Pages 1-28

Transcription

Pages 1-28

... or wide receiver,
Jerry Brown is McComb’s
Whether he’s playing
as running back ...
... quarterback ...
2012 Area
2012
Area S
Schedule
chedule | T29
T 29
This
This sseason’s
eason’s ssenior
enior
Trojans | T
32 & T33
T33
Trojans
T32
The Courier
WISHING THE BEST OF LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS!
DAILY SPECIALS
MON: 50¢ CHICKEN CHUNK-A-DUNKS • TUE: BURGER TWOSDAY
WED: 35¢ WINGS • THU & SUN: $10 SPECIALTY PIZZAS
the
Landing Pad
Family Pizzeria & Sports Pub
1123 Trenton Ave. • Findlay
419-425-0250
T2
COV ER STORY
McComb’s Jerry Brown is definition of versatility
By JAMIE BAKER
STAFF WRITER
McCOMB — Look up the word versatile
in the dictionary and you might find a photo
of McComb’s Jerry Brown.
As a junior, Brown did just about everything on the gridiron.
Selected the Blanchard Valley Conference
Offensive Player of the Year, Brown played
every skill position for the Panthers.
As a running back, he racked up 1,373
yards on 167 carries with 24 touchdowns.
As a receiver, he caught 50 passes for 904
yards and 13 scores.
He even threw the ball on occasion out of
the wildcat formation.
Expect much the same in 2012.
Most of the time Brown will line up as a
running back behind McComb quarterback
Dalton Buck. Sometimes Brown will line up
in a slot, other times he can be found as a
wideout.
But lining up behind the center in a shotgun formation, is Brown’s favorite position.
“I like the wildcat the best. I like to get
the ball in my hands and just run,” said the
6-foot-1, 190-pound bleach-blond Brown, who
was a second team all-Ohio selection at running back last season.
“I want the ball in my hands. I want to
put it in the end zone every time I touch the
ball. I want to make plays because I have the
THE COURIER
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012
confidence in myself to get yards and first
downs.”
Brown got yards, first downs and touchdowns by the bunches in 2011.
His 38 total touchdowns broke Jerry
Mapes’ long-standing school season record,
a mark set when the Panthers won the 1983
Division V state title.
Brown has also scored 52 career touchdowns, more than anyone in McComb history.
And his sixth-sense at finding a way into
See BROWN, Page T3
COV ER STORY
THE COURIER
T3
Brown’s presence alters game preparations
Leipsic’s Kirkendall:
‘He epitomizes the
words football player’
By JAMIE BAKER
STAFF WRITER
McComb senior Jerry Brown is the primary topic
of conversation when Blanchard Valley Conference
teams are preparing to play the Panthers.
And for good reason.
In fact, the conference’s coaches thought so
highly of him that they named him the Blanchard
Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year in
2011.
“When he’s on the field, opponents have to plan
for him,” McComb Coach Kris Alge said. “That’s
why just having him out there makes us better. Our
other guys know they have to step up because with
so much focus on Jerry, they are going to get their
chances to make plays.
“He’s just a good student and good kid. He’s fun
to be around. He’s a great team player, too
“It’s not just about Jerry. He’ll go to any position we tell him to and he doesn’t complain about
Brown
Continued from page T2
the end zone earned him the welldeserved nickname “Touchdown”
Jerry Brown, one he incorporates into
his Twitter handle @TDJerryBrown.
It was a few games into last season
when McComb coach Kris Alge figured he had captured lightning in a
bottle.
“Last year as a receiver he was
able to just jump in the air and get
the ball. In the middle of the year,
we were doing a lot of running in our
unbalanced (wish)bone and we found
out he was a pretty good runner, too,”
Alge said.
“We were able to put him at quarterback in our version of the wildcat
and we found out he’s not too bad at
throwing (it).
“We want to use him more at quarterback so he has to be able to throw
the ball, because we can’t have other
teams putting everyone in the box
when he’s back there.”
Last season when teams put eight
or nine men near the line of scrimmage, it just didn’t matter.
Against Arcadia was a perfect
example. Nothing the Redskins did
defensively seemed to slow Brown.
On a warm mid-October night at
Kieffer Field, Brown made a play that
fans will remember for years.
On McComb’s second play from
scrimmage, Brown lined up in the
it because he knows its going to make our team
better.”
Leipsic coach Joe Kirkendall had to prepare for
McComb and Brown twice last season.
In Week 10, Leipsic became the only team to
keep Brown out of the end zone, holding him without a touchdown and to 58 yards rushing and 5
yards receiving in a 48-20 loss to the Vikings.
It was a different story, but the same result two
weeks later.
Brown scored three times, rushed for 202 yards,
passed for 45 and had 27 receiving yards in Leipsic’s
34-28 overtime win over McComb in the regional
semifinals.
Kirkendall was impressed.
“The first word I think of when I think of Jerry
Brown is versatile. He does a lot of things very,
very well. He epitomizes the words football player,”
Kirkendall said.
“He comes across as knowledgeable and seems
to understand the game with a wider focus than
most other kids do.
“I’ve had college coaches ask me about him and
I tell them that I’ve never seen a kid with the balance that he shows. His agility and the way he can
turn a play that looks like nothing into something
is unique.”
Brown has a knack for being in the right place at
the right time, particularly on offense.
“Brown has speed, he has great balance and he
has Kris Alge as his coach calling the plays, that’s
a tough combination to stop,” Cory-Rawson coach
Josh Meyer said.
“He’s also got great awareness and a natural feel
for what the defense is going to do to try and stop
him. He has just a great overall awareness of the
game.”
Brown reminds Pandora-Gilboa head coach
Carey Arthur of a former P-G star he coached that
went on to have a solid career in college at the University of Findlay.
“Back in the 1980s we had Nathan Sprunger.
He did a lot of the same things that Jerry does. I
remember in a game he lost a shoe in the backfield
and went 65 yards for a touchdown,” Arthur said.
“(Brown) is one outstanding athlete that’s tough
to stop and when you have an athlete of that caliber
in a small-school league like the BVC, that’s huge.
“Probably his greatest asset is that he seems to
have a sense of what’s happening on the field around
him and that’s something you really can’t teach.
“He’s one of those players you hope to coach once
in a lifetime. I’m looking forward to seeing what he
can do this season; I just don’t want to see him do
it against us.”
Baker, 419-427-8409
[email protected]
wildcat, found a big hole toward the a good basketball player and he had a
sidelines and hurdled Arcadia defend- great track season last spring.
ers Lucas Recker and Casey Mock.
“Football-wise, he’s not a 4.5 guy.
The two defenders crashed into each He went to some of these combines
other and fell to the turf. Brown raced and ran a 4.7 or 4.8. But when you put
21 yards untouched to the end zone.
him on a football field and put a ball in
The jaw-dropping play, which is his hands, he’s one of those 4.5 guys.
“He can cut, he sees the field and
accessible on the Internet, stunned
he can do things that are amazing.
the entire crowd.
“Jerry’s a good leader but he leads
“That was probably my best
game. When I hurdled those kids, oh more by example. He’s not a real vocal
my gosh, I don’t know how I did it kid all the time but when it’s really
or where it came from. I think God time to go, he’s vocal. He just wants
to win the game.”
took over for me,”
Brown hasn’t
Brown said.
“He
is
very
versatile.
always been the
“I was lucky
center of attention
neither one of
He’s right up there with
on the gridiron. In
them clipped
the top athletes who
midget and junior
my leg. I was so
high football, he
pumped up after
have gone through here
admits he was a
that play. It was
at McComb. He’s a good
chubby, slow fullcrazy.”
back.
It was the first
basketball
player
and
he
But he soon
of Brown’s five
blossomed into
touchdowns in a
had a great track season
a solid football
67-13 romp.
last spring.”
player.
His statistics
As a freshline for the game
KRIS ALGE,
man, Brown saw
read:
McCOMB FOOTBALL COACH
180 yards rushenough playing
ing, 40 receiving,
time in the defen1-of-1 passing for 12 yards.
sive backfield to earn a varsity letter.
Oh, yeah, he also had a bunch of
Brown was a wide receiver as a
tackles and an interception on defense. sophomore, and handled the placeIt seemed every time Brown kicking duties. When injuries left the
touched the ball it was electric. Play- Panthers shorthanded, he had a twoers, coaches and fans thought some- or three-game stint at offensive tackle
and defensive end.
thing special was about to happen.
“He reminds me a lot of (former
And as Alge says, “It usually did.
“He is very versatile. He’s right up McComb standout) Craig Aukerman,
there with the top athletes who have a two-time All-American at (Univergone through here at McComb. He’s sity of Findlay),” Alge said.
“He has an instinct that you just
can’t teach when he has the ball in his
hands. He is always in the right place
at the right time.”
McComb’s opponents have to know
where Brown is at all times, or they
are likely to get burned.
And all the attention Brown draws
is just fine with him. He knows that
extra attention will open things up for
some of his talented teammates.
“I kind of like it when teams focus
on me. Let them do it, too, because we
have a lot of great weapons this year,”
Brown said.
“Brandon Ishmael is a senior. He’s
the fastest kid on our team in track.
Cody Wilson, Clay Dysert, Clay
Grubb, Mitch Schroeder, and Dalton
Buck, he’s probably our best receiver
when he’s not at quarterback.
“If teams want to focus on me, go
right ahead because we have a lot of
other weapons on offense.”
Brown also has plenty of confidence in his offensive line. He knows
every one of his 1,746 career rushing yards and 1,292 career receiving
yards wouldn’t have been possible
without the blocking up front.
“Our line makes the holes and I just
read it,” Brown said.
“I just hit the hole my line opens
up for me as quick as I can and give
the defense a little shake-and-bake.”
While Brown loves the offensive
side of the ball and facing the challenge of playing all of the skill positions, the part of the game he prefers
most is defense and laying a lick on
See BROWN, Page T28
Inside
Arcadia
T4-5
Arlington
T6-7
Cory-Rawson
Hardin Northern
T8-9
T10-11
Leipsic
T12-13
Liberty-Benton
T14-15
McComb
T18-19
Pandora-Gilboa
T20-21
Van Buren
T22-23
Vanlue
T24-25
TRAC capsules
Area football schedule
T28 & T30
T29
Findlay
T31 & 34
Bluffton
T36-37
Carey
T38-39
Elmwood
T40-41
Fostoria
T42-43
St. Wendelin
T44-45
North Baltimore
T46-47
Ottawa-Glandorf
T50-51
Patrick Henry
T52-53
Riverdale
T54-55
Upper Sandusky
T56-57
Hopewell-Loudon
T60
Columbus Grove
T59
Ada
T58
2011 standings
T62
SPORTS EDITOR
Larry Alter
STAFF WRITERS
Jamie Baker
Dave Hanneman
Nathan Inniger
Brian Lester
Ted Radick
John Reitman
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Randy Roberts
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kyle Hunter
Nick Moore
Kent Tarbox
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Randy Roberts
COVER DESIGN
Jason Smith
T4
A RCA DI A
Redskins are
hit hard by
graduation
KEY TO THE SEASON
QUICK FACTS
By BRIAN SCHLIEVERT
FOR THE COURIER
Mock
Bame
O FFE N S E
According to quarterback
Casey Mock: “Execution. We’re
pretty big up front, so just block
our guys, open up holes, hopefully
break a few. It’s key that we play
with confidence again this year.”
D E FE N S E
According to linebacker
Tyler Bame: “We lost a lot of starters from last year. Everybody has
to man up, do their part, and we
should be good.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Mock
ATT
204
RUSHING
Mellott
Colman
RECEIVING
Colman
ATT
69
64
REC.
26
COMP
93
YARDS
463
454
YARDS
593
YDS
1,360
TD
19
AVG.
6.7
7.1
INT
11
TD
5
4
AVG.
22.8
TD
8
ARCADIA — The 2011 season was
significant for Arcadia, culminating
in the school’s first-ever appearance
in the state playoffs.
Despite being stung by conference
rival Leipsic 51-0 in the first round,
2011 cannot be classified as anything
less than a successful season, which
included a 7-3 regular season and a
6-3 mark in the Blanchard Valley Conference.
But that was then and this is now.
Arcadia experienced heavy losses
to graduation, returning just three
starters and five letterwinners. Finding their identity will be key for 2012
Redskins.
Adding to the mix is a change in
the head coaching position and the
installation of a new offense.
Pat Gerisch has taken the reins.
Gerisch began his coaching career at
Crestline (1994-2000) as an assistant.
After spending the 2001 season
a Liberty-Benton assistant, he took
the head coaching responsibilities at
Vanlue in 2002 and 2003, going 2-18.
KYLE HUNTER / for The Courier
TYLER BAME, left, and Sawyer Kieffer defend on a play at the LibertyBenton 7-on-7 camp in July.
After time off to tend to family
matters, Gerisch returned to Vanlue
in 2010 as the junior high coach and
last season was the high school defensive coordinator.
The first order of business for
Gerisch at Arcadia was to instill a
sense of confidence in his players,
most of whom have seen little or no
varsity playing time.
“I think at times they question
themselves,” he said.
“They want to win, they want to
be successful, they want to make their
mark and get back to the playoffs. It’s
just getting them to believe that they
can do that.”
If coaches were told they could
choose to have battle-tested experience at one position, they likely
choose the quarterback position.
Gerisch has that in senior Casey
See REDSKINS, Page T16
DEPTH CHART
*Returning starters in bold
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
FB
RB
WR
WR
TE
OT
OT
OG
OG
C
THE COURIER
Casey Mock
Tyler Bame
Chase Gonzales
Seth Bauer
