Here are football capsules for NW Ohio teams from the information sheets we've received from coaches. Check back often as we'll update this list as they come in.
NORTHERN OHIO LEAGUE
Tiffin Columbian
HEAD COACH: Steve Gilbert (16th year, 182-69 career record).
2008 RECORD: 9-3 overall, 6-1 Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eric Brown, sr., 6-1, 215, OG/DT; Jordan Coger. sr., 6-1, 175, WR; Brok Ekleberry, sr., 5-10, 185, OG; Derek Kneeskern, sr., 6-3, 200, WR/CB; Cody Krupp, sr., 6-0, 200, DE; Cole McClung, sr., 5-10, 185, OT; Kimp Patillo, sr., 6-2, 215, LB; Kyle Saxton, sr., 6-0, 210, OT; Trey Tyree, sr., 5-10, 180, LB; Tyler Ward, sr., 5-9, 185, RB/LB; Caden Chapman, jr., 6-2, 200, DE; Jesse Hernandez, jr., 6-0, 175; Mike Lee, jr., 5-6, 165, CB; Ryan Tittle, jr., 6-1, 170, QB; Vince Kurtz, soph., 6-1, 205, RB/CB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kris Patillo, sr., 6-0, 165, WR; Seth Craig, sr., 6-1, 205, C; Austin Bentz, jr., 5-10, 170, WR/CB; Shawn Cole, jr., 6-1, 210, TE; Jordan Price, jr., 6-2,. 185, WR.
Shelby
HEAD COACH: Chris Solis (6th year, 33-29)
2008 RECORD: 6-4 overall, 4-3 Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Andre Rhode, sr., 6-2, 205, TE/SS; Nathan Craig , sr., 5-10, 225, C; Jon Champer, sr, 6-1, 190, TE/ILB.; Matt Kauffman, sr., 6-3, 240, DE; Dylan Blevins, jr., 6-0, 235, OG; Jon Brewster, sr., 6-1, 170, WR/DE; Denver Burks, jr., 6-0, 200, FB/ILB; Brandon Eldridge, jr., 6-3, 250, OT; Jake Bammerlin, jr., 5-10, 220, OG/ILB; Brandon Rinehart, jr., 6-1, 240, DT; Nick Wagoner, jr., 6-2, 245, C/DT; Zach Strine, jr., 5-9, 165, QB/DB; Carl Weaver, jr., 5-8, 170, FB/ILB; Zach Yates, jr., 5-10, 165, WR/S.
NOTABLE: Shelby has posted four straight winning seasons with a playoff appearance to its credit in 2007. Strine was a second team all-Ohio punter last season while Wagoner and Champer were both second team all-NOL picks on the defensive side of the football. The Whippets have 48 players on the roster in grades 10-12.
Fostoria
HEAD COACH: Beau Carmon (1st year)
2008 RECORD: 10-2 overall/6-1 Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jordan Bulkowski, Sr., 5-11, 175, WR; Andre Cousin, Sr., 6-1, 175, TE; Cotdy Gerritsen, Sr., 5-11, 230, OL/DL; Jacob Solether, Sr., 5-6, 150, S/SS; Alex Spangler, Sr., 6-1, 235, OL; Antoine Williams, Sr., 5-11, 180, WR/FS; Dominic Zelenak, Sr., 6-0, 200, OL/DL; Noe Medina, Jr., 5-10, 170, OLB/TE; Reuben Taylor, Jr., 5-8, 170, LB; Trevor Tucker, Jr., 5-8, 165, RB; Perry Johnson, Sr., 6-0, 170, QB; Isaac Tyson, Jr., 6-1, 205, OLB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Antoine Williams, Sr., 5-11, 180, WR/FS; Jordan Bulkowski, Sr., 5-11, 175, WR; Dominic Zelenak, Sr., 6-0, 200, OL/DL; Perry Johnson, Sr., 6-0, 170, QB; Isaac Tyson, Jr., 6-1, 205, OLB; Trevon Tucker, Jr., 5-8, 165, RB.
NOTABLE: Beau Carmon will take over the Fostoria program this year. Fostoria is returning a dozen letterwinners and is looking forward to another winning season.
TOLEDO AREA ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Ottawa Hills
HEAD COACH: Chris Hardman (12th year)
2008 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 3-3 Toledo Area Athletic Conference
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jack Avendt, sr., SS: Ben Baehren, sr., T; Josh Bruner, sr., K; Ryan Burzynski, sr., G; Jimmy Zimmerman, sr., QB; J.J. Buckey, jr., SE; A.J. Longthorne, jr., T; Christian Siebenaler, jr., T.
TOP PROSPECTS: Not available.
NOTABLE: The key is finding some players to run the football this season for the Green Bears. There’s some experience along the line but little proven returning talent in the backfield, according to Hardman.
Cardinal Stritch
HEAD COACH: Joe Gutilla (1st year).
2008 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 1-4 Toledo Area Athletic Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: A.J. Zalewski, sr., 6-1, 190, QB; Kyle Gladieux, sr., 6-1, 170, RB/DB; Zach Rodriguez, sr., 6-2, 200, TE/WR/DE; Joe Esposito, sr., 6-1, 170, TE/QB/DB; David Szymanski, jr., 5-11, 200, OG/LB; Murphy Mahoney, jr., 5-11, 165, OG/LB; Mike Kiss, jr., 5-11, 175, OT/DE; Joe Geiermann, jr., 5-7, 160, RB/DB; Andy Geiermanm soph., 5-10, 185, OT/DL; MIke Blazerich, soph., 6-0, 165, RB/WR/DB; Nick Fuller, jr., 5-9, 160, RB/DB.
NOTABLE: Gutilla is Cardinal Stritch’s third coach in three seasons. Running back Kyle Gladieux is the team’s top returnee after earning all-TAAC honors as running back last season.
WESTERN BUCKEYE LEAGUE
Lima Shawnee
HEAD COACH: Dick West (11th year).
2008 RECORD: 7-3 overall, 7-2 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Josh Tuck, sr., 6-3, 185, WR/DB; Nick Truesdale, sr., 6-0, 215, LB/OG; Nate Spencer, sr., 6-0, 195, OT; Zane Smith, sr., 6-0, 195, OG; John Shelly, sr., 5-9, 190, RB/LB; C.J. Sewell, sr., 5-9, 190, RB/LB; Zac Rosenbauer, sr., 6-3, 240, LB/TE; Dillon Risser, sr., 6-0, 170, QB/WR/SS; Luke Morgan, sr., 5-10, 170, WR/DB; Isaiah Irons, sr., 6-0, 195, FB/WR; Kishan Das, sr., 5-7, 150, WR/DB; Cory Campbel, jr., 6-0, 220, DL/OG; Hunter Bosch, jr., 6-0, 230, DL/OL; Ryan Bechtel, jr., 5-9, 170, WR/DB; Trey Runneals, soph., 5-10, 165, LB/RB; Jamiil Williams, jr., 6-0, 170, WR/DB; Seth Rosenbauer, soph., 6-3, 210, QB/DE.
TOP PROSPECTS: Gavin Painter, sr., 6-0, 210, DE/FB; Eddie Kelley, jr., 5-11, 165, DB.
NOTABLE: A key player for the Indians will be Isaiah Irons, a first team all-WBL pick on defense and a second team all-league selection on offense. The Indians have 71 players on their roster in grades 9-12.
