By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
Division I
It seems the tide has shifted yet again in Division I football. After so many years of dominating the state title game, the Cincinnati area saw it slip away in the 1990's. But now Cincinnati will be looking for its fifth-straight big school title.
Cincinnati St. Xavier is the reigning D-I state champion as they defeated the legendary Massillon Tigers in 2005 title game. St. Xavier will be a force yet again this season, but just as last season their biggest test might be getting out of Region 4.
The region contains the likes of Cincinnati Colerain, Cincinnati Elder, Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller, and Centerville. Region 4 is arguably home to some of the nations' top teams, with Moeller, Colerain, Elder and St. X combining for 11 state titles. Any of these squads once again have a legitimate chance at winning it all, but St. Xavier, led by running back Darius Ashley, may hold a slight edge, albeit a very small one.
Of course there are challengers from around the state. Glenville, with its stunning ability to churn out blue chip prospects, will be a force from the Northeast corner of the state. Long time power Cleveland St. Ignatius, with its state record nine state titles will field a team with nine returning starters from 2005.
However, the biggest of the big dogs in the Northeast might be Lakewood St. Edwards. After a 12-1 2005 campaign, St. Edwards is ranked as high as fifth in some national polls. The Eagles will get their first shot at St. Xavier in the third game of the season.
Division IV
Coldwater began 2005 as the favorite to win the Division IV title. They ended it as the state champions. In 2006 nobody is talking state title, but instead they are wondering how the Cavaliers will replace a group of seniors led by Ohio State linebacker Ross Homan. With a stable full of young players, look for the Cavs to be in the playoff hunt in 2006 and from there, anything can happen.
Youngstown Mooney, led by Coach Patrick Fecko, has entered the stage of reloading, not rebuilding. The Cardinals reemerged from some difficult years with back-to-back appearances (2004 and 2005) in the state title game. In 2006 they appear loaded and ready for another run.
There are some great unknowns in Division IV. The biggest of those might be in Ironton. Legendary coach Bob Lutz has taken his 300 plus wins into retirement. Merril Triplett has been given the task of taking over the Tigers. Little should change in Tiger Town as Ironton looks for another playoff berth. Other teams to watch in the division include tradition rich Valley View, Youngstown St. Ursuline, and the up and coming West Milton Bulldogs.
Division V
Like D-IV, Division V was overcome last year by a team on a mission; Patrick Henry. The Patriots rolled to the state title in D-V, but like Coldwater, graduation drained the talent pool and the climb back to the top will be a tough one.
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, last season's runner-up is considered by many to be a top contender. The Eagles are a high flying offense led by their all-everything quarterback Doug Browne, who will be looking to take his team back to Canton.
The other contenders in D-V are familiar faces to the OHSAA playoff system. Marion Pleasant and St. Henry have spent numerous falls tearing through the playoffs and both look to be there again in 2006. These two squads face off to open the season in a game that will begin shaping the playoff picture.
The most interesting story in the division might be Versailles, where Jason Schondelmyer is replacing Al Hetrick. The Tigers will be looking for their 16th playoff appearance.
Division VI
In 2005 Delphos St. John's brought the Division VI title back to the MAC when they completed a 13-2 season. It was the eighth title for the MAC in D-VI since 1994. Now the Jays must replace 19 seniors, not an easy task. However, coach Todd Schulte still has the multi-talented Nick Johnson at quarterback and the Jays should be a formidable team once again.
The biggest challenge to DSJ might just come from within their conference. Marion Local coach Tim Goodwin, with a deep and experienced team, appears poised and ready for another memorable run.
Dola Hardin Northern, Mogadore, Bascom Hopewell-Louden, and Norwalk St. Paul will be among the teams looking to spoil the MAC party in 2006.