2009 Ohio high school football teams to watch: Division II

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

Medina Highland Hornets

Region: 5

Conference: Suburban League

2008 record: 11-2

Head Coach: Tom Lombardo

Players to watch: Aaron Maslowski, RB, ranked one of the top 20 halfbacks in the state by OhioVarsity.com  Jerrod Serafin, OLB, 70 tackles, 3 for losses, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2008.Tyler Phillips, MLB, 75 tackles, 12 for losses, 5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles in 2008

Outlook 2009: Region 5 has experienced a power vacuum this year with defending region and state Champion Archbishop Hoban as well as Mayfield moving on to Division I. Region finalist, Tallmadge, graduated 20 starters from last year’s team. In comes Medina Highland, a transfer and finalist in Region 6 (they lost to state champ Sylvania Southview by a touchdown). The Hornets have some questions to answer at the quarterback position, but with a very strong running game and stout defense the Highland will be sure to make a deep run as “the new guys” in Region 5.

Avon Lake Shoremen

Region: 6

Conference: Southwestern Conference

2008 record: 8-3

Head Coach: Dave Dlugosz

Players to Watch: Christian Pace, OT/DE, 3 year starter, physical and very mobile, Verbal to Michigan Dan Schneider, TE/DE, 3 year lettermen, led team in receptions 18, 11.2 yards per carry 2 TDs, Verbal to Pitt Nick Marinkov, LB/FB, Outstanding LB, a lot of MAC looks, very intelligent and quick—will run the defense  Mike Mansnerus, RB, leading rusher in conf. 2008. 1,700 yards plus rushing. 20 TDs. Anchor of offense out of the I.

Outlook for 2009: Shoremen fans can expect a big year out of their beloved I offense. Coach Dave Dlugosz’s team touts three highly skilled DI prospects at critical points of the offense. But when asked about what he’s noticed so far this year, Coach Dlugosz gave a surprising answer: “We were very young in the secondary last year. Our secondary was picked on, but that experience has really paid off. It looks a lot sharper this year than they were last year.” Coach Dlugosz said he expects the same players to make similar improvements on the offense side at wide receivers. With an improved secondary, Avon Lake will be a dangerous team all over the field.

Sunbury Big Walnut Golden Eagles

Region: 7

Conference: Ohio Capital—Capital Division

2008 Record: 11-3

Head Coach: Joe Weaver

Players to watch: John Cannell, QB, threw for 1,079 yards and 5 TDs in 2008Cody Leitner, RB, 636 yards rushing with 7 TDs in 2008Brad Beltram, CB, 3 interceptions in 2008

Outlook for 2009: Head coach Joe Weaver, formerly the defensive coordinator, had a tough task in 2008 taking over as head coach for Golden Eagles legend, Scott Wetzel. To add to the adversity, Big Walnut hops up to Division II from Division III this season. But the Golden Eagles return a good amount of talent at the skill positions, particularly offensively. Despite being the new guys, expect Big Walnut, already a talented program, to thrive under their new coach and upset some unsuspecting Division II stalwarts.

New Carlisle Tecumseh Arrows

Region: 8

2008 Record: 11-1

Conference: Central Buckeye—Kenton Trail Division

Head Coach: Kent Massie

Players to watch: Riley Gault, QB, has a lethal combination of the deep throw as well as being a mobile quarterback Dustin Holmes, RB, 977 yards rushing in 2008, good speed and cut back ability Kyle Sanning, RB, 914 yards rushing in 2008, with 20 lbs heavier than Holmes, more of a bruising back but with breakaway ability. Karson Williams, DE/OL, has Division I size and speed

Outlook for 2009: Tecumseh had a fabulous season in 2008, going undefeated in the regular season and winning their opening playoff game. What should scare teams in Region 8 is that the Arrows are even better this year, returning 10 starters including many at the skill positions, particularly their two-headed, slash-and-bash, running attack of Sanning and Holmes. Much of their success this year will depend on their defense. If the Arrows’ defense can keep it close, expect to see Tecumseh rumbling into November.

Other teams to watch: Tallmadge, Aurora, Logan, Bishop Watterson, Winton Woods, Madison, Kent Roosevelt.