Celina
HEAD COACH: Jared Rolfes (2nd year, 2-8)
2008 RECORD: 2-8 overall/2-7 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ryan Paulus, jr., 5-9, 183, QB/SS; Codey Welker, sr., 6-2, 235, OT; Derek Jones, jr., 6-0, 235, OT; Brian Donovan, jr., 6-0, 235, C; Joey Braun, sr., 5-9, 185, MLB/RB; Kahl Krapke, jr., 5-7, 160, CB/WR/RB; Caleb Fickert, sr., 5-10, 165, WR; Shawn Feierstein, jr., 6-0, 150, WR; Steffan Miller, jr., 6-6, 180, WR/TE; Brad Burton, jr., 5-7, 145, SS; Kyle Fink, jr., 6-0, 240, DT/G; Mitchell Ross, jr., 6-1, 225, DT/G; Riley Smith, sr., 6-0, 225, DE; Jay Clouse, sr., 5-11, 185, DE; Sean Wlodarcyzk, sr., 5-9, 185, K.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jacob Tripplett, soph., 5-9, DE; Dylan Cummins, jr., 5-9, OLB; Andy Sutter, jr., 5-7, RB; Ryan Paulus, jr., 5-4, QB; Codey Welker, sr., 6-2, OT; Brian Donovan, jr., 6-0, C; Kahl Krapke, jr., 5-7, CB/WR; Joey Brown, sr., 5-10, MLB; Brad Buxton, jr., 5-7, SS; Shawn Feierstein, jr., 6-1, WR; Derek Jones, jr., 6-0, OT.
NOTABLE: With fifteen returning letterwinners and a bunch of juniors Celina should be improving their football program these next two seasons.
Wapakoneta
HEAD COACH: Doug Zimmer (3rd year, 8-12).
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall/5-4 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Mike Bogan, sr., 6-0, 230, OL/DL; Royce Kantner, jr., 5-9, 185, LB/RB; Zach Ferenbaugh, jr., 5-10, 175, LB; Dylan Shaffer, sr., 5-11, 180, WR/DB; Greg Stoll, jr., 5-8, 170, WR/DB; Logan Erb, jr., 5-11, 215, RB/DL; Chris Weaver, jr., 5-10, 230, OL; Maverick Liles, jr., 5-10, 240, OL; Justin Vorhees, sr., 5-10, 215, OL; Drew Erb, sr., 5-9, 160, DB; John Miller, sr., 5-10, 180, DL; Trevor Raines, jr., 5-11, 170, WR/DB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Nick Hager, sr., 6-3, 290, DL; Preston Metzger, jr., 6-2, 265, DL; Connor Pickens, soph., 5-10, 180, RB/DB; Kevin Schneider, sr., 5-11, 185, DL; Brad Fleck, jr., 6-3, 250, OL/DL; Cole Tablex, 5-11, 170, WR/DB.
NOTABLE: With a strong number of returning letterwinners Wapakoneta should have the experience to do great things this season.
Ottawa-Glandorf
HEAD COACH: Ken Schriner (14th year, 88-55)
2008 RECORD: 8-5 overall/6-3 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brent Sager, sr., 6-4, 250, OL/DL; Brian Laubenthal, sr., 6-0, 160, WR/DB; Ryan Kuhlman, sr., 5-8, 155, WR/DB; Zach Buckland, sr., 5-9, 170, DB/WR/QB; Logan Kaufman, sr., 5-11, 210, RB/LB; Jacob Recker, sr., 6-1, 200, OL/DL; Ryan Leopold, sr., 6-2, 235, OL/DL; Jeff Siefker, jr., 6-0, 180, LB/RB; Dylan Ellerbrock, jr., OL/DL.
TOP PROSPECTS: Logan Pothast, sr., 6-2, 180, TE/LB; Steven Tenwalde, sr., 5-9, 205, OL/DL; Mike Bendele, sr., 6-2, 175, TE/DL; Austin Kahle, sr., 5-9, 170, OL/LB; Robbie Giesken, sr., 5-11, 145, WR/DB; Derek Alt, jr., 6-4, 205, OL/DL; Draven Delgado, jr, 5-6, 177, RB/LB; Ross Ellerbrock, jr., 6-1, 190, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: Ottawa-Glandorf is back this season with a strong line up. The Titans are returning twelve letterwinners and should be a very good team this season.
Defiance
HEAD COACH: Jerrry Buti (19th year, 191-94-1 career coaching record).
2008 RECORD: 8-3 overall, 7-2 Western Buckeye League.
KEY RETURNEES: Casey Fuhrmann, C; Sean Muray, QB; Alex Nofziger, WR/DB; Dylan Poston, OT; Jacob Rubio, OT; Dakota Westrick, OG; Zack Dempsey, N/LB; Jake Moser, OLB; Max Peter, OLB; Jake Suman, DT; Derron Pritchett, DB.
KEY LOSSES: Jerry Holmes, DT; Serge Mayeku, DE/TE; Mark Sebring, DT; Travis Spitnale, RB; Craig Gutman, DB/WR; Glen Ward, OG/LB; Jordan Gonzales, QB/DB; David Pagan, S; Alex Perez, LB/OG.
NOTABLE: The school has made seven state playoff appearances and won three WBL titles under Buti.
Kenton
HEAD COACH: Mike Mauk (27th year, 168-112).
2008 RECORD: 7-3 overall, 7-2 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING OFFENSIVE STARTERS: Greg Newland, sr., 5-10, 190, C; Cody Goslee, sr., 6-1, 190, G; Garrett Miller, jr., 6-1, 240, OG; Matthew McKinley, jr., 6-4, 195, OT; Bobby Handell, jr., 6-1, 195, WR; Andrew Tillman, jr., 5-10, 160, WR; Max Morrison, jr., 6-0, 160, WR; Brice Fackler, soph., 6-3, 185, WR; Maty Mauk, soph.. 6-1, 185, QB.
RETURNING DEFENSIVE STARTERS: Jarrod Kissling, sr., 6-0, 210, DL; Weston Burnworth, sr., 5-10, 250, DL; Mark Fackler, sr., 6-3, 225, LB; Scot Gammon, jr., 5-10, 175, LB; Chris Fannon, sr., 5-8, 165, DB.
OTHER LETTERWINNERS: Charlie Hinkle, jr., 6-1, 230, OL/DL; Alex Kissling, jr., 6-1, 195, DB; Neal Duffman, sr., 6-1, 165, WR; Shane Turner, sr., 5-7, 160, DB; Damon Evans, jr., 6-0, 160, WR; Graham Watkins, sr., 6-2, 170, WR; Jamie Allsup, sr., 5-8, 170, DL; Tyler Noble, jr., 5-11, 175, LB; Brennan Swavel, sr., 5-6, 200, WR; Gabe King, soph., 6-1, 190, LB; Derek Doornbos, sr., 5-8, 185, LB; Lucas King, sr., 6-3, 285, OL/DL; Bryan Crabtree, sr., 5-8. 175, DB.
NOTABLE: Looks like Kenton is loaded for 2009. Maty Mauk is back at the helm at quarterback after a terrific freshman season and nine other offensive starters are back for the Wildcats.
NORTHWEST OHIO ATHLETIC LEAGUE
Bryan
HEAD COACH: Travis Cooper (2nd year, 5-5).
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 4-4 Northwest Ohio Athletic League.
KEY RETURNEES: Levi Fisher, sr., 5-10, 195, RB/LB; Alex Nossaman, sr., 6-2, 200, WR/DB; Michael Pierce, sr., 6-0, 250, OT/DT; Cody Keil, sr., 5-9, 165, QB/DB; Justin Bunnell, sr., 5-11, 252, OT/DT; Colton Poncsak, sr., 5-7, 185, RB/LB; Tony Nededog, sr., 5-8, 170, RB/DB; Jake Elting, sr., 5-9, 190, C/DT; Jeremiah Dietrich, jr., 5-10, 221, DT; Miguel Rodriguez, jr., 6-0, 195, OG/DE.
NOTABLE: Cooper thinks Patrick Henry is the team to beat again in the NWOAL this season. The Golden Bears have a large and experienced senior class and good size in the trenches. To be successful, Bryan must improve their play on special teams and improve its team speed.
Evergreen
HEAD COACH: Todd Thieken (5th year, 17-23).
