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Ansonia's Bennett Lehman approaches the finish line with photographers in the shadows capturing the moment. (Submitted Photo)

It was a good day for Ansonia sophomore runner Bennett Lehman as he finished atop the Podium at the OHSAA DIII Cross Country State Championships.  

Bennett ran a 15:30.32 5k time good enough for 6th place.

Tucker Denlinger of National Trail and Collin Day of Dixie finished side by side at the state meet. Denlinger ran a 17:04.89 and Day a 17:05.12.

Newton’s Michaela Flora was the only female WOAC competitor and the freshman came in 42nd place running a time of 19:15.09. 

Congratulations to our State Cross Country runners on a fantastic year.

Bennett Lehman with his 6th place medal in the OHSAAA DIII Boys Cross Country State Championships. (Submitted Photo)

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The Offensive line did the job giving QB Trey Sagester time to find receivers.  He threw for 310 yards & 3 TDs in Patriots playoff win. (Feature Photos by Dale Barger)

WAYNESFIELD – 8-2 Tri-Village went on the road in the opening round of the OHSAA DVII Region 28 Football Playoffs taking on 7-3 Waynesfield-Goshen. 

The Patriots started well going up 14-0 and led 14-7 at the half … and then blitzed the Tigers in the 2^nd half winning going away 43-7.

Tri-Village came out playing physical and looked sharp early to go up 14-0.  A fumble recovery in the end zone by Lane Bierly resulted in the first score of the game.  

Trey Sagester on the first play of the 2nd quarter ran one in from 13-yards for the 14-0 lead ... but the Patriots appeared to lose focus and played much softer the rest of the first half and found themselves in a game.

“We got soft and lost a bit of focus. You know, you can't do that against a team that's super physical, you can't be happy it's 14 nothing and think they’re just going to roll over, because we've never played these guys before,” Tri-Village coach Matthew Hopkins said.

Tri-Village found themselves twice having to defend their goal line in the first half and after their 2^nddefensive stand they took over at their own 5-yard line.

They were unable to move the ball and forced to punt back and after an unsportsmanlike penalty the Tigers were in striking distance, and they made the Patriots pay on a 20-yard TD pass bringing the score to 14-7 at the break.

“Watching them on film, they're just super physical, and they play really hard. So, I was really disappointed that we took a step back lost our focus after a good start in the first half … but we got things locked in at half,” Hopkins stated.

Tri-Village took advantage of some early opportunities in the 2^nd half to jump back on top of the Tigers.

Teddy Miller recovered a fumble near the Goshen 25-yard line early in the 3^rd quarter and turned the mistake into a score.  After a 20-yard run by Trey Sagester, it was Noah Finkbine finishing it up on a 5-yard run to push the lead to 20-7.


Noah Finkbine was a physical force in the game with Waynesfield Goshen.

On the ensuing Waynesfield possession Hayden Hunt snagged an interception giving TV the ball at the 35-yard line and once again they made quick work of the gift.

A couple of nice pass completions from Trey Sagester to Griffin Richards in the flat and then screen to Noah Finkbine had the Patriots knocking at the door. 

Richards capped the drive catching a Sagester toss in the corner of the end zone.  Finkbine ran in the two-point conversion to go up 28-7 with 8:08  left to play in the 3^rd quarter.

Griffin Richards had 12 receptions for 158 yards and a TD against the Tigers.

The two quick scores stunned the Tigers … the only question is would the Patriots lose focus and play soft again?

Tri-Village would bend but not break on the next drive and got a touchdown saving tackle from senior Mason Weathington and then stopped Goshen on downs.  

Mason Weathington had several big tackles to negate scores in the game.

TV would put together a nice drive mixing up the run and pass with the drive extended to the first play of the 4^th quarter where Sagester connected with senior Zeke Hopkins for a TD and a two-point score by Richards put the Patriots up 36-7.

