(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THHE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LEAGUE PREVIEW … Delta running back Landon Lintermoot breaks into the open field on a carry in a game last season versus Evergreen.
By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
SWANTON – Despite having to replace all their skill position players from last year’s state runner-up team, the Liberty Center Tigers were tabbed as the preseason favorites by NWOAL coaches at the league media day on August 4 in Swanton.
The Tigers garnered 62 pts and seven first-place votes while Henry County rival Patrick Henry received the other first-place vote and finished second in voting, just ahead of Archbold who was picked third.
The league will feature some news faces on the sidelines along with a familiar one as Mike Vicars is back for his third go around as the head coach in Delta.
Bryan will be under the direction of former Edon head coach Scott Staten who takes over for Grant Redhead after serving as an assistant for the last four seasons.
In Swanton, Nate McAfee steps in to take over a Bulldog program that has struggled for wins in recent years as he brings 23 years of experience as an assistant with him.
While Liberty Center and Patrick Henry are tabbed as the top two teams in the league, the league could be as wide open as it’s been in a while with several teams looking to fill voids on both sides of the ball after the graduation of several key players.
Below are team previews in order of the preseason voting.
1. Liberty Center (15-1, 7-0; Lost in Division V state final to Perry, 21-14)
HEAD COACH: Casey Mohler (8th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Landon Bockelman (OL/DL); Colton Kruse (RB/LB); Landen Kruse (WR); Trenton Kruse (RB); Seth Navarre (OL/DL); Colton Chambers (RB/DB); Landon Amstutz (QB); Brooks Behnfeldt (TE/DB); Aiden Tallent (WR)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Stephen Brogan (OL); Brady Giesige (OL); Clayton Seel (OL); Waylon Rentz (LB); Zander Zeiter (DL); Cam Kahle (DB/Punt-Kick Returner); Grady Miller (DB); Max Walker (P/K); Ian Rosebrook (K); Thomas Mohler (P/K Returner); Garrison Kruse; Hunter Spangler; Degan Schwaiger; Mason Smith; Kaden Sonnenberg; Ted Wyrembek; Logan Sifuentes; Jackson Bartels; Blake Garber; Noah Hammontree; Kyelar Kern; Tyler Ley
NEWCOMERS: JUNIORS – Kaden Kreinbrink, Gabe Clapp; SOPHOMORES – Ethan Gray, Kellen Wymer, Jaxton Lawniczak
STRENGTHS: “Three returning starters on the offensive line and two others who played a lot of snaps will be our strength.” We have a little bit of experience coming back at all 3 levels of our defense.”
“Guys that are returning starters have played in some really big games and made plays at critical times. We will need to build on that.
WEAKNESSES: “Must replace all of our starting skill position players. Four of the of the players we must replace are all Ohio caliber players. So, we must find the right players to fill in and compete at those spots. We are losing some great leaders as well.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “The 2023 season was a great season for us. We had a great group of seniors who worked hard, played hard, and provided great leadership.”
“We were fortunate to win a league championship, a regional championship, and play in the state championship game. Even though we came up a little short of our goal it was a pretty magical season for our players and community.”
“For us to be successful on offense we are going to have to replace 90% of our offensive production. That means we are going to have to find some new guys that can produce for us. To do this we need to take care of the football and play fundamentally sound, and physical football.”
“Defensively we are going to have to replace some very good players. We will need some young guys to step up and be productive for us.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Patrick Henry has a very good core coming back and they will be a front runner for the league. Archbold also has some returners who have had success, as well as Wauseon.”
“Evergreen, Delta, Swanton, and Bryan are all competitive and well coached, and will be able to knock off anyone on a given night. The league race should be very competitive, and we hope that we can be in the mix when the dust settles.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Tinora (H) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 13 – Archbold (H) 7pm
LIBERTY CENTER … The Tigers have to replace plenty of firepower, including Colton Kruse (pictured with ball) as they look to add another NWOAL championship to the trophy case.
