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Sr. Guard Ashlynne Osborne had good weekend for the Blazers with 21 points, 13 rebounds & 11 steals in wins over Belmont and Franklin Monroe.  (Dale Barger Photo)

The National Trail girls’ basketball team got off to great start with 2 wins over the weekend.  They defeated Belmont 56-40 Friday night and then won the first WOAC league game in 43-36 over Franklin Monroe.

Natalie Osswald led the way Friday night scoring 13 points on 5-8 shooting including 3-for-3 from behind the arch and had 6 rebounds.

Sr. Natalie Osswald had 21 points, 11 rebounds in wins over Belmont & Franklin Monroe.
(Dale Barger Photo)

Ashlynne Osborne had some eye-popping numbers by swiping the ball 7 times on defense and 7 assists on offense to go along with 8 points.

The Blazers used a balanced scoring attack with Josie Stiner scoring 7 points, Maddie Harrison, Morgan House and Hannah Henderson 6 points each, Katelynn Neace and Kendyl Johnson both had 5 points in the win.

On Saturday night the Blazers traveled to Franklin Monroe in what was a pretty intense back and forth battle until National Trail led by nearly 20 early in the 4^th quarter then they had to fight off a furious late rally by the Jets to win the game 43-36.

Ashlynne Osborne led the way with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assist and 4 steals.  Maddie Harrison had 3 triples and 10 points and Natalie Osswald 8 points and 5 rebounds.  Morgan House had 6 points, 6 rebounds and Hannah Henderson 3 points in the win.

In 2 games sr. guard Maddie Harrison has 16 points & 4 triples. (Dale Barger Photo)

The Lady Jets Were led by two freshman Eva Shellabarger and Adalynn Hines both scoring 10 points and pulling down 5 rebounds for the Franklin Monroe.

Freshman Jet Adalynn Hines scored 10 points in her home opener.  (Dale Barger Photo)

Jaliya Nichols and Olivia Sease had 4 points and Lillie Shellabarger and Caydance Nichols 2 points each as the Jets struggled to put the ball in the basket.

Franklin Monroe Freshman Eva Shellabarger had 10 points as well in home opener in loss to National Trail.  (Dale Barber Photo)

National Trail is back in action Monday at Dayton Christian.  The Lady Jets will play at Newton on Saturday.

National Trail Freshman Morgan House had 6 points in back to back games for the Blazers who are now 2-0 on the young season.  (Dale Barger Photo)

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The WOAC was well represented in DV, VI & VII All-Southwest District including the top offensive and defensive players in the DVI.  (Dale Barger Photo)

The Western Ohio Athletic Conference had a number of players on the DV, DVI and DVII All Southwest District Teams as recognized by a Media Panel from the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association.

Tri-Village Braden Keating & Twin Valley South Brayden Koeller were the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Years in DVI. Keating passed for 1,869 yards and threw 28 touchdowns to lead the Patriots to a (9-1 regular season) record. Koeller made 157 tackles, including 19.5 for loss, and blocked four kicks.

Matthew Hopkins of Tri-Village (9-1) is the Division VI coach of the year, and Adam Hall of Ansonia (9-1) is the Division VII coach of the year and both teams shared the WOAC Football Championship this season and took their teams to Regional Semi-Final games before bowing out.

Here is a complete list of DV, DVI and DVII Teams.

DIVISION V

First Team Offense

Backfield: Alex Davis, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 6-1, 180, sr., QB; David Dorsten, Mariemont, 6-0, 185, sr., QB; Caden Henson, Germantown Valley View, Junior, 6-3, 180, QB; Cade Houseman, Springfield Northeastern, 6-0, 185, sr., QB; Jake Clark, Germantown Valley View, 5-11, 195, sr., RB; Tim Davis, Brookville, 5-10, 160, sr., RB; Brayden Doran, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-8, 170, sr., RB; Nick Heisser, Madeira, 6-1, 210, sr., RB; Jake Mott, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 5-10, 195, sr., RB.; Blaise Sizer, Waynesville, 6-4, 195, sr., QB; Brent Thompson, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 6-0, 215, jr., RB.

