2016 Ohio high school football Division III Region 11 preview

Video: Junior Year, Patrick Robinson
See the Hamilton Township quarterback in action


Players To Watch

* Patrick Robinson, Senior QB, Hamilton Township
Robinson threw for 4,114 yards and 38 touchdowns in two years.

* Derrius Mullins, Senior DL, Columbus DeSales
Mullins holds offers from Cincinnati, Bowling Green, Toledo and Kent State.

* RJ Harris, Senior DL, Zanesville
Harris holds an offer from Iowa State. He had 50 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 15 sacks last season.

* Travis Geiger, Senior OL, Marion-Franklin
Geiger is a two-time all-Columbus City League performer.

* Travis Moore, Senior WR, Marietta
Moore was a first team all-Southeastern District pick.

* Jack Staggs, Senior QB, Whetstone
The all-Central District selection threw for 1,599 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. Team To Beat

* Hamilton Township (Columbus) – 8-3, Region 9 quarterfinalist
The Rangers are ready for the next step. Coming off back-to-back playoff appearances (its first since 2002) and its first home playoff game, Hamilton Township finished first in Region 9 computer points last season. Now it is time to advance past Week 11. Senior quarterback Patrick Robinson (5-10, 167) has thrown for 4,114 yards and 38 touchdowns in two years. He was first team all-Central District and all-OCC. He owns nearly every school passing record. Senior running back Trey Johnson (6-0, 165 with 640 yards rushing on 97 carries) and senior receiver Mikele Cumberland (5-11, 168 with 28 receptions for 430 yards and four touchdowns) are also back. The offensive line will be anchored by senior Anthony Morbitzer (6-2, 230) and junior Tristan Kieffer (6-3, 280). The defense will be led by Cumberland (a defensive back with three interceptions) and four additional seniors that earned all-district laurels last year in linebackers Austin Jewell (6-2, 195 with 98 tackles) and Anthony Balsimo (6-1, 210) and linemen Jacob Maynard (6-2, 200) and Jeremy Maynard (6-2, 200).

Teams To Watch

* Bexley (Columbus) – 8-3, Region 9 quarterfinalist
The Lions and head coach John Smith (46-44 in nine years) are looking to win their second-straight MSL title and make the playoffs for the fourth season in a row. Bexley returns seven starters on offense but does have to replace most of its defense. Senior kicker Logan Meyer returns after setting the school record for points in a season (61) and field goals in a season (seven) last year. Additional key returning seniors are lineman Wade Randle, lineman Parker Getz, lineman John Corcella, receiver Kyle Benson, running back Micah Fliegel, running back/linebacker Sean Early, lineman Jalen Hatton and quarterback Simon Kroos. Junior lineman Grant Robinson is seasoned.

* Bishop Watterson (Columbus) – 6-5, Region 9 semifinalist
The Eagles, who have missed the playoffs just five times in 24 years, snapped a two-year postseason absence last season. Key returners include senior linebacker/fullback Max Bratka (5-11, 210 with 45 tackles), senior running back Adam Kasun (5-10, 188 with 371 yards rushing and four touchdowns) and junior receiver/defensive back Nate Meyer (6-1, 190 with 25 tackles). Head coach Dan Bjelac is 94-57 in 13 years.

* Jackson – 11-2, Region 9 finalist
The Ironmen have made the postseason four times in six years and appear poised to make it five in seven. Key returning seniors include running back Johnny Farley (5-6, 160), defensive lineman Billy Cooper (6-0, 210), linebacker Raymon Potter (6-2, 230) and defensive lineman Codey Roseberry (6-2, 245).

* St. Francis de Sales (Columbus) – 10-2, Region 9 semifinalist
The Stallions, who have been to the playoffs 20 times in 22 years, return a tenacious defense led by a pair of seniors - lineman Derrius Mullins (6-4, 315) and linebacker Ryan Corkrean (6-2, 215) – who earned first team all-Central District honors last year. Mullins has multiple Division I offers. The offense will feature senior running back Alonzo Booth (6-0, 235), who also doubles as a linebacker (42 tackles). Senior kicker Dominic Dimaccio (5-8, 165) is a good one.

* Zanesville – 12-2, state semifinalist, Region 9 champion
The Blue Devils made a memorable run last year and now must replace seven first team all-Eastern District performers. Key returners include senior defensive lineman R.J. Harris (6-4, 260) and senior kicker Aaron Ashby (5-9, 190). Harris holds an offer from Iowa State. He had 50 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 15 sacks last season.

Keep An Eye On

* Athens (The Plains) – 6-4
A year removed from finishing as the state runner-up, the Bulldogs failed to make the playoffs. Athens has played in three of the last four regional finals. Head coach Ryan Adams is 72-30 in nine years.

* Beechcroft (Columbus) - 7-3
Senior offensive lineman Aarin Smoot-Baker (6-3, 255) is one of the region's best.

* Chillicothe – 7-4, Region 9 quarterfinalist
Led by veteran head coach Ron Hinton (multiple state titles at Amanda-Clearcreek), the Cavaliers will lean on senior defensive back Khaleel Danzy (5-6, 150).

* Eastmoor Academy (Columbus) - 7-3
The Warriors will rally around senior linebacker Trevon Hughes (5-10, 220).

* Granville - 5-5
The Blue Aces will lean on senior lineman Nick Kurek (5-10, 240) and Mathieu Holt (6-1, 190).

* Independence (Columbus) - 6-4
The 76ers have one of the region's best defenders in senior linebacker Eu'Rell Turnage (6-0, 195).

* Linden-McKinley (Columbus) - 2-8
Senior defensive back Da'Sean Henry (5-8, 150) headlines the Panthers' secondary.

* Marion-Franklin (Columbus) - 7-3
Senior offensive lineman Travis Geiger (6-5, 305) is a two-time all-City League selection.

* Marietta - 5-5
The Tigers will feature senior receiver Travis Moore (6-2, 180), who was first team all-Southeastern District.

* Miami Trace (Washington Courthouse) - 3-7
The Panthers and veteran head coach Steve Bartlett return 24 seniors. If Miami Trace can survive a run of five playoff teams to start the season, this could be a special year.

* Sheridan (Thornville) - 7-3
The Generals own 17 playoff berths but are looking for their first since 2011.

* South (Columbus) - 1-9
The Bulldogs have an elite defender in senior linebacker Dezujwann Robinson (6-1, 185).

* Whetstone (Columbus) - 4-5
The Braves will ride senior quarterback Jack Staggs (6-3, 190), who was all-Central District after throwing for 1,599 yards and 12 touchdowns. Senior linebacker Miles Poff (6-1, 220) led the team in tackles (with 100) last year.

Also In This Region

Whitehall-Yearling (Whitehall) 6-4
Buckeye Valley (Delaware) 5-5
Centennial (Columbus) 2-7
Hillsboro 3-7
Vinton County (McArthur) 3-7
West Holmes (Millersburg) 1-9
Morgan (McConnelsville) 1-9
Warren (Vincent) 0-10