Sawyer Kieffer
Clay Moyer
Travis Roller
Jacob Keefe
Hayden Ramsey
Bobby Vera
Kevin Keefe
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Fr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
160
175
140
175
150
180
285
235
235
235
215
QB
FB
RB
WR
WR
TE
OT
OT
OG
OG
C
6-0
6-0
5-6
5-10
5-8
6-1
6-4
6-0
5-10
5-10
6-3
Chad Baker
Shae Watkins
Landon Carnicom
Terrance Cheeks
Garrett Enders
Trey Bermudez
Jacob Moyer
Gabe Johnson
Jacob Thompson
Matt Rood
Cody Hill
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
So.
Fr.
Jr.
Fr.
Sr.
So.
So.
Jr.
175
180
175
160
130
170
195
295
180
190
170
NG
DT
DE
DE
OLB
OLB
ILB
ILB
CB
CB
S
6-3
6-1
6-0
6-3
5-6
6-1
6-0
6-4
6-0
5-10
6-0
Bobby Vera
Travis Roller
Clay Moyer
Kevin Keefe
Seth Bauer
Shae Watkins
Hayden Ramsey
Tyler Bame
Chase Gonzales
Sawyer Kieffer
Casey Mock
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
235
285
180
215
175
180
235
175
140
150
160
NG
DT
DE
DE
OLB
OLB
ILB
ILB
CB
CB
S
5-10
6-4
6-1
6-3
5-10
6-1
5-10
6-0
5-6
5-8
6-0
WE SUPPORT
YOU REDSKINS!
Precision
Machining
Kathy’s Korner
Restaurant
100 W. Fremont, Arcadia
419-894-6466
Delivering some of the
industry’s highest standards of
precision grinding, machining,
and finishing of close
tolerance tooling.
419-894-6426 • 800-776-3437
202 S. Street P.O. Box 278
Arcadia, OH 44804-0278
rpmprecision.com
Precision Machining Since 1967
Good Luck
Area Teams!
717 N. Main St. * Findlay
419-423-9145
www.hitchingsinsurance.com
Gabe Johnson
Matt Rood
Jacob Moyer
Jacob Thompson
Terrance Cheeks
Chad Baker
Landon Carnicom
Cody Hill
Tristan Lucas
Garrett Enders
Tristan Love
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Sr.
So.
Fr.
So.
So.
Fr.
Fr.
Jr.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
250
190
195
180
160
175
175
170
140
130
110
6-4
5-10
6-0
6-0
6-3
6-3
6-0
6-0
5-9
5-6
5-2
COACH: Pat Gerisch (1st year).
LAST YEAR: 7-4 overall, 6-3
Blanchard Valley Conference.
LAST BVC TITLE: None.
OFFENSIVE SCHEME:
I-spread.
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-2-5.
STRENGTHS: Gerisch believes
the return of three-year starter
Casey Mock
at quarterback
is one of his
team’s biggest
strengths going
into the 2012
campaign.
The Redskins
are also quick
and shifty
at the skill
Gerisch
positions and
expect big plays
to open things
up offensively.
WEAKNESSES: The Redskins
will put a lot of inexperienced
players on the field in 2012. Staying healthy will be crucial.
GRIDIRON GURU
Make no mistake, this is Mock’s
team. The players look up to him
for leadership and he has just the
type of calm, confident demeanor
this young squad needs to keep
them focused. Tyler Bame is Mock’s
mirror image on the defensive side
of the ball. With some early wins
to build confidence, the Redskins
could be a force in the BVC.
A RCA DI A
THE COURIER
T5
Tyler Bame (1), Marcus Vela (2), Tristan Lucas (3), Seth Bauer (5), Trey Bermudez (6), Tristan Love (7), Sawyer Kieffer (8), Clay Moyer (9), Chad Baker (10), Casey Mock (11), Terrance
Cheeks (14), Chase Gonzales (15), Vlad Sedler (20), Garrett Enders (22), Landon Carnicom (25), Shae Watkins (32), Jacob Moyer (51), Hayden Ramsey (52), Matt Rood (57), Travis Roller (60),
Gabe Johnson (62), Bobby Vera (64), Jorden Johnson (68), Cody Hill (71), Kevin Keefe (72), Jacob Keefe (74), Jacob Thompson (75), AJ Knepper (77), Phillip Roberts (88).
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Lakota
31 Vanlue*
September 7 Arlington*
14 Cory-Rawson*
21 Van Buren*
28 Liberty-Benton*
October 5 Leipsic*
12 McComb*
19 Hardin Northern*
26 Pandora-Gibloa*
All games 7 p.m.
* -- Blanchard Valley Conference games
Our Team
Wishes Arcadia
Good Luck.
Our Services
Brakes-Alignments-Oil Changes
Tires-Engines-Batteries
Diagnostices-Tune Ups
H
A
H
H
A
H
H
A
H
A
Arcadia
REDSKINS
2011 RESULTS
Lakota
Vanlue
Arlington
Cory-Rawson
Van Buren
GOOD
LUCK
ALL AREA TEAMS!
We’ll Keep You On
The Road
19090 SR 12, Arcadia
419-894-6447
www.arcadiaauto.com
2017 Tiffin Ave. • Findlay
419-423-0713
www.act-1staffingfindlay.com
45-13
46-0
43-27
21-14
30-20
Liberty-Benton
Leipsic
McComb
Hardin Northern
Pandora-Gilboa
RECORD BOOK
14-34
13-49
13-67
42-21
41-6
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Playoffs
Leipsic
0-51
7-4
4-6
2-8
1-9
6-4
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2-8
2-8
3-7
1-9
3-7
THE BEST
DENTAL
CARE
GOOD
LUCK
REDSKINS!
Paul Gnepper 419-299-3524
Findlay
419-422-3852
www.cruisin2.com
WITH
THE BEST
DENTAL
TEAM
AT
335 N. Main St., Fostoria
(419) 435-6700
Always accepting new patients
T6
A R LINGTON
THE COURIER
Red Devils
out to prove
themselves
KEY TO THE SEASON
QUICK FACTS
By TED RADICK
STAFF WRITER
McBride
Bormuth
Of fense
Blaiz McBride: “Just improving,
day by day and week by week. We
need to keep getting better and
better every day. We have to work
hard and get things done.”
Defense
According to linebacker Kyle
Bormuth: “We’re a young defense.
We need to run to the ball, gang
tackle and secure tackles. Our
young guys are coming up and
learning every day.”
2011 LEADERS
Passing
McBride
Att
85
COMP
37
YDS
667
TD
7
RUSHING
Leonard
Cheney
Bormuth
ATT
160
55
79
YDS
939
388
378
AVG
5.9
7.1
4.8
TD
18
4
4
Receiving
Recker
REC
18
YDS
318
AVG
17.7
TD
5
INT
5
ARLINGTON — Year in and year
out, it seems, Arlington is in the thick
of the Blanchard Valley Conference
race.
So, last year has to qualify as a
disappointment. The Red Devils did
have a winning record — 6-4 overall,
5-4 in the BVC — but slipped to fifth
in the league standings and missed
the playoffs for a second consecutive
season.
This year’s team has a point to
prove, and a number of returning
offensive players that could make that
happen.
“We love linemen,” Arlington
coach Dick Leonard said. “We have
three back, which is a good nucleus.
We’ve seen good communication from
those guys, so we’re probably a step
ahead of last year in that sense. We’ve
got good intelligence up front; those
kids are all good students.”
Tackles Logan Grieser (soph., 283
pounds) and Joe Rieman (senior, 245)
return as does senior guard Jake Billicheck (240). Junior center Matt
Inniger (210) would likely have been
ARLINGTON’S CHASE GLICK, left, and Matt Inniger compete in the
tire drill at the Bucyrus Lineman Challenge in July. Glick is a 281-pound
sophomore defensive tackle and Inniger is a junior center.
a starter last year until a knee injury
shelved him for the season, and sophomore Chase Glick (281) adds size at
tackle. Sophomore Bryce Hartman
(198) will play guard.
Senior quarterback Blaiz McBride
also returns. While McBride only
completed 37 passes in Arlington’s
ground and pound Wing-T attack (the
Red Devils attempted all 85 passes in
2011), seven of those completions did
go for touchdowns.
“We’ve been happy with the progress he’s made,” Leonard said. “He’s
See RED, Page T16
DEPTH CHART
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
RB
RB
FB
WR
T
T
G
G
C
TE
K
Blaiz McBride
Zac Metzger
Austin Rettig
Kyle Bormuth
Kody Frysinger
Logan Grieser
Joe Rieman
Jake Billcheck
Bryce Hartman
Matt Inniger
Michael Blunk
Zac Metzger
Yr.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
165
163
183
175
185
283
245
240
198
210
225
163
QB
RB
FB
WR
T
G
TE
Good Luck
To The
Arlington Red Devils
Andrew Hunter
Koltin Marquart
Jordan Freed
Ryan McDowell
Chase Glick
Justin Rice
Zach Gehring
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr.
Wt.
Pos.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
So.
Sr.
147
172
163
158
281
225
195
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
S
P
To learn more about
our continuum of care
community, call us at
(419) 365-5115.
Bryce Hartman
Zach Gehring
Chase Glick
Joe Rieman
Josh Elledge
Kyle Bormuth
Kody Frysinger
Blaiz McBride
Andrew Hunter
Jordan Freed
Zac Metzger
Blaiz McBride
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
So.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
198
195
281
245
198
175
185
165
147
163
163
165
DE
DT
DT
OLB
OLB
CB
Michael Blunk
Matt Inniger
Jake Billcheck
Austin Rettig
Koltin Marquart
Ryan McDowell
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Jr.
225
210
240
183
172
158
COACH: Dick Leonard (5th
year, 26-16).
LAST BVC TITLE: 1987.
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: WingT.
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-3.
STRENGTHS: Special teams,
as the Red
Devils return
all-Blanchard
Valley Conference punter
Blaize McBride
and reliable
kicker Zac
Metzger.
The senior
class is showing
outstanding
Leonard
leadership and
commitment.
WEAKNESSES: There’s lots of
new starters and players switching positions, notably among the
defensive front seven. The Red
Devils are not blessed with a lot
of team speed.
GRIDIRON GURU
Every year, coach Leonard vows
to throw the ball more often. And,
every year, the Red Devils ground
and pound. Given the team’s deep
stable of backs and a big offensive
line, that’s playing to Arlington’s
strength. First downs are huge for
Arlington’s offense; a second-and-4
opens the playbook but if the Red
Devils are facing second-and-9,
that’s a problem.
Physical/Occupational Therapy • MRI • Surgery • Pain Management • Podiatry
APPLESEED IGA
128 Vail St.
Arlington • 419-365-7007
,/6(SSMHP[OZVYILSPLMZHYL^LSJVTL.
www.good-sam.com
1501 Bright Rd., Findlay • Tiffin • Ottawa • Fostoria 419.424.0131 OhioOrtho-SportsMed.com
A R LINGTON
THE COURIER
T7
John Solt (2), Blaiz McBride (5), Ridge Babb (7), Justin Rose (8), Athens Cole (9), Andrew Hunter (10), Jordan Freed (11), Kody Frysinger (12), Christian Martin (14), Kyle McDowell (15),
Koltin Marquart (20), Jared Green (21), Nate Harmon (23), Ryan McDowell (24), Matt Glick (25), Aaron Starr (29), Kyle Bormuth (30), Josh Elledge (31), Michael Blunk (32), Zac Metzger (33),
Austin Rettig (40), Eric Beach (43), Cody Essinger (44), Joe Rieman (50), Matt Inniger (51), Andrew Kroske (53), Harley Keiser (56), Hunter Bernhardt (60), Mitch Jolliff (61), Justin Rice (62),
James Keiser (63), Bryce Hartman (64), Chase Glick (67), Jarred Billcheck (68), Zach Romick (70), Auston Thompson (72), Logan Grieser (73), Jon Schmehl (74), Jake Billcheck (76), Blake
Courtney (80), Zach Gehring (81), Grant Heaster (88). Head coach: Dick Leonard. Assistant coaches: Mike Dennis, Jim Speyer, Josh McGrain, Nick Inbody.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Riverdale
31 Liberty-Benton*
September 7 Arcadia*
14 Pandora-Gilboa*
21 Leipsic*
28 Van Buren*
October 5 McComb*
12 Hardin Northern*
19 Vanlue*
26 Cory-Rawson*
All games 7 p.m.
H
H
A
A
H
A
H
H
A
A
Arlington
RED DEVILS
2011 RESULTS
Riverdale
Liberty-Benton
Arcadia
Pandora-Gilboa
Leipsic
49-20
14-48
27-43
36-6
7-41
Van Buren
McComb
Hardin Northern
Vanlue
Cory-Rawson
Arlington
Red Devils
Good Luck in the
2012 season!
Visit us online at csbanking.com
112 E. Liberty St.
Arlington
419-365-5300
Arlington | Findlay | Carey | Upper Sandusky | Harpster | Marion
goodneighborpharmacy.com
Arlington Pharmacy
106 North Main Street
P.O. Box 140
Arlington, Ohio 45814
419-365-5202
GO RED
DEVILS!
Good Luck
Red Devils!
1800 E. Sandusky St.
Findlay, OH
419-422-3936
RECORD BOOK
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
42-14
7-48
52-0
42-0
31-14
GOOD
LUCK
THIS
YEAR
ARLINGTON
RED
DEVILS!
From all of us at:
It’s Better at Brinkman’s!
www.brinkmanscountrycorner.com
2 Miles West of Arlington
On St. Rt. 103
419-465-0002
6-4
6-4
7-4
7-4
10-3
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
6-4
8-2
6-4
5-5
5-5
GO BIG RED!
Angela B. Bateson, DDS
General Dentistry
419-425-0303
New Patients Welcome
Comment on our
page for a chance to
win a Wilson football!
1400 S. Main St. • Findlay
T8
CORY-R AWSON
Numbers are
small, but size
impressive at
Cory-Rawson
KEY TO THE SEASON
Harris
STAFF WRITER
Of fense
Defense
According to defensive
tackle Macen Desgranges: “The
big defensive linemen need to stop
the run. The linebackers and defensive backs need to stop the pass so
we can get the offense back on the
field and control the clock.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
J. Alspach
ATT
228
COMP
101
YDS
1,444
TD
12
RUSHING
Harris
Heath
ATT
163
77
YDS
673
322
AVG
4.1
4.2
TD
5
7
RECEIVING
Edson
Harris
REC
31
19
YDS
391
362
AVG
12.6
19.1
TD
2
5
QUICK FACTS
By TED RADICK
Desgranges
According to running back
Tyler Harris: “First, we have to
play physical up front. Our line is
capable of doing that and then our
backs have to get into the holes and
run strong.”
INT
6
RAWSON — First-year Cory-Rawson head coach Josh Meyer isn’t afraid
to state the obvious.
“Depth is one of our concerns,”
said Meyer, a longtime assistant who
takes over after Andy Schafer took the
Columbus Grove job.
Cory-Rawson’s numbers are way
down from previous seasons. Twentysix players are out for football, and 12
are sophomores or freshmen.
“It’s up from where we were in the
spring. In the spring, we were looking
at numbers below 20. It’s obviously
not where I want it to be, but we have
improved there.”
The roster may be thin, but the
Hornets have impressive size along
the line and some solid skill players
to go behind that beef.
“We’re pretty big across the front,”
Meyer said. “You look at our offensive line, we’ve got 245, 240, 280, 335,
280.”
Meyer has installed a different
offense as the Hornets, 3-7 a year ago
RANDY ROBERTS / The Courier
CORY-RAWSON PLAYERS wait patiently for their turn during the team’s
annual picture day prior to the 2012 season.
including 3-6 in the Blanchard Valley
Conference, will abandon the spread.
Longtime BVC fans will have no problem recognizing the unbalanced “T”
attack because it’s the classic Hardin
Northern offense that Pete Brunow
ran.
“We have three assistant coaches
who played for Pete Brunow down at
Hardin Northern and they’re in charge
of our offense,” Meyer said. “Not only
do they know it, but I think it’s good
for the players and personnel we
have.”
The idea is simple: Run the ball
and control the clock behind the big
boys up front.
“Hopefully, it can shorten the game
for us, and give us a chance late in the
game especially considering our numbers,” Meyer said. “Our goal is that if