Receivers: Max Autry, Madeira, 5-11, 190, sr.; Blake Brumbaugh, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-1, 180, sr.; Jacob Carrico, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 5-11, 170, sr.; Dylan Haggy, Springfield Northeastern, 6-0, 173, sr.; Jonathan Ricketts, Carlisle, 6-2, 165, sr.; Bryce Sipple, Blanchester, 6-1, 185, jr.

Linemen: Chasen Allison, Blanchester, 6-1, 270, sr.; Jase Bromagen, Germantown Valley View, Senior, 6-4, 225, sr.; Dirk Konrad, Reading, jr.; Ethan Lane, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-4, 285, sr.; Max Mobley, Madeira, 6-2, 265, sr.; Bronson Stacy, Brookville, 6-3, 240, sr.

Kicker: Sean Leonard, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-2, 190, so.

First Team Defense

Linemen: Jake Brown, West Milton Milton-Union, 5-10, 240, sr.; Conner Cravaack, Madeira, 6-5, 225, sr.; Desmond Davis, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 6-4, 250, jr.; Grant Edgington, Madeira, 6-3, 275, sr.; Ya’Va Harris, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 5-10, 211, sr.; Hawkeye Hickman, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-0, 235, sr.; Lawson Wade, Mariemont, 6-2, 265, jr.; Matt Wilkerson, Waynesville, 6-4, 230, jr.

Linebackers: Gavin Degroat, Germantown Valley View, 6-0, 205, sr.; Vincent Eadicicco, Reading, 6-0, 195, sr.; Bradyn Gibbs, Germantown Valley View, 6-1, 175, sr.; Dylan Horsley, Norwood, 6-0, 185, sr.; Michael Mulvihill, Blanchester, 6-2, 195, so; Connor Yates, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-5, 210, sr.

Secondary: Antwon Brooks, Reading, sr.; Cooper Brown, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-4, 186, sr.; Grady Hutchinson, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-0, 200, sr.; Keegan Mehr, Brookville, 6-0, 160, jr.; Isaac Morrison, Lewistown Indian Lake, 6-2, 165, sr.; Jayonn Saunders, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 5-7, 136, so.; Austin Stidham, Germantown Valley View, 5-8, 165, sr.

Punter: Connor Yeager, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 6-4, 200, so.

Offensive player of the year: Blake Brumbaugh, West Milton Milton-Union

Defensive player of the year: Mike Mulvihill, Blanchester

Coach of the year: Jake Buchholtz, Springfield Northeastern

Second Team Offense

Backfield: Nathan Morter, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-0, 195, sr., QB; Brody Morton, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-11, 140, fr., QB; Deon Coulter, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 5-10, 180, jr., RB; Michael Elam, West Milton Milton-Union, 5-10, 180, sr., RB.; Brock Mansfield, Springfield Northwestern, 5-11, 200, sr., QB; Jahkrien Oliver, Cincinnati Clark Montessori, 5-5, 160, sr., RB.; Dameon Williams, Sabina East Clinton, 6-1, 160, so., RB.

Receivers: Braeden Austin, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 5-10, 153, sr.; Connor Berrey, Waynesville, 5-11, 170, jr., sr.; Grant Brown, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 6-0, 180, sr.; Sayge Stephenson, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-8, 155, sr.; Carter Williams, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-2, 195, sr.

Linemen: Trevor Brazina, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-0, 230, sr.; Ty Goodwin, Blanchester, 6-1, 210, sr.; Paul Hackney, Jamestown Greeneview, 5-9, 220, sr.; Damario Pendleton, Middletown Madison Senior, 6-0, 240, sr.; Evan Riley, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-1, 235, sr.; Landen Taylor, Norwood, 5-10, 215, sr.

Kicker: Mason Grudich, West Milton Milton-Union, 5-8, 165, sr.

