Blazers ready to raise expectations under St. Augustine
(Photo Courtesy Champine Photography)
By Eddie Mowen Jr.
NEW PARIS — A veteran group of returning players will provide a strong foundation as Ricky St. Augustine begins his first season as head football coach at National Trail.
St. Augustine is entering his third season with the Blazers program but his first as a head coach. He inherits a team that went 4-6 overall and 4-5 in Western Ohio Athletic Conference play last season.
With 10 returning starters, several all-conference performers and plenty of experience on both sides of the ball, St. Augustine isn't making predictions. He is, however, raising expectations.
“We’re not going to make predictions, but we are going to raise expectations,” St. Augustine said. “Our players need to believe they belong in competitive games, and then we have to prove that with preparation, toughness and execution. The league will test us, and that’s exactly what we need.”
Senior Jonah Brinkley is among the leaders of an experienced returning group. A four-year starter at halfback and defensive end, Brinkley earned first-team All-WOAC honors on both offense and defense last season after receiving special mention recognition in 2024.
Brinkley averaged 10.4 yards per carry and rushed for five touchdowns last season. He added a team-high 500 receiving yards and five touchdown catches, finishing with 10 total touchdowns and a team-best 60 points.
Defensively, Brinkley led Trail with 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He also contributed as a punter.
Junior Talon Bousman gives the Blazers another versatile veteran. The three-year starter at wide receiver and defensive back was a second-team All-WOAC defensive back in 2024. Last season, he recorded 74 total tackles, including 25 solo stops, while also contributing offensively with five rushing touchdowns and four touchdown passes.
Junior Grady Ott returns for his third season as a starter at quarterback and defensive back. Ott earned second-team All-WOAC honors at defensive back last season after recording three interceptions for 75 return yards. His 49 assisted tackles tied for the team lead.
Senior Christian Miears also recorded 49 assisted tackles. The four-year starter at fullback and middle linebacker earned special mention All-WOAC recognition in 2024.
National Trail's senior class also includes four-year starter Nick Clark at tight end and outside linebacker, three-year starter Westin Marker on the offensive and defensive lines and two-year starter Matt Jones at fullback and outside linebacker.
The Blazers return experience throughout the secondary as well.
Junior Jay Lofton is back for his second season as a starter at wide receiver and safety. He scored twice on defense last season, returning an interception and a fumble recovery for touchdowns.
Junior Henry Roberts, a three-year starter at wide receiver and cornerback, led Trail with two fumble recoveries.
Sophomore Kaili Merritt returns for his second season as a starter at quarterback and defensive back after averaging a team-high 23.5 yards per reception last year.
Junior Liam Davis, an offensive tackle and outside linebacker, is another returning player expected to contribute.
A group of newcomers will look to add depth around Trail's veteran core.
Senior Wyatt Cass joins the team at wide receiver and nose guard, while senior Davyn Penley will compete at center and outside linebacker. Sophomores Bradley Taylor and Blake Reid provide additional options along the offensive and defensive fronts.
Freshmen Landon Kovacs, a wide receiver and cornerback, and Killian Brewer, a kicker and wide receiver, also join the program.
With that combination of experience and new talent, the Blazers will look to improve on last year's four-win season. For St. Augustine, however, progress will be measured by more than the final standings.
One of his priorities is developing a team capable of responding the right way when adversity inevitably arrives.
“A big expectation for us is learning how to respond,” St. Augustine said. “Every season brings injuries, mistakes, tough moments and close games. We want to become a team that responds with discipline instead of panic and keeps improving regardless of circumstance.”
St. Augustine also wants the program's growth to extend beyond the field. He sees families, alumni, school staff, volunteers and the surrounding community as important parts of building a sustainable football program at National Trail.
“A healthy football program is not built by coaches alone,” he said. “Families, alumni, volunteers, school staff and community members all have a role.”
As St. Augustine begins his first season at the helm, the goal is to bring those groups together while creating an environment that challenges and supports the players.
“This year, we’re especially focused on bringing people into that shared purpose and making sure our players are known, challenged, supported and prepared,” St. Augustine said.
The Blazers are scheduled to open the season at home against Catholic Central on Friday, Aug. 21.
