Bulldogs bite early, survive in victory

 Bulldogs bite early, survive in victory

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

PERRY TWP.--Canton McKinley came out as ferocious as the iron fists of Mike Tyson with an early 15-0 run that had the looks of an early running clock victory.

Instead of folding up ala Michael Spinks from 1988, Perry channeled their Evander Holyfield in them and swung haymakers back into the contest.

Tyson obviously didn't beat Holyfield in reality (Tyson bit his way out of the rematch via disqualification) but McKinley was fortunate to make solid plays down the stretch of their Federal League affair and stretched their record to 5-1 (3-0 Federal League) with a much closer than anticipated 63-56 victory in a game that became somewhat testy in the second half with three technical fouls, one warning, and a clock malfunction at the end of the quarter.

BULLDOG FOR TWO. Canton McKinley guard Jayveion Carter lays in two of his eight points in the Bulldogs victory at Perry Friday night. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press).

McKinley now has captured three wins in a row after a two-point loss to Division II district title contender Warren Harding but the fact that they ended up setting for a seven-point victory was unnerving to Bulldogs floor boss Sean Weatherspoon, who necessarily didn't feel that his battalion of Bulldogs didn't deliver the knockout blow they nearly had in the opening seven minutes as they held Perry without a shot attempt in that run before junior center Nico Martelli applied a much needed tourniquet on the Panthers bleeding.

"It's very disappointing," Weatherspoon said of his team's plus seven differential in the victory. "I thought in the first quarter we played lights out and guys were playing in tune and then we went deeper into our bench, guys weren't ready to play. And that showed and it was a ripple effect with us playing bad the rest of the way."

McKinley had everything going their way with a carnivorous defense that hassled the host Panthers into a frightening 15 first half turnovers. Their ball pressure was reminiscent of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 McKinley teams combined that didn't leave anything to chance in letting opposing teams get their offenses set.

Perry eventually settled into the contest with a decent second quarter as they battled back into the contest and trailed by 12. But the first half turnovers were on the mind of Panthers head coach Matt Voll, a successful head coach at Carrollton for many years.

"We had 15 turnovers in the first half, WAY too many. And they (McKinley) caused a lot of those issues for us. Once we were able to envision and slow down, we were able to maintain and finish and score," he said. "If you're turning the ball over and missing shots, whoo, they're fast and they get it out and they run and they are an extremely talented group of kids."

The tenor of the contest swung in the second half when Martelli and Bulldogs forward Anthony Chavers were called for offsetting technical fouls midway through the third quarter and Reed Sims Sr. was called for an otherwise questionable technical foul, much to Weatherspoon's consternation.

With momentum on their side, senior guard Drake Jacobsen connected on a flawless three-pointer from the left corner that truncated the McKinley lead to four after a layup and a dunk from Panthers guard Darnell McLeod. That was as close as the Panthers would get as two steals and layups by Chavers and Carter sealed the finality of the contest.

Jaylen Jeter paced the Bulldogs with 15 points and Chavers contributed with 13. Jacobsen was the top scorer for Perry with 15 while McLeod and Luke Wolf both applied 14 apiece.

Perry now has endured two straight setbacks after a 4-0 start to the season. They do have going for them the fact that they 13 days off before they return to action again when they host Green. The two weeks off will be beneficial to the Panthers as they not only spend time with their families but also find a way to return back to the win column according to Voll's testimony.

"We don't come back till January 3rd at home. So we have to come back and get back to fundamentals and basics and yes, we just have to make sure we are more together, more connected and just ready to go and our guys, this group, I don't question their character and their will to and want to but we definitely had a rough week and tonight the last three quarters we got our team back," he said.

McKinley will have eight days off before returning home for two contests against Gilmour Academy, a team that is two years removed from a Division II Final Four appearance and then defending Division I champion Cleveland St. Ignatius. The Lancers are coached by Dan DeCrane in his seventh year as their general and are carrying a 4-1 record at press time while Ignatius is coached by Cam Joyce and the Wildcats are 5-1 and currently ranked #1 in Ohio.

Weatherspoon will investigate more about his charges within those two games. And the Perry result is an early factor.

"Tonight's game was a life lesson for us. Credit to Perry for continuing to fight. As we continue with our schedule, we got tough teams coming up, we cannot play like this against versatile teams if we are going to come out on the right end," he said.

Canton McKinley came out with the iron fists of Mike Tyson with an early 15-0 run, just enough to have their hand raised in victory.

Girls basketball: Canton McKinley 66, Perry 58

PERRY TWP.--After spotting Perry a generous 18-10 first quarter lead, the visiting Bulldogs outscored the Panthers 56-41 over the final 24 minutes and evened their record to 5-5 with an eight-point victory in the Perry gym.

Mya Taylor eclipsed the 1,000 point plateau in the second quarter and finished with a game-high 34 points. Perry on the other hand was led by Lila Kleve's 19 points.

McKinley head coach Ryan Gracia, a part of two state championships as an assistant coach on the boys basketball team under Dave Hoover was pleased with his team's defense after yielding Perry an early advantage.

"I let them know that we weren't playing to our ability and I needed some more effort out of them and needed them to wake up and take one possession at a time. They imposed their will, picked up our defense and started playing defense because defense is our best offense," he said.

1,000 SCORER. Mya Taylor smiles as she is recognized for scoring 1,000 points in her career at McKinley Friday night during the second quarter of the Bulldogs contest against Perry. McKinley improved to 5-5 with the victory. (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.

Jackson freezes Lake 61-41 in home opener

 Jackson freezes Lake 61-41 in home opener

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press 

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

JACKSON TWP.--Trust has always been a tenet of Tim Debevec from his early days as a Jackson basketball assistant under Mike Fuline.

14 years later, his unitary and trusted approach still holds strong merit.

The host Polar Bears opened up their home campaign in front of a healthy crowd and left their votaries happy as they methodically broke down visiting Lake in the form of three quarters in which their score total improved from the second and third quarters as they downed the Blue Streaks 61-41 in their Federal League home opener. Jackson scored 11, 17, and 18 in the first three quarters to set up the eventual finality.

There is something about Lake that just brings out the best in Debevec against his Walsh University classmate Tom McBride, who is in his 26th year atop the Blue Streaks regime. And once again it was on display as the Polar Bears ascended to 3-1 on the season and 2-0 in the Federal League.

