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  • 1 month later...
On 4/21/2023 at 5:54 PM, Nolebull813 said:

“Damatha” 

Lol. That’s gonna be some bulletin board material 

Trinity could be an interesting game if the Shamrocks are any good this year (not sure what they have coming back). They are hit and miss every year….

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  • 2 weeks later...

The time is once again upon us as the Ohio season opens up this weekend. Plenty of great matchups:

1. St. Edward - The Eagles are the prohibitive favorite as they seek a rare three-peat in Ohio's largest classification (Moeller did in from '75-'77 and Ignatius won five in a row from '91-'95). The strength of the team will once again be up front with three power 5 commits on the offensive line and Casey Bullock back as the signal caller. Leading receiver and Akron commit Kyan Mason temporarily left the program for Glenville, but decided to return a few weeks back. They also received a huge boost on the d-line with the addition of Loghan Thomas (Notre Dame commit) whose family moved from Katy, TX up to the Cleveland area.  The major question mark on the Eagle defense was who was going to replace the wrecking crew of graduating seniors Kilbane and Gedeon.  Thomas suited up for the first time in pads against Glenville last week in a scrimmage and immediately showed what a force he can be. The schedule is a meat-grinder and getting through the regular season unscathed will be difficult.  vs. Center Grove (IN) on 8/19 at Canton HOF Stadium

2. Springfield - A number of teams could lay claim to the #2 spot, but I'm deferring to the two-time state runners-up for now. Skill positions are re-stocked and loaded. Defense brings back a number of talented players, headlined by OSU commit Aaron Scott at corner. If they can get solid QB and OL play then they will have a great shot of making it back to the championship.  vs. St. Ignatius on 8/18 

3. Moeller - The Crusaders also return a bevy of talent with Michigan commit Jordan Marshall one of the leading candidates for Mr. Football. The biggest question mark for me is the new coaching staff. They have all the ingredients of a championship caliber team if Bert Bathiany can cook it up. He comes across the border from Lexington Catholic, a small division Kentucky team. Is he ready for primetime yet? We shall see. vs. Ben Davis (IN) on 8/18

4. Hoban - The Knights may actually be the most talented team in the state from a college prospect perspective, and are the favorites in D2. They are littered with Power 5 guys throughout every position group. However, the QB JacQai Long (Marshall commit) transferred back to WV.  They also graduated Mr. Football winner Lamar Sperling at RB. He was pretty much their entire offense last year. Hoban seems to always reload at RB, but they have to show more balance on offense IMO.  vs. Frederick Douglass (KY) on 8/19 at Canton HOF Stadium. 

5. Massillon - Pre-season hype is strong (per usual) for the Tigers. There is an open QB battle between the incumbent Jalen Slaughter and transfer DaOne Owens. Whoever emerges will have a good group of skill players to utilize. They got the best of Moeller in a recent scrimmage, but Jordan Marshall had limited participation. vs. Valdosta (GA) on 8/18

6. Toledo Central Catholic - Arguably the second best team in the state last year, TCC drops down to D3 this year where they will be favored to win their second consecutive OHSAA championship. They also have joined the Detroit Catholic league, which will make for some interesting inter-state games moving forward. Must replace the QB Clark and RB Edmonds, but they seem to be reloading every year now. Believe they came out on top in a competitive scrimmage with Hoban a few weeks back. @ Findlay on 8/18 

7. Winton Woods - The Warriors will once again be a threat in a deep D2. Looked good in their final tune-up scrimmage against a Lakota West team that boasts a very talented defense. As was the case last year, their schedule leaves  a lot to be desired in comparison to the states other top teams. They will need to dominate to continue to climb my rankings or not get jumped by other teams. @ Trotwood-Madison on 8/18 

8. Glenville - The talent in Cleveland (and beyond) is once again matriculating back to the Glenville program (or Ginn Academy depending on how you look at it). Coming off their first state championship, the Tarblooders are HEAVY favorites in DIV. Their size and speed would present problems for any team in Ohio, let alone the DIV field. With out-of-conference games against Dinwiddie, IMG, Avon, and Hoban, they have a chance to climb high from where I currently have them. vs. Dinwiddie (VA) on 8/19

9. Lakota West - Tom Bolden has the Firebirds re-loading like his Colerain teams used to. Loaded on defense with D1 college talent, but I have questions about the offense. @ St. X on 8/18

10. Medina  - Giving the nod at the 10 spot to the Bees, although a number of others would be equally fitting here at this point. They return the nation's leading passer in Danny Stoddard, along with two of his top receivers. Their wide-open offense is reminiscent of the Mentor teams of past. The defense should be improved to compliment an offense that will score 30+ every night. @ Stow on 8/18

Others (in no order): Gahanna-Lincoln, Elder, St. X, Avon, Cleveland Heights, Pick Central, Pick North, St. Ignatius, Painesville Riverside, Chardon 

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