[eagletradition172]

Who will be the contenders and who will be the pretenders?This region was represented very well last year by Springfield Shawnee who were runner-up to Cardinal Mooney and will probably have enough returning to make play-offs again.Alter,with Malik at QB and several other D-I prospects should be the favorite in this region.I think that Wyoming,Jackson,J.Alder and Eaton are all going to be in contention,IMO.:

[QBall]

Alter has a lot to fill on the defensive side of the ball - I think that will be the weak link in the chain and determine their season.

You forgot Colonel White... I mean Thurgood Marshall.

[tomindayton]

D-III Region 12 is going to be a gauntlet to get out of again this year.

I concur, Qball, at least with Colonel White/Thurgood Marshall. I'm pretty sure their QB was just a freshman last year and he ran that offense like a seasoned veteran.

As far as the Alter D is concerned, my contention is that Coach Alig will have plenty of talent on the field filling any holes. McAfee, Manfreda, Breyer, Hart, come to mind as a solid core with a decent amount of experience. As in years past, the players on D will step up now that it is their time to shine.

Don't be surprised to see some of the guys we've traditionally seen on O crossing over to play on D. I could easily see Vandergriff at nose and possibly Vannatta or Patterson getting reps at DB.

[eagletradition172]

Originally Posted by QBall

Alter has a lot to fill on the defensive side of the ball - I think that will be the weak link in the chain and determine their season.

You forgot Colonel White... I mean Thurgood Marshall.

Didn't really forget anyone, I am not up to speed on a lot of programs. I was really just fishing for info from everyone on their teams and what everyone is expecting this year.ONLY 6 weeks until 1st scrimmage!!

[QBall]

Originally Posted by tomindayton

D-III Region 12 is going to be a gauntlet to get out of again this year.

I concur, Qball, at least with Colonel White/Thurgood Marshall. I'm pretty sure their QB was just a freshman last year and he ran that offense like a seasoned veteran.

As far as the Alter D is concerned, my contention is that Coach Alig will have plenty of talent on the field filling any holes. McAfee, Manfreda, Breyer, Hart, come to mind as a solid core with a decent amount of experience. As in years past, the players on D will step up now that it is their time to shine.

Don't be surprised to see some of the guys we've traditionally seen on O crossing over to play on D. I could easily see Vandergriff at nose and possibly Vannatta or Patterson getting reps at DB.

You'll have to go to Beavercreek to see McAfee play - another private kid recruited by the publics!

Vandergriff played nose last year and I doubt the second string QB and starting WR will get reps on defense.

Not sure what TM lost, other than a RB or two, but I think they have a system there and with decent athletes can repeat or exceed last years success.

[ex_dc_atc]

I would expect Alter to be in the mix as one of the best teams in this region. I would also expect many of the usual suspects such as Jackson, Eaton, etc. This region very well may not produce a wealth of powerful teams but more of a group of very solid teams. Alter could be the one team that I see doing damamge on a state level if things fall right.

[neers32]

Jonathan Alder have a great case for the good, the bad and the ugly in 2012.
The good: returning their top playmakers on each side of the ball at RB and FS and many who saw significant time last year.
The bad: losing one of the strongest senior classes to go through the program, 15 varsity players in all.
The ugly: a depleted defensive roster, questionable leadership coming up.

With only 9 games on the schedule, Alder may only be able to afford 1 loss to get into the playoffs for the 11th season in a row. I know the coaches will have the right plans in place, but there will be a lot of new faces on the varsity squad.

[K_n_i_g_h_t_s]

I think Alter looks pretty tough this year. Very hard hitting team. The speed is still there with the changes being the kids are bigger and stronger than last year. Obviously we will have to see how a new core gels but I think this year, wins will be more decisive. Only time will tell!

Keep an eye on game two 2 against a tough State Semi-Finalist opponent in Guerin Catholic out of Indiana.

[QBall]

I can't speak to all of R12, but I think Alter will once again suffer from lack of size in the trenches, especially on the D side of the line. I know they have overcome trench size in the past with athleticism, but I don't see that happening this year. Further, D3 is a bit different than D4 in terms of size, and just don't see Alter competing at the highest levels in D3 this year. I like their chances in the future where I think they will again find themselves in D4.

They will have 2 new starters at RB (FB returns) and 4 new starters at DB. They really don't have a single returning starter on thet D line and will have two new LBers as well.

If Alter does well in R12, and beyond, I think the coaching staff should get major kudos.

