Noah Tester Wauseon High School Quartet brings Hunter Prince Edgerton High School glory to NWOAL 8

Ryley Spangler Leipsic High School Prince chasing history 14 Rhamy double trouble for foes 17 ‘Grant’ed golden ticket 20

Nate Miller Bryan High School DC’s band of brothers 23 Pioneer-ing a football future 26

TJ Rhamy Patrick Henry High School Team previews on 28 area high schools along with regional colleges and NFL teams. Cade Polter Fairview High School

Trevor Speice Wayne Trace High School

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About Us

By Lynn Groll Black Swamp Edition of Touchdown Publications Publisher

When I started on this publication in late May, the thought of producing the 41 articles that make up this publication in a little over two months seemed daunting, to say the least. Thankfully, this area - formerly known as The Great Black Swamp - sports a contingent of wonderful coaches that are cooperative and easy to work with. A few I want to thank especially. Napoleon coach Tory Strock is one of the finest men I know. At the drop of the hat, Tory is always willing to lend his support. A year ago, Defiance College brought in heralded college coach Manny Matsakis, who instantly changed the dynamic of DC football and the Defiance community. We instantly became close friends and his expertise has been immensely beneficial in this endeavor. I also want to thank good friend Tony Haynes for helping on the marketing side of this magazine. A tireless worker, Tony was and will continue to be a key cog in this publication. Our graphic designer Jessica Relyea also put her heart and soul into this first edition of Black Swamp Football. She’s toiled away at putting this magazine together early in the morning until late into the night. Football has deep roots in these parts and it means a ton to me. Simply put, I’m a football fan. I’m not doing this because I couldn’t find another job, I’m doing this because I love football and want to see it prosper through my lifetime and generations and generations after. While game has changed somewhat - as you will see in a couple of the feature stories - from 20-plus years ago, football is still revered in these parts. Case in point was a late Sunday night in July when legendary local coaches John Downey, Rex Lingruen, Mark Emans and Bill Inselmann sat at my dinner table telling football stories for a piece on the “Glory Years of the NWOAL” that is included in this year’s publication. For a high school football fanatic in this area, what an unforgettable night. It was an honor sitting in their presence and having nearly a combined 1,000 wins between them. We all owe them some gratitude for making football what it is in the Black Swamp area. Without football greats like them, this publication wouldn’t have ever been possible. Keep an eye out for more from The Black Swamp Edition of Touchdown Publications. Along with a weekly Monday night show at Frickers in Defiance, we will also be producing weekly podcasts. I want to wish all our area football players a healthy and successful 2019 autumn. Feel free to get in touch with me at: [email protected]

Lynn Groll Publisher [email protected]

Jessica Relyea Layout and Design [email protected]

Tony Haynes Advertising Director Defiance, Ohio (419) 630-5084 blackswampfootball.com [email protected] 6 Index

Local Stories High Schools Quartet Brings Glory to NWOAL..... 8 Antwerp...... 39 NWOAL Playoff History...... 13 Archbold...... 42 Prince Chasing History...... 14 Ayersville...... 45 Rhamy Double Trouble for Foes..... 17 Bryan...... 48 ‘Grant’ed Golden Ticket...... 20 Columbus Grove...... 51 DC’s Band of Brothers...... 23 Defiance...... 54 Pioneer-ing a Football Future...... 26 Delta...... 57 Edgerton...... 60 Edon...... 63 NFL Evergreen...... 66 Fairview...... 69 Cleveland Browns...... 30 Hicksville...... 72 Detroit Lions...... 31 Hilltop...... 75 Holgate...... 78 Leipsic...... 80 NCAA Liberty Center...... 83 Montpelier...... 86 Defiance College...... 32 Napoleon...... 89 Ohio State...... 35 Ottawa-Glandorf...... 92 Michigan...... 36 Pandora-Gilboa...... 95 Bowling Green...... 37 Patrick Henry...... 98 Toledo...... 38 Paulding...... 101 Stryker...... 104 Swanton...... 107 ck Swa Look for weekly podcasts of la mp B Lynn Groll and Tony Haynes with Tinora...... 110 past and present area football Wauseon...... 113 greats via the Black Swamp Football Podcast on ITunes and Wayne Trace...... 116 football the Podcast app. Big Twenty Two...... 120

7 QUARTET BRINGS GLORY TO NWOAL When history “I’d call it Hamler because they at Montpelier, it was overwhelming to books are opened, (Patrick Henry) didn’t like to be me.” there is no way to called Hamler, so I’d always call them Downey and Lingruen are already in miss them. Hamler PH,” added a joking Lingruen. Ohio High School Football Coaches Legacies etched in “Because Deshler would get upset and Association Hall of Fame with the highest annals of Malinta would get upset. Hansbarger, who passed away in 2014. Ohio prep football. “Don’t forget about Grelton,” jumped “My goal was to beat Archbold and if Say Rex, JD, Coach in Downey. we could compete with Archbold, we I or Emans, and Said Lingruen: “If you ever looked at could beat anybody at that time,” said pigskin fans around northwest Ohio the programs from the state, it always Lingruen. “That’s how we practiced to and the Buckeye State will immediately said Hamler PH. I’d call them Hamler do that. I loved the competition. For recognize the “Big 4” of the illustrious and people would go nuts over that. me, it was great because I couldn’t Northwest Ohio Athletic League I’m laughing about it and it just made play anymore and I loved coaching and (NWOAL). the rivalry better.” competing against the other coaches The quartet of Liberty Center’s Rex Lingruen’s shenanigans are well and teams. It was putting your kids Lingruen, Archbold’s John Downey, known. One year at an NWOAL in position to compete against those Wauseon’s Mark Emans and Patrick meeting, Lingruen referred to Downey teams and coaches. Henry’s Bill Inselmann are responsible as Gene Wilder, due to his resemblance “Dave Hansbarger was part of that for four of the six state championships to the famous actor. and I loved that man,” continued won by programs from this area. “We’re our harshest critics. I Lingruen. “You had to be ready every Thanks to their contributions on single week.” the gridiron, they’ve helped provide think you’d all three agree. Montpelier started the NWOAL’s football memories in these parts that I don’t have any regrets. I prowess under Hobe Krouse, father of will live on forever. didn’t call the play because current Tinora mentor Kenny Krouse. Their contributions off the field I didn’t think it was going to The Locomotives played in the 1973 include the propensity to roast each Class-A state championship game other any chance they get, especially work.” at Ohio Wesleyan, falling 27-7 to Downey and the fun-natured Lingruen. John Downey Middletown Bishop Fenwick. “Let’s just say, Rex and I don’t keep Their coaching resumes are nothing Six years later, Downey entered the anything in,” said Downey. “I had fun to laugh about. NWOAL as headman at Archbold and the whole time.” Downey (222-99 from 1979-2008), brought immediate success. Lingruen loved the rivalry against Lingruen (253-104 from 1985-2016), However, the season finale in 1979 Patrick Henry and never missed a Inselmann (222-77 from 1991-2013 ended in maddening fashion. Lima chance to stoke the flames. and 2016-present) and Emans (172-144 Central Catholic rallied from a 27-3 “They’d do interviews for the paper overall; 11-25 at Arcadia from 1986-89, second-half deficit, sealed by a 90-plus and I liked to kid around,” explained 118-99 at Wauseon from 1990-2010 yard run in the final minutes. Lingruen, with a grin growing on and 43-20 at Lake from 2013-18) have “We were outscored something his face. “I’d always say some stuff combined for a 869 triumphs. That like 90-20 in the fourth quarter that that was tongue in cheek and they’d number will grow with Inselmann still season,” explained Downey. “We knew (media) just jump on that. It was a great coaching at PH. as a staff that we weren’t very good in rivalry and the fans hated each other “I was overwhelmed to be honest,” the fourth quarter. We knew we had to for the most part. said Inselmann, of what it was like in condition better.” Inselmann and Lingruen remained the NWOAL when he started coaching His second team in 1980 had a close though. in 1991. “I was not ready to be a season-changing and program- “We always got along, so I laughed coach. To coach against John and Rex, changing moment during the first day at that,” stated Lingruen. “Some of (Swanton coach) Dave (Hansbarger) of hitting. A young sophomore by the those people just hated me and I’m and Mark (was unbelievable). Then you name of Doug Newman set the tone just kidding about stuff. had Cliff Hite at Bryan and Dick DeWitt for what was to come that fall and 8 future autumns. the playoffs, but LC missed out on the Despite Bumb graduating in the Downey used a drill called “bull in fourth and final playoff berth in D-V by spring of 1992, Montpelier made the the circle” during his early years. A 0.888 computer points. playoffs that fall for the first time since player was placed in the middle of the Archbold rolled through the 1973 and fell 8-7 to Elyria Catholic in team and when Downey called another postseason, culminating in a 42-14 the first round of the playoffs. player’s name, he would run in for a pasting of Mogadore in the state head-to-head clash with the “bull.” championship at Ohio Stadium in With senior Guy Burkholder playing Columbus, which marked the first the role of the bull, Downey called football state championship from this on Newman to take on the veteran. area. Newman came in and made a perfect With the standard set, Emans joined hit on Burkholder, planting the senior the NWOAL fray in 1990 and Inselmann on his back. the fall after that. “From then on, you could just see the The ensuing seasons can only be whole team thinking, ‘you better strap defined as football at its finest in the up for practice,’” said Downey, roaring NWOAL, as Friday night league games with laughter. “That loss (to LCC) and turned legendary. that hit were probably the two things Thanks to supremely talented teams that got us going.” and head coaches that were larger than life, the league evan became “I wonder how many kids have iconic around the state. Bill Inselmann given up on football because Downey’s reign on the league also they didn’t like getting tackled began shifting with the arrival of Meanwhile, Lingruen was building a in third and fourth grade in a lot Lingruen, Emans and Inselmann. From monster at LC and Emans was on the 1980-90, Downey’s teams were 80-8 in cusp of something special in Fulton of our cities. So are you telling NWOAL games. County. me that we know who our best After winning the league in 1990, it The Tigers made just their second football players are going to took the Bluestreaks 20 years to win playoff appearance and first since 1980 be in third, fourth, fifth and their next one. during the 1991 season. Liberty bowed With Archbold and Swanton already out in the second round of the ‘91 sixth grade? Nope! The MAC established as powers going into the playoffs. LC advanced a round further (Midwest Athletic Conference) 90s, the rest of the NWOAL had its to the state semis in 1992 with current schools, most of them don’t work cut out for themselves. Napoleon head coach Tory Strock at have fifth and sixth grade tackle “I think it was the physicality and the controls of the offense. that starts with the head coach,” said “Liberty Center was the most physical football. It’s the most dominant Emans, of what made the league so team and I still think they are to this conference in the state.” special. “I think the head coach breeds day,” said Bumb, who remains in Bill Inselmann the physicality to his players. Rex was football as a football analyst for 100.9 The 1980 Streaks advanced to the in the Wing T, John was in the double- WBNO in Bryan. “They always had kids Division IV state semifinal before tight T and Dave Hansbarger ... I was that came at you and hit you. dropping a 35-7 decision to Cincinnati in awe of the physicality because I tried “Tory was outstanding, he was so Mariemont. to coach that with my kids.” good,” continued Bumb. “Talk about The 1982 Streaks’ squad went a During the late 80s and early 90s, a guy that could’ve thrown the ball step further, playing for the D-IV state Montpelier started a push to become for many a record. All they did was championship at Springfield’s Evans a power in the league. The Rose the waggle (passing play) five times a Stadium against West Jefferson. A family was a big part that move, led game. But, man, he had a hose (big monsoon made the playing conditions by patriarch Bob who was a 1968 arm) on him. Before him was Ben miserable and the Bluestreaks suffered Archbold grad. He played football at Leatherman and he was a really good a devastating 6-0 loss. the University of Toledo with Downey quarterback.” The 1985 season marked the arrival on their great teams of 1969-71 that Strock and the Tigers lost in the state of Lingruen at LC. After taking their went 35-0. semifinals in 1992 to St. Henry. lumps for a couple seasons, Lingruen’s Rose started a rigorous weight While 1992 finished in disappointment physical style of play started taking program at Montpelier in the late 80s for Montpelier and LC, the 1993 season over in 1988. and the work began paying off. Behind was setting up to be one for the ages. Undefeated Archbold and unbeaten senior quarterback Mike Bumb, the By this time, Inselmann was feeling LC met in the 1988 season finale at Locomotives missed the 1991 playoffs pretty good about his team’s chances. Spengler Field in a quagmire, won by a slim 0.5 computer points. But the Patriots weren’t quite ready to 23-6 by the Streaks. “The I-formation was innovative join the league’s giants. The two titans nearly met again in then,” said Bumb. Along with a talented senior class,

9 Emans also sported a standout junior remember saying, ‘we’re never going championship.” class going into the 1993 season. to beat John Downey or Rex or Mark But tragedy struck on the first snap, The clash with Downey’s team at or Dave ... we’ll never win.’” as a missed block allowed a Crusaders’ Archbold was one of the highlights All three of the NWOAL teams won defender to come charging through from that campaign. their opening playoff encounters to the line and force a fumble that “All I can remember is at halftime start off the ‘93 playoffs. Steubenville CC recovered, instantly you would go back to some kind of ripping LC’s hearts out. pool and the two teams aren’t very far “All I can remember is at Wauseon ran the table again the apart,” recalled Emans. “John’s in there halftime (of 1993 game at NWOAL in 1994 and lost 21-14 in with the door opened and he’s giving Archbold) you would go back overtime to Orrville in the regional his kids the business. He had our kids to some kind of pool and the championship. scared and we were up by three or four Hansbarger’s Bulldogs claimed their scores and all my kids could do was sit two teams aren’t very far apart. first NWOAL crown since 1991 during there and listen to John getting after John’s in there with the door the ‘95 season with a perfect 8-0 his kids.” opened and he’s giving his kids record. The regular season featured dynamite the business. He had our kids The ‘96 season finally signaled dustups and Wauseon at the top of the Inselmann’s arrival as an upcoming heap at 8-0 in league frays, earning scared and we were up by three legend in the storied conference. the Indians their first-ever playoff bid or four scores and all my kids Hansbarger’s Swanton team was in D-III. Meanwhile, behind the play of could do was sit there and listen the favorite going into the season, marquee back David Rose, Montpelier to John (Downey) getting after powered by the guard-tackle combo of returned to the playoffs for the second Nate Bolling and Matt Fisher. Bolling straight year in D-IV at 9-1 — the his kids.” earned a scholarship to Wake Forest only loss coming to Wauseon. Liberty Mark Emans and played in the NFL for the Dolphins Center lost to both Wauseon and Montpelier then got clipped in the and Ravens. Montpelier, but still recorded enough regional championship by eventual But it was PH that blitzed an 8-0 computer points to earn a bid into the state runner-up Huron, while LC path through the league to earn D-V postseason. cruised over Crestline and Wauseon its first playoff trip since Inselmann Inselmann and his Patriots on the rallied past powerful Wooster Triway. quarterbacked the 1977 Patriots to other hand, lost consecutive weeks to The Tigers bruised Sidney Lehman the postseason, where they dropped a the playoff trio and missed the playoffs Catholic 34-7 in the state semifinals and 21-7 game to Ashtabula St. John in the at 7-3. Wauseon dispatched of Youngstown state semifinals. “My first four years, I switched Ursuline that was laden with future The game had changed plenty during offenses every year,” said Inselmann. “I Division-I college players on a snow- the 19 seasons between PH playoffs was not ready to be a coach, but one covered George Finnie Stadium in berths. thing I did was sat back and learned Berea, 13-7. “When I played, they had a tray of from them. I will always be appreciative The Indians went into the final salt tablets by the weight scale where of these guys (Downey, Lingruen and seconds of their state championship you’d weigh in. Coach (Bob) Bauerle Emans) because it was baptism by fire tilt with Ironton tied at 10-10 and said, ‘you want to be good? You take a for me.” Collin Lane lining up for a field goal. salt tablet between practices.’ So you’d The autumn of ‘93 left Inselmann He missed the kick but was roughed, weigh in and you know kids, ‘oh, I’m dejected. and Lane redeemed himself with no taking two,’” emphatically explained “I remember our staff had a time on the clock by kicking the game- Inselmann. “We’d take two salt tablets, conversation,” said Inselmann. “I winning field goal. sit there in between (practices) and LC lost a heartbreaker in the D-V then go out to practice and wonder final to Steubenville Catholic Central. why we couldn’t breath. We now know The Tigers tied the game in the final that was the worst thing you could do. seconds of regulation on a touchdown You talk about toughness, at the end of grab by former Hicksville coach Charlie practice, coach Bauerle made you run Bostelman. The Tiger defense then a mile with your helmet on, after you’d held the Crusaders to a field goal eaten two salt tablets.” to start overtime. At that moment, Downey’s practices while a player Lingruen was positive his team was for Napoleon legend Charles going to win the state title with an Buckenmeyer consisted of the same offensive play he was sure was going concept with salt tablets. to go for a touchdown. Asked Downey of Inselmann: “You “We had a play that I knew was going only took two tablets? We’d take a to be a touchdown,” said Lingruen. “I whole handful. We’d lose six, seven or Rex Lingruen Photo courtesy of Shelby Gerken. knew we were going to win the state eight pounds during practice.”

10 The 1997 season was another classic. which knocked out power Rex Lingruen Photo courtesy of By this time, PH and LC were hated to the stadium. Shelby Gerken. rivals. The game became so intense When the game started, it was referred to as a holy war in the Donnel Stadium was two communities: “The Henry County covered in several inches Jihad.” of snow from a storm “I remember some of our fans and earlier in the week. With a players saying, ‘what’s a jihad?’ They perfect gridiron canvas for had to look it up,” said Inselmann. the hyped game, the first The two games between LC and PH half was as advertised. were nothing to laugh about in ‘97. LC PH took a 14-13 lead built a double-digit lead on its home into the intermission as all- turf over the Patriots midway through Ohioan Tony Hiser caught the season but were unable to hold a deflected Hieber pass a mucky field in the state semifinals at off Inselmann’s explosive offense just before halftime to give PH the Lima Bath, resulting in a 13-0 loss. A led by D-V Offensive Player of the lead. sideways rain and the mud grounded Year Bryan Hieber. Driving late in the The final 24 minutes became an LC PH’s prolific passing attack. The game game, the Patriots were deep in LC clinic. The Tigers scored 27 unanswered was the only state semifinal for any territory with one second remaining points in the second half and romped division that November played on a on the clock. Tiger fans and players to a 40-14 win. field that wasn’t turf. erupted when a Hieber pass hit the They blasted Applecreek Waynedale St. Henry’s 35-7 domination of grass at Tiger Stadium, but a pass in the state semis, 44-8, and then Amanda Clearcreek did little to curb interference penalty on the Tigers hammered Amanda Clearcreek, 49-8, Inselmann and PH’s heartache a week allowed Hieber one more chance. He in the state championship. later, knowing they should’ve been found Lee Creager in the end zone on Liberty became the first team in any celebrating a state title instead of the an untimed down to rally the Big Red division to win a state championship by Redskins. to a 46-44 triumph. The game was beating four undefeated teams in the “That’s one regret I have is that team quickly dubbed “The Greatest Game playoffs and also the No. 1, No. 2 and didn’t get the chance to play for a in NWOAL history.” No. 3 ranked teams along the way. state championship,” said Inselmann. LC lost just one NWOAL game over “I didn’t know what to tell the kids “They’d do interviews for the the next four years, posting a 31-1 after that game, it was taken out of our paper and I liked to kid around. mark in four NWOAL seasons, with the hands having to play on that field.” I’d always say some stuff that only loss coming to Evergreen in 1999. Under the guidance of LC native Mike Lingruen’s Tigers lost in the 1998 was tongue in cheek and they’d Vicars, Delta also became a player in state championship to Versailles, fell the NWOAL race starting in 2000, (media) just jump on that. It was 35-28 to St. Henry in the 1999 state earning co-league championships with a great rivalry (Liberty Center semifinals, suffered a 31-30 white- PH in 2002 and 2006. The Panthers vs. Patrick Henry) and the knuckler loss to Bedford St. Peter went to the playoffs every year from Chanel in the state semifinals in 2000 fans hated each other for the 2000-06 except the 2005 season. and then lost 24-0 to Marion Pleasant Their longest postseason run was in most part. “I’d call it Hamler in 2001. 2003 when they played in the state because they (Patrick Henry) With LC’s run over, PH climbed to the semifinals. didn’t like to be called Hamler, top of the NWOAL mountain. From Times have changed since PH’s state 2002-11, PH was 75-5 in NWOAL so I’d always call them Hamler championship in 2005, as no area games. Inselmann’s crew won the team has won a state championship PH. Because Deshler would get NWOAL outright five times in the since. Wayne Trace’s 2013 team is the upset and Malinta would get stretch with 8-0 league marks, while lone local team to play in the state sharing three more league crowns with championship since PH won it all. upset.” a 7-1 league record. Rex Lingruen Inselmann misses the days when fans The Patriots made playoff forays packed the stands. Thankfully, fans didn’t have to wait every year from 2002-12, the longest “I will never forget when you’re until 1998 for a rematch of the Henry run ever for an NWOAL program. walking out with your special teams an County neighbors. The Tigers and Highlighting the stretch was a 2005 hour and a half before games and the Patriots resumed their rivalry in the Division V state championship. The stands are roaring,” said Inselmann, second-round of the 1997 D-V playoffs title is still a little bittersweet for “because the stands were full. in Findlay. However, players and fans Inselmann, because his 2004 team was “Do you remember those days?” had to wait almost two hours after the also probably the best in the state. asked Inselmann, looking at Lingruen, expected kickoff due to a car backing However, the Patriots played who replied, “Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, into an electric pole just before kickoff, eventual state champion St. Henry on yeah.” 11 Emans believes sportsmanship has “I had a kid play football and his them. changed. dad made the great quote: ‘I spend “Pressure is self-inflicted,” stated “Rex didn’t try to put 60 on you if $50,000 on AAU basketball so I can Inselmann. “We are our own worst he was better than you,” said Emans. spend $50,000 a year so he can go to critics. Those parents don’t need to tell “Same with Bill or John, if they were up college,” said Downey. “We have so me one thing, I know what I could’ve 45 points. I think there was more class many quitting football because they done better the day after.” 15-20 years ago. I don’t know, maybe have to play fall baseball or they gotta Inselmann has the regret of not I’m all wet. Maybe it’s the offenses now get ready for basketball or they’re enjoying the journey more. and the way the offenses are run. We afraid they’re going to get hurt or they “I think one regret that I have is I wish scored 60 on Swanton one time and I have to go to wrestling or I have to do I would’ve enjoyed it more along the felt terrible about it.” this or I have to go to that. way,” admitted Inselmann. “Being my Another aspect that has changed “Parents try to specialize their kids,” second tenure, I said, Bill, if you’re according to the quartet is that kids are added Downey. “You cannot tell me a coming back, you’re going to enjoy less likely to stick with football if they’re parent knows what their kid is going to it more. You’re not going to get as not getting playing time right away. be good at 8, 9 or 10 years old.” wound up, just enjoy the ride. Accept “If a sophomore lettered, that was Downey played everything he could you’re doing your best and let it go. I’m quite an accomplishment,” said during his time at Napoleon High doing a better job of that, but I wish I Downey of his coaching days. “Now, School. would’ve done a better job earlier. just about everybody is playing “People always asked me what my “(Former Defiance coach) Jerry Buti freshmen and starting sophomores. I favorite sport was,” said Downey. “In had a good saying, added Inselmann. always said for every sophomore you winter it was basketball, then it became “He said, ‘‘The highs didn’t get as high, started, you lost a game. Now it’s for wrestling, spring was track and then but the lows got lower.’” every freshman you start you lose a summer was swimming and fall was Emans agreed with his colleague. game, because the numbers are not football.” “The losses eat you up,” he said. anywhere near what they were.” Noted Lingruen: “The college “You think during the week what you Inselmann points to the change in recruiters want the three-sport could’ve done different. I hated the parenting. athletes.” losses and I should’ve enjoyed the “I think part of that is parenting at Tackle football at a young age is also wins more, I agree with Bill there.” home,” said Inselmann. “I think parents a sore subject with the group. They also pointed to family support have changed a lot. They say, ‘if you’re “Going back to what John said as a huge key to their success. not going to play, it’s not worth it.’ about more is not better is football “You can’t do it without a good wife,” “It did not used to be that way,” starting younger: tackle football,” said said Lingruen. added Inselmann. “I used to have Inselmann. “I wonder how many kids Lingruen’s wife, Kaye, was a pillar for upper 40s in the top three grades all have given up on football because the LC legend before her passing in the time (on the roster). Now we’re at they didn’t like getting tackled in 2013 at the age of 64. 45 in all grades.” third and fourth grade in a lot of our “To show how dedicated Kaye was,” Instant gratification has become a big cities. So are you telling me that we explained Inselmann. “Before we had part of today’s society. know who our best football players are exchange of films by hitting a button, “They want that instant success and going to be in third, fourth, fifth and you had to physically take it to a don’t want to pay their dues,” said sixth grade? Nope! location. Rex and I would always meet Lingruen. “The MAC schools, most of them at (Henry County state routes) 109 and Downey would like to see less games don’t have fifth and sixth grade tackle 6. Kaye was with him every Saturday across the board in all sports. football,” continued Inselmann. “It’s morning, doggone it. That’s a coach’s “Everybody is operating with the the most dominant conference in the wife right there.” mindset that more is better,” said state.” “She never came to our film Downey. “More is not better. We don’t Downey and Lingruen have no regrets exchanges,” said Downey, staring need to play more basketball games, about their days on the sidelines. at Lingruen, anxiously awaiting his we don’t need to play more soccer “We’re our harshest critics,” said cohort’s response, while Emans and games, we don’t need to be playing Downey. “I think you’d all three agree. Inselmann busted out in laughter. more baseball games. We shouldn’t I don’t have any regrets. I didn’t call “She liked Bill,” quipped Lingruen, be playing more football games, to be the play because I didn’t think it was with the laughter intensifying. quite honest. Fifteen football games is going to work.” Entwined by football greatness, their a lot to ask out of a high school kid. Lingruen had the time of his life reputations need little descriptions, “Football falls into the same thing,” coaching LC football. their contributions to the game of added Downey. “7-on-7 and more and “I enjoyed it the whole time,” said football are endless and they defined more ... I’m just telling you, more is not Lingruen, while stating he wishes he what football in the Black Swamp area better.” could’ve spent more time with his is all about: tough, physical and hard- The quartet is also not a fan of kids daughters, Brooke and Brandi. working, with plenty of fun mixed in. specializing in one sport. The losses still eat at each one of

12 State Champs NWOAL Playoff HIstory

Delta 56, Urbana 20 1997 Patrick Henry 44, Liberty-Benton 27 ARCHBOLD Coldwater 41, Delta 35 Liberty Center 21, Marion Pleasant 19 Marion Local 42, Patrick Henry 20 2017 2003 Liberty Center 40, Patrick Henry 14 2006 Archbold 23, Indian Lake 14 Delta 31, Huron 28 Liberty Center 44, Applecreek Fairview 52, Patrick Henry 49 Marion Pleasant 28, Archbold 24 Delta 28, Urbana 20 Waynedale 8 2005 2012 Delta 16, Coldwater 14 Liberty Center 49, Amanda Clearcreek 8 Patrick Henry 34, Elmwood 31 Columbia 39, Archbold 34 Versailles 28, Delta 7 Division V State Champions Patrick Henry 41, Wayne Trace 6 2010 2002 1993 Patrick Henry 56, Bucyrus Wynford 35 Archbold 49, Northwood 0 Delta 14, Rossford 6 Liberty Center 45, McComb 23 Patrick Henry 48, North Lima South Lima Central Catholic 35, Archbold 14 Archbold 16, Delta 13 Liberty Center 42, Crestline 19 Range 28 2008 2001 Liberty Center 34, Sydney Lehman 7 Patrick Henry 42, Cincinnati Hills Archbold 26, Liberty Center 6 Castallia Margaretta 34, Delta 14 Steubenville Catholic 17, Liberty Center 14 Christian Academy 30 Liberty-Benton 42, Archbold 10 2000 (OT) Division V State Champions 2007 Sandusky Perkins 50, Delta 6 Division V State Runner-up 2004 Liberty-Benton 45, Archbold 13 1992 Patrick Henry 42, Tinora 13 2002 Liberty Center 7, Columbus Grove 6 Patrick Henry 45, Liberty-Benton 32 EVERGREEN Liberty Center 30, Fremont St. Joesph 8 Patrick Henry 41, Liberty Center 27 Archbold 20, Ottawa-Glandorf 6 1984 St. Henry 28, Liberty Center 6 St. Henry 13, Patrick Henry 0 Archbold 16, Delta 13 Collins Western Reserve 14, Evergreen 13 Kenton 52, Archbold 0 1991 2003 1990 Liberty Center 43, Marion Elgin 18 Patrick Henry 20, Liberty-Benton 13 Springfield Central Catholic 30, Liberty Patrick Henry 51, Lorain Clearview 24 Archbold 23, Ayersville 13 LIBERTY CENTER Center 28 Delphos St. Johns 41, Patrick Henry 7 Archbold 34, Minster 7 2018 Sandusky St. Marys 14, Archbold 0 Liberty Center 24, Miami East 21 1980 2002 1989 Liberty Center 14, Oak Harbor 0 Tiffin Calvert 40, Liberty Center 19 Delphos St. Johns 40, Patrick Henry 7 Versailles 33, Archbold 12 Liberty Center 43, Genoa 40 2000 1988 Orrville 38, Liberty Center 7 MONTPELIER Liberty Center 40, Patrick Henry 7 Archbold 42, Fremont St. Joe 8 2016 1993 1997 Archbold 37, Monroeville 24 Liberty Center 28, Colonel Crawford 20 Montpelier 27, Otsego 14 Patrick Henry 28, Columbus Grove 14 Archbold 20, Minster 0 Patrick Henry 21, Liberty Center 3 Huron 13, Montpelier 6 Liberty Center 40, Patrick Henry 14 Archbold 42, Mogadore 14 2012 1992 1996 Division V State Champion Liberty-Benton 16, Liberty Center 7 Elyria Catholic 8, Montpelier 7 Elmore Woodmore 45, Patrick Henry 27 1987 2011 1973 1977 Archbold 21, Otsego 7 Liberty Center 28, Carey 0 Montpelier 19, Newark Catholic 8 Astabula St. John 21, Patrick Henry 7 Archbold 3, Huron 0 Patrick Henry 21, Liberty Center 7 Middletown Fenwick 27, Montpelier 7 Gates-Mills Hawken 21, Archbold 14 2008 Class A state runner-up SWANTON 1982 Archbold 26, Liberty Center 6 2016 Archbold 31, Rossford 6 2007 PATRICK HENRY Swanton 40, Northwestern 22 Archbold 17, Wellington 0 Patrick Henry 50, Liberty Center 6 Creston Norwayne 28, Swanton 21 West Jefferson 6, Archbold 0 2006 2018 McComb 45, Patrick Henry 21 2015 Division IV State Runner-up Hopwell-Loudon 42, Liberty Center 22 2016 Swanton 38, Applecreek Waynedale 28 1980 2005 Milan Edison 17, Swanton 15 Archbold 10, Bucyrus Wynford 0 Patrick Henry 39, Tinora 0 Sandusky St. Marys 29, Liberty Center 12 1995 Cincinnati Mariemont 35, Archbold 7 Patrick Henry 21, Liberty Center 3 2004 Patrick Henry 21, Ayersville 19 Versailles 21, Swanton 20 Liberty Center 47, Fairview 28 Marion Local 36, Patrick Henry 7 Liberty Center 27, Bluffton 0 BRYAN 2012 WAUSEON 2018 Patrick Henry 41, Liberty Center 27 Patrick Henry 20, Northwood 19 2017 Clear Fork 20, Bryan 6 2001 Patrick Henry 56, Columbia 15 Shelby 50, Wauseon 13 2013 Liberty Center 22, Ashland Crestview 20 Liberty-Benton 22, Patrick Henry 21 2015 Bryan 43, Genoa 36 Liberty Center 13, Fairview 12 2011 Bellevue 18, Wauseon 0 Bryan 49, River Valley 19 Marion Pleasant 24, Liberty Center 0 Patrick Henry 49, Northwood 28 2014 Kenton 46, Bryan 43 2000 Patrick Henry 21, Liberty Center 7 Wauseon 9, Genoa 7 2012 Liberty Center 40, Patrick Henry 7 Hicksville 34, Patrick Henry 7 Liberty Center 22, Delphos Jefferson 20 Wauseon 34, Bellevue 12 Bryan 41, Columbus Bishop Watterson 24 2010 Liberty Center 28, Marion Pleasant 21 Kenton 38, Wauseon 14 Napoleon 21, Bryan 20 Patrick Henry 35, Tiffin Columbia 12 St. Peter Bedford Chanel 31, Liberty 2013 2009 Ashland Hillsdale 48, Patrick Henry 41 Center 30 Wooster Triway 26, Wauseon 21 Columbus St. Francis DeSales 45, Bryan 21 1999 2009 1999 Patrick Henry 41, Northwood 14 Liberty Center 43, Fairview 21 Oak Harbor 24, Wauseon 13 Patrick Henry 42, Jeromesville Hillsdale 19 Delta Liberty Center 35, Columbus Grove 28 Patrick Henry 28, Tinora 21 1994 2012 Liberty Center 49, Sycamore Mohawk 28 Coldwater 35, Patrick Henry 24 Wauseon 24, New London 6 Delta 21, Bucyrus Wynford 15 St. Henry 35, Liberty Center 28 Orrville 21, Wauseon 14 (OT) Van Buren 29, Delta 28 1998 2008 Patrick Henry 38, Ashland Crestview 7 1993 2014 Liberty Center 14, Bluffton 7 Patrick Henry 21, Bucyrus Wynford 0 Wauseon 42, Bay Village 30 Liberty-Benton 28, Delta 0 Liberty Center 13, Applecreek Liberty-Benton 28, Patrick Henry 0 Wauseon 31, Wooster Triway 19 2006 Waynedale 7 Wauseon 13, Youngstown Ursuline 7 2007 St. Peter Bedford Chanel 16, Delta 7 Liberty Center 43, Warren JFK 0 Wauseon 13, Ironton 10 Patrick Henry 50, Liberty Center 6 2004 Versailles 22, Liberty Center 7 Division III State Champions Division V State Runner-up Patrick Henry 34, Lima Central Catholic 14 13 CHASING Prince HISTORY