Second Team Defense

Linemen: Hunter Albright, Springfield Northeastern, 5-11, 213, sr.; Aiden Heimer, Brookville, 6-0, 220, sr.; Mark Morgan, Mariemont, 6-2, 190, sr.; Cade Sears, Germantown Valley View, 5-10, 175, sr.; Aiden Walters, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-11, 190, sr.

Linebackers: Ozzie Gregg, West Milton Milton-Union, 5-11, 176, sr.; Garrett Lundy, Waynesville, 5-7, 140, so.; Brody Lynch, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-10, 215, so.; Cooper Payton, Jamestown Greeneview, 5-9, 170, so.; Isaiah Smart, Cincinnati Clark Montessori, 6-2, 230, sr.; Zack Stevens, Enon Greenon, 6-4, 200, sr.

Secondary: Walt Adams, Brookville, 5-10, 165, so.; C.J. Boothby, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 6-0, 165, sr.; Jaycee Houston, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 6-3, 175, fr.; Donovan Mathews, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 5-11, 175lbs., jr.; Evan Morgan, Mariemont, 6-2, 175, sr., Will Reichley, Jamestown, Greeneview, 6-4, 175, sr.; Joe Stone, Waynesville, 6-0, 185, sr.

Punter: Jarrod Mays, Jamestown Greeneview, 5-10, 225, sr.

Honorable Mention: Jermell Jackson, Norwood; Daven Gibson, Cincinnati Clark Montessori; Jeremy Sanders, Norwood; Glenn Peacock, Sabina East Clinton; Brett Snyder, Waynesville; Jesse Kurtz, West Milton Milton-Union; Nick Wirick, Enon Greenon; Preston Allen, Springfield Northwestern; Nathan Haertling, Enon Greenon; Graham Hodge, Cincinnati Summit Country Day; Colton Hultgren, West Milton Milton-Union; Cody Kidd, Blanchester; Gunner Leonard, Springfield Northeastern; Carson Rust, Enon Greenon; JD Long, Mariemont; Andrew McIntosh, Batavia; Logan Sandlin, Jamestown Greeneview; Dustin Trace, Blanchester; Ryan Eshler, Waynesville.

DIVISION VI

First Team Offense

Backfield: Braden Keating, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-10, 160, jr. QB; Cais Kingsley, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-10, 165, jr., RB; Joel Gehret, Versailles, 5-10, 190, jr., RB; Kendall Luckett, Deer Park, 6-0, 200, sr., RB; Gabe McGill, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 165, jr., RB; JJ Miller, Williamsburg, 5-11, 165, jr., QB; Awesom Mitchell, North Lewisburg Triad, 5-11, 185, so., RB; Preston Sellers, Dayton Christian, 5-10, 195, sr., QB; Reed Wehr, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-7, 170, RB.

Receivers: Alex Ervin, Williamsburg, 6-4, 235, jr.; Titus Gehret, Versailles, 6-0, 205, sr.; Michael Osborne, Versailles, 5-11, 170, jr.; Tanner Printz, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-0, 160, jr.

Linemen: Caleb Coolman, Dayton Christian, 6-3, 305, sr.; Paul Day, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-1, 225, jr.; Wylie Harbour, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 250, sr.; Dillan Plush, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-1, 220, sr.; Sean Roberts, New Paris National Trail, 6-0, 255, sr.; Lucas Stammen, Versailles, 5-10, 185, sr.; Michael Warner, North Lewisburg Triad, 5-9, 250, sr.; Blake Weyant, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-1, 345, sr.

Kicker: Graham Sorg, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-11, 170, sr.

First Team Defense

Linemen: Gage McQueen, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-11, 250, sr.; Seth Cook, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-2, 180, sr.; Jared Lyons, Versailles, 6-0, 215, sr.; Austin Sellers, Dayton Christian, 6-1, 175, jr.

Linebackers: Jacob Rayburn, Arcanum, 5-9, 170, sr.; Brayden Koeller, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-10, 170, jr.; Shepard Snell, Cincinnati Country Day, 6-3, 175, jr.; Austin Rismiller, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-3, 210, sr.; Josh Wilcoxon, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 185, so.

