2016 Ohio high school football Division VII Region 25 preview

Video: 2015 Season - Max Tice RB
See the Toronto High star in action last season


Players To Watch

* Blake Anderson, Senior RB, Monroeville
Anderson set school records in rushing yards (1,476) and attempts (215) last year.

* Austin Williams, Senior RB/LB, Mogadore
Williams was a first team all-Ohio and the Northeast Inland District Defensive Player of the Year.

* Max Tice, Senior RB, Toronto
Tice has been named all-East District twice.

* Paul Skye, Junior LB, Mogadore
Skye posted a team-leading 139 tackles last year.

* Jarad Dunn, Senior WR, Mogadore
Dunn had 34 receptions for 724 yards and 12 touchdowns last year.

* Nate Martin, Senior RB, Sebring McKinley
Two-time first team All-ITCL.
Team To Beat

* Mogadore - 13-2, state runner-up, Region 23 champion
The Wildcats have made the postseason every year since the playoffs expanded to eight teams (1999). Last season Mogadore also won its 40th league title. Both streaks should grow. Senior Austin Williams (14 scores) returns, as does senior receiver Jared Dunn (34 catches, 724 yards, 12 touchdowns) and junior linebacker Paul Skye (last season's leading tackler with 139).

Teams To Watch

* Lutheran East (Cleveland Heights) - 5-4
The Falcons return sophomore quarterback Kaylin Heard (5-foot-10, 200 pounds), who was the Northeast Inland Lakes District Offensive Player of the Year last season, and a solid line that includes standouts Trevonne Boyd (6-1, 265, senior), Anthony Durham (5-11, 255, junior) and Devon Devezin (6-2, 240, senior). The defense will feature senior defensive back Mark McCary (5-9, 185).

* Monroeville - 6-5, Region 23 quarterfinalist
The Eagles went from 1-9 in 2014 to the first round of the playoffs. Quite a turnaround. Senior running back Blake Anderson returns after setting school records for single-season rushing yards (1,476) and attempts (215). He scored 15 touchdowns.

* St. Paul (Norwalk) - 10-2, Region 23 semifinalist
Veteran head coach John Livengood has a record of 235-66 with 17 playoff appearances, seven regional titles and five state finals in 23 years. He'll have a great shot at adding to those numbers again. The Flyers return a good one in senior linebacker Derek Gross.

* Toronto - 10-2, Region 23 semifinalist
The Red Knights made the postseason for the sixth time in history last season. Senior running back Max Tice (5-11, 195) returns after two all-East District honors.

* John F. Kennedy Catholic (Warren) - 11-2, Region 23 finalist
After back-to-back 2-8 seasons, the Eagles made the Elite Eight last season. Senior standout defensive back Jacob Coates (5-9, 170 with a Youngstown State offer) headlines a solid list of returners that also includes senior linebacker Evan Boyd (6-1, 200), senior kicker Justin Bofenkamp (6-0, 170) and junior offensive lineman Chris Urchek (6-2, 220).

* Wellsville - 5-5
The Tigers have made the playoffs three times in five years. Senior running back/defensive back Michael Shope (6-0, 170) was first team all-ITCL last year. Other key returning seniors and all-ITCL selections are running back Branzen Gradhaus (6-0, 195), linebacker Hayden Dalrymple (6-0, 205) and running back/linebacker Bradley Cline (5-10, 170).

Keep An Eye On

* Jackson-Milton (North Jackson) - 7-4, Region 23 quarterfinalist
The Blue Jays went from seven losses in 2014 to seven wins in 2015. Encore?

* Sandusky Central Catholic - 6-5, Region 23 quarterfinalist
After finishing ninth in Region 23 in 2014 with six wins, the Panthers reached the postseason last year.

* McKinley (Sebring) - 1-9
The Trojans return two-time first team all-ITCL performer and senior running back/defensive back Nate Martin (5-7, 145).

* Mathews (Vienna) - 7-3, Region 23 quarterfinalist
The Mustangs made the playoffs for the fourth time in program history last year. Graduation took key pieces, though.

Also In This Region

Windham 6-4
South Central (Greenwich) 4-6
Malvern 4-6
East Canton 3-7
Tuscarawas Central Catholic (New Philadelphia) 4-6
Mapleton (Ashland) 3-7
Strasburg-Franklin (Strasburg) 3-7
Chalker (Southington) 3-6
Valley Christian (Youngstown) 1-9
Lowellville 2-8
Harding (Fairport Harbor) 2-8
Leetonia 1-9
Young (Cleveland) 1-9
Conotton Valley (Bowerston) 1-9
St. John (Ashtabula) 1-9
Newbury 0-7