Ohio High Football Playoff Preview 2009 by Eric Frantz

Volume 7

Issue 3

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

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

Photography

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

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

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Division I Preview & Predictions

Division II Preview & Predictions

Division III Preview & Predictions

Division IV Preview & Predictions

Division V Preview & Predictions

Division VI Preview & Predictions

Cleveland St. Ignatius searching for state title No. 11; Southwest Ohio will be major player again

Wide open? A total of 10 former state finalists in field. Mooney, Steubenville, Dover, Wyoming, Columbus DeSales, Watterson and other studs in the fold

Can anyone beat Kettering Alter? Knights repeat?

You want wide-open? D-V might just be it. Coldwater, Anna, Cuyahoga Heights, Patrick Henry...who survives? Defending state champion Delphos St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has won 17 straight games...can they make it 22?

Coldwater and senior QB Keith Wenning (Ball State) are looking for thier second state title in thre years.

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Division I Playoff Preview

STORY BY MATT NATALI

Photo by Brian Swartz

Cincinnati Moeller and quarterback Andrew Hendrix (Notre Dame) are looking for the school’s first state title since 1985.

JJHUDDLE.COM

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Division I Playoff Preview

DIVISION I

St. Ignatius looking for state title No. 11

Southwest region loaded again with St. Xavier, Elder, Moeller, Anderson and Lakota West all in the mix

GOING FOR 11 Cleveland St. Ignatius won a record tenth state title in school history last season – its first title since 2001. No. 11 could very well be of the repeat nature. Ranked No. 1 in the final Ohio High Power Poll and 8th in the country according to USA Today, Ignatius (10-0) passed every test this season with a schedule that included wins over playoff teams Cleveland Glenville, Massillon Washington and Cincinnati St. Xavier. Ignatius has a 24-game winning streak heading into the postseason and is coming off a 28-0 win over rival Lakewood St. Edward. Pittsburgh recruit Mark Myers leads the efficient Ignatius offense under center while Ohio State linebacker recruit Scott McVey is the anchor on defense. Though Iggy is the top-seed in Region I, Youngstown Boardman is a tough first round draw, however I expect the Wildcats to advance and meet Glenville in the second round in a rematch of the season-opener. Glenville will be the toughest test for Ignatius in the region. Last season, Glenville defeated Ignatius in the regular season but the Wildcats returned the favor in the second round of the playoffs. Look for Ignatius to get a season sweep on the way to the regional finals and to the state tournament.

REGIONAL FINAL RIVALRY GAME? Canton McKinley upended rival Massillon last week 35-21 to back into the playoffs. It was the first Bulldogs win over the Tigers dating back to 2005 when McKinley beat Massillon in the season finale as both teams were undefeated at the time. Massillon (7-3) beat McKinley (6-4) in the regional finals that season on the way to a state runner up finish. McKinley’s road to the regional final is a bit tougher than Massillon’s with Toledo Whitmer, Canton GlenOak and Wadsworth on its side of the bracket.

REGIONAL FINAL RIVALRY GAME? PART 2 Dublin Coffman edged Hilliard Davidson 10-7 in Week 8 to claim the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division. “We will play them again,” Davidson head coach Brian White told his team after the game.If White is correct, the Coffman vs. Davidson rematch would kickoff in the Region 3 Finals. Davidson (8-1) won the state title in 2006 and Coffman (8-1) was a state semifinalist in 2007.

NEW YEAR, NEW DIVISION, SAME RESULT Cincinnati Anderson jumped up to Division I this season after finishing state runnerup last season in Division II and state champ in 2007. The Redskins (10-0) had solid wins over playoff teams Columbus St. Francis DeSales and Cincinnati Winton Woods but could face its toughest test of the season against West Chester Lakota West and Ohio High’s top senior Jordan Hicks. Anderson’s road to the state tournament is more challenging this season in a vaunted Region 4 that includes St. Xavier, Cincinnati Moeller, Cincinnati Elder, Centerville, Huber Heights Wayne and Middletown.

DARKHORSE: HUBER HEIGHTS WAYNE After a 3-3 start to the season that included losses to Glenville, Troy and Clayton Northmont, Wayne reeled off four straight wins to close the season, including big wins over Centerville and Springfield to get into the playoffs. Behind Ohio High’s top-ranked junior Braxton Miller under center, the Warriors have a lot of momentum heading into the postseason and will give Elder everything it can handle in the opening round.