"We were pretty consistent all night. We should have been up 36-12 at halftime but Lake's well coached and it's a Federal League game. We just found a way to win and I was happy with our defense. We have to get better each night," Debevec said. "It's a long season and we have a long way to go."

Jackson showed their repertoire that made them district champions last year at the opening tip. Defensive pressure early on spurred the hosts to an early 11-4 lead, a lead that eventually ballooned over the course of the contest. Eventually, a decisive 6-0 run before halftime extended their lead to 26-10 and Lake was unable to mount a serious threat save for several times they attempted to rally but were unable to get their deficit under single digits.

The closest Lake got to was 11 points but key three-point baskets in the third quarter by Mitch Finefrock and Andrew Hinderegger once again extended the Polar Bears lead back up to 17 where they eventually coasted from there before Debevec pulled his charges with 2:31 remaining.

"We created turnovers and found the right guys, sat down and played some defense and we went on a nice little run. It's a game of spurts and you need to have those once in a while, be it a 12-2 run or whatever it is and maintain it."

Jackson had three starters in double figures with senior Kyle Monterrubio leading the team with 15 points. Mitch Finefrock assisted with 11 and Cole Baker finished with 10. Lake's leading scorer was junior Zach Novak, who had 11 to lead the Blue Streaks.

Their performance was a far cry from their 55-45 win over Dalton last Saturday. If Lake is going to be a contender in the race for the Federal League, they cannot afford any more mishaps evidenced by their 0-2 record in the league (1-4 overall). Lake cannot afford to slip to 0-3 in league play and McBride will do everything he can to prevent that from occurring.

But it has to start during practice week and translate that into game mode.

"My biggest disappointment is that we're not transferring what we're doing in practice into game situation and a little bit in the third quarter early I think when we were nip and tuck with them, you started to see a semblance that we had a plan in place, I don't know if we get too excited early or if we have enough total basketball knowledge out there but our lack of execution on the game plan from the start hurt in the first half and caused that 6-0 run in the second quarter," McBride said.

POLAR CONFERENCE. Jackson head coach Tim Debevec looks on while longtime assistant coach Jon Perdue chats with Cole Baker during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's contest at Jackson High School. Jackson defeated Lake 61-41.

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: Slates and Hall deserved better at their respective alma maters

 COMMENTARY: Hall and Slates deserved better at their alma maters

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--When you hear of Canton McKinley football, you hear of Thom McDaniels being the face of the program. When you hear of Perry football, you hear of Keith Wakefield being the face of the program.

When you hear of Canton McKinley, you hear about the 16 years of stability that McDaniels had from the administration of the high school down to the entire Canton City Schools regime. When you hear of Perry, you think about the two long stints that Wakefield had and the support from the administration of the high school all the way down to the Perry Local Schools regime.

Antonio Hall and Zach Slates are gentlemen who are three years apart in age. Both men grew up attending Canton City Schools and Perry Local Schools respectively from elementary up to high school. Both were coached by McDaniels and Wakefield respectively. Both went on to play at NCAA Division I institutions at Kentucky and Pittsburgh respectively. Both men came back home to lead their alma maters as head coaches in 2021, with Hall taking over as Bulldogs head coach and Slates in charge of the Panthers.

Three years later, both men are no longer head coaches of their alma maters. And that is disappointing. And a problem.

Today we live in a society where social media has become the supreme ruler. Fans have an evil autonomy now to criticize whoever is in charge of their programs. Those are the same individuals who think they know everything ala Albert Einstein. Those same individuals are the ones who were cheering for Hall and Slates when they were on the field at Fawcett Stadium and Wakefield Stadium (then Perry Stadium) and now are expressing joy in their respective departures.

Unfortunately, loyalty was lost and this week, Hall and Slates were the victims. And because of it, McKinley is once again playing musical chairs in yet their ninth search for a head coach since the 1997 season (not counting McDaniels lone return in 2014). Perry doesn't have it as bad as they are conducting just their second head coach search since Keith Boedicker was the Panthers general from 2010-2013 (John "Spider" Miller and Slates were both selected by Wakefield to succeed him).

The McKinley program is in much more stuck in reverse than the Perry program. Since the 2006 season, the Bulldogs have not played in a state semifinal. Since 2009, they have not even competed for a regional title. Their seasons have stalled between the first round up to the regional semifinals. Perry on the other hand has competed in two straight Division II state finals in 2015 and 2016, losses to Cincinnati LaSalle, the latter when they carried a 7-0 lead into the fourth quarter before succumbing 14-7, a far better display than the previous year, a 42-0 loss.

I want to take the time to venture down memory lane. I was a high school sophomore when I became the sports editor of our school newspaper and an eventual team manager and field reporter (thanks to former McKinley boss Kerry Hodakievic and Miller along the way, including Donald Short, an Orrville native and longtime Bulldog football and basketball assistant coach). Hall was one of the most respected athletes in the school who embodied what it meant to be a student-community-athlete at McKinley. No one ever had a bad word to say around him and it was great being around men like Hall and others who I still maintain lifelong friendships with to this day.

There were things said about Hall over the last two seasons that personally speaking were not appreciated, especially after McKinley's 35-0 loss to Massillon. His players were called "thugs" on chat rooms, many said most of them would be in jail, others said to lock them up and some shots were taken at Hall with one labeling him as a "gang leader". I wanted to rip the perpetrator who said that but a person of my stature in the profession of my chosen life had to pull back. Most of those individuals will not have been willing to come to Hall and say those things to him directly including his players and assistant coaches. Forbid if someone said that about any of our family members.

That now brings me to Slates. Slates grew up with aspirations of playing for the Panthers. He recognized his dream and then was bestowed as head coach. However, Slates didn't get the fair support he needed that Wakefield had and with fans also calling for Slates removal, they got their wish. The same Slates who was a part of the Panthers 2000 Division I state semifinal competing squad as a player (Hall won two state titles at McKinley in 1997 and 1998).

It saddens this writer there are fans who think they know everything. Those same fans are again the ones who cheered for Hall and Slates in their prep days. And now they have turned their backs on them. Hall is now moving on to an administrative role and who knows where Slates may coach at.

I have taken my fair share of criticism over the years. There have been things said about me. Heck, a perpetrator promised to (get this) shoot me dead over my disdain for Michael Vick years ago in a chat room. I know people are going to go after me and I embrace it. Two decades ago I didn't as much but over time learned that not everyone is going to stand for you. Hall and Slates sadly found that out this week. Think about how their respective families feel. Think about how their sons, daughters, and wives feel. Think about how the rest of their family members feel.

