Division VI Football Overview: Can anyone stop the MAC?

The Clippers have made the playoffs four straight years and five of the last six. Columbiana was a regional finalist in 2005 and 2006. This is the Clippers first year in Region 23 after having their prior success in Region 21.

If size equals state titles, you might pencil Columbiana in for a late season run.

Head coach Bob Spaite (102-49 in 15 years at Columbiana) said his offensive line is a strength and the numbers back it up. The five returning starters (OL/DL Matt Douglass, OL Josh Batcha, OL/LB Mike McMaster, OL/DL Rex Smith and TE/LB Ken Shea) average 6-2, 253.

The line will have to be good early as an inexperienced backfield takes formation. The Clippers must replace RB Brian Warchol who finished as the second leading rusher in school history.

Defensively the Clippers return six starters, including three of four starting defensive linemen and all of their OLBs. Breaking in new corners is a concern. Grant Crider is back at free safety after earning first team Inter Tri-County League honors last year.

A hefty schedule, and one Spaite calls “the toughest in the 93 years of Clipper football,” awaits.

“We open with a tough, physical perennial D-VI power in Steubenville Catholic Central,” Spaite said. “Next is Leetonia, our oldest rival and always one of the best teams in the area. Then we finish our non-league schedule with one of Youngstown’s tough guy’s and one of the great traditional football powers in the area, Struthers.

With two years left Dyla has a chance to wrap his career as the Tomcats top running back ever. Last year Dyla became the first sophomore in program history (which dates back to 1919) to earn All-Ohio honors when he was named first team. He also became the first sophomore to be named Southeast District Offensive Player of the Year (and was the Tri-Valley Conference POY).

Dyla shattered the Trimble sophomore rushing record (which was previously 574 yards) by gaining 1,276 yards (the fourth highest single-season tally in history) and also set the sophomore touchdown record at 18 (which is the third highest single-season total ever). Needless to say, opponents will be keying on Dyla this season.

That’s O.K. though because the Tomcats are not a one-man show.

Since 2001, Trimble has won 66 games and been to the postseason four times.

Head coach Phil Faires enters his 14^th season at the school as the program’s all-time leader in wins (105-51). Under Faires’ guidance, the Tomcats have also won eight of their 14 league titles.

The Pilots made a historical march to the regional final last year and would like to do it again. In QB Dylan Potts, they have another first – as in the first football player in school history to earn a Division I scholarship. Potts, who has a 22-4 career record at QB, is headed to Akron.

Defensively the Pilots gave up just eight points per game last year. The loss of standout OL/DL D.J. Duke, a two-time first team All-Ohioan and the state record holder in the shot put (D-III), is a concern.

Junior kicker Tanner Wright could be a secret weapon.

River has been to the playoffs three straight seasons and five times overall.

After five straight playoff appearances, the Irish have gone 7-13 the last two years, including last season’s uncharacteristic 2-8 run.

“We are coming off a disappointing 2008,” head coach Mike McCann said. “We were extremely young and started seven sophomores. This year’s players have had a great offseason in the weight room and the attitude is very positive.”

Nick Orlando rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and with a similar outing this year could challenge the school’s career rushing record.

A tough schedule awaits with non-league games against Danville and Newark Catholic and MSL contests against Liberty-Union (D-IV state semifinalist), West Jefferson (D-V regional finalist), Licking Heights (D-III school), Harvest Prep and Berne Union.

A solid incoming freshmen class bodes well for the program, but how much their impact will be felt immediately is up in the air.

Leetonia (8-3)

After making the playoffs the last two years in Region 21, Leetonia moves to Region 23. The Bears plan on maintaining their playoff streak.

“Moving into a different region this year is an interesting change for us,” head coach Matt Altomare (16-6 in two years) said. “We are anxious to try to accomplish our goals of winning the league title and advancing in the playoffs. The Inter-County League is a very competitive league and we hope to make our community proud.”

