By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
Football: Week One on the Gridiron
The 2006 football season has finally arrived in Ohio.
Northmont and Dayton Chaminade-Julienne will open the season Thursday night. Northmont's Bolts will be led by one of Ohio's top prospects, quarterback Clay Belton. The game is a crucial computer point gain contest for both teams.
On the eastern side of the state Cuyahoga Walsh Jesuit and Youngstown Mooney are hooking up. The game features two of the state's better squads and should provide some insight into the strength of the two teams.
Kenton and Coldwater are set to renew their non-conference rivalry. An opening game win for Coldwater would be a statement-maker in their attempt at becoming repeat champions.
One of the most interesting match-ups of week one is Division VI Delphos St. Johns taking on Division I Kilbourne Worthington. The Jays are the defending D-VI champions, but they are facing a big challenge in Kilbourne, which is coming off a 7-3 season and were a playoff qualifier in 2005.
Perhaps the biggest game of the opening weekend takes place Saturday. Marion Pleasant travels to St. Henry in a crucial game that could play a large role in deciding who qualifies for the D-V playoffs. The teams play in the same region, although a St. Henry loss could harm them more as they face a number of challenges during the season. Marion overcame a 0-2 start last year to make the playoffs.
Basketball: Big Time Transfer Boost Dayton Dunbar Chances
Defending Division II boys' basketball champion Dayton Dunbar got a big boost for the upcoming 2006-07 season. Anthony Oden, a 6-8, 270-pound post player, has enrolled at Dunbar, after he and his mother moved to Dayton from Indianapolis.
Oden is the younger brother of Ohio State recruit Greg Oden - the nations' top incoming freshman. The elder Oden is considered a sure first round pick when he elects to enter the NBA Draft.
Anthony, a junior, will team with Aaron Pogue, giving the Wolverines a fierce front court tandem. They will also provide an imposing tandem on the football field, where both will spend their fall in 2006.
Basketball: Ohio Loses a Legend
Former Cincinnati Elder coach Paul "Hans" Frey passed away August 19. Frey compiled a record of 383-118, winning consecutives titles in 1974 and 1975. He retired in 1991 after coaching 22 years at Elder.
Track & Field: Beard Takes on Beijing
Euclid High School's Jessica Beard recently competed in the World Junior Championships in Beijing, China. A junior, Beard competed in the 400 meters where she recorded a time of 52.51, good for fifth place after winning her heat to qualify for the finals.
Volleyball: State Powers Square Off to Open Season
A number of intriguing match-ups are set for the opening weekend of the 2006 volleyball season.
While most fans will have at least one eye on the quad match featuring Centerville, St. Henry, Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame, and Oak Hills, heavy-hitters at all levels will be facing stiff early season tests.
The Celina Bulldogs will play St. Henry, marking the return of former St. Henry coach De De Stoner, who is now leading Celina. In Kettering, Fairmont welcomes Division I power Cincinnati Ursuline and Toledo Central Catholic in a tri-match. Also, Roger Bacon and Cincinnati Mother of Mercy will pair off in a tri-meet with Newport Catholic, Ky.
In Division IV, defending state champion Sidney Lehman will pair off against Marion Local, a team many consider a challenger to the Cavaliers title in 2006. Division III will also have an early season heavyweight showdown as Huron and Margarreta hook up for the first of two matches on the year.
Volleyball: Tiger Star Going West
Huron junior Sara Sage has verbally committed to play volleyball at UCLA. The 6-3 Sage is pegged as a hitter, but it is her complete game which caught the eye of coaches from around the nation.