14Photo courtesy of RADARSPIX.COM Photos The last hurrah hard up front for that,” said Prince. football,” said Blaine. “Every aspect could be one for “I have to repay them.” of it has a life lesson attached to the ages this fall at Prince has already passed Dave it. That’s why I love this sport: the Edgerton for elite Weber (1985-88) on Edgerton’s hard work, the dedication, pushing standout Hunter career rushing charts of 3,076 yards. Prince. “He works hard at his craft. He One of Prince’s doesn’t take reps off and I think that goals is so helps him get over the hump when unimaginable that only 11 other you compare him to other guys he times has the achievement might play against,” said Wilhelm. happened. Football has been on his mind Coming off a 2,221-yard showing since he entered the world. in 2018, he is hoping to increase “Ever since I was born,” said that total by 779 yards to reach the Prince, when asked when he started 3,000-yard plateau. about playing the game. “I don’t think any of those goals “Do you remember that? That’s a are out of the ballpark for him at good memory,” joked Wilhelm. all,” stated Edgerton frontman Ben Although Prince doesn’t quite Wilhelm. “We’ve got to make sure remember the early stages we focus on the detail and that’s my following his arrival, the assessment job.” about wanting to hit the gridiron is Photo courtesy of RADARSPIX.COM Photos The feat is so impressive that only not far off. nine players have achieved the His dad, Blaine, placed a football milestone, with two players having in Hunter’s arms as an infant instead through, the perseverance. There done it twice: Daniel Bangura of a teddy bear. As soon as Hunter are days you don’t want to get up (Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, could walk, his dad was giving him for work, but you know what, you 4,128 yards in 2016 and 3,401 yards handoffs in preparation to hit holes push through it and do it anyway in 2017), Johnstown-Monroe’s Ross later in his life. because you’ve got to put food on Franklin (3,472 yards in 2011), Tony the table.” Franklin (Bedford St. Peter Chanel, “That’s the beautiful thing “Life lessons,” added Hunter, 3,439 yards in 2001), Jason Bainum about football, every aspect of what is his favorite part of the (3,386 yards in 2001 and 3,043 of it has a life lesson attached game. yards in 2000, Williamsburg), Upper to it. That’s why I love this Blaine recalls watching games Arlington’s Jeff Backes (3,353 yards sport: the hard work, the with his grandmother, who was a in 2000), Tyrel Sutton (3,232 yards dedication, pushing through, big Ohio State and Chicago Bears in 2004 for Akron Archbishop fan while he was growing up. the perseverance.” Hoban), Maurice Hall (Columbus “I had a lot of talent but I didn’t Blaine Prince Brookhaven, 3,057 yards in 2000), have anyone to guide me or push Raveion Hargrove (3,039 yards in “I know when he was born I me,” said Blaine. “I paved my own 2015 for Trotwood-Madison) and couldn’t wait for him to get up to way. I see what I could’ve been, Erik Yaw (3,038 yards in 2003, the age of varsity football,” said what I could’ve done because I Columbus Independence). Blaine. “Now that it’s here, I wish had offers. When we had Hunter, Prince set a school record with he was a baby again. I don’t want I thought here is my turn to give 2,221 rushing yards on 240 attempts to see him go, but then again I do him what I didn’t have, because I (9.3 yards per carry average) last fall want to see what his future holds.” wanted him to be better than me.” as the Bulldogs captured their first Blaine was a very good running Going into the season, the GMC title since 1983, and won the back and corner at Edon High University of St. Francis in Fort program’s first playoff games. He School. Although good enough Wayne has shown the most interest hit pay dirt 35 times. to play in college, Blaine did not in Hunter, who has not made a He is hoping to find the end zone play at the next level, wanting to decision on where he will play next 40 times, which has been done simply be done with school. He year. multiple times in Ohio’s history. now regrets the decision not to go Blaine admits Hunter is a way “I feel like it’s my job to get into the to college and play football. better player than he was, but they end zone because they’re working “That’s the beautiful thing about now battle in the weight room. 15 Hunter turned into a weight room was ready to play varsity when he close. warrior at 11 years old, which has was in junior high. “I cherish every moment because helped him make in impact on “I thought in junior high that at this is it,” said Blaine, who is helping the field sooner than most young that age I could be playing varsity,” Wilhelm coach this autumn. players. said Hunter. Wilhelm and the Edgerton Hunter is such a technician in the “That’s a pretty bold statement,” coaching staff are leaving no stone weight room that Wilhelm jokes quipped Wilhelm. unturned to make sure they get the about videoing him and making most out of their great senior back. money by selling the videos as “I don’t think any of those “We’re going to go through tape instructional videos to other weight goals (3,000 rushing yards and with a fine-tooth comb and find lifters. 40 touchdowns) are out of the things that he can improve on,” “One of the biggest issues you ballpark for him at all. We’ve stated Wilhelm. “Whether it be see with freshmen and sophomores receiving, blocking, ball security got to make sure we focus on is just that physicality,” explained … decision-making on the field Wilhelm. “With running backs, the detail and that’s my job.” and start working on it as early as whether it be with blocking or Ben Wilhelm possible. So when it comes time to running the ball, even as a younger Wilhelm has quickly learned that do it, we’re not thinking.” player, he didn’t shy away from Hunter would be a once-in-a- A variety of ball carriers for the contact. That is sometimes hard to lifetime type player. Bulldogs also will keep Prince fresh, get across to younger players. “He’s going to break a lot of and foes looking out for more than “He knows when to make a move records,” said Wilhelm. the all-Ohio back. and also when to put his shoulder The Bulldogs must recover from “I think in terms of the offense with down and run somebody over or losing a standout senior class from scheme, missing in misdirection put his arm out,” added Wilhelm. last season’s regional championship plays when he’s not always the “I think that’s another thing that run, ending with a loss to eventual ballcarrier,” said Wilhelm. “On any makes him a very state champion McComb. given running play, we have four or versatile running back, “They rubbed off on us a lot five running options and he’s one of he has a lot of tools in with how their leadership was,” them. From a defensive standpoint, his kit.” said Hunter. making a defense account for Hunter believed he “Quite a bit,” added Hunter, other things besides him and that’s

Photo courtesy of of how much the loss to where it’s going to start. He’ll get RADARSPIX.COM Photos McComb fuels him. “It was a carries and he’ll make the most of very heartbreaking game. the carries he does get. It’s being We still have a lot of unpredictable, passing the ball talent. I think if we when we want to, not when we continue to work hard, have to.” we can get there again. Of course the father-son duo butts We need to take it one heads at times. game at a time and do “We butt heads every now and the same thing we did last then,” said Blaine. “It’s like any year. I think we should be father-son relationship. I’m sure pretty good again.” there are times he wants to kill me It hasn’t quite hit and there are times when I want to Hunter yet that kill him. We hug each other and say his prep days are we love each other in the end. winding down. “I’ve probably pushed him harder “All good things than I should have,” continued must come to an Blaine. “Pushing through that extra end at sometime,” rep will carry through life and not said Hunter. just football, but through life. Life is It’s sunk in for rough, it can be tough and brutal. Blaine that the But you have to have it up here football journey (mind), then you’ll make it through is drawing to a in the end.” 16 RHAMY double trouble FOR FOES Patrick Henry’s TJ Rhamy is a rare and transcending player on the gridiron. As a sophomore, he was named the Northwest Ohio Athletic League’s top defensive lineman, while also playing in the PH backfield on offense. With Jarret Maas gone to graduation going into last season, Rhamy made the switch to quarterback, a position he last played as a sixth-grader. Not thinking Rhamy could handle the beating of playing nose guard, PH mentor Bill Inselmann figured he would save his standout junior some punishment by putting him in the defensive secondary. “Going into the season, I could not fathom the idea of my quarterback being a nose guard,” said Inselmann. “I thought physically it’d be too much for him to take because I knew I wanted to run him a lot. I told the coaches that we’ll try him in the secondary and they all agreed.” However, a rugged non- conference schedule was too much for the Patriots, which lost their first three games of the season to eventual playoff teams. “We were 0-3 and I think it was a combination of a tough schedule, new kids in new positions,” said Inselmann. “We had some nagging type of injuries, not devastating but nagging where we had starters out here, starters out there. We weren’t in sync.” Photo courtesy of Ben George Not quite 48 hours after a 27-7

17 in the postseason as eventual Inselmann. “As much of a threat as state champion McComb running as throwing. With most of ended the Patriots’ season my quarterbacks in the past, I just in the opening round of the looked at who can sling the ball playoffs, 45-21, at Big Red the most. If they can run, oh wow, Stadium. that’s really neat. But I still didn’t PH is trying hard to learn run them much.” from the setback. Don’t expect the workload to “You can’t back down from change. a fight,” said Rhamy. “Every “I want him to be a threat running play they were getting back the ball. I think it’s hard for a defense up, they were ready, they to account for a quarterback that’s were stubborn, they were running the ball,” stated Inselmann. hard-nosed. We’ve got to “You can double a receiver or you have that type of attitude, can have a certain coverage for but we’ve got to keep it them, you can eyeball a running clean.” back. But what do you do with a “We addressed that, quarterback? He can go any which Photo courtesy of Ben George we admit that McComb way every time the ball is snapped. physically beat us,” said He gives us a big-time dual threat.” loss at Columbus Grove in the Inselmann. “When you get Inselmann is also not afraid to put third week, Inselmann’s assistants beat and you get humbled, you can the ball in Rhamy’s right arm. wanted the longtime PH boss to do one of two things: you can either make a move. stay on the ground or you can get “We were 0-3 and I will never “We were 0-3 and I will never back up and fight. That’s going to forget, I walked up here in the forget, I walked up here in the be our motto, we’re going to fight coaches office on a Sunday coaches office on a Sunday and we’re going to get better from afternoon and all the coaches afternoon and all the coaches had that. We’re going to get back into had that look. When you’ve that look,” explained Inselmann. the playoffs.” been coaching together like a “When you’ve been coaching Rhamy will again be front and lot of these guys for 20-some together like a lot of these guys center on both offense and defense for 20-some years, you know ‘the this fall, lining up at nose guard and years, you know ‘the look.’ look.’ Just like you know ‘the look’ quarterback. Just like you know ‘the look’ from your spouse when you’ve His intensity and work ethic are from your spouse when you’ve been married for 30-some years. I what separates Rhamy from others, been married for 30-some didn’t even sit down, I said, ‘I know, said Inselmann. years. I didn’t even sit down, I TJ’s going back to nose guard.’ “Without a doubt he is one of the said, ‘I know, TJ’s going back to They said, ‘Thank you!’” most intense players I have had nose guard.’ They said, ‘Thank The change made an immediate the opportunity to coach,” said impact, the Patriots won their final Inselmann. “I’m talking anything you!’” seven games of the regular season he does: practice, weight room, Bill Inselmann to claim an outright NWOAL preparation during the week, in- “I want him to do more of the championship. season, off-season ... without a same,” said Inselmann. “I think “It (moving TJ back to nose guard) doubt one of the most intense he’s going to be an absolute threat wasn’t the only reason (finishing the players I’ve ever had.” running the ball and throwing the regular season with seven straight Rhamy carried 242 times last ball. You cannot underestimate wins), but a contributing factor,” season and totaled 1,119 yards and him. I guarantee teams found out said Inselmann. 13 touchdowns. When going to the last year that we love to run him, Rhamy recorded 60 tackles, one air, he completed 76-147 passes for but he can throw the ball as well. sack and eight tackles-for-loss, 1,190 yards and eight touchdowns. His accuracy and touch have gotten while creating havoc for the PH “We’re looking for more of a even better this year.” defense. quarterback that can be a dual Inselmann is mindful of the The magical season ended quickly threat in our offense,” said workload put on Rhamy’s shoulders

18 playing two demanding positions in those double-legs and single- somebody is down, we have 10 where he’s taking hits nearly every legs ... just those different attacks other kids that are coming up to play. you have, it works on your tackling you to bring you up.” “I think we have to be mindful of form. Plus that explosiveness, Inselmann has no doubt what how many hits we expect him to because you’ve got to drive through Rhamy will bring to the field his take in a season,” said Inselmann. every play. To get that first step senior season. “I think if we can address that from past that linebacker or secondary “I know for a fact he’s going to game to game, for instance, if guy on offense, or on defense be our team leader because the we’re in a big game, you’ve got to you’re trying to beat that offensive kids respect him,” said Inselmann. do what you’ve got to do to win. lineman and just the quickness and “He’s a vocal leader, so he’s going But if we’re in a game where it’s not explosiveness has helped me out.” to be our leader this year. I expect as close or we’re not expecting it Inselmann knew about Rhamy him to spearhead our offense. The to be as big of a challenge, I think at an early age, having coached neat thing is when he steps into that’s a week that you might back his dad and also knowing his that huddle, and he calls that play, I off a little bit, and not have him take grandfather. guarantee that the other 10 players as many hits. It’s a physical position “He’s from a in that huddle to be a running back/quarterback tremendous family,” believe the play is and nose guard.” lauded Inselmann. going to be done Rhamy will most definitely be back “He developed and they believe at nose guard this fall. early physically. I it’s going to “Absolutely, we’re not even knew he was going to happen. That’s going to have that discussion,” be a really good football what you emphasized Inselmann laughing. player watching him in want.” “I’m not going to walk up to the junior high. coaches office and get ‘the look’ “Minute we had him,” again.” continued Inselmann, A wrestling background has about when he knew been pivotal in Rhamy’s play in the Rhamy would be trenches. something special. “I definitely like being in the “Not just his physical defensive line,” said Rhamy. “I like maturity, but his the physicality of it, just that one- mental toughness ... on-one like wrestling.” just a tough kid, that’s He placed fourth at the state all there is to it. He’s a wrestling meet in March. wrestler and some of my “I’ve always felt wrestling is the greatest football players at PH most grueling sport,” expressed have been wrestlers. You don’t Inselmann. “It’s physically and get kids like him very often in mentally demanding and I always your coaching career.” like my football players to be Rhamy is ready for the 2019 wrestlers. They’re naturally tough Patriots to keep the tradition- kids and so much of wrestling rich history of PH football going. applies to football and the line “Have fun, that’s always number of scrimmage. You’ve got to use one,” said Rhamy. “I enjoy your hands, you’ve got to use playing with my teammates, great lateral movement to be a we’ve been growing up all three good wrestler, great agility. (PH years of high school. It’s finally wrestling coach) Xavier Dye was a our shot, it’s our last year of high tremendous nose guard for me.” school. We’re going to try to go “We’re always working on hand big, put numbers on that board. positioning and hand fighting,” “PH football is like a tight-knit added Rhamy. “We work on that all family, we’re always there to back throughout practice. Then you add each other up,” added Rhamy. “If

Photo courtesy of Ben George 19 GOLDEN ‘Grant’ed TICKET

“Grant”ed a crossroads and didn’t want to hang Michigan for Lloyd Carr before Golden Ticket, 2018 up the pads yet. But yet knowing a shoulder injury forced him to Napoleon graduate coaching was ultimately what he putting up the pads for a student- Grant Strock is wanted to do. We talked about the assistant role, including the 1997 getting a head start big picture. season when the Wolverines on his dream career “Things were happening at a shared a national championship path. different pace,” added Tory. “He with Nebraska. Strock earned a knew he always wanted to coach, Loeffler also has coached at preferred walk-on quarterback spot but this journey was going to Florida for Urban Meyer, along with at Bowling Green State University start three years sooner than he Central Michigan, Temple, Auburn, last year. While he did not travel to expected. It was a shock to his Virginia Tech for Frank Beamer, and road games, he ran the scout team system and we had a long chat Boston College. He also coached and was part of the 105 players on about that.” the Detroit Lions’ QBs in 2008. the squad. Strock’s new gig will include Associate head coach Steve A new direction started for Strock helping coach the Falcon Morrison, who coaches the BG in November when Boston College quarterbacks and tight ends. He is linebackers, was an all-Big Ten offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler expected to be calling in plays from linebacker at Michigan during replaced Mike Jinks, who was the BG sideline in the fall. BG will his playing days from 1990-94. dismissed last October. play at a pair of noteworthy college After a brief stint in the NFL, he Along with the coaching change, football giants this autumn, first at has coached at Eastern Michigan, Strock’s role also started to change. Kansas State on Sept. 7 and historic Western Michigan and Syracuse. He didn’t get the same amount of Notre Dame Stadium against the Defensive coordinator Brian reps in spring ball. Fighting Irish on Oct. 5. VanGorder has served as DC at “We had our exit meetings and my Strock’s ultimate goal is to coach Louisville, Notre Dame, Auburn, quarterbacks coach (Max Warner) at the Division I level and he will basically said, ‘yeah, we want you certainly have a leg up on others to be a student assistant because serving three years as a student you want to coach and we think assistant before moving into a you could help us more by being graduate assistant role once his a student assistant,’” explained time at BG is done. Grant. “The next week I came in “The nice thing about being a and ran our 7-on-7s and learned student assistant is I’m already how to do stuff on the computer. getting a three-year head start on It’s been a lot of learning with it what I’m going to be doing as a being a different role. But it’s still GA,” said Grant. “Doing this will being one of the guys.” help me that much more.” Grant did not have to go far to A history major, Strock also is bounce the idea of going from excelling in the classroom, earning player to coach. His dad, Tory, is the a spot on the dean’s list. current leadman of the Napoleon Another facet in Strock’s favor is gridiron program. the new BG coaching staff has a “He called me early one morning plethora of ties in the Division I after his meeting with coach (Max) college football universe. Warner),” said Tory. “He was at the Loeffler was a quarterback at Photo courtesy of Strock Family

20 Georgia and the Atlanta Falcons (2007-11). Offensive coordinator Terry Malone has been with the University of Arizona, BG, Boston College, Michigan, New Orleans Saints, Purdue and Western Michigan. Passing game coordinator Erik Campbell played in the secondary for Bo Schembechler at Michigan and is the only Wolverine ever to start at all four secondary positions in one season. He later coached at Michigan from 1995-2007 and returned to serve as the program’s recruiting coordinator in 2015. Grant spends quite a bit of time with tight ends coach Louie Addazio, who is the son of Boston College coach Steve Addazio. Louie was a graduate assistant at Ohio State the last three years. Grant has high praise for the new cast at BG. “I love them, they’re elite coaches and elite people,” lauded Strock, “The most knowledgeable guys I’ve ever been around. They treat you great and you can tell they expect to win. They’re not going to tolerate anything but 100 percent from coaches, players and everybody. “I think it’s going to be a big-time turnaround, I really do,” he added. Grant said the staff has helped Photo courtesy of Strock Family improve his football IQ and connecting with people. While on the offensive side of his former teammates. also drastically changed with the the ball, Grant still sticks his nose “I’m really happy with where I am, move. He knows being much in defensive study as much as but there’s something to be said for more responsible is part of being possible to learn more about that being with your guys,” said Grant, a coach, which he weighed before side of the ball. “being there running, lifting or making his decision. Although Grant understood the whatever with them.” “I tell him every day that this is time coaches put into their careers, The player/coaching aspect is two a golden opportunity,” said Tory. thanks to growing up with a father different worlds. “Because in this industry, it’s all that coached, it was not quite the “It’s important that whatever is about connecting with the right extent he figured. said in a staff meeting, it can’t be people. I think he was handed a Grant initially expected to work said anywhere else,” said Grant. golden ticket and I tell him almost from 7 a.m.-noon this summer, “The things that get said are lock daily to not screw it up. but noon turned into leaving the and key; you can’t say anything. “It’s a three-year trial of discipline football facility at 9 p.m. There’s stuff that I talk about with and character,” added Tory. Despite not playing anymore, the coaches that I don’t talk about The elder Strock’s impact has Grant still gets to spend time with with my friends.” been monumental. Grant’s college experience has “Really a massive impact,” stated 21 Grant, on what his dad means to can always go back and do what said Tory with a big smile. “He him. “How to carry yourself, how to I’m doing. You can always coach could coach for me some day, but treat people, how you treat kids.” high school, but you can’t wake up in a perfect world, I’d end up on his There’s definitely a part of Tory one morning and decide to go the staff. He’s coaching at the college that’s living vicariously through his college route. There are very few level and he could bring the old son. exceptions. He may end up back in man along as the third wheel. high school some day, but I think “He played for me and I was “I tell him every day that this is right now he’s making the sacrifice pretty hard on him,” added Tory, a golden opportunity. Because and taking the risk that I don’t think laughing. “I think he’d like to be in this industry, it’s all about I necessarily had the courage to do. the head coach and me be the connecting with the right “Am I living vicariously through assistant so he could give me some people. I think he was handed Grant in this journey? Absolutely, I payback.” a golden ticket and I tell him am,” added Tory. “I would,” answered Grant, when Napoleon is exactly where Strock asked if he’d take his dad on his almost daily to not screw it wants to be, which is one of the staff one day. “I think he’d be good up. It’s a three-year trial of programs he’s always had interest to have around as a little third discipline and character.” in. wheel,” said Grant, smiling. Tory Strock “I always thought that one day I Over two decades ago, Tory had would end up back at the opportunity to go down the Liberty Center,” said Tory. same path his son is starting on. “Was always intrigued Tory was a standout quarterback by Napoleon and always for Rex Lingruen on great Liberty intrigued by Archbold. Center teams in the early 1990s. He Those were jobs I had my then played for another legend at eye on. I’m where I want Bluffton College, Carlin Carpenter. to be right now.” When Tory finished at Bluffton, Coaching at the college Carpenter had lined up a graduate level does fascinate Tory. assistant position for him at Ohio “Down the road, might University. I entertain the idea if Tory got cold feet at the last some college jobs came minute and decided to take a up, yeah, I think I would,” teaching position at Patrick Henry Tory stated. and serve as an assistant for Bill Tory has built Inselmann. relationships with the “The last 22 years I have often BG coaches and is now thought, what if I had taken that hanging on Grant’s coat graduate assistant position at Ohio tails. University,” said Tory. “Where could Could we one day see a I be, what could I be doing? I don’t father-son coaching staff? want to say I have regret, but you “We joke about that,” Photo courtesy of Strock Family

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22 Photo courtesy of Defiance College Band of DC’s Brothers

Exactly 50 day or two before the annual Yellow claim the title of “Barnyard” years ago, a Jacket Golf Classic. It started with champ, much like the group was on brotherhood four guys, grew to eight and then the gridiron. was taking hold 12. The group continued to grow Yon transferred to DC in January of with the 1969 to the point where they were 1967 from Wright State after being Defiance College providing six or seven teams for the one of head coach Kirk Mee’s last football program. Yellow Jacket Classic. recruits. Ironically, it was a wrestling Nothing broke The crew now starts the gathering match that sold Yon on Defiance. the bond they on Wednesday, playing a round of “George Smart was quarterback of forged in the golf each day leading up the golf the undefeated 1966 team and Kirk autumn of 1969 and nothing has event hosted by DC each June. introduced me to him and George been able to during the ensuing On a Thursday each year, Yon showed me around the campus,” half century. hosts a cookout with usually more explained Yon.”It snowed and “That team was funny,” confessed than 40 in attendance. there were 5 to 6 inches of snow assistant coach Mike Snyder. on the ground and I’m meeting “These guys were rag tags. One “We had a saying, ‘Knock your these players. George took me to would have a red elbow pad, one jock off,’ and they would.” the gym and George said, ‘You’re would have a green elbow pad ... Mike Snyder going to love this wrestling team at they didn’t care ... they were there One highlight of the Thursday Defiance. They had an incredible to play football. They were a tough gathering is the “Barnyard Open.” wrestling team. Clint Dix was an all- bunch.” Thanks to Yon owning a large piece American wrestler and Wally Neel The bunch still gets together early of lawn, he sticks a golf flagstick (an assistant football coach) was every summer outside Bowling about 100 yards outside his barn. the wrestling coach. So we hung Green at the home of Paul Yon, an For $10, those in attendance can around and watched. The student offensive tackle in ‘69. take aim at the flag. There’s a body was getting into it and this The get-together at Yon’s place traveling trophy given to the winner big guy comes out.” started in the mid-1980s, as former and a plaque with the names of the The guy was Yon’s future football players and fraternity “Barnyard Open” champions. teammate, Ernie Doherty, who brothers joined up to play golf a The competition is intense to played offensive end in 1969.

23 the defense they had been The squad was also tough as nails. playing. We came back and “We had a saying, ‘Knock your played it and they were jock off,’ and they would,” recalled good. We played it well.” Snyder. Merb was assisted by Neel, They certainly did, outscoring Snyder and Lance Tigyer. their nine opponents, 283-61. “Wally was one of my Team members also have been assistants,” said Merb. “He winning off the field in their careers. coached everywhere, he “These guys have been so coached at Army, Indiana, successful,” noted Merb. “I don’t Akron. He’ll tell you he know how many guys there are, was never at a better place but there are a lot of guys that than the group we had at are financially independent in this Defiance.” group. They’ve supported the Snyder is still appreciative college tremendously. They haven’t of what Merb taught him at forgotten where they came from.” DC. Indeed they have not. “I thanked Roger tonight The group met shortly after the

Photo courtesy of Defiance College for teaching me football,” 2018 season ended in Cleveland said Snyder during the to help the program and new “The crowd’s going, ‘Ernie, Ernie, gathering at Yon’s in June. coach coach Manny Matsakis. They Ernie!’ They keep getting louder and “They had a good system and you produced the funds for Matsakis louder and I’m like, ‘Holy mackerel, learned. Two years later the Lima to hire two new full-time assistants this is like world wrestling.’ It was Bath job opened and I went there.” this off-season. nuts,” enthusiastically explained Merb’s style was taken from Ohio “They want to see Defiance Yon. “So he gets down in his State legend Woody Hayes. College get back to that,” said Yon. stance and the other guy slaps him, “They had a system, it was the old That is what happened from 1966- right in the face. And he (Doherty) Ohio State Woody Hayes’ offense 69 when the DC football program goes like this (as Yon motions like and defense,” said Snyder. “Roger lost only four games. had played at Ohio University for someone wiping something off “When you shake his (Gary their face) and turns to the crowd. Bill Hess, who was an Ohio State Evans) hand, he might break The crowd came apart, all hell was guy. It was basically the Ohio State breaking loose in that gym. He system; it had the same blocking your arm. He could play today. turned around and grabbed that rules — it was an organized offense He’s 70 years old and still poor son of a gun and turned him and defense.” competes. He was a track guy David Polzan, a junior linebacker upside down and pinned his ass and pole vaulted. Basically, he right there. Then it was mayhem, on the 1969 team from Rossford, credited the coaching staff for the was a great running back.” I mean that place came apart. I Roger Merb thought, I’ve got to come here.” success they enjoyed. Yon turned into an all-American in “Starting with the coaching, A brotherhood was paramount in 1969, earning second-team honors. we had coaches that were very the triumphs earned during those Head coach Roger Merb came organized,” Polzan said. “We could glory days. to DC in 1967 from Lawrence tell what time it was by what activity Snyder echoed Polzan’s University in Wisconsin at the we were doing, because they went assessment of how close-knit the young age of 26 after Mee left. exactly by a watch and knew exactly ‘69 team was. “It was one of those things you what time it was by the way we did “That’s easy, that’s camaraderie,” get into where everything falls into these things. said Snyder, of what made the team place,” said Merb. “Technically, “We were very well conditioned,” so successful. “Roger was right, they played a defense that I added Polzan. “We had no stars on they’ve been successful beyond wouldn’t have chosen. So we went the team, we all worked together. their playing years. They’re a bunch to Notre Dame and spent two or We made very few mistakes. of great people and I’m glad I got three days with the Notre Dame Because there were no stars, the to know them. In fact, I hired two of staff. We learned all we could about chemistry of that team was great.” them to go to Bath with me.”

24 Expectations were high going into season. DC trailed going into the granted. It has proved equal to it. the 1969 campaign. fourth quarter until Griffith’s left My congratulations to coach Roger “We thought going into ‘69 we arm slung a five-yard touchdown Merb and all who showed that hard were going to be pretty good and pass to a slanting Jeff Urick with work and fair play made this year’s we had to make sure we don’t screw 12:36 left to tie the game. Jim enviable record possible.” them up,” said Merb. “Honestly, Van Horne provided the deciding DC finished the year ranked 13th we stayed the hell out of the way margin victory with the extra point nationally. and didn’t want to put them in bad in a 14-13 win. The Jackets ranked second in pass situations.” Ondrus and Bauerle ended late defense nationally and allowed less The Jackets used a fullhouse Findlay drives with interceptions. than seven points per game, while backfield and played some out DC went on to blank Wilmington, averaging 31.4 ppg offensively. DC of the I-formation. Halfback Gary 31-0, blasted Manchester, 36- sported America’s seventh-best Evans was a dynamite ball hauler, 6, clobbered Bluffton, 35-0, and rush offense. and still could be, according to his posted another shutout in a 21-0 Meanwhile, the senior class teammates and coaches. triumph over a massive Central finished their careers with a 32-4 “When you shake his hand, he State squad. mark over four years and twice might break your arm,” said Merb, An undefeated Anderson team went undefeated. of Evans. “He could play today. He’s was all that stood between the Carrying a 13-game winning streak 70 years old and still competes. He Jackets and perfection, and the into 1970, DC was ranked No. 1 in was a track guy and pole vaulted. Ravens played spoiler in their home NAIA Division II and won its first five Basically, he was a great running stadium for a half, leading 15-14 at games. Its 18-game winning streak back.” the break. ended in a 3-0 loss to Manchester Added Yon of Evans: “He could But the Jackets scored 29 that season. The Spartans’ only put the pads on right now.” unanswered second-half points points came after they blocked a The Jackets left a path of to complete a 9-0 season. John DC field goal and returned it to destruction during the 1969 Decker highlighted the second-half the Jackets’ 10. Manchester was campaign. uprising with a 72-yard punt return held out of the end zone by the DC Hope took the first DC pounding, for a touchdown. defense, but converted a field goal 40-7, in the season opener. At the time, DC was an try for the only points of the game. Defiance then pounded Border NAIA (National Association of DC attempted a field goal as time rival Adrian College, 49-13. Intercollegiate Athletics) member. expired but just missed, which Alma gave DC one of its few There was one NAIA division in Merb still remembers vividly. challenges in week 3, taking a 1969 and the country was divided “I was never one to get irate with 7-0 lead into the half. Duane into four regions, with four teams officials and I wasn’t irate,” said Laux caught a 13-yard pass from playing in the playoffs. Despite Merb of the missed field goal. quarterback Jerry Griffith in the losing one game, Hillsdale College “The official was coming off the third quarter to trim the lead to was awarded a playoff spot instead field and I knew him, I said, ‘Nick! It 7-6 after the two-point try failed. of Defiance, ending the Jackets’ went right over the top of the goal Fullback Jim Fitzgerald then gave chance at a national championship. post.’ He said, ‘You’re right Rog, the Jackets their first lead on a 14- The Jackets’ superb season didn’t it’s got to go inside the goal post.’ yard touchdown jaunt with 11:29 go unnoticed nationally though. Which I didn’t know. I’m going, ‘Oh remaining. Griffith added the President Richard Nixon sent a (shoot).’” conversation run for a 14-7 edge. congratulatory telegram to be read Merb left DC after the 1970 Co-captain Tom Bauerle at the football banquet. season and posted a 30-6 record (linebacker) and safety Paul Ondrus The telegram stated: “As an from 1967-70 for an .833 winning then sealed the victory with honorary graduate of Defiance percentage, which is the highest in suffocating coverage of Alma end College, 1967, I want you to know DC history for any coach who has John Fuzak in the end zone with 49 how much I share our pride in coached more than seven games. seconds left, as Bauerle intercepted coming through this football season The Jackets have won at least a Tom Jakovac aerial. undefeated and untied. Webster nine games just twice since the ‘69 A back-and-forth tussle with defines Defiance as a challenge. season — 1992 and 1993 — when Findlay the following week nearly Your football team has never taken they finished 9-1 each year. denied Defiance an unbeaten the name of your fine institution for

25 Pioneer ing A FOOTBALL FUTURE

If you build it, they its first junior high schedule last will come. fall. The Eagles will again play Finally, football is a junior high schedule this fall, taking shape in the with a junior varsity schedule tiny town of Pioneer coming next year and also in and the school of 2021. Then in 2022 the Eagles North Central. will play a varsity schedule. “What this Little league football at North community is going to experience Central started in 2014, with three years from now — if it goes as Pioneer youths playing in the planned — is the pageantry of high Fremont, Ind., league. Meyers school football,” said North Central and Kidston were part of a group football leader Scott Thompson. that then took the idea of North “They’ve never experienced that Central playing football to the before. The pageantry of high school a couple years ago. With school football with a band, with the school receptive, a non- cheerleaders, with a flag corps, with profit booster club was started the honor guard that comes in from to help fund the program. With Photo courtesy of Bill Turner the local legion for the national enough funds raised, the junior anthem and the flag going up, and high program kicked off last fall. to overcome many obstacles. One all the things that go along with it. “I would say we learned from that being the financial side, but also Until you’ve experienced that, it’s meeting,” said Kidston of meeting blazing its own trail after other unique.” with school officials. “I wasn’t here groups failed in trying to get football Three years from now North but went to some meetings and we started. Central is on a collision course with learned we weren’t going to be able About a decade ago, a group Friday night lights after a few failed to sell it by saying, ‘we need three- pushed to start football but after ventures in trying to get football quarters of a million (dollars) and let’s a year or two, the school was not started at the school. build this.’ We knew it was going to ready and the venture ended. Thanks to football fanatics like have to be a grassroots deal and we “One that would be great to Craig Meyers and Alex Kidston, a were going to have to raise funds to highlight are the parents,” said football foundation has been built. soften the blow of the voter.” Kidston. “This group of parents has After playing little league football The parent group that helped overcome all odds. Someone like for a few years, North Central played start football in North Central had Darrell Moore (football boosters

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26 treasurer) who has been a huge help from the very beginning. Over 100 years of North Central and no one could get it done. This group of parents, because we’re humble and we teach our kids to know their role … we’ve teamed up as parents and been like a family.” Meyers and Kidston remember plenty of negative feedback about trying to get football started. “All of sudden goal posts go up and the sun’s coming up over the goal posts and you have people walking on the track … you can almost see it as a storybook,” said Kidston. “We had a sixth-grade scrimmage there and we had 250-300 people there. It was pretty sweet.” North Central got a major boost this summer when Thompson jumped on board as head coach. He is well known in the area for guiding Photo courtesy of Bill Turner some great Edgerton teams in the

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27 1980s. He coached the Bulldogs website that North Central was following in the footsteps of initial to their first GMC title and playoff looking for a coach to start a football coach Frank Osborne. appearance in 1983, while also program, his interest was piqued. Thompson is a native of Napoleon, leading the Maroon-and-Gold to “I called up a former player who where he played football. His very successful seasons after that. had been administrator and teacher offense at North Central will be “I asked him what the hell he was a slot offense. He said it will be a “One thing I’ve learned is that doing at North Central, because he combination of an offense run by could coach anywhere,” said Meyers. they don’t hand you a book Archbold’s John Downey, along “He’s been around a long time, so and say, ‘this is how you start a with former Napoleon mentor Lynn why here? Because you don’t think football program. In hindsight, Schrickel and some of his own of North Central as a destination I don’t think we would’ve offensive schemes sprinkled in. place. He definitely stood out during played tackle football. I like Defensively, he wants to run a the interview process.” multiple defense with an attacking Thompson is currently in the flag football and I like the style. midst of his 41st year coaching on tackle bar idea. I think the Thompson will move up during the the gridiron. Along with Edgerton, burn- out ratio is less.” transition to each level of football the he also spent time as head coach Craig Meyers Eagle will be playing. He will coach at Norwalk, Keystone and North at North Central, Paul Jones,” the junior high team this autumn Baltimore. He also has an extensive explained Thompson. before moving to the JV level the background as an assistant coach. With good feedback from Jones, next two years and the varsity level Living in Vermillion, Thompson’s Thompson jumped at the chance. in 2022. wife wanted to get back closer He is confident about getting the “I think I’d feel comfortable guiding to home and when he saw an program going, having served as the program for five years,” said advertisement on the OHSAA just the second coach at Edgerton, Thompson.

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28 North Central wants to get affiliated The elementary grades of 2-4 will “One thing I’ve learned is that they with the Toledo Area Athletic play in the Archbold flag football don’t hand you a book and say, ‘this Conference soon, so it will be able league, while the fifth- and sixth- is how you start a football program,” to play a JV TAAC schedule next fall. graders will play in the Archbold said Meyers. “In hindsight, I don’t “I can tell you that’s the direction tackle bar league. The tackle bar is a think we would’ve played tackle we’re going,” said Thompson. new concept that takes tackling out football. I like flag football and I like The plan is to sport an 11-man of the equation and is considered the tackle bar idea. I think the burn- team going forward. The junior high safer for youths. Players still wear out ratio is less.” played with 17 kids last year and the the traditional football equipment, Hopefully with three more goal is to have seven kids from each along with a harness that holds a bar successful years of hitting the class playing football in high school. in the back of the player. Defensive gridiron at the lower levels, the If numbers dwindle in the program, players must still demonstrate the lights will be shining bright in three plan B would be to play 8-man proper tackling technique, with autumns. football, which has become more wrapping the ball carrier up and “It’s a sport I’ve never witnessed popular in the Buckeye State. grabbing the bar from the harness. such a brotherhood,” added Meyers. “When I was at Edgerton, we averaged anywhere from 24 to 28 to 30 kids,” said Thompson. “The year we went into the playoffs, I had 26 kids. We did play a junior varsity and varsity schedule. The reason that we were able to do that is when you’re dealing with four grades, we were counting on our juniors and seniors to be our contributors in the varsity 16879 County Road 15 Office:419.737.2500 Ext. 211 game and then our freshmen Pioneer, OH 43554 and sophomores are making up Mobile: 419.957.9679 our JV schedule. We’d go to JV www.meyersbrostrucking.net games with 12 kids and we could get that done.” North Central also will be Meyers Brothers Trucking is a family owned company based out conducting an intramural flag of Pioneer, Ohio. football league for the high school this fall. MBT is actively seeking local and regional Class-A divers to “I’ll be out there officiating the add to their growing team. games,” said Thompson. “I want No driver should be treated like a number. Come see the MBT difference and to see who can play.” become family by calling Recruiting today at 419-957-9679. In grades 2-8, North Central has 50-60 kids playing football.

