News

By Eddie Mowen Jr.

(Photo Courtesy of Champine Photography)

By Eddie Mowen Jr.

CAMDEN — A veteran group of runners has Preble Shawnee cross country coach Jess Worley optimistic about what the Arrows can accomplish this fall.

Worley, now in her seventh season leading the program, returns several accomplished runners on the boys side, including four who qualified for the regional meet last season. While the boys will lean heavily on experience, the Arrows will focus on developing a young girls roster.

“We have a strong group of returning juniors and seniors,” Worley said. “Looking good for our boys this season and rebuilding our girls team.”

Dennis Hall and Evan Shields headline the returning group after earning all-league and all-county recognition in each of the past three seasons. Both advanced to the regional meet last fall and enter their sixth season running for the program.

Alex Meyers provides additional experience after earning all-league honors last season. He was also an all-county selection in both 2024 and 2025.

Junior Kyle Bruno is another runner the Arrows will count on this season. Entering his fifth year with the program, Bruno has earned all-league and all-county honors in each of the past two seasons and qualified for the regional meet last fall.

With Hall, Shields, Meyers and Bruno forming an experienced nucleus, Preble Shawnee hopes to be among the stronger boys teams in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference while positioning itself for another successful postseason run.

Madison Moore gives the Arrows an accomplished veteran on the girls side. A six-year runner, Moore has earned all-league and all-county honors in each of the past three seasons and advanced to the regional meet last year.

Preble Shawnee will also begin developing its next group of runners with four freshmen joining the program. Garrett Wysong, Eli Duckworth, Dylan Lowery and Makaela Henry are newcomers this season.

The mix of proven upperclassmen and younger runners gives Worley two different objectives this fall — competing at a high level with an experienced boys group while laying the foundation for the future of the girls program.

With multiple postseason-tested runners returning, the Arrows will look to remain competitive in the WOAC and again have individuals running deep into the postseason.

(Photo Courtesy of Champine Photography)

By Eddie Mowen Jr.

NEW LEBANON — Nathan Russell is back at the helm of the Dixie cross country program, and the Greyhounds enter the season with an experienced group, a returning state qualifier and aspirations of competing for a conference championship.

Russell begins his first season in his latest stint as Dixie’s head coach after previously leading the program from 2018-23.

“I’m very excited about the upcoming season and the direction of our cross country program,” Russell said. “Our expectations are to improve every day, build a strong team culture, and compete with confidence at every meet.”

Leading the way for the Greyhounds is senior James McNew, who returns after qualifying for the state meet and posting a time of 16 minutes, 44 seconds.

Fellow senior Evan Jackle gives Dixie another experienced runner near the front of the lineup after recording a time of 17:11.

The Greyhounds also return juniors Brayden Day and Adyin Ryan. Day posted a time of 18:52, while Ryan recorded a 24:09.

Sophomores Josh Hurd and AJ Volmer round out the group of returning runners. Hurd enters the season with a time of 18:30, while Volmer has recorded a 20:06.

Russell also expects freshmen Levi Russell and Alijah Trammell to make an immediate impact.

“Both of my newcomers already have impacted the lineup of racing,” Russell said. “I am eager to see them in a race.”

With a mix of veteran runners and promising newcomers, Russell believes the Greyhounds have the potential to make some noise in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference.

“Our goal is to compete hard, continue improving throughout the season, and put ourselves in a position to compete for a conference championship,” Russell said. “We know we have a lot of work ahead of us, but with a group of runners who are willing to work, stay committed, and believe in each other, I’m excited about what we can accomplish.”

More than simply chasing results this season, Russell wants the Greyhounds to establish expectations that can help build the program for the future.

“We want to establish ourselves as a program that expects to compete and win,” he said.

On the girls side, sophomore Scarlett Cantrell returns to represent the Greyhounds.

For Russell, the season will be about developing each runner while creating a team-first culture that can help Dixie continue progressing beyond this fall.

