Blue Streaks defense grinds down Tornadoes in gritty victory

 Blue Streaks defense grinds down Tornadoes in gritty victory

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

DOVER--Lake dared Dover to beat them from long distance. 

It was a resounding mission accomplished from a defensive standpoint.

Lake's defense was locked in from the outset and used a 22-11 second half that was highlighted by the host Tornadoes missing all ten of their three point attempts not to mention a suffocating sequence that saw Lake hold Dover without a field goal in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter to post a key 41-27 victory that saw their record ascend to 3-0 on the season to go along with wins over Akron Ellet and Youngstown Boardman.

The last two seasons have been growing sticks for the Blue Streaks but they are starting to resemble to a small degree the team that seized three district championships in six years and came within two points of a state final four last decade.

The Blue Streaks gradually pulled away from the Tornadoes and the scoring output of the hosts receded from the second and third quarter as after Lake trailed 11-9, Dover only scored five and four points in the second and third quarters while Lake outscored Dover 32-16 after the first quarter.

"It was a game that was presenting itself as one not to be very pretty but that's a tribute to our guys. We did some things that we really didn't practice this week and we were fortunate enough that they were starting to scramble and we got some easily layups out of it and tonight is a tribute to our seniors," Lake 26th year commander Tom McBride said. "They are looking at the underclassmen as their teammates and it's hard to have a team that's humble and enjoys each other and are spirited in the locker room, so tonight is a tribute to them who tied last year's record as juniors. We only played one senior last year but we stuck with it and they have become leaders on the floor."

EYES OF THE VETERAN. Lake head coach Tom McBride, a 1987 graduate of Canton Central Catholic High School intently sits on the bench before Lake's game against Dover. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

After what was a feeling out quarter between the two teams, the visitors systematically began to carve through the Tornadoes. A key 10-0 run in the second quarter pushed their lead to 19-13, forcing the Tornadoes to utilize a timeout to truncate the hemorrhaging inflicted by Lake.

Dover's best punch came in the third quarter as at one point they had a sequence where they claimed six offensive rebounds in a row and their hustle was keeping them in the game. But a three-pointer by Lucas Draher to beat the third quarter buzzer handed Lake a double-digit lead heading into the fourth quarter.

From there, Lake salted the game away with a 7-0 run that saw Dover fail to score in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter and the end result was their first loss of the season after three contests.

Gavin Salzwimmer led Lake with 14 points while Luke Leggett added nine for the Tornadoes.

Dover second-year head coach and 1997 graduate Matt VonKaenel rued his team anemic deficiency from the arc.

"We just get one to fall and when you are playing a quality opponent like Lake, you need to get some shots to fall. We felt like they had a nice size advantage inside and our kids felt like they had to settle for threes and when you don't make your threes, your defense starts to lax. Credit Lake and their staff as they did a good job tonight," he said.

Lake will now face two tests over the weekend as they will host Canton McKinley, a strong contender for a state title Friday and then challenge New Philadelphia in the Hall of Fame Hardwood Shootout in Massillon. McBride will learn a lot about his team over the course of those two days but wants to see better offensive production.

"We will learn a lot. Defensively I thought we were better than I expected and offensively, I just don't think we were that clean tonight and we were not moving much with our offense," he said. "

The Tornadoes are a team that was a few plays away from being a 15 or 16 win team last season. Shoring up their three-point deficiency will be a step toward becoming the team VonKaenel hopes to see late in the year.

"This is a great learning experience for our kids tonight. As long as we don't make the same mistakes tonight, it will be a learning point. We will get back to the office and get to work," he said.

THE LEADER OF THE STORM. Dover head coach Matt VonKaenel communicates with his team during a timeout Tuesday night in Dover. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Lake dared Dover to beat them from long distance. Lake accomplished that mission in a resounding manner.

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

COMMENTARY: It's not a goodbye. It's see you later

 COMMENTARY: It's not a goodbye. It's see you later.

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--336 teams fueled up with aspirations of being one of 14 teams playing in the hallowed confines of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Along that treacherous road to Canton, there were roadblocks waiting in the form of a turnover, penalty, interception, big plays etc. that stalled the season of 322 schools who had hopes of playing in Canton. When the five week journey ended 14 teams proved worthy and earned the right to compete for a state title. 