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29 Cleveland Browns

BROWNS DATA STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE CAPACITY Hue Jackson was fired in the middle of times last autumn and hauled in 39 passes FirstEnergy Grass 67,895 last season after posting a 3-36-1 mark in for 572 yards. OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Multiple 4-3 two-plus seasons. While there are few questions about COACHING STAFF Gregg Williams was promoted interim the Browns’ skill guys, the offensive line HEAD COACH FREDDIE KITCHENS head coach of the Browns, but then let go is one area that could be looked at as a ASSISTANT COACHES after the season and Freddie Kitchens took weakness. JC Tretter will be flanked at his TODD MONKEN OC over. Kitchens started his coaching career center spot by Greg Robinson (LT), Joel JAMES CAMPEN Associate Head Coach/Offensive Line at Glenville State, then went to LSU, North Bitonio (LG), Austin Corbett (RG) and Chris ADAM HENRY Wide Receivers JOHN LILLY Tight Ends Texas and Mississippi State before getting Hubbard (RT). RYAN LINDLEY Quarterbacks his feet wet in the NFL in 2006 with Dallas. DEFENSE: Cleveland’s defense STUMP MITCHELL Running Backs He then went to Arizona in 2017 and continued to improve throughout 2018, STEVE WILKS DC AL HOLCOMB Linebackers left after the 2017 season for Cleveland. but finished 30th in yards allowed and 21st TOSH LUPOI Defensive Line He served as offensive coordinator for in points per game allowed (24.5). DEWAYNE WALKER Defensive Backs JOE WHITT Secondary Williams and earned much of the credit for Defensive end Myles Garrett (13.5 sacks) the Browns’ resurgence. and Denzel Ward (3 interceptions, 53 2019 SCHEDULE Cleveland made a big splash by trading tackles) earned Pro Bowl honors. DATE OPPONENT Sun., Sep. 8 vs TENNESSEE TITANS for all-pro receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Vernon (9 career sacks) will bookend the Sun., Sep. 16 @ NY JETS Bookend Olivier Vernon was also part of other end of the line with Larry Ogunjobi Sun., Sep. 22 vs LA RAMS the deal with the Giants, while Sheldon and Richardson (2013 Defensive Rookie of Sun., Sep. 29 @ BALTIMORE RAVENS Mon., Oct. 7 @ SAN FRAN. 49ERS Richardson (DT) was signed in March as a Year) inside. Sun., Oct. 13 vs SEATTLE SEAHAWKS free agent. Strong safety Eric Murray was Leading tackler Jamie Collins (104 stops) Sun., Oct. 27 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS added via trade with Kansas City. was released in March and signed by New Sun., Nov. 3 @ DENVER BRONCOS Sun., Nov. 10 vs BUFFALO BILLS Also added was former all-pro running England. Middle linebacker Joe Schobert Thu., Nov. 14 vs PITTSBURGH STEELERS back Kareem Hunt, a University of Toledo (103 tackles) returns as the top ball stopper. Sun., Nov. 24 vs MIAMI DOLPHINS Sun., Dec. 1 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS product. He was suspended by the NFL Ward will be back at one corner spot, Sun., Dec. 8 vs CINCINNATI BENGALS after 11 games last season after a video with rookie Greedy Williams holding down Sun., Dec. 15 @ ARIZONA CARDINALS of him surfaced in an altercation with a the other corner. Sun., Dec. 22 vs BALTIMORE RAVENS Sun., Dec. 29 @ CINCINNATI BENGALS woman. Hunt is currently suspended for Morgan Burnett was signed to play safety 2018 RESULTS the first eight games of the season. after the Steelers released him. Damarious OPPONENT OUTCOME OFFENSE: Baker Mayfield made a big Randall will be at the other safety spot. STEELERS TIE 21-21 splash in his rookie season, throwing for SPECIAL TEAMS: Greg Joseph was a SAINTS LOST 18-21 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns. He took solid 17-20 on field goals, but missed four JETS WON 21-17 RAIDERS LOST 42-45 over the starting duties after three games of his 29 PATs. RAVENS WON 12-9 when Tyrod Taylor was benched. Britton Colquitt averaged 45.4 yards per CHARGERS LOST 14-38 Nick Chubb is looking to really bust out punt and also returns. BUCCANEERS LOST 23-26 STEELERS LOST 18-33 as well this fall after churning out 996 The return game will have a new face CHIEFS LOST 21-37 yards on 192 totes. He averaged 5.2 yards with Jabrill Peppers (25 punt returns, 8.8- FALCONS WON 28-16 BENGALS WON 35-20 per carry and hit paydirt eight times. He yard average, 19 kick returns, 21.5-yard TEXANS LOST 13-29 added 20 catches for 149 yards. Chubb’s average) being dealt to the Giants in the PANTHERS WON 26-20 backup Duke Johnson was awarded only Beckham trade. BRONCOS WON 17-16 BENGALS WON 26-18 42 carries last year, but averaged five yards Antonio Callaway will take over returning RAVENS LOST 24-26 per attempt. punts after bringing back five for 61 yards Jarvis Landry was Mayfield’s top target last year. Dontrell Hilliard will likely return Revived by an 7-8-1 mark in 2018, last year, with 81 grabs for 976 yards and kicks. He had 11 returns in 2018 with a 24- Cleveland rolls into 2019 with optimism four scores. yard average. running hot. Beckham is undoubtedly certain to make DIVISION OUTLOOK: Cleveland in the The Browns were 5-3 over their final a run at a 1,000-yard receiving campaign. basement of the AFC North all but three eight games last year, with the three losses He made 77 catches for 1,052 yards and times since 2003 (second in 2007, third in coming to eventual division champions: six touchdowns last year in New York. 2010 and third in 2018). Kansas City, Houston and Baltimore. Rashard Higgins will start at the other The Browns have never won the AFC A hoard of draft picks and salary-cap space receiver spot following a 39-catch, 572- North since the NFL realigned divisions in has put the Browns firmly in the playoff yard 2018 season. 2002. Cleveland’s last division title came in discussion as the season approaches. Tight end David Njoku was thrown at 88 1989 when it won the Central.

30 Detroit Lions

LIONS DATA The Detroit Lions fell back to 6-10 is considered an elite blocking tight STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE CAPACITY Ford Field Turf 70,000 last year in Matt Patricia’s first year at end and could be crucial to Bevell’s OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME the helm in the Motor City, following running attack. MULTIPLE 4-3 two years of going 9-7. The Lions brought in CJ Anderson as COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH MATT PATRICIA Without a playoff victory since 1991 a free agent from the Rams. Kerryon ASSISTANT COACHES and quarterback Matthew Stafford Johnson led the team in rushing with PAUL PASQUALONI DC now in his early 30s, Detroit is 641 yards on 118 carries, behind DARRELL BEVELL OC JOHN BONAMEGO STC urgently trying to make some noise. departed back LeGarrette Blount AL GOLDEN Linebackers BO DAVIS Defensive Line Detroit was in the bottom half of the (418 rushing yards). BRIAN STEWART Defensive Backs NFL in most offensive statistics last Kenny Golladay (70 receptions, KYLE CASKEY Running Backs JEFF DAVIDSON Offensive Line year: 20.3 ppg (25th), 327.3 yards 1,063 yards, 5 touchdowns), Marvin SEAN RYAN Quarterbacks per game (24th), 223.5 pass yards Jones (35 catches, 518 yards, 5 ROBERT PRINCE Wide Receivers CHRIS WHITE Tight Ends per game (20), 103.8 rushing yards touchdowns) and slot receiver Danny 2019 SCHEDULE per game (23rd). Amendola (59 catches, 575 yards), DATE OPPONENT The Lions brought in former Seattle who came up from Miami, will be Sun., Sep. 8 @ ARIZONA CARDINALS Sun., Sep. 15 vs LA CHARGERS offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell Stafford’s starting receivers. Sun., Sep. 22 @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES to shore up the offense, replacing DEFENSE: Snacks Harrison (50 Sun., Sep. 29 vs KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Mon., Oct. 14 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS Jim Bob Cooter. tackles, 3.5 sacks) in the interior of Sun., Oct. 20 vs MINNESOTA VIKINGS Detroit was much better on defense, the trenches transformed the Lions Sun., Oct. 27 vs NY GIANTS Sun., Nov. 3 @ OAKLAND RAIDERS finishing 10th in total yards allowed. into one of the league’s top run- Sun., Nov. 10 @ CHICAGO BEARS Sun., Nov. 17 vs DALLAS COWBOYS However, the Lions did allow 22.5 stopping defenses. The Lions traded Sun., Nov. 24 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS ppg, which was middle of the road. for Harrison in the middle of the Thu., Nov. 28 vs CHICAGO BEARS Sun., Dec. 8 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS OFFENSE: The pressure is squarely season for a fifth-round pick. Sun., Dec. 15 vs TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS on Stafford’s shoulders to bring A’Shawn Robinson, Da’Shawn Hand Sun., Dec. 22 @ DENVER BRONCOS Sun., Dec. 29 vs GREEN BAY PACKERS success to the organization, with him and Trey Flowers (free agent from 2018 RESULTS carrying a nearly $30 million cap hit. New England, 7.5 sacks) round out OPPONENT OUTCOME His top receiver Golden Tate was the defensive line. JETS LOST 17-48 49ERS LOST 27-30 dealt at the trade deadline last Jarrad Davis (100 tackles) and PATRIOTS WON 26-10 season and Stafford finished 16th in Devon Kennard (7 sacks) were two of COWBOYS TIE 24-24 PACKERS WON 31-23 the NFL, with 3,777 yards after being the Lions’ top defenders at linebacker DOLPHINS WON 32-21 SEAHAWKS LOST 14-28 a perennial 4,000-yard machine. He last year. BEARS LOST 22-34 also threw just 21 touchdowns, while Darious Slay (3 picks) and Jalen PANTHERS LOST 22-34 BEARS LOST 16-23 being picked off 11 times. Tabor are back at corner, while RAMS WON 16-30 The offensive line provided Stafford Quandre Diggs (78 tackles, 3 CARDINALS WON 3-17 BILLS LOST 13-14 little help, allowing 40 sacks as interceptions) and Miles Killebrew VIKINGS LOST 9-27 Stafford was battered and punished hold down the safety spots. PACKERS WON 31-0 weekly. SPECIAL TEAMS: The kicking ypr) and punts (12 returns, 57 yards). Pro Bowl right guard TJ Lang retired game remains the same with Sam DIVISION OUTLOOK: If the Lions in March, while the rest of the starters Martin punting and the reliable Matt are to contend in the NFC North, are back: Taylor Decker (LT), Graham Prater kicking. Martin averaged 44.7 they will have to earn it with the Glagow (C), Kenny Wiggins (RG) and yards per punt, while Prater was a Bears, Vikings and Packers expected Ricky Wagner (RT). Frank Ragnow is perfect 30-30 on PATs and 28-32 on to be formidable. the favorite to replace Lang. field goals, with all the misses coming Detroit last captured a division title The Lions drafted Iowa tight end TJ outside 40 yards. in 1993 and have never won the Hockenson with a top-10 pick, which Jamal Agnew will be expected to North since the NFL reconfigured raised some eyebrows. Hockenson return kicks (8 returns, 216 yards, 27 divisions in 2002.

31 Defiance College

YELLOW JACKETS DATA STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE CAPACITY Justin F. Coressel Turf 3,500

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Triple Shoot 4-3 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH MANNY MATSAKIS ASSISTANT COACHES MICHAEL STARKEY Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers CHRIS SHANK Offensive Line EARNEST WILSON Associate Head Coach/Special Teams JEREMY TAYLOR Defensive Tackles TYLER BOLEN Quarterbacks BRIAN MESTRE Defensive Ends TRISTAN YEOMANS Wide Receivers JOVON JOHNSON Defensive Backs 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Sat., Sept. 7 @ ALBION (MICH) Sat., Sept. 14 @ HOPE Thur., Sept. 19 vs MANCHESTER (IND.) Sat., Sept. 28 @ ANDERSON DC Coaches Sat., Oct. 5 @ MT. ST. JOSEPH Photo curtesy of Manny Matsakis Sat., Oct. 12 vs HANOVER Sat., Oct. 26 @ FRANKLIN (IND.) Sat., Nov. 2 @ ROSE-HULMAN (IND.) Sat., Nov. 9 vs MANCHESTER (IND.) jumping into fall camp. have Tyler Bolen with a variety of Sat., Nov. 16 vs BLUFFTON With a roster in the 50s, and experience.” 2018 RESULTS Matsakis the fourth head coach in The staff made a massive recruiting OPPONENT OUTCOME ALBION LOST 59-6 four years at DC, the Yellow Jackets push in the off-season, gathering HOPE LOST 41-0 were able to post just one win talent from coast to coast. DC is MANCHESTER LOST 57-26 ANDERSON LOST 18-14 against nine setbacks. expecting to have between 70 FRANKLIN LOST 55-28 HANOVER LOST 48-7 Thanks to extensive background in to 80 newcomers on the team MOUNT ST. JOSEPH LOST 20-0 Division I football, including Kansas this season, along with around 20 ROSE-HULMAN LOST 35-6 EARLHAM WON 28-10 State, Texas Tech and Wyoming, returnees. Some of the newcomers BLUFFTON LOST 34-7 along with a stop in the Canadian include transfers. Coined the season of “against Football League, Matsakis has “One is the opportunity to play all odds,” Defiance College is set pulled in an impressive group of early and that appeals to a lot to embark on a campaign with assistants for year two. of guys,” said Matsakis of what more rookies than the three upper “It’s a massive change,” said recruits could be sold on. “Second classes combined. Matsakis. “Everything changed was the coaching staff and when “Success will be measured Dec. 1 when Michael Starkey kids start looking up those guys, the incrementally and eventually the got on board and then shortly pedigrees are like, ‘wow, I get to be dam will break and we’ll get some thereafter Chris Shank got on coached by that guy. Number three victories,” said second-year head board. Those two coaches really is Defiance and the surrounding coach Manny Matsakis. helped us make a big push when communities. They’re coming to A year ago, Matsakis wasn’t even it came to recruiting. They’re guys get an education but once they settled into Defiance with his I knew and then we kept building notice what downtown is like and family after coming from Widener the staff. We were fortunate what these other towns around here University, near Philadelphia, when enough to have Ernie (Wilson) here have, they’re pleasantly surprised practice started. Hired in late July, from the previous staff so he could how much there is to do.” he had little time to get acquainted show them what it was like to these Wilson will serve as associate with the Defiance thoroughfares of guys. Then to get a guy with Jovon head coach/special teams coach Clinton and Second streets before Johnson’s pedigree and then you and Starkey will be the defensive

32 coordinator/linebackers coach. Matsakis wants to use fall camp their fourth offense in four seasons. Shank will guide the offensive and the first three weeks of the “My biggest concern is always linemen, while also serving as regular season to find out about his offensive line,” said Matsakis. strength coach. Bolen will be team filled with new faces. “There’s no more important group the quarterbacks coach and “You can’t turn them loose or we’ll on a team than the O-line. We want Johnson will coach the secondary. have a train wreck out there,” said to be able to do everything at will, Jeremy Taylor returns to coach Matsakis. “It’s fun for us because but you can’t do that until you have the defensive line, while Tristan when we’re in staff meetings a great O-line.” Yeomans and Bryan Mestre are preparing for the season, we’re in a Between the returnees in the pits graduate assistants. unique situation where 75 percent of and incoming crop of offensive Johnson started all four years at your team are newcomers and you and defensive linemen, Matsakis the University of Iowa and earned have the chance to flip the culture. is optimistic he will be able to find all-Big Ten honors all four years. It’s almost like starting from scratch. enough guys to man the trenches. He was drafted by the Steelers and We have a few upperclassmen Training camp and the first three later played in the CFL, earning helping in this, but it’s the ultimate weeks of the season will be used as Defensive Player of the Year in of building a program. gauges for who can play up front. 2011. “We have some leadership in Matt Groves (senior, 6-0, 280) and Meanwhile, Bolen started at there,” added Matsakis of the Dominic Fannin (LT, sophomore, quarterback and safety for NCAA returnees. “They understand what it 6-4, 245) are both returnees to the D-II West Virginia Wesleyan. takes to be in the program and that offensive line. Yeomans was a special teams ultimately makes them accountable The top three receivers are back standout at the University of to the community.” with Jacob Vorce (39 catches, Kentucky. He started 39 games as OFFENSE: Matsakis will look to 507 yards, 4 touchdowns), Jason the long snapper and holder for get his triple-shoot offense cooking Santora (30 receptions, 410 yards, 2 the Wildcats’ specialists, which this fall. He believes the offense is TDs) and Nate Roberts (29 catches, are coached by Matsakis’ brother, a lot further along than a year ago 375 yards, 1 touchdown). Louie. when the Jackets were learning Defiance also will get a boost in

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ROB HELD // [email protected] 33

BSN_AD_8.5x5.5 copy.indd 1 8/9/19 3:15 PM the passing game with transfers. the line. Saturday at Anderson. Muskingum University’s top receiver CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: DC “I think Franklin was a little stung Terry Geiger is now a Yellow Jacket will be challenged by a stiff non- because they didn’t go to the after leading the 4-6 Muskies, with conference slate with MIAA powers playoffs,” said Matsakis. “I think 39 receptions for 674 yards and four Albion and Hope on the docket they’re going to be really tough to scores. Amin Shaheed also comes for the first two weeks of the beat. Hanover is setting up to where over from Muskingum, where he season. The Jackets will then host they’re going to be really hard to hauled in 15 passes for 313 yards Manchester University on Thursday, beat every year. Rose-Hulman is as a freshman. Sept. 19, at Defiance High School’s smart and they have outstanding The quarterback and running back Fred J. Brown Stadium. Although players. Mount St. Joseph is really spots will be up for grabs by new the Spartans are a conference foe, good. arrivals in fall camp. the game will be played as a non- “We’ve got to close the gap on DEFENSE: Matsakis is enthused conference game with the contest every team in the conference,” about what his defense can do this replacing the regularly scheduled added Matsakis. “We’ll see where fall. conference game against Earlham, we are throughout the season. Our “I like where we’re going to be which decided to drop football in goal this season is to compete for defensively,” said Matsakis. “The the off-season. four quarters and see how the chips D-line is going to be a strength for HCAC play begins the following fall.” us. They’re just going to be young. I like the aggressive nature our defensive staff is putting together. If we’re able to do that we’ll play man and blitz quite a bit. If we need more time to develop, we’ll play more umbrella coverage and Check out our podcast Swarm zone.” And Shoot Football Show on Senior defensive back Derek iTunes. Angelone (23 tackles), along with veteran linemen Chris Keys Jr. (2.5 You can also watch our podcast on sacks) and Austin Pearish (3 sacks), our Youtube channel lead the charge of defenders backs. The defense graduated its top swarmandshoot.com three tacklers with all-HCAC linebacker Jalin Nealy (109 tackles, 5 sacks) gone, along with Cody Swarm and Shoot Football Show Brown (80 tackles) and Beau Barkley Photo curtesy of Manny Matsakis (60 tackles). SPECIAL TEAMS: Montpelier grad Bryce Cooley is the favorite to take over the punting duties after the Jackets spent 2018 without a punter. The Jackets rarely punted in the early season and then used their quarterback to quick punt much of the second half of the season. “Having a guy like Tristan Yeomans work with them will be awesome,” said Matsakis. “He understands the style of special teams I like running.” A new group of kickers will battle it out during camp with the job on

34 OHIO STATE

BUCKEYES DATA The task for new Ohio State University McLaurin (35 catches, 701 yards, 11 STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE CAPACITY coach Ryan Day is a big one, replacing touchdowns) and Johnnie Dixon (42 Ohio Turf 104,944 OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Urban Meyer, who won 86 of 95 games receptions, 669 yards, 8 touchdowns) Spread Multiple the last seven years. are missing wideouts, but the Buckeyes COACHING STAFF Included in those 86 victories were have a stable of pass catchers waiting HEAD COACH RYAN DAY seven wins over Michigan. to step up. Binjimen Victor (21-354 ASSISTANT COACHES LARRY JOHNSON Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line Along with Meyer, a record-setting yards), Jaylen Harris, Austin Mack (26- KEVIN WILSON OC/Tight Ends quarterback and a trio of receivers have 331 yards), Chris Olave (12-197 yards), MIKE YURICH Quarterbacks TONY ALFORD Running Backs departed, along with four offensive Garrett Wilson, KJ Hill (70-885 yards, BRIAN HARTLINE Wide Receivers linemen and a cornerback. 6 touchdowns) and Jaelen Gill are all GREG STUDRAWA Offensive Line JEFF HAFLEY Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Day served as acting head coach capable of putting up big numbers. GREG MATTISON Co-Defensive Coordinator during the first three games of the 2018 Luke Farrell will start at tight end and MATT BARNES Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Secondary Coach season, with Meyer on administrative is coming off a sophomore season of AL WASHINGTON Linebackers leave following domestic violence 20 catches for 205 yards. issues with former assistant Zach Smith. Left tackle Thayer Munford is the 2019 SCHEDULE Day played quarterback for offensive only starter back up front. He earned DATE OPPONENT Sat Aug 31 vs FLA ATLANTIC coordinator Chip Kelly at New honorable mention all-Big Ten honors. Sat Sep 7 vs CINCINNATI Hampshire and then made several Leipsic graduate Gavin Cupp is vying Sat Sep 21 @ INDIANA Sat Sep 28 vs MIAMI (OH) coaching stops: New Hampshire, for a starting guard spot. Sat Oct 5 @ NEBRASKA Boston College, Florida, Temple DEFENSE: The Ohio State defense Sat Oct 12 vs MICHIGAN STATE Sat Oct 19 @ NORTHWESTERN Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco was a maligned unit in 2018 thanks to Sat Oct 26 vs WISCONSIN 49ers. He came to OSU in 2017, where the propensity to give up big plays. Sat Nov 2 vs MARYLAND Sat Nov 16 @ RUTGERS he coached the quarterbacks and was OSU’s deepest and most talented Sat Nov 23 vs PENN STATE Meyer’s offensive coordinator. position will be the line. Three starters Sat Nov 30 @ MICHIGAN OFFENSE: Former five-star recruit are back with Chase Young (10 sacks) 2018 RESULTS Justin Fields is the odds-on favorite to and Jonathon Cooper at bookend, OPPONENT OUTCOME take over at quarterback following a along with Robert Landers at tackle. OREGON ST. WON 77-31 RUTGERS WON 52-3 transfer from Georgia. Incoming freshman Zach Harrison, TCU WON 40-28 Fields played some for the Bulldogs one of the nation’s top recruits, could TULANE WON 49-6 PENN STATE WON 27-26 last year, hitting on 27-39 passes for also enter into the mix. INDIANA WON 49-26 over 300 yards and four scores. He Malik Harrison will get the nod at MINNESOTA WON 30-14 PURDUE LOST 20-49 adds a dangerous option running as an outside linebacker spot, while Tuf NEBRASKA WON 36-31 well, with 266 yards on 42 totes and Borland is back in the middle. Peter MICHIGAN STATE WON 26-6 MARYLAND WON 52-51 four scores with the SEC program. Werner and Dallas Gant are favorites MICHIGAN WON 62-39 Kentucky transfer Gunnar Hoak is also on the outside. NORTHWESTERN WON 45-24 WASHINGTON WON 28-23 trying to throw his hat in the starting Expect Jeffrey Okudah and Damon QB mix. Arnette at corner spots with Jordan Whoever wins the job, he will have a Fuller and Brendon White filling out the 41.6 yards. He was a semifinalist for the tough time putting up the numbers of secondary at safety. Ray Guy Award. Redskins’ first-round draftee Dwayne SPECIAL TEAMS: Junior Blake Liam McCullough has been a mainstay Haskins. He completed 370-530 passes Haubeil took over place-kicking chores long snapping over the last three years, for 4,853 yards and 50 touchdowns, midway through last year and hit 10-13 playing in 40 of 41 games. while finishing third in the Heisman field goals and all 37 PATs. He also has Hill, Demario McCall and Jaelen Gill Trophy voting. handled the kickoff duties for the last are likely return guys. JK Dobbins is back to haul the ball two years. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: The after totaling 1,053 yards and 10 Punter Dru Chrisman was an invaluable Buckeyes will look to nail down their touchdowns last fall. tool in 2018, helping the Buckeyes third straight Big Ten title this fall. OSU Parris Campbell (90 receptions, rank as one of the top punt units in the last won three straight Big Ten titles 1,063 yards, 12 touchdowns), Terry nation, with a net punting average of from 2006-08.

35 MICHIGAN

WOLVERINE DATA STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE CAPACITY also departed after the 2018 season. The Cesar Ruiz (C), Michael Onwenu (RG) and Michigan Turf 107,601 Wolverines did not have an offensive Andrew Stueber (LT) give the Wolverines OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Spread 3-4 coordinator last season with Hamilton arguably their best line since Harbaugh COACHING STAFF and Harbaugh both having their hands in arrived. HEAD COACH JIM HARBAUGH calling plays. DEFENSE: The Wolverines have been ASSISTANT COACHES OFFENSE: Harbaugh made a splash a top-three defense nationally under DON BROWN DC/Linebackers shortly after last season by naming defensive coordinator Don Brown each JOSH GATTIS OC ANTHONY CAMPANILE Defensive Assistant Alabama co-offensive coordinator Josh of the last three autumns. JAY HARBAUGH Assistant STC/Running Backs Gattis his offensive coordinator for this NFL draftees Devin Bush (66 tackles, BEN MCDANIELS Quarterbacks SHERRONE MOORE Tight Ends year. 4.5 sacks), Chase Winovich (59 tackles, 5 SHAUN NUA Defensive Line Alabama ranked third nationally in sacks), Rashan Gary (38 tackles, 3.5 sacks) CHRIS PARTRIDGE STC/Safeties scoring with 45.6 ppg and sixth in total and David Long (6 passes defended) ED WARINNER Offensive Line MICHAEL ZORDICH Cornerbacks offense with 522 yards last year. leave the Wolverines without some major 2019 SCHEDULE The 34-year old Gattis spent time talent. DATE OPPONENT at North Carolina, Western Michigan, Aidan Hutchinson will likely slide into Sat Aug 31 vs MIDDLE TENN. Vanderbilt and Penn State before arriving a bookend spot with Kwity Paye (2 Sat Sep 7 vs ARMY at Alabama. sacks), Josh Uche (7 sacks), Vilain Luiji Sat Sep 21 @ WISCONSIN Sat Sep 28 vs RUTGERS Regarded as a strong receivers coach, and Central Michigan transfer Mike Sat Oct 5 vs IOWA Gattis will bring a more up-tempo style to Danna giving the Wolverines an array of Sat Oct 12 @ ILLINOIS Sat Oct 19 @ PENN STATE Michigan. The Wolverines are expected bookend options. Sat Oct 26 Vs NOTRE DAME to pick up the pace offensively and go to Michael Dwunfour and Carlo Kemp Sat Nov 2 @ MARYLAND Sat Nov 16 vs MICHIGAN STATE the air more with a plethora of wideouts. return to interior of the line. Sat Nov 23 @ INDIANA Shea Patterson, who grew up in Toledo, Khaleke Hudson is back at the viper Sat Nov 30 vs OHIO STATE will direct the offense in his senior season. position, while Joshua Ross and Devin 2018 RESULTS Patterson was 210-325 passing for 2,600 Gil also have experience at linebacker. OPPONENT OUTCOME yards and 22 touchdowns last year. Lavert Hill is the Wolverines’ top corner NOTRE DAME LOST 17-24 WESTERN MICHIGAN WON 49-3 Donovan Peoples-Jones (47 receptions, back, while Ambry Thomas will likely SMU WON 45-20 612 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Nico take over for Long at the other corner NEBRASKA WON 56-10 Collins (38 receptions, 632 yards, 6 position. NORTHWESTERN WON 20-17 MARYLAND WON 42-21 touchdowns) will look to play a bigger Josh Metellus returns to strong safety WISCONSIN WON 38-13 role in the offense under Gattis. and Brad Hawkins is the favorite to play MICHIGAN STATE WON 21-7 PENN STATE WON 42-7 Tarik Black, who has battled through free safety. RUTGERS WON 42-7 injury-riddled freshman and sophomore SPECIAL TEAMS: Thomas is a big-play INDIANA WON 31-20 seasons, has shown explosive signs in his threat in the return game (19 kick returns, OHIO STATE LOST 39-62 FLORIDA LOST 15-41 short time on the field. 21.7-yard average, 1 TD). Peoples-Jones The running back has a little uncertainty (25 returns, 250 yards) is also a threat Year five of the Jim Harbaugh regime going into the season with Karan returning punts. begins with expectations at an all-time Higdon (224 attempts, 1,178 yards, 10 Quinn Nordin struggled with field goals high. touchdowns) in the NFL and second- (11-16) and was replaced during the Thus far, Harbaugh has been unable leading rusher Chris Evans (81 attempts, season by Jake Moody (5-5 PATs, 10-11 to produce a Big Ten championship, a 423 yards) suspended. field goals). Who will get the nod in 2019 playoff berth or a triumph over uber rival Tru Wilson (62 carries, 364 yards) and is uncertain. Ohio State. Christian Turner (20 attempts, 95 yards) Will Hart gives the Wolverines a big leg The Wolverines will certainly feel like all are the incumbents in the backfield, in the punting game after averaging 47 three scenarios are a very real possibility while blue-chip recruit Zach Charbonnet yards per boot in 2018. this fall with nine starters back on offense is also in the mix. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Michigan and five on defense. Bulldozer fullback Ben Mason (33 was selected to win the Big Ten in a Two assistants left in the off-season with carries, 80 yards, 7 touchdowns) voting conducted by cleveland.com. The defensive line coach Greg Mattison and returns for short-yardage and goal-line Wolverines received 17 first-place votes, linebackers coach Al Washington leaving situations. while Ohio State got 14, Nebraska two to join Ryan Day’s Ohio State staff. The pits will feature an experienced and Northwestern one. Passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton unit. Jon Runyan (LT), Ben Bredeson (LG), 36 Bowling Green

FALCONS DATA Scot Loeffler is the new man in catches, 1,148 yards, 9 touchdowns, STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE CAPACITY Bowling Green after an extensive drafted by Buccaneers) takes away the Doyt Perry Turf 24,000 OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME assistant coaching background. Falcons’ top offensive threat. Multiple 4-3 Loeffler has spent time at seven Washington State transfer Isaiah COACHING STAFF different colleges and one year in the Johnson-Mack (60 catches, 555 yards HEAD COACH SCOT LOEFFLE NFL since playing at Michigan. in 2017) should help replace some of ASSISTANT COACHES STEVE MORRISON Associate Head Coach (Linebacker) Since four straight winning seasons Miller’s production. TERRY MALONE Offensive line (OC) from 2012-15, BG has won just nine Austin Dorris, another transfer from BRIAN VANGORDE (DC) JACOB SCHOONOVER Safeties (STC) games over the last three seasons Indiana, also will look to produce in CHRIS HEDDEN (Running Backs) under the direction of Mike Jinks, who the passing game. ERIK CAMPBELL (Wide Receivers) MAX WARNER (Quarterbacks) was let go after seven games last fall. DEFENSE: The Falcons were one of LOUIE ADDAZIO (Tight Ends) Carl Pelini coached the last five games American’s worst defenses last year, LaMARCUS HICKS (Secondary) JULIAN CAMPENN (Defensive Line) and went 2-3. allowing 5,377 yards, which ranked 2019 SCHEDULE : Jarret Doege’s transfer 103rd out of 130 teams. Foes also OFFENSE DATE OPPONENT to West Virginia in June took away averaged 40 ppg on the Falcons, Thurs., Aug. 19 vs MORAN STATE Sat., Sept. 7 @ KANSAS STATE BG’s prolific passer from 2018. Doege which was 125th in the nation. Teams Sat., Sept. 14 vs LA TECH was 242-389 for 2,660 yards and 27 were especially potent against BG’s Sat., Sept. 21 @ KENT STATE Sat., Oct. 5 @ NOTRE DAME touchdowns. He transferred to BG run defense, which yielded 280.5 Sat., Oct. 12 vs TOLEDO from Texas Tech. yards per game (128th nationally). Sat., Oct. 19 vs CENTRAL MICHIGAN Sat., Oct. 26 @ WESTERN MICHIGAN Grant Loy (7-12, 180 yards, 2 Brian VanGorder is tasked with turning Sat., Nov. 2 vs AKRON touchdowns, 1 INT) made one start the defensive inefficiency around. He Wed., Nov. 13 @ MIAMI (OH) Tues., Nov. 19 vs OHIO last year and will battle with Boston has an established background as a Fri., Nov. 29 @ BLUFFALO College graduate-transfer Darius DC at Louisville, Notre Dame, Auburn 2018 RESULTS Wade, who played in 25 games at BC. and Georgia and for the NFL’s Atlanta OPPONENT OUTCOME He completed 95-171 tosses with five Falcons. OREGON ST. WON 77-31 RUTGERS WON 52-3 scores and five picks during his time Defensive end David Konowalski TCU WON 40-28 with the Eagles. Wade is eligible to (8.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks in 2017) TULANE WON 49-6 PENN STATE WON 27-26 play immediately. returns to the lineup after missing INDIANA WON 49-26 Andrew Clair will look for a strong 2018 with an Achilles injury, which MINNESOTA WON 30-14 PURDUE LOST 20-49 junior season after leading the Falcons should give the unit a lift. NEBRASKA WON 36-31 with 135 rushes for 702 yards and five Karl Brooks (3.5 sacks) is the likely MICHIGAN STATE WON 26-6 MARYLAND WON 52-51 scores. He was named to the Doak favorite at the other end spot. Inside, MICHIGAN WON 62-39 Walker watch list in July. DeMontae Haigler and Walker Haire NORTHWESTERN WON 45-24 WON 28-23 Bryson Denley (2 starts) tallied 67 are the favorites. WASHINGTON carries for 224 yards last year and Kholbe Coleman (70 tackles) is the average) and Matt Naranjo (31 punts, Ra’veion Hargrove added 33 totes for lone returning linebacker. 41.2-yard average) split the punting 127 yards. Free safety Jerry McBride was duties and combined for 11 kicks Center Jack Kramer (on Remington second on the team in tackles in 2018 inside the 20. watch list) is back to anchor the line. with 106. Rover Jamari Bozeman (22 The Falcons’ return game needs to Lorenzo Taborn (LT), Caleb Bright (LG), tackles) made three starts last year, pick up the pace under Loeffler. BG Joe Ware (RG) and Derek Downs (RT) while Caleb Biggers (35 tackles, 4 averaged 5.7 yards on 17 punt returns round out the probable starters up starts) and Ty Redding are expected at last year and just 17.1 yards on 35 kick front. corner spots. returns. Quintin Morris is a large target at SPECIAL TEAMS: Junior kicker Nate CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Loeffler receiver at 6-4. He caught 42 passes Needham made all 34 of his PATs and will likely need a couple years to build for 516 yards and seven touchdowns converted 6-10 field goals last fall and up the program again. The Falcons last year. returns. were picked to finish last in the MAC’s Leading receiver Scott Miller (71 Grant Tinnerman (35 punts, 37-yard East Division.

37 Toledo

ROCKETS DATA STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE CAPACITY defensive side, Toledo has two Tuzar Skipper (8.5 sacks, 11.5 Glass Bowl Turf 26,244

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME dynamic running backs for Jason tackles-for-loss) and Reggie Spread 3-4 Candle, who is entering his fourth Howard (4 sacks, 15 tackles-for- COACHING STAFF season. loss) are major losses in the pits. HEAD COACH JASON CANDLE ASSISTANT COACHES The Rockets averaged 40.4 ppg, Jamal Hines is back after spilling BRIAN GEORGE Defensive Coordinator while allowing 30.5 ppg in 2018. 49 ballcarriers and making three BRIAN WRIGHT Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks KEVIN BEARD Wide Receivers OFFENSE: Bryant Koback, who sacks. Devonte Dunn and Derrius LARRY BLACK Defensive Line transferred from Kentucky after Mullins are also options up front. NATE COLE Running Backs ROBBY DISCHER Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends a stellar prep career at Holland Richard Olekanma led the Toledo MIKE HALLETT Offensive Line HANK POTEAT Cornerbacks Springfield, was a major problem defense with 86 tackles last year at ROSS WATSON Safeties for foes. He totaled 947 yards and linebacker and is also gone. MIKE WARD Linebackers 14 touchdowns. He averaged 7.1 The starting linebackers are all 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT yards per carry in Toledo’s seven veterans with Erik Davis, Jordan Sat Aug 31 @ KENTUCKY wins and hit paydirt 12 times. Fisher (60 tackles) and Dedarallo Sat Sep 14 vs MURRAY STATE Sat Sep 21 @ COLORADO STATE Shakif Seymour is also back, Blue (41 stops) all possessing Sat Sep 28 VS BYU following a 581-yard campaign experience as seniors. Sat., Oct. 5 vs WESTERN MICHIGAN Sat., Oct. 12 @ BOWLING GREEN with five touchdowns. Justin Clark (35 tackles) and Sat., Oct. 19 @ BALL STATE Sat., Oct. 26 vs EASTERN MICHIGAN Mitchell Guadagni and Eli Peters Desmond Bernard hold down the Tue Nov 5 VS KENT STATE head into the year as the favorites corner spots, with Kahlil Robinson Wed Nov 13 VS NORTHERN IL Wed Nov 20 @ BUFFALO to start at quarterback. Koback was (69 tackles) and Tycen Anderson Fri Nov 29 @ CENTRAL MICHIGAN twice injured last fall and finished (44 tackles) at safety spots. 2018 RESULTS 69-120 passing for 1,053 yards The Rockets OPPONENT OUTCOME SPECIAL TEAMS: NOTRE DAME LOST 17-24 and 13 touchdowns with only three brought back three punts for WESTERN MICHIGAN WON 49-3 SMU WON 45-20 picks. Peters hit on 146-265 tosses touchdowns last year and also a NEBRASKA WON 56-10 for 1,837 yards and 18 touchdowns kickoff. NORTHWESTERN WON 20-17 MARYLAND WON 42-21 to seven INTs. McKinley-Lewis is the favorite WISCONSIN WON 38-13 MICHIGAN STATE WON 21-7 Toledo’s top three pass catchers to return punt after bringing back PENN STATE WON 42-7 are gone: Diontae Johnson (early- seven for a 13.3-yard average. He RUTGERS WON 42-7 INDIANA WON 31-20 draftee, 49 catches, 761 yards, 8 will help elevate the loss of Diontae OHIO STATE LOST 39-62 FLORIDA LOST 15-41 touchdowns), Jon’Vea Johnson Johnson, who averaged 18.5 per (32 receptions, 660 yards, 9 punt return and 25.8 yards on touchdowns) and Cody Thompson kickoff returns. The Toledo Rockets never quite (48 catches, 647 yards, 10 scores). Bailey Flint is back to punt. He found their groove in 2018, never Desmond Phillips (27 catches, posted a 40.9-yard average per winning more than two straight and 220 yards) is the top wideout back. punt and placed 24 punts inside finishing 7-6 overall, a year after Andrew Davis, Mitchell Bryce, the 20. claiming their first MAC title in 13 Danzal McKinley-Lewis, N’Shaka Jameson Vest (15-20 field goals, years. Neru and Corbett Darius are other 64-66 PATs) graduated after serving Over half of Toledo’s foes had favorites to catch passes. as kicker last fall. big offensive days, with seven Up front, three linemen are gone CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: The opponents scoring at least 34 from 2018. Rockets were selected to win the points. The Rockets allowed 38.3 DEFENSE: The Rockets are MAC West at MAC Media Day in ppg in its six setbacks. without the majority of their front July. Ohio was voted to beat Toledo While there is concern on the two lines of defense. in the MAC championship game.