“We have a great opportunity to develop our runners both individually and as a team,” Russell said. “My goal is for our athletes to work hard, support one another, and finish the season stronger than where we started.

“I believe we can have a successful season and lay the foundation for a strong cross country program moving forward.”

By Eddie Mowen Jr.

NEW PARIS — Ansonia needed just two offensive plays to score two touchdowns Friday night.

The Tigers didn't slow down much from there.

Ansonia rushed for 405 yards and scored 48 first-half points on its way to a 48-13 Western Ohio Athletic Conference victory over National Trail.

The win kept the Tigers unbeaten at 3-0 overall and moved them to 2-0 in the WOAC, while National Trail dropped to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

Jacob Schmitmeyer provided an immediate spark for Ansonia, breaking loose for a 78-yard touchdown on the Tigers' first offensive play. Lander Shives added the 2-point conversion to give Ansonia an 8-0 lead just 17 seconds into the game.

National Trail fumbled at its own 22-yard line on its ensuing possession, and the Tigers capitalized immediately.

On Ansonia's next offensive snap, Schmitmeyer raced 22 yards for his second touchdown. Shives again ran in the conversion, giving the Tigers a 16-0 advantage with 10:10 remaining in the opening quarter.

“I do think that is probably the best thing about tonight is we hadn't started fast yet this year and so tonight we were able to start pretty fast there,” Ansonia coach Adam Hall said. “So that was an overall positive thing and then in the first half we were for the most part moving the ball pretty well.”

National Trail responded with a big play of its own. Quarterback Kaili Merritt connected with Jonah Brinkley for a 54-yard touchdown pass to finish a three-play, 68-yard drive. Killian Brewer's extra point cut Ansonia's lead to 16-7 with 8:52 left in the first quarter.

The Blazers then recovered an Ansonia fumble on the Tigers' next play but couldn't capitalize, going three-and-out.

From there, Ansonia's ground game took control.

The Tigers put together a 10-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a 7-yard Shives touchdown run. Cade Shellhaus added the 2-point conversion to make it 24-7 with 1:39 remaining in the first quarter.

Ansonia followed with an eight-play, 57-yard scoring drive. Shives capped it with a 3-yard touchdown and added the conversion for a 32-7 advantage with 8:03 left in the second quarter.

Shives scored his third touchdown of the half following an 11-play, 62-yard march, finding the end zone from 7 yards out. He again ran in the conversion, pushing the lead to 40-7 with 1:09 remaining before halftime.

Ansonia added eight more points before the break.

National Trail began a possession at its own 2-yard line, but a fumbled snap resulted in Merritt being tackled in the end zone for a safety.

On the Tigers' first play following the safety, Jake Pierre broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run. The conversion failed, leaving Ansonia with a 48-7 halftime lead.

Hall said the large advantage allowed Ansonia to get several younger players onto the field in the second half.

“It's a good thing for us,” Hall said. “Last week just because of the circumstances we weren't able to play a JV game, so it's nice that they get a lot of time tonight because you know playing football is hard work, doing practice is hard work, and so those young guys want to play, and I get that, and so it's good when we get a chance to get those young guys in. And I thought they played well tonight.”

National Trail put together the only scoring drive of the second half, going 64 yards in 11 plays. Brinkley scored on a 9-yard run on the final play of the third quarter to make it 48-13.

Ansonia drove from its own 42 to the National Trail 6 on its final possession before the game ended.

Schmitmeyer finished with 149 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries, with all of his production coming in the first half.

Shives carried 15 times for 110 yards and three touchdowns, also all in the opening half. Pierre added 63 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

Ansonia finished with 417 total yards, including 405 rushing yards.

“It's good to win the game. We played well enough to do that,” Hall said. “It felt like we played very sloppy. We'll have to see the film, see what it looked like. But out here, it felt like there were things that we could be doing better that we're capable of doing better.”