Secondary: Brandon Anderson, Deer Park, 5-9, 160, sr.; Ben Browning, New Paris National Trail, 5-10, 170, sr.; Cole Bishop, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-0, 170, jr.; Justin Finkbine, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-5, 190, sr.; Ryan Coyle, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-9, 170, so.; Justin Oliver, Dayton Christian, 5-9, 160, sr.; Jamison Watts, New Paris National Trail, 6-0, 165, jr.

Punters: Drew DeWitt, New Paris National Trail, 6-4, 210, jr.; Eric Allison, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-5, 175, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Braden Keating, New Madison Tri-Village

Defensive player of the year: Brayden Koeller, West Alexandria Twin Valley South

Coach of the year: Matthew Hopkins, New Madison Tri-Village

Honorable Mention: Jasean Denson, Deer Park; Chase Ruebush, New Paris National Trail; Clark McGowen, Deer Park; Christian Cantrell, New Madison Tri-Village; Merrick May, Dayton Christian; Sebastian Deer Park; , Sr., Cameron Gilreath, Deer Park; Dys’Son Wilcox, Dayton Christian; Brody Armor, Deer Park.

DIVISION VII

First Team Offense

Backfield: Daniel Kamara, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-9, 170, jr., RB; Exzaviar Moody, Ansonia, 5-11, 195, sr; Caleb Maurer, Fort Loramie, 6-1, 170, sr., QB; Greg Miller, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 6-1, 230 sr., RB; Myles Platfoot, De Graff Riverside, 6-0, 175, jr., QB; Jackson Pyles, Cedarville, 6-0, 170, jr., QB; Colten Vanwinkle, Lewisburg Tri-County North, 6-0, 215, jr., RB.

Receivers: Logan Eilerman, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 210, sr.; Josh Flora, Cedarville, 6-0, 160, jr.; Jackson Howdyshell, Cedarville, 6-2, 200, jr.; Christian McGee, Fort Loramie, 6-3, 170, sr.

Linemen: Chase Baldwin, Cedarville, 6-0, 265, jr.; Chris’Jen Dickey, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 5-10, 250, jr.; Ivan Escamilla, Springfield Catholic Central, 6-1, 255, sr., Caleb Finney, South Charleston Southeastern Local, 5-11, 210, sr.; Roger Hoying, Fort Loramie, 6-0, 260, jr.; Kaleb Schindewolf, De Graff Riverside, 6-4, 260, sr., Jason Stover, Ansonia, 5-9, 250, sr.

Kicker: Tyler Young, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-10, 175, sr.

First Team Defense

Linemen: Donald Bailey, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-4, 215, sr.; Damian Bruns, Fort Loramie, 6-6, 215, jr.; Ethan Geiger, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 6-3, 250, sr., Eyan Hackler, Ansonia, 5-7, 210, sr.; Daymeon Pennington, Hamilton New Miami, 6-1, 265, sr.; Trent Trobridge, Union City Mississinawa Valley, 5-9, 170, jr.; Omarion Turnage, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-3, 275, sr.

Linebackers: Nate Boerger, Fort Loramie, 5-11, 190, sr.; Demico Harris, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 5-6, 200, so.; Calvin Hoying, Fort Loramie, 6-3, 240, sr.; Anthony Ibarra, Union City Missinawa Valley, 5-11, 210, jr.; Rico Johnson, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 5-10, 185, jr.; Isaac Raterman, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 200, sr.; Darrien Stapleton, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-11, 180, jr.; CJ Wilt, South Charleston Southeastern Local, 5-10, 175, jr.

Secondary: Simon Godwin, De Graff Riverside, 5-6, 150, sr.; Jaelen Griffin, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-0, 175, so.; Noah Kroger, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 6-1, 150, jr.; Elijah Snow, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy; 5-8, 165, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Logan Eilerman, Fort Loramie

Defensive player of the year: Calvin Hoying, Fort Loramie

Coach of the year: Adam Hall, Ansonia

Honorable Mention: Hayden Davis, South Charleston Southeastern Local, Logan Flory, Lewisburg Tri-County North; Jackson Miller, Cedarville; Matt Pisano, Union City Mississinawa Valley; Ian Schmitmeyer, Ansonia; Keegen Weiss, Ansonia; Dylan Wehrkamp, Union City Mississinawa Valley.