38 Antwerp

ARCHERS DATA DIVISION REGION A new face replaces a long-time offensive and defensive lines, and VII 26 face of the Antwerp gridders this depth in the backfield,” assessed OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME fall. Jason Hale is taking the bow Hale. “We have athletes in the Spread 4-3 COACHING STAFF from Drew Altimus as leadman of backfield and on the edge. Our HEAD COACH JASON HALE the Archers. team chemistry is good and we ASSISTANT COACHES ZAC FEASBY Receivers/LB/QB “I think it’s being a more prominent have athletes that are willing to get PAUL COTRELL TE/RB/DE voice,” said Hale, of stepping into better.” KEVIN CARR OL/DL JOE BEREGSZAZI WR/DB the head coaching role. “I’ve kept Inexperience at quarterback is CALEB HORVATH OC/SAFETIES it upbeat and want to provide new one concern of Hale’s. 2019 SCHEDULE energy. OFFENSE: Hale will have to DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 vs MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL “With Drew being the AD, he overcome some key departures Fri., Sep. 6 @ HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL gets it,” added Hale. “He’s been to graduation, including four-year Fri., Sep.13 VS PAULDING HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL coaching for 20-plus years. I think QB Keaton Altimus, who fired the Fri., Sep. 27 vs WAYNE TRACE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs AYERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL he felt it was a good fit for me to ball around for 2,541 yards, 25 Fri., Oct. 11 @ GIBSONBURG HIGH SCHOOL take over. He tried to (step away) touchdowns and 15 interceptions Fri., Oct. 18 vs EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL once before, it didn’t work and he last season under his father. Fri., Nov. 1 vs TINORA HIGH SCHOOL had to come back. It’s nice because Cole Seslar, another four-year 2018 RESULTS the support here is tremendous. It’s standout, posted 976 yards OPPONENT OUTCOME MONTPELIER WON 44-38 nice to know people care. Drew’s receiving, while hitting the end HILLTOP WON 42-0 PAULDING WON 14-7 been great to me and my family, zone 10 times. Luke Brewer added FAIRVIEW LOST 20-41 and it’s been great working with 841 yards receiving, along with six WAYNE TRACE LOST 36-52 AYERSVILLE WON 42-21 him.” scores, while also rushing for 77 HOLGATE WON 33-0 Hale is actually not a new face to yards and another TD. EDGERTON LOST 0-48 HICKSVILLE WON 28-8 the program, as he has served as “We will look a little bit different TINORA LOST 17-34 an assistant for the last five years this year after losing Keaton for the Blue-and-White. Altimus, Cole Seslar and Luke Divyne East is another receiver lost “The numbers are right around 30- Brewer,” admitted Hale. “But we to the 2019 graduating class, while 35 kids,” said Hale. “The attitude have more athletes to replace them linemen Brett Fulk, Jack Dohoney, and chance to get better has been and will look to spread the ball out Kolton Titus and Andy McDougall great in summer workouts. We are to our athletes. Seniors will play are gone also. going to have to show up every a key role in getting this team to Blake Schuette is a three-year day in practice and compete to get the next step as we look to build lettermen back. He sported an better. Nothing will be given to us upon our record last year and keep array of numbers in 2018, with and we need to earn it.” moving in the right direction. 216 receiving yards and three A 6-4 campaign fell just short of “I feel like we’re going to be touchdowns, while also scoring a the D-VII, Region 26 playoffs last more balanced this year,” added rushing touchdown. He is listed as fall, which was capped by a tough Hale. “We’re going to be more a QB/receiver going into the new 34-17 setback to Tinora that sealed methodical with what we do. We’ll season. Antwerp’s non-playoff fate. The have multiple guys that can get the Hunter Sproles saw limited time Archers finished 10th in the region. ball in space and do something at QB as a rookie, with 109 yards “We have depth along the with it.” through the air. He also could see

39 Antwerp

we do is trying to compete to get better. I think it’ll be figured out by the first game. “Blake’s a senior and has played there and has more experience,” continued Hale. “He’s explosive running the ball. Hunter is only a sophomore but probably has a little more zip on the ball. Hunter is probably a little more of a prospect, while Blake has played there. Hunter is explosive in the run game as well.” Tim Taylor, a senior ball carrier, is coming off a 410-yard rushing year with seven scores and 57 receiving yards. Quincy Brinneman is another senior pass catcher. Landyn Reyes, a junior, is another receiving option. Meanwhile, Nick McCreery is back at tight end. In the trenches, Jonathon Buehrer, Ryan Van Vlerah and Dylan Hines return. Chase Clark, a 5-8, 215-pound freshman, is a promising newcomer to the offense, while Logan Castillo, a 5-8, 230-pound junior, shows promise to see time on the line. DEFENSE: In their four losses, the Archers were unable to slow down their opponents, surrendering 41, Blake Schuette 52, 48 and 34 points. Photo courtesy of Jason Hale. Ten returnees are back, but most of the offensive graduates also time at receiver, and sports a 6-3 “I think for the sake of the offensive played a big defensive role. frame. line ... I know playing in a two- “Like we do on the offensive Hale would like the QB battle quarterback system is tough,” said line, we’ll have great depth on the between Schuette and Sproles Hale. “I’ve told them, they’re both defensive line,” said Hale. “We’ve to have played out by the season going to have to compete for it. got to develop a couple more kids. opener. That’s the biggest thing, everything Linebackers, we lost Brett Fulk and

40 Antwerp

he was great, but we have depth first-team all-GMC kicker last fall and his staff as well. Hicksville will coming back. So up front, our front which gives Hale options when be competitive as well and always six have great depth. We’ve got to deep in opponents’ territory. play well under coach (Lucas) bring some younger guys along at “You get inside the 30, you have Smith. DBs.” that in your back pocket,” said “Every game we will play in the Seslar intercepted three passes Hale. “You can be a little bit more GMC will be tough and we are and made 43 stops at defensive aggressive with playcalling. He’s so going to have to work very hard back, while East (43 tackles, 1 smooth and it’s great to have that. to finish where we did last year. I interception) and Brewer (57 tackles, He’s a great punter too, so he’s a look forward to that challenge and 3 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception) great weapon to have.” cannot wait for the year to get also leave from the secondary. Hale has emphasized improvement started.” Dohoney (15 tackles, 1 sack), covering kicks, an Titus, McDougall and Tim Major area that hurt the Nick McCreery (22 tackles, 4 tackles-for-loss) must Archers in 2018. Photo courtesy of Jason Hale. be replaced in the trenches, along CONFERENCE with Fulk at linebacker (62 tackles, OUTLOOK: After 1 sack). making a clean sweep Schuette racked up big defensive through the three- numbers, registering 56 hits, 7 game non-league tackles behind the line, 8 sacks, 1 slate to start the interception and 10 QB hurries. season, the Archers “Blake had a huge year last year,” went 4-3 in the GMC, lauded Hale. “I really challenged which included a him this summer to keep working 28-8 win over 6-4 and he’s been doing a great job.” Hicksville. Taylor (53 tackles, 3 tackles-for- “The conference loss), Hines (57 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 will once again be sack) and Brinneman (46 tackles) very tough this year,” are back at linebacker, while remarked Hale. Reyes is also back in the defensive “Edgerton loses a backfield. little bit up front, but Up front, McCreery (25 tackles) will still be very good and Sproles (11 tackles, 1 tackle- with their backfield for-loss, 1 sack) will man the end coming back. I look positions, while Buehrer and Van for Fairview to be Vlerah also have experience in the very good this year pits. as they return many Clark will get into the action at starters and explosive linebacker and Castillo will be in athletes. They will the first line of Antwerp’s defense. be well coached by SPECIAL TEAMS: Savina was a coach (Doug) Rakes

41 Archbold

BLUE STREAKS DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Spread Multiple COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH DAVID DOMINIQUE ASSISTANT COACHES TODD PETERSEN Defensive Coordinator OL/DE BALDO QUINTANILLA OL/DL TODD RANZAU WR/DB CODY RUFFER OL/DL JACK DOWNEY Special Teams Coordinator WR/DB DERRICK BAKSA RB/DB GARRETT GRIME TE/LB EVAN WYSE QB/LB LOREN BROWN OL/DE JACOB ELTING OL/DL TJ GERKEN WR/DB COLTON SOLES RB/DB 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 @ HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 vs LIBERTY BENTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 @ LAKE HIGH SCHOOL-MILLBURY Fri., Sep. 20 vs PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 @ DELTA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 vs SWANTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 @ WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME HICKSVILLE WON 24-7 LIBERTY-BENTON WON 28-27 LAKE WON 23-14 WAUSEON WON 35-7 PATRICK HENRY LOST 14-28 BRYAN LOST 17-20 LIBERTY CENTER LOST 20-35 DELTA WON 34-0 EVERGREEN WON 28-14 SWANTON WON 35-13 Brandon Taylor Photo courtesy of Mario Gomez/Archbold Buckeye A year after climbing to the top of the NWOAL hill for the first time Wauseon by four touchdowns to glory years of legendary mentor since 2010, Archbold headed into open league play heading into John Downey’s run with the Fulton the 2018 fall with major questions, a matchup with one-win Patrick County program. including how would it replace Henry. Bryan trimmed Archbold 20-17 the loss of 15 seniors from the However, the Patriots slowed at the midway point of the season, championship squad? down the Streaks’ explosive and Liberty Center stormed back Those questions were put to rest offense, starting a three-game the following week to claim a 35- pretty quickly when the Bluestreaks slide for the Blue-and-Gold, that 20 win. swept non-league foes Hicksville, halted any thoughts of the program Following the losses to three Liberty-Benton and would-be repeating as NWOAL champions playoff teams, Archbold closed the playoff participant Lake. Archbold for the first time since winning four year on a three-game victory streak. then throttled NWOAL rival in a row from 1987-90 during the “Losing three starters on the

42 Archbold

offensive and defensive lines is a key weakness moving into the upcoming season,” said Archbold leadman David Dominique. “This was a main strength of our team last year, so we must fill the roles of those lost to graduation.” OFFENSE: The Streaks will have no shortage of firepower heading into a new season. “A key strength of our team for this upcoming year is the experience returning at the skilled positions,” said Dominique. Junior signal-caller Brandon Taylor hit on nearly 60 percent of his aerials as a sophomore, 116-204, which resulted in 1,331 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 5-11, 160-pounder also caused problems with his legs, totaling 424 rushing yards and four scores. Fellow junior Noah Gomez also will have to be dealt with by opposing foes. The shaky 5-9, 175-pounder dashed for 738 yards and nine touchdowns in his first year as the main workhouse in the backfield. Gomez added 109 receiving yards. He also had a strong freshman year for a Streaks team that won a playoff contest. Antonio Cruz Antonio Cruz (32 catches, 436 Photo courtesy of Mario Gomez/Archbold Buckeye yards, 4 touchdowns) and Isaiah Gomez (38 receptions, 378 yards, tight end. experienced offense. 2 touchdowns) pose issues as Offensive line anchor Matthew Josh Richer (5-9, 200), Carson receivers, along with Tony Grime Gladieux (6-3, 230) returns at center Meyer and Shane Eicher (5-8, 155) (11 catches, 141 yards, 1 score). and Mason Babcock (5-9, 205) will are guards Dominique points to as Elijah Zimmerman and Spencer play a tackle spot. possible newcomers to watch for. Short are two more senior receivers, A plethora of new faces are also Zoey Tuckerman (6-1, 230), Biship while Brayden Hall is also back at in the mix to see the field for an Tuckerman (5-10, 215), Gavin

43 Archbold

Warncke (20 tackles) also return from the (tackle) and secondary. Clay Nafziger Meyer is the top tackler back (guard) after spilling 67 ball carriers in graduated 2018. Babcock and Gladieux are from the pits. returnees to the line. Skill Cruz (CB), Yoder (LB), Taylor (CB), positions that Hogrefe (S), Miller (DT), Ranzau need to be (DE), Richer (LB), Tuckerman (DT), replaced are: Gavin Schaffner (DT) and Beaverson Izzy Reyes (DE) will see more time defensively (157 rushing as juniors, along with sophomores yards, 3 TDs), Newman (S) and Alvarado (LB). Zach Rocha SPECIAL TEAMS: Devin Witte, a (420 rushing senior, is a returning kicker for the yards, 6 Streaks. touchdowns), Grime is also back after averaging Owen 30.5 yards on 25 punts. Roehrig and Zimmerman racked up 95 return LJ Tijerina yards on just three punt returns, (124 yards while Cruz was dangerous bringing receiving). back kicks, averaging 19.6 yards on DEFENSE: 14 attempts. Mason Babcock The point of CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Photo courtesy of Mario Gomez/Archbold Buckeye attack was The three-game losing skid in the also where middle of the season denied the Schaffner and Adrian Juarez (5-10, graduation Streaks a chance at defending their 200) are possible candidates to see hit the Streaks the hardest on the 2017 NWOAL championship, its action at tackle. defensive side of the pigskin. first since 2010. DJ Newman is an up-and-coming Kasyn Schaffner (74 tackles, 9 “The NWOAL is again going to sophomore quarterback, while sacks) and Galvan (41 tackles) will be a very tough conference this sophomore Cayden Alvarado and be missed at tackle spots, along year,” said Dominique. “I look for junior Johnny Yoder can fill voids at with Aiden Warncke at end. the defending league champions running back. Reyes, Rocha, Roehrig and Tijerina Patrick Henry to be at the top, along Jacob Walters, Jakob Beaverson are gone from the secondary and with Bryan and Liberty Center. With and Zeke Miller are new receivers Nafziger up front. that being said, I think a number of to watch out for, along with Caleb Tony Grime led the Archbold other teams return talented rosters Ranzau at tight end. secondary with four interceptions that can compete in the top tier of Even with a haul of experience last fall at cornerback. Zimmerman this league. I look for each week to back, seven key pieces are missing. (62 tackles, 2 interceptions), Gomez be a battle as the NWOAL will be Holden Galvan (guard), Aiden (27 tackles, 2 picks) and Hogrefe well-balanced from top to bottom.”

44 Ayersville

PILOTS DATA DIVISION REGION Chris Dales has returned to good.’” VII 26 piloting the Ayersville grid program While Dales hung up his head OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME following a two-year hiatus. coaching hat, he was still associated Run and Boot Base 4-2-5 and 4-3-4 COACHING STAFF Ayersville was 5-5 two years ago with the program. He spent 2017 HEAD COACH CHRIS DALES and 2-8 last year under the direction coaching at the junior high level ASSISTANT COACHES DON PARRISH WR/DB/OC of Adam Baker, who resigned and last fall as a varsity assistant. AUSTIN FRITZ OL/DE earlier this year. Dales compiled an 82-52 record DAVID TREVINO RB/LB GOOSE HINOJOSA OL/DT “It’s one of those things where from 2004-16 as he followed in the ROB LUDERMAN QB it was probably a harder decision footsteps of program-starter Craig 2019 SCHEDULE when the administration came and McCord. DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 @ WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN HIGH SCHOOL talked to me after coach Baker The Pilots played for a regional Fri., Sep. 6 @ NORTH BALTIMORE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL resigned,” said Dales. “They spent final in 2016 under Dales, falling Fri., Sep. 20 @ HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL a good hour talking about a variety 21-19 to Patrick Henry in the D-VI, Fri., Sep. 27 vs TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL of different things. I told them I Region 22 championship tilt. Fri., Oct. 11 vs WAYNE TRACE SCHOOLS needed some time to sit down The Pilots will look Fri., Oct. 18 vs FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL OFFENSE: Fri., Oct. 25 @ EDON HIGH SCHOOL with my wife. Going back to when more traditional this fall, shifting Fri., Nov. 1 vs EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL I did step away — people don’t from a spread attack to more of a 2018 RESULTS understand this — when you’re power running game. OPPONENT OUTCOME EDON LOST 12-20 a head coach, it’s seven days a “Basically, we’re going to have OTTAWA HILLS WON 44-7 BLUFFTON WON 21-13 week. You are constantly doing three basic run formations, two- HICKSVILLE LOST 0-43 football stuff. We knew we wanted back sets,” said Dales. “And we’re TINORA LOST 6-7 ANTWERP LOST 21-42 to go see my son (Dauson) play going to have three base spread WAYNE TRACE LOST 6-46 FAIRVIEW LOST 0-48 at Ohio Dominican. He made the formations where we’re out of HOLGATE LOST 0-9 travel team and was a backup his the gun. We’re going to build EDGERTON LOST 0-58 freshman year. We were traveling everything off our two-back sets. all over that I didn’t want to take We’re going to go back to Wing-T Evan Clark (6-2, 225, OT, junior), away from the kids in preparation type plays: the trap, the gap, the Ryan Clark (6-2, 225, OT, junior), and stuff. People don’t understand sweep, the isos, the bellies ... things Brady Fishpaw (6-2, 236, C, senior) that. like that just to establish things. and Trevor Okuley (6-0, 225, G, “When I sat down with the “Why we decided to do that was senior) give the Pilots a strong administration and my wife and we feel like we have a veteran and hefty cast at the point of I had time to think about, I said, offensive line coming back,” added impact. Jason Stiltner (5-10, 200, ‘Here’s the deal, my son’s starting Dales. “Then the second thing was sophomore) also has seen line time. and we have to go to Georgia, our skill guys are going to be young. “We really want to be balanced,” outside of Washington, D.C., we Do we still want to spread things said Dales. “If he can be 50-50, have to go to Kentucky, might have out and throw the ball? Without a great. Our ultimate goal is to be to go to Missouri.’ So I said, I’ll do doubt.” about 60-40, 60 (percent) run and this and put forth everything I have, With four starters returning to 40 (percent) pass. I’m actually as long as you’re okay with me the trenches, Dales felt a more going to have one coach keep being gone some of the Saturdays. conventional offense suited the track of that during the game to They said, ‘Oh, yeah, yeah, we’re 2019 Pilots better. stay balanced. It also depends one

45 Ayersville

what teams are going to give us.” a couple more young guys in the at tight end from his freshman Travis Degler is a missing piece mix. season, along with junior Conner up front, while Layne Froelich (132 “I hear the quarterback play is Youngker. carries, 629 yards, 5 touchdowns) is about the arm,” said Dales. “No, “We feel like we have two really gone from a skill spot, along with it’s not. I want a person that makes good tight ends that can help Dustin Parks (RB) and Logan Brown the right decisions. That’s going to us,” said Dales. “The tight end is (WR). be a big key. I don’t like turnovers.” starting to be a lost art, even in Caden Brown (26 catches, 395 Carson Tracy (senior), Isaac high school football. It creates some problems. We have a trips formation with tight ends that really gives defenses fits. What are they going to do? Are they going to put that extra guy in the box or are they going to float that guy with the trips with the tight end when the tight end is attached?” Chase Eitniear (6-2, 240) and Dakota Oswalt have starts at running back. Eitniear also could line up at receiver. Ayersville was limited to just six points over the final four games of 2018 and shut out in the last four. The Pilots scored just 110 points for the year, with 44 coming in a week two romp over Ottawa Hills. “We really, really struggled putting the ball in the end zone last year,” acknowledged Dales. “We have to move the ball, stay on track, keep Blake Eiden ourselves out of third and long Photo courtesy of Jim Tyler situations and we’ve got to be able to put the ball in the end zone. It yards, 4 TDs), who would’ve been Schindler (senior) and Hayden might seem like it’s a hard thing, a senior, was injured during the Dales (sophomore) are returning but it’s really a pretty simple thing. spring baseball season. starters at receiver positions, while Everyone has to do their job every Meanwhile, Sam McGuire Blake Eiden and Ike Eiden are single play.” transferred to Fairview after running returning receiving lettermen. DEFENSE: Froelich was also a big for 664 yards and four scores. Garrett Shreve also could see time part of the defense, with 105 stops Sophomore Jakob Trevino is the at receiver. at linebacker. frontrunner to take over at QB with Ricky Sherman also has experience Degler is missing from the line,

46 Ayersville

while Logan Brown and Parks Youngker (DE) Hayden Dales started in the secondary. bring valuable Photo courtesy of Jim Tyler Tracy, Schindler, Blake Eiden experience as and Dales return starts from the lettermen from secondary. the pits. “I feel pretty good,” said Dales, of “I think our his defense. “We have basically our defense is entire secondary back. We have the going to be majority of D-line back, which I feel able to play really good about. Our linebacker well,” said crew, we got some kids back and Dales. “We’re some kids back from injury that going to they had last year. We have to be bring a lot of fundamentally sound: not give up pressure and anything deep, make teams drive we’re going to the ball on us to score. mix things up. “People that know me, every I feel pretty single day in practice, we do confident with fundamental blocking and that.” fundamental tackling,” added SPECIAL Dales. “Even when we don’t TEAMS: Dales have pads on, we can still tackle simply put the dummies, we can still tackle sleds. special teams I think it’s becoming a lost art in aspect as, “I high school football because of the think we have concussion deal. I’ve adopted the our work cut rugby tackle which puts their head out for us.” but that’s what August is about, to to the end of the ball carrier so it Spots will be determined leading figure that out.” takes the head out of the equation. up to the season. Caden Brown was a dangerous We’re still wrapping, driving and “People think of kicking right weapon bring back punts, with a rolling and being fundamentally away, but what’s probably more 17.6 average on five returns and sound.” important is the snapper,” said one score. Eitniear also started at linebacker. Dales. “People forget about that. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Oswalt with Evan Clark (DT), Ryan We have to find a punt snapper. Fairview and Edgerton are the Clark (DE) and Fishpaw (DT) are Our PAT snapper is back, so I feel teams the GMC is chasing said starters back from up front. good about that. Our kicker is back, Dales. Trevino also will play in the but he has a broken bone in his “Without a doubt,” he said. secondary, with Ike Eiden also foot. Our punter tore his ACL and “Wayne Trace is going to be tough. returning experience in the our backup punter got hurt. Last They have their quarterback and a secondary. year, we were on our third-string lot of skill guys back. I think they’ll Sherman (DE), Stiltner (DT) and punter. We have our work cut out, be up there.”

47 Bryan

GOLDEN BEARS DATA DIVISION REGION IV 14 return to the playoffs,” said fifth- OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME year mentor Redhead. “Focusing Multiple Spread 4-2-5 on the little things will make a big COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH GRANT REDHEAD difference.” ASSISTANT COACHES Bryan brings back 13 starters TOM GOODRICH OC/QB DICK KUSZMAUL Secondary despite graduating 24 letters from NATHAN KEEL OL/DL nine starters lost, including four- COLON WALKER Secondary / WR KRAIG BOSTELMAN RB / DE year letterwinners Matt Herold and CHAD HENRY WR / Secondary BRIAN ARNOLD LB Drew Peters. 2019 SCHEDULE The Golden Bears played regional DATE OPPONENT final participant Clear Fork tough in Fri., Aug. 30 vs VAN WERT HIGH SCHOOL Fri,. Sep. 6 @ WOODWARD HIGH SCHOOL (TOLEDO) week 11, but suffered a 20-6 playoff Fri., Sep. 13 @ FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL defeat. Fri., Sep. 20 @ WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL Redhead will look to continue Fri., Oct. 4 vs DELTA HIGH SCHOOL the climb at Bryan with 13 starters Fri., Oct. 11 @ PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL returning. Fri., Oct. 25 vs EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs SWANTON HIGH SCHOOL “Every time a team makes the 2018 RESULTS playoffs they get a taste of it,” said Adam Fireovid Photo courtesy of Grant Redhead OPPONENT OUTCOME Redhead. “That’s the hardest thing, VAN WERT LOST 7-34 WOODWARD WON 42-14 to get them to understand how FAIRVIEW WON 21-20 special it is, and once they get a SWANTON WON 41-0 moving in the right direction.” WAUSEON WON 14-7 taste of it, they want more. They’re OFFENSE: The return of NWOAL ARCHBOLD WON 20-17 DELTA WON 44-14 willing to work a little harder for it. Offensive Player of the Year Nate LIBERTY CENTER LOST 13-28 It’s something you can’t describe. Miller at quarterback immediately EVERGREEN WON 41-7 CLEAR FORK LOST 6-20 “It’s taken a lot of time and makes the Bears a major threat in Grant Redhead’s Bears enjoyed a commitment from the players and the NWOAL chase. Miller was an breakthrough 2018 fall, making a coaches,” added Redhead. “It efficient 143-203 through the air for postseason foray for the first time wasn’t and never is an easy task. 1,836 yards and 16 touchdowns. since 2013. The boys have worked hard and “Our offensive skill, especially “The team has the potential to the coaches have put the time in. receivers and quarterback are finish in the top of the NWOAL and It’s slowly built up to where we’re going to be some of the best in the

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area,” said Redhead. “We’ve got a are back at receiver, while lot of guys back with experience. Dom James will look to take a Yeah, we lost one of our top bigger role running the ball. receivers with Brycen Andrews, but AJ Martinez and Jay Damron the big thing is we still have three are sophomore newcomers or four more that are pretty darn that also are hoping to see good. Plus, Nate and the offensive receiving action. line are a year better.” “They were very productive Some big voids are left from last year,” said Redhead, of the graduating class. Peters (21 his receivers. “But we were catches, 247 yards) was costly, inconsistent in the run game Carter Hoffman along with first-team NWOAL and blocking. We’ve got a Photo courtesy of Grant Redhead receiver Brycen Andrews, who led new receivers coach coming the team with 42 catches for 641 in Chad Henry, who used to Matt Herold, a captain at tight yards and six touchdowns. Adam coach at Tinora. He’s going to come end, graduated along with three- Queen also graduated from the and really work on the blocking. I year letterman Keegan Brown on pass-catching group. think we’ll be a much better unit; the line. Austin Dean, Logan Clemens, we should be able to run the ball Seniors Payne Frank (6-3, 293) and Adam Fireovid and Conner Arthur outside a little easier.” Carter Hoffman (6-0, 265) are back, along with juniors Titus Rohrer (TE), Dylan McCanless, Tom Snyder and JJ Devlin. Sophomore Nick Herold also could figure into the line. “They have to take ownership,” said Redhead, of his offensive line. “And they have. Last year we had a couple sophomores that hadn’t played and we had a junior that hadn’t played varsity before. Then we had two guys with experience. Now they all have it. We’re looking forward to that group doing what is needed and expected. I think there’s going to be a big difference, there’s more of a pride factor now.” Alex Potvin was a three-year 866-870-5500 letterman, as well at running Commercial, Agricultural, back. Mikey Wolff, Corbin Shepherd Industrial & Residential

49 Bryan

explained Redhead. “He noted Redhead. “He is just such also plays a lot of offense so a long strider and once we got his what I’m going to try to do strides fixed, he can boot the ball is platoon and keep fresh 50 yards.” legs and have three or four Dean and Arthur are expected to bodies ready.” take care of the return game. Noah Tressler (DT, senior, “We’ve got the guys that can 5-6, 155), Hoffman and Frank handle it,” said Redhead. “I think are also pitmen. special teams are one of the most James returns at linebacker, important and we take them very along with Snyder, Isaiah serious.” Hale and Dylan McCandless. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: The The secondary also is Bears have the pieces to be right in expected to excel with Miller, the thick of the league race. Arthur (all-NWOAL), Dean, “Very strong,” said Redhead, of Fireovid and Clemens. the NWOAL. “PH returns a ton and “We have a lot of kids they won the league. LC, Wauseon Dom James that have done really, really and Archbold are all good teams as Photo courtesy of Grant Redhead well,” lauded Redhead. well. Not much separates all of us.” “Yeah, we’re replacing and Logan Moss are new faces to to big-timers with Alex look for in the sophomore class that (Potvin) and Matt (Herold), but could handle the ball. our defensive tackles (Hoffman, DEFENSE: Herold and Potvin Devlin, and Payne) are a year wreaked problems on opposing older so they’ll be more physical offenses. Potvin was the top tackler and better. If Nick Herold can Our Football Game Broadcast Schedule in the area, with 155 stops at step in — he’s gotten extremely linebacker. Herold spilled 76 ball strong in the off-season — and Aug.30-Wauseon @ Fairview haulers and paced the area in sacks be a mainstay at defensive tackle Sept.6-Edon @ Edgerton with 13.5 from his bookend spot. that’d be great.” Sept.13-Edgerton @ Montpelier “I’m taking over the defense this Brown was lost from the pits, year,” noted Redhead. “Yeah, along with tackles Noah Bany and Sept.20-Stritch @ Montpelier or Edon @ Northwood they’re great players, but I think Eion Moor. Andrews will need to we’ll be fine because of the scheme. be replaced at strong safety and Sept.27-Fairview @ Edgerton My former coordinator was running Queen at defensive back. Oct.4-Montpelier @ Tinora my defense anyway, so we have With kicker SPECIAL TEAMS: Oct.11-Tinora @ Edgerton or Edon @ everything put in.” Chandler Jackson gone, Fireovid Hilltop or Hicksville @ Fairview Redhead believes Rohrer can be will handle kickoffs and is also in Oct.18-Stritch @ Edon or an all-league bookend. the running to take care of place Hicksville @ Tinora “Matt (Herold) was a two-time all- kicking. league end and Titus could be,” “Titus is a fantastic punter,” Oct.25-Tinora @ Fairview or Wayne Trace @ Edgerton or Ayersville @ Edon

Nov.1-Best game available 50 Columbus Grove

BULLDOGS DATA DIVISION REGION Looking to defend a Northwest year letterman in the trenches. VI 23 Conference (NWC) tri- The major departure is Garrett OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME championship and playoff run to Nemier (three-year letterman, Spread 3-4 COACHING STAFF the regional semifinals, Columbus 202 rushes, 1,188 yards, 16 HEAD COACH ANDY SCHAFER Grove looks to have the pieces touchdowns). ASSISTANT COACHES ANDY KOHLS D-Coordinator - D-Line in place to at least duplicate a Meanwhile, pass catchers Caleb BRANDON CRAFT Linebackers successful 2018 season. Barrientes (22 catches, 320 yards, 4 TAD GEUS Defensive Backs BRANDON GRIGSBY D-Line “We’re returning a lot of TDs), Gabe Clement (14 receptions, DEREK RIEMAN WR - Special Teams experience from a co-conference 366 yards, 4 touchdowns), Brady CHRISTIAN STECHSCHULTE O-Line championship and playoff run,” Hauenstein (5 catches, 39 yards, 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT said Grove frontman Andy Schafer. 446 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns), Fri., Aug. 30 @ PANDORA-GILBOA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 vs LEIPSIC HIGH SCHOOL “Another solid schedule will Adam Bogart (11 receptions, 115 Fri., Sep. 13 @ PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL prepare us for a very strong region yards, 1 touchdown) and Trevor Fri., Sep. 20 vs ALLEN EAST HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ PAULDING HIGH SCHOOL in Division IV. We look to be toward Taylor (30 receptions, 483 yards, Fri., Oct. 4 vs CRESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 @ ADA HIGH SCHOOL the top of the conference, hoping 2 scores) are all gone due to Fri., Oct. 18 vs SPENCERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL to defend our previous shared graduation. Fri., Oct. 25 @ DELPHOS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 title.” Trigger man Blake Reynolds (6-4, vs BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS Grove started last fall with back- 185) is back for his third year behind OPPONENT OUTCOME to-back losses to regional semifinal center. As a sophomore, he hit on PANDORA-GILBOA WON 13-25 LEIPSIC LOST 18-48 participants Pandora-Gilboa and 94-173 passes for 1,368 yards, 12 PATRICK HENRY WON 27-7 Leipsic before reeling off five touchdowns and just five picks. PAULDING WON 49-16 CRESTVIEW WON 33-20 straight wins, which ended with a “I think you can have the greatest ADA LOST 56-7 SPENCERVILLE LOST 21-23 two-point white-knuckler against receivers in the world, but if you JEFFERSON WON 44-0 Spencerville. Three consecutive don’t have a quarterback that can ALLEN EAST WON 28-14 BLUFFTON WON 42-13 triumphs to cap the regular season get it to them, what’s it matter? I think CAREY WON 21-7 sent the Bulldogs to the playoffs, having experience at quarterback SENECA EAST WON 20-27 (2 OT) where they topped Cary, 21-7, in elevates those receivers,” said the first round. Schafer. “I’ve noticed in 7-on-7s sophomore, averaging 26.1 yards Seneca East denied Grove from this year that having the right reads on his 14 catches, of which four playing for a regional championship from your quarterback and putting went for scores. with a 27-20 double-overtime the ball in the right spot can give Colin Metzger will see a bigger victory. kids confidence early, which is workload after busting on to the A brutal non-conference season huge. We went to a 7-on-7 at the scene as a rookie. He received 49 ushers in NWC play with Pandora- University of Toledo and took totes which he turned into 271 Gilboa, Leipsic and Patrick Henry on second place. A school of our size, yards and four scores. the docket in the first three weeks. losing skill can really hurt. Even “We lost some starters at our All three made the postseason last though we lost those guys, I still skill position, but return a very fall. think the strength of our offense solid offensive line and two-year OFFENSE: Five starting receivers will be our skill positions.” starter and all-conference Blake are gone due to graduation, along Gabe Clement was a dynamite Reynolds at QB,” said Schafer. “We with a 1,000-yard back and a four- big-play threat for Reynolds as a were able to recruit a very athletic

51 Columbus Grove

playing as a freshman. Jon Banal is another receiving option. Metzger will have four of the same road graders in front of him, including center Ezra Jones (6-1, 180) at center, while Jeff Meyer (5- 11, 255) and Dylan Sargent (5-10, 225) are back at guard spots, and Jared Basinger (6-0, 225) at tackle. Schafer is hoping to get Jones involved in the offense by moving him to a tight end spot. “He’s more of a tight end type kid,” said Schafer. “He’s one of the most athletic linemen I’ve ever coached. He’s big, athletic and can block. If we can sneak him out and make some catches, I think he makes us much more dangerous. “We’re going to put in more tight end sets this year, which is a little different for us,” added Schafer. “Even though he has experience at center, that allows him to bring that experience elsewhere.” Meyer is expected to make the shift to center this fall. He went to state in wrestling this past spring. Four-year letterman Cody Johnson was the lone trenchman lost. Colin Metzger Meanwhile, Dakota Sargent, a Photos courtesy of NDK Photography 5-10, 225-pound senior offensive lineman, is also back with the group of varsity basketball players sophomore.” program after not playing last fall. to play receiver for us that will Alex Schneider (6-1, 175, senior), He earned a berth in the state allow us to stretch teams vertically. who lettered as a freshman before wrestling tournament in March and Colin Metzger got some time as taking the last two years off, is one is the twin brother of Dylan. a freshman last year at running of the receivers joining the program Ethan Halker is another returning back. He has explosive speed again. Junior Tayt Birnesser did starter on offense at tight end and and excellent strength for just a not play as a sophomore after also Zac Ridenour (4 catches, 48 yards)

52 Columbus Grove

will play wideout. (41 tackles) are Schafer is excited about Mitch coming off strong Douglass (6-0, 260, sophomore) years up front, while after he lettered as a freshman. Schroeder (28 tackles, DEFENSE: One area that has 1 interception) is back Schafer concerned is replacing a at safety with Banal trio of graduated linebackers in the (13 tackles, 1 INT) and Bulldogs’ 3-4 scheme. Ridenour (43 tackles, “Playing in the NWC, you have to 2 picks) providing have a solid group of linebackers,” experience at corner confessed Schafer. “We will need spots. to find some early.” Douglass also will The trio lost are Brady Hauenstein see double-duty on (97 tackles, 1 interception), the defense line. Dylan Pitts (56 tackles) and Riley SPECIAL TEAMS: Schumacher (94 tackles). Rece Verhoff will “Time will tell, we replace eight handle the kicking starters,” said Schafer. “I think chores following a big the line will be a strength. Some freshman campaign. of those O-linemen I talked a lot He knocked in 46-51 about will play on the defensive PATs. line. We only have one linebacker Verhoff works on his back and one safety back, so we kicking with former don’t have much experience on Ohio State kicker defense. We’re fast and athletic, Josh Huston. Zac Ridenour which I think will make up for a lot “They really worked Photos courtesy of NDK Photography of stuff. I don’t know how physical on his field goal our defense is going to be until we game,” said Schafer. “We look to be toward the top of get the pads on.” “Last year it was just extra points.” the conference hoping to defend Basinger (68 stops), Halker (11 Who will return kicks and punts is their previous shared title,” said tackles), Ryan Bogart and Jones unsettled going into the season. Schafer. (51 tackles) have linebacking CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: The The Bulldogs steadily climbed the experience. Northwest Conference sent its conference ladder after making a Johnson (42 tackles, second-team three tri-champs to the playoffs in trip to the state semifinals in 2014. all-Ohio) and Isaiah DeLuna (50 2018, with Crestview advancing to Grove fell to 5-5 in 2015, 4-6 in tackles) leave voids up front, and the regional championship, while 2016 and to 2-8 two autumns ago the secondary guys, Barrientes (39 Spencerville bowed out in the before bouncing back in a big way tackles, 7 interceptions, second- opening round. last season, which resulted in the team all-Ohio) and Taylor (49 Schafer expects to be right there program’s 12th NWC crown. tackles) also will be missed. again challenging for the NWC title Meyer (38 tackles) and Reynolds again.