For National Trail, Brinkley caught two passes for 82 yards and a touchdown and carried five times for 17 yards and another score. Merritt completed 3 of 9 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

The Blazers finished with minus-3 rushing yards as a team.

National Trail coach Ricky St. Augustine said his team continued to show signs of growth despite the loss.

“We're learning to be a family, and we're putting it together over these last few games, and we got a lot to learn about what family means and I can't ask much more than that of these guys,” St. Augustine said. “That’s been the message the last two weeks, have courage and be together.”

St. Augustine said he saw players continue to compete despite falling behind early.

“We had a lot of guys tough through every snap on the field, and we had a lot of new guys out on the field that kind of gave us life to show that this game is worth the work,” he said. “We've a lot of growing to do, but we've proved some things to ourselves.”

Ansonia is scheduled to host Tri-County North (1-2, 0-2) on Friday, Sept. 11.

National Trail is scheduled to travel to Mississinawa Valley (0-3, 0-2) on Sept. 11.

Story and photos by Jim Freeman

Railroaders combine an effective passing attack, four takeaways and determined fourth-down execution to earn their second consecutive victory

BRADFORD — Winning football may once again be taking root in Bradford.

After enduring a winless season a year ago, the Railroaders earned their second consecutive victory Friday night, defeating a determined Mississinawa Valley 34–12 with a performance that combined sustained offensive drives, an increasingly effective passing game and four forced turnovers.

The victory moved Bradford to 2–1 and gave the Railroaders a winning record for the first time since 2023.

For Bradford coach Bill Trevino, the significance of the turnaround extends well beyond his own satisfaction.

“It means more to those kids than it does to me,” Trevino said. “I’m from here. I love this town. This orange and black means a lot to me. I played here.”

Bradford established the tone by taking the opening possession and methodically driving down the field. The Railroaders found early success through the air, converting key downs with timely completions before finishing the drive on the ground for a 6–0 lead.

Mississinawa Valley responded with an extended possession of its own. The Blackhawks moved primarily on the ground and eventually punched the ball across the goal line, tying the game at 6–6.

Both teams controlled the ball so effectively that each had only one possession during the opening quarter.

The photographs from the night told the same story as the action on the field: nothing came easily for either team. Nearly every yard was contested, runners were met by multiple defenders and receivers had to fight through contact for additional yardage. Regardless of the final margin, both teams made the other work for everything it gained.

Bradford regained the lead with another long drive, this time leaning more heavily on its running game. The Railroaders strung together three consecutive runs of approximately 10 yards before a holding penalty threatened to derail the possession.

They recovered by converting third-and-11 on a quarterback keeper and later faced fourth-and-five. After initially appearing ready to attempt a field goal, Bradford called timeout, kept its offense on the field and converted with a pass.

The conversion set up first-and-goal from the 5-yard line, and Hurley Spurgeon finished the drive with a touchdown run. The conversion attempt failed, leaving Bradford ahead 12–6.

The final minutes of the first half brought a rapid succession of turnovers.

Mississinawa Valley fumbled on the first play of its ensuing possession, but the Blackhawks defense answered by intercepting Bradford on the following play. The Railroaders’ defense then created another opportunity by stripping the Blackhawks quarterback and recovering the fumble deep in Mississinawa Valley territory.

Bradford overcame a false start near the goal line and scored on a quarterback keeper as time expired. DeShawn Keels entered at quarterback for the conversion and ran straight up the middle, sending the Railroaders into halftime with a 20–6 advantage.

Mississinawa Valley received the second-half kickoff needing a productive drive to restore its momentum. After opening with two unsuccessful passes, the Blackhawks converted third-and-10 through the air. They later converted another fourth down on a quarterback keeper, but the drive ended with another fumble recovered by Bradford.

The Railroaders moved inside the Mississinawa Valley 10 but were stopped on fourth down.