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h io H i g h

Here’s how JJHuddle and Ohio High Managing Editor Eric Frantz and Assistant Editor Matt Natali see D-VI playing out.

Eric Says...

Matt Says...

Region 2 Quarterfinals Whitmer over Canton McKinley Wadsworth over GlenOak Twinsburg over Brunswick North Canton Hoover over Massillon Washington Semifinals Whitmer over Wadsworth Hoover over Twinsburg Final Whitmer over Hoover

Region 2 Quarterfinals Canton McKinley over Whitmer Twinsburg over Brunswick Massillon Washington over North Canton Hoover GlenOak over Wadsworth Semifinals GlenOak over Canton McKinley Massillon over Twinsburg Final Massillon over GlenOak

Region 1 Quarterfinals St. Ignatius over Boardman Solon over Euclid Mayfield over Parma Glenville over North Royalton Semifinals St. Ignatius over Glenville Solon over Mayfield Final St. Ignatius over Solon

Region 3 Quarterfinals Dublin Coffman over Springfield Westerville South over Olentangy Liberty Hilliard Davidson over Lancaster Pickerington Central over Pickerington North Semifinals Coffman over Westerville South Pickerington Central over Hilliard Davidson Final Coffman over Pickerington Central

Region 3 Quarterfinals Dublin Coffman over Springfield Westerville South over Olentangy Liberty Hilliard Davidson over Lancaster Pickerington Central over Pickerington Nort Semifinals Coffman over Westerville South Hilliard Davidson over Pickerington Central Final Coffman over Hilliard Davidson

Region 4 Quarterfinals St. Xavier over Centerville Elder over Huber Heights Wayne Moeller over Middletown Lakota West over Anderson Semifinals St. Xavier over Elder Moeller over Lakota West Final Moeller over St. Xavier

Region 4 Quarterfinals St. Xavier over Centerville Moeller over Middletown Lakota West over Anderson Huber Heights Wayne over Elder Semifinals St. Xavier over Huber Heights Wayne Moeller over Lakota West Final St. Xavier over Moeller

STATE CHAMPION: Cincinnati Moeller

STATE CHAMPION: Cleveland St. Ignatius

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Division II Playoff Preview

DIVISION II

Wide Open? Yep... and deeply stocked Six former state champions and four runners-up among D-II’s 32 teams; Region 7 is a meat grinder

NOT THE FIRST TIME TO THE RODEO Though Division II appears to be wide open, the playoffs do feature six former state champions, including Mentor Lake Catholic, Aurora, Toledo St. Francis DeSales, Toledo Central Catholic, Avon Lake and Columbus Brookhaven. There are also four schools that have finished state runner-up. Of course, Aurora (8-2) won its first state title last season in Division III and the Greenmen will try their hand in Division II and a stout Region 5. Avon Lake (7-3), Brookhaven (8-2) and Toledo Central Catholic (8-2) won state championships from 2003-05, respectively, with Avon Lake finishing runner up to Brookhaven in 2004. Canfield (9-1), Louisville (10-0) and Trotwood-Madison (7-3) have also finished state runner-up, respectively. Mentor Lake Catholic (9-1) has won three state championships in school history, including back-to-back titles in 1991-92. The Cougars (9-1) last hoisted the trophy in 2001 and are in good position to end that drought this season. MLC is making its 17th postseason appearance after missing the playoffs last year. If anything is guaranteed, though, there will not be a repeat state champion in Division II. Sylvania Southview, which defeated Cincinnati Anderson last season for the trophy, moved up to Division I. The Cougars missed the Division I, Region 2 postseason.

LOUISVILLE THE TEAM TO BEAT? The Leopards finished state runner-up to Anderson in 2007 and is in great position to make the trip back to Massillon. Louisville had a perfect regular season against a schedule that had seven teams finish with winning records. Logan (10-0), which finished Ohio High Power Poll champions, will be the toughest test for Louisville in Region 7. I look for these two teams to tangle in the regional final. PANTHERS ON THE PROWL Maumee (9-1) makes its first playoff appearance since 2004 after qualifying the four previous season before that. The Panthers have a five-game winning streak following a loss to Whitehouse Anthony Wayne in Week 5. The Maumee defense has allowed just nine points per game in the second half of the season, including a shutout, and will need to continue its locking down its opponents to get through a tough Region 6. DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN Wilmington (7-3) makes its third playoff appearance in school history coming off a 26-14 loss to Cincinnati Turpin (10-0) in the regular season finale. Up next: Cincinnati Turpin. The Hurricane will travel to Turpin this week to take on a Spartans team that is averaging nearly 35 points per game. It is the fourth straight playoff appearance for Turpin.

