when he rushed for over 1,000 yards. “He’s an explosive runner,” head coach Troy Everhart said. “Dominique was the unanimous player of the year in our league (Fort Ancient Valley Conference). No one put anyone else against him. When the coaches in the conference that you play against notice that (Brown is a special player), that’s the first time I’ve ever seen that where no one else is even nominated. “He might play safety in college and I think he could play on Sundays (in the NFL) as a safety.” Goins has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons (over 1,300 yards last year) and is closing in on Winton Woods’ career rushing record. He was a second-team All-Ohio pick last season. “He has unbelievable quickness inside of the box,” Everhart said. “People underestimate his movement. He’s better than (Mister) Simpson (from Cincinnati Colerain) that was Division I AP Player of the Year a few years ago. “Jeremiah needs that next speed. He’s got the fifth gear; he needs the overdrive. He can get you that hard yard and he will block for Dominique. But (Goins) has great lateral moves. He’ll start off right, move left and he’s just an impressive kid. He doesn’t have any offers yet; it’s a matter if people want a true fullback. But people are interested. Cunningham captains the defense from his safety spot and he is ranked as one of the top 150 seniors in the state by Ohio High. “Avery is probably the best safety in Cincinnati,” Everhart said. Harrison (5-5) * Players To Watch – FS Tyler Elrod (6-2, 205, Sr.), CB Tommy Mullins (6-3, 180, Sr.), LB C.J. Rivera (5-9, 175, Sr.), RB Brandon Fisher (5-8,

170, Sr.), OL Ben Kolb (6-2, 235, Sr.) * Outlook – The Wildcats narrowly missed out on the Division I playoffs last year (finished 11th in Region 4) and they move down to D-II this year. Elrod is the lone college recruit on the team and he returns to lead the way for Harrison. “Tyler is a big, fast, physical kid and he’s a very good free safety for us,” head coach Neal Kasner said. “He’s being recruited as a linebacker, but we have him roam around as a safety back there and he does a great job whether it’s coming up in the box or making plays in the secondary. He doesn’t have any offers yet, but he did the camp tour over the summer and we expect that he’ll have some soon.” Another key returning starter on defense – and another player that is big for his position – is Mullins at cornerback. “Tommy is a kid that can cover a lot of ground,” Kasner said. “He’s physical and he made some big plays for us last year. He’s an impact player.” Rivera is a bit undersized for a linebacker, but they don’t come much tougher according to his coach. “C.J. is a real hard-nosed competitor,” Kasner said. “He’s a 160-pound wrestler and is just a hardworking, tough kid. He’s the kind of player you can build a defense around.” Taking over the full-time duties at tailback this year will be Fisher who rushed for 500 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and three touchdowns last year. “He split time for us last year and he did a great job,” Kasner said. “He came to us late – he moved in last summer from Indiana. Brandon is a tremendous player. He has that extra gear where he can break away.” Returning to lead the offensive line is Kolb who is solid in all facets of his game. Kings Mills Kings (8-4) * Players To Watch – QB Jonny Brewster (6-3, 185, Jr.), TE/OLB Trey Knecht (6-0, 200, Sr.), WR/OLB Blake Bates (6-2, 200, Jr.), DL Jake Gibson (5-11, 225, Sr.), RB/DB Drew Esler (6-0, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Kings was the No. 5 seed in Region 8 last year and defeated Turpin on the road in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Winton Woods in the regional semifinals. However, the Knights could take a step back this year and head coach Andy Olds has no problem admitting it. “We have guys that played last year, but Brewster is our only full-time returning starter,” Olds said. “We will start a freshman likely for the first time in the history of our program, as well as six or seven sophomores. We have the smallest senior class in the history of our program with a total of eight players. Last year was the largest with 27. “Our schedule is tough and our first four games are against D-I schools. We will be ready to contend in 2010 and 2011, but we’ll have to see about this year. With Anderson moving, I know there is excitement among the Region 8 coaches. We haven’t had a losing season since I’ve been here, but that is going to be difficult to keep clean this year.” Olds is entering his 12th season as a head

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II coach and has a career record of 96-24.

Mount Orab Western Brown (10-1) * Players To Watch – TE/LB Dane Boggs (6-3, 215, Sr.), RB/DB Brad Rhoades (6-1, 195, Jr.), LB Matt Canter (6-0, 205, Jr.), OL/DL Walker Davis (63, 245, Jr.), QB Matt Corcoran (6-1, 185, Jr.) * Outlook – The Broncos were undefeated in the regular season last year and earned the No. 7 seed in the Region 8 playoffs where they fell to New Carlisle Tecumseh in the first round. This year, one of the youngest head coaches in the state of Ohio – 24-year-old Evan Dreyer – takes over the program. Dreyer has a lot of talent at his disposal, but not much experience. Boggs is the only returning player that started every game last season when he finished with 60 tackles from his linebacker spot. “He didn’t come off field except kickoff return,” Dreyer said. “He’ll be one of our captains for sure and will be a third-year starter this year. He’s one of those great all-around athletes; he also plays basketball. He does everything for us. He’ll be our leader and one of our captains.” Another player to keep a close eye on this season is Rhoades who will take over as the primary running back. “He realistically could be the best player in our league (Southern Buckeye Conference),” Dreyer said. Taking over as the starting quarterback is Corcoran who was the junior varsity starter and varsity backup last season. “We’re changing the offense from the wing-T to the triple option and Matt is a good quarterback for that offense,” Dreyer said.

New Carlisle Tecumseh (11-1) * Players To Watch – OL/DT Karson Williams (6-4, 245, Sr.), QB/DB Riley Gault (6-0, 185, Sr.), RB/DB Dustin Holmes (6-1, 190, Sr.), FB/ILB Kyle Sanning (5-11, 205, Sr.), ILB Zeke Eier (5-10, 210, Jr.), TE/DT Rex Bonham (6-3, 240, Sr.), OG/OLB Josh Cantrell (5-11, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Ryan Christmann (6-2, 180, Sr.), OT/DE Andy Hufford (60, 200, Sr.), OLB Jeremy Strahan (5-9, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – The Arrows were the No. 2 seed in this playoff region last year and they won a firstround game at home over Mount Orab Western Brown before falling to Cincinnati Anderson. Tecumseh has a total of 10 returning starters, many of which play both ways. Williams is ranked as the No. 78 senior in the state by Ohio High and he anchors both lines. Gault threw for 768 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions and should be much better in his second season in the starting role. The Arrows can point to a pair of talented, experience running backs to lead the offense. Last season, Holmes rushed for 977 yards (7.8 per carry) and Sanning wasn’t far behind him with 914 yards (6.1 per carry). The leading returning performers on defense are Sanning (110 tackles), Eier (106 tackles) and Holmes (91 tackles, four interceptions). “We return an experienced group of players that are committed to the program,” head coach Kent

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Massie said. “They are a talented group with a tremendous work ethic. Trenton Edgewood (8-3) * Players To Watch – OG Taylor Miller (6-5, 305, Sr.), RB/CB Justin Elder (6-1, 185, Sr.), OG/LB Billy French (6-0, 195, Sr.), OT/DT Tyler Breh (6-2, 250, Sr.), FB Dean Estes (6-0, 185, Sr.), RB/WR/CB Tony Davis (5-10, 180, Jr.), DE Casey Russell (6-2, 210, Sr.), LB Ryan Roach (5-10, 200, Sr.) * Outlook – The Cougars made the 2008 playoffs as the No. 6 seed in Region 8 and lost to Cincinnati Anderson in the first round. This season, they welcome back a talented squad and should be in the postseason once again. Miller is ranked as the No. 42 senior in the state by Ohio High and had offers from Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Ohio and Western Michigan before committing to Toledo in June. “A lot of schools outside the MAC are interested, but they’re waiting on his test scores,” head coach Steve Channel said. “Most college coaches really like his mobility for a big guy. He’s already the size they want – he doesn’t have to grow into being a college lineman. Elder rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He will also start at cornerback this year after playing linebacker last year. Elder has plenty of quality offensive linemen that will be leading the way for him. In addition to Miller, French and Breh return as starters up front. Defensively, Miller and Breh rotate in at tackle, while French returns as a starting linebacker. Estes injured his knee last season, but Channel is “looking for him to be very productive” this year. The starting quarterback will be determined during two-a-days. Channel is entering his 20th season at Edgewood and has a career record of 144-63. Trotwood-Madison (4-6) * Players To Watch – WR A.J. Jordan (6-2, 180, Jr.), TE Justin Favors (6-2, 227, Sr.), CB/FS Jordan Paschal (5-11, 180, Sr.), DT Anthony Render (6-3, 301, Sr.), QB Marcus Graham (6-2, 190, Jr.), SS George “Bam” Bradley (6-2, 190, So.), RB/ATH Antwan Gilbert (5-11, 174, Jr.), FB Nicholas Grigsby (6-0, 195, Jr.), CB Maurice Blacknail (5-11, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – The Rams missed the playoffs last year (10th in this region) but return loaded this season. In fact, if it wasn’t for Winton Woods, Trotwood would arguably have the most talent in Region 8. Jordan is ranked as the No. 10 junior in the state by Ohio High and has received early interest from Ohio State among others. Last season, he had 30 receptions for 450 yards and four touchdowns, and was named firstteam all-league (GWOC North). Favors is ranked as the No. 47 senior in the state by Ohio High and has offers from Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Colorado, Kent State and Toledo. Graham returns as the starting quarterback and he is ranked as the No. 19 junior in the state by Ohio High. Gilbert is ranked as one of the top 15 junior running backs in the state and has 4.43 speed in the 40. Grigsby is the top junior fullback

in the state according to Ohio High and he has 4.5 speed in the 40. Looking at the defensive side of the ball, Paschal is ranked as one of the top 150 players in the state by Ohio High and has a scholarship offer from Louisville. Render is also ranked in the top 150 by Ohio High and he is a hulking presence in the middle of the line. Bradley is ranked as the No. 3 sophomore in the state by Porter and is known as a big-hitter.

Also Keep An Eye On

* Dayton Carroll (5-5) – The Patriots badly missed the playoffs last year (16th in this region) but that might have been a one-year aberration for this strong program. * Greenville (7-3) – The Green Wave moves over from Region 6 where it barely missed the playoffs last year, finishing ninth in the computer standings. * Morrow Little Miami (7-3) – The Panthers also had the sour taste of being one spot out of the playoffs last year. They finished ninth in Region 8. QB Kyle Cook (6-3, 190, Sr.) headlines the roster. He led the Fort Ancient Valley Conference in passing as a junior with 2,303 yards on 135-of-219 attempts and 21 touchdowns and also had 238 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Cook was named first team all-league, first team allcity (Cincinnati) and second team allSouthwest Ohio. * Piqua (6-4) – The 2006 Division II state champion moves over from Region 6 where it placed 10th last season.

Also In This Region:

Ashville Teays Valley (6-4), Batavia Amelia (4-6), Cincinnati Aiken (3-7), Cincinnati Hughes Center (2-8), Cincinnati Mount Healthy (4-6), Cincinnati Northwest (2-8), Cincinnati Walnut Hills (2-8), Dayton Belmont (0-9), Dayton Meadowdale (4-6), Hamilton Ross (2-8), Oxford Talawanda (4-6), Riverside Stebbins (0-10), Sidney (3-7), Vandalia Butler (3-7), Wapakoneta (5-5), West Carrollton (45), Wilmington (4-6).

Ohio High Division II Predictions

Region 5 Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit over Medina Highland Region 6 Lexington over Avon Lake Region 7 Columbus Marion-Franklin over Logan Region 8 Cincinnati Winton Woods over Cincinnati Turpin Championship Game Lexington over Winton Woods

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II State Final

Sylvania Southview 29, Cincinnati Anderson 25

State Semifinals

Sylvania Southview 31, Akron Hoban 0 Anderson 14, Columbus St. Francis DeSales 10

Regional Finals

Region 5 Final (5) Akron Hoban 17, (6) Tallmadge 14 Region 6 Final (2) Sylvania Southview 28, (4) Med. Highland 21 Region 7 Final (1) Col. St. Francis DeSales 38, (2) Louisville 21 Region 8 Final (3) Anderson 24, (1) Cincinnati Winton Woods 21

Regional Semifinals

Region 5 (5) Akron Archbishop Hoban 16, (1) Mayfield 13 (6) Tallmadge 27, (7) Madison 7 Region 6 (4) Medina Highland 35, (8) Olentangy Liberty 0 (2) Sylvania Southview 38, (3) Lexington 24 Region 7 (1) St. Francis DeSales 31, (4) Marion-Franklin 23 (2) Louisville 7, (3) Logan 0 Region 8 (1) Winton Woods 44, (5) Kings Mills Kings 9 (3) Anderson 31, (2) New Carlisle Tecumseh 13

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 5 1 1 Mayfield 27, 8 Kent Roosevelt 7 7 Madison 35, 2 East Cleveland Shaw 0 6 Tallmadge 24, 3 Parma Padua Franciscan 17 5 Akron Hoban 21, 4 Warren Howland 10 Region 6 8 Olentangy Liberty 34, 1 Tol. Central Catholic 7 2 Sylvania Southview 28, 7 L. Ctr. Olentangy 14 3 Lexington 28, 6 Lodi Cloverleaf 10 4 Medina Highland 35, 5 Avon Lake 23 Region 7 1 Col. St. Francis DeSales 20, 8 Watterson 17 2 Louisville 60, 7 Columbus Independence 24 3 Logan 23, 6 Dublin Jerome 7 4 Marion-Franklin 34, 5 Beechcroft 28 (2 OT) Region 8 1 Winton Woods 58, 8 Dayton Dunbar 12 2 N. Carlisle Tecumseh 44, 7 Western Brown 21 3 Cincinnati Anderson 55, 6 Trenton Edgewood 7 5 Kings Mills Kings 27, 4 Cincinnati Turpin 24

2008 Revisited

Southview earns first state title

Division II State Championship

ASSILLON – Sylvania Southview head coach Jim Mayzes’ cell phone was ringing off the hook at the press conference following the Division II state championship game. And it probably didn’t stop ringing anytime soon following a 29-25 win over defending state champion Cincinnati Anderson, Fri., Nov. 28 at Massillon’s Paul Brown Stadium in front of 5,953 fans in a game that featured big plays on offense, timely defense and critical special teams play. For Southview, it marked the first football state championship in school history. "Wow! What a fantastic battle back and forth," Mayzes said after the game. Said Anderson head coach Jeff Giesting: "I just thought we had some breakdowns tonight that cost us the game. But my hat off to them – they had a good game plan and put their guys in posi-

Photo by Stephanie Porter

Division II Playoffs

Final 2008 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Columbus DeSales (13-1) 2. Louisville (12-1) 3. Toledo Central Catholic (10-1) 4. Logan (11-1) 5. Sylvania Southview (15-0) 6. Lexington (11-1) 7. Winton Woods (11-2) 8. New Carlisle Tecumseh (11-1) 9. Anderson (12-3) 10. Mayfield (10-1)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Southview freshman Allen Gant caught a touchdown as time expired in the first half.

tion to make plays and they did." Southview’s second team All-Ohio quarterback Alex Pidcock set a Division II state title game record with 333 yards passing on 23-of-30 attempts with three touchdowns passes and an interception. He also had 94 yards rushing on 23 carries and a touchdown on the ground. "The offensive line gave Pidcock some time back there and when they do that (the receivers) run around and get open," Mayzes said. Wide receiver Shaun Joplin also set a Division II state title game record with 166 yards and was on the receiving end of one of those Pidcock touchdown tosses. Southview (15-0) tallied 465 total yards in the game to Anderson’s 300 and the defense made some key plays at opportune times. "They have been making big plays all year," Mayzes said of his defense. "They are a bunch of tough-minded, hard-nosed kids on that defense. The defense played really well. To give up as many points as we did, we’re disappointed, but they hung in there and played tough until the last play." Southview led 16-13 at halftime and the game was tied 16-16 heading into the fourth quarter. Early in the final quarter Pidcock connected with Joplin for a 38-yard touchdown putting the Cougars up 22-16 with just over nine minutes left Anderson quarterback Daniel Rod was intercepted by Mo May on the next Anderson drive giving Southview the ball on its own 1-yard line. The Cougars were unable to move the ball and on fourth down Southview elected to take the safety as Pidcock stepped out of the back of the end on the punt play. Clinging to a 22-18 lead with 4:44 left, Southview kicked and Anderson took over on the Cougars 45 after a nice Luis Perez return. Six plays later, Slater sprinted 20 yards to pay dirt putting Anderson up 25-22 with 2:33 left in the game. Southview started at its own 20 after the touchback and moved the ball willingly as Pidcock spread the ball around to four different receivers including a 16-yard touchdown pass to Paul Murphey while escaping defenders to give Southview the 29-25 lead with 0:32 left in the game. "I just dropped back, looked around, didn’t really see anything at first, started scrambling and saw Murphey across the middle wide open so I tossed it out there for him and he got in the end zone," Pidcock said. "It was a great read by him to find the open gap." Anderson was able to take a final shot at the end zone as time expired but the Rod pass was deflected by Jimmy Hall to seal the win. "The last drive, when we scored, I think every kid on the offense knew we were going to," said Mayzes. "We’ve run the 2-minute drill lots of times and when we got the ball back with 2:33 left and two timeouts, we knew that was going to be plenty of time." Anderson was led by senior running back Kyle Slater who finished the game with 180 yards rushing on 26 attempts and three touchdowns. Southview made one other appearance in the championship game in 1999 falling to Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit 19-18. — Matt Natali

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III

Steubenville senior QB Dwight Macon accounted for 40 TDs last season. He and 14 other starters are back for Big Red.

D-III L

ooking for the most competitive Division in Ohio high school football for the next two seasons? Division III might just

be it. Following the divisional realignment in June, D-III was left with some of the top teams in the state regardless of division. With the addition of Youngstown Mooney, Akron Hoban, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, Parma Padua Franciscan, Columbus DeSales, Columbus Watterson, New Lexington, Steubenville, Cincinnati Wyoming and Waverly to name a handful, D-III now boasts eight regional finalists from a year ago including six state semifinalists. And with 2008 D-III state champion Aurora moving up to D-II, a new state champ will be crowned in 2009

Photo by Nick Falzerano

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STORY BY MATT NATALI

Region 9

Teams To Watch

Akron Hoban (9-5) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Lawrence Wynn (57, 146, Sr.), FB/LB/P Nick Horning (5-10, 160, Jr.), WR/DB Ryan Ross (5-11, 160, Sr.), FB/LB Travis Howe (5-10, 207, Sr.), OL David Sutter (6-0, 240, Sr.), WR/LB Greg McMullen (6-5, 215, Soph.), LB Guiseppe Frisone (6-0, 212, Sr.), LB Stephan Veilette (6-1, 212, Sr.), WR/DB Ben Coudriet (6-0, 165, Sr.), TE/LB Kyle Brett (6-3, 203, Sr.), RB/DB Xavier Kirksey-Ivery (5-10, 150, Jr.); LB Norm Jesser (5-11, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Hoban reached the state semifinals in Division II last season before falling to eventual state champion Sylvania Southview 31-0. It was the first postseason appearance for Hoban since 2005, which was the last season of an eight-year playoff berth run. This season, Hoban drops back down to Division III after four seasons in Division II. “Division III has always been a strong division in the state of Ohio year in and year out. As far as that goes, it is not going to get any easier,” head coach Ralph Orsini said. Hoban loses the bulk of its offensive production from last season as Courdriet, Ross, Kirksey-Ivery, Wynn and Howe each step into starting roles. “I think we have enough people coming back where we have a chance of being a real good ball team. One area we really need to address early is the inexperience factor.” Frisone, McMullen, Veillette and Jesser will be the anchor on defense at the linebacking positions. “Defensively, we ought to be a pretty good ball team,” Orsini said.

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (7-3) * Players to Watch – RB Doran Grant (5-10, 165, Jr.), RB/DB Mike Kafagas (5-10, 180, Sr.), RB/LB Brian Foster (6-1, 220, Sr.), RB/DL Ben Castrigano (6-2, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Bryan Ausperk (67, 305, Sr.), TE/DL D.J. Williams (6-3, 265, Jr.), LB John Adams (6-1, 195, Sr.), RB/DB Mark Murphy (61, 180, Jr.) * Outlook – Heading into the final week of the regular season last year, SVSM needed a win over Ursuline to earn a playoff berth but the Fighting Irish fell to the eventual Division V state champ to keep them out. SVSM will look to its defense early this fall while some younger players gain experience on offense. “It was interesting, I thought at the beginning of last year our strength was going to be our defense but we lost three kids with season ending injuries,” head coach Dan Boarman said. “We had to play a bunch of younger kids. “I think we’re going to be pretty strong defensively. If our offensive line comes around, we could have a pretty good offense, too.” Ausperk and Foster are Division I college caliber players and will lead a senior group that last made the postseason in 2007.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III “We’re working hard,” said Boarman. “It is a great senior class backed up by a good sophomore and junior class and I am looking forward to the season.”

Beloit West Branch (5-5) * Players to Watch – DL/OL Brad Ferguson (6-5, 255, Sr.), QB Mike Smith (5-11, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Jake Gonci (6-4, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Bo Beegle (5-10, 180, Sr.), OL/DL Brandon Ferguson (6-7, 240, Jr.), OL/DL Nathan Gambone (6-3, 250, Sr.), OL/DL Jon Wilson (6-1, 250, Sr.), RB Mark Smith (6-0, 205, Sr.), OL/DL Seth Guy (5-11, 245, Sr.) * Outlook – The bulk of West Branch’s offense returns in the backfield with Mike Smith under center and Mark Smith toting the ball for the Warriors. Mike Smith was 123-of-217 passing for 1,811 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Mark Smith had 71 carries for 507 yards and four touchdowns. “Other than them, we’re going to have to rely on some young skill guys in the skill positions,” head coach Bob Altenhof said. “There are some unproven guys so that is concerning.” Defensively, Brad Ferguson, Wilson and Guy will lead the charge. “We’re just hoping to improve,” Altenhof said. “We got off to a good start last year but then (the Northeastern Buckeye Conference) was really, really good last year and we ended up staggering to the finish. We hope to get off to another fast start but we hope to maintain it this season in the conference but it will be a challenge. ” The Warriors last made the playoffs in 2007 and have made its four times since 2000.

Hubbard (9-3) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Andre Givens (5-10, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Tommy Jackson (6-1, 160, Sr.), QB/LB Matt Shelton (6-2, 175, Sr.), RB/LB Danny Duvall (5-7, 145, Jr.), RB/LB Tim Shiraldi (6-0, 190, Sr.), WR/CB Chase Myers (6-0, 165, Sr.), OT/DE Dom Dionisio (6-3, 270, Sr.); WR/ATH Kurtis Drummond (6-2, 190, Sr.); WR/ATH Kurtis Drummond (6-2, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – Hubbard has been flying high since alumnus and third-year head coach Brian Hoffman took over. The Eagles are aiming to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season and have only missed the playoffs twice since 1999. Hubbard will have the talent at the skill positions to get them off the ground early. Givens rushed for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and Drummond had 16 catches for 281 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, he had 49 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions as a cornerback. Both are Division I college prospects with scholarship offers in hand. “(Givens and Drummond) are outstanding athletes but the other guys are going to have to come together and elevate their games in order for our team to continue to make strides this season,” said Hoffman. Shelton started six games under center in 2008 following an injury to then-senior Sam Bellino but Myers will make his case for the job this season too. “I like what both (quarterbacks) bring to the table,” said Hoffman. “That is definitely one of the areas we

are going to be looking at hard in the preseason. To be honest, the one that starts the first game will be the one that shows me the most leadership and that is what we are looking forward to.” Dionisio will anchor the line on offense for the returning skill positions.

Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (5-6) * Players to Watch – OG Ryan Walczak (6-0, 225, Sr.), WR Season Martin (5-10, 165, Jr.), QB/DB Terry Smith (5-9, 185, Jr.), OT/DT Johnie Lemons (6-1, 315 Jr.), OG Matt Depasqua (5-10, 200, Sr.), RB/LB Josh Schuette (5-9, 190, Sr.), DE Shane Voyles (6-1, 205, Sr.), TE/DE Andy Kobosky (6-3, 190, Sr.), OT/C Kyle Flynn (6-2, 250, Jr.), SS Torrey Thomas (5-8, 180, Sr.), C/G Andrew Evans (5-9, 225, Jr.) * Outlook – In the two seasons prior to head coach Byron Morgan showing up at NDCL, the Lions were a combined 5-15. Since then, NDCL is 11-10 in two campaigns including the third playoff berth in school history last season. The Lions fell to eventual state champ Aurora in the first round and are looking to take the next step in 2009. “After getting into the state playoffs last season, we look to return even though (Region 9) is very strong,” said Morgan, who has a 211-86-3 record. Play in the trenches should be strong early on, according to Morgan. “The offensive line and defensive line should be very strong and the team as a whole has had a great offseason,” he said. Poland Seminary (9-3) * Players to Watch – QB Trey Lidle (6-2, 170, Sr.), RB Nick Argeras (5-10, 165, Sr.), TE Brett Modic (6-3, 220, Sr.), RB Anthony Machi (5-9, 175, Jr.), LB/OL Mike Day (5-10, 210, Sr.), OL John Hughes (6-1, 210, Sr.), OLB/TE E.J. Kosec (6-1, 200, Sr.), RB Luke Wollet (6-1, 190, Sr.), OL Jordan Boyd (6-0, 280, Sr.), OL David McLaughlin (6-3, 230, Sr.) * Outlook – Poland has the opportunity to make history this season. The Bulldogs have the potential to make the playoffs for the third straight season – a feat never accomplished at the school. “For (the seniors), their personal goal is to be the first class to make the playoffs three years in a row and that is one of their primary motivations,” head coach Mark Brungard said. Wollet will lead the offense out of the backfield after rushing for over 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. He also had three interceptions on defense and has offers to Eastern Michigan, Kent State and the Virginia Military Institute. With Lidle under center for the first time, Brungard said Wollett will be the catalyst on offense early on. “We’ll ride that horse as long as we can,” he said. ”With those situations you try to break those guys in efficiently and special teams become more important. Our defense will give us a chance.” Poland moves in from Region 11 this season. Youngstown Mooney (9-3) * Players to Watch – WR/DB John Stoops (6-2, 170, Sr.), TB/DB Karrington Griffin (5-6, 165, Sr.), TB/DB Braylon Heard (5-11, 170, Sr.), WR/DB

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III Donald D’Alesio (5-11, 170, Sr.), TE/LB Chuck Gruber (6-1, 200, Jr.), WR/DB George Lyras (5-10, 180, Sr.), WR/LB Joe Stoops (6-2, 170, Sr.), QB/DB Alex Zordich (6-3, 200, Sr.), DB/QB Ed Reese (5-10, 170, Sr.), TE/DL Mark Brandenstein (5-11, 200, Sr.), OL/DL Zach Larson (6-3, 290, Sr.), OL/DL Mark Pelini (6-0, 282, Sr.), OL/DL Eric Vendemia (6-5, 260, Sr.), OL/DL Eric Franklin (6-6, 310, Sr.); WR/SS Ray Vinopal (5-11, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – Mooney has been one of the top programs in the state regardless of Division over the last several years winning two state titles since 2004. After reaching the regional finals last season in D- IV, the Cardinals make the jump up to D-III. Mooney returns eight starters on offense and defense led by a solid nucleus of seniors. “As any other successful Mooney team, senior leadership is key,” head coach P.J. Fecko said. “The seniors are a very close group and might be the hardest working senior group we have had at Mooney in years.” Mooney will be strong in the backfield with Heard, Vinaopal and Griffin toting the ball. D’Alesio and Lyras provide athleticism at wideout and in the secondary. Team speed will also be key. “This is not only the hardest working group but also by far the fastest group we have ever had,” Fecko said.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Akron Buchtel (5-5) – Buchtel drops from D-II and is looking for its first postseason berth since 2005. Despite the drought, the Griffins have made the playoffs five times since 2000. * Cleveland Benedictine (3-7) – Six-time state champion Cleveland Benedictine is a dismal 13-27 the last four seasons and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2005. OL Simon Cvijanvic (6-5, 240, Sr.) is a Division I college prospect. * Mogadore Field (8-3) – Field made the playoffs for the first time in school history in 2007 and returned last season. Now, the Falcons are looking to swoop in on their first postseason win in 2009. * Parma Padua Franciscan (8-3) – The Bruins are on the hunt for their third straight playoff berth behind TE/DE Anthony Stryffeler (6-4, 220, Sr.), who is a Ball State recruit. QB Nick Kaszei (5-11, 175, Sr.) and FS James Flowers (6-4, 210, Sr.) also return. * Streetsboro (7-3) – The Rockets finished with a respectable record last season but didn’t earn enough points to make their first playoff appearance since 1992 finishing No. 10 in Region 9.

Also In The Region:

Akron Coventry (3-7), Akron Springfield (0-10), Ashtabula Edgewood (0-10), Bay Village Bay (2-8), Hunting Valley University School (4-5), Cleveland East (0-10), Cleveland East Tech (1-9), Conneaut (4-6), Jefferson Area (2-8), Mantua Crestwood (3-7), Medina Buckeye (6-4), Niles McKinley (2-8), Norton (2-8), Oberlin Firelands (2-8), Parma Heights Holy Name (4-6), Pepper Pike Orange (4-6), Struthers (28), Warrensville Heights (2-8)

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Region 10 Teams To Watch

Bexley (7-4) * Players to Watch – QB/WR/DB Adam Leeds (5-11, 165, Sr.), OL/LB Tommy Zervas (6-1, 205, Jr.), RB/LB Ronnell Armstrong (5-9, 183, Sr.), WR/DB Martin Binau (5-10, 144, Sr.), TE/LB Tommy Bolon (5-10, 155, Sr.), OL/DL Alex Delap (6-2, 186, Sr.), RB/DB Mike Edwards (5-9, 183, Sr.), RB/DB Christyen Hertlien (5-9, 171, Sr.), RB/DB Ziyad Khaloufi (5-7, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Drew King (6-1, 150, Sr.), OL/DL Matt Mackay (6-0, 178, Sr.), FB/LB Dylan Myers (5-9, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Mikey Penn (510, 195, Sr.), WR/DB Scott Podlasiak (5-9, 140, Sr.), OL/DL Martin Raabe (5-11, 186, Sr.), OL/DL Matt Stanton (5-10, 205, Sr.), OL/DL Dan Webb (6-2, 240, Sr.), OL/LB Josh Lake (6-0, 190, Jr.) * Outlook – Moving from Region 12, Bexley is looking to roar into the playoffs for the second straight season following its first appearance in school history last year. And the Lions will do so after graduating only 11 seniors and returning 27 lettermen. “We lost some important kids but I think we will be well-rounded,” head coach John Smith said. Edwards is a two-year starter and is coming off a 582-yard, three touchdown season. Armstrong, primarily a special teams player last season, will join Edwards in the backfield in 2009. Leeds takes over at quarterback for Seth White, now at Ball State. “He won’t be as quick to tuck it and run 80 yards for a touchdown (as White),” Smith explained. “He will be a more willing to stay in the pocket and make the reads to complete those balls.” The defense will center around Lake, Zervas and Myers. “They set the tone on what has to happen,” said Smith. “We need to sure up the secondary a little bit but I think we’ll be better. We have kids coming back at those positions and I think we’ll be better.”

Clyde (9-2) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Kade Kramer (5-8, 160, Jr.), QB/S Gabe Gilbert (6-0, 212, Jr.), OL/DE David Weisz (6-3, 275, Sr.), TE/DE Kyle Smetzler (6-0, 200, Sr.), OL Jordan Brown (Sr.), OL Alex Ellenburger (Sr.), LB Cody Ortolani (Sr.), LB Brandon Flores (Sr.), S Mac Wilkerson (Jr.); OL Gage Goble (6-3, 275, Sr.) * Outlook – Clyde has won the Sandusky Bay Conference title three of the last four seasons and made the playoffs four of the last five seasons.. The Fliers will be without threeyear starting quarterback and twotime all-state selection Alex Gillet (Eastern Michigan) for the first time in three years. Gilbert will step in under center. “(Gilbert) played various positions on offense last season and will lead the offense in much of the same way Gillett did,” head coach Marc Gibson said. Clyde set the school rushing record last season with over 3,500 yards behind returning starters

Weisz, Goble, Brown and Ellenburger up front. First team all-conference selection Smetzer also returns on the line at tight end. Kramer had over 1,000 yards rushing and will tote the ball again for the Fliers. Defensively, Clyde returns five starters so will have some holes to fill in key areas, according to Gibson. “We should be in contention (for the playoffs) once again if our returning players stay focused on our task and out seniors respond with the right leadership,” said Gibson. Clyde is 33-9 in four seasons under Gibson.

Columbus Watterson (5-6) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Dominic Clegg (511, 165, Sr.), FB/LB Mark Theado (6-0, 220, Sr.), WR/DB Nick Liimatta (5-10, 149, Sr.), FB/LB Matt Redfield (6-0, 191, Jr.), C/NG Craig Freeman (6-1, 248, Sr.), TE/DE Marc Elberson (6-2, 175, Sr.), OT/DT Ryan Alu (6-1, 270, Sr.), TE/DE Taylor Glancey (6-4, 210, Sr.), OG Kurt May (6-6, 315, Sr.), OG Andrew Buenning (6-3, 215), TE/LB Matt Schweitzer (6-3, 206, Sr.), QB Gregg Hock. * Outlook – Watterson made the postseason last year in Division II after missing the playoffs for the first time this decade in 2007 but fell to bitter rival Columbus DeSales 20-17 in the first round. Watterson beat DeSaless 40-34 in the regular season. “(Division III) is still very competitive,” head coach Dan Bjelac said. “I am sure there is a little difference there if you analyze the points you need to get in the region to makes the playoffs. But you’ve go to take care of things with the schedule you play first and then that will take care of things with the playoffs.” DeSales also drops into D-III and is in the same region. “We’ve played them a lot of times twice in a season. But we don’t worry too much about it – we just do it and it is what it is,” Bjelac said. “It will always be a good game, they are well-coached, have some solid kids back and you approach it from that point.” Watterson loses some key players on both sides of the ball but have some talent returning including Theado, Schweitzer, Elberson, Hock and Liimatta on offense and Redfield, Clegg and Schweitzer on defense. “I think we have had a very good offseason,” Bjelac said. As I look at our senior group, I think they are a very close-knit group. Obviously, though, there are always question marks.” Columbus DeSales (13-1) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Evan Killea (6-0, 190, Sr.), WR/DB Chi Chi Ariguzo (6-2, 200, Sr.), RB/DB Adam Griffin (5-9, 180, Sr.), OL/DL Travis Jackson (6-4, 245, Sr.), OL/DL Alex Vance (6-4, 215, Sr.), OL/DL Joe Riley (6-0, 235, Sr.), TE/DL Chris Rock (6-5, 245, Jr.), QB/DB Mitch Herbert (511, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Mitch Yinger (5-10, 170, Sr.), QB/LB Sam Borghese (6-2, 170, Jr.), QB/DB Nick Gentile (6-1, 190, Jr.), RB/LB Malcolm Burrell (5-10, 210, Sr.) * Outlook – DeSales has made the playoffs every season since 1994 including two state titles and three runner-up finishes. “Columbus has good football,” said head coach Ryan Wiggins, who was the D-II co-coach of the

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III year last year. “Northeast Ohio was always the king and now I think it is leveled off in Columbus.” As mentioned, DeSales drops to D-III with Watterson this season. “When you look at Division III you’ve got some really good traditional powers in there. I think Division III is a very solid division but our challenge with our regular season is getting enough points (to get into the playoffs),” he said. Besides Watterson, DeSales also has Cincinnati Anderson, Cincinnati Elder, Cleveland Benedictine and Cincinnati LaSalle on the schedule. The Stallions have a solid nucleus back, especially upfront, to go up against that schedule. Ariguzo and Jackson both have numerous Division I college scholarship offers from some of the top programs in the country and Rock is one of the top players in the Class of 2011.Griffin rushed for 800 yards last season as a role player. DeSales will have a new quarterback under center with the departure of Thomas Gentile and the starting job will come down to Herbert, Nick Gentile and Borghese. Columbus Eastmoor Academy (13-2) * Players to Watch – QB/FS Ronald Tanner (6-1, 170, Jr.), RB/DB Carl Washington (5-9, 175, Sr.), WR/DB Steven Mitchell (5-11, 165, Sr.), LB/WR Kevin Tucker (5-9, 155, Jr.), RB/LB Shawn Jackson (5-9, 172, Jr.), TE/LB/K Kwesi Sample (6-0, 186, Jr.), OL/DL Shaquille Ragin (5-11, 260, Jr.), OL/DL Jabari Howard (6-1, 280, Soph.), RB/DB Mikale Long (5-7, 145, Jr.), WR Denzel McDougald (6-3, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – Eastmoor finished D-III state runnerup last season in its first trip to the state tournament. The Warriors graduated 22 seniors and lose the bulk of their offense from last year, including all skill players, but head coach Jim Miranda feels confident in the players that will be stepping into those roles. “I think we’re going to be strong at the skill positions still given the amount of kids that graduated,” he said. Tanner will take the snaps and Washington will tote the ball coming off a broken leg suffered in Week 4 last season. He tallied 600 yards and eight touchdowns before getting injured. McDougald returns for his senior season after being academically ineligible last year. “Overall, we don’t have a whole lot of the experience that we had last year but there are opportunities for some of the young kids to step up,” Miranda said. “There is a lot of enthusiasm from kids that did not participate last year and are looking forward to getting out here and getting an opportunity.” Eastmoor moves in from Region 12 from last year. Tipp City Tippecanoe (9-2) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Jake Budding (5-9, 181, Sr.), RB/LB Corey Johnson (5-10, 180, Sr.), OT/DL Kyle Ledbetter (5-11, 197, Sr.), TE/DE Alex Trotter (6-1, 190, Sr.), QB/DB Jake Watkins (5-9, 165, Jr.), QB/DB Ryan Landwehr (6-2, 185, Sr.), RB/LB Jacob Polansky (5-10, 180, Jr.), P/K Kyle Pignatiello (5-8, 185, Jr.), RB/LB Joe Everhart (5-10, 170, Sr.), C/DL Jonathon Bruce (5-11, 213, Sr.),

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G/DL Jeremy Hitchens (5-8, 177, Sr.), T/DL Zach Watkins (5-9, 242, Sr.) * Outlook – Tipp has been one-and-done each of the last four years bowing out in the first round of the postseason. Can the Red Devils get over the hump this season? “I think we have a good nucleus with our running game and we can work on establishing the pass,” veteran head coach Charlie Burgbacher said. “We need to be able to throw the ball so that we don’t have people loading up on the running game. It seems like when we’ve done a better in the passing game the running game functions well.” Everhart will lead that running game behind three of five returning linemen after suffering a broken leg last season. The passing game will be up to either Landwehr or Watkins with the graduation of Wes Marsh. “We could end up using both of them. They are two different styles but both of them have athletic skill,” Burgbacher said. “We’ve had times in the past where we’ve used two different quarterbacks. Recently, it has just been one because there has been one that has been heads and shoulders above the other. “But this time around we’re going to have a couple of kids that have limited experience.”

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Bellevue (8-3) – The Redmen ended a threeyear playoff drought last season and are looking to rumble into their 12th postseason in program history. * Delaware Buckeye Valley (7-3), Lima Shawnee (7-3) – Both programs registered solid records but failed to make the playoffs. Buckeye Valley has never made the postseason and Shawnee made it once in 2004. * Defiance (8-3) – Defiance made their first playoff appearance last season since 2003. The Bulldogs hoisted the state title trophy in 1997 for its only championship. * Sandusky Perkins (7-3) – An above .500 record wasn’t enough for the 1999 state champion Pirates to make the playoffs last year. Perkins has made the playoffs three times since 2000. * St. Marys Memorial (9-3) – Since 2000, Memorial has made the postseason seven times including a state runner-up finish in 2004. The Roughriders will have a new face on the sideline this season with following the retirement of 11-year head coach Doug Frye. Taking over is Mark Hollars from Westlake with his Wing-T offense Memorial fans grew to know under Frye. * Tiffin Columbian (9-3) – WR Derek Kneeskern (6-3, 195, Sr.) will be key in leading the Tornadoes to their seventh postseason since 2000.