That defensive stand gave the Blackhawks renewed life. Facing fourth-and-one deep in their own territory, junior fullback Colton Hiestand broke through the Bradford defense and raced all the way to the end zone for the game’s most explosive play.

The touchdown cut Bradford’s lead to 20–12 and brought the Blackhawks back within one possession. The Railroaders intercepted the two-point attempt, and offsetting unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties were assessed following a confrontation at the end of the play.

With the game again within one possession, Bradford showed the resilience Trevino has been working to instill in the program.

“We’re never going to quit,” Trevino said. “I don’t care how big the obstacles are or who we’re playing.”

The Railroaders began moving the ball again, although penalties continued to create obstacles. On one broken pass play, the Bradford quarterback scrambled to buy time before completing a pass to a receiver who broke several tackles and reached the end zone. A holding penalty wiped away the touchdown, and Bradford carried its 20–12 advantage into the fourth quarter.

The passing game continued to answer whenever the Railroaders needed it most.

Bradford converted fourth-and-four through the air early in the final period. Later, after being dropped for a significant loss and facing fourth-and-long, the Railroaders completed another pass for just enough yardage to earn first-and-goal.

Spurgeon finished the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run, and the extra point extended Bradford’s lead to 27–12.

“Fourth down was gigantic tonight,” Trevino said. “That’s the pressure situation. That’s on the quarterback and the guys running good routes and just grinding stuff out. We rep this stuff nonstop.”

Bradford’s passing attack proved to be one of the most encouraging parts of the victory. The Railroaders did more than simply complete passes. Their receivers repeatedly fought through contact, broke tackles and gained additional yardage after the catch.

That success allowed Bradford to remain balanced and prevented Mississinawa Valley from concentrating solely on stopping the run. When the Railroaders faced their greatest pressure, they trusted their passing game and consistently delivered.

The performance was especially impressive considering Bradford was unable to conduct a full-contact practice during a week affected by heat restrictions.

“I didn’t know how the kids would respond, but they were hungry,” Trevino said. “They knew what was at stake tonight, and they buckled down.”

Bradford’s defense helped finish the job. Senior quarterback and safety Raiden Wombold intercepted a pass with 4:47 remaining, giving the Railroaders their fourth takeaway of the night.

Bradford then returned to the ground, running the ball and draining the clock. On third-and-two with just over two minutes remaining, Wombold broke free for the final touchdown. The extra point produced the 34–12 final margin.

Trevino credited Bradford’s defensive success to effort, pursuit and a determination to get multiple orange helmets to the football.

“We preach trying to turn the ball over, never giving up and gang tackling,” Trevino said. “When somebody’s still up, we’re going to get that ball out of there.”

Mississinawa Valley played better than the final score might suggest. The Blackhawks matched Bradford’s opening touchdown with a long, physical drive, created a turnover of their own, made a fourth-down stand near their goal line and pulled within eight on Hiestand’s explosive touchdown run.

Ultimately, however, the Blackhawks could not overcome four turnovers that ended promising possessions and repeatedly gave Bradford additional opportunities.

The Railroaders still have areas to address. Penalties erased several productive plays, including a touchdown, and Trevino made it clear that one victory—or even two—does not mean Bradford has arrived.

“We haven’t earned anything,” Trevino said. “We haven’t even scratched the surface on how good we can be. We’ve got a lot of things to clean up.”

Nevertheless, something is clearly changing in Bradford. The Railroaders are sustaining drives, responding to adversity and discovering offensive weapons they can trust in crucial situations.

More importantly, they are beginning to expect success.

“Winning’s addictive, but unfortunately, so is losing,” Trevino said. “We’ve been on that side for too long.”

For Trevino, rebuilding the program begins with restoring the relationships and pride that once surrounded Bradford football.

“We’re doing it for the town, we’re doing it for each other,” he said. “But most importantly, we’re doing it for the locker room—the brotherhood. It’s hard to play hard for somebody if you don’t love each other.”

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