2016 Ohio high school football Division II Region 5 preview

Video: Junior year highlights
See Michael Canganelli in action last season


Players to Watch

* Michael Canganelli, Senior RB, Mayfield
Canaganelli ran for 1,594 yards and 21 touchdowns last year.

* Lynn Bowden, Senior QB, Warren Harding
Bowden holds eight offers, including Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

* Weston Bridges, Senior RB/DB, Copley
The Michigan State commit ran for 1,620 yards and 29 touchdowns last year.

* Javontae Richardson, Senior WR, Maple Heights
Richardson is a Kentucky commit.

* Grant Gonya, Junior K, Hudson
Gonya holds the OHSAA record for most consecutive field goals made with 17.

* Luke Strnad, Senior QB, Brecksville-Broadview Heights
Strnad has thrown for 3,687 yards and 49 touchdowns in two years.

* Trent Cloud, Senior WR, Bedford
Cloud holds offers from Wisconsin, Buffalo and Miami (Ohio).

* Mike Federico, Senior QB, Willoughby South
Federico threw for 2,406 yards and 31 touchdowns and ran for 563 yards and five touchdowns last year. Team To Beat

* Copley – 9-2, Region 3 quarterfinalist
The Indians reached the postseason for the first time since 2010 last year and expectations remain. Senior defensive back Weston Bridges (6-1, 195) holds 17 offers and has committed to Michigan State. A standout running back, Bridges ran for 1,620 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Senior quarterback Austin Brenner (6-1, 175) earned all-Northeast Inland District honors last year after throwing for 1,960 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also ran for 581 yards and five touchdowns. The defense returns seven players that registered at least 43 tackles, including senior defensive back Jaylon Doss (5-11, 170), who had a team-high 97 tackles. Also back is junior linebacker Blake Traylor (5-9, 190), who ranked third with 82 tackles.

Teams To Watch

* Aurora – 9-2, Region 3 quarterfinalist
The Greenmen have qualified for the postseason 10 years straight. Senior linebacker Bubba Arslanian (5-11, 190) was all-Northeast Inland District. Junior punter Gavin Blunt (6-1, 185) is a good one.

* Brecksville-Broadview Heights – 7-3
The Bees return senior quarterback Luke Strnad (5-11, 190), who threw for 1,254 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He threw for 2,433 yards and 32 touchdowns as a sophomore. He's also run for 874 yards and 11 touchdowns in two years.

* Chardon – 8-3, Region 3 quarterfinalist
The Hilltoppers have been to the playoffs three times in four years and expectations remain high. Key returning seniors include offensive lineman Justin Stanko (6-3, 275), linebacker Joe Cyvas (6-0, 190 with 221 tackles in two years) and punter Ethan Ziegenfuss (5-10, 175). Cyvas doubles as a running back, as he ran for 560 yards and 10 touchdowns last year.

* Hudson – 11-3, state semifinalist, Region 3 champion
The Explorers have won back-to-back regional titles. Junior kicker Grant Gonya (5-8, 145) holds the OHSAA record for most consecutive field goals made with 17 and has hit 93 of 95 point-after attempts the last two years.

* Madison – 9-2, Region 3 quarterfinalist
The Blue Streaks will feature senior defensive back Isaiah McClure (5-10, 155).

* Mayfield – 11-2, Region 3 finalist
The Wildcats have reached two straight regional finals. Senior running back Michael Canganelli (5-10, 182) returns after rushing for 1,594 yards and 21 touchdowns.

* Nordonia (Macedonia) – 8-4, Region 3 semifinalist
The Knights were state runners-up in 2014 and have been to the postseason four years running. The ground game will again be strong with senior running back Anthony Perrine (5-10, 207) and junior running back Tye Evans (6-0, 220). Senior defensive back Daniel Banks (5-10, 160) headlines the defense.

* Harding (Warren) – 8-4, Region semifinalist
Senior quarterback Lynn Bowden (6-1, 185) holds eight offers, including Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The defense is led by senior lineman Juwantae Harbin (6-2, 220).

Keep An Eye On

* Bedford - 5-5
The Bearcats will feature senior receiver Trent Cloud (6-0, 180), who holds offers from Wisconsin, Buffalo and Miami (Ohio).

* Ellet (Akron) - 6-4
Senior running back Bridges Marquise (5-10, 185) holds an offer from Akron.

* Maple Heights - 7-3
The Mustangs feature one of the state's top prospects in senior receiver JaVonte Richardson (6-3, 195), who is committed to Kentucky.

* South (Willoughby) - 4-6
The Rebels return senior quarterback Mike Federico (6-1, 190), who was all-Northeast Lakes District. He threw for 2,406 yards and 31 touchdowns and ran for 563 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Also In This Region

Green (Uniontown) 4-6
Barberton  7-3
Garfield (Akron) 7-3
Riverside (Painesville) 4-6
Roosevelt (Kent) 4-6
Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls) 3-7
Garfield Heights 2-8
North (Eastlake) 3-7
Kenston (Chagrin Falls) 3-7
Firestone (Akron) 3-7
Lakeside (Ashtabula) 2-8
Brush (Lyndhurst) 1-9
Twinsburg 1-9
North (Akron) 0-10