it gets to the fourth quarter and we’re
close, that we give ourselves a chance
to win. That’s what we’re after and we
think that this does that.”
Sophomore quarterback Jeremiah
Alspach (5-foot-8, 135 pounds) will
run the show. He replaces older
brother, Jeremiah, under center. Jeremiah Alspach passed for 1,444 yards
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Matthew Alspach
Tyler Harris
Heath Risner
Dylan Hartman
Garrett Shepherd
Ryan Fornee
Mitch Karhoff
Taylor Heldman
Macen Desgranges
Dakota Gibson
Chris Reichley
Jacob Wineland
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
135
155
180
165
145
335
280
225
245
240
200
200
QB
RB
RB
WR
T
T
G
TE
5-8
5-9
6-3
5-8
5-8
6-4
6-3
6-1
6-0
5-11
6-2
5-10
Good Luck
Hornets!
SIMPSON
CHIROPRACTIC
CENTER
Dr. Jason Simpson
342 Glessner
Findlay
419-424-8833
900 N. Main, Ste B
Bluffton
419-358-1600
Ian Moser
Skyler Arnett
Garrett Shepherd
Ian Moser
Jacob Wineland
Cody Andrews
Aaron Scarberry
Drew Melton
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
So.
Fr.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
135
170
145
135
200
240
180
185
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
S
P
5-5
5-8
5-8
5-5
5-10
5-10
5-10
5-10
Good Luck
Hornets!!
H&M
Motor Sales
447 E. Sandusky St.,
Findlay
419-422-1192
Dakota Gibson
Jacob Wineland
Macen Desgranges
Ryan Fornee
Heath Risner
Chris Reichley
Skyler Arnett
Garrett Shepherd
Tyler Harris
Dylan Hartman
Matthew Alspach
Matthew Alspach
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
Fr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
So.
240
200
245
335
180
200
170
145
155
165
135
135
DE
DT
DT
OLB
CB
CB
5-11
5-10
6-0
6-4
6-3
6-2
5-8
5-8
5-9
5-8
5-8
5-8
Good Luck
Cory Rawson
Hornets!!
BB Excavating
& Outdoor Furnaces
419-358-5342
Bluffton, OH
COACH: Josh Meyer (1st year).
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Unbalanced T.
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-3
Cover 2.
STRENGTHS: Size along the
offensive and
defensive fronts
with solid skill
position players
to take advantage of those
situations.
Positive enthusiasm and good
leadership from
an experienced
Meyer
senior class
will go a long
way to help the
Hornets in 2011.
WEAKNESSES: The players
are still adapting to a new offensive set that Meyer introduced.
The small roster size means
depth will be a concern.
GRIDIRON GURU
See NUMBERS, Page T27
DEPTH CHART
Pos.
QB
RB
RB
RB
WR
T
T
G
G
C
TE
K
THE COURIER
Aaron Scarberry
Mitch Karhoff
Taylor Heldman
Drew Melton
Ian Moser
Mason Watkins
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
180
280
225
185
135
155
5-10
6-3
6-1
5-10
5-5
5-9
Put Your Feet
in
Good Hands
• Care for the Entire Family
• Sports Medicine - Ankle Injuries
• Foot & Ankle Surgery
Switching from the spread to a
run-oriented offense seems to be
a good play for first-year Hornets
coach Meyer. Cory-Rawson is huge
along the offensive line and will
be a load to handle for opposing
defensive front sevens. Like most
small-school division schools, the
Hornets need to stay healthy.
GOOD LUCK
THIS SEASON
Hornets
From all of us at:
T.C. Reed DPM.
714 Beech Ave.
Findlay, OH 45840
419-425-3338
Serving the Community Since 1995
2 Miles West of Arlington
On St. Rt. 103
419-465-0002
CORY-R AWSON
THE COURIER
T9
Garrett Shepherd (2), Alex Appleget (3), Matthew Alspach (4), Ian Moser (5), Tyler Harris (14), Dylen Hartman (24), Drew Melton (28), Mason Watkins (33), Trevor Snyder (34), Zach Ream
(35), Jaydyn Hall (40), Skyler Arnett (42), Macen Desgranges (50), Jacob Wineland (52), Aaron Scarberry (60), Dakota Gibson (61), David Saum (64), Devin Meyer (67), Mitch Karhoff (72),
Ryan Forney (76), Taylor Heldman (77), Cody Andrews (78), Michael Witte (80), Chris Reichley (81), Mathew Kellogg (84), Heath Risner (88). Head coach: Josh Meyer. Assistant coaches: Dave
Siferd, Cory Brunow, Ryan Ludwig, Clint Brunow, Chad Hirschy.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Bluffton (7:30 p.m.)
31 Hardin Northern*
September 7 Pandora-Gilboa*
14 Arcadia*
21 Liberty-Benton*
28 McComb*
October 5 Vanlue*
12 Leipsic*
19 Van Buren*
26 Arlington*
(All games 7 p.m.)
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
A
H
Cory-Rawson
HORNETS
S
2011 RESULTS
Bluffton
Hardin Northern
Pandora-Gilboa
Arcadia
Liberty-Benton
21-35
46-13
33-7
14-21
14-41
McComb
Vanlue
Leipsic
Van Buren
Arlington
RECORD BOOK
7-45
49-8
0-37
33-34
14-31
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
3-7
5-5
7-4
3-7
3-7
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
5-5
5-5
3-7
11-2
9-3
T10
H A R DIN NORTHER N
Obenour is
trying to keep
Polar Bears
program afloat
KEY TO THE SEASON
Drumm
THE COURIER
QUICK FACTS
By NATHAN INNIGER
LaRoche
STAFF WRITER
O FFE N S E
Riley Drumm: “Our line has to
hold their blocks because we are
going primarily to a run offense.
Our running backs have to run the
ball hard every play.”
D E FE N S E
According to defensive end
Linkoln LaRoche: “We need
to wrap up on all of our tackles.
It seemed like last year we had a
little bit of a problem tackling and
getting all 11 guys to the ball every
play.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Drumm
ATT
135
COMP
45
YDS
698
TD
6
RUSHING
Garman
ATT
141
YARDS
418
AVG.
3.0
TD
1
RECEIVING
Poling
Gossard
Garman
ATT
7
11
7
YARDS
230
208
92
AVG.
32.9
18.9
13.1
TD
2
2
1
INT
12
DOLA — Keith Obenour has been
part of Hardin Northern’s football program all the way back to his playing
days.
He was a senior during Pete Brunow’s first season as the head coach at
Hardin Northern.
The Polar Bears went 7-3 that
season, their first winning record in
10 years.
During Brunow’s tenure, Hardin
Northern had 22 winning seasons
including 19 straight (1989-2007).
Brunow resigned before the 2010
season. Since then the program
has had a hard generating the numbers need to be competitive in the
The Polar Bears have 20 players
this season.
There was a district meeting in
January to discuss the possibility of
not playing a varsity schedule because
of the low numbers. The community
decided to give it a go and Obenour
believes it was the correct decision.
HARDIN NORTHERN head coach Keith Obenour instructs his players at
the Bucyrus 7-on-7 camp and lineman challenge in July.
“The main thing is for the seniors.
We have four seniors and they worked
pretty hard in the weight room in
the offseason,” Obenour said. “They
talked about having a junior varsity
schedule but for those seniors that
worked so hard, playing a varsity
schedule means a lot to them.”
Obenour would have hated to see
a successful program resort to playing a junior varsity schedule or not
having a team.
That was one reason he wanted the
opportunity to coach.
“I’m pretty loyal,” said Obenour,
who has coached at HN as a junior
high coach for 17 years and a varsity
assistant for another six.
“Coach Brunow came when I was
a senior and we hadn’t been very good
until he got here. Then we go 7-3 my
senior year. Then we dominated the
league there for 17, 18 years. Now we
are down with low numbers.”
Obenour is bringing back Brunow’s unbalanced-T offense.
The Polar Bears’ strength will be
on the offensive line with three returning starters in Linkoln LaRoche, Brandon Smith and Trevor Prichard.
“They are the ones that worked
pretty hard in the weight room,”
Obenour said.
The only skill player returning is
junior quarterback Riley Drumm, who
threw for 698 yards and six touchdowns in his first varsity season.
“He has a nice level head. He
See OBENOUR, Page T27
DEPTH CHART
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
FB
RB
RB
WR
TE
OT
OT
OG
OG
C
PK
Rylie Drumm
Matt Dirmeyer
Colton Spearman
Brock Spearman
Jacob Gossard
Dylan Sloan
Brandon Smith
Brett Roby
Linkoln LaRoche
Trevor Prichard
Mitchell Williams
Rylie Drumm
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Fr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
160
180
160
160
150
160
220
210
210
200
170
160
QB
FB
RB
RB
WR
OG
C
6-0
5-7
6-0
6-0
5-6
5-8
6-0
5-9
6-1
5-7
5-8
6-0
Go For
the Win
Polar Bears!
Crop Production
Service
892 US 68 • Dunkirk
419-759-3111
Cole Gossard
Wesley Schlatter
Storm Drumm
Cole Gossard
Ethon Flowers
Isaiah Prowant
Cameron Deckling
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
Jr.
Fr.
Fr.
140
150
150
140
150
160
180
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
S
P
5-6
5-7
5-9
5-6
5-7
5-5
5-7
Cut to the
Top!
Good Luck
Bears!
The
Razor’s
Edge
270 ½ N. Main St.
Dunkirk
419-759-2406
Linkoln LaRoche
Matt Dirmeyer
Brett Roby
Brandon Smith
Trevor Pritchard
Colton Spearman
Wesley Schlatter
Jacob Gossard
Ethon Flowers
Rylie Drumm
Brock Spearman
Rylie Drumm
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Fr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
210
180
210
220
200
160
150
150
150
160
160
160
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
OLB
CB
S
P
6-1
5-7
5-9
6-0
5-7
6-0
5-7
5-6
5-7
6-0
6-0
6-0
Good Luck
Hardin Northern
Polar Bears!!
BB Excavating
& Outdoor Furnaces
419-358-5342
Bluffton, OH
Mitchell Williams
Dylan Sloan
Isaiah Prowant
Cameron Deckling
Blake Obenour
Dylan Sloan
Cole Gossard
Storm Drumm
Colton Spearman
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
So.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
Fr.
Jr.
170
160
160
180
150
160
140
150
160
5-8
5-8
5-5
5-7
5-7
5-8
5-6
5-9
6-0
Good Luck
Bears!
From:
The Dairy Dream
290 N. Main St.
Dunkirk
567-674-1263
COACH: Keith Obenour (1st
year).
OFFENSIVE SCHEME:
Unbalanced-T.
STRENGTHS: The bulk of
Hardin Northern’s returning
players are
linemen. The
Polar Bears
return three
starters on the
offensive line
and two on the
defensive line.
Obenour was
Obenour
pleased with
quarterback
Riley Drumm’s
performance a season ago and
returns.
WEAKNESSES: With just 20
players, Hardin Northern will not
be a deep team. Hardin Northern
will have to break in three running backs and a receiver as the
Polar Bears go back to the unbalanced “T” that former coach Pete
Brunow utilized so well.
GRIDIRON GURU
Hardin Northern ended the
2011 season on a positive note with
a win over Vanlue in its final game
of the season. If Hardin Northern
can survive the first eight weeks
of the season, the Polar Bears will
face two teams — Vanlue and Arcadia — with similar numbers and
have a chance for two victories to
end the season.
Good Luck
Bears!
From
McCullough
Industries, Inc.
13047 CR • Kenton
419-673-0767
H A R DIN NORTHER N
THE COURIER
T11
Ethon Flowers (3), Rylie Drumm (5), Brock Spearman (9), Jacob Gossard (11), Storm Drumm (15), Blake Obenour (17), Cole Gossard (24), Colton Spearman (24), Wesley Schlatter (28), Matt
Dirmeyer (30), Hayden Bradley (45), Mitchell Williams (53), Cameron Deckling (55), Linkoln LaRoche (57), Darian Lease (58), Trevor Pritchard (64), Isaiah Prowant (65), Brett Roby (66),
Brandon Smith (72), Dylan Sloan (82). Head coach: Keith Obenour.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Ada
31 Cory-Rawson*
September 7 Van Buren*
14 McComb*
21 Pandora-Gilboa*
28 Leipsic*
October 5 Liberty-Benton*
12 Arlington*
19 Arcadia*
26 Vanlue*
(All games 7 p.m. except Ada at 7:30)
Southside Six
Says
Good Luck to the
Hardin Northern
Polar Bears
• Lottery • Deli & Pizza
• Convenience Store
• Laundromat • Car Wash
• Storage
441 S. Main St.
Dunkirk
419-759-2731
A
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
A
H
Hardin Northern
POLAR BEARS
2011 RESULTS
Ada
Cory-Rawson
Van Buren
McComb
Pandora-Gilboa
7-53
13-46
6-46
14-59
23-40
Leipsic
Liberty-Benton
Arlington
Arcadia
Vanlue
RECORD BOOK
7-40
0-53
0-52
21-42
21-12
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
1-9
0-10
3-7
2-8
6-4
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
10-2
12-1
14-1
11-2
14-1
T12
LEIPSIC
THE COURIER
Vikings return
veteran-laden
unit in 2012
KEY TO THE SEASON
QUICK FACTS
By NATHAN INNIGER
STAFF WRITER
C. Schroeder
Barrera
O FFE N S E
According to offensive tackle
Collin Schroeder: “I think that
we need to come together as an
offensive line. We just need to keep
getting off of the ball fast and low
and protecting the quarterback
because we have a good group of
wide receivers.”
D E FE N S E
According to cornerback
Caleb Barrera: “I think with our
amount of speed as a defensive unit
as a whole, it will be key for us to
fly around and get hats to the ball.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Kuhlman
ATT
257
COMP
146
YDS
2,447
TDS
26
RUSHING
ATT
T. Schroeder 135
B. Schroeder 103
Chamberlain 56
YARDS
764
594
450
AVG
5.7
5.8
8.0
TDS
14
10
7
RECEIVING REC
Mangas
51
S. Schroeder 27
Maag
22
YARDS
977
482
413
AVG
19.2
17.9
18.8
TDS
11
4
4
INT
9
LEIPSIC — During his time as a
Patrick Henry assistant, Leipsic head
coach Joe Kirkendall had five chances
to help prepare the Patriots for their
opening game against the Vikings.
He noted how the Patrick Henry
staff always viewed Leipsic as a sleeping giant.
The Vikings aren’t sleeping anymore. Kirkendall woke up the program in 2008 and it has exploded
into one of the top Blanchard Valley
Conference and Region 22 programs.
Since going 6-4 in 2008, Leipsic
has posted a 30-6 record the last three
years, made three playoff appearances
and won two outright BVC titles.
“I knew that the ability to come in
and be a solid football program was
there,” Kirkendall said of his decision
to come to Leipsic. “The question was
when you come in, ‘will the kids buy
in and will the kids work in the offseason?’ And they have.”
The Vikings appear to be one of the
favorites in the BVC race after storming through the conference last season
and advancing to the regional final.
Leipsic returns 19 letterwinners and
LEIPSIC SENIOR Austin Brown waits for his turn during the annual
picture day at the school. Brown is one of 19 returnings letterwinners.
18 of those players are upperclassmen.
Early on, Kirkendall will lean on
his defense. The Vikings return seven
starters and numerous other players
who saw action o on the defensive side
of the ball.
Edgar Ralda, who had 13 sacks,
is back on the defensive line along
with Paul Gerdeman, who rotated in
at defensive tackle. Dan DelaRosa,