2. Patrick Henry (11-3, 5-2; Lost in Division VII state semifinal to Marion Local, 42-0)
HEAD COACH: Bill Inselmann (32nd Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Nash Meyer (QB); Landon Johnson (WR/DB); Houston Miranda (RB/LB); Thomas Smith (WR); Brock Behrman (DB); Gavin Schwiebert (OL); Jorge Delgado (OL); Luke Bostelman (C)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Lincoln Creager (QB/DB; 1,097 yards passing, 498 yards rushing, 4 Ints at DB); Avery Wright (OL/DL); Jaden Punches (OLB); JUNIORS – Grant Smith (DL; 102 tackles; 12 TFL, 23 sacks); Trent Johnson (TE/DE); Akevian Kryder (LB; 93 tackles); Adrian Delgado (OL); Grant Schwab (S); SOPHOMORE – Reid Creager (CB)
NEWCOMERS: SENIORS – Hayden Meyer (DL); Jayden Bishop (OT); Lane Jackson (WR); JUNIORS – Lane Biederstedt (C); Jaidan Rutter (RB); Cal Schroeder (WR/DB); SOPHOMORE – Jude Hudson (OT)
STRENGTHS: “We have experience back at the QB position (9 games) with Lincoln Creager. He will be a dual threat at QB. We have a strong and athletic offensive line. We will focus this year on establishing a running game.
“We have good experience in the secondary and defensive line. We have an athletic defensive line. Seven starters are coming back.”
“We need to develop both a punter and a kicker. We should have better coverage personnel on our special teams this year.”
WEAKNESSES: “We lost tremendous skill players. We lost our top three receivers (two to graduation and one by moving Lincoln to QB). We will really miss Houston Miranda at running back.”
“Developing a new group of WR’s and running backs will be the key to our success on offense. We do also have to replace three OL who were all second teamers.
“Developing depth at the inside and the outside linebacker positions is our biggest challenge on defense.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Line play on both sides of the ball will need to be one of our strengths. Experience in the secondary and keeping Lincoln Creager healthy at the QB position will be important.”
“How quickly we can develop our WRs, and a running back will be big keys to our season. Another big concern is our lack of depth with our small numbers. “
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: 1. Liberty Center, 2. Archbold, 3. Patrick Henry, 4. Wauseon, 5. Delta, 6. Bryan, 7. Evergreen, 8. Swanton
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Hicksville (H) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 13 – Evergreen (H) 7pm
PATRICK HENRY … Coming off an appearance in the Division VII state final four, the Patriots are one of the preseason favorites to contend for a league title.
3. Archbold (10-2, 6-1; Lost in Division V quarterfinals to Coldwater, 28-14)
HEAD COACH: David Dominique (10th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Cade Brenner (QB); Lucas Dominique (RB); Jack Hurst (WR/LB); Chase Miller (WR/CB); Brodie Bailey (TE); Titus Rufenacht (OT); Mason Siegel (OG/DE); Wyat Ripke (OG/DE); Brian Burrowes (C); Jordan Massengill (DT); Stephen Diller (FS); Josiah Gomez (SS); Nathan Juarez (CB)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Jayden Gensler (T); Broden Piercefield (WR); David Oregon (DT); Eddie Yoder (LB); Evan Wendt (SS); Tristan Wyse (RB/DB); Isaac Meyer (OG/DT); Chezney Miller (C/DT); Kurt Krueger (QB/DB); JUNIORS – Rudy Rodger (K); Max Burrowes (RB/LB); Ashton Stuckey (RB/DB); Jason Grime (OG/DE); Sean Garcia (TE/DE); Joseph Williams (OG/LB); SOPHOMORES – Aranjer Kriger (WR/DB); Morgan Harris (WR/DB); Parker Bixler (OG/DE); Ryder Ryan (RB/DB); Brayden Garcia (OT/DT)
NEWCOMERS: SENIORS – Carter Grime (WR/DB); Trevor Bowerman (C/DE); SOPHOMORES – Jarett Rufenacht (QB/DB); Hunter Warner (T/DT); AJ Boysel (G/DE); Eli Fabrother (RB/DT); Isaiahs Gracia (QB/DB); Carter King (TE/LB); FRESHMAN – Anderson Bentley (WR/DE)
STRENGTHS: “I feel that we have some experienced players coming back at the offensive line position that have a good blend of size and athleticism. These guys are going to have to be the anchor for us until we get the inexperienced skilled positions up to speed.”
“We will have competition for a number of spots across our offense which we feel will only help us as the season goes on.”
