Archbishop Moeller is our pick to finish as the top team in Ohio this season. An undefeated record coupled with a brutal schedule could even elicit some national title talk.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
9-4
Head coach: John Rodenberg
Team previewMoeller,
ranked No. 19 in the preseason Xcellent 25, has its deepest team in years, with plenty of offensive firepower to challenge the fine defenses it will face in the Greater Catholic League.
Spencer Iacovone and
Keith Watkins comprise one of the state's top backfields, while Michigan State commit
Shane Jones will be a difference-maker at linebacker for the Crusaders. Moeller once again has a brutal schedule that will allow it few opportunities to relax. Archbishop Moeller is the No. 3 team in the
Ohio Top 10 most consistent programs list.
2. St. Ignatius (Cleveland)2011 finish: 13-2
Head coach: Chuck Kyle
Team previewThe legendary Chuck "Chico" Kyle has more players returning for this St. Ignatius team than he is accustomed to. The Wildcats,
ranked No. 23 in the nation, have running back
Tim McVey to go along with plenty of linemen on both sides of the ball - including top 2014 recruit
Jimmy Byrne, who will line up at tackle. This team will be very good by playoff time. The question is how well it can come together for the early part of the season. St. Ignatius ranks fourth in the June, 2011
Top 10 Ohio football dynasties list.
3. Trotwood-Madison (Trotwood)2011 finish: 15-0
Head coach: Maurice Douglass
Team previewThere's an argument to be made that Trotwood-Madison will be the state's top team this fall. After all, it went 15-0 in Division II and returns arguably the most talent in the state, including defensive back
Cameron Burrows and linebacker
Michael McCray. It is the prohibitive favorite in Division II this season, but will be tested with a game against Florida small-school power University School. Trotwood-Madison added its name to the list of
Ohio state champions in the past 10 years with its title last season.
4. Mentor2011 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Steve Trivisonno
Team previewLast season, Mentor had one of the most prolific offenses in the Midwest, averaging 41 points per game. Senior
Mitch Trubisky, who is committed to North Carolina, is back behind center to lead the high-octane, pass-happy offense. If Mentor's defense can hold up, it should be a very good year for the Cardinals. Search for Mentor players in the
2011 Ohio All-League football teams list.
5. St. Edward (Lakewood)Head coach: Rick Finotti
2011 finish: 8-4
Team previewSt. Edward captured the Division 1 state title in 2010, but fell short of expectations last fall, finishing 8-4 and getting bounced from the regional semifinals by rival St. Ignatius. Though it will need to replace key parts of a huge offensive line, it should be strong in the defensive secondary, led by Iowa-bound safety
Solomon Warfield. St. Edward will need to replace two players from the
list of Ohio Class of 2012 Division 1 signees.