Whoever becomes the head coach at McKinley and Perry will not only need to have durable skin but also the support of the Canton City and Perry Local administration. Their wives, sons and daughters must be embraced by the community. They will have to be aware of the dangers that will await them quicker than Wile E. Coyote's failed attempts to catch the Roadrunner.

The Einsteins from McKinley and Perry called for a new head coach. They got their wish. They knew everything. At this point, to me they are no longer fans. Their lack of loyalty was cemented this week. They are nothing but Einsteins. They had the brains to force out two coaches who are quality men. Smart of them. Again they knew everything and were not wrong. And I say that with a sarcastic approach, something this writer has never done. Now the question becomes whether both programs will be able to get off the canvas and come out swinging with victories. A losing season for both programs in 2025 will be disastrous and for McKinley, a 10th straight loss to Massillon is unfathomable but at this point with the Tigers being so much better than the Bulldogs, it wouldn't be that farfetched, especially with the Tigers having won five out of six in Canton (4-0 in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium).

To Coach Hall and Coach Slates, thank you for the four years you gave to your alma maters as head coaches. Thank you for the successes you had on the field as student-community-athletes at McKinley and Perry. It's just sad that social media has become a platform to denigrate men who invested their time to their alma maters and nothing in the end to show for it.

Yes. This was a sad ending for two quality men. Hopefully the fans of McKinley and Perry support the next head coach with far more appreciation than they did for two men who attended elementary, middle and high schools in their respective hometowns, the same men who they cheered for on the football field when they were teenagers but didn't have that same support for them as adult head coaches.

Only time will tell if McKinley and Perry will get back up. But this much can be said. Slates and Hall deserved better at their respective alma maters.

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: The Road to Canton was everything it lived up to be

 COMMENTARY: The Road to Canton was everything it lived up to be

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--448 teams in the state of Ohio fueled up for the road to Canton and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for the OHSAA football playoffs. After one week, the number was reduced to 336. A week later that number was truncated to 224. As the number of playoff teams was dwindling, 112 still remained on the road but the challenges were getting arduous with each passing game.

By the time the regional finals arrived, there were teams who still had state championship aspirations. 56 were left. When the 14th week arrived, only 28 squads now had Canton in their sights. Young men who had dreams of competing for a state title practiced on Thanksgiving and had hopes of descending on to Canton for a shot at a state title.

A week later, half of the 14 teams who had hopes of a state title saw their dreams extinguished. The other half finally realized their boyhood dreams of playing for a state title. Whether it used to be Fawcett Stadium, Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, or recently before Benson Stadium's construction, Ohio Stadium, the 14 teams who were left were now competing for a coveted state championship. They were now playing in the Super Bowl of Ohio high school football. Young men who sat in the stands and looked up to their favorite players had dreams of being on that same football field and hopefully hoisting a state title someday as their favorite players they emulated or a family member who competed for the high school team.

The road to Canton was nearly complete. But only seven of the 14 teams that arrived to Benson Stadium could traverse the narrow bridge that signified their rite of passage as a state champion. 

SUPER 64. Maria Stein Marion Local players hoist their fourth straight state championship Friday morning after their 73-0 victory over Jeromesville Hillsdale in Friday's Division VII state championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Flyers have won 64 games in a row ensuring the class of 2025 will never have lost a game in their prep careers. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

The other seven teams on the other hand saw their aspirations fall short. You could see the visible tears of grief, anguish and sorrow knowing their dream of a state title fell short. It's not easy when a team obtains a runner-up trophy but in no way does it diminish the year they had no more than it diminishes what the winning team accomplished.

The road to Canton also teaches valuable life lessons that will stay with the young men who played this weekend well after their days are over. The seniors will never put on that high school jersey again. Juniors will have one more chance. Sophomores will have two more chances and freshmen will have three more chances respectively. The seniors who competed will venture off to a college or university and compete in collegiate athletics and work toward a degree while others will never compete again but also work toward a degree. Others will enlist in a branch of government be it the Army, Navy, United States Marine Corps, Coast Guard, etc. Some will simply enter the workforce. 

One thing is for sure. Maybe 10 or 20 years down the line, the players who played for a state title will eventually become fathers. They will raise sons who someday will want to follow in the shoes they were in. Some will raise daughters. They will have loving wives and become a family.

TEARFUL EMBRACE. Cincinnati Moeller quarterback and Ohio Mr. Football winner Matt Ponatoski is embraced by a teammate after the Crusaders Division I state final loss to Powell Olentangy Liberty Friday night, 28-14. The loss stopped Moeller from a 10th state title in their program. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

High school football teaches life lessons. So does the road to Canton. And it also teaches us to appreciate the young men who have aspirations of playing for their high school team. It also teaches us to also have an appreciation for the mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who also invested their time to make sure their young men received that opportunity. It also teaches us to appreciate the educators and administrators who invested their time in those young men from as early as kindergarten up to 12th grade and referenced to them always what it means to be a student-athlete (in my case, a student-community-athlete) and obtaining satisfactory academic performance while displaying behavior embodying that role in the school.

I think about the happiness of the young men who were on that field this weekend. I also think about the sadness that they had as well. I think about the coaches who exuded excitement in their team accomplishing a title and at the same time I think about the sadness they had as their teams experienced defeat. I think about how other media covered them over the course of the season and just how they were looked up to by others who will play after them and those who played before them. I think about the sacrifices a young man made every day to get out of his bed, attend football workouts, go to school, and still be a contributing member to his community.

To the winning teams who were successful this weekend with state titles. You created memories that will last you a lifetime and will serve its purpose to you as you progress through life. Maybe one day you will return to your school as a teacher, coach or even an administrator. To the losing teams who came up short. Your setback isn't a definition of who you are. One loss doesn't diminish the hard work you invested. Out of this failure will come a life lesson and it will be one you will eventually pass down to your children as you begin your quest after high school.

HORNET RUNNER UPS. Kirtland High School players post for a picture with the Division VI runner up trophy after their 31-7 loss to Coldwater in the state title game Saturday. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press).

To Avon, Olentangy Liberty, Columbus Bishop Watterson, Marion Local, Coldwater, Ironton and Indian Valley, you all navigated through the toughest competition that the state of Ohio had to offer and you came out on top as the best in your respective divisions and are deserving of being state champions. 