Another defensive stop by Tri-Village led to another impressive drive with freshman Colt Camacho getting some carries as they moved the ball down the field.

It was Sagester to Hopkins combo striking once again to cap the scoring at the 6-minute with Colt Camacho kicking the extra point for a 43-7 victory.

Trey Sagester led the way at quarterback completing 25-36 passes for 310 total yards and 3 TD passes.  He also had 45 yards rushing with a one TD.

The leading receiver was Griffin Richards with 12 grabs for 158 yards and 1 TD.  Zeke Hopkins had 7 receptions for 71 yards and 2 TDs.

Noah Finkbine had 73 yards rushing on 16 carries with 1 TD.  Finkbine also had 21 tackles, 12 solo. 

Landen Moore and Hunter Johnsman both had 16 tackles each and Hunter Ridout 9.

The Patriots physicality for the entire second half matched the beginning of the game, and they maintained it which pleased coach Hopkins.

Colt Camacho and Hayden Hunt each had an interception and Lane Bierly had 2 fumble recoveries and Teddy Miller one.

After the game coach Hopkins talked about the interior line on both sides of the ball and overall was pleased with their play.

The Patriots defensive front were solid all night.

“I thought our interior guys, both offensively and defensively, played really well. They're bringing the freaking house, and we picked it up pretty well. You know, when they're bringing seven, we're only blocking five. You know, we got to do some things, but I'm just really happy with our inside guys tonight,” Hopkins explained.

“We could have been down in the first half it we didn’t have those goal line stands and then in the 2^nd half our defense played outstanding and our front with freshman, Carson Lipps,  two juniors, Hunter Ridout, who we call Dave, and then Hunter Johnsman, those guys just played really well. Johnsman is probably our most tech technically sound guy, and the other guys just use their speed or strength and played super well,” Hopkins praised

Hopkins noted the physicality and play of Noah Finkbine whose toughness stood out.

“You know he was mad at himself. He put the ball on the ground twice at the goal line … but defensively, he's a difference maker,” Hopkins stated.

Offensively the Patriots distributed the ball well with their passing game and it would be a big day for senior receiver Zeke Hopkins, son of coach Hopkins with two big TD catches.

It was a big night for senior Zeke Hopkins (#17) celebrating one of two TD catches.

“He’s one of our seniors that I’m really happy for, he played really well. He had some fog in that first half, and we had to shake it out of him a little bit. It's always good when you know how to press the buttons of your own son and came back out wanted it in the 2^nd half. 

“I'm happy for all the seniors, not a whole lot of people thought we’d be here after the class we had graduate here last season and to see them have success and playing extremely well is great,” Hopkins smiled.

Tri-Village improves to 9-2 on the year but will face a juggernaut next Friday night as they travel north to take on Marion Local.  The Flyers are on a 59-game consecutive winning streak the most ever in the state of Ohio and have won 3 consecutive DVII State Football Titles. They defeated Fort Recovery 68-0 Friday night.

The Patriots next task will be huge … but one they are willing to take on knowing they will be going up against the type of program that you would want to aspire to as well.

“We know all the stories about them … but we got nothing to lose. We’ll take our 35 kids  up there to see their 80 and we're going to lay it on the line, our kids are mean and scrappy enough to be able to do that,” Hopkins shared.

“This is our 10^th year having football, so this is a benchmark game to see where our program is right now.  We're looking into watching some film and getting ready for it, we’re going to see the best and we're very much excited for it,” Hopkins concluded.


The Patriot Cheerleaders had reason to be happy with the team winning big.

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Preble Shawnee's defense bottled up Marion Pleasant all night in their 28-0 1st round football playoff game win.  (Don Selanders Photo)

View Game Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=61566740975576&set=a.122115819776558032

CAMDEN – Preble Shawnee amassed 418 total yards of offense while limiting the Marion Pleasant to just 191 total yards in the first round of the OHSAA DV Region 20 state playoff game. They Arrows would win 28-0 to advance to the second round.

