Ohio High July 2008 by Eric Frantz

oyal followers of JJHuddle.com and Ohio High Magazine have noticed a lot of changes to both the website and publication over the last 12 months. Time for another. Starting with this issue – our annual high school football preview issue – Ohio High Magazine will be quarterly. Instead of six issues, we will bring you four that will be packed with just as much information as before and more. The subscription price is also dropping to $19.95. (Current subscribers will receive all the issues they purchased - six under previous plan). Our publication schedule will be as follows: Summer Issue (Out in July): High School Football Preview, Spring Sports State Tournament Recaps, Huntington Bank/Ohio High Spring Sports Players of the Year, Boys Basketball Recruiting Updates Fall Issue (Out in October): Football Playoff Preview, High School Boys and Girls Basketball Previews, High School Wrestling Previews, Boys Basketball Recruiting Updates Winter Issue (Out in February): Boys and Girls Basketball Eric Frantz Tournament Previews, Wrestling Tournament Preview, Fall Sports State Tournament Recaps, Huntington Bank/Ohio High Fall Sports Players of the Year, Boys Basketball Recruiting Updates Spring Issue (Out in May): Initial Release of Recruiting Editor Duane Long’s Top 100 Senior Football Prospects, Winter Sports State Tournament Recaps, Huntington Bank/Ohio High Winter Sports Players of the Year, Boys Basketball Recruiting Updates That being said, we’re excited to kick-off this transformation with what we consider Ohio’s premier high school football preview and a must have for anyone who likes Friday nights in the fall. This is our most comprehensive football preview to date. In addition to including every program in the state, we have in-depth analysis on over 300 schools. We also have a recap of last year’s state finals and playoffs, predictions for this year’s winners, key games, statistics on the state’s winningest programs, state records, recruiting updates on the state top’s seniors and juniors and more. Other football features include articles on the Massillon Washington-Canton McKinley rivalry and new coaches; Newark Licking Valley senior Storm Klein (Ohio State recruit); and a recap of the Ohio North-South Classic and Big 33 games. Football fans – you want it and we have it. In addition to football coverage, we also have recaps of state tournaments for all spring sports and the unveiling of our prestigious Huntington Bank/Ohio High Players of the Year for all spring sports. We wrap the edition with three pages of basketball recruiting updates for those that like the hardwood. Dedicated to covering high school sports in Ohio like no other media outlet, Ohio High is the state's only hard copy prep publication that covers every school district in all 88 Ohio counties. We take a different approach to bringing you the news and one that we know you'll enjoy. High school sports are popular in every state, but in Ohio they take on an added importance. We understand that. And that's why we bring you Ohio High. Welcome to Ohio's premier high school sports publication. Enjoy.

Volume 6

Issue 1

Editor in Chief Steve Helwagen Managing Editor Eric Frantz Assistant Editor Matt Natali Recruiting Editor Duane Long Staff Writers Kirk Larrabee, Jeff Rapp, Dave Biddle Contributors

Heath Schneider, Heath Dawson

Photography

Gary Housteau, Nick Falzerano, Stephanie Porter, John Ritter, Greg Beers, Mark Porter, Visual Image Photography, Brian Swartz

Printing Miami Valley Sports Magazine (MVP) miamivalleysports.com

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Ohio High Magazine is published bi-monthly, four times a year. 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 within the pages. Ohio High is not authorized, sponsored or sanctioned by any university, athletic conference or athletic governing body. Subscriptions are available for $19.95 and may be purchased online at jjhuddle.com. Single copy price is $6.95 each. c Copyright 2008, Ohio High Magazine and MVP Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. COVER PHOTOS: Gary Housteau, Nick Falzerano & Stephanie Porter

Eric Frantz Managing Editor

Spring Sports Recaps

Spring Sports Players Of The Year

A look back at the state boys tennis, baseball, softball and boys and girls state track tournaments

The Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Players of the Year in softball, baseball, boys tennis, boys track, boys field events, girls track and girls field events

Ohio High Cup Final Standings

Ohio High Coach Of The Year

2008 High School Football Preview

Photo by Visual Image Photography, Inc

Lakewood St. Edward wins fifth annual all-sports award Marion Local football coach Tim Goodwin wins overall honor Division and region overviews and inside looks at some of the state’s top teams and players Division I

24 31 38

Division II

Division III

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64 66 68 70

44 50 57

13 Photo by Nick Falzerano

Division IV Division V

Division VI

Ohio High School Football Facts and Figures Key Games for the 2008 regular season

Duane Long’s Top Senior Prospects Update

Duane Long’s Top Junior Prospects Update

Photo by Mark Porter

72 Massillon-McKinley Rivalry

Ohio’s top rivalry gets new look with pair of new coaches

74 Licking Valley’s Storm Klein

Ohio State recruit ready to get back to state title game Also...

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Pennsylvania Wins Big 33, North Takes Ohio Classic

Boys Basketball Recruiting Update

80 Photo by Gary Housteau

Spring Sports Round Up

STORY BY DAVE BIDDLE & MATT NATALI

First Time Winners Rule State Baseball And Softball Championships State Baseball & Softball

Five of eight titlists claim

school’s first championship on the diamond; Three others

add to trophy cases

he 81st annual State Baseball and 31st annual State Softball tournaments were held June 5-7. The baseball tournament was held at Clipper Stadium in Columbus for the last time. Next year the event moves to the Columbus Clippers new venue (10,000-seat Huntington Park). The softball tournament on the other hand debuted at its new locale – Akron’s Firestone Stadium. For years the state tournament was held in Ashland. Below we take a look at the results:

St. Edward Wins Division I Baseball Title Over Rival St. Ignatius

The Division I state baseball championship was a classic rivalry game between two familiar foes with the underdog rising to the top. Clinging to a 3-2 lead heading into the final inning, Lakewood St. Edward scored three runs in the top of the seventh defeating bitter rival Cleveland St. Ignatius 6-2 for its second state championship in school history on June 7 at Cooper Stadium in Columbus. Sophomore pitcher/shortstop Stetson Allie recorded the save for the Eagles (24-6) and also clubbed a pair of doubles to lead the offense. “I was feeling real comfortable at the plate,” Allie said. “They weren’t really throwing me anything I could hit, but I was able to hit the ones when they made a mistake. “Pitching-wise, I felt good the first couple of innings. But that last inning, I was gassed. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get through it. This is just a great feeling – I love it.” It was a crushing loss for St. Ignatius (28-6), which ended the regular season with the No. 3 state ranking according to the Associated Press. Ahead by just one run with an inning left, Mike Fox led off with a double down the right field line for St. Ed’s. Nick Embrogno then laid down a bunt and all hands were safe as St. Ignatius unsuccessfully tried to throw Fox out at third. Embrogno stole second on the first pitch to sophomore catcher Alex Lavisky. Lavisky then cracked a line-drive single over the shortstop which scored Fox and Embrogno as the Eagles took a command-

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Hamler Patrick Henry won its first baseball title with a 10-0 shutout of Berlin Hiland in the Division IV championship game. ing 5-2 lead. St. Edward added one more run as a wild pitch plated Lavisky to make the score 6-2. In the bottom of the seventh, St. Ignatius put runners on second and third, but Allie was able to get a fly ball to left which ended the game as the Eagles celebrated. St. Edward and St. Ignatius split their meetings in the regular season with St. Edward winning 11-4 and St. Ignatius winning 7-2. Mike Nieberding joined Allie and Fox each had two hits for St. Edward. Frank DeSico, Joe Dorocak and Kirby Becker each had two hits for the Wildcats.

Walsh Jesuit Wins Third D-II Baseball Title In Six Years, Fourth Overall

Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit captured its fourth

Division II state baseball championship – and its third in the last six years – with a 6-0 win over Canal Winchester on June 7 at Cooper Stadium in Columbus. The Warriors have built somewhat of a dynasty in recent years, winning state titles in 1999, 2004, 2006 and now this year. Walsh (30-3) was led by the steady pitching of senior David Starn. The 6-3 lefty was solid all day against Canal and moved to 10-1 on the season with the victory. “Oh, I felt great out there,” Starn said. “And then my teammates got me pumped up making plays behind me. That’s all I can ask for. This is a great feeling. “When we won in ’06, I didn’t play much, I was just on the team. We had a good group of seniors that year and we just wanted to follow them this year. That has been our goal ever since was to win

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Spring Sports Round Up

Canton Central Catholic Claims First Baseball Title In Third Attempt

Canton Central Catholic cruised to an 8-0 Division III state championship win over Hamilton Badin thanks to the arm and offense of Taylore Baker. Baker threw a three-hitter striking out three and walking three while adding a home run and two RBIs June 7 at Columbus’ Cooper Stadium to solidify the title. No. 15-ranked Canton Central Catholic (30-4) lost in the 1997 and 2003 state finals. Eric Gerbus had two hits for the No. 13-ranked Rams. Hamilton Badin (26-7) was in the hunt for its third state championship winning titles in 1991 and 1996.

Reese Paces Hamler Patrick Henry In Division IV Baseball Title Game

Hamler Patrick Henry shutout Berlin Hiland 10-0 in the Division IV baseball state title game June 7 at Columbus’ Cooper Stadium as Kyle Reese was a one-man wrecking crew. Reese pitched a gem allowing just one hit and recorded two hits and two RBIs to lead the No. 1 Patriots (28-3) to their first state title in their second

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trip. He also had five strikeouts and allowed no walks in the title game cut short by the 10-run mercy rule. Hiland’s (28-4) only hit was a single off the bat of Brandon Wengard in the fourth inning. The Hawks were state runners-up in 2000.

North Canton Hoover Outlasts Elyria In Extra Innings For D-I Softball Title

Erin Riccardi singled in a two-out RBI in the bottom of the 10th inning to give North Canton Hoover

Canfield Raises Softball State Trophy For First Time Ever

In their first trip to the state softball tournament, the Canfield Cardinals claimed the Division II title with a 6-0 over Celina June 7 at Akron’s Firestone Stadium. Canfield (23-4-1) was paced by senior hurler Tricia Bettura striking out nine in the shutout. Bettura also had two hits and a couple RBIs for the Cardinals. No. 6-ranked Canfield got a run in the first inning on a Beturra RBI single and fielder’s choice in the fourth inning with Kasey McMurray crossing the plate. In the fifth, Melaine West singled in an RBI Lauren Sulick added another on a single to put Canfield up 5-0. Beturra singled in Brittany Danilov in the top of the sixth to give Canfield the 6-0 final. Unranked Celina (24-4) was making its second appearance in the state softball tournament.

Hebron Lakewood Wins D-III Softball Title In First Trip To State Tourney

a state championship.” For Canal (22-13), it marked the Indians’ first-ever appearance in the state championship game. In fact, the only other trip to the state semifinals was all the way back in 1949. Canal ended the regular season with a 14-12 record and was unranked in the state poll. At the end of the first frame, the Warriors were staked to a 2-0 lead. With one out, junior second baseman Joe Pawlowski drew a walk. He moved to second on a wild pitch and came around to score on senior shortstop Ross Brunello’s double to right. Brunello was then brought home on a single up the middle from sophomore first baseman Ryan Berry. In the bottom of the second, Walsh struck again. Junior right fielder Matt Keller led off with a single, which chased Canal starting pitcher Bryan Bogart from the game (1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 K 1 BB). The Indians replaced him with junior Wes White. White was greeted with a single from junior catcher James Toland which put runners on first and second. Then, senior centerfielder Alex Ferrara ripped the ball into right which scored Keller to make the score 3-0 Walsh. However, Ferrara injured himself trying to get out of the batter’s box (it looked like a right ankle sprain) and was thrown out at first. Following a walk from junior LF Matthew Pollock, Pawlowski drove in Toland with a ground out to make the count 4-0 in favor of the Warriors. Following an error from Canal and a wild pitch in the botom of the sixth, Pollock drove in Brandon Budnick with a line drive single to center. That was all for White who was replaced on the mound by Dosch. Dosch got the final two outs of the inning to keep the score at 6-0 in favor of Walsh. When the final out of the game was recorded on a ground ball to first, Sharn and his teammates threw their hats and gloves in the air and mobbed each other in front of the mound. “It’s just incredible that we were able to pull together and win the way we did,” Sharn said.

Canton Central Catholic captured its first state baseball title with an 8-0 win over Hamilton Badin in Division III. a 1-0 Division I state championship win over Elyria June 7 at Akron’s Firestone Stadium. It marked the fourth softball state title for No. 3 Hoover (32-2), including a win over Elyria in 2006. Elyria (28-2) has finished state runner-up three consecutive years. Hoover pitcher Jessica Simpson (31-2) and Elyria junior Tess Sito (27-2) went toe-to-toe for 10 innings until Riccardi’s single in the 10th. Simpson recorded six strikeouts, one walk and allowed only two hits to end her prep career before heading to Miami (Oh.) to pitch for the RedHawks. Sito struck out 14 batters and allowed just four hits and two walks. In the bottom of the 10th, Hoover’s McKenna Russ legged out a bunt with two outs and stole second to get into scoring position setting up Riccardi’s late-game heroics. Meagan Bashak had both of Elyria’s hits.

Top-ranked Hebron Lakewood edged Wellington 5-3 in the Division III softball state championship June 7 at Akron Firestone’s Stadium to win its first girls state title in school history. Lakewood (32-2) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the third inning with Sarah Wogan drawing a walk and Meagan Swiantek reaching on an error to open the inning. Emily Voehringer followed with a two-run double and Chelsea Riley singled. Wellington recorded an out to slow the bleeding, Lindsay Barrett hit a threerun home run for the 5-0 lead. Unranked Wellington (23-5) plated three runs – twice in the fifth and once in the sixth – to cut the lead. Wellington sent the tying run to the plate in the seventh inning but Lakewood hurler Alissa Birkhimer forced a groundout to seal the state championship. Birkhimer, an Indiana recruit, struck out eight and gave up six hits in the game.

Underdog Danville Records First D-IV State Softball Championship

Unranked Danville got a home run from Baihley Presley in the fourth inning to give the Blue Devils the lead for good over North Lewisburg Triad in a 42 win in the Division IV state championship game June 7 at Akron’s Firestone Stadium. Danville (22-6) was making its first appearance in the softball state tournament. Presley also pitched a complete game allowing just one run. Her homerun gave Danville a 2-1 lead and she singled in Molly Pugh in the sixth for the 3-0 advantage. Pugh then drove in Hannah Matheny on a fielder’s choice to put Danville up 4-0. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Triad’s Brittany Graves led off with a single and Morgan Perry doubled to put runners on first and third. Perry scored on a past ball to cut the lead 4-2. But an Amber Herron groundout sealed the win for Danville. Fourth-ranked Triad (21-10) earned the dubious honor of becoming the first team in state history to lose three straight titles games. Hours after the defeat, the Cardinals were joined by Elyria who lost its third straight D-I title. — OH

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Spring Sports Round Up

STORY BY OHIO HIGH STAFF

State Tennis

Queen City Schools Dominate 89th Annual Boys State Tennis Tournament

Cincinnati Indian Hill sweeps

Cincinnati St. Xavier senior Patrick Bandy failed to make it back to the D-I singles final, but the Bombers did win their third straight D-I coaches association team state title.

Division II titles, Lakota West’s Lippert claims D-I

singles championship

he 89th annual boys’ state tennis tournament had several familiar faces, but also gave way to newly crowned champions May 30-31 at Ohio State University’s Stickney Tennis Center. It also gave a solid glimpse of the young talent the state will have next year and beyond. Cincinnati Indian Hill swept the Division II singles and doubles titles. Junior Devin McCarthy, a state doubles champion as a freshman and runnerup as a sophomore, defeated Gahanna Columbus Academy senior Will Petrie 6-4, 6-4 to win the singles title. “It gives you some confidence and lets you know what you did paid off,” McCarthy said. Like several high school players, McCarthy will undoubtedly have a busy schedule this summer with a full slate of tournaments. Indian Hill coach Chris Hemingway said he was awfully proud of McCarthy’s determination. “He got a great draw and he played by far his best match of the year,” Hemingway said. Petrie, who will attend Williams College (Massachusetts) next season, said McCarthy took advantages of opportunities. “I knew it was going to be a tough match because he can hurt you from anywhere on the court,” Petrie said. “He did that and battled through in the end.” Senior Billy Strunk and junior Omar Salama won the Braves’ second doubles title in the past three seasons. Hemingway said Strunk and Salama got significantly better the past couple of weeks. “They just played better every single match,” Hemingway said. Strunk and Salama defeated Beachwood senior Grant Aronson and sophomore Mark Goldberg 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). In Division I, West Chester Lakota West junior Wyatt Lippert, who was third the past two seasons in singles, won the singles title with a win over New Albany junior Peter Kobelt 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. “It’s amazing; it’s a great feeling,” Lippert said. Lippert, who is 34-1 this season, said he and Kobelt are good friends and have played together and against each other in the past.

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Photo by Nick Falzerano

Kobelt, who had 29 wins this season, said it’s never fun playing a friend. But, he gave credit to Lippert for making solid shots on the court. “No one deserves (the state title) more than him,” said Kobelt, who plans to make college visits that include Ohio State and Notre Dame this summer. In D-I doubles, Columbus Bishop Watterson junior Philip Diaz and freshman Chris Diaz defeated Cincinnati St. Xavier seniors Marc Pretorius and Jonathan Gaffney 7-5, 6-4. Watterson coach Barb Woods said the brothers were consistent and calm throughout the match. “They stayed together as a team and that was

the whole bottom line,” Woods said. Despite the loss, St. X coach Russ King said his team quickly turned its focus to the state team tournament, which the Bombers won June 1. It was St. X’s third consecutive state team tournament title. The Bombers, the state’s No. 1 ranked Division I team this season, had three seniors sign with colleges, including Patrick Bandy (Kentucky), Pretorius (Xavier) and Gaffney (Washington and Lee). In Division II, Columbus Academy downed Cincinnati Seven Hills for the team championship. – OH

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Spring Sports Round Up

State Track

Cleveland Beaumont’s Record 16th Title Highlights State Track and Field Championships

Cleveland Heights ends

Glenville’s five-year hold on Boys D-I title; Two jumpers

clear 7-0 in High Jump

he 101st annual boys and 34th annual girls OHSAA state track and field championships were contested June 6-7 at the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on the campus of the Ohio State University. While Cleveland Glenville failed to run its string of Division I boys titles to six, another Cleveland school – Beaumont – did establish a new record for all-time state team titles with its 16th. The Blue Streaks captured their second straight D-I girls team title to give them one more than the Glenville boys program. Beaumont was led by senior standouts Emily Infeld and Aareon Payne, who were again among the state’s – and nation’s – elite. Infeld became the 15th girl in OHSAA history to win an event four times when she won the 800 (2:09.12). She also defended her title in the 1,600 (4:47.31). Infeld is headed to Georgetown University. Payne, a USC recruit, won the 200 (23.88) for the third time and also finished first in the 100 (11.78) and 400 relay (47.53). Other highlights from the state meet included:

Bluffton Earns First Team Championship

Bluffton senior John Guagenti (see page 14) took home four first place medals in D-III, but Guagenti’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t the hardware he wore around his neck. It was the smile his head coach Steve Bruskotter wore on his face. “He’s not a very happy guy,” Guagenti said laughing. “He’s pretty stern and he’ll say ‘Well that was pretty good, but you can do better.’ After today what’s he got to say? “Seeing him smile is better than winning state.” Guagenti is more than qualified to compare the two. Thanks in part to his heroics, Bluffton captured its first state track title with a 54-40 win over Gates Mills Gilmour Academy. The title also caps the career of Bruskotter who announced his retirement after this season three weeks ago. The state title was the final and largest feather in his cap.

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Miamisburg senior Michael Willey defended his 300-hurdle title and also finished second in the 110 hurdles and 200-meter dash. “If you had to pick a scenario on how you wanted to go out, this would be it,” Bruskotter said. “How could it be any better? The way these kids performed you can’t ask for any more.” The state title is just the second in Bluffton’s trophy case and will now accompany the school’s Class A state wrestling title from 1981. The effort was one of total domination. The Pirates 800 relay team of Zach Guagenti, Jesse Herr, Ricardo Pena and John Guagenti set new Ohio and state meet records with a time of 1:28.47. The old state meet record of 1:29.62 was set by Waynesfield-Goshen in 2006. The quartet bettered its own state record of 1:29.12 set last week at the Tiffin Regional.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

John Guagenti added victories in the 400 (state meet record time of 47.46) and 200 (22.17), while the 1,600 relay (same quartet as the 800) won in 3:21.44. The 1,600 relay mark was a new school record. Senior Kory Place was second in the shot put (56-2.75) and Bluffton also finished third in the 400 relay.

Sandusky Perkins, CVCA Capture D-II Team Titles

Sandusky Perkins won the boys D-II team title, while Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy won the girls trophy. The title was Perkins second in track

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Spring Sports Round Up

STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

St. John Central Wins D-III Title Outright

Bellaire St. John Central claimed the D-III girls team title outright after sharing it with Gates Mills Gilmour Academy last year. The win also snapped Gilmour’s string of consecutive state titles at three. St. John Central was state runner-up in 2005 and 2006. The Irish, who qualified athletes to state in 13 events, were led by the 800 relay team (Kylie Kidder, Emily Hawthorne, Alexis Campbell and Justene Delman), which set a new meet record (1:43.21). The same quartet also won the 400 relay (49.62).

Photo by Gary Housteau

The victory was somewhat subdued by the fact that Howard’s sister DeNeasha pulled up lame in the 400 relay prelims with a hamstring pull and had to sit out the second day of competition. “This goes to my sister since she can’t run anymore,” DeVonne Howard said. “I’m getting emotional about it, but she’s done because she pulled her hamstring in the 4x100. I won’t get to run with her in the 4x200. All my medals go to her.” Both sisters will run at Akron.

Kynard Clears 7-0 In D-I High Jump

Toledo Rogers junior Erick Kynard cleared 7-0 in the high jump to capture the D-I state title. Kynard was just the ninth jumper ever to clear 7-0 at the state meet and the first to do it in D-I since Lakewood St. Edward’s Rudy Currie in 1992.

Cleveland Beaumont seniors Emily Infeld (left) and Aareon Payne (right) combined for five state titles in leading the Blue Streaks to a record 16th title. Photo by Gary Housteau

(1984) and CVCA’s first. Perkins was led by senior Cory Leslie who won the 800 (in a state and meet record time of 1:50.77) and the 1,600 (4:12.44). Leslie also anchored the 3,200 relay to a second place finish. Other key performers for the Pirates were sophomore Matthew Hoty who came through with a first place in the shot put with a meet record heave of 62-0.25 and junior Kyle Steinhauser who added a second place finish in the discus (180-5). CVCA, which sent 11 athletes to state, received outstanding performances from juniors Katie Gillespie and Jeannette Pettigrew. Gillespie swept the 1,600 (5:02.42) and 3,200 (11:00.71), while Pettigrew placed third in the long jump (18-0) and fourth in the 100 (12.51) and 200 (25.59). Pettigrew was also part of CVCA’s 400 relay team, which was disqualified in the finals after posting the second fastest time in the prelims.

Trotwood-Madison set an all-divisions state record in the 1,600 relay (3:13.46). Photo by Gary Housteau

Trotwood-Madison Sets AllDivision Record In 1,600 Relay

Springfield South’s Cassandra Lloyd won the D-I 100 hurdles title. Lloyd was the final South athlete to compete in state competition. Next year Springfield South and North will form Springfield High School.

Although the absence of standout sprinter Michael Shaw hurt the Rams in the team race (finished fifth), Trotwood did put a stamp on the D-I state meet with an all divisions state record of 3:13.46 in the 1,600 relay (William Henry, Jordon Paschal, Donte Lyons and Derricus Purdy). Cleveland John Adams set the previous state record of 3:13.57 in 1984. The Ram quartet of Lyons, Purdy, Henry and Chris Burrows also captured the 800 relay title (1:25.44).

is headed to Auburn, narrowly missed three attempts at 7-2.5.

After a disappointing finish at last year’s state meet (sixth) following a state championship as a sophomore, Napoleon senior Ryan Fleck (see page 15) rebounded to win the D-II high jump with a state and meet record leap of 7-1.5. Fleck, who

Senior DeVonne Howard didn’t break the state record like she did last year, but the Orrville senior still repeated as state champion in the D-II long jump (18-10.25). All six of Howard’s jumps were over 18-feet.

Fleck Breaks 31-Year Old High Jump Record

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Miamisburg senior Michael Willey defended his D-I 300 hurdles title with a time of 36.59. Willey, headed to Purdue, also finished second in the 110 hurdles (14.18) and 200 (21.71) to help the Vikings place third in the team competition. Fellow Burg senior Greg Roeth was second in the 3,200 (9:16.20).

Posey Helps LaSalle Finish D-I Runner-Up

Cleveland Heights Unseats Glenville In D-I

A Cleveland school won the D-I boys team title but for the first time since 2002 it wasn’t Glenville. Cleveland Heights won its third title overall to go with shared-championships in 1941 and 1982. Ironically, Heights coach Claude Holland was the head coach at John Adams in 1982, when that school tied Heights for the title. The Tigers qualified an athlete to state in every event except the 400 and captured the team title despite not having one individual state champion.

Burg’s Willey Defends D-I 300 Hurdles title

Orrville’s Howard Repeats In D-II Long Jump

Standout receiver and Ohio State football recruit DeVier Posey showed he’s pretty good at track, too. Posey won the D-I 400 (47.41) and finished fourth in both the 100 (10.87) and 200 (21.86). Posey’s teammate Chandler Burden added state titles in the discus (187-6) and shot put (612.5) as the Lancers finished runner-up in D-I to Cleveland Heights (44-41).

Springfield South’s Lloyd Wins School’s Final State Title

Next year when students in Springfield head to high school, they’ll go to one building and not two with the consolidation of North and South highs into simply Springfield High School. That being said, South senior Cassandra Lloyd captured the Wildcats final state title with a first place finish in the D-I 100 hurdles (14.31). North senior Mario Troutman was the last athlete to represent the Panthers. He finished in a five-way tie for eighth in the D-I high jump.

Walnut Hills Sets D-I Girls 1,600 Relay State Record

The Cincinnati Walnut Hills quartet of Landi Wilson, Shauniece Steele, Ashley Liverpool and Nicole Patterson set a new state and state meet record in the D-I 1,600 relay with a time of 3:45.89. Wilson, Steele and Liverpool also teamed with Kelly Thomas to win the 800 relay (1:38.60).

Durkin Breaks D-I 3,200 Record

Worthington Kilbourne senior Claire Durkin established a new meet record in the D-I 3,200

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with a time of 10:25.95. She finished 12 seconds ahead of the second-place runner.

Buchtel’s Tucker Takes Home Three Firsts

Tiffany Tucker nearly made it four-for-four, but Buchtel’s second place in the 1,600 relay (3:55.50) kept the senior from claiming four gold medals. Tucker won the 100 hurdles (14.80), 300 hurdles (43.97) and ran on the winning 800 relay (1:42.26).

Photo by Gary Housteau

Spring Sports Round Up

Bishop Hartley Shows Sprint Strength

Warrensville Heights Establishes Relay Record

The Warrensville Heights foursome of Maria Tompkins, Asia Hill, Angelique Lykes and Daianna Barron set a new state and meet record in the D-II 1,600 relay with a time of 3:51.22.

Caldwell Repeats In D-III Pole Vault

Gnadenhutten Indian Valley junior Kayla Caldwell won her second straight D-II pole vault title and broke her own meet record with a vault of 12-4. Photo by Gary Housteau

The Columbus Bishop Hartley girls program flexed its sprinting strength in D-II. Sophomores CharAnna Dixon and Chesna Sykes finished first (12.39) and third (12.42), respectively, in the 100, while freshman Aisha Cavin captured the 200 title (25.17). Junior Ashlee Hoffman was sixth in the 200 (25.67). The quartet also finished first in the 400 relay (47.80).

Green’s Ahbe Breaks Own Record In D-I Pole Vault

Gnadenhutten Indian Valley junior Kayla Caldwell continued her reign in the D-II pole vault by winning her second straight state title and tieing her own state meet mark with a vault of 1204. Caldwell was state runner-up as a freshman. Mineral Ridge senior Nicole Honsaker had a memorable meet by earning four medals. Honsaker was first in the 100 hurdles (15.0), 300 hurdles (44.27) and long jump (18-1). She also anchored the eighth place 1,600 relay (4:09.46). Honsaker is undecided on college as of now but may get some offers after her performance. “Yeah,” Honsaker said. “My mom and all them said ‘Keep your options open.’” Honsaker is versatile. Last year she made the state meet in the 100 and 200 in addition to the long jump and 1,600 relay.

Morgan Continues To Mow Them Down

Barnesville junior Stephanie Morgan (see page 15) continued her run as one of the country’s top middle-distance runners when she defended her 800 (2:09.87) and 1,600 (4:45.21) titles. Morgan’s 800 time was a state and state meet record.

Bergman Comes Through For D-III Hurdles Sweep

Tiny New Bremen (pop. 2,909) calls itself “One of Ohio’s Best Kept Secrets.” The same can’t be said for its boys hurdles program. The cat is out of

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

A year after setting the D-I state meet pole vault record, Green junior Kelsie Ahbe did it again. Last year, Ahbe cleared 12-1, while this year she vaulted 12-4.

Warrensville Heights set a state and meet record in the 1,600 relay (3:51.22). Photo by Gary Housteau

Honsaker Earns Three Golds, Four Medals

I) ever raced,” Bergman laughed. “At that point in time I wasn’t even mentioned in the same sentence as Troy.” Now he is. Currently running at Cincinnati, Lammers qualified for three straight state meets in both hurdles events. He won back-to-back titles in the 300 hurdles in 2004 and 2005 and finished fourth in 2003. In the 110s, Lammers was second in 2003, third in 2004 and fifth in 2005. After qualifying in both events in 2006 and failing to make it out of prelims, Bergman was poised to stand atop the podium last season. A third place finish in the 110s fueled him in the 300 where he had the lead and seemingly the state title heading into the last hurdle. At the tape, Columbus Grove’s Heath Nickles edged Bergman out by less than .01 seconds. A picture of the disappointment has hung on Bergman’s wall for a year. “That left a bitter taste in my mouth,” Bergman said. “I used that as my motivation this year. It was always in the back of my head.” Bergman outlasted a tremendous field to win both events. In the 110s he beat Nickles (Ohio State) and Waynesfield-Goshen’s Gray Horn (Florida). In the 300s he again held off Nickles and upstart Tim Sanders of Delphos Jefferson who each clocked under 39 seconds. Bergman will run at the Air Force Academy next year.

Dayton Christian seniors John and Walter Luttrell didn’t lead the Warriors to another D-III team title but each did claim individual titles, with John (left) winning the 1,600 and Walter winning the 3,200.

the bag there. For the sixth straight season, New Bremen had a runner in both the boys D-III 110 and 300 hurdles at the state track and field championships. And for the first time, the Cardinals delivered first place finishes in both. Carrying on a tradition established by Troy Lammers in 2003, New Bremen senior Bryce Bergman swept the 110 (14.78) and 300 hurdles (38.49). “My freshman year was the last time (Troy and

D-III Pole Vault Records Fall

Nickles and Troy Christian senior Mackenzie Wills (see page 14) established new state meet records in the D-III pole vault. Wills, who set the state record (13-0) two weeks ago in the districts, cleared 12-5 for the title and new meet mark. Nickels set both state and meet records when he cleared 16-1.5 to win. Last year Nickles won the state with a vault of 15-4.

Hermiller Defends D-III 100 Title, Adds 400 relay crown

Delphos St. John’s junior Cameron Hermiller proved again that he’s the fastest runner in D-III. Hermiller defended his 100 title (11.01) and also anchored the Blue Jays to victory in the 400 relay (43.21). Hermiller was fourth in the 200 (22.61).

Luttrell Brothers Come Through Again

Dayton Christian’s senior brother tandem of Walter and John Luttrell didn’t lead the Warriors to their second straight D-III team title, but the duo did land a pair of individual championships. Walter Luttrell defended his title and set a meet record in the 3,200 (9:16.29), while John Luttrell won the 1,600 (4:20.65) after finishing second last year. — OH

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY OHIO HIGH STAFF

S p r i n g S p o r t s P l a y e r s o f t h e Ye a r Boys Track Boys Field Events Girls Track Girls Field Events Baseball Softball Tennis

he spring athletic season wrapped up the 2007-08 school year. As always, we have individual award winners who were

selected as the Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Players of the Year in each sport. The spring awards go to the top athletes in

Boys Tennis

Third Time The Charm For Lakota West’s Lippert

f you saw Wyatt Lippert after his victorious state title match, you had to notice his cell phone wasn’t too far away. The West Chester Lakota West junior estimated he received upward of 20 text messages and e-mails after he won the Division I state singles title May 31 at Ohio State University’s Stickney Tennis Center. “I got a lot more than I sent out,” Lippert said a few days after the tournament. “It was truly overwhelming, but I knew something like that would happen.” So it wasn’t surprising when Lippert, who was third at state the past two seasons, received a warm welcome back in West Chester from friends, classmates and school officials. “People were just shaking my hand and said congratulations,” Lippert said. “There are a lot of cool people at West. (But) I can’t let (the state title) go to my head.” It doesn’t seem likely that would happen to Lippert, the Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Boys Tennis Player of the Year. “Wyatt is not just the most talented player West Chester I’ve ever been associated with but he is one of the highest character human beings,” Lakota West Lakota West coach Mike Mueller said. Lippert knew he would have an opportunity this season after the graduation of former multiple state champion Matt Allare of Kings Mills Kings. Allare now plays for Ohio State. “State title or no state title, Lakota West is very fortunate to have athletes like Wyatt Lippert,” Lakota West athletic director Gerry Weisgerber said. “He is such a hard worker. He is respectful to others and he does things the right way.” It was the first individual tennis title, male or female, in Lakota District history. Lippert finished the season with a singles record of 31-1 and became just the fifth Lakota West athlete to win an individual state title. “We are very proud of Wyatt for all that he has accomplished,” Weisgerber said. “Finishing third his first two years was outstanding enough, but when he won the state title this year, I’m sure it was a special moment for him and his family. He always represents Lakota West well.” While Lippert knows he won’t forget the title, he is eager to start the several tournaments he will compete in across the country this summer. “I am going to keep working and just pretend like it’s a regular year,” said Lippert, who defeated New Albany junior and good friend Peter Kobelt 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the state final. “I am going to definitely keep working hard.” The 16-year-old Lippert, who will turn 17 on July 24, said there is always room for improvement. He wants to play in college and turn pro one day.

Wyatt Lippert

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h io H i g h

boys tennis, softball, baseball and boys and girls track and field. Here is a roundup of the spring individual award winners.

“I want to work on my serve and make my first serve a little more consistent and harder,” Lippert said. “I want to work on my backhand returns and just work on everything overall.” Lippert said he will have an extensive workout regiment that includes weightlifting and running this summer. All of those workouts should bode well for next spring when he will have an opportunity to defend his title. “I’m not surprised at all that Lippert won (this spring) – he is in a class by himself,” Cincinnati Sycamore coach Mike Teets said. During the summer tournaments, the newlycrowned state champion will certainly catch the attention of college coaches, who can begin Photo by Nick Falzerano speaking with him July 1. Lippert is a five-star recruit, according to TennisRecruiting.net. He is ranked No. 46 nationally of the top 50 players in the 2009 class, according to the site. Lippert, who has an overall record of 77-17 (82 percent), didn’t mention any specific schools but said he would be interested in attending a college program in the southeast. He said he plans to visit a couple of schools this summer. “I like Ohio a lot but I think college-wise I am looking at the southeast - that would be really cool,” said Lippert, who wants to major in architecture. “I haven’t made any decisions yet.” Lippert’s place as one of the state’s premier prep players is cemented. Lippert won out of a field of 621 singles players who started the sectional tournament May 12. He defeated 13 of them from the field and all but one in straight sets. A first-team all-state player, he was the Greater Miami Conference co-player of the year. His only loss of the season came to Cincinnati Oak Hills senior Chris Keck, who won 6-3, 5-7, 4-6 April 8 at Oak Hills. “Wyatt is a great player,” Cincinnati St. Xavier coach Russ King said. “He can vary his style of play and he gives his opponent little to attack or exploit. As he demonstrated in the Kobelt match, he never gives up and can easily run off several straight games at any point in the match. Wyatt is in great position to repeat as state champion.”

Lakota West junior Wyatt Lippert won the D-I state singles title.

– Ohio High Staff

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S p r i n g S p o r t s P l a y e r s o f t h e Ye a r

Girls Field Events

Troy Christian’s Wills Sets Ohio Pole Vault Record

Mackenzie Wills

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Boys Track

– Ohio High Staff

Guagenti Delivers Four Firsts, Team Title At D-III State Meet

uring his 32-year run as head track coach at Bluffton High School, Steve Bruskotter has been questioned often as to who the best runner he’s ever coached is. Now he has his answer – John Guagenti. “I’ve been asked that quite a few times,” Bruskotter said. “Now that everything is over and you see what he Bluffton accomplished at the end, I’d have to say he’s No. 1.” Guagenti was No. 1 four times to be exact at the 101st annual boys Ohio state track and field championships held June 67 at Ohio State’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Guagenti placed first in the Division III 200 and 400 meters and anchored the Pirates’ winning 4x200 and 4x400 relays. With his four firsts, Guagenti became just the 10th male athlete in the state meet’s 101-year history – and just the third in the last 56 years – to claim four gold medals on Ohio’s grandBluffton’s John est stage. Guagenti won Guagenti’s heroics also helped Bluffton capture 200, 400, 800 its first team title in track relay and and just the second state 1,600 relay title in school history (won wrestling in 1982). titles at the DGuagenti is the 2008 III state meet Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Boys Track Runner of the Year. “Obviously an outstanding job,” Bruskotter said. “What an outstanding athlete. Besides being apart of four first places, he’s the best I’ve really seen all the way around.” Bruskotter has seen some greats. He coached state runner-up teams in 1978, 1985 and 1994 and led the Bluffton girls to a second place finish in 2000. He’s never had an athlete quite like Guagenti though. “Great motivator, fan-

John Guagenti

Photo by Nick Falzerano

ackenzie Wills has had a very exciting year. But for her it was much more than just this year. As a pole vaulter from Troy Christian, Wills made the state meet as a freshman and as a sophomore, placing fourth and seventh, respectively. Her junior year, however, she didn’t get to Columbus. In fact, she didn’t vault at all. Plagued by injuries to both ankles, Wills had to forego her junior season in favor of two surgeries in an effort to regain health and vault her senior season. And what a senior season it was. Wills broke a record in almost every meet she participated in, setting new marks at the Division III district, regional and state meets. She also set the all-divisions state Troy Christian record when she cleared 13-0 at the Division III Milton-Union district. But again, it really started when Wills had a bad day. At the Metro Buckeye Conference meet, Wills decided to come in at 11-6 – a height she cleared with ease nearly every day this season. She failed on all three attempts. The next week at the district competition, Wills started a little lower. “I tried to keep my mind right after a rough week,” Wills said. “I came in at 11-6 and no-heighted. It was just one of those days.” The district meet, however, was not one of those days. It was one of those special days – a record-setting day in fact. After Wills came in at 10-6 – and missed her first jump – she easily cleared additional heights and moved up. And then continued to move up. Wills eventually cleared the bar at 13-0 at West Milton’s Lowery Complex setting the all division’s mark. Wills bested the state record of 12-9 set by Green High School’s Carrie Kayes (set in 2006) and Indian Valley’s Kayla Caldwell (tied in 2007). Wills went for 13-4, but wasn’t able to clear that mark, grazing the bar and knocking it down each time. At the Dayton Regional meet, Wills went 12-2. “We had the bar up there (that week in practice), we just couldn’t get it (at regionals),” Wills said. “You’d love to PR every week, but it is really Troy Christian’s hard.” With three records Mackenzie Wills set the under her belt, Wills had state (all divisions) pole just one more to attain. The long road to vault record at 13-0. Columbus mirrored her long road back to the runway and made her firstplace finish at the Division Photo by Brian Swartz III state meet that much

more valuable. Wills set her final record with a vault of 12-5 at state. “It was what I have always dreamed of,” Wills said. “Coach (Tom Daly), my vault coach Roger Bowen and my dad had all the confidence in the world in me.” Wills followed up her record-setting Ohio jaunt by adding another feather to her cap. At the Midwest Meet of Champions held in Jackson, Mich. on June 14 Wills set that meet’s pole vault record with a mark of 12-9. “(This season has been) awesome,” Wills said. “It is a blessing with everything I have gone through.”

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

S p r i n g S p o r t s P l a y e r s o f t h e Ye a r

STORY BY OHIO HIGH STAFF tastic trainer,” Bruskotter said. “He’s the most focused kid I’ve seen in track in quite a few years.” Guagenti’s path to prosperity backs that up. Although he knew running was his passion at an early age, Guagenti also moonlighted as a standout football player. His 6-4, 190 pound frame made him a standout tight end. After suffering a pulled hamstring at last year’s Northwest Conference meet that nullified his postseason, Guagenti decided not to play football this past fall. He instead ran cross country where he managed a personal best of 18:30. His decision to abandon the gridiron was not favored by all. “Some people supported me and some people didn’t,” Guagenti said. “They were disappointed I didn’t finish out my four years, but what are you going to do? It sounds selfish, but I had to put myself first for my future.” His future is on the track. Bound for the University of Findlay where sprints will be his specialty again, Guagenti dropped nearly a full two seconds off his 400 time this spring. Last year his fastest 400 was 49.3. This year he ran a 47.46 at state to set a new meet record. His time was also just a tenth of a second away from the state record. Guagenti’s leg in the 4x200 relay was also pivotal in that foursome setting a new state and meet record in the event (1:28.47). Guagenti’s sophomore year he was a member of the Pirates state championship 4x400 relay team. “He’s been focused on track for a long time,” Bruskotter said. “Ever since he was a little kid this is what he’s been aiming for. I’m so proud of him and the fact that he’s been able to achieve the goals he set at such an early age.” Said Guagenti: “I love running.”

Not any more. Fleck had three attempts at 7-2.5 and narrowly missed on the last one. Nursing an ankle injury earlier this season, Fleck said he finally felt healthy at the Greater Buckeye Conference meet on May 15, where he broke his own conference record (6-8.5). Since then he’s taken off – literally. Fleck won the Elida District with a meet record leap of 7-0 and then went a meet record 611 at the Lexington Regional. Napoleon “Earlier in the season, I had some problems with my ankle and going into league was the first time my ankle was 100-percent,” Fleck said. “From there we just went back to practice and got it done.” To get ready for the state meet Fleck jumped in the rain and sun, preparing himself for whatever elements he may face. Turned out his only real hurdle was the bar, which finally stopped him after history couldn’t. “The thing with the high jump is you’re never ever going to beat the bar,” Fleck said. “The bar is always going to beat you and you always want more.” A skilled athlete who earned All-Ohio honors in both football and basketball this year, Fleck will jump at Auburn University next season. He also weighed offers from LSU, Louisville, UCLA, Ohio State and USC. Said Fleck: “I’m pretty satisfied with the state record. I’m pretty jacked.”

Boys Field Events

Girls Track

Napoleon’s Fleck Breaks 31Year Old High Jump Record

apoleon’s Ryan Fleck can now officially forget last year. Those who watched Fleck perform at the Division II state track and field championships, though, will have a hard time forgetting him. Fleck broke a 31-year old meet record on June 7 when he cleared 7-1.5 to win the D-II high jump state title. Bellbrook’s Kevin Bryant Napoleon’s Ryan Fleck set the D-II state set the old mark of 7-0 in and state meet high jump record with 1977. The leap also estaba leap of 7-1.5. lished a new D-II state record, breaking the mark of 7-0.25 last tied by Jaye Bailey of Columbus Wehrle in 1982. Fleck, who won the state title as a sophomore, placed seventh last year after a disastrous day that saw him go out after 6-0. “It was definitely a stressful week (leading up to state),” said Fleck, the 2008 Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Boys Field Event Performer of the Year. “You don’t like to use excuses, but yeah, I didn’t do very well at the state meet last year. You try to erase it from your mind but it’s always there Photo by Nick Falzerano in some capacity.”

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h io H i g h

– Eric Frantz

Barnesville’s Morgan Adds Name To Nation’s Elite Runners

tephanie Morgan turned in arguably the most impressive performance by a high school track athlete in Ohio this year. And it wasn’t at the state track and field championships where she defended both her Division III 800- and 1,600-meter state titles. No, the Barnesville High School junior’s top race was at the prestigious Penn Relays where she turned in the third fastest mile by a high school runner this spring (4:47.22) en route to the victory. Cleveland Beaumont standout senior Emily Infeld was runner-up and a full two seconds behind (4:49.31). Morgan, who also owns the fourth fastest time nationally in the 800 this year (2:07.2), is the 2008 Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Girls Track Runner of the Year. “(Penn) was definitely a Barnesville surprise,” Morgan said. “I junior knew I could reach that Stephanie time at some point in the season, but I didn’t know I Morgan could reach it that early. It defended her was great because I wasn’t in my top peak performD-III 800 and ance. I think it was great 1,600 state turning in a time like that titles. that early in the season.” Photo by Nick Falzerano

– Eric Frantz

Ryan Fleck

J J H U D D L E . C O M 15

S p r i n g S p o r t s P l a y e r s o f t h e Ye a r

Stephanie Morgan

Softball

– Eric Frantz

Hoover’s Simpson Wraps Stellar Career With State Title

hen Jessica Simpson reached North Canton Hoover High School as a freshman, softball coach Jerry Goodpasture inserted her into the Vikings starting lineup as the team’s ace. She was the varsity pitcher from day one. “It was really more exciting than anything,” Simpson said. “It was really just a new experience and turned out to be a lot of fun. I don’t really remember having much trouble.” That’s because she didn’t – and hasn’t. For the last four years Simpson has dominated the opposition as one of Ohio’s premiere pitchers. She recently wrapped her career with a Division I state softball title and was named first team All-Ohio for North Canton the third straight season. A three-time Federal League player of the year and Hoover four-time first team all-league selection, Simpson is the 2008 Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Softball Player of the Year. “When she pitches, she is very serious,” Goodpasture said. “She hardly ever has an expression on her face when she’s on the mound. Not a whole lot bothers her out there. She’s a big game pitcher.” Simpson is a big-time hurler. Spurning courtships from Notre Dame and Michigan, Simpson will take her talents to Miami University in Oxford this fall. She carries a lot of baggage, but all of it’s good.

Jessica Simpson

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

While at Hoover, Simpson recorded some gaudy numbers. In 117 career games and 784 innings, Simpson left a significant mark on the OHSAA record book. Her 69 career shutouts are a state record, while her 103 career wins (against just 11 losses) ranks second. Simpson’s 1,162 career strikeouts are fourth all-time. She also issued 81 walks, had a 0.36 ERA, gave up 40 earned runs and had 14 no-hitters in leading the Vikings to three Federal League titles and deep postseason runs. “Hoover is definitely known for it’s pitching Hoover senior and I wanted to fulfill that role,” Simpson said. Jessica Simpson set Added Goodpasture: the state record for “We’ve had some outcareer shutouts (69). standing pitchers here in the past, and I don’t really like to compare them because they’re from different times and eras, but Jessica’s control really sticks out. She’s a hard thrower but she also has very good location and speed. When you get all that clicking together she’s unhittable.” Simpson carries six pitches in her arsenal and has been perfecting them since first grade. Hoover’s recent title run was the icing on Simpson’s high school career. This season she recorded 373 strikeouts, 22 shutouts, five no-hitters and a 0.24 ERA in leading the Vikings to a 32-2 record. She issued just 13 walks. “Going out with a state title was definitely the best way we could have gone out,” Simpson said. “We have 10 seniors on this team and we wanted desperately to end on a good note. We didn’t want to be crying after our last game because we lost it.” Now it’s Goodpasture who has a huge void to fill. “It’s definitely going to be a chore to replace her,” Goodpasture said. “Lets just say she can step it up when she needs to.”

Morgan’s future is unlimited. Born into a running family, she’s the final of four girls in the Morgan household and arguably the most talented. All three of her older sisters run or have run in college. Morgan owns the fastest times among the four siblings in every event. “We’re really close and there’s no tension there whatsoever,” Morgan laughed. “We’re just really close and I think they’re more excited when I run a faster time than I am.” The competition isn’t. Morgan ran for Barnesville Clarkston High School in Michigan as a freshman and finished second in the 1,600 at the Michigan state meet that year to older sis Jenny (then a senior). The duo also helped Clarkston claim the Michigan state title in the 4x800 relay. After returning to Ohio (where she lived as a youth) prior to the sophomore school year, Morgan finished third at the 2006 D-III state cross country meet. Last spring, she won the 800 and set a new state and meet record in the 1,600 with her winning time of 4:45.21. The mark bettered that of legendary Minster runner Sunni Olding (Notre Dame) by nearly three seconds. This past fall Morgan won the D-III state cross country title by more than a minute. She followed that with an impressive spring en route to the state championships. Once in Columbus Morgan defended her 1,600 title and then set new D-III state and state meet records in the 800 (2:09.87). Her focus now shifts to USA Junior Olympics and qualifying for the World Championships in the 1,500. “I don’t really feel like I have a target on my back,” Morgan said. “You always feel like you have pressure. I’ve felt that since my freshman year and running with my sister when she was a senior. You’re always a little nervous.” Especially if you’re Morgan’s competition.

Baseball

– Eric Frantz

DeSales’ Curl Stands Alone As Ohio’s Best Baseball Player

lready selected as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Ohio in 2008 as well as drafted by the Kansas City Royals, Ryan Curl from Columbus DeSales is the 2008 Huntington Bank/Ohio High Magazine Baseball Player of the Year. “It’s a great honor,” Curl (6-2, 190) said. “Everyone pays attention to JJ Huddle and Ohio High Magazine and it’s a great honor just to be mentioned in the magazine.” Curl’s outstanding senior campaign resulted in breaking or tying three of his high school’s single season records (hits, triples and stolen bases). In addition, he was the main catalyst behind DeSales school-record 18 consecutive wins. Now Curl is looking to the next level of competition at Miami (Ohio) University where the speedster accepted a scholarship offer in January. “It feels good to know that I’m going somewhere at the next level,” Curl said. “I haven’t had to worry about that this season and that’s taken a whole

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

S p r i n g S p o r t s P l a y e r s o f t h e Ye a r bunch of pressure off my shoulders.” After being drafted in by the Royals in the 31st round of baseball’s amateur draft, Curl knows that he has the opportunity to show the Kansas City franchise that he is a special talent this summer. Curl is a rare “five tool” player that scouts look for at sandlots across America. The funny thing is that the laid back Curl did not even know he was drafted. “Actually, I was on my way to a baseball game when I found out,” said Curl, who hit .445 this spring. “I was riding with another player on my team and my dad kept trying Columbus St. to call me and couldn’t get through. So he Francis DeSales called the phone of the friend I was riding with and I found out that way. I’m not really focusing on that right now. I’m trying not to think about it. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but I’m leaning towards college. “We haven’t finalized anything yet. The Royals are going to follow me through the summer and see how I’m doing. We might talk about that (a contract) later in the summer, but I’m not sure. It means a lot to me that the Royals thought enough of me to select me in the draft.” It will definitely be a busy summer for Curl, who will be playing all over the U.S. He heads for Cary, N.C., next for the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars where he’ll be joined by 144 of the nation’s best 17 and 18 year old players. Afterwards, he will be in Arizona for another baseball tournament. DeSales coach Tom Nuebert says that Curl is an amazing talent that has been a joy to have on the team. He readily talks about the five tools his player brought to the field. “Ryan is obviously the player that has all five tools that colleges are looking for,” Nuebert said. “He has the speed, has the arm. He can hit for average. He can hit for power. And he has a tremendous glove in the outfield for us.” Maybe the most impressive tool in Curl’s toolbox is his speed. Neubert talked about Curl’s ability on the base paths, which produced 43 steals this spring for the Stallions. “I’ve never had a player of mine that has been able to take over the game offensively like Ryan can,” Neubert said. “He changes the complexity of the game whether he’s at the plate or on the bases. I’ve seen him hit a groundball to second base this year and beat it out for a hit. I him score from third on a ball that didn’t even leave the dirt on a passed ball. It obviously gives me a lot of options of things I can do when he’s on base. Not to mention that everyone we play knows who he is and that puts pressure on the defense when you have a kid with that kind of speed either at the base or on the base paths.” Curl, who stole five bases in a game this season, has speed to burn on the

DeSales grad Ryan Curl was drafted by MLB’s Kansas City Royals.

Ryan Curl

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h io H i g h

Photo by Heath Schneider

base paths. He’s convinced that his legs will help get him where he wants to be, whether that is at college or in the pros. “I’m just going to try to hit gap-to-gap and run the bases,” Curl said. “That’s my main focus this summer. I just want to hit the ball in the gaps and run the bases. Even if I hit a ground ball, I’m going to put pressure on the defense to try to make the throw. When I’m on the base paths, I’m going to help the batter in the box because the pitcher is going to worry about me. I’m going to try to get in his head as much as I can and try to help out that way.” His coach agreed that Curl loves to help his teammates. “He’s really embraced that concept,” Neubert said. “ He’s all about this

team and trying to win right now.” Clearly, Neubert sees a big future for Curl, if he continues to improve himself and hone his skills. “Well, right now as far as I’m concerned, the sky’s the limit for Ryan,” Neubert said. “He obviously still has a lot more to work on when it comes to baseball. He’s not completely polished yet. When he gets to the next level, they’re going to work with him a lot more. The way I see him, he has the ability to be a tremendous Division I (college) player. (If he ends up in the Major Leagues) he’ll make a good run in the professional ranks as well. But he’s just having fun on the field right now and to be honest with you, it’s the furthest thing from his mind right now.” Curl agreed: “Right now I’m just having fun.”