DARKHORSE: TOLEDO ROGERS Though it is only the third playoff appearance in school history for Rogers and its first since 2005, don’t count out the Rams. Granted, Region 6 is probably the toughest to get out of in Division II but Rogers (9-1) has allowed just 5.5 points per game since the Week 4 loss to Toledo Whitmer. Toledo City Athletic League foes Central Catholic and St. Francis will be the biggest hurdles for the Rams in the region.

JJHUDDLE.COM

STORY BY MATT NATALI Here’s how JJHuddle and Ohio High Managing Editor Eric Frantz and Assistant Editor Matt Natali see D-VI playing out.

Eric Says...

Matt Says...

Region 6 Quarterfinals Toledo St. Francis over North Ridgeville Maumee over Avon Lake Toledo Central Catholic over Rocky River Maple Heights over Toledo Rogers Semifinals Toledo St. Francis over Maumee Toledo Central Catholic over Maple Heights Final Toledo Central Catholic over Toledo St. Francis

Region 6 Quarterfinals Toledo St. Francis over North Ridgeville Toledo Central Catholic over Rocky River Toledo Rogers over Rocky River Maumee over Avon Lake Semifinals Toledo St. Francis over Maumee Toledo Rogers over Toledo Central Catholic Final Toledo St. Francis over Toledo Rogers

Region 5 Quarterfinals Mentor Lake Catholic over Ravenna Canfield over Aurora Warren Howland over Medina Highland Ashland over West Geauga Semifinals Mentor Lake Catholic over Canfield Ashland over Warren Howland Final Mentor Lake Catholic over Ashland

Region 7 Quarterfinals Louisville over Marion-Franklin Olentany Orange over Tri-Valley Logan over Canal Winchester Brookhaven over Walnut Ridge Semifinals Louisville over Orange Logan over Brookhaven Final Logan over Louisville

Region 8 Quarterfinals Turpin over Wilmington Trotwood-Madison over Mount Healthy Winton Woods over Hamilton Ross Tecumseh over West Carrollton Semifinals Trotwood-Madison over Turpin Winton Woods over Tecumseh Final Winton Woods over Trotwood

STATE CHAMPION: Logan

Region 5 Quarterfinals Mentor Lake Catholic over Ravenna Warren Howland over Medina Highland West Geauga over Ashland Aurora over Canfield Semifinals Mentor Lake Catholic over Aurora Warren Howland over West Geauga Final Mentor Lake Catholic over Warren Howland

Region 7 Quarterfinals Louisville over Marion-Franklin Logan over Canal Winchester Brookhaven over Walnut Ridge Olentangy Orange over Tri-Valley Semifinals Louisville over Olentangy Orange Logan over Brookhaven Final Louisville over Logan

Region 8 Quarterfinals Turpin over Wilmington Winton Woods over Hamilton Ross Tecumseh over West Carrollton Trotwood-Madison over Mount Healthy Semifinals Turpin over Trotwood-Madison Winton Woods over Tecumseh Final Turpin over Winton Woods

STATE CHAMPION: Louisville

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Photo by Gary Housteau

Division II Playoff Preview

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Undefeated Louisville is looking for its second state final apppearance in three years.

JJHUDDLE.COM

Division III Playoff Preview

STORY BY MATT NATALI

Photo by Gary Housteau

Youngstown Mooney senior RB Braylon Heard (West Virginia) and the rest of the Cardinals are looking for their fifth state final appearance in six years.

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Division III Playoff Preview

DIVISION III

Mooney, Steubenville and other studs in fold Columbus DeSales, Watterson, Wyoming and Dover add depth; Chaminade Julienne back in the dance