a three-year letterwinner, started
at linebacker and is moving to nose
tackle.
Two seniors, Logan Haselman and
Austin Brown (2nd team all-BVC), are
back at linebacker while Cody Guerra
moves from defensive end to outside
linebacker. Derek Steffan returns at
one corner and will be joined in the
secondary by junior Dylan Schey and
senior Devin Mangas.
“We will be more athletic than we
have been on defense,” Kirkendall
said. “We bring a really good nucleus
back at defensive end and linebacker.”
Another thing that should make
See VIKINGS, Page T27
DEPTH CHART
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
RB
WR
WR
WR
TE
OT
OT
OG
OG
C
PK
Zack Kuhlman
Brady Schnipke
Caleb Barrera
Devin Mangas
Aric Schroeder
Austin Brown
Collin Schroeder
Adonijah Flores
Caleb Klinebriel
Alfie Flores
Colyn Niese
Devin Mangas
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
182
211
160
167
156
188
198
204
210
205
180
167
QB
RB
WR
WR
WR
TE
OT
OT
OG
OG
C
6-2
6-1
6-2
6-0
5-10
6-1
6-3
6-0
6-0
5-9
5-10
6-0
Derek Steffan
Jordan Chamberlin
Derek Steffan
Nate Brect
Isiah Lomeli
Milo Lopez
Kyle Berger
Garret Bardall
Logan Haselman
Cody Guerra
Paul Gerdeman
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Fr.
Fr.
So.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
160
145
160
137
150
177
248
232
200
193
226
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
P
6-3
5-8
6-3
5-9
5-9
5-11
6-3
6-5
5-11
5-9
5-10
Quality business forms, nationwide.
GOOD
LUCK
VIKES!
E N N I S
®
68 Vine Street
Leipsic, Oh 45856
1-800-743-2141
www.ennis.com
GO VIKES!
Edgar Ralda
Garret Bardall
Paul Gerdeman
Dan DelaRosa
Logan Haselman
Ryan Santana
Cody Guerra
Austin Brown
Dylan Schey
Derek Steffan
Devin Mangas
Devin Mangas
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
190
232
226
190
200
155
193
188
155
160
167
167
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
6-2
6-5
5-10
5-7
5-11
5-8
5-9
6-1
6-2
6-3
6-0
6-0
Kyle Berger
Collin Schroeder
Caleb Klinebriel
Alfie Flores
Brady Schnipke
Ried Steffan
Milo Lopez
Isiah Lomeli
Nate Brect
Caleb Barrera
Jordan Chamberlin
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
So.
Fr.
Fr.
Sr.
So.
248
198
210
205
211
181
177
150
137
160
145
6-3
6-3
6-0
5-9
6-1
5-11
5-11
5-9
5-9
6-2
5-8
COACH: Joe Kirkendall (5th
year, 36-10).
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: ProStyle.
STRENGTHS: The defense
returns seven
players to a unit
that allowed
seven or less
points in eight
of 13 games
last year. In a
conference that
returns several
outstanding
quarterbacks,
Kirkendall
Zach Kuhlman
is one of the
best. Add to
it a four-senior receiving corps.
There is also depth. The Vikings
will have eight players play
defense only and five linemen will
do the same on offensel.
WEAKNESSES: Leipsic is
breaking in four new players on
the offensive line. Even with all of
the Vikings’ success the last three
seasons, they have not started a
season 2-0.
GRIDIRON GURU
One paper, Leipsic appears to
be one of the BVC favorites and
should challenge for its fourth
straight Region 22 playoff berth.
Kirkendall thinks this team’s
chemistry is the best that he has
had at Leipsic. If the Vikings can
somehow pull out an opening night
victory on the road at HopewellLoudon, their remaining schedule
sets up well. The BVC title will
likely be decided on Oct. 19 or Oct.
26 in one of those games.
LEIPSIC
THE COURIER
T13
Terrance Dear (1), Terrel Murriel (3), Isiah Lomeli (4), Ross Mangas (5), Randy Avila (6), Dylan Schey (7), Austin Chamberlain (8), Kurt Schroeder (9), Austin Brown (10), Keith Scheckelhoff
(11), Zach Kuhlman (12), Caleb Barrera (14), Derek Steffan (15), Emilio Guerra (17), Edgar Raida (19), Theron Ridinger (20), Logan Haselman (21), Milo Lopez (22), Jordan Chamberlain (23),
Aric Schroeder (24), Jordan Brown (25), Devin Mangas (28), Nate Brecht (32), Brady Schnipke (33), Ryan Santana (40), Lorenzo Martin (42), Dean DelaRosa (44), Robert Haselman (50), Ried
Steffan (51), Garret Bardall (52), Colyn Niese (53), Alfie Flores (55), Cody Guerra (56), Javier Bustos (57), Donald Durain (58), Jared Rieman (59), Paul Steffan (60), Brandon Wentworth (63),
Collin Schroeder (64), Adonijah Flores (66), Chris Zarycki (67), Andre Guajardo (68), Paul Gerdeman (70), Josh Maynard (72), Matt Escamilla (74), Kyle Berger (75), Caleb Klinebriel (76), Gavin
Cupp (77), Cody Settlemire (81). Head coach: Joe Kirkendall.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Hopewell-Loudon
31 Pandora-Gilboa*
September 7 Vanlue*
14 Van Buren*
21 Arlington*
28 Hardin Northern*
October 5 Arcadia*
12 Cory-Rawson*
19 Liberty-Benton*
26 McComb*
(All games 7 p.m.)
A
H
A
H
A
A
A
H
A
H
Leipsic
VIKINGS
2011 RESULTS
Hopewell-Loudon
Pandora-Gilboa
Vanlue
Van Buren
Arlington
13-23
35-0
42-7
41-7
41-7
Hardin Northern
Arcadia
Cory-Rawson
Liberty-Benton
McComb
RECORD BOOK
40-7
49-13
37-0
27-0
48-20
PLAYOFFS
Arcadia
McComb (2 OT)
Delphos St. John’s
51-0
34-28
20-28
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
11-2
9-2
10-2
6-4
2-8
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
1-9
5-5
4-6
6-4
6-4
T14
LIBERT Y-BENTON
Graduation
took its toll on
L-B’s defensive
front seven
KEY TO THE SEASON
Linhart
THE COURIER
QUICK FACTS
COACH: Tim Nichols (6th year,
49-11).
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Spread.
STRENGTHS: There’s plenty
of returning experience on the
offensive side
of the ball,
starting with
three-year
quarterback
Mitch Linhart.
Three starting offensive
linemen and
three starting
wideouts also
Nichols
return.
By TED RADICK
Bowsher
STAFF WRITER
Of fense
Mitch Linhart: “First, up front,
we have to move people. That will
establish our run before the pass.
We have players who can step up
and play their positions as well
as (Brady) Vaught and (Dakota)
Conkle did last year.”
Defense
According to cornerback
Kyle Bowsher: “It all starts with
getting pressure on the quarterback. That makes our job easier
and allows us to read our keys.
We’re going to be solid.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Linhart
ATT
208
COMP
106
YDS
1,855
TD
23
RUSHING
Vaught
Linhart
Bowsher
ATT
190
100
13
YDS
1,371
510
243
AVG
7.2
5.1
18.7
TD
22
4
1
RECEIVING
D. Conkle
Cook
Bowsher
REC
32
20
20
YDS
717
363
341
AVG
22.4
18.2
17.1
TD
12
4
5
INT
11
Liberty-Benton football coach Tim
Nichols won’t hide from this fact: The
Eagles’ success will hinge on how a
work-in-progress front seven on
defense will perform.
Three of the four defensive linemen
and all three linebackers graduated off
last year’s 10-2 team. The 2011 Eagles
went 9-1 in Blanchard Valley Conference play and knocked off Division V
poll champion Lima Central Catholic
45-35 in the first round of the playoffs
before falling 20-13 to Region 18 finalist Hicksville.
“We have a lot of questions. We
think they’re going to be all right,
but it’s a matter of how soon,” Nichols
said. “Defensively, that front seven,
the sooner they jell the better. The
secondary will be fine, but we have to
be able to take away something with
the front seven, that’s the run game
part of it.”
Cornerbacks Kyle Bowsher, a
5-foot-11, 165-pound senior, and Joel
Bell, a 5-7, 165-pound junior, anchor
the secondary. Nichols is confident
LIBERTY-BENTON head coach Tim Nichols takes a break during the
Eagles’ 7-on-7 camp in late July. Nichols is in his sixth year in charge of
Eagles’ program.
in that part of the defense despite
the graduation of first-team all-Ohio
safety Dakota Conkle. Junior Bobby
Snook (5-11, 171) will start at strong
safety with sophomore Chase Conkle
(5-11, 160) at free safety.
Replacing another senior from last
season, middle linebacker Jed Miller,
is another matter.
“It starts at middle linebacker and
graduating Jed Miller, that’s huge,”
Nichols said. “He was our leader and
playmaker.”
Sophomore Justin Iott (5-11, 200)
and senior Larry Lauger (5-9, 175)
are battling at middle linebacker. At
outside linebacker, junior Anthony
Webb (5-10, 180) did get quite a bit
of game time last year, but Nichols
noted a sophomore and freshman are
competing for the other slot.
Senior John Balicki (5-10, 227)
See L-B, Page T16
DEPTH CHART
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
RB
WR
WR
WR
WR
T
T
G
G
C
K
Mitch Linhart
Austin Combs
Chase Cook
Jordan Chiow
Joel Bell
Kyle Bowsher
Zack Smelcer
Ryan Cates
Michael Loughman
Chris Warrington
Larry Lauger
Mitch Linhart
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
185
211
150
172
163
164
246
214
261
211
175
185
QB
RB
WR
WR
WR
WR
T
T
G
G
C
6-3
6-1
5-11
5-10
5-7
5-11
6-0
5-11
5-11
6-1
5-9
6-3
• Custom Signs
• Vehicle Lettering
• Banners
• Magnets
• & More!
419-422-5274
231 E. Front St., Findlay
Todd Cramer - Owner/Operator
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Joel Bell
Tim Petrella
Chase Conkle
Nathan Craft
Dylan VanDenEynde
Anthony Webb
Brandon May
Casey Fowler
Cody Cornwell
Justin Iott
Gage Haws
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
Fr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
163
166
160
195
184
180
229
199
221
198
286
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
FS
SS
P
5-7
5-9
5-11
6-5
6-2
5-10
6-3
6-2
6-1
5-11
5-8
TRUCK It
Down The Field
EAGLES!
Tim Petrella
Brandon May
John Balicki
Gage Haws
Justin Iott
Anthony Webb
Austin Combs
Joel Bell
Kyle Bowsher
Chase Conkle
Bobby Snook
Mitch Linhart
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
166
229
227
286
198
180
211
163
164
160
171
185
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
FS
SS
5-9
6-3
5-10
5-8
5-11
5-10
6-1
5-7
5-11
5-11
5-11
6-3
Go !
s
e
l
g
Ea
419-422-5742
www.garnertrucking.com
P.O. Box 1506, CR 313
Findlay, OH 45839
300 Walnut St., Findlay
419-423-8771
LaugersCarpetOne.com
Allan Hartley
Marcus Gierke
Grant Kinsinger
Chris Warrington
Larry Lauger
Isaish Settles
Alec Rhodes
Jordan Chiow
Chase Cook
Mitch Linhart
Dylan VanDenEynde
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
So.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
Fr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
205
188
235
211
175
197
204
172
150
185
184
5-11
5-9
6-0
6-1
5-9
5-11
6-0
5-10
5-11
6-3
6-2
WEAKNESSES: Only one
returning starter is back among
the defensive front seven, and
the Eagles graduated their entire
starting linebacker corps. L-B
also must replace offensive playmakers Brady Vaught and Dakota
Conkle.
GRIDIRON GURU
Liberty-Benton will be among
the teams battling for the BVC
title. The Eagles will put up plenty
of points, but the development of
the linebacker corps in particular
will be a must in order to stop
opposing teams’ run games and
getting that offense back on the
field. Arlington, in Week 2, and
McComb, in Week 3, will provide
a pair of stern early tests for the
Eagles’ run defense.
LIBERT Y-BENTON
THE COURIER
T15
Mason Rose (1), Chase Conkle (2), Joel Bell (3), Jordan Chiow (6), Chase Cook (7), Colton Bond (8), Mitch Linhart (10), Brandon May (11), Nathan Craft (12), Jacob Schimmoeller (14), Storm
Shepard (15), Bobby Snook (16), Tanner Hindall (18), Anthony Webb (20), Jeff Gierke (25), Kyle Bowsher (27), Cole Smith (30), Mitch Rhodes (32), Austin Combs (33), Alec Rhodes (41), Trey
Cruz (42), Isaish Settles (50), Marcus McGhee (53), Grant Kinsinger (54), Justin Iott (55), Matt Loughman (56), Ryan Cates (57), Michael Loughman (58), Gage Haws (59), Cody Proehl (60),
John Balicki (61), Casey Fowler (62), Eric Peverly (63), Kyle Bell (64), Cody Cornwell (65), Larry Lauger (70), Allan Hartley (72), Marcus Gierke (73), Trevor Springer (74), Matt Groves (75),
Zack Smelcer (76), Chris Warrington (79), Dylan Vandeneynde (81), Tim Petrella (83), Trendai Kelley (84), Colton Smith (85). Head coach: Tim Nichols.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 25 Fremont St. Joseph
31 Arlington*
September 7 McComb*
14 Vanlue*
21 Cory-Rawson*
28 Arcadia*
October 5 Hardin Northern*
12 Pandora-Gilboa*
19 Leipic*
26 Van Buren*
All games 7 p.m.
A
A
A
H
A
A
A
H
H
H
Liberty-Benton
EAGLES
2011 RESULTS
Fremont St. Joseph
Arlington
McComb
Vanlue
Cory-Rawson
Good Luck
to
All BVC Teams
48-0
48-14
43-20
61-13
41-14
Arcadia
Hardin Northern
Pandora-Gilboa
Leipsic
Van Buren
RECORD BOOK
34-14
53-0
40-7
0-27
49-17
PLAYOFFS
Lima Cent. Catholic
Hicksville
45-35
13-20
a
g
E
l
e
o
s!
G
Good Luck
From
Eagles!
7519 Patriot Dr., Findlay
(in front of Menards)
419-427-1007
Beginning Steps
to Learning
1624 Tiffin Ave • Findlay
419-421-0830
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
10-2
7-3
6-4
14-1
12-1
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
12-2
10-2
11-1
8-3
6-4
HD/DVR CABLE
High Speed Internet
1433 E. Sandusky St.,
Suite B, Findlay
140 Main St. • Benton Ridge
419-420-8250
1-800-589-3837
www.watchtv.net
T16
PR EP FOOTBA LL
Redskins
Mock, who has been the Redskins’
starter since midway through his
freshman season.
Gerisch will rely heavily on Mock.
“Well, I think it’s key that we have
confidence this year again,” Mock
said.
“I think that played a big part in
why we did so well last year, because
we were all confident that we could
play with anyone.”
“He (Mock) brings a calm to the
huddle. He is an extra coach in the
L-B
returns at defensive tackle. He’ll be
joined in the interior by senior Gage
Haws (5-8, 286) with senior Tim
Patrella (5-9, 166) and junior Brandon
May (6-3, 230) at the ends.
Offensively, things are a little more
settled despite the Eagles losing leading rusher Brady Vaught (1,371 yards,
22 touchdowns) and receiver Dakota
Conkle (32 catches, 717 yards, 12
TDs).
“I don’t care what kind of offense
you’re running, it all starts with your
quarterback,” Nichols said. “That’s
your man. First and foremost it will
start with Mitch. And, that’s a good
starting point.”
Senior Mitch Linhart (6-3, 185)
enters his third year under center
after throwing for 1,855 yards and
23 touchdowns a year ago.
“He was still learning some things
last year,” said Nichols, who noted
Linhart lost much of his sophomore
season to an ACL tear. “I think this
year, he’ll be more comfortable. We’ve
seen a different side of him this year.
He’s not a vocal-type kid, but we’ve
