2017 Ohio football Division V preseason state poll and preview

Video: Sam Stoll highlights
Watch the Milan Edison senior and reigning Ohio AP D-V offensive player of the year in action from last season against state champ Canton Central Catholic

For the first time in eight years, Coldwater will not be in the Division V state final. That was assured when the Cavaliers dropped down to D-VI thanks to competitive balance and new regional alignments. So...who will stake a claim? Canton Central Catholic remains after winning last year's title and snapping Coldwater's 24-game postseason win streak. Milan Edison seems primed to make another run, while Wheelersburg, Swanton, Ottawa-Glandorf and CHCA also see primed to challenge. Who will survive?

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Here's a look at what to expect in Division V...

EF'S JJH/MP OHIO HS PRESEASON TOP 10

1. Edison (Milan) - 12-2, D-V state semifinalist, Region 18 champion
The Chargers (24-4 with two regional titles the last two seasons) are primed for another lengthy postseason run. Edison returns five starters on both offense and defense and both specialists. Senior athlete Sam Stoll, who doubles as a standout running back and linebacker, is one of the division’s top players and a difference maker. The reigning D-V Ohio AP offensive player of the year ran for a school record 1,920 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. He had 44 tackles and four interceptions on defense. Other key seniors include two-way lineman Logan Collins (22.5 tackles), kicker James Hill, linebacker Jack Lykins (49.5 tackles), offensive lineman Keegan Gorsuch and receiver/defensive back Brady Patterson (54.5 tackles). Junior defensive end Jared Tomson (41.5 tackles and six TFL) is a good one. Keep an eye on senior quarterback Cody Scott. Head coach Jim Hall is 99-71 in 16 years.

2. Wheelersburg - 12-1, Region 19 finalist
The Pirates, who haven’t had a season below .500 since 1963, made the playoffs for the 28th time last season and won their 31st league title (SOC). Senior quarterback Mack Dyer and senior linebacker Xander Carmichael headline their respective units. Head coach Rob Woodward is 90-20 in nine years.

3. Ottawa-Glandorf (Ottawa) - 11-2, Region 14 finalist
The Titans continued their recent success last year (12 of 13 playoff berths have come since 2000) and should author more history. Senior quarterback Jay Kaufman and senior receiver Richie Knowlton are two of Ohio’s best. Kaufman set school records for passing attempts (256) and passing touchdowns (23) last year when he threw for 2,371 yards. He also rushed for 1,034 yards and 20 touchdowns. As a linebacker he has over 100 tackles the last two years.

4. Swanton - 10-2, Region 16 semifinalist
The Bulldogs have posted back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time and are looking to extend the streak. Junior running back Michael Lawniczak headlines the offense. Junior Xavier Williams anchors the offensive line. Lawniczak doubles as an All-Northwest Ohio Athletic League linebacker on a defense that also features senior end Lukas Reiner, junior defensive back Brennan Spiess, senior defensive back Gage Pachlhofer, senior end Cam Hiotchen and senior lineman Zach Leahey. Swanton owns three playoff berths total with the other coming in 1995. Replacing senior quarterback Marek Spiess, who transferred to Huron High School in Michigan, is big hurdle.

5. Canton Central Catholic - 11-3, D-V state champion, Region 17 champion
The third time was the charm for the Crusaders who stopped Coldwater’s 24-game postseason win streak with a 16-13 victory over the Cavs in the state final. It was the third straight season the two had met in the state final. CCC must replace 10 starters on defense. The offense returns three starting lineman and junior running back Chase Miller.

6. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (Cincinnati) - 12-1, Region 20 finalist
This is the 21st year for the Eagles’ program, which is looking for its 18th straight winning season. CHCA has made all 12 of it’s playoff appearances in the last 15 years and has gone to the postseason seven years in a row. Senior quarterback Danny Vanatsky and senior offensive lineman Ryan Wichmann are two of Ohio’s best at their positions.

7. Eastwood (Pemberville) - 10-2, Region 18 semifinalist
The Eagles went from 4-6 (in 2015) to 10-2 last year. Expect another postseason berth. Look for the senior trio of running back Ian Downard, defensive lineman Antonio Salinas and linebacker Tyler Schmeltz to wreak havoc. Eastwood has earned all 10 of the program’s playoff berths since 2002.

8. Ironton - 7-4, Region 19 quarterfinalist
The Tigers have been to the playoffs 33 times and eight of the last nine years. Senior running back Garrett Carrico, junior defensive lineman Ethan Duncan and junior linebacker Tanner Wilson headline the returners.

9. Liberty Center - 9-3, Region 22 semifinalist
The Tigers are coming off their 18th playoff berth and first since 2012. Don’t expect another drought. Key seniors include linebacker Christian Kahle, defensive back/specialist North West, receiver Devin Good, offensive lineman Nick Bovee and defensive lineman Lucas Frankforther. All five were All-Northwest Ohio Athletic League selections. Juniors Jared Krugh (quarterback) and Connor Sonnenberg (defensive back) earned all-league laurels as well.

10. Grand Valley (Orwell) - 9-2, Region 17 quarterfinalist
The Mustangs have never reached the postseason three years in a row, but coming off back-to-back appearances and with a solid returning cast history is in sight. The trio of senior quarterback Michael McGovern (12 passing touchdowns), senior running back Eduardo Hernandez (10.3 yards per carry) and junior linebacker Clayton Takacs is a talented one. Grand Valley has won four of the last five Northeastern Athletic Conference titles.

Teams to Watch…

* Anna - 5-5
The Rockets could be on the verge of a wild ride. Four seniors who earned second team All-MAC honors last season return in offensive tackle Abe Wildermuth, running back Aiden Endsley, linebacker Ethan Burd and cornerback Caleb Kaufman. As usual, a rugged schedule awaits.

* Indian Lake (Lewistown) - 11-1, Region 14 semifinalist
The Lakers are coming off the program’s first and only playoff appearances and should extend the string to three straight postseasons. Indian Lake drops down a division after posing a 10-0 regular season last year. Key returners include senior receiver Collin Coburn (598 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns), sophomore defensive lineman Nathan Reichert (63 tackles), senior defensive back Kale Shoffner and senior offensive linemen Connor Dixon, Cole Mefford and Preston Wright. Dixon posted 92 tackles as a linebacker, while Mefford had 51 on the defensive line.

* Coshocton - 12-2, D-V state semifinalist, Region 19 champion
The Redskins made an impressive run to the Final Four last season. Graduation took a toll, but keep an eye on junior defensive back Andrew Kittle.

* Martins Ferry - 6-4
The Purple Riders will build around a talented senior trio of linebacker Dalton Hoover, running back Jacob Johnson and defensive back Cory Bennett. 

* Brookville - 5-6, Region 20 quarterfinalist
The Blue Devils will feature one of the state’s top small school running backs in senior Bailey Wallen. Wallen, who had 382 yards and seven touchdowns against Eaton last year, has run for 3,168 yards and 46 touchdowns the last two seasons. He placed in the top three in the 100- and 200-meters at the SWBL track meet in May. Senior offensive lineman Nick O’Meara will open holes.

Keep an Eye On…
Bishop Ready (Columbus)
Chesapeake
Johnstown-Monroe
Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills)
Portsmouth
Madeira (Cincinnati)