DIVISION III: REGION 7 PREVIEW

2015 EF JJHUDDLE OHIO HS FOOTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE EXCERPT (Order Now)

Team To Beat
**Archbishop Hoban (6-4): The Knights are trying to snap a five-year absence from the postseason and appear ready to do that and then some. Junior RB Todd Sibley (5-10, 195) ran for 1,167 yards and 11 TDs last year and has committed to Ohio State. He’ll be joined in the backfield by another future Buckeye in Massillon Washington QB transfer and fellow junior Danny Clark (6-3, 205/39 total TDs in two years). The defense will be led by senior LB Dane Kersh (6-1, 215).

Teams To Watch
**Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (11-2, D-III State Semifinalist, Region 7 Champions): The Irish failed to win their third straight state title but did win another regional crown before falling to Athens 34-31 in the state semis. A pair of standout seniors in DL Niko Lalos (6-5, 230/Akron, Ball State, Buffalo and Kent state offers) and ATH/DB Markus Hurd (5-10, 180) highlight the roster. Head Coach Dan Boarman (196-92 career record) is entering his 10th season at SVSM.
**Aurora (10-2, Region 7 Semifinalist): The Greenmen have made the playoffs 10 straight seasons and are coming off back-to-back 10-2 campaigns. This season will be the first in the Suburban League. Aurora won eight of the last 10 CVC titles. Head coach Bob Mihalik is 122-44 in 14 years. Senior OL Josh Burger (6-4, 290) is a good one.
**Chardon (8-3, Region 7 Quarterfinalist): The Hilltoppers are coming off their second playoff berth in three years. Must replace 10 starters on defense and eight on offense.
**Howland (7-3): The Tigers will feature two elite prospects in senior DL Tommy Carnifax (6-5, 235) and junior QB/DB Victor Williams (6-0, 180). Carnifax has 16 offers and has committed to Northwestern. He had 65 tackles, including 19 TFL, last season. Williams holds offers from West Virginia, UC, Akron and Kent State.
**Kenston (8-3, Region 7 Quarterfinalist): The Bombers and head coach Jeff Grubich (reigning CVC COY) are coming off the program’s third straight playoff berth and first outright CVC title since 1995. Expectations loom. Senior QB Parker Gdula (6-3, 195) was named CVC Offensive POY last season after throwing for 2,328 yards and 15 TDs. He also ran for 366 yards and seven TDs. As a sophomore Gdula threw for 1,744 yards. The defense will be led by senior LB Zach Silberman (6-1, 225) who had 107 tackles, 14 TFL and seven sacks last season. He had 95 tackles as a sophomore. Junior RB James Thigpen (5-9, 180) is a weapon.
**Louisville (9-2, Region 7 Quarterfinalist): The Leopards are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and have been to the postseason 15 times in program history. Senior OL Alex Hall (6-6, 255) has committed to Maryland.
**Madison (10-2, Region 3 Semifinalist): The Blue Streaks drop down from D-II where they’ve gone 20-5 the last two years and advanced to the regional final and semifinals. Expect another ticket to Week 11 punched. Senior DB Nick Law (5-11, 185/70 tackles, 13 PBUs) is a two-time first team All-PAC selection. Senior Brad Weinhold anchors an L that will block for junior QB Connor Smith (1,200 yds pass, 500 yds rush).
**Marlington (5-5): After back-to-back 8-3 seasons the Dukes slipped to .500 last year. Expect them to challenge for Week 11 again. Junior QB Chris Pennell (6-3, 185/2,247 yards pass, 22 TDs) returns as does senior WR Garrett Floyd (6-1, 180). Senior LB Tyler Tokos (6-3, 205/209 career tackles) leads the defense.
**Mentor Lake Catholic (3-7): The Cougars missed the playoffs for just the fourth time in 16 years last season and are coming off back-to-back 3-7campaigns. LC will feature solid lines led by seniors Nic Carina (6-1, 290) and Domoinic Marinucci (6-2, 225).
**Poland (10-2, Region 7 Semifinalist): The Bulldogs have made the playoffs eight years in a row and have gone 10-2 two years running. Senior DB Dylan Garver (5-1, 180) is a two-time first team All-All American Conference selection. Senior Anthony Calcagni was one of the region’s top WRs last year (18 rec., 354 yards, three TDs in regular season).
**West Geauga (5-5): The Wolverines have been to the playoffs three times in the last six years (all on odd number seasons). If history holds, they’ll go again this year. Key senior returners include LB Sean Kirkwood (6-0, 200), RB Carmen Engoglia (5-8, 160) and OL Michael Archiable (6-3, 245).

Keep An Eye On
**Buchtel (5-5): The Griffins will rely on senior RB Marquis Sams (6-0, 190).
**Canfield (5-5): The Cardinals will lean on seniors Jacob Esarco (6-4, 225/60 tackles) and DB Troy Williams (5-11, 175/65 tackles). Both were first team All-AAC last year.
**Painesville Harvey (3-7): The Red Raiders return senior LB William McClain (5-10, 200/131 tackles) and senior RB Tre Smith (5-10, 175).
**Ravenna (6-4): The Ravens will feature senior DL Willie Ross (6-2, 255).
**Tallmadge (6-5, Region 7 Quarterfinalist): The Blue Devils are coming off their 10th playoff berth since 2004. Graduation took its toll. Tallmadge must replace its top passer, top five rushers and top five receviers. Head coach Joe Vassalotti is 102-48 in 13 years. Junior LB Nate Adolph (6-2, 205) returns after making 75 tackles and 12 TFL. Senior DL Steve Taylor (6-2, 215) had 59 tackles and 13 TFL last year.

Also In This Region
Ashtabula Lakeside (0-10), Geneva (3-7), Alliance (5-5), Akron East (5-5), Akron Springfield (4-6), Akron Kenmore (2-8), Richfield Revere (5-5), Coventry (4-6), Norton (1-9), Niles McKinley (1-9)

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