Leetonia has finished first or second in the ICL eight of the last nine years and has the firepower back to continue that trend.

The Bears return seven starters on each side of the ball but must replace three All-Ohio players, including one of the program’s best ever in Josh Selway (QB/DB).

RB/CB Kyle Gray is a beast on both sides, having rushed for 500 yards and registering 80 tackles a year ago. Justin Colella (13 receptions, 383 yards, seven TDs; four interceptions), Devan Miller (64 tackles, eight sacks) and Seth McNally (63 tackles) are two-way standouts as well.

Two keys for Leetonia will be the play of FB A.J. Bailey and Ryan. Bailey rushed for 411 yards and nine TDs last year before having a season-ending ankle injury in Week 4. LB Andrw Ryan led the team in tackles last year before being lost to a knee injury in Week 5.

A Week 10 meeting with McDonald could decide the ICL race.

Malvern (13-1, State Semifinalist)

The reigning Region 23 and Inter Valley Conference champions have some holes to fill at the skill positions, but the Hornets return an offensive line that should be able to open plenty of holes.

According to 10-year head coach Dave Tucci (68-39 record at Malvern, 98-59 overall), the Hornets hope to “win the battle of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.”

Brett Lee, Nolan Champer and Chase Richards give Malvern one of D-VI’s best OL trios.

Offensively, Maurice Johnson returns at running back after carrying the ball 149 times for 982 yards and eight TDs last year. He’ll be joined by Doug Wood, who logged 236 yards and six TDs on 60 carries. Zach Johnson is a viable receiving threat (14 catches for 189 yards and four TDs).

Finding a replacement for QB Tyler Tucci, the D-VI state player of the year last season, and his 45 TDs is a pressing need.

The defense will again be a strength. LB Tyler Crawford is the leading returning tackler, having registered 96 stops, including 20 for loss last year. He’s joined in the front seven by Lee (33 tackles, 11 for loss, four sacks) and NG Dominic Chiurco (51 tackles, 16 for loss).

The secondary is paced by Zach Johnson (74 tackles, two interceptions) and Wood (53 tackles).

A Week 9 meeting with Lafayette Ridgewood could decide the IVC title again.

Malvern has made four of its five playoff appearances, including two straight, in Tucci’s 10 years.

After winning its eighth state title in 2007, the Green Wave was denied a playoff berth last year. NC is eager to get back to the dance.

“We return a very humble yet motivated senior class,” head coach Bill Franks (64-26 in eight years) said. “They have had great success in the offseason in basketball, wrestling, baseball and track and field. Our younger group has had a tremendous offseason, and are learning how to follow the example that is set for them.”

OT/DT Josh Hendershot (6-4, 265, Sr.) is committed to Toledo and also had offers to Indiana, Bowling Green, and Eastern Michigan.

Schedule-wise, the Green Wave face a usual daunting opener in Amanda-Clearcreek (away) before opening Mid-State League competition that includes three D-III playoff teams from 2008 (Granville, Bexley and Licking Valley).

“There are no off weeks,” Franks said. “We must be fully prepared every time we step on the field.”

The Bulldogs used a 5-0 start to propel them into the playoffs. Bridgeport was actually 1-5 in its last six games, but dropped contests to playoff teams Hannibal river, Beallsville and Shadyside along with West Virginia giant Madonna High.

This year, the Bulldogs will run a lot behind senior OL Nate Maleski (6-2, 255, Sr.). He was first team All-Ohio last year.

The Warriors were 10th in computer points in Region 24 last season and now migrate to Region 23, where they would have earned the eighth spot in the postseason last year. A brutal schedule awaits with Mid-State League games against Liberty Union, West Jefferson, Licking Heights, Fisher Catholic and Berne Union. Longtime Pickerington coach and former Ohio State assistant Jack Johnson is back for another season as the head coach of Harvest Prep.

