2017 Ohio football Division IV preseason state poll and preview

Video: Javon Davis highlights
Watch Steubenville senior quarterback Javon Davis in action against Bishop Hartley in last year's state final.

Steubenville has finished state runner-up the last two years in D-IV. Time for Big Red to take the next step? With competitive balance making its debut and new regional alignments in place, Steubenville seems primed to challenge for another trip to the state final. Who else has a chance? Several notable names jump out. Shelby, Valley View, Perry, Mooney, Wyoming, Jonathan Alder, Chagrin Falls...all have their sights set on and a shot at the state title. Should be a competitive race in Ohio's middle division.

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Here's a look at what to expect in D-IV...

EF'S JJH/MP OHIO HS PRESEASON TOP 10

1. Steubenville - 13-2, D-IV state runner-up, Region 15 champion
Last year Big Red earned its 29th postseason berth, won a fourth straight regional title and finished state runner-up for the second year in a row. The talent to reach a third straight state final returns. The offensive backfield tandem of seniors Javon Davis (quarterback) and Jacob Bernard (running back) is one of the state’s best. Davis threw for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, while Bernard rushed for 1,364 yards and 15 touchdowns.

2. Shelby - 11-2, Region 15 finalist
The Whippets are coming of the program’s first playoff berth since 2010 and have high expectations. Senior quarterback Brennan Armstrong (36 total touchdowns last year) has committed to Minnesota and is arguably the state’s top quarterback prospect. Senior running back Devon Brooks and senior receiver Carter Brooks add to a lethal offense.

3. Perry - 13-1, D-IV state semifinalist, Region 13 champion
The Pirates are looking for a fourth straight playoff appearance. A strong senior class led by defensive lineman Nick Mason, quarterback Kolston Brewster, receiver Jacob Allen and defensive lineman Hayden Makadd paves the way. 

4. Valley View (Germantown) - 10-2, Region 16 semifinalist
The Spartans are ready to make a run reminiscent of their heyday (three titles in four years in the 1990s). Several program alumni have kids playing and senior running back Collin Genslinger is one of them. Genslinger ran for 1,703 yards and 28 TDs last year. He also had 307 yards and four TDs receiving. Senior quarterback Collin Wood (1,268 yards passing and 20 total TDs) and senior offensive lineman Adam Valenti add to the offense. The defense is led by seniors Logan Hannah (linebacker) and Stone Day (defensive lineman).

5. Wyoming (Cincinnati) - 12-1, Region 16 finalist
The Cowboys will unleash a seasoned defense the features senior lineman Joshua Malone, sophomore linebacker Camden O'gara, junior linebacker Pierson Rogers, junior lineman James Smithth, junior linebacker Hasan Black, junior defensive back Joey Edmonds and senior defensive back Miles Smith. Last year that unit allowed 8.9 points per game and had five shutouts.

6. Jonathan Alder (Plain City) - 9-2, Region 14 quarterfinalist
The Pioneers are looking for the program’s 16th postseason berth. The senior quartet of quarterback Preston Eisnaugle, running back Jamie Dye, defensive back Bryan Blacka and defensive back Dalton Potts is solid. Eisnaugle is a three-year starter and Marshall University baseball commit.

7. Clinton-Massie (Clarksville) - 10-2, Region 16 semifinalist
The Falcons are a playoff regular (62-6 the last five years and won back-to-back state titles in 2012-13). Head coach Dan McSurely (215-72 in 21 years) and staff will lean on senior defensive lineman Trey Uetrecht and senior linebacker Weston Trampler.

8. Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown) - 8-3, Region 13 semifinalist
The Cardinals are coming off the program’s 28th playoff berth. The defense will feature senior end Vinny Gentile. The offense will feature senior running back Dan Simko. Keep an eye on senior offensive lineman Tyle Petrey and senior linebacker Brennan Olesh.

9. Cambridge - 7-4, Region 15 quarterfinalist
The Bobcats are coming off the program’s first postseason berth since 2006. Key returners include senior offensive lineman Garrett Dostall, junior receiver Trent Valentine, senior defensive lineman Thomas Arnold and senior defensive back Alex Valentine.

10. Waverly - 9-2, Region 16 quarterfinalist
The Tigers return senior quarterback Clayton Howell, senior offensive lineman Gunnar Robinson and senior defensive lineman Gage Savely.

Teams to watch…

* Firelands (Oberlin) - 7-3
The Falcons are looking for the program’s third playoff berth overall (all since 2011). Defense – led by the senior trio of lineman Landon Peterson, linebacker Luke Peterson and defensive back Logan Strader – should be a strength. The offense will feature senior running back Nick Denney.

* Chagrin Falls - 4-6
The Tigers opened up 1-5 last season with each loss coming to eventual playoff teams. Chagrin Falls drops down from D-III, which should help it snap a three-year postseason drought. Senior defensive lineman Nick Difiore and senior linebacker Sam Gaizutis headline a stout unit.

* Meadowbrook (Byesville) - 2-8
The Colts lost to five playoffs teams last season. Good news is that experience should payoff with the return of senior offensive lineman Bryson Eubanks, junior linebacker Brady Blattner, senior defensive back Winston Harper and senior defensive back Easton Black.

* Oakwood (Dayton) - 2-8
Midway through last season the Lumberjacks switched to a wide-open throw-first offense and excitement and points built quickly. Now the encore. Senior quarterback Brian Erbe is back (2,091 passing yards and 30 total touchdowns) as is his favorite target – senior receiver Connor Dinkler (860 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns). Erbe attempted over 50 passes and threw for over 400 yards in games against Valley View and Franklin. He accounted for 11 total touchdowns in those two contests as well.

* Vinton County (McArthur) - 4-6
The Vikings haven’t been to the playoffs since 2004 but the return of senior quarterback Naylan Yates and senior defensive back Hunter Nichols coupled with a drop in division (from D-III) has increased excitement. Yates threw for 1,875 yards and 17 touchdowns and ran for 1,017 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

Keep an Eye On…
Wauseon
Poland Seminary (Poland)
St. Clairsville
Ursuline (Youngstown)
Highland (Sparta)