TV & Ansonia shared the WOAC Football Championship this year and both would end up being honored as coach of the year for the the Southwest District in their respective divisions.  (Dale Barger Photo)

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Ansonia team signals touchdown and why not, bolstered by the front line to establish a strong ground game with New Bremen.  (Gaylen Blosser Photo)

By Gaylen Blosser 

GREENVILLE – The Ansonia Tigers took the New Bremen Cardinals to the wire while fighting snow, wind and cold in dropping a 26-22 OHSAA DVII round three playoff matchup.

“New Bremen is a good team, we knew that coming in,” said Ansonia first year coach, Adam Hall. “Their quarterback is a very good player, we had trouble stopping him at times. Overall, I’m proud of the guys with the effort we played with tonight.”

David Homan scored on a 57-yard quarterback keeper at 10:35 in the first quarter with Hunter Schaefer splitting the uprights on the PAR kick to give the Cardinals an early 7-0 lead.

Ansonia answered with an 18-play, 74-yard drive chewing up 10:24 on the game clock with Exzaviar Moody rushing for a 5-yard Tigers touchdown at 00:11 in the first. Moody gave the Tigers an 8-7 lead making good on the 2-point conversion run.

New Bremen battle back with a Schaefer 21-yard touchdown and made good on his PAT kick to give the Cardinals a 14-8 advantage at 8:25 in the second quarter. The 9-play TD drive used up 3:46 on the scoring drive.

The Ansonia Band performs at the half in a Regional Semi-Final Football game at Greenville.  (Gaylen Blosser Photo)

Ansonia took the second half opening kick and engineered a 17-play, 80-yard 11:07 scoring drive with Ian Schmitmeyer scoring on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Weiss carried for a 2-point conversion run giving Ansonia a 16-14 lead at 00:53 in the third.

“We were down at half, came out got back with the lead,” Coach Hall said. “From the way we played all year, we just keep fighting. You can’t say enough good things about the guys that we have on this team.”


Garrett Stammen raises Exzaviar Moody high in air after a score. (Gaylen Blosser Photo)

New Bremen regained the lead with Schaefer scoring on a 5-yard third quarter Cardinals TD run at 8:33 in the fourth. The Ansonia defense kept New Bremen out of the end zone on its 2-point pass conversion attempt giving the Cardinals a 20-16 lead.

Exzaviar Moody broke a few tackles and outran the Cardinals for a go ahead TD late but couldn't hang on for the win.  (Gaylen Blosser Photo)

Ansonia grabbed a 22-20 lead at 5:44 in the fourth on a 5-play, 58-yard drive with Moody racing for a 34-yard touchdown run. The Tigers lead stood at 2-points with a failed 2-point conversion attempt.

The Ansonia Cheerleaders braved the frosty conditions to keep everyone fired up.  (Gaylen Blosser Photo)

New Bremen answered with a 12-play, 73-yard scoring drive with 00:51 remaining on the fourth quarter clock to give the Cardinals the win.
Ansonia Seniors playing their final football game for the Orange and Black include: No. 2, Ian Schmitmeyer; No. 3, Kadyn Edwards; No. 28, Exzaviar Moody; No. 55, Gabe Zumbrun; No. 56, Jason Stover; No. 63, Levi Gasper; No. 75, Eyan Hackler.

“Our seniors – I hate that it is over for them because they are such a good group,” Coach Hall stated.    “Our whole team has worked great all year. It’s been the best year that I could have asked for,” Hall concluded.

