By Jason Hickman
MaxPreps.com
HILLIARD, Ohio --- With schools like Colerain, St. Edward, and St. Xavier lining the Division I football landscape in Ohio, Hilliard Davidson wasn't given much of a chance to be the last team standing at the conclusion of the 2006 season.
But thanks to a string of memorable postseason victories, the Wildcats overcame the odds and came away as champions in one of the nation's most competitive playoff brackets.
Friday, Hilliard Davidson's accomplishments were recognized by MaxPreps and The Army National Guard as part of the Tour of Champions in a ceremony at the Columbus-area school.
The Wildcats' playoff drama began Nov. 17 against Dublin's Coffman High, as they entered the locker room at halftime trailing by 13. Davidson bounced back behind a 109-yard effort by running back Bo Delande and advanced with a 28-20 win.
The next week, Hilliard Davidson was a heavy underdog against state power Colerain of Cincinnati. But a safety and a touchdown run by Delande would be all the Wildcats would need to punch their ticket to the state championship game in a 10-6 win.
Against Mentor for the state title, Delande once again came up with a huge effort, churning out 236 yards and five touchdowns on 47 carries in a double-overtime, 36-35 victory at Canton's Fawcett Stadium.
The win gave Hilliard Davidson a perfect 15-0 record and its first state football title. The Wildcats also finished No. 11 in the final MaxPreps National Rankings.
Following the dream season, senior J.B. Strahler was named to the Associated Press All-State first team at linebacker, while Delande and wide receiver/defensive back Tim Pugno received Honorable Mention.