2016 Ohio high school football Division V Region 19 preview

Video: Chace Harris defensive highlights
See the Albany Alexander star in action


Players To Watch

* Joel Honigford, Senior OL, Garaway
The Michigan commit is No. 15 in JJHuddle's Top 100 Prospects.

* Chace Harris, Senior DE, Albany Alexander
Harris had 100 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and nine sacks last year.

* RJ Jacobs, Senior QB, Garaway
Jacobs' career passing totals are 7,864 yards and 89 touchdowns.

* Keith Leindecker, Senior OL/DL, Ridgewood
Leindecker was all-Ohio last year.

* Jake Fortney, Senior RB, Coshocton
Fortney was also all-Ohio last year.

* Daylor Lewis, Senior K, Wheelersburg
Lewis is a two-time all-Ohio choice.
Teams To Beat

* Garaway (Sugarcreek) - 6-4
After an 11-win season in 2013 and some lofty expectations last year, the Pirates stumbled. Guess what? Expectations remain. And for good reason: talent is rampant. Senior offensive lineman Joel Honigford (6-6, 243) is ranked the 15th-top recruit in Ohio in the JJHuddle Top 100, and has committed to Michigan. He held nearly 30 offers, including Oklahoma, Michigan State, Penn State, Auburn and Nebraska. Senior quarterback and four-year starter R.J. Jacobs (6-1, 190) has thrown for 7,864 yards and 89 scores. He's also rushed for 20 touchdowns. Also back are senior receivers Quinn Miller (5-10, 170) and Ty Hamsher (6-0, 190), sophomore offensive lineman Ryan Alshire (5-11, 245) and senior linebacker Ian Hershberger (5-11, 190).

* Wheelersburg - 13-1, state semifinalist, Region 17 champion
The Pirates, who haven't had a season below .500 since 1963, made the playoffs for the 27th time last season and won their 30th league title (SOC). Head coach Rob Woodward (78-19 in eight years) is banking on a record number of players (near 90 in grades 9-12) to breed a lot of competition internally. The defense returns junior linebacker Xander Carmichael (6-2, 210 with a team-leading 98 tackles), senior linebacker Clint Hatfield (6-1, 195), junior defensive lineman Jeremy Cooper (5-11, 190) and senior defensive back Taylor Doerr (5-11, 180). The offense will feature the senior trio of lineman Lyden Collins (6-2, 270), running back Keaton Newsome (6-0, 200) and wide receiver Tanner Bivens (6-0, 180), sophomore wide receiver Tanner Holden and junior running back Dominic Reyes (5-6, 155). Senior kicker Daylor Lewis (5-7, 175) is a two-time all-Ohioan.

Teams To Watch

* Alexander (Albany) - 10-2
The Spartans enter their third year under head coach Alex Penrod and must replace 21 seniors from last year's record-setting squad (first playoff win, first 10-win season). Alexander will rely heavily on the senior tandem of tight end/defensive end Chace Harris (6-2, 225 with 100 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and nine sacks) and wide receiver/defensive back AJ Marks (5-11, 175 with 74 tackles and five interceptions).

* Coshocton - 7-3
The Redskins are set up for a big season with the return of a talented senior class led by quarterback Andrew Mason (6-2, 200), running back Jake Fortney (6-0, 200), running back Zach Michael (6-0, 190), linebacker Dallas Griffiths (6-2, 210) and defensive lineman Kobie Means (5-10, 230).

* Harrison Central (Cadiz) - 8-2, Region 17 quarterfinalist
The Huskies return a solid senior nucleus that includes offensive lineman Brenton Stull (6-0, 240), linebacker Jesse Ball (6-1, 265), wide receiver Kyle Roberts (6-1, 170), offensive lineman Lance Smith (5-11, 280) and defensive back Tyler Carter (6-1, 190). Sophomore offensive lineman Nevada Kuryn (6-1, 290) and junior offensive lineman Ronnie Bowers (5-10, 195) will contribute heavily.
 
* Ironton - 6-5, Region 17 semifinalist
The Tigers have been to the playoffs 32 times and seven of the last eight years. Senior offensive lineman Tyler Webb (6-6, 300) is a good one.

* Ridgewood (West Lafayette) - 10-2, Region 17 semifinalist
The Generals own 11 playoff appearances since 2003 and should net No. 12. A strong senior class returns that includes lineman Keith Leindecker (6-3, 240), running back/defensive back Trent Harrison (5-10, 175), quarterback/defensive back Jhett Slusser (6-0, 165), lineman Nathaniel Thompson (6-2, 215), wide receiver/defensive back Braeden Smith (6-1, 170) and linebacker Kyle Bethel (5-11, 175). Also back is sophomore kicker Keith Claxon (5-9, 150).

Keep An Eye On

* River Valley (Bidwell) - 7-4, Region 17 quarterfinalist
The Raiders earned the program's first playoff berth last season.

* Martins Ferry - 4-5
The Purple Riders have been to the postseason 13 times (all since 1998). Martins Ferry returns a good one in junior linebacker Dalton Hoover (5-11, 205).

* Rock Hill (Ironton) - 6-4, Region 17 quarterfinalist
The Redmen went from 2-8 to the postseason. Senior receiver Trystan Matney (6-2, 205) is a good one.

* Union Local (Belmont) - 4-6
The Jets return senior running back Brian Mcwhorter (5-8, 165).

* Zane Trace (Chillicothe) - 12-1, Region 17 finalist
The Pioneers, coming off the best season in school history, must replace six first team all-SVC players. Senior defensive lineman Aiden Place (6-3, 220) anchors the defense.

Also In This Region
Oak Hill 6-4
Northwest (McDermott) 7-3
Portsmouth West (West Portsmouth) 4-6
Minford 4-6
Wellston 4-6
Tuscarawas Valley (Zoarville) 5-5
Piketon 4-6
Portsmouth 3-7
Nelsonville-York (Nelsonville) 1-9
Liberty Union (Baltimore) 2-8
Westfall (Williamsport) 2-8
West Muskingum (Zanesville) 1-9
South Point 2-8
Edison (Richmond) 1-9
Fairland (Proctorville) 0-10