huddle. That’s huge,” Gerisch said.
Gerisch is also going to capitalize
on the experience at quarterback by
opening up the offense.
“We will base our offense on the
I-formation, but we will spread it out
also,” he said.
“(Mock) has made the transition
very easy. He already knows where
people are supposed to be, is telling
people, ‘Hey, this is where you need
to be,’” Gerisch said.
“I’ve given him the freedom to, if
he sees something at the line of scrimmage, not to be afraid to change it and
modify on the run.”
The Redskins will be looking to
speedy wideouts senior Seth Bauer
noticed he’s not trying to blend in
like he was last year like you can have
with a junior working with a group
of seniors.
“Being a senior, I think he feels
more comfortable. He understands
what responsibilities come with being
a quarterback and I think he’s more
comfortable being a leader. We’ve seen
some noticeable growth in that aspect.
That says a whole lot, that calming
factor and that motivating factor.”
Three receivers return in L-B’s
four-wide spread. Junior Chase Cook
(20 catches, 363 yards) and Bowsher
(20, 341) look to be the primary targets, with Bell also back from last
season. Senior Jordan Chiow (5-10,
172) has the inside track on the
remaining wideout position.
Sophomore Austin Combs (6-1,
211) will be the tailback, with Patrella
also having experience at the position.
“We’re going to find someone who
can run the ball,” Nichols said.
Center Lauger, guard Michael
Loughman (5-11, 261) and tackle
Zack Smelcer (6-0, 246) are returning starters. Senior Ryan Cates (5-11,
214) is a newcomer at tackle and
junior Chris Warrington (6-1, 211)
will man a guard spot.
Radick: 419-427-8405,
[email protected]
and junior Sawyer Kieffe for big-play
potential.
Spearheading the ground game
will be senior fullback Tyler Bame and
sophomore tailback Chase Gonzales.
“We’ve got some athletes that can
make some plays with their feet and
their hands, and if we can get them
the ball in open space, they can make
things happen,” Gerisch said.
Senior Keven Keefe will handle
the duties at center with senior Travis
Roller and freshman Jacob Keefe at
the tackles and junior Hayden Ramsey
and sophomore Bobby Vera at the
guards. Senior Clay Moyer will be at
tight end.
Defensively, the Redskins will continue to play the 4-2-5 to which they’ve
become accustomed.
“The kids know the defense, the
other three coaches on staff know
the defense,” Gerisch said. “I think
in the long run that’s going to pay
dividends.”
“Last year set the tempo for this
year,” senior linebacker and defensive
captain Tyler Bame said. “We had all
the seniors coaching up the younger
kids. Everybody just has to man up
and do their part and we should be
good.”
Ramsey, Bauer and freshman Shae
Watkins will join Bame at linebacker
with Kevin Keefe and Moyer the
defensive ends and Vera and Roller at
noseguard and tackle, respectively.
Gonzales and Kieffer will start at the
cornerback positions and Mock will
be at safety.
Arcadia will host Lakota to open
its season on Friday and then begin
Blanchard Valley Conference play on
Aug. 31 at Vanlue.
A year ago, the Redskins opened
the season 2-0 by beating Lakota
45-13 and blanking longtime rival
Vanlue, 46-0.
Hancock County Board of Alcohol,
Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services
Hancock County Community Partnership
419-424-1985
After Hours Crisis Hotline
(Toll-Free) 1-888-936-7116
If you need help please call:
Family Resource Centers
Century Health, Inc.
Mental health and substance abuse
Mental health and substance
treatment for youth and their families.
abuse treatment for adults.
419-422-8616
419-425-5050
THE COURIER
Red
toll on Arlington’s defensive line.
Glick returns at tackle, where he’ll be
joined by Rieman. Hartman, Blunk
and senior Zach Gehring (195) will
rotate at defensive end.
“Right now, it’s baby steps because
progressed really well, and so has we have a couple of new linemen,”
(junior backup) Andrew Hunter. Our Leonard said. “Formation recognition
quarterback play will be improved.
things, those are an issue. We’re play“More than anything, it’s been ing with a lot of kids that were playing
leadership. Blaiz’s maturity is much on Saturday mornings a year ago, and
better, and so is his understanding we’ll have to wait and see how they
of the game. He’s understanding the respond on Friday nights.
whys and what-fors. ‘I’m reading the
“I’ve been very happy with our
corner here; I’m reading the safety on
this play.’ He is understanding what effort, intensity and leadership. Those
are the kind
we’re trying to
of i nt a ng ible
accomplish this
“While we still love
things you like
year.”
to see. But, we
running the ball, we’ve
Senior Kyle
need to improve.
B or mut h w i l l
got to be able to keep
Improvement is
play the key role
going to be a key
at fullback. Bordefenses honest. Eight,
for us.”
muth replaces
nine in the box all game
Ja ke L eona rd
Things are a
(939 yards,
little more setlong is tough. We can be
18 TDs). Dick
tled at the second
as stubborn as we want,
Leonard noted
level. Bormuth
Bormuth’s profiand junior Josh
but
that’s
tough
to
deal
ciency at blocking
Elledge are
and senior Zac
with. Right now, we think
returning startMetzger, sophoing linebackers
we’re
better
at
that.”
more Austin
with Frysinger
Rettig and junior
also slated to
Jordan Freed will
start. In the secall get plenty of
ondary, Hunter,
carries from the
DICK LEONARD
at cornerback,
w ing/ha l f back
ARLINGTON HEAD COACH
and Metzger, at
positions.
safety, are back.
Senior Kody
McBride will
Frysinger will be the wideout and
man
a
cornerback
spot
after
spot duty
junior Michael Blunk moves tackle to
there a year ago, while Freed will play
tight end.
Make no mistake, Arlington is a safety.
“We don’t want to be fifth anyrun-oriented team. But, Leonard said,
the pass game will be featured more more,” Leonard said. “We want to
compete. We want to compete with
often this season.
“While we still love running the everybody. Winning our league, that’s
ball, we’ve got to be able to keep the creme de la creme. What you can
defenses honest,” he said. “Eight, nine do with that, is be in the playoffs. Our
in the box all game long is tough. We seniors want to get in the playoffs and
can be as stubborn as we want, but play with and compete against the
best teams.”
that’s tough to deal with.
“Right now, we think we’re better
at that.”
Radick: 419-427-8405,
Graduation losses took a heavy [email protected]
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
419-423-1432
LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org
THE COURIER
PR EP FOOTBA LL
T17
T18
McCOMB
Panthers’
strength lies in
their offensive
production
KEY TO THE SEASON
Nauth
QUICK FACTS
By JAMIE BAKER
Ji. Brown
STAFF WRITER
According to offensive guard
Spencer Nauth: “We need to make
sure we get our assignments right
and we fire off the ball. Jerry and
our other backs can’t be successful
if our linemen aren’t successful.”
tackle Jimmy Brown: “We have
big guys on the line so we want
to push their linemen deep in the
backfield and close those holes. We
want to force our opponents to run
outside where our fast linebackers
and defensive backs will be waiting
for them.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Buck
ATT
167
COMP
103
YDS
1,741
TD
21
RUSHING
Brown
Wilson
ATT
117
111
YDS
1,125
720
AVG
9.6
6.5
TD
20
10
RECEIVING
Brown
C. Wilson
B. Wilson
REC
40
22
17
YDS
770
320
314
AVG
19.3
14.5
18.5
TD
12
3
4
INT
8
McCOMB — There are high
expectations for McComb this season.
And for good reason.
The Panthers return Blanchard
Valley Conference Offensive Player
of the Year Jerry Brown, quarterback
Dalton Buck and a host of other potent
weapons on offense.
Those high expectations turned
into one of the best off seasons in
recent memory for veteran head coach
Kris Alge, who enters his 15th season.
“I know the kids have high expectations and the coaches do, too. That’s
especially true after the playoffs last
year. We started out last season 1-2
but the kids kept getting better and
better,” Alge said.
“We graduated a lot of people two
years ago so we had a lot of first-year
juniors playing for us last year. It
would have been nice to beat Leipsic
in round two of the playoffs but I think
how we finished the year really carried over into our winter workouts in
the weight room and the work the kids
MCCOMB NOSE GUARD Marcus Miller works against the Patrick
Henry offensive line during a preseason scrimmage. Miller is a 6--foot-2,
315-pound senior for the Panthers.
did this summer.
“Sometimes you have teams where
the coaches are driving the players.
With this team, the players are driving
each other.”
After falling to 2010 playoff teams
Tiffin Calvert and Liberty-Benton a
year ago, the Panthers won seven of
their next eight games before bowing
out of the playoffs in a thrilling 34-28
double overtime loss to Leipsic in the
regional semifinals.
The Panthers have perhaps more
returning offensive firepower than any
other BVC team.
Brown (6 -foot, 190 pounds),
who will line up at just about every
skill position including quarterback,
rushed for 1,125 yards (9.6 per carry)
during the regular season. He also
caught 40 passes for 770 yards and
scored 33 touchdowns.
Buck (5-10, 160) is back at quarterback and will likely see time at
receiver when the Panthers go to
their wildcat package with Brown
moving under center. Buck hit 103
of 167 passes for 1,741 yards with 21
See PANTHERS, Page T26
DEPTH CHART
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
RB
RB
WR
WR
OT
OT
OG
OG
C
TE
PK
THE COURIER
Dalton Buck
Cody Wilson
Brock Wilson
Jerry Brown
Mitch Schroeder
Jimmy Brown
Andrew Gibson
Spencer Nauth
Colten Greer
Cody Spoon
Clay Dysert
Jacob Beeson
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
160
185
155
190
164
225
195
275
240
205
165
120
QB
WR
WR
OT
OG
OG
5-10
5-11
6-1
6-1
5-9
6-2
5-11
6-1
6-4
6-1
6-0
5-6
Hartley
Funeral
Home
Trey Hanes
Clay Grubb
Brandon Ishmael
Marcus Miller
Kenny Beeker
Jordan Overton
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
So.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
135
160
175
315
240
185
DE
DE
DT
DT
NG
ILB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
P
5-10
6-3
6-1
6-2
6-2
5-11
GOOD LUCK
PANTHERS!
“Our Family Serving
Your Family”
HOVERMAN
INSURANCE
370 Park Drive
McComb
419-293-3552
Ray, Greg, Mary
& Paul
419-293-2716
Jordan Overton
Clay Dysert
Dylan Miller
Spencer Nauth
Colten Greer
Andrew Gibson
Michael Jones
Cody Wilson
Dalton Buck
Mitchell Schroeder
Jerry Brown
Jerry Brown
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
So.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
185
165
170
275
240
195
150
185
160
164
190
190
DT
CB
CB
5-11
6-0
5-5
6-1
6-4
5-11
5-9
5-11
5-10
5-9
6-1
6-1
CASEY’S SALES
& SERVICE
Have a great season
to all area teams,
cheerleaders
and bands!
13625 Deshler Rd.
North Baltimore
419-257-2171
½ Mile West of I-75
www.caseyssales.com
Yr. Ht.
Kenny Beeker
Trey Hanes
Clay Grubb
Wt.
Jr. 6-2 240
So. 5-10 135
So. 6-3 160
COACH: Kris Alge (15th year,
120-41).
STRENGTHS: 14-player senior
class that has been through it all
and that has
seen playoff
action the past
two seasons.
Among those
seniors are a
number of talented offensive
players including BVC Player
of the Year
Alge
Jerry Brown,
quarterback
Dalton Buck
and running back Cody Wilson.
The returnees on the offensive
and defensive lines are bigger,
stronger and faster.
WEAKNESSES: Panthers are
hoping to shore up a defense that
allowed 121 points over the last
three games in 2011. Depth is
also a concern, particularly in the
skill positions.
GRIDIRON GURU
The team, coaches, school
and the McComb and Hoytville
communities are jacked up for
the upcoming season and they
should be. Alge’s team is always
fun to watch, especially on offense.
They’ll score touchdowns in
bunches again with “Touchdown”
Jerry Brown leading the way. If
they buckle down on defense and
remain healthy, McComb fans can
expect their Panthers to contend
with L-B and Leipsic for the BVC
title and provide a deep playoff run.
McCOMB
THE COURIER
T19
Dalton Buck (2), Trey Hanes (4), Austin Davis (5), Brandon Ishmael (6), Nick Siferd (7), Brock Wilson (8), Clay Dysert (10), Chas Shoop (12), Mitch Schroeder (16), Dalton Auchmuty (17),
Zac Davidson (19), Clay Grubb (20), Michael Jones (21), Damien Eaken (22), Jerry Brown (23), Sam Colich (24), Jacob Beeson (25), Tyler Parker (26), Cody Wilson (27), Patrick McStraw (28),
Zach Harris (42), Andrew Gibson (48), Dylan Miller (50), Matthew Cataline (54), Colten Greer (55), Gabe Rader (56), Andy Colich (57), Saul Blank (58), Ronnie Scott (60), Jordan Overton (61),
Brandon McGuire (62), Cody Spoon (63), Jimmy Brown (64), Logan Hendren (65), Noah De La Cerda (66), Andrew Nauth (68), Kenny Beeker (72), Marcus Miller (74), Spencer Nauth (75). Head
coach: Kris Alge.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Tiffin Calvert
31 Van Buren*
September 7 Liberty-Benton*
14 Hardin Northern*
21 Vanlue*
28 Cory-Rawson*
October 5 Arlington*
12 Arcadia*
19 Pandora-Gilboa*
26 Leipsic*
All games 7 p.m.
GOOD LUCK
PANTHERS
From the
McComb
Athletic
Boosters
A
H
H
A
H
H
A
H
A
A
McComb
PANTHERS
2011 RESULTS
Tiffin Calvert
Van Buren
Liberty-Benton
Hardin Northern
Vanlue
GOOD LUCK
PANTHERS!
14-17
47-21
20-43
59-14
58-0
Cory-Rawson
Arlington
Arcadia
Pandora-Gilboa
Leipsic
Good Luck
Panthers!
AMERICAN
WINDOWS &
SIDINGof Ohio, Inc.
211 E Main - McComb
419-293-0008
Hours: Lunch M-Sat 11-2
Reg: Sun-Wed 4-9
TH 4-10; F & Sat 4-11
Visit our showroom at:
332 West Main
Cross St., Findlay
Call Now - Call Today
419-422-7242
1-877-422-8299
www.americanwindowsandsiding.com
RECORD BOOK
45-7
48-7
67-13
48-7
20-48
PLAYOFFS
Edgerton
Leipsic (2 OT)
Go
Panthers!
269 Park Drive South
McComb, Ohio
(419) 293-2335
www.mccombdental.com
Now Accepting
New Patients!
49-39
28-34
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
8-4
12-1
7-3
7-4
10-2
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
9-3
6-4
9-4
