2009 Ohio high school football teams to watch: V

Michael Broida, OhioHSsports.com, November 08, 2009 4:06 p.m.

Youngstown Ursuline Fighting Irish

Region: 17

Conference: Independent

2008 Record: 15-0

Head Coach: Dan Reardon

Players to watch: Allen Jones, RB, a little on the small side but has game-breaking ability

DeAndre Harris, CB, leads a secondary that lost three DBs to graduation. Jamel Turner has transferred to a military academy due to grades.

Outlook for 2009: Ursuline had one of the most dominating seasons in recent years, not only going undefeated, but winning by at least two touchdowns in all but two of their games (Cardinal Mooney and Kirtland). The 2008 state champs will now have a target on their back as they look to repeat, but with a team as talented as the Fighting Irish, returning a core group of highly skilled players, it might not matter. Their biggest loss, however, will be Jamel Turner. The Ohio State recruit has recently transferred out of Ursuline. While odds are against Ursuline being undefeated, or demolishing most of their opponents by over fourteen points, the Irish will definitely be dangerous this year, and they will definitely compete for a state title.

Patrick Henry Patriots

Region: 18

Conference: Northwest Ohio Athletic League

2008 Record: 12-1

Head Coach: Bill Inselmann

Players to watch: Luke George, QB, an athletic QB who often runs, but has a good arm.

Justin Buenger, RB, averaged 10.2 yards per carry with 27 TDs. 1^st team all-Ohio

Outlook for 2009: In the recent decade, Patrick Henry has become synonymous with success out of the Northwest. It’s a tough pick to go against the Patriots: in the last six years they have made the regional finals five times. Not only are they the statistical favorite to win the division in ’09, they also have eleven starters returning, five on offense and six on defense. The Patriots lack depth and experience at the receiver positions, but with a security blanket like all-state running back, Buenger, the new and younger receivers will have a greater opportunity to be a truly dominating offensive attack.

Liberty Union Lions

Region: 19

Conference: Mid-State—Cardinal Division

2008 Record: 12-2

Head Coach: Dan Johnson

Players to watch: Kicker/Punter Sr. Sam Tennant,  Tailback and Safety- Sr. Dustin Love, Fullback/Linebacker- Sr. Cody Magley, Center and Noseman-Sr. Damian McAfee, Guard/Linebacker-Sr. Pat Blevins,  Quarterback- Andy McCord,  Wing back/Corner-Sr. Zach Logue.

Outlook for 2009: Liberty Union has been building towards a big year in 2009, with seventeen returning seniors, sixteen of which are returning lettermen. The Lions have a wealth of experience, so much so that Head coach Dan Johnson claims that, “we will have most positions filled by players who played regularly last season.” Few teams in Division V can make that statement. Liberty Union opens up a tough schedule against Bloom Carroll, Fairfield Union, and Amanda Clearcreek. However, the Lions are thin at several key positions, meaning an injury or two could sideline a very dangerously savvy and polished high school team.

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

Region: 20

Conference: Miami Valley Conference

2008 Record: 11-1

Head Coach: Eric Taylor

Players to watch: Alec Swartz, QB, returning all state. 3 year starter. 2,400 yards throwing in 2008.Andrew Perkins, WR, first team all state. 25 yards per catch. Recruited by Air Force Academy.John Lloyd, P, all state, being recruited by Big Ten and SEC schoolsJoe Reisenberg, K, all state.Dowen Harris, LB/FB, All district Jack Schomaker, LB, All league

Outlook for 2009: CHCA is one of the uniquely dangerous teams in the state. Returning both an all-state kicker and punter, the Eagles will have an explosive third dimension on special teams that most high schools lack. CHCA will also have a very powerful spread offense under new offensive coordinator, Kevin Siple (formerly of head coach of Indian Hill), who coach Taylor called, “Arguably one of the most successful coaches in the area.” Despite all the talent at the skill positions, CHCA’s success will depend on how their relatively young offensive and defensive lines adjust to the varsity game.

Other teams to watch: Kirtland, Columbiana Crestview, Cuyahoga Heights, Liberty-Benton, Bishop Ready, Wheelersburg, West Jefferson, Anna