2016 Ohio high school football Division VI Region 23 preview

Video: Devin Dukes' highlights
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Players To Watch

* Lukas Isaly, Junior RB, River (Hannibal)
Islay had 1,204 yards rushing, 641 yards receiving and 25 total touchdowns last year.

* Devin Dukes, Senior RB, Bishop Ready (Columbus)
Dukes ran for 1,709 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

* Jake Clark, Senior RB, Dawson-Bryant
Clark was first team all-Southeast District last year.

* Drake Stanforth, Senior DL/OL, Paint Valley
Stanforth was first team all-Southeast District last year.

* Casey Lewis, Senior RB, Fort Frye
Lewis is a two-time all-East District selection.
Team To Beat

* Barnesville - 7-3
After back-to-back 2-8 seasons, the Shamrocks won seven games last year. Expect another jump and the program's first playoff berth since 2006. Barnsville returns four seniors who earned first team all-East District last year in quarterback Matthew Burkhart (6-foot-1, 180 pounds), running back Cade Bunfill (6-0-200), wide receiver Cade Hannahs (5-10, 170) and offensive lineman Brady Treherne (5-8, 220).

Teams To Watch

* Fort Frye (Beverly) - 10-1, Region 21 quarterfinalist
The Cadets have been to the playoffs three times in five years and have their sights set on a return trip. The senior trio of running back Casey Lewis (5-11, 175), defensive back Garrett Lochary (5-9, 150) and receiver Brady Carpenter (6-0, 163) will contribute heavily. Lewis and Carpenter are two-time all-East District selections.

* Cardington-Lincoln (Cardington) - 7-3
The Pirates improved from four wins to seven and would like to see another climb. Senior quarterback Luke McCarrell (6-1, 180) returns, as does senior wide receiver Devin Pearl (6-3, 180).

* Centerburg - 6-4
The Trojans were regional finalists in 2014 and are looking to get back to the postseason. The team must replace seven all-MOAC performers.

* Bishop Ready (Columbus) - 6-4
After winning the program's third regional title in 2013, the Silver Knights are trying to get back to the playoffs. A pair of junior standouts – running back Devin Dukes (5-10, 215) and defensive back Tristin Siemer (5-10, 175) – will contribute heavily. Dukes ran for 1,709 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

* Fredericktown - 10-3, Region 21 finalist
A state semifinalist in 2010, the Freddies went 16-14 before winning 21 games the last two seasons. Graduation left a lot of holes.

* Grandview Heights (Columbus) - 12-2, state semifinalist, Region 21 champion
The Bobcats, coming off the program's first regional title, return a solid nucleus along the lines in juniors James Lachey (6-4, 225) and Brandon Spaulding (6-1, 240). Sophomore running back Hudson Jump had 632 yards and six TDs last season.

* River (Hannibal) - 9-2, Region 21 quarterfinalist
The Pilots are looking for the school's first back-to-back playoff appearances since 2007-08. Expectations are high. Junior running back Lukas Isaly (5-10, 160) returns after sharing all-East District Offensive POY honors last season. Isaly ran for 1,204 yards and 16 touchdowns on 174 carries and had 641 yards and nine scores receiving on 37 receptions. Juniors Luke Matusik (6-2, 215) and Cody Saksa (5-10, 185) will anchor the lines.

* Valley (Lucasville) - 9-2, Region 21 semifinalist
The Indians will have to replace a talented senior class that was a part of four straight playoff berths. Senior running back/linebacker Jonathon Ward (5-9, 170) returns.
 
* Paint Valley (Bainbridge) - 10-2, Region 21 semifinalist
Head coach Pete Hollon (128-79 in 20 years at PV) and the Bearcats are trying to stretch their playoff streak to four. Although the skill positions took a sizeable hit with graduation, the lines will be anchored by a pair of senior hammers in Drake Stanforth (6-1, 185) and Jacob Ott (6-2, 235). Other contributors will include defensive back Austen Blevins (5-10, 175), linebacker Skyler Knisley (5-10, 205), tight end Payton Adkins (6-3, 175), linebacker Buster Trent (6-1, 205) and lineman Travis Burton (6-2, 255).

* Newark Catholic - 8-3, Region 21 quarterfinalist
The Green Wave own 34 playoff berths and nine state titles. Senior receiver/defensive back Tanner Lake (6-1, 160) is a key returner.

* Monroe Central (Woodsfield) - 6-4
Head coach Jay Circosta returns for year No. 46 at Monroe Central (and before that at Woodsfield). He carries a career record of 329-135-5. Key returners include senior linebacker Bobby O'Donnell (5-9, 160) and senior defensive back Jarett Hooper (5-10, 165).

Keep An Eye On

* Chesapeake - 8-3, Region 21 quarterfinalist
The Panthers should still be good this season.

* Dawson-Bryant (Coal Grove) -5-5
The Hornets return two game-changing seniors in running back Jake Clark (5-6, 170) and receiver Daniel Rutherford (6-1, 185).

* Catholic Central (Steubenville) -6-4
The Crusaders are hoping to ride the momentum of a five-game winning streak to close last season. Senior defensive lineman Daniel Harris (6-0, 190) returns.

Also In This Region

Adena (Frankfort) 6-4
West Jefferson 4-6
Crooksville 5-5
Newcomerstown 3-7
Elgin (Marion) 3-7
Bellaire 2-8
Huntington (Chillicothe) 1-9
Northmor (Galion) 2-8
Berne Union (Sugar Grove) 2-8
East Knox (Howard) 1-9
Southeastern (Chillicothe) 2-8
Fairbanks (Milford Center) 0-10