2008 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 3-5 Northwest Ohio Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Derek Truckor, jr., 5-9, 155, RB/LB; Lucas Pennington, jr., 6-4, 215, QB/LB; Ryan Salsbury, sr., 6-0, 170, WR/DB; Tommy Paul, sr., 5-11, 160, WR/DB; T.J. Thieken, jr., 6-2, 170, TE/LB; Clayton Wielienski, soph., 5-11, 170, WR/DB; Garrett May, sr., 6-3, 185, RB/LB; Trevor Pool, sr., 5-9, 200, RB/LB; Tyler Sutton, sr., 6-0, 160, TE/LB; Tyler Good, jr., 6-1, 155, QB/DB; Chad Mossing, sr., 6-3, 180, WR/DB; Jackson Langenderfer, sr., 5-11, 185, RB/LB; Chad Monaghan, soph., 6-0, 185, RB/DB; Blake Prentiss, jr., 6-1, 195, OL/DL; Eric Boger, jr., 6-4, 230, OL/LB; Nick Carr, sr., 6-1, 185, OL/DL; Caleb Delauter, sr., 5-10, 170, OL/DL; Dalton Dewitt, jr., 6-1, 220, OL/DL; Scott Vandesande, jr., 5-10, 175, OL/DL; Mitchell Holtz, sr., 6-2, 270, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: Look for the Vikings to make a move in the NWOAL this season. Thieken returns 20 lettermen from last year‘s 4-6 ball club and the Vikings lost just six seniors to graduation. Monaghan returned four kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
Patrick Henry
HEAD COACH: Bill Inselmann (18th year, 151-52).
2008 RECORD: 12-1 overall, 8-0 Northwest Ohio Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brad Yarnell, sr., 6-0, 260, OT/DT; Aaron George, sr., 5-11, 185, TE/DE; Justin Buenger, sr., 5-10, 185, HB/DB; Bill Miller, sr., 5-11, 190, FB/LB; Collin Hogrefe, sr., 6-2, 185, OT/D; Luke George, sr., 5-10, 185, QB/DB; Josh Almanza, jr., 5-11, 185, OG/DE; Xavier Dye, jr., 5-9, 170, C/NG.
TOP PROSPECTS: Dylan Tonjes, sr., 6-2, 160, WR; Cody Brubaker, sr., 5-9, 155, WR/DB; Dack Floro, sr., 5-8, 150, DB; Joe Imbrock, sr., 5-8, 175, LB; Greg Smith, jr., 6-0, 195, OG; Casey SPence, jr., 6-0, 170, WR; Mike Siebert, jr., 6-1, 200; Alex Wilhelm, soph., 5-10, 165; Lucas Rosebrook, soph., 5-9, 170, FB/LB.
NOTABLE: The Patriots should be primed to compete for their eighth straight NWOAL football championship this fall. Luke George and Justin Buenger were first team all-conference selections last season at quarterback and running back respectively.
Archbold
HEAD COACH: Bryan Miller (1st year).
2008 RECORD: 9-3 overall, 6-2 Northwest Ohio Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Noah Keefer, jr., 5-11, 160, WR/DB; Garrett Morton, jr., 6-2, 170; Ben Miller, jr., 5-11, 260, OT.DL; Brandon Dennie, jr., 5-11, 260, OT/DL; Aaron Bontranger, jr., 5-11, 150, K/P; Josh Myers, sr., 6-4, 220, OT/DL; Cameron Yontz, sr., 5-11, 235, OG/DL; Jarett Wyse, sr., 6-1, 215, C/DL; Drew Smith, sr., 6-2, 175, WR/S: Nate Hammersmith, sr., 5-11, 170, RB/LB; Jackson Gerken, sr., 5-10, 150, WR/S; Collin Walker, sr., 6-0, 155, WR/DB; Trey Westrick, sr., 5-9, 150, WR/S: Micah McQuillin, sr., 6-2, 180, WR/S; Tyson Flores, sr., 5-10, 195, OG; Adam Heaston, sr., OG/LB; Isaac Rosales, jr., OG/DL; Desmond Sleigh, jr., WR/DB; Josh Penrod, sr., OG/LB.
NOTABLE: Bryan Miller takes over from longtime coach John Downey, who stepped down as head coach last spring. Downey didn’t leave the cupboard bare though as 19 letterwinners return from last year’s playoff team.
Montpelier
HEAD COACH: Adam Baumgartner (1st year)
2008 RECORD: 0-10 overall, 0-8 Northwest Ohio Athletic League Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Matt Wells, sr., 6-2, 220, OL/DL; Jarret Beck, sr., 6-0, 185, RB/LB; Dalton Beck, sr., 5-7, 160, RB/DB; Kyle McCarty, sr., 6-0, 190, RB/LB; Derek Jimenez, sr., 5-10, 175, OL/LB; Corbin Castillo, sr., 5-10, 170, SE/DB; Mike Frisby, sr., 5-8, 215, OL/DL; TJ Jordan, sr., 6-2, 220, OL/DL; Abram Franzdorf, sr., 6-0, 190, OL/DL; Joel Hartman, jr., 5-9, 175, RB/DB; Keagen Hartsock, jr., 5-8, 165, QB/DB; Jake Thompson, jr., 6-0, 185, OL/DL; Kyle Long, jr., 5-10, 175, RB/LB.
NOTABLE: First year coach Adam Baumgartner is looking for his 13 returning letterwinners to provide solid leadership for his team in 2009 and help the Locamotives get in the win column.
GREEN MEADOWS CONFERENCE
Tinora
HEAD COACH: Kenny Krouse.
2008 RECORD: 7-3 overall/6-1 Green Meadows Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Blake Foor, sr., 5-10, 190, TB/LB; Phil Stokey, sr., 5-10, 165, SE/DB; Lyndon Benecke, sr., 6-0, 170, FB/DB; Ethan McKenney, sr., 6-2, 190, SE/FS; Josh Little, sr., 6-1, 270, OT/DT; Garrett Schafer, sr., 6-0, 180, LB; Alex Purnell, sr., 6-1, 225, OT/DT; Lucas Schroeder, sr., 6-0, 200, C; Blake Reiman, sr., 5-8, 155, W/DB; Curtis Hansfield, sr., 6-4, 210, TE/DE; Damon Willett, sr., 5-8, 150, SS; Alex Moses, jr., 6-1, 170, K; Marc Moses, jr., 6-0, 225, NG; Alex Batt, jr., 6-1, 195, FB/LB; Landon Drewes, jr., 6-1, 180, QB.
NOTABLE: Tinora returns all-conference and all-district players, Blake Foor, Lucas Schroeder, Curtis Hansford, and ALex Moser.
Fairview
HEAD COACH: David Robinson (2nd year, 9-2).
2008 RECORD: 9-2 overall, 7-0 Green Meadows Conference
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Frankie Roehrig, sr., 5-8, 185, WR/LB; Luke Kuhn, jr., 6-2, 215, QB/LB; Zach Lee, sr., 5-11, 215; Brock Mosier, jr., 5-11, 200, QB/LB; Nathan Yoder, sr., 5-9, 150, WR/DB; Andrew Woenker, sr., 5-9, 170; Rodney Webb, sr., 6-1, 215, WR/DB; Tyler Merillat, sr., 5-10, 235, DT/OL; Kyle Trent, jr., 5-8, 180, LB/OL; Bo Joost, sr., 6-3, 230, OL/DL; Eli Keesbury, sr., 6-2, 225, OL/DL; Brandon Radcliff, sr., 6-1, 180, WR/DB.
NOTABLE: Wideout Rodney Webb and lineman Bo Joost are both returning three-year letterwinners for the defending Green Meadows Conference champs.
FIRELANDS CONFERENCE
Norwalk St. Paul
HEAD COACH: John Livengood (18th year, 166-49).
