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#15 Armstrong had a solid game ands is stepping into his role as captain. Photo by Jim Freeman

Jets combine a relentless attack with contributions throughout the lineup

PITSBURG — Franklin Monroe coach Jacob Shellabarger wanted his team to play to its own level Thursday night.

The Jets did just that.

Franklin Monroe controlled the match, outshot Twin Valley South 29-3 and received goals from four different players in a convincing 5-0 victory.

For Shellabarger, though, the most encouraging part wasn't simply the five goals. It was the mindset behind them and the way players throughout his lineup stepped up.

“I liked the mindset,” Shellabarger said. “One of our biggest hitches is when we go up against an opponent that we know is going to be a challenge, we kind of get in our heads prior, and we don't play the soccer that we know we can play.”

#7 Huang applied pressure throughout the match. Photo by Jim Freeman

Franklin Monroe defeated Twin Valley South twice in conference play last season, and Shellabarger didn't want expectations about the opponent determining how his team approached Thursday's match.

“I kind of reminded them beforehand, you know, like, let's play to our level, not to their level or expectation of their level,” Shellabarger said. “And I think we did that pretty well tonight.”

It showed early.

Franklin Monroe generated three shots in the opening minute and a half and spent much of the first half on the attack. Junior Rohan Flory broke through for the game's first goal with 35:48 remaining.

#9 Cool gets past a Panther defender on his way to a goal. Photo by Jim Freeman

Junior Eli Armstrong made it 2-0 with 10:44 left in the half before junior Braxtyn Cool struck just 42 seconds later to give Franklin Monroe a three-goal advantage.

Senior Keyen Huang added the fourth goal with 1:02 remaining, sending the Jets into halftime firmly in control at 4-0.

Armstrong wasted little time adding another after the break, scoring just 40 seconds into the second half to complete his two-goal night and make it 5-0.

The official statistics reflected how thoroughly Franklin Monroe controlled the action. The Jets finished with 29 shots to Twin Valley South's three. Cool led Franklin Monroe with seven shots, while Huang and freshman Aubree Bailey had four apiece. Flory recorded an assist to go with his goal, and Bailey also contributed an assist.

Senior goalkeeper Ethan Wilson made three saves to preserve the shutout.

Armstrong's performance particularly pleased Shellabarger. The coach elevated him to a captain's role this season and believes what Armstrong brings to the Jets goes well beyond his two goals Thursday.

“He's got an incredible soccer IQ,” Shellabarger said. “So seeing him actually play confidently makes a big difference for everybody.”

Shellabarger also singled out Cool for the way he responded to coaching during the match. After talking with him midway through the first half about being more direct with his play while controlling the middle of the field, Shellabarger saw an immediate response.

“I think he did a good job adjusting for that,” Shellabarger said.

Another Jet earning his coach's praise was Bronx Skidmore, who Shellabarger believes has taken a significant step forward from where he was a year ago.

#24 Skidmore is stepping up this year. Photo by Jim Freeman

“He played phenomenally as well,” Shellabarger said. “He was someone that kind of was just getting into it last year, but he's really stepped up as well this year. I mean, kid's just an athlete.”

Those individual performances were part of a night when Shellabarger had difficulty finding much he didn't like.

“I don't think I had anybody that I would say didn't perform,” he said.

The Jets also showed their conditioning throughout the match. Even after spending much of the night pressing forward, Franklin Monroe continued moving well late in the game.

With a comfortable advantage, Shellabarger was able to get additional players onto the field during the second half. Twin Valley South found more opportunities to move the ball into Franklin Monroe's end during stretches of the half, but the Jets never surrendered the shutout.

Shellabarger said maintaining their approach after building a big lead was important.

“Honestly, just to maintain, not change the soccer that we're playing,” he said. “Maintain the possession, maintain the mindset, not make sloppy mistakes and play to our level like I was saying.”

That mindset has been a point of emphasis for Franklin Monroe.

Shellabarger saw signs of progress during a preseason scrimmage against Eaton. After surrendering an early goal, the Jets didn't fold. They twice battled back to tie the match before eventually earning a 4-2 victory.