The 2022 football season will be one to remember for the Tigers who recorded the most win in a season and advanced further than any other team and was must seconds away from advancing to the Regional Final.  (Gaylen Blosser Photo)

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Tri-Village high powered offense wasn't able to get on track in 37-7 loss to Allen East in OHSAA DVI Region 24 Football Semi-Finals.  (Dale Barger Photo)

By David Barger 

Bellefontaine - Blanketed by the first accumulating snowfall of the season, the Tri-Village Patriots took to the field against the Allen East Mustangs.  The all-white Tri-Village jerseys were at times barely visible against the backdrop of Bellefontaine’s snow-covered turf field and additions of fresh powder as the snow fall continued throughout the night made the sub-freezing temperatures feel that much colder.  Unfortunately for the Patriots, the weather wasn’t the only thing chilled Saturday night, as the momentum they had carried into this game had also been frozen and resulted in a disheartening conclusion to their stellar season.  At the end of the contest, Allen East would come out on top with a decisive 37-7 victory. 

Play began with the opening kick-off being fumbled by Joseph Hoel of the Mustangs, however he would recover and make a run out to Tri-Village’s 42-yard line.  Despite the huge advantage given by the special teams, Allen East struggled initially with the defensive play of Tri-Village, led with by Austin Rismiller who came up with a tackle for loss of yards.

The Patriot’s first drive would come to an abrupt halt as Brayden Keating on 1^st and 5 would have the ball popped loose and the fumble recovered by Allen East’s Kade Wireman, who would run the ball down to the Tri-Village 29-yard line.


Brayden Keating gets to the outside for a gain.  (Dale Barger Photo)

Allen East would again struggle with the Patriots defense.  After moving the sticks only once in the drive, the Mustangs were forced to settle for a 27-yard field goal by Braylen Kennedy. With 7:17 remaining in the first quarter, Allen East led 3-0.

On the Patriots next drive, the run game steadily moved things along, including an 8-yard Reed Wehr run that would pick up a first down.  However, that drive would stall out for Tri-Village, and they would be forced to punt. 

The back-and-forth of defensive efforts continued, including a sack on 3^rd and 2 by Seth Cook.  This would force the Mustangs to punt on 4^th down and left the Patriots with a short field advantage for their next offensive drive.

Noah Finkbine takes down the quarterback for a loss.  (Dale Barger Photo)

Brayden Keating would have his first pass completion on 2^nd down connecting with Tanner Printz and achieving a Patriots first down getting them into the Mustangs side of the field for the first time on the night.  At the conclusion of the 1^st quarter, with the Patriot’s still within striking distance only down 3 points, it was anybody’s game at this point.

The second quarter would be anything but typical.  On the first play of the quarter, Tri-Village would have two fumbles, one by Keating recovered by Wehr, which was then fumbled again and recovered by Caleb Hopkins and blown dead at the 19-yard line when his helmet came off during play.


The ball wasn't bouncing the Patriots way in a topsy turvy series of events.  (Dale Barger Photo)

It is often said that in tournament time skill alone does not carry a team through the tournament, but instead you need a little bit of luck on your side.  For Tri-Village the ball simply would not bounce their way.  The conditions made it a challenge for both teams to get equal footing, control the football, and more.

These challenges for the Patriot’s continued.  On the next Mustang drive, Jayden Hollinger would have QB Jacob Hershberger on the ropes, held by the tail of his jersey and during pulling him down Hershberger would make a desperation throw to get rid of the football.  Fullback Jack Hoel would be just in the right place at the right time to make the catch and continue the Mustang drive. 


Jayden Hollinger splits double-team & had quarterback in grasp but he still got rid of the pass falling to the ground for a big Allen East play.  (Dale Barger Photo)

Allen East kept plugging away this drive, including a 4^th down 5-yard run by Hershberger that put the Mustangs on the Tri-Village 1-yard line.  Jack Hoel busted up the middle for the Mustang touchdown with 7:04 left in the 2^nd quarter.

Tri-Village’s next drive saw the ability to move the ball, including a 25-yard pass completion to Wehr.  However, the drive again stalled, and the Patriots forced to punt.  The punt was returned, 75-yards, by Jacob Hershberger for another Allen East touchdown to move ahead 17-0 with 4:02 remaining in the half.