– Heath Schneider

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

Ohio High Cup

Division I Hockey State Champions 18 J J H U D D L E . C O M

Division I Wrestling State Champions

Division I Basketball State Runner-Up

Division I Baseball State Champions

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Ohio High Cup

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN

2007-08 Ohio High Cup Standings S c h o o l s t h a t e a r n e d a t l e as t 4 p o i n t s

1 8 – L ake w ood St . Edwa rd (D ivisio n I b oys b a ske t ba l l run ne r-u p, ho ckey cha m p io ns, D -I w re st l ing cha m p i o n s , D - I b a s e b a ll c h a m p i o n s ) 1 5 – G at e s M ill s G ilm ou r Aca de m y ( D- II I vol l ey ba l l se m if ina l ist , D-I I I g ir ls cr oss cou ntr y r unne r- up , hocke y r unne r -up , D- IV b a se b al l s e m ifin al ist , D- II I g irl s tr ack runn er -up , D- II I b oys t ra ck run ne r-up ) . 1 4-1 / 2 – C uy aho g a Fal l s Wal sh Je s uit (D -I g irl s so cce r se m if ina l ist , D- II b oys cro ss coun tr y ru nne r- up , g ir ls

Lakewood St. Edward rides four state finals appearances, three titles to Fifth Annual Ohio High Cup title

or the fifth 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 top four at OHSAA-sanctioned state team championships. Schools that win a state title are awarded five points. Runner-up teams receive three points, third-place teams get two points and fourth-place teams get one point. In sports where state semifinal teams tie for third, they each receive 1-1/2 points. In this issue, we tabulate the final standings for the 2007-08 school year. The final standings include Ohio High Cup Winners points awarded for the spring season state championships in baseball, soft2003-04: Versailles ball and boys and girls track. 2004-05: Cuyahoga Falls Following the winter season, there Walsh Jesuit was a logjam at the top with Centerville, Kettering Alter and 2005-06: Cincinnati St. Xavier Lakewood St. Edward tied for the 2006-07: Kettering Alter Ohio High Cup lead with 13 points. 2007-08: Lakewood St. Edward Cincinnati St. Xavier sat one point back with 12. The spring season saw Lakewood St. Edward – behind a Division I state championship in baseball – vault to sole possession of first place and claim the 2007-08 Ohio High Cup. St. Ed was shut out in the fall season, but gained 13 points in the winter thanks to state titles in wrestling and hockey and a runner-up finish in boys basketball. The wrestling championship was St. Ed’s record 12th straight and 24th overall, while its hockey title was its 11th overall (also a state record). Gates Mills Gilmour Academy accumulated 7-1/2 points in the spring season to end up in second place with 15 points. Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit finished third at 14-1/2 points. The Ohio High Cup will be presented to St. Ed when school resumes in the fall. Versailles captured the first Ohio High Cup in 2003-04. In 2004-05, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit claimed the cup. In 2005-06, Cincinnati St. Xavier won the Ohio High Cup competition. Last year, Kettering Alter won the cup. — OH

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

g ol f cha m p ions , D -I I b as e ba l l cha m pio ns) . 1 4 – C uy ah og a Fal l s C uya hog a V al l e y C hr ist ian Aca de m y ( D-I I b oys so ccer cha m p ions , D -I I g irl s cr os s c o u n tr y r u n n e r - u p , D - I I w r e s t l i n g f o u r th , D - I I g i r l s t r a c k c h a m p i o n s ) . 1 3 – C e nt e rvil l e (D -I b oys cro ss cou ntr y r unne r- up , bo ys bo wl ing r unne r- up , g irl s b ow l ing cha m p ions , D-I g irl s sw im m ing t hird ), K e tt e ring Alt e r (D -II b oy s s occe r runn er -up , D- II g irl s cros s count ry cha m p ions , D -I I g irl s b as ke tb a l l cha mp ion s) . 1 2 – Cin cinna ti St . Xa vie r (D -I f oot b al l cha m p ions , D-I b oy s g o lf f o urt h, D- I bo ys ba s ket b a ll s e m if inal is t, ho cke y se m if ina l ist , bo ys sw im m ing ru nne r- up ). 1 1 – B re cksv ill e -B roa dvie w H e ig ht s (D- I g irl s cr oss co unt ry cham p ion s, D- I bo ys cros s count ry f ourt h, g y m n a s t i c s c h a m p i o n s ) , S h a k e r H e i g h t s H a t h a w a y B r o w n ( D - I I g i r l s s o c c e r c h a m pi o n s , f i e l d h o c k e y s e m i f ina l ist , D-I I g irl s ba s ke tb a ll r unne r -up , D- II g irl s sw im m ing t hird ), Sug a rcr ee k Ga ra w ay (D -I II b oys g ol f cha m p ions , D -I II b oy s b a ske t b al l ru nne r- up , D -I II g ir ls b a ske t ba l l run ne r-u p) . 1 0 – M ar ia St e in M a rion Lo ca l ( D- V fo ot ba l l cha m pio ns, D -I V vol le yb a l l cha m pio ns) , Ve rs a ill e s (D -II I c r o s s c o u n tr y c h a m p i o n s , D - I I I g i r l s b a s k e t b a l l c h a m p i o n s ) . 8 - 1 / 2 – R o c k y R i v e r M a g n i f i c a t ( D - I v o l l e y b a l l s e m i f i n a l i s t , D - I g i r l s c r o s s c o u n tr y r u n n e r - u p , g i r l s g o l f f o u r th , g y m n a s t i c s r u n n e r - u p ) . 8 – B e rl in H il a nd ( D- IV g irl s b as ke tb a l l cha mp ion s, D -IV b a se b a l l runne r -up ), C incinn at i M ou nt No tr e D am e ( D- I vol le yb a l l runn er -up , D- I g irl s b a ske t b al l cha m p ions ), C ol dwa t e r ( D- IV f oot b a ll ch am p ions , b oys b ow l ing se m if ina l ist , D- II I ba s eb a l l se m if ina lis t ), G at e s M ill s H aw ke n ( D-I I I b oy s socce r runn er -up , D - I I g i r ls s w i m m i n g c h a m p i o n s ) , N o r t h C a n t o n H o o v e r ( D - I g i r l s c r o s s c o u n t r y f o u r t h , D - I b o y s c r o s s c o u n t r y th i r d , D - I s o f t b a l l c h a m p i o n s ) . 7 – C l e ve l and H eig h ts B e au m ont (D -I I g irl s cros s co unt ry th ird, D- I bo ys tr ack cham p ion s) , C ol um b us S t. C h a r l e s ( D - I b o y s g o l f t h i r d , b o y s s w i m m i n g c h a m p i o n s ) , H u n t i n g V a l l e y U n i v e r s i ty S c h o o l ( D - I I b o y s g o l f cha m p ions , b oy s sw im min g t hird) . 6 -1 /2 – H a ml e r Pa tr ick H e nry (D- V f oot b al l s em if ina l ist , D- IV b a se b a ll ch am p ions ), N e wa rk C a t hol ic ( DV I f oot b al l cha m p ions, D -I V vol l ey ba l l se m if ina l ist ), S pr ing f iel d Ca t hol ic C e nt ra l (D -V I f oot b al l s em if ina l ist , D -I II b oys s occe r cha m p ions ), St . Pa ris G ra ha m (D -I I bo ys b as ke tb a l l se m if ina lis t , D -I I wre s t lin g cha m pion s), T ol e do C e nt ra l C at ho lic (D -II v ol le yb a l l cham p ion s, D- I g irl s b a ske t b al l s e m if in al ist ) , We s t C he st e r L ako ta We s t (g irl s g ol f t hird, D -I g irl s ba s ket b a ll r unne r- up , D-I b a se b a ll s e m if inal is t) . 6 – B e l l a i r e S t. J o h n C e n t r a l ( D - I I I b o y s c r o s s c o u n t r y f o u r t h , D - I I I g i r l s t r a c k c h a m p i o n s ) , H a m i l t o n B a d i n ( D - I I g i r l s s o c c e r r u n n e r - u p , D - I I I b a s e b a l l r u n n e r - u p) , Up p e r A r l i n g t o n ( D - I g i r l s s w i m m i n g c h a m p i o n s , b o y s s wi m m i n g f o u r t h ) . 5 -1 /2 – M as on (g irl s g ol f run ne r-u p, g irl s s wim m ing f ou rt h, D- I s of t b al l s em if ina l ist ). 5 – B l uf ft on (D -I II b oys t ra ck ch am p ions ), C a na l Winche st e r ( D- II b oys cr oss cou nt ry t hir d, D-I I b as e ba l l ru nne r- up ), C an fie l d ( D- II s of tb a l l cham p ion s) , C a nt on Ce n tr al C a t hol ic (D -I II b a se b a ll ch am p ions ), C hil l icot he (D -I I bo ys b as ke tb a ll cham p ion s), C incin nat i A nde rs on ( D- II f oot b a ll cha m p ions ), C incinn at i M ot he r o f M er cy ( D- I v ol le yb a l l cham p ion s) , C incin na ti St . Ur sul a Aca de m y ( D-I g ir ls s occe r cha m p ions ), C ol um b us H ar tl e y ( D- II vo ll e yb a ll r unne r- up , D-I I g irl s tr ack th ird), C l e ve la nd H eig ht s B e aum o nt (D -I g irl s t ra ck cha m p ions ), Da nvil l e (D -I V so f tb a ll ch am p ions ), D ub lin Je ro me (D -I b oys g ol f cha m p ions) , H eb ro n L ake w ood (D- II I so ft b a ll ch am p ions ), H il lia rd Da vids on (D- I b oys so ccer cha m p ions) , Lim a C e nt ra l C a th ol ic (D -I II vo ll e yb a ll cha m p ions ), L ouis vill e S t . T hom a s Aqu inas ( D- II I bo ys cros s count ry cha m pio ns) , M a s s i l l o n J a c k s o n ( D - I b o y s s o c c e r r u n n e r - u p , D - I g i r l s c r o s s c o u n tr y t h i r d ) , Me d i n a ( D - I b o y s c r o s s c o u n t ry cha mp ion s) , N e wa rk (D -I b oys b as ke t ba l l cha m pio ns) , Ne w K nox vil l e (D -I V bo ys ba s ket b a ll ch am p io n s ) , O t t a w a - G la n d o r f ( D - I I I b o y s b a s k e t b a ll c h a m p i o n s ) , P e n i n s u l a W o o d r i d g e ( D - I I b o y s c r o s s c o u n t r y cha m p ions ), Rive rs ide S te b b ins (b oy s bo wl ing cha m p ions ), Sa ndu sky Pe rkins ( D-I I b oys t ra ck cha m p ions ), S tr o n g s v i l l e ( D - I g i r l s s o c c e r r u n n e r - u p , g y m n a s t i c s th i r d ) , S u n b u r y B i g W a l n u t ( D - I I I f o o t b a l l c h a m p i o n s ) , T roy C hris tia n (D- II I wr e st lin g cha m p ions) , Wort hing t on Th om as Wor th ing t on ( f iel d hocke y ch am p ions ). 4- 1/ 2 – Cin cinna ti Mo el l e r ( D- I bo ys g ol f runn er -up , D- I ba s e ba l l se m if ina lis t ), K e tt e rin g Fair m ont ( fie l d ho cke y se m if ina l ist , bo ys b owl ing se m if ina lis t , g ir ls b ow lin g se m if ina l ist ), M a rion Pl ea s ant (D- IV f oo tb a l l s em if ina l ist , D- II I wr es t lin g run ne r-up ) , Me nt or (D -I f oot b a ll r unne r- up , D-I v oll e yb a ll s e m if ina lis t) . 4 – Sa ndus ky S t. M a ry Ce nt ra l C a th ol ic (D -I II b oys g ol f t hir d, w re s tl ing th ir d), You ng st ow n U rs ul ine ( DV I f oot b al l run ne r-u p, D -I I b o ys g olf fo urt h) .

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

O h i o H i g h C o a c h o f t h e Ye a r Marion Local football coach Tim Goodwin has led the Flyers to four state titles in nine years, including backto-back championships the last two seasons.

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

Photo by Nick Falzerano

JJ H u 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 MATT NATALI

he accolades of the small-school Midwest Athletic Conference VI before. It invigorated our program with just the challenge of it.” are well-documented and unparalleled. And yet another honor Athletics, particularly football, is the lifeblood of the small, west central Ohio can be added to the list. town located in Mercer County. Of the 138 boys enrolled in the school last After leading the Maria Stein Marion Local football team to year, 77 of them were on Marion Local’s roster. back-to-back state championships and its fourth in seven years, “I have great kids here,” said Goodwin. “They work as hard as anyone and I including a state runner-up finish in 2003, Tim Goodwin has have great coaches around me that work just as hard as the kids and we are been named the Huntington Bank/Ohio High Coach of the Year. all on the same page as far as the coaches and players.” “I think any coach will tell you when you get an honor like this Goodwin said in his early morning off-season weightlifting program he has it is a reflection of a lot of things,” said Goodwin. “I am honored by it and humapproximately 100 players that participate. bled by it.” “I think the expectations here are not necessarily that we With a 2006 Division VI state title in hand, Marion Local are going to win and have success (but rather) the preparation enjoyed its first undefeated season last fall since 1971 and its that goes into it,” he said. first MAC title since 2001 after moving up to Division V. The And Goodwin acknowledged that passion of the towns and season also featured a signature win in Week 2 over MAC players not only in Maria Stein but throughout the entire conMaria Stein rival and eventual Division IV state champion Coldwater, which ference. Marion Local shocked heavy favorite Youngstown Cardinal Mooney 28-27 in “We’re coming off back-to-back (championships) and it the title game. sparks a lot of interest and a lot of excitement. The communi“It was the kind of season that you dream about,” Goodwin ties around here are unique with the work ethic – not just here said. but the other ones around here in our league,” he said. “The “Going into the season we were confident because we had level of importance of sports around here is high and the comsome good players back from the year before. In 2006, we munities care about it and know sports. really finished strong and whenever you have success at the “We’ve won games just because our kids know football – end of the year, it seems to spring you into the off-season and not necessarily because I taught them that or another coach carries you right into the season. We just kind of picked up but because they just know it and they’re savvy.” where we left off as far as the level of play and it just went Goodwin is hoping that savviness carries over to the 2008 from there.” season with eight starters returning, including WR/DB Tyler The win over Coldwater was the Flyers first win in the series since 2001 Thobe, OL/DL Alex Kemper, RB Ben Smith, TE/DE Luke Burkey, S/WR and snapped two lengthy Cavalier win streaks (33 games in regular season Marcus Moeller, QB/CB Troy Prenger, OL Austin Pohlmann and WR Jason and 30 games at home). Wolters. “We’ve gotten a lot of attention because Coldwater went on to have such a “We have a good senior class coming back. We’re going to be drained in great year,” Goodwin said. “We were able to play really well against them last some spots and that means we’re going to make mistakes,” said Goodwin. year (at Coldwater). The ball bounced our way, we made some big plays, got “The key is going to be is whether they are going to be fatal mistakes or not. ahead of them and was able to keep them out of the game. But we have some good players coming back.” “That got us attention because Coldwater beat Mooney and everyone went Whether Marion Local has holes to fill or not, it is safe to say that Goodwin back to look at Coldwater’s schedule and saw what happened there.” reloads his program each season instead of rebuilds them considering the The state championship game marked Goodwin’s 100th career win in his success his teams have had with him at the helm. nine years at Marion Local and the 2007 title was the program’s first in “It’s exciting. We’re excited and the kids are excited,” he said. “Just with the Division V. attitude that we take – we’re not going to feel any pressure. It is a new year “It was just the perfect time for our program (to move up to Division V) and we’re not going to worry about what we have done in the past. Our goal is because we ended 2006 strong and had some really good players coming to see where we can take this team. It is a new challenge and we’re excited back,” Goodwin said. “It was just a new challenge. We had success in Division about it.” — OH Photos by Nick Falzerano

Tim Goodwin

Marion Local head coach Tim Goodwin (third from the right in back row) and his staff have led the Flyers to five state finals in the last seven years. Marion Local has a record of 4-1 in those games.

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Marion Local cheerleaders unveil signs that read “State Champs” and “Congrats Coach” after Goodwin won his fourth state title and 100th career game in December at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

J J H U D D L E . C O M 21

Ohio High Football Preview: Division I

Cincinnati St. Xavier won its second title in three years last season.

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

Region 1

Photo by Stephanie Porter

here was a time when northeast Ohio dominated the bigschool division in high school football. Much of the dominance was connected to the strength of Cleveland St. Ignatius, which boasts a state-record nine state playoff titles. In fact, the state champion came out of the current Region 1 for eight straight years between 1988-95 with seven titles for St. Ignatius and one for Warren Harding. But that region has had a bit of a dry spell with no titles since St. Ignatius won in 2001. Southwest Ohio, representing Region 4, has dominated the title picture since then. Other than the 2006 title – won by Hilliard Davidson of suburban Columbus – Cincinnati schools have passed the championship around with two title wins for Cincinnati Elder and Cincinnati St. Xavier and one championship for Cincinnati Colerain. Of course, the Cincinnati area – led by Cincinnati Moeller and Cincinnati Princeton – held court in this division throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s. Many of the usual suspects will again contend for the championship in 2008. In Region 1, the top two candidates appear to be St. Ignatius and Cleveland Glenville. Region 2 is wide open. Dublin Coffman enjoyed a great run last year in Region 3, but surging Hilliard Darby or Pickerington Central are ready to challenge for the title. In Region 4 the championship goes through Cincinnati. Who makes it out is the question.

Teams To Watch: Cleveland Glenville (10-3) * Players to Watch – Marcus Hall (6-6, 300, Sr.), QB Terrence Owens (6-3, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Christian Bryant (5-11, 170, Jr.), DE/LB Jonathan Newsome (6-4, 230, Sr.), CB Mike Edwards (6-0, 185, Sr.), LB/SS Travis Freeman (6-1, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – The Tarblooders got into the playoffs as a seventh seed, but then advanced to the regional finals before a heartbreaking 41-40 loss to Mentor. Glenville should be back in the mix in 2008, despite losing the usual complement of Big Ten signees like WR Cordale Scott (Illinois) and DT Shawntel Rowell and FB/LB Jermil Martin (both to Ohio State). “You never know how it is going to end up, but, yes, last year was a bit of a surprise for us to make it that far,” said Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. “We lost to Mentor by a point and that was tough to deal with. But it was a learning experience as well. I think we have a chance to have another good year.” Newsome and Hall each have offers from a number of schools. Hall is considered one of Ohio’s top five prospects. “Everything stands out about Marcus Hall,” Ginn said. “He’s a great kid. He’s been loyal to Glenville.”

JJ H u ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN Cleveland St. Ignatius (8-3) * Players to Watch – QB/S Andrew Holland (62, 190, Sr.), WR Joey Parris (6-1, 185, Sr.), WR Connor Ryan (6-1, 180, Sr.), TE/DE Dan Fox (6-4, 220, Sr.), OL/DL Frank Whitaker (6-3, 280, Sr.), RB Mike Anter (5-10, 175, Sr.), DB Pat Hinkel (61, 200, Sr.), DL Ryan Carr (6-0, 250, Sr.), LB Scott McVey (6-0, 215, Jr.), QB/WR Mark Myers (6-4, 190, Jr.) * Outlook – This could be a team that helps St. Ignatius get back into the state title picture. Coach Chuck Kyle, back for his 26th year with the Wildcats, welcomes back nine players with starting experience on offense and four on defense. “We started several of these guys when they were sophomores and now they are seniors,” Kyle said. “On the offensive side of the ball, we have a lot of guys with experience. We don’t usually use a lot of superlatives, but we definitely think we have some reasons to be optimistic. “We graduated some of our key guys on defense. I think the defense will catch back up gradually.” Fox, a Notre Dame verbal, had 76 tackles and three interceptions as a junior. Holland threw for 984 yards and 14 touchdowns against four interceptions, while Myers subbed in for three games while he was hurt. “Holland is a good runner and a good thrower,” Kyle said. “He is a smart kid and a number of Division I schools are looking at him. With Myers, we feel we have two returning quarterbacks who can play. Myers will also work some at receiver.” Anter tallied 759 yards and five touchdowns last year. Ryan had 32 catches for 494 yards and seven touchdowns, while Parris had 28 catches for 435 yards and five scores. “(Ryan and Parris) have each started since their sophomore year,” Kyle said. The schedule, as always, will be tough with the rematch against Glenville (the Tarblooders won the playoff opener 26-23 last year) as well as games against defending state champion Cincinnati St. Xavier and runner-up Mentor. Mentor (11-3) * Players to Watch – TE/DE Ben Pike (6-3, 225, Sr.), DB/WR Nick Krantz (6-1, 185, Sr.), SS Tim Moore (6-0, 185, Sr.), DE/OL Adam Watson (6-2, 230, Sr.), WR Mike Johanek (6-3, 190, Sr.), OT Kevin Poropat (6-4, 230, Sr.), QB Anthony Fracci (6-2, 180, Sr.), QB Sam Mayse (6-5, 190, Jr.) * Outlook – The Cardinals have had back-toback state runner-up finishes. Getting back to the title game could be tough as Mentor returns two starters on offense and seven on defense. “It is always our goal to try and compete for a state championship,” said Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno, back for his 12th year as the Cardinals coach. “We talk about that as one of our main goals. To win that title, it is a lofty goal. But we always want to shoot for that.” Mentor must replace Mr. Football-award winning QB Bart Tanski. Fracci and Mayse will compete for that job. “Right now, it would probably be Anthony’s job,”

JJ H u d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Ohio High Football Preview: Division I

Trivisonno said. “But we have a good young kid as well in Sam and I think they will battle a little bit. I don’t know if you ever replace a player (like Tanski). But the next kid has to come in and do what they can do.” Pike has several major college offers, while Krantz is a leader on defense at corner.

Solon (9-3) * Players to Watch – OL/DL Justin Woo (5-11, 260, Sr.), LB/RB Joe Janasek (6-0, 185, Sr.), OL/DL Alex Littell (6-1, 225, Sr.), OL/DL Andy McGill (5-10, 200, Sr.), OL/DL Sam Gaeth (6-1, 220, Sr.), WR/DB Matt Piscitello (6-1, 187, Sr.), WR/DB Mark Ruby (5-9, 160, Sr.), TE/DE Darryl Baldwin (6-6, 250, Jr.) * Outlook – The Comets reached the second round of the 2007 playoffs before falling to eventual state runner-up Mentor 23-13. It was Solon’s ninth straight playoff berth. Coach Jim McQuaide returns five starters on offense and six on defense. Woo has been a two-year starter on the offensive line. Janasek tallied 111 tackles, including 20 tackles-for-loss as a junior. Piscitello had 50 tackles last year. Baldwin started in 2007 as a sophomore (34 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss) and already has several major colleges interested. “We have finished second in our league the last two years and one of our major goals is to add another league championship,” said McQuaide, who is back for his sixth year as the Comets head coach. “We have three starters back on the offensive line and that is comforting. We also have three starters back in the secondary. We have some good guys returning, but we know we will have a tough schedule.” Solon’s slate includes road games at Canton McKinley, Mentor, Brunswick and Strongsville.

Euclid (9-2) * Players to Watch – RB Jeffvon Gill (6-1, 200, Sr.), RB/LB John Franklin (6-1, 200, Sr.), OG/NG John Brnjic (5-10, 295, Sr.), WR/DB Ken Amos (60, 175, Sr.), QB/DB Dontravious Smith (5-11, 280, Jr.) * Outlook – Tom Gibbons takes over as the Panthers’ new head coach after spending the last 12 years there as an assistant, including the last eight as the defensive coordinator. “We think we can maintain some continuity,” Gibbons said. “Over the last 25 years, we have had a lot of winning records and won a lot of conference championships. Coach (Tom) Banc turned it over to Coach (Mike) Rezzolla and now he has turned it over to me. We want to keep that going.” Gill, a three-sport athlete, tallied 702 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Franklin also averaged an impressive 10 yards a carry last year. Brnjic is a three-year starter. Smith tallied four interceptions on defense last year as a sophomore and will now get a chance to take over at quarterback. “He is our leading candidate at quarterback,” Gibbons said. “He is a good athlete, but he did not get a lot of reps there last fall. He would project as a DB at the college level.”

North Royalton (9-2) * Players to Watch – QB Ryan Lehotsky, SS/WR Sean Holdmeyer, TE/DE Dan France, NG Frank Medancic * Outlook – The Bears took a major step in 2007, reaching the playoffs for the first time and accumulating the most wins at the school in a single season since at least the 1940s. Lehotsky was 7-0 as the starting quarterback last year, while Holdmeyer tallied five interceptions. France, a second-team All-Ohio pick last year, has some major colleges interested. “We plan on winning another (Northeast Ohio Conference) title and on going back to the playoffs,” said coach Nick Ciulli. “Our expectations are way higher than in past seasons. We feel we can play with anybody on our schedule. We have to take the next step and win a playoff game. We know we cannot hide from anyone anymore.”

Youngstown Boardman (8-4) * Players to Watch – OL Corey Linsley (6-4, 285, Sr.), HB Damien Jarrett (5-8, 180, Sr.), HB Cameron Shaffer (5-9, 200, Sr.), H-back Pat McFall (6-3, 235, Sr.), OG Alex Lipinsky (6-0, 240, Sr.), QB Rob Boyd (5-11, 195, Jr.) * Outlook – The Spartans reached the second round of the playoffs last year before falling to Glenville 21-3. Coach D.J. Ogilvie, back for his fifth year at Boardman, has five starters back on offense and two on defense. “We have some young kids who played last year that we feel pretty good about,” Ogilvie said. “We don’t have a whole lot of experience, but we think we can be pretty decent.” Boyd steps in at quarterback. Linsley has already accepted an offer to play college football at Ohio State. “Corey’s strength is unbelievable,” Ogilvie said. “He is by far the strongest high school kid I have coached or seen. He is so physical and he has great feet.”

Also Keep An Eye On: * Lakewood St. Edward (4-5) – It was a rough first year for coach Scott Niedzwiecki with the Eagles. But he has seven returning starters on both sides of the ball. Key names include RB Dominique Goodwin (5-10, 205, Sr.), QB Alex Lavinsky (6-1, 200, Jr.), WR Jeff Burke (6-1, 190, Sr.) and LB Brian Boland (6-0, 205, Sr.). * Painesville Riverside (7-4) – The Beavers have just three starters back on offense and one on defense. But QB Kyle Shafer (510, 175, Sr.) is one of the returnees. He threw for 800 yards and rushed for 300 in limited action last year. * Warren Harding (4-6) – The Raiders have a nice nucleus in QB/WR Aunre David (6-0, 180, Sr.) and three of the state’s top

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I junior prospects in DE/LB O’Neal Brown (6-6, 210), WR/CB D.J. Williamson (6-1, 180) and QB/SS Mike Dorsey (6-2, 195). * Shaker Heights (1-9) – The Raiders will look to rebound behind first-team All-Ohio WR Perez Ashford (5-11, 175, Sr.). * North Olmsted (5-5) – DL John Taylor (6-4, 255, Sr.) was a second-team All-Ohio pick last year. * Garfield Heights (2-8) – The Bulldogs will rally behind DE Melvin Fellows (6-4, 255, Sr.), an Ohio State verbal and the state’s No. 1 prospect. * Also In This Region – Strongsville (6-4), Parma (7-3), BrecksvilleBroadview Heights (5-5), Bedford, Cleveland Rhodes (6-4), Lakewood (4-6), Eastlake North (37), Cleveland John Adams (4-6), Willoughby South (3-7), Parma Heights Valley Forge (3-7), Middleburg Heights Midpark (2-8), Lyndhurst Brush (1-9), Cleveland John Marshall (1-9), Austintown-Fitch (1-9), Cleveland Lincoln West (010).

Region 2

Teams To Watch: Brunswick (13-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Rick Manco (6-1, 175, Sr.), LB Britt Musial (6-1, 190, Sr.), LB Dane Puterbaugh (6-0, 227, Sr.), OL/DE Dan Valore (62, 228, Sr.) * Outlook – The Blue Devils reached the state final four for the first time since a runner-up finish in 1995. But duplicating that success could be hard in 2008 as coach Rick Nowak, back for his 17th year at Brunswick, returns just two starters on offense and two on defense. “The thing about it is we have won our league championship (the Northeast Ohio Conference) seven straight years and we’ve been to the playoffs six straight years,” Nowak said. “We have a pretty good tradition. We do graduate some good guys every year. Last year was one of our better years. To get to the state final four is special. “But we expect our guys to step up. We had an undefeated JV team and an undefeated freshman team. Hey, it’s not like anybody is feeling sorry for us.” Brunswick lost prolific QB Sean Bedevelsky (3,300 yards) and WR Jordan Gribble (98 catches) to graduation. Manco was Brunswick’s leading tackler last year as a junior, but he will move to quarterback to try and replace Bedevelsky. Toledo St. John’s Jesuit (6-5) * Players to Watch – OL Jack Mewhort (6-6, 296, Sr.), OL Tyler Webster (6-3, 254, Sr.), QB Walt Anderson (6-1, 195, Sr.), TB/DB Hunter Lent (5-10, 190, Sr.), CB Ben Fudge (5-10, 175, Sr.). * Outlook – The Titans welcome back four starters on offense and five on defense. “We have a very big senior class,” said Doug Pearson, starting his seventh year as the St. John’s head coach. “We’ve got about 37 seniors.

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It is a good sized group – including one giant.” That giant is Mewhort, a center who has already verbaled to Ohio State. “He is the most powerful player I think I have ever seen up front at the high school level,” Pearson said. “If he locks on, you’re going for a ride.” Lent was a standout on defense and will have a chance to win the tailback job as a senior. Anderson was a part-time starter last year at quarterback, throwing for 800 yards and rushing for 500. Macedonia Nordonia (10-2) * Players to Watch – RB John Hamilton (5-10, 185, Sr.), LB Luke Batton (6-1, 210, Sr.), DE/TE Zach Alders (6-2, 220, Sr.), OL Nick Gore (6-1, 215, Sr.), OL Adam Heiberger (6-1, 210, Sr.), QB Jess Smatana (6-1, 185, Jr.), QB Demetrius Craig (6-1, 180, Jr.) * Outlook – Al Huge, an assistant at Nordonia since 1997 and the defensive coordinator since 2002, will be Nordonia’s first-year head coach in 2008. “It is a unique situation,” said Huge (pronounced Hu-gee). “I am from here and graduated from here in 1984. I have no plans to leave and I am very excited about it. Not too many guys get this chance.” Smatana and Craig will battle to replace departed starter Aaron Pankratz, who signed with Bowling Green. Hamilton rushed for 1,600 yards as a junior. “He is very strong,” Huge said. “He is a big-time weight lifter. He is a hard worker with good speed.” Batton keys the defense. “He is a very intelligent defensive player,” Huge said. “He’s like having a coach on the field.”

Canton GlenOak (6-5) * Players to Watch – OL/DL Aaron Williams (62, 268, Sr.), TE/DE Adam Steiner (6-3, 211, Sr.), TE/OLB Joe Monnot (6-2, 200, Sr.), ILB/FB Andrew Garman (6-0, 195, Jr.), WR/DB Zach Hatchett (5-11, 175, Sr.), QB Brandon Martin (5-9, 175, Jr.) * Outlook – Scott Garcia returns for his second year as the coach at GlenOak, which welcomes back two starters on offense and eight on defense. “We like to play a ball control style,” Garcia said. “We know you can do that better when you have a good defense as well. We have those guys back. We may need them to carry us through.” Williams tallied seven sacks last year on defense. “He also graded out as one of our best offensive linemen as a junior,” Garcia said. “He runs a 4.9 40-yard time and he benches 375 pounds. He’s just a big, strong kid.” Garman led the team in tackles (107) as a sophomore last year. Hatchett had five touchdowns among his 20 catches on offense. Martin got some limited time at quarterback last year but is favored to take over that role this year.

Hudson (6-4) * Players to Watch – OL/DL Griffin Vehar (6-2, 213, Sr.), OL/DL Brian Winters (6-5, 285, Sr.), DL Frank Sweterlitsch (6-3, 187, Sr.), QB Richie Piekarski (6-3, 184, Jr.), QB Jake Brandy (6-2, 171, Jr.), RB Kevin Meyer (5-9, 155, Sr.), RB/LB Matt Dorenkott (5-11, 197, Sr.) * Outlook – The Explorers must replace a number of key play makers from last year, including QB/SS Alex Gedeon and several of his top receivers. Piekarski and Brandy will compete for the quarterback role. Vehar, Winters and Dorenkott (48 tackles) are all two-way players. “Once again, Hudson’s defense will be the strength on this year’s team,” said coach Tom Narducci, returning for his 14th season at Hudson. “We will be counting on a number of underclassmen to step up and help continue that tradition.” Also Keep An Eye On * Canton McKinley (3-7) – Former Miami (Ohio) assistant and Middletown coach Ron Johnson takes control of the Bulldogs. * Massillon Washington (6-4) – Jason Hall, who coached at Macedonia Nordonia last year, is in his first year with the Tigers. DB Justin Turner (6-3, 190, Sr.) leads the way. Turner, a Michigan verbal, had 40 tackles and seven tackles-for-loss last year. * Fremont Ross (7-3) – The Little Giants missed the playoffs, but could contend in 2008 behind QB Cody Foos (6-0, 180, Jr.) and WR Terence Davis (6-4, 210, Sr.). Foos threw for 1,801 yards and 15 TDs, while Davis had five scores among his 24 catches. “We have been motivated by missing the playoffs last season,” said Fremont Ross coach Derek Kidwell, a former Ohio Mr. Football award winner. “We have a good and big junior class that we will be expecting a lot from.” * Medina (4-6) – Coach Greg Reed must rebuild on defense. QB Pat O’Boyle and RB Johnny Armstrong return. * Toledo Start (6-4) – The Spartans must replace record-setting QB Brad Leestma. TB Troy Bell (5-8, 170, Sr.) could break the school career rushing record. “I feel comfortable about our returning defensive personnel,” said coach Pat Gucciardo. “We must be extremely consistent on offense and find a quarterback to replace Brad.” * Toledo Whitmer (9-3) – The Panthers advanced to the regional semifinals before a 37-23 loss to Brunswick. * Perrysburg (8-3) – The Yellow Jackets are led by a pair of talented

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I seniors in LB Brandon Butler (6-0, 200) and RB Taylor Dimmerling (6-1, 190). * Wadsworth (9-2) – The Grizzlies dropped a 51-37 shootout to Toledo Whitmer in a playoff opener last year. * North Canton Hoover (10-3) – The Vikings fell to Brunswick 2417 in the regional finals. RB Erick Howard (5-10, 210, Sr.) is due back. * Also In This Region – StowMunroe Falls (7-3), Massillon Perry (64), Akron Garfield (7-3), Lorain Admiral King (6-4), Amherst Steele (4-6), Massillon Jackson (4-6), Mansfield Senior (4-6), Twinsburg (3-7), Findlay (3-7), Cuyahoga Falls (2-8), Green (3-7), Toledo Bowsher (2-8), Lima Senior (2-8), Elyria (1-9), Lorain Southview (0-10).

Region 3

Teams To Watch: Dublin Coffman (13-1) * Players to Watch – OL Keenan White (6-3, 235, Sr.), RB Jared Phillips (6-1, 205, Sr.), RB Shaun Jones (5-9, 178, Jr.), DL Nick Friedman (61, 270, Sr.), DL Austin Crawfis (6-5, 255, Sr.), DL Stephen Mazur (5-10, 240, Sr.), ILB Evan Mulkey (6-1, 225, Sr.), DB Bryan Vranic (5-9, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – The 2007 season represented the most successful season in school history at Coffman. The Shamrocks reached the state semifinals for the second time ever, but the 13 wins were a school single-season record. And it ended in heartbreaking fashion as Coffman ran out of time in the red zone against eventual state champion Cincinnati St. Xavier on the wrong end of a 10-7 score in their state semifinal match-up. That was not all that was lost. Coffman also bid adieu to a highly decorated senior class that featured a flock of major college signees, including OT Mike Adams (Ohio State), WR Jake Stoneburner (Ohio State), QB Zack Stoudt (Louisville), WR/KR Trey Fairchild (Syracuse) and LB Steve Gardiner (Michigan State). Mark Crabtree, beginning his eighth year as the Coffman coach and 14th as a varsity head coach, does bring back three starters on offense and five on defense, though. “It’s obvious we had some guys that you can’t replace,” Crabtree said. “It would be difficult if we harped on it. What I like about the guys coming up is they have been waiting for their turn. We are not letting down in any shape or form with our expectations. I think there could be some good surprises.” Phillips and Jones give Coffman a good 1-2 punch at running back. But the Shamrocks need a replacement for Stoudt at quarterback. “We probably have three or four guys who can play there,” Crabtree said. “We will be inexperienced. We have some guys who we think can be good.” Gahanna Lincoln (7-4) * Players to Watch – DB Ryan Ballenger (Sr.),

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WR Brandon Magbagbeola (Sr.), DE/OLB Taylor Prusz (Sr.), OL-TE/LB Nick Snoad (Sr.), OL Kyle Strait (Sr.), NG Joe Wills (Sr.) * Outlook – John Snoad, who boasts 17 years of varsity head coaching experience in stops at Antwerp and Napoleon, takes over at Gahanna following the retirement of Mike Lanza. He inherits a Gahanna program that has reached the playoffs in five of the last six years. Roughly four starters will return on each side of the ball. “I am tremendously excited to get to work at Gahanna,” Snoad said. “Mike Lanza did a tremendous job and he has been very helpful in my transition. It is a great situation that we’re walking into with a great staff and a lot of veteran coaches. “There seems to be a pretty good nucleus of speed. But it’s hard to say how strong we’re going to be just yet.” Ballenger had 26 tackles and an interception last year, while Prusz notched 32 tackles and four sacks. Snoad is the coach’s son. He played on both sides of the ball last year as a junior at Napoleon.

Hilliard Davidson (7-3) * Players to Watch – DE/TE Tyler Backstrom (6-4, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Adam Frazier (6-2, 190, Sr.), C Josh Suchecki (6-2, 260, Sr.), ILB Kenny Klatt (6-0, 190, Jr.) * Outlook – Davidson won the 2006 Division I state championship, but ended up 10th in the region in 2007 and missed the playoffs. Brian White, returning for his ninth year at Davidson and 11th season as a varsity head coach, has five starters back on offense and six returning on defense. “I think we could be pretty good and not have a record as good as last year,” White said. “Our schedule this year is much more difficult. We only beat one really good team last year in (Columbus) Brookhaven. But if it’s any consolation, our three losses were all close games against some good teams – Dublin Coffman, Upper Arlington and Hilliard Darby. “We know we will not be as good on the offensive line. We think we have some kids to step in. Two years ago with our state championship team, we had a great offensive line.” White will count on Backstrom and Frazier to get it done on both sides of the ball. “Hopefully, those two guys will play well and give us a good starting point,” White said. Hilliard Darby (11-2) * Players to Watch – OLB Blake Fraley (6-3, 210, Sr.), FS Harrison Reed (5-10, 170, Sr.), DL Nick Primavera (6-2, 225, Sr.), OLB Zach Ison (510, 195, Sr.), QB Brandon Barger (5-10, 160, Sr.) * Outlook – The Panthers earned their first Division I playoff berth in history and added two postseason wins before falling to Dublin Coffman 42-35 in the regional finals. Darby, which also won a share of its first Ohio Captial Conference Ohio Division title last season, has four starters back on offense and six returning on

defense. The Panthers, however, do not have their head coach coming back. Former coach Paul Jenne stepped down in June after four years (26-17 overall, 10-10 in OCC) and has since been replaced by defensive coordinator John Santagata. Jenne cited personal reasons for his departure. Reed tallied over 90 tackles a year ago. Barger figures to replace departed quarterback starter Jeremy Ebert. Pickerington Central (11-1) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Zach Boren (6-1, 240, Sr.), WR/CB Patrick White (6-1, 175, Sr.), WR/DB Jamie Wood (6-2, 190, Sr.), TE/LB Blaine Burgess (6-3, 250, Sr.), QB Nick Raymond (5-8, 170, Sr.), QB John Montgomery (5-11, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – The Tigers were the state runnerup in Division II in 2006 before moving to D-I last year. Central downed rival Lancaster 21-7 in its playoff opener before falling to Dublin Coffman 359 in a second-round match-up. Jay Sharrett, back for his sixth year as the Central head coach, has just three starters back on offense and four on defense. But most of them are well known players. White has verbaled to Michigan State, while Boren and Wood are ticketed for Ohio State. “You could almost group them together,” Sharrett said. “They have all been starters since their freshman year. They have started on some pretty good football teams. They have won some big games and they know what it takes to prepare.” Raymond and Montgomery split time at quarterback last year and could do so again in 2008. “We could see one of them win that job,” Sharrett said. “We run basically the same offense with the two of them. One is a little taller and throws the ball better. One is shorter and runs the ball better.” Columbus Brookhaven (9-2) * Players to Watch – FL Dominique Johnson (5-8, 175, Sr.), FB Demetrius Johnson (5-11, 230, Jr.), SE DeShawn Alston (5-11, 175, Jr.), RB Andrew Harrell (5-9, 180, Sr.), DE Derek Bryant (6-4, 235, Jr.), ATH Cameron Brown (5-10, 190, Sr.), QB Philip Johnson (6-0, 200, Jr.) * Outlook – Anthony Borton, a Brookhaven graduate and the school’s offensive coordinator the last five years, has replaced Tom Blake as the Bearcats’ head coach. “In a lot of ways, Coach Blake groomed me for this and prepared me for this,” Borton said. “He has really helped me and been very supportive. The main thing is we wanted to make sure we kept it all in the family. Certainly, for our kids, we won’t be changing a whole lot. It is a special feeling to be the head coach at your alma mater. Borton welcomes back three starters on each side of the ball. But Bryant, considered one of the state’s top junior prospects, is an intriguing transfer from nearby Gahanna Lincoln. Philip Johnson could be another one to watch at quarterback. “Philip is a strong kid,” Borton said. “He played

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I tight end and defensive end as a freshman, but he wanted to move to quarterback as a sophomore. He has done a tremendous job in terms of his work in the weight room. We are waiting to see if he’ll be a leader like we need him to be.”

Also Keep An Eye On * Westerville Central (3-7) – This school and program are still relatively new, but could be getting closer. Senior LB Matt Lowe leads the way. “We have a young team that is very athletic,” said coach Bob Fresch. “We need to stay healthy and have a few breaks. We will rely on our quickness because we won’t be very big.” * Groveport Madison (8-4) – Groveport notched its first-ever playoff win with a 41-27 win over Brookhaven last year. * Lancaster (7-4) – The Golden Gales are led by secondteam All-Ohio LB Ryan Cheek (61, 225, Sr.) and DB Nathan Carpenter (5-10, 181, Jr.). * Upper Arlington (8-3) – The Golden Bears could challenge in the realigned OCC. UA dropped its playoff opener to Hilliard Darby 35-10 last year. * Beavercreek (6-4) – The Beavers enjoyed their first winning season in 18 years in 2007. Coach Scott Clodfelter will rely on LB Cody Smith (143 tackles), RB/WR Joe Joyce and WR Brad Sundstrom (6-5, 200, Jr.). “We need to ride that enthusiasm from last year,” Clodfelter said. “We need to rely on an experienced offensive line and a sound, stingy defense.” * Springfield (new school) – Springfield North (3-7 last year) and South (1-9) have been consolidated. Former North coach and Kettering Fairmont athletic director Rick Robertson will be the coach at the new Springfield school. Key players include OL Jeremy Johnson (6-4, 310, Sr.) and DL Desmond McCown (6-3, 230, Jr.). * Also In This Region – Worthington Kilbourne (6-4), Lewis Center Olentangy (6-4), Pickerington North (5-5), Xenia (5-5), Marysville (5-5), Newark (4-6), Westerville South (3-7), Delaware Hayes (46), Thomas Worthington (2-8), Reynoldsburg (3-7), Grove City Central Crossing (1-9), Grove City (28), Marion Harding (2-8), Westerville North (1-9), Fairborn (1-9), Mount Vernon (0-10), Galloway Westland (0-10).

Region 4

Teams To Watch: Cincinnati St. Xavier (15-0) * Players to Watch – DE Pat Muldoon (6-4, 255, Sr.), ILB Luke Kuechly (6-3, 215, Sr.), QB Luke Massa (6-5, 200, Jr.), OL Matt James (6-7, 290, Jr.), RB Connor Earley (5-11, 195, Sr.) * Outlook – It has been quite a three-year run at St. X for head coach Steve Specht. Since taking the Bombers’ head coaching job in 2005, his teams have combined to post a 40-2 record with

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two 15-0 state championship seasons. Last year, St. X plowed through Greater Catholic League rival Cincinnati Elder (45-14), Centerville (31-6), Cincinnati Colerain (29-14), Dublin Coffman (10-7) and finally Mentor (27-0) in the playoffs to claim the title. But winning a third title in four years could be difficult. St. X has just two starters back on each side of the ball. “I don’t think the expectations ever change,” Specht said. “We go into every year with the same focus – we want to win in Week 1. Then, we want to win our league. We know if we win the GCL South we will get into the playoffs.” The Bombers have won four straight GCL South titles. Specht said the lack of experience does not bother him. “On our 2005 team, we only brought back four starters on our whole team,” he said. “The year before we were 11-1. We are a senior-dominated team year in and year out. These kids challenge themselves to get better. We think we can win with seniors.” One key senior is Muldoon, who had scholarship offers from Notre Dame and Ohio State. Another is Earley, who sat behind standout Darius Ashley at tailback. Masso got some spot duty at quarterback last year and threw for 375 yards and five touchdowns against just one interception. “We think Luke is going to be a great one,” Specht said.

Clayton Northmont (7-4) * Players to Watch – QB Chase Belton (6-0, 170, Sr.), RB Kevin Ringer (5-10, 205, Sr.), DT Kuurram El-Amin (6-2, 240, Sr.), DE Matt Cantrell (5-10, 195, Sr.), DB Xavier Johnson (5-11, 200, Jr.), DB C.J. Barnett (6-1, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – The Thunderbolts have qualified for the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. Another playoff berth could be in the offing as Northmont returns six starters on offense and seven more on defense. “To continue this string of successful seasons, we will rely on a veteran, talented defense,” said coach Lance Schneider, who starts his 10th year at Northmont. “That will allow our inexperienced offensive line to gain the form they will need to compete in the GWOC Central Division.” Barnett is considered one of Ohio’s top 10 prospects. He has already committed to Ohio State.

Centerville (9-3) * Players to Watch – OL/DL Jake Feldmeyer (6-4, 270, Sr.), DL Adam Replogle (6-3, 265, Sr.), DB Scott Cole (5-11, 195, Sr.), RB Matt Daly (5-9, 175, Sr.), LB Eric Engholm (5-10, 205, Sr.), OL Matt Wall (6-2, 245, Sr.) * Outlook – The Elks have been one of the most consistent programs in Ohio under Ron Ullery, who returns for his ninth year as the Centerville coach. Centerville won its playoff opener over Cincinnati Princeton 42-21 before falling to St.

Xavier in the second round. Replogle keys the defense. He had 86 tackles and seven sacks as a junior. He boasted offers from much of the Big Ten as well as from Cincinnati and West Virginia.

Huber Heights Wayne (8-2) * Players to Watch – QB Braxton Miller (6-2, 180, So.), RB Eric Geiger (5-9, 205, Sr.), DB Javon Marshall (5-11, 180, Sr.), DE Anthony Pyle (6-2, 235, Sr.) * Outlook – When the final playoff computer points were tabulated, the Warriors were on the outside looking in at ninth in Region 4 despite their eight-win regular season. But Wayne could be back in the playoff mix in 2008, especially with five starters back on both sides of the ball. “We are real optimistic,” said Jay Minton, set to start his 10th year as the Wayne coach and 18th year as a varsity head coach. “You hear that all the time. But I think we are going to be pretty exciting.” Miller is considered one of Ohio’s top prospects in the 2011 class. He took the reins as a freshman and threw for over 1,000 yards and rushed for 500 more. He boasts 4.47second speed in the 40. “You have to like it when you have a trigger man like that back,” Minton said. “But we also have some good supporting guys. Braxton is a freak. Not only is he physically more developed, but he is also mentally more developed coming back this year. Sometimes you forgot he was a freshman.”

Cincinnati Colerain (12-1) * Players to Watch – QB Greg Tabar (6-0, 170, Jr.), RB Dom Carter (6-0, 190, Jr.), DL Adam Moser (6-0, 235, Sr.), LB Tyon Dixon (5-10, 190, Jr.) * Outlook – It was a stunning first year at the helm for Tom Bolden, who stepped in last year after Kerry Coombs left to become an assistant at the University of Cincinnati. The Cardinals won their first 12 games before dropping a regional final to nemesis St. Xavier. Those two teams will be rematched in the opening week of the 2008 season. The graduation losses were many as Colerain said goodbye to three first-team AllOhio players in RB Dominique Sherrer, DL Brandon Mills and DB Ravelle Sadler. QB Doug Reynolds also graduated. It will be interesting to see if Colerain can maintain three impressive win streaks, including 29 straight regular season games (since 2005), 43 straight home games (since 1999) and 58 straight Greater Miami Conference games (since 1999).

Cincinnati Sycamore (9-2) * Players to Watch – RB Bud Golden (6-0, 190, Sr.), WR Lamar Passmore (6-2, 195, Sr.), FS/WR Steve Hull (6-2, 180, Sr.), QB Casey MacClean (511, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – The Aviators have a nice nucleus of players returning. They could push Colerain in the GMC and may be a team to watch in the playoffs. Six starters are back on offense and three on defense. “I am pretty confident in our offense,” said coach

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division I Scott Datillo, back for his third season. “We have all of our skill position players returning. We do have to replace some linemen. My biggest concern is on the defensive side, where we have to replace eight starters.” Golden rushed for 1,129 yards and scored 14 touchdowns last year. He had offers from a number of schools, including Illinois, Purdue, Cincinnati and Indiana. “He is a big and powerful runner, but he is also elusive,” Datillo said. “He has very good vision. It is very rare that he gets hit solidly.” MacClean returns after throwing for 1,631 yards and 17 TDs against 10 interceptions. Hull keyed the defense with seven interceptions.

Cincinnati Moeller (7-3) * Players to Watch – FS Kelly Barnes (6-1, 175, Sr.), LB Nick Galvin (6-1, 230, Jr.), DT Sean McClelland (6-4, 255, Sr.), C Cameron Schelder (6-2, 245, Sr.), TB Patrick Blanks (6-1, 185, Sr.), WR Tony Harris (5-8, 165, Sr.), QB Andrew Hendrick (6-1, 185, Jr.), QB Paul Whitehead (6-2, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – John Rodenberg steps in as the new Moeller coach following the departure of Bob Crable. Rodenberg has 15 years of experience as a varsity head coach, including stays at Cincinnati McNicholas, Covington (Ky.) Catholic and last year at Cincinnati Roger Bacon. “I started my career as an assistant at (Cincinnati) LaSalle,” Rodenberg said. “I am real excited to go to Moeller. It is a great opportunity. My goal is to come in and continue the success they have had and take it up a notch or two.” Rodenberg will have five starters back on offense and four on defense. Galvin was a star last year as a sophomore with 9-1/2 sacks and an interception. Harris had 42 catches with nine TDs. Hendrick and Whitehead will compete for the vacant quarterback spot.

Cincinnati Princeton (8-3) * Players to Watch – WR Jeff Duckworth (6-0, 195, Sr.), WR/QB Jordan Hopgood (6-0, 190, Sr.), QB Spencer Ware (5-11, 215, Jr.), RB Chris Brown (5-8, 190, Sr.), MLB Dwayne Woods (6-0, 215, Sr.) * Outlook – Princeton could be another team to watch the GMC. Third-year head coach Bill Leach welcomes back five starters on each side of the ball. “We expect to have a very good year and we want to build off the success we had last year,” Leach said. “We want to go deep in the playoffs and compete for a league title. I wouldn’t say last year was a surprise, but we did a lot better than probably anybody expected. “I think people thought we were young and a year away. But the kids who got us there are back this year. We need to come up with four starters on the offensive line. Defensively, we have to stop the run. We can’t let people control the ball on us.” Ware was a strong dual threat quarterback as a sophomore, throwing for 2,200 yards and 17 TDs against six interceptions and rushing for 982 yards

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and 18 scores. “He has been our starter for two years,” Leach said. “He’s just got all the tools.” Duckworth added 62 catches and seven TDs receiving. Woods had three interceptions on defense.