Also In This Region:

Bellefontaine (5-5), Bellefontaine Benjamin Logan (3-7), Bryan (5-5), Celina (2-8), Columbus East (55), Columbus Linden McKinley (3-7), Columbus South (0-10), Elida (0-10), Napoleon (5-5), Oak Harbor (2-8), Shelby (6-4), St. Paris Graham Local (4-6), Toledo Libbey (4-6), Vermillion (6-4), Whitehall-Yearling (0-10), Willard (2-8)

Region 11 Teams To Watch

Canal Fulton Northwest (8-3) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Evan Bach (5-10, 180, Sr.), WR/LB Bobby Schilling (6-0, 210, Sr.), QB/FS Bryan Jones (6-0, 180, Sr.), WR/CB Tim May (5-8, 160, Sr.), WR/DE Mitch Lewis (6-2, 240, Sr.), WR/PK Joe Demaree (6-0, 170, Sr.), PK Seth Miracle (6-1, 170, Sr.), OL Gavin Hudson (6-2, 230, Jr.), FS Ben Beadle (5-10, 170, Sr.), LB Stephan Socotch (5-10, 180, Sr.), NG Brandon Konen (5-8, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – Northwest has made the playoffs eight straight seasons but if the Indians are going to win their first state title it will have to happen within the next two. For the 11th straight time, a levy failed to pass in the district, thus eliminating sports at Northwest after the 201011 school year. “We’re fighting for our lives here,” head coach Vic Whiting said. “The kids on this football team have paid a price to be on this football team. Not only do they work hard but they have to pay-to-play. “We’ve got good kids and there is no doubt about that. We’re going to be really young and we’re going to be small.” Bach headlines the roster after moving from receiver to the backfield last season and rushing for 1,659 yards on 215 carries and 20 touchdowns. Jones is under center again coming off a 74-of129 passing effort for 975 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Defensively, the linebacking corps returns with Schilling as the focal point. He tallied 166 tackles as a junior with four sacks and two interceptions. Lewis had 52, respectively. Dover (11-2) * Players to Watch – QB Marcus Mamarella (510, 200, Sr.), WR/DB Ian Drapcho (6-0, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Colton Zahner (6-1, 175, Jr.), WR/LB Eric Aubihl (6-0, 170, Jr.), WR/DB Ricky Maz (5-9, 190, Sr.), RB/LB Keith Johnson (5-11, 180, Jr.), RB/LB Brandyn Murtaugh (5-10, 200, Sr.), LB/DL Alex Aubihl (6-1, 230, Sr.), LB/DL Cody Gordon (6-0, 185, Sr.), LB/DL Cameron Casimir (6-0, 210, Sr.), LB/DL Danny Jeandervin (6-4, 285, Jr.), LB/DL Kyle Erwin (6-1, 250, Sr.), LB/DL Jason Orr (6-2, 220, Sr.) * Outlook – Dover has only missed the playoffs once this decade (2004) so it is safe to say the Tornadoes don’t rebuild, they reload. Despite the loss of all-state quarterback Cory Lisowski to graduation and his go-to receivers in head coach Dan Ifft’s patented spread offense, Dover will be a force in the region once again. “Some of our personality on offense might change losing Cory and some of those fleet receivers,” Ifft said. “but we’re going to try and do the same things – just get it done in a different way. Mamarella steps in at quarterback after tossing for 49 yards and two touchdowns last season. He also had 202 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Drapcho will be his main target coming off 461

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III yards receiving on 26 catches and four touchdowns a year ago. Alex Aubihl, Orr, Gordon, Jeandervin and Erwin will provide experience on the line while the skill positions develop. Defense will keep Dover in games early as the offense gels with nine starters returning.

Granville (8-3) * Players to Watch – LB/WR Austen Harrison (62, 190, Sr.), DB/WR Ross Comisford (5-11, 70, Sr.), QB David Hettler (6-6, 225, Sr.), RB Tyler Link (6-0, 185, Sr.), RB Graham Rucker (5-7, 180, Sr.), DL/OL Michael Hofer (6-4, 240, Sr.), WR Josh McKenzie (5-10, 160, Jr.). * Outlook – Veteran head coach Mike Hensley retired from the Granville head coaching position in the offseason, but a new face won’t be roaming the Blue Aces sideline in his place. That’s because longtime assistant and Granville alumnus J.R. Waite has taken over the top spot. “It is a great honor and a great responsibility,” Waite said. “It has special meaning to me. I learned a lot from Mike and was fortunate to be given a lot of responsibilities by Mike.” Waite retained the entire coaching staff. “I am very familiar with our coaching staff and that makes the transition a little easier. I have great familiarity with the players,” he said. Granville has to replace WR Adam Alderman and QB Cory Becher on offense, which combined, claim five school records. Hettler takes over at quarterback and Link is the leading returning rusher. Granville is looking for its third straight playoff berth and fourth in school history.

Newark Licking Valley (12-2) * Players to Watch – FB/LB Eric Mitchell (5-10, 195, Sr.), TE/LB Brock Mitchell (6-2, 210, Sr.), OG/DE Dylan Osborn (6-0, 240, Sr.), OG/DE Josh O’Donnell (5-11, 195, Sr.), C/DE Josh Gordon (6-1, 225, Jr.), WR/DB Alex Ratai (6-2, 175, Jr.), TB/DB Tregg Hall (6-0, 170, Jr.). * Outlook – Licking Valley has been a playoff mainstay qualifying for the playoffs eight of the last nine seasons, which have included two state runnerup finishes (2001 and 2007). But that streak could be in jeopardy this season with the well left mostly dry following last season’s state semifinals run. The most notable player missing from the roster is RB/LB Storm Klein. In his storied four-year career, the Ohio State recruit set Central District records with 6,368 yards rushing and 99 touchdowns. The Panthers only return three starters on offense and defense. “We are very inexperienced,” longtime head coach Randy Baughman said. “We had a successful (junior varsity) team last year so we hope they are ready for Friday nights.” Steubenville (14-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Dwight Macon (511, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Isaiah Willis (5-8, 150, Sr.), WR/DB Anthony Pierro (5-10, 150, Jr.), WR/DB Jordan Meyer (5-9, 155, Jr.), WR/DB Caleb Westlake (5-9, 160, Sr.), WR/DB Trey Wiggins (5-9,

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150, Sr.), RB/LB Jesse Birden (5-11, 165, Jr.), RB/LB Shaquille Petteway (6-0, 170, Jr.), RB/LB Demetrius Brandon (5-8, 165, Sr.), TE/LB Danny Bayne (6-0, 170, Sr.), OL/DL Devon Campbell (5-10, 205, Jr.), OL/DL John Elder (6-0, 175, Sr.), K Brennen Stover (6-2, 160, Sr.), TE/DE Sage Curti (6-1, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Few teams, regardless of division, have experienced the success Steubenville has the past decade. Since 1999, the Big Red have missed the postseason only once, have won two state titles (2004, 2005) and finished state runner-up last season. What’s more, this season has the potential to mark Steubenville’s seventh straight undefeated regular season. There is a good chance that streak will stay alive with 15 starters returning. “We have a good nucleus back and that is always good to have and it is a nucleus we can build around,” said head coach Reno Saccoccia, who was the D-IV co-coach of the year last season. “We have some experienced players coming back but there is a difference between an experienced player that is an underclassman and the experience of a senior leader.” Macon is a Division I college prospect with several scholarship offers already. He rushed for 837 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and passed for 2,424 yards and 28 touchdowns with only four interceptions. He was the D-IV co-player of the year last season. Steubenville moves up to D-III after two successful seasons in D-IV. “If you look at Division III and the way it is set up, I can’t see any tougher division that is more competitive,” Saccoccia said. “We are just concentrating on improving everyday and preparing ourselves mentally and physically for a long and hopefully a long grind.”

Also Keep An Eye On

* Cambridge (4-6) – Cambridge made the playoffs for the first time in 2004 and made three straight appearances but has failed to qualify since. QB Billy Webb (5-11, 179, Sr.) was 60-of-116 passing for 798 yards and three touchdowns last season with 169 yards and four touchdowns. RB/LB Tyler Hardesty (5-11, 205, Sr.) tallied 292 carries for 1,639 yards and 23 touchdowns and also had 13 catches for 167 yards. Experience on the offensive line will help with the ground game, according to head coach Rich Goodrich. “I feel we have a strong unit and will be a little diversified this year,” he said. “We should have the best team speed that we’ve had. We’ve got some young kids that can run and our older kids have above average speed and above average quickness.” * New Concord John Glenn (6-4) – John Glenn missed the postseason last year after three straight appearances and it will be difficult to keep the Little Muskies out two seasons in a row. * New Lexington (12-2) – The Panthers move up to D-III after finishing in the D-IV state semifinals last season. New Lexington has

made the postseason four straight seasons. QB/LB Clint Cannon (6-1, 202, Sr.) and RB/LB John Robinson (6-1, 190, Sr.) headline the Panthers roster this season. Head coach Bill Nutt was the D-IV co-coach of the year. * Pataskala Licking Heights (7-3) – The Hornets move up from D-IV after finishing No. 10 in Region 15 last season. * Rayland Buckeye Local (7-4) – The Panthers earned a playoff berth last season for the first time since 2003. * Thornville-Sheridan (11-1) – Sheridan has made the playoffs six times since 2001 but the road ahead looks tough for the Generals this season. With the graduation of 20 seniors, the entire offense needs to be replaced as well as the defensive line. “We have a lot of kids that are going to have to play both ways this year for us,” head coach Paul Culver said. “When you lose that many kids it is hard to find that many to take their place. I have been around this game long enough to know what it takes to have a good football team and I think we have some potential but potential doesn’t translate to what happens on the field unless you are working hard and doing what you’re supposed to be doing.” DL Drew Carpenter (6-1, 220, Sr.) was an AllOhio first team defense selection.

Also In This Region

Millersburg West Holmes (5-5), Alliance (6-4), Alliance Marlington (5-5), Cadiz Harrison Central (64), Carrollton (0-10), Philo (3-7), East Liverpool (19), Hebron Lakewood (1-9), Lisbon Beaver Local (46), McConnelsville Morgan (1-9), Minerva (6-4), Navarre Fairless (4-6), Richmond Edison (3-7), Salem (0-10), Uhrichsville Claymont (3-7), Warsaw River View (2-8), Winterville Indian Creek (2-8), Zanesville Maysville (0-10)

Region 12 Teams To Watch

Chillicothe (8-4) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Shay Netter (6-2, 229, Sr.), RB/DB Troy Netter (5-10, 160, Sr.), RB/DL Danny Demick (6-0, 240, Sr.), K/P Drew Basil (6-1, 174, Sr. ), OL/DL Dylan Fisher (6-1, 311, Sr.), OL/DL J.T. Gray (5-11, 285, Sr.), OL Joshua Flint (6-1, 195, Sr.), RB Casey Oates (6-2, 180, Jr.), DB Isaac Beverly (6-2, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – Chillicothe loses some key players from last season’s team but should have enough pieces in place to compete in the Southeast Ohio Athletic League and a third playoff berth in four years. Caleb Knights, a four-year starter, leaves big shoes to fill at quarterback as the Cavaliers leading rusher and passer. Gray is the only lineman on offense returning and is a three year starter. The youngster Oates saw a little time last season but will be thrown into the firs immediately carrying

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III the ball for Chillicothe. On defense, Shay Netter is a one-man wrecking crew tallying 151 tackles last season and an interception. Despite the question marks on offense, Chillicothe has some young, fast athletes in the program that should be more than capable of stepping in and taking the reins. Basil is an Ohio State commit.

Cincinnati Indian Hill (8-2) * Players to Watch – RB Jacob Bauer (6-0, 215, Sr.),QB Sam Hendricks (6-5, 195, Sr.), RB Reid Lockwood (5-8, 165, Jr.), LB A.J. Froelich (6-1, 215, Sr.), DE Jeremy Dollin (6-4, 200, Sr.), DE Nick Jaroszewicz (6-2, 220, Sr.), LB Max Hendricks (6-1, 205, Sr.) * Outlook – After four straight seasons finishing as the No. 1 seed in the region, Cincinnati Indian Hill was out on the outside looking in on the postseason last year finishing No. 9 – missing the playoffs by just seventenths of a point. New year, new season – new head coach. With the departure of veteran head coach Kevin Siple to Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, longtime assistant Mike Theisen steps in to lead the Braves. “It’s a great situation to go into,” said Theisen, who was the Indian Hill defensive coordinator for 15 years. “I was part of building the program. I think we built a quality program and it is on very solid ground. “Now it is my job to not only maintain it but raise the program up a little bit. So, I am excited.” Sam Hendrix will step in under center for graduated three-time all state quarterback Bo Cordell. Hendrix is a Division I college football prospect.

Circleville Logan Elm (12-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Johnnie Brown (510, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Adam Blake (6-1, 150, Sr.), OL/DL Chris Spurlock (6-3, 300, Sr.), OL/DE Logan Hauserman (6-7, 300, Sr.), WR/DB Corey Whaley (5-10, 140, Sr.), WR/DB Brandon Depouw (5-9, 143, Sr.), OL/DL Kyle Eveland (5-11, 215, Jr.), RB/LB Chris Eversole (5-10, 165, Sr.), WR/LB Caleb Sollars (6-3, 200, Sr.), RB/LB Pete Laux (5-9, 160, Sr.), RB/LB Nick Hart (6-0, 170, Jr.), OL/DE Cody Petitt (6-3, 215, Sr.), WR/CB Ean Stiles (5-10, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – It is one of those turnarounds that is rarely witnessed in high school sports. A year after finishing 0-10, head coach Scott Bartholomew stepped into the Logan Elm program last season and led the Braves to a perfect regular season and regional finals finish. The season marked the first undefeated season, home playoff game, playoff win and 12-win season. But Bartholomew, the D-III coach of the year last season, refuses to take the credit. “I didn’t do it, the kids did it,” he said. “It was a complete change as far as the coaching staff went and I think it gave the kids a reason for something to believe in. Whether we were selling anything different from what the old coaching staff did – it was just different and new.” Brown rushed for 1,407 yards on 235 carries at quarterback and passed for 912 yards and 11 touch-

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downs. Hauserman is a Division I college prospect on the line. “Last year we were earning respect and this year it is a matter of validating what we did last year,” he said. “We are going to have to be ready for everybody’s best game. No one is going to overlook us this time around and we are going to be the team they want to beat.”

Waverly (4-6) * Players to Watch – QB/S Derek Roback (6-3, 220, Sr.), RB/DB Kevin Malone (6-0, 195, Sr.), RB/DB Kevin Malone (6-0, 195, Sr.), WR/DB Shane Price (5-11, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Jake Kretzer (6-4, 170, Soph.), TE/LB Rashaun Conley (6-2, 185, Sr.), RB/LB Kyle Phillips (5-9, 145, Sr.), FB/LB Shane Murray (6-0, 195, Sr.), G/LB Jarrod Bowling (5-10, 175, Sr.), G/DL Nick Seymour (6-0, 185, Sr.), C/DL Chris Schuyler (6-0, 275, Sr.) * Outlook – Waverly took its lumps last season in D-IV with a lineup of inexperienced players. This season in D-III, those players are back and aiming to reach the postseason for the third time on four years. “We’re going to have just about everybody back from last year,” head coach Rusty Wright said. “Those kids played for the first time last year because they had a bunch of good football players in front of them. Last year, they were just thrown in the mix and hadn’t really played.” “It was a tough year but it was a growing year. We’re coming back with a lot of good kids that got a lot of good time last year.” Roback is back at quarterback after tossing for 1,585 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 480 yards and four more touchdowns in his first season under center. He was an all-state receiver as a sophomore. Malone returns at tailback after missing six games to injury last season and Price will be out wide for Roback after starting ten games last season. “We feel pretty good about what we got as far as skills guy and the offensive line back,” Wright said.

Also Keep An Eye On

* Bellbrook (5-5) – QB Jay Bucher (6-4, 220, Sr.), OL/DL Matt Longo (6-1, 190, Jr.) and O/DL Brian Baird (6-4, 210, Jr.) headline the Golden Eagles roster has Bellbrook drops from D-II. Bucher is a Division I college football prospect and Longo is the younger brother of Ohio State freshman OL Sam Longo. Bellbrook’s last playoff appearance was in 2004. * Cincinnati Wyoming (7-3) - DL Jibreel Black (6-2, 260, Sr.) headlines an experienced roster this season with scholarship offers to some of the top schools in the country. Wyoming has made the playoffs three of the last four seasons. * Dayton Chaminade-Julienne (6-4) - RB Ahmad Mack (5-9, 162, Sr.) rushed for 572 yards and five touchdowns in nine games for the Eagles while WR Laron Brown (6-4, 178, Sr.) ranked in the top 20 in receiving in the Greater Catholic league with 270 yards and three touchdowns in

just six games. C-J faces the challenge of replacing three-year starting quarterback Kurt Hess, who was the No. 3 rated passer in the GCL last season. C-J made the playoffs every season from 1999-2005, including a D-II state title in 2002 but the Eagles have yet to make the postseason since. * Dayton Dunbar (8-3) – The Wolverines made the postseason last year in D-II for the first time since 2002. However Dunbar could be without head coach James Lacking after he was placed on administrative leave May 22 after an alleged altercation with a student. * Dayton Oakwood (8-4) – The Lumberjacks made the playoffs for the third straight season last year but moves up from D-IV without leading rusher and graduate Robbie Sherk. * Eaton (5-5) – Leading rusher Dalton Caudill (510, 180, Sr.) returns after notching 1,455 yards and 16 touchdowns last season as well as leading passer Austin Fudge (6-2, 170, Sr.). He threw for 1,213 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. OL Clint Sheppard (6-4, 265, Sr.) is a Cincinnati verbal. “Defensively, we have to rebuild the defensive line and linebacking corps,” head coach Ron Neanen said. Eaton missed the postseason last year coming off three straight appearances. * Franklin (6-5) – The Wildcats made the playoffs last season for the first time since 1993. * Jackson (5-5) – The typically strong Ironmen program has missed the playoffs the past two years.

Also In The Region

Cincinnati Roger Bacon (4-6), Bethel-Tate (4-5), Cincinnati McNicholas (3-7), Circleville (1-9), Gallipolis Gallia Academy (5-5), Goshen (4-6), Greenfield McClain (2-8), Hillsboro (2-8), McArthur Vinton County (1-9), Monroe (5-5), New Richmond (7-3), North Bend Taylor (2-8), Norwood (7-3), Springfield Greenon (5-5), Springfield Kenton Ridge (3-7), Springfield Shawnee (5-5), Miami Trace (6-4), Washington Court House (1-9). — OH

Ohio High Division III Predictions

Region 9 Youngstown Mooney over Akron Hoban Region 10 Columbus DeSales over Columbus Watterson Region 11 Steubenville over Canal Fulton Northwest Region 12 Waverly over Cincinnati Wyoming Championship Game Columbus DeSales over Steubenville

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III Division III Playoffs

State Final

2008 Revisited

Strong first half carries Aurora

Aurora 21, Columbus Eastmoor Academy 10

State Semifinals Regional Finals

Region 9 Final (2) Aurora 28, (1) Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit 7 Region 10 Final (7) Sunbury Big Walnut 24, (1) Avon 15 Region 11 Final (2) Newark Licking Valley 35, (1) Dover 28 Region 12 Final (4) Eastmoor Academy 23, (2) Logan Elm 0

Regional Semifinals

Region 9 (1) Walsh Jesuit 21, (5) Chagrin Falls 17 (2) Aurora 14, (3) Hubbard 7 Region 10 (1) Avon 13, (5) Tiffin Columbian 6 (7) Big Walnut 17, (6) St. Marys Memorial 12 Region 11 (1) Dover 35, (4) Canton South 14 (2) Licking Valley 41, (3) Poland Seminary 7 Region 12 (4) Eastmoor Academy 28, (1) T’ville Sheridan 6 (2) Circleville Logan Elm 28, (3) Chillicothe 14

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 9 1 Walsh Jesuit 24, 8 Mogadore Field 21 2 Aurora 30, 7 Chardon N.D Cathedral-Latin 14 3 Hubbard 40, 6 Ravenna 12 5 Chagrin Falls 21, 4 Youngstown Liberty 0 Region 10 1 Avon 7, 8 Defiance 0 7 Sunbury Big Walnut 18, 2 Clyde 17 6 St. Marys Memorial 21, 3 Tippecanoe 14 5 Tiffin Columbian 21, 4 Bellevue 18 Region 11 1 Dover 45, 8 New Philadelphia 0 2 Licking Valley 37, 7 Rayland Buckeye Local 6 3 Poland Seminary 27, 6 Granville 24 4 Canton South 20, 5 Canal Fulton Northwest 17 Region 12 1 Thornville Sheridan 33, 8 Franklin 7 2 Circleville Logan Elm 21, 7 Columbus Bexley 14 3 Chillicothe 13, 6 Canal Winchester 7 4 Eastmoor Academy 48, 5 Valley View 19

Division III State Championship

ANTON – For the Aurora football team, it sure is easy being green. In the Division III state championship game, Sat., Nov. 29 at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium, the Greenmen won their first state championship 2110 over Columbus Eastmoor Academy in front of approximately 11,000 fans. Despite being outgained 297-191 in total offensive yards, Aurora (13-2) took advantage of three Eastmoor (13-2) turnovers getting, 14 points from takeaways as the Warriors were penalized 11 times for 78 yards. "It is definitely cliché but you’ve got to take care of the football and force those turnovers and we definitely did that and have done that the whole playoff run," Aurora head coach Bob Mihalik said. Said Eastmoor head coach Jim Miranda: "We knew coming into the game that (Aurora) was very

Photo by Stephanie Porter

Aurora 20, Sunbury Big Walnut 14 Col. Eastmoor Academy 14, Licking Valley 10

Final 2008 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Avon (12-1) 2. Thornville Sheridan (11-1) 3. Dover (11-2) 4. Licking Valley (12-2) 5. Walsh Jesuit (10-3) 6. Aurora (13-2) 7. Clyde (9-2) 8. Canton South (8-4) 9. Canal Fulton Northwest (8-3) 10. Circleville Logan Elm (12-1)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Despite being outgained by over 100 yards, Aurora cashed in on turnovers to win its first state title.

opportunistic and they were able to capitalize on turnovers. Unfortunately, we had quite a few (turnovers) in the first half." Aurora’s second team All-Ohio quarterback Brendan Gallagher was 7-of-15 passing for 120 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. "The (offensive) line protected me pretty well," Gallagher said. "I don’t think I was sacked once all day. They gave me some time to deliver the football and that was a plus for us." Steven Yung and Dee Brizzolara each had three catches and a touchdown apiece. Aurora got play underway on offense but Gallagher was picked by defensive back Alex Coleman on the fourth play of the game giving Eastmoor the ball on the Aurora 42. "I just had to erase it from my mind," Gallagher said of the early interception. "I put it in the back of my head because I needed to stay composed being the quarterback of the offense." The Warriors got points off the turnover on a 35-yard Kwesi Sample field goal. The first half remiained a stalemate until Yung recovered a Touche Hopkins fumble on the Eastmoor 49 giving Aurora a short field. On third down and 10, Gallagher connected with Yung in the flat and he raced to the end zone for to give the Greenmen a 7-3 lead with 8:39 left in the half. Then the floodgates opened just before halftime as Aurora scored twice in the span of 21 seconds to take a commanding 21-3 lead into the break. On the first score, Eric Schultz barreled into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown run capping an 11-play, 79-yard drive giving the Greenmen a 14-3 advantage. Hopkins was flagged for a costly pass interference call on third down and 10, keeping that scoring drive alive and Aurora took advantage. On Eastmoor’s first play from scrimmage on the following possession, Johnson was intercepted by Brizzolara and returned to the Warriors 26. Gallagher found Brizzolara on the first down for a 26-yard touchdown pass, giving Aurora the 21-3 lead and momentum heading into halftime. Eastmoor made an effort in the second half to make the game close scoring on its first possession after an Aurora punt. The Warriors put together a 12-play, 93-yard 6:18 scoring drive capped off by a Coleman 30-yard touchdown reception from Johnson on fourth down and long to close in 2110 late in the third quarter. "Our game plan was to make them go on long drives," explained Mihalik. "We wanted to keep everything in front of us and if they were going to score we wanted them to go on those long drives. Yeah, they scored but they took almost the whole third quarter to do it. Time was on our side at that point. Hats off to them. They didn’t go into their shell when it was 21-3 and they battled back like we knew they would." Johnson was 10-of-19 passing for 152 yards, the touchdown and two interceptions. Coleman had all 10 catches and the score. Hopkins finished with 72 yards rushing on 12 carries. "We know that we made history today," Coleman said. "We know we’re only the second team in City League history to go to the state. Even though we are disappointed that we lost, we know what kind of team we are and we know that we made history.” — Matt Natali

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STORY BY JEFF RAPP & ERIC FRANTZ

Senior running back Cody Taulbee is back to spearhead the Knights vaunted running attack and defense.

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D-IV D

Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV

Photo by Nick Falzerano

ivision IV received a facelift thanks to realignment. Gone are stalwarts Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, Steubenville, Akron St. Vincent St. Mary, Coldwater, Cincinnati Wyoming, Waverly and New Lexington. Defending state champion Kettering Alter, however, hasnʼt gone anywhere. The Knights captured their first football state title last year after coming close in 2006 (34-33 loss to Steubenville in the D-III state final) and are the favorites to repeat this season. Sure Alter has to replace standout quarterback Austin Boucher, who led Ohio to a dramatic win in the Big 33 game and is now a freshman at Miami (Ohio), and running back Chris Borland (Wisconsin), but thereʼs no reason to believe Alter wonʼt be playing deep into November – and even into December. Last year the Knights had to replace 10 starters on defense and were able to overcome. So who can challenge Alter? Standout programs Martins Ferry, Chagrin Falls, Marion Pleasant, Ironton, ClintonMassie, Lorain Clearview, Elyria Catholic, Williamsport Westfall and Kenton - among others - will give it a shot.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV

Region 13 Teams To Watch

Belmont Union Local (10-2) * Players To Watch – WR/CB Brandon Nichols (511, 170, Sr.); C Amos Leach (5-10, 215, Jr.); TB/OLB Kyle Jarrett (5-10, 190, Sr.); MLB Tyler Arigoni (5-9, 165, Sr.); OLB Tyler Grant (6-1, 200, Jr.); CB/WR Darby Walker (6-0, 160, Sr.); QB Kyle Copland (6-1, 205, Jr.). * Outlook – The Jets lived up to their nickname last season, burning defenses with five-wide alignments and missiles from the arm of quarterback Jordan Barbina, who threw for about 3,200 yards last season and added a whopping 980 rushing to completely torment foes. The only obstacle they couldn’t overcome was league rival Martins Ferry, losing to the Purple Riders in both the regular season and the playoffs. Barbina is off to Lake Erie College and in his place will be junior Kyle Copland (6-1, 205), a fine athlete who prospered at wideout last season. Copland will be one of seven new starters on offense, although the Jets return Nichols and three offensive lineman. “Our most important thing will be to know that the strength of our team is now the defense,” fourth-year coach Mark Cisar said. “Those guys have played and played in a lot of big games.” Cisar isn’t sure if this year’s team will throw as often – 386 times – as in 2008, but the concept will be the same. The most dependable defender is Arigoni, who was made to play linebacker despite his diminutive stature. He produced more than 180 tackles last season and also pounced on nine fumbles, many of them at very key times in games. “He’s just a hard guy to block,” Cisar said. “He makes great reads and he just has a nose for the ball. He’s not going to tear anybody’s head off but he’s a gamer and very reliable.” Arigoni, Jarrett and Grant all will be challenged to keep up their production, however, because of the loss of all-conference defensive ends Bo Olexo and Eric Williams. “We lose two studs there,” said Cisar, who returns seven starters to the defensive side of the ball. The standout on offense is Nichols, a track star – he qualified for the state meet with a time of 49.5 seconds in the 400 – who is fearless in the open field. A legitimate Division I prospect with 4.5 speed, Nichols hauled in 77 catches last season for more than 1,100 yards. The schedule is littered with potential peril, including road trips to St. Clairsville (Sept. 11) and Division III combatant Richmond Edison (Oct. 2). But it’s safe to say the game to circle on the calendar will be when Martins Ferry visits on Sept. 25. Chagrin Falls (8-4) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Chris Gorman (6-0, 200, Sr.); QB Chris Trinetti (5-10, 180, Sr.); TE/DL Connor Clegg (6-5, 220, Sr.); NG Scott Campbell (510, 190, Sr.); LB Bobby Winkelman (6-1, 210, Sr.). * Outlook – The Tigers are on the prowl again after advancing to the postseason last season in D-III and attaining immediate status as a contender in D-IV. Posting seven wins while facing a loaded regular-

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season schedule last season, Chagrin Falls earned a 5-seed in Region 9 of the Division III playoffs and then promptly knocked off powerful Youngstown Liberty in the first round. Proving they were a tough out, the Tigers lost a tight 21-17 contest to Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit in the second round to finish at 8-4. It’s safe to say coach Mark Iammarino’s squad will carry confidence into the 2009 season despite the loss of several key players including Andrew Klindera, Matt Diles, Jack Karlovec and Dan Mignogna. In fact, the roster is headed by 25 seniors, including several of the top players in the Chagrin Valley Conference. Also, Falls returns several underclassmen who earned valuable time last season. “The team has depth, good speed and experience,” Iammarino said. The offense returns seven starters and a dozen lettermen, including a pair of skill players who were named All-Ohio last season in Gorman and Trinetti. Gorman is sturdy and dependable and makes a living between the tackles. He wasn’t always a first option out of the spread but managed to put together some big games and rambled for more than 100 yards in both of the postseason affairs. Meanwhile, Trinetti is coming off a record-breaking season as he set a new school mark with more than 1,900 yards passing and 18 touchdown tosses. He added 225 yards rushing a four more scores on the ground. Trinetti is missing some of his top receiving targets from last season, but the Tigers believe they have an emerging weapon in Clegg, who can get open against smaller defenders. Clegg also is an outstanding blocker. “Gorman and Trinetti were all-Ohio selections as juniors and are backed poised to lead,” Iammarino said. The Tigers run a 4-3 defense and will feature 15 letterwinners on that side of the ball, including six firstteamers from a year ago. Winkelman enters his third straight season as a starter and is expected to lead the team in stops. Put it all together and Chagrin Falls has star power, size, speed, depth, postseason experience and a hunger to rule the roost in Division IV. “This is the largest team we’ve had and most have experience,” Iammarino said. “Gorman, Trinetti, Clegg, and Campbell could be the best in the conference.”

Martins Ferry (11-2) * Players To Watch – QB/CB Marco Ricchetti (6-2, 160, Sr.); TE/DT Jordan Burress 6-5½, 277, Sr.); OL/DT Dalton Leach (6-0, 222, Sr.); WR/OLB Cody McGee (6-3, 170, Sr.); OL/DE Josh Wells (6-3½, 255, Sr.); TB/ILB Patrick Allen (5-9, 227, Sr.); FB/ILB Devon Parson (6-0, 220, Sr.); WR Josh Nagel (5-8, 150, Sr.); DE Jack Beavers (6-1, 220, Jr.). * Outlook – The Purple Riders are going to leave teams black and blue this season. Bruney, who enters his 31st year as Martins Ferry head coach, has immense offensive and defensive lines, several players who can bench well over 300 pounds and a pair of punishing runners who double as hard-hitting inside linebackers. Allen, for example, runs with a low center of gravity and sheer force, which he also displays in the weight room with a bench press of 380 pounds and a box squat of more than 600. “He’s pretty amazing,” Bruney said. “He’s got good

feet and good hands and he’s tough enough that he helps us on defense, too. He played some defensive end last year.” Also in the backfield and playing at linebacker next to Allen is Parson, another physical specimen. Handing off to those two and directing the offense for the first time will be Ricchetti, who played wide receiver and corner last season. Ricchetti, who has 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash, is one of seven new starters on offense but also one of eight returning letterman who will appear on that side of the ball. Ferry’s 4-4-3 defense welcomes back six starters, including Burress and Leach up front. Burress is a Division I football prospect who also excels on the basketball court. Leach is a wrestler and the strongest player on the team. Wells, another hoopster in the winter, joins them on both lines and plays end on defense. “With those three kids up front, we’re pretty good and pretty athletic,” Bruney understated. Beavers, a rising junior, mans the other DE spot while McGee and youngster Michael Rose (5-9, 170) are expected to flank Allen and Parson as outside linebackers. The secondary features a pair of tall and fast defenders with Ricchetti and sophomore Tyrell Simmons (6-3, 185) along the back line. Martins Ferry, which lost to New Lexington in the DIV regional finals last season, opens its schedule against three Division III opponents in Rayland Buckeye Local, Richmond Edison and Cadiz Harrison Central. The season debut game with Buckeye Local should feature a taste of revenge as the Purple Riders lost to that team on the road last season, 21-14, after losing grip of seven fumbles and a 14-0 lead. On most Friday nights, Martins Ferry may simply overpower foes. Extending the season all the way into December, though, will take more than brawn. “From the neck down, we’re pretty good,” Bruney said. “From the neck up, I’m not so sure.” Perry (11-2) * Players To Watch – QB/FS Mitch Hovakar (6-3, 195, Jr.); TE/OLB Anthony Kukawa (6-4, 205, Jr.); OT Rich Zalanka (6-5, 255, Sr.); WR Mickey Parker (6-0, 175, Jr.); LB David Wallie (5-11, 195, Sr.); DE Chad West (6-5, 215, Jr.). * Outlook – Rosati arrived from West Geauga three years ago and promptly guided the Pirates to the postseason in his first year at the helm, although they were run off the field by Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the regional quarterfinals. Last season, the program made progress by playing in three playoff games before being overcome by Steubenville 35-17 in the regional finals. “We have experience and we have a lot of kids who have played in big football games,” Rosati said. “Really, there is not much that has to be said now. We played deep into the playoffs and we also played Aurora, the Division III state champs, and we felt we should have won that game. “In the loss to Steubenville, we earned respect from a lot of people by playing them pretty close. They pulled away from us but our kids were not surprised we competed because we feel we can play with anybody. We want to compete for the state championship. That’s our goal. We have a pretty low-key group here but we know what’s at stake.”

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV Perry no doubt will miss running back/free safety Mike Hanhauser, who scored a whopping 40 touchdowns last season. He now toils for Lehigh. However, Rosati has expressed a belief in tailback Ben Perko (6-2, 185), who broke his wrist last year but is back to carry the load. Hovakar is a first-year starter and takes over the quarterback duties from his departed older brother, Vinny, but he arrives with high expectations. He started at free safety last year as a sophomore, but saw time under center, including 20 snaps at QB in the regional final. He threw 31 passes last season and completed 21 for 300 yards. “Mitch is a vertical thrower and we’re definitely going to get the ball downfield with him,” Rosati said. “He’s going to be a pretty special player. He’s got a rocket of an arm and he’s a great athlete.” Speaking of workout warriors, Kukawa has 4.6 speed, a 305 bench and a 29-inch vertical leap. Last season he had 31 receptions for 470 yards and seven TDs. He also picked off five passes from his outside linebacker spot. Not only can Kukawa provide a target and help block up front, the Pirates are blessed with an outstanding tackle in Zalanka, who also excels in the sports of baseball and basketball. The defense should be anchored by Wallie, who is a blur when in pursuit and registered nine sacks in 2008. He is one of four returning starters on defense while five return on offense. The schedule will be challenging and includes an Oct. 15 rematch at home with Aurora, a game that is ticketed for broadcast on Sports Time Ohio. The Pirates close the regular season Oct. 30 at Chagrin Falls in what should be one of the premier D-IV matchups of the entire season.

Also Keep An Eye On

* Akron Manchester (7-3) – Opposing coaches are concerned the Panthers are set to build on some quality wins from last year. * Massillon Tuslaw (10-2) – The Mustangs have endured some turnover this season (graduated 17 seniors) but coach Nate Held has this program soaring. The key to maintaining “Blue Pride” will be to get through the alwaystough Principals Athletic Conference relatively unscathed. Tuslaw took out Wooster Triway in the 2008 postseason but couldn’t get by Perry in the second round. Held, entering his fourth year, is 26-7. * St. Clairsville (7-4) – Always a team with which to contend, the Red Devils are looking to do damage in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference – and beyond. St. Clairsville has been to the playoffs a school record three straight seasons. * Youngstown Liberty (8-3) – A playoff team in Division III a year ago, Liberty could prove to be the class of this entire region. The Leopards are led by senior linebacker and Michigan recruit Antonio Kinard (6-4, 210) who is rated the No. 25 prospect in Ohio by Ohio High. * Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (9-2) – The Royals have been to the playoffs four straight years and five of the last six. Last

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year they dropped a 14-6 decision to Cardinal Mooney in the first round. Replacing two-time All-Ohio running back John Pettigrew (Bowling Green) is a priority. * Girard (9-1) – Even a Week 10 win over Youngstown Liberty last season wasn’t enough to propel the Indians into the playoffs. Girard won nine games, but the first eight came against opponents who failed to record a winning record or even reach .500. * Leavittsburg LaBrae (9-2) – The Vikings made their first playoff appearance ever. Now the goal is to win their first playoff game. LaBrae lost to Tuslaw 28-0 in the first round. * Bellaire (4-6) – The Big Reds were state semifinalists in 2006, but since then have gone 4-16, including 0-10 in 2007. Former Bellaire standout quarterback Jose Davis starts his first head coaching gig this season in charge of his alma mater.

Also In This Region

Andover Pymatuning (6-4), Atwater Waterloo (1-9), Beachwood (2-8), Brooklyn (4-6), Byesville Meadowbrook (2-8), Canton Central Catholic (2-8), Cleveland Central Catholic (3-7), Cortland Lakeview (7-3), Fairview Park Fairview (2-8), Garrettsville Garfield (7-3), Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (2-8), Magnolia Sandy Valley (3-7), Newton Falls (3-6), Peninsula Woodridge (5-5), Warren Champion (3-7), Wickliffe (2-8), Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley (3-7).

Region 14 Teams To Watch

Elyria Catholic (6-4) * Players To Watch – S Nick Ksenich (Sr.); LB Adam Kirsch (Sr.); LB Mike Bertka (Sr.); DE/WR Josh Russ (Sr.); LB Buddy Davila (Jr.); LB Corey Campbell (Jr.); OL Jared Schuster (Sr.); RB Alex Alicea (Sr.); QB Danny Reaser (Jr.); DB Zach Rogers (Jr.) * Outlook – Head coach Ben Malbasa enters his third season at EC with a team capable of adding to the school’s lengthy tradition (three state titles, but none since 1984). The Panthers return nine starters on defense and seven offense. Points should not be a problem. Russ, a Cincinnati commit, was first team All-Ohio last year as a receiver (35 catches, 651 yards, eight TDs). Reaser, an honorable mention All-Ohioan, returns after throwing for over 1,800 yards and 14 TDs in eight starts. Allicea rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 TDs. Three starters return on the offensive line. Defensively the Panthers will be stout. EC is led by All-Ohioans Ksenich (107 tackles), Rogers (five interceptions) and Davalia (19 tackles-for-loss). Campbell, Kirsch and Betka each added over 77 tackles. As usual, a daunting schedule awaits with nonleague games against Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, Shaker Heights (D-I) and Akron Hoban (D-II). The North Coast League White Division is no cake walk. Fostoria (8-3) * Players To Watch – WR Jordan Bulkowski (5-11,

190, Sr.); WR/CB Antoine Williams (5-11, 175, Sr.); C/DE Dominic Zelenak (6-0, 195, Sr.); SS Jake Solether (5-9, 160, Sr.); OLB Isaac Tyson (6-2, 200, Jr.); TB/CB Trevon Tucker (5-10, 165, Jr.). * Outlook – A lot is new for the Redmen, last year’s No. 1 seed in the region. Quarterback Micah Hyde, who is ticketed to play football at Iowa, is out the door along with five other starters on offense and six on defense. Also, coach Tom Grine has moved on as well, opening the door for Beau Carmon, who served the past two years on Grine’s staff as Fostoria’s offensive line coach. Even with all that turnover, there is plenty of reason to believe the Redmen can contend once again. The offensive line and receiving corps still could be strengths. “I’m excited about our line,” Carmon said of the group he directed the past two seasons. “We will average 240 pounds up there and we’ve got two returning starters. We are going to be a team built on speed but I look for our offensive line to grind people up when we want to run it.” Carmon expects to still get production out of the team’s spread offense, especially with Tucker ready to become a productive back and with receivers like Bulkowski and Williams still in the fold. Bulkowski gathered in 59 receptions for 588 yards and three touchdowns last season and Williams, who has 4.5 speed, made 20 grabs on offense along with playing his role of shutdown corner. Also helping on defense will be Zelenak, who made 40 tackles as a defensive lineman in 2008 and Tyson, who produced 30 stops and six sacks. Solether will lead the secondary and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty against the run as evidenced by his 68 tackles last season. He is able to take chances with Williams and Tucker ably handling the duties at corner. Still, it will be extremely difficult to for offense to excel as it did with Hyde (Iowa), a special talent who threw for 2,457 yards and 21 TDs and rushed for 1,363 more yards and 24 scores. The heir apparent to the signal caller spot is Perry Johnson. Johnson and the Redmen will be tested right out of the chute as they host Ottawa-Glandorf in their opener. “There are doubters out there and we like it that way,” Carmon said. “I think that will provide a lot of incentive for us. But it can work the other way, too, because with our schedule people are going to want to beat the hell out of us.” Lorain Clearview (10-1) * Players To Watch – TB/LB Anthony Hitchens (61, 200, Sr.); DB/FL-RB Tony Williams (6-0, 175, Sr.); RB/OLB-DB Curtis Alston (5-11, 175, Sr.); QB Zach Anderson (5-10, 180, Sr.); TE Eric Thompson (6-4, 190, Sr.); C Tom Starr (5-10, 240, Sr.); LB Cody Kaya (5-8, 180, Jr.); DL David Cooper (6-1, 200, Sr.); WR/PK Collin Owen (6-1, 180, Sr.). * Outlook – The Clippers buzzed through the Patriot Athletic Conference last season and the entire regular-season schedule, for that matter, but their dream campaign ended in abrupt fashion – a 56-12 loss to Ottawa-Glandorf in week 11. Clearview should recover well, however, especially since coach Mike Collier’s team can hitch the wagon once again to Hitchens.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV Possessing good size, great speed and elusiveness, Hitchens is sometimes a one-man spectacle on Friday nights as he often mesmerizes fans and airgrabbing defenders. “He’s the big ticket,” said Collier, who is entering his third year at the helm of the program. “He’s a great athlete and he has all the instincts.” Hitchens rushed for 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns last season en route to being named first-team all-state in Division IV. He also caught a touchdown, returned a kickoff for a score, led the team in tackles with 78 and found the end zone four more times as a defender. If that’s not enough he’s also a standout basketball player and runs the 100-yard dash for the track team. Williams and Alston can also run the ball and should be called on occasionally as Clearview tries to control the game on the ground at times. Collier employs multiple formations on offense and different alignments on defense including a 3-5-3 look as well as a 4-2-5. Six starters return on the defensive side of the ball and many of them are burners, especially Williams. He was clocked at 4.55 seconds in the 40yard dash at Ohio State’s summer camp, which even topped Hitchens’ 4.63. “Tony has a great nose for the ball and he can really move out there,” Collier said. “He’s another basketball player and we just had him for the first year last season, so he could really take off this season.” Anderson is not quite in the phenom category but he’s a third-year starter who will do whatever it takes to keep the chains moving. The Clippers’ schedule looks manageable once again and they appear to have enough pieces in place to return to the postseason.