This week, there were two teams that captured back-to-back titles (Avon and Columbus Bishop Watterson), one that is officially a dynasty with their third in four years (Cleveland Glenville), a first-time state champion (Olentangy Orange), one that returned to the throne as an old guard (Kirtland), one longtime power returning to the throne (St. Henry) and one who finally seized a title after coming up short in two state title games (Liberty Center).

But at the same time, let's not forget that Cincinnati Anderson, Shelby, Toledo Central Catholic, Cincinnati St. Xavier, Jeromesville Hillsdale, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, and Wheelersburg also earned the right to be in Canton based on their hard work over the course of 16 weeks.

Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the lights darkened. The football field became empty. The seats were empty. It is that solemn reality that sets in that football season has concluded. 

As Denzel Washington said in the 2002 movie John Q: "It's not goodbye. It's see you later."

I have been very blessed to have covered the state football championships at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium dating back to the 2018 season when #2 Massillon faced #1 Akron Hoban in what truly was the game of the year when both teams were also ranked in the nation and undefeated. That was the only game in which no tickets were sold at the door and other fans were still attempting to obtain tickets at the gates, well after the sold out notifications were placed on the entrances for what became an unforgettable Division II state championship game.

I want to take the time to thank all the educators and administrators of the schools who all competed this weekend for making sure their athletes prosper not just on the field but most importantly the classroom. I also want to thank the coaches who put in countless hours to mold their teams for the challenge of competing for a state title and molding their student-community-athletes for life after football and the wives who stood behind their coaches in times of success and shortcomings. I want to also thank the mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents of the athletes who competed as they purchased the first set of cleats, jerseys, pants and helmets for their athletes who started out as early as kindergarten all the way up to 12th grade.

Most importantly, I want to thank the Ohio High School Athletic Association commissioner Mr. Doug Ute and his staff which features Mr. Bob Goldring, Mr. Beau Rugg, Mr. Tim Stried, and the entire association who have made my experiences very phenomenal year after year with their countless media expertise and insights. In all I just want to thank the entire OHSAA in general, the entire staff.

I also want to thank all the media members I had a chance to meet and chat with over the course of three days. That is always a welcoming sight to meet other media members from around the entire state.

As another high school season concludes for the 54th time, there are many players who have played their last high school game and will graduate from their respective high schools. Some will matriculate on to college and play football for a college or university. Some will go to college and never play the sport again they played for 12 years but work toward obtaining a degree and a job in their field of study. Others will enlist in a form of military government and serve our country. Others will enter the workforce. 10 to 20 years down the line or longer, they will reconvene at class reunions to rehash the memories of their football seasons and playing for a title. By that time, they will be husbands that are married to wives, raising sons and daughters and eventually becoming uncles and the pinnacle of life, grandparents. They too will see their offspring carry on their name. They will tell their children and eventual nephews and grandchildren stories about playing for a state title near the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Saturday night, the lights turned off at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium after midnight. All good things eventually have to come to an end. Saturday was that night after the Division V state championship.

To high school football fans, coaches, players, family members and the entire OHSAA. It's sad the season is over. We will convene again for the 55th annual football state championships. But as Washington said in the movie John Q: "It's not goodbye. It's see you later."

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

Big second quarter powers St. Henry to state crown, Kirtland and Liberty Center snag crowns

 Big second quarter powers St. Henry to state crown, Kirtland and Liberty Center snag crowns

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.com

CANTON--Jeromesville Hillsdale was knocked down early. They got back up. But a big second quarter by the Redskins left the Falcons looking up at the lights on their back.

St. Henry drew the first strike of the game on their second possession when running back Will Speck broke a tackle was into the clear for a 26 yard touchdown and from there the game turned into a rout as St. Henry dominated Hillsdale 37-3 to win their seventh state championship at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Early on the game appeared to be competitive when quarterback Charlie Werling added on a run to complete the two-point try and the Redskins had an early 7-0 lead.

The Falcons responded with an answer of their own. A spectacular 50 yard catch by Hillsdale receiver Hayden McFadden from quarterback Kael Lewis put the Falcons deep into St. Henry territory. But the drive stalled and Brock Bower's 23 yard field goal truncated the Redskins lead to 8-3 with much of the second quarter to be played. 

But St. Henry struck like a bolt of lightning in just one play in what became the quarter of the contest. Werling took a snap and cut to his right and scampered down the right sideline for a 70-yard touchdown run and he added on his second two-point run and the Redskins lead grew to double-digits at 16-3.