53 Defiance

BULLDOGS DATA DIVISION REGION III 10 “We’re very excited to get started “We knew going into the last OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME and we are hoping to build off of three games of our schedule they Shotgun Wing T 4-2-5 last year,” said Kline. “A year ago were playoff teams,” Kline said. COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH KEVIN KLINE we made strides to become a more “They were really good teams and ASSISTANT COACHES competitive team. We still need offensively we didn’t quite answer STEVE RITTENOUR Defensive Coordinator CLAYTON GREIWE Assistant Varsity Coach to close the gap between the top the bell. We did some good things JOSEPH KIME Assistant Varsity Coach teams and ourselves in the league. early defensively to hang with JOSEPH VOLL Assistant Varsity Coach DENNIS PARISH Assistant Varsity Coach We have an outstanding group of them, but we didn’t have enough LOUIS RIVERA Assistant Varsity Coach COLLIN TRUDEL Freshmen Coach seniors returning to the program firepower. CLAYTON STARK Freshmen Coach and will look to them to provide “When I say close the gap, that’s KENT HOFFMAN Freshmen Assistant solid leadership.” what I mean,” added Kline. “When 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Through six weeks last year, the we get into those situations where Thu., Aug. 29 vs NAPOLEON HIGH SCHOOL Bulldogs were squarely in the we’re playing the top teams in the Fri., Sep. 6 vs VAN WERT HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs SHAWNEE HIGH SCHOOL Division III, Region 10 playoff race league, we’re able to make it even Fri., Sep. 20 @ KENTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ ELIDA HIGH SCHOOL at 4-2. Defiance scored a season more competitive and put some Fri., Oct. 4 vs BATH HIGH SCHOOL lid-lifting 35-21 win over uber rival points on the board.” Fri., Oct. 11 @ CELINA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ OTTAWA-GLANDORF HIGH SCHOOL Napoleon, its first win over the OFFENSE: Graduation hit the Fri., Oct. 25 vs WAPAKONETA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 @ ST. MARYS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Maumee River foe since 2015. That Defiance trenches hard with four- 2018 RESULTS was followed up by a 17-14 win at year starter Michael Nihiser gone, OPPONENT OUTCOME Shawnee. along with Keagan Maynard, Noah NAPOLEON WON 35-21 SHAWNEE WON 17-14 Kenton then romped to a 48-10 Santos and Jacob Huner. Humberto KENTON LOST 10-48 win in the home opener, before Phillips and Jonah Schlegel also will ELIDA LOST 42-46 BATH WON 28-7 Defiance had to stomach a deflating be missed. CELINA WON 28-14 OTTAWA-GLANDORF LOST 7-9 46-42 loss at home to Elida after “Our biggest concern heading WAPAKONETA LOST 0-42 blowing a 25-point advantage. into the season is replacing four ST. MARYS LOST 0-42 VAN WERT LOST 0-37 The Bulldogs bounced back, starters on the offensive line,” however, winning 28-7 over winless The 2018 season was one to build Bath and 28-14 over a .500-finishing on for Defiance gridiron boss Kevin Celina squad. Kline, entering his fourth season The meat of the schedule then since taking over for the great Jerry decimated the Bulldogs over the Buti in 2016. final month of 2018. Last autumn, the Bulldogs posted After 5-5 Ottawa-Glandorf their best mark since 2013 when trimmed the Bulldogs 9-7 in week Buti guided the Royal Blue-and- 7, Defiance was blanked over White to a playoff appearance and its final three games versus WBL 6-5 tally overall. adversaries that went deep into the Coming off a 4-6 year, Kline is playoffs. Wapakoneta (11-2) and St. hoping his team can close the gap Marys (12-2) garnered 42-0 wins, even more between the Western and 9-3 Van Wert romped to a 37-0 Buckeye League’s elite programs. victory. Caden Kline Photos courtesy of Jerry Latta

54 Defiance

touchdowns. know what’s going on at receiver. “We have a good mix of players Getting Tyrel for his second year of returning,” said Kline. “We actual football is huge. He’s made believe that our skill players are progress in the off-season with his an athletic group that will be work ethic and what he’s doing in interchangeable.” the weight room. You hope all that Kline’s son, Caden (6-4, 185) gives stuff transitions into more positive Cruz a huge target from a receiver aspects offensively.” spot. Caden led the team with 28 Zach Parrish (5-10, 183) is back up receptions for 359 yards and two front on the line. scores. He caught 53 percent of Kline looks for Alec Ehlinger (5-10, the passes Defiance completed, 182, senior), Mason Beauprez (6-0, while gaining 54 percent of the 190, junior), Alex Hoeffel (5-9, 175, Zach Parrish 58 yardage the Bulldogs accumulated sophomore) and Jose Fernandez Photos courtesy of Jerry Latta passing. (6-0, 271, sophomore) to be Senior tight end Tyrel Goings competing to replace the missing stated Kline. “We have some also brings major size to the shoes on the line. young talented players battling for passing attack at 6-4, 240. He had “Zach is not a big kid, but has spots, but they will need to gain eight catches for 175 yards last year a great attitude and gives great experience in the pre-season to be and a touchdown. effort,” said Kline. “Then we hope ready for week one.” Defiance scored just three times to get these young kids up to speed Top rusher Chris Fluker leaves passing over the course of 2018. as quick as possible.” another hole the Bulldogs must Johnny Ceballos (6-4, 245) and Kline is hoping to lean more replace after he generated 930 Romero Pearson are also options at toward a ground attack, in the yards and five touchdowns last year. tight end, while seniors Calvin Held neighborhood of 60-40 percent in Logan Elkins (18 carries, 133 yards) and Cameron McDonald will play regards to run-pass. and Nick Herzog (56 attempts, 319 receiver. DEFENSE: Herzog is a huge loss yards) also graduated from the Simeon Sweeney, a 5-9, to the defense, where he earned backfield. 150-pound junior (WR), is another first-team WBL and all-district A backfield by committee new face to look for. honors, along with a third-team all- approach is expected early on. “I feel like we have some key skill Ohio showing with a team-high 102 Jackson Rey and Jaden Sepeda back,” Kline stated. “Obviously tackles and five sacks. both received a limited amount of having Aaron back for his second Meanwhile, Elkins was second on carries last year and are favorites year at quarterback, he starts to the team in stops (72) and Fluker for totes this year. understand some things. Him was third with 47, while adding four The skill spots are filled with playing that position another year sacks. returnees. Senior quarterback is big. Goings (DL) will be the top Aaron Cruz was 48-119 last year “I think Caden playing at defender lining up again. He through the air for 646 yards and receiver has been really good for recorded 40 hits (10 tackles-for- three scores. He also ran for 260 us,” added Kline. “He’s started loss, 19 QB hurries) and tied Herzog yards on 69 attempts with six enough games now that he should with five sacks.

55 Defiance

Held (25 tackles, 1 INT), Kline (23 room and started believing in each tackles, 1 pick), Cruz and McDonald other. We got some of that pride in (31 tackles, 1 INT) provide the program back at Defiance.” experience in the secondary, along The Bulldogs were unable to earn with Pearson at linebacker. a win over any of the WBL teams Sweeney also will look to fit into with winning records in 2018 and the secondary. have not topped a WBL team that SPECIAL TEAMS: Kicker/punter finished with a winning mark since Jon Weisgerber has to be replaced a 20-0 win over a 6-4 O-G team in after averaging 38.1 yards per 2013. punt. “Our season will be determined “That’s a big hole to fill because by hard work, selflessness, and Jon had been able to punch in the mentality to finish everything Tyrel Goings 20 some field goals and was almost that we do with maximum effort,” Photos courtesy of Jerry Latta perfect on extra points,” Kline expressed Kline. “Our schedule noted. “We’ve got to figure that is a tough grind that will test Parrish (39 tackles, 3 sacks, team- and I don’t know who that’s going us, mentally and physically. The best 3 interceptions) adds to a to be yet.” league is loaded with good teams. potent Defiance front-line defense. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: If St. Marys and Wapakoneta have Ceballos (15 hurries, 3 sacks) is the Bulldogs are to make a push dominated the last few years and another strong defenseman in improvement-wise this year, they both programs return a lot of talent. the pits. He led the team with 11 will likely need to find success Our seniors will need to provide tackles-for-loss and also spilled 35 against the better league programs. solid leadership and commitment ball carriers. “We have a little ways to go to catch for us to take the next step as a “We believe that we have a good the top teams in the league and to program. We are looking forward group of returners on the defensive be more competitive at the top to getting this football season side of the ball particular on our end,” remarked Kline. “I thought underway.” D-line,” lauded Kline. “It’s a solid, we had athletic group that has experience really good and we expect them to make leadership THANKS FOR VOTING US plays for us defensively. We’re still last year. We looking to develop depth up there, ONE OF THE TOP IN THE AREA had guys but we think we have three pretty that really COME CHECK OUT good guys up there that can create bought in OUR WEEKLY SPECIALS! some chaos.” and worked Ehlinger and Fernandez are hard in the candidates to play the line, while 419-785-4642 off-season. Beauprez and Hoeffel are in the mix 611 Ottawa Ave. Defiance They did (Former Maag’s Cafe) at linebacker. some good Nihiser (17 tackles), Maynard and Hours: Tue. & Wed. 11am-9pm, things in Jonah Schlegel graduated from the Turs., Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm, the weight trenches. Closed Sun. & Mon.

56 Delta

PANTHERS DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Wing T 5-2 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH NATE RUPLE ASSISTANT COACHES DEREK FRIESS OC/QB/DE SCOTT TENNEY DC/LB RYAN LAMB Co-offensive coordinator/ OL/DL CHARLIE MOORE Co-special teams coordinator/ WR/TE/DB ALEX LUTHERAN OL/DL 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 vs MCCOMB HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ TOLEDO ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ SWANTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 vs WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 @ PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME McCOMB LOST 7-41 ROGERS WON 20-18 TINORA WON 13-7 (OT) PATRICK HENRY WON 7-28 LIBERTY CENTER LOST 7-51 EVERGREEN LOST 2-24 BRYAN LOST 14-44 Photos courtesy of Village Reporter ARCHBOLD LOST 0-34 SWANTON WON 20-28 WAUSEON LOST 10-26

Former Delta headman Nate up the program from 2009-12 and 2017 and 2-8 mark in 2016. Ruple is back in the saddle again accumulated a 13-27 mark. Once he graduated from Ohio for the Panthers. Overall, he has spent 16 years Northern University, Ruple assisted “I really don’t know what to expect at his alma mater and 22 years Mike Vicars at Delta until 2007. He this first year,” remarked Ruple. coaching. then was an assistant at Toledo “I can tell you the guys we’ve “Thus far, our core group of Central Catholic before coming worked with for the most part have players have done a nice job in the back to take over the Panthers’ bought into what we’re trying to weight room and have been very program in 2009. sell and worked real hard for us. receptive to our new approach and After leaving Delta in 2012, he We’re going to be a young football philosophy,” stated Ruple. assisted at Toledo St. Francis for team and this year’s going to be a The program has slid since going one season and went back to learning experience for the players 7-5 in 2015 and making a run to the Toledo Central Catholic (TCC), and coaches. We’re going to try to regional semifinals. helping the Irish to the 2014 state lay a foundation for the future this Ruple will attempt to rebuild the championship. He stayed with TCC season. It’s going to take time.” program that is coming off a 2-8 until the next season and rejoined A 1992 Delta grad, Ruple headed season in 2018, a 1-9 season in Vicars at Swanton for the 2016

57 Delta

Photos courtesy of Village Reporter

58 Delta

campaign. the Panthers without 1,033 yards making sure we’re playing good The past two seasons, Ruple has and 10 touchdowns. disciplined football and tackling coached the Delta Junior High Hunter Tresnan-Reighard (senior) well.” gridders. returns at tight end, with Max Spots are also up in the air on the “First of all, discipline,” said Ruple. Hoffman (junior), Shawn Cook defensive side of the ball going “We want to play football penalty (sophomore) and Kai Fox as possible into the season with a small roster. free, kids to do things right and replacements in the backfield. Tresnan-Reighard, Michael, kids to play as hard as they possibly Osborn, Fox and Kohlhofer are can. We want to teach our kids life “We want to play football favorites to play the trenches. lessons and do that through the penalty free, kids to do things Hoffman and Perry are both sport of football. We think if we do right and kids to play as hard returnees to the linebacker spots, that, things will work out for us.” as they possibly can. We want while Cook is back in the secondary. The Panthers are winless in their to teach our kids life lessons SPECIAL TEAMS: Tresnan- last 17 NWOAL contests. Their last and do that through the sport Reighard, who finished fifth in victory came in week 7 of the 2016 the discus at the state track meet of football. We think if we do season, a 56-21 win at Evergreen. in June, was an all-NWOAL, all- that, things will work out for “A small and inexperienced senior district and special mention all- class could pose a challenge as us.” Ohio punter last year. Nate Ruple we work to build depth at various CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: positions,” explained Ruple. “We Austin Michael (junior), Ty Osborn Ruple knows the NWOAL well will be a team that is very young (junior), Evan Perry (sophomore) thanks to his playing and coaching and inexperienced. We will work and Austin Kohlhofer (sophomore) past. to improve each day throughout return to the line. “We’re going to have to the season as we strive to lay Other positions are still being establish a program that’s built the foundation for success in the battled for. on fundamentals and technique future.” Half of Delta’s foes kept the and physical football,” said Ruple. Ruple expects just a handful of Panthers in single digits on the “Week in and week out in the seniors on the roster this first year scoreboard last year, while the conference, we’re going to see and is hopeful to get the roster into Green-and-White reached 20 teams that are going to hit you. We the 30s with juniors, sophomores points just twice. have to be willing and able to match and freshmen. DEFENSE: The Panthers will line that physicality, and continue to be OFFENSE: Ruple will run the up in a 5-2 defense, with Ruple in a football team that does things Wing-T with Derek Friess and Ryan charge. Scott Tenney will serve as right.” Lamb calling the offense. defensive coordinator. He expects the 2019 NWOAL “We want to be able to run the “We’re going to try to get our championship to be hotly ball,” stated Ruple. “With that, guys moving; we’re not real big,” contested. we want an efficient and effective assessed Ruple. “But we feel like “The NWOAL is a solid football passing game to go along with our we have some guys that can move conference year after year. I could running game. That’s something a little bit and get to spots. We’re see a scenario where multiple that we’re going to have to work going to keep moving and making schools could be in contention for hard on this first season.” sure we’re putting our guys in the a league title up through the last JD Osborn’s graduation leaves best situations to be successful, and weeks of the season.”

59 edgerton

BULLDOGS DATA DIVISION REGION VII 26 since 1983 before they trounced you.” OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Norwalk St. Paul and Pandora- OFFENSE: Edgerton decimated Wing T 4-4 Cover 0/3 Gilboa in the first two weeks of the foes with a power rushing attack COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH BEN WILHEM playoffs. last fall, led by all-state tailback ASSISTANT COACHES “When you get guys that are Hunter Prince. CARL SENNEBERGER OL BRODY FLEGAL DC/DB focused on the process in front of He churned out 2,221 yards and SETH SCHROEDER RB/WR them, and not necessarily talking a whopping 35 touchdowns behind BLAINE PRINCE OL/DL something and living something a nasty line to earn first-team all- 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT else, then special things can state honors. Fri., Aug. 30 @ HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL happen,” said Edgerton mentor “I have the best offensive line Fri., Sep. 6 vs EDON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 @ MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL Ben Wilhelm, who was named coach (Carl Sonneberger) in Ohio Fri., Sep. 20 vs ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL D-VII’s Coach of the Year last and he works those guys,” said Fri., Oct. 4 @ HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL November. “We just got out of Wilhelm of his linemen. “He Fri., Oct. 11 vs TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL a meeting with our seniors and understands what they’re doing to Fri., Oct. 25 vs WAYNE TRACE SCHOOLS Fri., Nov. 1 @ AYERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL I brought up that last year is last a T, and they come out and execute. 2018 RESULTS year. We’re not going to dwell on Hunter is the kind of running back OPPONENT OUTCOME anything. But it does show when who doesn’t need much room to HILLTOP WON 68-0 EDON WON 56-0 you get young men playing for a get through and make something MONTPELIER WON 46-0 standard and young men playing happen.” HOLGATE WON 60-8 FAIRVIEW WON 62-29 for each other, it doesn’t mean you Eli Branham (guard), Tylor HICKSVILLE WON 48-8 TINORA WON 38-8 can’t be confident — but confidence Hartman, Ethan Brown (tackle) and ANTWERP WON 48-0 is earned. It’s something that we Micah Ritter (tackle) are gone from WAYNE TRACE WON 52-7 AYERSVILLE WON 58-0 have to start now and it really has the trenches. Branham was a first- ST. PAUL WON 36-0 PANDORA-GILBOA WON 52-8 nothing to do with what happened team all-Ohio pick, while Hartman McCOMB LOST 18-33 last year. It’s an object lesson for was special mention. what can happen.” “Obviously, all those guys Coming off the most successful While a good chunk of last year’s mentioned were very good football season in Edgerton’s history, what team is back, the loss of nine players for us,” said Wilhelm. “The can the Bulldogs do for an encore? seniors leaves the Bulldogs with great thing about having players Edgerton steamrolled through some major voids. like that is not only their ability on an undefeated regular season and “They were good leaders,” the field, but the value they brought through two rounds of the playoffs lauded Wilhelm, of the departed to underclassmen as a teaching tool before eventual state champion seniors. “We put a lot of emphasis on how to play. The young men they McComb delivered a 33-18 setback on leadership, and leadership is practiced with every day now have to the Williams County program. something guys can learn how to their turn to compete in a similar The Panthers were the only team do. I don’t know if I buy the born fashion, and those underclassmen to hold Edgerton under 30 points leader phrase. I think it starts know it. We essentially return two all season. with demanding the most out of to three linemen up front along with A 536-66 scoring avalanche over yourself. You can demand the most both tight ends, and the remaining foes in the regular season lifted out of yourself and live up to that, spots leave plenty of room for the Bulldogs to their first GMC title then you will affect people around competition in practice, which adds

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Ethan Wasson (5- backfield, with Edgerton nursing 7, 95 yards) both big second-half leads. saw limited time “Keeping the clock moving and behind Flegal last maximizing execution will be year and are the essential,” remarked Wilhelm as favorites to take keys this fall. “Staying out of long- over the QB helm. yardage situations and ball security Second-leading is always important as well.” graduated rusher DEFENSE: As powerful as the Greg Roth also Edgerton offense was, the defense nearly eclipsed was just as good. 1,000 yards, The Bulldogs blanked five falling 10 shy of opponents, while only Fairview and the mark. McComb reached double figures. Meanwhile, “Defensively, the focus will be on Braydon Cape assignment and execution,” said also graduated Wilhelm. “We want to be a great with 514 yards tackling team.” next to his name. Top tackler Brody Degryse Logan Showalter graduated after making 55 stops at and Colin Gary linebacker. He also registered 11.5 return at ends, tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks. Jaron Cape while Nolan Hartman (DT, 50.5 tackles, 10 Photo courtesy of RADARSPIX.COM Photos Swank, Jordan sacks, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, tackle), Warner and Hamlin (31 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4 value to the final product.” Ashton Miler will tackles-for-loss), Showalter (DE, Seniors Trevor Eustace (guard) look to fill the remaining positions. 51.5 tackles, 8 sacks, 14 tackles- and Tyler Eustace (center) are back When Edgerton elected to go to for-loss, Hamlin (DT, 31 tackles, up front, along with junior Hunter the air, Showalter and Cape were 2.5 sacks, 4 tackles-for-loss), Ritter Hamlin. the ones to look out for. Showalter (23.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles- Wilhelm also must find a hauled in 17 passes for 378 yards for-loss) and Branham (DT, 28.5 replacement for all-state and three touchdowns as a junior, tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9 tackles-for- quarterback Clayton Flegal. He was while Cape had 16 catches for 351 loss) spelled trouble for opposing 41-60 through the air for 893 yards, yards and five scores. offensive lines. 10 touchdowns and just one pick. Gary will take a bigger role in the Trevor Eustace registered 30.5 Flegal also carried the ball 57 times passing game, with nine catches for tackles as a linebacker in the for 630 yards and 13 touchdowns. 93 yards and two scores as a junior. Bulldogs’ 4-4 scheme under “Clayton was a great QB, but also Jared Swan (junior), Craig Blue coordinator Brody Flegal. a great leader on and off the field,” (junior), Terrell Nickells (sophomore) Flegal (38.5 tackles, 3 praised Wilhelm. and Gannon Ripke (sophomores) interceptions, 10 pass breakups), Jaron Cape (11-24, 153 yards) and also saw some action in the Braydon Cape (32.5 tackles, 5

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interceptions, 12 PBU), Jaron Cape (26.5 tackles, 3 interceptions), Roth (26.5 tackles) and Swank (25 tackles) were among the leaders in the secondary. SPECIAL TEAMS: Showalter is back to handle kickoff duties, while Swank is the favorite to punt. The Bulldogs did not attempt any field goals last year and went for two after touchdowns. Edgerton seldom had to go to the punt game, as Braydon Cape attempted just 13 for a 36.3-yard average. Colin Gary, Arryn Pahl, Jaron Cape, Prince and Ripke will compete for return duties. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: With the 2018 GMC title in its trophy case, Edgerton will look to repeat as GMC champions for the first time in over 40 years. The Bulldogs claimed back-to-back titles in 1977 and ’78. “The great thing about the GMC is it is always competitive,” said Wilhelm. “The most important thing in the preseason is focusing Hunter Prince on what we do and minimizing Photo courtesy of RADARSPIX.COM Photos mistakes every day at practice.”

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BOMBERS DATA DIVISION REGION Scott Staten’s VII 26 Bombers enter 2019 OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME on a six-game winning Spread 4-2-5 COACHING STAFF streak following a HEAD COACH SCOTT STATEN stellar finish to 2018. ASSISTANT COACHES BROCK THIEL Defensive Coordinator “We look to be JORDAN BOWER RB/DT competitive each and JAY KLINGLER OL/LB LJ WALKER WR/DB every week, and play JAMISON WISEL WR/DB LUCUS JORDAN OL/Safety fundamentally sound NORMAN BECK QB/DE football,” said Staten, 2019 SCHEDULE a Defiance College DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 vs NEWARK CATHOLIC (AT OHIO NORTHERN) grad entering his 10th Fri., Sep. 6 @ EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL year as lead man of the Fri., Sep. 13 @ HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ NORTHWOOD SCHOOL Blue Bombers. “We Fri., Sep. 27 vs MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs OTTAWA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL have a large senior Fri., Oct. 11 @ HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL class with a lot of Fri., Oct. 18 vs CARDINAL STRITCH CATHOLIC Fri., Oct. 25 vs AYERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL varsity experience. We Fri., Nov. 1 @ STRYKER HIGH SCHOOL are counting on them 2018 RESULTS to be leaders on and OPPONENT OUTCOME AYERSVILLE WON 20-12 off the field. We have EDGERTON LOST 6-56 HICKSVILLE LOST 34-42 had a great offseason, Drew Gallehue NORTHWOOD LOST 21-50 and have used hard Photo courtesy of RADARSPIX.COM Photos MONTPELIER WON 42-20 OTTAWA HILLS WON 49-0 work and discipline HILLTOP WON 20-6 CARDINAL STRITCH WON 20-0 as our driving force to a rookie. TOLEDO CHRISTIAN WON 40-19 prepare ourselves for this season. Despite the strong finish, Edon’s STRYKER WON 56-0 We will need players to elevate playoff hopes were dashed by their individual play, while also a three-game losing skid after schedule is a meat grinder to start playing as a unit to improve on last defeating Ayersville in the season with Ayersville, Edgerton, Hicksville year’s record.” opener. Edgerton, Hicksville and and Northwood right out of the Optimism is high for the Blue- Northwood all scored over 40 gate. You’ve got to be ready to roll and-White, thanks to a wealth points in triumphs against the week 1. That’s a big thing, getting of returning talent. Toledo Area Bombers. Edon finished four spots over the hump and putting yourself Athletic Conference (TAAC) out of the final D-VII Region 26 in position to win against these Defensive Player of the Year Austin playoff picture. good teams.” Kiess is back, along with TAAC The schedule over the first four Edon’s defense yielded only 45 Special Teams Player of the Year Fridays remains the same this fall, points over the final six contests, Chase Reed. Star receiver Kelby a stretch that will likely define the which included three blankings of Sapp (special mention all-district) season. foes. also returns with two first-team all- “Getting over the hump of OFFENSE: A whopping 10 TAAC performers and a QB that beating the good teams,” said starters are back for an offense that accounted for nearly 2,000 yards as Staten, of a key for the year. “Our averaged 30.8 ppg.

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Drew Gallehue, a 6-4, 215-pound needs to be. freshman year. Shane started last sophomore, fired for 1,492 yards Sapp, a 6-2, 180-pound senior, year, Justin started last year and and 15 touchdowns, while adding totaled 609 receiving yards and Cassius started every game last 428 yards rushing and five more four touchdowns on 38 catches. year as a freshman. touchdowns. He completed 98 of Kiess, a senior tight end on the “Cassius has really pushed himself his 218 aerials. offensive side, was a touchdown this off-season and he’s the one “That’s still a lot of responsibility machine, hauling in 22 passes, of that kind of really stands out more on a young kid,” said Staten. “I which seven went for scores. than any others because he’s in think it’s the mental game. The Tatum Schaffter, Connor Skiles Drew’s class,” added Staten. “He’s steps he’s made in that area already and Reed also are returning to part of that sophomore group and this summer of just being a student wideout spots. he’s really developed. He’s gone to of the game. He’s got all the “We have some skill,” said Staten. some camps this off-season. He’s physical tools; he’s a big kid and “We have some kids that can catch at about 6-4 and pushing 270. He’s can make all the throws. It’s that the ball. Overall, we have good a horse; he works so hard in the game experience and being able team speed.” weight room. He’s physical and can to develop into a smart quarterback Up front, Cassius Hulbert (6-4, run.” that understands what the defense 250, sophomore), Shane Zulch Chris Farris is another tight end is trying to do, make the correct (6-1, 175, senior), Jobe Carlson that has enjoyed playing time, reads and deliver the ball where it (6-0, 200, junior), Justin Estep (5- along with running backs Keagen 8, 180, senior), Romine and Dylan Mason. Jacob Dulle (6-3, Romine and Mason will be tasked 220, senior) and with replacing star tailback Garrett Chase Goebel Rupp, who dashed for 1,031 yards (5-9, 186, senior, and 20 touchdowns last fall. first-team TAAC) DEFENSE: Kiess will be the bell add even more cow of the Edon defense following experience. a 63-tackle, 3-sack showing in 2018. “We bring “He’s a physical kid — he likes to back our entire hit,” said Staten. “He’s built and a starting line from strong guy. For him playing in the last year,” said middle of our defense and calling Staten. “We’re out our defense, he’s done a great shifting some job. He wants to play at the next guys around level, which is encouraging. He’s here and there. in a great position to go out there Chase has his senior season and lead our played at right defense.” guard and will Zulch posted the same numbers be there. Jacob to earn first-team TAAC honors as has started at left a bookend. Austin Kiess tackle since his Schaffter (8.5 sacks), Carlson (41 Photo courtesy of RADARSPIX.COM Photos

64 Edon

tackles, 3 fumble recoveries) and is challenging for a Farris (68 tackles, 4.5 sacks) give conference title and defensive coordinator Brock Thiel a playoff bid come stable of linebackers. November. Hulbert, Skiles, Estep, Dulle and “I think we’ve got to Goebel are all returning to the come out of the gates trenches, while Reed, Romine, with guns blazing,” Mason and Sapp are back in the emphasized Staten. “Ever secondary. since I’ve been at Edon Riley Manahan was the major — no matter what kind of loss from the defense. He picked team we have — it always off three passes in the defensive seems like we get to the backfield. end of the season and SPECIAL TEAMS: Reed, TAAC we’re playing our best Special Teams Player of the Year ball. We can’t afford to last two years, averaged 37 yards do that because we’ve per kick return on five attempts. He taken ourselves out of brought one back to paydirt. contention in the playoffs “He’s another guy that has worked and TAAC at times his tail off this off-season,” lauded because of the first four or Kelby Sapp Staten. “He’s just a skinny, little guy five games that we kind of Photo courtesy of RADARSPIX.COM Photos that has put some muscle on and is struggle through.” a really sound athlete.” Kiess had a huge year punting, averaging 39 yards Portable Restrooms per punt, which was tops in the area. He also will kick. Equipment Rentals “Austin took a position that’s Tool Rentals always been kind of a position Rentals Sales & Service that had been a weakness for us the whole time I’ve Tillers - Trimmers - Mowers - Lawn Rollers been here,” admitted Staten. Pressure Washers - Generators - Trenchers “We’ve always struggled Lifts - Scaffolding - Plumbing & Concrete Equip. with kicking and extra points. and more tools to rent and purchase. We don’t have a soccer program and he just took that and became a solid kicker throughout the year.” Call: 800-445-2777 CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Serving Northwest Ohio and The first half of the season Southeast Michigan will determine if Edon

65 Evergreen

VIKINGS DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23 October last fall. With a shot at (40 catches, 683 yards, 8 OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME their first NWOAL title and playoff touchdowns) also is gone. Smashmouth Spread 4-3 showing since 1984 — which is the “Just because we’re missing those COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH AARON SCHMIDT lone time for both — ended with guys doesn’t mean we’re going to ASSISTANT COACHES a four-game thud to conclude the be incapable this year,” continued BOB BEEMER OL/LB Coach MARK CYMBOLIN WR/LB Coach campaign. Schmidt. “We’re going to look a TYLER KLEEBERGER QB/DB Coach With 15 starters gone, Schmidt little different. We have home run BRENT SIMON Special Teams Coordinator/WR/DE BEN TAYLOR Defensive Coordinator/OL/DT expects his 2019 edition of the threats, but I don’t think it’s going 2019 SCHEDULE Vikings to be a bit different. to be a two-play drive of 80 yards, DATE OPPONENT “Be who we are,” said Schmidt, of it’s going to be a more grind-it-out Fri., Aug. 30 vs OTSEGO HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL the keys to the season. “Don’t be type offense with these guys, and I Fri., Sep. 13 vs RIDGEMONT HIGH SCHOOL something that we’re not. We’ve think they’re going to be more than Fri., Sep. 20 @ SWANTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ DELTA HIGH SCHOOL got to keep ourselves in ballgames capable. Fri., Oct. 4 vs PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL and not make mistakes. We’ve got “Big-play threats,” added Fri., Oct. 18 @ ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL to force turnovers and not turn the Schmidt, of what is lost without Van Fri., Oct. 25 @ BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL ball over. Wert and Lumbrezer. “Any time you 2018 RESULTS “We’re probably OPPONENT OUTCOME going to have to rely on OTSEGO LOST 21-37 MONTPELIER WON 48-0 the running game more OTTAWA HILLS WON 54-0 LIBERTY CENTER LOST 7-37 than we have in the SWANTON WON 40-20 past,” added Schmidt. DELTA WON 24-2 PATRICK HENRY LOST 22-42 “Let’s not try and make WAUSEON LOST 7-42 ARCHBOLD WON 14-28 something that we’re BRYAN LOST 7-41 not. We’re not last year’s team, we’re the Following back-to-back 4-6 2019 version.” seasons in his first two seasons at OFFENSE: Replacing Evergreen, third-year frontman star running back Aaron Schmidt will look to take the Hunter Van Wert will be Vikings to the next level. the biggest obstacle “I think we have a good group for the Vikings. Van of seniors,” said Schmidt, a 2000 Wert was a home run Wauseon grad and 2005 Defiance threat during his time College grad. “I coached them with the Green-and- when they were eighth-graders, Gold, and generated so they know what to expect from 1,151 yards on 154 me and I know what to expect from attempts last year, with them. They’re hard workers and an average of 7.5 yards we’re trying to put our kids in the per attempt. best position to be successful.” Top receiving target The Vikings stood 4-2 going into Chandler Lumbrezer Jack Etue Photo courtesy of Danett Setmire

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gave the ball to Hunter, he could explained Schmidt. “ We bust one for 60, 70 or 80. Same have a little bit stronger thing with Chandler. Chandler was downhill backs. We big and he could go up and make don’t have a Chandler plays on the football. He’s faster Lumbrezer on the outside, than people gave him credit for so it might change what and he had some big plays down we’re trying to do in the field.” our passing game and Evergreen’s top four receivers vertical passing threats.” from 2018 are missing. Being able to run “Going to be younger at receiver the pigskin is crucial, position,” acknowledged Schmidt. according to Schmidt Jacob Riggs is a newcomer when playing in the looking to play receiver. NWOAL. Four starting linemen also “In the NWOAL, if you graduated. can’t run the football, Nick Beemer, who played tight you’re not going to end last year, is making the move be any good,” stated to the line this year. Schmidt. “That’s where Logan York (5-8, 170) is a returnee we want to start. Our up front, along with Will Smithmyer philosophy is to get our (6-3, 265). best players the football Levi Moore is expected to in the best positions. We Jack Etue rotate into the line, along with need to run the ball down Photo courtesy of Danett Setmire Cody Scheler. Sam Worline, a hill. I think we have a freshman who won the NWOAL handful of good running more for his veteran QB. championship in the discus as an backs that we can move in and out “He had some rough games last eighth-grader, is another new face of there.” year and he had some really good Schmidt is looking at up front. Four-year starting signal-caller games last year,” said Schmidt. “We’re not real deep there but Jack Etue brings back a wealth of “He’s not a real vocal leader, but he I think our starting five should be experience behind center. knows what he needs to do and the pretty solid,” said Schmidt, of his “We still want to throw the other guys respect that. line. football,” said Schmidt. “I think last “I think sometimes we were trying Jack Krispin (6-0, 190, senior) will year we were 60-40 run to pass. to throw too much at him,” added get the bulk of the ball-carrying That’s what I kind of like to be and Schmidt. “We had him doing two, load at H-back. Trent Coopshaw I see us being right in there again, three, four receiver reads. I think also could figure into the running maybe 65-35, maybe 70-30. I want that got to be too much for him mix. to establish the run game first and and he would pre-determine a “That might look a little different get the quarterback into the run lot. I think we’re going to shut his than last year; we don’t have a game a little bit more.” reads down a little bit and make Hunter Van Wert in the backfield,” Schmidt wants to simplify things things more simplified. He’s a good

67 Evergreen

thrower, he’s a really good runner.” Along with DEFENSE: Beemer is without a plenty of new doubt the bell cow of the Evergreen personnel on the defense. Following a 105-tackle defensive side, the and 3.5 sack showing in 2018, the Vikings’ scheme Division I recruit is even bigger also will look going into this season. different under Beemer is getting strongmeans looks by we’recoordinator part Ben of the home team MAC programs heading into his Taylor. Evergreen senior year. is switching from “Nick has put a lot of work in the a 4-2-5 to a 4-3 weight room,” said Schmidt. “He’s to get another put on 40 pounds of muscle since linebacker in the the end of last season to now. He’s fray. a big, fast, strong kid that we need “You have to be to get from sideline to sideline. able to stop the Hopefully, he’s going to be run in our league,” Nick Beemer wreaking some havoc on offenses. said Schmidt. Photo courtesy of Danett Setmire “I think the guys around him will “We wanted to benefit from him getting all that shore some things returner going into a new season. attention,” added Schmidt. “I up there, so we’re going to add CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: think we have some other good another linebacker in there. I think Schmidt foresees Patrick Henry linebackers we’re going to be we need to commit more people to as the team to beat in the league putting in there with Jack Krispin the run and make sure we can set again. and Brian Floyd.” that and move from there.” “The league is going to be tough Smithmyer is back in the trenches, SPECIAL TEAMS: Beemer will again, it always is,” said Schmidt. “I while Etue willWhether be in the you secondary. see us cheeringget a atbreak the ballon special field, onteams, a walk with in yourfeel neighborhood,like PH with literally or everybody Eight starters are missing, the kicking duties going to soccer back (is the favorite) and Liberty is including fourgrabbing defensive a bite backs.at favorite player hot spot,Alex Peat.we’re always willing to talkgoing about to yourbe good. financial I think Archbold Riggs will begame in contention plan… or toeven fill last There night’s isgame. an It’sopen hometown competition partnerships is going like to this be that good and don’t one of those makespots. us all stronger. Afterfor all, punter, we’re betterpunt returner together. and kick count out Bryan.”