The Blue Devils finished ninth in computer points in Region 23 last year and were just one win away from the postseason. Danville lost four games by a combined 12 points, including two one-point losses and an overtime defeat. Its most lopsided loss was by 14 points. Winning close games this season is key.

Despite an 8-1 record, the Eagles missed the D-VI postseason last year, finishing 12th in Region 24. They didn’t beat an opponent with a winning record and defeated just one that finished .500 or better (Waterford).

The Eagles do return one of D-VI’s top backs in senior Jessie Barns (5-8, 160) who was first team All-Ohio last year.

The Blue Devils continued trend of blitzing through the regular season but finding the postseason a little more difficult. Beallsville is 35-5 in the regular season the last four years, but just 1-4 in the playoffs. Getting to the regional semifinals is a goal.

Head coach Dave Caldwell enters his 27th season with 179 wins.

Another newcomer, the Indians had 8.35 computer points last year and finished 12th in Region 21. They would have been ninth and just .05 points out of the eighth playoff spot in Region 23. Being in a new region could mean the school nets its first playoff berth ever.

The Tigers have been to the playoffs eight times in the last nine years and were state runner-up in 2006. This year if they get back to the postseason they’ll do it under a new head coach. Mark Holenka, Shadyside’s defensive coordinator the last nine years, takes over for longtime and successful coach Ty Fleming.

Mark Bonar, a former Bellaire High School assistant and head coach of the two-time National Indoor Football League champion Ohio Valley Greyhounds, will be the Tigers' offensive coordinator.

The Tigers lost 14 seniors from last years' team. They return 10 juniors.

The Tigers are a transplant from Region 21, where they finished 15th in computer points despite winning seven games. Wellsville was painfully close to earning an elusive playoff berth, dropping close decisions to Salineville Southern (14-12) and Berlin Center Western Reserve (27-24). The Tigers made the state championship in their first ever playoff appearance in 1994 (lost to Versailles). They also went back to the postseason in 2001.

After missing out on the playoffs with a 6-4 record in 2008, the Bishops snuck in last year with that same mark. They bowed out early, losing to fellow OVAC member Hannibal River 38-7 in the first round.

     Bowerston Conotton Valley (3-7), Steubenville Catholic Central (3-7), Toronto (0-10), Bellaire St. John Central (3-7), Corning Miller (1-8), Crown City South Gallia (2-8), Millersport (0-10), New Matamoras Frontier (2-8), New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic (5-5), Racine Southern (4-6), Reedsville Eastern (3-7), Strasburg-Franklin (0-10), Waterford (5-5), Willow Wood Symmes Valley (5-5).

Ansonia (7-4)

Ansonia sandwiched its season with lopsided losses to Fort Recovery (48-6 in season opener) and Lehman Catholic (42-7 in regional quarterfinals), but played very solid for nine weeks in between. The majority of that core is back, as the Tigers lost just four seniors from last year’s team.

“We have a number of players back with varsity experience as well as playoff experience,” head coach Eugene Hoening said. “With so many starters coming back the team must be careful not to become complacent with what it accomplished a year ago.”

Hoening never rests on his laurels. The longtime head coach has a 169-115-1 record in 28 years at Ansonia and has led the program to its three playoff appearances. The Tigers could be in line for another.

Dereck Bubeck accounted for over 1,000 total yards at QB last year (threw for 940 and ran for 305), while Dylan Bubeck ran for 743 yards. Brandon Liette racked up another 795 yards on the ground in addition to kicking 25 PATs and punting (averaged 33.3 per attempt).

S Reese Walters and S Gabe Schuh each had over 14 receptions last season.

Defensively LB Aaron Sanders sets the tone (151 tackles, including 30 for loss last season), while DL Adam Hall is solid in the trenches (40 tackles).

Said Hoening: “The coaching staff expects this team to be better than last year’s version.”

