Region 17 Overview: Can anyone challenge Ursuline for the regional crown?
Youngstown Ursuline has dominated Region 17 and Division V for the last three years. The Irish have made three straight trips to the state final and have won the last two state championships. Who – if anyone – from this region can stop them from making it four regional titles in a row? Cuyahoga Heights? Trinity? Someone else? REGION 17 (DIVISION V) TEAMS TO WATCH “Last year was a season of learning, youth, firsts, and growth,” second year head coach Joe Harbour said. Expectations are higher this year as 15 starters return (eight on defense, seven on offense) with a year under their belt in Harbour’s system. “If we can build a solid line, mature, and utilize the experience a lot of our returners got last year as young players, we could be poised for a very successful season,” Harbour said. “I think we’ll be able to move the ball on the ground,” head coach Al Martin said. “The question is we graduated a three-year starter at quarterback and how we come around (at that position) will make a big impact on how much success we have.” “It will be a very big challenge for us to repeat, but I will say that our skill kids are pretty good and our speed isn’t bad,” head coach Ed Schaefer said. “The problem will be up front where we lost the most (nine starters).” Trinity faces a rugged schedule, but the team could be up for the challenge. Said Schaefer: “The one thing I’ve learned at Trinity is that our players work very hard and take a lot of pride in playing here.” “A solid ‘blue collar’ offseason has proven that this team is hungry,” Jackson said. “The return of the entire backfield including Mancino will be an asset. The defense will be young but will maintain its aggressive style of play.” Don’t bet against it. Ursuline will once again be tough for opponents to handle, featuring two first-team All-Ohioans in Teague and Conlan. Teague has offers from Ohio, Bowling Green and Youngstown State. Conlan is the first junior in program history to earn the team’s top lineman award (Mike Miklos Award). As always, a rugged schedule awaits led by fellow powerhouses Youngstown Mooney, Steubenville and Mentor Lake Catholic. Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (5-5): VA-SJ fought through a rugged schedule to become a playoff contender. Become this school's Quarterspondent Columbiana Crestview (10-2): The beat goes on for this rock solid program, making another playoff appearance and winning their first round game over East Palestine. East Palestine (7-4): The Bulldogs showed well in 2009, making a playoff appearance and falling just short to conference rival Crestview. Become this school's Quarterspondent Gates Mills Hawken (9-3): The Hawks had a strong season in 2009, advancing to the postseason and winning their first-round game against Independence. Become this school's Quarterspondent Kirtland (7-3): After a super showing in 2008, the Hornets fell short of the postseason in 2009. Senior QB Pat Guhde was second-team All-Ohio last season. Junior RB Christian Huber (first team all-district) is a perfect compliment. Become this school's Quarterspondent Mineral Ridge (6-4): The Rams narrowly missed the playoffs in 2009. Become this school's Quarterspondent North Lima South Range (2-8): Perennial powerhouse South Range had an uncharacteristic season in 2009 but was competitive against some of their tougher opponents. West Salem Northwestern (5-5): The Huskies had a young team last year and fought through inconsistency but finished the season strong with wins over two playoff teams. This year’s team faces a tough schedule but is more experienced, returning seven starters on each side of the ball. Senior K Kurt Schaefer was second team All-Ohio. Become
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