2018 Ohio HS Football Preview: Division V

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Wheelersburg capped a magical season last year by winning its second state title in 29 playoff trips with an overtime victory against Eastwood (Pemberville). This season both teams will vie for the title again. However, neither is a shoe-in to get back to the final. A deep division will provide plenty of challengers. Deep describes this classification.

* Will wee see a state final rematch?
Wheelersburg and Eastwood played a state championship classic last season that saw two touchdowns in the final 90 seconds of regulation and a jump pass for the winning score in overtime. Round II could be just months away. Wheelersburg returns one of the state’s top pass-catch combos in senior quarterback Trent Salyers and senior receiver Tanner Holden. Holden, who doubles as a Division I basketball recruit, was a finalist for Mr. Football last year. Eastwood returns one of the state’s top running backs in junior Jaden Rayford.

* Who wins Region 17?
Grand Valley (Orwell) and Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills) appear primed to turn last year’s first round playoff losses into extended 2018 stays. Manchester (Akron) owns one of Ohio’s best players in reigning OPSWA D-V state offensive player of the year Ethan Wright. A junior, Wright scored 40 touchdowns last year. Sandy Valley (Magnolia) is a team to watch. The Cardinals return a solid nucleus of four All-Ohioans. East Palestine, Black River (Sullivan), Orrville, South Range (Canfield) and Wickliffe add to a loaded region.

* Is Madison Senior (Middletown) for real?
The Mohawks made the state playoffs for the first time in program history last season and advanced all the way to the state semifinals before losing to Wheelersburg 15-10. The reward? A potential regional final rematch with the defending state champs. Wheelersburg switches from Region 19 to 20 this season. Regardless, many believe the Mohawks own enough talent to unseat the Burg. Madison returns nine All-Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division players, including six first teamers. The odds seem against someone other than Madison or Wheelersburg surviving this region, but don’t forget about Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (eight straight playoff berths), Greeneview (Jamestown) (four), Portsmouth West (West Portsmouth) and West Jefferson.

* Who is the Region 19 favorite now that Wheelersburg’s gone?
Two teams command attention immediately - Johnstown-Monroe and Meadowbrook (Byesville). The Johnnies reached the regional final a year ago and return a potent offense that features a standout run game. Meadowbrook drops down from D-IV where it was a playoff team a year ago. Quarterback Davis Black is one of four returning All-Ohioans on the roster. Both teams have a hammer at linebacker. Other teams expected to make a push in November include Amanda-Clearcreek (dropped down from D-IV), Chesapeake, Ironton, Heath and Ridgewood (West Lafayette). Martins Ferry will be under the direction of Chas Yoder who takes over for the legendary Dave Bruney (retired after 39 years as the Purple Riders head coach).

* Did any region change as much as 18?
Eight new teams call Region 18 home this season including Versailles, Brookville, Miami East (Casstown) and Milton-Union (West Milton). The best of the newcomers appears to be Anna. With that being said, Eastwood and Pleasant (Marion) could be on a collision course for a regional final rematch. Eastwood won 35-0 last year. Two other squads demanding attention? Otsego (Tontogany) and Genoa Area. Points should be plentiful for both. Liberty Center, Archbold and Elyria Catholic all figure to have a say in November too.

Predictions
Who we think makes the Elite Eight and few more programs that might make the trip instead.

Grand Valley over Sandy Valley

Eastwood over Marion Pleasant

Meadowbrook over Johnstown-Monroe

Wheelersburg over Middletown Madison

Wheelersburg

* Middletown Madison at Franklin, Aug. 24
The Mohawks will tangle with the D-III Wildcats. Franklin has won four of the last seven big school SWBL titles, while Madison has claimed the small school title three of the last four years.

* Wheelersburg at Bishop Hartley (Columbus), Aug. 31
The defending state champions head to the state capital to face the D-III Hawks. Hartley has won three state titles and made four finals since 2010. 

* Johnstown-Monroe at Granville, Sept. 14
The Johnnies have a ridiculously difficult schedule. This is one of the biggest hurdles and the toughest road test.

* Genoa at Eastwood, Oct. 19
A huge Week 9 meeting with Region 18 playoff and Northern Buckeye Conference title implications. These two have met for a longtime with league titles on the line. Should be the same script this season.

* Wheelersburg at Portsmouth West, Oct. 26
A Week 10 meeting between two of the state’s top teams. Last year’s contest, which the Burg won 41-7, was a match-up of undefeateds. Could be again.