As my pre-season favorite in R12, I am going with Thurgood Marshall. They have one heck of an offense/system and if they could successfully throw 5-8 times a game, watch out. I believe they return their QB (can't believe this, but think he was a freshman last year) who ran than offensive with precision. Not sure of the RB situation, but I think any decent athlete could excel in that scheme assuming the o-line is competent.

With all that said, Go Knights!

[izaire]

Originally Posted by QBall

I can't speak to all of R12, but I think Alter will once again suffer from lack of size in the trenches, especially on the D side of the line. I know they have overcome trench size in the past with athleticism, but I don't see that happening this year. Further, D3 is a bit different than D4 in terms of size, and just don't see Alter competing at the highest levels in D3 this year. I like their chances in the future where I think they will again find themselves in D4.

They will have 2 new starters at RB (FB returns) and 4 new starters at DB. They really don't have a single returning starter on thet D line and will have two new LBers as well.

If Alter does well in R12, and beyond, I think the coaching staff should get major kudos.

As my pre-season favorite in R12, I am going with Thurgood Marshall. They have one heck of an offense/system and if they could successfully throw 5-8 times a game, watch out. I believe they return their QB (can't believe this, but think he was a freshman last year) who ran than offensive with precision. Not sure of the RB situation, but I think any decent athlete could excel in that scheme assuming the o-line is competent.

With all that said, Go Knights!

The size of both offensive and defensive line wont be an issue because they will be well coached on technique and will be much better than you think. The offense will be a lot better than last year for those juniors who over achieved will be skilled and primed to to it to another level and dominate. As for thurgood Marshall not a problem they will be good but not great because teams will know how to defend there one dimenional offence.

[QBall]

^ I do like Alter's chances this year against TM, if they end up meeting. Alter has seen that offense now so expect they would be better prepared. I did hear some Alter kids talking after the game that there was no way their scout offense could simulate TM's offense in the week leading up to the game. I also think Alter will be much better passing the ball this year, which will further aid an already potent running game.

And agree, that Alder schedule looks brutal.

[eagletradition172]

I know that Eaton will be opening with Greenville at home and they are D-II.I don't know anything about them,but I did see that they won 5 of their last 6 games and I feel they will be very motivated against D-III Eaton.If Eaton gets a win here I think they will get some Harbin pts. Are there any Greenville followers that could give us a scouting report on the Wave?

[ex_dc_atc]

I agree that Alter will have another fantastic team but they do replace some key components of their team. Replacing the DL and DB's will be tough to do. I would expect the Knights to have two solid RB's but that's also not a given to replace them easily. I still see the Knights at the top of the Region but they'll get better as the season goes on and guys grow up.

JA is a team that I expect to be of playoff caliber but their schedule is unreal this year. They could take up to 4 losses against strong teams and that almost certainly won't get them in the playoffs. Getting those first two wins over DI opponents will be critical.

[K_n_i_g_h_t_s]

Originally Posted by izaire

The size of both offensive and defensive line wont be an issue because they will be well coached on technique and will be much better than you think. The offense will be a lot better than last year for those juniors who over achieved will be skilled and primed to to it to another level and dominate. As for thurgood Marshall not a problem they will be good but not great because teams will know how to defend there one dimenional offence.

The Alter team still needs to lock in a few spots. The coaching staff is able to select from a strong group this year.

As for Thurgood Marshall you have to give them all the credit in the world for upsetting the favorite. Alter was a favorite for a reason and is again for the same reason. It's unfortunate that the plan to play them in the regular season could not be worked out but if Alter and Thurgood end up in the playoff picture I recommend marking your calendar. Alter will be looking to remove a year of bad taste. It's hard enough to get a win from Alter but for a team to hang 35, I don't think so. Alter will come ready if that match up is repeated!

Good Luck to everyone this season!

[QBall]

Alter plays TM in 2013, replacing Napoleon in week 3.

[ex_dc_atc]

Without me having to dig, can anyone tell me Alter's nonleague games this season?

[QBall]

Here is R12, and their order of finish last year.

I can't speak to many schools, but suspect Taft won't be a top 8 team. I wonder when Carroll will get their program back on track. Alder has a brutal schedule but if any R12 team can get through it they can. I wonder about Athens, Logan and Jackson. I would like to see two Dayton city schools make the playoffs, that is Dunbar in addition to TM. Eaton has been there before, what about this year? And my Alter goes 10-0 last year and only ranks 5th in the region: can they afford a single loss this year with the GCLN being rather weak. I think their week 2 and 3 opponents will help, but even Napoleon only went 6-4 last year (but they did make the playoffs).