To Cincinnati Anderson, Jeromesville Hillsdale, Toledo Central Catholic, Cincinnati Moeller, Kirtland, Liberty Center, and Sandusky Perkins, you have a lot to be proud of in navigating your path also through the toughest competition the state had to offer and you also found your place in Canton as well.

As another high school season ends, it has been another thrill ride. In a month from now, schools will start making their preparations for offseason conditioning and will once again prepare themselves for another 16 week march they hope will end in Canton like the 14 schools who represented their schools proudly and with dignity.

The road to Canton was everything it lived up to be. Can't wait for that road again in three hundred plus day from now.

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: Cavaliers return to top, Ironton wins tiger battle, Braves show bravery in pinball affair

THE ROAD TO CANTON: Cavaliers return to top, Ironton wins tiger battle, Braves show bravery in pinball affair

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--Three more state champions were crowned on the final day of the Ohio High School Athletic Association state football championships to conclude another season of high school football.

Coldwater, Ironton, and Indian Valley joined Avon, Maria Stein Marion Local, Columbus Bishop Watterson and Powell Olentangy Liberty as state champions.

Four of the seven state champions all completed undefeated seasons on their way to titles and closing the curtains on another season of high school football. Here are the recaps from the Saturday contests.

DIVISION VI--Coldwater 31, Kirtland 7

CANTON--After a three-year absence, the Coldwater Cavaliers returned to the pinnacle of high school football and boasting the state's top-ranked defense against Kirtland's top-ranked offense in the state, they overpowered defending champion Kirtland to return to the throne in dominant fashion.

Coldwater was led by senior running back Miles Pottkotter, who rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Baylen Blockberger threw two touchdown passes to Mason Welsch, who also recovered a fumble in the end zone to actuate the running clock for the Cavaliers.

Kirtland quarterback Jake LaVerde scored the Hornets lone touchdown, an 11-yard run with 7:42 to stop the running clock.

For Chip Otten, it is his fifth state title since he was named head coach after succeeding veteran coach John Reed, who transitioned from this life 14 years earlier. When asked if Reed's presence was felt around the team, Otten took a moment to pause and reflect.

"Coach Reed always told us if you want to be successful, help the next person to you. We definitely feel his presence around us and he had his hand on the team today," he said.

"Coldwater played really well today. I wouldn't say that we executed even close to what we are capable of. You have to give them credit," veteran Kirtland head coach Tiger LaVerde said.

RECORDS: Coldwater 15-1, Kirtland 15-1.

COLD REIGN. Coldwater Cavaliers players hoist up the Division VI state championship trophy after their team's 31-7 win over Kirtland Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press).

DIVISION V--Ironton 28, Liberty Center 17

CANTON--In a battle of Tigers, it was Ironton who delivered the final knockout blows as wide receiver Shaun Terry caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Braden Schreck and delivered a 67-yard touchdown run as an exclamation point as it was Ironton capturing their third state title in their program over Liberty Center, who was attempting to add a second title to their collection.

Two years ago, Ironton was humbled by South Range 53-27 but they returned most of the players from that setback and it proved to be the difference.

"I couldn't be more proud of these guys. We got off to a good start, got up 14-0 and things were going our way. We had to weather the storm a little bit and things got away from us and momentum is a huge thing," Ironton boss Trevon Pendleton said. "Hat's off to our staff for making the adjustments needed."

For the Liberty Center Tigers, they were back in the title game after last season's loss to Lake County Perry but saw a second undefeated season end in the state final. When asked to describe the cruelty and unfairness of a second straight final loss amid a two-year run of 30-2, veteran head coach Casey Mohler put the matter in perspective.

"A lot of teams would love to have those two things. I mean it hurts right now but on the bus ride back they're going to reflect on what they have done the last five years and in their four-year career, they only lost six games and four of them have been to state champions. Every team that has beaten us has gone on to win state and the other two teams who beat them went 10-0 in the regular season. So it hurts," he said. "Is it unfair? Probably but in high school sports there are very few teams that win their last game and you know, it's hard to deal with sometimes. Yes, we wanted the other trophy but I couldn't be more prouder of these guys than anybody."

RECORDS: Ironton 15-1, Liberty Center 15-1.

IRON TIGERS. An Ironton assistant coach hugs a player as they celebrate their Division V state title victory over Liberty Center Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

DIVISION IV--Indian Valley 37, Sandusky Perkins 36

CANTON--In a game that became a pinball affair, it was Indian Valley overcoming a powerful Sandusky Perkins squad in a one-point decision as they won the first state football title in Tuscarawas County history while completing an undefeated season in the process. The Braves joined Avon, Marion Local, and Bishop Watterson as the only high schools to complete undefeated seasons.

A potential game-winning touchdown pass attempt by quarterback Sam Schweinfurth for Braylon Collier was knocked away by defensive back Carsen Hostetler to preserve the triumph. Standout running back Grady Kinsey rushed for over 200 yards and had five rushing touchdowns to tie a state championship record as the Braves survived five touchdown aerials from Schweinfurth, three of those to Collier to complete their undefeated season.

For Perkins, who was attempting to win a second straight title to go with the 1999 crown, it is their first state runner up.

RECORDS: Indian Valley 16-0, Sandusky Perkins 14-2.

BRAVES REIGN. Indian Valley players hoist the Division IV state championship trophy as they won the first school's football title with a victory over Sandusky Perkins in the final game of the OHSAA state football 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.

THE ROAD TO CANTON: Flyers remain dominant, Watterson avenges last year's loss, Patriots down state power

THE ROAD TO CANTON: Flyers remain dominant, Watterson avenges last year's loss, Patriots down state power

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--It was a crowning moment for two #1 ranked teams and a newcomer to the state championship fraternity.

Marion Local, Columbus Bishop Watterson and Olentangy Liberty each achieved their crowning moments on the second day of the OHSAA state football championships as they all joined Avon (Division II) as state champions on a chilly Friday in the confines of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Here are the recaps.

DIVISION VII--Maria Stein Marion Local 73, Jeromesville Hillsdale 0

Marion Local's first possession started off with five straight running plays to begin their final and it ended with a Parker Hess four-yard touchdown run that started an immediate deluge as the Flyers caused a massive avalanche of touchdowns to subdue the Falcons early in a scoring display that included touchdowns on punt returns and interception returns as the Flyers seized their 15th state championship in thunderous fashion. 

Marion Local scored 33 points (a record for most points in a quarter) and 30 in the second in erecting a 63-0 advantage that ensured the state mandated running clock.