WR/CB Zach Houmard (5-10, 165, Sr.). * Outlook – You can just call Drake “Slash” if you like. Not only does he play some quarterback for Triway, he also moves around to running back and receiver and is a standout in the defensive backfield. He played primarily under center last season but could move around liberally in ’09. Along with possessing all the football prowess, Drake is also an accomplished wrestler who qualified for the state tournament. In fact, he may be too good an athlete to play only at QB, especially if Carmichael proves worthy of the job. Triway is in transition as it will try to find the answers without 2,000-yard running back Ben Cline and head coach Doug Haas. Now in charge is former assistant Tony Lee, who was last on the Triway staff in 2004 as the Titans’ offensive coordinator. Triway competed in Region 13 last season and earned the No. 6 seed of the regional playoffs. However, after being co-champs of the Pac-7, the Titans were felled in the first round of the postseason in a 41-7 loss to Perry at Perry Alumni Stadium. “We’ve got some really good skilled athletes coming back,” Lee said. “We only return one lineman starter from last year. We’ve got kids with potential, we just have to work them. That’s the key to the season, how our unproven players develop, especially up front. Triway’s schedule is littered with challenges, including games with Millersburg West Holmes and Orrville. The Titans’ first two league games are against Akron Manchester and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.

Wooster Triway (8-3) * Players To Watch – WR/QB/RB/S Cole Drake (60, 170, Sr.); TB/WR/S Sawyer Polen (5-10, 165, Jr.); WR-TE/LB Brandon Butcher (6-0, 195, Sr.); OT/DE Eric Myers (6-2, 218, Jr.); WR/DB Trevor Hankins (59, 170, Sr.); QB Derek Carmichael, 5-10, 160, Jr.);

* Bucyrus (7-3) – A late-season, 14-10 loss in the home finale with Riverdale was costly to the Redmen as they ended up with the ninthplace rating in the region and just out of the 2008 postseason. The previous season they posted a 9-1 mark but also were on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Obviously there will be little margin for error again this season. * Genoa Area (12-1) – Third-year coach Mike Vicars has turned matters around big-time as he took a down-on-its-luck program to the regional tournament each of the last two seasons and appears to be in position to make it three for three. Area, in fact, was a state powerhouse last year with an undefeated regular season and by rocketing past Huron, Fostoria and Ottawa-Glandorf in the postseason. The Comets didn’t stop until losing a 42-34 thriller in the state semis against Kettering Alter, which went on the defeat Steubenville for the D-IV title. * Huron (8-3) – The Tigers will be looking to make the playoffs for the eighth time in the last 10 years but they’ll have to do so without several departed players including tailback Craig Thorne, quarterback Mike Mielke and linebacker Cody Koenig. They lost in the first round of the postseason in what amounted to an away game with Genoa Area. * LaGrange Keystone (3-7) – Yes, we can read the record from last season but coach Rob Clarico has been working hard to build up this program and

Paulding (6-4) * Players To Watch – DB Justin Riley (5-9, 155, Sr.); DE Derek Schlatter (6-1, 220, Sr.); DT Travis McPherson (6-2, 260, Sr.); OG Cameron Aldrich (510, 200, Jr.); OT/DE Dylan Welch (6-2, 260, Jr.); OT Corey Miller (6-4, 250, Jr.). * Outlook – The Panthers weren’t highly regarded heading into last season and, sure enough, they struggled against elite competition with lopsided losses against Delphos Jefferson and Ada. However, coach Chris Etzler – yet another up-andcoming Division IV mentor entering his third season with his school – likes what he has brewing. “After our first winning season in 11 years, we are looking forward to this season,” he said. “We have to replace some very good players that were lost to graduation, but we feel we have pieces in place to be successful again.” The biggest reason for the optimism is well, size. The defensive line especially could be among the best in the area with McPherson in side, the similarly built Welch on the outside and Schlatter at the opposite end. Welch already is being courted by Division I colleges as is Miller, who is a road-grader along the offensive line. One player who won’t need any time to find comfort is Riley, who covers the field sideline to sideline. He had 64 tackles and a pick last season.

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Also Keep An Eye On

the Wildcats were 8-2 in 2007. Last season, no less than 14 players were lost to seasonending injuries. That forced the coaching staff to put a total of 10 freshmen and sophomores into starting roles. One of them, diminutive tailback Ryan Clement (5-5, 140), gained 381 rushing yards in just 50 carries as a frosh and proved he belonged on the big stage. The ’Cats also return running back Jim Reid (56, 160), who missed most of last season, and leading tackler Casey Conrad (5-9, 190), an active linebacker. * Ottawa-Glandorf (8-5) – The Titans wowed teams with their athleticism last year and destroyed Lorain Clearview in the first round of last year’s Region 14 tourney. They also clipped Marion Pleasant 28-21 in overtime before losing in the regional final to Genoa Area. More explosions could be in store even though many skill players have graduated. * Orrville (7-3) – The Red Riders have to replace several key skill players but they still have a stout offensive line and a potentially nasty defense. Orrville is expected to shift to a 3-5-3 alignment this season that is designed to slow down the recent glut of spread teams. Linebacker Chase Hoobler and a talented secondary could flourish. Improving on last year’s home mark of 2-3 is a must. * Pemberville Eastwood (8-3) – The Eagles played well in Suburban Lakes League action as usual last season and earned the sixth seed of the regional tournament. They were clipped in the first round by Marion Pleasant, 20-7, but still will be able to field some impressive athletes in ’09. Among them is senior running back Cody Seifert. * Creston Norwayne (8-3) – The Bobcats earned the first playoff berth in school history last season with an appearance in the D-V, Region 17 quarterfinals. After bumping up a division, can they add another postseason berth?

Also In This Region

Bellville Clear Fork (5-5), Doylestown Chippewa (46), Galion (5-5), Mansfield Ontario (4-6), Metamora Evergreen (4-6), Milan Edison (7-3), Millbury Lake (37), Port Clinton (1-9), Rossford (0-10), Sheffield Brookside (0-10), Sullivan Black River (5-5), Swanton (3-7), Tontogany Ostego (1-9), Upper Sandusky (3-7), Van Wert (3-7), Wauseon (5-5), Wellington (4-6).

Region 15 Teams To Watch

Johnstown-Monroe (8-3) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Brad Couts (5-11, 210, Sr.); RB/LB Scott Robinson (5-10, 165, Sr.); QBTE/DE Riley Cannon (6-4, 200, Sr.); OL-FB/DL-LB Jacob Kennedy (5-10, 170, Sr.); OL-FB/DL-LB Reed Franklin (5-11, 175, Sr.); WR/DB Kortney Cartwright (6-0, 170, Sr.); WR/DB James Sapp (6-0, 175, Sr.); WR/DB James Gorsuch (5-9, 165, Sr.); PK Patrick

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV Benton (5-10, 170, Jr.); OL/DL Ben Schmidt (6-0, 225, Jr.); TE/LB Taylor Atwood (6-2, 190, Jr.). * Outlook – The defending Mid-Buckeye Conference champs will have their hands full this season with a schedule that includes a Sept. 4 hosting of the Heath Bulldogs, an Oct. 2 home date with Fredericktown and an Oct. 9 trip to Utica. If the Johnnies can somehow manage that and avoid any other slip-ups, they could be on their way to another preferential spot in the postseason brackets as the final three games are against middling teams Danville, Howard East Knox and Johnstown Northridge. However, a return to the postseason wouldn’t have the same feel as the Johnnies are no longer in Division V – they earned the 4-seed in Region 19 last year – and instead have been dropped into perhaps the deepest region in D-IV. Still, it’s still understandable to be awed by Johnstown-Monroe’s depth and assemblage of top-tier players, even after it lost the likes of linebacker Kurt Sammons, free safety Josh McClellan and bulldozing fullback Will Carter. “We have some great leaders returning for this year,” said Mike Carter, who is entering his eighth season as the head coach of the Johnnies. Even with Will Carter departed, the running game should be in good hands and on sturdy legs as Couts returns from a season in which he took 224 handoffs and netted 1,381 yards, and average of 6.2 yards per tote. A first-team All-Central District performer last season, Couts is the whole package. He is an honor student who also plays lacrosse and is a workout warrior with a bench press of 355 pounds, a 40 time of 4.68 and a 29½-inch vertical. Robinson should provide a dangerous change of pace. He is a step quicker than Couts and gained 329 yards rushing on just 38 carries last season. If you have to develop a new quarterback, why not start with a cannon? That’s Riley Cannon, who made more of a name last year as a defensive end with 48 tackles and two sacks. Smart, versatile and athletic, Franklin typifies this roster and also should be a playmaker on both sides of the ball. Marion Pleasant (10-2) * Players To Watch – TE/DE Brad Harrah (6-7, 240, Sr.); DB/WR Cory Nielson (6-2, 185, Sr.); OT/DT Tony Good (5-10, 255, Jr.); QB Cory Kubbs (6-0, 185, Sr.); SE David Carroll (6-2, 175, Sr.); RB Brandon Slade (5-10, 195, So.). * Outlook – There aren’t too many prospects in Division IV who are on par with Harrah, a hulking youngster who already is committed to play major college ball for Big East member Cincinnati. “He had about 10 to 12 Division I offers,” Marion Pleasant assistant coach Aaron Cook said. “He’s a 4.0 student and just a great talent and we need to make sure he’s a big part of what we’re doing.” Fortunately for the Spartans, that shouldn’t be a problem since the quarterback is Kubbs, who will log his third year on the varsity at Pleasant and for his father, 20-year head coach Chris Kubbs. “Cory is a smart kid,” Cook said. “He’s a coach’s son so he plays hard and with intelligence just like

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you’d expect. He knows our offense inside and out.” The younger Kubbs, though, will be stepping into the starting quarterback role for the first time now that the fantastic career of Cody Harris is completed. “He was all-state last year and broke every school record we have for a quarterback,” Cook said. Even with the change at quarterback and the departure of three running talents and two-way stars in Cory Snyder, Kyle Beck and Jake Lawrence, the Spartans aren’t likely to panic. In fact, it’s just not in their nature. Pleasant has won the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference 17 straight times and also has overcome opening-season, nail-biter losses to St. Henry the last two seasons. The Spartans were nipped 14-13 at home by St. Henry last August then ripped off nine convincing wins in a row to earn the No. 3 seed in Region 14. The Spartans proceeded to take out Pemberville Eastwood in the playoffs before losing 28-21 in overtime to Ottawa-Glandorf. “We dropped a TD pass on the last play of the game,” Cook said. “That was tough.” That no doubt left followers of the program wondering “what if,” especially considering how senior-laden the Spartans were last season. Amazingly, Harrah, Nielson and Good are the team’s only returning starters after the loss of 19 seniors, four of whom are now on scholarship at the next level. Still, Cook said at least a dozen other players are returning lettermen like Kubbs. Charged with replacing Lawrence – a four-year starter at both running back and linebacker and an allstate performer in 2007 and ’08 – is Slade, a young and shifty back who could greatly help the outlook with a breakout season. And, again, the Spartans have a knack for figuring out how to succeed with new faces. “We’ve been blessed with that at Pleasant,” Cook said. “And Coach Kubbs has been here for 20 years, so he knows what he’s doing. “We have ‘state’ written all over our locker room. Anything short of a MOAC title and a playoff appearance and our kids would be disappointed. Our kids don’t want to be the class to let down the program and go 5-5. We want to be 10-0 every year. “I remember in 2001 we were the state runner-up and we lost 23 seniors and people figured we’d struggle. In 2002, we won it.”

Utica (7-3) * Players To Watch – OG/OLB Derek Posey (5-11, 180, Sr.); OG-C/DT Creston Gray (5-9, 210, Sr.); QB/S Jason Hoar (5-9, 160, Jr.); WR/S Scott Cline (6-0, 165, Jr.). * Outlook – Three-tenths of a point. That’s what kept Utica out of last year’s Region 15 playoffs. What hurts more, though, is the 27-21 overtime loss the Redskins suffered at Johnstown-Monroe on Oct. 3. That cost Utica the Mid-Buckeye Conference title and the trimmings that would have come with it. Still the seven-win season was an improvement on the 5-5 mark of 2007 and the Redskins are intent to take the next step this fall. To do so, Utica will have to lean on several unproven but talented players. “We’re a team with a lot of questions,” head coach Randy Felumlee said heading into his 21st season at the helm of the program. “We have a relatively small, inexperienced team and we’ve got a lot of holes to fill. It’s going to be a big challenge for us.” Utica showcased 15 seniors last season and will

have six this year. Typically, Felumlee likes to rely most on his defense but the Redskins lost seven starters on that side of the ball including a pair of three-year starting linebackers in Ethan Brewer and Joey Caplin. Given that and the team’s struggles last year at times to finish off drives, the ’Skins will look for even more out of Hoar. “He started from Day One as a freshman and there was never any question about it by anybody,” Felumlee said. “He has that demeanor; never an ego problem. “That had never happened in all my years of coaching, starting a freshman quarterback, but it was an obvious decision to make. He’s a good runner, a good thrower, a great all-around kid. He’s a team captain and just a role-model kid.” Hoar will have to carry the offense early on until the coaching staff figures out how to fill the holes at running back. Brewer would line up at running back when Uticas was in the spread and would shift to fullback when the situation called for a two-back look. One thing is clear: Utica wants to strike a balance so that it can keep defenses honest when it enters the red zone. Last season, the Redskins stumbled there, including coming up empty four times inside the Johnstown-Monroe 15-yard line in that nagging loss. “One thing we’ve set as a goal as a staff is to get better at scoring in the red zone,” Felumlee said. “When you get 390, 350 yards in high school, you should be scoring at least 28 points a game and we were at 23.” Williamsport Westfall (8-3) * Players To Watch – OL/DL Bryan Bowling (6-3, 250, Sr.); RB/LB Nick Hammond (6-0, 190, Sr.); OL/LB Shane Mills (6-2, 250, Sr.); OL/DL Jeremy Corder (6-0, 280, Sr.); WR/DB Matt Near (5-11, 170, Sr.); WR/DB Nathan Hock (5-11, 160, Sr.); RB/DB 5-9, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – In just two years at Westfall, head coach Scott Keller has put together an impressive 214 record with two Scioto Valley Conference titles and two D-IV playoff berths. The trend should continue. Riding an SVC record 26game win streak, the Mustangs are the team to beat in the conference – again.Westfall returns seven starters on defense and five on offense. “With 25 lettermen returning we expect to field an experienced, veteran team,” Keller said. “This senior class is among the hardest working and most disciplined that we’ve ever had here.” Overall the program has been to the postseaon six straight years. It’s won the SVC three straight times. The roster could be bolstered by an influx of Grove City and Central Crossing players should that district’s levy fail on Aug. 4. “Our defense was young and very inexperienced last year,” Keller said. “We really believe that with a year under their belt, and 7 of them back on that unit, our defense should be our greatest strength. “Offensively we need to find a quarterback that can effectively manage a team. We really feel like we have enough weapons surrounding that position, that what we’re looking for is a quarterback that can protect the football and move the chains.”

Also Keep An Eye On

* Columbus Bishop Hartley (6-4) – The Hawks rode speed and big plays to a playoff appearance last

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV season, but then found a tall order with a Week 11 assignment at top-seeded Martins Ferry. Even so, they played valiantly in a 20-6 loss. Now the challenge is to get through a varied schedule and find enough computer points to return to the postseason. The Hawks actually won a seventh game last season, a 35-0 win over the Columbus Crusaders, but that game did not count as an official OHSAA contest. * Coshocton (9-2) – The Redskins have won a combined 16 games the last two seasons but were knocked out of the first round of the Region 13 playoffs each year. However, the two teams that vanquished them in the last two playoff appearances, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney and Steubenville, are out of D-IV, which could pave the way for Coshocton – and others, for that matter. Plus, the Redskins are now shifted to Region 15, which appears to be wide open. * Heath (7-3) – The Bulldogs return an impressive amount of talent and they already are discussing finishing up strong after last year’s disappointing finish to the regular season. Heath was enjoying a strong 7-1 start to the 2008 campaign including a decisive Week 2 win over Johnstown-Monroe but derailed in losing to Granville and Bexley in games 9 and 10. After just missing out on the D-V playoffs, the Bulldogs will now try their luck in Division IV. * Ironton (8-4) – The Fighting Tigers are theoretically the top returning team in this region with Martins Ferry shifted over to Region 13 and state semifinalist New Lexington now in Division III. Longtime coach Bob Lutz led the Tigers to a 5-5 mark in 2007 after a one-year hiatus and is now primed to return his team to the spotlight. Ironton took out Westfall before losing to New Lex at the end of last season. * Pataskala Licking Heights (7-3) – The Hornets didn’t beat a team with a winning record last season yet had a postseason berth in front of them heading into the season finale at home against West Jefferson. They were shut out 28-0, which no doubt will have them buzzing mad heading into this season. Heights, which reached the regional semis in 2007, could be the class of the Mid-State League but has to reload at several key positions. * Pomeroy Meigs (8-3) – A 42-14 firstround playoff loss to New Lexington shouldn’t bring down this program and instead inspire the Marauders. Offense will be the name of the game again. Meigs racked up more than 40 points five times last season and averaged 32.7 points per contest. * West Portsmouth Portsmouth West (11-1) – The Senators posted an undefeated regular season, earned a top seed in Region 19 and won a playoff game before their season ended in a 17-0 loss in the regional semis to Columbus Bishop Ready. Now the question is simple: Can they carry over any of that success from Division V to D-IV? * Amanda-Clearcreek (3-7) – The former state champion (1999, 2000) and five-time finalist has seen

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better days. Since moving up to D-IV two years ago, the Aces are 9-11. In 2006, its last season in D-V, A-C made the state semifinals and finished 12-2. Is this the year the Aces return to the playoffs? * Sparta Highland (6-5) – The Scots are a transplant from Region 14 where they earned the eight seed last year (lost to Fostoria in opening round). Overall Highland has been to the playoffs three straight seasons. They’ll likely have to win more than six games if they want to make it four in a row. Although Highland made the playoffs in Region 14, their 11.95 points would have placed them 12th in Region 15. * Piketon (6-4) – The Redstreaks are led by standout senior Caleb Southworth, the No. 98 prospect in the state according to Ohio High. Southworth, a 6-5, 210 pound, linebacker/tight end has an offer from Central Michigan. He was also a starter on Piketon’s basketball team, which made the D-III state semifinals in March.

Also In This Region

Albany Alexander (4-6), Caledonia River Valley (010), Bloom-Carroll (3-7), Cheshire River Valley (3-7), Chillicothe Unioto (0-10), Chillicothe Zane Trace (5-5), Howard East Knox (4-6), Ironton Rock Hill (0-10), Lancaster Fairfield Union (5-5), Marion Elgin (3-7), McDermott Northwest (1-9), Portsmouth (1-9), Proctorville Fairland (4-5), South Point (6-4), Wellston (4-6), Zanesville West Muskingum (4-6).

Region 16 Teams To Watch

Brookville (10-1) * Players To Watch – RB/S Ryan Ekberg (5-10, 180, Sr.); RB/LB Jason Stone (5-10, 190, Sr.); RB/CB Matt McIntosh (5-11, 175, Sr.); OL/DL Cameron Dunn (6-0, 190, Sr.); OL/DE Jamie Riggs (6-2, 190, Sr.); TE/OLB Kyle Hopkins (6-1, 185, Sr.). * Outlook – The Blue Devils lost seven starters on each side of the ball but enough talent returns to Mike Hetrick’s squad for them to be considered dangerous once again. But does the ninth-year head coach consider his team to be a contender? “I probably couldn’t say we are,” Hetrick said. “We might have the potential to sneak up on some people, though. Our JV team was undefeated last year. I just don’t know how many of those kids can really impact us right away.” The Devils posted an undefeated regular season in 2008 only to run into eventual state champ Kettering Alter in the first round of the Region 16 playoffs. Now the rebuilding is underway. Brookville should be fine at deep back as Ekberg and Stone are primed for big senior seasons and McIntosh also is capable of making plays on the ground. Ekberg gained 559 yards, averaged 5.4 per carry and found the end zone 10 times last season while Stone put up 637 rushing yards, a stout average of 8.5 per pop and scored eight times. Stone also

used his speed to turn six receptions into 120 yards. “We run the wing-T, but we will break out of it quite a bit,” Hetrick said. “We are predicated on the run but we threw it pretty well last season. The most important thing is we want to distribute the ball to three or four guys and keep the defense guessing.” The QB situation, though, is still in flux. When asked if he has a signal caller in mind for the season, Hetrick said, “Not yet.” “We’re looking for leadership more than anything from whoever wins that job,” he said. “I’ll be watching to see who can best handle themselves and the pressure.” On defense, The Blue Devils return four starters including Ekberg and McIntosh in the secondary. Ekberg was a ball hawk at safety last season with 48 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Brookville had to end a fantastic season with a 35-7 loss to Alter but Hetrick said he views that as a positive as well. “I think it gave our kids confidence, especially knowing they went on and won the whole thing,” he said. “We played them tough. It was 14-7 right before half. And it helped because our kids know where they need to be now. I hope it’s a motivator for them.” Even with Coldwater out of the equation, Region 16 still has Alter – and several other capable teams. “Historically it’s been a pretty tough region,” Hetrick said. “We’ve sent several undefeated teams to the playoffs over the years. We’re expecting a pretty rough road.”

Clarksville Clinton-Massie (10-1) * Players To Watch – RG/DE Corby Running (6-3, 225, Sr.); RT Mike Stenger (6-3, 310, Jr.); C Paul Singleton (5-11, 260, Sr.); LG James Ebby (6-1, 300, Sr.); RB Jordie Scanlon (5-10, 190, Jr.); MLB Gunner Calhoun (6-1, 210, Jr.); DE Justin Straight (6-4, 225, Jr.); S Damian Alexander (6-0, 170, Sr.); CB Coty Burton (5-8, 170, Sr.); QB Jake Richardson (5-7, 160, Jr.). * Outlook – The Falcons had almost an identical season to that of Brookville, plowing through the regular season unscathed but losing in the first round of the Region 16 playoffs. Clinton-Massie posted shutouts in three of its first four games and also routed a very good Waynesville team to set the season in motion. Falcon fans thought destiny lay ahead after C-M finished off Plain City Jonathan Alder in Week 10. However, heartbreak ensued in the form of a 33-27 overtime loss at home to Hamilton Badin. “I think that’s definitely a motivator for us,” said head coach Dan McSurley. “They were up 21 at half and we came back and tied the game. Our quarterback got hurt and we had to play Jake. “It was a tough loss but is gave us an opportunity to face an outstanding spread team and we got guys some really valuable playoff experience, including our future quarterback.” McSurley enters his 14th year at C-M with eight starters back on defense and six on offense. The Falcons return some serious size as Stenger, Ebby, Singleton and Running are imposing getting off the bus, let alone in full pads and helmets. “We’ve got some bulldozers up there,” McSurley said. “It’s the biggest line I’ve had.” With that core group returning, Scanlon could surpass his production of last season, when he rambled

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV for 1,300 yards on the ground. “He’ll end up being the best running back I’ve coached,” McSurley said. “He’s got a lot of power, great vision and he’s just a hard kid to bring down. He’ll break tackles and just keep going.” Most teams will have major problems dealing with C-M’s power rushing game but the hope in Clarksville is that the offense will find even another gear with Richardson under center. He is slippery and ideally suited to run Clinton-Massie’s triple option. The two most impressive athletes on the team, though, are Running and Calhoun. Running is a state wrestling champ and also anchors the 4x100 relay team. Calhoun has led the football team in tackles the past two seasons and also is a star on the baseball diamond for the Falcons. McSurley not only returns a majority of his starters, many of the second-teamers are back as well and bring experience of their own. “That’s a big advantage, and we’re going to be a two-platoon team,” McSurley said. “We’ve got to feel good about it, our overall depth.”

Kettering Alter (13-2) * Players To Watch – RB Cody Taulbee (6-1, 230, Sr.); OL John Endres (6-1, 255, Sr.); OL Ryan Cronin (6-2, 240, Sr.); DE John Doncaster (6-2, 210, Sr.); DT Andrew Bonnano (6-0, 205, Sr.); LB Cody Conley (61½, 200, Sr.); OLB Chris Bockrath (6-1, 190, Sr.); SS Cody Byers (6-2½, 210, Sr.); NT-DB (5-10, 200, Sr.); OLB/DB Nolan Plate (6-0, 170, Sr.). * Outlook – Even though the Knights appeared due for a championship, it’s doubtful any of their followers will ever forget the 2008 campaign, a most interesting season for the ages. Alter had to forfeit its first two games of the season against Kettering Fairmont and Bellbrook but wiped out the next eight foes by an average score of 46-6. Then, behind superstar seniors – quarterback Austin Boucher and running backs Chris Borland and Justin Hall – Alter proceeded to plow through Region 16. The Knights dumped Coldwater in the third round and eventually took down traditional power Steubenville in the Division IV state championships at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon. The 21-6 victory represented the program’s firstever football state title and was extra sweet factoring in that the Knights were nipped by Big Red in the 2006 D-III state finals – not to mention the 59-52 loss to Coldwater in triple-overtime in the 2007 regional quarterfinals. Of course, head coach Ed Domsitz wants his team to repeat as winners of the Greater Catholic League North Division, but there is good reason to believe the Knights can make another deep run in the postseason with all the top players in tow. Taulbee appears capable of handling much of the running chores, Conley is the team’s leading tackler from a year ago and Byers is a Division I college prospect with sub-4.6 speed and the ability to make lots of plays in the secondary. The defense is especially stout with Bockrath and possibly Plate able to flank Conley and oxen like Doncaster and Bonnano up front. Armstrong could play nose guard or even in the defensive backfield. Byers could be shifted over to play QB now that Boucher is at the University of Toledo, but the coaches are hoping junior Zane Pitzer can claim the role. “He’d be our quarterback if we had to start today,”

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said Domsitz, who is entering his 18th year at Alter but is tackling an offseason for the first time as the coach of the defending state champions. Even though some positions still are not set, Domsitz believes his team made important offseason strides at its three-day team summer camp. “We’ve got strength, we’ve got quickness and for the most part we’ve got talent in every area of the field,” Domsitz said. “The key element we’re looking for now is chemistry. Some coaches say they can tell what they have in August but I never know until we have a crisis or two and I see how we handle that.” The mentality on the sideline is sure to remain. With Domsitz at the helm, the Knights have always tried to employ a mix of looks on offense and to get after people on defense. Waynesville (9-3) *Players to Watch – QB/DB Cory Young (6-0, 165, Sr.); RB/DB Seth Millar (5-8, 168, Sr.) * Outlook – The Spartans were outclassed by playoff teams Clarksville Clinton-Massie and Dayton Oakwood but mopped up on everyone else on the regular-season schedule to earn the third seed in Region 20. Once in the postseason, Waynesville picked up the first playoff win on program history with a 34-9 victory over West Liberty-Salem. The Spartans lost Maria Stein Marion Local in the regional semifinals With some key performers back, the Spartans could make the same kind of noise in D-IV. Millar is already the Waynesville career record holder for rushing TDs (49) and this past season set school records for single season rushing yards (1,856), TDs (24) and points (156). He also owns school records for single game rushing yards (331) and TDs (6) and has the longest TD run in history (95 yards). Millar was named first team Southwestern Buckeye League and was the Buckeye Division Back of the Year. He was also first team Southwest District and the district’s offensive player of the year. Millar was honorable mention on the ONN/Ohio High All-Ohio team (regardless of division) and first team D-V AllOhio. “Coach (Glen Burchfield) had been telling us since the beginning of the season that we could play with anyone and it turns out we could,” Millar said. “I don’t want to make excuses, but (Marion’s) experience really helped them out late. The more experience we get in the playoffs the better we’ll be too. “We’re definitely headed in the right direction, but we can’t be satisfied with winning one playoff game. We need to win two or three games.” The Spartans are expecting big things in 2009. In addition to Millar, Waynesville returns Young, who’ll be a three-year starter.

Also Keep An Eye On

* Cincinnati North College Hill (7-4) – The Trojans were bombed at the end of last season by top-seeded Coldwater, 42-0, in the opening round of the Region 16 playoffs, but they return several key athletes from a team that was downright explosive at times last season. NCH posted back-to-back shutouts in midseason and blasted Lockland 33-7 in the regular-season finale. With 15 wins in the last two seasons the Trojans can’t be counted out.

* Kenton (7-3) – Coach Mike Mauk has to rebuild his offense but has lots of good young players like his son, Maty, a sophomore quarterback, to aid the process. The Wildcats still plan to use a five-wide attack. The offensive line returns a pair of starters in Colby Rush and Tyler Stevens. The D-line also is an asset with proven players Tyler Bordner, Randy Weyant and Weston Burnworth while Chase Barnes and Ryan Gill lead the secondary. Kenton will need some time to re-establish its success but the move down from D-III might help. * Plain City Jonathan Alder (8-3) – For the second straight time, the Pioneers made the postseason with an 8-2 regular season and promptly lost in the first round. Last year it was a 12-10 defeat at the hands of Dayton Oakwood, which unseated the fourthranked team in the region. Coach Steve Coate has a chance to one-up the recent trend, especially with powerful Coldwater out of the region. * Germantown Valley View (7-4) – The Spartans were edged in their final two regular-season games last October by Eaton and Brookville but still qualified for the Region 12 playoffs in Division III. The postseason didn’t go so well, however, as Valley View lost 48-19 to Columbus Eastmoor Academy. Head coach Jay Niswonger and the program own a lengthy resume that includes three state titles (1994, 1996-97) and 15 playoff appearances.

Also In This Region

Batavia (2-8), Clermont Northeastern (3-7), Blanchester (4-6), Preble Shawnee (1-8), Carlisle (55), Finneytown (4-6), Cincinnati Madeira (6-4), Cincinnati Purcell Marian (1-9), Cincinnati Schroeder (4-6), Cincinnati Taft (6-4), Dayton Northridge (4-6), Dayton Thurgood Marshall (2-8), Franklin Bishop Fenwick (3-7), Lewistown Indian Lake (5-5), Lima Bath (2-8), London (6-4), London Madison Plains (46), Middletown Madison Senior (5-5), Reading (5-5), Springfield Northeastern (2-8), Springfield Northwestern (1-9), West Milton Milton-Union (3-7).

Ohio High Division IV Predictions

Region 13 Martins Ferry over Chagrin Falls Region 14 Elyria Catholic over Lorain Clearview Region 15 Ironton over Marion Pleasant Region 16 Kettering Alter over Clarksville Clinton-Massie Championship Game Kettering Alter over Elyria Catholic

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV Division IV Playoffs

State Final

2008 Revisited

Alter adds to sports tradition

Kettering Alter 21, Steubenville 6

State Semifinals Regional Finals

Region 13 Final (1) Steubenville 35, (3) Perry 17 Region 14 Final (4) Genoa Area 40, (7) Ottawa-Glandorf 21 Region 15 Final (2) New Lexington 21, (1) Martins Ferry 14 (OT) Region 16 Final (6) Kettering Archbishop Alter 31, (1) Coldwater 21

Regional Semifinals

Region 13 (1) Steubenville 28, (4) Ygs. Cardinal Mooney 16 (3) Perry 47, (2) Massillon Tuslaw 0 Region 14 (4) Genoa Area 28, (1) Fostoria 14 (7) Ottawa-Glandorf 28, (3) Marion Pleasant 21 (OT) Region 15 (1) Martins Ferry 49, (4) Belmont Union Local 14 (2) New Lexington 38, (3) Ironton 6 Region 16 (1) Coldwater 35, (5) Dayton Oakwood 7 (6) Kettering Alter 42, (7) Hamilton Badin 7

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 13 1 Steubenville 61, 8 Coshocton 29 2 Massillon Tuslaw 28, 7 Leavittsburg LaBrae 0 3 Perry 41, 6 Wooster Triway 7 4 Ygs. Cardinal Mooney 14, 5 CVCA 6 Region 14 1 Fostoria 33, 8 Sparta Highland 12 7 Ottawa-Glandorf 56, 2 Lorain Clearview 12 3 Marion Pleasant 20, 6 Pemberville Eastwood 7 4 Genoa Area 47, 5 Huron 21 Region 15 1 Martins Ferry 20, 8 Columbus Bishop Hartley 6 2 New Lexington 42, 7 Pomeroy Meigs 14 3 Ironton 41, 6 Williamsport Westfall 31 4 Belmont Union Local 25, 5 St. Clairsville 6 Region 16 1 Coldwater 42, 8 Cincinnati North College Hill 0 7 Hamilton Badin 33, Clinton-Massie 27 (OT) 6 Kettering Alter 35, 3 Brookville 7 5 Dayton Oakwood 12, 4 Jonathan Alder 10

Division IV State Championship

ANTON – Alter High School has a reputable trophy case that contains over 10 state championship trophies for boys soccer, boys basketball, girls basketball, volleyball and girls cross country. Make room for another. Making its second appearance in the state football championships, Alter earned its first title on the gridiron on Nov. 29 with a 21-6 win over previously unbeaten Steubenville in the Division IV state final at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium. “It means the world,” Alter senior Chris Borland said. “This isn’t just for the ’08 team, this is for any one who has ever played Alter football. It’s been too long.” “You think about some of the teams that have been through Alter – especially recently – and when you’re a little kid they just seem like gods,” senior Phillip Sowar added. “To think now that

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Steubenville 30, New Lexington 6 Kettering Alter 28, Genoa Area 27

Final 2008 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Coldwater (12-1) 2. Kettering Alter (13-2) 3. Steubenville (14-1) 4. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (9-3) 5. Clarksville Clinton-Massie (10-1) 6. Marion Pleasant (10-2) 7. Brookville (10-1) 8. Fostoria (10-2) 9. Genoa Area (13-1) 10. Martins Ferry (11-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Senior quarterback Austin Boucher finished his career 26-1 as a starter and accounted for 192 total yards.

we’ve won a state championship and we’re considered the best of all-time is just unreal. I’m at a loss for words.” Said Alter coach Ed Domsitz: “It’s certainly the biggest win we’ve ever had.” The Knights (13-2) extracted revenge on Big Red (14-1) for a narrow 34-33 loss in the 2006 DIII state championship in Massillon. Alter also improved to 1-3 against Steubenville, counting losses in the 1987 D-II state semifinals and 1972 regular season. In the 2006 title game Alter fell behind big early and rallied only to see two missed PATs make the difference. This year the doubt was gone long before the final whistle. Alter entered the contest averaging 43 points per game thanks mostly to a devastating rushing attack led by seniors Austin Boucher (QB), Borland (RB) and Justin Hall (RB) and junior Cody Taulbee (RB). Boucher, a Toledo recruit, improved to 26-1 as a starter, completing 7-of-11 passes for 81 yards and a TD. He also rushed 19 times for 111 yards and a TD. Borland, headed to Wisconsin, countered with a game-high 130 yards and a TD on 15 carries. Borland also caught Boucher’s TD pass. Hall added 48 yards on nine carries and Taulbee chipped in 16 yards on four touches as Alter rolled up 305 yards on the ground. The Knights finished with 415 yards of offense. Alter operated behind a huge offensive line led by three-year senior starter Evan Neff at center. Neff, the lone holdover from the 2006 starting line up, is headed to Ball State. “They kept fighting,” Steubenville linebacker and West Virginia recruit Branko Busick said. “We fought too, but they kept swinging.” Said Steubenville head coach Reno Saccoccia: “I feel standing here now that we didn’t defend the pitch well on the option and that was the difference in the game. That was the entire difference in the game. The big plays they got on that allowed them to keep the ball. We (were unable to get a) rhythm on offense.” The Knights took a 7-0 lead when Boucher hit Borland for an 8-yard TD pass with 4:54 to go in the first half. Following a 3-yard Boucher TD run, Borland scored on a 21-yard run as Alter took command 21-0 with 10:47 to play. Steubenville got on the board when standout junior QB Dwight Macon hit Trey Wiggins for a 33yard TD pass with 9:43 left, but Big Red never seriously challenged thereafter. Steubenville in fact had trouble generating anything all game against an Alter defense that held Big Red to single digit scoring for the first time in 70 games. Steubenville last failed to reach doubledigits in a 47-7 loss to Cleveland Benedictine in the 2003 D-III state semifinals. Big Red ended with 311 total yards, 138 of which came in the fourth quarter with the outcome decided. “This whole season has been kind of our redemption season,” Neff said. “We got a second shot at Coldwater and now Steubenville. That onepoint loss two years ago was heart-breaking. Now to come back and beat them by two touchdowns is unbelievable. It still hasn’t really sunk in.” Maybe it will when the Knights walk by the trophy case. — Eric Frantz

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Senior running back Allen Jones looks to lead the Irish back to Stark County as they defend thier Division V state championship. Jones led Ursuline with 97 yards and a TD on 17 carries in last year’s title game.

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D-V A

Ohio High Football Preview: Division V

Photo by Stephanie Porter

STORY BY KIRK LARRABEE

s is the case with the other divisions across the state of Ohio, Division V saw major changes as a result of this yearʼs division realignment. Gone are playoff teams Maria Stein Marion Local (2007 champion, 2008 semifinalist), Creston Norwayne, Bucyrus Wynford, Portsmouth West and JohnstownMonroe. Some quality teams, however, have taken their place. Two-time state champion Coldwater moves down from Division IV, while playoff teams Mechanicsburg, Caldwell, East Canton and Mt. Blanchard Riverdale move up from Division VI. Defending state champion Youngstown Ursuline remains the team to beat, but they are only one of several quality contenders. The Irish could be challenged by Cuyahoga Heights in Region 17. In Region 18, the field will be typically strong, led by what appears to be another quality Hamler Patrick Henry team. In Region 19, Baltimore Liberty Union will be defending their regional crown behind a solid group of 18 seniors. With teams such as Minford, Fredericktown and Wheelersburg also bringing back plenty of starters, the task will not be easy. Meanwhile, divisional and regional realignment was not friendly to Region 20. The region lost its champion from the past two years in Maria Stein Marion Local, but the addition of former Division IV powerhouse Coldwater along with Division VI state semifinalist Mechanicsburg and the move of the Columbus teams from Region 19 means that this region could be as strong as ever.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V

Region 17 Teams To Watch

Cuyahoga Heights (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB/SS/P Zach D’Orazio (6-2, 190, Sr.); CB/WR Nick Simon (5-9, 150, Sr.); FS David Bronza (5-6, 145, Sr.); OL/DT Pat Meade (6-0, 180, Sr.); FB/ILB Alec Torgerson (5-8, 175, Jr.); OL/DL Anthony Eder (5-9, 175, Jr.) * Outlook – The Redskins returned to the playoffs for the 11th time in 12 years after missing the postseason in 2007 by a fraction of a computer point. The team’s two losses came to two of the best teams in Division V – Kirtland and Youngstown Ursuline – and the Redskins fought hard in each game. “I thought we had a good year,” head coach Al Martin said. “We lost a tough game to Kirtland somewhere towards the beginning of the season. We played well but made a couple of mistakes, and they beat us 14-7. From there on out, I thought we got better. By the end of the season, we were a pretty good team.” This year’s team returns 14 starters (six offense, eight defense); including a major college prospect in Zach D’Orazio. Martin feels the offensive line may need some time to develop. But with much of the team coming back, the Redskins appear set to keep on winning and make another run at the postseason. “I think we have a lot players coming back that got a lot of experience last year,” Martin said. “We did graduate some very important seniors, but at programs like ours at our level – D-V and D-VI – that’s always going to happen. You always have to have younger kids coming in to replace them. But we really like a lot of the kids coming back, and we think the experience last year in the playoffs will be a big help to them.”

Kirtland (12-1) * Players To Watch – TE/LB Anthony Ritossa (6-5, 220, Sr.); QB/DB Paul Guhde (6-1, 200, Jr.); WR/DB L.J. Solinsky (6-0, 175, Sr.); OL/DE Lino Desapri (6-1, 205, Sr.); LB/RB Royal Brettrager (60, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – The Hornets had a tremendous season in 2008, posting the first 12-win season in school history and narrowly missing a win over eventual state champion Youngstown Ursuline in the regional finals. “We were pretty solid all the way around,” head coach Tiger LaVerde said. “We didn’t have a whole lot of weaknesses. We had some experienced kids that had a lot of playing time and had started a lot of games, and I figured we would have a chance to be really good. You never know, but we had a chance to be good and it turned out real well.” The departing group of players – nine of whom moved on to play college football – helped raise the bar in Kirtland, notching three consecutive playoff berths after the school had just two prior appearances in its history. This year’s Kirtland

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team will be a younger group, returning just two starters on offense and three on defense. Leading the way will be Anthony Ritossa, who has verbally committed to play at the University of Akron. “Last year, one of our big strengths was up front,” LaVerde said. “We had a great group on the offensive and defensive line, and they’re all gone. I think we still have some pretty good skill position (players). We have a good quarterback, but really the key’s going to be how well we do on the line of scrimmage.”

North Lima South Range (8-3) * Players To Watch – QB/DB Vince Miller (6-2, 180, Sr.); RB/LB Hunter Spitz (5-10, 190, Sr.); SE/DB James Nell (5-8, 145, Sr.); S/WR Kyle Seaver (6-2, 185, Sr.); OL Tim Shives (6-0, 210, Sr.); CB Phillip Arsuffi (6-1, 160, Jr.) * Outlook – South Range’s streak of seasons with double-digit wins was snapped at five last year, but the Raiders still found themselves in a familiar spot – the state playoffs. Head coach Dan Yeagley viewed the season as a success. “Things went actually pretty well last year,” Yeagley said. “We were really actually inexperienced last year, and then we had some injuries throughout the season which really made us really inexperienced last year. We had some young kids and some seniors step up and perform very, very well for us.” This year’s team returns three starters on each side of the ball. Yeagley likes what he sees at the skill positions but feels the team will need to develop along the offensive line. “We lost a lot of offensive linemen,” Yeagley said. “That’s going to be our weakness this year is going to be the offensive line. We have Tim Shives coming back who started for us at tackle, and he’s our only offensive lineman, so we’ve got a lot to replace there. But I think it’s going to be pretty good. Our schedule’s going to be the tough thing.”