2008 RECORD: 12-1 overall, 7-0 Firelands Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Joel Boose, sr., 6-1, 175, C/DE; Kyle Bundschuh, sr., 6-0, 175, G/DE; Jared Fries, sr., 6-0, 175, SE/S; Brian Griffin, sr., 6-2, 185, RB/OLB; Darren Hainline, sr., 6-2, 175, G/DE; Devin McFadden, sr., 5-8, 145, WB/CB; Chris Morgan, sr., 5-8, 175, G/DT; J.P. Pressly, sr., 6-2, 225, T/DT; Brian Roberts, sr., 5-10, 175, WB/OLB; Jim Roth, sr., 6-0, 195, TE/K/P; Eric Schwieterman, sr., 6-1, 215, QB/S; Zach Service, sr., 5-10, 175, HB/OLB; Alex Simon, sr., 6-2, 225, OT/DT; Daren Smith, sr., 6-1, 205, TE/LB; Mike Spettel, sr., 5-10, 225, OT/DT; Dan Tracht, sr., 5-10, 175, SE/CB; Justin Wilde, sr., 5-8, 145, WB/CB; Michael Grose, jr., 6-2, 185, TE/LB; Joe Schafer, jr., 5-10, 195, G/T; Adam Smith, jr., 5-10, 175, RB/LB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Eric Brady, jr., 5-8, 165, RB/OLB; Alex Foster, jr., 6-2, 185, TE/DE; Brandon Kraft, jr., 6-0, 225, OT/DT; Brad Metcalfe, jr., 6-2, 255, OT/DT; Jan Welch, jr., 6-0, 165, QB/S; C.J. Livengood, soph., 5-11, 175, TE/DE; Isaac Livengood, soph., 5-8, 215, FB/LB; Hayden Service, soph., 5-10, 225, G/T; Taylor Schaffer, soph., 6-0, 245, OT/DT; Danny Russ, soph., 5-9, 165, QB/CB.
NOTABLE: With 20 returning letterwinners and 17 seniors, the Flyers will be one of the top Division VI teams in the state to watch in 2009. Quarterback Eric Schwieterman was a first team all-Ohio pick last season and he’ll be surrounded with plenty of weapons like Tracht and Wilde.
GREATER BUCKEYE CONFERENCE
Marion Harding
HEAD COACH: Heath Hinton (3rd year, 22-30).
2008 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 1-4 Greater Buckeye Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS:
TOP PROSPECTS: Jake White, sr., 6-0, 170, DB/WR; Asher Rumple, sr., 5-9, 175, S/QB; Braxdon Howell, sr., 6-0, 220, DL/RB; Michael VanMeter, sr., 5-11, 250, DL/OL; Marque Troutman, sr., 5-9, 160, DB/WR; Eric Gilmore, sr., 5-10, 170, DB/WR; Dominique Ayers, sr., 5-8, 160, LB/RB; Chris Ryle, sr., 5-8, 170, LB/RB; Eduardo Esparza, sr., 5-10, 215, OL/DL; John Fox, sr., 5-10, 320, DL/OL; Anthony Davis, sr., 6-1, 225, DL/OL; Trevor Gibson, jr., 5-9, 190, LB/TE; Tyler Haas, jr., 5-9, 165, S/WR; Robert Griffin, jr., 6-1, 220, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: White will lead the way on defense for the Presidents this fall. He recorded 72 tackles and picked off three passes in 2008. He, Rumple and Van Meter were all honorable mention all-GBC selections last season.
Napoleon
HEAD COACH: Tory Strock (2nd year)
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 3-2 Greater Buckeye Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jordan Fisher, sr., 6-0, 174, FL/C; Evan Vocke, sr., 5-9, 172, FL/LB; Brandon Hummer, sr., 5-10, 192, FB/LB; Clint Detmer, sr., 5-9, 161, WR/C; Nick Rettig sr., 6-1, 203, QB/S; John Weaver, sr., 5-11, 197, HB/LB; Cody Bloom, sr., 6-1, 225, TE/LB; Cully Brownson, sr., 5-10, 210, G/LB; Tyson Agler, sr., 6-4, 280, OT/DL; Skyler Davis, sr., 6-3, 215, OT/DL; Joel Spurgeon, sr., 6-2, 208, G/DL.
NOTABLE: Second year coach Tory Strock will depend on his senior class for success in 2009. If they produce and the team stays relatively injury free expect the Wildcats to be near the top of the GBC again.
Lima Senior
HEAD COACH: Darnell Collins (3rd year, 4-16).
2008 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 0-5 Greater Buckeye Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Alrenzo Cobb, sr., 5-10, 165, OLB/SS; Desmund Harvey, sr., 5-10, 190, RB/P; Da’Shon Bates, jr., 6-0, 185, DB; Derek Conine, jr., 6-3, 260, OL; David Desenberg, jr., 6-2, 170, WR; Jalen Hemphill, jr., 5-10, 180, OLB; Dion Hurley, sr., 6-1, 190, DL; Casey Reed, jr., 6-2, 180, K; Trent Wise, jr., 6-0, 230, OL; Marc Johnson, sr., 5-11, 160; Darenton, McLellan, sr., 6-3, 270, OL; Raheeme Thomas, jr., 6-1, 250, OL.
TOP PROSPECTS: Adrian Hutchins, jr., 6-2, QB.
NOTABLE: The Spartans were winless in the GBC but they showed a spark of competitiveness in falling to Sandusky in overtime and Napoleon 35-24 last season. Harvey was the league’s top punter last season while McLellan, Reed, Johnson and Hurley were all honorable mention all-conference picks.
MIDWEST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Delphos St. John’s
HEAD COACH: Todd Schulte (11th year, 98-31)
2008 RECORD: 13-2 overall, 6-2 Midwest Athletic Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jay Clark, sr., 6-4, 210, TE/DE; Wes Ulm, sr., 6-0, 190, QB; Nate Webb, sr.; Chris Ulm, sr., 6-4, 200, TE/DE; Justin Backus, sr., 6-4, 185, WR/DB; Joel Pohlman, sr., 5-11, 190, FB/OLB; Steven Metcalfe, sr., sr., 5-10, 175, WR/DB; Jordan Leininger, jr., 6-2, 205, RB/ILB; Cody Brinkman, jr., 5-9, 180, FB/DT; Dylan Dancer, jr., 6-0, 190, FB/OLB; Alex Recker, jr., 6-1, 230, OG/DT; Chris Pohlman, jr., 6-2, 240, OT/MLB; Joey Grubenhoff, jr., 5-11, 210, OG/MLB; AJ Klausing, jr., 6-0, 170, WR/DB; Evan Burgei, jr., 6-0, 175, RB/DB; Tyler Bergfeld, jr., 6--2, 185, WR/DB; Austin Vogt, jr., 6-3, 245, OT/DT; Derek Klaus, jr., 6-1, 215, OG/DE.
TOP PROSPECTS: Mitchell MacLennan, sr., 5-11, 185, FB/OLB; Vinney Wiley, sr., 6-0, 205, OG/DT; Kasey Bonifas, jr., 6-0, 230, OT/DT.
NOTABLE: The defending Division VI state champions appear loaded for another big season in 2009. Both Ulm and Leininger both rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. With 18 returning letterwinners, the Blue Jays appear to be a prohibitive favorite to defend their title in Division VI. DSJ has 79 kids on the roster in grades 9-12.
Fort Recovery
HEAD COACH: Brent Niekamp (6th year, 10-30)
2008 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 1-7 Midwest Athletic Conference.
KEY RETURNEES: Greg Kahlig, sr., 6-5, 195, QB/DB; Craig Tobe, sr., 6-3, 170, WR/DB; Nathan Keller, sr., 6-0, 170, WR/DB; Michael Gaerke, sr, 6-2, 160, WR/DB.; Cody Fiely, sr., 6-1, 175, WR/DB; Mark Mattraw, sr., 6-4, 230, OL/DL; Adam Rohrer, jr., 5-8, 185, LB/OL; Jordan Bechtol, sr., 5-11, 220, DL/OL.