Cincinnati Elder (7-4) * Players to Watch – WR Josh Jones (6-1, 210, Sr.), TB Nick Gramke (6-0, 200, Sr.), OT Austen Bujnoch (6-4, 270, Sr.), OG John Anevski (6-3, 280, Sr.), DT Orlando Scales (6-1, 235, Sr.), CB Zac Asman (6-1, 180, Sr.) * Outlook – Elder has taken a back seat to St. Xavier the last several years. But coach Doug Ramsey, starting his 12th year as the Panthers head coach, has some experience back with seven starters on offense and five more on defense returning. “I think we’ve got a chance to have a pretty decent team,” said Ramsey, who led Elder to backto-back state titles in 2002-03. “We would like to know as soon as possible who the quarterback is going to be. But we feel like we should have a lot of good skill players around him. We also think we should have one of the best offensive lines we have had.” Gramke (924 yards, 11 TDs) is a building block at tailback. Jones added 38 catches with six TDs. Also Keep An Eye On * Cincinnati LaSalle (5-5) – LaSalle is led by CB Ricky Steele (5-11, 175, Sr.). * West Chester Lakota West (5-5) – The Firebirds are keyed by DL John Odom (6-0, 255, Sr.) and LB Jordan Hicks (6-2, 200, Jr.), one of the state’s top junior prospects. * Also In This Region – Harrison (7-3), Springboro (6-4), Cincinnati Woodward (6-4), Cincinnati Glen Este (5-5), Liberty Twp. Lakota East (4-6), Hamilton (4-6), Middletown (4-6), Kettering Fairmont (4-6), Loveland (4-6), Milford (3-7), Troy (4-6), Lebanon (4-6), Batavia Amelia (46), Mason (3-7), Miamisburg (3-7), Cincinnati Oak Hills (3-7), Cincinnati Western Hills (1-9), Fairfield (0-10).

Ohio High Division I Predictions

Region 1 Glenville over Cleveland St. Ignatius Region 2 Macedonia Nordonia over Toledo St. John’s Region 3 Pickerington Central over Hilliard Davidson Region 4 Cincinnati St. Xavier over Cincinnati Elder Championship Game St. Xavier over Glenville

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

Ohio High Football Preview: Division I

2007 Revisited

St. Xavier Runs The Table

Division I State Championship

Photo by Stephanie Porter

ANTON – Following Mentor’s double-overtime loss in the Division I state championship last year, the team motto for this season was ‘New Team, Same Dream.’ But St. Xavier RB Darius Ashley and the Bombers defense were Mentor’s nightmare in the state title game Dec. 1 as St. Xavier blanked the Cardinals 27-0 with Ashley setting a new D-I state title game rushing record in front of 12,442 fans at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium. Ashley tallied 271 yards on 36 carries and scored on runs of 27 and 1-yards in the snow and freezing rain to break Colerain QB Dominick Goodman’s record of 259 yards set in 2004. “Any time a running back ends up with that many yards it is a result of great blocking,” Ashley said. “The offensive line did exactly what they have been doing all year opening up huge holes and all

Senior Darius Ashley rushed for 271 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries to lead the Bombers to victory.

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I had to do was find them.” For St. Xavier (15-0), it is the second D-I state title in three seasons and second in school history. Ashley, a Louisville recruit, registered 153 yards and a TD as a sophomore in the 2005 championship game against Massillon. “He is a talent,” said St. Xavier head coach Steve Specht. “He does things you can’t teach.” The Bombers defense held Mentor (11-3) in check on offense shutting the Cardinals out for the first time since the 2005 season-opener. It was only the second shutout in D-I title game history since Canton McKinley defeated Cincinnati Moeller 13-0 in 1981. Mentor’s Mr. Football-award winning QB Bart Tanski, who set a D-I state title game record for completions last year, was 19-of-38 passing for 179 yards and an INT. Mentor struggled to get its spread offense into a rhythm with the inclement weather producing only 197 yards of offense to St. Xavier’s 411. “They were getting good pressure on us the whole game and they were only bringing four people so they could drop seven players into coverage and it made it virtually impossible for our receivers to get open,” Tanski said. The Cardinals had only 18 yards rushing. “I’ve got to believe (the weather) hurt Mentor because they didn’t have much of a running game,” said Specht. “When you run the spread, it is tough to get a running game going and when it sleets like that it makes it tough on a non-running team.” Said Mentor head coach Steve Trivisonno: “(The weather) is always the worry when you run that kind of offense in northeast Ohio. We could have used about two hours of drier weather but you have to give (St. Xavier) credit. They played well and you have to be able to handle those situations.” D-I offensive co-player of the year Danny Milligan caught a 4-yard TD lateral from sophomore QB Luke Massa midway through the first quarter for the Bombers first score and kicked 23 and 24-yard field goals. “Whenever we needed a big play this season, Danny always stepped up,” said St. Xavier LB and Stanford recruit Fred Craig. “We are all just so proud of him. He has always been one of those guys who has great heart and determination and he just goes out there and makes plays.” Craig was named D-I defensive player of the year and had four tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break up in the game. St. Xavier topped the D-I ONN-Ohio High Power Poll wire-to-wire and is currently ranked No. 5 in the country by USA Today. Several national polls had the Bombers ranked No. 1 in the country coming into the season. “These guys really kept focused and the true humility they showed was able to help carry us to this point,” said Specht. “We’re going to look back on this season for years and years to come and this was a special group.” Said Trivisonno: “What a great football team they are – in all phases of the game. The can run they ball, they can pass the ball and they should be proud of themselves.”

— Matt Natali

Division I Playoffs State Final

Cincinnati St. Xavier 27, Mentor 0

State Semifinals

Cincinnati St. Xavier 10, Dublin Coffman 7 Mentor 39, Brunswick 14

Regional Finals

Region 1 1 Mentor 41, 7 Cleveland Glenville 40 Region 2 1 Brunswick 24, 2 North Canton Hoover 17 Region 3 3 Dublin Coffman 42, 1 Hilliard Darby 35 Region 4 1 Cincinnati St. Xavier 29, 2 Cincinnati Colerain 14

Regional Semifinals

Region 1 1 Mentor 23, 4 Solon 13 7 Cleveland Glenville 21, 6 Youngs. Boardman 3 Region 2 1 Brunswick 36, 4 Toledo Whitmer 23 2 North Canton Hoover 21, 3 Mace. Nordonia 14 (ot) Region 3 1 Hilliard Darby 16, 5 Groveport-Madison 3 3 Dublin Coffman 35, 2 Pickerington Central 9 Region 4 1 Cincinnati St. Xavier 31, 4 Centerville 6 2 Cincinnati Colerain 27, 6 Cincinnati Moeller 7

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 1 1 Mentor 38, 8 Painesville Riverside 14 4 Solon 26, 5 North Royalton 7 7 Cleveland Glenville 26, 2 Clev. St. Ignatius 23 6 Youngstown Boardman 14, 3 Euclid 7 Region 2 1 Brunswick 49, 8 Canton GlenOak 25 4 Toledo Whitmer 51, 5 Wadsworth 27 2 North Canton Hoover 40, 7 Tol. St. John's 33 (5 ot) 3 Macedonia Nordonia 43, 6 Perrysburg 21 Region 3 1 Hilliard Darby 35, 8 Upper Arlington 10 5 Groveport-Madison 41, 4 Col. Brookhaven 27 2 Pickerington Central 21, 7 Lancaster 7 3 Dublin Coffman 28, 6 Gahanna Lincoln 21 Region 4 1 Cincinnati St. Xavier 45, 8 Cincinnati Elder 14 4 Centerville 42, 5 Cincinnati Princeton 21 2 Cincinnati Colerain 35, 7 Clayton Northmont 0 6 Cincinnati Moeller 35, 3 Cincinnati Sycamore 28

Final 2007 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Cincinnati St. Xavier (15-0) 2. Colerain (12-1) 3. Dublin Coffman (13-1) 4. Brunswick (13-1) 5. Pickerington Central (11-1) 6. Euclid (9-2) 7. Cleveland St. Ignatius (9-2) 8. Mentor (11-3) 9. Macedonia Nordonia (10-2) 10. Hilliard Darby (11-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II

Photo by Gary Housteau

STORY BY DAVE BIDDLE

Cincinnati Anderson captured its first football state title in history last season.

incinnati Anderson emerged with the Division II state championship last season with a 31-25 win over Louisville in the finals. It marked the first state title in school history for the Redskins and they return loaded in 2008. However, before they can seriously think about a repeat, they must get through what is always a difficult Region 8. Region 5 of Division II features 2007 state semifinalist Mayfield, as well as strong playoff contenders Cleveland South, Parma Normandy, Parma Padua Franciscan, Tallmadge and Warren Howland. Region 6 produced the 2005 and 2006 Division II state champions (Toledo Central Catholic and Piqua, respectively). This year, the usual suspects are expected to rule the region, including 2007 state semifinalist Ashland, as well as perennial playoff teams Avon Lake, Piqua, Powell Olentangy Liberty, Sylvania Southview and Toledo Central Catholic. The powerful Region 7 could be the best of the bunch this season. It boasts 2007 state finalist Louisville, perennial playoff qualifier Canfield and the best D-II programs from the Columbus area in DeSales, Dublin Scioto and Watterson. As for Region 8, in addition to Cincinnati Anderson, the talented group of teams includes the likes of Cincinnati Turpin, Cincinnati Winton Woods, Dayton Carroll, Kings Mills Kings and Trotwood-Madison.

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Region 5

Teams To Watch: Cleveland South (8-3) * Players To Watch – QB Devontae Payne (66, 238, Sr.), OT/DL John Steele (6-4, 278, Sr.), DE/OLB Matthew Robinson (6-1, 200, Sr.), WR/SS Stephan Sanders (5-11, 175, Sr.), RB/WR/CB Brandon Walston (5-10, 165, Jr.), OL/DT Russell Brown (6-4, 285, So.), OL/DT Michael Burton (6-1, 285, So.) * Outlook – Despite having just 28 players on its roster last season, South made the playoffs for the first time in school history. This year’s team will once again be led by the talented Payne, who is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback and the No. 11 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High. He threw for 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns last year (29 career TDs, six INTs) and has a scholarship offer from Bowling Green. Steele was second-team all-district on offense and is also being recruited by Division I schools. “The goal is always to improve on what you did last year,” head coach Jarvis Gibson said. “We tried to preach that the offseason was important because we’re not going to be able to sneak up on anyone this year.” East Cleveland Shaw (5-5) * Players to Watch – TE/WR Tyrone Williams

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II (6-5, 190, Jr.), DT Terrence Powell (6-3, 265, Sr.), DB Darwin Cook (6-1, 185, Sr.), LB Kenron Drake (5-6, 195, Jr.) * Outlook – Shaw missed the playoffs with the No. 14 ranking in this region last year, but few teams return with more talent. Williams was the only sophomore to make first-team AllNortheast District last year, and he was also named second-team AllOhio. Cook was a first-team alldistrict and second-team all-state selection, Powell was a first-team all-district selection and Drake was a second-team all-district pick. Shaw boasts more returning all-district performers than any team in Region 5. However, the Cardinals need to find a quarterback following the graduation of first-team all-district/second-team All-Ohio selection Kevin Woods. They also lose first-team All-Ohio DB Marshon Williamson.

Madison (7-4) * Players to Watch – QB/LB Mitch Krotz (6-0, 200, Sr.), RB/DT Ty Law (6-2, 225, Jr.), WR/DB Miles Iverson (5-11, 175, Jr.), OL/DT Terry Harmon (6-1, 240, Sr.), RB/DB Steve Isabella (510, 175, Jr.), RB/DB Jordan Sandidge (5-11, 180, Sr.), OL/DE Frank Wrobleski (6-1, 230, Sr.) * Outlook – Madison was a playoff team a year ago, but must replace 21 seniors who were all contributors, including first-team all-state TE Nic DiLillo, who is now at Ohio State. This year’s team will be led offensively and defensively by Krotz who was a second team all-district linebacker last year and shared time at quarterback. He will now take over the full-time reins at QB while still playing every snap on defense. Law is the other player to really keep an eye on – the coaching staff is hoping for a breakout year out of him.

Mayfield (10-4) * Players to Watch – TE/NG Cody Hayes (511, 235, Sr.), WR/OLB Matt Cuthbert (5-10, 180, Sr.), LB Mike DiVita (6-0, 180, Sr.), OT/DE Josh Gordon (6-3, 240, Sr.), WR/OLB Gianni Ferritto (6-0, 170, Sr.), K Carey Spear (5-9, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – Mayfield made the playoffs as a three-loss, No. 5 seed last year, then proceeded to win three straight games and claim the regional championship. Hayes was a second-team all-district selection on defense (76 tackles, 10 tacklesfor-loss, five sacks). Cuthbert runs the 40 in 4.59 and is the “best athlete and strongest player on the team” according to coach Larry Pinto. The Wildcats were hit with heavy losses in graduation including first-team All-Ohio RB Ashante Williams (who is now at Illinois), first-team All-Ohio DL Karson Bodnovich, (now at Columbia), second-team AllOhio OL Bill Petrianoco and second-team All-Ohio LB Vinnie Durdella. “Once you get to the playoffs, it really is a new season and you have to have things go your way for five games to win it all playing against some great teams,” Pinto said.

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Parma Normandy (10-3) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Jake Squirek (511, 210, Jr.), OL/DT Alex Bobel (6-3, 320, Sr.), OL/DE Ryan Milligan (6-3, 225, Sr.), OL/DL David Hughey (6-1, 220, Sr.), WR/DB Mike Travvagliante (5-8, 165, Jr.), DL Keith Tapocsi (60, 280, Sr.), QB Casey Pierce (6-2, 180, Jr.). * Outlook – Normandy was the No. 3 seed in this region and advanced to the regional finals. This year’s team will be led by Squirek who is called “a freak” by coach Rich Turner. Last season, Squirek rushed for 869 yards (seven yards per carry) and 14 touchdowns and had 94 tackles on defense. He is the son of former NFL linebacker Jack Squirek. Bobel and Milligan are each returning all-conference performers. Bobel is the team’s top offensive lineman and Milligan led the team with eight sacks. The Invaders must replace first-team AllOhio LB Russ Galeti, first-team All-Ohio DB Josh Ebinger and second-team All-Ohio DL Andy Kowicki. “We hope to defend our conference title in the NOC (Northern Ohio Conference) and make the playoffs,” Turner said of his team’s goals.

Parma Padua Franciscan (7-4) * Players to Watch – LB Dan Molls (6-2, 215, Sr.), QB Andrew Dziak (6-1, 185, Sr.), RB Cory DePiero (5-9, 201, Sr.), PK Scott Blasinsky (5-11, 175, Sr.), FS Nick Kaszei (5-11, 180, Jr.), TE/DE Mark Ellis (6-2, 215, Sr.), MLB Jake Mason (5-11, 198, Sr.), CB Anthony Pavia (5-11, 183, Sr.) * Outlook – Padua made the playoffs last year with the No. 4 seed and it returns a whopping 17 starters. Molls was named first-team All-Ohio and was the co-district defensive player of the year. He is ranked as the No. 57 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and has been timed as low as 4.57 in the 40. As of press time, Molls held scholarship offers from Army and several MAC schools. DePiero was named first-team All-Ohio and first-team all-district. Blaninsky was named first-team all-district, while Dziak was a second-team all-district selection. “We think we have a good group coming back and we want to capitalize on it,” head coach Tony Shuman said.

Tallmadge (10-2) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Tyler Fortner (511, 190, Sr.), QB Paul Pakan (6-1, 185, Jr.), FB/LB Nick Thompson (5-11, 220, Sr.), OL/DL Zack Cevasco (6-2, 270, Sr.), TE/DE Andrew Roy (6-3, 220, Sr.), OL/NG Nick White (5-8, 190, Sr.), WR/DB Craig Siesel (5-8, 160, Sr.), PK James Plunket (5-10, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – The Blue Devils were the No. 2 seed in this region last year and they return one of the state’s top running backs in Fortner who had 1,600 rushing yards and 20 TDs last year. Thompson was the team’s leading tackler last year and Roy led the squad in tackles-forloss. Tallmadge must replace first-team All-Ohio

DB Patrick Pakan (who was also the starting QB) and second-team All-Ohio LB Collin Haben. Pakan’s younger brother Paul will take over QB duties this year. “Our senior group is solid and experienced,” head coach Joe Vassalotti said. “We will learn on them heavily while depth is developed in the younger classes.”

Warren Howland (11-1) * Players to Watch – TE/LB Tyler Scott (6-4, 230, Sr.), RB/CB Dante Marsh (5-11, 185, Sr.), OT Craig Stan (6-5, 235, Sr.), C/DT Clay Cooper (6-4, 270, Sr.), OL/DL Matt Cash (6-1, 285, Sr.), QB Matt Preston (6-2, 195, Jr.), RB Mike Mangiarelli (5-11, 175, Jr.), KR Kyle Spence (6-2, 190, Sr.), FB Solomon Jackson (5-10, 230, Sr.) * Outlook – Howland was the No. 1 seed in this region last year, but was bounced in the second round of the playoffs. This year the Tigers return a talented group led by Scott (ranked as the No. 44 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High) and Marsh (ranked No. 79). Stan, Cooper and Cash are all ranked in the top 150. Preston was impressive last year and is ranked as one of the top junior quarterbacks in the state by Ohio High. Scott had 92 tackles and four sacks and is being recruited by Notre Dame and Penn State to name a few. Marsh rushed for 1,130 yards and eight TDs and is also a standout cornerback. Preston passed for 730 yards and five TDs, and rushed for 537 yards and 10 TDs. Howland must replace DL Josh Lott who was named the state’s co-defensive player of the year in D-II. The Tigers also must replace first-team All-Ohio LB Eric Jones. “You want to win the league, get back to the playoffs and then it’s new season,” Howland coach Dick Angle said. “It’s nice to have starters back and all that, but you have to have chemistry.”

Also Keep An Eye On * Akron Firestone (7-4) – The Falcons placed seventh in this region last year and fell to Tallmadge in the first round of the playoffs. * Chardon (7-3) – Chardon placed 10th in this region last year and is a program that is always in the playoff hunt. The Hilltoppers must replace first-team All-Ohio OL Joe Madsen. * Olmsted Falls (7-3) – The Bulldogs placed 11th in this region last year and are led by OL Zach Laird (6-4, 270, Sr.) who was a first-team all-district selection. Also returning is second-team alldistrict DB Brandon Russo (6-0, 170, Sr.) and honorable mention alldistrict QB John Atkinson (5-11, 165, Sr.). * Also In This Region – Maple Heights (7-3), Kenston (6-4), Akron Ellet (7-3), Cleveland Collinwood (5-5), Akron Hoban (3-7), Richfield Revere (4-6), Cleveland JFK (4-6), Westlake (46), Barberton (2-8), Geneva (4-6), Kent Roosevelt (3-7), Akron North (5-5), Copley (2-8), Akron East

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II (2-8), Ashtabula Lakeside (2-8), Akron Buchtel (28), Cleveland East Tech (1-9), Berea (0-10), Akron Kenmore (0-10), Akron Springfield (0-10).

Region 6

Teams To Watch: Ashland (12-2) * Players to Watch – OL/DL Cody Fast (6-1, 240, Sr.), NG Justin Stewart (6-0, 195, Sr.), OLB/SS Jacob Oberholzer (6-3, 185, Sr.), MLB Anthony Deppen (5-9, 190, Jr.), RB Shane Kipp (5-11, 205, Sr.), LT Ben Mowry (6-5, 285, Sr.), OL/DL Troy Stauffer (6-1, 310, Sr.), RG Kyle Wolf (6-2, 320, Sr.), TE Jason Schuttura (6-3, 205, Sr.) * Outlook – Ashland made the playoffs as the No. 4 seed last year, then caught fire and won the regional championship. Fast was named firstteam All-Northwest District and first-team all-conference. He had 96 tackles (60 solo) and is being recruited by MAC schools. The Arrows must replace quarterback Taylor Housewright who was named first-team AllOhio and the offensive player of the year in Division II. Two juniors and a sophomore will compete for the job. Kipp had 328 rushing yards, 198 receiving yards and 5 total touchdowns last year. The defense will be led by Deppen (119 tackles), Oberholzer (102 tackles) and Stewart (83 tackles, three sacks). “We think we’ll have a good defense – we have a lot of guys back,” head coach Scott Valentine said. “Offensively, we lost a lot of skilled guys, but we have most of our linemen back.”

Avon Lake (11-1) * Players to Watch – DE Zach Murray (6-2, 230, Sr.), OL Adam Schneid (6-4, 265, Sr.), OL Joe Coyne (6-2, 255, Sr.), RB/DB Steve Mares (511, 190, Sr.), DT Sean McCann (6-3, 235, Sr.), OL Christian Pace (6-2, 250, Jr.), TE/DE Joe Gaydosh (6-4, 220, Sr.), RB/DB Mike Mansnerus (5-11, 180, Jr.) * Outlook – Avon Lake is a perennial playoff team and the Shoremen are well-stocked with talent as usual. Murray is ranked as the No. 93 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and Schneid is ranked No. 102. Head coach Dave Dlugosz said of his 2008 team: “We should be solid on both sides of the line of scrimmage. We expect our inexperienced but athletic skill positions to mature and compete. Our team goals are to win the Southwestern Conference and advance deep in the playoffs.” Dlugosz is entering his 16th year and has a career mark of 160-29 (won 2003 state title). Grafton Midview (8-3) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Josiah Holt (5-9, 165, Jr.), WR Mike Schmittle (6-2, 190, Sr.), DB Joe Yusko (6-0, 185, Sr.), OL/LB Andrew Myers (5-11, 225, Sr.), TE/LB Mike Dodson (6-1, 195, Sr.), QB/DB Gage Williams (6-0, 165, Sr.), OT/DT Jacob Cumpston (6-2, 285, Sr.) * Outlook – The Middies snuck in the playoffs last year as the No. 8 seed in this region and they

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hope to take it a step or two farther this season. Holt averaged 7.3 yards per carry and was named first-team All-West Shore Conference and first-team All-Lorain County. Schmittle was first-team all-conference, firstteam all-county and averaged 21 yards per catch. Yusko was secondteam all-conference (four INTs) and Myers was honorable mention. Williams took over as the starting QB in week 9 due to injury and played the final three games.

Lexington (8-3) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Courtney Avery (5-10, 170, Jr.), WR Tyler Dickson (6-0, 185, Sr.), RB/DB Antonio Pickens (5-9, 175, Sr.), SS Tucker Nuetzel (5-11, 170, Sr.), FB/MLB Kyle McCombs (5-10, 220, Sr.), WR/S Michael Gallik (5-10, 170, Sr.), OL/DT David Willis (6-2, 255, Jr.) * Outlook – Lexington went from 2-8 in 2006 to a playoff team last year. Avery has been the starting QB since the first game of his freshman year and has been offered by Army and Bowling Green already. Last year, he had 14 touchdown passes, two interceptions and was named first-team all-conference. Nuetzel led the team with 125 tackles and was named firstteam all-district. McCombs had 110 tackles, five sacks and was named all-conference. Other all-conference selections included Dickson, Pickens, Gallik and Willis (28 pancakes, graded out 91 percent). Third-year head coach B.J. Payne says his goals are to “win the Ohio Cardinal Conference and make the playoffs.”

Piqua (8-4) * Players to Watch – RB/CB Ty Knox (5-11, 180, Sr.), OT Cody Sterling (6-4, 285, Sr.), OG Ron Walls (5-10, 193, Sr.), DL Jake Mohr (6-1, 233, Sr.), LB Colin Nickolai (5-9, 185, Sr.), WR Gomez White (6-4, 186, Sr.), RB Kendall Taylor (5-11, 180, Sr.), C Jake Underwood (6-1, 240, Jr.), DL Josh Osborne (5-10, 205, Jr.), WR Logan Johnson (5-11, 167, Jr.) * Outlook – Piqua won the 2006 state title and advanced to the regional semifinals last year. This season, they must replace linebacker David Rolf who was first-team All-Ohio and the district defensive player of the year. He is now at Michigan State. Piqua must also replace three-year starting quarterback Justin Hemm, first-team all-district/second-team All-Ohio DL Shea Selsor and first-team alldistrict OL Kyle Perkins. Leading this year’s group is Knox who is being heavily recruited as a cornerback and was named second-team All-GWOC last year. Joining him on the second-team all-league list last year was Nickolai and Osborne. Taylor had 287 rushing yards, 106 receiving yards and five TDs.

Powell Olentangy Liberty (8-3) * Players to Watch – DL Mike Hilty (6-4, 235, Sr.), RB/DB Allen Eggleston (5-9, 185, Sr.), LB Victor Kacvkowski (6-3, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Cameron Whitner (5-7, 160, Sr.), FB/K Todd

Henderly (5-9, 190, Sr.), WR/DB John Merlina (59, 170, Sr.), RB/SS Cale Garverick (6-0, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – The Patriots have made the playoffs four straight years and the school has only been inexistence for five. This year’s team will be led by the trio of Hilty (all-conference, all-district), Allen (1,100 all-purpose yards; allconference, all-district) and Kacvkowski (all-conference). Hilty is ranked as the No. 81 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and Eggleston is ranked in the top 150. Olentangy Liberty must replace first-team AllOhio quarterback Ryan Cypret and head coach Steve Hale says there will be “a couple kids competing for that spot.”

Sylvania Southview (11-2) * Players to Watch – QB/LB Alex Pidcock (6-3, 220, Sr.), WR/DB Shaun Joplin (6-2, 185, Sr.), WR/CB Bernard Pinckney (6-1, 190, Sr.), OL/DL Jimmy McMahon (6-3, 260, Sr.), RB/LB Greg Isley (6-1, 200, Sr.), OL/LB T.J. Gibbs (5-11, 245, Sr.), RB/DB Dylan Coleman (6-1, 185, Jr.), DL Nate McDaniels (6-0, 264, Jr.), RB/LB Ryan Jozsa (5-7, 175, Sr.), RB/DL Shane Graeyk (5-9, 193, Sr.) * Outlook – The Cougars were regional finalists last season, but must replace several top players, including first-team all-district DB Griff Whalen (who also shared time at QB), first-team all-district OL Greg Thomas, first-team all-district WR Alex Renner, first-team all-district DE Vinnie Meehan and secondteam all-district LB Sean Cardone (Adrian). However, led by the likes of Pidcock, Joplin, Pinckney, McMahon and Isley, Southview will be back in the playoff hunt this year. “We have high hopes for the season and we’re looking forward to a great year,” head coach Jim Mayzes said. Toledo Central Catholic (8-3) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Brad Rogers (510, 220, Sr.), FB/LB Mike Marrow (6-1, 240, Sr.), WR/ATH Nate Hobbs (6-0, 180, Jr.), OL/DL Doug Williams (6-2, 260, Sr.), DL Jamaal Tarent (6-2, 250, Jr.), FB/LB David Pickerel (6-1, 220, Sr.), QB/DB/ATH Eric Bates (6-1, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – The 2005 state champs return an impressive group and have high expectations for the season. Rogers is ranked as the No. 54 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High. Last year, he had 635 rushing yards and 12 TDs offensively, and 56 tackles including 11 for loss defensively. Rogers has already committed to Iowa as a running back. Marrow is ranked as one of the top 125 seniors in the state by Ohio High and is a transfer from New Albany. His father took a job as the tight ends coach at the University of Toledo. Hobbs is a twoway starter who had three interceptions last year. Williams is the only returning starter on the offensive line. Tarent is being recruited by Alabama, Nebraska and Penn State. Pickerel and Bates started as sophomores, but missed all of last season with injuries.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II TCC must replace OL Eric Herman who was a first-team All-Ohio selection.

Also Keep An Eye On * Bowling Green (6-4) – The Bobcats were the odd team out in this region last year, finishing ninth in the computer rankings. They will once again be led by QB Aaron Mershman (6-3, 200) who is ranked as the No. 32 senior prospect in the state and the No. 2 QB by Ohio High. He accounted for 1,466 passing yards, 370 rushing yards and 19 TDs (13 passing, six rushing) last year. * Medina Highland (6-4) – The Hornets are led by LB Chris Snook (6-2, 220) who is ranked as the No. 29 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and a West Virginia commit. * Toledo Rogers (5-5) – The Rams only finished 15th in this region last year. However, Rogers always has plenty of talent and could bounce back in a big way this year. * Also In This Region – Lodi Cloverleaf (6-4), North Ridgeville (7-3), Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (4-6), Oregon Clay (6-4), Sylvania Northview (4-6), Sidney (5-5), Toledo DeSales (5-5), Maumee (4-6), Greenville (4-6), Holland Springfield (3-7), Sandusky (4-6), Toledo Woodward (3-7), Toledo Libbey (4-6), Wapakoneta (3-7), Celina (2-8), Toledo Scott (19), Mansfield Madison (1-9), Toledo Waite (0-10).

Region 7

Teams To Watch: Canfield (10-2) * Players to Watch – RB/DL Dan Banna (5-11, 225, Sr.), QB Adam Muth (6-2, 180, Sr.), DL Luke Franken (5-10, 220, Sr.), RB/LB Tom Cheslik (511, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Dom Rich (6-0, 190, Sr.), ATH Kyle Vaclav (5-11, 175, Jr.) * Outlook – The Cardinals have made the playoffs five out of the last six years and they are expected to make another postseason appearance this year. Banna had 890 rushing yards and 13 TDs last year. Franken had 54 tackles and eight sacks. The top player they have to replace is second-team AllOhio DL Jordan Graham. Said head coach Mike Pavlansky: “We will need to replace 20 seniors who won 32 of 38 games. This year’s senior leaders stepping up and the development of our offensive line will go a long way in determining our season.”

Columbus DeSales (12-1) * Players to Watch – DE Davon Custis (6-5, 220, Sr.), LB Josh Kusan (6-1, 215, Sr.), OL/DL Jake Smith (6-2, 260, Sr.), QB Thomas Gentile (510, 185, Sr.), RB Sal Carfagna (6-0, 180, Sr.), RB Adam Griffin (5-9, 175, Jr.) * Outlook – The Stallions stomped through the regular season with a perfect record and was the No. 1 seed in this region last year. Custis is one of the top defensive ends in the state and had 12 sacks last year. He had 30 scholarship offers by

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press time, including everyone in the Big Ten except Ohio State. Gentile returns as the starting quarterback and he had 850 rushing yards, 665 passing yards and 11 total touchdowns last year. Said head coach Ryan Wiggins: “We have to replace a lot of linemen on both sides. Our goals are always to win our league first and foremost and beat our rival, Watterson. Then we want to get in the playoffs and advance as far as we can. That’s always the goal is to just give yourself a chance and see how far you can take it.” DeSales must replace a pair of first-team AllOhio selections in OL Patrick Omameh and DL Joe Whitehead.

Columbus Watterson (6-4) * Players to Watch – RB Kevin Obyc (5-11, 192, Sr.), RB/DB Jordan Gelhaus (5-9, 175, Sr.), DE Jon Lorenz (6-2, 235, Sr.), TE Colin Boone (63, 204, Sr.), WR/DB/PK Seth Willoughby (6-1, 180, Sr.), OT/DL Zach Shepard (6-2, 230, Sr.) * Outlook – The Eagles saw their eight-year playoff streak surprisingly end last year. However, they are hungry to get back to the postseason this time around. Obyc rushed for 342 yards and six touchdowns last year. Gelhaus added 238 yards and three touchdowns. Watterson must replace second-team All-Ohio DL Matt Grieser, secondteam All-Ohio LB Drew Dabbelt and standout QB Mason Takacs. Said head coach Dan Bjelac: “We return more on offense than defense and we think we’re going to be able to move the ball on the ground. We will be improved up front on the offensive line; a lot of juniors played last year.”

Dresden Tri-Valley (10-2) * Players to Watch – OL/DT Ryan Spiker (6-3, 300, Sr.), QB/FS Clay Cameron (6-0, 210, Jr.), C/DT Eric Reed (6-0, 245, Sr.), WR/SS Ross Allison (6-0, 195, Sr.), WR/CB Michael Lawler (63, 170, Sr.), WR/LB Jake Strock (6-1, 195, Sr.), RB/ILB Tyler Mautz (5-9, 195, Sr.) * Outlook – The Scotties qualified for the playoffs last year as the No. 6 seed and won a firstround game on the road over Logan. Spiker is ranked as the No. 19 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and had over 10 scholarship offers at press time. Cameron is considered one of the top juniors in the state and has started since his freshman year. He has a big arm and is a physical runner. Said head coach Justin Buttermore: “We have high expectations. Our program has come long way and these kids have come a long way. We have better overall depth in our senior class than ever before and we expect big things from the kids with playing experience.” Tri-Valley must replace a pair of first-team AllOhio selections in QB Cam West and OL Adam Bice. Dublin Scioto (6-4) * Players to Watch – RB/QB/SS Bradley

McDougald (6-1, 190, Sr.), WR/DB Ayodeji Olatoye (6-2, 180, Sr.), OG Jason Tiemeier (6-0, 255, Sr.), P/K Ranier Duzan (5-11, 170, Sr.), WR Stacey Blunt (6-1, 170, Jr.), QB/RB Charlie Suich (5-11, 185, Jr.), DE Grant Pleasant (6-2, 215, Jr.), TE Jamare Mills (6-5, 240, So.), OT Chris Latimer (6-1, 255, Jr.) * Outlook – The Irish have missed the playoffs two straight years and they’re determined to get back in the postseason this season. McDougald is one of the best players in the state and has been offered by Ohio State and other top programs. He will likely be a safety in college, but he is Scioto’s bell cow at running back. Olatoye has only played football since his sophomore year and was a two-way starter last year. Tiemeier will be a three-year starter. Suich was 9-0 as the freshman QB two years ago and was the backup varsity QB a year ago. Blunt is an “up and comer” at wide receiver and Pleasant “exploded in the weight room and should have a big year” according to coach Karl Johnson. “I think what makes our region so tough is you have such a wide range of teams from the state,” Johnson said. “We want to get in the playoffs and see what happens from there.”

Logan (9-2) * Players to Watch – QB/S Pat Angle (6-2, 190, Jr.), RB/LB Clay Morgan (5-11, 190, Sr.), TE/DE Jon Neff (6-3, 220, Sr.), OT Andy Weston (6-2, 275, Sr.), NG Cary MaClaughlin (5-11, 200, Sr.), C Bobby Russell (6-2, 220, Jr.), DT Steve Miller (6-1, 220, Sr.) * Outlook – The Chieftains, a long-time Division I program, moved down to Division II last year and promptly made the playoffs with the No. 3 seed. This year, Logan must replace a talented graduated class that included firstteam All-Ohio WR Lucas Wright, first-team All-Ohio LB Corey Kissling, second-team All-Ohio RB Justin Frye and second-team All-Ohio LB Mark Potter. Angle returns at quarterback to lead the offense. Said head coach Dale Amyx: “Our goals are always to be SEOAL champions, have a 10-0 record in the regular season and advance to the state playoffs. We always want to be a smart, disciplined and aggressive football team.”

Louisville (12-3) * Players to Watch – QB Neal Seaman (6-2, 195, Sr.), WR Brandon Mathie (6-1, 175, Sr.), DE Corey Whaley (6-3, 220, Sr.), DT Bryan Kuhn (61, 210, Sr.), WR Tyler Jones (6-4, 200, Sr.), WR/DB Jon Minster (5-11, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – The Leopards finished with the No. 2 seed in this region and advanced all the way to the state championship game. Seaman is one of the top quarterbacks in the state and he returns to lead the offense. Last year he threw for 2,151 yards, rushed for 1,269 and accounted for 40 touchdowns (29 passing, 11 rushing). Mathie had 63 receptions for 954 yards and 12

JJ Hu ddle’ s O h io Hi gh

Ohio High Football Preview: Division II touchdowns. Whaley is the leading returner on defense with 75 tackles and 11 sacks. Louisville must replace DL Matt Schooley who was named first-team All-Ohio and the co-defensive player of the year in Division II. It also must replace first-team All-Ohio selections OL Tyler Kwasnicka and RB Clay Swigert, as well as second-team All-Ohio LB Marcus Poyser.

New Albany (7-3) * Players to Watch – OT/NG Johnny Rohrlick (6-5, 305, Sr.), OL/DE Andy Schubert (6-4, 235, Sr.), TE/DE/PK/P Collin Show (6-6, 215, Sr.), WR/FS Alex Sycher (6-5, 195, Sr.), FB/MLB John Korth (6-0, 215, Sr.), LB Weston McKeever (6-1, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – New Albany was the odd team out in this region last year with the No. 9 final ranking. Rohrock anchors both lines and has a scholarship offer from Toledo. Show was a first-team all-league kicker and also starts on offense and defense. Korth was the leading tackler on the team going into the fourth week, but suffered a broken back. McKeever was the leading tackler on the team and was named second-team all-league. Said head coach Mark Mueller: “Always our goal is to win the league title. And if we can do that, then we’ll be in the playoffs. And ours is a very tough region.” The Eagles must replace star FB/LB Mike Marrow who transferred to Toledo Central Catholic. Also Keep An Eye On * Uniontown Lake (7-4) – The Blue Streaks were the No. 7 seed in the playoffs last year. They must replace a pair of second-team All-Ohio selections in DL Colin Everett and DB T.J. Viscuso. * Columbus Marion-Franklin (9-2) – The Red Devils are a perennial playoff team out of the Columbus City League. However, advancing in the postseason has been a problem for them. Last year, Marion-Franklin was the No. 5 seed in this region and drew a tough first-round assignment and fell to Canfield. * Zanesville (8-3) – The Blue Devils made the playoffs last year as the No. 8 seed and look to make another trip to the postseason this season. * Also In This Region – Dublin Jerome (7-3), Columbus Beechcroft (7-3), Youngstown East (82), Columbus St. Charles (5-5), Columbus Northland (6-4), Columbus Walnut Ridge (7-3), Columbus Whetstone (6-4), Alliance (4-6), Columbus Independence (4-6), Columbus Hamilton Township (5-5), Pataskala Watkins Memorial (4-6), Columbus Franklin Heights (4-6), Columbus Briggs (3-7), Wooster (3-7), Columbus West (3-7), Marietta (3-7), Canton Timken (2-8), Columbus Centennial (0-10), Youngstown Chaney (0-10).

Region 8

Teams To Watch: Cincinnati Anderson (13-2) * Players to Watch – QB Daniel Rod (5-10,

JJ H u dd l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

185, Sr.), C/DT Nick Schirmann (6-3, 245, Sr.), WR John Runk (6-4, 190, Sr.), OT Andrew Norwell (6-7, 280, Jr.), DE Joe Walla (6-2, 240, Sr.), LB Adam Biglow (6-1, 195, Sr.), LB Eli Anglim (6-1, 185, Sr.), DE Nick Buchanan (6-2, 210, Sr.), ATH Spencer Ware (5-10, 200, Jr.) * Outlook – Anderson rolled to the first state championship in school history last season and many believe the Redskins will be even more talented this year. Rod is an experienced QB who can “make all the throws,” according to head coach Jeff Giesting. Schirmann is a two-way starter and was named first-team All-Ohio last year. Norwell is one of the top juniors in the state and has an early scholarship offer from Cincinnati. “The strength of this year’s team will be our experience and depth,” Giesting said. “We have the most depth we’ve probably ever had. That depth helped us last year because we didn’t play a lot of guys two ways and we were able to wear down teams to some extent.”

Cincinnati Turpin (12-1) * Players to Watch – MLB Zach Jansen (5-11, 220, Sr.), RB Wayne Dunham (5-7, 165, Jr.), FB Jeff Groene (6-3, 245, Jr.), OLB Matt Kelly (6-0, 185, Jr.) * Outlook – The Spartans were the No. 1 seed in this region last year and lost a 24-23 heartbreaker to Anderson in the regional finals. This year, Turpin has just four returning starters (listed). Said head coach Rob Stoll: “We don’t have many guys with a lot of experience, so we’ll be young and learning on the run this year. If we can mature quickly, we can be competitive again. We do have some guys returning to spots they started at last year like Dunham, Groene and Kelly. Jansen is going to move to middle linebacker this year.” Turpin must replace district player of the year and first-team All-Ohio QB Ryan Martin. Also lost to graduation were first-team All-Ohio OT Aaron Van Kuiken and first-team all-district performer/second-team All-Ohio WR Andy Cruse.

Cincinnati Winton Woods (7-4) * Players to Watch – WR/DB Chris Williams (5-11, 175, Sr.), WR/OLB/DB Maalik Bomar (6-2, 195, Sr.), TE/DE Anthony Talbert (6-5, 220, Sr.), OL Alvin Walker (6-4, 320, Sr.), QB Dominique Brown (6-2, 185, Jr.), RB Jeremiah Goins (5-10, 200, Jr.), CB Avery Cunningham (6-0, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – The Warriors barely got in the playoffs last year with the No. 8 seed in this region. This year, they return a host of talented players. Williams is ranked as the No. 38 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and is a productive two-way starter. Bomar is ranked as the No. 67 senior prospect in the state and received early scholarship offers from Toledo and Miami (Ohio). Talbert is ranked as the No. 86 senior prospect in the state and Walker is ranked in the top 150. Brown is ranked as one of the top 10 junior quarterbacks in the

state and Goins is ranked as one of the top 10 junior running backs. Winton Woods must replace second-team AllOhio LB Chaz King.

Cincinnati Withrow (9-2) * Players to Watch – SS Jowan Peterson (6-2, 180, Sr.), RB/DB Jelani Alford (5-9, 165, Sr.), LG Josh Bryant (5-11, 230, Sr.), C Michael Jones (59, 220, Sr.), Dorian Stallworth (5-11, 180, Sr.), WR Darius Davis (6-3, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – Withrow was the No. 3 seed in this region last year and was bounced in the first round at home by Dayton Carroll. Peterson is ranked as the No. 53 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and has 4.61 speed. Alford has 4.48 speed and is ranked in the top 150 in the state. Alford transferred from Cincinnati LaSalle last year and finished the season with 275 rushing yards, 315 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns. His statistics are expected to skyrocket this year. As of press time, he had offers from Eastern Michigan and Nebraska.

Dayton Carroll (10-2) * Players to Watch – RB David McComas (6-0, 190, Sr.), QB Mike Escobar (6-2, 190, Sr.), OL Cory Sorice (6-4, 310, Sr.), DB Taurean Young (510, 185, Sr.), DB Pat Sedalar (6-0, 180, Sr.), OL Clint Hancock (6-0, 225, Sr.), DB Rylie Beck (6-2, 185, Sr.), RB Joe Arata (5-8, 180, Sr.) * Outlook – Carroll was the No. 6 seed in this region last year and knocked off Cincinnati Withrow on the road in the first round of the playoffs. McComas rushed for 1,653 yards last year and was named first-team all-district and second-team All-Ohio. Sorice anchors the offensive front and he was also named firstteam all-district and second-team All-Ohio last year. Said head coach Steve Bartlett: “We have a chance to be good if we work hard and get a little better each week.” Carroll must replace first-team All-Ohio LB Scott Shear and second-team All-Ohio DB Nate Scheidt.

Kings Mills Kings (8-3) * Players to Watch – WR/QB/RS Derrick Harris (6-1, 190, Sr.), RB/OLB Nick Bauer (5-11, 190, Sr.), DL Mike Kidder (5-11, 245, Sr.), PK Zac Murphy (6-3, 180, Sr.), WR/OLB Chris Gant (6-4, 195, Sr.), C/DE Andrew Winebrenner (6-3, 220, Sr.), QB Chip Barkett (6-4, 210, Sr.) * Outlook – The Knights made the playoffs with the No. 7 seed last year and gave Anderson a tough game in the first round in a 14-6 loss. Harris was named first-team alldistrict as a return return specialist (26 yards per return, 3 TDs). He added 32 receptions for 541 yards. Bauer was a starting defensive back last year, but will be the main ball carrier this season. He will also move to OLB on defense. Kidder is a two-time all-conference

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II selection and has great quickness for a lineman. Said head coach Andy Olds: “We have won our conference seven out of the last 10 years, but have not won it in the last two so we are very hungry to get back on track.”

Trenton Edgewood (8-2) * Players to Watch – OG Taylor Miller (6-5, 305, Jr.), WR Xavier Fugate (6-4, 210, Sr.), QB Brandon Marcum (5-11, 180, Sr.), RB/LB Justin Elder (6-1, 180, Jr.), OG/LB Billy French (6-0, 190, Jr.) * Outlook – Edgewood was the No. 4 seed in this region last year and fell to Trotwood in the first round of the playoffs. Miller is one of the top juniors in the state and has started since his freshman year. Fugate runs the 40 in 4.61 and received early offers from Ohio U. and Western Michigan. He had 30 receptions for 700 yards and eight TDs last year in a run-oriented offense. Marcum threw for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. Justin Elder is the younger brother of the school’s all-time leading rusher John Elder who is now playing at Ashland University. French was one of the few two-way starters last year. The Cougars must replace firstteam all-district OL Robbie Osborne. Said head coach Steve Channel: “Experience is certainly a concern, but I think we will have a lot of depth this year.”

Trotwood-Madison (8-4) * Players to Watch – OL Chris Freeman (6-8, 300, Sr.), DE Anthony Gibson (6-3, 205, Jr.), WR/CB Jordan Paschal (5-10, 175, Jr.), OL Anthony Render (6-2, 270, Jr.), QB/WR/P Willie Ballard (6-2, 210, Jr.), WR A.J. Jordan (6-2, 175, So.), RB/DB David Lane (5-11, 180, Sr.) * Outlook – Trotwood was one of the most talent-laden teams in the state last year, but fell in the second-round of the playoffs to Cincinnati Turpin. Freeman is one of the top players in the state (ranked No. 14 overall by Ohio High) and received early scholarship offers from LSU, Florida, Kentucky, Miami, Penn State, Nebraska and North Carolina State just to name a few. Gibson is ranked as the No. 9 junior in the state by Ohio High and he runs a 10.8 in the 100 meters. Head coach Maurice Douglass and Trotwood must replace a talented graduated class that included first-team All-Ohio wide receiver Roy Roundtree (Michigan), RB Michael Shaw (Michigan), TE Brandon Moore (Michigan) quarterback Dominick Britt (Jackson State) and first-team all-district DL Ike Washington.

Bellbrook (5-5) * Players to Watch – OT Sam Longo (6-6, 280, Sr.), LB Cody Fyffe (5-11, 200, Sr.), DE Stephen Goehring (6-0, 210, Sr.), SS Brian Seger (6-0, 180, Sr.), LB Zac Rogal (6-2, 195, Jr.) * Outlook – The Golden Eagles finished 12th in this region last year but could make a playoff push. Overall, Bellbrook has seven postseason trips, including four since 2000, but the Eagles haven’t made the D-II postseason since bumping

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up in 2005. According to head coach Kevin Basinger (81-38 in 11 years at BHS) this is going to be a “rebuilding year” on offense. Defensviely the Eagles should be stout. Basinger is planning on the unit carrying Bellbrook early, especially during a treacherous three-game stretch to open the season that includes two D-I teams (Miamisburg and Xenia) and traditional D-IV power Kettering Alter. Fyffe was the team’s leading tackler last season (123 stops), while Goehring registered 62 tackles and five sacks. Seger (89 tackles) and Rogal (72) are seasoned defenders as well. Longo is ranked as the No. 75 senior prospect in the state by Ohio High and has over 30 offers, including from Florida State, Penn State and Nebraska. ‘We have a number of challenges this season to overcome,” Basinger said. “The players will need to step up their play to keep the tradition of the program moving forward.” A tough schedule pays the Eagles no favors. A year after facing seven playoff teams from the year before, Bellbrook faces six this season (Alter, Eaton, Valley View, Oakwood, Milton-Union and Lemon-Monroe). Vandalia Butler (5-5) * Players to Watch – OL/DL A.J. owen (6-1, 275, Sr.), LB/RB Jordan Martin (6-0, 200, Sr.), OL/DL Ben Brockman (6-2, 280, Sr.), OL/DL Jacob Davis (5-9, 190, Sr.), LB/FB Mike Radominski (6-0, 205, Sr.) * Outlook – The Aviators were the 10th-ranked team in Region 8 last year and they are hoping to get over the playoff hump this season. However, it won’t be an easy task in this loaded region. Home games against Troy, Piqua and Trotwoood-Madison will help. Five starters return on defense for head coach Dan Thobe (13-27 in four years), who expects that unit to lead the team early on. Three starters return on offense so there will be a transition period there.

Also Keep An Eye On * Cincinnati Taft (6-3) – Taft narrowly missed out on the playoffs with a No. 9 ranking in this region. It is led by the No. 5 overall player in the state according to Ohio High, DE Cornelius Carradine (6-4, 230, Sr.). Taft also boasts LB Tommie McBride (6-1, 210, Sr.) who is ranked No. 91 by Ohio High and flashes 4.5 speed in the 40. Last season, McBride was named first-team all-district and second-team AllOhio. * Dayton Dunbar (5-5) – The Wolverines were just a couple points shy of making the playoffs last season, dropping close games to Withrow, Carroll and Franklin. “An extra point here, take away a penalty there, and we're 8-2,” Head coach James Lacking said. Gone is standout running back Marcus Wright (Texas Southern) who rushed for 415 yards in one game, but head coach James Lacking is excited

about what returns. The coach is also hoping to get a boost from reserve and freshman teams that combined to go 15-3. Overall Dunbar returns four starters on offense and five on defense. Said Lacking: “We know that we should have made the playoffs in 2007 and 2006(7-3). It hurt our kids and it is definitely showing this off-season.” * West Carrollton (1-9) – A year after earning the school’s first playoff berth and win, the Pirates slipped to well below .500 last season. Points were often hard to come by as a young team (only two seniors in ‘07) learned on the fly. This year experiecne should pay off for West Carrollton as it tries to right the ship. Senior Jordan Beverly (6-1, 265) is a two-way standout on the line and was a state placer in wrestling. The Pirates also return their defensive and offensive Team MVP’s from last year in seniors Kaleb Enterman (linebacker) and Steve Kocal (quarterback), respectively. * Wilmington (2-8) – The Hurricane is 6-14 since making the playoffs in 2005. This season a small senior class and having to rebuild both lines are concerns for sith-year head coach Rob Vida. Skill-wise Wilmington returns its top passer (Justin Dunn; 71 of 141, 1,020 yards, five TDs), rusher (Quentin Rollins; 137 carries, 897 yards, six TDs) and receiver (Spenser Smith; 18 recptions, 330 yards, two TDs). Smith was first team Fort Ancient Valley Conference (Cardinal), while Rollins was second team. * Also In This Region – Asheville Teays Vally (7-3), Oxford Talawanda (6-4), Mount Orab Western Brown (7-3), New Carlisle Tecumseh (64), Hamilton Ross (6-4), Cincinnati Hughes Center (7-3), Jackson (6-4), Morrow Little Miami (4-6), Dayton Thurgood Marshall (4-6), Cincinnati Aiken (3-7), Cincinnati Mount Healthy (3-7), Dayton Meadowdale (2-8), Cincinnati Northwest (1-9), Dayton Belmont (2-8), Dayton Stebbins (010), Cincinnati Walnut Hills (0-10).

Ohio High Division II Predictions

Region 5 Warren Howland over Parma Padua Franciscan Region 6 Avon Lake over Toledo Central Catholic Region 7 Columbus DeSales over Louisville Region 8 Cincinnati Anderson over Dayton Carroll Championship Game Anderson over Warren Howland

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division II

2007 Revisited

Anderson Outlasts Louisville Division II State Championship

Photo by Gary Housteau

ASSILLON – Randy Moss and Terrell Owens play for two of the top teams in the National Football League. Nick Truesdell plays for the top Division II team in Ohio. NOV. 30 the trio was mentioned together. Putting together the best performance of his relatively quiet career, Truesdell blossomed on the state’s biggest stage in helping Cincinnati Anderson defeat Stark County ’s own Louisville 31-25 in the D-II state championship at Massillon ’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Truesdell, a 6-foot-7, 215 pound receiver, caught back-to-back touchdown passes on the Redskins first two possessions and returned a kick 44 yards to set up a pivotal field goal before the end of the first half. Truesdell ended the game with 129 yards on five receptions. He also ran three times for 28 yards. “Randy Moss, I mean my gosh,” Louisville head

Anderson senior Nick Truesdell put together a remarkable state final, catching five passes for 129 yards and two TDs.