For Shellabarger, the response was significant because of something he felt held the Jets back at times last season.

“One of our, like I said, biggest struggles last year was mindset, getting defeated before the game was even over,” Shellabarger said. “If there's five minutes left, the game's not over.”

It's a mental hurdle he believes this team can overcome.

“I think that's a big mental battle that we could win and need to win to have the success that I think we can have this year.”

Senior Hannah Wolfe helped the Jets maintain control of the game. Photo by Jim Freeman

Thursday provided plenty of evidence that Franklin Monroe is moving in that direction.

The Jets scored five goals, allowed only three shots and received contributions throughout the lineup. Armstrong showed the confidence his coach wants from a captain, Cool made an adjustment when asked, and Skidmore continued showing the growth that has caught his coach's attention.

It was only one match, but for a team being challenged to play to its own level and believe in what it can do, it was an encouraging way to set the tone.

Story and photos by Jim Freeman

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By Eddie Mowen Jr.

CAMDEN — Preble Shawnee has established itself as a consistent contender in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference, and coach David Maddox expects the Arrows to be in the championship conversation again this fall.

Shawnee is coming off a 10-2 season that included an 8-1 mark in the WOAC and a trip to the second round of the Division V playoffs. The Arrows won their first eight games and closed the regular season with a victory over National Trail before defeating Arcanum in the opening round of the postseason. Their season ended with a 17-14 loss at Indian Lake.

Maddox enters his eighth season leading the program with a 60-28 career record. While the Arrows have some holes to fill from last year's 10-win squad, they return a core of players who already have significant varsity experience and postseason honors.

“Our team is somewhat inexperienced, but they have a lot of potential,” Maddox said. “We have decent size and athleticism. We just have to learn to play with a high level of effort and execute for a four-quarter football game.”

Senior Caleb Blankenship will be among the players asked to lead that group. Blankenship moves to quarterback after earning first-team All-WOAC honors at wide receiver and defensive back as a junior.

Junior Klayton Taylor gives Shawnee an experienced presence at tight end and defensive end. Taylor was a first-team All-WOAC defensive end as a sophomore.

Ethan Mauller is another junior expected to play a significant role on both sides of the ball. The running back and linebacker earned second-team all-conference honors at both positions last season.

The Arrows also return experience in the trenches.

Junior Gavin Finch returns on the offensive and defensive lines after receiving special mention All-WOAC honors on offense last season. Junior Jasper Sizemore, who earned special mention on the defensive line, will also see time at running back.

Senior JT Long returns on both lines, while junior Foster Jewell is expected to contribute at linebacker and along the offensive front.

Shawnee has additional experience available in senior Jackson Finch at linebacker and running back, junior Jacob Carter at defensive back and wide receiver and junior Andrew Unger at linebacker and receiver.

Sophomores Kaidan Hadix and Braylen Dudas will look to expand their roles at defensive back and wide receiver.

Senior Kody Clark is a newcomer to watch at running back and linebacker.

The challenge for Shawnee will be turning that collection of returning talent into a cohesive group capable of playing consistently for four quarters.

The Arrows showed last season they can compete near the top of the WOAC. Their only regular-season loss came against eventual conference champion Tri-Village in a Week 9 matchup between two 8-0 teams.

Maddox believes his team has the pieces necessary to challenge for the league crown again.

“I think we should be able to compete with several other teams in our conference for a conference title,” he said.

Shawnee's expectations extend beyond the regular season.

With size, athleticism and several returning players who have already earned all-conference recognition, Maddox believes the Arrows have the potential to again make noise in November. Developing the less-experienced portions of the lineup and staying healthy will be critical.

“It should be a very fun and exciting season,” Maddox said. “We should be in the running for a conference title, and I expect to make a run in the playoffs if we can stay healthy.”