Youngstown Ursuline (15-0) * Players To Watch – RB/FS/KR Aaron Edwards (6-1, 203, Sr.); QB/MLB Dawalyn Harper (6-0, 206, Sr.); DB DeAndre Harris (5-10, 178, Sr.); RB/DB Nico Irizarry (5-6, 183, Sr.); RB/FS/KR Allen Jones (5-10, 180, Sr.); QB/DB/P Paul Kempe (6-1, 180, Jr.); OL/DT Donny McLendon (5-11, 245, Sr.); RB Akise Teague (5-9, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – Youngstown Ursuline put together an extremely impressive list of wins last season, including regular season victories over Massillon Washington, Warren Harding, Youngstown Mooney, and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, along with two playoff wins over previously unbeaten Kirtland and Findlay Liberty-Benton. The Irish won their first state championship since 2000. Several key players are gone from last year’s team, but a solid core returns, especially at the skill positions. Jones and Teague bring speed and experience to the running back position, while Kempe and Harris both have experience at quarterback. One question mark is the status of Ohio State

verbal Jamel Turner at defensive end. As of press time, it was unclear whether Turner would be back for his senior year at Ursuline. Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (5-5) * Players To Watch – QB/WR/DB Anthony Libertini (6-0, 185, Sr.); RB/DB Ronnel Spates (59, 160, Sr.); WR Kyle Johnson (5-11, 180, Sr.); WR Phil Tucker (6-3, Sr.); OL/DL Tony Rini (6-2, 250, Sr.); OL/DL Jamal Chatman (6-2, 240, Sr.); OL/DL Kevin Koehl (6-3, 255, Jr.); QB/WR/DB Darryl Jones (6-3, 220, Jr.); WR/LB Kwamae Sawyer (6-0, 175, Jr.) * Outlook – This tradition-rich program makes the move down to Division V from Division IV and faces the challenge of navigating a tough schedule with a team in rebuilding mode. Only one starter returns on defense while the offense must replace all five starters on the offensive line. “Both sides of the football need to be rebuilt,” head coach Matt Melle said. “We lost some really productive skill players… We lost all five starters on the line from a year ago and we lost our whole front seven, so to say we have some holes to fill would be an understatement.”

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Apple Creek Waynedale (8-3) – The Golden Bears will be aiming for their third straight playoff appearance. Two-time All-Ohio running back Thad Nofsinger will be missed. * Columbiana Crestview (10-2) – Always a tough team to deal with, the Rebels have made the postseason five of the last six years and will be expected by many to do so once again in 2009. * East Canton (7-4) – The Hornets posted their first playoff berth and over .500 finish since 2003. They make the move up this year to Division V from Division VI. * Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (102) – The Lancers posted another strong season in 2008 but now face a transition period with the retirement of head coach Bob Spicer and the departure of a strong group of players that included two first-team All-Ohio performers in RB Tom Hallal and QB Billy Urban. * Rocky River Lutheran West (7-3) – The Longhorns narrowly missed the playoffs in 2008, finishing ranked ninth in Region 17. * Smithville (6-4) – The Smithies were a competitive team in 2008 that lost some tough games and will be looking to get over the hump and return to the postseason in 2009. * Sugarcreek Garaway (7-3) – The Pirates will be looking to improve on their seven-win season of 2008 but will miss graduated first-team All-Ohio quarterback David Gerber. * Burton Berkshire (7-3) – The

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V Badgers drop down from D-IV, Region 13 and could be postseason contenders.

Also In This Region:

Brookfield (4-6); East Palestine (4-6); Garfield Heights Trinity (5-5); Gates Mills Hawken (4-6); United Hanoverton (6-4); Independence (4-6); Lisbon David Anderson (0-10); Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas (3-6); Middlefield Cardinal (6-4); Mineral Ridge (3-7); New Middletown Springfield (5-5); Newcomerstown (2-8); Orwell Grand Valley (3-7); Richmond Heights (6-4); Rootstown (1-9); West Salem Northwestern (3-7)

Region 18 Teams To Watch

Ashland Crestview (9-2) * Players To Watch – DT/OG Abe Thompson (6-5, 225, Sr.); RB/ILB Loren Hulit (5-11, 185, Sr.); NT/G Jimmy Holliday (5-11, 215, Sr.); TE/OLB Nicholas Manocchio (6-1, 200, Sr.) * Outlook – The Crestview Cougars bounced back from an uncharacteristic losing season in 2007 to notch nine regular season wins and a playoff berth. “The previous year, we came off a 4-6 season,” head coach Sean Conway said. “I think we had exceeded what the public’s expectations of us were, but at the same time, that’s the type of program that we hope to put together in the future – a team that’s capable of doing something like that. I attribute it to a lot of hard work and dedication from the kids, and there was outstanding leadership from last year’s senior class. They’re going to be greatly missed here in the future.” Crestview ran into a tough opening round matchup in the playoffs, having to face off with powerhouse Hamler Patrick Henry. The Cougars’ postseason was cut short at the hands of Patrick Henry, but the experience has motivated this year’s team, which returns 11 total starters on offense and defense. “The goal is still to win Week 1, because we do have a difficult schedule,” Conway said. “But I do think last year’s success has self-motivated the kids. This seems to be the most self-motivated Crestview offseason we’ve had. I don’t know if it will translate into wins and losses, but I’m definitely happy with the way the kids are working and the dedication that they’ve shown.” Delphos Jefferson (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB/P Jordan Jettinghoff (6-0, 190, Sr.); DB Andrew Wiltsie (6-0, 185, Sr.); OT/DT Grant Brand (6-4, 270, Sr.); OT/DT A.J. Cross (6-2, 235, Jr.) * Outlook – Jefferson put together a strong season in 2009 but ran into juggernaut Findlay Liberty-Benton in the opening round of the playoffs. The Wildcats lost 19 seniors from last year’s group and also will have a new head coach this year in Bub Lindeman. Lindeman feels his team will have the postsea-

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son as a goal once again. “(They) will be hungry to prove that they are a playoff-caliber team,” Lindeman said.

Defiance Tinora (7-3) * Players To Watch – QB Landon Drewes (6-1, 165, Jr.); FB/CB Lyndon Benecke (5-10, 155, Sr.); TB/LB Blake Foor (5-10, 190, Sr.); TE Curtis Hansford (6-4, 225, Sr.); K Alex Moser (6-0, 145, Jr.); FS/SE/P Ethan McKinney (6-2, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – With most of their players returning from 2007’s playoff team, expectations were high for Tinora in 2008. But tough losses to three playoff teams, including Division VI state champion Delphos St. John’s, left the Rams out of the postseason. Head coach Ken Krouse says there was some disappointment in finishing out of the playoffs. “The bar has been raised for our program,” Krouse said. “Ten years ago, you take (the 7-3 record) and run, but with the success we’ve had recently, obviously we wish we had won our league and gotten to the postseason, which we didn’t.” The good news for the Rams is that last year’s team was still mostly underclassmen, and this year, nine starters return on both sides of the ball. The expectations will be to make noise in the postseason again, but the Rams will have to do better against the three teams that bested them in 2008. “It’s the same as what we faced last year,” Krouse said. “Our games 1, 2, and 4 are huge, and those are the three games we lost, with Liberty Center, Delphos (St. John’s) and then Sherwood Fairview being our first league game. It is huge that we get off to a good start.” Findlay Liberty-Benton (14-1) * Players To Watch – MLB Brett Pasche (6-2, 210, Sr.); LB/WR Eric Stanton (6-2, 190, Jr.); DB/RB Wade Russell (5-9, 165, Sr.); OL/DE Shaun Linhart (6-3, 190, Sr.); DB/WR Zac Kramer (5-7, 155, Jr.) * Outlook – The Eagles were nothing short of dominant in 2008. After winning 14 straight games – nine of which were shutouts and none of which were closer than 20 points – Liberty-Benton was defeated by another unbeaten team, Youngstown Ursuline, in the state finals. “We fell a little short of what we wanted to do once we made it up to Massillon,” head coach Tim Nichols said, “but I think it’s something that hopefully will help benefit our program down the road – that we had a team that did achieve that level and hopefully will inspire kids to try to get back to that. It was just a great experience. That’s why you coach and play. Once you do it once, you want to do it again.” Nichols cites a strong group of seniors for last year’s success, most of whom had played together since sixth grade. “You just can’t put a price on senior leadership, and we had that,” Nichols said. “Things just came together. We stayed injury free for the most part, but when you just get a group of kids that stayed together that long, I think good things are going to happen for you.”

This year’s team returns just one starter on offense and two on defense. Those numbers will increase by one if QB/DB Aaron Craft, the reigning Division V Offensive Player of the Year, decides to play football as a senior. Craft has committed to Ohio State to play basketball. As of press time, his future on the gridiron was up in the air. Regardless of what Craft decides, Nichols thinks last year’s seniors set the tone for more success in the future. “I hope we can continue on and play at a pretty good level,” Nichols said. “There’s going to be some new names and new faces, but I think once again those seniors provided what needs to be done in the offseason and preseason. We’re probably not going to change too many things.”

Hamler Patrick Henry (12-1) * Players To Watch – HB/S Justin Buenger (511, 185, Sr.); QB/S Luke George (5-11, 195, Sr.); FB/LB Bill Miller (6-0, 190, Sr.); OT Brad Yarnell (6-0, 255, Sr.); G Collin Hogrefe (6-1, 180, Sr.); NG Xavier Dye (5-9, 175, Jr.); DE Aaron George (5-11, 200, Sr.); DE Josh Almanza (6-0, 200, Jr.) * Outlook – The train kept rolling for Hamler Patrick Henry last season. The Patriots won their seventh straight conference title – the longest in the history of Ohio’s oldest high school sports conference, the Northwest Ohio Athletic League – and their fifth appearance in the regional finals in six years before losing to state runner-up Liberty-Benton. “I think we had a very good season with what we wanted to get into, and I think we lost to a very good football team,” head coach Bill Inselmann said. “So I think we achieved most of our goals.” This year’s team returns a good core of five starters on offense and six on defense, including a 1,600-yard rusher in Buenger and an experienced QB in George. But the wide receiver position as well as the lines could need some development. “The biggest rebuilding area probably in the last eight years we’ve had to have at a key position is our wide receiver position,” Inselmann said. “We lost some good ones there and lost all of our depth, so wide receiver is going to be our biggest question mark going into the season. “It’ll be an interesting season depending on how our youth develops on the offensive line, defensive interior and especially at wide receiver.” But coming into the season, Patrick Henry remains a program with big expectations. “One of the biggest things we have going right now is our kids are confident,” Inselmann said. “They believe they can win, so that’s probably something I think that’s really picked up over this last eight years.” Northwood (9-1) * Players To Watch – OT Kyle Artino (6-3, 230, Sr.); OG/DE Andrew Pietras (6-3, 295, Sr.); DT Drew Minarcin (5-9, 235, Sr.); DT Max Tunison (57, 215, Sr.); SS/RB Jake Pressley (6-2, 185, Jr.); LB/RB Mike Prothero (5-10, 175, Jr.); HB/LB Zach Bermejo (5-9, 170, Jr.); LB/FB Corey Jones (6-1, 225, Jr.) * Outlook – After dropping their season opener to Kansas Lakota, Northwood steamrolled their

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V way to a 9-1 regular season, winning their final nine games by an average of 35 points per game. Unfortunately, the computer points weren’t there for the Rangers to make the playoffs. “It was one of the most fun years I’ve had in coaching just in terms of being around the kids,” head coach Ken James said. “We enjoyed it. Obviously we lost real early – turned it over five times, and we can’t do that and win against a good team. That obviously ended up biting us in the rear end at the end, and we knew that we might have to go 10-0 to get in. Region 18’s a little difficult.” The Rangers return six starters on defense and five on offense. The schedule has gotten tougher with newly-added games against Division VI finalist Hopewell-Loudon and Division IV semifinalist Genoa, but Northwood will still expect to have another good season. “I’m sad to seniors go, but by the same token we have a bunch of what we think are really good players coming back and a really good freshman class coming in,” James said. “Our program’s stable, so we think we’re going to have a real solid year again this year.”

Sherwood Fairview (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB/WR Luke Kuhn (6-2, 200, Jr.); QB/WR Brock Mosier (6-0, 185, Jr.); WR Rodney Webb (6-2, 225, Sr.); WR/DB Nathan Yoder (5-10, 155, Sr.); DT Zach Lee (6-0, 210, Sr.); DT Tyler Merilat (5-10, 235, Sr.); LB Kyle Trent (5-9, 200, Jr.); OL Eli Keesbury (6-3, 235, Sr.); OL Bo Joost (6-4, 235, Sr.) * Outlook – The Apaches were in their first season under new head coach Dave Robinson last year, but the team didn’t miss a beat and continued their winning ways with a conference title and a playoff berth. “Last year, I was very pleased with the way the kids reacted to the change in the head coach’s position,” Robinson said. “My mentor and longterm coach Bob Olwin left and went down to Versailles. Football’s pretty important to the people and the kids in this community, and losing somebody like him and replacing him with somebody like me who’d never had any experience being a head coach, that was going to be a big change. “But the entire staff stayed on and the kids reacted very well, very positive to everything.” This year’s Apache squad returns six starters on offense and seven on defense. Robinson expects it to be another winning year at Fairview. “We go into every season talking to our kids that our expectation is that we’re going to win the league title and we’re going to be back in the playoffs,” Robinson said. “That doesn’t change. We never talk about anything less than that. “We have some huge voids to fill. Probably for the first time in a long time, defensively we have quite a few kids coming back, but as far as quarterback experience, for the first time in quite a few years, we’re going to be lacking there. We do have two juniors that will probably be playing for that spot that put on time on their own throwing and working and doing things to help prepare

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themselves to take that spot.”

Mt. Blanchard Riverdale (8-3) * Players To Watch – QB Brady Weber (6-4, 218, Jr.); RB/LB David Rose (6-0, 229, Sr.); WR Chris Hepperly (6-0, 170, Sr.); WR Steven Rahn (6-1, 180, Sr.); OLB Tyler Book (6-0, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – The Riverdale Falcons had a special season in 2008, posting an 8-2 record and making the postseason for the first time in school history. The experience was one to remember. “The community, for never having gone to the playoffs, was very ecstatic about it,” head coach Jeremy Kloepfer said. “You have all kinds of people talking to you, talking to the kids, cheering for the kids on Friday nights. It was just a one-of-a-kind experience for the kids, and I’m glad that I could help be a part of that and try and get them to that level.” Kloepfer gives much of the credit to a group of experienced seniors that experienced a winless season as freshmen but persevered and made the playoffs in their final year. “Going into it, we definitely thought we’d have a good season due to the experience we had at the senior level,” Kloepfer said. “We had about nine guys who had played varsity for three years probably. “For those seniors, going 0-10 as freshmen, that was a heck of an accomplishment and achievement for those kids, going out in their senior year 8-2.” This year’s team returns eight starters on offense and five on defense and moves up to Division V from Division VI. Kloepfer feels that the offense will be a strength, while cutting back on turnovers and getting continuity on defense will be the biggest things to address. “We’ve definitely got to get some continuity early on,” Kloepfer said. “That way everybody knows their gaps and their assignments and just how the person next to them plays their spot.” In Kloepfer’s first three years the Falcons have gone 2-8, 5-5 and 8-3. The four years prior to his arrival the program went 1-39. Weber returns after throwing for over 2,000 yards and 15 TDs last season.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Archbold (9-3) – The Blue Streaks made their second straight playoff appearance in 2008, this time bringing home a postseason win over Liberty Center. They will try to do it again this year with a new head coach. * Collins Western Reserve (73) – Losses to three playoff teams (Creston Norwayne, Norwalk St. Paul, Ashland Crestview) kept the Roughriders out of the playoffs last year. * Hicksville (8-2) – The Aces got out of the gate strong with eight straight wins to start the season but fell to two tough teams (Sherwood Fairview and Defiance Tinora) to end the year. * Lafayette Allen East (2-8) – The Mustangs

move up from Division VI to Division V and hope to continue to build up the program. “The athletes have been able to benefit from a full offseason strength and conditioning program this year,” head coach Cam Staley said. “We were a young team last season and will be again, but many of the 2008 sophomore class gained valuable experience playing on Friday night. We look forward to returning Allen East to a competitive program in the Northwest conference.” * Liberty Center (9-2) – Longtime head coach Rex Lingruen’s crew will be hoping to make another appearance in the postseason. * Lima Central Catholic (5-5) – After having a strong stretch between 2004 and 2007, the Thunderbirds fell to .500 last season, losing four games by seven points or less. Opener with Delphos St. John’s, the reigning DVI state champion, will set the tone.

Also In This Region:

Bloomdale Elmwood (6-4); Bluffton (4-6); Castallia Margaretta (3-7); Columbia Station Columbia (1-9); Delta (2-8); Elmore Woodmore (28); Gibsonburg (5-5); Haviland Wayne Trace (3-7); Jeromesville Hillsdale (6-4); Kansas Lakota (5-5); Loudonville (3-7); Montpelier (0-10); New London (6-4); North Robinson Colonel Crawford (2-8); Oberlin (6-4); Plymouth (3-7); Spencerville (4-6)

Region 19 Teams To Watch

Baltimore Liberty Union (12-2) * Players To Watch – OL/DL Damien McAfee (6-0, 240, Sr.); RB/OLB Dustin Love (6-0, 180, Sr.); FB Cody Magley (5-11, 195, Sr.); OL Pat Blevins (6-0, 185, Sr.); SE/CB Travis Crisan (5-11, 165, Sr.); SE/CB Zach Logue (5-9, 155, Sr.); QB/DB Andy McCord (5-9, 155, Sr.) * Outlook – The Liberty Union Lions put together a fantastic season in 2008, posting nine regular season wins and then winning the Region 19 bracket. The Lions lost some key players from last year’s team, including lineman Sam Johnson, who signed with Ohio University, and QB/DB Andy Mix, who signed with Toledo to play baseball. But 11 total starters return on offense and defense along with a big senior class, giving Liberty Union hopes and expectations of another strong season. “The bar was set high in 2008 with league and regional championships,” head coach Dan Johnson said. “The eight seniors who graduated leave big shoes to fill. We have a large class of 18 seniors who could step up and meet the challenge of performing at the same level in 2009.” Fredericktown (8-2) * Players To Watch – QB/OLB/DB Thomas Hinkle (6-3, 205, Sr.); TB/LB Curtis Ruhl (5-11, 180, Sr.). WB Tony Lybarger (5-10, 165, Jr.);

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V WR/CB Tyler Hathaway (5-8, 145, Jr.); OL Logan Awwiller (6-1, 235, Jr.); MLB Austin Hoeflich (5-10, 170, Jr.); OL/DL Nick Stacey (6-2, 240, Jr.); DT/OG Jordon Levering (5-10, 205, Sr.) * Outlook – After a 10-3 season and a berth in the Region 19 finals in 2007, some thought 2008 would be a rebuilding year for Fredericktown. But the Freddies surprised some people, posting an eight-win season despite having a young team. “At the end of the season last year, there were kind of a lot of mixed emotions because we were a young team, and I don’t think anyone would have expected us to go 8-2 at the beginning of the season,” head coach Luke Beal said. “But once the season started and we started having some success, the kids I think were really counting on making another trip to the playoffs. So despite the nice record, there was some disappointment at the end of the season when we just missed the playoffs.” Beal says that the team has turned that disappointment into something positive. “It’s been a real motivator for us in the offseason,” Beal said. “We’ve had a great winter and spring. It’s really motivated our kids because they knew how close we were.” This year’s Fredericktown squad will be in a position to cash in on the motivation as they return a veteran team with at least eight starters on each side of the ball. The playoffs will be on the team’s mind, but more than that, the Freddies want to capture a league title. “Our top priority right now is to try and win our league,” Beal said. “Despite the nice seasons that we’ve had the last two years, that’s been a source of disappointment for us – we have not been able to win our league. That’s got to be our top priority.” Minford (8-3) * Players To Watch – QB Aaron Oesch (6-3, 185, Sr.); RB/OLB Brandon McCormick (5-9, 175, Sr.); WR Cory McKnight (6-2, 180, Sr.); OL/DL Mike Gilliam (5-10, 225, Sr.); Ray Bryan (5-9, 165, Sr.); TE Stefan Price (6-1, 220, Sr.); FB/LB Mark Slone (5-10, 190, Jr.); OL/DL Nick Campbell (6-0, 250, Sr.) * Outlook – Things continue to look up for the Minford football program. The team earned their second straight playoff berth last year – their fifth postseason appearance in school history and the fourth one in eight years. Head coach Brent Daniels has led the Falcons to consecutive successful seasons during his time at Minford. “This is our second year running the Wing-T offense and me being the head coach,” Daniels said. “We had some good kids that put a lot of time in the weight room during the offseason, which is a good reason why we were as successful as we were last season.” This year’s team appears to be a very experienced group, returning ten starters on offense and seven on defense. “We’ve got all of our skill guys back from last year,” Daniels said. “We have to replace a couple linemen, but overall we hope to be pretty good this year. Not surprisingly, the excitement and expecta-

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tions surrounding this year’s team are at a high level. “The expectations are high this year,” Daniels said. “I guess you could say the bar’s been set here a little bit finally. I think they realize what’s at stake this year and what we’re expected to do this year. The excitement’s there. I think everybody’s ready to get the football season kicked off, and we’re just going to see what happens.”

West Lafayette Ridgewood (8-3) * Players To Watch – HB/S Jake Conrad (5-11, 190, Sr.); HB/S Colt Landis (5-11, 175, Sr.); SE/S Austin Bates (5-10, 160, Sr.) * Outlook – Ridgewood made their sixth consecutive playoff appearance in 2008 after a second-place finish in conference. The Generals lost a strong class of senior players from last year’s team, but the expectations for a winning season and a postseason appearance remain. “We lost a great class of seniors but feel we have a very hard working group returning,” head coach John Slusser said. “Our goals have not changed as a program in that we expect to play for championships. Our senior class has waited its turn and is looking forward to the challenge of Ridgewood football.” Wheelersburg (10-2) * Players To Watch – QB/SS Tyler Lang (6-1, 295, Sr.); QB/DB Brandon Schankweiler (5-11, 170, Jr.); RB/DE Tyler Craigmiles (6-1, 195, Sr.); CB Chase Holbrook (5-9, 165, Sr.); C/DE Zach Frowine (5-10, 255, Sr.); RB/DL Scott Walker (510, 175) * Outlook – Despite having a young team and losing their starting quarterback to injury in the first game, Wheelersburg put together a strong season in 2008, winning nine regular season games and advancing to the second round of the playoffs. “We were really tickled with last year’s group,” head coach Rob Woodward said. “We only had seven seniors going into the year. To go 10-2 was tremendous.” This year’s team returns six starters on offense and eight on defense. Expectations will be high but Woodward says the team must take things to the next level in order to surpass last season’s performance. “We return a lot of individuals on both sides of the ball,” Woodward said. “With already having success, they need to understand that the work ethic, the level of work and intensity needs to be raised. They can’t maintain the same work ethic from last year or things will turn out basically the same as last year.”

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Bainbridge Paint Valley (8-2) – The Bearcats narrowly missed a postseason berth last year but should be in contention to make the playoffs this season. * Caldwell (8-3) – Head coach Mike Devol had a successful home-

coming last season. After coaching at Caldwell from 1974 to 1994, Devol spent time at two other schools before returning to his alma mater in 2008. The Redskins posted an 8-2 regular season with a playoff berth. “We expect to win,” Devol said. “When I was at Caldwell before, I think we won 130 games – about 70 percent of our games. I would expect with the kids we have at Caldwell and the people that we have up there that we’ll be successful no matter when we take the field.” This year’s team moves from Division VI to Division V, but the shift doesn’t make a difference in the Redskins’ outlook. “We have to play the teams that we play, and the schedule didn’t change, so it didn’t bother us one way or the other,” Devol said. This year’s team will have a lot of new starters on both sides of the ball, but the expectations will not change. “We lost a lot of seniors that were really good,” Devol said. “They certainly deserved to be 8-2. We’re going to be extremely young this year, but like I say, that doesn’t matter. We’re going to step on the field, we’re going to give 110 percent, and I think we’re going to win the majority of the games we play.” * Nelsonville-York (8-3) – The Buckeyes will be aiming for another berth in the postseason and will have an all-state running back in senior Derek Arnold leading the way. * Woodsfield Monroe Central (7-3) – The Seminoles will be led by quarterback Tyler Kinchen, who won second-team All-Ohio honors last season despite being just a freshman.

Also In This Region:

Barnesville (1-9); Belpre (3-7); Beverly Fort Frye (3-7); Cardington-Lincoln (5-5); Centerburg (1-9); Chesapeake (4-6); Chillicothe Huntington (1-9); Chillicothe Southeastern (3-7); Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant (6-4); Crooksville (6-4); Frankfort Adena (6-4); Galion Northmor (3-7); JohnstownNorthridge (4-6); Lore City Buckeye Trail (0-9); Lucasville Valley (5-5); Manchester (0-10); Mount Gilead (5-5); Oak Hill (7-3); Sarahsville Shenandoah (4-6); Stewart Federal Hocking (7-3); Sugar Grove Berne Union (4-6)

Region 20 Teams To Watch

Anna (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB Wesley Hunsucker (6-3, 190, Sr.); RB Kameron Knight (6-2, 170, Sr.); TE Alex Fogt (6-1, 220, Jr.); LB Josh Parker (6-0, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – The Anna football program continued to make strides last season, posting their best record yet since joining the powerful Midwest Athletic Conference. “I think we progressed pretty well from the

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V beginning of the season to the end,” head coach Bryan Rioch said. “I think we got a lot better. Obviously going 9-1 in the regular season in that league and your two losses for the year are coming to Coldwater and to Marion Local, you have to be pretty happy with that.” The loss to Marion Local came in the opening round of the playoffs – a spot where Anna would rather not see a conference opponent. “One of the rationales for going into that league was once you get into the playoffs, you have an opportunity to be as good as anybody and win the whole thing,” Rioch said. “It was a little disappointing to run into Marion Local after already playing them the week before. But getting away from that, just taking a look at the whole thing, I think the program generally took a step forward.” This year’s team returns seven starters on offense and six on defense, and there’s some talk in MAC country that this could be Anna’s year. Rioch says the team’s main question mark is in the trenches. “We have a lot of question marks in terms of line play,” Rioch said. “We graduate four of our five offensive linemen, and we were pretty good up front. We feel we have some young kids that can step up potentially. We won’t be as big, but we’ll be probably more athletic. All our skill kids are back, which is a big positive.”

Casstown Miami East (9-2) * Players To Watch – RB Tyler Dunivan (6-1, 200, Sr.); RB Brock Smith (5-7, 160, Jr.); WR/DB Jared Brown (5-7, 155); WR/OLB Dalton Saylor (5-10, 145, Sr.); OL/ILB Tyler Matheson (5-11, 205, Sr.); DT Joe Fulton (6-1, 230, Sr.) * Outlook – Miami East football has had two memorable years. The Vikings followed up their first ever playoff season in 2007 with a repeat performance in 2008, along with a conference crown to go with it. “It went real well,” head coach Max Current said. “We won a league title, and that hasn’t happened since 1983, so it was an exciting year. It was also the 50th year of football at our school, so there was a lot of celebration every week in honoring players of the past. It was a great year to be a part of.” The success on the gridiron has resulted in plenty of community support. “It’s been great,” Current said. “Everybody’s been excited. Our fans have been following to all the games and packing our side of the stadium wherever we go.” The cupboard won’t be bare for Miami East this year as five starters return on each side of the ball, including 1,800 yards worth of rushing production on offense. But after losing 16 seniors and three All-Ohio players, it’s time for a new core of players to rise to the top. “We’re going to need some guys to step up,” Current said. “We’ve kind of ridden the past year’s graduating class the past three years. Now it’s these guys’s time.”

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Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (11-1) * Players To Watch – QB Alec Swartz (6-1, 198, Sr.); WR Andrew Perkins (5-11, 165, Sr.); LB/FB Doyen Harris (6-1, 205, Sr.); P John Lloyd (6-3, 230, Sr.); K Joe Riefenberg (6-1, 180, Sr.) * Outlook – Head coach Eric Taylor made a big splash in his first season at CHCA after moving over from Finneytown. The Eagles posted an undefeated regular season and also captured a playoff victory. “I thought our kids really played well,” Taylor said. “The biggest thing we did is our kids did a good job of just playing good team ball and really being eleven strong and working together for the benefit of their teammates. We were pleased.” This year’s team returns six or seven starters on offense and five on defense, as well as two outstanding specialists in kicker Joe Riefenberg and major college prospect John Lloyd at punter. Things could be in line for CHCA to be a prime contender to make it out of Region 20, but Taylor thinks it could come down to how well some of the younger linemen step up for those who have graduated. “We have a good core,” Taylor said. “I think we have four of five all-state players back and five of seven all-district players. So we have a very good core of some very important roles returning, but it’s all going to come down to how we do up front.” Coldwater (12-1) * Players To Watch – TE/DE Eric Lefeld (6-7, 230, Sr.); QB/OLB/P Keith Wenning (6-4, 220, Sr.); DL Kurt Westerheide (6-2, 195, Sr.) * Outlook – One of Ohio’s premier small-school powerhouse programs, the Cavaliers arrive in Division V after winning Division IV state championships in 2005 and 2007 and advancing to the regional finals in 2008. The Cavaliers have won six of the last eight conference titles in the Midwest Athletic Conference, the state’s strongest small-school affiliation. The Cavaliers lost several pieces from last year’s team, including Ohio State signee Adam Homan. A new group is ready to take over this year, led by University of Cincinnati verbal commitment Eric Lefeld. Wenning is a standout QB with big game experience. Columbus Bishop Ready (8-3) * Players To Watch – QB Brennan McCarthy (5-9, 155, Sr.); DL Lucas Detty (6-0, 235, Sr.); TE Dana Detassio (6-2, 215, Sr.); OL Pete Galentine (6-4, 275, Sr.); TB Demetrius Clark (6-0, 175, Jr.); ILB Eddie Bahen (6-0, 185, Sr.); DB/WR Jeremy Finchum (6-4, 180, Sr.); DB Cody Culbertson (5-6, 165, Sr.); DB Christian Knapper (jr.) * Outlook – It was a bit of an odd year for Bishop Ready. After having opponents cancel games in both Week 4 and Week 5, the Silver Knights found themselves in the odd predicament of not only having an unexpected three-week layoff in the middle of the season but also trying to make the postseason with just eight games to work with.

“We had two teams – one from New York and one from Kentucky – that simply said they just didn’t think they could play us,” head coach Larry Wolf said. “After they had signed a contract to do so, they just thought that we were too good. I could have assured them we weren’t, but they obviously didn’t want to hear that, so they canceled.” Things worked out, however, as Bishop Ready did make it back to the playoffs and made an appearance in the regional finals for the second straight year. “Actually, I think (the time off) was a turning point for our season because we really got some midseason corrections taken care of,” Wolf said. “Normally when you’re going week to week, you don’t have an opportunity, but we knew we had three weeks, and we fixed some things in a hurry that we could see were going to be problems after the first three games. It actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise.” This year’s team will feature five returning starters on each side of the ball and have the same goals and expectations as always. Wolf feels this year’s team can be good but is concerned about the team’s depth. “We’re very thin,” Wolf said. “We have good, quality kids, but we are one-deep everywhere… This is probably as thin as we’ve been in seven or eight years.”

Mechanicsburg (12-1) * Players To Watch – RB/WR/DB/P Joe Webb (6-1, 190, Sr.); OL/DL Josh Salyers (6-5, 220, Sr.); OL/DL Tyler Wasserman (6-2, 220, Sr.); RB/CB Mason Poland (6-1, 185, Jr.); TE/LB Cody Rodgers (6-3, 185, Jr.); FB/NT Carl Conley (6-1, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – As if the additions of Coldwater and Bishop Ready weren’t enough, Mechanicsburg moves up from Division VI to give Region 20 four teams that played in regional final games in 2008. The Indians posted an unbeaten regular season last year and advanced to the regional finals for only the second time in school history. “We had an outstanding year,” head coach Chris Kosiorek said. “We had great seniors. We had 12 leaders that took charge and made the coach’s job a lot easier, and then we had underclassmen that followed the guidance of those seniors and the coaches. That’s why we had the season we did, and we’re looking forward to next year.” This year’s team returns five starters on each side of the ball, including second-team All-Ohio receiver Joe Webb. Kosiorek says the turnout for offseason workouts has been excellent but that it’s time for a new group of players to step up and move forward from the success of 2008. “A lot of our kids that were role players last year need to be impact players this year, so therefore they have to do a lot more than what was required of them last year,” Kosiorek said. “Some of our starters that are returning, we’re going to expect bigger things from them. “When you get a group of kids that buy into

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V something – and I think these kids are buying into the system and buying into what we as coaches are trying to accomplish – it makes it a lot easier, but there’s a lot of work ahead of us. Just because we were successful last year doesn’t guarantee anything, and that’s been stressed to the kids a lot.”

West Jefferson (10-3) * Players To Watch – OL/LB Kyle Ferguson (61, 225, Sr.); OL/DL Jake Williams (6-2, 235, Sr.); TB/LB Corey Cocher (6-1, 175, Sr.); OL/DL Josh Chenault (5-10, 215, Sr.); QB/DB D.J. Mendenhall (6-4, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – West Jefferson continued their winning ways in 2008, advancing to the regional finals for the third straight season. The Rough Riders had a goal to advance further, but head coach Shawn Buescher was still pleased with the season’s outcome. “As a program, we definitely had a goal to get over that hump last year,” Buescher said. “We weren’t able to do so, but all in all, we were able to win another league and advance pretty deep, so it was a successful season.” Expect West Jefferson to once again be in the thick of things in Region 20. First-team All-Ohio quarterback D.J. Mendenhall is among a solid core that will lead this year’s team. “We return a good core again,” Buescher said. “We feel very good about next year’s senior group and the leaders that we have there.” St. Henry (6-4) * Players To Watch – QB Brad Stahl (6-2, 190, Sr.); WR Neil Schwieterman (5-11, 170, Sr.); TE/DE/P Victor Fortkamp (6-7, 200, Sr.); LB Zach Fishbaugh (5-11, 195, Sr.); DL Eric Wuebker (6-0, 190, Sr.); QB/DB Jordan Post (6-2, 180, Sr.) * Outlook – Two years removed from its last state title, the Redskins might have just what it takes to get No. 7. Stahl, Schwieterman, Fortkamp, Fishbaugh, Post and Wuebker all earned all-conference honors last season on a team that lost to Marion Local, Anna and Delphos St. John’s by seven points or less. Only Coldwater beat the Skins by double-digits. St. Henry has gone 6-4 each of the last two seasons and seven wins likely gets them in the postseason. As usual, the Skins open with Marion Pleasant in a great match up of small school powers. St. Henry has won four straight in the series, including a 2006 playoff meeting. The last two openers have been decided by four points total.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Hamilton Badin (8-4) – The Rams put together a strong campaign in 2008, winning seven regular season games and a first-round overtime playoff win. This year, the Rams move down to Division V and will be breaking in a new head coach after former coach David Wirth accepted the

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head coaching position at Covington (Ky.) Catholic. * Lees Creek East Clinton (7-4) – The Astros rebounded from back-to-back losing seasons to earn a postseason berth in 2008. * West Liberty-Salem (9-2) – The Tigers made their third consecutive playoff appearance in 2008 and their fifth in six seasons. * Milford Center Fairbanks (8-2) – The Panthers completed their fourth straight winning season in 2008, but despite an eight-win season the Panthers missed out on the playoffs (finished 11th in region). Winning two of three non-league games this year is key to postseason run. * Versailles (2-8) – Year 2 of the Bob Olwin era starts. Last year was an adjustment for both the program and coach who installed his spread offense, made famous at Sherwood Fairview. After back-to-back 2-8 seasons and just nine wins in three years, the Tigers should start bringing the bite again. The program won five state titles between 19932003. * Triad (7-3) – The Cardinals finished as the odd man out and ninth in the region in computer points last year. To make it worse, Triad was painfully close in all three losses, none of which was by double-digits.

Also In This Region:

Clark Montessori (2-8); Deer Park (1-9); Mariemont (2-8); Summit Country Day (4-6); Columbus Africentric (5-5); Grandview Heights (46); Gahnna Columbus Academy (4-6); Jamestown Greeneview (2-8); Lewisburg Tri-County North (37); Dayton Christian (4-6); New Lebanon Dixie (55); Richwood North Union (7-3); Rockford Parkway (4-6); Tipp City Bethel (3-7); West Alexandria Twin Valley South (5-5); Williamsburg (1-8) — OH

Ohio High Division V Predictions

Region 17 Youngstown Ursuline over Cuyahoga Heights Region 18 Hamler Patrick Henry over Defiance Tinora Region 19 Wheelersburg over Baltimore Liberty Union Region 20 St. Henry over Anna Championship Game Youngstown Ursuline over St. Henry

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V Division V Playoffs

State Final

2008 Revisited

Ursuline nets second title

Youngstown Ursuline 21, Findlay Liberty-Benton 0

State Semifinals Regional Finals

Region 17 Final (1) Youngstown Ursuline 18, (3) Kirtland 17 Region 18 Final (2) Liberty-Benton 28, (1) Hamler Patrick Henry 0 Region 19 Final (6) Balt. Liberty Union 13, (5) Col. Bishop Ready 3 Region 20 Final (7) Marion Local 21, (4) West Jefferson 14

Regional Semifinals

Region 17 (1) Youngstown Ursuline 35, (4) Gilmour Acad. 7 (3) Kirtland 41, (2) Columbiana Crestview 13 Region 18 (1) Patrick Henry 21, (5) Bucyrus Wynford 0 (2) Findlay Liberty-Benton 42, (6) Archbold 10 Region 19 (5) Co. Bishop Ready 17, (1) Portsmouth West 0 (6) Baltimore Liberty Union 14, (2) Wheelersburg 7 Region 20 (4) West Jefferson 20, (1) CHCA 10 (7) Marion Local 40, (3) Waynesville 14

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 17 1 Youngstown Ursuline 27, 8 Cuyahoga Heights 7 2 Columbiana Crestview 41, 7 Waynedale 12 3 Kirtland 63, 6 North Lima South Range 7 4 Gilmour Academy 48, 5 Creston Norwayne 21 Region 18 1 Hamler Patrick Henry 38, 8 Ashland Crestview 7 2 Liberty-Benton 34, 7 Delphos Jefferson 0 6 Archbold 26, 3 Liberty Center 6 5 Bucyrus Wynford 40, 4 Sherwood Fairview 34 Region 19 1 Portsmouth West 26, 8 W. Laf. Ridgewood 7 2 Wheelersburg 14, 7 Minford 6 6 Balt. Liberty Union 15, 3 Nelsonville-York 14 5 Col. Bishop Ready 21, 4 Johnstown-Monroe 17 Region 20 1 CHCA 43, 8 Lees Creek East Clinton 21 7 Maria Stein Marion Local 13, 2 Anna 3 3 Waynesville 34, 6 West Liberty-Salem 9 4 West Jefferson 20, 5 Casstown Miami East 7

Division V State Championship

ASSILLON – Findlay Liberty-Benton’s defense owned the headlines entering the Division V state final. Following 48 minutes of play, Youngstown Ursuline’s defense got to tackle the championship trophy. Intercepting L-B quarterback Aaron Craft four times, including three in the fourth quarter, Ursuline used back-to-back interception returns for touchdowns by Dale Peterman and LaVance Turnage in the game’s final five minutes to win its second state title 21-0 at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium on Nov. 30. The Irish, who lost the 2007 D-V final to Marion Local, also captured the D-IV title in 2000. Both teams entered the game 14-0. A crowd of 5,997 watched the Irish shut down and out an L-B offense that was averaging 43 points per game. It was the first shutout in a D-V

Photo by Stephanie Porter

Youngstown Ursuline 35, Balt. Liberty Union 6 Findlay Liberty-Benton 35, Marion Local 0

Final 2008 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll

1. Youngstown Ursuline (15-0) 2. Findlay Liberty-benton (14-1) 3. Hamler Patrick henry (12-1) 4. Anna (9-2) 5. Maria Stein Marion Local (11-2) 6. Kirtland (12-1) 7. Portsmouth West (11-1) 8. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (11-1) 9. Bucyrus Wynford (11-1) 10. Wheelersburg (10-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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The Youngstown Ursuline defense shut out a Liberty-Benton offense that was averaging 43 points per game.

state championship game since Newark Catholic beat Delphos Jefferson 19-0 in 1985. Craft, a junior and one of the state’s top quarterbacks, had thrown just three interceptions all year. “We have a sign in our locker room that says if you can’t run you don’t belong on the field,” Ursuline head coach Dan Reardon said. “These guys bought into that and they attacked the football. “Obviously this was a defensive game. They have an outstanding team and if you would have told me before the game we were going to shut them out I would have said you were crazy. We hang our hat on our defense and we’ve always done that. I'm extremely proud of what they accomplished today.” Said Craft, who accounted for 57 TDs and over 4,000 yards of total offense this year: “We moved the ball but we couldn’t finish and capitalize. Some stupid mistakes here and there and turnovers and not making the right reads and things caught up to us. We couldn’t finish. We couldn’t get over the hump. “They did a good job of reading where the ball was going to go and then flying there.” L-B’s defense, which had given up only 31 points all season heading into the final, played a solid game as well. The Eagles limited Ursuline to just 37 yards on 22 plays in the first half, which ended with the teams tied 0-0. Minus a three-play drive that yielded 74 yards and a 60-yard TD run by Allen Jones to start the second half, the Irish managed just 78 yards in 40 plays against the Eagles (an average of 1.95 yards per play). L-B, which had a school record 10 shutouts this season, was allowing just 113.5 yards per game coming into the championship. Jones led the Irish with 97 hard-earned yards on 17 carries. Combined, Ursuline’s quarterbacks – Dawalyn Harper and Paul Kempe – were just 2-of9 for 28 yards and two interceptions. The Irish were 2-for-11 on third downs and had just eight first downs. Ursuline was penalized one time. “I thought it was going to be like a 54-52 barnburner,” Reardon said. “There were some things I thought we could take advantage of heading into the game against their defense and clearly we weren’t as successful as we thought we were going to be. “Neither of us did much on offense either way.” L-B’s offense had more yards than Ursuline (241-152) but couldn’t crack the end zone. Twice the Eagles ventured inside Ursuline’s 10-yardline only to be denied points. Craft was stopped on fourth and inches from the 4-yardline in the second quarter and L-B missed a field goal from the 7-yardine in the fourth. The Eagles ran 22 more plays than the Irish and led in time of possession 28:1419:46. Craft finished the game 18-of-27 for 152 yards. He also rushed a game-high 26 times for 49 yards. “I’ve never faced pressure like that,” Craft said. “They’ve got some big name guys over there who lived up to the hype. We heard about them all week and tried to attack them but they came up and made more plays than we did.” Said L-B head coach Tim Nichols: “Against a team like that you don’t get many opportunities. When we had some they didn’t go our way.” — Eric Frantz

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Delphos St. John’s running back Jordan Leininger scores the decisive TD in last year’s Division VI state title game. The championship was the Blue Jays’ fifth overall and they enter this season the favorite for No. 6.