Hillsdale was now on the ropes after the Redskins' one punch haymaker. After a Falcons punt, St. Henry went for the knockout as Werling scored on his second keeper, this one spanning 24 yards and with 6:20 before the band show, St. Henry had a stranglehold on the contest in the form of a 23-3 advantage and from there the game was a rout as the Redskins added a seventh state title to their collection.

According to St. Henry coach Josh Werling, the second quarter was everything that the Redskins needed that was advantageous to their cause.

"You have to feel out how they are going to play you and then you adjust accordingly. So once we got those first couple of drives, we executed very well," he said.

For Hillsdale, their bid for a state title was met with another rude ending. Last year they were on the wrong end of a 74-0 loss to Marion Local and this year didn't get any better. Falcons head coach Trevor Cline didn't hold back when asked about the unfairness of how his team should be remembered because of two thunderous losses in the state final 

"The things that went our way this year didn't go our way today. That's the way football happens time to time. But I'm extremely proud of our players and the season they were able to put together and to put together back-to-back state championship games speaks a lot of them," he said.

HAPPY REDSKINS. St. Henry quarterback Charlie Werling (#12) is congratulated by his teammates after his 70-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of the Division VII state championship. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Division VI state championship: Kirtland 41, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 6

CANTON--It was the John Silvestro show.

Kirtland set the tone for the contest with a nine play drove that concluded with running back John Silvestro scoring on a seven-yard run and in four minutes of competition, the Hornets led 7-0.

It became a portent of things to come for the Hornets as Silvestro added on three more touchdown runs, the highlight, a scintillating 62 yard jaunt and the Hornets returned to the Division VI throne with a - victory over first-time state finalist Bascom Hopewell-Loudon.

It was a much happier ending for the Hornets, who absorbed a debilitating 31-7 loss to Coldwater in last year's final. They made sure this time to leave with the champions trophy and not the runner-up hardware this time.

"They (Hopewell-Loudon) is a very good team, I was not expecting that. I was thrilled how we took care of the ball and ran the ball against a good defense. This was a great way to finish the season," long tenured boss Tiger LaVerde said.

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon general Brian Colatruglio knew what his team was up against having stifled a Kirtland-Coldwater rematch last week by upsetting the Cavaliers in the state semifinals.

"They went down and scored and we got the ball back and got some first downs and we kind of came up short. We've been down before, I thought we settled in and got some stops. Down 14-0 it wasn't the end of the world but we just couldn't get a stop," he said.

SILVESTRO SHOW. Kirtland running back John Silvestro (#4) is congratulated by teammate Lucci Cantini after his second touchdown of the game. Silvestro scored four times as Kirtland defeated Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 41-6. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Division V state championship: Liberty Center 35, Wheelersburg 3

CANTON--Finally.

After two close losses in the state championship with losses to Lake County Perry and Ironton, Liberty Center had their moment with a decisive 35-3 victory over Wheelersburg in what was the only #1 vs #2 state final to conclude the football season.

Liberty Center cracked the scoreboard when Thomas Mohler scored on a one-yard touchdown to open up the scoring and issue the second-ranked Tigers an early 7-0 lead.

Their lead swelled to two scores when Tigers signal caller Kaden Kreinbrink threw a short over the middle pass to Jaxton Lawniczak, who overcame two missed tackles by Wheelersburg defenders and raced for a 44-yard touchdown that had Liberty Center in command.

The Pirates finally obtained their first points of the game in the form of a successful 45-yard field goal from Cooper Heimbach, ensuring that they were still much in the game.

On the next Tigers possession, they appeared to have scored a third touchdown but a holding flag backed them up 10 yards but they overcame the penalty when Kreinbrink connected to Lawniczak for a 16 yard touchdown in the right corner of the end zone and Liberty Center went to the intermission with a commanding 21-3 advantage.

Garrison Kruse effectively salted the game away with a seven yard touchdown run and the Tigers second state title, their first since 1997 after being on the other end of two state final setbacks. Liberty Center finished 15-0 while Wheelersburg ended the year 14-1.

TIGERS TREAT. Liberty Center players pose with the Division V championship trophy after their 35-3 win over Wheelersburg. It was the second title in school history for the Tigers after being state runner-up two straight seasons. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

Dominant Dynasty: Tarblooders overpower Whippets for third title in four years, Watterson and Orange win titles

 Dominant Dynasty: Tarblooders overpower Whippets for third title in four years, Watterson and Orange win titles

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer 

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--They may not be like the Dallas Cowboys from 1992-1995 but the Glenville Tarblooders have a pretty great niche about themselves.