ANSONIA — There was no frantic sense of urgency at Ansonia’s football practice Wednesday afternoon. There didn’t need to be.
The Tigers worked at a relaxed but focused pace. Players appeared to know where they belonged, what they were supposed to do and what was expected of them.
It looked like the practice of an established program—a team preparing with purpose and expecting to win.
That confidence has been earned.
Ansonia finished 8-2 overall and 7-2 in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference last season. With eight starters returning on both offense and defense, the Tigers enter the 2026 season believing they have the experience and talent to contend for a conference championship.
Head coach Adam Hall is entering his sixth season leading the program. He has compiled a 43-8 record at Ansonia and owns a 50-20 overall record in seven seasons as a head coach.
The expectations surrounding the Tigers remain high.

“Our goals for the season are to win the conference and make a playoff run,” Hall said.
Ansonia’s experience is particularly noticeable in the backfield, where the Tigers return several players who have spent multiple seasons in the starting lineup.
Senior running backs Jacob Schmitmeyer and Lander Shives are both three-year starters. Junior Carson Tobe also returns for his third season in the lineup.
Directing that experienced group will be senior quarterback Cade Shellhaas, a two-year offensive starter and one of the most dynamic athletes on Ansonia’s roster.
Shellhaas is already well known throughout Darke County for what he has accomplished in track and field. His events require a rare combination of speed, explosiveness, coordination and fearlessness. He excels in the hurdles and finished second in the state in the pole vault last spring.

Those same qualities make him especially dangerous on a football field.
Shellhaas has the speed to turn a small opening into a large gain, the athletic ability to extend a play and the versatility to affect a game in all three phases. At the high school level, an athlete like Shellhaas can alter the direction of a game whenever the ball reaches his hands.
He will also be asked to contribute at defensive back after starting there for three seasons. In addition, Shellhaas will handle Ansonia’s kicking and long-snapping responsibilities.
The Tigers will again operate from their traditional Straight-T and Wing-T formations, relying heavily on their running game and the depth of their backfield.

“Our strength this year will be our running backs and our ability to run the ball,” Hall said.
Schmitmeyer, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior, will contribute at running back and defensive back. He will also serve as Ansonia’s punter and primary returner.
Shives gives the Tigers a powerful presence at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds. The three-year starter will play running back and linebacker.
Tobe, a 6-foot, 165-pound junior, will also see time at running back and linebacker. Junior Jake Pierre and freshman Austin Tobe are among the additional players expected to contribute to Ansonia’s rushing attack.
Together, Shellhaas, Schmitmeyer, Shives and Tobe give Ansonia an experienced and versatile backfield capable of attacking a defense in several ways.
Junior Graham Coppess returns as a two-year starter at tight end and will also be an important part of Ansonia’s experienced group of linebackers. Junior Jacob MacNutt is expected to contribute at tight end and along the defensive line.
The Tigers also return several experienced offensive linemen, including seniors Oden Hoening, Austin Singer and Caleb Eubank. Hoening and Singer are both three-year starters, while Eubank enters his third season in the lineup.
Hall said the continued development of the offensive line will be one of the keys to Ansonia’s success.

“We will need our offensive line to develop, step up and play well for us,” Hall said.
Junior Gabe Fergerson and senior Mathieu Baldridge are among the players expected to take on larger roles along the offensive front. Ansonia also has considerable size available in the line group, including 280-pound senior Aidan Barber, 270-pound senior Louis Unrast and 310-pound freshman Trevor Wright.
Defensively, the Tigers will have the flexibility to operate from both 4-4 and 3-4 alignments.
Ansonia’s greatest defensive strength should be at linebacker, where Shives, Tobe and Coppess provide considerable varsity experience. Pierre is also expected to contribute at linebacker.
“Our defensive strength will be our experience at linebacker,” Hall said.
Hoening, Singer and Eubank return along the defensive front. All three are senior two-way linemen with multiple years of starting experience. Fergerson and MacNutt are among the newcomers or first-year starters expected to contribute on the defensive line.
The defensive backfield will be led by Shellhaas and Schmitmeyer, while freshman Austin Tobe could also earn playing time.
Although the Tigers return experience throughout the defense, Hall said the development of the defensive line and secondary will be important as the season progresses.