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D-VI H

Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI

Photo by Nick Falzerano

STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

istory dictates this yearʼs Division VI state title race boils down to two teams – defending champion Delphos St. Johnʼs and longtime stalwart Maria Stein Marion Local. Those two teams – both from the Midwest Athletic Conference – have won eight of the last 12 D-VI state titles. Can they make it nine of 13? The odds say they can since 10 of the last 15 state titles have gone to MAC schools. (St. Henry also won two). Should either team falter, there are plenty of schools with the talent and tradition to take the trophy home. Region 21 earns the nod as the stateʼs toughest with stalwarts Norwalk St. Paul, Mogadore, McDonald, Berlin Center Western Reserve and newcomer and former D-V power Bucyrus Wynford in the fold. Ada is another team to watch out for, although the Bulldogs would have to get by DSJ to make the state semis. And then there is always Newark Catholic. The D-VI state title game will be held Dec. 5 at Massillonʼs Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Will DSJ defend its title? Will Marion Local add another of its own? Will somebody stop the MAC? Stay tuned…

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI

Region 21 Teams To Watch

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (14-1) * Players to Watch – OT/LB Hudson Smith (61, 190, Sr.); WR/OLB Matt Brickner (6-0, 180, Sr.); RB Aaron Kapelka (5-9, 185, Sr.); OL Aric Hoover (5-10, 240, Sr.); WR/DB Miles Chapman (5-11, 180, Sr.) * Outlook – The Chieftains have been the cream of the Region 21 crop lately, having won three of the last four regional titles. H-L has also been in the state championship the last two years (finished runner-up both times), but making it back to Stark County will be a tall order with Region 21 being as stacked as it is. History says the Chieftains will be a factor, though. H-L has been to the playoffs seven straight years and is currently riding a 20-game regular season win streak. One glaring concern is replacing quarterback Tyler Brown, who shared the D-VI state offensive player of the year award with two others last year. Cushioning that loss is the return of Kapelka who starred in his first full season as a starter last year when he rushed for 1,586 yards and 21 TDs. Brickner is also an established threat having rushed for 350 yards and nine TDs a year ago (also had 400 yards receiving). Chapman is a viable receiving threat (52 catches). Defensively, Smith, the reigning D-VI state defensive player of the year, spearheads a unit that allowed just 12.8 points per game last year. “We need to replace key players at quarterback and in the secondary,” head coach Brian Colatruglio (63-6 in five years) said. “We will be solid up front on both sides of ball and we will play several sophomores. Depth is a huge issue.”

Norwalk St. Paul (12-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Eric Schwieterman (6-1, 205, Sr.); WR/CB Dan Tracht (6-0, 185, Sr.); WB/CB Justin Wilde (5-7, 145, Sr.); WB/S Jared Fries (6-1, 175, Sr.); RB/OLB Brian Griffin (6-2, 195, Sr.); WB/OLB Brian Roberts (510, 165, Sr.); C/DE Joel Boose (6-1, 185, Sr.); G/DE Darren Hainline (6-2, 195, Sr.); G/DE Kyle Bundschuh (6-0, 175, Sr.); T/DT Alex Simon (6-1, 225, Sr.); TE/LB Darren Smith (6-1, 205, Sr.); P Jim Roth (Sr.); RB/DB Zach Service (Sr.) * Outlook – Norwalk St. Paul has reached at least the regional final each of the last five years. The Flyers could do it again should a couple holes be filled. “We return almost all of our skill positions on both offense and defense,” head coach John Livengood said. “We lost two outstanding offensive tackles, an outstanding defensive tackle and an outstanding running back. If we can replace these key positions, we will be in position to make a good run.” Schwieterman gives St. Paul an advantage

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most teams don’t have. The reigning D-VI state offensive player of the year, Schwieterman returns to lead an offense that set new school records last season for points (621; 47.8 per game) and yards (6,014; 462.6 per game). Individually, Schwieterman had his hand in 32 TDs, while passing for 1,778 yards and rushing for 985. He also kicked 53 PATs and six field goals. Tracht (32 receptions, 598 yards, seven TDs) and Wilde (17 receptions, 425 yards, eight TDs) return as the main targets in the passing game, while Griffin (46 carries, 361 yards, seven TDs) will carry the workload in the running game. Defensively the Flyers return nearly everyone from a unit that allowed just 9.5 points and 174 yards per game. Boose is the top returning tackler (109 stops), while Schwieterman (84 tackles), Griffin (88 tackles) and Roberts (88 tackles) also carry solid credentials. St. Paul owns 12 playoff appearances – all under Livengood (166-49 career record in 18 years) - including six straight.

Bucyrus Wynford (11-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Tyler Brause (6-4, 220, Sr.); WR/DB Chris Brown (6-2, 185, Sr.); TE Teven Eatmon (6-7, 280, Sr.); OL Alex Linn (6-1, 220, Sr.); OL/DE Zach Brewington (6-2, 185, Sr.); LB Zach Chatlin (6-1, 185, So.); DE Alex McNulty (6-2, 170, Sr.); LB Zack Niedermier (5-10, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Wynford’s drop from D-V to VI made Region 21 the toughest in the state. The Royals have put together three undefeated regular seasons in the last four years and are riding a 33game North Central Conference win streak. Don’t expect that trend to end this season. Wynford has the state’s No. 32ranked senior prospect overall and the No. 3 ranked QB in Brause who despite coming from a small school has already been offered by Stanford, Syracuse and Western Michigan. Last year, he accounted for 30 TDs, while throwing for 1,795 yards and rushing for another 698. Brown (special mention All-Ohio) and Eatmon (offer from Akron) give Brause two huge targets in the passing game. Eatmon caught only five passes last season, but four went for TDs. Defensively Wynford will be led by Niedermier (71 tackles), Chatlin (60 tackles, four sacks), McNulty (48 tackles, 12 sacks), Brewington (43 tackles) and Brown (38 tackles). Said head coach Travis Moyer (83-25 in 10 years): “We’re excited about the opportunity to compete for championships.” Monroeville (2-8) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Brian Ringholz (510, 166, Sr.); RB/DB Logan Stieber (5-5, 140, Sr.); TE/LB Eric Leber (6-1, 179, Sr.); TE/T Justin Sparks (5-10, 184, Sr.); C/LB Dakota Schwan (58, 213, Sr.); T/T Ryan Dragon (6-3, 260, Jr.); T/T Mitch Sweet (6-1, 251, Sr.); G/DE Carl Black (N/A, Jr.); RB/DB Cory Long (5-9, 150, So.); RB/DE Sam Schwab (5-10, 185, Jr.); TE/DT Jeremy Krill (6-1, 210, Jr.); RB/DB Justin Jones (5-9, 160, Jr.) * Outlook – Head coach Steve Ringholz continues his reign at Monroeville, where he enters his

31st season with the Eagles and ranks among the state’s top 20 coaches in career wins (231-101-1). Last season, however, was one of the few hiccups the Eagles have had under the coaching legend. Monroeville lost its first seven games last year and had a string of seven straight playoff berths snapped. Things should return to normal this season. Ringholz and the Eagles return 27 letterwinners, including 11 players who will earn their third letter this year and three who will earn their fourth. Experience is a strength. “We have a very experienced offensive line returning,” Ringholz said. “This should give us a good foundation on that side of the ball.” Stieber, Sparks and Long give the Eagles a solid trio at RB. Stieber rushed for 440 yards and seven TDs on 94 carries last year, while Long had 643 yards and six TDs on 127 carries. Long also had 23 receptions for 193 yards and a TD. Sparks chipped in 341 yards and six TDs on 106 carries. Brian Ringholz returns for his third year as the starting QB. Defensively Monroeville should be stout. Leber (48 tackles), Schwann (61 tackles), Sparks (48 tackles), Stieber (76 tackles), Schwab (74 tackles), Krill (69 tackles), Jones (54 tackles) and Long (67 tackles) spearhead a unit that should be much improved. Overall, the Eagles return six players who earned All-Firelands Conference honors last season.

Mogadore (10-2) * Players to Watch – FB/DL Jake Mcavinew (59, 185, Jr.); TB/LB Kodey Chance (5-11, 175, Jr.); SE/FS Matt Traugh (6-2, 190, Sr.); OLB Zach Glagola (6-2, 190, Sr.); TE/OLB Landon Trainer (6-3, 235, Sr.); C/DT Kevin Pollock (5-8, 200, Sr.); G/DL Andrew Monea (5-9, 180, Sr.); FB Mike Leymon (6-0, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – The Wildcats – one of the state’s top programs regardless of division – are looking for their 11th straight trip to the playoffs and 23rd overall. Can they do it? Yes. Mogadore returns 16 starters, including nine on defense. McAvinew, who registered 92 tackles, including 12 sacks, was second team All-Ohio as a DE last year, while Chance added 105 tackles. The entire LB and DB corps returns. Offensively the Wildcats have more than enough options. Although they must replace both tackles and the QB, four backs return who accounted for 2,500 yards and 36 TDs. Chance leads the group (1,202 yards and 13 TDs), while Leymon (659 yards, 10 TDs), Mcavinew (603 yards, 10 TDs) and Phil Laston (306 yards, three TDs) are more than capable of carrying the load. Senior Drew Babbit (5-9, 155, Sr.) steps in at QB. Two targets he’ll want to hit often are Trainer (18 catches, 407 yards, seven TDs) and Traugh (11 cathces, 248 yards, two TDs). Pollock is a three-year starter at center. A tough nonleague schedule with Mineral Ridge, Smithville (on schedule for first time since 1996) and Northwestern awaits. A small sopho

JJ Hu ddle’s O h io H igh

Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI more class (20 boys in school and six on the football team) hurts depth. Head coach Matt Adorni is 45-16 in six years.

Berlin Center Western Reserve (8-3) * Players to Watch – WR Clayton Hull (6-0, 170, Sr.); QB Shane Ewing (6-3, 195, Sr.); * Outlook – Hull (first team All-Ohio) and Ewing (second team All-Ohio) form arguably the best pass-andcatch combo in D-VI. As a program Western Reserve has been on the rise. The Devils have 23 wins and two playoff appearances in the last three years. Is this the season they make it past the second round of the playoffs? Western Reserve lost to McDonald in the opening round of the playoffs last year, 21-7.

McDonald (11-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Nick Accordino (6-1, 175, Sr.); RB/LB Nick Cupan (5-11, 175); RB/LB Zach Tura (5-9, 160, Jr.); TE/DL David John (6-3, 195, Sr.) * Outlook – The Blue Devils are one of the region’s top teams with 11 playoff appearances to their credit. Can they make it four postseason trips in a row? Odds are they can – and will. Replacing RB Alex Sampson, who accounted for 26 TDs and 1,073 yards last season, is key. Accordino returns after completing 38-of-58 passes for 594 yards and seven TDs, while Cupan is back after rushing for 848 yards and seven TDs on 99 carries. John caught 10 passes for 190 yards and two TDs. Offensively McDonald racked up 3,554 yards on the ground last year.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Dalton (6-4) – The Bulldogs are hungry after finishing ninth in the region in computer points last season. Dalton, which didn’t lose a game by more than seven points and all four by a total of 17, finished just 0.1 point behind No. 8 seed Columbiana. Despite starting last year 1-4, the Bulldogs ended on a five-game winning streak. Sustaining momentum will be key. The return of second team All-Ohio LB Matt Torgler (5-11, 160, Sr.) doesn’t hurt either. * Youngstown Christian (7-3) – The Eagles have gone 13-6 over the past two years although just two of those wins have come against teams with winning records. A 28-26 victory over Shadyside last year showed YC is close to earning the school’s first playoff berth. Whether or not they do it this year is the question. The Eagles were 10th in the region last year. * Warren JFK (3-7) – The Eagles had a string of five straight playoff berths snapped last year, but they were close to making it six. JFK lost to six teams with winning records including Howland (D-II), Hubbard (D-III), Girard (D-IV) and Elyria Catholic (D-IV). One player to watch this year is senior RB/S

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Korin Stubbs (5-10, 196). Stubbs had 42 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception last year, while also rushing for 131 yards and two TDs in limited offensive duty. Expect him to log more carries this season. Stubbs is also a seasoned return specialist. * Jackson-Milton (3-7) – The Blue Jays went from one win in 2007 to three last year. Does the climb continue? Close games last year against Leetonia (20-14) and Wellsville (21-12) showed the program is improving. * Wellsville (7-3) – Despite winning seven games, the Tigers finished all the way back at No. 15 in the region last year. They only beat one team with a winning record (Leetonia), but that wasn’t the entire problem. Wellsville also beat four teams that went a combined 0-40. It’s unlikely the schedule will be that unkind again. Another 7-3 season might land the Tigers in the postseason. * Tiffin Calvert (5-5) – The Senecas were put in a tough position when former head coach Keenan Leichty stepped down in June to become the head coach at Brookside High. No replacement had been named as of print time. Regardless of who takes over, the Senecas are looking for their first playoff appearance since making five straight postseasons from 1998-2002. Calvert will have to figure out way to win the tight games if it wants to advance. Last year the Senecas were 1-3 in games decided by seven points or less. * Ashland Mapleton (2-8) – Since a 5-5 finish in 2000, the Mounties have failed to record a winning season or break even. First year head coach Ray Frisbee inherits a program that returns just five seniors and 10 letterwinners so rebuilding will still be a theme. “The five seniors will be relied on heavily to lead our young team to a place were the Mapleton football team hasn't been in a while – winning football games,” Frisbee said. “We will definitely not be one of the biggest, fastest or strongest teams in the state, but we will strive to be the best conditioned and assignment sound.” Key returners for the Mounties are: senior FB/DL Jacob Martin (5-9, 245, honorable mention All-Firelands Conference), senior QB Paul Mencl (6-1, 180; two TDs last year at WR) and senior TE/DE Jon Soto (6-0, 205; 49 tackles and six sacks). Sandusky St. Mary's Central Catholic is a new opponent in Week 3. Said Frisbee: “There will be a lot of new faces on the field on Friday nights and hopefully we'll have a few step up to the challenge and change the attitude in the Mapleton school and community about the football team.” * Fairport Harding (2-8) – The Skippers struggled last year but do return first team All-Ohio receiver Aramis Greenwood (6-1, 175).

Also In This Region:

Ashtabula St. John & Paul (2-7), Crestline (3-7),

New Washington Buckeye Central (5-5), Bedford St. Peter Chanel (3-7), Cleveland Heights Lutheran East (0-10), Sandusky St. Mary Central Catholic (1-9), Newbury (0-10), Thompson Ledgemont (3-7), Greenwich South Central (4-6), Lowellville (2-8), Sebring McKinley (0-10), Windham (1-8), Lucas (1-9), Attica Seneca East (5-5), Southington Chalker (5-5), Vienna Mathews (6-4), Rittman (0-10)

Region 22 Teams To Watch

Delphos St. John’s (13-2) * Players to Watch – LB Chris Pohlman (6-2, 240, Jr.); QB Wes Ulm (6-1, 200, Sr.); RB Jordan Leininger (6-2, 205, Jr.); C Alex Recker (6-1, 235, Jr.); OT Austin Vogt (6-3, 250, Jr.); OLB Joel Pohlman (6-0, 185, Sr.); FS Tyler Bergfield (6-2, 180, Jr.); SS AJ Klausing (5-10, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – The Blue Jays experienced quite a turnaround in Allen County, going from a 2-8 finish in 2007 to the D-VI state title last season. This year, DSJ should be a favorite to repeat. Whatever holes there are are overshadowed by the tremendous amount of talent that returns elsewhere. Chris Pohlman was secondteam All-Ohio last season after registering 158 tackles and returns to a unit that allowed just 13.7 points in 13 wins. Also back on defense are Joel Pohlman (124 tackles), Bergfield (68 tackles, six interceptions) and Klausing (99 tackles, six interceptions). Ulm spearheads the offense and is one of the state’s top dual threat QBs. Last season he passed for 1,172 yards and rushed for 1,027 more. Ulm accounted for 27 TDs. Leininger is a beast out of the backfield where he ran for 1,222 yards and 15 TDs last season. Recker and Vogt anchor an experienced – and big – offensive line. Said head coach Todd Schulte, who will go for his 100th career win this season (98-31 in 11 years): “We start off with two tough non-league opponents in Tinora and Lima Central Catholic, followed by the meat-grinder called the MAC.”

Ada (12-1) * Players to Watch – QB Mitchell Faine (6-4, 200, Sr.); WR/DB Heath Jackson (6-1, 175, Sr.); WR/DB Alex Weber (6-1, 185, Jr.); WR/LB Matt McBride (6-2, 205, Sr.); OG Zach Gibson (6-2, 240, Sr.); OT Aaron Jenkins (6-2, 245, Jr.); LB Aaron Weyer (6-0, 195, Jr.); DT Tanner Craig (6-0, 190, Jr.); DT Robert Guyton (6-2, 245, Jr.) * Outlook – The Bulldogs have quickly become one of D-VI’s top programs. Ada has been to the playoffs three years in a row and has state semifinal (2007) and regional final (last year) appearances to its credit. Expect another solid run this season with 12 starters back (six on each side of the ball). The Bulldogs averaged 41 points per game last year and allowed just 13. Faine is one of the state’s most talented QBs

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI regardless of division and returns after throwing for 3,846 yards and 37 TDs last season. A second-team All-Ohio selection, Faine also rushed for 650 yards and 16 TDs. Jackson (74 receptions, 1,068 yards, 10 TDs), Weber (46 receptions, 543 yards, six TDs) and McBride (28 receptions, 400 yards, three TDs) provide a solid stable of receivers. Defensively, Weyer and McBride are the top returning tacklers (each had 70 last season). Weyer also had nine tackles-for-loss and four sacks, while McBride had a team-high four interceptions. “The offense has a good nucleus back with (Faine) and three of the top four receivers back,” head coach Mike Fell said. “We will need to find three offensive linemen and a running back. The defense is made up of good athletes, but we need to find some new leadership.” Toledo Christian replaces Fort Loramie on the schedule and Fell circled a Week 10 match-up with Lima Central Catholic as key.

Carey (10-2) * Players to Watch – TE/DE Michael Dennis (6-7, 265, SR.); C Jared Case (6-1, 250, SR.); RB/CB/KR Trevor Phoenix (5-10, 155, SR.); WR/CB/K Cy Strahm (5-10, 150, Sr.); QB Tyler Brodman (5-9, 160, Sr.); OL/DT Trae Cusac (6-2, 245, Sr.) OL/DE DJ Dyer (6-1, 200, Sr.); RB/S Justin Jacoby (6-0, 165, Sr.); OG/LB Jordan Stock (5-10, 185, Jr.) * Outlook – The Blue Devils gave state champion Delphos St. John’s its closest game in the postseason last year, losing 21-14 in the regional semifinals. Asking this year’s club to repeat that playoff run might be a stretch, but not a long one. The senior class at Carey has never had a losing season and is 18-5 the last two years with two playoff appearances. They’ve already made an impact but are looking for more. “The task for the classes coming up is to match the intensity and attitude that has brought a lot of pride back into this football town,” head coach Todd Worst (23-10 in three years) said. “This team will not have the size of last year’s team, but will make up for it with a little more team speed.” Dennis is a legitimate Division I recruit and ranked the No. 52 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High Magazine. He has offers from Michigan State, North Carolina State, Indiana, Maryland, Iowa State and several MAC schools. Phoenix will carry a lot of the offensive load. Willard, a D-III school, was added as a nonleague opponent in Week 3.

Arlington (7-4) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Matt Morehart (510, 172, Sr.); FB/LB Cam Brown (5-11, 189, Jr.); OT/DE Justin Bruley (6-0, 196, Sr.); QB/DB/P Zane Leonard (6-1, 174, Sr.); RB/SS Cory Glick (5-11, 182, Sr.); OG/DT Joe Beagle (6-0, 188, Sr.); OT/DT Dan Drake (6-0, 232, Sr.); SE/DB Brent Williams (5-11, 164, Sr.) * Outlook – Head coach Dick Leonard begins his 27th year at Arlington and second as head coach. Last year, after 25 years as an assistant, Leonard led the Red Devils to their second

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straight and second ever playoff appearance. Arlington drew eventual state champion Delphos St. John’s in the first round. The pieces are there for a return to the postseason. “We will have an experienced backfield on offense, however we need to replace several very good linemen,” Leonard said. “We will be in the same situation on defense. We have some experience in the backfield and at one LB, but will rely on some younger players to play in some key positions on the line and LB.” Morehart was first team All-Northwest Ohio at RB last year. Kicking should also be a strength with the return of senior Levi Fennell.

Edgerton (5-5) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Jeff Crowe (5-10, 160, Sr.); RB/FS Ethan Schroeder (6-0, 170, Sr.); WR/OLB Josh Goebel (5-9, 155, Sr.); WROLB Jimmy Radabaugh (6-0, 160, So.); OL/DL Austin Cape (5-10, 170, Sr.); WR/LB Dakota Sheets (5-8, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – The Bulldogs showed a threegame improvement last season, going from 2-8 to 5-5. Expect another climb in head coach Kevin Kline’s third year. Edgerton hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2003 but that could change this fall with a solid core of players returning. Crowe is back for his third year under center in the spread after throwing for 2,174 yards and 18 TDs last season. He also ran for seven TDs and 464 yards. As a sophomore Crowe threw for 1,337 yards and nine TDs. Crowe will be aided by a deep and talented receiving corps made up of Goebel (33 receptions, 426 yards, three TDs), Radabaugh (30 receptions, 566 yards, four TDs) and Sheets (16 receptions, 181 yards, TD). Goebel and Radabaugh both earned All-Green Meadows Conference honors at receiver last year. Schroeder will be option No. 1 in the backfield after generating 471 yards and seven TDs on 70 carries last season. Cape anchors the defensive line after registering 56 tackles, including eight for loss last season en route to second team All-GMC honors. Schroeder is a three-year starter at DB and was first team All-GMC last year after netting 58 tackles. He had 88 as a sophomore. Goebel had 58 tackles last year and Sheets added 69. “We believe that we have a good group of seniors and some really talented skill players returning that will be the strength of our team,” Kline said. “Our biggest concerns coming into the season will be finding some depth on the offensive line and filling in the key losses we had at the linebacker position.” West Unity Hilltop (8-3) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Chad Beals (5-11, 180, Sr.); OL/DT Logan Mercer (6-2, 255, Sr.); DB Josiah Poletta (5-10, 180, Jr.); TE/DE Nate Schafer (6-4, 215, Sr.); OL/DL Logan Mercer (6-2, 250, Sr.); OL/LB Austin Ashenfelter (5-11, 190,

Jr.); OL Jacob Carpenter (5-10, 190, Jr.); WR/DL Nick Smith (5-11, 160, Sr.); LB Quinton Nofziger (5-5, 170, Jr.); DB Chase Clark (5-9, 150, Sr.); OL/LB Trevor Reamsnyder (5-9, 200) * Outlook – For the past two years, Hilltop has made history by earning back-to-back playoff berths. This season the Cadets would like to make more by securing the school’s first postseason win. Numbers – as in 16 starters back – suggest their odds are good. Head coach Mike Bumb (64-38 in 10 years) enters his 11th season at Hilltop with arguably the school’s most talented roster ever. Beals is arguably the school’s most talented player ever. The senior running back has rushed for 2,431 yards and scored 45 TDs the last two years. Last season he rushed for 1,462 yards and scored 29 times, including three via reception and two on kick returns. Beals is one of seven starters back on offense, where the only question – who will replace standout QB Josh Westfall – will be answered by sophomore Tyler Shipman (5-11, 170). Hilltop’s OL averages 230. The defense, which returns nine starters, will be the team’s strength. Nofziger (65 tackles), Clark (65 tackles), Shaffer (59 tackles) and Smith (63 tackles) lead the unit. Poletta, a standout RB/DB as described by Bumb, could be a difference maker. He missed last season with an injury. The Cadets were 5-1 in the Toledo Area Athletic Conference last year and finished second. Paying back TAAC champ Northwood for a 45-19 drubbing in Week 6 is on the agenda. Columbus Grove (4-6) * Players to Watch – OT/DT Dylan Vogt (6-4, 230, Sr.); RB/DB Rayce Risser (6-0, 176, Sr.); QB/DB Jordan Travis (6-2, 180, So.) * Outlook – The usually tough Bulldogs have been a pedestrian 10-10 the last two years, including last season’s losing record. Expect a return to glory, although in order to do that, several young players will have to play key roles. Columbus Grove, which has been in the postseason seven of the last 10 years and won it all in 2003, has only six seniors. “Our players were disappointed with last season, which was only our second losing season since 1991,” head coach Scott Plate said. “(The kids) are anxious to get 2009 started. We have some young talented guys who need to step up for this to be a successful season.” Risser is the team’s leading returning rusher (576 yards), while Travis is back under center after starting as a freshman (six TDs). The Bulldogs have added Columbus Bishop Hartley to their non-league schedule.

Toledo Christian (5-5) * Players to Watch – K JC Miller, (5-7, 175, Sr.); LB Greg Barringer (5-11, 175, Sr.); OL Ben Sanders (5-11, 260, Sr.); DL Mike Gaston (5, 11, 225, Sr.); RB/DB Graham Miller (5-10, 185, Jr.); QB Nick Rightnowar (5-11, 155, Jr.); WR/LB David

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI Westmeyer (6-0, 170, Jr.); OL/LB Anthony Dodd (5-10, 210, Jr.) * Outlook – Entering head coach John Miller’s fourth year, the Eagles are 21-10 over the last three seasons and earned the school’s first playoff berth in 2007. Another postseason trip could be just months away. TC returns a number of key players on offense, including speedster Graham Miller who rushed for 1,231 yards and 10 TDs on 193 carries and Rightnowar who completed 126-of-209 passes for 1,835 yards, 21 TDs and 10 interceptions. Westmeyer returns after catching 30 passes for 490 yards and four TDs. Defensively Barringer (59.5 tackles), Gaston (15.5 tackles, seven for loss) and Dodd anchor the unit. Senior kicker J.C. Miller, who has made 74-of78 career PATs and 9-of13 career field goals, is an added threat. “The 2009 season for the Toledo Christian Eagles looks bright,” Miller said. “The seniors will be relied on heavily for leadership on and off of the field. The junior class is very deep athletically and many of them have plenty of Friday night game experience. We are very optimistic with the group of athletes that we have this season.” On the schedule, TC gets a facelift, replacing non-league foes Toledo Libbey, Woodward and Troy Christian with Delta, Ada and Fort Loramie. Dola Hardin Northern (2-8) * Players to Watch – FB/LB Nathan Rhule (Sr.); TE Logan Price (Jr.); DB Dylan Shepherd (Sr.); OT Caleb Combs (Sr.); RB Joe Walters (Sr.) * Outlook – Pete Brunow (218-63) enters his 26th year at Hardin Northern on the heels of his first losing season at the school. That’s right. The Polar Bears had 25 straight winning records under the legendary head coach prior to last season. Hardin Northern, which has been to the playoffs 12 times (all since 1994), was the D-VI state champion in 2004. The Polar Bears have been absent from the playoffs though for two years after a string of six straight 10-0 regular seasons. Does the momentum swing this year? Hardin Northern returns eight starters on offense, including Ruhle, Price, Combs and Walters. Defensively the Polar Bears must fill holes on the line and in the backfield. The offense must carry the team early. Said Brunow: “We hope to build our way back up to the top of the league but it won’t be easy.” A rugged Blanchard Valley Conference slate awaits.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Pandora-Gilboa (10-2) – Senior DL Josh Lee (6-5, 205) was the D-VI co-defensive player of the year in Ohio last season. He spearheads a team that lost just five seniors to graduation. The Rockets have a chance to end Findlay LibertyBenton’s three-year run as Blanchard Valley Conference champions. * McComb (7-4) – The Panthers have been to

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the playoffs eight times in the last 10 years. * Leipsic (6-4) – After finishing 28 in 2007, the Vikings turned it around last year and finished 10th in the region in computer points. Leipsic has been tabbed as a “contender” in the Blanchard Valley Conference by several coaches. * Cory-Rawson (3-7) – If you want a sleeper in Region 22, the Hornets might be the one. C-R hasn’t had a winning season since 2003, but the pieces are in place for a solid run. Eight starters return on each side of the ball, but surviving the rugged Blanchard Valley Conference (four playoff teams last year) will be key in head coach Andy Schafer’s second season. Senior WR/DB John Anderson (5-8, 160) is a three-year starter and racked up 1,318 all-purpose yards last year along with 46 tackles. Seniors Ben Niese (RB/DL, 5-10, 165; 33 Tackles, 510 yards rushing), Chad Thacker (C, 6-1, 225) and David Hector (OT/MLB, 6-1, 220; 64 tackles) will be big contributors as well. “Last year was a learning year,” Schafer said. “We learned a new style of offense, defense, attitude and work ethic. This year there are no excuses. We have a lot of guys that have been working hard to turn the program around. The big question is do we “believe” we can do it? The tools are in place - now we just have to prove it on the field.” * Arcadia (1-9) – A year after registering their first winning season in 14 years (6-4 in 2008), the Redskins finished with another losing record.

Also In This Region:

Antwerp (5-5), Ridgeway Ridgemont (0-10), Defiance Ayersville (5-5), Crestview Convoy (010), Edon (3-7), Fostoria St. Wendelin (4-6), Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic (1-9), Holgate (0-10), Danbury Lakeside (0-10), Lima Perry (4-6), McGuffey Upper Scioto Valley (5-5), North Baltimore (2-8), Oregon Cardinal Stritch (19), Sycamore Mohawk (4-6), Toledo Ottawa Hills (3-7), Van Buren (5-5), Vanlue (0-10).

Region 23 Teams To Watch

Malvern (13-1) * Players to Watch – TB Maurice Johnson (5-9, 150, Sr.); WR/FS Zach Johnson (5-10, 173, Sr.); OG/DE Brett Lee (6-3, 230, Sr.); OG Nolan Champer (6-3, 210, Sr.); C Chase Richards (6-0, 188, Sr.); CB Doug Wood (5-10, 185, Sr.); LB Tyler Crawford (5-10, 200, Sr.); NG Dominic Chiurco (5-11, 270, Sr.) * Outlook – The reigning Region 23 and Inter Valley Conference champions have some holes to fill at the skill positions, but the Hornets return an offensive line that should be able to open plenty of holes. According to 10-year head coach Dave Tucci

(68-39 record at Malvern, 98-59 overall), the Hornets hope to “win the battle of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.” Lee, Champer and Richards give Malvern one of D-VI’s best OL trios. Offensively, Maurice Johnson returns at running back after carrying the ball 149 times for 982 yards and eight TDs last year. He’ll be joined by Wood who logged 236 yards and six TDs on 60 carries. Zach Johnson is a viable receiving threat (14 catches for 189 yards and four TDs). Finding a replacement for QB Tyler Tucci, the D-VI state player of the year last season, and his 45 TDs is a pressing need. The defense will again be a strength. Crawford is the leading returning tackler, having registered 96 stops, including 20 for loss last year. He’s joined in the front seven by Lee (33 tackles, 11 for loss, four sacks) and Chiurco (51 tackles, 16 for loss). The secondary is paced by Zach Johnson (74 tackles, two interceptions) and Wood (53 tackles). A Week 9 meeting with Lafayette Ridgewood could decide the IVC title again. Malvern has made four of its five playoff appearances, including two straight, in Tucci’s 10 years.

Lancaster Fisher Catholic (2-8) * Players to Watch – HB/DE Nick Orlando (5-9, 195, Sr.); ILB/OG Eric Ragland (5-9, 185, Sr.); ILB Joe McGee (6-2, 200, Jr.); OT/DE Ryan Conley (6-2, 270, Sr.); QB Devin Messerly (6-1, 185, Jr.). * Outlook – After five straight playoff appearances, the Irish have gone 7-13 the last two years, including last season’s uncharacteristic 2-8 run. “We are coming off a disappointing 2008,” McCann said. “We were extremely young and started seven sophomores. This year’s players have had a great offseason in the weight room and the attitude is very positive.” Orlando rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and with a similar outing this year could challenge the school’s career rushing record. A tough schedule awaits with non-league games against Danville and Newark Catholic and MSL contests against Liberty-Union (D-IV state semifinalist), West Jefferson (D-V regional finalist), Licking Heights (D-III school), Harvest Prep and Berne Union. A solid incoming freshmen class bodes well for the program, but how much their impact will be felt immediately is up in the air. Leetonia (8-3) * Players to Watch – RB/CB Kyle Gray (5-9, 170, Sr.); FB/LB AJ Bailey (6-1, 235, Sr.); G/LB Andrew Ryan (6-0, 205, Sr.); C/DT Seth Inboden (5-9, 180, Sr.); WR/CB Justin Colella (6-1, 160, Sr.); TE/DE Devan Miller (6-2, 205, Jr.); RB/SS Seth McNally (5-9, 185, Jr.); OT Theo Smith (5-8, 215, Sr.) * Outlook – After making the playoffs the last two years in Region 21, Leetonia moves to Region 23. The Bears plan on maintaining their playoff streak. “Moving into a different region this year is an

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI interesting change for us,” head coach Matt Altomare (16-6 in two years) said. “We are anxious to try to accomplish our goals of winning the league title and advancing in the playoffs. The Inter-County League is a very competitive league and we hope to make our community proud.” Leetonia has finished first or second in the ICL eight of the last nine years and has the firepower back to continue that trend. The Bears return seven starters on each side of the ball but must replace three AllOhio players, including one of the program’s best ever in Josh Selway (QB/DB). Gray is a beast on both sides, having rushed for 500 yards and registering 80 tackles a year ago. Colella (13 receptions, 383 yards, seven TDs; four interceptions), Miller (64 tackles, eight sacks) and McNally (63 tackles) are two-way standouts as well. Two keys for Leetonia will be the play of Bailey and Ryan. Bailey rushed for 411 yards and nine TDs last year before having a season-ending ankle injury in Week 4. Ryan led the team in tackles last year before being lost to a knee injury in Week 5. A Week 10 meeting with McDonald could decide the ICL race.

Newark Catholic (6-4) * Players to Watch – QB Kevin Cox (6-4, 190, Sr.); C/DE Clay Harris (6-3, 245, Sr.); OT/DT Josh Hendershot (6-4, 265, Sr.); WR/DB Matt Dawson (6-1, 185, Sr.); WR/DB Jacob Nelson (5-11, 170, Sr.); RB Dean Moore (6-0, 190, Sr.); LB/TE Phil Taylor (6-2, 185, Sr.); RB/LB Britt Wilder (5-11, 180, Jr.); TE/LB Michael Lewis (6-4, 195, Jr.); OG/DE Ted Oyler (6-2, 200, Jr.) * Outlook – After winning its eighth state title in 2007, the Green Wave was denied a playoff berth last year. NC is eager to get back to the dance. “We return a very humble yet motivated senior class,” head coach Bill Franks (64-26 in eight years) said. “They have had great success in the offseason in basketball, wrestling, baseball and track and field. Our younger group has had a tremendous offseason, and are learning how to follow the example that is set for them.” Hendershot has committed to Toledo. he also had offers from Indiana, Bowling Green, Toledo and Eastern Michigan. Schedule-wise, the Green Wave face a usual daunting opener in Amanda-Clearcreek (away) before opening Mid-State League competition that includes three D-III playoff teams from 2008 (Granville, Bexley and Licking Valley). “There are no off weeks,” Franks said. “We must be fully prepared every time we step on the field.”

Columbiana (7-4) * Players to Watch – OL/DL Matt Douglass (63, 255, Jr.); OL/DL Nate Good (6-2, 245, Sr.); DL Jacob Yoder (6-5, 248, Jr.); OL/DL Rex Smith (63, 319, Jr.); OL Josh Batcha (6-1, 230, Sr.); OL/LB Mike McMaster (6-1, 225, Sr.); TB/DB Grant Crider (5-9, 145, Sr.); TE/ILB Ken Shea (6-1, 235, Sr.)

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* Outlook – The Clippers have made the playoffs four straight years and five of the last six. Columbiana was a regional finalist in 2005 and 2006. This is the Clippers first year in Region 23 after having their prior success in Region 21. If size equals state titles, you might pencil Columbiana in for a late season run. Head coach Bob Spaite (102-49 in 15 years at Columbiana) said his offensive line is a strength and the numbers back it up. The five returning starters (Douglass, Batcha, McMaster, Smith and Shea) average 6-2, 253. The line will have to be good early as an inexperienced backfield takes formation. The Clippers must replace RB Brian Warchol who finished as the second leading rusher in school history. Defensively the Clippers return six starters, including three of four starting defensive linemen and all of their OLBs. Breaking in new corners is a concern. Crider is back at free safety after earning first team Inter Tri County League honors last year. A hefty schedule, and one Spaite calls “the toughest in the 93 years of Clipper football,” awaits. “We open with a tough, physical perennial D-VI power in Steubenville Catholic Central,” Spaite said. “Next is Leetonia, our oldest rival and always one of the best teams in the area. Then we finish our non-league schedule with one of Youngstown’s tough guy’s and one of the great traditional football powers in the area, Struthers. “The fourth year of the ITCL will once again be very, very competitive. In fact brutal might be a better word.” Hannibal River (12-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Dylan Potts (6-0, 190, Sr.); RB/DB Devan Potts (5-9, 166, Sr.) * Outlook – The Pilots made a historical march to the regional final last year and would like to do it again. In Potts, they have another first – as in the first football player in school history to earn a Division I scholarship. Potts, who has a 22-4 career record at QB, is headed to Akron. Defensively the Pilots gave up just eight points per game last year. The loss of standout OL/DL D.J. Duke, a two-time first team All-Ohioan and the state record holder in the shot put (D-III), is a concern. Junior kicker Tanner Wright could be a secret weapon. River has been to the playoffs three straight seasons and five times overall.

Glouster Trimble (9-3) * Players to Watch – RB Tyler Dyla (5-7, 160, Jr.) * Outlook – With two years left Dyla has a chance to wrap his career as the Tomcats top running back ever. Last year Dyla became the first sophomore in program history (which dates back to 1919) to earn All-Ohio honors when he was named first team. He also became the first sophomore to be named Southeast District Offensive Player of the Year (and was the Tri-Valley

Conference POY). Dyla shattered the Trimble sophomore rushing record (which was previously 574 yards) by gaining 1,276 yards (the fourth highest single-season tally in history) and also set the sophomore touchdown record at 18 (which is the third highest single-season total ever). Needless to say, opponents will be keying on Dyla this season. That’s O.K. though because the Tomcats are not a one-man show. Since 2001, Trimble has won 66 games and been to the postseason four times. Head coach Phil Faires enters his 14th season at the school as the program’s all-time leader in wins (105-51). Under Faires’ guidance, the Tomcats have also won eight of their 14 league titles.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Shadyside (9-3) – The Tigers have been to the playoffs eight times in the last nine years and were state runner-up in 2006. This year if they get back to the postseason they’ll do it under a new head coach. Mark Holenka, Shadyside’s defensive coordinator the last nine years, takes over for longtime and successful coach Ty Fleming. Mark Bonar, a former Bellaire High School assistant and head coach of the two-time National Indoor Football League champion Ohio Valley Greyhounds, will be the Tigers' offensive coordinator. The Tigers lost 14 seniors from last years' team. They return 10 juniors. * Beallsville (9-2) – The Blue Devils continued trend of blitzing through the regular season but finding the postseason a little more difficult. Beallsville is 35-5 in the regular season the last four years, but just 1-4 in the playoffs. Getting to the regional semifinals is a goal. Head coach Dave Caldwell enters his 27th season with 179 wins. * Bridgeport (6-5) – The Bulldogs used a 5-0 start to propel them into the playoffs. Bridgeport was actually 1-5 in its last six games, but dropped contests to playoff teams Hannibal river, Beallsville and Shadyside along with West Virginia giant Madonna High. This year, the Bulldogs will run a lot behind senior OL Nate Maleski (6-2, 255, Sr.). He was first team All-Ohio last year. * Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans (6-5) – After missing out on the playoffs with a 6-4 record in 2008, the Bishops snuck in last year with that same mark. They bowed out early, losing to fellow OVAC member Hannibal River 38-7 in the first round. * Danville (5-5) – The Blue Devils finished ninth in computer points in Region 23 last year and were just one win away from the postseason. Danville lost four games by a combined 12 points, including two one-point losses and an overtime defeat. Its most lopsided loss was by 14

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI points. Winning close games this season is key. * Canal Winchester Harvest Prep (5-5) – The Warriors were 10th in computer points in Region 24 last season and now migrate to Region 23, where they would have earned the eighth spot in the postseason last year. A brutal schedule awaits with MidState League games against Liberty Union, West Jefferson, Licking Heights, Fisher Catholic and Berne Union. Longtime Pickerington coach and former Ohio State assistant Jack Johnson is back for another season as the head coach of Harvest Prep. * Grove City Christian (8-1) – Despite an 8-1 record, the Eagles missed the D-VI postseason last year, finishing 12th in Region 24. They didn’t beat an opponent with a winning record and defeated just one that finished .500 or better (Waterford). The Eagles do return one of D-VI’s top backs in senior Jessie Barns (5-8, 160) who was first team All-Ohio last year. * Wellsville (7-3) – The Tigers are a transplant from Region 21, where they finished 15th in computer points despite winning seven games. Wellsville was painfully close to earning an elusive playoff berth, dropping close decisions to Salineville Southern (14-12) and Berlin Center Western Reserve (27-24). The Tigers made the state championship in their first ever playoff appearance in 1994 (lost to Versailles). They also went back to the postseason in 2001. * Salineville Southern (7-3) – Another newcomer, the Indians had 8.35 computer points last year and finished 12th in Region 21. They would have been ninth and just .05 points out of the eighth playoff spot in Region 23. Being in a new region could mean the school nets its first playoff berth ever.