Justin Finkbine pulled in the pass from Keating to finally get the PATS on the board.
(Dale Barger Photo)

The next Patriot went 4 and out but Keating’s punt however would be recalled after two Allen East players were penalized for roughing the kicker and the drive for the Patriots resumed. 

They chipped away with small run gains and a sideline pass completion to Justin Finkbine getting them into position to score.  Keating then dodged two defenders on 2^nd down at the 15-yard to find Justin Finkbine in the endzone for the first Patriot’s score of the night.  With 35 seconds remaining in the half, Tri-Village had brought the game back to within ten points, 17-7. 

On the ensuing kick-off, Joseph Hoel would return the ball all the way for another Mustang touchdown with 22 second remaining in the half, pushing the score to 23-7. 

Allen East attempted an onside kick and recovered looking to get more before the end of the first half but fell short concluded the first half at 23-7.

The Tri-Village Band performs at the half in the regional semi-finals. (Dale Barger Photo)

Tri-Village made changes in the second half, favoring a run game and attempting to slowly chip away at the Mustangs.  However, the momentum continued to favor the Mustangs who would find ways to score once in each quarter of the second half and fought off Tri-Village’s steady drives with continual runs up the middle by Reed Wehr and Brayden Keating. 

Despite the unwanted outcome, the Patriots season will be one to remember.  The boys in Red, White, and Blue achieved a share of the conference title and finish the season 11-2.  A trip to the Regional Semi-Finals is something few teams can achieve, and in only their 6^th varsity season, this is now the 2^nd team to achieve the feat at Tri-Village.  The future continues to remain bright at Tri-Village after yet another successful season in 2022. 

The Allen East Mustang’s season will continue next Saturday night when they face the MAC powerhouse program and the undefeated Marion Local Flyers.

The Tri-Village Cheerleaders showed tremendous support throughout the year including the Regional Semi-Final football game.  (Dale Barger Photo)

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Campbell Jewell signs with Michigan with her immediate family beside her. Front L-R: (Dad) Tyler Jewell, Campbell signing, (Mom) Julie Jewell, Back L-R: (Brother) Foster Jewell, (Sister) Rylee Jewell, Mike Roberts (Dale Barger Photo)

Gratis – Campbell Jewell put pen to paper for one of the most prestigious signings in Preble Shawnee history according to Athletic Director Dane Sadowski.

Surprising enough, Jewell who is a standout basketball player for the Arrows has never played soccer at Preble Shawnee yet signed to play soccer at the University of Michigan.

Her road to Michigan wasn’t the conventional way … but it was the best way for her to reach her goal of playing on an elite stage.

Campbell started playing soccer at an early age even before getting onto a team by always being on the soccer field and around the game with her older sister and her dad coaching.

“We couldn’t keep her off the field, at 2 years old she was on the field wanting to play,” said her dad Tyler Jewell.

So, it’s no surprise that her dad would end up coaching her first team.

“My dad coached sharpshooter, and it was my very first club experience and I really liked it,” Jewell stated.

“We were just a homebred team, from around Germantown and this area and we were actually pretty good,” she added. 

After a few years she moved on from her dad’s team to a new team Warren County.

When I asked her about ditching her dad, she chuckled,

“Honestly I think he was happy for me because he could see I had the drive to be a better player and he didn’t blame me for seeking out better competition,” Jewell commented.

Her dad saw it for what it was and based on the experience they had with her older sister Saylor who also played soccer, he knew it was the right decision.

“We learned a lot from Saylor and the struggles she had and when Campbell came through we  learned enough to let her expand her search and she found teams she knew were better and was willing to go to those teams and try out,” Tyler said.

That worked for a while as Campbell was playing on a team that was successful but soon saw there was one team they couldn’t beat which motivated her one more time.

“So, I went to Mom (Julie) and was like I want to play for that team who is beating us, I want to get better, and she was all for it,” Campbell said.

Her mom knew from an early age how important soccer was to her.

