2016 Ohio high school football Division VI Region 22 preview

Video: Zach Hoffman's highlights vs. Mohawk
See the Wynford quarterback in action last season.


Players To Watch

* Zach Hoffman, Senior QB, Wynford
Hoffman was first team all-N10 and second team all-Northwest District.

* Ryan Clark, Senior QB, Gibsonburg
The TAAC Offensive Player of the Year last year was also first team all-Northwest District.

* Dauson Dales, Senior LB, Ayersville
Sales was the Northwest District Defensive POY last year.

* Zach Carpenter, Senior RB, Liberty Center
Carpenter is a two-time NWOAL selection.

* Donny Johnson, Senior RB, Patrick Henry
Johnson had 1,305 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns last year.

* Brennan Martin, Senior QB, Seneca East
Martin was first team all-N10.
Team To Beat

* Liberty Center - 6-4
The Tigers are looking for the program's 17th playoff berth and first since 2012. They should restore the roar and then some. Senior running back Zach Carpenter (6-1, 190) is a two-time all-NWOAL selection. Two returning first team all-NWOAL selections will be blocking for Carpenter in seniors Blake Graber and Christian Dawe. On defense, senior defensive end Christian Chambers and Graber anchor the front seven. Other key contributors will be sophomore offensive lineman Caleb Carpenter (6-1, 205), junior defensive lineman Lucas Frankforther (6-1, 265), senior tight end Zane Peterson and senior offensive lineman Austin Bachman (6-0, 200).

Teams To Watch

* Ayersville (Defiance) - 8-3, Region 20 quarterfinalist
The Pilots won their first eight games last year before dropping the final three. The goal is earning the program's 13th playoff berth and second since 2007. Senior linebacker Dauson Dales (6-1, 195) was the Northwest District Defensive POY last year, while senior wide receiver Jacob Miller (6-1, 170) was first team all-district. Senior defensive lineman Dakota Schweitzer (5-11, 205) anchors the line.

* Wynford (Bucyrus) - 9-2, Region 20 quarterfinalist
Three years removed from having their 63-game regular season win streak snapped, the Royals made the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years. Senior quarterback Zach Hoffman (5-11, 160) returns after earning first team N10 and all-Northwest District honors. The team must replace 12 all-N10 selections.

* Colonel Crawford (North Robinson) - 10-2, Region 20 semifinalist
The Eagles have earned all three of the program's playoff berths in the last four years. CC must replace seven first team all-N10 selections and the N10 offensive and defensive POYs. The good news? Senior running back Blake Treisch returns.

* Tinora (Defiance) - 11-2, D-VI state semifinalist, Region 20 champion
The Rams reached the postseason for the 10th time in 15 years last season and repeated as regional champions. Tinora must replace seven all-Northwest District players.

* Delta - 7-5, Region 20 semifinalist
The Panthers return two-time first team all-NWOAL running back Jesse Beverly (5-10, 160), who ran for 1,146 yards and eight touchdowns last year after rushing for 1,051 yards and 14 scores as a sophomore.

* Gibsonburg - 10-1, Region 20 quarterfinalist
After winning nine games in 2012 and 2013 combined, the Golden Bears have won 19 since. Senior quiarterback Ryan Clark (6-1, 205) was first team all-Northwest District and the TAAC Offensive POY last year after throwing for 2,408 yards and 31 touchdowns and running for 516 yards and eight scores. Senior lineman Trent Hovis (6-0, 260) was first team all-TAAC both sides of ball and anchors the lines.

* Patrick Henry (Hamler) - 5-5
After 11 straight postseason berths, the Patriots have been home for Week 11 three years in a row. Senior running back Donny Johnson (5-10, 175 with 1,305 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns) is a two-time all-NWOAL selection. Other key senior contributors include linebacker Trey Zimmer, Mason Fintel, Kent Petersen, Mitch Bonner and Alex Van De Bussche.

* Seneca East (Attica) - 8-3, Region 20 quarterfinalist
The Tigers went from 2-8 in 2014 to the playoffs. Senior quarterback Brennan Martin (6-4, 205) was first team all-N10 last year.

* Van Buren - 9-4, Region 20 finalist
The Black Knights have gone 18-7 and reached the regional semis and finals the last two years. Senior defensive back Braxton Fasone (6-5, 185 with six interceptions) returns after an all-BVC campaign.

Keep An Eye On

* Columbus Grove - 5-5
Senior Rece Roney (6-3, 290) returns to anchor the offensive line.
 
* Northwood - 6-4
The Rangers failed to make the playoffs for the seventh-straight season last year, but they did record the program's 11th-straight winning season. Senior linebacker Trevor Mack (5-10, 165) is a serious talent. Head coach Ken James is 172-137 in 30 years.

Also In This Region

Hopewell-Loudon (Bascom) 6-4
Mohawk (Sycamore) 7-3
Western Reserve (Collins) 5-5
Evergreen (Metamora) 5-5
New London 4-6
Ottawa Hills (Toledo) 4-6
Montpelier 4-6
Woodmore (Elmore) 4-6
Margaretta (Castalia) 3-7
Carey 4-6
Wayne Trace (Haviland) 4-6
Cardinal Stritch (Oregon) 2-8
Fairview (Sherwood) 3-7
Elmwood (Bloomdale) 2-8
Willard 1-9
Bucyrus 2-8