BUSINESS AS USUAL Youngstown Cardinal Mooney will be aiming for its fifth state championship game in six years when the Division III postseason kicks off Friday. Mooney (10-0) has answered every challenge this season against one of the most brutal schedules in the state regardless of Division. Mooney recorded big wins over playoff teams Youngstown Boardman, Columbus St. Francis DeSales, Mentor Lake Catholic, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, Youngstown Ursuline and Columbus Bishop Watterson an dthis season marks the eighth undefeated regular season in program history. Mooney fields a fundamentally sound team putting up over 35 points per game and allowing just under two touchdowns. Running back Braylon Heard, who is a West Virginia recruit, has over 1,000 yards rushing and in an offense that has tallied over 2,500 total yards. Though Mooney is the heavy favorite to come out of Region 9, the task won’t be easy with the likes of Akron SVSM, Poland Seminary Akron Hoban and Hubbard all qualifying for the postseason. Mooney last reached the title game in 2007 where the Cardinals finished Division IV runners-up. Mooney has won six state titles in school history with the last coming in 2006. A state title this season would tie Mooney with Cincinnati Moeller for third place for all time championship behind Newark Catholic (8) and Cleveland St. Ignatius (10). ROLL RED ROLL Speaking of recent success, Steubenville will be aiming for its third state title game since 2005. The Big Red (9-1) won the Division III title in 2005 and the Division IV title in 2006 and is on the hunt for its fourth championship in school history. This season marks the ninth straight postseason appearance for Steubenville and 22nd over all. The Big Red saw a 68-game regular season game winning streak come to an end in Week 9. REGIONAL FINAL RIVALRY GAME? PART 3 Columbus DeSales has a four-game winning streak over rival Columbus Watterson including last year’s 20-17 win in the playoffs and this season’s 17-10 win in Week 7 for the Central Catholic League title. DeSales (7-3) got off to a slow start against a Mooney-like schedule starting off the season 2-2. But the Stallions bounced back to go 5-1 after that start. Watterson (7-3) finished the season 2-2 against top competition and that experience should help the Eagles.

BACK IN THE DANCE Dayton Chaminade Julienne is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2005.The Eagles (8-2) got some help from a forfeit win over Dayton Thurgood Marshall and got good wins over Division I Troy in the season-opener and Division II Dayton Carroll. Monroe (8-2) is a tough draw for CJ in the first round and should the Eagles soar on, Cincinnati Wyoming and Circleville Logan Elm appear to be the biggest hurdles in Region 12. CJ won a Division II state championship in 2002. DARKHORSE: DOVER Though Dover is a playoff regular, the Tornadoes could be the sleeper team to escape a brutal Region 11 that includes Steubenville, Canal Fulton Northwest (7-3) and Rayland Buckeye Local (8-2). Division II playoff qualifier Canfield handed Dover (9-1) its only loss of the season as the Tornadoes dished out Ashland, New Philadelphia and Dresden Tri-Valley their only losses of the season. The win over century-old rival New Philadelphia last week kept the Quakers out of the postseason.

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Here’s how JJHuddle and Ohio High Managing Editor Eric Frantz and Assistant Editor Matt Natali see D-VI playing out.

Eric Says...

Matt Says...

Region 10 Quarterfinals Columbus DeSales over Bryan Tippecanoe over Sandusky Perkins Watterson over Bellefontaine Napoleon over Eastmoor Semifinals Columbus DeSales over Tippecanoe Watterson over Napoleon Final Col. DeSales over Watterson

Region 10 Quarterfinals Columbus DeSales over Bryan Watterson over Bellefontaine Eastmoor over Napoleon Tippecanoe over Sandusky Perkins Semifinals Columbus DeSales over Tippecanoe Watterson over Eastmoor Final Col. DeSales over Watterson

Region 9 Quarterfinals Youngstown Mooney over Mogadore Field Hubbard over Medina Buckeye Poland over Akron SVSM Akron Hoban over Padua Fraciscan Semifinals Mooney over Hubbard Hoban over Poland Final Mooney over Hoban

Region 11 Quarterfinals Steubenville over Alliance Marlington Granville over Salem Dover over Harrison Central Buckeye Local over Canal Fulton Northwest Semifinals Steubenville over Granville Dover over Buckeye Local Final Steubenville over Dover

Region 9 Quarterfinals Youngstown Mooney over Mogadore Field Poland over Akron SVSM Akron Hoban over Parma Padua Franciscan Hubbard over Medina Buckeye Semifinals Mooney over Hubbard Poland over Akron Hoban Final Mooney over Poland

Region 11 Quarterfinals Steubenville over Alliance Marlington Dover over Harrison Central Canal Fulton Northwest over Buckeye Local Granville over Salem Semifinals Steubenville over Granville Dover over Canal Fulton Northwest Final Steubenville over Dover