After a game that was tied at 7-7 in the first quarter, the more relaxed Tarblooders scored 17 points in a span of 10:36 and used their experience to their advantage as they seized their third Division IV state title in four years by overpowering Shelby 45-7 in the first of three state final games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Glenville's experience took it's effect as the game wore on and the Whippets, who were making their first appearance in a state final were unable to utilize the assets that made them the top-ranked team in Division IV.

Both teams sleepwalked through a laborious first quarter and then the Tarblooders ascended to life. 

JaQuan Gibson took a punt from his seven yard line, eluded several tackles and received two final blocks and was into the clear for a seraphic 93 yard punt return ala Desmond Howard that sent the Glenville faithful into awe as they assumed an early 7-0 lead late into the first quarter.

Undeterred by the special teams letdown, the Whippets established why they were the top-ranked team in Division IV when they forged together a drive of their own and ending with Michael Shepherd's one yard touchdown run and the contest was deadlocked at 7-7 early into the second quarter.

Glenville appeared to regain the lead when Chris Newell Jr. scored on a three yard run but a late flag via a holding penalty negated the score and three straight incompletions forces a Tarblooders field goal that handed them a 10-7 lead, which was a bit of a win for the Shelby defense.

A shanked punt by the Whippets spelled disaster for them and six plays after the botched kick, Newell got the touchdown he wanted when he scampered for a 14 yard score and despite missing the extra point, Glenville now held a 16-7 advantage.

Their durability took effect on their next series as Romell Phillips had two runs of 24 and 38 yards to move the Tarblooders into Whippets territory and ended with a second Newell touchdown run spanning three yards and in a span of 10:36, Glenville's advantage ballooned to 24-7 going into halftime and the top-ranked Whippets were in a serious quagmire.

The Whippets were unable to muster any significant offense in the second half and their inexperience finally showed on the biggest stage inside Benson Stadium as their undefeated season concluded after 14 games while Glenville improved to 12-3.

Shelby head coach Rob Mahaney rued his team's inability to generate any offense after the first quarter and finished with a season low 27 yards.

"I thought in the first quarter we battled and we made some plays and found a way to score. But the punt return they had was huge and they wore us down," he said

Tarblooders 29th year head coach Ted Ginn Sr. praised God for his team's triumph and attested the experience his team had being in their third title game in four years assisted his charges.

"It's about having trust in each other as a a team and having the right kids in the program. I've been knowing them since they were in diapers and I coached their fathers," he said. "They knew what to expect when they got to Glenville."

AWESOME ARVELL. Glenville quarterback Arvell Nelson scampers for a first down during the Tarblooders 45-7 win over Shelby in the Division IV state championship game. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Division III state championship: Columbus Bishop Watterson 30, Toledo Central Catholic 0

CANTON--The much awaited third straight installment of the state championship between Toledo Central Catholic and Columbus Bishop Watterson turned into a mismatch.

Bishop Watterson scored the first 23 points of the game and were never threatened by the Irish as they became the second team during the weekend to repeat as state champions with a 30-0 destruction of the Irish.

The Eagles set the tone with a one-yard touchdown run by Jack McCoy and followed with a five-yard touchdown pass by Drew Bellisari to Joe Hayes, both scores in the first quarter and controlled the contest.

Watterson finished a flawless 14-0 on the season while Toledo Central Catholic concluded their season at 11-5 in what was their fourth straight state final appearance.

"So, losing in 27-7 two years ago gave us the motivation to do what we needed to do and the next season we finished that off with a state title and coming into this year the challenge was to fight complacency. It's hard to get to the top and stay on top and I think the kids did a tremendous job with their approach and focus," Watterson head coach Brian Kennedy said.

"The first quarter was not good for us offensively and defensively. Our defense created turnovers but we were not able to take advantage of them today and that was the story of the game," Central Catholic head coach Greg Dempsey said.

BOYLE'S TREASURE. Bishop Watterson linebacker Michael Boyle holds up the football following a fumble recovery during the second quarter against Toledo Central Catholic in the Division III state championship. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Division I state championship: Olentangy Orange 28, Cincinnati St. Xavier 14

CANTON--Last season it was the Patriots. This year it is the Pioneers.