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APACHES DATA DIVISION REGION A duplication of a Cinderella put in an extra ton of time. They’d VI 23 run to the Division VI, Region 22 work hard when I had them but OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME championship game would be besides coming in early in throwing Spread 3-4 no surprise for Doug Rakes and or lifting or shooting or hitting, COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH DOUG RAKES Fairview Apaches in the coming or anything those things that this ASSISTANT COACHES ANDREW MICKEY DC, OL/DL months. group does, I think that’s what sets KEN BOLAND OL/LB A year ago, the upstart Apaches this group apart. Plus they get along JONATHAN MCCORD WR/DB CRAIG MCCORD Special Team Coordinator, OLB made their first trip to the well. We’ve had talented groups BOB OLWIN Co-OC, QB postseason in nearly a decade, with in the past that were fractured TRAVIS COOPER WR/DB the last coming in 2009. within that could’ve been a lot 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT “I think it’s given the kids better. This group seems to have Fri., Aug. 30 vs WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL confidence,” said Rakes of the a good combination of those two Fri., Sep. 6 @ PAULDING HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL playoff push. “I think they’ve known components: the extra work and Fri., Sep. 20 vs ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL they’ve had talent for awhile, but also getting along.” Fri., Oct. 4 @ WAYNE TRACE SCHOOL a lot of those kids that are juniors Rakes is ecstatic to get to coach Fri., Oct. 11 vs HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ AYERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL now played as freshmen. They the group. Fri., Oct. 25 vs TINORA HIGH SCHOOL were playing against seniors and “It’s a fun group to be around, it Fri., Nov. 1 IDLE I think it opened their eyes that it really is,” he stressed. “Being with 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME doesn’t just go that way (having them and watching them since WAUSEON WON 34-30 success all the time). I think having they’ve been young has been PAULDING WON 46-6 BRYAN LOST 20-21 that confidence going forward is a (great).” ANTWERP WON 41-20 EDGERTON LOST 29-62 big step for them with having that The Apaches dropped a WAYNE TRACE WON 45-32 run. It showed them they could play controversial 21-20 game at Bryan in HICKSVILLE LOST 29-32 AYERSVILLE WON 48-0 with the better teams. We were 21 week 3 and two weeks later suffered TINORA WON 30-7 seconds away from being able to a 62-29 loss to juggernaut Edgerton HOLGATE WON 34-0 GIBSONBURG WON 35-7 play in the state semis and I think at home. Hiksville then trimmed the HILLSDALE WON 32-26 that left a fire in their bellies.” Apaches 32-29 in the seventh week. SENECA EAST LOST 21-26 While many thought this year But then the Apaches’ defense would be the season the Apaches bowed its back, allowing just seven Seneca East denied a Fairview made a big push, a relatively young points over the final three weeks of state semifinal berth, 26-21. gridiron squad found itself further the regular season. “We lost some key performers than any Fairview team before last While the defense kept improving from last year’s regional finals team, November. Although Seneca East throughout the season, the offense and a tough non-league schedule ended the Apaches’ fun, there’s kept humming along. will test us early,” said Rakes. “It’ll little reason to believe the Black- Second-seeded Gibsonburg was be vital that guys step up to replace and-Gold can’t replicate 2018 and no match for the Apaches in round the seniors we lost.” maybe surpass it. one of the playoffs, with Fairview Co-offensive coordinator and Rakes returns 15 starters — eight thumping the hosts 35-7. spread offense guru Bob Olwin is on offense and seven on defense. Jeromesville Hillsdale posed a back to direct the Fairview offense “I think they work hard,” said stiffer challenge, but the Apaches with Rakes. Olwin previously served Rakes, of his returnees. “I’ve had won two playoff games in the same as head coach at Fairview from talented groups before that didn’t season for the first time ever, 36-26. 1995-2008.

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and focusing on getting better that ways and also have back a lot of the week. It’s not looking ahead to who guys that rotated in there. We think is in the region or what’s going on we can go 10 deep at the running here and there. None of that stuff back/receiver position and not miss matters if you don’t take care of a beat with the kids we’re bringing business in week one and two.” in. So a lot of excitement there.” If the Apaches can return to Polter returns most of his receiving the postseason, they will have corps, with top target Caleb to earn it in a tough-as-nails Frank (78 catches, 1,049 yards, 10 Division VI, Region 23. NWOAL touchdowns) back. Riley Lucas (42 powers Archbold and Liberty receptions, 672 yards, 12 scores), Center (regional finalist in D-V last Doug Rakes (60 catches, 432 yards, November) join the region, along 2 touchdowns) and Russ Zeedyk with tradition rich MAC programs: (392 yards receiving, 3 TDs) also Anna, Coldwater, Fort Recovery, St. return. Henry and Minster. Lima Central Tailback Luke Timbrook was the Catholic is also in the region, second-leading receiver out of the along with expected powers backfield, with 690 yards receiving Chayse Singer 17 and Bryan Lucas 55 Photo courtesy of Sheryl Short Columbus Grove, Gibsonburg and on 42 grabs while hitting paydirt Spencerville. eight times. He also ran for 690 Another interesting twist to the “It’s absolutely stacked, I don’t yards on just 99 carries while also Fairview coaching staff is Travis know if I’ve ever seen it tougher,” getting into the end zone 11 times. Cooper, who resigned from his explained Rakes. “We bring in the “We have athleticism and post at Wauseon earlier this year. MAC schools, and to my knowledge, experience at the skill positions,” The 1998 Fairview graduate and I never remember the MAC schools stated the Fairview mentor. teammate of Rakes was a standout in there. Then you have LCC, LC and Fairview will have to replace the for Olwin during his playing days. Archbold coming in. It’s definitely exterior of its line, along with three- Cooper also served as an assistant a lot tougher. It’s probably the year starter at guard Braxton Singer. coach at Defiance for Jerry Buti toughest region in the state.” Jonathon McCoy, a two-year starter and headed up the Bryan program The region features a combined 19 at tackle, and Jakob Backhaus also before moving on to Wauseon. state titles. were lost. Cooper is coaching the receivers OFFENSE: Senior all-Ohio “We are inexperienced up front on and defensive backs. gunslinger Cade Polter will lead the offensive side of the ball,” said “I think the biggest thing — and I the Apaches Fun-N-Gun style of Rakes. “That’ll be important early, told the kids at awards — this isn’t play after he connected on 281- how quickly those guys can come a video game where you get to 461 passes for 3,437 yards and 37 together.” start on the level you left off on,” touchdowns, while being picked off Bryan Lucas (5-10, 250) returns at stated Rakes. “We don’t get to go only a dozen times. center and Aaron Layman (6-0, 180) back to week 13 and start there. The “We return Cade and all five of is starter back at guard. process starts over. Their biggest our skilled kids — four receivers Sam McGuire, a transfer from challenge is going to be focusing and our running back,” said Rakes. Ayersville, also gives the Apaches on each week and the opponent, “We line those guys up in different another weapon. McGuire racked

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up 664 yards rushing on 150 see how we can simplify things for Mitchell Breckler (71 tackles, 1.5 attempts last fall for the Pilots as a the kids. sacks) is gone from a OLB/DE spot. quarterback. “I’m excited to see what difference Keenan Jackson also is missing at Noah Hagerman will see time at that makes,” added Rakes. cornerback, where he collected 36 receiver and Ethan Thompson (6- “Personally, I think that’s going to tackles and three picks. 3, 220) will look to fill the gaps left make a really big difference.” SPECIAL TEAMS: Rakes was by graduation along the offensive Middle linebacker Chayse Singer a dangerous threat in the return front. (5-9, 180, third-team all-Ohio) paced game. He averaged 19.9 yards per DEFENSE: Of the seven returning the area with 155 tackles, while also punt return and brought one back starters on the defensive side, two tallying 7.5 sacks. for a score. He added a 23.8 yards spilled well over 200 ball runners “He’s one of the best that’s played per return on kickoffs. combined. the position in our history,” said Known as a perfectionist when it “We’ve talked offensively and Rakes. “We really think he’s a good comes to special teams, McCord defensively at times as coaches one.” is a trusted asset for the Fairivew about being simple,” said Rakes. Timbrook, a strong safety, also frontman. “I think as coaches — I know I’m topped the century mark in tackles “Having coach McCord on board, I very guilty of this and even veteran with 109, while also picking off one do not worry about special teams,” coaches — sometimes we try to do pass. expressed Rakes. “All I have to do too much to scheme our way out Laymay joins Singer in the is to make sure he has the amount of certain looks. Really the answer linebacking group of a 3-4 scheme of practice time he needs. He takes is being simple and letting the kids under defensive coordinator care of it. play free and fast. I think that’s been Andrew Mickey, a Defiance College “With the skill guys we have, I the theme of this off-season, let’s product. thought that was one of our strong Austin Bostater (6-3, 250, 31 suits last year,” added Rakes. “The tackles, 1 sack) is back at tackle, one area we’re going to have to along with Wes Bowers (5-10, 240, replace someone is at long snapper. 22 tackles. The last four or five years we’ve Ripke returned two of his four had someone really good. Now we interceptions for touchdowns don’t have that, so we’ll have to see while playing one island for the who develops there.” Apaches, while Frank notched CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Rakes three interceptions and 87 tackles foresees a tight race in the GMC. at free safety. “Edgerton is the returning GMC Hagerman should see time in the champion and return a number of secondary, while McGuire is listed pieces from last season,” explained as a linebacker and Thompson will Rakes. “I think the league will be get action in the pits. more competitive this year, with Hunter Bostater is a key loss at a number of teams capable of linebacker after he delivered 90 hits winning.” and three sacks. Backhaus played The Apaches will be looking for Luke Timbrook nose guard on defense and had their first GMC championship since Photo courtesy of Sheryl Short 50 tackles along with a sack, while 2008.

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ACES DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME RPO 4-3 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH LUCAS SMITH ASSISTANT COACHES DAVE BAINS OC RYAN MISER OL JON DIEHL WR A.J. KLAUSING DB BRIAN WONDERLY DL 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 vs ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ CRESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs EDON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 vs AYERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ LAKOTA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 @ FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 vs ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 @ WAYNE TRACE SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME ARCHBOLD LOST 7-24 CRESTVIEW LOST 34-39 EDON WON 42-34 AYERSVILLE WON 43-0 HOLGATE WON 51-22 EDGERTON LOST 8-48 FAIRVIEW WON 32-29 TINORA WON 22-7 ANTWERP LOST 8-28 WAYNE TRACE WON 29-26

Peaks and valleys dotted a 2018 season at Hicksville. The Aces started and ended last fall scratching their heads with missed chances, big wins and maddening losses throughout. When the dust settled, Hicksville found itself a measly 0.15 computer points away from the eighth and final playoff berth in Division VI’s Region 22. “We had a rollercoaster year,” acknowledged 12-year mentor Lucas Smith. “We played really well some nights and won some Mason Commisso big games, but we also had some Photo courtesy of Hicksville Cheerleaders

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poor performances and were too spot. We are in D-VI, so points will Mason Commisso returns for his inconsistent.” be at a premium.” senior season following a 25-catch, The season started in typical The Aces will field a roster of 383-yard showing in 2018 with four fashion, a 24-7 loss to Archbold, approximately 30 this year, which touchdowns. He will play running which has beaten the Aces eight of means staying healthy will be at a back this fall. the nine times the two teams have premium. Up front, Brandt Balser (T) and squared off to start a season. “We have approximately 30 Boston Hootman (T) are back to Crestview, which played in the players, so everybody needs to be bookend the line of scrimmage, Region 28 championship in D-VII, at their best,” said Smith, who is 81- while Travis Tunis takes over at barely trimmed the Aces in week 41 during his tenure at Hicksville. center. Guards Junior Gipple and two, 39-34. “We have a lot of seniors who were Scott Keeran both graduated. Week three featured a good win starters at freshman or sophomores. Chase Railing takes over at left over a 7-3 Edon team and two more We return a lot of our skill players guard, while Ian Greutman, Nick wins over GMC bottom dwellers and a lot of athleticism.” Congleton and Mason Slattery are followed. OFFENSE: In three of their four duking it out for the right guard League champion Edgerton then losses last year, foes held the Aces spot. decked the Aces by 40 points at in single digits. Braden Langham will be one of the midway point. The Red-and- “We like tempo and RPOs,” said Miller’s weapons at tight end, while White bounced back to knock off Smith. “We look to get our best Landon Turnbull, Jonah Gipple and regional finalist Fairview, 32-29. A players in the best situation to Kyler Baird will be at wideout spots. 22-7 win over Tinora was next. make plays. We will do this from Zac Brickel was the main ball toter However, a disheartening 28-8 loss multiple formations.” last fall and will need to be replaced at Antwerp dampened Hicksville’s Senior maestro Jacob Miller gives following his graduation. playoff chances before ending with Hicksville one of the area’s most DEFENSE: Smith likes to keep his a 29-26 triumph over Wayne Trace. lethal triggerman. He was 98-186, defensive approach simplified. “We have depth and speed in passing for 1,345 yards and 16 “We are a base 4-3 defense,” multiple positions,” remarked touchdowns last year. he said. “We stay simple and play Smith. “If we are Accountable, have Miller will be without top target fast.” Character, and put forth max Effort Parker Thiel, who graduated. Thiel Balser and Jackson Bergman are we should contend for the GMC hauled in 38 passes for 487 yards favorites to play one bookend spot, title and a week No. 11 playoff and six touchdowns. with Tunis and Hootman manning

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the other end position. Railing, Slattery, Greutman and Travis Stoffer will make up the interior. The linebackers will be made up of Baird (4 interceptions) and Commisso on the outside, with Langham and Kole Wertman on the inside. Miller and Gipple will hold down the islands at corner, while Turnbull will play free safety. Brickel had a big senior season with 97 tackles and 4.5 sacks. SPECIAL TEAMS: Tunis will kick, while Langham will handle the punting duties. Miller will hold and the snapping duties are still up in the air. In the return game, Turnbull will bring punts back, while Langham, Commisso, Baird, Turnbull and Gipple can all return kicks. Commisso returned a dozen kickoffs for 265 yards, a 22.1-yard average. OVERALL OUTLOOK: The annual opener against Archbold sets the tone for league play and a possible playoff spot. “We get the opportunity to scrimmage Hilltop, Bryan/ Napoleon and Fort Recovery,” said Smith. “We then open the season with Archbold. We are 1-8 Jacob Miller against them and it’s usually a tight Photo courtesy of Hicksville Cheerleaders game. Huge computer points are on the line in week one. We have Ayersville, Holgate, Edgerton, “The conference should be very Crestview (playoff team) week Fairview and Tinora. We have to be competitive this year,” Smith two and then Edon week three. ready to perform week one and get added. “We have depth and speed We open conference play with better each and every week. in multiple positions.”

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CADETS DATA DIVISION REGION The Cadets will again hit VII 26 the gridiron season with a OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME roster under 30 while trying Spread 3-3-5 COACHING STAFF to bounce back from a 4-6 HEAD COACH NATHAN MASSIE season last year. ASSISTANT COACHES BILL BOYER Defensive Coordinator/WR-DB Nathan Massie enters ANDREW SCHLOSSER OL/DL his third year in charge at COREY EISEL LB/RB PHIL FOGLE WR/DB Hilltop with a 12-8 mark TYLER SUBOSKI RB/S following an 8-2 debut in 2019 SCHEDULE 2017. DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 vs EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL Two three-year lettermen Fri., Sep. 6 vs ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 @ ST. JOSEPH CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL are sprinkled in the roster, Fri., Sep. 20 vs OSCODA, MICH., HIGH SCHOOL which is highlighted by Fri., Sep. 27 @ OTTAWA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL eight seniors. Fri., Oct. 11 vs EDON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs STRYKER HIGH SCHOOL The loss of three four-year Fri., Oct. 25 @ CARDINAL STRITCH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL letterwinners does provide Fri., Nov. 1 @ MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL an obstacle in filling those 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME voids. EDGERTON LOST 0-68 OFFENSE: The key ANTWERP LOST 0-42 HOLGATE WON 6-2 returning cog is senior TOLEDO CHRISTIAN WON 21-14 standout Hayden Brown at OTTAWA HILLS WON 20-0 Dan Shilling NORTHWOOD LOST 0-56 running back. A double- Photo courtesy of Tony Gerig EDON LOST 6-20 STRYKER WON 49-6 threat out of the backfield, CARDINAL STRITCH LOST 20-45 Brown produced 616 rushing we hope it will translate to fewer MONTPELIER LOST 42-50T yards and 440 receiving yards as a mistakes and better execution.” junior. Hitting paydirt eight times Connor Schlosser will take over missing four-year letterwinners. via the ground and seven more for departed signal-caller Christian Alex Lopez also graduated from receiving, along with scoring a pair McKinney, who completed 44-66 the trenches. of two-point conversions, Brown passes for 417 yards in Toledo Area Kaiden Clendenin (TE), Dan accounted for 94 of Hilltop’s 164 Athletic Conference (TAAC) games. Shilling (FB), Griffin McEwen total points last season. McKinney also lined up at wideout (X), Chase Wittman (Z) also are Building off the final three games and added 136 yards rushing in expected to start, along with Carson of 2018 offensively will be a major conference play. Mahlman (T), Hunter Leupp (T), key for the Cadets, which scored Schlosser also saw time behind Evan Schoonover (C), Ty Creamer 111 of their total points over the center, hitting on 19-25 aerials for (G) and Jayden McClary (G). final three Fridays of the season. 139 yards in TAAC play. Newcomers looking to see action “Offensively, we look to improve Jacob Champion is another four- are freshmen: Lance Bauer (RB), on the strides we made late in year player gone to graduation. He Tyson Pelfrey (TE), Trenton Funk the season,” said Massie. “With hauled in 13 passes in TAAC games (OL) and Levi Houser (OL). many players getting the first taste for 140 yards. DEFENSE: Opponents scored of varsity experience last year, Riley Burdine (OL) rounds out the 303 points against Hilltop last

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Team Photo Photo courtesy of Tony Gerig

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fall, including 68 by GMC power Funk and Houser along Edgerton and 56 by TAAC the point of impact. champion Northwood. SPECIAL TEAMS: “We look to be more aggressive Champion also leaves the this year and have tailored our Cadets without a huge defense to our smaller players,” asset in the punting game. said Massie. “I like the attacking He averaged 36.6 yards structure of it and feel we will make per punt in 2018 to help great adjustments to teams.” shift field position. Champion exits after earning CONFERENCE first-team TAAC at linebacker, OUTLOOK: Massie points while McKinney is gone from the at Northwood as the team secondary and Burdine and Lopez to beat in the TAAC. from the pits. “Northwood looks like Brown, Schlosser, Andyn Haynes the favorite, with Edon and Shilling return to the secondary, and Stritch close behind,” while Clendenin, Leupp, Alex explained Massie. Swinney-Richmond and Mahlman Due to Toledo Christian are back at linebacker. scrapping its season to Kyle Yates, Adley McNeal, Mike play an 8-man football Garcia and Schoonover are back schedule do to low up front. numbers, Hilltop replaced Connor Schlosser Bauer will vie for time at linebacker, the Eagles with Oscoda, Photo courtesy of Tony Gerig Pelfrey at bookend, along with Mich., in week 4.

Seniors Photo courtesy of Tony Gerig

77 Holgate

TIGERS DATA DIVISION REGION Not OHSAA affiliate due to playing 8-man schedule have been a lot of trial and error to more lettermen are not playing this OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME see how we can still keep most of season. Spread 3-2-3 what we have installed in 11-man Holgate generated 1,957 yards COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH COLTON WAGNER over the last year or so, and translate of offense last fall, 1,214 came via ASSISTANT COACHES that into the 8-man game.” the ground and the final 743 were JASON KUPFERSMITH DC/LB/RB MATT SCHUETTER QB/DB Eight-man football plays with the through the air. Wagner kept on the LOGAN BRUBAKER WR/DL same rules and mostly the same ground the majority of the time in ROB NAGEL RB/LB structure as the traditional 11-man his first season at the helm, running 2019 SCHEDULE game. The main difference is that 311 running plays, while going to DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 @ STRYKER the offensive tackles are eliminated, the air just 144 times. Fri., Sep. 6 vs ST. JOHN SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 @ TOLEDO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL along with a skill spot on offense. Four-year letterwinner Tallon Fri., Sep. 20 vs ST. MARY CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL A few states already sanction Meyer is the biggest void left to Fri., Sep. 27 vs TOLEDO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs BISHOP ROSECRANS HIGH SCHOOL an 8-man season, with Nebraska graduation. He carried 128 times Sat., Oct. 12 @ ST. MARY CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ BISHOP ROSECRANS HIGH SCHOOL leading the way with nearly 120 for 717 yards and five touchdowns, Fri., Oct. 25 vs TRI-STATE KINGS CRUSADERS schools. Michigan features over 50 while also ripping off a 93-yard run. Fri., Nov. 1 vs MICHIGAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF schools competing in the slimmed Road graders Zac Luderman 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME down version of 11-man. (three-year letterman) and Noah STRYKER WON 57-14 “We want guys on our team that Pistory (two-year letterman) need WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN WON 19-8 HILLTOP LOST 2-6 want to be here, work hard and to be replaced up front. Wyatte EDGERTON LOST 8-60 HICKSVILLE LOST 22-51 want to compete,” said Wagner. Schwab (18 catches, 236 yards), TINORA LOST 6-21 ‘We currently have the toughest Cole Snyder (18 catches, 310 yards, ANTWERP LOST 0-33 WAYNE TRACE LOST 14-36 14 men in our school and we are 3 touchdowns) and Ben Like are AYERSVILLE WON 9-0 FAIRVIEW LOST 0-34 going to go out and compete to wideouts missing. win every game.” Gavyn Kupfersmith is back at Holgate has eight games quarterback after completing 67- Holgate was thrown a curveball scheduled against 8-man teams. 113 passes for 743 yards and six less than two weeks before the Along with opening with Stryker, touchdowns. start of practice when the program the Tigers will play a home-and- Jeradt Nagel (senior) is the top had to make the decision to play home with Toledo Christian and returning rusher, back with 235 the 8-man version of football with Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans, which yards from last season. not enough players suiting up. both announced this summer they Ethan Altman hauled in 14 passes “Eight-man wasn’t the ideal would be playing 8-man football last year for 90 yards, while Freddy situation we were planning on this due to low numbers. Holgate also Alvarez (OL) and Blake Hattemer season,” explained second-year will host Tri-State King’s Crusaders (TE/OL) round out the senior class. coach Colton Wagner, who helped from Indiana and Michigan School Owen Fry (OL), Brandon the Tigers to a 3-7 season last year. for the Deaf. Hohenberger (OL/TE), Sam Medina “It set us back a couple weeks, as All seven games Holgate is (OL) and Darion Schwartzengraber us coaches needed to study and playing will not count in the OHSAA (WR) join Kupfersmith in the junior research the different schemes and computer rankings. class. game planning that comes with the OFFENSE: The Tigers graduated Sophomores are Hunter Gerschutz 8-man style. So far the practices six starters on offense and three (WR/RB) and Robert Thacker (WR),

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while Dakota Ashley (WR/QB), Fry (8 tackles), Hohenberger (13 punting with 13 boots for 407 yards Hayden Birr (OL) and Abe Kelly tackles), Kupfersmith (27 tackles) (31.1 yard average). (WR/QB) make up the newcomers and Gerschutz (15 tackles) also Gerschutz handled 12 kickoff in the freshman class. are listed at linebacker for this returns and averaged nearly 14 DEFENSE: Holgate held its 10 season. Altman also could see yards per return. Altman had two opponents to 2,706 yards last time in the secondary, while Fry punt returns last year. fall, while foes completed just 47 and Hohenberger also could play OVERALL OUTLOOK: While percent of their passes. in the trenches. Alvarez, Hattemer, the Tigers will not compete in a “Overall, football is football,” Medina and Birr also are expected conference this fall, Wagner looks explained Wagner. “The to see time in the pits. for Fairview and Edgerton to duke fundamentals are the same. You Schwartzengraber, Thacker, it out in the GMC. still need to be able to tackle and Ashley and Kelly also will see time “I think Fairview will be the team block well in order to be successful. in the defensive backfield. to beat this season,” assessed We would have loved to play Meyer tallied 40 tackles last year Wagner. “That group of guys is very our 11-man schedule this year and is the biggest piece to replace talented, and we have seen that and build off of what we started defensively. since their freshman year. You also implementing last year, but now it’s SPECIAL TEAM: Hattemer made cannot count out Edgerton again. on to a new challenge.” both extra points he tried last They seem to just keep reloading Nagel led the team in stops, with season, while Hohenberger kicked on the line with all-Ohio players 93 last year from his linebacker spot. another PAT. and their running back (Hunter Altman (42 tackles, 1 interception), Hattemer also handled the Prince) is a stud.”

Holgate 8-man alignment Photo courtesy of Colton Wagner

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VIKINGS DATA DIVISION REGION VII 26

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME West Coast 4-3 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH JOE KIRKENDALL ASSISTANT COACHES JEFF KIRKENDALL WR/LB JON SPURGON OL/DL TREVOR SCHROEDER RB/DB KURT STEFFAN DL/DE KIRK WENSINK RB/LB LIAM NADLER QB/DB 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 vs CAREY HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ COLUMBUS GROVE Fri., Sep. 13 @ VANLUE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ PANDORA-GILBOA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ CRESTLINE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs LIBERTY-BENTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ MCCOMB LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME NORTH BALTIMORE WON 52-7 COLUMBUS GROVE WON 48-18 LIBERTY-BENTON WON 34-7 VAN BUREN WON 25-20 McCOMB LOST 7-38 ARCADIA WON 62-13 VANLUE WON 46-0 CORY-RAWSON WON 48-14 ARLINGTON WON 31-30 MOHAWK WON 40-14 McCOMB LOST 14-24

All that stopped Joe Kirkendall and his crew last autumn was state champion McComb. The Panthers handed the 10-2 Vikings their only setbacks, 38-7 in the regular season and 24-14 in the Division VII, Region 26 semifinals of Cole Williamson the playoffs. Photo courtesy of Putnam Sentinel Leipsic returns six offensive starters and eight starters on a defense that Leipsic in 2008 and stayed until program in 2016. allowed over 30 points only once. 2013 when the Patrick Henry job OFFENSE: Replacing Dylan’s Kirkendall is close to a career opened. Returning to his alma Schroeder’s arm and the legs of milestone, needing five victories mater, Kirkendall went 11-9 in two Gavin Lomeli are major hurdles for this fall to reach 100 in his career. years with the Patriots in 2014 and the Vikings’ offense. He started his coaching career at 2015, and then rejoined the Leipsic Schroeder hit on 64.4 percent of

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Juan Pena 1 and Caleb Lammers 14 Photo courtesy of Putnam Sentinel his passes (121-188) for 2,012 yards his name. touchdowns) is the top pass catcher and 25 touchdowns, while being Cole Williamson (54 rushes, 387 back. intercepted just three times. He yards, 4 touchdowns) and Jaun Dillan Niese, a freshman last year, directed an offense that averaged Pena (40 carries, 373 yards, 8 was the only other Viking to throw 36.8 points per Friday night. touchdowns) return to the backfield. a pass. He completed 4-9 attempts The Vikings set a school record for Leading receiver Tyler Hiegel (38 for 28 yards. yards in a season with 5,095 yards, catches, 614 yards) also graduated Ryley Spangler (T, first-team BVC, with 3,055 coming via the ground following a 13-touchdown season. BVC Offensive Lineman of the Year) and 2,040 in the air. Cole Rieman (30 catches, 462 Hunter Spangler, Evan Schroeder Lomeli led the rushing attack yards, 4 touchdowns, first-team (C), Adrian Carrillo (G) return to the with 199 chances, 1,169 yards BVC) and Rader (23 catches, 398 offensive line. and 16 touchdowns. Number two yards, 3 touchdowns) also need DEFENSE: Foes mustered ground gainer Kaiden Rader also to be replaced from the prolific only 2,694 yards on the Leipsic graduated, with 65 rushes for 413 passing attack. defenders in 2018 (1,328 rushing yards and four touchdowns next to Pena (12 receptions, 138 yards, 3 and 1,366 passing). Leipsic was

81 Leipsic

deadly in the turnover game, tackles-for-loss, 3 sacks). for a 32.3-yard average. forcing 25 opponent turnovers Kirkendall also will have Drew The trio of Rieman (8 returns, 67 (16 interceptions and 9 fumble Liffick (2 interceptions) and Fabian yards), Hiegel (4 returns, 24 yards) recoveries). Pena (67 tackles) in the secondary and Lomeli (2 returns, 10 yards) Middle linebacker Caleb Lammers with starts under their belts. took care of all of the punt returns. is back to spearhead the unit. He Hiegel (4 picks), Rieman (3 INTs) Rader (14 returns, 359 yards), tallied 89 stops, 3.5 sacks and led the Vikings turnover machine Fabian Pena (5 returns, 78 yards) a whopping 18 tackles-for-loss. from the secondary last fall. and Walther (4 returns, 57 yards) Williamson (76 tackles, 8 tackles- While plenty of production returns were the top kick returners. for-loss, first-team BVC) and from the defense, first-team BVC CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: The Lorenzo Walther (31 tackles) also lineman Clay Gerdeman (15 tackles- rugged BVC featured a stellar return to the linebacker corps. for-loss, 3.5 sacks) graduated in group at the top, with Pandora- Pena was a strong bookend, the spring, along with fellow first- Gilboa winning the conference title totaling 74 tackles — third on the teamer Hiegel. at 8-0, while Leipsic and McComb team. Ryley Spangler is another SPECIAL TEAMS: Juan Pena tied for second at 7-1 apiece. starter back on the line, along with converted 42-51 PATS and also did Leipsic is gunning for its first BVC Grant Steingass (48 tackles, 14 some punting. He punted six times title since 2011 this fall.

Ryley Spangler Photo courtesy of Putnam Sentinel

82 Liberty Center

TIGERS DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Wing T/Spread Wing T 3-4/Multiple Front COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH CASEY MOHLER ASSISTANT COACHES MATT BRYAN Split Ends/OLB CHRIS RIGHI QB/DB NICK MILLER OT/TE/DL PAUL AMSTUTZ STC/OG/OLB TODD SPANGLER RB/DL/Freshmen JOSH DRAIN WR/DB/Asst. Freshman JUSTIN GILLIN Asst OT/DL BRYAN MILLER Asst. QB 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 @ TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ NAPOLEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs OTSEGO HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 vs DELTA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 @ SWANTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 vs PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 @ EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME TINORA WON 35-3 NAPOLEON WON 21-0 WOODWARD WON 44-13 EVERGREEN WON 37-7 DELTA WON 51-7 WAUSEON WON 34-0 ARCHBOLD WON 35-20 SWANTON WON 40-14 BRYAN WON 28-14 PATRICK HENRY LOST 19-34 MIAMI EAST WON 24-21 Alex Righi OAK HARBOR WON 14-0 Photo courtesy of Casey Mohler GENOA WON 43-40 ORRVILLE LOST 7-38 A very different look to a traditional come together as a team, we can that we will lean on for production,” NWOAL bruiser is on the horizon at have a good season.” said Mohler. “The extra four weeks Liberty Center. LC trimmed Miami East in the of practice for our younger players With the loss of 17 starters, the first round of the playoffs on an last year was a plus. Tigers head into 2019 with more to Orry Killam field goal, blanked “We’re going to need to develop replace than any NWOAL program. Oak Harbor 14-0 in round two the offensive and defensive lines.” “We have a good group of seniors and staged a wild uprising to beat OFFENSE: The name most who want to continue the success No. 1 Genoa to earn its first state recognizable missing will be we had last year,” said 19-5 third- semifinal appearance since 2000. pounding fullback Caleb Carpenter, year mentor Casey Mohler. “We There, the Tigers ran into eventual a four-year starter. He plowed his want to be competitive each week, state champion Orrville, falling 38- way for 1,772 yards in a workhorse and work hard to give ourselves 7. role on 286 totes, while hitting a chance in each game. If we can “We have some skill players back paydirt 20 times.

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Starting quarterback Jarrett yards and four scores. Connor The pits also lost significant Krugh, a three-year starter for Sonnenberg (13 catches, 130 contributors, highlighted by the former coach Rex Lingruen his first yards, 4 TDs), Carl Yaney (4 catches, departure of all-stater CJ Johnson. year and also in Mohler’s first two 132 yards, 1 score) and Austin Like Look for Zack Bower (senior) to seasons, completed 82-132 passes (5 catches, 90 yards, 1 touchdown) take a bigger workload running for 1,245 yards and 14 touchdowns also graduated. the rock after he darted his way for in 10-plus games. Nathan Meller also is gone from a 1,368 yards and 16 touchdowns He was hurt in the playoff tilt skill position. on 175 attempts. He saw plenty of with Miami East, which forced younger brother, Cam, a rising sophomore, into the starting role. Cam was 21-42 for 284 yards and two touchdowns, including a miraculous 54-yard touchdown to Brendan Morris on 4th-and-25 late in the game against Genoa. Morris leaves as the leading receiver from last season, when he snagged 24 passes for 359

Good luck to

all area teams! Connor Keller Photo courtesy of Casey Mohler Liberty Center

action a year ago with Carpenter secondary. exempt from the graduation hits. missing a good chunk of the middle Like holds the season and career Killam hit 41-46 PATs while also portion of the season with injury. interception marks at Liberty. He connecting on 5-9 fields, including Alex Righi (senior RB) took 14 picked off nine aerials last fall, a 45-yard with his strong right leg. handoffs for 64 yards, while adding giving him 16 for his career. He CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: 16 receptions for 320 yards and broke Charlie Bostelman’s eight Mohler expects defending league three touchdowns. interceptions in 1993, while topping champion Patrick Henry to be the Max Phillips (junior) is another Seth Atkinson’s career record of 15 frontrunner. potential ball carrier. He carried 50 (1995-98). “Patrick Henry will be the team to times for 224 yards and one score. “We must replace three starters in beat,” said Mohler. “Followed by Trent Murdock (senior, TE, the secondary and a nickle back,” Bryan, Archbold and Wauseon. We 10 receptions, 206 yards, 2 stated Mohler. hope to be able to compete with touchdowns) is back, along with Spradlin (83 tackles, 6 sacks), Jesse all of our league opponents on a fellow tight end Jacob Lubinski and Cox (11 tackles), David Maassel weekly basis.” lineman Matt Winterfeld. (49 tackles, 6 sacks), Tyler Echler Aaron Shafer and Trey Patterson (34 tackles, 3 are expected to be new faces in the sacks), Jacob passing game as receivers, while Romine (10 Dylan Matthews is another possible tackles), running back. Johnson (27 DEFENSE: Star senior linebacker tackles, 2 Maguire Vollmar gives the Tigers sacks) and punch on the defense side. He Isaiah Marckel bagged 95 tackles, collected six (25 tackles, sacks and spilled 10 ball carriers 2 sacks) also behind the line before being lost to graduated. injury in week seven. Shafer, Conner Keller (Sr., safety) also had Patterson and a big season with 93 tackles, two Matthews are picks and eight tackles-for-loss. favorites to Righi (LB, 37 tackles, 2 sacks), earn playing Murdock (OLB, 22 tackles, 2 sacks), time in the Lubinski (OLB, 6 tackles) and secondary Winterfeld (DL, 8 tackles) are also and Owen lettermen returning. Johnson could However, the losses were also fill into a spot significant defensively. at linebacker. Sonnenberg (50 tackles, 2 INTs), SPECIAL Yaney (54 tackles), Meller (22 TEAMS: tackles, 2 interceptions), Bryce Special teams Bailey and Like are gone from the was not Zach Bowers Photo courtesy of Casey Mohler

85 Montpelier

LOCOMOTIVES DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME 21 personel/Shotgun/Iso/Play Action Blitzing 3-4/Cover 3 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH STEVEN BRANCHEAU ASSISTANT COACHES TROY ROTH DC/WR/DB ANTHONY COLEMAN RB/LB DAVID BAUER OL/DT ANDREW ROBINSON QB/DB 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 @ ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 vs EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 vs CARDINAL STRITCH CATHOLIC Fri., Sep. 27 @ EDON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ OTTAWA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ STRYKER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME ANTWERP LOST 38-44 EVERGREEN LOST 0-48 EDGERTON LOST 0-46 CARDINAL STRITCH LOST 50-51 EDON LOST 20-42 TOLEDO CHRISTIAN WON 42-14 NORTHWOOD LOST 0-62 OTTAWA HILLS WON 38-7 STRYKER WON 68-0 HILLTOP WON 50-42

The Locomotives will attempt to start where they left off in 2018, which concluded with the Williams County program on a three-game Holden Cieslak 22 and Cole Dewire 72 winning streak. Photo courtesy of Mike Martinelli “We will have a large senior class with a lot of experience coming before winning four of five down We’re not reteaching and taking back,” said Montpelier frontman the stretch. the whole day. We can get some Steven Brancheau, who took over A pair of first-team TAAC of the finer points as we’re going the program in 2011. “We need honorees graduated with stellar through things. to stay healthy at the skill positions tailback Payton Pease gone, along “They all get along well,” added and work to win in the trenches. If with linebacker Bryer Bentley. Brancheau. “It’s a good group that we do those things we can have a “We have a lot of guys back and way.” good season.” they’ve played a lot of plays and OFFENSE: Pease piled up 1,641 Montpelier suffered through a had a lot of reps,” said Brancheau. yards and 25 touchdowns during five-game slide to open last year “They’ve seen a lot of it already. his last season with the Locas,

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which will be tough to replace. Brayden Custer (81 rushes, 419 yards) and Chandler Byers (283 rushing yards, 56 attempts) will look to replace Pease. Gavin Wurm is another running back returning. “Payton was a talented running back for us,” said Brancheau. “We’re bringing back four of our offensive linemen from last year and a couple others ready to take that spot. Hopefully, our offensive line can help carry that burden a little bit with Chandler, Brayden and Gavin. They all had some carries last year and the combination of those two things will help us out there.” Senior signal-caller Clayton Turner hit on 44 of 87 attempts for 454 yards. He has Tyler Michael (senior), Rowen Beck (8 receptions, 82 yards) and Alex McCord back at receiver spots, along with tight ends Weston Dick and Mathew Mason. “Clay was injured most of the season last year, played through some of it,” said Brancheau. He had to sit four or five games in league play. I think he’s a tough kid, smart and I expect some big things out of him this year. “We don’t have a lot of depth at some of our skill positions,” admitted Brancheau. “We will work to develop that depth from the very first practice.” A long list of trenchman return with seven letterman back: Alex VanKham (5-11, 205, senior), Cole Dewire 72 and Chandler Byers 15 Mason Foot (5-8, 235, senior), Photo courtesy of Mike Martinelli

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Austin Peffley (5-11, 210, senior), Jerid Haas (5-9, 190, senior), Cole Dewire (5-9, 175, senior), Jaret Dye (6-3, 320, senior) and Mone Treesh (5-6, 275, sophomore). “We will have a lot of experience on both sides of the trenches this year,” noted Brancheau. “We will look to use that to our advantage and keep guys fresh. I think those guys will be a strength.” Austin Goodnight, a second-team TAAC lineman, also will need to be replaced. DEFENSE: Graduation also took some key pieces on the Locos’ defense, most notably was Bentley, the team’s leading tackler. Ball-hawking defensive back Andrew Frisby (second-team TAAC) picked off seven passes. Pease also will be missed at linebacker. Byers, Wurm and Custer (second in tackles) return to play a 4-2-5 scheme for defensive coordinator Troy Roth. “I think anymore a lot of the teams are spreading it out, throwing it a Alex McCord lot and I think we’re going to have Photo courtesy of Mike Martinelli to tighten up some coverage stuff,” said Brancheau. “We struggled a Peffley, Haas, Dewire, Dye and CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: little bit in the open field, so we’re Treesh give Roth an array of bodies Montpelier will look to build upon going to work and rep that. Maybe in the pits. a 4-3 mark in the TAAC. develop another guy in the back “We have a lot of big bodies we’ll “The TAAC will be tough week end that can help us out.” be able to rotate on the lines,” said in and week out,” explained Michael, Turner, Beck and McCord Brancheau. Brancheau. “Northwood will be the are returnees to the secondary, SPECIAL TEAMS: Turner is favorite until someone can unseat while the defensive line sports expected to do some kicking and them. Edon returns some good depth like the offensive line. Beck will be the return man for players from a good team last Dick, Mason, VanKham, Foote, Brancheau. year.”