“We need our defensive line and defensive backs to develop and step up for us this year,” Hall said.
Ansonia will look to Singer, Hoening and the rest of its 12-member senior class to provide leadership. It is a veteran group that understands the program, the system and the expectations that come with Ansonia football.
Hall expects Tri-Village, Arcanum and Preble Shawnee to be among the teams near the top of the WOAC standings. Ansonia intends to place itself firmly in that conversation.
Wednesday’s practice offered a glimpse of why the Tigers have been so successful under Hall. They were organized and confident. There was no wasted movement and little confusion. Everyone appeared to understand the job in front of them.
It was a relaxed atmosphere, but it was not casual. There was a sense of purpose behind the work.
With 16 returning starters, a deep backfield, an accomplished senior class and a game-changing athlete directing the offense, the Tigers have good reason to believe they can compete for the WOAC championship and make another postseason run.
Hall will be assisted this season by Eugene Hoening, TJ Phlipot, Kenny Edwards, Zack Evers, Matthew Shook and Andrew Rowland.

Story and photos by Jim Freeman

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Railroaders enter 2026 season focused on discipline, commitment and laying a foundation for the future

By Jim Freeman

BRADFORD — For the Bradford Railroaders, the 2026 football season is about more than what appears in the win column.

It is about building something.

After going winless a season ago and experiencing coaching changes in recent years, Bradford enters the new season under head coach Bill Trevino looking to establish consistency, discipline and a culture players want to be part of.

So far, Trevino sees an encouraging sign.

“They’re buying in,” Trevino said.

That may be a short statement, but for a program trying to change direction, it could be one of the most important developments of the preseason.

That commitment was evident during a recent Bradford practice. Despite having a roster of just 27 players, the Railroaders moved through a crisp, organized workout. Coaches controlled their individual stations, players moved with purpose between drills and there was a noticeable sense of structure throughout the practice.

Trevino spent much of the afternoon actively coaching his team, while members of his staff worked closely with their position groups.

The challenge facing Bradford is significant. With a small roster, many Railroaders will be asked to contribute on both sides of the football, making conditioning, health and depth particularly important as the season progresses.

Bradford does have experience to lean on.

The Railroaders' senior class includes Riley Gardner, Dallan Hewitt, Adam Hudelson, Morgan Hudelson, Bryce Miller, Ross Miller, Daniel Smith-Satterwhite, Johnathan Stewart, Rallie Wirrig and Raiden Wombold.

Wombold is listed at quarterback and free safety, while Bradford also has several other players capable of working under center, including junior Lucas Nicholson, sophomore DeShawn Keels and freshman Cayden Apple.

Bradford's roster also features a sizable junior class, including Gerard Flora, Nicholson, Ethan Osborne, Isaiah Purpus, Doolin Puterbaugh, Fenix Spurgeon and Hurley Spurgeon. Developing those players alongside the team's seniors could be important not only this fall but in creating continuity within the program moving forward.

There are also signs of growth surrounding the program itself.

Bradford's new athletic facility provides the Railroaders with an impressive home for athletics and represents an investment in the school's student-athletes. Now Trevino and his staff are working to build the football program to go along with it.

The Railroaders will have an opportunity to showcase that new direction immediately when they open the season at home Friday, Aug. 21, against Wickliffe.

Opening night will carry some additional significance for Bradford.

The school was selected as a Week 1 winner in T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights competition and will receive $5,000 to support the football program. T-Mobile representatives are scheduled to present the check during halftime of Friday night's game. Bradford will also remain eligible to compete for the competition's $1 million grand prize.

For a football program working to create some momentum, the recognition provides another positive development as the new season begins.

But ultimately, Bradford's progress will be measured on the field — and not necessarily only by wins and losses.

Programs rarely change overnight. They change through expectations, repetition and players deciding they believe in what their coaches are asking them to do.

At Bradford, that process has begun.

And if Trevino's assessment is correct, the most important first step may already be happening.

The Railroaders are buying in.

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The Trojans return seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters from last year’s 7-4 team.

ARCANUM — The Arcanum Trojans have spent weeks competing against one another. Now, they are ready to line up against someone wearing a different uniform.