The Olentangy area has a state champion for the second straight season.

Olentangy Orange completed their slate with a flawless 15-0 season as they stymied tradition-rich St. Xavier into a 28-14 defeat in the final game of the evening to cap off the second day of state football championships.

After a first quarter that ended with a 0-0 stalemate, Olentangy Orange threatened deep in St. Xavier territory to commence the second quarter. It paid dividends when Levi Davis scored on a two-yard touchdown run on a keeper to hand the Pioneers a 7-0 lead early into the second quarter.

St. Xavier responded well to the challenge in nine plays ending with a 39-yard touchdown run from running back Jake Britt and the equalizing score tied the contest at 7-7 with most of the second quarter to be played. But the Pioneers on the strength of two long receptions from MC Walker got the ball in Bombers territory and Davis located running back Luke Fickel in the left corner of the end zone on a four-yard scoring pass and Orange regained a one-touchdown advantage at 14-7.

A possession later, Davis completed an aerial to MC Walker who made an acrobatic catch in double coverage that spanned 41 yards to the Bombers 15 and then a play later, Davis tossed his second touchdown to a wide open Fickel who was untouched through the middle for a pivotal touchdown and the Pioneers went to the locker room with a 21-7 leat at the intermission.

The Pioneers effectively salted the game away with a 14-play drive ending with a Fickel three yard touchdown run on the opening possession of the third quarter that extended their lead to 28-7 and they cruised from there on their way to a 15-0 season and the school's first title.

St. Xavier was attempting to win a fifth title on the day of their 20th anniversary of the school's first championship in 2005, a 24-17 win over Massillon at then Fawcett Stadium.

LEVI FOR SIX. Olentangy Orange quarterback Levi Davis scores the first of his three touchdowns in the Division I state championship. The Pioneers won their first state title and joined Olentangy Liberty as the only schools from the area to win state championships. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

Eagles fly past Raptors, capture second consecutive Division II state championship

 Eagles fly past Raptors, capture second consecutive Division II state championship

By Keno Sultan 

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.com

CANTON--Mike Elder has to be feeling as giddy as Michael Jordan when he won his second straight NBA championship.

The same could be said for the Avon Eagles.

Avon set the tone for the rematch on their second possession following an Anderson turnover when senior quarterback Blake Elder shredded the middle of the Raptors secondary with a 16-yard scoring pass to Fin Jerdonek that handed the Eagles an early 7-0 advantage that eventually ballooned to a 21-0 advantage and it was all that the Eagles needed as they repelled multiple challenges from Cincinnati Anderson to come away with a 37-20 victory and their second straight Division II state championship.

For many years the Eagles were always on the doorstep of a state finals appearance but were unable to knock down the brick wall in front of them known as Akron Hoban. Having finally knocked down that wall last year en route to their first state title, this title was even more emotional as the team was also competing in honor of offensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly, who was a part of last year's championship team who unexpectedly transitioned from this life earlier this year while attending the University of Cincinnati as a freshman. Avon is now the first school since the 2018 Knights to win consecutive Division II state championships.

Avon's fortunes got even greater as the game wore on. Following a 41-yard catch and run by Cam Wendell, the Eagles used another diet of runs by hard charging running back Quiante Smith and the drive concluded with Elder again shredding a porous Anderson secondary, this time locating Caden Clapham in the left corner and the Eagles had the Raptors in a two touchdown ditch with most of the first quarter remaining.

It became very cumbersome for the Raptors as the Avon defense registered a fourth down sack and the Eagles were seeing blood in the water and going for the carotid artery. Elder threw his third scoring aerial, this one to Caeden Bennett who was wide open in thr middle of the end zone and the Eagles were in total command with a 21-0 advantage.

The Raptors were self destructing after Scalf was sacked, ending another potential scoring drive.

But on their next possession they finally showed some roar when Scalf delivered a strike to Cooper Kathman, who scampered all the way to the Avon one yard line and two plays after, Scalf's one yard keeper finally got the Raptors on the scoreboard as they reduced Avon's lead to 21-7 with 5:14 before the band show.

The momentum Anderson had was squandered in just eight plays as Elder led another scoring drive and punctuated it with a 37 yard touchdown pass, his fourth of the game to Grant Barr. The extra point was no good but Avon was back up 27-7, which was the halftime score.