88 Napoleon

WILDCATS DATA DIVISION REGION IV 14

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Wing T 3-4 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH TORY STROCK ASSISTANT COACHES CHAD BRUBAKER Receivers, Co-OC TYLER SWARY Secondary, DC KENNY BOSTELMAN D Line DAVE MACK O-Line KARL YUNKER Linebackers DAVID YUNKER Secondary, RB’s (Asst. Freshmen) BRANDON BEHNFELDT Defensive Analyst 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Thu., Aug. 29 @ DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 vs LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ SYLVANIA SOUTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL (HOLLAND) Fri., Oct. 4 vs MAUMEE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 @ ANTHONY WAYNE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ PERRYSBURG HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ SYLVANIA SOUTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs BOWLING GREEN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME DEFIANCE LOST 21-35 LIBERTY CENTER LOST 0-21 WAUSEON WON 43-6 PERRYSBURG WON 13-6 MAUMEE WON 27-7 NORTHVIEW WON 21-14 SPRINGFIELD WON 42-35 SOUTHVIEW WON 14-7 ANTHONY WAYNE LOST 6-36 BOWLING GREEN LOST 6-28

Jarrett Gerdeman Photo courtesy of Ann Witte

A 2018 campaign included a ride white-knuckler over Springfield points to deny Napoleon a playoff on a roller coaster for Tory Strock’s in week 7. However, A week- spot. It was the fourth time since Napoleon Wildcats. nine clash with league frontrunner 2014 that BG spoiled Napoleon’s Back-to-back losses to start the Anthony Wayne snapped the postseason hopes in the final Friday season compounded nine straight Wildcats’ streak. of the season. losses to cap off the 2017 season. But hopes for a trip to the playoffs “I am optimistic by nature and this The Wildcats were reeling, to say were still alive going into a week 10 year is no different,” said Strock. “I the least. clash with Bowling Green. fully expect this football team to be But, six straight wins righted the After Napoleon took a 6-0 lead, extremely competitive. We must Napoleon ship, including a 42-35 the Bobcats stormed back with 28 get off to a fast start in the non-

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league. The NLL presents plenty playmakers from of challenges. With good health, our 2018 squad,” as well as contributions from some confessed Strock. key newcomers, there’s no reason “Logan Shepard to believe we won’t be a factor in will be difficult to the NLL race and in the computer replace because playoff points.” of his dynamic Speed and depth will both benefit athleticism.” Strock’s crew this fall. Junior “We return several young men fullback Jarrett who saw Friday night action a year Gerdeman is the ago,” explained Strock. “I believe major force back we have a nice blend of experience on offense after and youth. Our overall team speed earning second- should be a strength on both sides team NLL honors of the football. I also like our depth in the backfield. in the offensive backfield. Our He toted the linebacker corps will be young, but pigskin 182 times fairly deep.” for 889 yards and Youth will be served along the 11 touchdowns. offensive trenches and in the Running back secondary. Wesley Jeffries- “With some fresh faces on the Babcock (19 offensive line, as well as the carries, 100 secondary, we’ll need to improve yards) joins the each and every day,” stated Strock. backfield as Andrew Warncke Photo courtesy of Ann Witte OFFENSE: Senior signal-caller another starter Andrew Warncke returns behind back. center after earning third-team NLL Tight end Tate Hernandez. honors last autumn. He hit on 49- Rubinstein also adds starting Nathan Brubaker (WR) also has 100 passes for 783 yards and 11 experience. playing experience while Justin touchdowns while being picked off Senior guard Ben Bostelman Aldrich saw some carries as a just three times. anchors the offensive trenches. sophomore fullback with 60 yards Napoleon’s pass catchers were He was a third-teamer for the all- on 15 carries. Meanwhile, Mike hit hard by graduation, especially NLL honorees and was named Chipps and Tanner Rubinstein with the loss of standout Logan Napoleon’s Lineman of the Year. both lettered as freshman from the Shepard, who caught 22 passes for Carter Burken is another starter Napoleon backfield. 481 yards and nine touchdowns. making a return in the pits at tackle. Graduation was also felt elsewhere Mitchell Kruse added eight Lettermen also returning for the Wildcats on the offensive catches for 63 yards. offensively up front include: Lane side of the ball. Chasten Wilde “We lost some highly reliable Crossland (guard) and Demitrius delivered 740 rushing yards on 167

90 Napoleon

attempts along with three scores. to fill. Wildcats. Center Cody Butler earned first- Jeffries-Babcock (31 tackles) will CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: The team NLL accolades and second- start at linebacker again while Tate NLL is expected to be another team all-district for Division IV. Rubinstein (46 tackles, 5.5 tackles- meat grinder for Napoleon, which Noah Mack, a three-time letterman for-loss) is also back in the second is the smallest of the eight teams in at guard, graduated while tackle line of defense for the Wildcats the league. Sam Graham is also gone from along with Gerdeman (56 tackles). “There is a ton of parity in the NLL up front. Receiver Ed Bump and Chipps and Tanner Rubinstein add this year,” said Strock. “Anthony tight end Jacob Debbe will also be more depth at linebacker along with Wayne has it rolling right now. missed. Crossland, Aldrich, Jaden Brubaker They are the champs until someone Haydon Speaks (HB) and Nathan (15 tackles as sophomore). knocks them off. Northview will Brubaker (WR) have also seen Smith tallied 33 stops and three be interesting, with two Division I varsity action along with Zack tackles behind the line at tackle commits already on their roster, and Rosebrook. while Burken (21 tackles) and possibly two more pending, they New faces that Strock foresees Darian Westhoven saw starts should be a handful. Perrysburg as seeing the field are: Autavian on the defensive front as well. returns one of the top QB’s in Fields (Sr., 6-0, 185, HB), Donovan Hernandez brings back 10 tackles the NLL (Drew Sims). Springfield Malone (Sr., 6-1, 176, WR), Nathan as a sophomore from a tackle spot. has athletes to spare, and BG is Brubaker (Jr., 5-9, 174) at flanker, Speaks, Nathan Brubaker, Bryson extremely well coached. Maumee Jason Waisner (Jr., 5-11, 225, G) Brown, Malone and Fields are and Southview have new coaches, and Bryson Brown (Jr., 6-1, 190, C). candidates to take over in the so they’ll be a bit of a wildcard. DEFENSE: The loss of seven secondary. “Where do we fit in? I like our starters leaves some voids for the SPECIAL TEAMS: Kruse averaged chances to compete for a league Wildcats, especially at safety, where a whopping 36.4 yards per kickoff title,” continued Strock. “We’ve Kruse patrolled. return in 2018, as teams kicked to got some key pieces to the puzzle, He earned a first-team NLL nod him just five times. we just need to make sure we get while second-team all district. Shepard was also one of the them to fit where they belong.” “Mitchell Kruse played receiver, area’s top safety and returned punts,” said punters, Strock. “That’s difficult production averaging to replace as well.” 37.3 yards Defensive lineman Kyle Rettig per boot. & Specialty Beers (second-team NLL, honorable Trey Cruz mention all district), Angel is back to Granados (second-team NLL handle the Jerry & Lori linebacker, first-team all district) kicking Shaver and Bump (third-team NLL safety) duties 16982 CO. RD. M2 all earned postseason hardware while Ben NAPOLEON, OH 43545 and have all graduated. Schumm 419-758-3442 Debbe (LB), Graham (DT) and will kickoff [email protected] corner Alex Krass leave more shoes for the

91 Ottawa-Glandorf

TITANS DATA DIVISION REGION IV 14

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Spread Multiple 3 and 4 front COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH KEN SCHRINER ASSISTANT COACHES DARRIN FOX OC/QB/DB BRIAN HEEBSH DB/LB/HBacks BEN KAUFMAN OL/DL KIETH FISHER WR/DB MATT BURWELL RB/LB JOE POTHOFF & JAY MILLER Freshmen 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Thu., Aug. 29 @ EASTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ ELIDA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs ST. MARYS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 vs BATH HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ VAN WERT HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ CELINA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs SHAWNEE LOCAL SCHOOLS Fri., Oct. 18 vs DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ KENTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs WAPAKONETA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME EASTWOOD WON 21-19 ST. MARYS LOST 6-49 BATH WON 35-10 VAN WERT LOST 34-40 (OT) CELINA LOST 24-42 SHAWNEE LOST 7-21 DEFIANCE WON 9-7 KENTON WON 31-0 WAPAKONETA LOST 6-21 ELIDA WON 44-18

In the midst of 24 years at Ottawa-Glandorf, Ken Schriner’s Titans have been a WBL toughie on a yearly basis. Derailed by a 2-5 start to last season, the Navy-and- Gold won three of its final four to finish .500. Outside of a week 2 romp by state semifinalist St. Marys, O-G kept its other four defeats. Included was a 40-34 overtime heart-stopping loss in week 4 to regional finalist Van Wert. The Titans hung around with another regional finalist in the next to last Friday of the season, Jarrod Beach falling 21-6 at 11-2 Wapakoneta. Photo courtesy of Putnam County Sentinel

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The loss of four all-WBL selections Rieman joins him Jarrod Beach and 10 starters overall, will force as a key piece up Photo courtesy of Putnam County Sentinel Schriner to fill some voids. front. A total of 12 starters are back and Logan Clark 16 letterwinners overall. (first team WBL, Schriner, a 1984 Tiffin Calvert second team graduate who played for the district) was the legendary Roger “Buzz”Kirkhart, main loss from the stands 168-89 since taking over trenches, while the Titans in 1996. He has guided Logan Hoffman the Titans to all 13 of their playoff and Will Nichols forays. also graduated. OFFENSE: The Titans averaged Dylan Tippie 307.5 yards per game in 2018, with (RB/WR) and Nick 211.1 coming via the rush. O-G Bukland (WR) finished eighth in WBL in scoring also must be average (21.7 ppg). replaced. “Our strengths will be our skill Shawn Beverly positions, said Schriner. (WR, senior), Senior signal-caller Jeremy Logan Miller (RB, Leopold (394 rushing yards) was 64- senior), Murray 121 passing for 739 yards. His top Niese (RB, pass catcher was Jarrod Beach (33 junior), Marco grabs, 362 yards, 2 touchdowns. Rosales (OL, Beach enters his senior season junior), Carter following a second-team WBL Schroeder (WR, selection and honorable mention sophomore), all-district pick. Beau Nienberg Junior quarterback Jacob (OL, sophomore), Balbaugh also saw time behind Tyler Leopold The defense lost some crucial center last autumn. (OL, sophomore), Landen Jordan pieces, led by first-team WBL and Senior rusher Clay Recker (85 (QB, sophomore), Parker Schnipke second-team all-district performer carries, 595 yards, 5 touchdowns) is (RB, sophomore) and Walker Hoffman on the line. also back at a skill spot. He was an Buddelmeyer (WR, sophomore) are Meanwhile, Tippie (74.5 tackles, honorable mention WBL honoree. all promising newcomers looking second-team WBL/second-team Graduate Danny Rosales was next to taste varsity action. district) and Ben Duling (honorable in rushing, with 591 yards and eight DEFENSE: Holding foes to 308.3 mention WBL) exited from the scores. yards per game, the Titans were linebackering group. Logan Schmitz (OL) anchors in the middle of the pack of WBL Rosales (70 tackles, 7 sacks) leaves the line coming off an honorable teams, while ranking fourth in another void along the trenches, mention WBL selection. Aaron points allowed per Friday (22.7). while Schmitz returns.

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Will Kaufman brings back Jordan and Schnipke are new faces Beach will be a big threat in the honorable mention WBL accolades looking to enter the linebacking return game. He led the WBL in from his sophomore season at mix. Beverly, Niese, Schroeder and punt return yards with 19 returns linebacker. Rieman (79.5 tackles, 1 Buddelmeyer are options to play in for 282 yards (14.8 average, 1 sack) joins him in returning to O-G’s the secondary. touchdown). He added 12 kickoff 3-4 scheme at linebacker. SPECIAL TEAMS: The kicking returns and netted 23.8 yards per Sophomore Caleb Kuhlman, game is a major concern for return. senior Eric Heebsh are secondary Schriner. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: members back, along with Recker Josh Rosengaren (19-23 PATs, 4-9 Following the season opener at and Beach. field goals, long of 38 yards) is Eastwood, the Titans will jump right Nienberg and Tyler Leopold missing. into WBL play at Elida, while WBL will look to join the fray in the Jordan punted last year, and and state power St. Marys visits for pits, while Miller, Marco Rosales, averaged 33.3 yards on 30 boots. parents night in week 3.

54 Aaron Rieman and 9 Will Kaufman Photo courtesy of Putnam County Sentinel

94 Pandora-Gilboa

ROCKETS DATA DIVISION REGION Defending a VII 26 Blanchard Valley OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Conference (BVC) Pro Spread Multiple COACHING STAFF title for the first time HEAD COACH MATT HERSHEY since the fall of 2000, ASSISTANT COACHES KEVAN WESTENBARGER WR/DB Pandora-Gilboa also TYLER CLOSSON Defensive Coordinator/RB/LB will be tasked with BRAD DELERUYELLE OL/DL DOUG ROSENBAUER Special Teams doing it without VANCE NOFZIGER Volunteer some key cogs from 2019 SCHEDULE back-to-back playoff DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 vs COLUMBUS GROVE HIGH SCHOOL showings. Fri., Sep. 6 @ BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL “We will have to Fri., Sep. 13 vs VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 vs LEIPSIC HIGH SCHOOL grow up in a hurry,” Fri., Sep. 27 @ MCCOMB HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs LIBERTY-BENTON HIGH SCHOOL said P-G mentor Matt Fri., Oct. 11 vs VANLUE HIGH SCHOOL Hershey. “ We lost a Fri., Oct. 18 @ ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ CRESTLINE HIGH SCHOOL lot of production from Fri., Nov. 1 @ CRESTLINE HIGH SCHOOL last year’s team. Guys 2018 RESULTS who were role players OPPONENT OUTCOME COLUMBUS GROVE WON 25-13 will have to learn to CARDINAL STRITCH WON 41-6 VANLUE WON 41-0 carry the load. We LIBERTY-BENTON WON 41-0 have the ability to be VAN BUREN WON 42-0 ARCADIA WON 61-0 a very competitive McCOMB WON 19-14 CORY-RAWSON WON 41-3 team in every game Bryce Basinger NORTH BALTIMORE WON 56-14 we play.” Photo courtesy of Putnam Sentinel RIVERDALE WON 61-13 CALVERT WON 33-7 Amongst the missing EDGERTON LOST 8-52 will be program record Rockets. breakers and BVC award winners. Breece left P-G as the program’s accumulating 614 yards. He broke The graduated senior class helped all-time best in passing touchdowns the school record for receiving direct the Rockets to the regional for a season and career, along with touchddowns in a season and for a finals in 2017 and the regional passing yards in a season and for career. semifinals last November, where a career. The 2018 BVC Offensive Riley Larcom was also huge in the Edgerton rolled to a 52-8 triumph. Player of the Year connected on passing game, snagging 31 passes P-G blasted through the regular 64 percent of his passes (110-171) for 566 yards and seven scores. season, blanking foes from weeks while totaling 1,937 yards and 30 Tailback Peyton Traxler also is 3-6. The Rockets then dealt touchdowns. In 2017, Breece was gone. He missed the 1,000-yard eventual state champion McComb named D-VII’s first-team QB, while mark by just 76 yards. He needed its only loss of the season in week also garnering District Offensive just 123 attempts to rack up 924 7. Player of the Year honors. yards and 17 touchdowns. OFFENSE: Replacing the stellar Wideout Travis Maag took over The trenches weren’t void of production of quarterback Jared half of his 29 catches to the end graduation either. BVC Co- Breece is a giant order for the zone, hitting paydirt 15 times, while Offensive Lineman of the Year

95 Pandora-Gilboa

majority of his time only loss of an 11-1 campaign. catching Breece George and Travis Maag were the passes, with 14 cornerstones of the unit from the catches for 155 yards pits. George earned first-team BVC and two touchdowns. honors behind a 37-tackle, 2-sack Sam Burkholder has season. He recorded 14 tackles- experience toting for-loss, forced three fumbles, the pigskin with recovered four fumbles and also 270 yards and five picked off two passes, including touchdowns last fall one he returned for a touchdown. as a sophomore. Maag leaves as the Rockets’ all- Isaac Stall (5-8, 185, time sack artist for a season and senior), Gavin Biery career. He blasted 17 quarterbacks (6-1, 195, junior), last year, while totaling 27 tackles Tommy Hovest (5-9, and 23 tackles-for-loss. 200, junior) and Dylan Larcom (30 tackles, 3 tackles- Bryan (5-11, 215, for-loss, 1 forced fumble, 4 senior) are returnees interceptions, first-team BVC) and from the line. Niese (49 tackles, 10 tackles-for- Dillan Krohn (5-9, loss, 1 sack, second-team BVC) will 155, sophomore, be missing from the linebacking WR), Reid Liechty (5- unit. 7, 150, junior, RB), The secondary brings back a Bryce Basinger Bryan Pugh (5-9, 120, strong unit, including: Basinger Photo courtesy of Putnam Sentinel junior, WR), Chuck (22 tackles, 1 INT), Macke (3 INTs), Ritchey (5-7, 145, Schmenk (3 INTs), Steiner (25 Gage Hovest was lost, along with junior, OL), Trevor Gerten (5-8, 160, tackles) and Miller. Zeb George (first-team BVC) and junior, OL), Cole Wentz (5-9, 150, Hershey believes the secondary Austin Niese (second-team BVC). junior, OL), Breckin Grothause (5- will be a major strength for his While the losses are large, 10 6, 170, sophomore, OL) and Zach defense, which is directed by Tyler lettermen return. Duling (5-10, 240, senior, OL) are Closson. Bryce Basinger (31 receptions, new faces Hershey looks at as Krohn and Pugh also could see 503 yards, 4 TDs), Walker Macke candidates to see the field. time in the last line of defense. (198 receiving yards), Austin Miller DEFENSE: Even with the 52 Burkholder (50 tackles) and Stall and Blake Steiner will give new tallies Edgerton put up in the (80 tackles, 4 tackles-for-loss, 4 signal-caller Silas Schmenk (6-0, regional semifinals at Defiance’s sacks) produced as linebackers, 160, junior) plenty of options in the Fred J. Brown Stadium, the Rockets while Biery (19 tackles, 6 tackles- passing game. held foes to 6.3 ppg. The 14 points for-loss, 1 sack), Bryan (22 tackles, Schmenk saw limited action McComb and North Baltimore 8 tackles-for-loss) and Hovest are behind Breece last year, throwing scored were the most P-G had trenchmen back. for 131 yards. Schmenk spent the surrendered all season until the Grothause and Duling are looking

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Bryce Basinger Photo courtesy of Putnam Sentinel to bang helmets in the pits as new Rockets’ hopes of defending their “We have some very tough games faces, while Liechty, Ritchey, Gerten BVC title could come down to right in the middle of our schedule and Wentz are promising new back-to-back September meetings, against perennial conference linebackers. with Leipsic visiting on Sept. 20 powers. If we are to be in the mix SPECIAL TEAMS: Steiner was and a trip to McComb the following come week 10, we will need to play busy kicking last year, hitting 44-56 week. extremely well in those games and extra points and two field goals. “The ability to stay healthy will be hope the ball bounces our way a CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: The as important as ever,” said Hershey. few times.”

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PATRIOTS DATA DIVISION REGION VII 26

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Pro Style Shotgun Multiple COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH BILL INSELMANN

ASSISTANT COACHES BOB GEORGE Defensive and Offensive Line and Co-def. Coordinator BEN GEORGE Defensive Backs and Co-def. Coordinator BEN SCHWAB DB GREG LEONARD WR JUSTIN LEDERER OL/Linebackers LEO ZIMMER Tight Ends/Defensive Ends ANTHONY STOUT RB/DL 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Thu., Aug. 29 @ LAKE HIGH SCHOOL-MILLBURY Fri., Sep. 6 vs WAYNE TRACE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 vs COLUMBUS GROVE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs SWANTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 @ WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs DELTA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME LAKE LOST 13-20 MARION LOCAL LOST 7-42 COLUMBUS GROVE LOST 7-27 DELTA WON 28-7 ARCHBOLD WON 28-14 SWANTON WON 28-0 EVERGREEN WON 42-22 BRYAN WON 28-13 WAUSEON WON 21-0 LIBERTY CENTER WON 34-19 McCOMB LOST 21-45

Bill Inselmann added more hardware to his illustrious tenure at Patrick Henry in 2018 with the 12th Northwest Ohio Athletic League title under his watch, all of which have come since the initial in 1996. Certainly, a 13th is well within reach after the Patriots navigated the seven-game league slate unscathed last fall. “We look to compete for the Former PH Coach Bob Bauerle NWOAL League title and go far in Photo courtesy of Ben George

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the playoffs,” said Inselmann, who has directed the program to 16 playoff appearances. While 2018 was filled with celebration, it was not without adversity. Even before the season, the Patriots suffered the tragic losses of two teammates. Xavier Wensink and little brother, Aidan, were killed in an automobile accident in March of 2018. Once the season started, PH was outscored 89-27 over the first three weeks and stood 0-3 going into league play at Delta. The Patriots garnered a 21-point win, the first of three straight wins where the Red-and-White tallied TJ Rhamy 22 and Wil Morrow 45 exactly 28 points. Photo courtesy of Ben George The significance? The number 28 was the jersey 45-21 win at PH in the first round of by example, some be vocal. He’s Xavier was supposed to don during the playoffs. vocal, he leads by example and his senior season on the gridiron With only four starters gone on kids love to follow him.” after standout campaigns as a offense and defense, the Patriots Rhamy isn’t the lone senior sophomore and junior. are regarded as a major NWOAL workhorse in the Inselmann’s With their fallen teammates championship contender. backfield stable. heavily on their minds, PH kept OFFENSE: TJ Rhamy’s first year Fellow state wrestling placer rattling off the wins, including as maestro of the PH attack didn’t Wil Morrow also returns to the another 28-point showing against disappoint. He delivered in a big backfield. The 5-11, 200-pounder Bryan in week 8. The Patriots way with 1,190 yards passing on generated 867 yards rushing and then blanked Wauseon, 21-0, to 76-147 attempts while tossing 13 touchdowns. set up a winner-take-all NWOAL eight touchdowns. He added 1,119 The Patriots also possess a threat championship slugger with arch yards rushing and 13 touchdowns when Rhamy slings the pigskin rival Liberty Center. on 242 totes thanks to his stout 5-9, around, with senior 6-2 receiver PH prevailed, 34-19, sending the 170 frame. Kolton Holloway back. He made 38 tradition-rich program back to the “If you think about it, you want your grabs for 542 yards and four scores. top of the NWOAL heap. quarterback to be a tremendous “We’re very excited,” said The storybook season ended a leader, and TJ is a leader by Inselmann. “We have TJ back, we week later when eventual state example,” said Inselmann. “Some have a tremendous receiver back champion McComb romped to a of your leaders you want to lead in Colton Holloway, an excellent

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running back in Wil Morrow and secondary because Inselmann did Holloway. probably the part you don’t want not want his quarterback taking Morrow will start at linebacker to forget is the line experience we the pounding of playing in the after knocking down 61 pigskin have back. We have a tremendous trenches. haulers. Schwiebert will be tough offensive line coming back. Injuries However, Inselmann’s hand was to move at an end spot, while Diem will be important for us because we forced after the winless start. is also back at bookend. will be by far the smallest school in With the season on the brink, SPECIAL TEAMS: Rhamy took the league.” Inselmann elected to move Rhamy care of the punting and averaged Up front, senior Garrett Schwiebert back to the middle of the defensive 33.2 yards per boot. is the bell cow of the line. The 6-6, war zone, where he was voted the CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: With 250 bruiser is committed to the NWOAL’s top defensive linemen as a tremendous amount of talent University of Toledo on a full ride. a sophomore. returning, Inselmann is ecstatic to Spencer Gerschutz (6-0, 200) is The change made an immediate get the season rolling. back at guard, along with Josh impact. “I feel this off-season has been Stout (5-8, 200). Andreas Escalante Patrick Henry yielded only 10.7 excellent,” said Inselmann. “One (6-0, 260) is also back at tackle. ppg over the final seven games thing about it is not one single Cade DeLong (senior running of the regular season, with Rhamy game has been played. But I will back) is another letterman the stalwart of the turnaround. A say, there’s a lot of hunger. I love returning, along with Hunter Diem disruptive force in the middle of the our senior mentality and that gets (senior tight end) and Jayden line of scrimmage, Rhamy tallied 60 contagious. Schulze (junior fullback). stops and one sack. “Archbold, Bryan and ourselves Clayton Feehan (receiver) and Healy is a big loss from his are the frontrunners,” said lineman Caleb Rosengarten (6-3, linebacker position where he led Inselmann. “LC and Wauseon will 190) are new faces Inselmann likes the team with 70 tackles. be teams to watch.” to see playing time. Petersen also “We have experienced skill started at bookend, players, an experienced offensive while Gebers started line and winning attitude from last on the line and year,” explained Inselmann. “But Josafat Hinojosa we lack depth at receiver.” started at corner. Brayden Petersen (FB), Cam Jayden Schulze is Gebers (OT), AJ Healy (TE) and the top returning Logan Schwiebert (WR) were the tackler back after graduates from the PH offense. he made 69 hits DEFENSE: After allowing nearly from his free safety 30 ppg in the first three games of position. Corbin the season, PH’s fortunes changed Johnson (junior in a big way following one key safety) also returns change. to the secondary, Enter Rhamy. along with Owen Kolton Holloway Rhamy started the year in the PH Jardine and Photo courtesy of Ben George

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PANTHERS DATA DIVISION REGION V 18

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Power Spread 3-4 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH TYLER AREND ASSISTANT COACHES JOE FISHER Quarterbacks and DBs JEFF PRICE Wide Receivers and DBs DYLAN WELCH O-Line and Linebackers RYAN SCHINDLER O-Line and D-Line BRUCE SOWDER Backs and DBs KIM BICKFORD Wide Receivers and DBs CORBIN VANCE O-Line and D-Line 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Thu., Aug. 29 vs WAYNE TRACE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 vs FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 @ ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ SPENCERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs COLUMBUS GROVE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 @ BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs DELPHOS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs ALLEN EAST HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ ADA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 @ CRESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME WAYNE TRACE LOST 25-33 FAIRVIEW LOST 6-46 ANTWERP LOST 7-14 COLUMBUS GROVE LOST 16-49 BLUFFTON WON 28-17 JEFFERSON WON 57-12 ALLEN EAST LOST 20-50 ADA WON 35-0 SPENCEVILLE LOST 14-27 CRESTVIEW LOST 8-50 Payton Beckman Photo courtesy of Matt Arellano

Embarking on year five with his positions which will push everyone “We feel that the 2019 season alma mater, Tyler Arend’s Panthers to be at their absolute best.” could be a special season,” assessed sport depth at key spots for the first The 2018 campaign was the best Arend, who played collegiately at time during his tenure. season the Panthers have enjoyed Kent State University. “We have “We feel that this year’s team has since also going 3-7 in 2010. From a great group of upperclassmen more depth at the skilled positions 2011-18, Paulding won just five and they work well together, which than any team since we have been games and suffered through three makes it a fun group to coach every here,” explained Arend. This team winless falls, three 1-9 years and a day. As long as we put in the work started to gain confidence as we 2-8 finish. one day at a time and focus on had more success in the second Arend is no stranger to success at getting better every day it will be a half of last season and we hope Paulding. He was a member of the great season for us.” that we carry this momentum into program’s last winning season in Last fall’s slate was a rugged one the 2019 season. We will have 2008 when the Maroon-and-White for Paulding. some great competition at more finished 6-4. Only three opponents finished

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with an under .500 mark, while four sophomore. 2, 280), Preston Hull (5-11, 155) and made playoff showings. Senior fullback Jacob King is back Will Bulka (6-2, 243) are newcomers OFFENSE: Replacing some pass to pave holes for honorable mention to the line. catchers and linemen will be the NWC ball hauler Jacob Deisler (5- DEFENSE: The Panthers were biggest task on the offensive side. 9, 185, senior). Deisler carried 168 dealt a tough hand in 2018, with “We will have some inexperience times for 850 yards and nine scores nearly half their foes featuring high- at wide receiver since we lost a in eight games. He also spent two scoring offenses. few key players, but we feel that games at quarterback, completing The same offensive starters were we have guys ready to step in and 33-67 passes for 447 yards and two also lost from the defense, along have a great year,” Arend said. touchdowns. King also spent plenty with bookend Alex Riethman (27 “We need to have some offensive of time with the pigskin in his arms, tackles, 3 sacks, 2 tackles-for-loss, 2 linemen step up and replace some toting 68 times for 276 yards and fumble recoveries). good players from last year’s team seven touchdowns. Matty (27 tackles), Simonin, up front.” Fernando Garcia (Jr.) is back after Schooley, Skiffer and Adams spent Hunter Kesler (52 catches, 866 taking 32 handoffs for yards, 7 touchdowns) and Drew 149 yards and a score, Tyler Arend Lumpkins (17 catches, 223 yards, while also catching Photo courtesy of Matt Arellano 1 touchdown) provided strong nine passes for 135 production in passing game before yards. graduating, along with tight end Riley Coil (senior) will Jacob Eblin (5 catches, 52 yards, 1 be at tight end, while touchdown). Brandon Jackson A handful of linemen are also gone: (senior) and Deyton Ethan Matty (four-year letterman, Price (junior) will try all-NWC), Adrian Simonin and to fill the shoes of Juwan Skiffer graduated in the Kesler and Lumpkins spring, while Brock Schooley and at wideout. Cory Adams are headed into their Owen Carnahan, freshmen season at DC from the Seth Dysinger, Adrian Paulding trenches. Manz and Hunter Senior Cole Mabis (6-0, 175) Kauser are new faces anchors the Paulding pits after to look for catching earning all-NWC (Northwest aerials. Conference) honors for his play Meanwhile, Carsen last year. Nolan Johanns (6-2, 295, Perl (sophomore) is junior) and Quintin Gonzales (6-1, vying for carries in the 200, junior) also return experience backfield and Sam up front. Woods is a sophomore Payton Beckman returns at signal- quarterback that caller. He hit on 56-114 passes for Arend is looking at. 844 yards and seven scores as a Brendan Hornish (6-

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time on the defensive line, with Kesler (49 tackles, 4 interceptions) and Lumpkins (81 tackles, 2 picks) gone from the secondary and Eblin (50 tackles, 8 sacks, 8 tackles-for- loss, 4 forced fumbles) missing at linebacker. Deisler, Coil (76 tackles, honorable mention NWC) and Mabis (73 tackles, honorable mention NWC) all have linebacking experience in the Panthers’ 3-4 scheme, while Woods will be a newcomer to watch for in the second line of defense. King (24 tackles, 1 sack), Garcia, Johanns and Gonzales return in the pits, while Price (22 tackles, 1 pick), Jackson and Beckman are returnees to the defensive backfield. Carnaha, Dysinger, Manz, Kauser and Perl add depth to the secondary. Hornish and Hull are names Arend looks for as promising newcomers along the line. SPECIAL TEAMS: Evan Edwards will kick again for the Panthers after a nice junior season. He connected Evan Edwards on 22-24 PATs and also booted Photo courtesy of Matt Arellano seven touchbacks kicking off. Kesler leaves big shoes in the Crestview had little problem with conferences in northwest Ohio and return game. He netted 30 yards the Panthers during the regular it is a grind from top to bottom,” per kick return and brought back season before going deep into lauded Arend. “We look forward one of the returns for a touchdown. the playoffs, Paulding played to getting into NWC play, but we CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Spencerville tough in week nine. also understand the importance Climbing the NWC ranks will The Bearcats finally prevailed 27- of focusing on one game at a likely be a tough chore for the 14 over Paulding and then fell to time. I expect the NWC to be Panthers, with three teams from the Division VI state runner-up Marion very competitive this year and we conference returning from playoff Local, 55-7, in the first round of the look forward to the challenge of showings. playoffs. competing and expecting to win While Columbus Grove and “The NWC is one of the best each week we take the field.”