In 25 years, head coach Tim Goodwin now has piloted the Flyers to unprecedented success that includes a staggering 64-game winning streak as the class of 2025 have never lost a game dating back to when they were eighth graders.

"When you're calling plays and there is a big difference between the running game working and everything is open and you can do whatever you want. And if you don't hit then you have two downs. Overall, just the run game kind of established that and moreso when you're watching other teams on film, you're playing against teams you never played against and you make projections on how certain matchups are and once you see it live it was like we can run the ball against those guys and it really loosened things up for us and allowed us to relax," Goodwin said.

RECORDS: Marion Local 16-0, Hillsdale 14-2.

FLYER WITH THE PICK. Marion Local defensive back Daniel Everman returns an interception deep into Hillsdale territory during the first half of the state final. Everman recorded two interceptions as the Flyers shut out Hillsdale 73-0 for their 15th state championship. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

DIVISION III--Columbus Bishop Watterson 19, Toledo Central Catholic 14

A late nine-yard touchdown run by Drew Bellisari with 1:29 to play proved to be the winning score as the Eagles avenged last season's 27-7 loss to the Irish and won their first title in 14 years to complete an undefeated 16-0 season.

The Eagles overcame an 87-yard kickoff return touchdown from Toledo Central Catholic's Jeremiah Fuller and used a 12-0 fourth quarter to create the winning margin.

Bishop Watterson's last title came in 2010, a 13-12 win over Akron Buchtel at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon.

Zack Weber rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown to lead the Eagles.

"What you saw out there in the second half was pretty good. Seniors, what they have done, perseverance, their love for one another. It was a team win and they didn't give up. They battled through adversity and I couldn't be any prouder of them," Watterson head coach Brian Kennedy said.

For Toledo Central Catholic, their bid for a three-peat ended, leaving coach Greg Dempsey and his Irish charges despondent. They were held under 100 yards rushing for the first time all season, a season-low 87 yards rushing.

"At times, we got it going. But we had some penalties in the first half and that put us in extremely first and long situations, second and long. We knew Watterson was geared up to stop the run and we hit on some plays in the passing game and the lack of a red zone offense really hurt us tonight. That is more of the telltale sign of rushing. You watched the film of them (Watterson) and rushing against them was hard all year," he said.

RECORDS: Bishop Watterson 16-0, Toledo Central Catholic 15-1.

FLYING LIKE EAGLES. Columbus Bishop Watterson players celebrate their 19-14 victory in the Division III state title game Friday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Eagles reversed last year's 27-7 setback to Toledo Central Catholic and won their third title in school history.

DIVISION I---Powell Olentangy Liberty 28, Cincinnati Moeller 14

Olentangy Liberty quarterback Andrew Leonard passed for 273 yards and connected with ace wide receiver Christian Moulton for three scores as the Patriots obtained their first state title in their program against the tradition-laden Crusaders.

The Patriots defense never let the vaunted Moeller offensive attack led by Mr. Football winner, quarterback Matt Ponatoski get going. Moeller only had one offensive touchdown from Ponatoski, a three-yard pass to Landen Adams in the fourth quarter. Moeller's other score came on an 80-yard fumble return touchdown from linebacker Cooper Gearhart, that tied the longest return score that was set by Massillon's Andrew Dailey in 2005 against Cincinnati St. Xavier.

RECORDS: Olentangy Liberty, 14-2, Cincinnati Moeller 14-2.

PROUD PATRIOTS. Olentangy Liberty football players celebrate their 28-14 victory over Cincinnati Moeller in Friday's Division I state championship game. It is the first title in the history for the Patriots.

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

Avon stands tall in battle of undefeated top two schools, snags first state title

 Avon stands tall in battle of undefeated top two schools, snags first state title

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--Avon head coach Mike Elder can only imagine what Michael Jordan felt from the 1987-88 to the 1989-90 NBA seasons.

Whenever the Chicago Bulls were a step away from the NBA Finals, their hated Eastern Conference Central Division rival none other than the Detroit Pistons were there to impede their progress. 

The Pistons could only do that for so long before the Bulls finally obtained their breakthrough in the 1990-91 season when after years of multiple playoff failures against their rivals, they not only swept the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals but erected a championship dynasty that stretched to six titles in an eight-year span.

For top-ranked and undefeated Avon, after suffering failure after failure in the state semifinals, losing four to Akron Hoban and one to Massillon in 2019, they were finally able to vault over Akron Hoban and tonight in front of a crowd of 4,911 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the defense came up with a final fourth down stop to knock away a Justice Burnam pass for the end zone and the Eagles obtained their much awaited first Division II state championship with a dramatic 20-13 victory over second ranked and previously undefeated Cincinnati Anderson at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

It was the second straight year the Division II final came down to the final play. Last season, top-ranked Massillon Washington was able to celebrate a crown when linebacker Dorian Pringle knocked away a Hoban pass in the closing seconds of the Tigers 7-2 victory over third-ranked Akron Hoban. This is the second straight year the Associated Press state poll champion has won the playoff title and the Eagles are now a part of that fraternity.

13 years ago, Avon walked out of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium a state runner-up in the form of a 42-28 loss to Trotwood-Madison in Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. 13 years later, the Eagles walk out of Canton with the gold trophy to put in their trophy case, an aesthetic sight to Elder, a Warren native and a University of Mount Union graduate.

EAGLES NUMBER ONE. Avon High School football players celebrate their Division II state championship trophy after their 20-13 victory over Cincinnati Anderson in Thursday's contest at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

"I want to say first off, congratulations to Cincinnati Anderson, that is a great football team and they are well coached. We watched countless hours of them on film and we knew what we were up against. Our defense to hold them to 13 points is remarkable and because of that, kudos to our defense," Elder said. "We were able to control the clock and we had our run game clicking. I couldn't be prouder. I am humbled to be sitting here with these guys and representing our coaching staff because there are numerous guys who threw their heart and soul into this."

This was a contest in which neither team really obtained any separation from the other. The Eagles did not miss a beat from last week's triumph over Hoban as they needed just six plays to set the tone with a 71-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Nolan Good as he eluded hard-charging Anderson linebackers Tommy Huster and Antwoine Higgins for the early score and a 7-0 advantage.