Also In This Region:

Bowerston Conotton Valley (3-7), Steubenville Catholic Central (3-7), Toronto (0-10), Bellaire St. John Central (3-7), Corning Miller (1-8), Crown City South Gallia (2-8), Millersport (0-10), New Matamoras Frontier (2-8), New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic (5-5), Racine Southern (4-6), Reedsville Eastern (3-7), Strasburg-Franklin (0-10), Waterford (5-5), Willow Wood Symmes Valley (5-5).

Region 24 Teams To Watch

Maria Stein Marion Local (11-3) * Players to Watch – TB Ben Smith (6-0, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – After a two-year run in D-V (which produced a state title and a final four appearance last year), the Flyers are back in Region 24 where they won three D-VI state titles and made four state finals from 2000-2006. Uh-oh is right. Although Smith (1,575 yards rushing last year) is the only player Goodwin pin-pointed as a key returner, rest assured ML doesn’t rebuild. It

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reloads. “We will be starting a lot of juniors, which we haven’t done in a couple of years,” head coach Tim Goodwin (111-27 in 10 years) said. “If the seniors provide the leadership, the juniors can provide some depth of talent. We could be a physical team by the end of the year.” Developing toughness will be key for a squad that plays in the state’s toughest affiliation – the Midwest Athletic Conference. Last year the Flyers finished 6-2 in the MAC, losing to Coldwater and Anna. ML avenged its loss to Anna with a win in the regional quarterfinals. “We face a tough challenge week one, in (D-III) Lima Shawnee,” Goodwin said. “The league (MAC) looks deep. Anna, St Henry, St Johns all return quality players in mass. Coldwater will be good as usual. Versailles will be much improved this year. Our return to D-VI leaves us a little more wiggle room with computer points than being in D-V the last two years. “We hope to somehow qualify for the playoffs and make a nice run once we are there.” Portsmouth Notre Dame (6-4) * Players to Watch – QB Brock Hannah (5-11, 175, Jr.); WR Tyler Noel (6-4, 200. So.); LB Jeff Emnett (6-1, 190, Sr.); LB Drew Weems (5-11, 185, Jr.); DB Dion Cunningham (5-11, Jr.); WR Yannis Haddjiannis (6-2, Sr.); DB Alex Glockner (5-10, 165, Sr.); DL Jacob Taylor (5-11, 160, Sr.); NG Jack Welsh (5-9, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – Head coach Kyle McKnight enters his fourth season at Notre Dame with one of the region’s top offenses. Over the past three years the Titans have had both a 1,000-yard rusher and passer each season and have generated over 10,000 total yards. Hannah returns after throwing for 1,400 yards and 13 TDs last season. Haddjiannis averaged 14 yards a catch last year and caught four TDs. On defense Taylor is a machine (91 tackles, eight sacks and 6.5 tackles-for-loss). A tough schedule awaits with key early season meetings with Greenup (Ky.), Columbus Africentric, Zanesville Rosecrans and South Gallia. That stretch will be pivotal to playoff hopes. Southern Ohio Conference action begins in Week 7 with Oak Hill. Said McKinght: “The key will be how the young Titans handle the rugged schedule in weeks 1-5.”

Covington (9-3) * Players to Watch – OL/DL Ben Christian (6-2, 235, Sr.); DE/OL Jordy Meyer (6-2, 203, Sr.); LB/OL Teddy Hale (6-2, 205, Sr.); FB Garrett Clark (5-10, 175, Sr.); QB Jake Bitner (5-10, 170, Jr.); OL/DL Josh Boehringer (6-2, 200, Jr.) * Outlook – The Buccs have put together one of the more impressive resumes in D-VI over the years with nine playoff trips in the last 10 years and 13 overall. Covington has also advanced to the second round of the postseason for two years straight. The Buccs started 2-2 last season, but won seven straight games before losing to Mechanicsburg in the regional semifinals. Head coach Dave Miller returns for his third

season and owns a 20-4 record at Covington. He should increase his win tally this season. Clark is a dependable back that rushed for a team-high 1,190 yards and 18 TDs last season. Bitner had a stellar first season under center by rushing for 995 yards and 13 TDs. He also threw for 489 yards and five scores. Defensively Hale is the top returner, having registered 65 tackles and three fumble recoveries last season. Christian (36.5 tackles), Meyer (31.5 tackles) and Boehringer (33.5 tackles) lend depth. With a roster around 40, health will be a big issue for the Buccs who lost seven players to game-ending injuries last season and had 14 others miss at least one game.

Fort Recovery (3-7) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Greg Kahlig (6-5, 195, Sr.); WR/DB Craig Tobe (6-3, 177, Sr.); WR/DB Nathan Keller (6-1, 175, Sr.); WR/DB Michael Gaerke (6-1, 170, Sr.); WR/LB Cody Fiely (6-2, 178, Sr.); OL/DL Adam Rohrer (5-9, 185, Sr.); OL/DL Mark Mattraw (6-4, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – Head coach Brent Niekamp’s fouryear record of 10-30 at Fort Recovery doesn’t look impressive on the surface. When you realize the Indians are in the state’s toughest league – the Midwest Athletic Conference – and the direction the program is heading, that win-loss record becomes more notable. Fort Recovery, which started football in 1992, has had one winning season in its existence (6-4 in 1994) and has only finished with a non-losing record once since then (5-5 in 2007). In Niekamp’s first two years the team went 2-18. The last two years the Indians are 8-12. The future looks bright and this year’s senior class is arguably the deepest and most talented in program history. “The fun thing about coaching these guys is seeing them develop over a period of a few years,” Niekamp said. “We have guys who are starting receivers now who were some of the slowest guys in junior high. I love to point things like that out, especially to our younger players. Not to talk about how bad someone used to be, but to point out what you can accomplish if you work hard.” Kahlig is a prime example. A standout basketball player as well, Kahlig might be the best football player in Ohio that no one outside the MAC has heard of. The big, athletic signal caller is coming off a season in which he threw for 2,804 yards and 18 TDs. As a sophomore Kahlig threw for 1,579 yards and 16 TDs. Northwestern, Toledo, Akron, Miami, Ball State and Cincinnati have all visited the school to inquire about him. Kahlig, who already owns school records for career, season and single-game passing yards and TDs, will have plenty of targets to throw to as well, as the Indians return a combined 1,756 receiving yards among four players: Tobe, Keller, Gaerke and Fiely. Tobe is in line to set career records for receiving yards and TDs. Last season he hauled in 51 passes for 795 yards and six TDs. Mattraw is the lone returning starter on the

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI offensive line, so that inexperience on the front is a concern in the MAC. Rohrer is back to lead the defense after registering 44 tackles, including four for loss last year. “Our offense should be able to score some points,” Niekamp said. “The areas that we must improve on are special teams and defense. If we can play consistently well in those two areas we will be a good team in 2009.”

Sidney Lehman Catholic (11-2) * Players to Watch – S David Spearman (6-1, 180, Sr.); RB Kaleb Goings (5-10, 190, Sr.); OT/DT Ryan Jacob (6-1, 230, Sr.); OG Matt Pulfer (6-2, 220, Jr.) * Outlook – The Cavaliers have had great success the last two years making a regional final (2007) and a state semifinal (last season). Despite the loss of 13 seniors, expectations are high again. Spearman is a defensive standout (77 tackles, five interceptions), while Goings is one of D-VI’s top running backs (1,409 yards, 20 TDs). Jacob and Pulfer anchor the offensive line. The Cavaliers have added Jonathan Alder, Delphos Jefferson and Elmwood to the schedule. Said longtime head coach Richard Roll: “If the progression continues, we should have a successful season.”

Ansonia (7-4) * Players to Watch – QB Derek Bubeck (5-11, Jr.); RB Dylan Bubeck (5-11, 170, Jr.); RB Brandon Liette (Jr.); LB Aaron Sanders (5-10, 170, Jr.); OL/DL Adam Hall (5-7, 245, Sr.); SE Reese Walters (6-0, 168, Sr.); SE Gabe Schuh (6-1, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – Ansonia book ended its season with lopsided losses to Fort Recovery (48-6 in season opener) and Lehman Catholic (42-7 in regional quarterfinals), but played very solid for nine weeks in between. The majority of that core is back, as the Tigers lost just four seniors from last year’s team. “We have a number of players back with varsity experience as well as playoff experience,” head coach Eugene Hoening said. “With so many starters coming back the team must be careful not to become complacent with what it accomplished a year ago.” Hoening never rests on his laurels. The longtime head coach has a 169-115-1 record in 28 years at Ansonia and has led the program to its three playoff appearances. The Tigers could be in line for another. Dereck Bubeck accounted for over 1,000 total yards at QB last year (threw for 940 and ran for 305), while Dylan Bubeck ran for 743 yards. Liette racked up another 795 yards on the ground in addition to kicking 25 PATs and punting (averaged 33.3 per attempt). Walters and Schuh each had over 14 receptions last season. Defensively Sanders sets the tone (151 tackles, including 30 for loss last season), while Hall is solid in the trenches (40 tackles). Said Hoening: “The coaching staff expects this

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team to be better than last year’s version.”

Fort Loramie (5-5) * Players to Watch – OL/LB Brad Frilling (6-0, 205, Sr.); RB/DB Mitch Raterman (5-10, 185, Sr.); WR/DB Tyler Rose (6-0, 150, Sr.); OL/LB Alex Wolf (6-1, 195, Sr.); TE/DE Jace Humphreys (6-1, 185, Sr.); WR/DB Cody Albers (5-10, 185, Jr.); OL/DL Jon Pearson (6-3, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – After going 20-10 in the first three years of the program’s existence, former head coach Jon McCumber stepped down in November. He’s since been replaced by Matt Burgbacher, the son of longtime – and highly successful – Tippecanoe head coach Charlie Burgbacher. Matt Burgbacher served as Tipp’s offensive coordinator the last several seasons and said he plans to install the Wing-T. The new coach is also excited for his first head coaching gig. “The kids want to build something special and have earned everything they have gotten so far,” Burgbacher said. “We understand we have to gain the respect we feel we deserve, and the only way to do this, is to prove it on the field.” Experience is a strength of this year’s team, which will face a revamped schedule. Minster and New Bremen are on the schedule in weeks 1 and 2, while a meeting with rival Lehman Catholic occurs in Week 10. In between, the Redskins start thier first year in the Metro Buckeye Conference (football-only) with Troy Christian, Yellow Springs, Dayton Jefferson, Middletown Christian, Dayton Christian and Lehman. “These are very exciting times for Fort Loramie Football,” Burgbacher said. “We have implemented quite a bit and there have been some changes, but the kids have adapted well and are ready for the challenge ahead. We feel this is our time to move forward as a football program and build on what has been established.” Replacing three-year starter Jay Schulze at quarterback is a concern.

Also Keep An Eye On:

* Sciotoville Community School (9-2) – The Tartans have gone 19-1 in the regular season the last two years and 0-2 in the playoffs. * Springfield Catholic Central (8-4) – Head coach Steve DeWitt starts his 32nd season at SCC where the Irish have been to the postseason six straight times. Finding a replacement for fouryear starter Brendan Kelley is a pressing issue. * Cincinnati Country Day (5-5) – The Indians started out 5-1 last year before losing four straight to end the season. Second team AllOhio running back Max Dietz (511, 175, Sr.) returns. * Lockland (7-4) – The Panthers have put together consecutive playoff trips but have been blown out in the first round both times (2007 lost to Lehman Catholic, 2008 lost to Covington).

Making the postseason again – and winning a playoff game – are two obvious goals. * Minster (5-5) – The Wildcats just missed out on the playoffs last season, finishing ninth in Region 24. The five wins was a big improvement from 2007 when the program finished an uncharacteristic 0-10. * Waynesfield-Goshen (7-3) – The Tigers have been to the postseason three times in history and two times in the last four years. If they want to get back to the postseason, they’ll have to beat a team with a winning record. All seven of W-G’s wins last year came against teams .500 or worse. * Arcanum (6-4) – The Trojans drop down to Region 24 after spending the last eight years in D-V, Region 20 (where they earned two playoff berths). * New Miami (7-4) – The Vikings recorded their first winning season in 13 years when they finished 6-4 in 2007. Last year they earned the first playoff berth in school history. Can they continue the climb? * New Bremen (3-7) – The Cardinals return senior QB Caleb Williams (6-7) who was honorable emtnion All-MAC after throwing for 1,307 yards and 11 TDs.

Also In This Region:

Bradford (1-9), Cedarville (2-8), DeGraff Riverside (4-6), Fairfield Cincinnati Christian (1-9), Middletown Christian (2-4), Franklin Furnace Green (2-7), Marion Catholic (2-8), Morral Ridgedale (2-8), New Bremen (3-7), New Paris National Trail (0-10), South Charleston Southeastern (3-7), Troy Christian (4-5), Union City Mississinawa valley (4-6), Yellow Springs (28).

Ohio High Division VI Predictions

Region 21 Bucyrus Wynford over Norwalk St. Paul Region 22 Delphos St. John’s over Ada Region 23 Newark Catholic over Leetonia Region 24 Maria Stein Marion Local over Lehman Catholic Championship Game Delphos St. John’s over Bucyrus Wynford

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI Division VI Playoffs

State Final

2008 Revisited

St. John’s adds fifth state title

Delphos St. John’s 34, Basc. Hopewell-Loudon 14

State Semifinals Regional Finals

Region 21 Final (1) Basc. Hopewell-Loudon 42, (2) St. Paul 21 Region 22 Final (3) Delphos St. John’s 38, (1) Ada 28 Region 23 Final (2) Malvern 38, (1) Hannibal River 14 Region 24 Final (2) Lehman Catholic 28, (1) Mechanicsburg 14

Regional Semifinals

Region 21 (1) Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 30, (4) Mogadore 0 (2) Norwalk St. Paul 34, (3) McDonald 0 Region 22 (1) Ada 42, (4) Pandora-Gilboa 14 (3) Delphos St. John’s 21, (2) Carey 14 Region 23 (1) Hannibal River 45, (4) Glouster Trimble 15 (2) Malvern 53, (3) Shadyside 24 Region 24 (1) Mechanicsburg 40, (4) Covington 14 (2) Lehman Catholic 42, (6) S’fld Cath. Central 6

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 21 1 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 41, 8 Columbiana 14 2 Norwalk St. Paul 56, 7 East Canton 7 3 McDonald 21, 6 Ber. Ctr Western Reserve 7 4 Mogadore 30, 5 Leetonia 14 Region 22 1 Ada 56, 8 West Unity Hilltop 8 2 Carey 35, 7 McComb 28 3 Delphos St. John’s 24, 6 Arlington 7 4 Pandora-Gilboa 49, 5 Mt. Blanchard Riverdale 0 Region 23 1 Hannibal River 38, 8 Z’ville Bishop Rosecrans 7 2 Malvern 49, 7 Bridgeport 14 3 Shadyside 14, 6 Beallsville 3 4 Glouster Trimble 26, 5 Caldwell 7 Region 24 1 Mechanicsburg 42, 8 Hamilton New Miami 0 2 Sidney Lehman Catholic 42, 7 Ansonia 7 6 S’fld Catholic Central 28, 3 Sciotoville Comm. 19 4 Covington 56, 5 Lockland 12

Division VI State Championship

ASSILLON – The day after Thanksgiving is commonly known as ‘Black Friday’. But for the Delphos St. John’s football team, the day after Thanksgiving was Blue and Gold – state championship gold – that is. With a 34-14 win over previously unbeaten Bascom Hopewell-Loudon Fri., Nov. 28 at Massillon’s Paul Brown Stadium in the Division VI state championship game, DSJ hoisted the title trophy for the fifth time in school history and its first since 2005. DSJ (13-2) utilized a stifling defense to force three turnovers and hold H-L (14-1) to its lowest point total of the season. The Blue Jays also scored more points on the Chieftains than any other team this season. "It was just a matter of staying determined," DSJ head coach Todd Schulte said. "We made

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Delphos St. John’s 26, Sid. Lehman Catholic 13 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 35, Malvern 7

Final 2008 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Norwalk St. Paul (12-2) 2. Mechanicsburg (12-1) 3. Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (14-1) 4. Hannibal River (12-1) 5. Lehman Catholic (11-2) 6. Malvern (13-1) 7. Ada (12-1) 8. McDonald (11-1) 9. Delphos St. John’s (13-2) 10. Mogadore (10-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Junior quarterback Wes Ulm rushed for a game-high 198 yards and a TD on 24 carries in the win.

some adjustments on defense in the second half and had a pretty solid option game that we were able to run today." DSJ was paced by junior quarterback Wes Ulm, who tallied 198 yards rushing on 24 carries and a touchdown running the option offense. Sophomore running back Jordan Leininger added 58 yards rushing on 18 carries and two touchdowns as well as a score through the air. DSJ outgained H-L 389-238 in total offensive yards but 116 of the Chieftains yards came on two of their first three drives. The Blue Jays also held a 32:11-15:59 advantage in time of possession. "Their kids made big plays," H-L head coach Brian Colatruglio said. "The quarterback and tailback made some clutch plays on offense and we just couldn’t get off the field on defense." All-Ohio quarterback Tyler Brown was 14-of-27 passing for 182 yards and a touchdown but threw two costly interceptions. "We just can’t turn the ball over," said Brown. "I don’t think I have thrown two picks in one game all year and you can’t throw picks." Wide receiver Jay Yost reeled in eight Brown passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. But the DSJ defense was suffocating holding the H-L spread offense scoreless in three quarters. "We made some coverage adjustments and it was just a matter of letting our kids execute," Schulte said. DSJ got on the board first on its first possession of the game setting the tone for the afternoon after H-L opened play with a three-and-out deep in its own territory. The Chieftains however did battle back to take a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter thaks to a 9-yard Aaron Kapelka run and a Brown to Yost 12-yard touchdown. In the second quarter, H-L senior linebacker Justin Hohman picked off Ulm giving the Chieftains the ball on the DSJ 47 but H-L’s offense couldn’t capitalize as Brown was stuffed on a fourth down run. With the door open, DSJ put together a 5-play, 58-yard scoring drive to tie game 14-14 midway through the second quarter. Ulm raced 26 yards to the end zone on the scoring play as the game’s momentum took a sudden shift towards the Blue Jays. And DSJ scoring onslaught wasn’t finished in the first half. The Blue Jays took possession on the H-L 31 after an errant Yost punt that netted just 11 yards. DSJ scored two plays later with Ulm finding senior wideout Jay Leininger in the end zone for a 26yard scoring strike to take a 21-14 lead into halftime. DSJ opened up the second half with an astronomical 16-play scoring drive that ate 8:55 off the clock. On fourth down and five from the H-L 6, DSJ looked to Jordan Leininger again and he barreled into the end zone. Matt Brickner blocked the point after attempt and DSJ held a 27-14 lead late in the third quarter. Said Colatruglio: "They took the whole quarter and scored. Teams have said for a couple of years the best way to stop our offense is to try and run the ball and control the ball and score points and they did that." — Matt Natali

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During his career at Springfield Catholic Central (2004-07), running back Brian Wagner rushed for 6.785 yards, which ranks sixth in Ohio history. Top Ohio Programs Winning Percentage School W-L-T Pct. Cincinnati Moeller 404-96-2 .807 Newark Catholic 435-130-4 .768 Massillon Washington 786-237-35.759 Cincinnati Wyoming 603-180-48.755 Youngstown Mooney 416-138-10.746 Upper Arlington 583-203-23.735 Avon Lake 383-150-11 .714 Hamilton Badin 324-130-7 .710 Cincinnati Princeton 372-150-11 .708 Columbus Watterson 394-161-7 .707 St. Henry 295-122-5 .705 Columbus DeSales 387-163-8 .701 Canton McKinley 760-317-42.698 Steubenville 704-297-34.697 Ironton 616-254-48.697 Arlington 553-232-34.696 Mentor Lake Catholic 275-124-7 .686 Germantown Valley View 298-134-8 .686 Versailles 578-260-27.684 Cleveland St. Ignatius 611-274-32 .684 Mogadore 562-256-20.683 Huron 419-193-11 .681 Louisville 557-257-20.680 Uniontown Lake 357-174-8 .670 Cedarville 315-154-7 .669 State Playoff Leaders School Cleveland St. Ignatius Newark Catholic Cincinnati Moeller Versailles Cleveland Benedictine St. Henry Youngstown Mooney Delphos St. John’s Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Maria Stein Marion Local Mogadore

Yrs. 21 30 27 16 16 13 22 12 14 11 22

W-L 55-11 62-22 34-20 43-10 34-10 39-7 44-16 35-6 21-10 34-7 42-19

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Titles 10 8 7 6 6 6 6 5 4 4 3

Steubenville Columbus DeSales Germantown Valley View Canton McKinley Mentor Lake Catholic Marion Pleasant Cincinnati Princeton St. Marys Memorial CAPE Elyria Catholic

21 19 15 17 17 17 14 15 9 13

42-18 43-16 30-12 31-14 28-14 21-14 19-11 20-12 16-6 15-10

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Career Coaching Wins (Ohio Only) 360 — Terry Malone, Hamilton Badin 360-117-8 334 — Al Hetrick, Versailles 334-95-4 323 — Pat Mancuso, Leetonia, Cincinnati Princeton 310 — Bill Gutbrod, Cleveland St. Joseph 267-107-17 (1950-1990), Gates Mills Gilmour Acd. 43-28 (1991-1997) 309 — Don Bucci, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 306-895 (1966-1999) 308 — August Bossu, Cleveland Cathedral Latin 33-18-3 (1947-1952), Cleveland Benedictine 275-109-15 (19551993) 301 — Bob Gregg, Jefferson Township and Centerville 298 — Jim France, Akron Manchester 292 — Bob Lutz, Ironton 284 — Skip Baughman, St. Marys Memorial 271-95-7 (1959-1993); Hardin Northern 13-8-1 (1957-1958) 270 – John Reed, Coldwater, Rockford Parkway, Marion Harding, Lebanon, Upper Sandusky 270-124-1 Most Consecutive Wins 57 — Delphos St. John's (11/1/1996 - 11/17/2001) 54 — Versailles (9/1993 - 11/23/1997) 49 — Dayton Jefferson Twp. (1970-1975) 48 — Niles McKinley (1959-1964) 45 — Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (1978-1981) 44 — Marion Pleasant (1969-1973) 42 — Upper Arlington (1967-1971); Washington Court House Miami Trace (1976-1980); Steubenville (2005-07) Note: Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller won 71 consecutive regular season games between 1978-1985.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Ohio High Football Facts & Figures

Longest Unbeaten Streaks (Wins and Ties) 58 — Ironton (1977-1983) 55-0-3 57 — Delphos St. John's (11/1/1996 - 11/17/2000) 54 — Versailles (1993-1997) 54-0 52 — Massillon Washington (1937-1942) 51-0-1 49 — Dayton Jefferson Twp. (1970-1975) 49-0 48 — Niles McKinley (1959-1964) 45 — Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (1978-1981) 45-0 44 — Marion Pleasant (1969-1973) 44-0 43 — Cincinnati Wyoming (1961-1965) 42 — Upper Arlington (1967-1971); Steubenville (2005-07) Career Scoring Leaders 890 points — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1949-1952) 39 games (118 TDs rushing, 4 TDs on interception returns, 2 TDs on kickoff returns, 1 TD on punt return, 7 TD receptions, 98 extra points @ 1 point each) 761 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1995-1998) (109 TDs rushing, 4 TD receptions, 2 TDs on kickoff returns, 2 TDs on punt returns, 38 extra points @ 1 point each, 6 two-point conversions, 3 FGs) 728 – Brock Bolen, Germantown Valley View (2001-2003) 726 — Richard Hall, Cincinnati Wyoming (1995-1998) 702 — Tyrell Sutton, Archibshop Hoban (2001-2004) 660 — Jason Bainum, Williamsburg (1998-2001) 648 — Carlos Snow, Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (1983-1986) 602 — Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove (2001-2004) 598 — Nate Kmic, Delta (2001-2004); Brock Bolen, Germantown Valley View (2001-2003) 594 — Justin Roush, Pomeroy Meigs (1996-1999); Zach Weber, Delphos St. John's (1997-2000) 584 — Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1993-1996) (95 TD's, 7two pt. conversions) 582 – Michael Busch, Findlay Liberty Benton (2003-2006) 578 — Bob Ferguson, Troy (1954-1957) Season Scoring Leaders 333 — Cully Berndt, Toledo Waite (1921) 323 — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1952) 313 — Jeff Rogan, Urbana (1982)

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Ohio High Football Facts & Figures 310 — Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1996) (51 TD's, 2-two PAT) 294 — Al McKinney, Elyria Catholic (1984); Carl Smith, Washington C.H. Washington (1984); Nate Kmic, Delta (2004) 290 — Jason Baimun, Williamsburg (2001) 288 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1998) 270 — Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven (2000 - regular season only)

Single-Game Scoring Leaders 78 – Erastus “Tunk” Simmons, Medina vs. Spencer (10/5/1923) 64 — Carl A. Squires, Hunting Valley University School vs. Cleveland South (10/20/1894) 62 — Howard "Tick" Hamilton, Bellville (9 TD's, 8 PAT) vs. Vandalia Butler (11/10/1939) 61 — George Secrest, Coshocton (9 TD's, 7 PAT) vs. Dresden (9/27/1912) 61 — Tyler Martin, Mechanicsburg (9 TD's,7 PAT) vs. Ridgeway Ridgemont (10/22/1999) 59 — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (9 TD's, 5 PAT) vs. Jacksonville-Trimble (10/24/1952) 56 – Dave Foreman, Ridgewood vs. Indian Valley South (1973) 50 — Jim Dudziak, Cleveland Holy Name vs. Cleveland Lincoln (10/17/1959); Frank Dugan, Canton South (7 TD's, 4 2-pt PAT) vs. Cambridge (11/9/1962); Tom Chlebeck, Louisville vs. Minerva (1965). 49 — John Bledsoe, Westlake vs. Fairview Park Fairview (10/18/1968) 48 — Paul Murphy, Mogadore vs. Middlefield (10/28/1954); Tom Vaughn, Troy (8 TD's) vs. Sidney (1960); Tyrell Sutton, Archbishop Hoban vs. Urssuline (10/8/04)

Career Touchdowns Scored 123 — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1949-1952) 121 — Richard Hall, Cincinnati Wyoming (1995-1998) 117 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1995-1998); Tyrell Sutton, Archbishop Hoban (2001-2004) 109 — Carlos Snow, Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (1983-1986) 104 — Jason Baimun, Williamsburg (1998-2001) 99 — Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove (2001-2004) 97 – Brian Wagner, Springfield Catholic Central (2004-07) 95 — Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1993-1996) 92 – Jordan Mabin, Macedonia Nordonia (2003-06) 90 — Tommy Lee, Mogadore (1999-2002) 89 — Rafael Manriquez, Defiance Ayersville (1999-2002); Nate Kmic, Delta (2001-2004)

Season Touchdowns Scored 52 — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1952) 51 — Cully Berndt, Toledo Waite (1921); Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1996); Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven (2000) 49 — Al McKinney, Elyria Catholic (1984) 46 — Richard Hall, Cincinnati Wyoming (1998) 45 — Blaine Maag, Clumbus Grove (2003) 15 games

Single-Game Touchdowns Scored 12 – Erastus “Tunk” Simmons, Medina vs. Spencer (10/5/1923) 9 — George Secrest, Coshocton vs. Dresden (9/27/1912); Howard "Tick" Hamilton, Bellville vs. Butler (11/10/1939); Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover vs. Jacksonville-Trimble (10/24/1952); Carl Squires, Hunting School University School vs. Cleveland South (10/20/1994); Tyler Martin, Mechanicsburg vs. Ridgeway Ridgemont (10/22/1999) 8 — Paul Murphy, Mogadore vs. Middlefield (10/28/1954); Tom Vaughn, Troy vs. Sidney (1960); Tom Chlebeck, Louisville vs. Minerva (1965); John Bledsoe, Westlake vs. Fairview Park Fairview (10/18/1968); Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven vs. Columbus Briggs (10/27/2000); Dave Foreman, West Lafayette Ridgewood vs. Indian

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Valley South (1971) Career Rushing Touchdowns 118 — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1949-1952) 112 — Tyrell Sutton, Archbishop Hoban (2001-2004) 109 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1995-1998) 106 — Richard Hall, Cincinnati Wyoming (1995-1998) 104 — Jason Bainum, Williamsburg (1998-2001); Carlos Snow, Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (19831986)

Season Rushing Touchdowns 50 — Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven (2000) 46 — Al McKinney, Elyria Catholic (1984) 45 — Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1996) 44 — Jason Bainum, Williamsburg (2001) 43 — Tony Franklin, Bedford St. Peter Chanel (2001-15 games); Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove (2003 - 15 games)

Single-Game Rushing Touchdowns 8 — Tyler Martin, Mechanicsburg vs. Ridgeway Ridgemont (10/22/1999); Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven vs. Columbus Briggs (10/27/2000); Tyrell Sutton, Archbishop Hoban vs. Ursuline (10/8/04); Dave Foreman, Ridgewood vs. Indian Valley South (1971) 7 – 11 players tied; most recent Josh Cover, Hicksville vs. Edgerton (9/19/03) Career Passing Touchdowns 178 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (1999-2002) 139 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview (2004-2007) 126 — Dusty Aldrich, McComb (1998-2001) 110 — Justin Zwick, Orrville (1998-1999), Massillon Washington (2000-2001) 100 – Zac Dysert, Ada (2004-2007) 92 — Bryan Cupito, Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (1999-2001); Jeff Polley, Bellevue (2000-2002) 81 — Chris Wallace, Springfield North (1990) and Springfield South (1991-1993) 79 — Nathan Keller, Tiffin Calvert (1996-1999) 78 – Ryan Martin, Cincinnati Turpin (2005-07) 77 — Dusty Bergman, Sherwood Fairvew (1999-2002) 71 — Marty Mooney, St. Xavier (1999-2001) 69 — Jon Brown,Westlake High School (2002-2004)

Season Passing Touchdowns 76 – Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (2002 – 15 games) 64 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview (2007 – 11 games) 60 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (2001 - 15 games) 57 — Dusty Aldrich, McComb (2001 - 13 games); Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview (2006 – 12 games) 56 – James Elchinger, Sherwood Fairview (2008) 54 — Ben Roethlisberger, Findlay (1999) 45 — Dusty Aldrich, McComb (2000, 44 in regular season, 1 postseason) 44 – Nick Rocchio, Bellaire (2006) 43 — Bryan Cupito, Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (2001 - 10 games) 42 — Nathan Keller, Tiffin Calvert (1998) 41 – Doug Browne, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (2005) 40 — Justin Zwick, Massillon Washington (2001); Perci Garner, Dover (2005)

Single-Game Passing Touchdowns 9 – Kirk Jesse, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Ayersville (10/14/2005); Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Ayersville (10/20/2006); James Elchinger, Sherwood Fairview vs. Elmore Woodmore (2008) 8 — Tavares Bolden, Cleveland Glenville vs. Cleveland Lincoln West (10/11/1996); Ben Roethlisberger, Findlay (1999); Rocky Pentello, Westerville South vs. GroveportMadison (2000); Zac Dysert, Ada vs. Paulding (9/30/2005); Tyler Horner, Clayton Northmont vs. Springfield North (2004) 7 — John Yocum, Beallsville vs. Waterford (10/17/1986); Brian Houdeshell, Hebron Lakewood vs. Newark Licking

Valley (1987); Chris Wallace, Springfield South vs. Centerville (10/1/1993); Chris Wallace, Springfield South vs. Springfield North (10/8/1993); Bill Brewer, Williamsburg vs. Cincinnati Hillcrest (11/3/1994); Dusty Aldrich, McComb vs. Arlington (10/20/2000); Benjamin Mauk, Kenton vs. Castalia Margaretta (11/17/2001); Mike Berman, Toledo Start vs. Woodward (10/2/04); Perci Garner, Dover vs. Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (10/21/2005); Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Elmore Woodmore (8/31/2007); Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Holgate (9/14/2007); Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Haviland Wayne Trace (10/5/2007); Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Hicksville (10/12/2007); Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Ayersville (10/19/2007); Cory Klenke, Coldwater vs. Kettering Alter (2007) Career Receiving Touchdowns 68 – Ben Wonderly, Sherwood Fairwood (2005-2008) 46 – Marc Krauss, Hamler Patrick Henry (2003-2005) 44 — Rusty Aldrich, McComb (1998-2001) 41 – Kyle Baker, Ada (2005-2008) 37 — Bart Fisher, Tiffin Calvert (1996-1999) 36 – Trey Masciarelli, Bellaire (2005-2006) 35 — Mike Flanagan, Sidney (1968-1970); James Taylor, Garfield Heights (1997-1999) 34 — Matt Skolnicki, Lorain Catholic (1998-2001) 33 — Chris Younge, Bainbridge Paint Valley (1999-2002); Andy Cruse, Cincinnati Turpin (2005-2007) 32 — Jim Smith, Madison (1996-1999); Toby Hill, Sherwood Fairview (2002-2005) Season Receiving Touchdowns 27 – Ben Wonderly, Sherwood Fairview (2007) 24 — Lance Moore, Westerville South (2000) 22 – Vince Larson, Malvern (2008) 21 — Chris Kernich, Fairborn (2004); Mike Iriti, Findlay (1999); Dan Ifft, Dover (2005) 20 – Justin Jones, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (2005); Ben Wonderly, Sherwood Fairview (2006); Trey Masciarelli, Bellaire (2006) 19 – Jordan Gribble, Brunswick (2007) 18 — Matt Skolnicki, Lorain Catholic (2001); Drew Anderson, Granville (2003); Rick Coy, Northwood (1977); Ryan Collins, Girard (2004)

Single-Game Receiving Touchdowns 6 — Kevin Bucher, Ada vs. Dola Hardin Northern (8/30/1996); Steve Barrett, Westlake vs. Lincoln West (9/10/04); Rodney Webb, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Ayersville (10/20/2006); Jim Davis, Johnstown-Monroe vs. Centerburg (1964) 5 – Steve Morlock, Medina Buckeye vs. Avon (10/6/1961); Paul Burkhardt, Mentor vs. Maple Heights (10/17/1969); Jon Ellars, London Madison Plains vs. West Jefferson (10/10/2003); Mike Gregovich, Williamsburg vs. Cincinnati Hillcrest (11/31/1994); Lance Moore, Westerville South vs. Lancaster (2000); Lance Moore, Westerville South vs. Groveport-Madison (2000); Dan Ifft, Dover vs. Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (10/21/2005); Mike Iriti, Findlay vs. Grove City (1999); Ben Wonderly, Sherwood Fairview vs. Edgerton (9/28/2007)

Career Rushing Yards 9,426 — Tyrell Sutton, Archbishop Hoban (2001-2004) 8,216 — Jason Bainum, Williamsburg (1998-2001) 7,761 — Carlos Snow, Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (1983-1986) 7,656 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1995-1998) 7,386 — Richard Hall, Cincinnati Wyoming (1995-1998) 6,785 – Brian Wagner, S’field Catholic Central (2004-2007) 6,700 – Jordan Mabin, Macedonia Nordonia (2003-2006) 6,389 – John Pettigrew, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (2005-2008) 6,376 — Justin Roush, Pomeroy Meigs (1996-1999) 6,353 – Donald Johnson, North College Hill (1998-2001) 6,134 — Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove (2001-2004)

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Photo by Stephanie Porter

Ohio High Football Facts & Figures

Sherwood Fairview’s Ryan Radcliff ranks No. 3 on Ohio’s career passing list with 11,038 yards. Kenton’s Ben Mauk (in gray shirt on the sideline) ranks No. 1 with 17,364 yards. 6,120 6,099 6,051 6,006 6,001

— Maurice Hall, Brookhaven (1997-2000) – Brock Bolen, G’town Valley View (2001-2003) — Marcus Sanders, Ravenna (1996-1999) — Dave Mason, Gibsonburg (1997-2000) — Marc Edwards, Norwood (1990-1993)

Season Rushing Yards 3,439 — Tony Franklin, Bedford St. Peter Chanel (2001 15 games) 3,386 — Jason Bainum, Williamsburg (2001) (11 games) 3,353 — Jeff Backes, Upper Arlington ( 2000) (16 games) 3,232 — Tyrell Sutton, Archbishop Hoban (2004) 3,057 — Maurice Hall, Brookhaven (2000) (12 games) 3,043 — Jason Bainum, Williamsburg (2000) (10 games) 3,038 – Erik Haw, Columbus Independence (2003) (13 games) 2,961 – Donald Johnson, North College Hill (2001) 2,902 – Marcus Henderson, Johnstown-Monroe (2006) 2,856 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1998) 2,855 — Richard Hall, Cincinnati Wyoming (1998) 2,775 – Bobby Doyle, Avon Lake (2004) 2,765 — Curtis Enis, Union City Mississinawa Valley (1993) 2,744 — Nathan Clark, Newark Licking Valley (2003) 2,703 – Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove (2003)

Single-Game Rushing Yards 532 — Jason Bainum, Willaimsburg vs. Clermont Northeastern (9/28/2001) 529 — Bob Ferguson, Troy vs. Dayton Kiser (9/14/1956) 505 — Tyrell Sutton, Archbishop Hoban vs. Ursuline (10/8/04) 498 — Jason Bainum, Williamsburg vs. Cincinnati Hillcrest (10/19/2000) 475 — Bob Ferguson, Troy vs. Monroe (1956); Jason Bainum, Williamsburg vs. Mt. Orab Western Brown (10/6/2000) 468 — Jamie Bright, Warren John F Kennedy High School 467 — Deshawn Wynn, Reading vs. Finneytown (9/22/2000) 446 – Dean Rosiar, Lakeside Danbury vs. Lorain Catholic (2001) 442 – Seth Hardin, Williamsport Westfall vs. Waverly (11/10/2007) 441 — Greg Baker, Springboro vs. National Trail (1982) 440 — Dick Osborn, Defiance vs. Van Wert (11/28/1929); Curtis Enis, Mississinawa Valley vs. Arcanum (1993) Career Passing Yards 17,364 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (1999-2002) 11,174 – Zac Dysert, Ada (2004-2007) 11,038 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview (2004-2007) 10,500 — Justin Zwick, Orrville (1998-1999), Massillon

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Washington (2000-2001) 10,303 — Dusty Aldrich, McComb (1998-2001) 9,094 — Jeff Polley, Bellevue (2000-2002) 8,744 – Perci Garner, Dover (2004-2006) 8,386 — Bryan Cupito, Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (1998-2001) 8,137 — Jack Rafferty, Columbus St.Charles (2001-2002) and Dublin Coffman (2003) 7,938 – Nate Davis, Bellaire (2002-2005) 7,819 — Jon Brown,Westlake (2002-2004) 7,170 — Britton Crates, Kenton (1990-1992) 7,122 — Dusty Bergman, Sherwood Fairview (1999-2002) 7,027 — Scott McMullen, Granville (1995-1998) 7,021 – Todd Boeckman, St. Henry (1999-2002) 6,769 – Jose Davis, Bellaire (1993-1995)

Season Passing Yards 6,540 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (2002) 5,770 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (2001 - 15 games) 4,738 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview (2007) 4,611 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview (2006 – 12 games) 4,446 – James Elchinger, Sherwood Fairview (2008) 4,415 – Perci Garner, Dover (2006) 4,296 — Dusty Aldrich, McComb (2001 - 13 games) 4,041 — Ben Roethlisberger, Findlay (1999) (3,389 in regular season) 4,003 – Perci Garner, Dover (2005) 3,936 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (2000 - regular season only) 3,849 — Bryan Cupito, Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (2001 - 10 games) 3,846 – Mitchell Faine, Ada (2008) 3,832 – Zac Dysert, Ada (2006) 3,714 – Zac Dysert, Ada (2007) 3,643 — Nate Szep, St. Ignatius (2001) 3,551 — Jose Davis, Bellaire (1995) (2,334 in reg. season)

Single-Game Passing Yards (Minimum 500 Yards) 678 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Ayersville (10/20/2006) 650 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Haviland Wayne Trace (10/5/2007) 625 – James Elchinger, Sherwood Fairview vs. Elmore Woodmore (2008) 602 – Kirk Jesse, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Ayersville (10/14/2005) 567 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton vs. Castalia Margaretta (11/17/2001) 565 — Nick Kreinbrink, Leipsic vs. Arlington (9/20/1996) 550 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton vs. Lima Shawnee (2001) 532 – Michael Hill, Proctorville Fairland vs. Sheldon Clark (Ky.) (9/10/2004) 526 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Tinora (11/2/2007) 525 — Chris Wallace, Springfield South vs. Centerville (10/1/1993) 523 — Ricky Matter, Bluffton vs. Allen East (10/17/03) 520 — Chris Wallace, Springfield South vs. Huber Heights Wayne (10/8/1993) 519 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Elmore Woodmore (8/31/2007) 517 — Jon Brown, Westlake vs. Grafton Midview (9/6/2002); Zac Dysert, Ada vs. Dola Hardin Northern (8/25/2006) 508 – Jason Schob, Marietta vs. Jackson (10/15/2004) 507 — Brady Harrison, Morgan vs. New Lexington (8/24/2001) 506 — Nick Kreinbrink, Leipsic vs. McComb (10/4/1996); Andrew Stotz, Edgerton vs. Toledo Christian (9/5/2003) 504 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Hamler Patrick Henry (11/04/2006) Sources: Ohio High School Football Coaches Association, Ohio High School Athletic Association.

ou know it is football season when you come to the end of the summer and you can see the lights blazing and the bands blaring from the nearby high school stadium. High school football is a way of life across all 88 counties of the Buckeye state. Wherever high school football is played in this state it serves each week as a town gathering of sorts, a meeting place where old friends get together and interscholastic competition. The rivalries across this state speak for themselves: Massillon-McKinley, St. Ignatius-St. Edward, Elder-St. Xavier, Troy-Piqua, WattersonDeSales, Versailles-St. Henry, Delphos St. John’sMarion Local and so on. They each have their own unique history and, when they roll around, thousands flock to see the latest renewal. It is with all of these great match-ups in mind that we want to take this chance to share some of the state’s top games scheduled for the 2009 Ohio high school football season. Mark your calendar for the big games in your area (and maybe some that aren’t in your area, too). Here goes: * Week 1 (all games Aug. 28 unless noted) – There are a number of big events planned for the opening weekend, including the 12th annual Crosstown Showdown Aug. 28-29 in the Cincinnati/Dayton area. On Fri., Aug. 28, there will be a doubleheader at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. At 6 p.m., Cincinnati LaSalle met Cincinnati Oak Hills. At 8:30 p.m., Cincinnati Colerain faces Cincinnati St. Xavier (Colerain won 13-8 last year). There will also be an Aug. 28 doubleheader at Dayton’s Welcome Stadium. Clayton Northmont meets West Chester Lakota West at 6 p.m., while Huber Heights Wayne faces Cincinnati Princeton at 8:30 p.m. On Sat., Aug. 29, four games will be on the bill at Nippert Stadium. It opens with a pair of Kentucky games. At noon, Beechwood faces Dixie Heights. At 2:45 p.m., Newport (Ky.) Central Catholic meets Simon Kenton. Cincinnati Moeller tackles Cincinnati Winton Woods at 5:30 p.m., while Cincinnati Elder faces East St. Louis, Ill., at 8:15 p.m.