Preble Shawnee scored early in the opening quarter when jr. quarterback Brody Morton plunged in from one yard out to put the Arrows on top 6-0 at 9:46 of the first quarter.

Shawnee upped their lead when senior Lane Lovely took the handoff and ran 19 yards for another Arrows TD. Junior Colton Schroder was good on the extra point for a 13-0 lead with 6:55 remaining in the 1st half.

Lane Lovely take one if for a TD against the Tigers. (Don Selanders Photo)

Preble Shawnee came up big in the 3^rd quarter taking away a scoring threat by Marion Pleasant when senior Reece Smith picked off the Pleasant QB and returning it 98 yards for a TD to give the Arrows a big lift and momentum leading 19-0 with 6:13 remaining in the 3^rd.

Senior DB Reece Smith is hoisted in the air by Cooper Shrout after returning a 98 yard interception for a TD.  (Don Selanders photo)

Brody Morton closed out the scoring just as he started it calling his own number for the score and Schroeder added the extra point to extend the Arrows lead to 26-0.

Shawnee would add a safety late in the game to down Marion Pleasant 28-0.

The playoff wins mark the 5^th straight year the Arrows have won at least one playoff game. 

Preble Shawnee had a balanced rushing attack with Morton going for 109 yards on 14 carries, Isaac Blankenship had 94 yards on 9 carries and Lane Lovely 81 yards on 16 carries.

Isaac Blankenship has been a dual threat receiving and running the football this year. (Don Selanders Photo)

Defensively it was Brody Lynch leading the way with 12 tackles, 7 solo.  Lynch was named the WOAC Defensive Player of the Year on Sunday.  He has 116 tackles on the year.

Lane Lovely had 9 tackles as well.

They will host Indian Lake next Friday at home! Kickoff at 7:00.

The Preble Shawnee cheerleaders are all smiles before the game with Pleasant. (Don Selanders Photo)

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Week nine clash between Ansonia and Preble Shawnee decided the 2024 WOAC Conference Championship that the Tigers won 24-13. These two teams would lead the list of WOAC All-Conference Honors as well in 2024.  

The Western Ohio Athletic Conference All-Conference Selections have been named for the 2024 Football campaign. 

First Team All-WOAC Offense

Ansonia: Peyton Kelch, Sr., OL – Asher Shives, Sr., OL – Zane Henderson, Sr., RB

Arcanum: Marcus Rayburn, Jr., OL – MJ Macy, So., RB

Dixie: JR Bemis, Sr., Kicker

National Trail: James Baker, Sr., OL – Zack Creager, Sr., RB

Preble Shawnee: Brody Lynch, Sr., OL – Cooper Shrout, Jr., OL – Brody Morton, Jr., QB – Lane Lovely, Sr., RB – Isaac Blankenship, Sr., WR – Reece Smith, Sr., WR

Tri-Village: Dom Black, So., OL – Trey Sagester, Jr., QB – Griffin Richards, So., WR

First Team All-WOAC Defense

Ansonia: Cainan Robinson, Jr., DB – Peyton Kelch, Sr., DL – Zane Henderson, Sr., LB – Asher Shives, Sr., LB

Arcanum: Lukeus Midlam, Sr., DB & Returner  – Lucas Miller, So., DB – Truman Knaus, Sr., DL

Bradford: Owen Canan, Sr., DB

National Trail: Brady Thompson, Sr., DL

Preble Shawnee: Isaac Blankenship, Sr., DB – Cooper Shrout, Jr., DL – Lane Lovely, Sr., LB Brody Lynch, Sr., LB

