2017 Ohio football Division VI preseason state poll and preview

Video: Will Homan highlights
Watch Fort Recovery senior Will Homan in action against state runner-up Minster.

Coldwater has played in eight straight state finals. Marion Local has played in six straight. One of those streaks will end this season. With competitive balance making its debut and new regional alignments in place, both Midwest Athletic Conference powers are now in the same playoff region. Las year the two tied for the conference title. This is far from a two-horse race. Kirtland, Shadyside, Delphos Jefferson and Newark Catholic are among the challengers...as is another MAC school.

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Here's a look at what to expect in Ohio's smallest division...

EF'S JJH/MP OHIO HS PRESEASON TOP 10

1. Marion Local (Maria Stein) - 14-1, D-VI state champion, Region 24 champion
The Flyers, from the fabled Midwest Athletic Conference, advanced to their sixth straight state final last year and won their fifth title over that span. Marion Local, which has nine titles overall (all since 2000) and is 64-10 all-time in the playoffs, must replace 19 of 22 starters. Senior offensive lineman John Dirksen is one of the state’s top prospects and has committed to Notre Dame. He returns after missing the playoffs with an injury. Also back are senior tight end Tyler Mescher, junior linebacker Sam Heulsman and junior defensive back Matt Rethman. Head coach Tim Goodwin is 211-43 in 18 years.

2. Coldwater - 13-2, D-V state runner-up, Region 20 champion
The Cavaliers replaced 19 of 22 starters last season and advanced to their eighth straight state final where they were denied their fifth straight title. This season they just have to replace 15 starters. Five regulars return on offense, including three linemen. Keep an eye on senior running back/linebacker Bradley Giere. Head coach Chip Otten is 92-13 in seven years at Coldwater has been to the state final every season. Coldwater tied Marion Local for the MAC title last year.

3. Kirtland - 11-2, Region 21 finalist
The Hornets were denied a sixth straight appearance in the state finals by archrival Cuyahoga Heights who supplied both losses last year. Head coach Tiger Laverde is 130-16 in 11 seasons. The Hornets are 83-5 in their last 88 games. Key seniors include running back Joey Torok and offensive lineman Brett Diemer.

4. Fort Recovery - 8-5, Region 24 finalist
The Indians captured the D-VII state title in 2015 and were knocked out of the postseason last year by fellow MAC school Minster in the regional final 35-33. Senior running back/defensive back Will Homan returns after being named first team All-MAC on both sides of the ball. Senior defensive lineman Andrew Stocker is a two-time first team All-MAC selection.

5. Shadyside - 8-3, Region 27 quarterfinalist
The Tigers advanced to the playoffs for the 16th time in 17 years last season before dropping a 40-37 decision to Harvest Prep. Expect another postseason berth despite bumping up to D-VI. Shadyside returns a pair of standout senior running backs in Alex Krupa (1,000 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns) and Connor Banco. The defense features a pair of senior standouts in linebacker Dylan Hanson and defensive back Colton Stutzman.

6. Liberty-Benton (Findlay) - 6-4
The Eagles drop down from D-V and are trying to snap a two-year postseason absence. Senior quarterback Austin May was first team All-Blanchard Valley Conference last season after throwing for 1,490 yards and 13 touchdowns. Other returning All-BVC selections include senior offensive linemen A.J. Dobbins and Grant Vermilya, junior kicker Eli Heaster (37-of-40 PATs and 5-for-5 field goals) and senior defensive back Conor Greer.

7. Jefferson (Delphos) - 10-2, Region 24 semifinalist
The Wildcats lost to Coldwater and Mechanicsburg last season en route to 10 wins. Graduation took a toll, but talent returns. Expect the defense – led by seniors Davion Tyson (lineman), Brenan Auer (back) and Tyler Shrider (lineman) – to be stout. Auer doubles as a standout running back. He’ll run behind a line led by junior Dylan Nagel.

8. Newark Catholic (Newark) - 9-5, D-VI state semifinalist, Region 23 champion
The Green Wave own 35 playoff berths and nine state titles. Senior defensive back Cameron Lewis headlines the secondary.

9. Ada - 7-4, Region 28 quarterfinalist
The Bulldogs, who bump up a division, played six playoff teams last year and went 2-4. The potent pass-catch combo of seniors Seth Conley (quarterback) and Chase Sumner (receiver) returns. Conley threw for 31 touchdowns (10 to Sumner) and averaged 300 yards passing per game last season. Sumner doubled as a first team All-Northwest Conference defensive back. Senior Jakob Hoschak and junior Nathan Mattson anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Senior linebacker Ethan Swaney and senior defensive back Jackson Conrad are standouts as well.

10. Wellington - 5-5
The Dukes are looking for their first postseason trip since 2011 and their second since 2003. Wellington drops down a division and should have a better chance at the postseason against a difficult schedule. A standout senior class that includes receiver Trevor Porter, receiver Mason Wright, offensive lineman Drew Mason, defensive lineman Brandon Sorg and defensive back Tristan Arno is reason for high expectations.

Teams to Watch…

* Shenandoah (Sarahsville) - 4-6
The Zeps are looking for the program’s first playoff berth since 2003. Despite bumping up a division (just two boys over the limit), Shenandoah has some heightened expectations. Key seniors include running back Nick Miller, offensive lineman Dalton Rice and defensive lineman Austin McPeek. Junior linebacker Chase Chicwak and sophomore defensive back Kendal Sherman are ones to watch.

* Covington - 11-1, Region 28 semifinalist
The Buccs, who bump up from D-VII, earned their 12th-straight and 21st overall playoff berth last season.

* St. Henry - 8-4, Region 20 semifinalist
The Redskins will lean on two-way senior standout Tyler Schlarman (receiver/linebacker). Senior kicker Ryan Luttmer is a good one.

* Mogadore - 9-3, Region 25 semifinalist
The Wildcats, who bump up from D-VII and own 40 league titles, have made the postseason every year since the playoffs expanded to eight teams (1999).

* Oberlin - 4-6
The Phoenix own one playoff berth in program history (1985) but appear on the verge of breaking through for No. 2. Key seniors include athlete Devan Yarber, athlete Justin Noble, offensive lineman Matt Rassmussen and defensive lineman Jeremy Austin.

* Africentric Early College (Columbus) - 2-8
Nubians move up from D-VII but have two extremely talented players in junior receiver Deonte Wade (1,118 yards receiving, 40 catches and 12 TDs) and senior defensive back Jaron Anderson (seven interceptions). Columbus City League schedule (last seven games) includes all D-II and III teams.

Keep an Eye On…

Bridgeport
Hicksville
Grandview Heights (Columbus)
Spencerville
Garaway (Sugarcreek)