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coach Paul Farrah said. “We had him the one time doubled on third and ten with two of our best athletes and he just split them and went up and got it. He’s thick. He was able to shield us off just like a basketball player going up for the ball.” Said Truesdell, who had 41 catches for 582 yards and seven TDs coming in and admitted teammates sometimes call him “T.O.” because he wears No. 81: “I didn’t expect to make this big of an impact at all. I was nervous coming in and in warm ups I was dropping balls. When the game came I was just ready to go.” Truesdell’s offensive exploits helped fuel an Anderson offense that churned out 399 total yards. The Redskins jumped out to a 21-0 lead thanks to three scoring drives of less than two minutes, the last of which was capped by a 3-yard run from junior quarterback Daniel Rod with 2:38 to go before half. Louisville responded with a scoring drive of its own that finished with a 14-yard pass from Neal Seaman to Brandon Mathie. On the ensuing kickoff Truesdell returned the ball to the Louisville 35 yard line. Eight plays later Anderson ’s John Howard hit a 19-yard field goal for a 24-7 lead at the break. The score was key. “That was a killer,” Farrah said. “It was big more to me, because I knew we were down 24-7 and it was going to take 17 (points to get back). The kids just came in the locker room and they were upset because we just couldn’t get off the field. The kid returned a great kickoff return. We had three-four shots at him and didn’t tackle him. He made a play.” Seaman’s second touchdown pass of the second half to Mathie drew the Leopards to within 2419 with 2:58 left to play. Instead of opting for an onside kick, Louisville kicked deep and Anderson took over. On the first play from scrimmage, senior Elijah Storey went 67 yards for the winning score. “I asked my defense what do you want to do – do you want to onside it or kick it deep?” Farrah said. “They said kick it deep and we’ll hold them. (Storey) just cut back (through) the zone and that was it. He cut right through us.” Seaman hit Bob Swigert for another touchdown with 20 seconds to go, but Anderson recovered the onside kick and secured the school’s first state football title. The Redskins dropped down to D-II this season after a lengthy stay in Division I. “We’ve had some great teams in the past but we were in Division I and we had to play some really good schools and some schools that were a lot bigger than us sometimes. We could never really make a long playoff run,” Giesting said. “This year we felt if we could get in we’d have a chance.” Storey led Anderson with 154 yards rushing on 21 carries. Rod completed 12-of-19 passes for 203 yards and had 15 yards on seven carries. Seaman rushed for 91 yards on 24 carries and completed 29-of-45 passes for 283 yards and four TDs. Mathie caught 11 passes for 120 yards and three TDs. Swigert had nine catches for 77 yards. Louisville, playing in its first championship, was trying to be the first school from Stark County to win state since Canton Central Catholic in 2000. “We were still fighting with 20 seconds to go,” Farrah said. “We made it a game.” ”

— Eric Frantz

Division II Playoffs

State Final

Cincinnati Anderson 31, Louisville 25

State Semifinals

Cincinnati Anderson 35, Ashland 20 Louisville 41, Mayfield 13

Regional Finals

Region 5 5 Mayfield 12, 3 Parma Normandy 7 Region 6 4 Ashland 21, 2 Sylvania Southview 14 Region 7 2 Louisville 25, 1 Col. St. Francis DeSales 20 Region 8 2 Cincinnati Anderson 24, 1 Cincinnati Turpin 23

Regional Semifinals

Region 5 5 Mayfield 6, 1 Warren Howland 0 3 Parma Normandy 41, 2 Tallmadge 38 (3 ot) Region 6 4 Ashland 21, 1 Avon Lake 14 2 Sylvania Southview 21, 6 Piqua 14 Region 7 1 Columbus St. Francis DeSales 27, 4 Canfield 10 2 Louisville 22, 6 Dresden Tri-Valley 13 Region 8 1 Cincinnati Turpin 21, 5 Trotwood-Madison 13 2 Cincinnati Anderson 31, 6 Dayton Carroll 13

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 5 1 Warren Howland 49, 8 Madison 7 5 Mayfield 12, 4 Parma Padua Franciscan 10 2 Tallmadge 35, 7 Akron Firestone 20 3 Parma Normandy 38, 6 Cleveland South 6 Region 6 1 Avon Lake 50, 8 Grafton Midview 13 4 Ashland 28, 5 Powell Olentangy Liberty 21 2 Sylvania Southview 28, 7 Lexington 13 6 Piqua 21, 3 Toledo Central Catholic 9 Region 7 1 Col. St. Francis DeSales 50, 8 Zanesville 7 4 Canfield 43, 5 Columbus Marion-Franklin 19 2 Louisville 34, 7 Uniontown Lake 21 6 Dresden Tri-Valley 31, 3 Logan 26 Region 8 1 Cincinnati Turpin 24, 8 Cin. Winton Woods 14 5 Trotwood-Madison 33, 4 Trenton Edgewood 27 2 Cincinnati Anderson 14, 7 Kings Mills Kings 6 6 Dayton Carroll 38, 3 Cincinnati Withrow 28

Final 2007 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Columbus DeSales (12-1) 2. Cincinnati Turpin (12-1) 3. Avon Lake (11-1) 4. Warren Howland (11-1) 5. Canfield (10-2) 6. Dayton Carroll (10-2) 7. Trenton Edgewood (8-2) 8. Louisville (12-3) 9. Tallmadge (10-2) 10. Parma Normandy (10-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III Defending champion Sunbury Big Walnut must replace 20 seniors.

ith the departure of powers Steubenville and Kettering Alter to Division IV last season, Sunbury Big Walnut claimed its first state championship in a wide open Division III field. Big Walnut downed Newark Licking Valley 17-10 in the title game. It appears early on Division III could be up for grabs again this season with a fairly level playing field from top to bottom. The defending champs have many holes to fill from last yearʼs team, but should Big Walnut make the postseason, the Region 10 title could once again be theirʼs for the taking. In Region 11, Licking Valley has to replace some key players lost to graduation as well but boast early Player of the Year and Mr. Football contender Storm Klein in the backfield and at linebacker. Canal Fulton Northwest could be the team to beat coming off last yearʼs impressive season and look for Canton South to be the sleeper of the region. Region 9 appears to be the toast of Division III this season with traditional powers Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, Mentor Lake Catholic and 2007 surprises Cortland Lakeview and Hubbard all returning strong teams. In the South, Region 12 looks strong again as well with perennial playoff teams Cincinnati Indian Hill, Germantown Valley View and Monroe Lemon-Monroe looking good on paper early on.

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Region 9

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Teams To Watch: Aurora (9-2) * Players To Watch – OT/DE Adam Bellamy (6-4, 275, Sr.), WR/CB Dee Brizzolara (6-0, 170, Sr.), QB Brendan Gallagher (6-1, 175, Sr.), TB Steve Young (5-8, 175, Sr.), OLB Charlie Haney (6-0, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Aurora will be aiming for its fourth straight playoff appearance and fifth since 2000 this season. The Greenmen return 14 starters from last year’s playoff team, including the team’s leading receiver in Brizzolara and quarterback Gallagher, who had 1,600 yards passing and 600 yards rushing last year. Yung tallied 800 yards rushing and 300 yards receiving in 2007. “We are cautiously optimistic,” said head coach Bob Mihalik, who has led Aurora to a 49-28 record in seven seasons. “We will try to win our fourth straight Chagrin Valley Conference title and fourth straight playoff berth.” Bellamy is a big line prospect with scholarship offers from a number of major schools, including Ohio State and Michigan. Cortland Lakeview (10-3) * Players To Watch – RB/DB Ben Moody (6-2, 170, Sr.), OL/DL Nathan Bradley (6-4, 250, Sr.),

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STORY BY MATT NATALI QB/DB Justin Clark (5-10, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Jared Clark (5-9, 160, Sr.), WR/DB Michael Graham (511, 165, Sr.), OL/DL Nick Kohuth (6-2, 250, Sr.) * Outlook – Lakeview made the playoffs last year for the first time since 2000 and was the surprise of Region 9 with a signature win over Walsh Jesuit in the regional semifinals. “We did have some success last year and you have to attribute that to the great effort that the kids put forth,” head coach Tom Pavlansky said. “We were fortunate enough to catch lightening in a bottle a little bit.” Moody, a three-year starter, rushed for 1,368 yards on 242 carries and 11 touchdowns last season earning All-Ohio Honorable Mention recognition. The Clark twins are each three-year starters and Bradley and Kohuth anchor the line upfront on both sides. “For us it all starts in the trenches and those guys are our cornerstones,” Pavlansky said. With the combination of the Trumbull Athletic Conference and Metro Athletic Conference into the All-American Conference, Lakeview has five new teams on its schedule, including three in-conference games (Poland, Hubbard and Salem). “That is a tremendous learning curve as coaches you’ve got to have during the summer to learn as much as we can about those teams,” Pavlansky said.

Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (9-2) * Players To Watch – OL/DL Pat McShane (65, 285, Sr.), RB/DB Armand Dehaney (5-8, 180, Sr.), OL/DL Brian Smith (6-8, 280, Sr.), QB Kyle Snyder (5-11, 180, Sr.), LB Jon Haught (5-11, 220, Sr.), OL/DL A.J. Rosati (6-0, 285, Sr.), OL/DL Evan Stanger (6-1, 250, Sr.), TE/DE Matt Redmond (6-3, 220, Sr.), LB Mitch Supan (6-0, 215, Sr.), RB/SS Cameron Ontko (6-0, 210, Jr.) * Outlook – Walsh Jesuit reached the regional semifinals last season against a brutal schedule before being upset by Region 9 surprise Cortland Lakeview. The Warriors lose some key players from last year’s team but return a good core of players to build on last year’s success. “We have a lot of work to do but we have some promising scenarios,” said head coach Gerry Rardin, who enters his 28th season at Walsh Jesuit. Experience on the offensive and defensive lines as well as at the skill positions will be Walsh Jesuit’s strength early on. Size up front on offense will be critical for opening holes for Dehaney, who has offer to Ball State and Air Force. McShane and Smith are also garnering major college attention. The Warriors open the season against 2007 Division III state runner-up Newark Licking Valley. Hubbard (7-4) * Players To Watch – FS/RB Sam Bellino (510, 180, Sr.), LB/OL Cody Kilar (6-2, 225, Sr.), LB/RB Bobby Thompson (6-0, 195, Sr.), LB/WR Cory Farcas (6-2, 200, Sr.), LB/RB Dashawn Liranzo (5-11, 205, Sr.), RB/LB Tim Shiraldi (5-11, 195, Jr.), RB/LB Blake Novotny (6-2, 200, Jr.), WR/DB Andrew Zitnik (5-10, 165, Jr.), OL/DL Dom

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III Dionisio (6-3, 275, Jr.), OL/DL Rob Lias (6-1, 200, Sr.), C Matt Minotti (6-1, 275, Sr.), OL/DL Zach Lord (6-5, 260, Sr.), QB/DB Matt Shelton (6-2, 180, Jr.), QB Matt Lopuchovsky (6-2, 215, Jr.), RB Andre Givens * Outlook – In head coach Brian Hoffman’s first year at the helm of his alma mater, Hubbard reached the postseason but bowed out in the first round. This season, the Eagles return a flock of talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, which should give them a good chance for a longer playoff run. With 10 starters back on defense, Hubbard will be strongest at the linebacker positions in a new 3-5 defense. “Defensively is where we are going to build our team from,” Hoffman said. On offense, Hubbard is faced with the challenge of filling the big shoes three-year starter Marc Kanetsky left behind at quarterback. Bellino, Shelton and Lopuchovsky are in the in running for the starting spot. “They each bring their own flare to the table,” Hoffman said. There are some question marks on the offensive line and Hoffman is concerned with how quickly the new line will gel early on. “Our success is going to be contingent upon how well some of these new guys step in and pick up our offensive system,” he said. Hubbard will be competing in the new AllAmerican Conference and will face a tough new schedule. “We are going to face the toughest schedule Hubbard has faced in about 15 years. Every week is going to be a test,” said Hoffman Mentor Lake Catholic (9-5) * Players To Watch – RB/DB Randy Greenwood (6-0, 180, Sr.), LB/RB Darin Nulick (63, 215, Sr.), QB/S Matt Lender (5-10, 170, Sr.), TE/LB Tim Erjavec (6-2, 215, Sr.), TB Matt Bryan (5-7, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – Lake Catholic took its lumps in the regular season last year against a formidable schedule but the Cougars were battle-tested come playoff time and reached the state semifinals. Lake Catholic will be strong at the skill positions this year with Greenwood, a four-year starter and Division I college prospect, toting the ball and Lender under center. Lender took over in Week 6 last year following an Alex Kurowski knee injury and threw for over 1,000 yards with five touchdowns and eight interceptions. “In the skill positions we have guys with a great deal of experience and guys that are very talented,” head coach Mike Bell said. The line last year was senior-laden, so Lake Catholic will have new players upfront at nearly every position on both sides of the ball. “I think we have young men in our program that can fill those holes but they have limited experience,” Bell said. Also Keep An Eye On * Cleveland Benedictine (4-6) – Six-time state champion Benedictine is a dismal 10-20 in the last

three seasons but is hopeful in getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005 behind ATH Anthony Urbania (6-0, 195, Sr.) and LB Marty Sweeny (6-1, 190, Sr.), who were both All-Ohio selections. * Ravenna (8-3) – Ravenna made the playoffs for the second time in school history last year but return only six starters for the Ravens. “It’s time for kids to step up and fill in,” head coach Jim Lunardi said. RB/SS Blayr Davis (5-11, 180, Sr.) is the premier player on both sides of the ball with QB/WR/FS Jamiran Mack (5-10, 170, Sr.), FB/NG Chris Hudson (5-10, 225, Sr.), and OL/DL Jake Bell (6-3, 270, Sr.) all bring starting experience to the field. * Rocky River (11-1) – Rick Adams takes over the Rocky River program and brings a 47-35 career record to the Pirates. He has had coaching stints at Kenston and Columbia. Division III Co-Coach of the Year Ron Lewis left Rocky River in February for his alma mater Lakewood. Second team All-Ohio LB Zach Youseff (5-10, 200, Sr.) returns for the Pirates. * Also In This Region – Mogadore Field (9-2), Chardon Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (6-4), Warrensville Heights (7-3), West Geauga (6-4), Chagrin Falls(6-4), Niles McKinley (7-3), Parma Heights Holy Name (6-4), Hunting Valley University School (6-4), Ravenna Southeast (6-4), Youngstown Liberty (6-4), Painesville Harvey (55), Mantua Crestwood (4-6), Pepper Pike Orange (4-6), Akron Coventry (3-7), Streetsboro (3-7), Cleveland East (2-8), Norton (4-6), Ashtabula Edgewood (2-8), Jefferson Area (3-7), Bay Village Bay (1-9), Fairview Park Fairview (1-9), Conneaut (1-9).

Region 10

Teams To Watch: Avon (6-4) * Players To Watch – QB Ryan O’Rourke (6-2, 210, Sr.), RB Marquis Harrell (5-10, 195, Sr.), WR/FS Garrett Gronowski (6-3, 195, Sr.), FB/LB Zak Wearsch (6-1, 190. Jr.) * Outlook – The Eagles return 13 total starters, including O’Rourke and Harrell. O’Rourke passed for 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, while Harrell rushed for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. “The majority of the experience will come from the skilled positions,” said head coach Mike Elder. Wearsch had 50 tackles and a sack as a sophomore. “We set our sights high for both a (West Shore Conference) championship crown and an invite to the 2008 OHSAA Football playoffs,” Elder said.

Clyde (11-2) * Players To Watch – QB Alex Gillett (6-1, 181, Sr.), OT/DE Jared Branski (6-2, 225, Sr.), OG/LB

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III Drew Beebe (5-9, 210, Sr.), RB/DB Tyler Ludrowski (6-1, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Jeremy Hohenstein (5-7, 155, Sr.), OL Zach Stanley (5-7, 165, Sr.), C David Weisz (6-5, 260, Sr.) * Outlook – Clyde is 30-7 in three seasons under head coach Marc Gibson, including last year’s regional finals finish. Back this season is three-year starter Alex Gillett under center. Gillett was named Division III Offensive Player of the Year last season throwing for over 2,700 yards and 38 touchdowns. Branski was a first team All-Ohio selection and Beebe was an All-Sandusky Bay Conference selection. “The return of several offensive linemen and their size should allow us to be strong in the running game,” Gibson said, “and the return of (Gillett) will enable us to be diversified.”

Sunbury Big Walnut (14-1) * Players To Watch – LB/OL Will Studlien (6-3, 225, Sr.), QB/LB Jordan DeWitt (5-11, 180, Sr.), QB/DB Johnny Cannell (6-3, 175, Jr.), DL/TE Colton Griffis (6-6, 305, Sr.), OL/DL Kalven Baer (5-11, 230, Sr.), SE/DB Nick Heiden (6-0, 175, Sr.), QB/LB Jacob Deltedesco (5-10, 165, Sr.), OL/DL Logan Mead (5-10, 205, Sr.), OL/DL Jon Smith (6-2, 225, Sr.), OL/LB Nate Scarbury (6-2, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – Big Walnut raised the state championship trophy in its first trip to the state tournament last season. This season’s team will have quite a different look, though, with the graduation of 20 seniors in some key positions, particularly the skill areas. “It was a wonderful season last year and we have tried to put it behind us and move forward,” head coach Scott Wetzel said. “We have a lot of new faces and a lot of positions up for grabs. It’s a lot different than last year.” Studlien was the Division III defensive player of the year, but suffered a partial ACL tear in his knee in the spring and could miss the beginning of the season. Griffis anchors an experienced line up front with Baer, Mead, Smith and Scarbury. “Our goal this year is the same that we had last year and that is to win our first game. Each year is a new team, a new attitude and a new chemistry that you have,” Wetzel said. Urbana (9-2) * Players To Watch – LB/HB Will Barr (6-2, 210, Sr.), QB Nate Rebinger (6-0, 200, Sr.), TB/DB Nick Gibson (5-9, 170, Sr.), OT/NG Wes Green (6-1, 240, Sr.), C/DE Wade Miller (6-2, 200, Sr.), OT/DE Ryan Miller (6-4, 230, Sr.), FB/LB Josh Colbert (6-0, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – Urbana has made the postseason each of the last two seasons but has been ousted in the first round both years. The Hillclimbers are aiming to get over their playoff hump this year with a good nucleus of senior players returning. “We have a good group of seniors as far as leadership, work ethic and character,” head coach David Carroll said. Urbana faces tough games this year against St. Paris Graham and New Carlisle Tecumseh.

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“We hope to continue our winning tradition,” Carroll said. “We feel we can compete for a (Central Buckeye Conference) title and hopefully make the playoffs again. If we attain those goals, our next goal is to improve our performance level in the playoffs.”

Also Keep An Eye On * Napoleon (10-2) – After 14 seasons at Napoleon, John Snoad has departed to take the reigns at Gahanna Lincoln following four straight playoff appearances. His son, All-Ohio LB Nick Snoad (6-1, 220, Sr.) will follow him to the Lions program. Tory Strock takes over the Wildcats program after seven years at Leipsic (28-42) and a season at Lima Central Catholic (6-4). * Rossford (6-5) – The Bulldogs made the postseason last year coming off a 1-9 season in Division IV in 2006. It was the first playoff berth for Rossford since 2004 and the Bulldogs aim to build on last year’s success this season. * St. Marys Memorial (7-3) – The Roughriders will have to replace the school’s career leading rusher in Koby Frye as well as nine starters on defense. But Memorial is a perennial playoff contender and typically reloads instead of rebuilds. OT Mike Breland (6-4, 290, Sr.) and DT Marcus Neal (6-2, 285, Sr.) are two key players returning for the Roughriders. * Tipp City Tippecanoe (10-1) – The Red Devils have made the postseason the last three years but have bowed out in the first round each of those seasons. DB/RB Alex Corner (5-8, 175, Sr.) was a first team All-Central Buckeye Conference selection and RB/DB Camden Sauls (5-9, 170, Sr.) and Ryan Myers were AllConference Honorable Mention selections. QB/DB T.J. Smith (5-11, 180, Sr.) also returns for Tippecanoe. * Also In This Region – Bellefontaine (9-2), Shelby (9-3), Lewistown Indian Lake (6-4), Medina Buckeye (6-4), Tiffin Columbian (7-3), Kenton (73), Lima Shawnee (7-3), Vermillion (6-4), Delaware Buckeye Valley (8-2), Springfield Kenton Ridge (6-4), Springfield Greenon (7-3), Defiance (6-4), Norwalk (5-5), Bellevue (4-6), Sandusky Perkins (3-7), Bryan (4-6), Van Wert (3-7), Willard (2-8), Springfield Shawnee (3-7), St. Paris Graham (2-8, Oberlin Firelands (1-9), Elida (0-10).

Region 11

Teams To Watch: Newark Licking Valley (13-2) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Storm Klein (6-3, 220, Sr.), TE/DE Vince German (6-2, 230, Sr.), WR/FS/QB Drew Ryan (6-1, 175, Sr.), OG/DT Greg Christo-Baker (6-2, 250, Sr.), OG/DT Joe Asslin (6-2, 255, Sr.) * Outlook – For the second time in school history last year, Licking Valley finished state runner-

up, falling to Sunbury Big Walnut in the Division III title game. The Panthers lose some key players off last year’s team, including some skill players and a couple offensive linemen. “We have many holes to fill with a large senior class graduating,” said head coach Randy Baughman. Ryan will make the move from receiver to quarterback and Ohio State recruit and All-Ohio selection Klein will be the go-to player on offense and defense. Klein had over 100 tackles on defense last year and 1,518 yards rushing with 30 touchdowns. “For us to be a good team, some of the younger players will need to step up and fill the holes so a lot of the seniors won’t have to play both ways,” Baughman said. Canal Fulton Northwest (12-1) * Players To Watch – C Nate Klatt (6-4, 290, Sr.), G Dennie Ardman (6-2, 260, Sr.), G/DT Jordan Pellikan (6-0, 270, Sr.), TB/DE Danny Beers (5-10, 205, Sr.), Frankie Steen (5-10, 205, Sr.), TE Tim Caillet (6-6, 235, Sr.), TB/DB Evan Bach (5-10, 180, Jr.), LB Bobby Schilling (6-0, 210, Jr.), FB/DE Frankie Steen (5-10, 205, Sr.) * Outlook – A regional finalist from a season ago, Northwest returns 12 starters and 22 lettermen from last year’s team. Klatt was a first team All-Ohio selection and has offers from the MAC and the Big Ten. Beers rushed for 1,014 yards and 17 touchdowns with Steen and Bach combining for close to 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. Schilling tallied 80 tackles on defense and Bach had 68 tackles with an interception. “Graduation has hit us hard, however, we have many good athletes that are prepared to step into the shoes of last year’s seniors,” head coach Vic Whiting said. “If we reload quickly, especially at quarterback and receiver, we have a chance to make a run at our team’s goals – the (Northern Buckeye Conference) title and the playoffs.”

Canton South (6-5) * Players To Watch – QB Matthew Trissel (6-0, 180, Sr.), OL/DL Montel Bush (6-4, 280, Sr.), OL/ILB Johnny Nolan (6-2, 225, Sr.), OL/MLB Mike McKinney (6-0, 205, Sr.), OL/DL Nick Mecurio (6-3, 230, Sr.), WR/DB Jerald Robinson (6-2, 175, Jr.), OL/DL Nate Randall (5-10, 240, Jr.), OL/DL Justin Darnell (6-0, 240, Jr.) * Outlook – In his second season at the helm of his alma mater, Canton South head coach Moe Daniska led the Wildcats to their first ever back-toback playoff appearances last year. With 13 returning starters and 18 lettermen returning, Canton South is looking to make it three straight postseason appearances. Trissel is a three-year starter and threw for 3,000 yards last season and has an experienced line returning to protect him. Three-year starter and All-Ohio LB McKinney anchors a solid unit returning on defense. “In order for our Wildcats to be successful this

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III year, we are going to have to rely on our experienced offensive line to protect Trissel,” Daniska said. “We are very excited about this upcoming season. We are hoping to gain momentum with our program.”

Dover (8-4) * Players To Watch – WR/DB Kyle Sattler (510, 160, Sr.), WR/DB Carson Gessner (5-9, 165, Sr.), RB/LB Andrew Bache (5-9, 180, Jr.), RB/LB Marcus Mamarella (5-10, 200, Jr.), QB Cory Lisowski (6-3, 180, Sr.), QB/WR/DB Ricky Maz (59, 165, Jr.), WR/DB Jeff Ickes (5-9, 185, Sr.), OL/DL Chris Cecil (6-2, 205, Sr.), OL/DL Neil Finlayson (6-2, 210, Sr.), TE/DL Tyler Hawk (6-4, 240, Jr.), LB Ian Drapcho (6-0, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – Perennial playoff contender Dover appears poised to make a run at the postseason once again with some talented players returning despite the loss of all-everything Matt Rinehart and other players. “We’ve got a good group of seniors coming up this year as far as leadership is concerned,” head coach Dan Ifft said Second team All-Ohio Lisowski returns under center in the patented Dover spread offense with wideouts Sattler and Gessner, although the Tornadoes offense will look a bit different this season. “You’re going to see more from us than what you’ve seen in the past. We’re going to run the ball more and we think it is time to mature the offense. We’re still confident in the passing game we just want to open it up some more,” said Ifft. Dover’s nonconference schedule is brutal with Canton South, Avon Lake and Canton Central Catholic to open the season.

New Philadelphia (6-4) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Tyler Dummermuth (6-3, 215, Sr.), DE Kyle Widder (63, 210, Jr.), DE/TE Jordan Demattio (6-3, 210, Jr.), OL/DL Ethan Zucal (6-2, 270, Jr.), OL/DL Zach Alcorn (5-10, 220, Jr.), TB Will McEwen (6-0, 175, Jr.), LB/RB Hunter Madsen (5-11, 215, Sr.), LB/TE Matt Burick (6-1, 175, Sr.), QB/DB Max Price (6-1, 180, Sr.), QB/DB Cody Cox (5-11, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – New Philadelphia is looking to end a two-year playoff drought and, while young, the Quakers return players that saw significant playing time last season. “We feel we have a good nucleus coming back,” head coach Matt Dennison said. “We’re going to be a young team but we feel we have some good kids coming back.” Dummermuth is a Division I college prospect and rushed for 600 yards, had 500 yards receiving, 80 tackles and two kickoff returns for touchdowns. McEwen started the last four games of the season and tallied 600 yards rushing. Cox has the early nod to step in under center with Jordan Miller now taking snaps at Akron. On defense, Dummermuth, Madsen and Burick all return at linebacker “We feel we’re going to be able to compete against everyone this year,” said Dennison. “We

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feel we’re going to have a good shot in every game.

Also Keep An Eye On * Beloit West Branch (9-3) – The Warriors made the playoffs for the first time since 2004 last year but could potentially be crippled by graduation this year losing a wealth of lettermen. WR/DB Jase Uyselt (5-10, 170, Sr.), WR/DB Chad Butcher (6-1, 170, Sr.), LB/WR Eric Bates (6-1, 180, Sr.), DB/WR Josh Paukner (5-8, 160, Sr.) and OL/DE Chad Hawk (5-11, 195) will all be key players in West Branch’s rebuilding this season. * Cambridge (7-3) – The Bobcats will be young in 2008 but return 14 starters including FB Taylor Leppla (6-3, 220, Sr.), DL Lance Morrison (5-11, 225, Sr.), RB Tyler Hardesty (5-11, 205, Jr.), WR/DB Zach Freeman (6-0, 165, Jr.) and OL/DL Caleb Gunn (5-9, 205, Soph.). “We’re going to be a junior oriented team this year,” head coach Rich Goodrich said. “We’re still going to be kind of young but we will have some experience.” Hardesty rushed for 1,330 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Ben Shepard (6-2, 205, Sr.) and Billy Webb (511, 165, Jr.) will be competing for the starting quarterback job with Webb having the early edge. * New Concord John Glenn (8-3) – The Little Muskies have made the playoffs the past three seasons and are looking to continue that trend this year. They will have to replace some linemen but look strong at the skill positions. “We potentially have a very interesting team,” said head coach John Kelley. “I think we’re going to be a different kind of team than we have been in the past – maybe not as much of a power team but we’ll utilize our skill players more.” RB/CB Haven Holdcroft (6-2, 175, Sr.), QB Josh Fraunfelter (6-1, 190, Sr.) and WR/CB Jake Hagen (6-3, 175, Sr.) will lead the skill positions. * Poland Seminary (7-4) – The Bulldogs made the playoffs last year for the first time since 2002 and are hoping to make it two straight postseason appearances this year with OL/DL Nick Columbo (6-0, 225, Sr.), QB/DB Gannon Hulea (6-3, 215, Sr.), RB/DL Joe Peruzzi (5-10, 220, Sr.), WR/DB Matt Pitzulo (5-11, 195, Sr.), RB/LB Greg Sabol (511, 200, Sr.), RB/DB Trent Vallinger (5-11, 195, Sr.) and DBWR Luke Wollet (6-1, 185, Jr.) all returning. * Also In This Region – Granville (7-4), Alliance Marlington (6-4), Uhrichsville Claymont (6-4), Millersburg West Homes (5-5), McConnelsville Morgan (6-4), Cadiz Harrison Central (5-4), Wintersville Indian Creek (5-5), Carrollton (3-7), Minerva (2-8), Philo (4-6), Vincent Warren (3-7), Struthers (4-6), Rayland (3-6), Lisbon Beaver Local (3-7), Richmond Edison (28), Salem (2-8), Hebron Lakewood (2-8), Warsaw River View (1-9), Navarre Fairless (2-8), East Liverpool (0-10).

Region 12

Teams To Watch: Chillicothe (4-6) * Players To Watch – QB Caleb Knights (6-3, 175, Sr.), WR/DB Jordan Benson (6-4, 205, Sr.), WR/LB Ron Smith (6-4, 185, Sr.), OL/NG Tyler Vest (6-3, 278, Sr.), OL Tyler Dunkle (6-3, 265, Sr.), OL/DL Danny Russell (6-0, 250, Sr.), K/P Drew Basil * Outlook – After making the Division II playoffs in 2006, Chillicothe had a down season last year dropping to Division III. But with eight starters returning on both sides of the ball and 24 seniors coming back the Cavaliers are confident in a return to the postseason. “I am very impressed with the leadership and work ethic of our seniors,” head coach Bill Davidson said. “With a number of players returning on both sides of the ball, expectations are very high despite our challenging schedule.” Chillicothe plays at Columbus Brookhaven, at Big Walnut and hosts Ironton among other challenging games this year. Knights passed for 1,400 yards in 2007 and tallied 500 yards rushing. Benson reeled in 25 catches and had 84 tackles and five interceptions on defense. Cincinnati Indian Hill (10-3) * Players To Watch – QB Bo Cordell (6-2, 175, Sr.), QB/WR Sam Hendricks (6-2, 175, Jr.), RB Leonard Riston (5-10, 165, Sr.), WR Ted Bolser (6-4, 190, Sr.), OL Roland Sommer (6-2, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – Indian Hill has been the top seed in the Region 12 playoffs each of the last four seasons but has failed to advance past the regional tournament. The Braves hope to buck the trend this season with one of the most prolific passers in the state under center for the third straight year in Cordell. Cordell has thrown for over 5,300 career yards, 55 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and a 66 completion percentage. He was a Division III first team All-Ohio selection in 2007. Riston rushed for 612 yards and 14 touchdowns last year with 401 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Hendricks rushed for 271 yards and four touchdowns. Sommer was a second team All-Ohio selection upfront for the Braves.

Dayton Chaminade-Julienne (6-4) * Players To Watch – QB Kurt Hess (6-3, 225, Sr.), RB Isaiah Cordell (6-2, 215, Sr.), K/P Alex Kauth (6-2, 180, Sr.), WR Mike Raiff (5-9, 170, Sr.), WR Dedrick Goddard (5-10, 170, Sr.), LB Matt Miller (6-3, 220, Sr.), DB Pat Bruggeman (511, 180, Sr.), OL Jesse Ward (5-11, 250, Sr.), OL Andy Heck (6-1, 230, Sr.), LB Adrian Warfield (60, 220, Sr.), RB Jemar Rayford (5-7, 150, Jr.), WR Anthony Curtis (6-2, 160, Jr.), WR Laron Brown (6-2, 160, Jr.), DE Quayshawn Littlejohn (6-0, 200, Jr.), Ahmad Mack (5-11, 150, Jr.), TE/DE Andy Jomantas (6-7, 220, Jr.)

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III * Outlook – C-J is 11-9 in two seasons under head coach Andy Helms and the Eagles are looking to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2005. Hess will be a three-year starter and was 189of-310 passing for 2,322 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions earning all-conference, area and district honors last season. C-J will need to find some players upfront on defense as well as offense, in addition to Ward and Heck, to protect Hess in the spread offense. There are several young players that saw some time and got some experience last year, including Rayford, Curtis and Brown at the skill positions and Littlejohn and Jamantas upfront, which could lift the Eagles back into the postseason. “Our goal is to be more aggressive on defense, bring more pressure and create turnovers,” head coach Andy Helms said. C-J will take on Troy, Thurgood Marshall and Columbus Brookhaven before facing a tough schedule against Greater Catholic League with powers Dayton Carroll and Kettering Alter. “We figure if you win seven games in our league, you can make a run in the playoffs,” Helms said. “With our schedule, you have to be motivated to play every week.”

Eaton (6-5) * Players To Watch – RB John Slemker (6-1, 195, Sr.), K Jonathan Simmons (6-2, 205, Sr.), OL Ryan Locker (6-0, 265, Sr.), NG Nick Jackson (510, 230, Sr.) * Outlook – Eaton made the postseason for the third straight year last season and only the fifth time in school history. Slemker tallied 1,461 yards rushing on 272 carries and 22 touchdowns last season. “We return an experienced offensive line, which must lead the offense,” said head coach Ron Neanen. “Defensively, the defensive line returns the most experience. This team has great work ethic and good enthusiasm.” Germantown Valley View (5-6) * Players To Watch – QB Johnny Day (5-10, 160, Sr.), WR/QB Chris Cason (6-0, 175, Sr.), WR/QB Lucas Donson (6-3, 188, Jr.), RB Andy Genslinger (5-10, 180, Sr.), RB Travis Dalton (5-9, 180, Sr.), DL Jaryd Brown (5-11, 200, Sr.), DB Blake Shepard (5-7, 165, Sr.), OL Eric Denlinger (6-2, 220, Sr.) * Outlook – Valley View suffered a one-point loss in the opening round of the playoffs last season and is aiming to advance even further this season with a roster full of seniors that have seen significant playing time the past two seasons. “Our off-season went really well,” head coach Jay Niswonger said. “The kids have gotten stronger and faster. The big thing is these guys were thrown in the fire in 2006. They were like a J.V. team playing a varsity schedule. Last year, there were a lot of games that they couldn’t close the deal because they hadn’t been there

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and done that. “Now, this year, we are expecting a lot more out of them,” he added. Day, Dalton and Donson can hurt opponents through the air or on the ground playing multiple skill positions. Experience on defense will also be a plus for the Spartans against a tough Southwest Buckeye League Schedule. Five of the seven teams in the SWBL Southwestern Division made the playoffs last year, including Valley View, Eaton, Milton-Union, Oakwood and Brookville. “Coming through our side of the league, if you get through unscathed you can make a run at it,” Niswonger said. Monroe Lemon-Monroe (11-3) * Players To Watch - WR/S Jason Osterman (6-3, 185, Sr.), TE/DL Robbie Childers (6-0, 190, Sr.), QB/S Ben Leahy (5-10, 165, Jr.), RB/LB Jeremy Campbell (6-0, 180, Sr.), TE/DL Stewart Kehl (6-3, 190, Sr.), LB Tim Booth (6-2, 220, Sr.) * Outlook – A new era begins in 2008 for Monroe with the departure of Jason Krause to Middletown. In four seasons under Krause, the Hornets went 35-15, made the playoffs three times and reached the state semifinals twice. Colerain assistant Ken Meibers was named Monroe head coach in late May. “I am very excited and looking forward to take advantage of a great opportunity,” Meibers said. He has his work cut out for him, though, with the loss of some talented players to graduation. Second leading rusher Campbell (421 yards, eight touchdowns) returns in the backfield as well as the team’s leading receiver Osterman (635 yards, seven touchdowns). Leahy had 49 tackles last year and Kehl will step into a leading role on defense.

Also Keep An Eye On * Canal Winchester (10-2) – The Indians recorded their first playoff win in school history last year edging Valley View 17-16 in the Regional Quarterfinals. * Circleville (11-1) – RB Chris Starner (5-9, 190, Sr.) and OL/LB Eric Wadlington (6-3, 215, Sr.) were All-Mid-State league selections last season and also earned All-Pickaway County honors. DB Jeremiah Weekley (5-10, 175, Jr.) and LB Eddie Strawser (6-3, 215, Jr.) were also all-county selections and K Kort Wolfe (5-7, 175, Jr.) was AllSoutheast District and Honorable Mention all-state. QB K.C. Hawkins (5-10, 175, Soph.), RB Clay Davis (5-9, 165, Soph.), WR Travis Dray (5-8, 145, Sr.), WR Caleb Miller (6-3, 165, Jr.), WR Eric Burris (6-0, 170, Jr.) will all be key players for Circleville this season. “We lettered eight freshmen last year and they got a lot of experience,” said head coach Keith Downing. “We are really excited about them getting playing time. I think they are ready to go. They had to

play for us. We had a small senior class so these young guys got a chance to play.” * Columbus Eastmoor Academy (9-1) – After moving up from Division IV Eastmoor was left out of the playoffs last season despite suffering one loss. The Warriors have made the playoffs two of the last five seasons and are looking to return with C/NG Darryl Wood (5-10, 240, Sr.), WR/CB Alex Coleman (5-8, 175, Sr.) and OG/LB Victor Rodriguez (6-2, 235, Sr.) all returning. * Washington C.H. Miami Trace (8-3) – The Panthers were a playoff team a year ago but lose Ohio State recruit Nathan Williams and two-year starters Ike Garland and Nathan Martin at the receiver positions. WR/DB Trevor Milstead (5-10, 175, Sr.), a three-year starter, and RB/DE Jimmy Eddlemon (5-10, 195, Sr.) will take the field again this season. The South Central Ohio League will most likely come down to Miami Trace or Clarksville ClintonMassie out of Division IV. * Logan Elm (0-10) – Head Coach Scott Bartholomew (113-63 career record) will try to work magic at Logan Elm - a school he’s familar with. Bartholomew, who went to school in Pickaway County, last walked the sidelines at rival Williamsport Westfall, which he coached to 61 wins and four playoff berths. Prior to that Bartholomew coached at Oak Hill High School in Jackson County. At Oak Hill, Bartholomew led the Oaks to a pair of league championships. * Also In This Region – Goshen (9-2), Thornville Sheridan (7-3), Franklin (5-5), Cincinnati McNicholas (6-4), New Richmond (6-4), Columbus Bexley (4-6), McArthur Vinton County (4-6), Lancaster Fairfield Union (2-8), Columbus Linden McKinley (4-6), Hillsboro (4-6), Columbus East (2-8), Columbus Mifflin (2-8), Columbus South Urban Academy (1-9), Greenfield McClain (2-8), The Plains Athens (1-9), Circleville Logan Elm (0-10), Whitehall Yearling (0-10).

Ohio High Division III Predictions

Region 9 Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit over Hubbard Region 10 Clyde over Sunbury Big Walnut Region 11 Canal Fulton Northwest over Canton South Region 12 Cincinnati Indian Hill over Dayton Chaminade-Julienne Championship Game Canal Fulton Northwest over Indian Hill

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division III

2007 Revisited

BIg Walunt Gets First State Title

Division III State Championship

Photo by Nick Falzerano

ANTON – As a freshman, Sunbury Big Walnut QB/DB Ethan Wetzel figured out that he and the Golden Eagles could be playing for a state championship on his 18th birthday his senior season. Wetzel celebrated his 18th birthday just like he imagined with his Big Walnut teammates knocking off Newark Licking Valley 17-10 in the Division III state championship Dec. 1 at Canton’s Fawcett. “I wish I could describe how it feels. I am so proud of the players to beat a football team of the caliber of Licking Valley,” said Big Walnut head coach Scott Wetzel. Big Walnut (14-1) had only three first downs and 109 yards of total offense in the game but the defense stepped up forcing five turnovers resulting in 10 points. “Our defense is what we’ve hung our hat on all

Big Walnut quarterback Ethan Wetzel turned 18 on Dec. 1, the same day he led the Eagles to the Division III title.

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year and we have our 11 best players out there,” Wetzel said. Senior DB/WR Joe Reed got Big Walnut on the board first picking off a Drew Ryan pass on a reverse and sprinting 54 yards to the end zone. “I had two guys to beat that had a good angle on me and I knew if I beat those two I was good to go,” Reed said. Licking Valley (13-2) coughed the ball up again on another reverse play in the second quarter. The turnover resulted in a 33-yard Andy Dronsfield field goal. The Panthers scored for the first time in the third quarter on a safety with Wetzel getting sacked in the end zone after an errant snap. Licking Valley tied the game with 2:04 left in the period engineering an eight play, 57-yard drive capped off by an 8-yard Storm Klein TD run. The 2-point conversion from QB Nick Phillips to FB Vince German was good. Reed broke the tie for good with 9:29 left in the game scooping a fumble from teammate Corey Wolf and racing 60 yards to the end zone giving the Golden Eagles the 17-10 lead. “When I first approached the pile I was just looking for a guy to knock down and the ball just ended up being in front of me as I was running and I just picked it up and took off,” Reed said. Licking Valley threatened late in the game marching down to the Big Walnut 15 but DB Nick Heiden intercepted a Phillips pass with 30 seconds left sealing the win. “It was a tipped ball and it just kind of fell in my hands and we were good from there,” Heiden said. Licking Valley held the advantage in nearly every offensive and defensive category. “Things didn’t go quite our way today but I couldn’t be prouder of a group of guys,” said Licking Valley head coach Randy Baughman. “I thought we played hard. That is a great football team and we played hard. I admire (our players) for coming back and tying it to make a game out of it but it just wasn’t meant to be today.” Klein led all stat-getters with 155 yards rushing on 33 carries and the TD in the third quarter. Licking Valley had 322 yards of offense and held the edge in time of possession 32:21 to 15:39 but the five turnovers was the difference. “They have a lot of speed on that defense and they went out and started making some plays and gained some confidence,” Baughman said. “We said coming in that we didn’t want to give them any opportunities and we did, especially in the first half. We just didn’t capitalize when we had chances and we gave them too many chances.” Big Walnut was 0-for-9 on third down conversions but the Golden Eagles took advantage of Licking Valley’s miscues locking up the first football state championship in school history. “It was a frustrating day on offense and we kept shooting ourselves in the foot but we came up with plays when we needed to,” said Wetzel. “Licking Valley outplayed us today but the character of our team really showed and we came up with some big plays when we needed them.” Said Reed: “You can’t dream this. It just happens. Something just went my way tonight and you can’t explain it.”

– Matt Natali

Division III Playoffs State Final

Sunbury Big Walnut 17, Newark Licking Valley 10

State Semifinals

Sunbury Big Walnut 21, Monroe 7 Newark Licking Valley 27, Mentor Lake Catholic 21

Regional Finals

Region 9 3 Mentor Lake Catholic 28, 5 Cortland Lakeview 13 Region 10 1 Sunbury Big Walnut 21, 6 Clyde 14 Region 11 2 New. Licking Valley 21, 1 Canal Fulton Northwest 17 Region 12 6 Monroe 31, 1 Cincinnati Indian Hill 28

Regional Semifinals

Region 9 5 Cortland Lakeview 14, 1 Cuy. Falls Walsh Jesuit 10 3 Mentor Lake Catholic 28, 2 Rocky River 25 Region 10 1 Sunbury Big Walnut 35, 5 Shelby 8 6 Clyde 19, 2 Napoleon 13 Region 11 1 Canal Fulton Northwest 42, 4 Dover 13 2 Newark Licking Valley 35 3 Beloit West Branch 21 Region 12 1 Cincinnati Indian Hill 53, 5 Circleville 14 6 Monroe 47, 2 Canal Winchester 21

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 9 1 Cuy. Falls Walsh Jesuit 28, 8 Mogadore Field 0 5 Cortland Lakeview 17, 4 Aurora 6 2 Rocky River 37, 7 Hubbard 23 3 Mentor Lake Catholic 21, 6 Ravenna 20 Region 10 1 Sunbury Big Walnut 35, 8 Rossford 2 5 Shelby 35, 4 Bellefontaine 7 2 Napoleon 48, 7 Urbana 6 6 Clyde 41, 3 Tipp City Tippecanoe 7 Region 11 1 Canal Fulton Northwest 32, 8 Poland Seminary 8 4 Dover 11, 5 Canton South 7 2 Newark Licking Valley 42, 7 Granville 21 3 Beloit West Branch 49, 6 N. Concord John Glenn 22 Region 12 1 Cincinnati Indian Hill 41, 8 Eaton 25 5 Circleville 25, 4 Wash. Court House Washington 19 2 Canal Winchester 17, 7 Germantown Valley View 16 6 Monroe 35, 3 Goshen 13

Final 2007 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Canal Fulton Northwest (12-1) 2. Newark Licking Valley (14-1) 3. Rocky River (11-1) 4. Tipp City Tippecanoe (10-1) 5. Bellefontaine (9-2) 6. Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (9-2) 7. Clyde (11-2) 8. Aurora (9-2) 9. Napoleon 10-2) 10. Sunbury Big Walnut (14-1)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV Coldwater won its second state title in three years last season with an impressive win over undefeated Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.

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Region 13

Photo by Nick Falzerano

oing into the 2007 season, much of the gridiron talk centered on the fact that two-time defending Division III state champion Steubenville and 2006 runner-up Kettering Archbishop Alter were joining the ranks of Division IV. The Big Red, along with the Knights, were indeed, ahem, the new teams on the block. However, Steubenville joined Region 13, where Youngstown Cardinal Mooney ruled the roost. That left many clamoring for a Week 13 regional final showdown and the teams didnʼt disappoint as they met at Fawcett Stadium in Canton (a 35-20 Mooney win). The attention given to the Cardinals and Big Red was much deserved, but on Sat., Dec. 1 at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, Region 13 didnʼt provide a trophy-hoisting team as many predicted. After starting 1-1, Coldwater didnʼt meet defeat the rest of the season and following a 13-game winning streak, that included a marathon victory over Alter in the regional semifnals, the Cavaliers had everyone feeling orange with envy as they captured the Division IV state title with a thrilling 28-27 victory over Mooney. The aforementioned teams are four of this seasonʼs favorites, but Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary and Marion Pleasant, along with a host of other talented teams, should also be in the hunt.

Teams To Watch: Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (9-3) * Players To Watch – OL/DT Ben Bertsch (6-3, 250, Sr.), WR/CB Todd Culver (5-9, 170, Sr.), WR/CB David Lee (5-10, 170, Sr.), RB/LB Harvie Tuck (5-11, 220, Sr.), OL/DE-LB Nate Nasrallah (511, 215, Sr.), TE/LB Garrett Wilcox (6-3, 220, Sr.), QB/DB Vince Pelini (6-2, 180, Sr.), OL/DL Kyle Hammer (5-11, 290, Sr.), RB/LB Rhys Edwards (6-1, 200, Sr.), OL/DL Brian Cresswell (6-3, 285, Jr.), OL/DL Bryan Ausperk (6-6, 320, Jr.) * Outlook – With seven starters back to anchor a defense that only allowed 13.2 points per game, the Fighting Irish are looking to have another good season under second-year head coach Dan Boarman. Boarman spent the previous 17 years at Copley before returning to his alma mater for a second go-round. Skill players like Culver (29 receptions for 618 yards and seven TDs last year), Lee and Tuck return to the fold, which should provide stability on offense. Although the Fighting Irish will have more bulk this season, Boarman said, “We’re going to have some size, but I think we’ll be pretty similar to last year. We have some skilled players and our defensive unit is fairly intact. I think our defense should be the cornerstone of the team.” As usual a tough schedule awaits, including a final four week slate that includes games with

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STORY BY HEATH DAWSON & ERIC FRANTZ Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney and Youngstown Ursuline.

Canton Central Catholic (10-2) * Players To Watch – TB/S Marc Davide (5-9, 175, Sr.), OL/DL Jon Gorman (5-11, 195, Sr.), OL/DL Ivan Kyagaba (6-1, 225, Sr.), OL/DL Toby Pesich (510, 180, Sr.), K Andy Streb (5-11, 160, Sr.), OL/DL Brandon Ezzo (5-10, 220, Sr.), FB/LB Chris Heath (6-0, 190, Sr.), WR Nick Keller (5-11, 170, Sr.), TE/DL Beau Lindesmith (5-11, 180, Sr.), OL/DL Harrison Dickerhoof (6-1, 220, Jr.) * Outlook – For most teams, winning early in the season sets the tone for the rest of the campaign. Legendary head coach Lowell Klinefelter, who has roamed the sidelines for 35 seasons, said that is especially true for his young and depleted Crusaders. Canton Central Catholic was hit hard by graduation as 20 players walked the stage, including nearly every skill player. Although the cupboard was almost entirely decimated, the Crusaders still have Klinefelter manning the ship and should not be counted out to make a fifth straight trip to the postseason. “Our season will be a big challenge,” he admitted. “We need to rebuild the offense and defense as we only have two returning starters on offense and two on defense. Our senior class is not very big, but we’re hoping for some leadership out of those players. They did work hard in the offseason. The team’s character will determine if we are to experience success.” The Crusaders open with five of their first six games on the road – not an ideal stretch for a young team. CCC closes with four homes games. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (9-2) * Players To Watch – RB/S John Pettigrew (5-9, 185, Sr.), TE/LB Stephen Hudson (6-3, 210, Sr.), OT/DE Cole Dittrich (6-2, 220, Sr.), C/LB Andrew Petterson (5-10, 185, Sr.), QB Jacob Hay (5-11, 170, Sr.), WB/CB Andy Hoffman (5-8, 160, Sr.), RB/LB Zach Butler (5-9, 170, Sr.), TE/DE Xavier Douglas (6-2, 200, Jr.), RB/LB Alex Utley (5-9, 180, So.) * Outlook – Fifteen returning starters and “good team chemistry” have 12-year head coach Ray Carroscia excited about the 2008 campaign. The Royals will have some big shoes to fill in the departure of running back/linebacker Jared Kusar (131 tackles and 870 rushing yards), who will be wrestling at Ohio State. Despite losing Kusar, the Royals are an experienced group. Pettigrew, a second team All-Ohioan who has been offered by Kent and Akron, and seniors Hudson and Dittrich will be the top playmakers. “We have some kids with a lot of experience under their belt coming back,” he noted. “We have a large senior class that has been playing together for a long team. Although we’re not a big team and don’t have a lot of numbers, we have a hard-working, unified group.” Massillon Tuslaw (7-3) * Players To Watch – OL/DL Aaron Appleton (63, 235, Sr.), OL/DL Patrick Bennett (5-9, 205, Sr.), WR/DB Ben Bricker (6-0, 170, Sr.), TE/DE Josh Brown (6-3, 215, Sr.), OL/DL Andy Burrow (5-9, 195,

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV

Sr.), QB-WR/DB Shelby Combs (5-10, 190, Sr.), RB/DL Grant Conzen (5-10, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Joe Gump (5-10, 215, Sr.), RB/LB Winston Horn (5-11, 180, Sr.), RB/DB Jake Kobilarcsik (5-10, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Kyle Krug (6-3, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Anthony Lombardi (6-2, 175, Sr.), RB/LB Daniel Marthey (5-9, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Bryan Moore (5-3, 125, Sr.), RB/LB Kim Parr (6-3, 210, Sr.), WR/DB Drew Wadlan (5-9, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – In just two years at Tuslaw, Nate Held has made his mark with the Mustangs. He followed up a 9-2 season, which included a Principals Athletic Conference title and postseason berth, with a 7-3 mark last year (all three losses were to playoff teams). Tuslaw’s roster contains 17 seniors, which Held is calling on to continue to build “Blue Pride.” Of last season’s three losses, two were to Principals Athletic Conference members Tuscarawas Valley and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. For the Mustangs to earn a playoff invitation once again, getting through a tough PAC schedule will be crucial. Tuslaw does host Tusky Valley and CVCA in Weeks 5 and 6. “The league will be strong so the ability for some of our young players to fill key roles will be very important,” Held said. “We hope to be competitive in every game. We are looking forward to starting the season, trying to improve each day, and participating in a great year of Pac-7 football.” The season opener at North Lima South Range is a stearn early test.

Steubenville (12-1) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Branko Busick (6-1, 220, Sr.), OL/DL Ryan Dugan (Sr.), OL Sage Cutri (Jr.), WR Brandon Carroll (Sr.), TB Demetrius Brandon (Jr.), QB/S Dwight Macon (Jr.), CB Patrick Gilbert (Sr.), C Jamey DeVaul (Jr.), CB Isiah Willis (Jr.), K Brennan Stover (Jr.) * Outlook – The Big Red completed a remarkable fifth straight unbeaten regular season last year and eventually earned their way to the regional championship game against Cardinal Mooney where they had their 42-game win streak snapped (35-20). Steubenville is eager to get back to the mountain top. Head coach Reno Saccoccia said there is depth in the backfield and in the linebacking and cornerback positions, but said replacing the offensive line and finding two safeties are on the things to do list as camp quickly approaches. “Any time you go out on the field, you learn something win or lose,” Saccoccia said. “Our kids know to take some thing from every game. The more you expect to win, you have to work even harder. We have to get up off the floor (referring to the Mooney setback) and work twice as hard to bounce back. Nothing from last year matters now. It’s what you do this year. I like our attitude. It’s very good.” The Big Red have seven of 10 games at home and face four out-of-state opponents – two each from New York (Cardinal O’Hara and St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute) and West Virginia (Wheeling Park and Wheeling Central Catholic). A road game at Columbus Watterson in Week 6 looms.

Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley (8-3) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Cody Close (5-9, 180, Sr.), OL/DL Garrett Patterson (6-3, 305, Jr.), OL/DL Tyler Stoneman (6-5, 290, Jr.), OL/DL Jeff Reed (6-0, 185, Jr.), OL/DL Andrew Hopwood (6-0, 230, Jr.), OL/DL Cam Norris (5-10, 170, Jr.), RB/DB Tyler Robinson (5-11, 190, So.), OL/DL Craig Babcock-Miller (5-9, 230, So.) * Outlook – As one opposing coach noted about the Trojans, “they never rebuild.” However, Dale Martini, who enters his 16th year at the helm of TV football, said his squad did lose a lot of good football players from last season’s team that won a third consecutive Principals Athletic Conference championship. With only seven starters back, Martini called 2008 “a tell-tale year for us.” “We lost a lot of kids from last year’s team,” Martini said. “We are going to be very young, but that makes for a lot of competition on the offensive and defensive side of the football…and that is a plus. I don’t think physicality or team chemistry will be a problem. For us, getting reps in a competitive situation is very important.” Tusky Valley is looking for its seventh trip to the postseason and fourth straight.