Region 12 Quarterfinals Goshen over Springfield Shawnee Logan Elm over New Richmond Cincinnati Wyoming over Eaton Chaminade Julienne over Monroe Semifinals Logan Elm over Goshen Wyoming over CJ Final Wyoming over Logan Elm

Region 12 Quarterfinals Springfield Shawnee over Goshen Cincinnati Wyoming over Eaton Chaminade Julienne over Monroe Logan Elm over New Richmond Semifinals Logan Elm over Shawnee CJ over Wyoming Final Logan Elm over CJ

STATE CHAMPION: Youngstown Mooney

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Division IV Playoff Previews

STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Kettering Alter and junior quarterback Zane Pitzer is looking to defend their D-IV state title

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Division IV Playoff Previews

DIVISION IV

Who can stop Alter from repeating?

Knights just completed fourth straight undefeated regular season (on the field); Genoa Area defense ridiculous

CAN ANYONE BEAT KETTERING ALTER? Few schools in the state can match Ketttering Alter’s recent run. The Knights have won 41 straight regular season games on the field (they had to forfeit their first two wins last year for playing an ineligible player) and have been to the playoffs nine straight years. They’re also looking to defend their D-IV state title and make the state championship game for the third time in four years. Although gone from last year’s team are Chris Borland (Wisconsin) and Austin Boucher (Miami, Ohio) a new corps of standouts has emerged. Junior Zane Pitzer has successfully inherited the QB spot from Boucher, and senior DB Cody Byers (Wisconsin) is this year’s defensive leader. Head coach Ed Domsitz is a playoff veteran. The Knights, ranked No. 1 in the D-IV Power Poll, completed an undefeated season Friday with a 21-0 win over rival Chaminade Julienne. It was the Knights ninth straight win over the Eagles to end the regular season. CJ did beat Alter in the 2004 playoffs. As to who could beat Alter in the playoffs this year – that list is small. In their own region, Region 16, Kenton or Clinton-Massie, who they’ll likely meet in the regional final pose the biggest threats to the Knights. After that the list includes Genoa Area, Amanda-Clearcreek, Ironton and maybe the biggest hurdle – Chagrin Falls. WHO ELSE WANTS TO SEE AMANDA-CLEARCREEK PLAY IRONTON? Hopefully the Aces and Tigers meet in the Region 15 final - Ron Hinton vs Bob Lutz…state titles vs state titles…tradition vs tradition. This game would have it all – including some serious smash-mouth football…both running and hitting. Ironton has been to eight state finals and has two titles, while A-C has been to five state finals and has two titles. Combined the schools have 41 postseason trips. Did we mention Lutz is the state’s all-time leader in coaching wins? GENOA AREA FOR REAL The Comets are 33-3 in their last 36 games, which covers the start of the 2007 season until now. In the three year run prior to that, Genoa was a combined 8-22. The Comets turnaround can be credited to defense. This year Genoa has allowed 24 points and has seven shutouts. Over the last three years Genoa has 12 shutouts.

CHAGRIN FALLS BEATING GOOD TEAMS No one can look at Chagrin Falls’ record and not give the undefeated Tigers props. Chagrin Falls has beaten six teams with winning records and one that finished 5-5. They’ve also downed playoff teams Peninsula Woodbridge (D-IV), Aurora (D-II) and West Geauga (D-II). The fact that the Tigers also survived the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division – which produced D-III state champion Aurora last year – says a lot as well. No wonder the Tigers are the No. 1 seed in Region 13. DARKHORSE: MARTINS FERRY The Purple Riders would have to run a gauntlet that more than likely will include undefeateds Girard and Chagrin Falls just to get out of Region 13, but if defense is any indicator, it could be done. Martins Ferry has allowed 73 points all year and is four points away from being undefeated. The Purple Riders have posted four shutouts.

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Here’s how JJHuddle and Ohio High Managing Editor Eric Frantz and Assistant Editor Matt Natali see D-VI playing out.

Eric Says...

Matt Says...