7-3
7-4
Go Panthers!
2410 N. Main St.
419.425.LUBE
T20
PA NDOR A-GILBOA
Arthur wants
P-G to be
a run-first
football team
KEY TO THE SEASON
A. Basinger
STAFF WRITER
O FFE N S E
D E FE N S E
According to Nick Walther:
“We have 10 returning lettermen
on defense and I think our front
seven is really going to be key getting pressure on the quarterback,
stopping the run and making it
easy on the secondary guys to
make plays.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Breece
ATT
267
COMP
147
YDS
1,804
TDS
17
RUSHING
Walther
ATT
1
YARDS
207
AVG
5.0
TDS
2
RECEIVING
Hovest
Basinger
Osborn
REC
55
40
26
YARDS
643
569
352
AVG
11.7
14.2
13.5
TDS
7
5
2
QUICK FACTS
By NATHAN INNIGER
N. Walther
According to Abram Basinger: “Our line is all coming back
and with running the ball, it will
also open up the pass game and
open up the field more.”
INT
7
PANDORA — Depth is a key in
any sport, but it may be more important in football.
Pandora-Gilboa was the third
smallest football playing school in
Ohio last season. There were only 27
boys combined in the junior and senior
classes and just 14 played football.
Because of the low numbers, the
Rockets were forced to use many players, including several sophomores, on
both sides of the ball for four quarters.
Although the current senior class
is still small (6), there are over junior
and sophomores.
P-G head coach Carey Arthur now
wants to use depth and experience to
his advantage and transform the Rockets program into more of a run-first
football team.
“(We) have a more experienced
line, a larger line and a line with depth
and now we have some tailbacks,”
Arthur said. “We have a lot of 1,000yard rushers in our record books. We
have always had tailbacks, but for the
last couple of years we haven’t really
NICK WALTHER of Pandora-Gilboa displays his strength during a tugo-war at the Liberty-Benton lineman camp with brother, Bradley (left),
urging him on.
had that type of player in our system.
This year we feel like in every grade
level, we have one very good running
back.”
P-G will feature a power-I formation that can also be morphed into a
shotgun set.
The Rockets return junior starters
Jared Tousley, Ron Hovest and Evan
Hovest on the offensive line and senior
Brady Schulte is back after missing
last season with an injury. Nick Wal-
ther, who last season had to bring two
jerseys to each game in case he was
needed on the line, returns at fullback.
Junior Seth Schmenk steps in
as the quarterback after P-G graduated Josh Breece, its all-time leading
passer.
Schmenk (6-foot-1, 172 pounds),
is a different player than Breece and
will have different responsibilities in
See ARTHUR, Page T26
DEPTH CHART
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
FB
RB
WR
WR
TE
OT
OT
OG
OG
C
PK
THE COURIER
Seth Schmenk
Nick Walther
Brandon Doyle
Abram Basinger
Brian Schneck
Alex Osborn
Jared Tousley
Ron Hovest
Garrett Gerdeman
Brady Schulte
Evan Hovest
Jarod Triplehorn
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
172
205
181
161
153
194
191
256
210
264
167
152
QB
FB
RB
RB
WR
WR
WR
TE
OT
OG
OG
C
6-1
6-0
6-0
5-11
5-10
6-3
6-4
6-3
6-2
6-1
5-9
5-9
Jacob Basinger
Tyler Boes
Reed Hovest
Addison Diller
Jarod Triplehorn
Sam Herr
Jacob Wauters
Korey Hall
Shane Wilson
Kyle Conine
Justin Ritchey
Joe Hovest
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
So.
So.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
So.
155
176
164
156
152
114
132
158
236
216
344
225
DE
DE
DT
DT
MLB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
FS
SS
P
5-8
6-1
5-10
6-0
5-9
5-5
5-10
5-9
6-2
6-2
6-5
6-0
Nick Walther
Jared Tousley
Ron Hovest
Alex Osborn
Garrett Gerdeman
Evan Hovest
Brandon Doyle
Jarod Triplehorn
Brian Schneck
Seth Schmenk
Abram Basinger
Brandon Doyle
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
205
191
256
194
212
167
181
152
153
172
161
181
DT
DT
OLB
CB
FS
SS
6-0
6-4
6-3
6-3
6-2
5-9
6-0
5-9
5-10
6-1
5-11
6-0
GO ROCKETS! Go Rockets
From
GARY’S REPAIR
800-686-2386
Auto • Home
Business
GO ROCKETS!
2667 Rd. P • Pandora
419-384-7303
Parsons
Auto Service
Paint • Body • Mechanical
Insurance Work Accepted
920 Basinger Rd,
Pandora
419-384-7599
Justin Ritchey
Shane Wilson
Tyler Boes
Reed Hovest
Jacob Basinger
Bradley Walther
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
Jr.
So.
So.
344
236
176
164
155
181
6-5
6-2
6-1
5-10
5-8
6-0
COACH: Carey Arthur (7th year,
33-30).
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: PowerI.
STRENGTHS: Pandora-Gilboa,
with several lettermen returning and good
size up front,
will pride itself
on being more
physical. The
team is also in
good physical
shape and with
more depth,
Arthur
the Rockets are
expecting to
compete better
at the end of games.
WEAKNESSES: Despite the
fact P-G will be much more
experienced, it will still be young
and will not have as much depth
as some of the top Blanchard
Valley Conference contenders.
Although Arthur doesn’t discount
the leadership of his seniors, he
feels it hurts the overall leadership of the team with just six
final-year players on the roster.
GRIDIRON GURU
A year ago, P-G was outscored
128-33 in the second half of its
eight losses. With more strength
and experience on the interior
lines and the switch to a more
run-based offense, the Rockets
should be able to stay fresh longer
and compete more effectively late
in games. Expect P-G to win a few
more games, but can this team
make a jump into the top half of
the Blanchard Valley Conference?
If the offense is effective and the
defense becomes more formidable,
that just may be a possibility.
PA NDOR A-GILBOA
THE COURIER
T21
Jacob Basinger (1), Reed Hovest (2), Nick Walter (4), Bradley Walther (5), T.J. Koepplinger (84), Hunter Hovest (12), Christopher Doseck (9), Seth Schmenk (10), Brain Schmenk (15), Jacob
Merz (28), Tyler Morris (14), Alex Osborn (17), Brett Schulte (25), Abram Basinger (21), Jorod Triplehorn (24), Sam Herr (27), Jacob Wauters (30), Addison Diller (34), Korey Hall (36), Tyler
Boes (40), Brandon Doyle (42), Josiah Basinger (11), Evan Hovest (50), Matthew Buess (87), Kyle Conine (56), Jared Tousley (58), Delee Salinas (62), Ron Hovest (63), Garrett Gerdeman (65),
Collin Hall (68), Alex Fischbach (72), Shane Wilson (71), Brady Schulte (75), Cole Alexander (70), Juestin Ritchey (77), Joe Hovest (79). Head coach: Carey Arthur. Assistant coaches: Jason
Stall, Cloyce Wolfe, Brian Stewart, Darren Morrison, Eric Osborn, Joe Schwab, Levi Hovest. Head coach: Carey Arthur.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Columbus Grove
31 Leipsic*
September 7 Cory-Rawson*
14 Arlington*
21 Hardin Northern*
28 Vanlue*
October 5 Van Buren*
12 Liberty-Benton*
19 McComb*
26 Arcadia*
All games 7 p.m., except Col. Grove, 7:30
A
A
A
H
H
A
H
A
H
H
Pandora-Gilboa
ROCKETS
2011 RESULTS
Columbus Grove
Leipsic
Cory-Rawson
Arlington
Hardin Northern
13-40
0-35
7-33
6-36
40-23
Vanlue
Van Buren
Liberty-Benton
McComb
Arcadia
RECORD BOOK
45-0
25-42
7-40
7-48
6-41
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2-8
5-5
6-4
10-2
3-7
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
5-5
1-9
6-5
4-6
3-7
T22
VA N BUR EN
Knights hope
to finally post
winning season
KEY TO THE SEASON
QUICK FACTS
COACH: Kevin Shoup (3rd year,
7-13).
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro I.
STRENGTHS: Lots of experience, including four returning
starters on the
offensive line.
Quarterback
Ryan Adolph
is a three-year
starter.
By TED RADICK
STAFF WRITER
Adolph
Oler
O FFE N S E
Ryan Adolph: “The key to our
offense will be getting movement
at the line of scrimmage. We have
a lot big, strong guys up front and
we should be able to work our run
game and pass game off of that.”
D E FE N S E
tackle Ora Oler: “We need the
defensive line to make a wall and
have our outside linebackers keep
containment. We need to set our
alleys and have our linebackers
fill.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Adolph
ATT
155
COMP
75
YDS
1,149
TD
8
RUSHING
Kieffer
Adolph
DeVore
ATT
198
58
51
YDS
1,459
336
240
AVG
7.4
5.8
4.7
TD
19
7
0
RECEIVING
Palmer
REC
20
YDS
512
AVG
25.6
TD
5
INT
7
VAN BUREN — There’s an air of
excitement running through the Van
Buren football program.
It’s not a feeling the Black Knights
community is used to feeling. Van
Buren, after all, hasn’t had a winning
season since 1996.
But, coming off last year’s 5-5
mark, this could be the year to change
that. Only four seniors graduated from
the 2011 squad that went 4-5 in the
Blanchard Valley Conference, and
nine starters return on defense.
“We definitely have high expectations,” said coach Kevin Shoup, who
is entering his third year at the helm.
“I’ve talked for three years about closing the gap between us and the toptier teams in the league, and I’ve felt
we’ve done that every year.
“This year, we are hoping to overcome that gap. We’re looking to do
some nice things and compete every
single week.”
The ground game will be key in
Van Buren’s pro-set “I” formation. The
Black Knights were second in the BVC
with 2,331 rushing yards last season
and one of those seniors who gradu-
Shoup
VAN BUREN FRESHMEN, Zach Lonyo (left) and Dakota Iliff draw ladder
duty on the team’s annual picture day.
ated was the league’s leading rusher,
Zane Kieffer (1,459 yards, 19 TDs).
Fullback Ross Adolph, a 5-foot-11,
190-pound sophomore fullback, and
senior tailback Matt DeVore (6-1, 195)
will handle the bulk of the running
duties.
“We’re hoping to replace Zane Kieffer with a group of guys,” Shoup said,
noting that senior Tyler Atchison (6-2,
205) will be in the mix. “Ross Adolph
has had a great camp. He got a significant amount of time at fullback as
a freshman. He has great vision; he’s
going to be a good one.
“Matt DeVore, at tailback, is a
downhill, beef-type runner who will
lower his shoulder and get after it,
where Ross will use his vision to find
gaps.”
Senior Ryan Adolph (6-0, 190)
returns for his third year at quarterback after passing for 1,149 yards
and eight touchdowns. Sophomore
See KNIGHTS, Page T26
DEPTH CHART
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
QB
RB
FB
WR
WR
T
T
G
G
C
TE
K
THE COURIER
Ryan Adolph
Matt DeVore
Ross Adolph
Draeton Fasone
Landry Zehender
Austin Bisbee
Isaac Sexton
Ora Oler
Collin Hiatt
Cole Halliday
Ryan Brauneller
Matt DeVore
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
So.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
190
195
190
150
165
245
255
210
245
225
200
195
QB
RB
FB
WR
WR
T
T
G
G
C
TE
K
6-0
6-1
5-11
6-0
5-11
6-0
6-1
5-7
5-11
6-4
6-3
6-1
CASEY’S SALES
& SERVICE
Have a great season
to all area teams,
cheerleaders
and bands!
13625 Deshler Rd.
North Baltimore
419-257-2171
½ Mile West of I-75
www.caseyssales.com
Adam Endicott
Justin Phillips
Tyler Atchison
Lucas Huber
Kurtis Gibson
Jacob Kelly
Cody McMonigal
Grant Wagner
Tyler Holtgreven
Jameson Jacobs
Drew Conner
Marcus Brand
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
So.
So.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
So.
Jr.
So.
So.
Fr.
170
150
205
165
165
225
250
195
170
185
185
170
DE
DE
DT
DT
ILB
ILB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
P
5-11
5-5
6-2
6-0
5-9
6-6
5-8
5-11
6-0
5-11
6-1
6-0
Tyler Atchison
Drew Conner
Ora Oler
Austin Bisbee
Matt DeVore
Brady Lucas
Alec Rampe
Ross Adolph
Ryan Adolph
Landry Zehender
Alex Bleile
Drew Conner
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
So.
205
185
210
245
195
220
170
190
190
165
165
185
DE
DE
DT
DT
ILB
ILB
OLB
OLB
CB
CB
S
P
6-2
6-1
5-7
6-0
6-1
5-11
5-11
5-11
6-0
5-11
6-1
6-1
The Van Buren
Black Knights
know the
meaning of
hard work.
Great accomplishments are the result of hard work.
The kind of work every Black Knight puts in. You
are an inspiration to us all. Go Black Knights.
biorefining
poet.com/fostoria
Cole Halliday
Ryan Brauneller
Isaac Sexton
Cody McMonigal
Joey Nelson
Collin Hiatt
Kurtis Gibson
Adam Endicott
Cole Martin
Lucas Huber
Draeton Fasone
Marcus Brand
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
So.
Jr.
Jr.
Jr.
So.
So.
So.
So.
Fr.
225
200
255
250
165
245
165
170
165
165
150
170
6-4
6-3
6-1
5-8
5-11
5-11
5-9
5-11
5-9
6-0
6-0
6-0
WEAKNESSES: Nineteen letterwinners are back, but there’s
not much Friday night game
experience behind those players.
Depth along the offensive line is a
particular concern.
GRIDIRON GURU
Not only is Van Buren’s roster
size into the mid-40s, there’s terrific numbers in the junior high
program as well. This bodes well
for a school that offers a full slate
of fall sports. Van Buren is a team
on the rise, but the Black Knights
need to get a signature victory
over an established BVC power to
firmly establish themselves among
the top-tier programs in the conference.
VA N BUR EN
THE COURIER
T23
Nick DeVore (2), Landry Zehender (3), Kurtis Gibson (4), Alex Bleile (7), Joe Baker (9), Zach Lonyo (10), Marcus Brand (11), Adam Endicott (14), Ryan Adolph (15), Lucas Huber (20), Cole Martin
(21), Ross Adolph (22), Draeton Fasone (23), Tyler Atchison (25), Alec Rampe (32), Justin Phillips (33), Joey Nelson (36), Anthony Bilbrey (40), Nic Torres (41), Matt DeVore (44), Brady Lucas
(50), Bobby Campbell (51), Austin Bisbee (52), Collin Hiatt (53), Cole Halliday (54), Jameson Jacobs (55), Corbin Trumbull (56), Isaac Sexton (61), Cody McMonigal (62), Riley Miller (63), Tyler
Holtgreven (64), Andrew Kelley (65), Nick Hoehn (66), Jacob Kelley (70), Dakota Iliff (71), Payten Whitticar (72), Josh Pettry (73), Ora Oler (74), Brayton Schmitz (75), Grant Wagner (77), Brad
Couchot (78), Ryan Brauneller (80), David Roy (85), Drew Conner (88). Head coach: Kevin Shoup.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 24 Ridgedale
31 McComb*
September 7 Hardin Northern*
14 Leipsic*
21 Arcadia*
28 Arlington*
October 5 Pandora-Gilboa*
12 Vanlue*
19 Cory-Rawson*
26 Liberty-Benton*
All games 7 p.m.
Go
Black
Knights!
VAN HORN, HOOVER
& ASSOCIATES, INC.
Engineering • Surveying
419-423-5630
9747 SR 224 W,
Findlay, OH
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
H
H
A
Van Buren
BLACK KNIGHTS
2011 RESULTS
Ridgedale
McComb