Anderson departed the locker room with aggressive urgency as several first down passes from Scalf immediately had the Raptors in Eagles territory. On fourth-and-1, Scalf completed a safe pass to Brayden Moore, who got three key blocks and found the end zone getting the Raptors a much needed score. The extra point was blocked but the game was within their reach as they were only down 27-13.

After the Anderson defense held on downs, their high powered offense took the field again with a chance to put some real concern into the defending state champions. But their possession was immediately truncated when Scalf's pass was intercepted by Jairel Fenton and six plays later, Avon made Anderson regret the turnover when Smith scored from six yards out on the ground and Avon extended their advantage back to three scores at 34-13.

Anderson wasn't going to give up easily. A 56 yard return by Mark Madden traversed them to Avon territory again. Scalf would deliver his second touchdown pass, this on to Tysin Weaver and the Raptors were now within two touchdowns of the Eagles early into the fourth quarter.

But an insurance field goal that spanned 30 yards put the defending state champions back up by three scores at 37-20 at 7:16 of the fourth quarter.

But like pesky gnats, the Raptors stubbornly refused to abdicate. Scalf led another drive that reached the six yard line but Scalf's pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and fell harmlessly to the turf, ending the final threat of the Raptors.

The Eagles eventually ran out the clock and secured their 14th victory of the season while Anderson for the second straight year saw their undefeated season come up short in the state final as they concluded the year 15-1.

Avon was led by senior quarterback Blake Elder's 216 passing yards and four touchdowns on the evening while his counterpart Owen Scalf finished with a state final record 376 yards and two touchdowns and an interception.

For the Raptors, they were trying to join the 2007 team that won a Division II state championship. The last three years have seen them advance from the state semifinals to two state title game appearances. Ninth-year Anderson head coach Evan Dreyer put that in perspective.

"We have really good players who make a really good head coach. We have a really special group of guys who propelled us forward and that's one of those things that we in the last 45 games, we are 42-3 and our losses have been to teams from Northeast Ohio (Massillon and Avon) and understand what we are trying to do and how we are trying to get to being an elite program," he said. "This is just the beginning and I love that about the program is going to keep growing and the players have laid a foundation that in the form of what our expectations are going to be in the offseason and what our commitment level has to be in the summer. We are right there and we are on the cusp of something special and I can't wait to showcase these guys next year."

For the Eagles, after having many seasons end in the state semifinals, they are enjoying the benefits of two straight titles. Avon is now 2-1 in state championship games, all with Elder in control. When asked if he saw his team as the Bulls teams of 1991 and 1992 who won consecutive NBA titles after finally eliminating their nemesis Pistons, Elder remembered the question in reference to last year's team.

"We like to treat them individually around here and it's a different team and it's unique. But the Bulls are an organization and I gues we're an organization too. This is a unique season and last year's team were the first to win one and that will never ever be taken away from them and these seniors are one of the winningest groups in the history of Avon football," Elder said. "This is a special honor for them."

Mike Elder was as giddy as Michael Jordan when the Bulls after many failures against the rival Detroit Pistons. Now the Avon Eagles finally have a dynasty that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

BACK-TO-BACK. Avon Eagles players celebrate with their student section after the team's 37-20 victory over Cincinnati Anderson in the Division II state championship Thursday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

DEJECTED RAPTOR. Cincinnati Anderson linebacker Reid Baker is consoled as he cries after the Raptors loss to Avon in the Division II state championship. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

The Road to Canton produces 14 of Ohio's best aiming for state championships

 The Road to Canton produces 14 of Ohio's best aiming for state championships

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--336 teams from the state of Ohio fueled up for the Road to Canton.

It was a six-week journey that saw many 332 fall short on the path in what became a competitive race to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. In racing terminology, the checkered flag is out and 14 teams have made it to the final lap and will compete for a state title. However, only seven of the 14 will cross the finish line with that same checkered flag waving in the air that will complete their road to Canton as state champions.

This year, the Road to Canton will feature two rematches from last season. Seven teams who were state finalists are back again with two of them being defending state champions. In addition to that, four newcomers will make their first ever appearance in the state finals. And there is an AP #1 vs #2 in the finals also.

It will add up to a three-day, 28 quarter, 336 minute bonanza of high school football in the city where football was conceived. Here are the teams that will be competing for state championships and you can catch the coverage of those here on www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com.

Here are the matchups for all seven state title contests that will be played December 4-6 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton:

Thursday, December 4, 2025: Division II state championship, 7 p.m.