TOP PROSPECTS:
NOTABLE: Kahlig holds virtually all of Fort Recovery‘s passing records and he‘s had visits from recruiters from Cincinnati, Akron, Ball State, Western Michigan, Toledo, Northwestern and Miami. Tobe, meanwhile, should become the school‘s all-time receiving leader this fall. Fort Recovery has 40 players out for the sport this season.
Parkway
HEAD COACH: Ed Kuhn (5th year, 14-15).
2008 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 2-6 Midwest Athletic Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Taylor Feasel, sr., 5-9, 155, WR/DB; Logan Hunter, jr., 6-0, 175; Kris Hughes, sr., 5-9, 190, RB/LB; Grant Ripley, sr., 5-11, 160, WR/DB; Jared Bourelle, sr., 6-1, 198, QB; Joel Cesar, jr., 5-11, 180, RB/LB; Matt Dugan, sr., 6-0, 175, WR/DB; Shawn Miller, jr., 5-8, 145, RB/DB; Hank Bevington, jr., 6-1, 170, OL/DL; Jonathan Fent, soph., 6-1, 205, OL/DL; Cole Frank, sr., 5-8, 190, OL/DL; Andrew Peel, sr., 5-9, 210, OL/DL; Dan Shellenbarger, jr., 6-4, 215, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: The Panthers have a solid list of returning players back and will be looking to move up the ladder after s 2-win season in the tough Midwest Athletic Conference in 2008.
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
Paulding
HEAD COACH: Chris Etzler (3rd year).
2008 RECORD: 6-4 overall, 4-4 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Justin Riley, sr., 5-10, 140; Vince Ross, sr., 5-10, 185, RB/LB; Derek Schlatter, sr., 6-2, 225, C/DE; Alex Mott, jr., 5-11, 195, G/DT; Travis McPherson, sr., 6-3, 250, OT/DT; Cameron Aldrich, jr., 5-11, 180, G/LB; Corey Miller, jr., 6-5, 245, T/E; Dylan Welch, jr., 6-3, 270, T/E.
TOP PROSPECTS: Steve Heilman, soph., 6-0, DB/QB; Jordan Mannier, sr., 6-3, QB; Wes Zeller, jr., 6-0, DB; Jack Carter, jr., 6-1, TE; Anthony Arellano, soph., 6-2, RB; Drey Gamble, soph., 5-8, RB/LB; Kory Plotts, soph., 5-8, LB/.RB; Joey Buchanan, jr., 6-4, C/LB’ Armando DeAnda, jr., 5-10, RB/DB; Jesse Glass, jr., 6-5, TE.
NOTABLE: With just four returning seniors Paulding might be building for the future this season. They’re still hoping to build on last year’s success in Etzler’s second year at the helm.
Ada
HEAD COACH: Mike Fell (4th year, 28-10)
2008 RECORD: 12-1 overall, 8-0 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING STARTERS: Mitchell Faine, sr., 6-4, 205, QB; Heath Jackson, sr., 6-1, 175, WR/FS; Matt McBride, sr., 6-2, 205, WR/LB; Zach Gibson, sr., 6-2, 245, OT; Tyler Simmons, sr., 6-1, 190, DE: Alex Weber, jr., 6-0, 180, WR; Aaron Weyer, jr., 6-0, 200, MLB; Aaron Jenkins, jr., 6-1, 245; Tanner Craig, jr., 5-11, 185, DT; Robert Guyton, jr., 6-2, 245, DT.
POTENTIAL STARTERS: Robby Allen, sr., 5-10, 190, C; Konnor Baker, soph., 6-3, 180, WR/DB; Ty Joliff, jr., 5-11, 170; Steve Budwit, soph., 6-1, 215, OG.
NOTABLE: With a dozen seniors with three years of playoff experience under their belts the Bulldogs should be good, very good, this season. Quarterback Mitchell Faine and receiver Heath Jackson should both receive college offers from NCAA Division I schools.
Allen East
HEAD COACH: Cam Staley (2nd year, 2-8).
2008 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 2-6 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Levi Hoy, jr., 6-0, 200, TB/DE: Casey Rex, jr., 6-3, 210, LB; Grant Dues, 6-1, 165, QB; Bryan Hager, jr., 5-10, 180, LB/OL; Blake Truex, jr., 5-10, 165, WR/K; Dylan Kersker, jr., 5-9, 165, DB; Demetrius Williams, jr., 6-0, 260, OL/DL; Jacob Cook, sr., 5-9, 160, WR/DB; Sean Anderson, sr., 5-11, 165, WR/DB; Andrew Rettig, sr., 5-11, 175, WR/DB; Russell Goodwin, sr., 5-9, 215, FB/DL; Dylan Burley, sr., 6-0, 240, OL/DL; Caleb Lovejoy, sr., 6-0, 215, OL/DL.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jordan Conrad, sr., 6-0, WR; J.J. Hollar, sr., 5-11, WR; Evan Miller, soph., 5-11, LB; Levi Hoy, jr., 6-0; Casey Rex, jr., 6-3.
NOTABLE: The Mustangs should be stronger this season with Dues back at quarterback he has plenty of returning talent at the skill positions as weapons but the line could be a concern.
Spencerville
HEAD COACH: John Zerbe (1st year).
2008 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 3-5 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Tyler Deiterling, sr., 5-10, 150, QB/DB; Greg Beougher, sr., 5-3, 135, FL/LB; Jordan Elliot, sr., 5-7, 160, RB/LB; Levi Krouskop, jr., 6-2, 190, WB/LB; Lee Maberry, sr., 5-8, 155, FL/LB; Tyler Obringer, sr., 6-4, 285, OL/LB; Ben Krouskop, sr., 6-2, 215, OL/LB; Brad Wirth, sr., 6-1, 210, OL/DE; Alex Stanfield, sr., 5-11, 155, SE/DB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Daniel Binkley, soph., 6-0, 155, SE/DB; Keaton Vandemark, jr., 6-0, 165, OL/LB; Aaron Patterson, jr., 6-4, 165, OL/DL; Jonas Johnson, jr., 5-8, 160, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: Obringer has committed to play football at Ball State beginning next season. The Bearcats have a whopping 24 freshmen on their roster this season. Zerbe tabs Ada and Lima C.C. as the teams to beat in the NWC this season.
Columbus Grove
HEAD COACH: Scott Palte (5th year, 25-17).
2008 RECORD: 4-6 overall/4-4 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Luke Kohls, jr., 6-4, 190, SE/DE; Rayce Risser, sr., 5-11, 165, RB/DB; Jordan Travis, soph., 6-1, 180, QB/DB; Brock Graham, jr., 6-1, 170, SE/LB; Jacob Miller, jr., 5-10, 153, RB/DB; Colby Meuleman, jr., 6-3, 175, SE/DB; Taylor Walls, sr., 5-11, 160, RB/LB; Devin Verhoff, jr., 6-1, 175, RB/LB; Spencer Wolfe, jr., 5-11, 225, G/DT; Greg Martin, jr., 6-0, 225, T/DT; Evan Kile, sr., 6-3, 225, C/DT; Dylan Vogt, sr., 6-5, 230, T/DT.
TOP PROSPECTS: Garrick Schroeder, sr., 5-11, 150, SE/DB; Wade Heffner, soph., 6-3, 170, RB/DE; Tyler Wolfe, soph., 5-10, 150, RB/DB; Gavin Windau, soph., 6-0, 190, G/LB; Ryan Birkemeier, jr., 6-3, 180, C/DE; Josh Utrup, jr., 5-10, 185, G/DE; Trent Kerns, soph., 5-11, 165, RB/DB; Zach Barrientes, soph., 5-6, 140, RB/DB.
NOTABLE: With twelve returning letterwinners and a good group of seniors Columbus Grove will chasing the Northwest COnference title this season.
SUBURBAN LAKES LEAGUE
Gibsonburg
HEAD COACH: Matt Harp (4th year, 7-23).