Youngstown Mooney (14-1) * Players To Watch – DT Johnny Simon (6-2, 250, Sr.), K Vince Penza (6-2, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Justin Leonelli (5-9, 165, Sr.), WR/DB Braylon Heard (5-10, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – The Cardinals’ bid for a third state title in four years came up short last season (Coldwater posted a 28-27 win in the finale). This year Mooney is looking to make its fifth straight D-IV state final. There are some hurdles. To get back to the state championship game, Mooney is going to have to replace a lot of skill players. Lost to graduation were fullback/linebacker Brandon Beachum (Penn State), fullback/linebacker Michael Zordich (Penn State), quarterback/defensive back Danny McCarthy (Notre Dame), athlete Tim Marlowe (Nebraska) and fullback/linebacker Taylor Hill (Michigan). The Cards will also have to navigate one of the toughest regions in the state, which includes perennial power Steubenville and a very talented Akron St. Vincent-St Mary squad. During the regular season tough games with Mentor, Warren Harding, Mentor Lake Catholic, Cleveland Benedictine, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Ursuline and Columbus Watterson await. All eyes will be on Simon who has already committed to play football for Ohio State and is among Ohio’s top 10 players. Also Keep An Eye On * Coshocton (7-4) – The Redskins returned to the playoffs and were quickly eliminated by state runner-up Youngstown Mooney. If the Redskins are to take the next step, turning in a better record than 4-3 in the tough East Central Ohio League will be a key. * Orrville (6-4) – Despite missing the playoffs, the Red Riders should return to form this year. Head coach Doug Davault said his team lost an inordinate

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV amount of talent before the 2007 season got under way, but with players like offensive/defensive linemen Josh Short, Kameron Barnes, Aaron Lewis and Jordan Simon, along with tailback/linebacker Dee Miller, wide receiver/defensive back Michael Craig and halfback/defensive back Josh Graber back for their senior seasons, it’s a safe bet that Orrville will improve on their 6-4 mark – a record many coaches would take in a “down year.” * Perry (9-2) – In his first season with the Pirates, former West Geauga mentor Matt Rosati led the team to the postseason. The team found out how far it had to go in Region 13 with a humbling loss to Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the regional quarterfinals. Perry is expected to be solid once again as running back/free safety Mike Hanhauser (6-1, 190) is back to lead the way. * Also In This Region – Peninsula Woodridge (82), Girard (6-4), Cleveland Vllia Angela-St. Joseph (5-5), Warren Champion (6-4), Garrettsville Garfield (6-4), Burton Berkshire (6-4), Leavittsburg LaBrae (4-6), Sullivan Black River (4-6), Akron Manchester (5-5), Hanoverton United (4-6), Wooster Triway (37), Beachwood (3-7), Wickliffe (2-8), Brooklyn (2-8), Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (2-8), Magnolia Sandy Valley (1-9), Howard East Knox (2-8), Campbell Memorial (1-9), Doylestown Chippewa (1-9), Newton Falls (1-9).

Region 14

Teams To Watch: Fostoria (8-3) * Players To Watch – QB/CB Micah Hyde (6-0, 170, Sr.), OT/NG Floyd Tucker (6-3, 290, Sr.), OLB Levi Lambright (5-11, 190, Sr.), RB/LB Jon Ramirez (6-0, 215, Sr.), TB/CB Antonie Williams (5-11, 160, Jr.), WR Derrick Pollom (6-1, 185, Sr.), WR/CB Shaquille Taylor (5-11, 180, Sr.) * Outlook – Using the word explosive might be an understatement when talking about the Redmen on offense. Head coach Tom Grine is anticipating a high-octane “O,” thanks to the return of four offensive lineman, three wideouts and Hyde, who has close to 7,000 yards of total offense in his career and has been offered by Toledo. After losing nearly half of their defensive starters, the Redmen will have to have young players step up and play well, according to Grine. The team did finish second in the Northern Ohio League in total defense so it’s safe to say that the unit does know a thing or two about stopping opponents. “We are looking forward to the 2008 season,” Grine said. “We were able to win our league and qualify for the state playoffs in 2007. We have 14 returning starters and some good young talent to work with, but a lack of depth at key positions could be a concern for us. “We need to gel as a team and have outstanding senior leadership to achieve our goals to repeat as league champion and qualify for the state playoffs.”

Marion Pleasant (12-2) * Players To Watch – C/DL Aaron Edington (6-2, 245, Sr.), TE Kyle Nielsen (5-10, 160, Jr.), TB/LB

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Cory Snyder (5-10, 175, Sr.), HB/DB Kyle Beck (6-2, 170, Sr.), RB/LB Jake Lawrence (6-1, 200, Sr.) * Outlook – The Spartans dropped their first game of the season – 14-7 at St. Henry – before going on an incredible run, which included 12 straight wins. Pleasant lost to Mooney in the state semifinals (28-0). After the initial loss to St. Henry, there wasn’t much the Spartans did wrong. All told last season, Pleasant outscored the opposition 530-101 and recorded six shutouts. Only four opponents reached double-figures. This season the Spartans will look to defend their Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference title and make their ninth straight postseason appearance. Overall the Spartans have been to the playoffs 17 times (won state titles in 1972, 1996 and 2002). Lawrence was first team All-Ohio last season at linebacker.

Pemberville Eastwood (11-2) * Players To Watch – RB/SS Mark Schult (6-1, 220, Sr.), RB/DB Matt Schlumbohm (5-10, 165, Sr.), OG/NG James Morlock (5-11, 205, Sr.), RB/DB Cody Seifert (5-11, 160, Jr.), OL/DT Matt Schling (510, 225, Jr.) * Outlook – Replacing All-Ohioan Jeremy Foster will be the first task for 27-year head coach Jerry Rutherford. Foster rushed for 2,261 yards and 34 touchdowns on 411 carries. Schlumbolm did rush for 460 yards and six TDs on just 70 carries as a junior, so he’s expected to take up some of the offensive slack. The other problem is that Rutherford must replace the rest of his backfield, including three-year starter Eric Rutherford and the entire offensive line. “We lost five offensive linemen, but we think we’ve got some guys who can play there,” Rutherford said. “A couple of them played on the defensive line last year, so they have game experience. This year, they’ll just have to play both ways. We also lost our quarterback, but we run the Wing-T (so not much throwing). However, our QB position is still pretty important and we feel confident in two guys that we’re looking at. We think both young men can get the job done.” The Eagles return five starters on defense, including three defensive linemen. Rutherford feels run defense will be a plus. If Eastwood is to make it back to the regional finals (last year was its first appearance in school history, lost to Marion Pleasant 21-12), the team will need some of its JV and freshmen players (both teams only lost one game apiece in 2007) to fill in the voids. “We lost quite a bit, but it’s not as bad as it looks,” Rutherford stated. “We are expecting to play for a league championship once again and would be disappointed if we’re not. We also want to get back to the playoffs.”

Huron (7-3) * Players To Watch – TB Craig Thonre (Sr.), QB Mike Mielke (Sr.), WR/DB Matt Lehrer (Sr.), WR Nick Rivera (Sr.), LB Chris Chilotel (Sr.), LB Cody Koenig (Sr.), DB Matt Lehrer (Sr.) * Outlook – The Tigers missed out on the playoffs for just the second time in eight years last season,

finishing ninth in the region in computer points. A loss to Oak Harbor in Week 9 hurt. This year there is optimism for a return to the postseason and as head coach Tony Legando said “There are high expectations.” Ten starters return on offense led by Mielke. The senior signal caller completed 95 of 167 passes last season for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 477 yards and 12 scores. Throne is an excellent back (848 yards, nine TDs), while Lehrer (40 catches, 531 yards, seven TDs) and Rivera (27 receptions, 329 yards, TD) are capable targets. On defense the Tigers return eight starters, including Chilotel (76 tackles) and Koenig (58 tackles). Lehrer (68 tackles) and McNulty (58 tackles) anchor the defensive backfield. Overall Huron has 64 kids out in grades 10-12. Small school power Norwalk St. Paul replaces Cleveland South on the schedule. The Tigers will also debut new field turf on their home field.

Also Keep An Eye On * Sparta Highland (9-2) – The Fighting Scots made back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in school history last season before being bounced in Week 11 by Genoa Area (12-7). If Highland is to make history again, it will have to find a replacement for standout running back and workhorse Taylor Harris who earned first team All-Ohio honors last year. The offensive line returns four starters, including standout tackle Steven Stooksburry (6-3, 210). Stooksburry also stars at middle linebacker and is one of four starters back on defense. Although there will be several new faces, the expectations remain the same. * Genoa Area (10-2) – The Comets had won just seven games combined in the previous three seasons going into 2007. Second-year head coach Mike Vicars, who previously coached at Delta, was very successful in his first season as he guided the Comets to their first playoff berth in D-IV. Genoa beat Sparta Highland in the first round before losing to Eastwood (14-7). The Comets also won the Suburban Lakes League title, ending Eastwood’s six-year run. Genoa Area will have to replace first team AllOhio running back Derrick Vicars, who was a representative in the Ohio North-South Classic. * Oak Harbor (8-3) – The Rockets will take the field under a new coach for the first time in a longtime this season. Mike May became the first new head football coach hired by the district in nearly 30 years when he was selected to take over for Gary Quisno. Quisno retired and then resurfaced at Sandusky Perkins. May (former member of St. Mary’s Memorial staff) plans on keeping the Rockets vaunted Wing-T offense and will be looking to lead the team to its third straight playoff berth. The Rockets have been postseason regulars, reaching Week 11 nine times since 1994.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV * Ottawa-Glandorf (9-3) – The Titans avenged a season-opening setback to Fostoria with a 35-18 victory in the first week of the playoffs. Glandorf eventually lost to Region 14 champion Marion Pleasant in Week 12, but the Titans will no doubt be looking to take the next step. O-G has been to the playoffs three straight seasons and five times since 2000. * Elyria Catholic (8-3) – Despite losing two of their last three games, the Panthers still made the postseason for the second time in three years last season. EC must replace first team All-Ohio quarterback Cody Shuster. The Panthers schedule got a boost with the addition of Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (Week 2). * Delta (6-4) – After five straight trips to the postseason from 200004, the Panthers missed the playoffs for the second time in three years last season. * Bellville Clearfork (6-4) – The Colts are trying to make the playoffs for the third time in four years and for the 11th time overall. As usual, a daunting schedule awaits. Clearfork hosts Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in Week 2 before entering Ohio Cardinal Conference play against Ashland (D-II), Lexington (D-II), Wooster (D-II), Mansfield Madison (D-II) and Mansfield Senior (D-I). The computer points are there for a playoff push. * Bucyrus (9-1) – Redmen faced harsh reality of winning nine games and being left out of playoffs. Bucyrus’ schedule did it no favors as it played just two teams with winning records. The same schedule (one that includes four D-VI schools and three D-V schools) awaits. * Also In This Region – Wauseon (7-3), LaGrange Keystone (8-2), Wellington (6-4), Milan Edison (6-4), Lorain Clearview (6-4), Upper Sandusky (4-6), Mansfield Ontario (6-4), Sheffield Brookside (2-8), Metamora Evergreen (2-8), Lima Bath (2-8), Port Clinton (2-8), Marion Elgin (2-8), Paulding (1-9), Tontogony Otsego (2-8), Caledonia River Valley (1-9), Swanton (2-8), Galion (1-9), Millbury Lake (0-10).

Region 15

Teams To Watch: Williamsport Westfall (13-1) * Players To Watch – QB D.J. Cain (5-10, 170, Sr.), OL Aaron Bailey (6-3, 225, Sr.), OL Mitchell Riffle (6-0, 245, Sr.), WR/CB Bryant Gibson (5-10, 160, Sr.), WR/CB Ben Cline (5-10, 160, Sr.), WR/LB Tyler Cobb (6-3, 205, Sr.), K Cameron Puckett (511, 150, Sr.) * Outlook – After serving as the offensive coordinator for five years, Scott Keller took over as head coach of the Mustangs last season and guided Westfall to a perfect 10-0 regular season and the state semifinals where it lost to Coldwater (56-14).

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For an encore, Keller will have to replace eight starters on defense and tons of varsity experience. However, the Mustangs do return a lot of skill players. The offense and special teams will be relied upon heavily in the early going until the defense is able to get some game experience under its belt. “I think with what we have back, it’s hard to tell what will happen this season,” Keller said. “We could go anywhere from 6-4 to 10-0 if everything falls into place. We have kids that are accustomed to winning and they understand the responsibility they have. We lost a lot of talent, but some kids got a lot of time because of our large margin of victories. One of our strengths is the skilled players we have back. It might be the deepest, most talented group we’ve ever had.” Cain, who stepped in in Week 1 last year after transferring from World Harvest where he was a two-year starter, is one of the region’s top quarterbacks. Gibson and Cobb are able targets. “We are going to have to replace eight starters on defense and players who had a lot of experience,” Keller said. “We’re going to have to win a lot of games by 40-30 type scores early on. Our offense will have to carry us until the kids on defense gain experience. I think our special teams play will also be good. We feel good about two of three things going into the season so that’s not too bad.”

Also Keep An Eye On Pataskala Licking Heights (10-2) – The Hornets have been mentioned by a few coaches as one of the teams that should be a favorite because they return a lot of kids. Licking Heights did reach the regional semis and could be the top dog as St. Clairsville and Westfall will both have to replace several players. Amanda-Clearcreek (6-4) – After moving from Division V to DIV a year removed from a state semifinals appearance, the Aces failed to reach the postseason. However, head coach Ron Hinton didn’t have a deep senior class and should be a lock to reach the playoffs in 2008. Waverly (10-2) – After the first back-to-back playoff appearances in school history, the Tigers have some holes to fill, the biggest of which is replacing arguably the program’s best quarterback ever in New Mexico State recruit and twotime first team All-Ohioan Trevor Walls. * St. Clairsville (12-1) – The Red Devils put together an impressive run last year that resulted in the school’s first ever back-to-back playoff appearances and a berth in the regional final (lost 14-12 to Westfall). Speed on defense was a calling card of St. Clairsville last year and should be again. * Ironton (5-5) – Legendary coach Bob Lutz returned the gridiron after a one-year hiatus and led the Tigers to a 5-5 mark. Like AmandaClearcreek, Ironton was a young squad and should be a legitimate playoff contender this season.

* Martins Ferry (6-4) – The Purple Riders uncharacteristically missed the postseason last year under Dave Bruney. With running back Jeremy Murray back for his senior season, Ferry should contend for the Buckeye 8 title and a spot in Week 11. * New Lexington (8-3) – The Panthers made yet another playoff appearance (fifth since 2000), but were eliminated by regional champ Westfall in the opening round. Bill Nutt will have to replace running back Will Hicks, and a few other players, but the Panthers are a perennial power in Region 15 and expectations will be high once again. * Portsmouth (8-3) – The Trojans earned their fifth playoff berth in eight years last season before bowing out to Licking Heights in the regional quarterfinals (42-34). Portsmouth heads into this season looking for a replacement for first team All-Ohio quarterback Shane Porter. * Belmont Union Local (9-2) – The Jets made first playoff appearance in history last year before falling to Waverly in the first round. Big question is who takes over for first team All-Ohioan Zach Gust. * Also In This Region – Ironton Rock Hill (7-4), South Point (5-5), Proctorville Fairland (55), Pomeroy Meigs (6-4), Piketon (7-3), Columbus Bishop Hartley (5-4), Martins Ferry (6-4), Utica (55), Gallipolis Gallia Academy (4-6), Carroll BloomCarroll (3-7), Albany Alexander (3-7), Byesville Meadowbrook (3-7), Zanesville Maysville (3-7), Chillicothe Zane Trace (2-8), Cheshire River Valley (1-9), McDermott Northwest (1-9), Zanesville West Muskingum (1-9), Bellaire (0-10), Chillicothe Unioto (0-10), Wellston (0-10).

Region 16

Teams To Watch: Cincinnati Wyoming (8-3) * Players To Watch – TE/LB Jacob Green (6-3, 230, Sr.), WR/DB DeShawn Harris (6-0, 180, Sr.), LB Tim Benner (6-2, 200, Sr.), RB Josh Boggan (59, 170, Sr.), DB Jacob Allsop (5-9, 165, Jr.), OL/DL Jibreel Black (6-2, 255, Jr.) * Outlook – Although just two starters return on offense for coach Bernie Barre, fortunately for the Cowboys, one of those players is Green. Green is drawing Division I interest and has an offer from Ball State. The strength of the Cowboys should be their defense, which returns seven starters. Harris will anchor the unit. If Wyoming can get past a tough first part of the schedule, including a showdown at home against Dayton Oakwood, Barre should enjoy his 18th winning season with the Cowboys. “We have a tough early non-league schedule and our league is always difficult,” Barre said. “We should be competitive. Our great tradition is a strength, along with good team speed. This should be a fun group to coach.”

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV Coldwater (14-1) * Players To Watch – FB/LB Adam Homan (6-2, 225, Sr.), RB Tony Harlamert (6-0, 185, Sr.), K Mario DeLaRosa (5-8, 136, Sr.), QB Cory Klenke (6-1, 181, Sr.), RB/LB Dusty Rutschilling (5-9, 170, Sr.), TE/DE Brock Pleiman (6-2, 204, Sr.), QB/DB Keith Wenning (6-3, 199, Jr.), OL/DL Kurt Westerheide (61, 186, Jr.), OL/DL Trevor Robbins (6-2, 232, Sr.), WR/DB Zach Siefring (5-10, 158, Sr.) * Outlook – The Cavaliers experienced one of the finest postseason runs in recent history last season when they added their second state title in three years with a memorable win over Cardinal Mooney in the state final. Minus the 28-27 victory over Mooney and a 59-52 triple-OT win over Alter in the regional semifinals, Coldwater won its other three playoff games by the combined score of 162-42. The perennial power from the Midwest Athletic Conference – Coldwater won its fourth straight MAC title last year – will no doubt be good again this year. Plenty of talent and starters return from last year’s team, including Homan, an Ohio State recruit.

Dayton Oakwood (7-4) * Players To Watch – WR/DB Robby Sherk (6-2, 185, Sr.), RB/LB Tony Lamb (6-1, 195, Sr.), TE/LB Justin Macaulay (6-2, 210, Sr.), WR/DB Will Garner (6-4, 175, Sr.), OL/LB Joey Lefforge (6-2, 235, Sr.), RB/DB John Whalen (5-11, 180, Sr.), RB/LB Damian Rudy (6-3, 205, Sr.) ** Outlook – A tough road schedule (Cincinnati Wyoming, Valley View, Bellbrook and Brookville) and the loss of offensive standout Chris Hardy to Dartmouth has 12-year head coach Paul Stone looking to his defense for leadership. That’s not such a bad plight, considering Stone feel’s the defense could be the best he has ever had at Oakwood. If the Lumberjacks are to reach Week 11 for the third time in as many years, they might have to find a breakaway threat to replace the ultratalented Hardy. “We have a balanced group of seniors that are very unselfish,” Stone commented. “We will have to find a way to score without having a true homerun threat. We have our first meeting ever with Wyoming and our road schedule is brutal. However, our league has been very successful in terms of playoff appearances over the last few years. We have great coaches across the board.”

Kettering Alter (11-1) * Players To Watch – RB/LB Chris Borland (6-0, 215, Sr.), QB Austin Boucher (6-1, 205, Sr.), OL Evan Neff (6-1, 215, Sr.), LB Colin Boucher (6-1, 223, Sr.) * Outlook – Two years ago, the Knights reached the D-III state final against Steubenville (a 34-33 loss) and dropped down into D-IV last season making it one of the favorites in Region 16 and the entire division. Head coach Ed Domsitz’s Knights ran into a streaking Coldwater squad, though, that eventually ended Alter’s season with a 59-52 triple overtime thriller regional semifinals. This year, Alter will be in the hunt for regional and

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state titles again. The Knights return one of the state’s best quarterbacks in Austin Boucher, whose twin brother Colin moonlights as a standout linebacker. Borland, a state qualifer in the shot put and discus, inherits the top spot in Alter’s vaunted rushing attack.

West Milton Milton-Union (10-2) * Players To Watch – QB Jon Mason (6-5, 200, Sr.), WR/TE Nikko Johnson (6-4, 200, Sr.), OL Stefan Kleather (5-11, 265, Sr.), OL Taylor Heit (6-1, 230, Sr.), DB Patrick Thoele (5-11, 160, Sr.), LB Jon King (5-11, 180, Sr.), LB Josh Dehart (5-9, 175, Sr.), WR Thomas Ford (5-10, 145, Sr.), DB Matt Fryman (6-1, 155, Sr.), RB Steve Herick (5-11, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – The Bulldogs return a lot of skill players, but a lack of experience will play a factor. On the offensive side, Mason, who is gaining D-I interest, will be back behind center. Losing standout linebacker Tyler Wilson will leave a huge void in the defensive unit. Coach Bret Pearce, who enters his ninth season with a 46-40 mark, feels Milton-Union could be a competitive squad this year. However, how quickly new starters can fit in will be crucial because the ’Dogs will square off against seven playoff qualifiers from 2007, leaving them with one of the toughest schedules in D-IV. “We return a lot of skill players, but we return little experience,” Pearce related. “We have the makings of a good team, but the schedule is loaded with good teams. Clarksville Clinton Massie (11-2) * Players To Watch – OL/DL Andrew Fisher (6-2, 260, Sr.), SE/DB Logan McCormick (6-4, 180, Sr.), RB/LB Nathan Stouffer (5-11, 195, Sr.), TE/LB Gunner Calhoun (6-1, 195, So.), OT Michael Stenger (6-3, 280, So.), DE Corby Running (6-3, 220, Jr.) * Outlook – The Falcons have progressively become one of the region’s top programs. This season head coach Dan McSurley and his club are going for their seventh straight postseason berth. C-M was a regional finalist last season. MCormick is a big-time player, who had 28 catches for 675 yards and eight touchdowns last year. The lines are huge and will be “big and physical” according to McSurley. As usual, a Week 10 meeting with Plain City Jonathon Alder could decide a playoff spot or seed. Also Keep An Eye On * Plain City Jonathan Alder (8-3) – A year after reaching the state semifinals for the first time in school history, the Pioneers were bounced by eventual state champion Coldwater in the first round. Alder will have to replace a host of seniors, including quarterback Austin Schlosser and three-year starter Joe Collins, an offensive lineman. * Brookville (7-4) – The Blue Devils have quietly built themselves into a small school power again under head coach Mike Hetrick (son of former legendary Versailles coach Al Hetrick). The Blue Devils

were a playoff staple in the late 80s and early 90s before suffering a postseason drought. Last year, Brookville made the postseason again for just the third time since 1994 and the ninth time overall. Several SWBL coaches have tabbed the Blue Devils as title contenders. * Hamilton Badin (5-5) – The Rams are a team of note. They return one of the state’s top quarterbacks in senior Zach Toerner (6-4, 205) who earned second team All-Ohio accolades after throwing for a GCL-best 2,619 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. * Springfield Northeastern (6-4) – The Jets were in contention for the postseason last year before back-to-back losses to West Liberty-Salem and Springfield Catholic Central in Weeks 8 and 9. According to head coach Scott Rolf, Northeastern returns “a lot of talent, especially in the skill positions.” Senior running back Ethan Deselem (6-1, 175) will get the bulk of the work, while tight end Aaron Hartzell (6-8, 215) is a huge target. Senior quarterback Blake West (5-10, 170) and junior running back Chad Phillips (5-10, 150) will also contribute heavily. Senior linebacker Morgan Yinger (6-0, 180; 34 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and senior lineman Josh Barnett (6-5, 280) anchor the front seven. * Cincinnati North College Hill (82) – Senior athlete Everett Horne (510, 175) gives the Trojans a weapon most teams lack. Horne, a second team All-Ohio running back last season, is headed to Cincinnati. * Also In This Region – Cincinnati Finneytown (7-3), Blanchester (7-3), Carlisle (5-5), Cincinnati Mariemont (4-6), Dayton Northridge (4-6), Cincinnati Madiera (3-7), Middletown Madison (4-6), Franklin Bishop Fenwick (3-7), Batavia (4-6), Bellefontaine Benjamin Logan (3-7), Springfield Northwestern (2-8), St. Bernard Roger Bacon (2-8), London Madison Plains (2-8), Jamestown Greeneview (2-8), London (1-9), Batavia Clermont Northeastern (1-9), Camden Preble Shawnee (1-9), Bethel-Tate (0-9), North Bend Taylor (0-10).

Ohio High Division IV Predictions

Region 13 Youngstown Cardinal Mooney over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Region 14 Marion Pleasant over Huron Region 15 Pataskala Licking Heights over Williamsport Westfall Region 16 Coldwater over Kettering Alter Championship Game Coldwater over Youngstown Cardinal Mooney

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division IV

2007 Revisited

Coldwater Shocks The World

Division IV State Championship

Photo by Nick Falzerano

ASSILLON – Youngstown Cardinal Mooney now knows how Goliath felt. Midwest Athletic Conference and Mercer County schools have long put their stamp on the state football championships, but Dec. 1 in the Division IV state final at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, Coldwater recorded one of the conference’s, county’s and state’s biggest upsets ever with a 28-27 victory over nationally-ranked and undefeated Cardinal Mooney. Mooney, the consensus D-IV favorite all season long and the defending state champion making its fourth straight appearance in the state final, entered the game No. 8 in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings. The Cardinals senior class has players committed to Penn State, Oklahoma and Notre Dame. Ohio State is after one of its juniors. Coldwater didn’t care.

Coldwater’s defense held Mooney to 13 second half points, while the Cavaliers posted 28 of their own (21 in the fourth).

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“We came here to win,” Coldwater head coach John Reed said. “You can’t be influenced by what other people are going to think or say. You have to believe in yourself. “You know we live over on the other side of Ohio and we really don’t know about the Mooney mystique and all of that. We really don’t. We played them two years ago and we were able to play them tough. We we’re confident we’d come here and play them tough again. We didn’t say we were going to win, but we came here to win.” “Our guys performed all year and played at such a high level and today was no different,” Mooney head coach P.J. Fecko said. “We put forth a ton of effort and definitely battled hard. Unfortunately we came up on the short end of the scoreboard. Coldwater should be congratulated for pulling it out.” Playing inspired football after a lackluster first half, the Cavaliers rallied from a 21-7 deficit after three quarters and scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth to take a 28-21 lead with 2:41 left. The Cavs scored on a reverse pass from Keith Wenning to Ryan Geier and then set-up their next score with another trick play, this one a double-pass from Wenning to Tony Harlamert that set up first and goal at the 1 yard line. Coldwater’s final score followed a Mooney fumble. The Cavs still had to withstand a late Mooney charge which resulted in a touchdown with 21 seconds left. Coldwater’s Kurt Schlarman blocked the extra-point and Adam Homan recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the monumental upset. Despite being the odds-on favorite and looking like it would roll to victory after a 14-0 first quarter, Mooney made some uncharacteristic mistakes. The Cardinals were penalized 11 times in the game for 94 yards and committed three turnovers. Running back Brandon Beachum, headed to Penn State , led the Mooney rushing attack with 191 yards on 34 carries but managed just 73 yards in the second half. Quarterback Tim Marlowe, filling in for the injured Danny McCarthy (Notre Dame), rushed for 92 yards on 17 carries and completed 5of-6 passes for 135 yards and two TDs, both to senior Mike Gemma. The Cardinals had 432 yards of offense, while Coldwater countered with 353 yards, including 254 in the second half. The Cavs only rushed for 53 yards, but junior quarterback Cory Klenke completed 16-of-37 passes for 185 yards and a TD. Back-up QB Wenning threw for 115 yards on the two reverse passes. Harlamert finished with 178 total yards, including 126 on eight catches, while Geier had 134 yards and two TDs on four catches. The offensive line did not allow a sack. The state title was Coldwater’s second in three years and second over Mooney. The Cavs also beat the Cardinals in the 2005 final at Canton ’s Fawcett Stadium. That loss was Mooney’s last until this one. “We have the utmost respect for Cardinal Mooney, we really do,” Reed said. “We respect everybody we play and we talk about that all the time. We talk about respect everybody but fear nobody and that’s sincere.” Added Coldwater senior Kyle Ahrens: “They’re high school kids too.”

— Eric Frantz

Division IV Playoffs

State Final

Coldwater 28, Youngs. Cardinal Mooney 27

State Semifinals

Coldwater 56, Williamsport Westfall 14 Youngs. Cardinal Mooney 28, Marion Pleasant 0

Regional Finals

Region 13 1 Youngs. Cardinal Mooney 35, 4 2 Steubenville 20 Region 14 3 Marion Pleasant 21, 1 Pemberville Eastwood 12 Region 15 2 Williamsport Westfall 14, 1 St. Clairsville 12 Region 16 5 Coldwater 63, 3 Clarksville Clinton-Massie 14

Regional Semifinals

Region 13 1 Youngs. Mooney 28, 4 St. Vincent-St. Mary 7 2 Steubenville 44, 3 Canton Central Catholic 29 Region 14 1 Pemberville Eastwood 14, 5 Genoa Area 7 3 Marion Pleasant 48, 7 Ottawa-Glandorf 21 Region 15 1 St. Clairsville 33, 4 Pataskala Licking Heights 17 2 Williamsport Westfall 48, 3 Waverly 28 Region 16 5 Coldwater 59, 1 Kettering Archbishop Alter 52 (3 ot) 3 Clinton-Massie 18, 2 West Milton Milton-Union 14

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 13 1 Youngstown Mooney 30, 8 Coshocton 6 4 Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 42, 5 Perry 0 2 Steubenville 28, 7 Cuy. Valley Christian Academy 10 3 Can. Central Catholic 48, 6 Z’ville Tuscarawas Valley 6 Region 14 1 Pemberville Eastwood 42, 8 Elyria Catholic 27 5 Genoa Area 12, 4 Sparta Highland 7 7 Ottawa-Glandorf 35, 2 Fostoria 18 3 Marion Pleasant 14, 6 Oak Harbor 0 Region 15 1 St. Clairsville 49, 8 Ironton Rock Hill 13 4 Pataskala Licking Heights 42, 5 Portsmouth 34 2 Williamsport Westfall 31, 7 New Lexington 7 3 Waverly 27, 6 Belmont Union Local 21 Region 16 1 Kett. Archbishop Alter 33, 8 Dayton Oakwood 0 5 Coldwater 43, 4 Plain City Jonathan Alder 14 2 West Milton Milton-Union 28, 7 Brookville 7 3 Clinton-Massie 29, 6 Cincinnati Wyoming 28 (2 ot)

Final 2007 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (14-1) 2. Kettering Alter (11-1) 3. Steubenville (12-1) 4. Williamsport Westfall (13-1) 5. Canton Central Catholic (10-2) 6. St. Clairsville (12-1) 7. Coldwater (14-1) 8. Marion Pleasant (12-2) 9. Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (9-3) 10. Pataskala Licking Heights (10-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V Senior Ben Smith is one of eight returning starters for Marion Local.

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Region 17

Photo by Nick Fazlerano

aria Stein Marion Local ran the show in Division V last season, becoming the 10th team in state history to win four or more state championships. And they did it in dominant fashion, blowing out every opponent in their first 14 games. That run included seven shutouts (three in playoff games) and a 35-14 win over Division IV state champion Coldwater in Week 2. The Flyers edged Youngstown Ursuline 20-14 in the state championship game. The state title followed a Division VI championship in 2006, meaning the Flyers have won 27 straight games going into the 2008 season. Could the Flyers do it again in 2008? Or will the state runners-up Youngstown Ursuline be the team to beat? Both of those squads have big goals in mind, but they wonʼt be the only ones. Division V is crowded with quality competitors, including St. Henry. Remember the Redskins?

Teams To Watch: Apple Creek Waynedale (9-3) * Players To Watch – TB/LB Thad Nofsinger (60, 210, Sr.), QB/DB Travis Suppes (6-1, 175, Sr.), WR/DB Sean Rutt (6-0, 180, Sr.) G/DE Steve Eyring (6-0, 180, Sr.), ILB/FB James Rutt (5-10, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Led by 2,000-yard rusher and AllOhio selection Thad Nofsinger and 10 other returning starters, Waynedale will be a team to watch in 2008. “I think I have a group that’s hungry to get back into the postseason and improve on last year,” head coach Matt Zuercher said. In addition to the returning starters, several players who will be stepping into the starting role for the first time already have plenty of experience under their belts. The Golden Bears will have goals of advancing deeper into the playoffs, and the school and community will be expecting more as well. “They see the players that are coming back and the experience that that group got, and the bar is going to be raised again this year,” Zuercher said. “I think the community expects that as well, which is good. It’s the way it should be.” Cuyahoga Heights (9-1): * Players To Watch – QB Zach D’Orazio (6-1, 175, Jr.), QB/WR/OLB Zach Norenberg (5-10, 155,

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STORY BY KIRK LARRABBE Jr.), C Patrick Meade (6-0, 175, Jr.), OT Matt Lader (5-11, 180, Sr.), ILB/FB Alec Torgerson (5-9, 170, soph.) * Outlook – The Redskins made the jump to Division V last year with expectations of continuing their streak of 10 straight postseason berths, but those expectations came to a crushing halt when the team missed out on the playoffs by a measly 3.5 third-level computer points. This year’s team returns four starters on offense and three on defense. “We’ve lost a lot of skill over the last two years,” head coach Al Martin said. “We’re really going to have a lot of new kids at the skill spots, so that’s somewhat of a concern. The good thing is we have two really good quarterbacks, and they gained a lot of experience last year.” Last year’s team set a school record for fewest points allowed in a season, but many players will be gone from that unit. “Defensively, I think we have a long way to go before we get back to where we were at the end of last year because we graduated a lot of talent there as well,” Martin said. Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB Billy Urban (6-1, 180, Sr.), RB Tommy Hallal (5-10, 180, Sr.), WR Luke Cangelosi (5-10, 165, Sr.), DT Marc McDonald (62, 285, Sr.), LB Will O’Brien (6-0, 220, Sr.), DL John Young (5-11, 270, Jr.) * Outlook – The Gilmour Lancers have found themselves on a streak of success, landing in the playoffs five out of the past six seasons after only having just one previous postseason berth. This year’s team is hoping to have what it takes to make it six of seven. “All in all, it was a pretty satisfying year, but there’s going to be some big holes to fill going forward,” said head coach Bob Spicer. “Our entire offensive line has graduated, but we do have just about all our skill players back, including one of the better quarterbacks around in Billy Urban and our running back Tommy Hallal, who had 25 touchdowns last year and was first-team all-state.” Urban and Hallal along with Cangelosi, McDonald, O’Brien, and Young form a solid group to build around, and Spicer feels another good season could be in order if the line questions are answered. “That’s the core group for what we think will hopefully be a good season,” Spicer said. “We’re not certain because we have to stay healthy. We have some major holes to fill on the offensive line. If we’re able to find some people there, we should be ok.” Kirtland (8-3) * Players To Watch – RB/DB Rossi Santo (5-7, 155, Sr.), OL/DL Schyler Chappell (5-11, 270), OL/DL Spencer Chappell (6-1, 225), OL/DL Clay Davis (6-0, 205), WR/DB Dominic Samf (5-10, 155, Sr.), QB/LB Ben Madden (6-3, 185, Sr.) * Outlook – Head coach Phillip “Tiger” LaVerde is two-for-two in his two seasons at Kirtland High School, leading the Hornets to the postseason in each year – no small feat for a program that had two total prior postseason appearances. The Hornets return a strong core of players, led

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V by Northeast Lakes District Defensive Player of the Year and All-Ohio selection Rossi Santo. Santo put up strong numbers on each side of the ball in ’07, with 27 touchdowns on offense and six interceptions and 90 tackles on defense. Joining Santo will be two more first-team all-district performers in Dominic Samf (800-plus yards receiving) and two-way standout Ben Madden (1200 yards passing, 90 tackles). The Hornets have fallen short in each of their playoff appearances the past two seasons, but the goal in 2008 will be to advance. “We want to make a third straight trip to the playoffs,” LaVerde said. “We want to win some playoff games.”

North Lima South Range (12-1) * Players To Watch – QB Jack Dawson (6-2, 195, Sr.), G Chris Gauss (6-2, 235, Sr.), RB Nick Golec (5-8, 155, Jr.), FB Hunter Spitz (5-10, 185, Jr.), WR James Nell (5-7, 145, Jr.), OLB Jared Razo (5-11, 220, Sr.), OL Jon Seaver (6-1, 235, Sr.) * Outlook – South Range has become a fixture in the Region 17 playoff scene, and even though the team was hit hard by graduation (only five starters return), there’s no reason to believe the Raiders won’t be in the picture again. “We have a couple people here and that that have gotten a lot of playing time, and the young kids saw the work ethic of the seniors and saw what it takes to be successful, so I really believe it will carry over to this year,” head coach Dan Yeagley said. The Raiders return some solid players and one of Division V’s most talented quarterbacks in Jack Dawson, but Yeagley says the defensive progress will be a big key. “Defense could be the big question,” Yeagley said. “We’re going to have to really work hard in the off-season defensively because we lost everybody. We have a lot of holes to fill there.”

Vienna Mathews (10-1) * Players To Watch – RB/DB Brent Jackson (57, 155, Sr.), WR/DB Rick Sommers (6-1, 165, Jr.), G/LB Ben Kaiser (5-11, 205, Sr.), OT/DT Mike Gibbs (6-1, 260, Sr.) * Outlook – The Mathews Mustangs put together a special season in 2007, advancing to the playoffs for the second time in three years and posting an unbeaten regular season record for the first time in program history. “We certainly felt that we were capable of that, but I don’t know if you ever expect that to happen,” head coach James Parry said. “To be part of the first undefeated team in the history of our school, I think it was a really special season for everybody involved.” Mathews will return 11 starters (six offense, five defense) from last year’s team and will have goals of similar success and playing further into the postseason. “We’re obviously losing some nice players, but at the same time, there’s enough there that if we

have a few kids step up, we have a chance to be successful again,” Parry said. “Whether that happens or not, that’s part of the fun of coaching.”

West Salem Northwestern (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB Konner Reid (6-2, 180, Sr.), OLB/RB Garret Price (6-1, 210, OT/NG Jared Carpenter (6-5, 330, Sr.), LB Nate Wellert (6-0, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – The Northwestern Huskies couldn’t hold off conference foe Apple Creek Waynedale, who dealt the Huskies each of their two losses. But head coach Mike Thut says the team put together a very positive campaign in 2007. “I was real happy with our players because last year I felt we were undersized and didn’t have a whole lot of experience,” Thut said. “We had a lot of first year starters, and they stepped up in a real big way.” This year’s team faces the transition from a senior-laden team to a very young team. “We’re going to have to replace a lot of kids,” Thut said. “We lost eight starters on each side of the football. The returning starters are real good players; I’m real happy with them. The other young men are going to have to step up. We’re going to be playing a lot of sophomores this year.” Youngstown Ursuline (12-3) * Players To Watch – RB Darrell Mason (6-1, 217, Sr.), WR Dale Peterman (5-11, 170, Sr.), OL/DL Dan Baco (6-1, 270, Sr.), TE/DE Jamel Turner (6-2, 215, Jr.), WR/DB Justin Austin (5-11, 180, Sr.), WR/DB L.J. Stevens (5-8, 170, Sr.), RB/LB Allen Jones (5-11, 195, Jr.), WR/RB/DB DeAndre Harris (5-10, 185, Jr.) * Outlook – The Fighting Irish loom large as potentially the team to beat not just in Region 17, but all of Division V. Six starters return on each side of the ball from last year’s Division V runnerup, including at least three major college prospects in Mason and Peterman and monster defensive end Turner, who won first team All-Ohio honors as a sophomore. Ursuline will be breaking in a new quarterback after losing Division V offensive player of the year Lamar McQueen to graduation and lost some quality players in the trenches from last year’s team, but the team should have a solid defense led by a strong secondary and is loaded at the skill positions. Head coach Dan Reardon calls his skill positions group the strongest he’s had in his time at Ursuline. “We should be very, very good at the skill positions in general,” Reardon said. “We return just about all of our offensive production as far as rushing yards and receiving yards.” The main question mark, as it often is with this team, will be whether or not the Fighting Irish can survive a brutal landmine-filled schedule that ranks as possibly the toughest in Division V. “When you look at it, it’s very challenging, but I also know that we have a chance to have a very good football team,” Reardon said. “The thing is when you have challenging schedule, you have to come to play every week and requires you to

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V maintain focus and be at your best. I think our kids understand that.”

Also Keep An Eye On * Bedford St. Peter Chanel (65) – The Firebirds look to bounce back after a first-round playoff defeat. * Columbiana Crestview (7-3) – With 12 starters and 14 lettermen returning, Crestview could be back in the thick of things in Region 17. “We have graduated a ton of key players over the past two seasons, so we just want to be competitive from week to week,” head coach Paul Cusick said. * Mineral Ridge (8-2) – Dom Leone’s Rams are always a team to watch and have been singled out by other coaches as a team that could make noise this season. * Also In This Region – Richmond Heights (73), Rocky River Lutheran West (7-3), Creston Norwayne (7-3), Sugarcreek Garaway (7-3), Andover Pymatuning Valley (8-2), Garfield Heights Trinity (4-6), Gates Mills Hawken (5-5), Brookfield (5-5), Middlefield Cardinal (5-5), Atwater Waterloo (4-6), East Palestine (4-6), Independence (2-8), Louisville St Thomas Aquinas (3-7), Lisbon David Anderson (2-8), Cleveland Central Catholic (3-7), Newcomerstown (3-7), Smithville (3-7), Rootstown (1-9), Orwell Grand Valley (0-10), Rittman (0-10).

Region 18

Teams To Watch: Bucyrus Wynford (10-1) * Players To Watch – QB Tyler Brause (6-5, 210, Jr.), OL Zach Brewington (6-0, 180, Jr.), OL Dale Schiefer (5-8, 170, Sr.), OL/DT Clint Cooper (6-4, 240, Sr.), LB Ty Harrer (6-0, 190, Sr.), FS Kyle Rall (5-10, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – The Wynford Royals stayed on a roll in 2007, putting together their second undefeated regular season in three years and moving their overall regular season record in that time to 29-1. But a second consecutive opening round playoff loss has left the team hungry to get back to the type of playoff success the Royals had in 2005, when they advanced to the regional finals. “I think everybody from our standpoint was extremely disappointed in the way our season ended last year in terms of getting beat in the first round,” head coach Travis Moyer said. “These kids going into this year have worked extremely hard to make sure that doesn’t happen, but obviously we’ve got a lot of legwork to do before that point to get that opportunity.” Four starters return on offense and three on defense, which leaves some areas that will need to be addressed. “From an offensive standpoint, we’ve got some major question marks, but we’ve got some guys who worked extremely hard this offseason to become the best that they can in terms of athletes,” Moyer said. “Defensively, we’ve lost a lot a good players also and we’ll have a big challenge

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there in replacing some of those kids.”

Defiance Tinora (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB Landon Drewes (6-1, 170, soph.), DT/OT John Hammersmith (6-4, 240, Sr.), FB/LB Lucas Willitzer (5-10, 195, Sr.), TB/LB Blake Foor (5-10, 190, Jr.), WB/CB Lyndon Benecke (6-0, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – Tinora might have been one of the younger teams in Region 18 last season, fielding only five seniors and a freshman starting quarterback. But that didn’t stop the Rams from making a run to Week 12 of the postseason. “I think we fielded seven or eight sophomores on each side of the football,” head coach Kenny Krouse said. With 18 starters returning (nine offense, nine defense), this year’s team will carry a goal of winning multiple postseason games. “That’s been our goal and not just to be a onehit wonder,” Krouse said. Tinora will face a challenging schedule that includes four 2007 playoff teams along with threetime state champ Delphos St. John’s. Even with the goal of advancing in the playoffs in mind, Krouse says his team will not be looking past the schedule. “I think they realize it’s really tough to get in,” Krouse said. “It’s not easy.”

Findlay Liberty-Benton (12-1) * Players To Watch – QB/DB Aaron Craft (6-1, 175, Jr.), RB Brandon Pickett (5-7, 165, Sr.), C Aaron Gerth (5-9, 245, Sr.), LB Jacob Miller (5-9, 185, Sr.), LB Brett Pasche (6-2, 205, Jr.), DT Caleb Panning (6-0, 190, Sr.), DT Lucas Panning (6-0, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – The turnaround for the LibertyBenton program continues to reach new heights. The Eagles’ playoff berth in 2007 was their fifth straight after previously never having had a playoff appearance. With nine starters returning on defense and five on offense including All-Ohio selection Aaron Craft, this year’s senior-laden team appears loaded and set to possibly go even further than last season’s regional finals appearance. “We’re going to have some expectations,” head coach Tim Nichols said. “We’ve been awfully pleased with what’s happened over the winter; it’s been one of our better ones we had in a while. We’re just anxious to get summer going.” While having Craft back at quarterback for a third season will be a luxury for the offense, it was defense where he received All-Ohio honors, and it’s the defense as a whole that seems to be the team’s top strength. “I’m excited,” Nichols said. “I think we have a chance to make it pretty tough for teams to find the end zone on us.” Hamler Patrick Henry (12-2) * Players To Watch – RB Mitch Leonard (5-11, 160, Sr.), OL/DL Cody Pettit (6-3, 235, Sr.), OL Joe Huber (6-0, 210, Sr.), OL Mike Gobrogge (510, 205, Sr.), QB Luke George (5-10, 175, Jr.) * Outlook – Patrick Henry once again showed

last season why they are one of the premier programs in Division V, returning to the state semifinals for the third time in four seasons. Eleven starters return to this year’s team, led by All-Ohio selection and major college prospect Cody Pettit. Pettit will lead two experienced lines, but new starters will have to step up in other areas. “It’s going to be one of the biggest and most athletic lines that I’ve ever had in my 18 years coming into this next year at Patrick Henry,” head coach Bill Inselmann said. “However, we lost a very, very good group of skilled athletes.” Even though the Patriots will have to look for some new playmakers, nothing has changed as far as expectations. “We think we will find the skilled kids to be able to do good enough things to be able make us competitive and have an outstanding season,” Inselmann said.

Jeromesville Hillsdale (8-2) * Players To Watch – RB Zeb Hawley (5-11, 170, Sr.), QB Mike Tyson (6-5, 205, Sr.), LB Nate Rogers (5-11, 200, Sr.), LB Drew Kamenik (5-9, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – While Region 18 features many teams that are no stranger to the playoffs, the Hillsdale Falcons will be aiming to make their first ever postseason appearance this year. The program made big strides in 2007, posting a programbest eight-win season, and 19 starters return from that team with goals of finally reaching Week 11. “We feel like we should have another very solid team,” head coach Tom Williams said. Naturally, expectations and hopes for this year’s team are high across the school and community. “I think people expect us to do fairly well, which is a big difference,” Williams said. “I think in the past, people just kind of expected that we wouldn’t be very good year in and year out. Now, people are excited.” But Williams says that the new expectations also create a level of stress the team might not be used to. Will they be ready to handle it? “You never know,” he said. “You just kind of have to wait and see. Once you get into the two-adays and scrimmages and stuff like that, you have a better idea of how the team’s done and what their mindset is.”

Liberty Center (7-4) * Players To Watch – QB Pat Brown (6-3, 185, Sr.), RB Jake Elling (5-11, 190, Jr.), LB/OL Allen Sharpe (6-1, 210, Jr.), OT/DT Andrew Schwab (510, 245, Sr.), WB Damian Mayes (5-10, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – Longtime head coach Rex Lingruen thought his young Liberty Center squad would be a year away in 2007, but the Tigers showed strong strides by earning a spot in the playoffs. “We only had eight senior boys, and they gave all they could,” Lingruen said. “For what we had, I thought we overachieved and did a nice job.” With eight starters back on offense and seven

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V on defense, this year’s team will be expected to make some noise. “It could be pretty promising,” Lingruen said. “Most of our line returns and most of our backfield returns also, so offensively we’re going to be a little more explosive. Defensively, we’re returning most everybody, so we’re pretty optimistic right now.”

Lima Central Catholic (10-2) * Players To Watch – DE Mike Tremoulis (5-10, 210, Sr.), DE Michael Lombardo (5-10, 205, Sr.), DL Drew Homan (5-8, 240, Sr.), OLB Jacob Rigali (6-0, 185, Jr.), CB Desi Kirkman (5-11, 155, Jr.), QB Lance Helmig (6-0, 195, Jr.), OT Matt Boatman (6-3, 325, Sr.), RB Daniel Lombardo (5-9, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – The preseason selection of many (including Ohio High) to win the 2007 state championship, Lima Central Catholic did not quite reach that goal but still put together another solid season. “I think you’d have to consider the season a success,” head coach Jerry Cooper said. “We won ten games and won our league outright. Our only losses were to two really good football teams, but obviously it was disappointing from the standpoint that we thought we might have had a team that could compete at the top of Division V but fell short when we played against those really good teams.” Five starters return on offense and four on defense for the Thunderbirds, who appear to have put past struggles behind them to establish a winning program and should have another successful season in 2008. “We feel we have a pretty good nucleus to build around,” Cooper said. “We had a real successful JV team last year that only lost one game and our freshmen went undefeated, so we have some real building blocks. It’s just going to be a matter of, can we take what we learned over the past three years and establish a real winning tradition?” Also Keep An Eye On * Archbold (7-4) – Moving down from Division IV, the Blue Streaks put together a solid season and returned to playoffs for the first time since 2002. * Bloomdale Elmwood (7-3) – The Royals fell short of the playoffs in 2006 but posted their third straight season of seven wins or more. “We will be young but growth should develop quickly and we should be able to establish a competitive team,” head coach Dean Zeigler said. * Delphos Jefferson (7-3) – Area coaches have singled out the Wildcats as a team to keep an eye on this year. * Northwood (8-2) – The Rangers fell short of the postseason in 2007 but had a solid year, including two wins over playoff teams. * Sherwood Fairview (9-2) – The Apaches face the tall task of having to replace starting quarterback and Division V offensive player of the year Ryan Radcliff, who signed with Central Michigan. New head coach Dave Robinson takes over for

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Bob Olwin, now at Versailles. This year’s team will feature senior WR/DB and two-time All-Ohio performer Ben Wonderly. * Sycamore Mohawk (5-5) – After reaching the playoffs eight straight seasons, the Warriors saw their streak come to an end last year after finishing the season at .500. But four of Mohawk’s losses came against playoff teams, and Division VI state finalist Hopewell-Loudon was the only team to defeat the Warriors by more than seven points. This year’s Mohawk squad will be young and breaking in a new quarterback and new starting backfield, but will be solid in other areas. “The offensive line will be much bigger and more athletic than last year’s,” said head coach Erik Baker. “The defense should be solid and very fast in the perimeter.” * Also In This Region – Kansas Lakota (6-4), Spencerville (5-5), Greenwich South Central (5-5), New London (5-5), Bluffton (4-6), Collins Western Reserve (4-6), Ashland Crestview (4-6), Columbia Station Columbia (3-7), Toledo Ottawa Hills (4-6), Montpelier (3-7), Oberlin (4-6), Hicksville (3-7), Elmore Woodmore (3-7), North Robinson Colonel Crawford (2-8), Castalia Margaretta (1-9), Gibsonburg (2-8), Loudonville (0-10).

Region 19

Teams To Watch: Columbus Bishop Ready (12-2) * Players To Watch – TE Dana Dettassio (6-2, 205, Sr.), OL Nate Thomas (5-11, 190, Sr.), OT Dean Cullison (6-5, 310, Sr.), WR Steve Christman (5-11, 155, Sr.), LB Joe Culp (6-0, 210, Sr.), DL Lucas Detty (6-0, 235, Jr.), DL Tyler Collins (6-3, 270, Sr.), DL Jeff Beatty (6-2, 245, Sr.), FB Colin Leidinger (6-0, 210, Sr.), K/P Mike Morgan (5-11, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – On paper, Columbus Bishop Ready lost quite a bit from last year’s regional champion, graduating 16 seniors including two first-team AllOhio players. But as far as expectations go, nothing has changed. “We expect to make it to the playoffs,” head coach Larry Wolf said. “We have enough quality kids coming back. Obviously we’re weak in some areas and we’ll have to make some people grow up in a hurry, but the expectations absolutely remain the same.” Four starters return on each side of the ball along with All-Ohio kicker Mike Morgan, along with several younger players who saw a good deal of playing time last season. A tough schedule awaits the Knights, including an early-season marquee matchup against West Jefferson. “We’ve got to hit the ground running,” Wolf said. “There’s no room for error.”