Hardin Northern
Leipsic
Arcadia
GOOD
LUCK
BLACK KNIGHTS!
Paul Gnepper 419-299-3524
Findlay
419-422-3852
www.cruisin2.com
55-6
21-47
46-6
7-41
20-30
Arlington
Pandora-Gilboa
Vanlue
Cory-Rawson
Liberty-Benton
Go
Black
Knights!
Plumbing, Heating &
A/C Services Co., LLC
419-427-2012
siferds.com
RECORD BOOK
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
14-42
42-25
46-8
34-33
17-49
Out Our Car
Care
Service
• Brakes • Shocks
• Tires • Exhaust
Specialists Since 1929
125 E. Front, Findlay
419-422-8945
5-5
2-8
2-8
5-5
3-7
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
5-5
4-6
2-8
3-7
3-7
GOOD
LUCK
BLACK
KNIGHTS
Dow Findlay
Operations
3441 N. Main St.
Findlay
T24
VA NLUE
THE COURIER
Wildcats are
focused on
finishing 5-5
KEY TO THE SEASON
QUICK FACTS
By JOHN REITMAN
Clymer
STAFF WRITER
Watson
O FFE N S E
Josh Clymer: “The key to our
offense is going to be the offensive
line. We will be able to run behind
them and we have to count on them
for all four quarters to control the
time of possession.”
D E FE N S E
According to linebacker
Dylan Watson: “We have a balanced defense. We have a very
good front three and four linebackers who are very strong at
stopping the run and we have a
bunch of quick DBs who can run
down balls.”
2011 LEADERS
PASSING
Clymer
ATT
165
COMP
68
YDS
658
TD
2
RUSHING
Kloepfer
ATT
52
YDS
282
AVG
5.4
TD
2
RECEIVING
Kloepfer
REC
36
YDS
536
AVG
14.9
TD
3
INT
19
VANLUE — Exiting summer camp
and embarking on a new season with
wide eyes and lofty goals is pretty
much the norm in high school football.
But for a team that has won just 12
games in the past 10 years and hasn’t
had a winning season in nearly half a
century, success is measured in leadership and effort.
Although Vanlue hasn’t won many
games through the years, when it
comes to learning the lifelong lessons football offers, the Wildcats are
all-world.
“We preach work habits to the
kids, and we tell them that football is
like life. You have to have goals and
you have to work at it,” said Vanlue
coach Chris Yeater.
“When you get knocked down, you
have to get back up and work toward
those goals again. We’re not going to
go out and get a bunch of wins, but
we teach them that if you get knocked
down you have to get back up and
fight.”
And the Wildcats have done that in
Yeater’s first two seasons and for so
VANLUE SENIORS, Josh Clymer (back left), Josh Garber (back center),
Dylan Watson (54), Lee Summers (3) and Linden Smith (21) try to get
serious during the team’s annual picture day.
many other years before that.
With the distinction of being
the state’s smallest football-playing
school, Vanlue has had a humble
gridiron past that includes winning
four games just four times (1989, ’77,
’69, ’68) since the Blanchard Valley
Conference was formed in 1965. The
Wildcats’ last winning season came
in 1964, when they won six games.
While many of Vanlue’s BVC rivals
no doubt have their sights set on the
playoffs, Wildcat players temper their
enthusiasm by studying history.
“Our goal is to go at least 5-5 this
year,” said senior quarterback Josh
Clymer. “I think we have a lot of winnable games. We have a good group of
seniors who are hungry to win, and we
have a few kids who haven’t played in
a couple of years. We’re trying to turn
around the whole mindset of Vanlue
See WILDCATS, Page T28
DEPTH CHART
QB
RB
RB
WR
WR
TE
T
T
G
G
C
PK
Josh Clymer
Nick Hagerty
Jason Summers
Zach Garber
Lynden Smith
Lee Summers
Dylan Watson
Logan Desgranges
Dominic Crafts
Tyler Wingate
Brody Hanna
Dominic Crafts
GRIDIRON GURU
OFFENSIVE UNIT
Pos.
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
Jr.
So.
So.
Jr.
175
170
180
239
155
192
207
255
290
191
245
290
6-4
6-0
5-10
6-10
5-10
5-11
6-0
6-1
5-10
6-0
5-9
5-10
GO
WILDCATS!
INMAN’S
Garage Doors, LLC
741 Hull Ave.
Findlay, OH 45840
419-423-8318
Jim Serin - Owner
Class of ‘91
Pos.
DEFENSIVE UNIT
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
DE
DE
NG
OLB
OLB
ILB
ILB
CB
CB
S
S
P
GO
WILDCATS
Dylan Watson
Zach Garber
Dominic Crafts
Lee Summers
Nick Hagerty
Tyler Wingate
Jason Summers
Colton Huston
Austin Smith
Josh Clymer
Lynden Smith
Zach Garber
Yr. Ht.
Wt.
Sr.
Sr.
Jr.
Sr.
Jr.
So.
So.
Jr.
So.
Sr.
Sr.
Sr.
207
239
290
192
170
191
180
160
150
175
155
239
6-0
6-10
5-10
5-11
6-0
6-0
5-10
6-1
5-9
6-4
5-10
6-10
Wt.
While the desire to win permeates the modest Wildcats roster, no
player on this year’s squad knows
what it’s like to win nor do many of
their parents since the last winning
season was in 1964. But give the
Vanlue coaches credit for instilling a winning attitude and work
ethic, and give credit to the players for buying into it, displaying
a level of hard work, commitment
and perseverance that take players
farther in life than any amount of
Ws ever can.
Goodto theLuck
Boys of Fall!
Good Luck
Area Teams!
FRUTH’S
19900 CR 169
Vanlue
419-387-7555
Yr. Ht.
WE SUPPORT
WILDCAT FOOTBALL!
Good Luck from
your friends @
Sugarhouse,
Greenhouse &
Floral Shop
Pos.
COACH: Chris Yeater (3rd year
3-17).
LAST BVC TITLE: 0.
STRENGTHS: Wildcats return
a great deal of experience and
are blessed
with good
size. Vanlue
returns five
players on the
offensive line
who started last
year, and three
of those five
tip the scales
at 245 pounds
Yeater
or more.
Receiver/end
Zach Garber, at
6-foot-10, presents a formidable
challenge. Even QB/DB Josh
Clymer stands in at 6-4.
WEAKNESSES: With a roster
that lists just 19 players, the
Wildcats have little depth and
their margin for error is razor
thin. Losing one player means
the loss of two starting positions
In fact, six players are projected
to start on offense and defense
with remaining 13 players seeing
time on both sides of the ball.
BROOKS
TRUCK
REPAIR
104 E. North - Vanlue
419-387-7811
717 N. Main St. * Findlay
419-423-9145
www.hitchingsinsurance.com
Independent & Assisted
Living Apartments
Rehabilitation & Skilled
Nursing Care
2820 Greenacre Dr. • Findlay
419-424-1808 • theheritage.com
VA NLUE
THE COURIER
T25
Austin Smith (2), Lee Summers (3), Josh Clymer (7), Zach Garber (8), Kevin Duffman (9), Colton Huston (10), Jason Summers (20), Linden Smith (21), Gage Parker (24), Brendan Duffman (25),
Nick Hagerty (44), Dylan Watson (54), Austin Egbert (56), Tyler Wingate (57), Andrew Ross (58), Logan Desgranges (72), Dominic Crafts (74), Brody Hanna (77). Head coach: Chris Yeater.
Assistant coaches: Brian Schade, Michael Edie, Keith Caudill.
2012 SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Home/Away
August 25 Ridgemont
31 Arcadia*
September 7 Leipsic*
14 Liberty-Benton*
21 McComb*
28 Pandora-Gilboa*
October 5 Cory-Rawson*
12 Van Buren*
19 Arlington*
26 Hardin Northern*
All games 7 p.m.
M-Tek, Inc.
1111 N. Warpole St.
Upper Sandusky, OH
43351
World class
manufacturing site for
complex interior
components found in
some of today’s most
popular automobiles
and SUV’s.
H
H
H
A
A
H
A
A
H
A
Vanlue
WILDCATS
2011 RESULTS
Ridgemont
Arcadia
Leipsic
Liberty-Benton
McComb
20-19
0-46
7-42
13-61
0-58
Pandora-Gilboa
Cory-Rawson
Van Buren
Arlington
Hardin Northern
RECORD BOOK
0-45
8-49
8-46
0-42
12-21
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
1-9
2-8
1-9
0-10
1-9
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
1-9
2-8
2-8
2-8
0-10
T26
PR EP FOOTBA LL
Knights
Draeton Fasone (6-0, 150) and junior
Landy Zehender (5-11, 165) will be
his outside targets with senior Ryan
Brauneller (6-3, 200) returning at
tight end.
Up front, senior tackles Austin
Panthers
touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Senior Cody Wilson (5-11, 185) is
back at running back.
“I think Cody sometimes gets
overshadowed,” Alge said. “He was
outstanding in track last year and he’s
just a tough kid.
“He’d come to our morning workouts, then run four miles with a
20-pound weight vest on and go bale
hay for six hours. We were worried
that he was doing too much.”
There are plenty of experienced
receivers back, too, in Brock Wilson
(6-1, 155), Mitch Schroeder (5-9, 164)
and Clay Dysert (6-0, 165). Michael
Jones (5-9, 150), a third-team all-Ohio
linebacker, and speedy Brandon Ishmael (6-1, 175) will see more action
at receiver.
But it’s the big boys up front that
will likely determine if the Panthers
can live up to their own goals.
“We’re definitely going to be better
on the offensive line. We have to be,”
Alge said. “Sometimes it doesn’t
matter who you have in the backfield
or who you have at safety because if
you don’t block on offense or stuff
the holes on defense it isn’t going to
matter.”
Senior Cody Spoon (6-1, 205)
will likely line up at center and will
be flanked by experienced guards
THE COURIER
Bisbee (6-0, 245) and Isaac Sexton
(6-1, 255) are returning starters, as
are senior Ora Oler (5-7, 210) and
junior Collin Hiatt (5-11, 245) at
guard. Senior Cole Halliday (6-4, 225)
is the center.
“We talk about Zane Kieffer, they
were a huge part of what Zane was
able to accomplish,” Shoup said of his
returning linemen.
The Black Knights have a solid
corps of experienced players on
defense. All four linebackers in the
4-4 set return, and the secondary is
loaded.
“In our secondary, I have six guys
who could start and we have three
spots for them,” Shoup said.
Atchison, at end, and defensive
tackle Oler return along the line.
Bisbee will line up at tackle and
sophomore Drew Connor (6-1, 185)
is a newcomer at end. Outside backers
Ross Adolph and senior Alec Rampe
(5-11, 170) return, as do inside backers DeVore, a second-team all-BVC
pick, and senior Brady Lucas (5-11,
220).
Cornerbacks Ryan Adolph and
Zehender return as does senior safety
Alex Bleile (6-1, 185).
That secondary depth is key,
because the Black Knights will adjust
from their base set to nickel and dime
formations.
“With the depth we have in the
secondary, that’s an adjustment that’s
relatively easy to make,” Shoup said.
“We like the 4-4 because it’s easily
adaptable to different types of offenses
we face.”
Thirteen seniors dot the 44-player
roster and Shoup is looking for continued improvement from his ballclub.
“We’ve talked about 1996 being
the last winning season,” Shoup said.
“The kids know it, the seniors know it.
They’ve been a big part of the rebuilding phase. It’s time for that streak to
end, our seniors know that and it’s
time for that to happen.”
in seniors Spencer Nauth (6-1, 275)
and Colten Greer (6-4, 240). Senior
Jimmy Brown (6-2, 225) and junior
Andrew Gibson (5-11, 195) will line
up at tackle.
“The Panthers have three luxuries
along the line, depth, size and experience.
“We have juniors and seniors who
have a lot of varsity games under their
belts,” Alge said. “Running the ball
last year, we weren’t very good in our
unbalanced line at the beginning of
the year. By the end of the year we
were gelling and now most of those
linemen are seniors.”
The Panthers struggled at times on
defense, especially late in the season.
McComb gave up 121 points in two
losses to Leipsic and a playoff win
over Edgerton.
They know that’s the biggest jump
they’ll have to make to improve on last
year’s 8-4 record that included a thirdplace finish in the conference.
“We have six guys back on defense.
We should be improved in our pass
coverage with Brown at safety and
Buck and Mitch Schroeder back at
corner,” Alge said.
“We’re really focused on getting off
the field on third down. We need to
make the stops.”
If McComb is going to make a run
at a BVC title and go deep into the
playoffs, staying away from injuries
will be key.
Arthur
get plays from our receivers like Abe
Basinger, Alex Osborn and Brian Schneck and it’s nice being able to open up
those different possibilities.”
The Rockets should be more formidable in their 4-3 defense with several
starters returning.
Walther and Tousley are back at
defensive end positions.
“We feel that the defensive ends
are probably the most important players up front because they control the
perimeter of the offense,” Arthur said.
“Nick Walther and Jared Tousley may
be our best two defensive ball players
and they are both defensive ends.”
The starting secondary of Triplehorn, Schneck, Schmenk and Basinger
returns.
Arthur expects to rotate four to
six players at defensive tackle. Doyle
returns at one outside linebacker and
Evan Hovest has some experience at
the other. Sophomore Garrett Ger-
deman will be counted on at middle
linebacker.
“On defense, everybody has pretty
much been there,” Arthur said. “We
want to build our whole philosophy
on the fact that we are going to be a
strong, physical defense.”
The switch offensively, if the new
system is executed well, will also help
the Rockets by shortening the game
and keeping the defense off of the
field.
“We are going to use the clock to
our advantage, hopefully, by grinding out yards rather than by going
through big plays,” Arthur said. “We
still think we have some game breakers, we still think we can have some
longer plays.
“But for the most part we want to
(execute) very well.”
Baker, 419-427-8409
[email protected]
the Rockets’ new offense.
“He is a very intelligent kid and
he has the ability to be a really good
quarterback,” Arthur said. “We are
going to try to lessen his load a bit by
running the ball.”
Senior Brandon Doyle and junior
Reed Hovest will split carries as the
feature back. Alex Osborn will play
tight end, junior Brian Schneck and
senior Jarod Triplehorn will share
time at split end and senior Abram
Basinger, the team’s only two-year
letterwinner, will be at receiver.
“Last year, we were a very pass-oriented team,” Walther said. “The run
opens up the pass and we are able to
Inniger: 419-422-5151,
[email protected]
Good Luck!
The LaRiche family of
dealerships would like
to wish all our area teams
a successful season.
DINE IN
CARRY OUT
DELIVERY
Findlay’s First Pizza Place Since 1961
PIZZA
SUBS
SALADS
5 SIZES
12 KINDS TO
CHOOSE FROM
3 TYPES
9”• 12”• 14”• 18”• 21”
Custom design your own with any
of our fresh condiments
WEST•BEER•LUNCH
Hours: Sunday-Thursday
EAST•BEER/WINE
Hours: Sunday-Thursday
11:00 am to 11:00 pm
4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday & Saturday
Friday & Saturday