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 4-3 Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Tyler Stahl, sr., 5-10, 150, WR/CB; Chris Black, sr., 5-10, 158, WR/SS; Jason Ackerman, sr., 6-0, 150, WR/FS; Avery Potridge, sr., 5-10, 170, RB/OLB; Justin Swartz, jr., 5-7, 140, RB/DL; Derek Fisher, jr., 5-10, 157, WR/FS; Nick Black, jr., 5-10, 170, RB/LB; Jordan Binder, sr., 6-0, 175, RB/OLB; Joey Morelock, sr., 5-10, 218, OL/LB; Jaime Mancha, jr., 5-5, 213, OL/DL; Mykel Jahna, sr., 5-11, 206, OL/DL.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jared Columber, soph., 6-2, 243 DT/TE; Vinnie Kirson, jr., 5-6, WR/CB; Brett Dickman, jr., 5-11, QB; Nick Schneider, jr., 6-1, TE; Tyler Hill, jr., 5-11, OL; Curtis Davies, soph., 5-11, LB/OL; Bobby Heath, soph., 6-0, OL; Cameron Salts, jr., 5-6, K; Andy Ritter, jr., 5-9, DB/WR.
NOTABLE: The Golden Bears have gotten back to respectability under Harp’s direction. Mancha, although just 5-footr-5, was a second team all-SLL pick as a defensive lineman last season for the Golden Bears.
Woodmore
HEAD COACH: Lou Bosh (12th year, 50-61)
2008 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 2-5 Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ben St. John, sr., 6-3, 282, OL/DL; Justin Garver, sr., 6-0, 162, WR/DB; Aaron Albright, sr., 6-2, 177, WR/OLB; Matt Travis, sr., 5-9, 162, RB/OLB; John Custer, sr., 6-0, 171, WR/OLB; DeVaughnte Askew, sr., 6-0, 160, WR/DB; Aaron Rollins, sr., 5-10, 165, OG/DL; Tyler Donnell, sr., 6-3, 192, WR/LB; Grant Weirich, jr., 6-1, 146, WR/DB; Bryan Kuhlman, jr., 5-11, 160, RB/LB; Pierce Fonseca, jr., 5-9, 185, RB/DB; Zak Avers, jr., 5-10, 180, OL/LB; Adam Trolio, sr., 5-11, 179, WR/OLB; Joey Brown, sr., 5-8, 170, OL/DL; Jon Sandwisch, so., 6-1, 175, QB/DB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jake Zollinger, jr., 5-8, 158, S/WR; Cameron Shirer, sr., 6-0, 192, OL/DL; Canny Munoz, fr., 6-0, 232, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: Woodmore lost five games by at least seventeen points a year ago. With 15 returning letterwinners, look for improvement from the Wildcats this season.
SANDUSKY BAY CONFERENCE
Sandusky St. Mary’s
HEAD COACH: Jason Ziegler (2nd season, 1-9).
2008 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 1-6 Sandusky Bay Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Chad Schlett, sr., , 6-2, 215, OL/DL; Jude Guerra, sr., 6-0, 140, LB; Jake Green, sr., 5-11, 170, RB/LB; Adam Ring, sr., 5-8, 155, WR/LB; Andrew Carruthers, jr., 5-10, 130, WR/DB; Garrett Kowalski, jr., 5-10, 155, WR/DB; Patrick Sennish, jr., 6-1, 200, WR/LB; Zeb Kromer, 6-1, 170, sr., WR/LB; Leo Samaritoni, jr., 6-1, 190, OL/LB; Kody Bellamy, soph., 5-11, 228, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: Ten lettermen return for SMCC, which is by far the smallest school in the Sandusky Bay Conference. Jake Green was a second team all-SBC pick at linebacker for the Panthers last season. St. Mary’s has 36 on its roster in 2009, with 23 players in the freshmen and sophomore classes.
Edison
HEAD COACH: Jim Hall (9th year, 42-39).
2008 RECORD: 7-3 overall, 4-3 Sandusky Bay Conference.
RETURNING STARTERS: Dylan Howard FB; Zach Yovanov, QB; Louie Arreche, SE: Kyle Cory, C/DT; Josh Gebelle OT; Bob Deehr, OG; Ryan Gorsuch, OG/DE; Brady Gelvin, HB; Eric Boyce, DT; Kyle Matula, LB; Travis Lombardi, LB; Ryan Tiurua, DB; Brandon Tomson, DB; Jon Suhanic K.
OTHER LETTERWINNERS: Kale Divers WR/LB; Tim Archer FB/LB; Tyler Chappelear OL/DL; Evan Lee HB/DB; Sam Osterling OL/DL.
NOTABLE: Edison should be competitive again with a solid nucleus of players returning on both sides of the football. Fullback Dylan Howard was a first team all-SBC and all-Northwest District selection last fall for the Chargers.
MIDLAND ATHLETIC LEAGUE
Tiffin Calvert
HEAD COACH: Jim Kubuske (1st year)
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 4-3 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brandon Ritzler, jr., 6-0, 170, TE/DB; Stephen Smith, soph., 5-8, 120, K; Spencer Kerr, sr., 5-11, 170, K; Adam Zahner, sr., 6-3, 175, WR/DB; Bo Poland, jr., 5-9, 145, WR/DB; Vinny Pardi, sr., 5-8, 152, QB/DB; Jeff Stover, sr., 5-7, 180, FB/LB; Derek Fry, jr., 5-9, 144, WR/DB; Tom Tran, sr., 5-6, 151, Fb/DE; Dillon Kwiat, sr., 5-11, 184, FB/LB; Jacob Brodman, sr., 5-10, 175, OG/TE; Chase Turner, sr., 5-8, 198, C/DT; Colin Behm, sr., 6-2, 202, OG/DE; Aaron Francis, sr., 6-0, 225, OT/DT; Rush Arbogast, sr., 6-2, 177, TE/LB.
NOTABLE: On top of Tiffin Calvert's fifteen returning letterwinners the Senecas also have two returning All-League players Vinny Pardi, Jeff Stover and one returning All-District honorable mention player Jeff Stover. Jim Kubuske is in his first year as head after several seasons as the head coach at Lake and has 44 players in grades 9-12.
Lakota
HEAD COACH: Jim Kelly (2nd year, 5-5).
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 4-3 Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: John Timmons, sr., 6-0, 180, QB; Jeremy Robbins, sr., 5-10, 210, RB/MLB; Ryan Zesing, sr., 6-1, 205, FB/OLB; Levi Peeler, sr., 6-2, 175, WR/DB; Jake Wiseman, sr., 6-2, 175, WR/DB; Jarett Smith, jr., 6-0, 255; Ryan Chaflin, jr., 6-3, 215, OT/DE; Clay Hoffman, sr., 6-0, 180, C/OLB; Roger Guerra, sr., 5-11, 175, WR/DB; Julian Magallanes, sr., 5-8, 170, WR/DB; James Reinhart, sr., 6-0, 180, OG/DE; Josh Robbins, sr., 5-11, 175, OG/DE.
TOP PROSPECTS: Luke Salyer, jr., 6-0, 215, OL; Nick McDale, soph., 6-3, 220, OL/DL; Josh Kelley, sr., 6-3, 190, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: With 11 senior letterwinners, Lakota will be looking to make a big splash in its first season playing in the Midland Athletic League. Timmons was a second team all-SLL selection at quarterback last season for the Raiders.
Hopewell-Loudon
HEAD COACH: Brian Colatruglio (Fifth year, 74-19)
2008 RECORD: 14-1 overall, 7-0 Midland Athletic Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Miles Chapman, sr., 6-1, 180, WR/OLB; Matt Brickner, sr., 6-0, 185, WR/OLB; Aric Hoover, sr., 5-10, 240, OL/DL; Hudson Smith, sr., 6-1, 195, OL/LB; Aaron Kapelka, sr., 5-8, 190, RB/DE; Grant Hess, sr., 5-10, 200, OL/DL; Jaren Wickham, sr., 5-9, 160, WR/DB; Zeppelin Schindorf, jr., 5-6, 150, WR/DB; Eric Depinet, so., 5-11, 200, OL/LB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Ethan Fuller, sr., 6-0, QB; Brandon Burns, sr., 5-10, WR/DB; Luke Swartzmiller, sr., 5-9, OL/DL; Cody Feathers, sr., 5-10, OL/DL; Cody Ickes, jr., 5-10, RB/OLB; Logan Sendelbach, so., 5-10, WR/DB; Tyler Tyree, so., 6-1, QB.
