By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
Division II
Football teams around the state took the field over the weekend against a real opponent. The first scrimmages were held and the weather could not have been better. After spending the first few days in temperatures hovering in the 90's, things cooled off considerably for scrimmage weekend.
Every year the contenders to be playing in December are identified and every year a team comes from out no where to win a championship.
That was the scenario last season in Division II when Toledo Central Catholic stunned everyone with an amazing run to glory, that finished with the gold trophy.
This year the Irish will return only a handful of starters, but one of those is Dane Sanzenbacher. As a junior, he dazzled fans and shot to the top of recruiting lists. Sanzenbacher has already made a verbal commitment to Ohio State, allowing him to focus on his team's drive to repeat as Division II champions.
The teams chasing TCC are once again numerous and filled with talent. First up is state runner-up Canfield. The Cardinals return the services of all-everything Sean Baker. Baker splits time on offense between quarterback and running back. On defense he patrols the field from his linebacker position.
Piqua, led by OSU-bound Brandon Saine and sixteen returning starters, should make some noise this year. Despite suffering a number of loses to graduation, Columbus Waterson has proven to be a yearly contender and this year should be no different.
When talking about Division II football, the discussion must include the Avon Lake Shoremen. A perennial Division II power, the Shoremen sport a state title and a runner-up finish in two of the three last seasons, and are likely to be in the hunt once again in 2006.
Most "Cinderellas" have a common denominators - they are loaded with seniors. The Macedonia Nordonia Knights have 30 seniors on the 2006 roster and consequently fit this profile. After making the playoffs in 2003 and 2004, the Knights suffered through a rough 2005 campaign, but led by the senior core they appear destined to make another playoff run in 2006.
Division III
Last season Division III was home to one of the most unlikely playoff runs. After finishing the season at 6-4, Columbus DeSales took off and landed in the championship game, where they fell to Steubenville. It is the perfect example of how forecasting Ohio high school football can be a real challenge.
But at the Division III level, Steubenville is always a good place to start.
The Big Red capped their second-straight 10-0 regular season by winning the title in 2005. In 2006 they face the some problem they had a year ago - the offensive line. If they can find the pieces to fill some holes, they will be tough to take down this season.
Among the challengers looking to wrestle away the crown from Steubenville will be two Dayton-area schools; Kettering Alter and Dayton Chaminade-Julienne. Alter is always a challenger, while Chaminade-Julienne must replace coach Jim Place, who moved onto Hamilton, but their talent pool remains deep. Andy Helms will take over for Place after coaching at East Lees Creek.
In the Northeast section of the state Akron Butchel, Cuyahoga Walsh Jesuit, and Mentor Lake Catholic look to field strong teams.
Mentor Lake has made four playoff appearances in the last five seasons. The Cougars have built a program capable of competing for a title every season. Walsh Jesuit has a stable full of D-I prospects, including Boston College-bound Nick Schepis to propel their hopes for a long playoff run. Akron Butchel finished last season with an 8-2 regular season record and will be one of the team's to beat this year in the North.