Greyhounds continue building foundation under Schooley
(Photo Courtesy of Champine Photograpy)
By Eddie Mowen Jr.
NEW LEBANON — For Dixie football coach Sean Schooley, the Greyhounds’ second season under his leadership is less about looking ahead to a particular win total and more about continuing to build the program one day at a time.
Dixie returns a core group of players who endured the challenges of a 1-9 season a year ago and remained committed to the program. Schooley believes that experience can help the Greyhounds take another step forward this fall.
“Our focus is on us — getting better every day, doing the little things right, preparing the right way, and making sure that we hold our standard in everything we do,” Schooley said.
Schooley enters his second season as Dixie’s head coach with a 1-9 career record. The Greyhounds finished 1-8 in Western Ohio Athletic Conference play last season.
The program’s approach is summed up by its motto: “Chop Wood, Carry Water.”
“That’s exactly how we’re approaching this season: put in the work every day, trust the process, and don’t look too far ahead,” Schooley said. “We’re going to take it one game at a time and put everything we have into the opponent in front of us.”
Dixie has eight returning starters, along with another key returner, to provide experience on both sides of the ball.
Junior Ayden Hipp returns at quarterback and defensive back, while junior Nathan Metcalf is back at running back and linebacker. Junior Colt Himan and junior Noah Thompson give the Greyhounds experience at wide receiver and in the secondary, with Thompson also playing outside linebacker.
Sophomores Elijah Dillion and Koa Dishman gained valuable varsity experience as freshmen. Dillion plays wing and free safety, while Dishman returns along the offensive and defensive lines.
Senior Zach Poston provides additional experience on both lines, while senior Keegan Wells returns as the team’s kicker. Junior Ty Easom is another returning contributor on the offensive and defensive lines.
Schooley said that group has played an important role in establishing the direction of the program.
“This group of returning players represents what we are trying to build at Dixie,” Schooley said. “Elijah Dillion, Koa Dishman, Colt Himan, Ayden Hipp, Nathan Metcalf, Zach Poston, Noah Thompson, Ty Easom and Keegan Wells have stuck with the program, continued to grind, and bought into the direction we are heading.”
Their willingness to remain committed through a difficult season is something Schooley hopes will pay dividends.
“They have experienced the challenges that come with building a program, but instead of walking away, they have continued to ‘Chop Wood, Carry Water,’” he said. “Their experience, leadership and commitment will be extremely important as we continue to grow the program and establish the culture we want at Dixie.”
The Greyhounds will also have a large group of newcomers competing for opportunities.
Seniors Wyatt Kayler and Garrett Williams join the mix at wide receiver and defensive back, while senior Dillon Singer will contribute along the offensive line and at linebacker. Senior Levi Welz adds depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
Sophomore Aiden Gruber will compete on both lines, while Chandler Rhobus is a running back and outside linebacker. Sophomore Peyton Predue adds another option on the offensive and defensive lines, and classmate Colton Moore will compete at running back and linebacker.
Dixie also has several freshmen who could work their way into the lineup. Ambry Hurtt is a wide receiver and defensive back, Liam Pennington is a running back and outside linebacker, Konor Wylie can contribute at wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back, and Gavin Kisling will work on both lines.
Schooley said the newcomers have quickly embraced the program’s expectations.
“Our newcomers have stepped in ready to compete and become part of the direction we are taking Dixie football,” he said. “They have embraced what we are building and will have opportunities to contribute this season.”
While the Greyhounds hope their increased experience translates into improvement in the WOAC standings, Schooley said the program will measure itself first by its preparation, effort and consistency.
“If we continue to improve, play together, and live by our core values, the results will take care of themselves,” he said.
For Schooley, continuing to establish those values remains the primary objective as Dixie enters year two of its rebuilding process.
“Our biggest expectation this season is to continue building the culture and foundation of Dixie football,” Schooley said. “We want our players focused on being great teammates, staying positive, and giving uncommon effort every single day.
“It’s about us getting better, competing together, and learning how to do things the right way consistently. We will continue to ‘Chop Wood, Carry Water,’ take things one day and one game at a time, and keep moving this program forward.”
The Greyhounds will host New Miami for their season opener on Friday, Aug. 21.