Region 14 Quarterfinals Galion over Pemberville Eastwood Genoa Area over Milan Edison Orrville over Clearfork Ottawa-Glandorf over Wooster Triway Semifinals Genoa Area over Orrville Ottawa-Glandorf over Galion Final Genoa Area over OttawaGlandorf

Region 14 Quarterfinals Galion over Pemberville Eastwood Ottawa-Glandorf over Wooster Triway Genoa Area over Milan Edison Orrville over Clearfork Semifinals Ottawa-Glandorf over Galion Genoa Area over Orrville Final Genoa Area over OttawaGlandorf

Region 16 Quarterfinals Clinton-Massie over Waynesville Kettering Alter over Jonathan Adler North College Hill over Carlisle Kenton over Valley View Semifinals Kenton over Clinton-Massie Alter over North College Hill Final Alter over Kenton

Region 16 Quarterfinals Clinton-Massie over Waynesville Kenton over Valley View Kettering Alter over Plain City Jonathan Alder North College Hill over Carlisle Semifinals Kenton over Clinton-Massie Alter over North College Hill Final Alter over Kenton

Region 13 Quarterfinals Chagrn Falls over Campbell Memorial Girard over CVCA Martins Ferry over Peninsula Woobridge Akron Manchester over Cortland Lakeview Semifinals Chagrins Falls over Manchester Martins Ferry over Girard Final Chagrin Falls over Martins Ferry

Region 15 Quarterfinals Amanda-Clearcreek over Alexander Ironton over Sparta Highland Heath over Zane Trace Coshocton over West Muskingum Semifinals Amanda-Clearcreek over Coshocton Ironton over Heath Final Ironton over Amanda-Clearcreek

STATE CHAMPION: Kettering Alter

Region 13 Quarterfinals Chagrin Falls over Campbell Memorial Cortland Lakeview over Akron Manchester Girard over CVCA Martins Ferry over Peninsula Woodridge Semifinals Chagrin Falls over Lakeview Martins Ferry over Girard Final Chagrin Falls over Martins Ferry

Region 15 Quarterfinals Amanda-Clearcreek over Albany Alexander Coshocton over Zanesville West Muskingum Ironton over Sparta Highland Heath over Zane Trace Semifinals Amanda-Clearcreek over Coshocton Ironton over Heath Final Amanda-Clearcreek over Ironton

STATE CHAMPION: Kettering Alter

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Division V Playoff Previews

DIVISION V

Youngstown Ursuline makes it back in Irish beat SVSM in Week 10 to solidify bid; Region 20 is a gauntlet of who’s who; Oak Hill as a darkshore?

URSULINE IN – LIBERTY-BENTON OUT Had defending state champion Youngstown Ursuline not beaten Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the season finale (the Irish rallied for a 38-24 rout), the D-V playoffs might have been without both teams that appeared in last year’s state final. Findlay Liberty-Benton, last year’s runner-up, was knocked out of the postseason with a 27-21 loss to Leipsic on Friday. The Irish and Eagles have had similar season where they’ve had to overcome the loss of a star. Ursuline has played this year without Ohio State recruit Jamel Turner who is currently enrolled at and playing for Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy. Liberty-Benton lost the services of All-Ohio senior quarterback Aaron Craft when he decided not to come out for football his final high school season. Craft, an Ohio State basketball recruit, was the D-V offensive player of the state in Ohio last season. No doubt Ursuline will again be a threat to defend their state title. The Irish’s only losses are to Pittsburgh Central Catholic (PA), Mentor Lake Catholic and Cardinal Mooney.

REGION 20 WREAKS OF TRADITIONAL POWER CONFERENCES The Region 20 playoffs are a whose-who of the state’s top football conferences. Three teams – Coldwater, Anna and St. Henry – are from the Midwest Athletic Conference. Bishop Ready is from the Central Catholic League. West Jefferson is from the Mid-State League. Hamilton Badin is from the Greater Catholic League. Those four conferences have combined for 44 state football titles.

REGION 20 ALSO SMELLS LIKE D-V’S DEEPEST See above for starters. That being said, Coldwater spent most of the season at No. 1 in the D-V Power Poll. A late season loss knocked them to No. 3, but the Cavs are one of five teams in Region 20 in the final Power Poll (Coldwater No. 3, West Liberty-Salem No. 6, West Jefferson No. 8, Anna No. 9 and St. Henry No. 10). That also doesn’t include the other standout teams – Richwood North Union (10-0), Bishop Ready (8-1) and Hamilton Badin (7-3).

CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS IS ROLLING The Redskins defense is arguably the best in D-V. Heights has allowed 43 points all year and has six shutouts. Of those points, 30 cam in two games – wins over Beachwood and Kirtland. In the other eight games Heights allowed an average of 1.6 points. Offensively the Redskins are averaging 42 points per game.