Fredericktown (10-3) * Players To Watch – QB/DB Thomas Hinkle (64, 205, Jr.), TB/LB Curtis Ruhl (5-11, 175, Jr.), FB/DE Brennan Goeppinger (5-11, 190, Sr.), WR/DB Nick Testa (5-10, 160, Sr.), OL Kasey Berry

(6-2, 210, Sr.) * Outlook – It was a memorable season for the Freddies, who entered the playoffs as a sevenseed and made a run all the way to the regional finals. “It was great for our program,” head coach Luke Beal said. “We were able to generate a lot of excitement, and we’ve been able to bring a lot of that momentum into our offseason with our younger kids.” With four starters back on each side of the ball, Fredericktown will have some areas where there is some youth. But Beal feels there will be a lot to work with. “We’ll be young, but we did have a lot of younger kids that might not have been starters last year that did see a lot of action,” Beal said. “Our numbers are really good right now, and I think the success we’ve had the last two years has really helped that. They’ve really bought into the types of things we’re doing.” The team lost first-team All-Ohio quarterback Merritt Zollars to graduation, but Beal feels that Thomas Hinkle, who will be moving from receiver, has a chance to be a quality successor. “He’s always been a quarterback, but last year we had a first-team All-Ohio quarterback,” Beal said. “We had to play him somewhere on offense last year, so he got a lot of experience at wide receiver.”

Johnstown-Monroe (9-3) * Players To Watch – FB/LB Will Carter (6-0, 220, Sr.), TE/LB Kurt Sammons (6-2, 215, Sr.), TE/DE/OL Jarred Liggett (6-2, 245, Sr.), FS/RB Josh McClellan (6-0, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Colton Rosshirt (5-11, 175, Sr.), WR/DB Cody Bracken (510, 175, Sr.), FB/LB Steve Orr (5-10, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Evan Hupp (5-10, 210, Sr.) * Outlook – A strong core of seniors will look to lead Johnstown-Monroe into their third straight playoff appearance. The Johnnies advanced to round two in 2007 and will have hopes of progressing even further in 2008. Plenty of production returns on defense, led by seniors Kurt Sammons (121 tackles, 17 TFL, two sacks) and Josh McClellan (102 tackles, five interceptions). Senior fullback Will Carter posted 57 carries for 464 yards and nine touchdowns in 2007. Lore City Buckeye Trail (10-1) * Players To Watch – QB Bob Beros (6-0, 170, Jr.), RB Jedd Beros (5-8, 160, Jr.), WR/DB Ethan Snyder (6-0, 145, Sr.), WR/DB Isaac Snyder (5-10, 145, Sr.), DB J.C. Huber (5-8, 155, soph.), OL Dusty Black (6-3, 285, Sr.), NG Josh Bourne (6-3, 305, Sr.), OL/DL Jordan Marchiano (5-10, 220, Sr.) * Outlook – After an unblemished regular season and a tough opening round playoff loss to Fredericktown, Buckeye Trail hopes that the 2008 season results in their third consecutive playoff berth. Five starters return on each side of the ball, but the team will also be young in some key areas, particularly at the skill positions on offense. “We are going to be younger this year, obviously,” head coach Randy Thompson said. “We’ll be playing a lot of sophomores along with some of those veterans we have back. I think we have

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V seven or eight lettermen from that team last year, so we have some kids to work with and build around.” Regardless, the expectations remain high for the Warriors after two consecutive conference titles and postseason appearances. “Our kids know what it takes to win those (conference) championships, and hopefully they can build upon that,” Thompson said. “They know the work ethic that’s required to be good.”

Minford (8-3) * Players To Watch – QB Aaron Oesch (5-11, 186, Jr.), LB Aaron Ostrowski (5-10, 210, Sr.), OL Ethan Hockett (6-4, 340, Sr.), OL Seth Howard (511, 210, Sr.), RB/DB Brandon McCormick (5-9, 157, Jr.), WR Shaz Malone (6-0, 165, Sr.), TE Tyler Fitzgerald (6-2, 200, Sr.), OL Matt Gilliam (510, 215, Jr.), OL T.J. Alley (5-10, 260, Jr.), DL Jordan Crabtree (5-10, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Corey McKnight (6-1, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – The Falcons are coming off their fourth ever playoff appearance and third in seven years, with their 8-3 mark being the second-best in school history. Second-year head coach Brent Daniels says the goal for this season is to improve on that mark. “This year, the players are ready to build on that season,” Daniels said. “The players are working hard in the offseason and doing what it takes for the program to be successful year after year.” Minford appears to have a good core of both seniors and underclassmen in place. “We have a hard-working senior class that will be helped by some of our juniors and sophomores,” Daniels said. “Our juniors and sophomores will be looked at to fill most of the skill positions.”

West Lafayette Ridgewood (9-2) * Players To Watch – FB/LB Derrick Young (511, 210, Sr.), DT/HB Zack Queen (6-3, 275, Sr.), QB Jake Conrad (5-10, 165, Jr.), G Max Freetage (6-4, 220, Sr.), G Brad Gallagher (6-4, 255, Sr.), OT Justin Murphy (6-5, 310, Sr.) * Outlook – After losing almost every single starter from their 2006 squad that posted an unbeaten regular season, expectations were that Ridgewood might face a rebuilding year in 2007, but those expectations were proven wrong. “We thought last year was going to be a year where we were really going to have to reload and rebuild, but our senior group with a lot of help from the juniors below really came through and had a tremendous year,” head coach John Slusser said. This time around, hopes and expectations are high as 13 starters return (seven offense, six defense) from last year’s playoff squad, including All-Ohio performer Derrick Young and plenty of size on the offensive line. “People are pretty excited, including the coaches,” Slusser said. “We’ve got a lot of people back this year. I would say with this team, there’s as much or more excitement (from the community) as any of the teams we’ve had in the past”

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Wheelersburg (8-4) * Players To Watch – FB/LB Bryan White (6-1, Sr.), OLB/QB Tyler Lang (5-11, Jr.), OL/DL C.J. Adkins (5-10, Jr.), RB/LB Jordan Schankweiler (58, Sr.) * Outlook – The Pirates were back in the playoffs in 2007, notching a first-round win over Ridgewood before falling in overtime to Fredericktown. New head coach Rob Woodward takes over for Tony Smith. Fifteen seniors graduated, including first-team All-Ohio quarterback Drew Spradlin. The Pirates lost a good amount of production from their offense but return their secondleading rusher and fourth-leading receiver in Schankweiler, along with two of their top four leading tacklers on defense in White and Lang.

Also Keep An Eye On * Belpre (7-4) – The Golden Eagles went on a streak of seven straight wins during the regular season last year, which was enough to lead them to a postseason berth. * Baltimore Liberty Union (7-3) – Three losses to playoff teams prevented the Lions from a spot in the playoffs. * Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant (7-2) – The Hornets missed the playoffs by less than 0.2 percentage points last season. * Frankfort Adena (7-3) – The Warriors fell short of making their third straight postseason appearance but still put together a solid season. * Also In This Region – Sarahsville Shenandoah (7-3), Heath (6-4), Nelsonville-York (6-4), West Portsmouth Portsmouth West (4-6), Bainbridge Paint Valley (64), Johnstown Northridge (5-5), Woodsfield Monroe Central (4-6), Lucasville Valley (4-6), Gahanna Columbus Academy (4-6), Stewart Federal Hocking (5-5), Oak Hill (5-5), Barnesville (3-7), Centerburg (3-7), Chesapeake (3-7), Columbus Grandview Heights (3-7), Beverly Fort Frye (1-9), Crooksville (1-9), Chillicothe Huntington (3-7), Chillicothe Southeastern (2-8).

Region 20

Teams To Watch: Anna (7-3) * Players To Watch – DE/G Eric Niekamp (6-4, 220, Sr.), OT Justin Carr (6-6, 270, Sr.), QB Wesley Hunsucker (6-2, 190, Jr.), G/DT Zach Christman (6-2, 225, Sr.), OT Markus Schemmel (6-2, 230, Sr.) * Outlook – After having made the playoffs in each of the program’s first six seasons, the Anna Rockets made a giant leap in competition in 2006 by moving to the Midwest Athletic Conference. The team has put together a winning season in each of their first two seasons in the mighty MAC, and they will enter 2008 with goals of returning to the playoffs.

Second-team All-Ohio selection Eric Niekamp leads a quality core of returning players that could become one of the best teams in Region 20. “We feel that we have the linemen and skilled people to compete every week in our league,” said head coach Bryan Rioch. “With that said, our league has produced six state champions in the last three years. Needless to say, we must be prepared to play for 48 minutes each week.”

Casstown Miami East (8-3) * Players To Watch – RB Sam Smallwood (5-7, 185, Sr.), OG/DE Tyler Beard (5-10, 225, Sr.), OG/LB William Moore (5-7, 190, Sr.), RB Tyler Dunivan (6-1, 185, Jr.), OL/DT Zach Ramey (5-11, 190, Sr.), OL Nick Kremer (5-10, 225, Sr.), QB Justin Baker (6-3, 200, Sr.), ILB Tylor Matheson (5-10, 180, Jr.) * Outlook – The tide has turned in Casstown. After five straight losing seasons including a winless campaign in 2005, the Miami East Vikings put together their first ever playoff season in 2007. The 2008 season marks the 50th year of the Miami East football program, and with 17 starters returning from the 2007 squad, it could be the best year yet. Among the players returning will be All-Ohio running back Sam Smallwood, who rushed for 1,440 yards and 21 touchdowns and needs just 183 yards to become Miami East’s alltime leading rusher. “We need to keep believing in our teammates and ourselves,” head coach Max Current said. “The keys to our success will be to eliminate offensive turnovers and create more defensive turnovers. We need to start the 2008 season the way we finished in 2007 when we won our last six games.” Maria Stein Marion Local (15-0) * Players To Watch – RB Ben Smith (6-0, 180, Sr.), TE/DE Luke Burkey (6-4, 210, Sr.), S/WR Marcus Moeller (6-0, 185, Sr.), QB/CB Troy Prenger (6-0, 170, Sr.), OL Austin Pohlmann (6-2, 220, Sr.), WR Jason Wolters (6-2, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – The Flyers met and exceeded expectations in 2007, putting together an historic season in the process. “This was the first time since 1971 that a Marion Local football team’s gone undefeated, and it was our first year up in Division V, so you put those two things together and it was really an incredible year,” head coach Tim Goodwin said. The 2007 Flyers were led by five exceptional three-year starters, all of whom were lost to graduation. This year’s squad returns four starters on each side of the ball, and it will be up to this year’s group of seniors to step into the roles that last year’s leaders held in order to continue the success. “This year’s senior class is very athletic,” Goodwin said. “They did some real good things for us as juniors, but they were role players last year. There’s a big difference between their role last year and what they have to do this year, so it will interesting to see what happens. I think we will have good competition in those spots, and as a coach that’s what you want.”

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V Milford Center Fairbanks (9-2) * Players To Watch – QB Stephen DeRoads (6-1, 180, Sr.), S/RB Tyler Boerger (5-11, 175, Sr.), OL/MLB Aaron Anderson (6-0, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – Former Marysville defensive coordinator Morgan Cotter made a great first impression in his debut season at Fairbanks, guiding his new team to a nine-win season and a playoff berth. “The kids were real receptive to what we wanted to do as a coaching staff,” Cotter said. “We had some great senior leaders – kids who were selfless and were willing to move positions to do different things… We had great community support for what we were doing and the changes we made, so it was a great positive season for being a first-year head coach and coming into a new situation.” The encore could be even better as 16 starters return including the entire offensive and defensive lines. “Looking at that standpoint, I’m real excited about being able to move the football and being able to control both offensive and defensive lines at the line of scrimmage,” Cotter said.

Rockford Parkway (8-2) * Players To Watch – WR/DB Josh Fisher (6-0, 170, Sr.), LB/RB Reese Boroff (6-1, 185, Sr.), OL Jordan Henkle (5-8, 225, Jr.), OL Jason Ford (6-2, 210, soph), OL Andrew Peele (5-9, 200, Jr.), OL Cole Frank (5-8, 225, Jr.), OL Ryan Fisher (6-2, 250, Sr.), DL Joe Denlinger (5-8, 165, Sr.) * Outlook – Parkway made their way to the top half of the rugged MAC conference last year, finishing with eight wins and falling just short of a playoff berth that would have been the school’s first since 1999 and second overall. “It was just great to see a great group of guys that worked hard and really committed themselves to make Parkway football a success, and see it happen in wins and losses as well,” head coach Ed Kuhn said. Parkway will try to keep it going in 2008, returning six starters on offense and four on defense, including the entire offensive line. “We’re really looking at that to be one of our strengths this year,” Kuhn said. “That hasn’t happened around here for a long time, to return that type of a crew on the offensive line… but we do lose a lot of quality players, which you do every year. That’s part of high school football. But we’re excited about our possibilities.”

St. Henry (6-4) * Players To Watch – TB Brent Prenger (5-9, 175, Sr.), QB Brad Stahl (6-2, 190, Jr.), WR Neil Schwieterman (5-11, 170, Jr.), ILB Ethan Bruns (511, 185), DE Spencer Niekamp (6-5, 215, Sr.), OL Brent Balster (6-4, 250, Sr.) * Outlook – The St. Henry Redskins have followed an unusual pattern since 2003, missing the playoffs completely in odd-numbered years while winning state championships in even-numbered years. If that pattern continues, St. Henry might be in store for big things in 2008. And, as luck would have it, the Redskins appear to be

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stacked with experience and loading up for another run. Due to injury and graduation, the Redskins had a chance to give several young players some experience last season. As a result, this year’s team has plenty of promise and expectations, returning eight starters on each side of the ball. “Everywhere on offense and everywhere on defense, we have people back,” head coach Jeff Starkey said. “They have to take that next step forward to become a competitive team in our football league week in and week out, which is pretty tough to do.”

Waynesville (7-4) * Players To Watch – RB Seth Millar (5-8, 180, Jr.), QB Cory Young (6-0, 165, Jr.), DB Brady Deters (6-2, 185, Sr.), OL/DL Lucas Hammonds (6-0, 190, Sr.) * Outlook – After a 1-2 start, Waynesville rebounded last season for a 7-1 finish and the program’s third ever playoff berth. Head coach Glen Burchfield feels as if the rare postseason berth might have resulted in a “happy-to-be-there” approach during the first-round 45-21 loss to West LibertySalem, but this year’s team appears determined to prevent that from happening again. “One of the goals that I know the seniors have set for this upcoming year is they want to be the first team to win a playoff game,” Burchfield said. The team will have eight starters back on each side of the ball and plenty of experience to work with. “We do bring back a lot of speed,” Burchfield said. “We’re not going to be very big, but we’ve got some kids who can run. Obviously a lot of them have experience as well since we several kids who played as freshmen and sophomores, and we have a great senior class as far as leadership.”

West Jefferson (12-1) * Players To Watch – LB/FB Shane Cahill (510, 195, Sr.), LB/OL Drew Underwood (6-2, 205, Sr.), TE/DE Eric Love (6-1, 205, Sr.), WR/DB Eric Fisher (5-10, 165, Sr.), QB D.J. Mendenhall (6-4, 175, Jr.) * Outlook – It was another great year for the Rough Riders, advancing to the regional finals for the second straight time before bowing out to state champion Marion Local. Will the success carry over into 2008? “We graduated a lot of good players again,” head coach Shawn Buescher said. “But we feel very good about the nucleus we have coming back. If we continue to have the offseason that we feel like we’ve had up to this point and continue to build off that, we feel like we could come back and have another productive year.” Five starters return on each side of the ball for West Jefferson. Buescher feels this year’s team will be strong at the skill positions but will need to work on rebuilding the offensive line. “We have to replace our entire offensive line,” Buescher said. “That’s going to be a project for us.”

Also Keep An Eye On * Cincinnati Deer Park (9-3) – Just four years separated from an 0-10 season, The Wildcats made great strides in 2007, reaching the playoffs and bringing home a victory. The team will be looking to continue to build on that success this year but graduated first-team All-Ohio running back Ben Rascona. * Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (8-3) – A state runnerup in 2005, CHCA fell short of the playoffs in 2006 but rebounded to make a postseason appearance in 2007. *West Liberty-Salem (9-2) – The Tigers will be aiming for their fourth postseason appearance in five seasons. Last year’s campaign included a 45-21 win over Waynesville. * West Alexandria Twin Valley South (7-3) – Panthers enjoyed huge turnaround last year going from two wins to seven. Now they must continue climb by finding replacements for standout QB and CCC offensive player of the year Josh Flynn and speedster Joe Maleski. * Versailles (2-8) – Coach Jason Schondelmeyer, who had the tough task of replacing legend All Hetrick (six state titless), is gone after two years. Stepping in is vetern Bob Olwin who spent the last 13 years at Sherwood Fairview (104-32, five playoff trips). Olwin is the 15th coach in Versailles’ 87-year history. Said Olwin: “I think I am in a place that loves football as much as I do.” * Also In This Region – Richwood North Union (6-4), Tipp City Bethel (6-4), Cardington-Lincoln (6-4), Galion Northmor (5-5), Reading (4-6), New Lebanon Dixie (3-7), Arcanum (4-6), Morral Ridgedale (2-8), Cincinnati Shroder (3-7), Mount Gilead (3-7), Cincinnati Purcell Marian (2-8), Lees Creek East Clinton (3-7), Williamsburg (2-7), Miamisburg Dayton Christian (2-8), Lewisburg TriCounty North (2-8), North Lewisburg Triad (1-9), New Paris National Trail (0-10).

Ohio High Division V Predictions

Region 17 Findlay Liberty Benton over Hamler Patrick Henry Region 18 Youngstown Ursuline over North Lima South Range Region 19 Columbus Bishop Ready over Ridgewood Region 20 St. Henry over Marion Local Championship Game Youngstown Ursuline over St. Henry

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division V

2007 Revisited

Marion Local Downs Ursuline

Division V State Championship

Photo by Nick Falzerano

ASSILLON - None of the four Marion Local football players at the postgame press conference Nov. 30 - seniors Chris Stucke, Greg Koesters, Ben Schaefer and Luke Homan - said anything when questioned about being slighted on the AP All-Ohio Division V football team. The quartet is part of a defense, that despite allowing just 6.4 points per game and recording seven shutouts, landed not a single individual on the first or second all-state team. Marion Local head coach Tim Goodwin was not so shy. "I want to talk about that," Goodwin said. "We don't make a big deal out of it, but it does get irritating after a while when we've have all this success in the postseason. We went against three all-state running backs (Miami East's Sam Smallwood, Deer Park's Ben Rascona and Patrick Henry's Drew

Marion Local’s defense scored two touchdowns – one on a blocked punt and one via interception return.

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Kuesel) prior to today and you add up all their yards and they didn't have 100 yards total. It's just gets frustrating after a while. It really does." Friday the Flyers took that frustration out on Youngstown Ursuline in the Division V state football championship at Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Behind its suffocating defense, which turned in two scores (punt block and interception), the Flyers won their second straight state title with a 20-14 victory. Last year Marion captured the Division VI title. The championship was also Marion's fourth overall, making the Flyers the 10th school in state history to have a quartet or more of titles. "That's the way we've been playing defense all year," Goodwin said. "If you're a Marion fan that looked similar. We have quick, aggressive kids up front and we're not afraid to send our linebackers. And these two linebackers (Homan and Koesters) are the best two pair of linebackers and the best blitzing linebackers I've ever had." "Defensively they blitz almost every single play," Ursuline head coach Dan Reardon said. "I don't know if I've ever coached against a team that blitzes that much. It's hard to sustain drives against a defense with that mentality." As it has all season, Marion's defense decided the outcome. Ursuline did get on the board first when senior quarterback Lamar McQueen, the D-V state offensive player of the year, hooked up with junior Dale Peterman for a divisional record 76-yard touchdown pass with 11:09 to go in the first half. On its next possession, the Irish were forced to punt from their end zone and Koesters blocked the kick. Dustin Heitkamp recovered for the score. Marion senior quarterback Chris Stucke hit Alex Moeller for a 22-yard touchdown with 1:14 to go in the half to give the Flyers a 14-7 lead at the break. After a scoreless third, Irish senior Justin Brown stripped Homan of the ball on the Marion 49 yard line and raced 51 yards for the tieing score. The Marion defense delivered the final firework however with 5:36 left. Facing third and nine on the 29 yard line, McQueen tried to lob a screen pass over Flyers defender Luke Bertke. Bertke snagged the ball and raced 18 yards for the touchdown. The etxra point was no good. Ursuline had one more crack, but back-to-back Bertke sacks set up fourth and 24 at the 5. McQueen's final pass fell incomplete. Offensively the Flyers had 218 total yards. Defensively, Marion held the Irish to 98 yards rushing, well below their 250 average. All told Ursuline had 199 yards with 76 coming on McQueen's TD toss to Peterman. "They are a big play defense" said Reardon, whose team faced Massillon Washington, Warren Harding, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney this season. "That's their philosophy, that's their mentality and they do a very good job of it. "They are right up there (with the best we've faced). We've lost three games (Washington, Mooney and Marion) and all three had great defenses. Shoot they're state champs. Their defense is good."

— Eric Frantz

Division V Playoffs State Final

Maria Stein Marion Local 20, Youngstown Ursuline 14

State Semifinals

Maria Stein Marion Local 42, Patrick Henry 20 Youngstown Ursuline 28, Col. Bishop Ready 6

Regional Finals

Region 17 2 Youngstown Ursuline 31, 1 N. Lima South Range 7 Region 18 1 Patrick Henry 44, 2 Findlay Liberty-Benton 27 Region 19 1 Columbus Bishop Ready 35, 7 Fredericktown7 Region 20 2 Maria Stein Marion Local 24, 1 West Jefferson 0

Regional Semifinals

Region 17 1 N. Lima South Range 23, 4 Gates Mills Gilmour Acad. 0 2 Youngs. Ursuline 29, 3 Apple Creek Waynedale 6 Region 18 1 Patrick Henry 34, 4 Lima Central Catholic 14 2 Findlay Liberty-Benton 14, 6 Defiance Tinora 7 Region 19 1 Col. Bishop Ready 34, 4 Johnstown-Monroe 14 7 Fredericktown 41, 3 Wheelersburg 38 Region 20 1 West Jefferson 56, 4 West Liberty-Salem 24 2 Maria Stein Marion Local 53, 3 Cin. Deer Park 0

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 17 1 North Lima South Range 45, 8 Kirtland 30 4 Gates Mills Gilmour Academy 38, 5 Vienna Mathews 13 2 Youngs.Ursuline 43, 7 Bedford St. Peter Chanel 0 3 Apple Creek Waynedale 19, 6 W. Salem Northwestern 7 Region 18 1 Patrick Henry 42, 8 Liberty Center 0 4 Lima Central Catholic 26, 5 Bucyrus Wynford 12 2 Findlay Liberty-Benton 45, 7 Archbold 13 6 Defiance Tinora 45, 3 Sherwood Fairview 42 Region 19 1 Columbus Bishop Ready 48, 8 Belpre 0 4 Johnstown-Monroe 28, 5 Minford 7 7 Fredericktown 14, 2 Lore City Buckeye Trail 6 3 Wheelersburg 21, 6 West Lafayette Ridgewood 13 Region 20 1 West Jefferson 34, 8 Milford Center Fairbanks 0 4 West Liberty-Salem 45, 5 Waynesville 21 2 Maria Stein Marion Local 37, 7 Casstown Miami East 0 3 Cin. Deer Park 41, 6 Cin. Hills Christian Acad. 14

Final 2007 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Maria Stein Marion Local (15-0) 2. North Lima South Range (12-1) 3. Findlay Liberty-Benton (12-1) 4. West Jefferson (12-1) 5. Bucyrus Wynford (10-1) 6. Columbus Bishop Ready (12-2) 7. Buckeye Trail (10-1) 8. Youngstown Ursuline (12-3) 9. Lima Central Catholic (10-2) 10. Hamler Patrick Henry (12-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI

Photo by Gary Housteau

STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

Senior quarterback Tyler Brown looks to lead Bascom Hopewell-Loudon to its fourth straight regional final and second straight state title game.

or the first time since 2004, a Midwest Athletic Conference team didnʼt win the Division VI state football title. Instead, one of the stateʼs most storied programs did. Newark Catholic rebounded from a 32-0 loss to eventual D-III state runner-up Newark Licking Valley in Week 9 to win six straight games (including playoff victories over Berne Union, Danville, Shadyside, Springfield Catholic Central and Bascom Hopewell-Loudon) en route to the schoolʼs eighth state title. Newark Catholic defeated Hopewell-Loudon 28-14 in the state final. With the win, the Green Wave moved one step closer to tying national-power Cleveland St. Ignatius (nine) for the most football playoff titles in state history. Cincinnati Moeller is third with seven. As Lancaster Fisher Catholic coach Mike McCann said last year, “Newark Catholic is Newark Catholic. Whether they are 10-0 or 5-5 they are someone you have to respect. You always have to contend with them.” Donʼt count the Green Wave out as they look to win title No. 9 this season. But, overall, the field in D-VI seems to have plenty of other teams capable of claiming the title for their own. Norwalk St. Paul, Hopewell-Loudon, Ada and Sidney Lehman Catholic are just a few of the contenders that carry solid credentials into the 2008 regular season.

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Region 21

Teams To Watch: Norwalk St. Paul (11-2) * Players to Watch – OT Chris Doughty (6-3, 295, Sr.), DE Jacob Rhoad (5-11, 205, Sr.), QB/SS Eric Schwieterman (6-1, 195, Jr.); OL Shawn Hemenway (5-11, 235 Jr.); FB Matt Wilde (5-8, 175, Sr.); HB Adam Pugh (5-11, 175, Sr.); HB Rob Kunisch (5-6, 165, Sr.); G Clint Nickoli (510, 195, Sr.); C Scott Meyer (5-8, 185, Sr.); OT Shawn Hemenway (5-11, 235, Jr.); DB Dan Tracht (5-11, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – Norwalk St. Paul has reached at least the regional final each of the last four years and this season that trend should continue. The Flyers return eight starters from an offensive unit that averaged 39.6 points per game. Schwieterman is three-year varsity starter (started at defensive back as a freshman) and returns for his second season under center. He was second team Firelands Conference after throwing for 1,129 yards and 10 touchdowns. Schwieterman rushed for 354 yards and four scores. Wilde, a first-team Firelands selection, will be the main rushing threat after tallying 1,053 yards and 21 touchdowns. Hemenway (first-team FC, second-team All-Ohio) and Doughty (honorable mention FC) anchor a line that brings back four regulars. On defense, St. Paul returns just three starters,

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI including Rhoad (79 tackles, five TFL), Tracht (76 tackles) and Schwieterman (68 tackles, three TFL). All earned FC honors. “We have a lot of talented players returning on the offensive side of the ball,” longtime head coach John Livengood said. “We need to gain experience quick on defense.” St. Paul owns 11 playoff appearances – all under Livengood (154-48 career record) - including five straight. The Flyers draw a new opponent in Week 3 with Huron replacing Elyria Catholic.

Mogadore (10-2) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Shayne Stewart (5-10, 180, Sr.); RB/LB Kodey Chance (6-1, 185, So.); RB/DE Jake McAvinew (5-9, 185, So.); QB Chad White (6-2, 165, Sr.); WR Landon Trainer (63, 210, Jr.); WR Kyle Arnold (6-3, 215, Sr.); WR Matt Traugh (6-1, 185, Jr.) * Outlook – The Wildcats will continue to build on a tradition that has produced 21 playoff appearances (nine straight) and three state titles, albeit there will be some new faces pounding the hammers. Mogadore loses nearly 4,000 yards from its backfield, including the school’s second all-time leading rusher in Cody Destro (now at Ashland). Also gone are RB Ryan Brodie and QB Shawn Pierce. In all, 14 seniors graduated. “Anytime you lose three seniors out of the backfield you’re going in a new direction,” head coach Matt Ardini said. “We’ve always stuck to what we do, but there are some things we’re looking at to make us more creative. The losses are forcing us to do that.” Don’t fret Wildcats fans, the cupboard isn’t bare. White steps in at quarterback after starring at defensive back the last two years. Ardini is pleased with what he’s seen thus far. White will have the top three receivers from last year in Trainer, Arnold and Traugh to throw to. At running back, the trio of Stewart, Chance and McAvinew will compete for two starting spots. Stewart also returns on defense where he was an all-district linebacker. McAvinew was a first team all-district defensive end (11.5 sacks). Chance started at linebacker as a freshman. Overall Mogadore returns six starters on offense and five on defense. The entire defensive secondary will be new. The expectations will not be. “Qualify for the playoffs, win the league title,” Ardini said. “The goals are the same every year. We hope come late-October we’re a tough team to beat.” Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (14-1) * Players to Watch – QB Tyler Brown (6-5, 210, Sr.); WR/DB Andrew Brickner (5-10, 175, Sr.); WR/DB Jay Yost (5-11, 170, Sr.); RB Aaron Kapelka (5-8, 175, Jr.); OL/DL Ian Kuhn (5-10, 210, Sr.) * Outlook – Few teams have matched the Chieftains’ success the last four years. Since head coach Brian Colatruglio took over the program in 2004, Hopewell-Loudon is 49-5 with four straight playoff appearances. Last season the Chieftains were state runners-up after making the regional

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final the year before. In 2005, H-L was a state semifinalist. Overall the Chieftains have been to the postseason six straight times. “We have very high standards and through hard work we hope to continue our success of the past,” Colatruglio said. “We have a lot of new guys but the expectations are the same.” The Chieftains lost four first team All-Ohio players and one second teamer. Only four starters return on each side of the ball. The offense is led by arguably the state’s top small school quarterback in Brown, who took full advantage of his first year as a starter last season. Brown threw for 3,009 yards and 32 touchdowns en route to completing 60-percent of his passes. “We hope for him to have a big year,” Colatruglio said. Brickner (41 receptions, 661 yards, 10 TDs) and Yost (32 receptions, 420 yards, TD) are able targets. Kuhn is the lone returning starting lineman. Kapelka, who rushed for 430 yards as a backup last year, takes over for state player of the year Adam Brickner at running back. Defensively H-L’s first priority is finding a replacement for three-year starter Lukas Schalk at free safety. Said Colatruglio: “If our O-line and D-line develop we will be very competitive with the teams on our schedule.”

Monroeville (6-5) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Brian Ringholz (510, 162, Jr.); RB/DB Marcus Brotzki (5-11, 154, Sr.); RB/DB Logan Stieber (5-4, 139); TE/LB Eric Leber 6-1, 170, Jr.); TE/T Justin Sparks (5-10, 182, Jr.); C/LB Dakota Schwan (5-9, 200, Jr.); T/T Ryan Dragon (6-4, 250, So.); T/T Mitch Sweet (62, 250, Jr.); G/De Carl Black (N/A, Jr.) * Outlook – Head coach Steve Ringholz continues his reign at Monroeville where he enters his 30th season with the Eagles among the state’s top 20 coaches in career wins (229-93-1). Monroeville has been to the playoffs seven straight seasons and 12 times overall and should add to both tallies. Offensively the Eagles return just five starters, albeit important ones. “We have four of our five lineman back,” Ringholz said. “This should give us a good foundation on that side of the ball.” The core of the line (returning starters Black, Schwan, Sweet and Dragon) is all underclassmen. Black was second team Firelands Conference a year ago, while Schwan was honorable mention. Back taking snaps is Brian Ringholz. Honorable mention Firelands Conference last season, Ringholz completed 124 of 222 attempts for 1,572 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also tossed 14 interceptions. Brotzki, who’ll be a four-year letterman, steps in at running back. On defense the Eagles return three starters, led by Leber (93 tackles, four sacks). Schwan had 81 tackles last season, while Sparks chipped in 68. Overall the Eagles have just six seniors on their

53-man roster. The future looks bright.

Leetonia (7-4) * Players to Watch – QB/S Josh Selway (5-9, 170, Sr.); OL Jake McNally (6-5, 305); OL/ILB Matt Shar (5-9, 185, Sr.); TE/DE Andrew Trummer (6-4, 205, Sr.) * Outlook – The Bears made the playoffs for first time since 2004 last season and fourth time overall (all since 2000). Their reward was a first round match-up with eventual state runner-up Hopewell-Loudon. Should Leetonia make it back to the postseason and defend its share of the Inter Tri-County League title, Selway will have a large say. A first-team allleague running back as a sophomore, Selway moved to quarterback last season and missed several games after being diagnosed with nonHodgkins’ lymphoma (a rare, yet aggressive form of cancer). Despite chemotherapy treatments and being week-to-week throughout the season, Selway still managed to repeat as a first-team allleague selection. He’s looking forward to a complete season. On the line, the Bears lose three three-year starters but do bring back experience in McNally and Shar. McNally has garnered some offers from MAC schools, according to second-year head coach Matt Altomare. Trummer was first-team all-league as a defensive end. Overall just four starters return on offense and three on defense. “We lost six three-year starters from last year’s team so there are holes to fill,” Altomare said. “The goal though is to build on last year’s success. We’re optimistic that some of our kids can come off the reserve team and step into the holes.” Columbiana (7-4) * Players to Watch – OL/OLB Mike McMaster (6-1, 250, Jr.), QB/OLB John Ritchey, OLB Clay Stone, FB/DT Brian Worchel (5-11, 185, Sr.); DT Rex Smith (6-2, 300, Jr.); WR/DB Tyler DeJong (5-10, 150, Sr.); WR/DB Josh Harold (6-0, 170, Sr.); OL Jonathan Welsh (5-10, 250, Sr.); OL Josh Batcha (6-0, 230, Jr.); TE Tony Collela (6-0, 165, Sr.); TE Tommy Geer (6-3, 245, Sr.) * Outlook – Head coach Bob Spaite enters his 15th season with the Clippers in control of 102-49 record at the school. Expect Spaite to log a few more wins this season. The Clippers return 16 lettermen and 13 starters (seven on offense) from last year’s playoff team. There are some holes to fill. Most notably, the Clips must find replacements for All-Ohioans linebacker/running back Josh Hertel (the school’s second all-time leading rusher) and quarterback/defensive back Ryan Williams. The offensive line, receivers, outside linebackers, defensive tackles and cornerbacks are all strength. A tough schedule, including a non-league slate that Spaite calls “the toughest in 92 years of Clipper football” awaits.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI Also Keep An Eye On * Berlin Center Western Reserve (6-4) – All four of the Devils’ losses last season were to playoff teams (Mathews, Columbiana, McDonald and Leetonia). * Newbury (2-8) – The Black Knights are ready for a breakout year. Offensively Newbury gets big boost from return of first-team All-Ohio running back Joe Nagle. * Tiffin Calvert (6-4) – The Senecas are looking for their first playoff appearance since making five straight postseasons from 1998-2002. Calvert was close last year, finishing 10th in the region with losses to four playoff teams (McComb, St. Paul, Hopewell-Loudon and Carey). *Sandusky St Mary Central Catholic (5-5) – The smallest school in the Sandusky Bay Conference faces annual daunting task against talented bigger schools including Clyde, Perkins, Edison and Oak Harbor. A win over St. Paul in season opener could propel Panthers to first postseason since 2005. * North Jackson Jackson-Milton (1-9) – The Bluejays are looking for their first winning season this century and may still be a year away. There is however the potential for Jackson-Milton to contend with several stellar underclassmen, including juniors Jeff Balent (WR/CB; 6-1, 195; 58 tackles) and Ben Carlile (QB/SS ; 6-1, 185; 28 tackles) and sophomore Wilbur Wilson (FB/LB; 60, 180; 560 yards rushing). * Warren JFK (9-3) – The Eagles have been to the playoffs five straight seasons. JFK bowed out in the second round last year (lost to St. Paul) after making the D-V state final in 2006 (lost to St. Henry). * McDonald (8-3) – The Blue Devils are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances. McDonald is looking to continue a tradition that has led to two state finals (1994, 1989) and 10 postseason trips. * Also In This Region – Dalton (55), Thompson Ledgemont (4-6), East Canton (55), Attica Seneca East (5-5), Wellsville (5-5), Youngstown Christian (6-3), Lowellville (5-5), Fremont St Joseph Central Catholic (4-6), Fairport Harding (4-6), Mapleton (3-7), New Middletown Springfield (2-8), Windham (2-8), Salineville Southern (2-8), Southington Chalker (2-8), Sebring McKinley (1-9), Lakeside Danbury (1-9), Cleveland Heights Lutheran East (1-9), Ashtabula Saints John and Paul (0-9)

Region 22

Teams To Watch: Ada (9-5) * Players to Watch – WR/FS Kyle Baker (6-2, 180, Sr.); LB Justin Stransky (6-2, 205, Sr.); C/DE

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Trent Bass (6-2, 195, Sr.); OT/DT Brandon Dysert (6-3, 215, Sr.); G/DT Travis Dysert (5-10, 175, Sr.); WR/DB Colby Dysert (5-10, 165, Sr.); DT Zach Gibson (6-0, 245, Jr.); OT Aaron Jenkins (60, 240, So.); QB Mitchell Faine (6-3, 185, Jr.); K Nick Agin (6-1, 175, Sr.) * Outlook – The Bulldogs enter the season with a new quarterback for the first time in four years. Gone is prolific thrower Zac Dysert who finished his career in the state semifinals (lost 41-38 to Hopewell-Loudon) last season with the second most career passing yards in OHSAA history (11,174). Dysert is now at Miami (Ohio). Stepping into those huge shoes is Faine, who believe it or not, does have Friday night experience. Last season with Dysert out to injury, Faine made three starts, completing 70 of 120 passes for 752 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Cushioning Faine’s transition will be the return of 11 starters (five on offense, six on defense). Agin (38 of 42 on PATs, 3 of 4 field goals) could be key in close games. Baker was first-team All-Ohio last year after hauling in 100 catches for 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns. Defensively he registered 143 tackles and three interceptions. Stransky (162 tackles, 11 sacks) anchors the defense, while Bass is a standout two-way lineman (60 tackles). Ada’s seniors look to close with another trip to the postseason. “We have a great group of seniors who have been in the state playoffs two years in a row,” head coach Micah Fell said. “They are preparing to finish their careers out strong.”

Arlington (10-3) * Players to Watch – OL/LB Ethan Oberst (6-3, 215, Sr.); OL/DT Mike Barajaz (6-2, 265, Sr.); DB/WR Lucas Richard (5-10, 165, Sr.); RB Matt Morehart (5-10, 165, Jr.) * Outlook – The Red Devils were the region’s surprise team last year when they made school’s first playoff appearance and advanced all the way to the regional final (lost to Ada 31-28). A second playoff trip should be just a matter of months away. First-year head coach Dick Leonard moves up after being an assistant. “We lost quite a bit but I don’t think we’re going to fall off the cliff,” Leonard said. “As much as anything, that three extra weeks of practice last year helped us.” Arlington returns eight defensive starters from a unit that found itself midseason and had three shutouts the final five weeks. On offense, just five starters return although four are on the line. “Having (four of five lineman) back helps,” Leonard said. “If you’re going to bring people back those are some good ones to start with. Hopefully they will allow our young backfield to have a buffer for some weeks.” Morehart returns at halfback and will be joined in the backfield by newcomers FB Cory Glick (510, 180, Jr.) and QB Zane Leonard (6-0, 165, Jr.). “We’re a little more confident in our defense

right now,” Dick Leonard said. “We have holes to fill, but so does everyone”

Carey (8-3) * Players to Watch – FB Derek Stock (6-1, 210, Sr.); OT Pete Nye (6-1, 260, Sr.); TE/DE Michael Dennis (6-7, 225, Jr.); RB/DB Trevor Phoenix (5-8, 160, Jr.) * Outlook – Blue Devils made playoffs last year for first time since 2003 and seventh time overall. Stock will get bulk of carries after gaining 1,200 yards last year and Nye and Dennis side-by-side will create a wall to run around. A revamped schedule awaits with Bluffton and Lakota joining the non-league slate. The Devils open Midland Athletic Conference play against Tiffin Calvert. “I believe we have the raw talent to compete with the best teams on our schedule,” third year head coach Todd Worst said. “This group will need to come together early in the season to deal with the tougher non-conference schedule and league title implications in Week 4 (against Calvert).”

West Unity Hilltop (8-3) * Players to Watch – RB/DB Chad Beals (5-11, 180, Jr.); WR/DB Neil Klinger (5-9, 160, Sr.); OL/DT Logan Mercer (6-2, 255, Jr.); OL/DT Josh Lesniak (5-7, 200, Sr.); QB Josh Westfall (5-11, 170, Sr.); WR Shawn Miller (6-2, 162, Sr.); DE/FB Logan Armbruster (6-3, 210, Sr.); OLB Josiah Poletta (5-9, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – Last season, in head coach Mike Bumb’s ninth year the Cadets earned the school’s first postseason appearance. Hilltop lost to Arlington in the first round. A second straight playoff bid could be in the works. Despite losing four all-league lineman (including the tight end), Bumb is excited about the kids stepping into those holes and his skill players. Beals returns at running back where he tallied 969 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes for four TDs. Westfall returns for another season under center after throwing for 1,461 yards and 16 TDs. His favorite two targets Klinger (10 receptions, six TDs) and Miller (17 receptions, three TDs) are also back. Beals, Klinger and Westfall were all first team Toledo Area Athletic Conference. Defensively, Beals (four interceptions) will headline a secondary that returns intact. The front seven, which was hit by graduation (lost two LBs and DTs), is a small concern. “We have a nucleus for a good football team,” Bumb said. “We need to have success early in the season and improve in some areas were we lack experience. (If we do that) we will be fine.” Antwerp (7-4) * Players to Watch – QB Quinn Tempel (6-0, 178, Sr.); RB Josh Smith (6-0, 165, Sr.); WR/S Nate Gerencser (5-11, 153, Sr.); T Sam Rhinehart (6-0, 185, Sr.); G/LB Mike Girlie (5-11, 191, Sr.); C David Martin (6-1, 210, Sr.); FB/LB John Rindahl (5-11, 182, Jr.); SS Chris Henry (6-0, 163, Sr.)

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI * Outlook – The Archers are looking for back-toback playoff appearances and their seventh berth in 11 years. With Tempel at the controls, the postseason seems likely. Tempel enters this season, his third as a starter, with Antwerp career records for attempts (527), completions (285) and yards (3,284). His 29 touchdowns are six shy of the career record. Last year, Tempel set season records in attempts (339), completions (182), yards (2,098) and touchdowns (19). He also set the single-game record with 319 yards. Smith’s legs compliment Tempel’s arm. They – along with the lines – will have to perform large early as a young skill corps matures. “We lost a lot of stat players from last year,” head coach Drew Altimus said. “Our younger skill guys will have to step it up for us to compete. We will rely on the guys in the trenches until we get our skill guys some experience.”

Toledo Christian (8-3) * Players to Watch – QB Grant Sims (6-1, 170, Sr.); WR Nate Konzen (5-9, 160, Sr.); OL/DL Caleb Barney (6-3, 205, Sr.); OL Kevin Collins (6-0, 230, Sr.); K JC Miller (5-7, 175, Jr.); DB Graham Miller (5-9, 170, So.) * Outlook – The Eagles are looking to continue to make strides under third-year head coach John Miller. TC has won eight games each of the last two seasons and earned the school’s first playoff berth last year. This year’s team could be even better. Sims returns for his fourth season under center. Last year he completed 77 of 168 attempts for 1,224 yards, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. TC also returns its entire offensive line. Barney and Collins will anchor the unit. At running back Graham takes over. He was a starting linebacker last season. Knozen is a capable target (11 receptions, 170 yards). The Eagles schedule gets a facelift with the addition of two D-II teams (Libbey and Woodward) to the non-conference slate in the first three weeks. Tough Toledo Area Athletic Conference games with Hilltop (homecoming), Northwood and Ottawa Hills loom. Miller (20 of 21 PATs, 5 of 7 field goals) could be the difference in tight contests.

Also Keep An Eye On: * Dola Hardin Northern (6-4) – The Polar Bears have been one of the state’s elite D-VI teams for the past 15 years (12 playoff appearances), but last season took a step backward. Despite a winning record, Hardin Northern had a string of six straight 10-win seasons snapped. Head coach Pete Brunow enters his 25th season with a 216-55 record. Under Brunow’s control, Hardin Northern has never had a losing season. Don’t expect that trend to change. * McComb (10-2) – The Panthers earned the region’s No. 1 seed last year and beat Toledo Christian in the playoffs before losing to Arlington (21-6) in the second round. McComb has been to

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the playoffs seven times in last nine years. * Defiance Ayersville (11-2) – The Pilots made their first year in D-VI a memorable one last season with a run to the regional semifinals where they lost a 51-50 shootout to Ada. * Delphos St. John’s (2-8) – Since winning their fourth state title in 2006, the Blue Jays have gone 8-12. * Columbus Grove (6-4) – The Bulldogs have been in the postseason seven of the last nine years and won it all in 2003. Last year, Columbus Grove finished ninth in computer points. * Arcadia (6-4) – The Redskins started out 4-0 before finishing 2-4. * Edgerton (2-8) – The Bulldogs struggled at times last year against a schedule that included six playoff teams. With only six seniors lost to graduation, second-year head coach Kevin Kline is expecting improvement. “We believe that we have a lot of experienced underclassmen that we can count on,” Kline said. “We hope to be able to earn back some respect and be competitive in the league (Green Meadows Conference) and Region 22.” Making the playoffs for the first time since 2003 could be a longshot, but the pieces are in place for Edgerton to make some noise. Junior quarterback Jeff Crowe returns after throwing for 1,337 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively Edgerton will be tough with the return of seniors Cody Herman (LB, 50 tackles), A.J. Allen (LB, 65 tackles) and Michael Sebastian (LB, 58 tackles) and junior Ethan Schreoder (FS, 88 tackles). * Also In This Region – Lafayette Allen East (37), Convoy Crestview (5-5), Haviland Wayne Trace (4-6), Mount Blanchard Riverdale (5-5), PandoraGilboa (3-7), Crestline (4-6), Lima Perry (5-5), Cory-Rawson (3-7), Van Buren (3-7), Edon (3-7), Leipsic (2-8), Holgate (2-8), Fostoria St Wendelin (2-8), Upper Scioto Valley (2-8), Vanlue (1-9), Oregon Cardinal Stritch (1-9), North Baltimore (19), Ridgeway Ridgemont (1-9), New Washington Buckeye Central (0-10)

Region 23

Teams To Watch: Newark Catholic (13-2) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Aaron Shook (6-0, 200, Sr.); OL/DL Casey Cunningham (6-4, 280, Sr.); RB/DE Clay Harris (6-3, 235, Jr.); WR Nick Richardson (5-10, 170, Sr.); OL/DE Lane Hartfield (6-1, 220, Sr.); DB Matt Lewis (5-11, 160, Sr.) * Outlook – After a 5-6 season in 2006, the Green Wave bounced back to add their eighth state title last year. The Green Wave also holds state records for playoff berths (30) and wins (62). Adding to each of those marks is the goal this year, although if it happens a number of new faces will have a hand in it. According to head coach Bill Franks, NC is “inexperienced and young.” Replacing standout running back and Ohio D-III offensive player of the year Mark Nichols (Ohio

Dominican) will be key.

Hannibal River (10-2) * Players to Watch – DL/OL D.J. Duke (6-0, 235, Sr.); FS/RB Dan Starr (6-1, 170, Sr.); CB/RB Taylor Potts (5-11, 155, Sr.); DE/OL Travis Riesbeck (5-10, 170, Sr.); TE/LB Brandon Sprouse (5-9, 150, Sr.); QB/DB Dylan Potts (5-11, 155, Jr.); RB/LB Tyler Brooks (5-10, 184, Sr.); RB/DB Devan Potts (5-9, 166, Jr.); OL/LB Jordan Clegg (5-10, 186, Sr.) * Outlook – Last year the Pilots made their second playoff appearance in three years and fourth overall before losing to Shadyside 26-13 in the regional semifinals. Defense was River’s calling card and it should be again. Seven starters return from a unit that allowed seven points or less in eight games. “We feel real good about what we have coming back on defense,” head coach Mike Flannery said. “I think last year’s defense is one of the top five we’ve ever had here and this year that defense is what will get us through the first three weeks. We take a lot of pride in our defense.” Duke, a first-team All-Ohio pick, anchors the front seven for the Pilots. The secondary returns three of four starters. Dylan Potts is back for his second season as the starting quarterback and Flannery believes the junior will be “one of the best QBs in the state before he’s done.” Taylor Potts, Devan Potts, Starr and Brooks will compete for time at running back. Expect Star to log his share of touches. Flannery called him River’s “Ted Ginn.” The Pilots’ special teams should be solid as well with the return of kicker Tanner Wright (So.). River opens the season with back-to-back home games before going on the road for four straight (at Monroe Central, Toronto, Caldwell and Zanesville Rosecrans). “The goal is to make the playoffs and go farther than the second game,” Flannery said. “We need to find a way to get past that second game.” Malvern (8-3) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Tyler Tucci (6-2, 185, Sr.); OT/DT Brady Sickles (6-3, 295, Sr.); G/DT John Warner (5-11, 190, Sr.); LB Tyler Masters (5-10, 170, Sr.); DE Collin Brown (5-11, 185. Sr.); DB Andrew Gascan (5-11, 160, Sr.); OT/DE Brett Lee 6-2, 230, Jr.); LB Doug Wood (510, 170, Jr.) * Outlook – The Hornets lost all three games last year, including a regional quarterfinal to Danville, by a total of nine points so winning the close games this season is a goal. Defensively, Malvern should have no problem disrupting the opposition. The Hornets return nine starters from a unit that allowed 13.3 points per game in the regular season. Warner (42 tackles), Masters (50 tackles), Brown (42 tackles) and Lee (34 tackles) each had three sacks last year. Wood added 49 tackles, while Tucci, a firstteam All-Ohio defensive back, had 41 tackles and six interceptions. On offense Tuccci runs the show. The four-year

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI starter at quarterback was 78-of-140 for 1,315 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions last season. Tucci is also a 1,000-point scorer in basketball. The Hornets must replace some key skill players, but the line returns plenty of experience and size. “The potential is there to have a big season,” head coach Dave Tucci said. “Even though we lost some great skill players, we return a number of good football players.” The Hornets are 55-38 under Tucci and have made three of the school’s four playoff appearances during his watch. A fourth seems imminent. Key Inter-Valley Conference games with Garaway (Week 8) and Ridgewood (Week 9) loom. Lancaster Fisher Catholic (5-5) * Players to Watch – DE/TE Luke Roesch (6-7, 230, Sr.); LB/FB Nick Orlando (5-10, 210, Jr.); DT/C Johnny Fox (6-1, 225, Sr.) * Outlook – The Irish had a string of five straight postseason appearances snapped last season with a 5-5 finish in head coach Mike McCann’s first year. Fisher Catholic won its first four games, including an overtime win over Newark Catholic, before finishing 1-5. The Irish have plenty of question marks entering this season with just four starters returning. Roesch was first team All-Ohio on defense last season, while Orlando will be “the main focus of the offense” according to McCann. Fox and fellow senior Joe Karch anchor the lines. Fisher’s schedule gets a facelift with Danville and Chillicothe Huntington replacing Centerburg and Carroll Bloom-Carroll in weeks 1 and 2. In Week 3, FC faces rival Newark Catholic.

Also Keep An Eye On: * Shadyside (11-2) – A state finalist in 2006, the Tigers lost in the regional final last year to Newark Catholic (4128). Replacing three-year starter Billy Merryman at quarterback and a senior class that went 32-8 the last three years is a big chore. Seniors Johnny Merryman (LB; 58, 170) and Matt Mastracci (DL; 6-2, 250) anchor the defense. * Beallsville (10-1) – The Blue Devils finished with the school’s fourth undefeated regular season and second in a row before bowing out in the first round of the playoffs to Hannibal River (20-14). Beallsville will look to earn its seventh postseason berth and fourth in a row. Head coach Dave Caldwell enters his 26th season with 170 wins and 18 league titles. Defensively Beallsville allowed a paltry 32 points in the regular season last year and had six shutouts. The Blue Devils didn’t score less than 35 points until the playoffs and only scored less then 40 twice. * Glouster Trimble (6-4) – Since 2001, the Tomcats are 56-16 overall with two D-VI playoff berths (2003, 2004) and four 9-1 regular seasons. Twice Trimble finished ninth in its respective region. * Sugar Grove Berne Union (6-5) – The sur-

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prise Rockets gave Newark Catholic its toughest game in the playoffs (2118 NC win in first round). BU suffered a big loss in the off-season with departure of state coach of the year Gary Cox. Rockets do return standout defensive back Colton Speelman (5-11, 200) who was first team All-Ohio. * Danville (8-4) – The Blue Devils are looking for their ninth playoff appearance in 11 years. All four losses last year were to playoff teams (Cleveland South, Fredericktown, Johnstown-Monroe and Newark Catholic). RB/LB Gatlin Ridgeway (6-1, 190, Sr.) is a two-time All-Ohioan at linebacker. * Waterford (9-1) – The Wildcats faced harsh reality of having nine wins and being left out of the playoffs last year. Six of Waterford’s opponents finished with two wins or less. Bad timing. * Willow Wood Symmes Valley (3-7) – Since making the postseason for the fourth straight time in 2005, the Vikings have gone 3-7 each of the last two years. Head coach Rusty Webb (45-30 in seven seasons) is hoping for a return to the playoffs and feels he has a team capable of reaching that plateau. Despite having only five seniors, SV has played “a lot of young players” the last two years according to Webb and is ready to see that playing time “pay off this season.” Senior linebacker Cody Bland returns after making 137 tackles last year. * Steubenville Catholic Central (8-3) –The Crusaders returned to the playoffs last season after missing the postseason in 2006. SCC was state runner-up in 2005. Overall, Crusaders have been to playoffs nine times. * Also In This Region – Toronto (5-5), Bridgeport (6-4), Caldwell (4-6), Tuscarawas Central Catholic (4-6), South Gallia (4-6), Lucas (3-7), Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans (6-4), Conotton Valley (3-7), Plymouth (2-8), Reedsville Eastern (2-8), Racine Southern (2-8), Corning Miller (1-8), New Matamoras Frontier (1-9), Strasburg-Franklin (1-9), Millersport (1-9), Bellaire St John Central (0-10)

Region 24

Teams To Watch: Sidney Lehman Catholic (9-4) * Players to Watch – RB/LB Max Cartwright (60, 160, Sr.); RB/DB Zac Schmitz (5-10, 165, Sr.); OL Treg Sherman (6-2, 175, Sr.); OL Nick Pulfer (6-0, 190, Sr.); OLB Corbin Peltier (6-0, 165, Sr.); OLB Robbie Baker (5-11, 170, Sr.); DE Colton Hemm (6-0, 160, Sr.); DB David Spearman (6-1, 195, Jr.); LB/FB Caleb Goings (5-10, 185, So.) * Outlook – The Cavaliers expected to be more competitive in last year’s regional final, which Springfield Catholic Central won 48-14. A lingering bad taste has provided motivation.