Avon (13-1) vs. Cincinnati. Anderson (14-0): This will be a rematch of last season's state final captured by the Eagles by a 20-13 decision in which both teams were undefeated. Avon's only setback this year came to Spruce Creek (FL), 25-22 but other than that the reigning state champions seem to have no weaknesses and haven't lost a beat from last year as they will try to capture consecutive titles against a Raptors team that was largely untested this year with the exception of close wins over Cincinnati Winton Woods (37-30) and playoff wins over Cincinnati LaSalle (35-28) and last week's 29-22 state semifinal victory over Sunbury Big Walnut. Avon is coached by longtime general Mike Elder, a Warren native and graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and University of Mount Union and Anderson is piloted by Evan Dreyer, who is in his ninth season at Anderson.

Friday, December 5, 2025: Division IV state championship, 10:30 a.m.

Cleveland Glenville (11-3) vs. Shelby (14-0): The Tarblooders are looking to establish themselves as a dynasty with a third state championship in four years. They started off the season in Stark County with a 33-27 overtime victory against Massillon at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium and are looking to end their season in the same county with a crown. They needed to survive a very stern challenge from defending state king Indian Valley to capture a 26-21 victory that concluded the Braves' 28 game winning streak and catapulted the Tarblooders into Friday morning's affair against the undefeated Whippets, who are one of four AP #1 ranked teams playing for a state title. Shelby is only surrendering a staggering 21 points in four playoff games not to mention the lowest points they have scored all season is 37 points twice and the highest is 56. Glenville is head coached by 29th year commander Ted Ginn Sr. while Shelby is led by head coach Rob Mahaney, who is in his seventh year at the post. An interesting nugget: three-time state basketball champion Dave Hoover is a Shelby High School graduate. Hoover coached Westerville North to the 1994 Division I state title but is widely recognized for his 11 years atop the Canton McKinley helm that saw the Bulldogs win eight district titles, five regional titles and consecutive state titles in 2005 and 2006 before retiring.

Friday, December 5, 2025: Division III state championship, 3 p.m.

Toledo Central Catholic (11-4) vs. Columbus Bishop Watterson (13-0): This will be the third installment between the two high schools that has become a rivalry. Two years earlier, it was the Irish wearing down the Eagles on their way to a 27-7 conquest only to have the Eagles rebound with a late touchdown drive that cemented an undefeated season for the Eagles. Earlier this year, Central Catholic started out of the gate with an 0-3 record but have responded with an 11-1 record and it is a reason why they are a win away from regaining their title. They will have to traverse through a Watterson team that aside from a 14-13 win over Middletown (DE), no one has come remotely close to derailing the Eagles, who are only surrendering 6.3 points defensively. Greg Dempsey is in his 26th year at his alma mater (TCC) while Brian Kennedy is in his 9th season at his alma mater (Watterson). Bishop Watterson will look to add a second title to it's trophy showcase in less than a month, having won the Division III boys soccer state title with a 3-0 win over Aurora.

Friday, December 5, 2025: Division I state championship, 7:30 p.m.

Cincinnati St. Xavier (11-2) vs. Lewis Center Olentangy Orange (14-0): St. Xavier is back in the state title game for the first time in five years, when they downed Pickerington Central to seize their fourth title in their illustrious history. The Bombers are riding a seven-game winning streak into their final with the Olentangy Orange Pioneers, who are looking to become the second consecutive school in the Olentangy area to win a state title, joining last year's state champion Olentangy Liberty. The Pioneers reached their peak with a 28-0 state semifinal victory over Lakewood St. Edward, who had a run of three straight state championships from 2021-2023. St. Xavier is head coached by Steve Specht, who is in his 23rd year as the Bombers head coach and a graduate who played under legendary boss Steve Rasso. Olentangy Orange is paced by Wes Schroeder, who is in his second season as the Pioneers head coach. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Bombers team that won the school's first state championship with a 15-0 record as they defeated Massillon 24-17 at then Fawcett Stadium after having come up short in three other bids for a title, losing to St. Ignatius (1992 and 2001) and Canton McKinley (1998). The Bombers finished the 2005 season ranked #1 in Ohio and ninth in the nation.

Saturday, December 6, 2025: Division V state championship, 7:30 p.m.