Head coach Matt Macy said his players are tired of practice and anxious to experience a real game. Macy is equally excited to begin his fifth season leading the Arcanum program.

That anticipation is supported by an experienced roster. The Trojans return seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters from a team that finished 7-4 overall and placed fourth in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference last season.

Macy believes Arcanum has developed into a well-balanced offensive team. Defensively, he has been encouraged by the speed and energy his players have displayed while flying around the football during preseason practices.

The Trojans enter the season with 43 players on the varsity roster, including 10 seniors, seven juniors, 13 sophomores and 13 freshmen.

MACY LEADS EXPERIENCED OFFENSE

Arcanum’s offense will again feature senior running back MJ Macy, who led the WOAC in rushing last season. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound back earned first-team All-WOAC honors and was named second-team All-Southwest District.

He will run behind an offensive line anchored by senior center Isaiah Frazee. The 6-foot, 265-pound Frazee was also a first-team All-WOAC selection last season.

Senior Connor Rogers returns at 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds after receiving special mention from the conference.

The Trojans must replace two all-conference offensive linemen and another two-year starter from last season’s team. Junior Mason Kendig is expected to step in at left tackle, while Avery Bowser will take over another opening up front.

“They have some big shoes to fill, but they are coming along great,” Macy said.

Sophomore Weston Schmidt returns at quarterback after completing his first full season as Arcanum’s starter. Despite being only a sophomore, Schmidt brings valuable game experience into the new season.

He will have several proven options available in the passing game.

Junior Talan Stone presents an imposing target at 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds. Stone earned second-team All-WOAC honors last season. Sophomore Raysean Miles, another second-team all-conference selection, also returns at wide receiver.

Senior Bishop Cartwright has moved from quarterback to receiver and is expected to become one of Schmidt’s primary targets. At 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, Cartwright gives Arcanum another experienced and athletic option on the outside.

Arcanum operates primarily from a base I-formation, but Macy described the offense as multiple in the ways it can attack a defense.

With MJ Macy returning in the backfield, Schmidt gaining experience at quarterback and several capable receivers spread across the field, the Trojans believe their balance will make them difficult to defend.

DEFENSE BRINGS SPEED AND VERSATILITY

Frazee and Bowser will also contribute along the defensive line. Senior Colton Pool, a 6-foot-1, 245-pound lineman, is expected to move into a starting role up front.

Hudson Knaus will take over in the middle of Arcanum’s 3-3 stack defense. He will be joined at linebacker by Louie Powers and MJ Macy.

Cartwright returns at cornerback after earning All-WOAC recognition in the secondary. Junior Ross Wagner, a second-team All-WOAC selection, returns at free safety.

Macy believes the defense’s speed, quickness and versatility will be among the team’s greatest strengths. Throughout preseason practice, defenders have consistently shown the ability and willingness to pursue the football as a unit.

The primary point of emphasis will be improving the Trojans’ play on the perimeter and preventing opponents from breaking outside.

“We need to be better on the edges and keeping everything inside,” Macy said.

EXPERIENCED SPECIALISTS RETURN

Arcanum also returns two important contributors on special teams.

Cartwright is back after earning All-WOAC honors as a punter. Sophomore kicker Joey Marshall also returns.

The Trojans must replace an accomplished long snapper, but Macy said several players are capable of handling the responsibility.

Leadership on special teams is expected to come from the experienced players Macy asks to fill those roles.

TROJANS READY TO CHALLENGE WOAC’S BEST

Macy expects Tri-Village, Ansonia and Preble Shawnee to again be among the leading contenders in the WOAC.

Arcanum’s experienced lineup, offensive balance and defensive energy give the Trojans reason to believe they can challenge that group.

The team’s larger approach, however, will be to avoid looking too far ahead. Macy wants his players to concentrate on the opponent directly in front of them, appreciate the experience and continue improving throughout the season.

“Our goals are to go 1-0 each week, focus on each opponent and enjoy the process,” Macy said.

After a long preseason spent practicing against one another, the Trojans are ready to put that approach into action under the Friday night lights.

By Jim Freeman

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