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STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN Another big event for the first weekend will be the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Series at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. That event has a doubleheader on Aug. 29 as Upper Arlington plays Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, the defending USA Today national champion, at noon, followed by a match-up between Hilliard Davidson and Westerville South at 3:30 p.m. The UA-Aquinas game will be televised by ESPN, while the Davidson-South game will be televised by ESPNU. On Aug. 30, Olentangy Liberty meets Dublin Coffman at noon and Pickerington Central faces Orange (Calif.) Lutheran at 3:30 p.m. That doubleheader will be televised by ESPNU. On Aug. 27, Poland Seminary visits Hubbard. Key games on Aug. 28: Columbus Watterson at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, Aurora at Avon (Aurora is the defending Division III state champion), Kenton at Coldwater, Euclid at Strongsville, Kettering Alter at Kettering Fairmont (Alter is the defending Division IV state champion), Macedonia Nordonia at Tallmadge, Lakewood St. Edward at Mentor, Washington (D.C.) Coolidge at North Canton Hoover, Newark Licking Valley at Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, Toledo St. Francis at Sylvania Southview (Southview is the defending Division II state champion), Youngstown Ursuline at Columbus St. Charles (Ursuline is the defending Division V state champion) and Youngstown Mooney at Youngstown Boardman. Key games on Aug. 29: Cleveland Glenville at defending Division I state champion Cleveland St. Ignatius (Glenville won 20-17 in the regular season, but St. Ignatius prevailed 8-7 in a regional semifinal playoff game), Delphos St. John’s at Lima Central Catholic (DSJ is the defending Division VI state champion) and Solon at Shaker Heights at 2 p.m. * Week 2 (all games Sept. 4 unless noted) – Avon Lake at Brunswick, Hilliard Davidson at Columbus Brookhaven (Davidson won 24-21 last year), Columbus DeSales at Youngstown Mooney, Lakewood St. Edward at Euclid, North Canton Hoover at Louisville (Hoover won 22-0 last year), Strongsville at Mentor (Strongsville won 30-27 last year) and Dublin Scioto at Toledo Central Catholic. On Sept. 3, Canton GlenOak visits Massillon Washington. On Sept. 5, Huber Heights Wayne at Canton McKinley, Clayton Northmont at Cleveland St. Ignatius (St. Ignatius won 23-3 last year), Cleveland Glenville at Reynoldsburg and Steubenville at Pittsburgh Woodland Hills. On Sept. 6, Cincinnati Colerain travels to Cincinnati Elder. That game, set for a noon start, could be televised nationally by one of the ESPN networks. Elder won 27-20 in double overtime in a regional final game last year. * Week 3 (all games Sept. 11 unless noted) – Akron Hoban at Louisville (Louisville won 28-3 last year), Cincinnati St. Xavier at Louisville (Ky.) Xavier, Dublin Coffman at Columbus Brookhaven, Clayton Northmont at Westerville South, Cincinnati Moeller at Centerville, Columbus DeSales at New Albany and Mentor at Solon, On Sept. 12, Buffalo (N.Y.) Canisius at Cleveland St. Ignatius, Cleveland Glenville at Huber Heights Wayne, and Washington (D.C.) St. John’s at Alter. * Week 4 (all games Sept. 18 unless noted) –

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Ohio High Football Preview: Key Games 2009

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary at Akron Hoban (SVSM won 20-12 last year), Cincinnati Winton Woods at Columbus Watterson, Coldwater at Maria Stein Marion Local, Cincinnati Anderson at Columbus DeSales (Anderson won 14-10 in a state semifinal match-up last year), Louisville (Ky.) Trinity at Cincinnati St. Xavier, Cleveland St. Ignatius at Mentor (St. Ignatius won 28-14 last year), Huber Heights Wayne at Trotwood-Madison (Wayne won 35-21 last year), Pickerington Central at Lancaster (Central won 31-0 last year) and Warren Harding at Youngstown Mooney (Mooney won 17-0 last year). * Week 5 (all games Sept. 25 unless noted) – Euclid at Warren Harding, Trotwood-Madison at Springfield, Worthington Kilbourne at Upper Arlington (UA won 34-9 last year), Kings Mills Kings at Cincinnati Winton Woods, Canton McKinley at Massillon Jackson, Anna at Coldwater and Cincinnati St. Xavier at Fort Thomas (Ky.) Highlands. On Sept. 26, Cincinnati Elder at Lakewood St. Edward (Elder won 52-31 last year) and Mentor at Cincinnati Moeller at 2 p.m. (Mentor won 34-26 last year). * Week 6 (all games Oct. 2 unless noted) – Brunswick at Macedonia Nordonia (Brunswick won 30-7 in the regular season and 14-10 in a regional quarterfinal match-up), Cincinnati Winton Woods at

Massillon Washington and Canton McKinley meet for the 118th time on Oct. 31. Massillon leads the series 63-49-5. A week before that on Oct. 23, Troy and Piqua meet for the 125th time. Right now that series is tied 59-59-6. Cincinnati Anderson (Anderson won 20-13 in the regular season and 24-21 in a regional final), Canton GlenOak at Canton McKinley (McKinley won 24-19 in the regular season, but GlenOak won 14-7 in a regional quarterfinal match-up), Cincinnati Princeton at Cincinnati Colerain (Colerain won 4227 last year), Cincinnati Elder at Cincinnati St. Xavier (Elder won 33-15 last year), Clayton Northmont at Huber Heights Wayne (Northmont won 17-7), Delphos St. John’s at Maria Stein Marion Local (Marion Local won 42-0 last year), Mentor at Euclid and North Canton Hoover at Youngstown Boardman. On Oct. 3, Cleveland Benedictine at Lakewood St. Edward (St. Ed won 21-13 last year) and Massillon Washington at Cleveland St. Ignatius (St. Ignatius won 49-7 last year and has won 11 of the last 12 meetings between the schools). * Week 7 (all games Oct. 9 unless noted) – Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary at Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, Cincinnati Moeller at Cincinnati Elder (Elder won 48-14 last year), Columbus Watterson at Columbus DeSales (DeSales won 21-17 in the regular season and 20-17 in the regional quarterfinals last year), Hilliard Davidson at Worthington Kilbourne (Davidson won 17-10 in the regular season and 21-7 in a regional semifinal last year) and

Massillon Washington at Steubenville. On Oct. 10, Cleveland St. Ignatius at Warren Harding and Youngstown Mooney at Cleveland Benedictine. * Week 8 (all games Oct. 16 unless noted) – Strongsville at Brunswick (Strongsville won 25-20 last year), Canton McKinley at North Canton Hoover (Hoover won 30-20 last year), Coldwater at Delphos St. John’s, Columbus DeSales at Cincinnati Elder, Canton GlenOak at Youngstown Boardman, Centerville at Clayton Northmont (Northmont won 28-21 in overtime), Coldwater at Delphos St. John’s (Coldwater won 38-7 last year), Dublin Coffman at Hilliard Davidson (Davidson won 14-10 last year), Solon at Macedonia Nordonia, Warren Harding at Massillon Washington (Massillon won 30-7 last year) and Poland Seminary at Steubenville. Key game Oct. 17: Lakewood St. Edward at Cincinnati St. Xavier at 2 p.m. * Week 9 (all games Oct. 23 unless noted) – North Canton Hoover at Canton GlenOak (Hoover won 14-10 in the regular season and 14-0 in a regional final), Kettering Fairmont at Clayton Northmont (Northmont won 16-7 in the regular season and 28-27 in a regional quarterfinal game last year), Centerville at Huber Heights Wayne (Centerville won 31-14 last year), Delphos St. John’s at St. Henry (DSJ won 21-19 last year), Upper Arlington at Hilliard Davidson (UA won 23-14 last year), Macedonia Nordonia at Strongsville, Mentor at Massillon Washington (Mentor won 2517 last year), Youngstown Ursuline at Youngstown Mooney (Ursuline won 10-7 last year) and Youngstown Boardman at Canton McKinley Also Oct. 23: Troy hosts Piqua. Last year, Troy took a 49-28 win to tie the all-time series at 59-596 in one of Ohio’s longest running rivalries. Key games Oct. 24: Middletown at Cincinnati Colerain (Middletown won 42-39 last year) and Cincinnati St. Xavier at Cleveland St. Ignatius at 2 p.m. at John Carroll University (St. Ignatius won 19-16 in overtime last year). * Week 10 (all games Oct. 30 unless noted) – Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary at Youngstown Ursuline (Ursuline won 34-7 last year), Cincinnati St. Xavier at Cincinnati Moeller, Cleveland Benedictine at Columbus DeSales, Dublin Coffman at Upper Arlington (UA won 7-6 last year), East Cleveland Shaw at Euclid, Huber Heights Wayne at Springfield, Strongsville at Solon and Youngstown Mooney at Columbus Watterson. On Oct. 31, Cleveland St. Ignatius renews its rivalry with Lakewood St. Edward at 7:30 p.m. St. Ignatius won 34-12 in the regular season and 37-0 in a regional quarterfinal last year to push its series edge to 25-21 all-time in The Holy War. Also on Oct. 31, Massillon Washington hosts Canton McKinley at 2 p.m. in the 118th rendition of this storied rivalry. Massillon won this game 17-0 last year. Massillon holds the all-time series lead at 63-49-5. * Postseason – The OHSAA playoffs will begin over the weekend of Nov. 6-7 with regional quarterfinals at the high school home sites of the top four seeds in each region. The playoffs will continue at neutral sites up through the state championships, set for Dec. 4-5 at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium and Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Sports Time Ohio and Time Warner Cable will again have coverage of the playoffs and state title games. — OH

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Ohio High’s Top Senior Football Prospects

Top 2010 football prospects fielding offers, making commitments

t has been a busy spring for the top 2010 football prospects in the Buckeye state. A number of them have made a commitment, many have received new scholarship offers, others have narrowed down their choices and yet others have decided on official visits. Tight end Alex Welch from Cincinnati Moeller saw his stock rise dramatically over the spring. Among the schools that stepped forward and offered Welch a scholarship in May were Notre Dame and Ohio State. Welch had two dozen scholarship offers before he committed to the Fighting Irish in late May. Another Moeller star who has made a dramatic rise is quarterback Andrew Hendrix. Hendrix added many offers during the spring including three that particularly thrilled him, Miami (Fla.), Ohio State and Notre Dame. After OSU received a commitment from Illinois quarterback Taylor Graham in late-June, Hendrix committed to Notre Dame days later. In addition to Welch, another Ohioan who decided during the spring to head west was Lexington quarterback Courtney Avery. Avery is headed far west as he committed to Stanford over scholarship offers from Indiana, Vanderbilt, Louisville and some MAC schools. Avery will play in the secondary for the Cardinal. Avon Lake offensive lineman Christian Pace saw his scholarship offer list grow to approximately two dozen over the spring. Included in his list was Michigan. Pace considered his many options which also included Illinois, Michigan State, Pitt and Iowa. He then committed to the Wolverines on June 1. The Buckeye state’s No. 1 prospect, West Chester Lakota West linebacker Jordan Hicks, who has scholarship offers from schools from coast-tocoast, has decided he will at least take official visits to Ohio State, Texas and USC before he selects a college. Hicks also says a fourth official visit will likely come from Tennessee, Alabama and Florida. He will probably select a college in December and graduate from Lakota West in January. Cincinnati St. Xavier offensive lineman Matt James added many scholarship offers during the spring and now has over two dozen. But James continues to say his top three choices are Ohio State, Notre Dame and Cincinnati. Solon defensive end Darryl Baldwin is another top prospect who added many offers during the

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spring. Baldwin has basically narrowed his decision down to four schools, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Notre Dame. The Nittany Lions are one of Baldwin’s most recent offers, but the Buckeyes continue to have the edge. Cleveland Glenville defensive back Christian Bryant added a number of scholarship offers during the spring including Ohio State and Notre Dame. Bryant has approximately two dozen offers

of Bearcat tight ends coach Mike Elston. Elston has been moved to Cincinnati’s defensive line coach. With that move and the many new offers Smith has received, Smith says he will visit other schools including Michigan, North Carolina and Penn State. Smith remains committed to the Bearcats, but is looking at his other options. Defensive back Latwan Anderson is another prospect who has made a change. Anderson has transferred from Lakewood St. Edward to Cleveland Glenville. Anderson has dozens of scholarship offers including Michigan State, Michigan, West Virginia, Iowa, Boston College and Cincinnati, but does not seem close to selecting a college. Whitehouse Anthony Wayne offensive lineman Andrew Donnal’s stock is on the rise. The 6-7, 265-pound Donnal has gained 15 pounds over the spring and a number of scholarship offers, bringing his total to over two dozen. Donnal is in no hurry to select a college, but is trying to narrow his list down to somewhere around 10 schools. He mentions Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State and Maryland as schools he is definitely interested in. Ohio State will be on that list if the Buckeyes offer. Louisville wide receiver Bobby Swigert is another Ohioan who has seen his stock soar over the spring. Swigert has added a number of scholarship offers including Michigan, Colorado and

Photo by Os Figuero

North Canton Hoover senior Erik Howard was just the second junior in history to win Ohio’s Mr. Football award last year (the other being former Ohio State and NFL star Robert Smith). Howard is still undecided on his college future. total and his list also includes Tennessee, Michigan State and West Virginia. However, it is Ohio State that sits in Bryant’s top spot. West Chester Lakota West tight end Alex Smith is another prospect who has seen his recruitment explode over the past couple of months. Smith committed very early to Cincinnati, in part because

Cincinnati. He has approximately 20 offers now and says some of his top choices are Michigan, Boston College, Wisconsin, Pitt, Nebraska and Indiana. If Ohio State and Notre Dame were to offer those two schools would definitely join Swigert’s list of top choices. Cincinnati Wyoming defensive lineman Jibreel

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Ohio High’s Top Senior Football Prospects

STORY BY BILL KURELIC Black attracted droves of recruiters during the spring. He had over two dozen scholarship offers from schools such as Wake Forest, South Florida and Kansas. Black committed to Indiana University, though, in mid-June. Offensive lineman Skyler Schofner from Johnstown-Monroe is a big guy that has added an offer from Michigan. Wisconsin, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina State, Vanderbilt and Kentucky have also jumped in with offers giving Schofner well over a dozen total. Matching Schofner is North Olmsted offensive lineman Matthew Rotheram. Rotheram, a Pittsburgh commit, added scholarship offers from LSU and Syracuse in May and his list also included Michigan State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Boston College, Arizona and Indiana. Columbus Brookhaven defensive end Derrick Bryant has not added a large quantity of scholarship offers, but has added some key ones such as Michigan, Michigan State, West Virginia and Kentucky. Illinois was the first school to offer Bryant a scholarship. Avon Lake tight end Dan Schneider picked up late spring scholarship offers from a number of schools including West Virginia and Florida State, and is fast approaching two dozen total. He is hoping to add Ohio State and Michigan to his list. Schneider says his six favorite schools are Pitt, Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia and Florida State, and all but the Bucks and Wolverines have offered. Schneider has not yet selected a college, but another Ohio tight end has. Brad Harrah from Marion Pleasant brought in over a half dozen scholarship offers during the spring before committing to the Cincinnati Bearcats on June 11. As always seems to be the case, multiple Cleveland Glenville prospects will sign with Division I colleges. In addition to Christian Bryant, defensive end Jayrone Elliott has seen his stock rise over the spring and early summer. Elliott has added written scholarship offers from schools such as West Virginia, Maryland, Michigan State and Minnesota. Columbus DeSales offensive lineman Travis Jackson is now drawing attention from recruiters as far away as the West Coast. Jackson has added a scholarship offer from Stanford. He also now has offers from Wisconsin, Indiana, Northwestern, Maryland and Vanderbilt. Jackson has approximately a dozen offers total. Another central Ohio prospect making waves is Dublin Jerome linebacker Steve Mehrer. The 6-1, 220-pound Mehrer has scholarship offers from Indiana and a host of MAC schools such as Bowling Green, Kent State, Toledo and Central and Eastern Michigan. It is truly a strong year in the Buckeye state for prep football talent. The long list of prospects on the rise doesn’t even include the four Ohioans who had big-time offers very early in the recruiting process, but did not let things go long before committing to Ohio State. Cincinnati Anderson offensive lineman Andrew Norwell, Youngstown Urusline linebacker Jamel Turner, Cleveland St. Ignatius linebacker Scott McVey and Youngstown Boardman defensive end J.T. Moore all committed to the Buckeyes early. — OH

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Ohio High’s Top 30 Seniors Update

Andrew Norwell

Jamel Turner

Player 1. Jordan Hicks 2. Andrew Norwell 3. Jamel Turner 4. Matt James 5. Alex Smith 6. Darryl Baldwin 7. Andrew Hendrix 8. Tyrone Williams 9. Spencer Ware 10. Alex Welch 11. Jibreel Black 12. Christian Bryant 13. Scott McVey 14. Latwan Anderson 15. Andrew Donnal 16. Skyler Schofner 17. D.J. Williamson 18. Braylon Heard 19. Gerald Robinson 20. Mike Dorsey 21. Andre Givens 22. J.T. Moore 23. Marcus Rush 24. Courtney Avery 25. Antonio Kinard 26. Erick Howard 27. Christian Pace 28. Terry Talbott 29. Matthew Rotheram 30. Kurtis Drummond

Pos. LB OL DE-LB OL TE DE QB WR QB TE DL DB LB DB OL OL WR RB WR DB RB DE DE DB LB RB OL DT OL WR-DB

Darryl Baldwin

Andrew Hendrix

Ht. 6-1 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-0 6-5 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-7 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-2

Wt. 220 250 220 285 225 245 220 220 215 225 260 175 215 185 250 280 175 180 185 205 180 235 225 175 210 210 275 245 290 190

Matt James

Alex Smith

School/Verbal West Chester Lakota West Cincinnati Anderson/Ohio State Youngstown Ursuline/Ohio State Cincinnati St. Xavier West Chester Lakota West Solon Cincinnati Moeller/Notre Dame East Cleveland Shaw Cincinnati Princeton Cincinnati Elder/Notre Dame Cincinnati Wyoming/Indiana Cleveland Glenville Cleveland St. Ignatius/Ohio State Cleveland Glenville Whitehouse Anthony Wayne Johnstown-Monroe Warren Harding/Michigan Youngstown Mooney Canton South /Michigan Warren Harding Hubbard Youngstown Boardman/Ohio State Cincinnati Moeller Lexington/Michigan Youngstown Liberty/Michigan North Canton Hoover Avon Lake/Michigan Huber Heights Wayne North Olmsted/Pittsburgh Hubbard

Sub

Tyrone Williams

Spencer Ware

Alex Welch

J J H U D D L E . C O M 77

Shaw’s Tyrone Williams

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Photo by Gary Housteau

fter watching Tyrone Williams of East Cleveland Shaw run the second leg of the 4x400 meter relay for the Cardinals at the state track meet on the first weekend in June, it was hard to believe that his right knee went under the knife just seven months prior. Williams helped his Cardinals relay team to a seventh-place finish in the 4x400 meter relay at the state meet after they won the event in the Youngstown regional a week earlier. “What you saw this year was Tyrone at about 80 percent,” said Shaw head football coach Rodney Brown. “He had only been running track for about a month and people were really impressed with him and I would say to myself, ‘Wow, wait until they see him healthy.’ “His knee is structurally sound, no swelling, no pain, and he’s not favoring it at all. And I know he still hasn’t got all his leg strength back yet because, like I said, he’s really only been running full speed about a month-and-a-half now. So I can only imagine how it’s going to be two months from now when we open up. He’s going to be a real tough kid to handle.” Track is a relatively new sport for Williams, but he didn’t look like a novice at all in the final two weeks of the season as he routinely got the baton near the back of the pack in each of the four races in the 4x400 and brought his team back toward the front, each time, by the time he handed the baton off. “He’s only been a running track for two years,” said Brown, who claims that Williams is somewhat of a natural at the sport. “I think (the 400 meters) is what he does best, but next year we’re going to have him run the 200. For him being a tall kid, he really has a short choppy stride and he really gets a lot of power out of it. And the surprising thing is that we had him in the long jump last year (his sophomore year) and he jumped 22 feet, never even practicing it. “He’s just an amazing athlete. He’s still learning how to run track. He’s running the 400 on pure talent. He’s looking forward to doing it in his senior year because I think he’s finally figured it out. So we’ll put him in the open event next year. Like I said, this year he was only 80 percent in Columbus. He’s not full speed yet but he’s headed in that direction and we’re doing some more rehab with him. I truly feel that in the next eight weeks, Tyrone is going to be real tough to stop.” But according to Brown, who doubles as Shaw’s track coach, Williams was somewhat reluctant to get involved with the sport at first.

“I had Tyrone start running track (his sophomore) year but he wasn’t initially receptive to running track,” the coach said. “But I told him if he ran track it would really take him to the next level and of course it did in just 4-1/2 games.” Williams indeed got off to a fast start, statistically speaking, before he initially hurt his knee in week four. He had 11 catches for 372 yards (33.8 average) and eight touchdowns. He managed to play again briefly in game eight and then again in week nine before he was forced to shut it down and have the knee surgically repaired on Oct. 30. “He was standing by a pile and got pushed over and (the knee) just went the opposite way,” Brown said. “It sort of went inward (like a hyperextension) and, from what I’ve been told, if you’re going to get a torn ACL it’s best to go that way. There was no real impact to the knee so it wasn’t traumatized in that sense. That was the fourth game and we didn’t let him play again until the eighth week of the season. We didn’t think it was torn or anything big and, to our ignorance of the injury, we didn’t have him take an MRI of it. We just thought it was a swollen, sprained knee. “But he played like 2-1/2 quarters and scored two more touchdowns on a partially torn ACL, which is really amazing since we couldn’t detect it being anything worse than what it was because, like I said, there was very little swelling.” Running track was basically a part of the rehabilitation process for Williams. “He rehabbed it real well and we took our time getting him back,” Brown said. “With track, we thought that would be easier for him because it’s just straight-ahead running, there was no sudden stopping or jumping.” As far as the football season was concerned, Williams still managed to cram a whole year’s worth of production into just a half of a season on the gridiron. “If Tyrone would have played the whole season, I think he had like eight touchdowns and 15 catches, oh man,” Brown said, “this kid probably would have had 25 touchdowns, easily.” But after participating in just two plays in week eight, on one of the plays he scored on a 49-yard touchdown pass, week nine proved to be the end of the season for Williams who played almost three quarters of that game before he re-injured the knee. Williams had a 76-yard touchdown in that contest. “Like I said, prior to that, we didn’t detect it being anything more than a

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STORY BY GARY HOUSTEAU sprained knee because he was running at full speed, he was jumping, he was catching the ball, he was cutting,” Brown said. “What had happened (in week nine) was he went to block a field goal at the end of the game and when he landed he said he felt it pop. Of course they missed the field goal, which was great. We went to three overtimes and won the game, but we lost him permanently for the rest of the season.” And on the ensuing Monday, Williams did have an MRI done and that’s when they discovered that it was torn. Gone was any chance for Williams to participate in the postseason with his team, which finished the year 9-1 after losing to Madison in the opening round of the playoffs. It was still a great season nonetheless for the 6-6, 220-pound wide out. It was a breakout season that vaulted Williams toward the very front of the pack in the recruiting process for the Class of 2010 in Ohio. (He is now rated as the state’s No. 8 overall prospect in the senior class.) “Everyone who has sat with me and watched his highlight time, we’re talking about 4-1/2 games of highlights — that’s it, every coach or recruiter who sat down with me said this kid is a ‘can’t miss’ and he’s a ‘very rare one,’ ” Brown said. “You rarely see a kid that tall with the type of hips and speed that he has, with the strength and size combination all together. And Tyrone just turned 17 in May so this kid is still growing. And some of them said there’s a chance he may end up playing with his hand down and playing defensive end or tight end because they don’t know how big he’s going to get. He’s still growing. So Tyrone’s limit is only himself.” The match-up problems he creates at the high school level are almost unfair. “I’ve coached defense and I know there are some great kids out there who play corner but they can’t match up with a kid who can run a 4.5, who’s 6-6 and can jump as high as Tyrone can being as big as he is,” Brown said. “It’s sort of unfair for a high school kid. There’s not much they can do. What a specimen he is. And he’s strong on top of it. To him it’s a gift and I hope that he really uses it to go to the next level.” And on June 30, eight months after his surgery, Williams, not a man of many words, declared his knee was back to normal as far as he could tell. “It’s 100 percent,” he said. “It feels better than before.” The injury actually helped Williams gain some upper-body strength. “He was naturally strong anyway but because of the injury we couldn’t do any leg lifting so I took him with me during the off-season, the winter months, and we really did a lot of upper-body work,” Brown said. “If Tyrone pulled his shirt off you would be in awe. That kid is so ripped and so muscular, it’s just freaky to look at him because, like I said, he just turned 17. He’s still a baby.” All the physical attributes are already there in place for Williams. “Physically Tyrone has a senior’s body in college,” Brown said. “He’s a true 6-6, 220-pound kid and he has outstanding speed. He has what they call that separation speed meaning he can be running with you one moment, but once that ball is in the air he can actually take it to another gear which is very uncommon for a high school kid. He has great hands, his hands are huge anyway but they’re very soft, and he doesn’t drop many passes in practice. And in a game he’s pretty automatic.” With his knee on the mend, academics reportedly are the only issue that could hold Williams back at this point. “As some kids do, especially the males, his ninth grade year wasn’t that great,” Brown said. “So what we’re trying to do is make up for some of those grades. C’s and D’s hurt. You can still pass with C’s and D’s but to get that division I scholarship you need a 2.5. You have to have a C+ average. At this point Tyrone is doing great in his classes. In the whole year, in four market periods, he had only one C. He’s had all A’s and B’s. And he’s going to have to score a little higher on the ACT. As a matter of fact we’re waiting to get his score (June test), he may have already done it. I pray that he has because it will take a lot of pressure off of him.” Williams is really a high character man despite any issues he may or may not have with being eligible to land a division I scholarship. “He’s just a great kid. He just started off a little slow and has had to take some extra classes,” Brown said. “So going into his senior year, if he continues on the path that he’s on, and he should — I told him no C’s, stay away from C’s – if he does that there should be no problem qualifying him for Ohio State or a few of the other schools that are interested in him. But like I told Tyrone, the first thing we want to do is make sure he qualifies for a scholarship. That’s been our emphasis more so than what school he would go to. So we’re working on that. But he’s nowhere near where people think he is as far as his grades are concerned. They’re steadily improving and his core GPA is starting to come up.”

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Shaw’s Tyrone Williams Ohio State is definitely in the mix to land his services. “Oh definitely, he’s an Ohio kid,” Brown said. “We have Ohio State, we have Cincinnati and West Virginia out there. I don’t know how far he wants to venture off, we really haven’t talked about that. As far as Ohio State goes, I don’t want to tip anything off one way or the other. That’s Tyrone’s decision. I can only help and guide him. But we love the state of Ohio. But depending on how things turn out, (Ohio State) might not be an option so we have to look at all of our options. But Ohio State will definitely be in his top five, without a doubt.” According to Williams, who mentioned that he would like to commit to a school sometime during the season, Ohio State is one of the schools that have offered him a scholarship. “That’s the best team for me right now,” said Williams, who attended a junior day at OSU back in January. “They have good coaches and players and I like the surroundings around Ohio State. I like Ohio State a lot. Me and the coaches at Ohio State talk a lot, we talk about a lot of stuff, and I don’t talk to no other colleges like that.” He’s definitely an Ohio State-caliber kid and Devlin Culliver, the former head coach at Harvey High School in Painesville and former head coach at Shaw as well, will be the one responsible for Williams putting up more big numbers on offense in his senior season. Culliver, who coached Chris Fields the last few seasons at Harvey, will coordinate the offense for Brown this year. Williams will certainly be the centerpiece on offense.

“I’ve coached defense and I know there are some great kids out there who play corner but they can’t match up with a kid who can run a 4.5, who’s 6-6 and can jump as high as Tyrone can being as big as he is. It’s sort of unfair for a high school kid.” Shaw head football coach Rodney Brown

“We’re going to get that boy the ball at least 50 times. I’ve already talked to Devlin about it,” Brown said. “He’s going to get some catches. He’s our main threat. We have some other kids that are phenomenal athletes, we’re really blessed this year, but Tyrone is the man and everybody knows it. Like I told him, I said everybody tried to check Michael Jordan and they couldn’t stop him and you’re my Michael Jordan. We’re going to get you the ball.” The goals are rather simple for Williams this time around. “I just want to win every game and score two TDs a game,” he said. “And I want to help us make a run in the playoffs this year.” Last season ended abruptly for the Cardinals who were unbeaten during the regular season and hosted Madison in the first round of the playoffs. “It was real disappointing to see my team lose in the first round of the playoffs against Madison,” Williams said. “I don’t want it to end like that this year.” Williams, according to Brown, has so much going for him not only on the field but off of it as well. “He’s a real shy kid, but he’s a beautiful person,” the coach said. “I think as a person he’s even better than he is as an athlete because he’s still pure. He doesn’t use profanity, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t drink, he’s just a great kid. As a coach you always want this kind of athlete who’s a dominant kid but is humble, is well mannered and he’s just a great kid. His mom and dad have done a great job with him.” And with regard to his abilities on the field, Williams obviously has a tremendous upside to him still. “Tyrone is from the old school, he works extremely hard and he never really complains. And he’s like a sponge when it comes to information, he seems to absorb everything,” Brown said. “He’s a talent that’s been growing over the last few years and he’s only really played three full seasons of football and that’s including middle school. The funny thing about Tyrone is that he’s a late bloomer, it hasn’t always been this way. In his 10th grade year he couldn’t catch a cold and all of the sudden now he’s one of the top receivers in this part of the country.” It’s safe to say that Brown seems to be elated that Williams is a Cardinal. “I’m glad he’s on my team and I don’t have to face him because you would spend a lot of energy trying to figure out how to defend that kid,” Brown said. “He’s a real special one.” — OH

J J H U D D L E . C O M 79

Lakota West’s Jordan Hicks Hicks, the state’s No. 1 prospect according to Ohio High, has trips scheduled to Ohio State, Texas, USC, Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

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Photo by Nick Falzerano

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STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

Lakota West’s Jordan Hicks

hen you are No. 1, there is only one way to go and that’s down. But if anybody has a chance to stay on top of the pack in Ohio’s Class of 2010 football prospects, West Chester Lakota West linebacker Jordan Hicks would have a good shot. The 6-2, 220-pound Hicks is a well-rounded prospect who excels on and off the field for the Firebirds. He was named Ohio’s No. 1 prospect in the spring edition of Ohio High and maintains that lofty ranking through this issue as well. And those scholarship offers from the likes of Ohio State, USC, Texas and Florida – just to name a few – don’t hurt his cause, either. In his 12 years at Lakota West, coach Larry Cox has sent his share of players to the college ranks. He summed up what makes Hicks a can’t-miss prospect in the eyes of college coaches and recruiting analysts alike. “The biggest thing is the person he is,” Cox said. “Yeah, he’s a great athlete. He’s going to get offers because of his athleticism. But then you throw in how committed he is to his academics and being a good person and now everybody wants him. That’s how he got wanted by everyone. “He is a great leader. He takes an approach to excellence at everything he does on and off the field and also when he is out in public.” Hicks is arguably the best linebacker prospect in the country in the 2010 class and several recruiting services have him ranked as one of the top overall recruits in the land.

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J J H U D D L E . C O M 81

Lakota West’s Jordan Hicks “I thought I did pretty well as a sophomore, but “That’s very humbling and it’s very cool because very difficult to outrun with his long wingspan and looking back I can see the improvement from my that’s one of the things that you grow up dreaming great chase speed.” sophomore to my junior year and how huge it about,” Hicks said. “Being considered one of the was,” Hicks said. “I think I’ve grown a lot as a playtop in the country, that’s big time. That’s pretty Decisions, Decisions er.” cool.” In June, Hicks whittled his list of top schools to Hicks has flourished under the tutelage of former Not satisfied with his lofty status, Hicks has been six: Ohio State, USC, Texas, Alabama, Georgia UCLA star Carlton Gray, who serves as a defenputting in long hours in the weight room. and Florida. sive assistant with Lakota West. “I’ve added a little bit of muscle in the last few “It’s a combination of the feeling I get when I talk “I have to give a lot of credit to Coach Gray,” months,” he said. “I’m still 6-2, but I’ve added to the coaches,” Hicks said. “Those are the ones I Hicks said. “He has taught me a lot.” around 10 pounds and I’m around 220 right now.” feel most comfortable with. I’ll probably make my As a junior in 2008, Hicks had 88 tackles, 15-1/2 Being a highly-publicized recruit can be fun, but decision sometime during the season. It could be for losses, four sacks and two interceptions. He there are also downfalls — like constant calls from early in the season, it could be late. It’s just whenreporters, for instance. However, ever I feel I’m ready.” Hicks seems like a good young man Cox discussed how his star player and he says the recruiting process is trying to select a college. hasn’t been a hassle for him. “That’s very “It’s a process,” Cox said. “He “Nah, it’s not too bad,” he said. “I’m feels good about the schools left on humbling and just trying to take it day-by-day. I’m the list. Obviously at this point, not trying to make too big a deal out somebody has to drop off because it’s very cool of it.” you’re only allowed five official visits. Hicks comes from good bloodlines. One more will drop off, if not more. because that’s His father, Scott, played basketball Right now, we’ll focus on the for Digger Phelps at Notre Dame. His one of the schools at hand.” mother, Kelly Justice, has raised him A lot of people presume Hicks’ things that you predominantly as a single parent. decision will come down to Ohio Hicks’ father left shortly after he was State or Texas, but he plans on grow up born. He still talked with his son on make several official visits. occasion, though less frequently in “I don’t have a leader,” Hicks said. dreaming recent years. “I just need to go see the schools “I haven’t talked to him since, like, about. Being first and then I will start to narrow it my freshman year,” Hicks said. “We down from there.” considered one used to talk a lot. I used to go see Hicks did seem to hint that Ohio him and stuff in Indiana. If I talked to State will be difficult to beat for his of the top him, it was mainly about basketball. services, though. Basketball was my first love.” “I know Coach Fick (co-defensive (players) in the Hicks stays active in basketball. coordinator/linebackers coach Luke He averaged 11 points and six country, that’s Fickell) real well and I’ve got a good rebounds per game as a junior. He relationship with all the coaches big time. That’s also participates in AAU basketball. here,” Hicks said. “And that’s probaHe said basketball was his first prioribly the main thing I’m looking for in pretty cool.” ty until about two years ago, when he a school is relationships with the realized football was the sport that coaches and players. Football is a was going to take him to better Lakota West’s team game and you want to be on places in the future. It wasn’t that he the same page with everybody and Jordan Hicks played one more than the other, it mesh well together.” just happened to turn out that way. Cox said Hicks hoped to make Photo by Nick Falzerano For Hicks, not being familiar with some unofficial visits during the his dad means he knows his mom summer to his top choices. like the back of his hand. She’s the one who keeps was named as a first-team All-Ohio pick in Division “What makes it difficult is all of the schools he is him working hard, humbling him to just try his best. I. He played some of his best football in two of considering are pretty far away, outside of Ohio “She helps me stay grounded, not get a big Lakota West’s biggest games. He had 12 tackles in State,” the coach said. “With Ohio State, I know he head and everything like some people do with this a loss to Cincinnati Princeton and 16 more in a really likes Ohio State and he likes Coach Tressel. recruiting stuff,” Hicks said. “My mom’s taught me loss to Greater Miami Conference powerhouse But before he makes a decision, I think he wants to everything I know. I mainly play for her. I mean, Cincinnati Colerain. go and see those other schools. He has a goal to yeah, I love the game and everything, but this is “I’m projected as an outside linebacker,” Hicks go see them. something I can be successful at. I work hard to said. “The coaches I talk to say I could be some“When you’re looking at places like Southern Cal make her proud of me. body who could play all three (linebacker) posiand Texas and Florida, Georgia and Alabama, you “With all this recruiting stuff, she’ll sit there and tions. But, preferably, it would be outside.” don’t just pick up and say, ‘I’m going here today.’ give her opinion, but she’s open with whatever I ESPN.com’s Scouts Inc had this evaluation of You have to plan those trips.” decide. She knows it’s my decision, ultimately, and Hicks’ game: “He’s maybe one of the more exploCox indicated that Hicks could graduate in she’s gonna be happy for me with whatever. She sive linebackers we have seen in the last two December. He will then play in the ESPN Under wants to be involved with the whole process, classes. Hicks generates striking speed and velociArmour All-American Game in January in Orlando. though. She’ll want to talk to the coaches and ty in the short-area and plays the game with an He would then be free to enroll at his college of everything also, and just give her own opinion. intense motor. He has ideal size with his good choice for the winter term, allowing him to particiThen, we’ll both sit down and talk about the pluses height and longer, thicker frame that still has room pate in winter conditioning and spring drills in and minuses.” to add 10-15 pounds of quality muscle. preparation for his freshman season in the fall. “He reads the play quickly. He can beat blockers “I think that’s going to happen,” Cox said. “The to the point of attack with speed or blow up the cutAn Impact Player most important thing to him right now, though, is off with outstanding short-area power. He shows his senior season. He’s said, ‘Coach, we want to Hicks worked in as a varsity player as a sophogreat initial quicks and burst filling downhill. He miraccomplish things that have never been done more. As a first-year starter in 2007, Hicks recordrors ball carriers well between the tackles and is around here before.’ ” — OH ed 61 tackles, seven for loss and two sacks.

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Ohio High’s Top Junior Football Prospects

STORY BY BILL KURELIC

Ohio High’s Top 25 Junior Prospects

he Class of 2011 for Ohio high school football prospects is shaping up to be another very good one. It is a class that is particularly strong on the defensive line and at linebacker, and to a little lesser extent, in the secondary. The Ohio Class of 2011 is also stronger at quarterback than has been the case in Ohio in recent years. On the defensive line, defensive end Steve Miller from Canton McKinley is an outstanding talent. He worked out at the June 14 Ohio State advanced camp and showed why he is so highly regarded. Florida, UCLA, Michigan State and Purdue are some of the schools that have already offered Miller a scholarship, and Ohio State seems likely to soon join that list. As talented as Miller is, defensive end Kenny Hayes from Toledo Whitmer, at 6-5 and 220 pounds, is almost a clone of Miller. Hayes has similar talent, too. Columbus DeSales’ Chris Rock, who could play either tackle or end at the next level, has not yet received his first scholarship offer. But that seems likely to change before the end of the summer. Linebacker Trey DePriest from Springfield, like Miller, worked out at the June 14 Ohio State advanced camp. The Buckeyes have not offered, but are definitely interested. A couple other linebackers gaining ground among the top prospects in the state are Andre Sturdivant from Cleveland Glenville and Shaquil Petteway from Steubenville. Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary defensive back Doran Grant is one of several very talented Ohio defensive backs. Grant attended Ohio State’s June 14 camp as well as the Nike Football Training Camp at the University of Illinois on June 6. He performed well at both events. Pickerington Central defensive back Eilar Hardy attended both of those camps as well. Hardy has picked up his first scholarship offer as the Maryland Terrapins have stepped forward.