The Buccs have put together one of the more impressive resumes in D-VI over the years with nine playoff trips in the last 10 years and 13 overall. Covington has also advanced to the second round of the postseason for two years straight. The Buccs started 2-2 last season, but won seven straight games before losing to Mechanicsburg in the regional semifinals.

Head coach Dave Miller returns for his third season and owns a 20-4 record at Covington. He should increase his win tally this season.

Garrett Clark is a dependable back that rushed for a team-high 1,190 yards and 18 TDs last season. Jake Bitner had a stellar first season under center by rushing for 995 yards and 13 TDs. He also threw for 489 yards and five scores.

Defensively, Teddy Hale is the top returner, having registered 65 tackles and three fumble recoveries last season. DL Ben Christian (36.5 tackles), DE Jordy Meyer (31.5 tackles) and DL Josh Boehringer (33.5 tackles) lend depth.

With a roster around 40, health will be a big issue for the Buccs who lost seven players to game-ending injuries last season and had 14 others miss at least one game.

Head coach Brent Niekamp’s four-year record of 10-30 at Fort Recovery doesn’t look impressive on the surface. When you realize the Indians are in the state’s toughest league – the Midwest Athletic Conference – and the direction the program is heading, that win-loss record becomes more notable.

Fort Recovery, which started football in 1992, has had one winning season in its existence (6-4 in 1994) and has only finished with a non-losing record once since then (5-5 in 2007). In Niekamp’s first two years the team went 2-18. The last two years the Indians are 8-12.

The future looks bright and this year’s senior class is arguably the deepest and most talented in program history.

“The fun thing about coaching these guys is seeing them develop over a period of a few years,” Niekamp said. “We have guys who are starting receivers now who were some of the slowest guys in junior high. I love to point things like that out, especially to our younger players. Not to talk about how bad someone used to be, but to point out what you can accomplish if you work hard.”

QB/DB Greg Kahlig is a prime example. A standout basketball player as well, Kahlig might be the best football player in Ohio that no one outside the MAC has heard of.

The big, athletic signal caller is coming off a season in which he threw for 2,804 yards and 18 TDs. As a sophomore, Kahlig threw for 1,579 yards and 16 TDs. Northwestern, Toledo, Akron, Miami, Ball State and Cincinnati have all visited the school to inquire about him.

Kahlig, who already owns school records for career, season and single-game passing yards and TDs, will have plenty of targets to throw to as well, as the Indians return a combined 1,756 receiving yards among four players: Craig Tobe, Nathan Keller, Michael Gaerke and Cody Fiely. Tobe is in line to set career records for receiving yards and TDs. Last season he hauled in 51 passes for 795 yards and six TDs.

Mike Mattraw is the lone returning starter on the offensive line, so that inexperience on the front is a concern in the MAC.

Dl Adam Rohrer is back to lead the defense after registering 44 tackles, including four for loss last year.

“Our offense should be able to score some points,” Niekamp said. “The areas that we must improve on are special teams and defense. If we can play consistently well in those two areas we will be a good team in 2009.”

After a two-year run in D-V (which produced a state title and a final four appearance last year), the Flyers are back in Region 24 where they won three D-VI state titles and made four state finals from 2000-2006.

Uh-oh is right.

Although Ben Smith (1,575 yards rushing last year) is the only player Goodwin pin-pointed as a key returner, rest assured ML doesn’t rebuild. It reloads.

“We will be starting a lot of juniors, which we haven’t done in a couple of years,” head coach Tim Goodwin (111-27 in 10 years) said. “If the seniors provide the leadership, the juniors can provide some depth of talent. We could be a physical team by the end of the year.”

Developing toughness will be key for a squad that plays in the state’s toughest affiliation – the Midwest Athletic Conference. Last year the Flyers finished 6-2 in the MAC, losing to Coldwater and Anna. ML avenged its loss to Anna with a win in the regional quarterfinals.

