2009 Ohio high school football teams to watch: Division IV

Michael Broida, OhioHSsports.com, November 08, 2009 4:07 p.m.

Martins Ferry Purple Riders

Region: 13

Conference:  Ohio Valley Athletic—AAA

2008 Record: 11-2

Head Coach: Dave Bruney

Players to watch: Jordan Burress, TE, is being looked at by several D-I schoolsPat Allen, FB, preseason 3^rd team all-Ohio Valley

Outlook for 2009: After a great taste of success last season, making it all the way to the regional finals before losing to New Lexington, expect Martins Ferry to be in the hunt again this year. The Purple Riders bring back six starters from last year, most of which are in the trenches on the line.  Martins Ferry will have a lot of power upfront this year—expect them to be a team of bruisers. Ohio Valley Athletics recently ranked Martins Ferry 3^rd behind Steubenville and Wheeling Park in their preseason poll.

Elyria Catholic Panthers

Region: 14

Conference: North Coast—White Division

2008 Record: 6-4

Head Coach: Ben Malbasa

Players to watch: Alex Alicea, RB, 1,126 yards rushing, 6.0 per carry with 15 TDs.

John Russ, WR, 19.2 yards per catch, 6 TDs. First team all-Ohio. Committed to Cincinnati

Danny Reaser, QB, 1,819 yards passing with 14 TDs. All-Ohio honorable mention.

Zach Rogers, DB, 5 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. Nick Ksenich, S, All-Ohio in 2008

Outlook for 2009: After several decades without a championship and after missing the playoffs in ’08, the Panthers seem poised for a run back into the lime light this year. EC returns nine starters on offense, including three of their offensive linemen and both their quarterback, running back, and top receiver. On defense they bring back seven starters. While Elyria Catholic may have underachieved last year, expect the Panthers to be resurgent in 2009 well into November.

Marion Pleasant Spartans

Region: 15

Conference: Mid-Ohio—Blue Division

2008 Record: 10-2

Head Coach: Chris Kubbs

Players to watch: Brad Harrah, TE/DE, an extremely talented blocker, but with good hands and quickness.Cory Kubbs, QB, 3 year letterman, is the son of head coach Chris Kubbs.Brandon Slade, RB, a very talented and explosive player, only a sophomore.

Outlook for 2009: Marion Pleasant had a terrific run last year all the way to the regional semifinals, losing to Ottawa-Glandorf by one touchdown. Ottawa-Glandorf is still in Region 14, and Marion Pleasant looks to take charge in a seemingly weaker Region 15. Despite losing a lot of talented players to graduation, the Panthers look to fill in with a batch of up-and-coming skill players. The Spartans have a great opportunity to mold the identity of the region with three of the four of 2008’s semifinalist competing elsewhere in 2009.

Archbishop Alter Knights

Region: 16

Conference: Greater Catholic—North Division

2008 Record: 13-2

Head Coach: Ed Domsitz

Players to watch: Cody Taulbee, FB, a great blocker, will spring big plays in the running gameCody Conley, LB, the team’s leading tackler from a year agoChris Bockrath, LB, 75 tackles, 5 for losses and a fumble recovery in 2008Cody Byers, LB/SS, a verbal to Wisconsin

Outlook for 2009: In 2008 Archbishop Alter dominated Division IV on their way to the Knights’ first state championship, beating the perennial powerhouse, Steubenville. As unlikely as it is to repeat at state champs, Alter might just shoot the moon in 2009. Despite losing important parts of the backfield, Alter returns hordes of ability from their championship run a year ago. Most of this will be in the secondary, where the Knights boast a great linebacker corps and defensive line. With such a good defense, Alter will have a chance to win every game they play.

Other teams to watch: Cuyahoga Heights,Perry, Chagrin Falls, Ottawa-Glandorf,

Fostoria, Bishop Hartley, Coshocton