NOTABLE: Hopewell-Loudon loses several key starters off of last years team, but the two-time defending state runner-up will look to reload in 2009. Hudson Smith, who was named as the top defensive player in Division VI last season, will look to lead Hopewell-Loudon defensively. Aaron Kapelka, a first team running back, figures to carry a large portion of the load offensively while the Chieftains break in a new quarterback.
North Baltimore
HEAD COACH: Chip Hollenback (3rd year, 3-17)
2008 RECORD: 2-8 overall/0-7 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Mitch Archer, Jr., 6-2, 155, WR/DB; CJ Boggs, Soph., 6-0, 200, OL/DL; Chris Casey, Sr., 6-2, 170, WR/DB; Jacob Casey, Sr., 6-1, 160, WR/DB; Chase Cohen, Jr., 6-0, 210, OL/DL; Clinton Ebright, Jr., 5-8, 150, QB/DB; Parker Emahiser, Jr., 6-0, 160, WR/DE; Evan Krotzer, Jr., 6-0, 290, OL/DL; Cody Pelton, Sr., 5-7, 150, QB/DB; Brandon Rister, Sr., 6-0, 200, OL/LB; Michael South, Jr., 5-9, 160, RB/LB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Peter Euler, Sr., 6-2, DE; Jeremy Grant, Sr., 5-11, WR; Dalton Ishmael, Fr., 6-2, LB; Jonathon Long, Soph., 5-9, RB; Treg Rensch, Sr., 5-8, WR; Jady Snyder, Fr., 6-2, OL; Joel Swartz, Fr., 5-8, DL.
NOTABLE: The Tigers will be returning second team MAL LB Brandon Rister and Honorable Mention MAL DB Chris Casey who will be helping the tigers improve and build from last season.
BLANCHARD VALLEY CONFERENCE
Liberty-Benton
HEAD COACH: Tim Nichols (3rd year, 26-2)
2008 RECORD: 14-1 overall/9-0 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brett Pasche, Sr., 6-2, 205, QB/LB; Shawn Linhart, Sr., 6-2, 200, OL/DE; Wade Russell, Sr., 5-10, 170, RB/DB; Kaleb Evans, Sr., 6-2, 190, OL/DE; Josh Mason, Sr., 6-0, 215, OL/DL; Jordan Barton, Sr., 6-1, 210, OL/DL; John Bell, Sr., 5-10, 155, WR/DB; Zac Cramer, Jr., 5-8, 150, WR/DB; Seth Davis, Jr., 6-0, 175, WR/DB; Jacob Patterson, Jr., 6-1, 250, OL/DL; Eric Stanton, Jr., 6-2, 185, WR/LB; Dakota Conkle, Soph., 6-1, 160, WR/DB; Jed Miller, Soph., 5-9, 180, RB/LB; Brady Vaught, Soph., 5-9, 160, RB/DB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Cody Switzer, Sr., 6-0, 205, OL/DT; Alex Torres, Sr., 6-4, 285, OL; Brandon Williams, Sr., 5-8, 165, DE; Dillon Chiow, Jr., 5-9, 170, LB; Hunter Rosenberger, Jr., 5-8, 150, WR/DB; Clayton Zaslavsky, Jr., 5-10, 185, OL/DL; Nathan Terhark, Soph., 6-1, 225, OL/DL; Saige Alafa, Jr., 5-11, 230, OL/DL.
NOTABLE: The defending Blanchard Valley Conference champions should be tough this season with fourteen returning letterwinners and eight top prospects don't be suprised for another solid season.
Arlington
HEAD COACH: Dick Leonard (2nd year, 7-4).
2008 RECORD: 7-4 overall/6-3 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Matt Morehart, sr., 5-10, 174, RB/DB; Zane Leonard, sr., 6-2, 178, QB/DB; Justin Bruley, sr., 6-2, 192, OT/DE; Joe Beagle, sr., 6-1, 188, OT/N; Dan Drake, sr., 6-0, 232, C/DT; Cory Glick, sr., 6-0, 190, RB/DB; Brent Williams, sr., 6-0, 165, SE/DB; Cam Brown, jr., 6-0, 190, RB/LB; Cody Glick, jr., 5-11, 216, G/DT; Levi Fennell, sr., 5-9, 156, K.
TOP PROSPECTS: John Inninger, jr., 6-0, 165, SE/DB; Thayne Recker, soph., 6-4, 200, TE/DE; Jake Leonard, soph., 6-0, 177, RB/LB; Trever Gast, sr., 6-0, 207, G/DE.
NOTABLE: Arlington will be returning first team northwest ohio Matt Morehart and Cam Brown this season. With ten returning letterwinners the Red Devils should be a very competitive team this season.
Arcadia
HEAD COACH: Paul Shoemaker (1st year).
2008 RECORD: 1-9 overall/1-8 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Clay Baker, sr., 6-3, 230, OL/DL; Jordan Duncan, sr., 6-4, 200, QB/S; Dylan True, sr., 5-11, 170, RB/LB; Jake Metzger, sr., 5-11, 180, WR/DB; Chris Moses, jr., 6-2, 245, OL/DL; Nick Spridgeon, jr., 5-10, 195, OL/DL; Zack Bame, jr., 5-10, 215, OL/LB; Cole Stuby, jr., 6-1, 190, OL/DL; Garrett Schling, soph., 5-11, 210, OL/LB; Johnston Baird, soph., 5-10, 185, OL/LB; Trevor Colman, soph., 6-0, 180, RB/S.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jarod Corbin, sr., 6-4, OL/DL; Anthony Elchert, sr., 5-9, NR/DB; Julian Pina, sr., 6-3, TE/LB; Dirk Breidenbach, soph., 6-2, OL/DL; Lane Mellott, soph., 5-8, RB/DB; Lucas Whitta, soph., 5-9, RB/LB.
NOTABLE: With a new coach Arcadia will be hungry to get out there and get that first win. The Redskins are returning eleven letterwinners this season and will have alot of leadership.
Vanlue
HEAD COACH: Robin Cooper (1st year).
2008 RECORD: 0-10 overall, 0-9 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Taylor Chiow, sr., 5-9, 145, WR/CB; Austin Cook, jr., 5-10, 183, RB/LB; Andrew Hendricks, sr., 5-8, 148, WR/LB; Dillon Kliesch, jr., 6-3, 242, QB/DL; Jonathon Kloepfer, soph., 6-4, 190, WR/LB; Jeremy Javersak, soph., 5-10, 138, WR/CB; Caleb Clark, soph., 5-8, 145, OL/DL; Jordan Wisner, soph., 5-7, 148, WR/LB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Levi Benson, soph., 5-8, 190, OL/DL; Lee Summers, fr., 5-5, 190, OL/DL; Dylan Watson, 5-10, 180, OL/DL
NOTABLE: The Wildcats will start preseason camp with just 15 players on the roster. Cooper is hoping to pick up a few more players as practice gets underway.
Pandora-Gilboa
HEAD COACH: Carey Arthur (4th season, 21-12)
2008 RECORD: 10-2 overall/9-1 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Josh Lee, Sr., 6-5, 213, WR/DE; Troy Stevenson, Jr., 5-8, 156, WR/CB; Seth Swary, Sr., 6-0, 172, WR/SS; Tom Hochstettler, Sr., 6-2, 174, WR/CB; Kyle Hall, Sr., 6-2, 184, WR/LB; Nathan Lee, Sr., 5-8, 168, RB/LB; DJ Geiger, Jr., 5-6, 161, RB/DT; Derek Morrison, Sr., 5-9, 181, WR/CB; Seth Rosselit, Sr., 5-8, 165, C/DT; Tejay Boes, Jr., 6-4, 264, T/DE; Justin Schutz, Jr., 6-1, 182, C/LB; Jacob Sigler, Sr., 6-0, 287, T/DT.