“We pretty much got manhandled,” head coach Dick Roll said. “We all have questions after that. But we’re very happy with last season and we want to build off it.” The foundation is in place for another extended run. The Cavs were state semifinalists in 2001 and should challenge for that plateau again with nine starters back on defense and eight on offense. Cartwright, Baker and Peltier spearhead the defense for the second straight year, while Spearman is back after earning second-team All-Ohio honors. Pulfer was second-team All-Ohio on offense. The big key is replacing graduated standout Dan Jacob (a task facing Goings) and handling a treacherous schedule, albeit one that contains seven home games. The Cavaliers open with Anna, Milton-Union and Indian Lake. Games with West Carrollton (D-II school), Columbus Grove and Fort Loramie also line the docket. “When you have a lot of two-year starters coming back for another season you know they’re either going to excel or get complacent,” said Roll, who starts his third season at Lehman after 21 at Plymouth. “That’s the key. Hopefully our guys keep working.”

Mechanicsburg (7-5) * Players to Watch – QB Andy Huffman (6-0, 175, Sr.); LB/RB Ethan Price (5-8, 165, Sr.); S/WR Joe Webb (6-1, 185, Jr.); DE/RB David Bethel (62, 175, Sr.); LB Dan Shoaf (6-2, 190, Sr.); TE/DE Keith Hurst (6-3, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – On paper, the Indians look like one of the best teams in Region 24. Once the season starts, we’ll find out if they are. Mechanicsburg returns eight starters on offense and seven on defense from a team that lost to OHC rival Springfield Catholic in the regional semifinals last year. In 2006 Mechanicsburg was a regional finalist. A breakthrough to the state semifinals seems highly possible. Huffman is one of the Miami Valley’s top quarterbacks after earning all-OHC and southwest district laurels last season (1,484 yards and 16 touchdowns). He brings an 18-6 record as a starter into his senior campaign. The Indians backfield is loaded with the return of Price (550 yards, 12 TDs) and Bethel (445 yards, six TDs). Both were all-conference and all-district. The wildcard is Webb, an explosive athlete and game-changer. Webb was first team OHC and southwest district last season and honorable mention All-Ohio after rushing for 441 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught seven touchdowns and had 682 yards receiving. The line returns five experienced players. On defense, the Indians return their top four tacklers, including Price (101 tackles, 12.5 TFL), Shoaf (101 tackles, 11.5 TFL), Webb (97 tackles) and Bethel (66 tackles). Said head coach Chris Kosiorek: “Team speed and experience will be a couple of our strengths.” Mechanicsburg has been to the playoffs eight times in the last nine years.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI Fort Recovery (5-5) * Players to Watch – WR/DB Toby Metzger (62, 195, Sr.); WR/DB Frank Thien (6-1, 181, Sr.); C/DL Tyler Jutte (6-2, 245, Sr.); RB/LB Matt Braun (5-8, 175, Sr.); RB/LB Nathan Wendel (5-8, 170, Jr.); QB/DB Greg Kahlig (6-4, 180, Jr.) * Outlook – The Indians had a season of note last year when they finished with the school’s second best record ever and compiled program-arriving wins over Versailles, Minster and Delphos St. John’s. Now can they continue the climb in the state’s toughest small school conference the MAC? “We return a lot of good skill players,” head coach Brent Niekamp said. “The question marks will be our depth and how well our offensive line can play.” Jutte is the only returning starter on the offensive line, but behind him is an arsenal loaded with versatility and skill. The Indians have three players returning who threw, ran and caught a touchdown last season (Kahlig, Metzger and Thien). Kahlig is already one of the MAC’s best quarterbacks after completing 120 of 233 passes for 1,579 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He doubles as a defensive star in the secondary (37 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble returns). Metzger and Thien return as two of Kahlig’s top targets and Fort Recovery’s main weapons. Metzger had 51 receptions for 662 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Thien caught 30 passes for three touchdowns. Thien also ran for four scores. Braunn is a capable back, having rushed for 661 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. Defensively, Wendel (46 tackles, sack, interception, fumble recovery and three TFL), Jutte (33 tackles), Thien (58 tackles, five interceptions) and Metzger (six interceptions) are key cogs. Springfield Catholic Central (13-1) * Players to Watch – QB/DB Brendan Kelly (60, 170, Sr.) * Outlook – Head coach Steve DeWitt starts his 31st season at SCC where the Irish have been to the playoffs five straight times. SCC made the state semis last season before losing to Newark Catholic 21-14. Kelley, a four-year starter, was second team All-Ohio last year after completing 97 of 154 passes for 1,481 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 92 times for 573 yards and 10 touchdowns. Finding a replacement for four-year standout Brian Wagner (Akron), the school’s all-time leading rusher and scorer, will be a huge hurdle. There are other holes as well with the loss of 14 seniors. Covington (10-1) * Players to Watch – DB/RB Chris Long (5-9, 155, Sr.); LB/RB Garrett Clark (5-10, 165, Jr.); DB/WR Logan Woloch (5-11, 159, Sr.); DB/WR Quentin Layman (5-11, 150, Sr.); DE/WR Jordy Meyer (6-2, 170, Jr.); DB/WR Andy Sparks (6-3, 172, Sr.); DE/OL Ted Hale (6-2, 186, Jr.); DL/OL Josh Boehringer (6-1, 185, So.); LB/OL Ben Christian (6-2, 205, Sr.) * Outlook – Head coach Dave Miller begins his

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second season at Covington with high expectations for his encore. Last fall, in what was supposed to be a questionable year for the Buccs, Miller won 11 games (the best for any Covington coach in their first year). The Buccs regional quarterfinal win over Portsmouth Notre Dame was the program’s first playoff victory since 2001 as well. Covington has been to playoffs eight of the last nine years and 12 times overall. This year the Buccs should challenge for another trip to the postseason and the Cross County Conference title (something they’ve dominated the last decade-plus). Offensively, the Buccs return some weapons from an offense that averaged 33.8 points per game. Long (45 carries, 317 yards, five TDs) is a seasoned back, as is Clark (36 carries, 168 yards). The key will be finding a quarterback. Only Sparks (one attempt) and Long (three attempts) have thrown passes in a varsity game. Defensively, Covington should be stout. The Buccs return quite a bit from a unit that allowed 9.1 points per game and had three shutouts. Sparks (two interceptions, three fumble recoveries) is a takeaway specialist, while Boehringer is the top returning tackler (77). Hale (56 tackles) registered a team-high five sacks last season, while Boehringer had four. Christian (three fumble recoveries, 54 tackles) and Woloch (62 tackles, team-high five interceptions) are defenders of note. Also Keep An Eye On: * Waynesfield-Goshen (8-3) – The Tigers (30-12 the last four years) made the playoffs for the second time in three years last season and third time overall. Senior lineman Tyler Johns (6-5, 250) is one of the state’s top recruits in the trenches. * Portsmouth Sciotoville Community School (10-1) – Sciotoville made the school’s first playoff appearance last season before falling in opening round to Mechanicsburg. This year, the Tartans are looking for the school’s first playoff win … and possibly the second, third and so on. DL Jacob Howard (5-9, 200, Sr.) and LB Chase Mault (6-2, 195, Sr.) are back after being named first-team All-Ohio. * Lockland (7-4) – The Panthers ended their long playoff drought (15 years) last season before falling to Lehman Catholic in regional quarterfinals. * Cincinnati Country Day (6-4) – The Indians suffered a tough 28-21 loss to Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in Week 10 last season that nullified playoff hopes. CCD is looking to get back to postseason for first time since 2004. Senior Alex Deitz (6-2, 180) was second-team All-Ohio at punter. Max Dietz (5-11, 175, Jr.) is a capable running back. * Portsmouth Notre Dame (6-5) – The Titans earned first playoff berth in six years last season and sixth overall before losing on road to Covington in regional quarterfi-

nals. Notre Dame is now looking for first back-toback playoff appearances since 1986-88. * New Miami (6-4) – The Vikings recorded their first winning season in 13 years last season and would like to keep the momentum going. Senior running back Josh Hampton (5-11, 165) returns after rushing for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. He needs 1,300 yard to set the school’s career mark. Also back is senior defensive end Kris Roberts (5-10, 220) who had 105 tackles and 12 TFL last year. * Fort Loramie (8-2) – Fort Loramie enters its fourth varsity season with the hopes of earning its first playoff berth. The Redskins have been on the verge, finishing no worse then 10th in the region in each of their first three years. Overall, the Redskins are 19-11 since 2005. Seniors Jay Schulze (QB) and Nathan Brandewie (DL; 6-6, 240) will contribute heavily to Loramie’s success. * New Bremen (2-8) – The Cardinals return some talent in first team MAC running back Corey Jutte (Sr.). * Minster (0-10) – The Wildcats hit rock bottom last year going winless and scoring 33 points in final six games. This proud program and former state champion (1989) hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2001. It will be interesting to see how Wildcats rebound or if they do. * Ansonia (6-4) – The Tigers always seem to be in thick of CCC and playoff race. Breaking through for either though is next step. * Also In This Region – Columbus Harvest Prep (5-5), Mississinawa Valley (4-6), Yellow Springs (3-7), Columbus Africentric Secondary School (3-7), South Charleston Southeastern (37), Dayton Jefferson Township (2-8), Grove City Christian (2-6), Troy Christian (2-7), Marion Catholic (1-9), Cincinnati Christian (1-9), Cedarville (1-9), Bradford (1-9), Franklin Furnace Green (1-9).

Ohio High Division VI Predictions

Region 21 Norwalk St. Paul over Bascom Hopewell-Loudon Region 22 Ada over West Unity Hilltop Region 23 Hannibal River over Malvern Region 24 Sidney Lehman Catholic over Mechanicsburg Championship Game Norwalk St. Paul over Sidney Lehman Catholic

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Ohio High Football Preview: Division VI

2007 Revisited

Newark Catholic Adds Title No. 8

Division VI State Championship

Photo by Nick Falzerano

ANTON – Newark Catholic RB Mark Nichols moved to Ohio from St. Louis, Mo. with his family and wanted to attend Newark Catholic because of its rich football tradition. Nichols helped contribute to the Green Wave football history Dec. 1 at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium in the Division VI state championship as Newark Catholic claimed its eighth state in school history and first since 1991 with a 28-14 win over Bascom Hopewell-Loudon. Newark Catholic (13-2) scored on its first four possessions and Hopewell-Loudon (14-1) couldn’t overcome the deficit in the second half despite battling back. Nichols collected 161 yards on 38 carries and a TD while QB Mark Elwell was a one-man wrecking crew rushing for 100 yards on 13 carries and three TDs. Elwell was 4-of-5 passing for 55 yards.

Running back Mark Nichols rushed for 161 yards and a TD as Newark Catholic won its first state title since 1991.

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“All year, we’ve said it starts with our offensive line and against a great defense our offensive line pushed and enabled Mark Nichols to find some seams at critical times,” Newark Catholic head coach Bill Franks said. “I really felt Mark Elwell’s speed and athleticism was going to be the difference maker. Having a mobile quarterback, we wanted to get him the ball. You let your players make plays and be in their comfort zone and I think we did that.” The Green Wave defense was stifling in the first half allowing just 88 yards of offense. “I think if you go back and look at the films, that was a perfect half of football,” said Franks. “To beat the number one team in the state took perfection in the first half. Our guys put the time in and went out and did it.” Elwell got Newark Catholic on the board midway through the first quarter on a 1-yard QB sneak on fourth down and goal capping off a 14 play, 64yard drive on the opening possession of the game putting the Green Wave up 7-0. He stretched the lead on the first play of the second quarter racing 15 yards to the corner of the end zone on a busted play picking up a key block from TE Tony Weisent giving Newark Catholic a 14-0 advantage. The senior QB wasn’t through scoring in the first half sprinting 20 yards to the end zone on a bootleg putting the Green Wave up 21-0 with 7:21 left in the first half. “I just owe it to our line, the backs and the coaches for calling the right plays and being in the right position to have a good game,” Elwell said about his performance. Nichols reached pay dirt on a 1-yard touchdown run with just under a minute left in the half putting a bow on an 11 play, 76 yard scoring drive. Hopewell-Loudon battled in the second half getting a pair on Travis Wise 1-yard TD runs pulling within two scores but the Chieftains failed to capitalize on several opportunities, including going a dismal 6-of-13 on third down conversions and 0for-4 on fourth down. “We didn’t get to the state finals playing like we did in the first half and I was proud of the second half,” Hopewell-Loudon head coach Brian Colatruglio. “We just missed some opportunities and I think our team gave a pretty good indication of what our team is all about in the second half. We just kind of ran out of time at the end.” QB Tyler Brown was 17-of-41 passing in the Hopewell-Loudon spread offense for 309 yards and an INT. WR Lukas Schalk reeled in eight passes for 138 yards. “It was kind of nerve racking,” Newark Catholic DB Matt Grieb said about defending the spread offense. Grieb had several pass break-ups in the game. “We knew that they were going to pass (a lot) and at first I was playing back and our coaches moved me up and that helped us out a lot better.” For Newark Catholic, it is the first state championship under sixth year head coach Bill Franks who is a Newark Catholic graduate. “I always felt humbled to have the opportunity to go to Newark Catholic and play and having to opportunity to come back and coach,” Franks said. “I just feel blessed.”

— Matt Natali

Division VI Playoffs

State Final

Newark Catholic 28, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 14

State Semifinals

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 41, Ada 38 Newark Catholic 21, Spfld. Catholic Central 14

Regional Finals

Region 21 1 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 26, 2 Norwalk St. Paul 14 Region 22 3 Ada 31, 4 Arlington 28 Region 23 1 Newark Catholic 41, 2 Shadyside 28 Region 24 2 Spfld. Catholic Central 48, 5 Sidney Lehman Catholic 14

Regional Semifinals

Region 21 1 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 40, 4 Mogadore 16 2 Norwalk St. Paul 26, 3 Warren John F. Kennedy 7 Region 22 4 Arlington 21, 1 McComb 6 3 Ada 51, 7 Defiance Ayersville 50 Region 23 1 Newark Catholic 43, 4 Danville 6 2 Shadyside 26, 3 Hannibal River 13 Region 24 5 Sidney Lehman Catholic 8, 1 Covington 7 2 Spfld Catholic Central 24, 6 Mechanicsburg 17

Regional Quarterfinals

Region 21 1 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 49, 8 Leetonia 14 4 Mogadore 25, 5 Columbiana 14 2 Norwalk St. Paul 49, 7 Monroeville 21 3 Warren John F. Kennedy 46, 6 McDonald 8 Region 22 1 McComb 56, 8 Toledo Christian 7 4 Arlington 48, 5 West Unity Hilltop 0 7 Defiance Ayersville 35, at 2 Carey 14 3 Ada 41, 6 Antwerp 12 Region 23 1 Newark Catholic 21, 8 Sugar Grove Berne Union 18 4 Danville 30, 5 Malvern 25 2 Shadyside 44, 7 Steubenville Catholic Central 28 3 Hannibal River 20, 6 Beallsville 14 Region 24 1 Covington 44, 8 Portsmouth Notre Dame 12 5 Sidney Lehman Catholic 41, 4 Lockland 13 2 Spfld Catholic Central 28, 7 Waynesfield-Goshen 6 6 Mechanicsburg 48, 3 P’mouth Sciotoville Comm. 21

Final 2007 Ohio High/ONN Power Poll 1. Springfield Catholic Central (13-1) 2. Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (14-1) 3. Mogadore (10-2) 4. Norwalk St. Paul (11-2) 5. McComb (10-2) 6. Shadyside (11-2) 7. Covington (11-1) 8. Sciotoville Community School (10-1) 9. Newark Catholic (13-2) 10. Hannibal River (10-2)

* Poll is completed following Week 10 of regular season

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Ohio High Football Preview: Facts & Figures

Ohio High School Football Facts and Figures

State Playoff Leaders School Yrs. Cleveland St. Ignatius 20 Newark Catholic 30 Cincinnati Moeller 26 Versailles 16 Cleveland Benedictine 16 St. Henry 13 Youngstown Mooney 21 Delphos St. John’s 11 Ak.St. Vincent-St. Mary 14 Maria Stein Marion Local 10 Mogadore 21 Columbus DeSales 18 Germantown Valley View 14 Canton McKinley 16 Mentor Lake Catholic 17 Marion Pleasant 16 Cincinnati Princeton 14 St. Marys Memorial 14 CAPE 9 Elyria Catholic 13

W-L 50-11 62-22 34-19 43-10 34-10 39-7 43-15 30-6 21-10 31-6 41-18 40-15 30-11 31-13 28-14 20-13 19-11 19-11 16-6 15-10

Titles 9 8 7 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 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) Most Consecutive Wins 57 — Delphos St. John's (11/1/1996 - 11/17/2001) 54 — Versailles (9/1993 - 11/23/1997)

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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) Note: Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller won 71 consecutive regular season games between 1978-1985. 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) Career Scoring Leaders 890 points — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1949-1952) 761 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1995-1998) 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, CAPE (1983-1986) 602 — Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove (2001-2004) 598 — Nate Kmic, Delta (2001-2004) 594 — Justin Roush, Pomeroy Meigs (1996-1999); Zach Weber, Delphos St. John's (1997-2000) Season Scoring Leaders 333 — Cully Berndt, Toledo Waite (1921) 323 — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1952) 313 — Jeff Rogan, Urbana (1982) 310 — Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1996) 294 — Al McKinney, Elyria Catholic (1984); Carl Smith, Washington C.H. (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. Photo by Nick Falzerano

Top Ohio Programs Winning Percentage School W-L-T Pct. Cincinnati Moeller 398-91-2 .813 429-126-4 .771 Newark Catholic 780-232-35 .762 Massillon Washington 596-177-48 .755 Cincinnati Wyoming 407-135-10 .746 Youngstown Mooney Upper Arlington 573-201-23 .733 Avon Lake 375-147-11 .714 Hamilton Badin 316-126-7 .712 389-155-7 .712 Columbus Watterson 367-145-11 .712 Cincinnati Princeton 289-118-5 .708 St. Henry Canton McKinley 754-312-42 .699 Ironton 608-250-48 .698 Arlington 546-228-34 .697 Columbus DeSales 374-162-8 .695 690-296-34 .693 Steubenville 271-118-7 .693 Mentor Lake Catholic 576-252-27 .689 Versailles Germantown Valley View 291-130-8 .688 411-190-11 .681 Huron 597-273-32 .680 Cleveland St. Ignatius 552-254-20 .680 Mogadore Cedarville 313-146-7 .679 Louisville 545-256-20 .676 Uniontown Lake 352-169-8 .673

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, CAPE (1983-1986) 104 — Jason Baimun, Williamsburg (1998-2001) 99 — Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove (2001-2004) 95 — Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1993-1996) Season Touchdowns Scored 52 — Hubert Bobo, Chauncey-Dover (1952) 51 — Cully Berndt, Toledo Waite (1921); Chuck Moore, Mogadore (1996); Maurice Hall, Col. 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, Ridgewood vs. Indian 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, CAPE (1983-1986) 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)

Germantown Valley View’s Brock Bolen appears on multiple state lists, including career scoring, where he ranks No. 3.

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

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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) 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) 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, Cin. 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) 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); Zac Dysert, Ada vs. Paulding (9/30/2005) 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 48 – Ben Wonderly, Sherwood Fairwood (2005-2007) 46 – Marc Krauss, Hamler Patrick Henry (2003-2005) 44 — Rusty Aldrich, McComb (1998-2001) 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) Season Receiving Touchdowns 27 – Ben Wonderly, Sherwood Fairview (2007)

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Photo By Nick Falzerano

Ohio High Football Preview: Facts & Figures

Kenton’s Ben Mauk owns numerous state records, the most impressive being his 17,364 career passing yards. 24 — Lance Moore, Westerville South (2000) 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, CAPE (1983-1986) 7,656 — Ryan Brewer, Troy (1995-1998) 7,386 — Richard Hall, Cincinnati Wyoming (1995-1998) 6,700 – Jordan Mabin, Macedonia Nordonia (2003-2006) 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) 6,120 — Maurice Hall, Brookhaven (1997-2000) 6,099 – Brock Bolen, Ger.Valley View (2001-2003) 6,051 — Marcus Sanders, Ravenna (1996-1999) 6,006 — Dave Mason, Gibsonburg (1997-2000) 6,001 — 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) 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) 442 – Seth Hardin, Williamsport Westfall vs. Waverly (11/10/2007) 441 — Greg Baker, Springboro vs. National Trail (1982) 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 Washington (2000-2001) 10,303 — Dusty Aldrich, McComb (1998-2001) 9,094 — Jeff Polley, Bellevue (2000-2002) 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) 4,296 — Dusty Aldrich, McComb (2001 - 13 games) 4,041 — Ben Roethlisberger, Findlay (1999) 4,003 – Perci Garner, Dover (2005) 3,936 — Benjamin Mauk, Kenton (2000 reg. season) 3,849 — Bryan Cupito, Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (2001 - 10 games) 3,832 – Zac Dysert, Ada (2006) 3,714 – Zac Dysert, Ada (2007) Single-Game Passing Yards 678 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Defiance Ayersville (10/20/2006) 650 – Ryan Radcliff, Sherwood Fairview vs. Haviland Wayne Trace (10/5/2007) 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) 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) Sources: Ohio High School Football Coaches Association, Ohio High School Athletic Association.

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Ohio High Football Preview: Key Games 2008

A look at some of the top games during the 2008 Ohio high school football season

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 enjoy the finest in interscholastic competition. The rivalries across this state speak for themselves: Massillon-McKinley, St. Ignatius-St. Edward, Elder-St. Xavier, Troy-Piqua, Watterson-DeSales, Versailles-St. Henry, Delphos St. John’s-Marion Local and so on. They each have their own unique history and, when they roll around, thousands flock to see the latest renewal. Once again this year, our friends at Ohio News Network plan to provide coverage of games throughout the season. We invite you to check out their coverage – as well as their popular Friday night statewide highlights show – this season. 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 2008 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. 22 unless noted) – There are a number of big events planned for the opening weekend, including the 11th annual Crosstown Showdown Aug. 21-23 in the Cincinnati area. This event has been expanded into the Dayton market this year. It begins on Thurs., Aug. 21, with a doubleheader at Dayton’s Welcome Stadium. Liberty Twp. Lakota East will play Centerville at 5:30 p.m., while West Chester Lakota West plays Huber Heights Wayne at 8:15 p.m. Those games will be televised by Fox Sports Net Ohio. On Fri., Aug. 22, there will be a doubleheader at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati LaSalle will meet Cincinnati Winton Woods at 5:30 p.m. The 8:15 p.m. nightcap will feature a rematch of a Division I regional final from last year as defending state champion Cincinnati St. Xavier meets Cincinnati Colerain. St. X won that regional final 2914 last November. On Sat., Aug. 23, four games will be on the bill at Nippert Stadium. It opens at noon as defending Division II state champion Cincinnati Anderson

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meets Cincinnati Taft. At 2:45 p.m., Clayton Northmont tackles Mason. Cincinnati Elder then meets Middletown at 5:30 p.m. The final game at 8:15 p.m. matches two tradition-rich powers in Cincinnati Moeller and Cincinnati Princeton, a pair of schools that have won a combined 10 big-school state titles. The game will also be John Rodenberg’s debut as the Moeller coach. Elsewhere on Aug. 21: Steubenville hosts Wintersville Indian Creek. Key games on Aug. 22: Toledo St. John’s at Findlay, Cincinnati Glen Este at Cincinnati Sycamore, Akron Buchtel at Massillon Washington (Massillon coach Jason Hall debuts), Pickerington Central at Upper Arlington, Westerville Central at Sunbury Big Walnut (Big Walnut is the defending Division III state champion), Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit at Newark Licking Valley, Washington (D.C.) Dunbar at North Canton Hoover, Elida at Maria Stein Marion Local (Marion Local is the defending Division V state champion), Youngstown Mooney at Mentor (Mooney won 21-10 last year), Coldwater at Kenton (Coldwater is the defending Division IV state champion; Coldwater won 21-7 last year) and Chillicothe at Columbus Brookhaven (Anthony Borton debuts as the Brookhaven coach). Key games on Aug. 23: Cleveland Glenville vs. Cleveland St. Ignatius at Parma’s Byers Field at noon (Glenville downed St. Ignatius 26-23 in a playoff opener last year; this game time could be moved to accommodate an ESPN network telecast), Solon visits Canton McKinley (new McKinley coach Ron Johnson debuts), Amanda-Clearcreek visits Newark Catholic (NC won 33-14 last year and is the defending Division VI state champion), Strongsville at Lakewood St. Edward and Euclid at Mentor Lake Catholic (MLC won 27-13 last year). * Week 2 (all games Aug. 29 unless noted) – The big event in the second weekend of the season is the Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge. As Ohio High went to press, organizers had finalized an 11-game schedule for the fourth year of this special event. Here is the schedule Sat., Aug. 30, at Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium: Cincinnati Elder-Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, 11 a.m.; Middletown vs. Indianapolis Warren Central, 2 p.m.; Cincinnati ColerainMcKeesport, Pa., 5 p.m.; Cincinnati St. XavierPrattville, Ala., 8 p.m. Sat., Aug. 30, at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium: Warren Howland-Klein (Texas) Forest, 11 a.m.; Canton McKinley-Indianapolis Cathedral, 2 p.m.;

Youngstown Mooney-Covington (Ky.) Catholic, 5 p.m.; Massillon Washington-Jordan, Utah, 8 p.m. Sun., Aug. 31, at Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium: Cincinnati Moeller-Nashville (Tenn.) Montgomery Bell, noon; Huber Heights Wayne-East St. Louis, Ill., 3 p.m.; West Chester Lakota WestChicago St. Rita, 6 p.m. On Aug. 28, Mentor at Strongsville (Mentor won 44-28 last year) Elsewhere, key games on Aug. 29: Cincinnati Princeton at Centerville (Princeton downed Centerville 43-42 in week two last year, but dropped a playoff rematch 42-21), Akron Buchtel at Steubenville, Youngstown Boardman at Toledo Start, Columbus DeSales at Toledo St. John’s (DeSales won 31-0 last year), Cleveland St. Ignatius at Clayton Northmont, Gahanna Lincoln at Upper Arlington, Trotwood-Madison at Uniontown Lake, Pickerington Central at Springfield, Newark Licking Valley at Zanesville, Louisville at North Canton Hoover (Louisville won 35-21 last year), Columbus Brookhaven at Hilliard Davidson (Davidson won 1413 last year), Lima Senior at Dublin Coffman and Toledo Central Catholic at Dublin Scioto. On Aug. 30, Euclid at Lakewood St. Edward (Euclid won 14-13 last year). * Week 3 (all games Sept. 5 unless noted) – Indianapolis Cathedral at Cincinnati St. Xavier, Toledo St. John’s at Strongsville, Painesville Riverside at Painesville Harvey, Upper Arlington at Findlay, Sunbury Big Walnut at Lewis Center Olentangy, Cambridge at Newark Licking Valley, Solon at Mentor (Mentor won 27-0 last year), Coldwater at Versailles, Columbus Brookhaven at Dayton Chaminade-Julienne, Westerville South at Clayton Northmont, New Albany at Columbus DeSales (DeSales won 23-20 last year) and Fostoria at Toledo Whitmer (Whitmer won 50-47 last year). On Sept. 6, Cleveland Glenville visits Gahanna Lincoln and Centerville at Cincinnati Moeller (at UC’s Nippert Stadium). * Week 4 (all games Sept. 12 unless noted) – Buffalo (N.Y.) St. Joseph’s at Steubenville, Massillon Washington at Youngstown Ursuline (at YSU’s Stambaugh Stadium; Massillon won 14-3 last year), Toledo St. John’s at Toledo Central Catholic, Cleveland Glenville at Cleveland South, Cincinnati LaSalle at Cincinnati Elder (LaSalle won 28-19 last year), Trotwood-Madison at Huber Heights Wayne, Piqua at Springfield, Lancaster at Pickerington Central (Central swept a pair of games from Lancaster last year, winning 24-13 in the regular season and 21-7 in the playoffs), Columbus DeSales at Cincinnati Anderson, Macedonia Nordonia at Brunswick (Brunswick won 14-12 last year) and Youngstown Mooney at Warren Harding (Mooney won 49-0 last year).

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Photo by Stephanie Porter

Ohio High Football Preview: Key Games 2008

Youngstown Ursuline and Cardinal Mooney played before an impressive crowd at Youngstown State last season. This is one of Ohio’s best rivalries. Also Sept. 12, Maria Stein Marion Local hosts Coldwater in a match-up of defending state champions (Marion Local won 35-14 last year) On Sept. 13, Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep visits Cincinnati St. Xavier at 2 p.m., Findlay at Cincinnati Moeller (at UC’s Nippert Stadium) and Mentor at Cleveland St. Ignatius (Mentor won 3817 last year). * Week 5 (all games Sept. 19 unless noted) – In a match-up of state champions, Cincinnati St. Xavier visits Louisville (Ky.) Trinity. Also, Cincinnati Sycamore at Cincinnati Colerain, Warren Harding at Lima Senior, Springfield at Trotwood-Madison, Uniontown Lake at North Canton Hoover, St. Henry at Maria Stein Marion Local (Marion Local won 310 last year), Columbus DeSales at Findlay, Toledo Whitmer at Toledo St. Francis (Whitmer won 24-17 in overtime last year) and Youngstown Mooney at Mentor Lake Catholic. On Sept. 20, Lakewood St. Edward at Cincinnati Elder at 7 p.m. (St. Ed won 10-7 last year) and Cincinnati Moeller at Mentor at 2 p.m., * Week 6 (all games Sept. 26 unless noted) – Cincinnati St. Xavier visits Cincinnati Elder (St. X won 18-0 last year), Steubenville at Columbus Watterson, Warren Harding at Youngstown Ursuline, Youngstown Boardman at North Canton Hoover (Hoover won 38-7 last year), West Chester Lakota West at Cincinnati Princeton, Canton McKinley at Canton GlenOak (McKinley won 30-15 last year), Cincinnati Moeller at Cincinnati LaSalle, Upper Arlington at Hilliard Darby (Darby swept a pair against UA last year with a 22-7 regular season win and a 35-10 playoff win), TrotwoodMadison at Piqua (Piqua won 14-13 last year), Gahanna Lincoln at Pickerington Central, Cincinnati Anderson at Cincinnati Winton Woods

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(Anderson won 14-12 last year), Euclid at Mentor (Euclid won 35-34 last year), Huber Heights Wayne at Clayton Northmont (Wayne won 21-14 last year) and Buffalo (N.Y.) St. Francis at Youngstown Mooney (at Austintown Fitch). Also Sept. 26, Massillon Washington hosts Cleveland St. Ignatius (St. Ignatius won 27-0 last year and has won 10 of the last 11 meetings). On Sept. 27, Cleveland Benedictine at Lakewood St. Edward (St. Ed won 21-13 last year). * Week 7 (all games Oct. 3 unless noted) – Cincinnati Elder meets Cincinnati Moeller at UC’s Nippert Stadium (Elder won 49-33 last year), Groveport Madison at Pickerington Central, Granville at Newark Licking Valley (Valley swept a pair of games from Granville last year, winning 280 in the regular season and 42-21 in the playoffs), Dublin Coffman at Hilliard Darby (Coffman downed Darby 42-35 in a regional final match-up last year), Coldwater at St. Henry, Columbus DeSales at Columbus Watterson (DeSales won 13-6 last year to snap Watterson’s nine-game winning streak in the series) and Cleveland Benedictine at Youngstown Mooney (at YSU’s Stambaugh Stadium; Mooney won 31-17 last year). * Week 8 (all games Oct. 10 unless noted) – On Oct. 9, Akron Buchtel visits Youngstown Ursuline. Key games Oct. 10: Cincinnati Sycamore at Cincinnati Princeton (Princeton won 24-14 last year), Steubenville at Poland Seminary, Youngstown Boardman at Canton GlenOak, Indianapolis Cathedral at Cincinnati Moeller (at UC’s Nippert Stadium), Sunbury Big Walnut at New Albany, Versailles at Maria Stein Marion Local, Cincinnati Glen Este at Cincinnati Anderson, Mentor at Maple Heights and Hilliard Davidson at

Dublin Coffman (Coffman won 21-14 last year). Key games Oct. 11: Cincinnati St. Xavier visits Lakewood St. Edward at 2 p.m. (St. X won 45-0 last year), Massillon Washington at Warren Harding (Massillon won 56-0 last year) and Cincinnati LaSalle at Cleveland St. Ignatius (CSI won 22-20 last year) * Week 9 (all games Oct. 17 unless noted) – Youngstown Ursuline at Youngstown Mooney (Mooney won 37-14 last year), Canton McKinley at Youngstown Boardman (McKinley won 21-17 last year), Cincinnati Colerain at West Chester Lakota West, Massillon Washington at Mentor (Mentor won 56-52 last year), Canton GlenOak at North Canton Hoover (GlenOak won 7-6 last year), Hilliard Davidson at Upper Arlington, Mayfield at Macedonia Nordonia (Nordonia won 45-42 in five overtimes last year), Huber Heights Wayne at Centerville (Centerville won 28-21 in overtime last year), Cincinnati LaSalle at Columbus DeSales (DeSales won 35-20 last year) and Toledo Whitmer at Toledo Central Catholic (TCC won 24-23 in overtime last year). Also Oct. 17: Piqua hosts Troy. Last year, Troy took a 36-35 win to trim Piqua’s lead in the all-time series to 59-58-6 in one of Ohio’s longest running rivalries. Key games Oct. 18: Cleveland St. Ignatius travels to Cincinnati St. Xavier (St. X won 17-14 in triple overtime last year), Lakewood St. Edward visits Cincinnati Moeller at 2 p.m. (at UC’s Nippert Stadium; Moeller won 31-28 last year) and Newark Licking Valley visits Newark Catholic (Valley won 32-0 last year). * Week 10 (all games Oct. 24 unless noted) – Cincinnati Moeller at Cincinnati St. Xavier (St. X won 28-14 last year), Tonawanda (N.Y.) Cardinal O’Hara at Steubenville, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary at Youngstown Ursuline, Youngstown Boardman at Austintown Fitch, Toledo St. Francis at Toledo St. John’s, Liberty Twp. Lakota East at West Chester Lakota West, Upper Arlington at Dublin Coffman (Coffman won 31-24 in overtime last year), Macedonia Nordonia at Garfield Heights, Mentor at Cleveland Heights (Mentor won 66-35 last year), Springfield at Huber Heights Wayne and Hilliard Darby at Hilliard Davidson (Darby won 21-10 last year). On Oct. 25, Columbus DeSales at Cleveland Benedictine (DeSales won 35-14 last year) and Columbus Watterson at Youngstown Mooney (at Austintown Fitch; Mooney won 28-0 last year). Also on Oct. 25, Massillon Washington hosts Canton McKinley at 2 p.m. in the 117th rendition of this storied rivalry. Massillon won this game 23-20 in overtime last year. Massillon holds the all-time series lead at 62-49-5. On Oct. 25, Cleveland St. Ignatius renews its rivalry with Lakewood St. Edward. St. Ignatius won 19-14 last year to push its series edge to 23-21 alltime in The Holy War. * Postseason – The OHSAA playoffs will begin over the weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 1 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 Nov. 28-29 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

J J H U D D L E . C O M 67

Duane Long’s Top Senior Football Prospects

he Class of 2008 just finished in February. Here we are just a few months later and it looks like the Class of 2009 has been picked clean. Seven of the Ohio High top 10 for 2009 have made verbal commitments. Ohio State has six of those seven verbals. Of the Ohio players the most recent is the most important. Garfield Heights defensive end Melvin Fellows has one of those bodies that you just don’t see in this part of the country. You don’t see a lot of them anywhere but in the Midwest they are exceedingly rare. That is why the Ohio State staff made getting him to stay home a high priority. Fellows had been an Illinois verbal but he changed his mind and will play his college football 2-1/2 hours down the road from his hometown. As a junior, Fellows had 97 tackles, 23 tacklesfor-loss and seven sacks. “I'm 100 percent Ohio State,” Fellows said in announcing his April 24 switch from Illinois to OSU. “I called Illinois and told them. They are going to keep recruiting me. But I won't change. “I love Ohio State's strong tradition. Plus, my family and friends can come see me play. They have a great program. All the players get along. There are so many things to like about Ohio State.” Fellows will be in good company as Newark Licking Valley linebacker Storm Klein, Youngstown Mooney defensive tackle John Simon, Painesville Harvey receiver Chris Fields, super corner prospect C.J. Barnett from Clayton Northmont and Pickerington Central safety Jamie Wood have all decided on the Buckeyes. New Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez has the other top-10 player pledged in Massillon superstar athlete Justin Turner. Of the three remaining top-10 players, two are from Cleveland Glenville in national top-10 offensive lineman Marcus Hall and defensive end/linebacker Jonathan Newsome. Both are considered heavy Ohio State leans so Ohio has already been picked over, right? Wrong. This is still a strong class, deeper than I thought it was when I first took a look at it back in January. The top 100 has changed a good bit since then. The top 10 has been rather static but we have seen some movement outside the top 10 and quite a few new names since that early bird list. A couple of players have fallen down some but I am

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Photo by Gary Housteau

Ohio’s top 2009 prospects already picking their schools

Glenville senior Jonathan Newsome is one of Ohio’s Top 10 prospects. still a fan of both. Sunbury Big Walnut linebacker Will Studlien has fallen down the list some but that has nothing to do with me possibly cooling on him. He has an injury that will impact his recruitment. I am still a believer in Youngstown Ursuline’s Derrell Mason. I think we could see some more offers for him once he gets to the camps and com-

bines. He will be able to show that his knee is sound and I think schools want to find out where he fits. That is the downside of being so versatile. Athlete is not a position on the football field. Where he fits in their program is something schools will want to see. I think there are some great looking offensive linemen still out there. The college football world eventually found Youngstown Boardman’s Corey Linsley. He quietly put together one of the better offer lists in the state. Michigan, Notre Dame, Stanford and Miami (Fla.) all offered Linsley, who eventually committed to Ohio State. Another offensive lineman who committed to Ohio State is Aurora’s Adam Bellamy. One offensive lineman who is just now starting to get a look is Portsmouth’s John Prior. He is one of the most physical players in the class, along with Dresden Tri-Valleys Ryan Spiker. They are similar players but I prefer tackles and Prior is the tackle at nearly 6-7. His teammate, Nate Cadogan, has an offer from Penn State. No question the biggest mystery for me is how Bexley lineman Jake Brandt does not have his pick of schools. He is a highly athletic big kid with length and mobility. Maybe there is an academic issue, but I find that very hard to believe from a Bexley athlete. The hottest line prospect out there is Sam Longo from Bellbrook. His offer list includes Florida State, Penn State, Northwestern, Boston College, Nebraska and Stanford. His father was an OSU linebacker. He will be in Columbus for camp this summer. A player to watch for is Shaker Heights’ Henry Conway. He is a massive kid that is not carrying a lot of extra weight. He needs to shore up his academics but he has impressed people wherever he has been seen this off-season. A couple of other unknowns have been making more waves than any other linemen. Despite only playing one varsity game in his life, Trotwood-Madison tackle Chris Freeman has offers from Miami, Michigan, LSU, Florida, Penn State and Nebraska amongst others. He will camp at Ohio State and see if he can earn an offer from the Buckeyes. A qualifying test score would make his offer list all the more impressive. I have not seen Hugh Thornton. I don’t know if anyone has other than some college staffs. He transferred to Oberlin from the state of Idaho. He has an offer from Illinois and he came here with an offer from Washington State. He was a state wrestling champion in Idaho. While it is a sparsely populated state, Idaho is better than you would think for wrestling. Thornton is getting to Ohio at the right time. He will have the opportunity to distinguish himself in the athlete season. He would have had to do that anyway coming from a place where the level of competition is suspect. While we are on the subject of linemen, tight ends can be put in there with them. One of the players that really leaped out at me recently was North Royalton’s Dan France. He is an athletic big kid who is a good in-line blocker and can he a load once he gets the ball in his hands. He could be a breakout player this summer at camps.

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

Duane Long’s Top Senior Football Prospects

STORY BY DUANE LONG I think there are some outstanding defensive backs still out there. Middletown’s D.J. Hunter is a five-star national player. He is still weighing his options as his offer list expands. I am surprised to see Glenville’s Mike Edwards without a Big Four offer at this point. I think that will change once he attends some camps. He does have offers from Illinois and Iowa. Pickerington Central’s Patrick White has committed to Michigan State. He could be a wide receiver just as easily as a cornerback. The newest player on the radar is Dublin Scioto athlete Bradley McDougald. In the May issue of Ohio High, I called him the best player that you never heard about. It looks like that has changed. McDougald accepted a scholarship offer from Ohio State on June 23. McDougald also considered Wisconsin, Michigan State, Indiana, Cincinnati and a handful of others before the Buckeyes came calling. I am including him with the defensive backs but he could be a running back or even a receiver. Quarterback is the other position where Ohio has one of the better crops. One of the big shocks is the lack of offers for Devontae Payne from Cleveland South. I think he is a four-star national player and his grades are excellent. Willoughby South’s Patrick Nicely is showing well at the early combines. He could be the quarterback who rises to the top after the summer. I still think Aaron Mershman from Bowling Green is the most underrated prospect at quarterback in the state. A new name is West Milton Milton-Union’s John Mason. He is coming out of a part of the state where we don’t see a lot of players, but this is a kid to watch this summer. Avon’s Ryan O’Rourke is an impressive quarterback and athlete. He may not have a strong arm but he has a strong enough arm. I think someone will see that this summer. At some positions the talent has indeed been picked over. The best linebackers are off the board with the exception of Studlien as both Branko Busick and Chris Snook, from Steubenville and Medina Highland, respectively, have committed to West Virginia. The receiver class never really developed other than Fields. But as of press time, we still had the summer camps to look at. There are some very fast players in this class but they lack size and none of the big receivers is showing speed. We are seeing a down year for running backs — the worst in some time. Cincinnati Sycamore’s Bud Golden is the only back with any kind of offers and some like Ursuline’s Mason as a running back. After those two the pool turns into a puddle. Toledo Central Catholic’s Brad Rogers is a fine back but his size may make him a fullback. He is committed to Iowa. Youngstown Liberty’s Fitzgerald Toussaint is committed to Michigan, but may not stay at running back in college. The bottom line is there were a lot of players that needed to come to as many camps as possible and show up with the attitude that what they do can change their lives. The accompanying graphic shows the most recent update of the Ohio High top 30. We will return with a new top 100 with complete bios in an upcoming edition. — OH

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Ohio High’s Top 30 Seniors Update

Devontae Payne

Player 1. Melvin Fellows 2. Storm Klein 3. Marcus Hall 4. John Simon 5. Cornelius Carradine 6. Chris Fields 7. Justin Turner 8. C.J. Barnett 9. Jonathan Newsome 10. Jamie Wood 11. Devontae Payne 12. D.J. Hunter 13. Denicos Allen 14. Chris Freeman 15. John Prior 16. Corey Linsley 17. Bud Golden 18. Adam Bellamy 19. Ryan Spiker 20. Jake Brandt 21. Jack Mewhort 22. Will Studlien 23. Darrell Mason 24. Mike Edwards 25. Dan Fox 26. Pat Muldoon 27. Dan France 28. Isaiah Bell 29. Chris Snook 30. Patrick White

Jamie Wood

Justin Turner

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

Will Studlien

Wt. 255 225 300 250 230 180 190 175 230 190 220 190 205 285 280 275 190 275 290 260 285 220 210 185 215 240 260 200 220 175

Chris Fields

Pos. DE/DT ATH OL DT DE WR/CB ATH CB DE/LB DB QB ATH ATH OL OL OG ATH DT/OT OG DT/OL C LB ATH CB LB/DE DE/DT TE/ATH DB LB CB/WR

Melvin Fellows

School/Verbal Garfield Heights/Ohio State Newark Licking Valley/Ohio State Cleveland Glenville Youngstown Mooney/Ohio State Cincinnati Taft Painesville Harvey/Ohio State Massillon Washington/Michigan Clayton Northmont/Ohio State Cleveland Glenville Pickerington Central/Ohio State Cleveland South Middletown Hamilton Trotwood-Madison Portsmouth Youngstown Boardman/Ohio State Cincinnati Sycamore Aurora/Ohio State Dresden Tri-Valley Bexley Toledo St. John’s/Ohio State Sunbury Big Walnut Youngstown Ursuline Cleveland Glenville Cleveland St Ignatius/Notre Dame Cincinnati Elder North Royalton Youngstown Liberty/Michigan Medina Highland/West Virginia Pickerington Central/Michigan State

Chris Freeman

Adam Bellamy

Corey Linsley

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Duane Long’s Top Junior Football Prospects field. Eric Howard is really coming into his own and Antonio Banks from Middletown may be the fastest of the bunch. I look at the list for 2009 that I have now and compare it to the early bird list from January. It is definitely a different list in that short period of time. Some players get better. Others show they have peaked. I am sure there are players that I simply have not seen yet, so this list could change by the time we put out the next issue. It is looking like another strong class in Ohio for 2010. Here is a look at an early top 25 prospect list for Ohio’s Class of 2010:

Photo by Gary Housteau

really like the Ohio’s football Class of 2009. It has blossomed into a really nice class and more players keep surfacing. That said, I can’t stop looking at the Class of 2010. I love line play. Everyone else is watching quarterback and running backs. I am watching what is going on in the trenches when I watch a game. Linemen come along later. We did not see the Class of 2009’s No. 1 player Melvin Fellows really blossom until his junior year. When I see linemen showing this well as sophomores, it gets me very excited. If Ohio High was going to press with the top 100 for the Class of 2010, six of the top seven players would be linemen. It is looking like a really good offensive line class again with three players showing early. I have Cincinnati St. Xavier’s Matt James ranked higher than Taylor Miller from Trenton Edgewood and Andrew Norwell from Cincinnati Anderson but that is just a number. They are really 5a, 5b and 5c. All are looking like five-star national linemen. There are a few other offensive linemen who I am hearing good things about but I have not seen them yet. It could be another great offensive line class in Ohio with high end talent and with depth. On the other side of the line, we have three edge players that are going to be on everyone’s want list. Jamel Turner and O’Neal Brown, from Youngstown Ursuline and Warren Harding, respectively, are players that have been on this list in earlier editions. Turner looks like a young Lawrence Taylor. He is such an athUrsuline’s Jamel Turner was lete and has a non-stop motor. second in the D-III 110-hurdles Whether he is a linebacker or grows at the state meet in June. into a defensive end is the only question about him. Turner’s athletic ability was on display at the state track meet in June as he finished second in the Division III 110-meter high hurdles race in 14.95 seconds. Brown is a sure defensive end but he is athletic enough to cover slot receivers right now. He is very young for his grade, too, which makes his upside all the more intriguing. The new name is Derrick Bryant. He is a recent transfer from Gahanna Lincoln to Columbus Brookhaven. His more ideal size for a defensive end is what gives him the edge as the top player in the class. The read option is the hot offense sweeping across college football. Any coach that is thinking about running that offense needs to get to Ohio and take a look at the Class of 2010 quarterbacks. There are a number of undersized signal callers in Ohio that do not fit the tradition pro-set offense but are perfect for the read option. They have arm strength but do not have the size most schools are looking for in a pro-set offense. Instead they have speed and athleticism. Dwight Macon at Steubenville and Spencer Ware at Cincinnati Princeton top the list, and there are several others. The good news about offering athletes like these is that if they do not fit at quarterback, they will fit at other positions. One quarterback that deserves watching is Cleveland St. Ignatius’ Mark Myers. I am told that a long skinny kid has a really matured physically and could make a run at the starting job despite the presence of returning starter and scholarship caliber player Andrew Holland. It is going to be hard to displace a returning starter at quarterback at a place like St. Ignatius but if anyone can do it, it is the new and improved Myers. Running backs are starting to emerge. Nick Dardy reminds me of a West Virginia recruit from a couple of years back, Jason Gwaltney. He has good size and very quick feet. He shows he can be a good receiver coming out of the back-

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1. Derrick Bryant (6-6, 220, DE; Columbus Brookhaven) He has prototype size and athleticism for a college defensive end. 2. Jamel Turner (6-3, 215, LB/DE; Youngstown Ursuline) More polished and productive than Bryant at this point. 3. O’Neal Brown (6-6, 210, DE/LB; Warren Harding) Young for his grade. He could top this list by the time it is all said and done. 4. Jordan Hicks (6-2, 200, LB; West Chester Lakota West) Already has an offer from Cincinnati and has been a guest of Ohio State. 5. Matt James (6-7, 260, OT; Cincinnati St. Xavier) A regular at St. X as a sophomore for the Division I state champions says it all. Ideal feet and frame. 6. Taylor Miller (6-5, 285, OL; Trenton Edgewood) Already an invitee to Ohio State games. Very physical and runs great. 7. Andrew Norwell (6-6, 255, OT/DT; Cincinnati Anderson) Caught my attention in the Division II state championship game. Looks a lot like Ohio State offensvie lineman Alex Boone. 8. Anthony Smith (6-3, 212, DE/LB; Trotwood-Madison) Playing defensive end right now, but is linebacker size and running a 10.8-second 100 meters. 9. Nick Dardy (6-1, 215, RB, Cincinnati Northwest) Great looking body and outstanding feet for his size. Runs with balance and power. 10. Eric Howard (5-10, 210, TB; North Canton Hoover) The potential is there for him to be at least an all-region player, and maybe a national prospect. 11. John Ballard (6-3, 200, QB; Austintown–Fitch) Good arm and a fine athlete. Could be a receiver if he doesn’t pan out at quarterback. 12. Nick Galvin (6-0, 200, LB; Cincinnati Moeller) Such great instincts. Made plays all over the field when I saw him. 13. Mark Myers (6-6, 215, QB; Cleveland St. Ignatius) Replaced an injured Andrew Holland, a D-I recruit himself. I like Myers better. 14. D. J. Williamson (6-1; 180, WR/CB; Warren Harding) Looks like the best receiver from Harding since Mario Manningham. Speed to spare. 15. Dwight Macon (5-11,180, QB/ATH; Steubenville) With the read option coming into vogue maybe Macon stays at quarterback. 16. J. T. Moore (6-3, 230, DL; Youngstown Boardman) A physical specimen that cannot be ignored. 17. Spencer Ware (5-10, 200, QB/ATH; Cincinnati Princeton) Another undersized quarterback with tremendous skills that might get a shot at QB first. 18. DeAndre Harris (5-11, 185, CB; Youngstown Ursuline) A tough hard nosed corner with ball skills. Worth a scholarship as a return man. 19. Desmond McCown (6-3, 230, DT/DE; Springfield) DE now but will grown into a DT. Work ethic is second to none. 20. Deron Brown (6-3,185,WR; Akron Garfield) Garfield coach Bob Sax says he is going to be special. He would know. Sax coached Ohio State running back Chris Wells. 21. Allen Edwards (6-1, 185; LB/SS; Austintown Fitch) Fast, physical high motor playmaker. 22. Josh Russ (6-6, 205, DE/TE; Elyria Catholic) Long and very physical. How much he fills out will say a lot about where he plays. 23. Antonio Banks (5-10, 200, TB; Middletown) At this early stage he is looking like a candidate for best back in the class. 24. Christian Bryant (5-10, 170, WR; Cleveland Glenville) He was looking like the next Glenville great one until injuries took a toll. 25. Ray Vinopal (5-11, 175, Ath; Youngstown Mooney) One of the best athletes in the class. Hard nosed defensive player despite his size) — OH

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Massillon & McKinley Football Coaches

STORY BY MATT NATALI

he Canton McKinley-Massillon Washington rivalry doesn’t need any extra storylines – it speaks for itself. But a new chapter will be added to the historical rivalry as both the Bulldogs and Tigers will take the field under the tutelage of new head coaches this season. Ron Johnson takes over at McKinley with the departure of Brian Cross to Olentangy Orange and Jason Hall was hired at Massillon as Tom Stacy left for the Green head coaching position.

Go Pups!