It remained that way till the second quarter when Anderson, not known for punting the ball turned to their gas-on-the-pedal offense that paid dividends on their second possession, one that chewed up 3:45 off the clock with a key fourth down run from Burnam and aided by a humongous pass interference infraction by the Eagles that kept the Raptors alive. They finished the drive with a 12-yard score in the form of a catch and run from receiver Aiden McClanahan.

After the Eagles responded swiftly with a Good touchdown aerial to receiver Matt Maxey that spanned 45 yards, the action became comedic.

Cincinnati Anderson fumbled away a snap that was recovered by the Eagles. With Avon intending to assume a two-score advantage, an Anderson defender jarred the ball loose from Good and a mad scramble ensued for the football that resulted in a touchback when the ball went out the end zone. Burnam then threw a pass that was intercepted by Jacob Weatherspoon, allowing Avon a chance to extend their lead but the field goal was blocked and both teams went into the intermission at 7-7.

Veteran Raptors head coach Evan Dreyer was feeling great about where his team was.

"Overall, the tempo was going to stay and that is our key identity. We were going to take risks. You can't talk about playing fast and being ultra-aggressive and then saying hey we're going to punt the ball every fourth down," he said of his team's position at the half.

Anderson used a 14-play drive to pull within a single point of Avon with the key play being Burnam completing a 17-yard pass to keep their drive alive later assisted by a huge 30-yard scamper from running back Durrell Turner that traversed all the way to the Eagles 12-yard line. Burnam would score on a six-yard run but the extra-point was blocked and Avon was still ahead 14-13 with the third quarter near expiration.

FIRE IN THE SNOW. Cincinnati Anderson quarterback Justice Burnam fires a pass during the Division II state final against Avon. Burnam completed 19 passes out of 33 attempted for 150 yards and a touchdown for the Raptors, who finished the season 15-1. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

Avon answered the Anderson touchdown with their own manufactured 10-play drive, all runs that ended with running back Quiante Smith scoring standing up from 10 yards out. Anderson's defense stood tall on the two-point try and Avon only led 20-13 going into the fourth quarter.

Avon had a chance to send the Raptors into extinction late in regulation when Good threw a pass over the middle. Out of nowhere came sophomore defensive back Ace Alston to intercept the pass at the one yard line, allowing Anderson one final opportunity for glory.

"It was really special for Alston to get us the ball back and begin our drive. To get that momentum swing when they were ready to really put it away was huge for our team and it lifted it us up on that final drive," Dreyer said.

The Raptors drove all the way to the Avon 22 where Burnam eluded several sack attempts and flung a pass into the end zone that was eventually knocked out of bounds by the Eagles secondary and Avon players gleefully celebrated on the snowy field while Raptors players were left to tearfully console one another.

Anderson came a long way from last season's 55-7 state semifinal setback they absorbed to a Massillon team that set nine records last season on their way to a state title. In the last three years, the progress that the Raptors have made from regional finalists to state semifinalists and now to state finalists made it easier for Dreyer to put matters in perspective. When asked about how much of a blessing it was to compete in a #1 vs. #2 showdown, Dreyer proudly spoke of the opportunity to coach in the contest and what it meant to be a Raptor.

"It was incredible to be in a #1 vs #2 matchup. I think people talk about the playoffs and 16 teams, it's awesome. Playing in the playoffs and getting the matchups you want, what the kids want, what the fans want is awesome. When you look at it over time, it is incredible to see two teams fight it out on the field, claw it out and rather than seeing it through computer rankings and tonight was really cool for everybody," Dreyer said.

Burnam was the leading rusher for Anderson with 156 yards on the ground and a touchdown as Anderson finished with 367 yards of total offense. Avon was led by the  198 yard rushing from Good, who finished with 143 yards passing with eight completions out of 15 attempts.

For the Eagles, it is validation after coming up short five times in the state semifinals. When asked to compare the Eagles road to that of the 1991 Chicago Bulls NBA title winning team, it was enough for Elder to crack a smile and laugh.

"You're taking me back to the NBA days," he said. "I love it. We had some really good football teams that got to the final four. We have been knocking on the door for a while and our players could have easily given up and threw their hands in the air but they didn't. The work that goes into this is incredible and the prize is in the journey and we made a lifetime memory," he said.

For years, Mike Elder and the Avon Eagles felt the pain of losing in the state semifinals five years in a row. Now they are just as happy as the 1991 Bulls when they finally eliminated the door of failure and became NBA champions for the first time, the same as the Eagles became Division II state football champions for the first time in school history.

RAPTOR RUNNER-UPS. Cincinnati Anderson head coach Evan Dreyer and his players hold the Division II state runner-up trophy after their team's 20-13 setback to Avon in Thursday's Division II state title game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. 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.

Bulldogs extinguish Dragons in 74-39 flame out

 Bulldogs extinguish Dragons in 74-39 flame out

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--Sean Weatherspoon had to be feeling 17 all over again in the second quarter.

With six dunks, three of them in a 90-second span, it conjured up memories of the 2005 and 2006 Division I back-to-back title winning Canton McKinley teams and their ferocious assaults on various rims.

Ok, Weatherspoon had graduated before the second title winning team but fans of McKinley are just as adeptly knowledgeable as Albert Einstein was to know what the second quarter against Akron East depicted. 

The Bulldogs had everything go their way from the opening tip and their home opener went to perfect script as the hosts zoomed out to a 19-point first quarter advantage and actuated the state mandated running clock on their way to a 74-39 flame out of the Dragons as they ascended to 2-0 on a season that is in it's infancy. 

Sunday afternoon, McKinley was able to post a two-point road victory over Cleveland Heights in the form of a 60-58 decision. Tuesday night, McKinley didn't need any dramatics as every player contributed to the winning cause and that pleased Weatherspoon, in his third year atop his alma mater's post.

"It was just us playing hard man and playing active. This year, we're not super tall but we are long and lanky. We got a lot of athletes who can get up and down and on the defensive end cause pressure on the ball and get into the passing lanes and that led to the offensive stuff," he said.

McKinley junior forward Anthony Chavers and senior center Reed Sims Jr. had dunks off successful lobs and Jaylen Jeter added another as the Bulldogs outscored the Dragons 23-7 as a healthy crowd at the Memorial Field House roared with vehement approval.

McKinley may not be 11 or 12 deep as the Dave Hoover coached squads that pulverized the Division I basketball universe but with a roster that goes eight deep, it will definitely pay dividends as the season progresses enough to the point where McKinley may reach that double-digit number in terms of depth, something that will be vital when the tournament arrives in the next two months.