“We face a tough challenge week one, in (D-III) Lima Shawnee,” Goodwin said. “The league (MAC) looks deep. Anna, St Henry, St Johns all return quality players in mass. Coldwater will be good as usual.  Versailles will be much improved this year.  Our return to D-VI leaves us a little more wiggle room with computer points than being in D-V the last two years. 

“We hope to somehow qualify for the playoffs and make a nice run once we are there.”

Head coach Kyle McKnight enters his fourth season at Notre Dame with one of the region’s top offenses. Over the past three years the Titans have had both a 1,000-yard rusher and passer each season and have generated over 10,000 total yards.

Brock Hannah returns after throwing for 1,400 yards and 13 TDs last season. Yannis Haddjiannis averaged 14 yards a catch last year and caught four TDs.

On defense, DL Jacob Taylor is a machine (91 tackles, eight sacks and 6.5 tackles-for-loss).

A tough schedule awaits with key early season meetings with Greenup (Ky.), Columbus Africentric, Zanesville Rosecrans and South Gallia. That stretch will be pivotal to playoff hopes. Southern Ohio Conference action begins in Week 7 with Oak Hill.

Said McKinght: “The key will be how the young Titans handle the rugged schedule in weeks 1-5.”

Sidney Lehman Catholic (11-2)

The Cavaliers have had great success the last two years making a regional final (2007) and a state semifinal (last season). Despite the loss of 13 seniors, expectations are high again.

S David Spearman is a defensive standout (77 tackles, five interceptions), while Kaleb Goings is one of D-VI’s top running backs (1,409 yards, 20 TDs).

Ryan Jacob and Matt Pulfer anchor the offensive line.

The Cavaliers have added Jonathan Alder, Delphos Jefferson and Elmwood to the schedule.

Said longtime head coach Richard Roll: “If the progression continues, we should have a successful season.”

The Trojans drop down to Region 24 after spending the last eight years in D-V, Region 20 (where they earned two playoff berths).

The Indians started out 5-1 last year before losing four straight to end the season. Second team All-Ohio running back Max Dietz (5-11, 175, Sr.) returns.

After going 20-10 in the first three years of the program’s existence, former head coach Jon McCumber stepped down in November. He’s since been replaced by Matt Burgbacher, the son of longtime – and highly successful – Tippecanoe head coach Charlie Burgbacher.

Matt Burgbacher served as Tipp’s offensive coordinator the last several seasons and said he plans to install the Wing-T.

The Vikings recorded their first winning season in 13 years when they finished 6-4 in 2007. Last year they earned the first playoff berth in school history. Can they continue the climb?

The Panthers have put together consecutive playoff trips but have been blown out in the first round both times (2007 lost to Lehman Catholic, 2008 lost to Covington). Making the postseason again – and winning a playoff game – are two obvious goals.

The Wildcats just missed out on the playoffs last season, finishing ninth in Region 24. The five wins was a big improvement from 2007 when the program finished an uncharacteristic 0-10.

The Tartans have gone 19-1 in the regular season the last two years and 0-2 in the playoffs.

Head coach Steve DeWitt starts his 32nd season at SCC where the Irish have been to the postseason six straight times. Finding a replacement for four-year starter Brendan Kelley is a pressing issue.

The Tigers have been to the postseason three times in history and two times in the last four years. If they want to get back to the postseason, they’ll have to beat a team with a winning record. All seven of W-G’s wins last year came against teams .500 or worse.

     Bradford (1-9), Cedarville (2-8), DeGraff Riverside (4-6), Fairfield Cincinnati Christian (1-9), Middletown Christian (2-4), Franklin Furnace Green (2-7), Marion Catholic (2-8), Morral Ridgedale (2-8), New Bremen (3-7), New Paris National Trail (0-10), South Charleston Southeastern (3-7), Troy Christian (4-5), Union City Mississinawa valley (4-6), Yellow Springs (2-8).