DARKHORSE: OAK HILL An undefeated team as a darkhorse? Yes. I don’t know how many people had the Oaks penciled in as an undefeated playoff team before the season started, but they are a team that’s there and still flying a little under the radar. Located in Jackson County in Southeastern Ohio, Oak Hill has dominated its opponents. The Oaks have allowed 63 points all year, while averaging 39 points per game. Oh yeah, Oak Hill also knows how to perform well in the spotlight. The Oaks won the D-IV boys basketball state title in March. Their girls basketball team was D-IV state runner-up.

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STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ Here’s how JJHuddle and Ohio High Managing Editor Eric Frantz and Assistant Editor Matt Natali see D-VI playing out.

Eric Says...

Matt Says...

Region 18 Quarterfinals Patrick Henry over Northwood Ashland Crestview over Hillsdale Defiance Tinora over Sherwood Fairview Lima Central Catholic over Hicksville Semifinals Patrick Henry over Crestview Lima Central Catholic over Tinora Final Patrick Henry over Lima Central Catholic

Region 18 Quarterfinals Patrick Henry over Northwood Hillsdale over Ashland Crestview Defiance Tinora over Sherwood Fairview Lima Central Catholic over Hicksville Semifinals Patrick Henry over Hillsdale Lima Central Catholic over Tinora Final Patrick Henry over Lima Central Catholic

Region 17 Quarterfinals Cuyahoga Heights over Apple Creek Waynedale Indedpendence over Gates Mills Hawken Columbiana Crestview over East Palestine Youngsotwn Ursuline over Garfield Heights Trinity Semifinals Cuy. Heights over Independence Ursuline over Crestview Final Ursuline over Cuyahoga Heights

Region 20 Quarterfinals St. Henry over North Union West Jefferson over West Liberty-Salem Coldwater over Hamilton Badin Anna over Bishop Ready Semifinals West Jefferson over St. Henry Coldwater over Anna Final Coldwater over West Jefferson

STATE CHAMPION: Coldwater

Region 17 Quarterfinals Cuyahoga Heights over Apple Creek Waynedale Gates Mills Hawken over Independence Columbiana Crestview over East Palestine Youngstown Ursuline over Garfield Heights Trinity Semifinals Cuy. Heights over Hawken Ursuline over Crestview Final Cuy. Heights over Ursuline

Region 19 Quarterfinals Fredericktown over Caldwell Wheelersburg over Monroe Central Oak Hill over Dawson-Bryant Ridgewood over Minford Semifinals Fredericktown over Wheelersburg Ridgewood over Oak Hill Final Fredericktown over Ridgewood Region 20 Quarterfinals St. Henry over North Union West Jefferson over West Liberty-Salem Coldwater over Hamilton Badin Anna over Bishop Ready Semifinals St. Henry over West Jefferson Coldwater over Anna Final Coldwater over St. Henry

STATE CHAMPION: Patrick Henry

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Division V Playoff Previews

Photo by Scott Grau/www.nwoprepsports.com

Senior RB Justin Buenger is Northwest Ohio’s leading scorer and has Patrick Henry in contention for a state title.

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Division VI Playoff Preview

STORY BY ERIC FRANTZ

Photo by Nick Falzerano

Junior RB Jordan Leininger is one reason Delphos St. John’s is unbeaten and rolling towards a second straight D-VI state title.

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Division VI Playoff Preview

DIVISION VI

Can anyone unseat Delphos St. John’s? Defending champion Blue Jays have won 17 straight games; Region 21 is the state’s toughest

CAN ANYONE BEAT DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S? Last season Delphos St. John’s rebounded from a 2-8 season to go 13-2 and claim its fifth D-VI state title in somewhat shocking fashion. This year no one will be shocked if the Blue Jays repeat. Returning most of last year’s team, DSJ has extended its winning streak to 17 games heading into next week’s Region 24 quarterfinals. In fact the Blue Jays accumulated enough computer points to be a playoff team in any Division I region as well. During the season DSJ has beaten some very good teams including playoff squads Coldwater, St. Henry, Defiance Tinora and Lima Central Catholic. The Jays also claimed their first Midwest Athletic Conference title since 2001 this season – thanks in part to a key 27-20 win over Coldwater. Junior RN Jordan Leininger has over 1,000 yards rushing, while senior QB Wes Ulm has over 1,000 total yards (500 rushing/600 passing). Defensively, junior LB Chris Pohlman (with over 90 tackles) leads the way. St. John’s only has one shutout this season but has allowed just 87 points all season and no more than 20 in a game (to Coldwater). REGION 21 IS THE TOUGHEST This eight-team gauntlet has three undefeateds (Bucyrus Wynford, Norwalk St. Paul and McDonald) and three 9-1 teams (Dalton, Mogadore and Berlin Center Western Reserve). Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, which has won this region the last two years en route to back-to-back state runner-up finishes, is also in at 8-2. The entrant with the worst record? Warren JFK which comes in at 7-3 with losses to playoff teams Warren Howland, Girard and Hubbard (combined 28-2). WHO IS THE FAVORITE IN REGION 23? This is the only region in D-VI without an undefeated team (Region’s 21 and 22 each have three). In fact, Region 23 only has three teams that are 9-1 (Malvern, Bridgeport and Grove City Christian).