Johnson steps into the McKinley job with quite the coaching résumé. He comes from a four-year stint at Middletown after being the head coach at Westlake. Prior to that, Johnson was an assistant at Miami (Ohio) for 10 years under Randy Walker and Terry Hoeppner. “Both (Walker and Hoeppner) have had a huge impact on my life – not only as a football coach but as a man, a husband and a father,” said Johnson. “Coach Walker always used to say, ‘Things don’t happen by accident,’ and it is no accident Canton McKinley is a great program with the amount of support and doing things the right way.” Johnson was hired by the Canton City Schools Board of Education on Feb. 25 and got started on his new job shortly thereafter to begin instilling his coaching philosophy. “We’ve been at this since March 10th,” Johnson said. “We’ve been going at this five days a week so we’re excited and I think (the players) are really excited to play the game and represent Canton and the style we are going to play as well. “When we got here in March and had our first team meeting, we made it very clear at that time at Canton McKinley High School we’re only going to do things one way – and that’s the right way with mind, body and spirit. That starts with academics. To be the best football player you can be, you have to be the best student you can be, the best person you can be and football will take care of itself.” The football didn’t take care of itself last year, though, as the Bulldogs finished a dismal 3-7, including an overtime loss to Massillon, and were left out of the Division I postseason for the first time in three years. But Johnson is taking the challenge head on to get McKinley back in the playoffs. “They had a down year last year but it is certainly not a struggling program,” he said. “It is one of the proudest traditions in the country for high school football. “It is pressure but it is pressure that can be used to your advantage. There are high expectations for this program and the expectation level meets reality because they have ‘been there, done that,’ so to speak. This program gives you an opportunity to be a champion every year because of the amount of support and the things that are in place to see it succeed.” Johnson will be instituting his version of the spread offense at McKinley, which tallied 2,221 passing yards and 2,206 rushing yards at Middletown in 2006. All four quarterbacks Johnson coached at Middletown earned Division I scholarships. “We have a great talent base here in Canton,” said Johnson. “We have many young men that play the game, take it seriously and work very dili-

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gently at it 365 days a year. They are very talented young men and what we try to do is put them in the best position for success.”

Go Tigers!

Not too long after Johnson had already started to put his fingerprint on the McKinley program, the Massillon Board of Education hired Jason Hall on April 10. Hall was granted a three-year contract. “Going to football is like Christmas everyday for me,” Hall said at a press conference after he was hired. “I enjoy it. I get up early, work out in the morning with the kids and I have no problem working out at 5:30 in the morning and 7 at night. We’re going to do what it takes to be successful.” The 32-year-old coach led Macedonia Nordonia to the playoffs last year in his only season there. Hall was the head coach at Lyndhurst Brush for three seasons prior to that, leading the Arcs to their consecutive winning seasons in 2004 and 2005. In 2002-03, Hall was at Ravenna Southeast where he led the Pirates to the playoffs for the first time in school history. Massillon also missed the playoffs last year, but the Tigers had reached the postseason in each of the previous three years. That run includes a D-I state runner-up finish in 2005. Hall aims to continue that success and tradition of Massillon football. “The first time I sat down with the community, I thought they got it,” he said. “We all came to the understanding that we wanted a program that was-

Photo by Stephanie Porter

n’t just concentrated on the varsity level. We want the youth program, the middle school program and the high school program to all thrive. When you do that, it is not a race. It’s a marathon. “It doesn’t mean that we’re sitting back trying to build a program but building a program that is consistently – year in and year – out at the top. It starts with a good youth football program and carries through.” Like Johnson, Hall got to work right away meeting with his new team the day after his hiring to convey his philosophy. “I believe you put your players in the right formations and run plays to make them successful and that has got to be your target,” he said. “You’ve got put you team and your kids in a position to be successful. If that is your focus, usually you are going to have an organized and structured football team.” Prior to the board meeting to hire Hall, Tigers fans began arriving an hour early to get their seats and Hall relishes in that enthusiasm. “I wanted this job because of the atmosphere,” he said. “I believe in everything Massillon is doing. I believe what they stand for. We have all the support in the world and I am excited. This is the pinnacle of football. Some people say it is one of the top five places in the country. I think it is the best. “The people that I have been around and I trust – we all believe this is the best place possible for high school football.” — OH

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Massillon & McKinley Football Rivalry

hey have a standing date at 2 p.m. on the 10th Saturday of the Ohio high school football regular season. Theirs is considered one of the best football rivalries not only in Ohio, but across the entire country. And, like North Carolina-Duke, the closeness of these two schools – they are just 7-1/2 miles apart in Stark County – breeds amazing if not equal levels of contempt and respect. This is, of course, the rivalry between Canton McKinley and Massillon Washington. And this series stretches all the way back to 1894. These two tradition-rich powers are known by the scores of great players, great coaches and championships won over the years. McKinley actually won the first 11 games in this series and claimed a 13-0-1 mark before Massillon finally broke through with a 12-6 win in the 1908 game at Canton’s League Park. Since that terrible start, Massillon has largely held the upper hand. Going into the 2008 season, the Tigers boast a 62-49-5 edge in the all-time series, spanning 116 games. They are the two winningest programs in Ohio high school football history – Massillon with 780 and McKinley close behind with 754. Some of the legendary coaches who have been involved in this game include Paul Brown, Lee Tressel, Leo Strang and Earle Bruce on the Massillon side and Don Nehlen, Terry Forbes, Thom McDaniels and Brian Cross on the McKinley side. They play in two of high school football’s greatest venues. Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, built in 1939, is adjacent to Washington High School. It seats nearly 19,000. Fawcett Stadium is next door to McKinley High School on the south side and the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the north. Fawcett, opened in 1938, seats 21,000 and is used annually by the NFL for the Hall of Fame Game. Both venues serve as the home to the OHSAA state football championships. There is a lot of debate within this rivalry about championships. Massillon claims 22 big-school poll championships as well as nine national prep championships – more than any other school in the country. But Massillon has yet to win a state playoff championship since the OHSAA instituted the playoffs in 1972. The Tigers have reached the title game three times (most recently in 2005), but have yet to claim that elusive state title. Canton McKinley boasts seven state poll championships and has won three big-school state playoff championships (1981, 1994 and 1995). Each year, there is a weeklong build to the Massillon-McKinley game. It includes speaking engagements for the respective coaches and a parade through the streets of Massillon. The winning side gets to take possession of the victory bell and paint it with its school colors.

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In recent years, one of the biggest showdowns in the series came in 2005, when each team entered with identical 9-0 records. A sellout crowd of 24,264 attended the game at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium and the homestanding Bulldogs rolled to a 38-8 victory. But three weeks later, Massillon had the last laugh. The teams were rematched in a Division I regional final playoff game at Akron’s Rubber Bowl and the Tigers prevailed 21-3.

That game marked the first time since 1964 that the two teams entered their season-ending showdown unbeaten and untied. That 1964 match-up pitted Bruce’s Tigers against Nehlen’s Bulldogs. Massillon won that game 20-14 to cap a 10-0 season. Of course, Bruce went on to a Hall of Fame career at the collegiate level, including stops at Iowa State, Ohio State and Colorado State. He has seen his share of great rivalry games. When asked by The Associated Press where the Massillon-McKinley rivalry ranks, Bruce said, “It’s second – right behind Michigan-Ohio State.” How crazy is this neighborhood rivalry? On the eve of that 1964 match-up, Bruce took his team to a hotel in Orrville just to get away from all of the madness. “There’s a big parade there on Friday,” Bruce said. “It’s incredible. Not many people understand the enormity of that rivalry.” Here are some more notables surrounding the Massillon-McKinley rivalry (most of these factoids courtesy of massillontigers.com): * Most Points – Massillon has outscored McKinley 1,608 to 1,448 points over the 116 games of this rivalry. McKinley has the edge in shutout victories, though, at 23-22. * Biggest Crowd – Although Massillon and McKinley routinely play before huge crowds at their respective home stadiums, the largest crowd in this rivalry came in the 1994 Division I playoff game at Akron’s Rubber Bowl as 32,219 paid to see McKinley avenge an earlier loss with a 27-20 win. * Consecutive Wins – McKinley’s 11 wins to open the series are the best by either side. McKinley’s best win string since then was four wins in 1984-87, when McDaniels was at the helm. Massillon’s best winning streak was nine straight between 1957-65, when Tressel, Strang and Bruce all took turns leading the Tigers. * Rematches – The teams have met twice in

the same season 12 times, although eight of those were regular season meetings prior to 1964. Canton has swept two games in the same year from Massillon five times, while Massillon has done it twice. The teams have been rematched in the OHSAA playoffs four times. In 1980, McKinley won the regular season game 16-7, but Massillon won the rematch 14-6. In 1994, Massillon won the regular season game 42-41 in overtime, but McKinley then won the playoff game 27-20. In 2001, Massillon won the regular season game 29-26 and the playoff game 35-19. As noted above, McKinley won the regular season matchup of unbeatens in 2005 before Massillon returned the favor in the playoffs. * Winningest Coaches – McDaniels won more games than any other coach in this rivalry, posting an 11-6 record against Massillon in his time at McKinley. Mike Currence had more wins than any other Massillon coach with a 7-3 record with Brown (6-3), Strang (6-0) and Chuck Mather (6-0) all one win back. * Going Overtime – The teams had five ties in their series before the OHSAA adopted overtime procedures in 1987. The ties were in 1907 (0-0), 1913 (13-13), 1926 (0-0), 1945 (0-0) and 1946 (66). The teams have gone to overtime three times with Massillon winning all three – 1988 (10-7), 1994 (42-41) and 2007 (23-20). * Game Of The Century – That 1994 game was dubbed as the Game of The Century following Massillon’s 42-41 win at home. The 83 combined points were a series record. McKinley forced overtime when it scored on a 7 yard pass from Josh McDaniels to Shakeer Abdullah pass with less than two minutes to play to make it 35-35. Kinta Mitchell then gave McKinley a 41-35 lead with a 1-yard TD run in overtime, but the PAT kick was missed. Massillon won as quarterback Willie Spencer pitched out to split end Victor Redrick and he took it in from 15 yards out. Kicker Nick Pribich’s PAT kick was good and Massillon had won the 100th rendition of this rivalry in amazing fashion. * Most Recent Meeting – Massillon pulled out a 23-20 win in overtime at home, giving the Tigers three straight wins in the series. Quarterback Chris Willoughby scored on a 1-yard sneak for the winning touchdown in overtime after Steve Schott hit a 41-yard field goal with 1:10 left to tie the game at 17-17 and force the overtime. McKinley coach Brian Cross and Massillon coach Tom Stacy each left after the end of their respective seasons. That means a pair of new coaches – McKinley’s Ron Johnson and Massillon’s Jason Hall – will be baptized in this rivalry when the two schools meet for the 117th time on Oct. 25 at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. “Without question it is the greatest high school football rivalry in the country,” Johnson said. “We are very much looking forward to that game. It’s very important to the people of Canton and they take a lot of pride in it. We’re going to get everything right in the world again this October 26. “Ohio high school football at its finest.”

– Steve Helwagen

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Licking Valley’s Storm Klein Storm Klein has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. The senior had 1,518 yards, 30 touchdowns and over 100 tackles last season.

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Photo by Gary Housteau

ust getting to the state championship game is a nice accomplishment but it certainly didn’t do it for Storm Klein of Newark Licking Valley High School, whose Panthers lost a hard-fought game in the Division III state championship contest to Big Walnut, 17-10, back on Nov. 30. That loss obviously didn’t sit very well with the 6-3, 225-pound Klein, who is rated as Ohio’s No. 2 overall prospect by Ohio High. That puts him behind only Garfield Heights defensive end Melvin Fellows, who will join Klein at Ohio State in 2009. “The thing that I remember most about it is just the feeling, after losing it, of wanting to get back there and finish the job next time,” said Klein, who was in the fifth grade the only other time Licking Valley made it to a state title game on the gridiron (a 2001 loss to quarterback Ben Mauk and the Kenton Wildcats). “Going there was one of our goals, to get there, but coming up short was like bittersweet. It was nice going there and getting some experience in the state game but we wanted to win it. That was our goal going into it and we came up a little short so we came out of it with a bad taste.” Other than not coming away with a victory, the state title game experience was everything Klein thought it would be. “We wanted to come in there and obviously just play our game and not change anything that we had been doing up to that week,” Klein said. “We just tried to keep it like a regular week. So it was disappointing but it was everything that I expected it to be. Just having the opportunity to play in a game like that was pretty cool.” Klein actually dreamed of doing just that the year before it actually came to fruition.

JJ H u ddle ’s O h io Hi gh

Licking Valley’s Storm Klein

STORY BY GARY HOUSTEAU “I can remember that same time last year when I was sitting there in school watching the games in study hall and thinking, ‘Man, I wish I was playing in the state game right now,’ ” said Klein, whose Panthers exited the playoffs after a first-round loss that year. “I remember watching the games and I was sitting there thinking that it would be cool to be playing football right now instead of sitting here in school.” Fast forward a year ahead and Klein was right there in the thick of the D-III state title contest. Licking Valley may have been its own worst enemy, though. The Pantehrs outgained Big Walnut 322-109 in total yardage, but five turnovers helped pave the way for the Big Walnut win. Unfortunately for Klein, injuries may have utlimately prevented him from having an even bigger impact in the turnover-laden game than he might have had otherwise.. “During the beginning of the third quarter, I lacerated my kidney and I finished the game out obviously,” said Klein whose team trailed Big Walnut 10-0 at the intermission. “I was more concerned about the game and I was trying to think about winning the game more than the seriousness of the injury. I had no clue what I had done, I just knew we were down and I managed to push through it.” But there’s more. Klein actually suffered a leg injury down the stretch during the regular season and he had push through that injury as well from the outset of the postseason. “I tore my PCL, my posterior collateral ligament,” he said. “That’s better now, I did rehab on that for a good five months or whatever. So that was still with me then. So I had that going and the lacerated kidney, but no excuses.” The lacerated kidney was obviously the more serious, from a health standpoint, of the two injuries of which neither were very detectable if you look back at the way he played in the game. Klein turned in somewhat of a monster performance rushing for 155 yards on 33 carries and he scored Valley’s only touchdown of the game on an 8-yard scamper that tied the contest at 10-10 with a two-point conversion in the third quarter. Klein remembers the play that he suffered what was later diagnosed as a lacerated kidney but he didn’t spend much time worrying about whatever he knew he just did. “(The seriousness of the injury) didn’t really cross my mind at all when I took the shot,” Klein said. “I kind of lost my breath and then I came back in the next play and I punted. I felt like puking. I just had a real nasty feeling for like a few minutes. It was rough for a little while, but I was just sitting there thinking that we’re down right now and I didn’t want to come out.” Klein originally suffered that nagging leg injury in the Newark Catholic game, the ninth game of the regular season. “My knee was bugging me,” he said. “I felt like I had lost a step for the playoffs but now it’s 100 percent back together. I felt it pop and it kind of locked up and I sat out for a quarter and then I went back in and finished the game. And then I had to sit out against Granville (round one of the playoffs) because it was real nasty that week.” But Klein played on throughout the remainder playoffs helping his team make it to the championship contest, playing particularly well on offense in the second half in a victory over Mentor Lake Catholic in the

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semifinal round to advance to the finals. But when the state title game was over and the Panthers came up on the short end of the scoreboard, the loss hurt more than any injury that Klein might have had at the time. “Definitely the loss hurt more,” Klein said. “I was just sitting there and I didn’t want to leave the locker room. It was a heartbreaker. Just to get that far with the series of events that happened during the game, it was an emotional game filled with ups and downs. I thought we had a break but then the fumble happened. Turnovers killed us. But it was an exciting game to play in and I’m sure it was exciting to watch. But it was just unfortunate that we had to be on the losing side.” But the ordeal wasn’t completely over for Klein after the loss to the Golden Eagles. “I wanted to go out and eat with my friends but when we got in the locker room I went to the bath-

“During the beginning of the third quarter (in the Division III state championship game), I lacerated my kidney and I finished the game out obviously...I had no clue what I had done, I just knew we were down and I managed to push through it.”

Licking Valley senior Storm Klein room and I noticed I had a lot of blood (in his urine),” Klein said. “It was completely red and it kind of freaked me out and I got a little scared because I knew I took that shot and I was sitting there thinking, ‘Man, I wonder what’s going on.’ I was kind of skeptical about telling the coaches because I wanted to go eat with my friends. I wanted to be with them after that game. But I didn’t know that they went and got my dad.” Klein ended up getting on the bus with the team to go eat but then the coaches intervened and came on the bus and got him off. “They called the ambulance right there and they came up and got me and put my IV in,” he said. “They took me in for X-rays and I had to drink this stuff, I don’t know what it was called, and they found it. I was in the hospital for two days.” It turns out his brief stay at Mercy Medical Center in Canton wasn’t all that bad. “It wasn’t too bad,” Klein said. “My coach came up and saw me and a couple of the players came up. A couple guys from our league came up, my girlfriend came up, so it was nice but it was boring. When my coach came up, I asked him to bring me all the game films and make sure you bring the Big Walnut game. So I just sat there and watched that game probably 10 times in the hospital. I was watching it over and over again to see what could have happened, what went wrong and just try to learn from it the best that I

could.” They even had the cable guy at the hospital come in his room on that Saturday night so Klein could watch his future teammates at OSU play against one another in the Division IV championship on the television. “He fixed the cable or something so I could watch my boy Johnny (Simon) play and Adam (Homan),” Klein said. “He and Adam were going at it that night so I watched them play and I saw some good games so it wasn’t too bad.” But the best thing that happened for Klein during his hospital stay is that he didn’t need to have any surgery. “I didn’t have any surgery,” he said. “But (the doctor) said I wasn’t allowed to do anything for a good eight weeks. So for two months I had to just lay around. That was hard for me. That was harder than anything for me to just lay around and not be active.” And he didn’t get to wrestle, either. “I wanted to and I still went up to practices after the eight weeks was done, but I knew I couldn’t wrestle (anyway) because of the knee,” Klein said. “But I went to practices and still worked around with the guys a little bit when I could.” In all, it took Klein almost five full months for him to get back to being close to 100 percent with all of the rehab involved with his knee. “It was a slow process just going through physical therapy,” Klein said. “I’ve been going up to OSU (to work out) with Chris McKenzie, he’s the leading physical therapist there. He’s great. He’s been putting me through workouts and stretching me.” And during the course of his rugged rehab, Klein developed a friendship with former Buckeye, Bobby Carpenter, who has become somewhat of a mentor now to Klein. “Bobby Carpenter has been up there a lot with me, just talking to me, and I’ve been doing some stuff with him,” Klein said. “That place has gotten me back to where I was and even further.” Klein has been feeling great for more than a month and a half now. “I’m back to running and sprinting and everything, making cuts and doing all of my stuff,” he said. “And I’m lifting just like I was. So I’m back to normal in that aspect.” His focus is back on his senior season now. “I’m thinking about our first game,” Klein said. “That’s the big thing that I’m thinking about right now. We play (Cuyahoga Falls) Walsh Jesuit. That’s going to be a battle. It’s the opener. Walsh Jesuit and Licking Valley at our place. It’ll be a pretty good game. They’ve got some big names so it should be a battle. And that’s what we want here at our school. We want to play the best. So I’m looking forward to that.” And there’s another important thing that Klein is hoping for at this time. He was officially nominated to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on May 8 and he’s hoping to join his good friend Johnny Simon in that prestigious all-star classic in January. “I’m looking forward to getting the final nod for the Army All-American game,” Klein said. “It’s kind of up in the air. Johnny actually got selected and I just got nominated so it’s kind of up in the air still.” In the meantime, Klein is trying to help out with his recruiting class as much as he can. “I’m on my toes with the recruiting and everything,” said Klein just days before Ohio State landed recruit number 17 in Adam Bellamy from Aurora. “We’re kind of just playing it by ear but it would be nice to get a

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Licking Valley’s Storm Klein few of those Florida guys. But we’ll finish strong and we’ll have a great class that’s for sure.” Klein intends on finishing high school early so he can get a jump on his fellow ’09 recruits by enrolling early at Ohio State, the school that he proudly committed to back on Oct. 14. He’s filled with excitement and anticipation about his future both on and off the field. “I’m graduating a half year early so I’m anticipating my future in college and I’m trying to get my work ethic to a different level than I’ve had,” Klein said. “I’ve been trying to improve it every single year. I got (my GPA) up to a 3.0 and I was at a 2.8 starting this year. It was kind of my goal to get at

was recruited to Ohio State to play linebacker, a position that he just started playing fulltime in his junior season. As a junior, Klein piled up 1,518 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns on offense and over 100 tackles on defense. “The transition to linebacker actually started in my sophomore year and I love linebacker now,” Klein said. “I love hitting people. It’s a whole different game on the defensive side of the ball. It’s been a learning experience for me and this (past) year really helped me. I got a year under me now, a full year. My sophomore year I was just in and out every once in a while so this year was a really good experience just to get in there. I love that

“I want to be anywhere I can on the field.” But he certainly would have no problem at all being the next Bobby Carpenter or James Laurinaitis. “I’ve been watching Laurinaitis. The coaches told me to watch him and keep an eye on him,” Klein said. “I don’t think of myself being him, I want to be Storm Klein out there, but if I’ve looked up to some people, some greats in the past, I’d say I’ve looked up to him, Bobby Carpenter, A.J. Hawk and (Andy) Katzenmoyer. I’d say it would be those kinds of people.” Klein has definitely developed an affinity for Carpenter and thinks he could be more like him at Ohio State. “We’re kind of built the same way. He might be a little taller than me. Photo by Gary Housteau He’s big. But I kind of see me being more like him,” said Klein of his new friend with the long blond tresses. “The first time I met him, Chris didn’t tell me anything. I was just doing my drills, and here comes sunshine hair, man, I was kind of blown away. It was kind of cool. He just walked in, messing around, being Bobby. He’s a real cool guy though. “So it’s cool being in a position where you can kind of talk to some of the guys that started the tradition and it makes you want keep it going.” And in Klein’s case, among the many good reasons that there might be for him choosing to attend Ohio State, like meeting some of his boyhood idols, there is one reason more important than every thing else why Klein opted to become a Buckeye. “The main reason has to be Jim Tressel,” Klein said. “He’s a great guy. Even before I met him you’d never hear something bad about him. Despite his prowess as a running back, Klein will play linebacker at Ohio State. Before And then from meeting him, that like that he wants another shot at the Division III state title that eluded the Panthers last year. really reassured me. He’s not just a coach, he’s like a mentor and it’s not just about football at Ohio State. Obviously it’s football also, we want least a 3.0 and I got it up to like a 3.1. So I did position now. And on the football field that’s my to win the national championship. But he wants that. And I’m going to keep trying to keep that up favorite position right now.” what’s best for you and you can really see that in but it’s a work in progress.” So the transition is complete. Arguably one of him.” In addition to his solid work in the classroom, the best running backs in Ohio, with a rather unique However, before he has a chance to play for a Klein is thrilled about the prospects of his senior combination of speed and power that would equip national championship under Tressel at Ohio State, season on the gridiron. They obviously have some him well for the weekly rigors of the Big Ten, is now Klein has to settle that pressing matter of helping unfinished business to tend to and he’s going to do more comfortable tackling the running back than he his team get back to the state title game under everything he personally can to make it happen. is being the running back that gets tackled. longtime head coach Randy Baughman at Licking “I can’t wait to get this season started and put up “I feel like a linebacker,” he said. “As a running Valley first. And win it this time around. And then some numbers,” Klein said. “But the big goal is just back, I started there and that’s kind of where, I’d Klein can really let himself get excited about his to help my team win in any way.” say, I made my name at. It’s where I’ve kind of put future as a Buckeye. Getting back to the state final game and winning my mark in Ohio football at as a running back. So “I’m thrilled,” Klein said. “It’s been my dream it is pretty much the only important goal for Klein running back has been important to me and it’s the since I was a little kid. It’s funny now sitting here and his teammates at this point. way we win the games. We run the ball and a lot is and thinking back to when I was a little kid watching “That’s our team’s goal, yeah, that’s what we expected out of me in that area. So it’s a special the Buckeyes run out on to the field and I can want to do,” Klein said. “Everyone working togethposition for me. I like them both. I love them.” remember saying ‘I want to be a Buckeye when I er, getting to a state championship game and I His future, however, at Ohio State indeed looks get older.’ mean coming away with it this time. That would like it will be on defense at linebacker but he’s not “And just thinking of that and really putting it into mean a lot to me and it would be a nice way for me completely ruling out a shot at playing running back perspective, thinking about all of the kids that sit to go out my senior season.” if he should be given the opportunity at some point there and look up to the Buckeyes, it’s something And then it would almost be time for him to offiin his career as a Buckeye. special. And they want to be a Buckeye when they cially become a Buckeye. Despite being prolific “Right now my mind is set on linebacker but if, get older. And now just to think that I’m going to be enough at running back to rush for more than 1,000 by chance, they give me an opportunity to play runin a role model situation like that is awesome. I yards in each of three years for Licking Valley, Klein ning back, I would take it in a heartbeat,” Klein said. can’t wait to be a Buckeye.” – OH

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All-Star Football Game Round Up

or the third year in a row, Ohio’s top two high school football all-star games were contested on the same day. On June 14, the 63rd annual Ohio North-South Classic was played in the afternoon at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Later that day, the 51st annual Big 33 Football Classic was played at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pa. Up until 2006, the Big 33 game – pitting an Ohio all-star team against one from Pennsylvania — had typically been played in July. But the trend toward early enrollment for incoming college football freshmen made those players ineligible to play in July, forcing Big 33 organizers to move their game to June. Over these three years, the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association tried to compromise by sending a team to Pennsylvania for the Big 33 while also playing its own North-South game that same day. But, following Pennsylvania’s 31-16 win in this year’s Big 33 game, this strategy has now led to three straight double-digit losses for Ohio. As Ohio High reported in the May edition, the OHSFCA may decide to move its North-South game to April and play it the same weekend as OSU’s spring game. That would alleviate the conflict and allow Ohio to send as many of its best available players as possible to play in the Big 33 game. But, as of press time for this issue, there was no indication when or if such a move would become official. “There is a lot of talk going on, and talks with Ohio State,” Olentangy coach Ed Terwilliger, the North-South game director, told The Columbus Dispatch. “They are trying to work out the logistics of it.” According to The Dispatch, the North-South game would have to be clearly separated from the OSU spring game, meaning it would have to be played the day before or as part of a day-night doubleheader. NCAA rules prohibit schools from promoting high school events as well. Athletes who participate in spring sports could also miss some contests or practices with those teams to prepare for the North-South game. Here is a roundup of the two major Ohio high school football all-star games for 2008:

Photo by Mark Porter

North Rides Radcliff To Win In North-South Classic

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Sherwood Fairview’s Ryan Radcliff (left) led the North to a 31-9 victory in the Ohio North-South game. The Central Michigan recruit earned MVP honors after throwing for a touchdown and running for another.

Sherwood Fairview quarterback Ryan Radcliff threw for 219 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for a score in leading the North squad to a 31-9 win over the South in the Ohio North-South Classic. Radcliff, a Central Michigan recruit, completed 15 of 21 passes and earned Most Valuable Player honors. "The (MVP) award is pretty much the team’s award," Radcliff said. "The linemen blocked amazing out there. I think I got touched only one time. Everyone did their job. It’s everyone around me, not just me." The North avenged a 50-14 throttling last year and it marks the team’s third win in the last four years of the series. The North holds a 36-23-3 advantage dating back to the game’s inception in 1946.

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STORY BY STEVE HELWAGEN & MATT NATALI

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Pittsburgh signee, threw three touchdown passes for the Keystone State squad. Pennsylvania struck first with a 93-yard touchdown drive, keyed by two Ohio personal foul penalties. Suneri capped it with a 10-yard TD pass to Jonathan Baldwin. Sunseri then found Cameron Saddler in the left flat for a catch-and-run 52-yard TD that made it 14-0. David Soldner’s 39-yard field goal made it 17-0 before Robinson blocked an Ohio punt, setting up a Mike Jones 3-yard TD run and a 24-0 halftime lead for Pennsylvania. Ohio got on the board in the third quarter as Dublin Coffman’s Steve Gardiner, headed to Michigan State, intercepted a pass by Pennsylvania’s John Laub. Quarterback Zac Dysert of Ada found Shaw for a 7-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 24-7. Westerville Central kicker Ben Buchanan, headed to Ohio State, then booted a 47-yard field goal to trim the gap to 24-10. "It felt great," Buchanan said. "Obviously you want to be accurate but when you kick em out there, 45, 50 and beyond, those are the fun ones and you live for those. So it was a good time. I enjoyed it." But Sunseri hooked up again with Saddler – this time a 79-yard scoring strike – to give Pennsylvania a commanding 31-10 lead with 9:08 left. Ohio kept plugging away and Dysert found Dublin Scioto’s Taylor Rice, who plans to walk on at Ohio State, with a 13-yard touchdown on the game’s final play. Rice said he passed up a scholarship offer from Cincinnati to play at OSU. "I'm just happy for the opportunity,” Rice said. “At first I didn't think they were even going to accept me. But I got in and now I'm going to take care of business. I've been a Buckeye my whole life and as soon as I got the opportunity," he said, "I just knew right away that's what I want to do." A two-way performer at Scioto, Rice would love to earn a scholarship during his career as a Buckeye. "I want to play at least by my sophomore or junior season," Rice said. "I'm coming in as a slot receiver, the inside receiver, and I'm going to return a couple of punts and kicks." One of the standouts for Ohio was defensive tackle Shawntel Rowell. The Ohio State-bound Rowell had five tackles, including one for a loss. Rowell looked to be in good shape as he weighed in at 274 pounds, down almost 100 pounds from his reportedly high water mark of 370 pounds. "I lost a little of myself but you know what, I came out here and enjoyed myself tonight though," said a smiling Rowell. "It's a part of the whole thing just to live and have fun and eat right. So I'm good right now with the weight I'm at. It's a new Shaq. It's fun." — OH

Ohio defenders Shawntel Rowell (#60), Steve Gardiner (#47) and Nathan Williams (#44) make a stop during the Big 33 game.

Photo by Gary Housteau

The North scored on its first possession as Radcliff connected with Euclid wide receiver Devon Jennings on an out pass from the South 12-yard line. The score put the North up 7-0 with 7:28 remaining in the first quarter. The North got on the board again early in the second quarter on fourth and goal from the South 1-yard line as Youngstown East running back Salvador Battles took the direct snap into the end zone giving the North a 14-0 lead. Mentor kicker and Pittsburgh recruit Kevin Harper connected on a 30-yard field goal with 5:02 left in the second quarter to stretch the North’s lead to 17-0. That's how it stood at halftime. The South turned the ball over on downs on its first possession of the second half giving the North the ball on the South’s 36yard line. After a pass interference call put the North on the South 21-yard line, Macedonia Nordonia quarterback Aaron Pankratz laid a pass up in the end zone for Jennings who made an acrobatic catch to put the North up 24-0. The South finally lit up the score board with 3:07 left in the third quarter on a 50-yard field goal off the foot of Gallia Academy kicker Nick Stevens. The kick capped off a 71-yard scoring drive. Down 24-3 the South got the ball back (due to being down more than 20 points) and capitalized, scoring with 11:51 left in the game. Hilliard Darby quarterback Jeremy Ebert (Northwestern) hooked up with Olentangy tight end Kenny Anunike (Duke) for a 22-yard touchdown strike. The Stevens PAT clanked off the right upright and the North held onto a 24-9 lead. Radcliff finished the scoring on 1-yard touchdown run off a bootleg with 7:38 left in the game. The South threatened late but an Ebert pass to Anunike on fourth and goal from the North’s 2-yard line fell incomplete. "We were hungry," Versailles and North head coach Bob Olwin said following the traditional Gatorade bath. "I thought we did what we came here to do. We hung together as a group and played with great effort." Anunike was named the offensive player of the game for the South. "I came in playing defense and I don’t know how I ended up getting offensive player of the game," he joked. "It’s really good. South’s Walt Stewart of Teays Valley earned defensive player of the game honors for his team while Jennings was named the North offensive player of the game. Andrew Schaetzke of Toledo St. John’s brought home defensive player of the game recognition for the North. This year marks the first time the prestigious Ohio North-South Classic was played at Ohio Stadium since 1976. The game had been played at Columbus’ Crew Stadium the last seven years. The Horseshoe will host the game for the foreseeable future, the OHSFCA announced. "It was a great venue for the game and every-

All-Star Football Game Round Up

one was gracious hosts," Olwin said. "(The Ohio High School Football Coaches Association) did a great job with the game. It was just an outstanding experience.”

Ohio Squad Suffers Third Straight Big 33 Defeat

The Pennsylvania all-stars jumped out to a 24-0 lead and cruised to a 31-16 win over the Ohio squad before an estimated crowd of 7,000 at Hersheypark Stadium. The victory was the third straight for the Pennsylvania side, which now has a 9-7 edge since the Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 series resumed in 1993. The Ohio teams were blown out the last two years (61-42 in 2006 and 28-10 last year) as the lion’s share of the state’s top available players went to the Ohio North-South Classic, which was played simultaneously with the Big 33. But the OHSFCA allowed Ohio Big 33 coach Jim Ryan of Olmsted Falls to have more access to the state’s top players. But the Ohio team struggled in dealing with strong defensive pressure from the Pennsylvania squad. “There were some situations in the first half where they took advantage of the opportunities we gave them,” Ryan said. “They did a nice job of capitalizing on those mistakes and we had to play catch-up.” The Ohio MVP was running back Michael Shaw of Trotwood-Madison, who is headed to Michigan. Shaw had a second-half touchdown catch for Ohio. The Pennsylvania MVP was Temple-bound defensive lineman Adrian Robinson, a Harrisburg product who logged three sacks and a blocked punt. “Defensively, we were tough to handle,” said Pennsylvania coach Jim Morgans of Parkland. “Our guys up front played exceptionally well.” Pennsylvania quarterback Tino Sunseri, a

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Boys Basketball Recruiting Update Photo by Nick Falzerano

Centerville senior Matt Kavanaugh is headed to the University of Dayton.

hose who associate summertime with idleness apparently don’t follow basketball. Not only does the sport climax at the professional level in June when top collegians are working toward next season or positioning themselves for the NBA draft, prep talents hopeful of landing a scholarship of their choice also use the time away from school to showcase their skills. The result is a season of unrest. High school prospects in the basketball-fertile state of Ohio are no different as already the midyear has brought lots of change. In fact, many key standouts have switched AAU allegiances and some even are leaning on transferring to other schools. With all that is in flux and with so many summer tournaments and camps in play it follows that there is movement on Ohio High’s listing of the state’s top players. “This is a real key time of the year for these kids to work on their game and show any improvements that they’ve made,” said Chris Johnson, the Ohio editor of Hoop Scoop and our resident expert in terms of rating the state’s top players. Division I college coaches will use the month of July to check in on top players with the exception of July 16-21, which has been deemed a “dead” period by the NCAA. That means the weeks ahead will be rife with opportunity for prospects to show their wares and for recruiters to zero in on talent. With no rest for the weary, we felt it was an appropriate time to again reevaluate the premier players in the state and detail what is ahead for them this summer. The following are Johnson’s up-to-date rankings (with Hoop Scoop’s national ranking of the player by class in parentheses when applicable):

Seniors-To-Be (Class of 2009)

1. Garrick Sherman, 6-10, center, Kenton – Sherman elevated to the top of this list from the No. 7 slot in our last issue and has done nothing to lose the distinction. His fantastic junior season included second-team All-Ohio

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notice in Division II and his acceptance of a scholarship offer from Michigan State. He finished the campaign averaging 23.6 points per game and right around 15 rebounds and five blocks per contest. If you’re looking for an early favorite for “Mr. Basketball” honors in the state, look no farther than Sherman, who picked the Spartans over Purdue and Notre Dame. He currently is playing with the Columbus Basketball Club 17and-under team. Among the CBC’s upcoming events are the Kentucky Hoop Fest in Louisville (July 9-13), the Triple S Harley-Davidson Hoop Group Jam Fest in Morgantown, W.Va. (July 14-16) and the Reebok Summer Championships in Henderson, Nev. (July 22-26). 2. Carl Jones, 5-11, point guard, Garfield Heights – Another junior who made a huge leap, Jones moved up 10 spots from No. 13 in midseason and remains at No. 2 after exploding for 25.7 ppg at GH. “He reached star status this season,” Johnson said. “He’s just super quick, a great ball handler and a real dangerous scoring point guard.” Jones is now lighting it up for the Ohio Basketball Club 17-and-under team. OBC has a very busy schedule upcoming, including appearances in the It Takes 5ive Classic in Cincinnati (July 6-8), the Kentucky Hoop Fest, the adidas Super 64 in Las Vegas (July 22-26) and the Double Pump Best of Summer Tournament in Los Angeles (July 27-31). 3. Drew McGhee, 6-9, center, North Ridgeville – Improved greatly this past season and shot up from No. 14 on this list last time. Skilled big man who showed last season he can hit consistently from midrange and has picked up where he left off in the off-season. McGee stars for Team CBIZ’s 17-and-under squad, which is slated to compete in the Hoosier Shootout in Indianapolis (July 6-9), the Kentucky Hoop Fest and the Reebok tourney in Nevada. 4. Robert Capobianco, 6-7, power forward, Loveland – This versatile four-man was in Johnson’s top five all season and he remains there after committing to Indiana. He is coming off a productive junior season in which he

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STORY BY JEFF RAPP averaged 21.2 ppg and pulled down 11.8 rpg. The previous season he put up 19.5 ppg and 11.3 rpg. IU has been aware of his exploits for a long time and he already shines in the state in the off-season by playing for the Indiana Elite One AAU squad. That team has several events in store including the It Takes 5ive tourney near his hometown and the Super 64 in Las Vegas. 5. Matt Kavanaugh, 6-10, center, Centerville – Already committed to the University of Dayton, Kavanaugh is now on a mission to improve his game. He averaged 20.3 ppg and was named first-team All-Southwest District last season. He’ll continue his basketball education with the All-Ohio Force, which is expected to partake in the It Takes 5ive Classic as well as two premier championship events in Kissimmee, Fla. – the AAU 17-Under Super Showcase (Gold Division, July 24-27) and the AAU Junior Boys Division I National Championship (July 27-31). 6. Bill Edwards, 6-5, wing forward, Middletown (HS, 56th) – The son of the former Wright State superstar with the same name, Edwards is receiving overtures from his dad’s alma mater, Cincinnati, Dayton, St. Louis and several MAC schools. Was named first-team All-Southwest District after scoring 17.5 ppg. Edwards has inched up two spots and could continue to rise with a standout summer. He is a teammate of Kavanaugh’s on the All-Ohio Force. 7. Desmar Jackson, 6-4, shooting guard, Warren Harding (HS, 63rd) – Another player on this list who has enough talent to vault all the way to the top, Jackson needs to show that he has a the hunger to become a great player on the hardwood. Speculation is that he still holds out hope of pursuing a career in football, especially after a fairly mediocre campaign by his standards. He averaged 14.1 ppg and was a second teamer on the Northeast Inland all-district list as a junior after pumping in 20.2 ppg the year before and receiving special mention for All-Ohio. Still, he continues to hoop and shows flashes of excellence for the King James Shooting Stars. Their 17-and-under team is scheduled to play in the Triple S tournament in West Virginia as well as the Main Event in Las Vegas (July 22-26), a premier Nike-sponsored showcase. 8. Reggie Keely, 6-7, power forward, Cleveland Heights – Many believe Keely has a high ceiling and could be a prospect to really keep an eye on this off-season. He dipped three spots on this list but continues to show impressive potential. Last season he averaged 15.3 ppg at Bedford – and was named third-team All-Northeast Lakes District – before transferring to Heights. Keely plays for one of the most successful AAU programs in the country of late, the D-1 Greyhounds. So far, the Greyhounds are signed up to play in two 17-and-under tournaments – the Triple S in Morgantown, W.Va., and the Reebok Summer Championships in Henderson, Nev. 9. Darren Goodson, 6-4, wing forward, Cincinnati Aiken – Also moved down three spots since our last listing. He is an honorable mention all-district performer who is a big reason why Aiken is now one of the most formidable teams in the state. Teamed with fellow BG commitment Cortez Howell in the backcourt as well as soph-to-be Chane Behanan in the regular season and now toils for the All-Ohio Red 17-and-under squad. Goodson previously played for the D-1 Greyhounds. With All-Ohio Red, he figures to stay plenty busy with appearances in the It Takes 5ive Classic in Cincinnati and the two 17-Under national championships in Florida at the end of July. 10. Marquis Horne, 6-7, power forward, Cincinnati Princeton – Big-time athlete who is currently considering offers from MAC schools. Will combine with classmate Orlando Williams, a talented 6-3 shooting guard, and Jordan Sibert, a 6-4 sophomore wing, to make the Vikings one of top teams in southwestern Ohio next season. Horne began the off-season playing with the AAU Worldwide Renegade Orange out of Georgia and is expected to play with the Ohio Basketball Club 17-and-under squad in July with Jones, Williams and Danny McElroy, another Cincinnati area standout. 11. Jon Smith, 6-7, power forward, Grove City – An exciting prospect who reminds some analysts of Tayshaun Prince with his thin, athletic build, long arms and ability to create mismatches on the court. “He could keep moving up as he adds strength,” Johnson said. “He’s a really quick, athletic forward.” Smith will be on display with the King James Shooting Stars. 12. Orlando Williams, 6-3, shooting guard, Cincinnati Princeton – Like

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Boys Basketball Recruiting Update Smith, Williams makes his debut on this list thanks in large part to an impressive summer so far. A natural off-guard who can shoot and slash with aplomb, he also is a great defender with long arms and a willingness to dig in on the other end of the court. With Williams in the backcourt, the Ohio Basketball Club could bring home some hardware this summer. So far, MAC schools Bowling Green and Miami are showing the most interest. 13. Danny McElroy, 6-7, power forward, Cincinnati LaSalle (HS, 46th) – McElroy seems to be in a state of flux. He made improvements in his junior season at LaSalle by averaging right around 14 points and seven boards per game after putting up averages of 10.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg. However, he is no longer verbally committed to the University of Cincinnati and, at time of print, there was speculation he would transfer to another high school for his senior season. While McElroy is again wide open with his recruiting he’s got a full summer with the Ohio Basketball Club. 14. Robert Johnson, 6-6, wing forward, Garfield Heights – Johnson could be poised for bigger things at a thriving Division I program after bolting from Bedford after last season. He meshed well with Keely at the prep level last season and so far is doing the same with Jackson and Smith on the King James Shooting Stars 17-and-under team. 15. Mario Hines, 6-7, power forward, Garfield Heights – Sat out last year due to personal issues but is expected to be back. Has plenty of talent and could be a difference-maker for GH. Looks good so far in AAU circles for the Ohio Basketball Club.

Next Five

16. Randall Holt, 5-11, point guard, Cleveland Glenville; 17. Allen Roberts, 6-2, shooting guard, Middletown; 18. Anthony Wells, 6-0, point guard Shaker Heights (committed to Cleveland State); 19. Dane Kopp, 6-9, center, Newark; 20. D.J. Cunningham, 6-10, center, Waterford.

Best Of The Rest

Committed – Zach Brown, 6-1, shooting guard, Mason (Lipscomb); Cortez Howell, 6-1, point guard, Cincinnati Aiken (Bowling Green). Uncommitted – Jared Porrini, 6-3, shooting guard, North Canton Hoover; Sheldon Brogdon, 6-1, shooting guard, Warren Harding; Daylen Harrison, 6-6, wing forward, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary; Aaron Robinson, 6-2, shooting guard, Trotwood-Madison; Ryan Siggins, 6-5, wing forward Kettering Alter; Justin Jamison, 6-8, center, Cleveland Benedictine; Lamar McKnight, 6-6, power forward, Bedford Chanel; Luke Kraus, 6-1, point guard, Findlay.

Juniors-To-Be (Class of 2010)

1. Jared Sullinger, 6-8, power forward, Columbus Northland (HS, 17th) – Sullinger simply is the best of the lot in this class, which explains why Ohio State roped him in so quickly and why he is well-regarded nationally. After accepting a scholarship offer last summer and recovering from a broken foot he has done nothing but turn into a dominant, consistent and heady frontline player. As a sophomore already under the microscope, he became a true force inside with his versatility, soft hands and rebounding prowess. He averaged 20.5 ppg and right around 12 rpg and was named first-team All-Central District and third team all-state, the only soph to make any of the first three teams in Division I. His steady production has continued in the All-Ohio Red AAU program. Sullinger is good enough to play with the 17-and-under team and he’s also an invitee to Amare Stoudemire’s skills camp for budding power forwards. However, he wants to pursue an AAU national title at the 16-and-under level after leading All-Ohio Red to the 15-and-under championship last summer. His 16-and-under team will compete in the It Takes 5ive Classic in Cincinnati as well as the Super Showcase (July 22-24) and the 16-Under Division I National Championship (July 25-30), both in Kissimmee, Fla. 2. Adreian Payne, 6-9, center, Dayton Jefferson – Many Buckeye fans are hoping the long-armed Payne will join his AAU teammate Sullinger in the 2010 recruiting class. An impressive athlete with a long wingspan and developing touch around the basket, Payne continues to make progress, although he’s missed some action this summer after suffering a strained hip flexor while running track for his high school team. When healthy and paired with Sullinger he provides All-Ohio Red with a very formidable presence inside. Payne averaged 15.4 ppg at Division IV Jefferson last season and was

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All-Star Football Game Round Up named first-team All-Southwest District. OSU is still in pursuit along with Dayton, Xavier, Indiana, Cincinnati and West Virginia. 3. Juwan Staten, 5-10, point guard, Dayton Thurgood Marshall (HS, 79th) – Enjoyed an eyeopening sophomore season by scoring 23.6 ppg and being named first-team all-district in Division II. A confident lead guard who knows how to run his team. Yet another standout for All-Ohio Red, the cat-quick Staten was slowed early in the AAU season with a nasty ankle sprain but he has made a full recovery. A University of Dayton commitment and player worth following closely. 4. Jordan Sibert, 6-4, wing forward, Cincinnati Princeton – Is there any mystery why All-Ohio Red is so tough to beat? Along with well-rated teammates Sullinger, Payne and Staten, Sibert adds yet another dimension with his fearless play from the wing. He is on top of his game and clearly is one of the fast-rising prospects in the entire state. Several major programs are now courting Sibert. 5. Cameron Wright, 6-3, shooting guard, Cleveland Benedictine – Reviews have been mixed on Wright’s off-season showing so far but few doubt he has the raw ability to play and exceed at the next level. A versatile and dynamic athlete with good size and all-around skill, Wright averaged 18.5 ppg and earned first-team honors in the Northeast Lakes District. That was after he committed to Ohio State in November. Wright now is in a leading role for the King James Shooting Stars 16-andunder squad, which, like the 17-and-under team, will compete in the Triple S tournament in Morgantown and the Main Event in Las Vegas. 6. J.D. Weatherspoon, 6-6, wing forward, Columbus Northland – The young man they call “Spoon” keeps dishing out highlight-reel type baskets and rejections to his competition, and he’s earned a jump up from the No. 8 hole. His new position on this list gives the All-Ohio Red 16-and-under team a starting five that ranks in the top six of the 2010 class. High-flying, energetic wing who specializes in crowd-pleasing dunks but also manages to make lots of clutch plays. 7. Allen Payne, 6-5, wing forward, Cincinnati Winton Woods – Sinewy wing who appears fully recovered from a knee injury suffered last year. Averaged 12.9 ppg and earned third-team all-district honors. Payne is a standout for the Queen City Prophets team that has a full AAU slate in July, including the It Takes 5ive Classic, the Triple S, the Super Showcase and the 16-Under Nationals. 8. Nick Kellogg, 6-2, point guard, Columbus DeSales (HS, 43rd) – Son of former Ohio State star Clark Kellogg who averaged 10.0 ppg as a frosh and more than doubled that total this past season by producing 22.1 ppg for the Stallions. Strong and highly competitive lead guard. Second-team all-state in Division II. Kellogg heads up the Team CBIZ 16-and-under team that will play in the Hoosier Shootout, the Kentucky Hoop Fest and the Reebok extravaganza in Nevada at the end of July. 9. Griffin McKenzie, 6-8, center, Cincinnati Moeller – Will inherit a prime role next season for one of the state’s best programs. Until then, he’s a fixture for the All-Ohio Force team that will play in the It Takes 5ive Classic, the Super Showcase and the 17-Under Nationals. 10. Anton Hutchens, 6-3, shooting guard, Lima Senior – Recorded 18.5 ppg as a soph and was named second-team all-Northwest district in Division I. Yet another talented, athletic off-guard to play for the D-1 Greyhounds.

Next Five

11. Todd Mayo, 6-3, shooting guard, South Point; 12. Mark Henninger, 6-7, power forward, Massillon Jackson; 13. Ralph Hill, 6-6, wing forward, Westerville North; 14. Craig Sealy, 6-7, power forward, Columbus Brookhaven; 15. Geron Johnson, 6-3, shooting guard, Dayton Dunbar.

Best Of The Rest

Uncommitted – Barry Cobb, 5-9, point guard, Cincinnati North College Hill; Storm Stanley, 6-9, center, Toledo St. Francis; Aaron Ashley, 6-3, shooting guard, Cleveland Heights; Brook Turson, 6-3, shooting guard, Plymouth; Courtney Avery, 5-11, point guard, Lexington; Kenny Knight, 6-6, power for-

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Photo by Nick Falzerano

ward, Cincinnati Winton Woods; Jordan Hicks, 6-2, shooting guard, West Chester Lakota West; Aaron Craft, 6-2, point guard, Findlay Liberty-Benton; Greg Gainey, 6-4, wing forward, Trotwood-Madison; Derek Jackson, 6-0, point guard, Cleveland Benedictine.

Sophomores-To-Be (Class of 2011)

1. Chane Behanan, 6-6, power forward, Cincinnati Aiken – Just as Sullinger is the clear-cut top choice among juniors-to-be, Behanan is an easy selection as top dog here. “He’s having a great spring and summer and just Thurgood keeps getting better,” Johnson said. Marshall Powerful but able to adjust in mid-move to oncoming junior Juwan defenders, Behanan continues to develop an admirable touch around the rim and is an improving Staten has passer and outside shooter. He made huge strides at committed to Aiken with talented guards around him, averaging a Dayton. whopping 20.2 ppg and he’s been similarly forceful for the Ohio Basketball Club 15-and-under team that also features three other members of this class. OBC’s 15s have a full slate in July beginning with the It Takes 5ive Classic in Cincinnati (July 6-8), the Three Stripes Classic in South Bend, Ind. (July 913), the Triple S Harley-Davidson Hoop Group Jam Fest in Morgantown, W.Va. (July 14-16), the adidas Super 64 in Las Vegas (July 22-26) and the Double Pump Best of Summer Tournament in Los Angeles (July 27-31). 2. James Price, 6-10, center, Lakewood St. Edward – Price debuted on this list in the last issue of Ohio High at No. 5 on untapped ability and already has shot up to No. 2 with a very eye-opening start to his summer basketball ventures. Price is dominating at the 15-and-under level for the King James Shooting Stars. That team is slated to vie for the title at the 15-Under Nationals in Cincinnati (July 12-16) as well as the Michigan Mustangs tournament later in the month. 3. Stevie Taylor, 5-8, point guard, Gahanna Lincoln – Cat-quick point who gained major experience by garnering quality playing time for the Lions. Already well-regarded nationally despite his diminutive frame. Honorable mention all-district in Division I. Currently the trigger man for the Ohio Basketball Club 15-and-under squad. 4. Paul Honigford, 6-8, power forward, Sugarcreek Garaway – The son of former Buckeye Jim Honigford, Paul has a high upside considering his size and comfort in facing the basket. Knocks down 15-footers with regularity and improving as a defender and rebounder. Averaged 10.4 ppg as a frosh at Garaway, which reached the Division II state title game. Another star for OBC. 5. Kirby Wright, 6-7, wing forward, Liberty Twp. Lakota East – Fits right in with an imposing OBC frontcourt. Physical performer who can do the dirty work as well as score and move the ball.

Next Five

6. Markus Crider, 6-5, wing forward, Huber Heights Wayne; 7. Jehvon Clark, 6-1, shooting guard, Canton Timken; 8.Vinnie Zollo, 6-7, power forward, Greenfield McClain; 9. Traevon Jackson, 6-2, shooting guard, Westerville South; 10. Trey Burke, 5-10, point guard, Columbus Northland.

Best Of The Rest

Uncommitted – Richard Johnson, 5-7, point guard Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary; Will Weeks, 6-4, wing forward, Richfield Revere; Anton Grady, 6-6, power forward, Cleveland Central Catholic; Chauncey Orr, 6-3, wing forward, Bowling Green; Cheatum Norrils, 5-10, point guard, Toledo St. John’s; Brandon Neel, 6-3, wing forward, Cincinnati LaSalle; Jakarr Sampson, 6-6, power forward, Solon; Anthony Strothers, 6-4, wing forward, Middletown; Jared Bryant, 6-7, center, Cincinnati Roger Bacon; Aaron Thomas, 6-4, wing forward, Cincinnati Aiken; Travis Trice, 5-9, point guard, Huber Heights Wayne; DeVonte Beard, 6-1, point guard, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary; Cameron Lee, 6-3, shooting guard, Liberty Township Lakota East; Mike Boyd, 5-9 point guard, Liberty Township Lakota East. — OH For more updates on Ohio’s top prospects and those nationally, check out Chris Johnson’s work at hoopscooponline.com

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