"Guys are just ready. We prepare these guys back in the summer with a high level of competition and a combination of different lineups to prepare for those moments and it showed," Weatherspoon said.

McKinley had three starters in double figures with Sims leading the charge with 18, Chavers totaling 13 and Jayveion Carter adding 10. East was led by Antoine James's 14 points.

The Bulldogs will head to Mahoning County for a matchup against a strong Warren Harding team, who is expected to be a contender for a Division II district championship. At press time, the Raiders downed Youngstown East 78-38 tonight at home. 

Keelyn Franklin is in his sixth season at his alma mater and was a guard on the 2005 Raiders team that finished #2 in the final Division I AP poll that fell in the Canton district final to the starry-laden McKinley squad 84-41 at a standing-room only crowd in the Canton Civic Center. Two years later, the Raiders pushed eventual state semifinalist GlenOak to the limit before falling in the final seconds.

Weatherspoon is well aware of what Franklin's Raiders will bring in terms of a challenge and he looks to put the East game to rest and move on to Saturday's affair against the black and gold.

"They (Warren Harding) are a very good team, very athletic and it starts with the big guy, Chaz Coleman. He is a D-I athlete going to Penn State and they have some other guys who came in and they are a well coached team," he said.

Sean Weatherspoon may not be 17 years of age but on a night where six McKinley dunks in the second quarter lit up the night like Broadway, his legion of Bulldogs had him feeling young again.

CHAVERS EDGE. Canton McKinley junior forward Anthony Chavers converts a powerful slam dunk as Akron East's Rahmel Taylor looks on during the second quarter of Tuesday's game at the Canton Memorial Field House. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

FLYING REED. Canton McKinley center Reed Sims Jr. converts a slam dunk, the second of six in the second quarter against Akron East Tuesday night at the Memorial Field House. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

EYE OF THE SPOON. Canton McKinley head coach and 2005 graduate Sean Weatherspoon watches the action during the first quarter of Tuesday's game against Akron East. McKinley prevailed to push their record to 2-0 on the season. (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.

OHSAA state football championships star-studded with potential title-winning squads

 OHSAA state football championships star-studded with potential title-winning squads

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

CANTON--The road to Canton started out with 448 teams fueling up for the road with aspirations of descending upon the hallowed Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on the campus of the Pro Football Hall of Fame with a chance to obtain a state championship.

After five weeks of intense playoff competition, 434 teams reached a dead end on the road and 14 of them successfully navigated the path and now have proven themselves worthy of competing for a state title. However, only seven of them will cross the narrow bridge and earn the right to be 2024 OHSAA state football champions.

Five AP #1 teams, seven undefeated teams, three #1 vs #2 finals, one rematch, three returning defending state champions, two returning state runner-ups, two 15-0 schools, and one major big school power will highlight seven contests over three days as the state football championships will commence Thursday night with the Division II state final, finals in Divisions VII, III and I before concluding Saturday with finals in Divisions VI, V and IV.

Here are the capsules for each state championship contest to be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Division I--#4 Powell Olentangy Liberty Patriots (13-2) vs. #2 Cincinnati Moeller Crusaders (14-1).

When: Friday, December 6, 2024.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Olentangy Liberty 21, Lakewood St. Edward 7. Cincinnati Moeller 49, Centerville 10.

Head coaches: John Sansbury, Olentangy Liberty (2nd year), Bert Bathiany, Cincinnati Moeller (2nd year).

This is an unlikely matchup in Division I. The Patriots are coming to Benson Stadium on the ultimate high off their 21-7 state semifinal upset of three-time big school king Lakewood St. Edward. The Patriots have won eight in a row while the Crusaders have won a staggering 11 in a row. This is Liberty's first state title game and for Moeller, they are gunning for their 10th state championship. Three of Moeller's nine state titles came againt Stark County powers, Massillon and Canton McKinley, with the Crusaders topping Massillon twice in a span of three years (1980 and 1982) and Canton McKinley in 1985. Moeller's last state title came in the 2013 season, when they seized back-to-back crowns under John Rodenberg, who is now the head football coach at Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati. Moeller's other state titles came from Gerry Faust, who transitioned from this life earlier this year at the age of 89 and Steve Klonne, who retired from the Moeller staff as an assistant last season.

Division II-#2 Cincinnati Anderson Raptors (15-0) vs #1 Avon Eagles (15-0).

When: Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Time: 7 p.m.

Last week: Cincinnati Anderson 28, Sunbury Big Walnut 24. Avon 35, Akron Hoban 10.

Head coaches: Evan Dreyer, Cincinnati Anderson (9th year), Mike Elder, Avon (18th season).

This is one of three AP #1 vs. #2 matchups this weekend. After years of futility in the state semifinals in the form of four losses to Hoban and one to Massillon, the Eagles finally solved the Hoban labyrinth and seized the right to compete for their first state title for the first time since the 2011 season, a 42-28 setback to Trotwood-Madison at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon. Avon is every bit a seasoned team over the years and it is a reason why they are in a position to win a state title. Cincinnati Anderson improved from last year's 55-7 state semifinal setback to last season's state champion Massillon and it is a reason why they are in Canton for this year's contest. Anderson has a state championship to their credit dating back to 2007 when they were the Redskins and coached by Jeff Giesting as they used two first-quarter touchdown catches from 6'9'', 235 lb. wide receiver Nick Truesdell to erect a 14-0 lead, eventually holding off Louisville 31-25. Avon head coach Mike Elder is a graduate of Warren John F. Kennedy High School (1989) and a Mount Union College (now University of Mount Union) graduate (1993).

Division III--#1 Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles (15-0) vs. #2 Toledo Central Catholic Irish (15-0).

When: Friday, December 6, 2024.

Time: 3 p.m.

Last week: Bishop Watterson 56, London 21. Toledo Central Catholic 7, Youngstown Ursuline 6.

Head coaches: Brian Kennedy, Bishop Watterson (8th year), Greg Dempsey, Toledo Central Catholic (21st season).

This is the second of three AP #1 vs. #2 state finals. Last season, it was the Irish dominating the clock and never letting the Eagles breathe as they pounded their way to a decisive 27-7 victory and a second straight state championship. Bishop Watterson departed Benson Stadium wanting nothing more that to obtain a rematch and they got their wish with a 56-21 domination of London in a state semifinal while Toledo Central Catholic needed a late fourth-quarter touchdown and a missed field goal from Ursuline on the final play to escape with a 7-6 victory. Holding Ursuline to two field goals in the first quarter allowed Central Catholic to stay within striking distance for most of the game. Bishop Watterson last won a state title 14 years ago and will have to play a near-flawless game to keep Toledo Central Catholic from capturing a third-straight title, which would be the fifth under Dempsey's watch.