CAN MARION LOCAL WIN REGION 24? Yes. The Flyers have done it several times before and even did it as a No. 8 seed before (went all the way to 2003 title game). Granted, a 5-5 record isn’t one the Flyers would have wanted before the season, but it’s good enough to get them into the postseason where everyone is 0-0. And a win over Anna certainly solidifies them as a regional and state title contender.

WHO CAN SERIOUSLY CHALLENGE DSJ? A couple teams. In their own region (Region 22), the Blue Jays have potential roadblocks in Carey, Ada, Leipsic and Fremont St. Joe’s. Others who could walk away with the title instead of DSJ? Whoever survives Region 21. DARKHORSE: LEHMAN CATHOLIC The Cavaliers have been on the verge of the state finals the last couple years. In 2007, Lehman lost in the regional finals. Last year they fell in the state semifinals. Lehman looks like the best team in Region 24 again (other than maybe Marion Local). The question is do they take the next logical step in their progression and make that state final? The ability to run the ball and stingy defense are two good strengths to have in the postseason and Lehman has both.

JJ Hu d d l e ’ s O h i o H i g h

Here’s how JJHuddle and Ohio High Managing Editor Eric Frantz and Assistant Editor Matt Natali see D-VI playing out.

Eric Says...

Matt Says...

Region 22 Quarterfinals Delphos St. John’s over Arlington Ada over Cory-Rawson Carey over Columbus Grove Fremont St. Joseph over Leipsic Semifinals St. John’s over St. Joseph Ada over Carey Final St. John’s over Ada

Region 22 Quarterfinals Delphos St. John’s over Arlington Fremont St. Joseph over Leipsic Ada over Rawson Cory-Rawson Carey over Columbus Grove Semifinals St. John’s over St. Joseph Ada over Carey Final St. John’s over Ada

Region 21 Quarterfinals McDonald over Hopewell-Loudon Norwalk St. Paul over Berin Center Western Reserve Warren JFK over Mogadore Bucyrus Wynford over Dalton Semifinals Wynford over McDonald St. Paul over Warren JFK Final Wynford over St. Paul

Region 23 Quarterfinals Malvern over Symmes Valley Columbiana over Shadyside Zanesville Rosecrans over Grove City Christian Bridgeport over Tuscarawas Central Catholic Semifinals Malvern over Bridgeport Columbiana over Rosecrans Final Malvern over Columbiana

Region 21 Quarterfinals Hopewell-Loudon over McDonald Bucyrus Wynford over Dalton Norwalk St. Paul over Berlin Center Western Reserve Warren JFK over Mogadore Semifinals Wynford over Hopewell-Loudon St. Paul over Warren JFK Final St. Paul over Wynford

Region 23 Quarterfinals Malvern over Symmes Valley Tuscarawas Central Catholic over Bridgeport Columbiana over Shadyside Grove City Christian over Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans Semifinals Malvern over Tuscarawas CC Columbiana over GC Christian Final Columbiana over Malvern

Region 24 Quarterfinals Ansonia over Covington Lockland over Fort Loramie Waynesfield-Goshen over South Charleston Southeastern Marion Local over Lehman Catholic Semifinals Lockland over WaynesfieldGoshen Marion Local over Ansonia Final Marion Local over Lockland

Region 24 Quarterfinals Ansonia over Covington Marion Local over Lehman Catholic Fort Loramie over Lockland Waynesfield-Goshen over South Charleston Southeastern Local Semifinals Marion Local over Ansonia Waynesfield-Goshen over Fort Loramie Final Marion Local over Way.-Goshen

STATE CHAMPION: Delphos St. John’s

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