11:00 am to 1:00 am
4:00 pm to 1:00 am
Across from Best Buy 423-5656
Downtown Findlay 422-1855
www.toyotabob.com www.larichecars.com
SPORTS
THE COURIER
Obenour
Numbers
doesn’t get too excited and he stays
calm under the pressure,” Obenour
said. “He’s becoming that much more
of a leader.”
Matt Dirmeyer will be the fullback.
Colten Spearman and Brock Spearman will start as the two running
backs. Jacob Gossard and Ethon Flowers will be the split ends.
Hardin Northern will be strongest
up front in its 4-3 defense.
LaRoche is a returning starter at
defensive end and Smith is back at
defensive tackle.
The Polar Bears need to replace
the three starting linebackers, who led
the team in tackles.
Trevor Pritchard did see some
time at middle linebacker and Obenour thinks he has the hard working
mentality to step into that role.
“Our defensive line has got to step
it up and get pressure on the quarterback until we get a little bit more
experience under our belt with the
linebackers,” Obenour said.
Juniors Flowers and Gossard
return at corner, while Brock Spearman and Drumm figure to be the
safeties.
With the limited amount of players, Obenour is hoping his older, more
experienced players can stay healthy.
“We are working them hard and
doing a lot of conditioning so they can
stay healthy,” he said.
LaRoche is pleased that he will
have the opportunity to play a varsity
schedule.
“I only play football, so for me it felt
like without football I had absolutely
nothing because that is all that I do,”
LaRoche said. “I was so glad that we
were still going to have a team.”
Drumm agrees.
“Football has been a tradition here
at Hardin Northern forever and just
thinking about the idea of not having
a team would be ridiculous, I think.”
and 12 touchdowns in 2011.
“It’s been awhile since we’ve had
somebody under center other than
Jeremiah Alspach,” Meyer said. “He
was a good player for us and a good
leader. But his classmates were pretty
good, too. There were 10 seniors last
year that we’re trying to replace.
“Some names that pop in my head
are Grant Marshall, Austin Heath,
Alex Edson, Josh Hill and Nathan
Davis.
“They all contributed on one side
of the ball if not two, and they contributed their leadership. Replacing that,
not just our quarterback, is a big task.”
Senior tailback Tyler Harris (5-9,
155), a second team all-BVC pick, is
back after rushing for 673 yards and
five TDs in 2011.
Juniors Heath Risner (6-3, 180)
and Dylen Hartman (5-8, 165) will
also be at running back with junior
Garrett Shepherd (5-8, 145) at wideout.
Senior Mitch Karhoff (6-3, 280)
returns at offensive tackle. Sophomore Ryan Forney (6-4, 335) and
junior Jacob Wineland (5-10, 200)
will also play tackle. Both guards,
senior Macen Desgranges (6-0, 245)
and junior Taylor Heldman (6-1, 225),
are back, and senior Dakota Gibson
(5-11, 240) will play center. Senior
Chris Reichley (6-2, 200) returns at
tight end.
Gibson and Wineland at end, and
Desgranges and Forney at tackle compose the defensive front four. Risner
will be a key at middle linebacker,
Meyer said.
“We have a returning middle line-
backer in Heath Risner. He started
10 games for us as a sophomore last
year,” Meyer said. “I have to say, I
have been very impressed with his
leadership in camp. He’s good on the
defensive side in getting us lined up.
He knows what plays an offense can
run out of what formation, and he’s
almost like a coach on the field.”
Reichley and freshman Skyler
Arnett (5-8, 170) will play outside
linebacker.
Harris was a second-team all-Ohio
cornerback last season, making him
the obvious key in the secondary.
Shepherd will also play corner, with
Alspach and Hartman at safety.
“Your defense almost has to go
from defending a three-back pound
and ground one week to seeing the
ball in the air 35 times the next week,”
Meyer said.
“That’s why you have to be kind
of basic and fundamentally sound on
defense, in order to handle that.”
Radick: 419-427-8405,
[email protected]
Vikings
Kirkendall comfortable is the return
of junior quarterback Zach Kuhlman
along with virtually his entire crew
of receivers.
Kuhlman (2,447 yards, 26 TDs,
9 INTs) was a first-team BVC quarterback. Seniors Devin Mangas, Aric
“Skip” Schroeder and Caleb Barrera
each return after combining for 96
catches, 1,695 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Schroeder qualifies as the Vikings’
possession receiver, Mangas is capable
of creating big plays and Barrera is a
reliable target in the slot. Steffan, who
played predominately on defense last
season, likes his big-play potential.
With Leipsic employing mostly
three receiver sets, seniors Brady
Schnipke and Brown will rotate in
with sophomore Jordan Chamberlin
INDIANAPOLIS — Eight rules
changes for high school football were
approved this year by the National
Federation of State High School Athletic Associations.
Key among them: Players must
come off the field for at least one play
if their helmet comes off during live
play.
Julian Tacket of Kentucky, football
rules committe chairman, said “It is
the committee’s hope that this serves
notice for schools to properly fit players with helmets to reduce the inci-
dence of these situations, and remind
the players not to take steps that alter
the fit.”
Another change this season determines a legal catch by a receiver. A
receiver must now establish possession of the ball with one foot inbounds
in all situations. In other words, if a
defensive player “rides” the receiver
out of bounds without a foot coming
down, it is an incomplete pass.
Other new rules allow commercial
advertising on the field of play; clarifiy
blocking below the waist, contact on
most modern technology in a design that’s as discreet as it is attractive, Phonak
Ambra offers you better communication even in challenging situations.
•
Three zooming levels to
enhance hearing in
challenging situations
425 East Lincoln St., Findlay
419-422-2353
•
Automatically adapts to the
ever-changing environments
Findlay • Defiance
Bellefontaine • Lima
•
at running back. Chamberlin (450
yards rushing, 7 TDs) averaged over
10 yards per carry in a backup role.
“We still want to maintain our balance between the pass and the run. We
just want to make sure that we take
advantage of the skilled athletes that
we have,” Kirkendall said.
The unit that will need the most
work is the offensive line. Senior
Caleb Klinebriel is the only returning
starter. But other offensive linemen
are upperclassmen.
Seniors Collin Schroeder (tackle)
and Colyn Niese (center) along with
juniors Adonijah Flores (tackle) and
Alfie Flores (guard) are expected to
fill out the offensive front. Brown will
play tight end.
“It’s a little different than last year,
because we had the seniors and they
knew what they had to do up front,”
Collin Schroeder said. “This year it
is more learning from the new guys
on the line. ”
Inniger: 419-422-5151,
[email protected]
Eight rules changed for 2012 prep football season
What Are You Waiting For?
Phonak Ambra
Experience hearing delight. The Phonak Ambra product family stands for the
Good Luck
To All Area
Teams!
www.macdonaldsupply.com
T27
Small design with high
performance
Discover Phonak Ambra: www.phonak-us.com
Call to Schedule your FREE Phonak Ambra
Demonstration Today! - 419-424-1857
Findlay ENT
1110 West Main Cross Findlay
Affiliated with Dr. Reid and Dr. Nielsen
NEWc059_A_11392_03-11
kickoffs, face-mask fouls and horsecollar tackles; extend the implementation of lineman glove standards to
2013; and mandate that play cards
must be worn on the wrist or arm.
The NFHS noted that there were
1,134,377 players in 2010-11.
GOOD
LUCK !
ALL
AREA
HIGH
SCHOOL
TEAMS
T28
Brown
opposing wide receivers and running
backs.
He made the switch from middle
linebacker to safety late last season.
“I love playing safety. You get to hit
people and I love to hit,” Brown said.
“Waiting for them to try and catch the
ball and just blasting them, hitting
them as hard as I can.
“The best thing about football is just
hitting people. I don’t know why, I just
like to hit people.”
Brown has had a few scary moments
during his McComb athletic career,
suffering a concussion in football and
Wildcats
football. We want to go out and compete in every game.”
Much of that success will depend
on Clymer, who completed 68 of 165
passes for 658 yards, two touchdowns
and 19 interceptions.
The graduation of Jonathan
Kloepfer has left a hole in the Vanlue
offense. Kloepfer, an all-BVC second
team selection at wide receiver, collected 818 total yards, including 536
on the ground. Running back Nick
Hagerty, tight end Zach Garber, whom
Yeater says has grown an inch over
the summer to 6 foot 10, and a trio of
speedy wide receivers will combine to
fill that void.
Garber pulled in 18 passes for 197
yards.
Wideouts Linden Smith, Colton
Huston and Austin Smith are inexperienced, but all have speed and are
expected to contribute immediately,
Yeater said.
The offense should benefit from a
line that Yeater called “the best we’ve
seen in a while.
“All five of them are back, and
we’re pretty excited.”
Senior Lee Summers, has been
moved from offensive line to running
back and tight end where he will serve
PR EP FOOTBA LL
another on the basketball court.
you’re scared, because if you do that,
His sophomore year, he sustained that’s when you are going to get hurt,”
a blow to the head in a game against Brown said. “When I’m playing I don’t
Cory-Rawson.
think about anything else except what’s
“That’s the one
happening on the
that worried me
field.”
“... We think we have a
the most,” Alge
With Brown,
pretty good team, too,
a cast of veteran
said. “He was sick
players on the line
and throwing up
and we’re looking to make
and at the skill
and we were really
positions, the
concerned about
it to state.”
team, the school
him. “And when
and the McComb
he got the concusJERRY BROWN,
community
sion in basketball,
McCOMB FOOTBALL PLAYER
believes this could
that was scary,
be a special season
too. And the thing
is, he remembered everything about it.” for the Panthers.
“We want to do the things we
The two concussions, though,
haven’t changed Brown’s approached always want to do. We want to win
the BVC, go undefeated and make it
to any game.
“I’m not really worried. You can’t into the playoffs,” Brown said.
“Leipsic will be good again and
go out there on the field and play like
there’s always Delphos St. John’s. But
we think we have a pretty good team,
too, and we’re looking to make it to
state.
mainly as a lead blocker for Hagerty.
“I don’t care about what I do personA three-year starter at center, ally, I just want to see us win. And I’m
guard and tackle, Summers suffered going to do everything I can to make
an ankle injury last year. Tyler Wing- sure it happens.”
ate and Brody Hanna, both sophomores, were more than serviceable
On the web: http://sportsbuzzoreplacements, giving Yeater the flex- hio.com/Blogs/BlanchardRiverBuzz/
ibility to move Summers as an extra tabid/472/articleType/ArticleView/
blocker.
articleId/2710/Amazing-Play-ByHanna is the projected starter at McCombs-Jerry-Brown.aspx
center, while Wingate will man one
of the guard positions. Filling out the Baker, 419-427-8409
offensive line are three experienced [email protected]
players in Dominic Crafts, a three- Twitter: @Courier_Sports
year starter at guard, and tackles
Dylan Watson and Logan Desgranges.
While that group might not get the
notoriety afforded other players, they
have more than earned the respect of
their teammates.
“We let them go first in line for
food every day,” Clymer said. “We
recognize the work they’ve put in and
what they mean to this team.”
Crafts also will anchor the middle
of Vanlue’s 3-4 defense as nose guard.
On either side will be Garber and
Watson. Backing them up will be Summers, Hagerty, Wingate and Jason
Summers at linebacker, Austin Smith
and Huston at the corners and Clymer
and Linden Smith at the safeties.
“We have a bunch of athletic kids,
and our new kids are athletic,” Watson
said. “Just show up to our first game
and see what we’re all about.”
Reitman: 419-422-5151,
[email protected]
VAMOS EQUIPO!
Good Luck Local
Football Teams!
1908 Tiffin Ave., Findlay
419-422-6950
806 N. Main St. Findlay
419-424-8888
THE COURIER
TRAC
Capsules
As the Three Rivers Athletic Conference gets ready to kick off its second
football season, preseason progosticators are predicting a changing of the
guard in what is shaping up as one of the state’s premier big-school leagues.
Findlay was the Cinderella team in 2011.
The Trojans were picked to finish sixth in the eight-team con and reached the
Division I playoffs. With 10 offensive starters back, Findlay was the preseason
pick of TRAC coaches.
Toledo Central Catholic and 2011 TRAC champion Toledo Whitmer received
first-place votes as well in the coaches pre-season poll. Central Catholic returns
eight offensive starters from its Division II playoff team and has excellent
numbers. Whitmer graduated a ton of talent and experience, but the Panthers
have a big senior class and are riding the momentum of two straight trips to
the Division I state semifinals.
The following is a breakdown of the eight TRAC teams heading into the
2012 season.
OREGON CLAY
(3-7, 2-5 TRAC)
HEAD COACH: Mike Donnelly, 6th year, 24-27
DIVISION: II (Region 6)
PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 2004
PLAYOFF RECORD: 0-1.
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 20
See TRAC, Page T30
We’ve Got It...
Pride in our local
community
and local teams!
Best wishes for a safe
and successful season.
349 Midland Ave. • Findlay
419-422-4862
601 Plaza Dr. • Fostoria
419-435-7755
dicksautosupplyinc.com

Pages 1-28

Transcription

Similar documents

THE KICK-LINE - McNeil Majestics

James Dews - LaRosa`s MVP of the Week

Newsletter Jan 2014.pages

85 € 105 € 125 € 155 € 95 € 117 € 139 € 172 € 115 € 145 € 175

Climatic Classification: Wladimir Peter Köppen ( UG Hons. 2nd year

CarolineJames

Email Marketing

Holiday Stress

Get Your Kicks this Fall with LWYSA!