Wheelersburg (14-0) vs. Liberty Center (14-0): This is the only AP #1 vs #2 state championship game on the ledger. Liberty Center has come up short twice, losing in the state final two years in a row to Lake County Perry and last year against Ironton. The Tigers hope that the third time will be the charm but it will have to come against a Wheelersburg team that is looking for a state title themselves and fresh off a 24-10 state semifinal win over Youngstown Cardinal Mooney. Both the Pirates and Tigers boast stingy defenses and it will be a matter of whose defense will hold up when the game is on the line. Rob Woodward is in his 18th season at Wheelersburg while Casey Mohler is in his 9th season at Liberty Center.

Saturday, December 6, 2025: Division IV state championship, 3 p.m. 

Kirtland (14-0) vs Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (13-1): Last season, Kirtland didn't get off like they wanted to and the end result was a sickening 31-7 loss to Coldwater in the state title game. The Hornets swore they would return and have done so in resounding fashion. They will oppose Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, a first-time participant in the state football championships. The Hornets will look to rely on their experience to capture another state championship under long tenured boss Tiger LaVerde. Bascom Hopewell-Loudon is led by head coach Brian Colatruglio, in his 9th season as Chieftains boss.

Saturday, December 6, 2025: Division VII state championship, 10:30 a.m.

St. Henry (13-1) vs. Jeromesville Hillsdale (13-1): For the first time in 76 games, there will not be an appearance made by Maria Stein Marion Local. You can thank St. Henry for the accomplishment in ending the Flyers long standing winning streak. Hillsdale last season was on the brutally wrong end of history as they fell behind 33-0 in the first quarter and never threatened at all in a 74-0 defeat. St. Henry is widely remembered for their stunning 61-58 triple overtime loss to Mogadore 29 years ago at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, a game which the Redskins led 35-3 before their stunning and unlikely collapse. Only one of these two will earn the right to be a champion Saturday. The Redskins are paced by head coach Josh Werling while the Falcons are coached by Trevor Cline.

DYNASTY FORMING. The Cleveland Glenville Tarblooders take the field for their season opening contest against Massillon earlier this season. Glenville is one of 14 teams aiming for a state title as they look to win a third Division IV state title in four years Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

Tigers bid to regain title disappears in the hands of Golden Eagles

 Tigers bid to regain title disappears in the hands of Golden Eagles

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

ZANESVILLE--From 2017 to 2013, Region 7 was dominated by the Massillon Tigers as they captured six regional titles in seven years.

There is now a new ruler of the region. Well, technically they are still the champions of the region.

Sunbury Big Walnut proved that last year's upset victory over Massillon was not a fluke by any means as a tired Golden Eagles defense found a way to overcome fatigue and turn away a final gallant stand by the Tigers in front of 6,000 at Sulsberger Stadium in a rematch of last year's regional title game by a score of 27-21.

In 2021 and 2022, Big Walnut lacked the experience of being in a big game and saw both of their seasons reduced to ashes by the Tigers. Two years later, the Golden Eagles obtained their first victory in a regional final and once again proved a worthy regional champion as for the second straight year they will advance to the Division II final four on the strength of a 12-game winning streak while Massillon's season concludes with a 9-4 record.

Golden Eagles quarterback Eli Stumpf accounted for three of Big Walnut's scores by virtue of a four-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to Brody Hatfield and added on scores of four and one yard respectively in the second and third quarters. Owen Pyles added on field goals of 28 and 25 yards in the second and third quarter.

Massillon offensively was led by junior running back Savior Owens, who romped for three touchdowns that spanned 29, 44 and 58 yards on the evening. Massillon held a 14-7 in the second quarter but was unable to ward off the cool and composed Golden Eagles who calmly worked their way into the contest and eventually coming away with the victory.

Big Walnut advances next week to oppose defending state finalist Cincinnati Anderson, who downed Trotwood-Madison 38-7 in the Region 8 title match. Defending state champion Avon turned away Medina Highland and will meet Walsh Jesuit, who overpowered Akron Hoban 35-7 in the Region 5 title match.

Big Walnut coach Curtis Crager was relieved that his team was able to pull out a victory with their late stand.

"Our kids believed and they love each other and I could tell that our guys have a bond that you can't break when it matters most. They found a way and made a play tonight and that's what matters," he said. "Hat's off to Massillon. This is a tribute to them and they are a (heck) of a team. We just capitalized on a few mistakes and had two fourth down stops to seal the win. We have the utmost respect for Massillon and their program. I love our kids. They fight and they believe."

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.