Shawnee
Athens
Jonathan Alder
Thurgood Marshall
Archbishop Alter
Logan Elm
Jackson
Taft
Kenton Ridge
New Richmond
Indian Hill
Eaton
Gallia Academy
Dunbar
Wyoming
Washington
Carroll
Miami Trace
London
Goshen
Lemon-Monroe
Meadowdale
Archbishop McNicholas
Circleville
Hillsboro
Vinton County
McClain
Aiken
Fairfield Union
Oakwood

[peaceful]

Originally Posted by ex_dc_atc

Without me having to dig, can anyone tell me Alter's nonleague games this season?

Alter plays Fairmont game 1, An Indianapolis team - Guerin Catholic - game 2, Napoleon - game 3. Then into the GCL games. I think game 2 will be one of the best.

I also think that CJ is going to be really strong this year for the GCLN - they have several division one college bound players.

Go Knights!!!

[eagletradition172]

Originally Posted by QBall

Here is R12, and their order of finish last year.
My rankings for 2012 I can't speak to many schools, but suspect Taft won't be a top 8 team. I wonder when Carroll will get their program back on track. Alder has a brutal schedule but if any R12 team can get through it they can. I wonder about Athens, Logan and Jackson. I would like to see two Dayton city schools make the playoffs, that is Dunbar in addition to TM. Eaton has been there before, what about this year? And my Alter goes 10-0 last year and only ranks 5th in the region: can they afford a single loss this year with the GCLN being rather weak. I think their week 2 and 3 opponents will help, but even Napoleon only went 6-4 last year (but they did make the playoffs).

Shawnee
Athens
Jonathan Alder
Thurgood Marshall
Archbishop Alter
Logan Elm
Jackson
Taft
Kenton Ridge
New Richmond
Indian Hill
Eaton
Gallia Academy
Dunbar
Wyoming
Washington
Carroll
Miami Trace
London
Goshen
Lemon-Monroe
Meadowdale
Archbishop McNicholas
Circleville
Hillsboro
Vinton County
McClain
Aiken
Fairfield Union
Oakwood

My rankings for 2012.1.Alter 2.S.Shawnee 3.Wyoming 4.Eaton 5.Thurgood 6.Jackson 7.Dunbar 8. Logan Elm ...Good Luck to All!! Go Eaton Eagles!!!

[ex_dc_atc]

Originally Posted by QBall

Here is R12, and their order of finish last year.

I can't speak to many schools, but suspect Taft won't be a top 8 team. I wonder when Carroll will get their program back on track. Alder has a brutal schedule but if any R12 team can get through it they can. I wonder about Athens, Logan and Jackson. I would like to see two Dayton city schools make the playoffs, that is Dunbar in addition to TM. Eaton has been there before, what about this year? And my Alter goes 10-0 last year and only ranks 5th in the region: can they afford a single loss this year with the GCLN being rather weak. I think their week 2 and 3 opponents will help, but even Napoleon only went 6-4 last year (but they did make the playoffs).

Shawnee
Athens
Jonathan Alder
Thurgood Marshall
Archbishop Alter
Logan Elm
Jackson
Taft
Kenton Ridge
New Richmond
Indian Hill
Eaton
Gallia Academy
Dunbar
Wyoming
Washington
Carroll
Miami Trace
London
Goshen
Lemon-Monroe
Meadowdale
Archbishop McNicholas
Circleville
Hillsboro
Vinton County
McClain
Aiken
Fairfield Union
Oakwood

I think similar to you when you wonder when Carroll gets it's program back on track. They should be a playoff regular in DIII. JA and also TM have very difficult schedules this year. I notice TM seems to have beefed up their nonconference with games against CJ, Eastmoor Academy, Winton Woods, and Jonathan Alder. This could be one of those years where JA and TM are both Top 3 in talent but miss the playoffs due to difficult schedules. R12 is also difficult to gauge with the teams further away such as Jackson, Athens, Logan, Circleville, etc. I'm fairly unfamiliar with them as a whole. The SWBL teams I continue to feel will be down. Eaton is the one team with a shot to get into the playoffs but I wouldn't expect much from Monroe or Oakwood. Teams with playoff tradition would be Indian Hill, Wyoming, and even McNich.

I would go as far to say I expect these teams to make the Top 8 for sure:

1. Alter
2. Shawnee

The rest is a crap shoot.