“Ever since she's been 2 years old she cried when her sister played soccer and she just wanted to be out there playing, not just watching, she is very determined and doesn't ever give up so there was no holding her back,” Julie said.

So, she reached out to Kurt Fischer, he helped her move over to Cincinnati United Premier Club and has been with them for the last six years.

Coach Kurt Fischer of Cincinnati Premier United was instrumental in helping Campbell's pursuit of becoming an elite player.  (Dale Barger Photo)

Now Campbell was on a team that pushed her even more and was loving the opportunities it provided allowing her to further develop skills by playing top level talent not just locally but all over the United States.

“I've played in 19 states and traveled almost every weekend. I've been to California, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, pretty much anywhere you can think of 1000s & 1000s of miles. I've been so fortunate with my family and will forever be so grateful for them. Like honestly looking back at it now, it’s really insane. I'm 18 years old, and I've been to more states than I am old,” Campbell exclaimed.

That level of competition got her noticed to the point she was able to entertain quite of few offers to play soccer at the next level. 

“I was looking at Purdue, West Virginia, South Carolina and even looking at, obviously, smaller schools like Xavier,” Campbell said.

But why Michigan?

“Well Michigan was my actual like, first big, big one, I'd say Honestly, everything about it was perfect. The first time I went up there, people say, you know when you know, and that is so true. Like when I went up there, I was like, yep, this is the school, I think it was one day after I had been up there on my visit, and I didn't even think about going anywhere else. This is the one just because it reminded me of home so much like there was a great community.  Then obviously, academically, they're good it was just amazing,” Jewell beamed.

Now that Campbell is set to play college soccer, she wasn’t the first in her family to do so.

Campbell Jewell's Grandparents.  L-R: Doug Mann, Wendy Mann, Campbell,
Pamela Jewell, Jim Jewell.  (Dale Barger Photo)

Actually, Grandpa Jim Jewell played at Morehead State College, and it all happened by accident.

“I was a sports physical education major and had always played basketball and baseball, but we had an International Club Soccer team and they recruited some of us guys to play.  We became quite good and in my senior year became an official team, we played teams like Louisville, Indiana, Dayton and were beating a lot of those teams,” Jim said.

Funny thing his son wasn’t aware his dad played soccer until he was coaching his daughters. 

“Yes, that’s a true story … I didn't even know he played until I was 30 years old, crazy right,” Tyler commented.

What started out as a random thing for grandpa became a passion for Campbell and her older sister Saylor who played at the University of Northern Alabama for a year before moving back to Ohio.

­­­All of these events played a big role in Campbell’s journey.

“She learned a lot of skills from all her different coaches and has been able to put it all together to work for her.  What started when she was two years old up till now was a lot of hard work.  She played hard was focused and made decisions for herself based on her drive and push to be better.  Her mom and I just stepped back and supported her and tried to give her every opportunity to reach her goals,” Tyler explained.

Campbell echoed that she couldn’t have had the success she’s had without supportive parents and family.

I know it's quite a sacrifice when you're traveling 1000s of miles going to all those different states and I’ve been blessed to have such a great support system,” Campbell said.

“To see her achieve her goals and sign to play at the University of Michigan is awesome. It's great to see your kids being successful in whatever it is they do,” Tyler concluded.

“We are blessed and I’m super excited and proud of Campbell.  I just thank the Lord she got this opportunity, it’s just so very special,” Julie concluded.


Campbell Jewell in action playing the midfield.  (Submitted Photo)

Campbell who currently plays the midfield at the 10, sometimes the eight or six based on rotation can’t wait to play in college. 

“When I go to college, I see myself still playing the midfield, sometimes up top and on the left because I am left footed.  So, it honestly just depends. Versatility is like a huge thing when it comes to college and I’ll be ready play wherever they want me to go, just if it’s not goalie,” she concluded.

Something tells me no matter where she plays her drive and determination will win the day.

Campbell Jewell surrounded by her classmates as they showed their support for her.
(Dale Barger Photo)

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