Tri-Village: Lane Bierly, Sr., DB – Dom Black, So., DL – Kaeden Lipps, Sr., LB

Twin Valley South: Griffin Roell, Sr., Punter

Second Team All-WOAC Offense

Ansonia: Jacob Schmitmeyer, So., RB

Arcanum: Brayden Freeman, Jr., OL – Lucas Miller, So., WR

Bradford: Owen Canan, Sr., QB

Dixie: Spencer Butler, Sr., OL

Preble Shawnee: Landen Lovely, Sr., OL

Tri-County North: Franklin Filbrun, Jr., RB

Tri-Village: Levi Farmer, Jr., OL – Lane Bierly, Sr., WR

Twin Valley South: Owen McKee, So., OL – Conner Mowell, Sr., RB

Second Team All-WOAC Defense

Arcanum: Quigney Kolton, Jr., LB

Dixie: Parker Butler, Sr., DL

National Trail: Talon Bousman, Fr., DB – Zach Lawson, Sr., DL

Preble Shawnee: Reece Smith, Sr., DB – Bryson Doran, Jr., DL

Tri-Village: Colt Camacho, Fr., DB

Twin Valley South: Griff Roell, Sr., DB – Conner Mowell, Sr., DL – Carson Hurst, Sr., LB – Owen McKee, So., LB

Special Mention All-WOAC

Preble Shawnee's Brody Lynch is the 2024 WOAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Brody had 104 tackles in the regular season for the 9-1 Arrows who finished runner-up in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference this year.  Brody also had 16 tackles for loss and had 3 fumble recoveries from his linebacker position.
Preble Shawnee beat Marian Pleasant in their 1^st round DV Region 20 Playoff game and will host Indian Lake in the 2^nd round this Friday.

Ansonia's Zane Henderson is the 2024 WOAC Offensive Player of the Year.

Zane rushed for 1,608 yards a little of 160 yards per game and had 24 rushing TDs during the regular season.  He helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated 9-0 record in the league and become the WOAC Champions for the 3^rd straight year in football.

Ansonia defeated Twin Valley South in their 1^st round DVII Region 28 playoff game and they will take on Sidney Lehman Catholic in the 2^nd round.

Ansonia's Adam Hall is the 2024 WOAC Coach of the Year.

Ansonia football coach Adam Hall now in his 3^rd season coaching at his alma mater he helped direct his team from an opening season loss to Riverside to run the table in the WOAC going 9-0 winning the 2024 league championship. 

It was a 3-Peat for the Tigers winning their 3^rd straight football title and 3^rd straight WOAC Coach of the Year for Adam Hall.

Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches who earned recognition in 2024.
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Ansonia's Bennett Lehman will lead the WOAC at the OHSAA State Cross Country meet this year. (All feature photos by Dale Barger)

COLUMBUS - Several WOAC runners have qualified to run at the State Meet this year at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park in Obetz, Ohio on Saturday November 2^nd. 

Leading the way in the OHSAA Boys DIII race will be Ansonia sophomore Bennett Lehman who ran a 15:52.93 to win the Regional Race. 

There will be several runners who from other regional qualifiers with faster times … but Bennett has showed he is capable of running at that level when he ran a 15:24 at Coldwater this year.

Lehman is the 2024 WOAC Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winning the league race.  He then won the Southwest District and State Regional Cross Country races to qualify for the State meet with a quest to make a sweep of things by capturing the boys State Championship race.

National Trail's Tucker Denlinger qualified for the state meet.

Also qualifying for WOAC was Dixie sophomore runner Collin Day who ran a 16:57 and National Trail Tucker Denlinger who ran 16:59.47 in 16^th place at regionals and grabbing the last qualifying spot.

Dixie's Collin Day will also represent the WOAC in the boys DIII race.

On the girl’s side Michaela Flora of Newton led her team to the regionals for the first time in school history.  The team didn’t qualify for state but Michaela advance as an individual runner with a time of 19:12.42.  She was the only WOAC girl’s runner to make it to state this year.

Good Luck to our WOAC Cross Country Runners competing at state.

Newton's Michaela Flora, just a freshman was the only WOAC girls runner to qualify for state. 

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