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Player 1. Braxton Miller 2. Steve Miller 3. Kenny Hayes 4. Trey DePriest 5. Ray Hamilton 6. Chris Rock 7. A.J. Jordan 8. Andre Sturdivant 9. Doran Grant 10. Shane Wynn 11. Shaquil Petteway 12. Eilar Hardy 13. Greg Brown 14. Ronald Tanner 15. Cheatham Norrils 16. Chase Hounshell 17. Cole Stoudt 18. Mikhail Seawood 19. Donavon Clark 20. Josh McClain 21. Jourdan Wickliffe 22. Cardale Jones 23. Brian Cleckley 24. Roger Williamson 25. Brad Carrico

Steve Miller

Pos. QB DE-LB DE LB TE DL WR LB DB WR LB DB DB DB DB OL QB ATH OL WR WR-DB ATH DB WR OL

Ht. 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-3 5-11 5-8 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-6

Wt. 185 220 220 210 215 240 170 205 175 155 197 180 155 180 161 220 190 215 285 200 177 190 175 175 255

School/Verbal Huber Heights Wayne Canton McKinley Toledo Whitmer Springfield Strongsville Columbus DeSales Trotwood-Madison Cleveland Glenville Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Cleveland Glenville Steubenville Pickerington Central Fremont Ross Columbus Eastmoor Academy Toledo St. John’s Mentor Lake Catholic Dublin Coffman Warren Harding Finneytown Clayton Northmont Columbus St.Charles Cleveland Glenville Hamilton Dayton Dunbar Dublin Coffman

Trey DePriest

On the other side of the ball, quarterback Braxton Miller from Huber Heights Wayne is not only the top prospect at his position, but the No. 1 rising junior in the state of Ohio. Miller landed a scholarship offer from Ohio State long ago. More recently he has added offers from West Virginia and Cincinnati. While Miller is the No. 1 quarterback in the state, others such as Marcus Graham from Trotwood-Madison, Danny Reaser from Elyria Catholic, Marcus Fuller from Ashland and Lester Hughes from Campbell Memorial are other signalcallers whose stock is on the rise. There is a pretty group of receiving prospects in the Class of 2011 led by wide receiver A.J. Jordan from Trotwood-Madison and tight end Ray

Ray Hamilton

Josh McClain

Hamilton from Strongsville. Both are waiting for their first offer, but that will come in time. Other receivers with big-time potential include Byron Thompson from Springfield and Shane Wynn from Glenville. Wynn is a dynamic athlete who is also a very good return man. One of the strong positions in the Ohio Class of 2010 is the offensive line. At this point the opposite is the case with the 2011 class. There are no rising junior offensive linemen in the Buckeye state that have landed a big offer to this point. The two most likely candidates at this time are Chase Hounshell from Mentor Lake Catholic and Chris Boles from Toledo Central Catholic. The accompanying graphic includes a look at Ohio’s top 25 prospects for the 2011 class. — OH

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The Midwest Athletic Conference

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Photo by Nick Falzerano

Led by senior QBs Wes Hunsucker (Anna), Keith Wenning (Coldwater), Wes Ulm (Delphos St. John’s) and Greg Kahlig (Fort Recovery), the MAC may be its deepest in years.

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STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

The Midwest Athletic Conference

or Delphos St. John’s senior quarterback Wes Ulm, leading his Blue Jays to a second straight Division VI state title is a goal. Winning the Midwest Athletic Conference is another – and the harder of the two.

“I think (this year in the MAC) is going to be one of the toughest runs in a few years,” Ulm said. “It’s going to be the real deal. I mean Coldwater, Marion Local, St. Henry…and Anna. Even Fort Recovery and those other teams are going to be tough. I think from top to bottom it will be as competitive as it has been in a long time.” In a day and age when people are realizing smaller may just be better, the MAC epitomizes that shift in belief and focus. It truly is better. And better than perhaps any small school conference in the country. The MAC’s state titles and dominance at Ohio’s small school state championships is staggering. Every school in the 10-team MAC – except New Knoxville and New Bremen – has at least four state titles in a broad array of sports including cross country, volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball, track, baseball and even bowling. Just for good measure, New Knoxville’s boys basketball team has won 63 straight regular season games and was the 2008 Division IV state champion. Regardless of its wealth in other arenas and ovals, though, football is the heartbeat of this rural Western Ohio hotbed. On arrival to “God’s Country” as Mercer, Auglaize, Darke and Allen counties are appropriately called, visitors are met by church steeples, grain silos and the lights from high school stadiums. Trophy cases full of football gold are also common. “The MAC is the toughest conference in Ohio,” Ulm said. “I mean I get beat up weeks three through 10 and it really prepares you for the playoffs. I’m not going to say it makes the playoffs easy, but it helps a lot playing in that tough of a league.” In the last 19 years, the MAC has won 19 state titles in football. No conference in Ohio has won more – ever. The vaunted Greater Catholic League? Just 15 football titles – total – since 1931. Since 2002 – the last year the MAC failed to produce a title winner – the conference has gone 9-2 in championship games. The last four years the conference is 7-0 (won two titles a year from 2005-07). Over that same span (since 2002) MAC teams are 70-12 in the playoffs and 67-9 in postseason games where a MAC team didn’t play another MAC team (that’s happened twice in the state semifinals). In simplest terms the conference wins 88-percent of the time it plays a non-conference team in November – and December. The scary thing? This could be the conference’s most-competitive season to date. Get out the BenGay. “The MAC will be really deep,” Anna senior quarterback Wesley Hunsucker said. “It is going to be really fun and it’s going to be competitive. There are going to be several sore Saturday mornings for us but it’s definitely going to be worth it.” Said Coldwater senior quarterback Keith Wenning: “The MAC this year is going to be real

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

“The MAC is the toughest conference in Ohio. I mean I get beat up weeks three through 10 and it really prepares you for the playoffs. I’m not going to say it makes the playoffs easy, but it helps a lot playing in that tough of a league.” Delphos St. John’s senior Wes Ulm

brutal. Every weekend is going to be like a playoff game. The fans are going to be crazy and the teams are going to be excellent. You know your going to have to play your best to win every Friday.” The MAC going 20-0 in its non-league schedule is a real possibility. Last year the conference was 18-2 entering MAC play. Week 3 the fireworks start. “It’s definitely difficult (navigating the MAC),” Fort Recovery senior quarterback Greg Kahlig said.

MAC Football State Titles 2008: Delphos St. John’s, D-VI 2007: Coldwater, D-IV 2007: Marion Local, D-V 2006: St. Henry, D-V 2006: Marion Local, D-VI 2005: Coldwater, D-IV 2005: Delphos St. John’s, D-VI 2004: St. Henry, D-V 2003: Versailles, D-V 2001: Marion Local, D-VI 2000: Marion Local, D-VI 1999: Delphos St. John’s, D-VI 1998: Delphos St. John’s, D-VI 1997: Delphos St. John’s, D-VI 1995: St. Henry, D-VI 1994: St. Henry, D-VI 1992: St. Henry, D-VI 1990: St. Henry, D-V 1989: Minster, D-V

“We beat a lot of our non-league teams by a good bit, but in the MAC there are so many good players at so many schools – guys like these guys – and there’s so much talent that it’s hard to win five games in the MAC each year.” This year there are at least five teams with a good chance to win the MAC. Delphos St. John’s returns a ton from its D-VI championship team including Ulm (who passed for 1,172 yards and ran for 1,027 en route to 27 TDs), junior running back Jordan Leininger (1,222 yards and 15 TDs) and junior linebacker Chris Pohlman (158 tackles). Despite their state title, the Blue Jays finished third in the MAC last year, losing to Coldwater and Marion Local. In 2007, DSJ was 28. Coldwater losses quite a bit from its D-IV regional finalist team, but the Cavs bring back enough talent to challenge for their seventh MAC title in nine years. Wenning, who steps in at quarterback full-time, is seasoned enough and has made enough plays (remember his two tosses on trick plays against Cardinal Mooney in the 2007 D-IV state final?) to lead the Cavs back to the postseason. Senior defensive end Eric Leffeld has already committed to Cincinnati. Marion Local will be playing a lot of juniors according to head coach Tim Goodwin, but should senior running back Ben Smith return (he’s reportedly contemplating moving to Florida to play baseball), the Flyers – D-V state semifinalists last year – will be in the thick of things again. Smith ran for 1,575 yards last season. Anna, led by Hunsucker – a three-year starter at QB who has thrown for 3,062 yards and 32 TDs the last two years – finished second in the MAC last season and returns nearly every one of its skill players. The Rockets, who are entering their fourth year in the MAC (for football only), made the D-V playoffs last year for the first time since 2005. The reward? A match-up with Marion Local in the first round. St. Henry, which has gone 6-4 the last two years, has a ton of talent back, including no less than six players, including senior quarterbacks Jordan Post (531 yards, seven TDs) and Brad Stahl (1,028 yards, nine TDs), who earned all-conference honors on a team that lost to DSJ, Marion Local and Anna by seven points or less. Fort Recovery – a dark horse – is led by Kahlig who is arguably the most accomplished quarterback in the league heading into the season. A fouryear starter, Kahlig already owns school records for career, season and single-game passing yards and TDs and will have plenty of targets to throw to again as the Indians return a combined 1,756 receiving yards among four players. Last year Kahlig threw for 2,804 yards and 18 TDs. As a sophomore he threw for 1,579 yards and 16 TDs. New Bremen – another sleeper – returns 6-7 senior quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for 1,307 yards and 11 TDs last season. Deep? Yes. Tough? No doubt. “(The MAC) is definitely going to be tough this season,” Kahlig said. “There are three, four, five teams that could easily win the conferene this year. With a lot of depth there will be a lot of fighting for second, third, fourth and so on as well. “It’s going to be tough to squeeze off some wins.” Until the playoffs that is. — OH

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Photo by Mark Porter

All-Star Football Game Round Up

Ohio nets last second win at Big 33; North routs South in Ohio Classic

Youngstown Ursuline’s Dale Peterman (headed to Syracuse) was named the offensive player of the game for the North.

Photo by Stephanie Porter

or the fourth year in a row, Ohio’s top two high school football all-star games were contested on the same day. On June 20, the 64th annual Ohio North-South Classic was played in the afternoon at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Later that day, the 52nd annual Big 33 Football Classic was played at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pa. Here is a roundup of the two major Ohio high school football all-star games for 2009:

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OHIO SNAPS LOSING SKID, SCORES BIG WIN WITH 20 SECONDS LEFT IN BIG 33

One four-play sequence midway through the second quarter of the Big 33 Football Classic on June 20 neatly illustrated a recurring problem for the Pennsylvania offense. On first down, defensive end Melvin Fellows, one of seven players on the Ohio squad headed

for Ohio State, bowled over 5-foot-10 inch Pennsylvania running back Rob Hollomon, collapsing the pocket and forcing a sack. On second down, the 6-5, 245-pound Fellows again manhandled Hollomon. On third down, Pennsylvania got a few yards back when Fellows was whistled for his second offsides penalty of the evening. He might have been offsides again on the next play, but it didn’t matter – future Buckeye Jonathan Newsome, the other end in the 5-2 defensive scheme, swooped in from the other side to drag down quarterback James Capello. The Buckeyes-to-be helped throw Pennsylvania’s offense off its game early before quarterback Austin Boucher and Ohio’s skill players made some big second-half plays as Ohio overcame a late charge by the hosts and halted a three-game losing streak with a 38-31 win in breezy Hersheypark Stadium. There were seven future Buckeyes and three future Nittany Lions in uniform as one of the Big Ten’s best rivalries grew some more roots. But the competition was firm but friendly during one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious allstar games. Few plays passed without some of Joe Paterno’s future players going up against some of Jim Tressel’s. Future Nittany Lion Mark Arcidiacono, the Pennsylvania left tackle, immediately shook hands with future Buckeye defensive lineman Corey Linsley as the game ended. He also spent plenty of time squaring off with Newsome, the 225-pound speedster. Adam Bellamy, the Ohio State-bound defensive tackle, scooped up Curtis Drake’s fumble at the Ohio 1-yard line early in the third quarter. For other players about to join the two states’ premier teams, it was a quiet evening. Ohio quarterbacks Austin Boucher, his team’s MVP, and Patrick Nicely (who were mostly well protected by towering tackles Sam Longo and Marcus Hall, both future Buckeyes) made concerted efforts to get the ball to talented Ohio State-bound wide receiver Chris Fields near the line of scrimmage. But Pennsylvania’s defensive backs were there waiting and didn’t let him get any yards after the catch. Pennsylvania’s 6-foot-6 tight end, Garry Gilliam, who could play there or at defensive end for Penn State, didn’t see a pass thrown his way until late in the fourth quarter, when Drake found him for a 33yard gain down the seam to the 1-yard line, setting up the score that knotted the game at 31-31 with just over two minutes to play. Boucher, though, who threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns and completed 18 of 24 passes without an interception, was too much for the Pennsylvania defense in the second half, when he hooked up with Micah Hyde for a 99-yard score and set up the game-winning touchdown, a 1-yard rumble by converted defensive tackle Adam Replogle, with a 50-yard scramble through the heart of the defense. Drake, who could go on to play either receiver or quarterback or some type of Pat White-hybrid position at Penn State, tore up the Ohio defense for 88 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. But the consistent pressure from Fellows, Newsome and Linsley, who made a big fourth-down sack to help give Ohio a late 14-point lead, was enough to force Drake into some bad throws and give the Ohio squad the bit of breathing room it needed to finally

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY JEFF RICE & DAVE BIDDLE turn the tables in the high-school version of the cross-state rivalry. — Jeff Rice

NORTH SETS RECORD IN NATION'S LONGEST RUNNING FOOTBALL ALL-STAR GAME

The longest-running high school all-star game in the country – the Ohio North-South Classic – took place on June 20 at Ohio Stadium and the North team dominated the South, 49-7. In fact, the margin of victory of 42 points accounted for the most in North-South history, breaking the mark of 36 points set two years ago (when the South won 50-14). This year marked the 64th North-South game, a series that began in 1946. The North now holds a 38-23-3 advantage in the series. The game’s MVP this year was North safety Garrett Gronowski (6-3, 205, Avon High School) who had two interceptions. He will play college football at Eastern Michigan. The North took the opening kickoff and wasted no time in moving down the field. The drive was capped by a 25-yard touchdown run from Monterae Williams of Canton McKinley (who will play college football at Findlay). Bryan Visingardi from Springfield (who will play college ball at Slippery Rock) banged through the extra point and the North had a 7-0 lead at the 10:38 mark of the first quarter. On the South’s first offensive possession, quarterback Jordan Barbina from Belmont Union Local (who will play this fall at Lake Erie College) was intercepted by Gronowski who returned the pick 16 yards and the North was right back in business. North quarterback Ryan O’Rourke of Avon (who will play college ball at Slippery Rock) connected with tight end Derek Hoebing of Vermillion (who will play at Michigan State) for a nine-yard touchdown at the 3:49 mark of the first quarter. The rout was on early as the North was staked to a 14-0 lead. Early in the second quarter on its third offensive possession of the game, the North struck yet again. Quarterback Alex Pidcock from Sylvania Southview (who will play college ball at Bowling Green) hooked up with wide receiver Dale Peterman from Youngstown Ursuline (headed to Syracuse) for a 41-yard touchdown bomb. That made the score 21-0 with 10:56 left in the second quarter. Peterman had a brilliant start to the game and had four catches for 99 yards at that point. He also had a 14-yard punt return later in the second stanza. The first thing to go right for the South was when defensive back Colton Foreman of Teays Valley (who will play at Army) picked off O’Rourke on a deep ball in the second quarter. However, the South offense stalled and had to punt the ball right back to the North. O’Roarke and Hoebing hooked up once again through the air, this time for 17 yards on a third down play. Running back John Pittigrew from Cuyahoga Falls Christian Academy (who will play at Bowling Green) had a 16-yard run down to the three yard line. Then running back Anthony King from Ayersville (who will play college ball at Findlay)

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

All-Star Football Game Round Up

Alter’s Austin Boucher sets up the game winning TD with a 50yard run late in the Big 33 game.

Photo by Os Figuero

punched it in the end zone from 1-yard out for a 28-0 North lead. The South finally broke through on the ensuing kickoff. Tyrell Massey from Columbus MarionFranklin (who will play at Ashland) ripped off a 95yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 3:49 left in the second quarter to make the score 28-7. Massey showed good vision and excellent speed on the play. Due to the mercy rule that is used in the NorthSouth Classic (if a team is trailing by 14 or more points after they score, they get the ball back) the South retained possession and tried to make things interesting before halftime. However, Gronkowski hauled in his second interception of the game and promptly returned it 55 yards to the South’s three yard line. Two plays later, O’Rourke ran a QB sneak for a one-yard touchdown. With 2:05 remaining in the first half, the North continued to completely dominate at 357. “We’ve got a lot of great skilled athletes on the offensive side of the ball and we were able to make a few big plays early on,” North head coach Mike Elder from Avon said following the game. “And then our defense, we’ve got some playmakers running around out there. We have guys that are going to play Division I college football and they know how to make plays. “Offensively, we had some big plays and Dale Peterman who is going to Syracuse is a big-time player. We tried to get the ball in his hands and our quarterbacks played fantastic. And then the defense created some opportunities for our offense and that’s how it got out of hand and out of con-

trol.” Elder talked more about some of the top individual performances. “Garrett Gronowski had to big interceptions and he’s on his way to Eastern Michigan and they really got themselves a steal there – he’s a heck of a young man,” he said. “And Dan Molls from Padua, a young man going to Toledo as an inside linebacker, played extremely well. Ben Pike, a defensive end from Mentor that is going to Toledo, I also thought played well. Tyler Scott from Howland as well and he’s a Big Ten kid going to Northwestern.” As for Gronowski, he was all smiles after receiving the MVP award. It’s certainly not what a safety expects entering an all-star game. “We scored our first couple of touchdowns and we were having a lot of fun and then our defense stepped up,” Gronowski. “We knew they were going to be passing and we know it was on us as DBs to make plays. We really took it upon ourselves to lock down the receivers. “It’s definitely an honor to win MVP with all these great players that are going off to play in college. So, to win the game 49-7 and get MVP is really nice.” Midway through the third quarter, the North was facing a second-and-32 situation and the South was hoping to work its way back in the game. However, Pittigrew caught a screen pass from Pidcock, made a defender miss and sped across the field for a 34-yard gain and a first down. But just when it looked like the North was going to score once again, the South defense buckled down and sacked Pidcock, forcing a fourth-and-29 situation and the North’s first punt of the game. The punt would have been a touchback, but Massey decided to field it at the three and was only able to return it two yards to the five. The third quarter ended with the score still 35-7 in favor of the North. Following a fumble recovery deep in South territory, the North scored yet another touchdown on a five-yard run from King who bulled his way into the end zone. With 11:26 left in the fourth quarter, the count was 42-7 North. The South responded with its best drive of the game and it was led by quarterback Taylor Wood from Delaware Hayes (who will play college football at Eastern Kentucky). Wood was involved in four first downs – two passing and two rushing. However, the drive stalled when Wood threw incomplete on fourth-and-goal from the 12. The North’s final score of the game came on an eight-yard touchdown run from Pidcock with 29 seconds left, which gave the North the record for the biggest margin of victory in Big 33 history. Peterman was named offensive player of the game for the North and Molls was named defensive player of the game for the North. The South’s players of the game were Massey on offense and Mike Hilty from Powell Olentangy Liberty on defense. Hilty is headed to Cincinnati to play college football. Blowouts in the North-South Classic are nothing new, especially in recent years. In 2004, the South won 44-28. In 2005, the North won 45-17. In 2006, the North won 34-13. As mentioned earlier, in 2007, the South won 50-14. (Last year, the North won 28-14, which was a barnburner compared to the other recent games.) — Dave Biddle

J J H U D D L E . C O M 87

USA Football

STORY BY JEFF WILLIAMS

Newark Licking Valley grad and Ohio State freshman Storm Klein intercepts a pass in the gold medal game.

f he were texting the International Federation of American Football representatives in charge of seeding the first-ever Junior World Championships, United States linebacker and co-captain Storm Klein of Newark Licking Valley and Ohio State University would have sent his message in all caps to express his sentiments for the future: USA 41, CANADA 3. “Whoever ranked us No. 2, hopefully next time they have something like this he thinks about that next time before he puts us down No. 2,” said Klein after his second-seeded U.S. team dominated topseeded Canada 41-3 on July 5 in the Gold Medal game at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium. “I think our game and what happened out on the field speaks for itself and we’re No. 1. “We went out there and we had something to prove.” Co-captain Bryce Petty, quarterback and Baylor freshman out of Midlothian, Texas agreed. “I think that right there, that’s motivation, 41-3,” added Petty pointing towards the Fawcett Stadium scoreboard. “Coming into this, that was everybody’s motivation, Canada being No. 1 and us being No. 2. This is America’s sport, this is our sport and I think we showed that today.” Head coach Chuck Kyle of St. Ignatius said his team was mentally prepared since beating Mexico 55-0 four days earlier. “After we won the second game all the players knew, game’s on, it’s Canada -- they’re good, they’re players and they know what they’re doing,” said Kyle. “This was going to be a battle.

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Photo by Gary Housteau

“And I have to give the kids credit. The next day after Mexico we were without equipment on but it was clearly saying, ‘We need to start a gameplan now and we need total focus on what we need to accomplish.” Starting safety Pat Hinkel, a recent graduate of St. Ignatius and a Miami of Ohio recruit, said he can’t fully express the joy he had wearing the gold medal. “It’s a great feeling,” he said. “All the hard work we put in, it just feels great to share this moment with all of my teammates. We all met three weeks ago and it could have been tough to get that team chemistry but it seemed to be no problem. I think we all came together for one goal and we accomplished that goal, we won the gold.” The United States continued its dominance just as it did in its win over Mexico and in its 78-0 opening-round win over France. The hosts had 408 total yards of offense (318 passing, 90 rushing) to just 49 for Canada (57 passing, minus-8 rushing) while holding an 18-5 first down lead and holding the top seed to 0 for 10 on third-down conversions. Petty was a perfect 14 for 14 in passing for 190 yards and three touchdowns while Phillip Butterfield, headed to Arkansas State, was 11 of 18 for 128 more yards and another score. Asked if he had ever gone perfect in a game before, Petty just laughed. “Negative, not even close,” said Petty with a smile. “The thing about 14-for-14 that goes unno-

ticed is about 12 of those were a five-yard hitch that they just turned and went up the field. What I’m saying is, we’ve got athletes, I have nothing to do with it. I’m just so blessed to be a part of this and have the athletes around me that can do that type of thing.” Kyle said his team, which had previously dominated its opponents on the ground with more than 300 yards and seven touchdowns by the Virginia Tech-bound David Wilson, took what Canada gave them. “For us offensively, Canada came and decided they were going to try and stop our running attack and they were clogging the paths with an eightman front,” said Kyle. “And you know, you take what the defense gives you so Ok, we’re going to throw the short, little passes and let our athletes get something done with it. And 14-of-14, that’s ok, that works.” The U.S. led 8-0 out the gates as Petty connected with Jamal Davis on a 17-yard pass at the 11:07 mark and Canada, pinned into its own endzone in a punting scenario, chose to take a safety. After a Canada field goal made it 8-3, the U.S. got a 29-yard Wilson run on a nifty option pitch by Petty to close out the first up 15-3. A Mike Loftus field goal to end the half put the hosts up 18-3 at the intermission. In the third quarter, the United States tacked on with touchdown passes of 47 and 34 yards by Petty to Kevin Cummings and Erik Lora, respectively. In the fourth quarter, Canada took another safety and Butterfield hit Northwestern-bound John Plasencia. In the end, it was another easy win for the U.S. Starting offensive lineman Brian Winters of Hudson also felt pride in wearing the gold medal not only for the United States but as one of six players from Ohio as well. “Everyone traveled from far distances but me, just sitting here, being able to walk out my back door basically and coming out here to play and represent my country, it’s been an honor,” said Winters. Kyle said he was proud of how his team came

Photo by Gary Housteau

St. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle (head coach) and St. Xavier coach Steve Specht led Team USA.

together. “What you saw here, this was not an all-star team,” said Kyle. “I’m going to look you in the eye and I’ll tell you that til the day I die, this was not an all-star team, not at all. This was a team that had about a week and a half to two weeks to get ready for a first game. And kids came from all over America with a couple things that bind you together. “The love for the game of football and the love of your country. That was a team you saw out there today.” — OH

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY MATT NATALI

Bellaire graduate and former Ball State QB Nate Davis was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in this year’s NFL Draft.

Photo by Ball State Athletics

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Ball State Football

ocated approximately 34 miles west of Ohio in Muncie, Ind., Ball State University fielded one of the top college football teams in the country last season. After a 12-0 start, the Cardinals ultimately finished No. 22 in the final Bowl Championship Series poll. Take a look over the Cardinals roster for the upcoming season and it features 34 players – more than one-third of the total roster – from Ohio. Coincidence? Not according to head coach Stan Parrish. “There are just a lot of great football players in Ohio,” said Parrish, a Parma Heights, Ohio native. “It’s like anything else – what you put into it is what you get out of it. We’ve put a lot of effort into our recruiting in Ohio. We’ve made it a priority, we’ve been able to identify kids we think will be able to fit into our program early and we’ve been lucky to make it successful along the way.” A member of the Mid-American Conference, Ball State has had success pulling players away from the six MAC schools in Ohio. What’s more, the Cardinals have more Ohio players on their roster than conference foe Bowling Green. There was a shift in Ball State’s recruiting focus when Brady Hoke was named head coach in December 2002, according to Parrish. Hoke, a Kettering, Ohio, native, turned away from recruiting the South and looked towards the Midwest talent. “We’ve changed our recruiting approach 100 percent,” said Parrish, who was named quarterbacks coach under Hoke in 2005. Parrish was named head coach job last December when Hoke left for San Diego State. “We basically recruit within a five-hour drive. For a long time we were recruiting Florida and Georgia and we’ll still get a kid now and then from there but that is not an emphasis.” Not only is Ball State signing players from Ohio by the dozens, but the program is landing top talent. Of the 34 Ohio players that will suit up for the Cardinals this fall, 10 were ranked in the Ohio High top 100 prospects as seniors. Parrish recalled the first two players he recruited after joining the staff: safety Alex Knipp of Amherst, Ohio and quarterback Nate Davis of Bellaire, Ohio. Knipp was a Division I All-State Honorable Mention selection as a senior at Steele High School tallying 5,531 all-purpose yards and 63 total touchdowns in his career. Davis completed 125-of-207 passes for 2,932 yards and 42 touchdowns as a senior leading Bellaire to the Division IV state semifinals and earned first team All-Ohio honors in as well as Player of the Year recognition. He set the Bellaire career school record for passing yards (7,348) and touchdowns (81) and was rated as the state’s No. 38 prospect by Ohio High. “I will never forget those two,” said Parrish. “They came (to Ball State) on a dream. Alex came because he liked what he saw and liked the challenge. Nate came to start and hoped I could develop him into an NFL player.” Knipp has played in all 39 of Ball State’s games since he stepped on campus as a freshman. For Davis, signing with Ball State was a nobrainer as a quarterback prospect. Parrish’s résumé includes a Super Bowl championship as

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Ball State Football Tampa Bay’s quarterbacks coach, guiding All-Pro signal caller Brad Johnson in 2003. Prior, he helped Michigan to a 1997 Rose Bowl berth and the school’s 11th national championship, coaching current Tampa Bay quarterback Brian Griese and New England Patriots and future NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady. Parrish developed Davis into Ball State’s career leader in pass attempts (1,124), completions (678), passing yards (9,233) and touchdowns (74) in three seasons. He was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year last season, leading the Cardinals to their best campaign in school history and a berth in the GMAC Bowl finishing 12-2. Davis was picked by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of April’s NFL draft. “I’ve been fortunate and have had a lot of my quarterbacks go on to the NFL. Those young guys that are quarterbacks look at you and think I must have a little bit of a pedigree,” said Parrish. “We’re still a team that plays from under center a lot – a lot of teams are all spread. Our offense revolves around the quarterback and he is featured. I think the young guys that aspire to play in that NFL – I would hope they are interested in us – and I think they are.” Robert Brewster, a three-year letter winner at Ball State and Cincinnati Wyoming graduate, was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of April’s draft. At Wyoming, he was named the Cincinnati Hills League Player of the Year as a senior. Brewster also earned first team all-state honors and was the Division III Co-Player of the Year. Ohio High ranked Brewster as the No. 33 senior prospect for in 2005. Since the 2006 class, Ball State has signed 20 players from Ohio, including 12 of the 22 players signed in the 2009 class. “Once you get a couple (players from Ohio) it grows and grows and grows,” said Parrish. “Most of the kids didn’t even know where Ball State was. It was a matter of getting the kids to our campus to see what we had. “The kids know each other and they know of each other when they get out here. This business is about friends. Kids trust their coaches and trust them when coaches tell them this (school) would be a good place for them to go.” As for the 2009 class, Parrish added, “I think it might be as strong as any since I have been at Ball State. We offered a lot of guys early and we’ve seen a lot of the guys. Of course, some of the guys we’re recruiting we’re not going to be able to get. But I think it is a very strong class, especially for our league. There might not be as many super stars that there have been before but I think it is a great year.” Of the 12 Ohio players in the signed in class, linebacker Travis Freeman, cornerback Jason Pinkston and linebacker Theon Dixon hail from Cleveland Glenville. Add sophomore wide receiver Torieal Gibson, and there are four Glenville alumni on the Cardinals roster. “I think a lot of the reason Ball State targets Ohio is because (Stan) Parrish is from this area,” Glenville head coach Ted Ginn, Sr. said. “He did a great job when he was recruiting at Michigan and everywhere he has been.” Ball State is one of the first stops on the annual Ginn Bus Tour where Ginn travels with prospects to schools in the Midwest as they work out for college

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Ball State’s Ohio Contingent No. 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 24 25 27 28 32 35 36 38 39 41 43 43 44 52 53 63 81 82 87 92 97 98 99

Player Orsbon, Briggs Edmonds, Frank White, Seth Ifft, Daniel Freeman, Travis Kuntz, Kyle Pinkston, Jason Mershman, Aaron Gibson, Torieal Dehaney, Armand Schott, Steven Dixon, Theon Baker, Sean Alford, Jelani Dawson, Andre Womack, Lorren Jordan, Zac Rolf, Pete Knipp, Alex Kish, Brandon Puthoff, Andrew Green, Jacob Kilburn, Tad Hartke, Ryan Neff, Evan

Pos. WR HB WR WR LB FS CB QB WR CB PK LB SS HB WR WLB FS DT FS RB DE TE SS TE OL Muhlenkamp, Cody LS Yoder, Steve OG Ryan, Connor WR Grant, Madaris TE Trempe, Myles WR Pitcock, Jafe DT Jarrett, Donovan DL Keller, Sean WR Morris, Adam DT

Ht. 6-0 5-8 5-10 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-8 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-0

coaches. “When you recruit, you build relationships. I have built a lot of relationships with coaches in the country,” explained Ginn. “With the personal relationship I have with Brady Hoke and Stan Parrish, you just know they are going to do a great job with your kids and turn your kids into successful men.” That respect is mutual. “We have a great trust factor with (Ohio high school football coaches),” Parrish said. “They feel comfortable with their kids coming to our program and we feel comfortable recruiting those kids.” Of course, coming off the best season in program history makes the recruiting process easier for Parrish and his staff. “Our program has changed,” he said. “Everyone has seen us play, we have been on TV more than

Wt. 189 186 185 183 212 197 180 210 164 177 156 190 204 175 183 219 196 259 196 205 257 238 180 218 255 187 305 185 221 200 264 300 187 272

Year So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. RFr. Fr. So. Fr. RFr. So. So. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. RFr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. So.

High School Convoy Crestview Lakewood St. Edward Bexley Dover Cleveland Glenville Vandalia Butler Cleveland Glenville Bowling Green Cleveland Glenville Cuy. Falls Walsh Jesuit Massillon Washington Cleveland Glenville Canfield Cincinnati Withrow Lewis Center Olentangy Huber Heights Wayne Cincinnati Elder Piqua Amherst Steele Amherst Steele St. Henry Cincinnati Monroe St. Henry Kettering Alter Coldwater Massillon Washington Cleveland St. Ignatius Cincinnati Mount Healthy St. Paris Graham Piqua Hamilton Kings Mills Kings Dublin Scioto

anybody in the MAC, we’ve got great facilities here now and it is a much easier sell.” And several 2010 Ohio gridders are already sold on Ball State. The Cardinals have received verbal commitments from Xenia offensive lineman Dakota Anderson, Padua Franciscan defensive end Anthony Stryffeler, Westerville South wide receiver Jack Tomlinson, Clayton Northmont defensive back Quintin Cooper, Spencerville offensive lineman Tyler Obringer and Cincinnati Moeller tight end David Schneider. As of print time, Parrish and his staff have extended scholarship offers to nearly two dozen other Ohio players. “We’ve just got to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” Parrish said. “I’m an Ohioan. I am proud of being from Ohio and I love Ohio. “Enough said.” — OH

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Boys Basketball Recruiting Update

STORY BY JEFF RAPP

Columbus Northland senior J.D. Weatherspoon is still undecided on college. He previously committed to Xavier before pulling out.

Photo by Gary Housteau

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

eading into the spring, Ohio High magazine produced updates on all of the top boys basketball players in the state, including our latest rankings in each class. While we won’t update those for this issue, it’s safe to say a few key developments have occurred in the last few months. Perhaps most noteworthy is that two top-tier players – including the headliner of the Class of 2011 – will not be playing ball in the Buckeye state next season. Also, the clock is ticking for the elite seniors-to-be who are still free agents in the recruiting process, although one of them recently decommitted from one prominent college program to pick another school that is closer to home. Conversely, just weeks after we unveiled our first-ever rankings for the Class of 2012, the player who tops that newly minted list bypassed years of assessment time and accepted a scholarship offer on the spot. Also, several of the premier players already have participated in some of the most prestigious camps of the offseason and a couple in-staters were on display in the biggest one of all, the LeBron James U.S. Skills Academy, held in Akron in early July.

Happy Trails

The first bombshell of the off-season came from Dayton as Thurgood Marshall point guard Juwan Staten decided at the beginning of May to transfer to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. The 5-11 Staten, who just led Thurgood Marshall all the way to the Division II state final, is considered one of the top performers in the entire state and would have been a legitimate “Mr. Basketball” candidate as a senior had he stayed put. Instead, he’ll now become a key piece to a prep program that went 41-1 last year and lost in the mythical national championship finale with Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep. Oak Hill, which is headed by longtime coach Steve Smith, has sent more than 150 players to Division I colleges in the last 25 years as well nearly three dozen who have gone on to play in the NBA. That list includes first-round draft picks Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Rod Strickland, Josh Smith, Marcus Williams, William Avery, Jerry Stackhouse and Cory Alexander. Staten has admitted that was a factor and sources close to the situation say the mercurial lead guard also is aiming for an appearance in the McDonald’s All-American Game, which is slated to be held in Columbus at Ohio State’s Value City Arena next April. “I’m really excited, kind of ecstatic really,” Staten told the Dayton Daily News. “When I was younger, I’d hear some of those names and it seemed like something so far fetched for me to be a part of. I honored to go there now.” Staten maintains that he is still “100 percent committed” to the University of Dayton and that he will return to town to play for the Flyers after his one year in Virginia. He averaged 20.4 points per game as a junior and was named firstteam all-district and second-team all-state in Division II. He also was rated as the No. 4 player in the 2010 class in our previous edition of OH. Chane Behanan, the top player in the 2011 class according to OH, also has left the state borders. A 6-7 power forward who already is ranked in the top 25 nationally among juniors-to-be, Behanan has been at the head of the class almost from the moment he splashed onto the scene at Cincinnati Aiken. He averaged 20.2 points and eight rebounds per game as a frosh but didn’t keep up the torrid pace as a soph, sometimes because he floated out to the perimeter too much and sometimes because he struggled in the post against physical players. There were even rumors late in the season that he might decommit from the University of Cincinnati. Whatever caused the drop-off it appears that it was enough cause for concern for his mother, Heaven Warren, to decide to move to Bowling Green, Ky., and enroll her son at Bowling Green High School. With Behanan now out of the state, the new king of the class appears to be 6-9 center James “Zach” Price of Lakewood St. Edward. He averaged right around 11 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots per game and helped the Eagles advance all the way to the regional tournament before the season ended with a loss to Warren Harding. Several major programs already are courting Price, including Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Wake Forest.

I’ll Take That

Two key in-state players recently accepted scholarship offers in pretty quick fashion, although one just completed his freshman season at the prep level while the other is a senior-to-be who previously was committed elsewhere.

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Boys Basketball Recruiting Update Elijah Macon, a 6-7 power forward at Columbus Marion-Franklin and a fastrising prospect in the 2012 class, attended the Mountaineers Elite Camp at West Virginia University and came home with a schollie in his pocket. Macon said WVU assistant coach Larry Harrison approached him and said he wanted the youngster to come over and talk to head coach Bob Huggins, who promptly offered Macon on the spot. The camp was held just before the June 15 mandatory date which allows programs to begin calling high school freshman and sophomores, so the Mountaineers simply beat several programs to the punch. Macon is an outstanding athlete with good size and a high upside. He topped our first list of in-state prospects for 2012. The other quick grab came from well-rated 2010 point guard Aaron Craft of Findlay Liberty-Benton, who is an All-Ohio Red AAU teammate of Staten and other top-rated seniors-to-be such as Jared Sullinger, Jordan Sibert, Adreian Payne and J.D. Weatherspoon. The 6-2 Craft said he began to rethink his future after seeing the toll all the travel was taking on his family as they tried to follow him on the AAU circuit. He made a call in late May to Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl to inform him he wanted to reopen his recruiting with an idea on finding a school closer to home. The first – and only – stop was in Columbus as he made an all-day unofficial visit to Ohio State on June 4. By the end of the weekend he was committed to the Buckeyes. “I called (Matta) and told him I wanted to be part of the Buckeye family,” Craft said. “He was excited and I was excited. It was a great time for myself and my family just to get it off my chest.” Craft averaged 19.1 ppg as a junior and was named the Northwest District Player of the Year and first-team All-Ohio in Division III. He helped lead LibertyBenton to a state title game in football in 2008 and the state final four in basketball in 2007.

Fast Break Points

* Sibert, a 6-4 shooting guard from Cincinnati Princeton who is committed to Ohio State, said that his recovery from a double fracture is ahead of schedule and that he plans to be ready to go for his senior season with the Vikings. “I have no concerns at all,” he said in late May. “None whatsoever. I’ll be back 100 percent and better than before. Everybody should look forward to a better season than last year.” Sibert was toiling with his All-Ohio Red brethren when he landed awkwardly and suffered fractures in both his lower tibia and fibula of his left leg on April 12 during the Boo Williams Invitational in Hampton, Va. He could have been out the entire summer but is now slated to return full force around the end of July. He entered the season rated as the No. 42 junior in the country by both ESPN.com and Hoop Scoop and he more than lived up to the billing by helping Princeton to the Division I state title game and a national ranking that reached as high as No. 15 by USA Today. * Sullinger, Craft, Staten and Payne all performed well at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville, Va., in mid-June. Sullinger led his team to the tournament finals and was named to the camp all-star squad. The 6-9 Sullinger and 6-10 Payne, who is still undecided on a school, also attended the Amare Stoudemire big man’s camp in Phoenix in late June and were scheduled to compete in the James camp July 5-7. * Mark Henninger, a 2010 prospect, has committed to Kent State. Henninger is a 6-7 power forward at Massillon Jackson. He was offered the scholarship by the Golden Flashes back in October. * Another 2010 talent, 6-2 point guard Nick Kellogg of Columbus DeSales, appears to be whittling down his list of schools. Kellogg claimed recently that he may be down to just five candidates: Ohio U., Miami (Ohio), James Madison, Northwestern and Indiana. His older brother, Alex, recently transferred from Providence to Ohio. Nick averaged 16.7 ppg as a junior last season and was named second-team all-state in D-II. * Cleveland Benedictine swingman Cameron Wright, a former Ohio State commitment, said recently that he is now hearing from a multitude of schools including Wisconsin, Ohio U. and Bowling Green. Wright is a 6-5 senior-to-be. * Several of the top juniors-to-be in Ohio including Price and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary power forward Jakarr Sampson were on display at the Nike Hoop Jamboree in St. Louis June 11-14. Also, 6-7 Aaron White of Strongsville made the all-tour team at the prestigious Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. Hoop Scoop’s Chris Johnson, our resident expert on Ohio talent, said White is “a 2011 kid whose stock has gone up the most in the April-May period.” — OH

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Ohio High’s Top Senior and Junior Boys Basketball Prospects The following are our updated rankings for seniors- and juniors-to-be in Ohio:

Seniors (Class of 2010)

1. Jared Sullinger, 6-9, power forward, Columbus Northland (Ohio State verbal) 2. Adreian Payne, 6-10, center, Dayton Jefferson 3. Jordan Sibert, 6-4, wing forward, Cincinnati Princeton (Ohio State) 4. Aaron Craft, 6-2, point guard, Findlay Liberty-Benton (Ohio State) 5. J.D. Weatherspoon, 6-6, wing forward, Columbus Northland 6. Geron Johnson, 6-3, shooting guard, Dayton Dunbar 7. Allen Payne, 6-6, wing forward, Cincinnati Winton Woods 8. Cameron Wright, 6-5, shooting guard, Cleveland Benedictine 9. Nick Kellogg, 6-2, point guard, Columbus DeSales 10. Griffin McKenzie, 6-9 power forward, Cincinnati Moeller 11. Ralph Hill, 6-6, wing forward, Westerville North (Dayton) 12. Derek Jackson, 6-0, point guard, Cleveland Benedictine (Central Michigan) 13. Anton Hutchins, 6-3, shooting guard, Lima Senior 14. Kenny Knight, 6-7, power forward, Cincinnati Aiken (Kent State) 15. Josh Egner, 6-7, power forward, Massillon Jackson

Juniors (Class of 2011)

1. James “Zach” Price, 6-9, center, Lakewood St. Edward 2. Jakarr Sampson, 6-8, power forward, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 3. Anton Grady, 6-8, power forward, Cleveland Central Catholic 4. Markus Crider, 6-5, wing forward, Huber Heights Wayne 5. Trey Burke, 5-11, point guard, Columbus Northland 6. Paul Honigford, 6-8, power forward, Sugarcreek Garaway 7. Stevie Taylor, 5-9, point guard, Gahanna Lincoln 8. Trey Lewis, 6-0, guard, Garfield Heights 9. Kirby Wright, 6-8, power forward, Middletown 10. Aaron Thomas, 6-4, wing forward, Cincinnati Aiken

For more updates on Ohio’s top prospects and those nationally, check out Chris Johnson’s work at hoopscooponline.com

Adreian Payne

Marcus Crider

Anton Grady

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

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