Experienced Panthers eye winning season, playoff berth
(Photo Courtesy of Champine Photography)
By Eddie Mowen Jr.
LEWISBURG — A year of growth, a productive offseason and an experienced senior class have Tri-County North believing it can take another step forward in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference this fall.
The Panthers enter coach Nicholas Bandstra’s second season coming off a 4-6 campaign, including a 4-5 mark in the WOAC.
Bandstra said the progress made during his first year, coupled with increased confidence throughout the program, has raised expectations heading into 2026.
“We have raised the expectations for the program as a whole after last season and how the offseason has gone,” Bandstra said. “The buy-in has been great, and our kids have a lot more confidence and want to accomplish a lot this season.”
Bandstra is 4-6 at Tri-County North and 10-30 through four seasons as a head coach.
While North will rely on a sizable freshman class, the Panthers have an experienced group of seniors capable of providing leadership on both sides of the ball.
Senior Peyton Fannin returns as one of the WOAC’s top running backs after rushing for 1,032 yards last season, fourth-best in the conference. Fannin earned first-team All-WOAC honors at both running back and defensive back and second-team Southwest District recognition at running back.
He has also received multiple NCAA Division III football offers.
Senior Luke Wright gives the Panthers another proven two-way performer in the trenches. A two-year captain, Wright earned honorable mention All-Ohio and first-team Southwest District honors at defensive line after recording 87 tackles and three sacks.
Senior Corbin Flory returns at split end and defensive back after recording 41 tackles and earning honorable mention Southwest District honors at tight end.
Grayson Woodworth is another experienced senior expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. Woodworth, a split end and linebacker, earned honorable mention Southwest District recognition at defensive back last season after finishing with 26 tackles and three interceptions.
Senior Logan Watts, another two-year captain, returns on the offensive line and at linebacker. Watts was a special mention All-WOAC offensive lineman and recorded 65 tackles defensively.
Junior Luke Baughman gives North experience at quarterback. The two-year starter passed for 624 yards and accounted for seven total touchdowns last season and will also contribute at linebacker.
The Panthers are also looking forward to having sophomore Jake Wiegand back in the lineup. Wiegand’s 2025 season ended with an injury in the opening game, but Bandstra expects the running back and defensive back to play a significant role on both sides of the ball.
Several newcomers could make an immediate impact.
Junior Carter Mathews is expected to contribute at running back and defensive back as well as on special teams. Freshmen Eli Creech, Conner Haney, Grant Bowlin and Corbin Oswalt are also expected to see significant playing time.
Creech will rotate at running back and linebacker, while Haney is expected to start at offensive tackle and Bowlin at center. Oswalt could fill several roles on offense, defense and special teams.
The youth movement will be an important storyline for North.
Seventeen of the Panthers’ 36 players are freshmen, something Bandstra knows could result in some early growing pains.
“We will have some growing pains for sure with 17 of our 36 players being freshmen,” Bandstra said. “However, we have a really good senior group that has developed into leaders that will help ease some of those growing pains.”
North will attempt to make its move in a competitive WOAC. Bandstra expects Ansonia, Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee and Arcanum to again be among the conference’s top teams.
“We are in a tough conference, but we have had a great offseason and are ready to compete,” Bandstra said. “I expect Ansonia, Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee and Arcanum to continue to be playoff teams. Should we stay healthy, I personally think we can compete in the WOAC this year.”
For the Panthers, improvement in 2026 would mean more than simply adding to last season’s win total. Bandstra wants North competing for meaningful games late in the season and putting itself in position to reach the postseason.
“I truly think we can compete with anyone when we are on our A game,” Bandstra said. “Our goal is to have a winning record and to compete for a playoff spot this season.”
With a proven senior group setting the tone and a large freshman class beginning to establish itself, the Panthers enter Bandstra’s second season with a clear objective — continue building the program while making their presence felt in the WOAC.
The Panthers open the season at home against River View.
Franklin Monroe sets the tone in 5-0 win over Twin Valley South
#15 Armstrong had a solid game and 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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Arrows reload, set sights on WOAC title and playoff run
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.”
The Arrows open the season at home against Middletown Madison.
