After starting last year as No. 2 in the Preseason Power Poll, Winton Woods stormed through the playoffs en route to the Division II state championship. This year the Warriors debut at No. 1 - or do they? Despite its loss in last year's final, Maple Heights also makes an argument for the top spot. Does anyone else have a case?
DIVISION II PRESEASON JJHUDDLE POWER POLL
1. Winton Woods
The Warriors have to replace a lot – including their head coach and quarterback – but their ranking here speaks volumes about what they have coming back.
Opener: 8/27 @ Elder
2. Maple Heights
The Mustangs surprised some people last year. This year they’ll simply entertain - and torch - them.
Opener: 8/27 @ Nordonia
3. Mentor Lake Catholic
The Cougars mad a run to the state
semifinals last year. Will they do it again? The pieces are there.
Opener:
8/27 vs St. Ignatius
4. Trotwood-Madison
The Rams might have the most potent
offense in Ohio. That still has to be seen, but their talent is laughable.
Opener:
8/27 at Mason
5. Brookhaven
The Bearcats made the regional final last year
after dropping down from D-I. This year they could go farther.
Opener:
8/27 vs Marion-Franklin
6. Avon
Some might scratch their head at the Eagles being here, but they return 17 starters and were 12-1 two years ago.
Opener: 8/27 @ Avon Lake
7. Turpin
The Spartans return six three-year starters, a 1,000-yard rusher and a verteran quarterback.
Opener: 8/26 vs Loveland
8. Toledo Central Catholic
Good luck trying to stop the Irish from running the ball. Size and skill are in abundance at TCC.
Opener: 8/27 vs Bowling Green
9. Warren Howland
The Tigers have a solid offensive front, a stellar running back and the “best defensive lineman” head coach Dick Angle has coached. The only question is who starts at QB.
Opener: 8/26 @ Lakeside
10. Toledo St. Francis
The Knights have a lot to live up to in their first year without longtime head coach Dick Cromwell. How the Knights young defense responds is the key.
Opener: 8/27 vs Sylvania Southview
DIVISION I POWER POLL