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PANTHERS DATA DIVISION REGION VII 26

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Spread 3-3-5 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH KENT HOLSOPPLE ASSISTANT COACHES ZAC HOLSOPPLE RBs, WRs, DBs, Special Teams CLAY FOX OLs, DLs BRENDAN BOYD DLs, LBs ALEX GRICE LBS, SPECIAL TEAMS 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Thu., Aug. 29 vs HOLGATE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 vs WHITEFORD SCHOOLS (MICH.) Fri., Sep. 13 vs PITTSFORD HIGH SCHOOL (MICH.) Fri., Sep. 20 @ OTTAWA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 vs NORTHWOOD SCHOOLS Fri., Oct. 4 vs CARDINAL STRITCH CATHOLIC Fri., Oct. 11 @ TOLEDO CHRISTIAN Fri., Oct. 18 @ HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 vs MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs EDON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME HOLGATE LOST 14-57 OTTAWA LAKE-WHITEFORD LOST 0-64 JEFFERSON LOST 0-47 OTTAWA HILLS LOST 13-44 NORTHWOOD LOST 3-75 CARDINAL STRITCH LOST 0-55 TOLEDO CHRISTIAN LOST 10-60 HILLTOP LOST 6-49 MONTPELIER LOST 0-68 EDON LOST 0-56

Year two of the return of Stryker football is set to get cranked up under new leadership. Kent Holsopple has not ventured far from his old stomping grounds to take over the Panthers. A 1990 Hilltop graduate, Holsopple replaced Justin Sonnenberg earlier this summer as head man. “We expect to hit the ground running with a new coaching staff, and implement new offensive and defensive schemes that will complement our players’ skill sets,” Max Wonders said Holsopple. “We plan to move Photo courtesy of Kent Holsopple

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our football program forward in a Photo courtesy of Kent Holsopple positive manner and build fierce competitors who will represent our school and community with great pride and honor.” Sonnenberg returned to alma mater Patrick Henry to guide the girls basketball team. The Panthers returned to the varsity gridiron last fall, their first varsity season since 1931, when the program folded. Playing its first varsity season in 87 years, Stryker finished 0-10 last autumn. Foes outscored Stryker 575-46. “Twelve lettermen returning at several key positions, very good team chemistry and hard-working attitudes,” said Holsopple, of the team’s strengths. Amos Sloan (5-10, 190, junior), tackles. OFFENSE: A good chunk of Cameron Wonders (5-9, 210, Holsopple will run a 3-3-5 defense. experience returns for the Panthers, junior) and Logan Stuckey (6-2, 190, Short (33 tackles, 2 sacks), Liechty with just two starters gone. sophomore) will provide protection (15 tackles) and Sanchez (15 tackles) Linemen Alex Grice and Izayuh in the trenches. will hold down the end spots, while Littin are missing from the offensive Running back Izaiah Sanchez (90 Huffman (22 tackles, 1 sack), Sloan line, who Holsopple calls “pillars of carries, 155 yards, 1 touchdown) (14 tackles), Cameron Wonders (9 our offensive line.” is back to haul the ball along with tackles) and Stuckey (8 tackles) are Junior signal-caller Payton Logan Liechty. back in the interior of the line. Woolace is back to direct the spread Newcomers Holsopple points to James Dixon, a 5-9, 210-pound attack. Woolace slung the pigskin as possible contributors are Gavin junior nose guard, is coming off a for 515 yards and four touchdowns Campbell (RB, senior), Mason 12-tackle showing in 2018. in his first season running the show. Gurzynski (RB, Sr.), Kaleb Holsopple The secondary crew will be Carter Zimmann (11 receptions, (WR, Jr.), Levi Barnum (WR, 6-3, made up of Zimmann (15 tackles, 256 yards, 2 touchdowns), Max 170, Fr.) and Matthew Froelich (QB, 1 interception), Max Wonders (24 Wonders (13 catches, 175 yards, Fr.). tackles), Gabe Littin (3 tackles) and 1 touchdown) and Gabe Littin are DEFENSE: The loss of Grice and Woolace (15 tackles). pass-catching returnees, along with Izayuh Littin also will be felt on the The new faces also will be tight end Wyatt Short (8 receptions, defensive side as linebacking duo expected to contribute with the slim 132 yards). paced the team in stops. Grice roster Stryker can field. Campbell, Noah Huffman (6-4, 270, senior), made 41 stops and Littin had 38 Gurzysnski, and Barnum are listed

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at linebacker while Froelich and do some kicking, while taking care the mix. Kaleb Holsopple will look for action of the punting chores. “Northwood and Edon will be the in the secondary. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: leading contenders for the TAAC SPECIAL TEAMS: Zimmann was Holsopple expects defending title,” stated Holsopple. “The rest of a weapon when drives stalled last Toledo Athletic Area Conference the conference will have balanced year. He knocked in two field goals (TAAC) champion Northwood to be competition, and opportunities and also kicked four PATs. the biggest challenge this season, to make for an exciting league Kaleb Holsopple also will look to with county foe Edon also to be in season.”

Photo courtesy of Kent Holsopple

106 Swanton

BULLDOGS DATA DIVISION REGION Finally, Denton Saunders has his the football, it doesn’t matter what V 18 chance to show what he can offer as kind of offense you have. You also OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME a head coach following a few near have to adapt to your personnel. Spread 4-2-5 COACHING STAFF misses at landing head coaching He’s been able to adjust and HEAD COACH DENTON SAUNDERS gigs recently. manipulate his offensive system to ASSISTANT COACHES LUCAS BRAATZ WR/DB “I’ve been pursuing a head cater to his players. That has led JEREMY SMIGELSKI QB/LB coaching job for the last four or five to his continued success over the BRAD PELLAND RB/D AARON BROWN OL/LB years,” said Saunders. “I’ve had years.” AJ SIMPSON OL/DL several second-round interviews Saunders became an assistant at STEVE BREHMER Volunteer and been the runner-up four or Woodmore from 2010-14, served 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT five times. I’m grateful Swanton is as the offensive coordinator (OC) Thu., Aug. 29 @ ROSSFORD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ BOWSHER HIGH SCHOOL taking a chance on me and I want at Fremont Ross in 2014 and 2015, Fri., Sep. 13 vs ROBERT S. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL to do everything I can to prove and then took over as OC at Lakota Fri., Sep. 20 vs EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL them right and not let them down.” in 2016. The 2017 season took him Fri., Oct. 4 @ WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL The new Swanton frontman has an to Gibsonburg, where he was OC Fri., Oct. 11 vs LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs DELTA HIGH SCHOOL extensive background in Northwest and then the defensive coordinator Fri., Oct. 25 @ ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 Ohio Athletic League (NWOAL) last year at Gibsonburg. @ BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS football and the unique distinction OPPONENT OUTCOME of playing for two of the league’s “We’re throwing them right ROSSFORD WON 34-29 START LOST 7-23 most legendary coaches. into it. We practice and lift ROGERS WON 25-24 He grew up in Liberty Center BRYAN LOST 0-41 up-tempo. One of the first EVERGREEN LOST 20-40 and played for Rex Lingruen as a transitions was lifting at an PATRICK HENRY LOST 0-28 WAUSEON LOST 20-35 freshman. up-tempo pace. We don’t LIBERTY CENTER LOST 14-40 “Lingruen, I learned that you DELTA WON 28-20 take a lot of breaks; everyone ARCHBOLD LOST 13-35 have to be tough,” said Saunders, of what he learned playing for the is doing an exercise at the Tigers. “Especially in this league, same time. We rotate and OFFENSE: A big change under you’ve got to be tough.” it’s kind of a circuit lift deal.” Saunders will be moving from the He then moved to Patrick Henry Denton Saunders Wing-T to a spread attack. and played for Bill Inselmann, while “When we play teams and we go “We’re throwing them right into being a member of the Patriots’ places, I want them to know that it,” said Saunders. “We practice 2005 state championship team. He we’re a tough, disciplined team, and lift up-tempo. One of the graduated from PH in 2008. that we have a great attitude all the first transitions was lifting at an “Coach I is one of the best there time and that we work harder than up-tempo pace. We don’t take a is,” expressed Saunders. “I’ve had anyone else,” stated Saunders. lot of breaks; everyone is doing a unique opportunity to watch and “Those are things we’ve been an exercise at the same time. We play for Bill and Rex Lingruen, so preaching since day one.” rotate and it’s kind of a circuit lift two legendary NWOAL coaches. I The Bulldogs dropped back to 3-7 deal. took a little bit from both of them. last year following three straight “We condition a little bit more in Something I took from Bill was trips to the playoffs in 2015, 2016 the off-season,” added Saunders. that you’ve got to be able to run and 2017. “I don’t know how much they

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yards on 125 totes as a junior. He hit paydirt seven times. “Some of our run plays, the concept is still the same,” said Saunders of switching to the spread. “We’re still going to pull. Our zone is basically dive, so offensive line wise some of the concepts have been easier to pick up.” Xavier Wiemken is another running threat with Gowing. Josh Vance missed the last five games of 2018 with a broken hand, but is back for his junior year at receiver, while Justyn Bartlett (5- 11, 160, senior), Riley Hensley (6- 0, 160, senior) and Ian Saunders (6-0, 180, junior) are also returning receivers. Trent Wiegle (5-8, 145, junior) and Devin Crouse (6-0, 165, junior) are new pass catchers Saunders is looking to step up. “The receivers and route concepts and quarterbacks, it’s going to take Devon Crouse some time,” admitted Saunders. Photo courtesy of The Village Reporter Saunders expects the base offense to be installed by the opener. conditioned in the past, but I know “They had a little spread package Connor Cass (6-1, 230, junior), we’re running a little bit more than for him and had success with it,” Damion Boyer (5-10, 220, senior), they have. That’s transitioned into said Saunders. “We’ve got to fine- and Brendan Keith (6-1, 190, senior) practice. We have four footballs in tune our pass protection a little are returning starters to the line. the air almost all the time to make bit.” Bryce Marvin (5-11, 195, sure all the receivers have the Michael Lawniczak missed much sophomore), Eric Bettinger (5-10, opportunity to catch the football.” of 2018 with an injury after big 185, junior) and Sam Dominique Taking over for Dylan Gilsdorf (25- years previously in his career. He (5-9, 205, junior) will be newcomers 55, 307 yards) at quarterback will graduated along with Hunter Mix vying for action in the trenches. be Andrew Thorton, who started from the running back spots. DEFENSE: Saunders will run a the final four games of 2018. He Tyler Gowing (5-8, 165), a one- 4-2-5 defense with the Bulldogs. completed 24-46 passes for 215 cut type back, is the top rusher “Fly to the football,” simply yards. returning after he went for 519 said Saunders, of what he wants

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his defense to do. “That’s what hit,” said Saunders. away from making it. It’s going to defense is. It’s lining up correctly Crouse provides speed to the be a tight battle between everyone and finding the football and not secondary, while Marvin, Bettinger else.” giving up big plays nowadays.” and Dominique will look for time in He also knows how challenging Every opponent scored at least the pits. the NWOAL is every Friday night. 20 points on the Bulldogs in 2018, SPECIAL TEAMS: Riley Hensley “There’s no bye week, every as foes averaged 31.5 ppg on the returns to kick for the Bulldogs. week is tough,” said Saunders. “So Purple-and-White. Crouse is back to punt after you’ve got to be able to bring it Six starters are missing from the averaging 32.6 yards per punt on every week and you’ve got to get unit. 37 attempts last fall. your players ready bring it every Vance, Bartlett and Saunders are CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: week. That’s not always an easy returnees in the secondary, while Saunders points to his alma mater thing to do. Anybody in this league Wiemken and Gowing bring back as the NWOAL frontrunner. can beat you in any week, so you’ve experience at linebacker. “PH I think should be the favorite,” got to be ready and you’ve got to Cass, Boyer and Keith add a said Saunders. “After that you can be on your toes. You’ve got to veteran presence up front. pick your poison. Liberty Center is have a great game plan, you’ve got Wiegle is a new name in the always up there; Archbold is going to make sure your staff is prepared, secondary. to be decent; Bryan should be you’ve got to make sure your “He’s a smart, hardworking player decent. We had three playoff teams players are prepared.” who isn’t afraid to come up and last year and Archbold was a hair

Justyn Bartlett Photo courtesy of The Village Reporter

109 Tinora

RAMS DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Wing T 5-2 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH KENNY KROUSE ASSISTANT COACHES MIKE HEILSHORN Defensive Coord. AARON GEORGE Defensive Coord. JEFF SCHLIESSER TE/DE ERIC BECKER Guards & Tackles TNT CASEY HELTON C & Guards/LB’s ROGER McKELVEY TNT 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Thu., Aug. 29 vs LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 @ DELTA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 vs WAYNE TRACE SCHOOLS Fri., Sep. 27 @ AYERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs MONTPELIER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 @ EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 @ ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME LIBERTY CENTER LOST 3-35 WAUSEON LOST 7-36 DELTA LOST 7-13 OT WAYNE TRACE LOST 14-39 AYERSVILLE WON 7-6 HOLGATE WON 21-6 EDGERTON LOST 8-38 HICKSVILLE LOST 7-22 FAIRVIEW LOST 7-30 ANTWERP WON 34-17

Nolan Schafer Photo courtesy of Lisa Schafer

The words young, inexperienced jaunts followed, including two A young bunch of Rams will get and talented are uttered a lot straight trips to state semifinals in their feet wet in the annual opening when dean of GMC coaches Kenny 2014 and 2015. skirmish with Liberty Center. Krouse talks about his Tinora Rams. The Rams have since slipped, “We need lots of reps,” said Only five times have Krouse’s finishing 6-4 in 2017 and 3-7 last Krouse. “From my past experience, teams finished below .500 during fall. The only other campaign that you don’t find out in practice — his 21-year reign with the rural Tinora missed the .500 plateau even that first day of contact — you Defiance County program. He went came in 2005, which resulted in a really don’t know until you go up 2-8 his first year with the Green-and- 3-7 mark. against an opponent.” White in 1998 and followed with “Talented, fast ... but very Krouse enters the season with a back-to-back 4-6 seasons. In 2002, youthful,” said Krouse of this year’s roster in the low 40s. he took Tinora to the playoffs for team. “We’ll be inexperienced and OFFENSE: A nice chunk of the first time since its initial debut we’ll be tested going into league trenchmen are back, while youth in 1995. Eleven more postseason play.” will be served at the skill spots.

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Mason Santos (senior) anchors the those boys,” said Krouse. KP Delarber also lettered as a line at center, while Lucas Schlegel Cole provides a big-play threat. freshman running back. (senior) and Elijah Ackerman (junior) “He gives us what we’ve lacked: Outside of a season-ending are back at guard. a breakaway-type football player 34-point explosion in a win over Junior guard Owen Tong will be carrying and catching the football. Antwerp, the Rams struggled missed following an off-season We’ve not had many 20-plus (yard) mightily on offense. They tallied 21 injury. Bryce Bailey and Eric Bohn plays rushing or passing in the last against Holgate and 14 vs. Wayne are returning sophomore tackles. few years.” Trace, while being held to eight Krouse is excited about having Pounding away at defenses and points or less on the other Friday Evan Willitzer at short-side tight then popping a big gainer has nights. end. He will line up there in double been a staple of the Tinora offense Nolan Schafer, a sophomore tight end formations. Casen under Krouse. That aspect has returns at quarterback after Wolfrum also is back at tight end been missing the last couple of lettering as a freshman. following appearances as a rookie. years however. Graduated 1,000-yard back Kyle Owen Newman is back out for “That’s been the norm for us,” Ordway provided much of the football and will be at split end, stated Krouse. “We’ve been able offense a year ago, with 1,084 along with Max Grube. to peck at you, peck at you and yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior Lucas Flory is shifting then we pop one. It’s very similar to DEFENSE: The linebacking group positions and will play fullback Liberty Center.” will likely lead the Rams, especially this year after playing guard as a junior. The move allows freshman 225-pounder Christian Commisso to strictly play defense this fall. “That gives us a big kid with some talent to let the other Commisso just play defense for one year,” said Krouse. “Then we’re going to have a very special sophomore.” At wingback will be Christian’s older brother, Cole Commisso, who Krouse thinks will have a big year. “He has tremendous talent,” lauded Krouse. “We’ve got to give him a half dozen to a dozen touches in our counter game, in our pass game and running the football. Krouse believes the future is Cole Commisso bright with the Commisso brothers. Photo courtesy of Lisa Schafer “Lifting will never be an issue for

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early on. Flory, Christian Commisso than the 2013, 14 and 15 seasons Fairview and all the talent they and Wolfrum give defensive combined. It’s way too much and it bring back,” said Krouse. “Wayne coordinators Mike Heilshorn and put our defense in a bind.” Trace is going to be really good. Aaron George a stout cast. Schafer and Willitzer are the Hicksville has a nice core coming “We’re going to be fast, we’re favorites to take care of punting back. Edgerton is going to be 3-0 going to be very youthful,” said this year, while Santos will kick. with their non-league schedule. I Krouse. “We’re going to have to Cole Commisso gives Tinora a think those are your front and top grow up in a hurry because Liberty home-run threat in the return game. echelon teams. I would like to think will be physical.” CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: we’re thrown into that mix if we’re The secondary is mostly back as The young and talented Rams will healthy. We were very competitive well with Newman, Grube and Kade need to stay healthy going into with Hicksville and Fairview. We Vogelsong returning lettermen. the conference slate with LC and beat a darn-good Antwerp team Schlegel has played bookend and Wauseon looming the first two in week 10 and I was pleased to Santos has been lining up at tackle, weeks and Delta in week 3. evolve that into this season.” while Braden Serres (junior) also “I think you have to mention has experience at a tackle spot. “Tackling has got to be addressed,” confessed Krouse. “We’ve been very poor on the perimeter tackling. We think we have a really good group of linebackers in Flory, Christian Commisso and Wolfrum. “Our secondary is back, they just have to improve,” added Krouse. “We have plug in young bodies up front to keep guys off our linebackers.” Ordway also led the defense last year, spilling a team-best 107 runners. Mark Bobb also graduated from the backfield with four interceptions. SPECIAL TEAMS: Due to the struggles on offense, Tinora punted nearly six times per game on average last fall. “I think our special teams will be much improved,” said Krouse. “When you punt 56 Lucas Schlegel times in a season, that was more Photo courtesy of Lisa Schafer

112 Wauseon

INDIANS DATA DIVISION REGION IV 14

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Spread 4-2-5 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH SHAWN MOORE ASSISTANT COACHES JD SCHNITKEY Defensive Coordinator/OL/Linebackers TRENT THOMAS DB’s/QB’s MATT LANE WR’s/LB’s MIKE WEBSTER DB’s/WR’s TERRY LIND OL/DL KEN BRANDON QB/RB/LB NICK TULE OL/DL RAY MARTINEZ WR’s/DB’s SAUL TRIANA RB’s/LB’s 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Fri., Aug. 30 @ FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 vs TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 @ NAPOLEON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 vs BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ LIBERTY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs SWANTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 @ EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 25 @ DELTA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs ARCHBOLD HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME FAIRVIEW LOST 30-34 TINORA WON 36-7 NAPOLEON LOST 6-43 ARCHBOLD LOST 7-35 BRYAN LOST 7-14 LIBERTY CENTER LOST 0-34 SWANTON WON 35-20 EVERGREEN WON 42-7 Connar Penrod PATRICK HENRY LOST 0-21 Photo courtesy of Dave Bliss Photos DELTA WON 26-10

Shawn Moore, a Wauseon a 54-30 mark, four playoff trips graduating. graduate will get his shot at running and two Northwest Ohio Athletic The top returning rushers are Cody the Indians after spending nine League (NWOAL) titles. Figy and Connar Penrod, who split years as an assistant. Cooper’s teams ran out of the time at quarterback last autumn. Wauseon will turn to a spread Wing T. Figy, a 6-1, 215-pound senior, hit attack under its new leadman. Wauseon brings back 10 starters 37-60 passes for 442 yards, two “We have a solid group of kids from a 4-6 campaign in 2018. touchdowns and two interceptions. that are working hard that should OFFENSE: A pair of ball carriers He added 35 rushes for 67 yards be able to compete for a league are gone with Xavier Torres (74 and two scores. championship if we put it all carries, 492 yards, 7 touchdowns; Penrod, who is moving to an together with a new offense.” 17 receptions, 192 yards, 1 athlete position, totaled 328 yards Travis Cooper departed from the touchdown) and Joey Shema (98 on the ground with six touchdowns, program after last season following carries, 392 yards, 1 touchdown; while throwing for 600 yards. an eight-year run, which included 5 catches, 97 yards, one score) Penrod also hauled in 10 passes for

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15 yards and one touchdown. newcomers that Moore is excited five offensive line possessions. Isaac Wilson and Bryson Stump about in the passing game. Trevor Rodriguez and Zeb Smith (4- also are expected to see carries this “We have a good core of skilled year letterman) are gone from the season. guys that can catch the ball,” stated tackle spots. Garrett Demaline was Sean Brock, a 6-4, 220-pound Moore. lost from a guard spot and center target who has accumulated three Tight end Zac Carroll is another Sam Frank also graduated. letters, snagged 18 passes for 317 loss from last year. “We’re inexperienced along the yards and two scores last year. Up front, Trent Sauber (6-1, 245, offensive line,” said Moore. Tyson Britsch and Jonas Tester are senior) is back at tackle, while Matt DEFENSE: Torres doubled as a also returnees at wideout. Shaw (6-3, 244, So., G) and Jaden main contributor on defense, where Davon Ramos (5-8, 130, senior) Banister (6-0, 230, junior, C) are new he tallied 32 tackles and two picks and Krue Powers (6-2, 174, faces to watch for in the trenches. from a corner spot. sophomore) are two receiving Graduation did take four of the Shema hauled down 62 ballcarriers

Tyson Britsch Photo courtesy of Dave Bliss Photos

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from linebacker. “Bryan, PH, LC and Archbold will Delta and Swanton have new The defensive line lost a talented always be solid and competing for coaches as well and will be looking cast and will be inexperienced like a league title,” assessed Moore. for improvement in new systems, the offensive line. “Evergreen is continually improving so you never know what you will Rodriguez (53 tackles, 2.5 sacks), and is on the cusp of good things. get from them.” Smith (25 tackles, 1.5 sacks), Miguel Gomez (33 tackles, 4.5 sacks), Jaiden Falke (33 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and Matt Gonzales (22 tackles, 1 sack) will be missed in the defensive trenches. Holden Serres (6-3, 265, senior, DE) and Brock are the only returnees to the defensive line at bookend positions. Shaw is a promising newcomer to also see time at end. Noah Tester (59 tackles, 3 interceptions), Penrod (39 tackles, 2 interceptions) and Jonas Tester (28 tackles) are all back in the defensive backfield. Ramos and Powers are also options Moore sees for playing time in the secondary. Wilson (83 tackles, 2 sacks), Britsch (48 tackles), Stump (7 tackles) give the Red-and-White good experience at linebacker. SPECIAL TEAMS: Shema had a strong punting season last fall, with 32 boots for a 35.7-yard average. Meanwhile, Torres was the team’s top kick returner with 13 attempts for 253 yards (19.5 yards per return). Carroll also will be missed as a special, as he handled the long snapping duties. CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Moore looks at the top teams from a year ago to be right there along Cody Figy with Evergreen. Photo courtesy of Dave Bliss Photos

115 Wayne Trace

RAIDERS DATA DIVISION REGION VI 23

OFFENSIVE SCHEME DEFENSIVE SCHEME Spread 4-3 COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH MIKE SPEICE ASSISTANT COACHES KENNY SPEICE RB/LB DOUG EZTLER QB/DE TYLER IWINSKI WR/DB AUSTIN SPEICE OL/LB COLBY SPEICE QB/LB TYLER SHOWALTER WR/DB 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Thu., Aug. 29 @ PAULDING HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 6 @ PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 13 VS CRESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 20 @ TINORA HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Sep. 27 @ ANTWERP HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 4 vs FAIRVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 11 vs AYERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Oct. 18 vs JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP Fri., Oct. 25 @ EDGERTON HIGH SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 1 vs HICKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2018 RESULTS OPPONENT OUTCOME PAULDING WON 33-25 McCOMB LOST 14-48 CRESTVIEW LOST 14-34 TINORA WON 39-14 ANTWERP WON 52-36 FAIRVIEW LOST 32-45 AYERSVILLE WON 46-6 HOLGATE WON 36-14 EDGERTON LOST 7-52 LOST 26-29 Trevor Speice HICKSVILLE Photo courtesy of Mike Speice Wayne Trace will attempt to throw its hat in the Green Meadows holes to fill,” admitted Speice. “We well from what I’ve seen. They have Conference (GMC) tussle this fall lost a couple corners, a couple a good time in the weight room but coming off a .500 season in 2018. defensive linemen but overall I’ve they work hard. “We’ve got a good nucleus liked the attitude the kids have had “As always, with our division coming back this fall,” said mentor in the weight room. They’ve done a of football, I would say injuries Mike Speice, a 1988 WT graduate. good job. I’m looking forward to it; are always a concern,” said “We’ve got linemen returning, a the kids are excited.” Speice. “We’ve got to build some couple receivers returning, the Overall, six starters are back on depth with freshmen that will be quarterback is returning for his offense and just two starters return sophomores, and sophomores third year, so I’m looking forward to on defense. that’ll be juniors that really haven’t what we can do offensively.” “I think their attitude, their work had the opportunity to play varsity The Raiders did lose 13 starters ethics are strengths,” said Speice. football. Staying healthy during the from last year, with six of the “The juniors and seniors that were preseason and during the season departures three-year lettermen. not quite leaders last year are going while building some depth are “Defensively, we’ve got some to be great leaders. They get along major concerns at this point.”

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OFFENSE: Speice’s son, Trevor, and Nate Wilhelm (5-11, 220, player and he’s dedicated himself will direct the Raiders’ spread senior) are probable newcomers up to basketball and football is a offensive show. front. secondary sport. “He’s grown physically and “We have five kids that can move “He’s (Reinhart) as athletic as mentally,” said Speice. “He got up there,” said Speice. “I’m excited anyone in northwest Ohio,” added some varsity basketball time and to see a couple of the juniors that Speice. “Alex has all the talent in some baseball time, which is good started for us as sophomores the world.” for him. We’ve been traveling to how they do. We have a couple Owen Manz and Cameron Cox several Division II camps he’s been freshmen that will be sophomores are expecting to line up in the slots. invited to. Overall, I would say that move really well. Kameron Bevis (166 rushing yards), he’s physically much stronger than “We’re going to do similar things Drew Forrer and Reed Zartman are what he was. He’s dedicated to the to what we did last year but we’re also running options. weight room and I’m seeing that going to mix some stuff in,” added While plenty of talent is back at the camps when he goes there Speice, of having a mobile line. to put points on the board, the and runs 40s. We were at Saginaw Nate Showalter, an all-GMC tackle Raiders did lose some key pieces. Valley for a camp and just sitting last year, is moving to the backfield. Korbin Slade (32 receptions, in the crowd, the speed of the ball “It’s with his coming out is better because he’s understanding that if we bigger now. I’m excited about him. need him up front, he’ll “But he’ll tell you and I’ll tell you, move back up there,” we have five good linemen and said Speice. five guys he can get the ball to,” “I think we have six kids said Speice. “They’ll be just fine, that can play the line,” and if he can hold up his end of the said Speice. “Nate’s bargain, we’ll be alright.” looking forward to that. “Trevor’s going to have to play He’s a big, strong kid and some defense for us and he likes he’ll be a nice addition to that,” said Speice. “He played it the backfield.” from week 5 on and that’s good for Nate Gerber (6-6, 190, him.” senior, 32 catches, 366 Trevor Speice, a 6-0, 170-pound yards, 7 touchdowns) junior, fired for 4,510 yards on 302- and Alex Reinhart (6-4, 576 passing and 55 touchdowns. 175, senior, 4 receptions, He added 650 rushing yards and 91 yards) are starting seven more touchdowns. receivers who will be Joe Munger (6-2, 250, junior) and back. Jacob Stouffer (5-11, 245, junior) “We have Nate Gerber, a are starters returning to the line. big, tall kid,” said Speice. Carter Baksa (6-0, 225, junior), Nate “He’s worked extremely Sinn (6-0, 240, sophomore), Landyn hard in the weight room. Nate Gerber Whitman (6-3, 245, sophomore) He’s a great basketball Photo courtesy of Mike Speice

117 Wayne Trace

441 yards, 4 touchdowns), Evan along with Nate Wilhelm, who is Gerber, Manz, Cox and Reinhart Mohr (44 receptions, 665 yards, 8 benching 355 pounds. Last year will attempt to patch up the touchdowns), Haydn Gillett, Mox was his first year of playing football. secondary. Price (38 catches, 752 yards, 9 “He was so raw last year,” said Bevis, Forrer (DE/LB), Zartman touchdowns) and Austin Smith (13 Speice. “You can be the strongest (DE/LB) and Showalter are among catches, 129 yards) are all receivers bull in the shop, but if you don’t the names battling for time at that are gone. have the technique, it doesn’t linebacker. Caleb Yenser, Caden Bland, Brian matter. I’m looking forward to SPECIAL TEAMS: Speice is Merritt and Most Valuable Lineman seeing what he can do this fall. He’s searching for a kicker with Gillett’s as strong as an ox.” leg graduated. Baksa, Sinn and Whitman Speice turned to the golf team to also fit into the defensive find senior Cale Crosby for kicking line mix. duties. Schlade (43 tackles, 1 “I told Cale if he can kick it into interception) and Price (50 the end zone every time, that’s tackles, 2 interceptions) fine with me,” said Speice. “If that are crucial losses from doesn’t come through, we have a the secondary, with both couple other options at kicker.” being three-year starters. Showalter also had an idea for his Manz and Cox will man head coach. the islands at corner “I was in the weight room and spots, while Trevor Speice Nate Showalter said, ‘We don’t will take care of one of have to kick, we’ll just go for two.’ the safety positions. The I said, ‘Let’s score first,’” explained other safety spot is to be Speice. Jacob Stouffer determined. Photo courtesy of Mike Speice CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Merritt created problems Speice knows his team will have last year in the trenches to be ready to go each and every Matt Stouffer graduated from the with 96 tackles, 22 tackles-for-loss Friday if they want to stay in the pits. and 10 sacks. Yenser (35 tackles), GMC hunt. Grant Baumle (43 rushes, 358 Matt Stouffer, Bland (25 tackles) “Our conference is going to be yards) is missing from the backfield. also need to be replaced on the good again,” said Speice. “We DEFENSE: The Raiders have a ton line, along with Josiah Linder (57 have a new coach at Antwerp; to replace on the defensive side. tackles) and Mohr at end. Edgerton’s back; Fairview’s back; Showalter (83 tackles), a starter Baumle (64 tackles) and Bland Hicksville and Tinora will be good since his freshman year at (25 tackles) are missing from the again; coach (Chris) Dales is back linebacker, and Trevor Speice (DB, linebacking group, while Gillett over there at Ayersville; Holgate’s 65 tackles) are the lone returning (16 tackles), Reece Thomson (77 got a nice program coming up. starters. tackles), Austin Smith (24 tackles) Week in and week out we’ve got to Munger and Jacob Stouffer will need to be replaced as contributors play pretty good.” try to shore up the defensive line, from the secondary.

118 this day. Caleb Frank (Fairview, Perhaps it was something from wide receiver) the fertile soil centuries ago that Frank led the area in has paved the way for gridiron receiving yards with 1,049 Big Twenty Two greatness of the Black Swamp. yards on 78 grabs. He hit paydirt 10 Local stars heading into the 2019 times and earned special mention campaign are looking to put the all-Ohio. He helped the Apaches’ imprints of their cleats into the soil fun-and-gun offense to big outputs of the Black Swamp like the football on Friday nights and a run to the immortals before them. regional championship. The release of the very first Black The Great Black Swamp of Swamp Football magazine brings Jarrett Gerdeman northwest Ohio left behind a (Napoleon, fullback) with it the release of this area’s Big plethora of natural resources Gerdeman enters his third 22 players. including great soil and plenty of year with a heavy role for Included in the 22 greats are four timber. Draining the swamp was a Tory Strock’s crew after earning first-team all-Ohioans from last mammoth task for settlers of this playing time as a freshman. He year. The preseason Big 22 is listed area over two centuries ago, but garnered second-team district and in alphabetical order: once they were able to drain areas NLL honors as a sophomore, with of the swamp, they found fertile- Bryce Basinger (Pandora- 889 yards on 182 totes. The junior rich soil. Gilboa, defensive back) standout also found the end zone The once swamp land now serves The lanky secondary savant 10 times last fall. He also plays a as the canvas on Friday nights for earned second-team all- heavy presence as a linebacker in gridiron warriors from these parts. district honors as a sophomore for the Wildcats’ defense. The oldest area football rivalry Matt Hershey’s Rockets. Basinger started in 1916 when Maumee helped P-G blank four foes, while Spencer Gerschutz (Patrick Henry, guard) River foes Defiance and Napoleon, only one of 12 foes scored over 14 Part of a bulldozing PH which are separated by just 15 points. He added 31 receptions for front, Gerschutz helped miles on the shores of the Maumee 503 yards and four scores. pave the way for 1,000-yard River, hit the gridiron. (Evergreen, running quarterback TJ Rhamy. Defiance legend Don “Midnight” Nick Beemer linebacker) The Patriots bounced back from an Miller, who went on to become one An honorable mention 0-3 start and went unbeaten in the of the iconic “Four Horsemen” at all-district selection, was NWOAL to claim the league crown, Notre Dame for Knute Rockne, second in the NWOAL with while getting into the playoffs. was one of the first greats from the 105 tackles, while adding 3.5 sacks. Gerschutz earned second-team Great Black Swamp area. Fellow The bullish Beemer is earning looks district honors. famed Bulldogs Gene Derricotte from Division I college programs. (Michigan) and Tom Ward (Toledo) Matthew Gladieux followed in Miller’s footsteps, Zach Bowers (Liberty (Archbold, center) along with Archbold’s Joe Wyse Center, running back) An anchor of the Streaks’ (BG) and Jerry Zuver (Michigan), The blazing Bowers helped trenchman, Gladieux Wauseon’s Cory Griggs, Swanton’s the Tigers’ 4x400 relay captured second-team Northwest Nate Bolling (Wake Forest) and team win a state title in June at District honors. The 6-3, Tommy Eitniear, Liberty Center’s the state track meet. While playing 230-pounder will look to lead the Blake Lingruen, Ayersville’s Curt second fiddle to star fullback Caleb way for standout back Noah Gomez Partee, Patrick Henry’s Marc Krauss, Carpenter last fall, Bowers will take (738 rushing yards last year) this fall, Columbus Grove’s Blaine Maag over the lead back role this fall while protecting junior quarterback and Delta’s Nate Kmic. with Carpenter graduating. Bowers Brandon Taylor. Gladieux also mans While just a few of the vaunted hauled the ball 175 times for 1,342 a bookend spot on defense and figures in area football lineage, the yards and 16 touchdowns, which is tallied 33 stops last year. Black Swamp is steeped in a deep tops for returning NWOAL players. football tradition that continues to

119 Nate Miller (Bryan, NWOAL’s Defensive Player of the Noah Tester (Wauseon, quarterback) Year and garnered first-team all- safety) A proficient 143-203 Ohio. Behind center, Rhamy threw A three-year letterwinner, passing, Miller threw for 1,886 for 1,190 yards and eight scores, Tester forced opponents yards and 16 touchdowns to earn while rushing for another 1,119 to account for his whereabouts. second-team all-district honors. yards and 13 touchdowns. He recorded 59 tackles and three Miller tacked on 516 rushing yards picks as a junior. Tester added 20 (Edon, Wide and five more scores. He will return Kelby Sapp receptions for 205 yards on offense. Receiver) to the field as the reigning NWOAL At 6-2, 180 pounds, Sapp (Fairview, Offensive Player of the Year. Luke Timbrook hauled in 38 passes for strong safety/running back) Wil Morrow (Patrick Henry, 609 yards and four touchdowns as A big year on both sides running back) a junior. The production led to a of the ball gave Timbrook The bruising back rolled second-team district selection. gaudy numbers. He was second up 867 yards rushing on 170 in tackles for the Apaches with

attempts, while finding the end Garrett Schwiebert 109 stops, while also adding an (Patrick Henry, offensive zone 13 times. He was named a interception. Timbrook was also a tackle) second-team all-district back. Also problem offensively, tallying 690 The 6-6, 250-pound frame of a linebacker, Morrow also tallied rushing yards and 695 receiving Schwiebert pounded away at 61 tackles, which was third on the yards, while accounting for a opponents in the pits, leading the team. combined 19 touchdowns. way for TJ Rhamy and Wil Morrow Cade Polter (Fairview, to combine for 1,986 yards on the Maguire Vollmar (Liberty quarterback) ground. Schwiebert is committed Center, linebacker) A first-team Division VI all- to the University of Toledo on a full Even though his season Ohio pick, Polter shredded ride and also plays defensive end was halted late in the year defenses with 3,437 yards in for the Patriots. due to an injury, Vollmar still piled the air on 281-461 passing. He up 95 tackles and six sacks. Vollmar (Fairview, threw 37 touchdowns to just 12 Chayse Singer earned first-team all district and linebacker) interceptions. special mention all-state. The 5-9, 180-pounder was Hunter Prince (Edgerton, a wrecking machine, with Cole Williamson (Leipsic, running back) 151 spilled ball carriers and 7.5 linebacker) Prince dominated the sacks. The production earned him Williamson is the leading competition again in 2018 third-team all-Ohio recognition. tackler back for Joe with 2,221 rushing yards on 240 Kirkendall’s Vikings, with 76 tackles (Leipsic, attempts, which figured into 9.3 Ryley Spangler from last season (47 solo). He also offensive tackle) yards per carry. He also hit paydirt added eight tackles for loss and Spanger garnered BVC a whopping 35 times to earn a first- was a second-team all-district Lineman of the Year honors team all-Ohio selection. performer. He also will take on a last autumn and also a spot on all- bigger role on offense, with 387 (Patrick Henry, Ohio’s first team. TJ Rhamy yards rushing last season. nose guard/quarterback) (Wayne Starting the season in Trevor Speice Trace, quarterback) Elijah Zimmerman the defensive secondary, Rhamy (Archbold, safety) With 174 completions quickly was moved back to the Picking off two passes on 328 attempts, Speice trenches after the Patriots started and totaling 61 tackles, tortured foes for 2,566 yards and 0-3. The returning NWOAL Zimmerman was a second-team 29 touchdowns as a sophomore. Lineman of the Year steadied the district player. Patriots’ defense at the point of attack, lifting the Henry County football powerhouse to an NWOAL championship. He was named the

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