Division IV--#6 Gnadenhutten Indian Valley Braves (15-0) vs. #2 Sandusky Perkins Pirates (14-1).

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Indian Valley 29, Cincinnati Taft 20. Sandusky Perkins 13, Cleveland Glenville 11.

Head coaches: Matt Lancaster, Indian Valley (13th year), Jalen Santoro, Sandusky Perkins (5th year).

Indian Valley is making their first appearance in a state final contest while Perkins has not won a state title in football since the 1999 season. Indian Valley was able to wear down Cincinnati Taft and claim a victory while Perkins avenged last season's playoff loss to two-time state champion Glenville in a defensive slugfest to advance to the final. It will be an interesting contest for two teams who have aspirations of winning a state title.

Division V--#3 Liberty Center Tigers (15-0) vs. #1 Ironton Tigers (14-1).

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Time: 3 p.m.

Last week: Liberty Center 48, South Range 14. Ironton 63, West Liberty-Salem 21.

Head coaches: Casey Mohler, Liberty Center (8th year), Trevon Pendleton, Ironton (7th year).

This one is a battle of the Tigers. Liberty Center is one of two state runner-ups returning to Canton for the state championships while Ironton is back in the title game for the second time in three seasons. Last season, Liberty Center saw their undefeated record extinguished by Lake County Perry 21-14 and have been wanting to return to the final since. They took that final step by taking down 2022 state champion South Range, who defeated Ironton 53-27 in a state final that season. Ironton had no trouble with West Liberty-Salem on their way to Canton. Under Pendleton, Ironton won three titles in a four-year span dating back to the 2019 season, adding on crowns in 2020 and 2022. 

Division VI--#2 Coldwater Cavaliers (14-1) vs. #1 Kirtland Hornets (15-1).

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Last week: Coldwater 28, Bluffton 6. Kirtland 41, Northmor 7.

Head coaches: Chip Otten, Coldwater (15th year), Tiger LaVerde, Kirtland (19th year).

This is a riveting contest with two schools possessing a combined 14 state championships. Both coaches, Otten and LaVerde are both legends at their respective high schools. Otten took over for longtime general John Reed, who won two titles in 2005 and 2007 before transitioning from this life after a battle with esophageal cancer. Otten since has captured five titles, winning four in a row from 2012-2015, two of those coming against Stark County school Canton Central Catholic. Coldwater hasn't won a title since the 2020 season and are in a position to do that after last week's 28-6 win over Bluffton. Kirtland on the other hand is primed for another title under revered coach LaVerde and displayed their championship tradition with a 34-point triumph over Northmor. Kirtland downed Versailles in last year's title contest 32-15. This game has the making of what may be a classic between two tradition rich small schools.

Division VII--#5 Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (14-1) vs. #1 Maria Stein Marion Local Flyers (15-0).

When: Friday, December 6, 2024.

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Last week: Hillsdale 25, Danville 22. Marion Local 41, Columbus Grove 6.

Head coaches: Trevor Cline, Hillsdale (7th year), Tim Goodwin, Marion Local (26th year).

This will undoubtedly be a tall climb for a Hillsdale team who remained on the path to Canton with a Hail Mary touchdown against Malvern on the final play in a regional semifinal. From that point on they have played relatively close to the vest but that may backfire against a Flyers team who only knows how to win and win consistently, with evidence of that being six titles in the last seven years. Marion Local turned an anticipated AP #1 vs #2 showdown against Columbus Grove into a not-so-surprising rout and most likely will add a 15th title to their trophy case.

MEETING OF THE MINDS: Cleveland Glenville's Ted Ginn Sr. and Kettering Alter's Ed Domsitz greet each other before last season's Division IV state final at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This year's state title games will be played from Dec. 5-7 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.

McKinley passes early season test with win over Polar Bears

 McKinley passes early season test with win over Polar Bears

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

NORTH CANTON--It is one thing for Canton McKinley and Jackson to have a basketball rivalry.

Bowling is another.

Whereas McKinley has risen from the bottom of the Federal League since its inception, the Bulldogs have become the team everyone is hunting for now. With vaunted power in their lineup, the Jackson Polar Bears arrived to Park Centre Lanes confident of a victory that would shift the trajectory of the league balance.

McKinley is still holding all the cards.

Jackson showed their tremendous power early and often but in the end, the Bulldogs had enough in the tank to stifle the hosts and captured a close 92 pin decision in the form of a 2408-2316 tally in the league opener for both high schools. It is only the first meeting with a second one coming later in the year. 

Canton McKinley head coach Kim Heaton relayed the importance of this early season match and not falling behind early in the standings.

"Jackson had a lot of power and they are a good team. We had a lot of players step up today and I am very proud of my team and how they responded," she said.

Bulldogs bowler James Tucker bowled a 408 series to lead the boys charge. The boys junior varsity team also posted a competitive 1868-1846 win over the Polar Bears with Austin Robinson bowling a 389 series.

Jackson head coach Dustin Dingler knows his team is not far away from supplanting McKinley based on the results. Eventually, McKinley's experience of having been in pressure situations proved dividends for them, something the Polar Bears hope to attain and eventually take that next step.

"We have a lot of depth this year. We just needed to have a big game in the Baker series that we just couldn't get," he said. "Other than that I think we bowled great tonight."

The McKinley girls varsity were able to post a victory tally of 2086-1795 and the girls junior varsity also posted a victory in the form of a 1191-1140 victory. Brooklynn Liming bowled a 233 series for the junior varsity while Maria Wise was on fire with a 430 series for the Bulldogs.

The McKinley girls are head coached by Wiley Currence.

"Our goal is to have our players be ready come tournament time. We want to also have players develop and when that time comes, they will be ready," he said.

It is one thing for McKinley and Jackson to have a basketball rivalry on the floor. Bowling is another and the second meeting just may be a preview of a future league championship late in the year.

TOP FORM. A McKinley bowler throws a shot during the Bulldogs league opener against Jackson at Park Center Lanes. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

BEAR CONFERENCE. Jackson head coach Dustin Dingler confers with one of his bowlers during their match against Canton McKinley. (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.