TOP PROSPECTS: Josh Breece, Soph., 6-2, 196, QB; Tyler Fenstermaker, Jr., 6-0, 151, DS/WR; Silas Augsburger, Sr., 6-0, 163, OG/DT; Clay Miller, Sr., 5-11, 165, OG/DT; Kurt Mullins, Sr., 6-5, 209, OG/T/DE; Adam Klinger, Jr., 5-11, 206, OL/DL; Andrew Klinger, Jr., 5-11, 206, OL/DL; Lucis Ladden, Soph, 5-9, 198, OG/DT.
NOTABLE: After losing 6 letterwinners and returning twelve the Rockets are on the road to another winning season. With experience on their side they should do well and have another great year.
NORTHWEST CENTRAL CONFERENCE
Lima Perry
HEAD COACH: Dale Adams (1st year).
2008 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 3-4 Northwest Central Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: John Turner, sr., 5-11, 175, RB/DE; Alex Howell, sr., 6-4, 320, OT; Shawn Deal, sr., 6-0, 195, LB; Beau Blake, sr., 6-2, 245, RB; Cameron Walker, sr., 5-7, 160, WR; Tyler Cornwell, jr., 5-9, 145, QB/DB; Tanner Hunt, jr., 5-10, 170, LB/RB; Dazmond Johnson, jr., 6-0, 195, LB/QB; Lowell Schlatman, jr., 5-10, 250, OL; Mick Bowman, jr., 5-11, 201, LB; Shaquille Douglas, soph., 6-0, 200, LB; Travis Deal, fr., 5-8, 135, DB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Trevor Wallace, jr., QB/DB; Demonte Harris, soph., DB/WR; Quis Woods, fr., DB/WR/RB; Brandon Yoast, fr., WR/DB; Seth Ewing, fr., QB/TE; Anthony Bankston, jr., QB/WR; Andrew Gibson, fr., OL/DL.
NOTABLE: With size and some experience returning the Commodores could be primed to post a winning season in 2009 in Adams’ first season as head coach.
TOLEDO CITY LEAGUE
Toledo St. Francis
HEAD COACH: Dick Cromwell (25th year, 197-78-1).
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall/4-3 Toledo City League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Pat Dyer, sr., 6-1, 182, K; Tyler Johnston, sr., 6-2, 202, QB/S; RJ Rias, sr., 6-1, 212, LB; Alex Kenzie, sr., 5-11, 245, NT; Danny Yodzis, jr., 6-3, 198, QB/FS; Scott Loy, sr., 6-2, 188, CB; John Metzger, sr., 5-9, 204, FB/D.
NOTABLE: St. Francis will be young and inexperienced on the offensive line this season. The kids need to mature and stay strong and healthy to help the team to a good learning season.
NORTHERN LAKES LEAGUE
Maumee
HEAD COACH: John Boles (12th year, 56-55).
2008 RECORD: 8-2 overall, 5-2 Northern Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jake Goatley, sr., 5-9, 165, QB; Damon Contat, sr., 6-2, 210, RB/OLB; Chris Rogge, sr., 5-11, 200, C/LB; Drew Cleghorn, sr., 5-8, 200, G/NG; Eric Long, jr., 5-11, 180, RB/OLB; Evan Karchner, soph., 5-11, 210, G/LB; Tom Berman, sr., 6-0, 245, OG/LB; Anthony Chambers, sr., 6-1, 190, RB/LB.
NOTABLE: “We have some experience back on both sides of the ball. Avoiding injuries until back ups improve will be important as we must be able to build depth and be able to get some players off the field,” wrote Boles.
Bowling Green
HEAD COACH: Jeffrey Cullen (7th year, 24-36)
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 4-3 Northern Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Bodie Bankey, jr., 6-4, 200, OL/DL; Derek Batt, jr., 6-0, 200, WR/RB/LB; Greg Dotts, sr., 5-8, 170, OL/DL; Jacob Fischer, sr., 6-4, 290, OL/DL; Naz Ludwig, sr., 6-0, 160, WR/DB; Nick Miller, sr., 5-10, 170, QB/DB; Brady Munger, sr., 6-0, 230, OL/DL; Jonathan Stoner, sr., 6-2, 175, WR/DB; Codey Tyda, sr., 6-0, 205, OL/DL; Corey Tyda, sr., 5-10, 220, Ol/DL; Jake Wisniewski, sr., 5-10, 185, RB/LB; Matt Zirkes, 5-7, 140, K.
NOTABLE: Jonathan Stoner and Corey Tyda each return after earning NLL Second Team honors last season at receiver and offensive line respectively. Bowling Green lost two games by three points last year, if the Bobcats can win the close ones the record should improve in 2009.
OHIO CARDINAL CONFERENCE
Mansfield Senior
HEAD COACH: Jami Masi (2nd year, 2-8)
2008 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 1-6 Ohio Cardinal Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jemarcus O’Neal, sr., 6-11, 185, DB/WR; Terrell Dorsey, soph., 6-0, 22, RB/DE: Ian Pingitore, sr., 6-2, 200, RB/LB; Torry Bradshaw, jr., 5-10, 195, LB; Aaron Gladney, sr., 5-10, 220, LB; Mitch Tridico, jr., 5-10, 150, WR/DB; Joni Bessick, jr., 6-2, 170, WR; Stacee Brooks, sr., 6-6, 180, WR; Jacob Sapion, jr., 6-0, 160, WR/DB; Travis Garn, sr., 6-0, 200, OL/DL; R.D. Deloach, jr., 6-2, 230, OL/DL; Jalous Gray, jr., 6-0, 235, OL/DL; Duron Taylor, jr., 5-10, 175, RB/LB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Terrance Deener, jr., 5-10, 165, QB; Tylan Mitchell, soph., 5-9, 175, DB; Travis Coffee, jr., 6-1, 215, OL; Xavier Fields, jr., 6-2, 235, OL/DL; Daniel Dumas, fr., 6-3, 250, OL; Javonte Feagin, jr., 6-1, 195, TE; Phil Graves, jr., 6-3, 200, DE.
NOTABLE: The Tygers are looking for a big rebound in 2009. Pingitore, Supron and Dorsey are all returning all-conference players for Mansfield Senior this season.
NORTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
Buckeye Central
HEAD COACH: Jason Ratliff (2nd year, 5-5)
2008 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 3-4 North Central Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Josh Wurm, jr., 6-4, 240 OT/DE; Swayzee Hood, sr., 5-10, 150, WR/DB; Alex Finney, jr., 5-11, 180, QB/LB; Sam Shafer, jr., 6-2, 175, WR/DB; Kasey Schultz, sr., 6-0, 230, OL/DL; Aric Fishbaugh, sr., 6-1, 225, OL/DL; Travis Cole, sr., 5-10, 160, RB/LB; Eric Stockmaster, sr., 5-10, 160, WR/DB; Josh Stockmaster, sr., 6-2, 195, RB/LB; Bryce Collins, so., 6-0, 260, OL/DL; Tyler Erwin, so., 6-2, 175, QB/DB; Auston Hood, jr., 6-0, 175, RB/LB; Justin Herrnstein, so., 6-1, 155; WR/DB.
TOP PROSPECTS: Adam Paynter, so., 5-8, 150, OLB/WR/RB; Jordan Wright, so., 5-10, 215, OL/DL; Thomas Kaple, so., 5-10, 150, WR/LB.
NOTABLE: Buckeye Central ended last season on a sour note losing four of its last five games. However, the Bucks return 13 letterwinners and will look to move up on the NCC totem pole.
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