“A strength for our defense will be the interior defensive line and the linebacker position. These two position groups logged a lot of snaps last year and performed at a very high level so we will look for them to be the anchor of our defense.”
“We return a very good kicker in Rudy Rodger who battled some injuries early in the season last year. He has a great leg and will be going into his third full year of kicking for us. He is a confident young man, and we will use him as a weapon to set up both our offense and defense.
WEAKNESSES: “Lack of experience at the skill position. We were senior heavy at the skill position last year, so we are going to need to get our young players up to speed in order to find success on the offensive side of the ball.”“As mentioned previously, we have some talented players coming through they just do not have a ton of varsity experience yet.”
“Our biggest defensive concern will be in the defensive backfield. We lost four of five starters here, so we are going to need to rely on new faces.”
“Being able to communicate will be critical to the growth of this unit and we are expecting them to play at a high level and only get better as the season progresses.
“We lost our returners from last year, so we are going to need someone to step up in these positions.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “For us to be successful offensively, we are going to have to be physical at the point of attack and win the line of scrimmage battle each week.
”We feel that we have good young skilled positions players that will continue to progress throughout the season but we must continue to focus on being fundamentally sound and physical.”
“Defense is all about being physical, staying disciplined, and being gap sound. We have some guys coming back who have played a lot of varsity snaps so we will look to them to lead the way.”
“The biggest thing we will want to see from our guys is to be sure tacklers and have a relentless attitude of getting to the ball.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Liberty Center and Patrick Henry are going to be two that we foresee at the top of the league. A lot of new faces across the board in our league so it is tough to gauge where teams will fall. Until someone proves otherwise, Liberty Center is the top team.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Genoa (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 13 – Liberty Center (A) 7pm
ARCHBOLD … Tristan Wyse makes an acrobatic catch versus Liberty Center last season.
4. Wauseon (6-5, 4-3; Lost in Division IV first round to St. Marys Memorial, 42-14)
HEAD COACH: Shawn Moore (6th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Tyson Rodriguez (WR/DB/K); Austin Kovar (LB/RB); Trey Parsons (QB); Ryan Friend (RB); Logan Patterson (OG/DL); Landen Thourot (OT); Tate Wyse (OT); Ian Martin (C/DE); Xavier Martinez (LB); Ty Davis (DL); Roger Adams (DL)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Wyatt Smith (WR/CB); Braylon Miller (WR/CB); Ben Tule (OG/OT/DT); Ashton Vonier; Michael Hartman; Mitchell Hartman; Caleb Kissel; Nate Jackson; Brayden Burkholder; JUNIORS – Brady Miller (OG/DT); Kahle Albright (S); Landon Ballard; Julian Jasso; Jo Jo Flowers; Jaden Duncan; SOPHOMORES – Tyler Rodriguez (TE); Thad Reckner (LS); Xzavier Molina
NEWCOMERS: SENIOR – Landon O’Dell; JUNIORS – Sean OConnor, Logan Peaslee; SOPHOMORE – A’Zarrion Hicks
STRENGTHS: “We have a lot of hungry guys looking to prove themselves.”
WEAKNESSES: “We will have a lot of inexperience across the board. We also have to replace four year do it all in Tyson Rodriguez in the kicking and return games.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We need to gain experience and physicality upfront and continue to increase our running game to be a more balanced offense. “We must play team defense with everyone filling their hole and role.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “The NWOAL is always solid, and it looks like that will be the case once again. I expect everyone to have successful seasons, and we will need to be prepared each week no matter the opponent
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Fairview (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener – September 13 – Swanton (A) 7pm
WAUSEON … Kahle Albright works his way up the sideline after picking off a pass against Patrick Henry. The Indians will be one of several teams in the NWOAL looking to replace key players from last season.
5. Delta (3-7, 1-6; did not qualify for playoffs)
HEAD COACH: Mike Vicars (10th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Justin Ruple (QB/LB); Landon Greisinger (OT/DL); Jeremy Hambly (TE), Ronnie Wyse (DE); Maverick Mercer (DE); Caleb Lantz (LB); Anthony Hernandez (DL)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Cass Chiesa (C); Richard Flores (SE/DB); Carl Warner (HB/DB); Landon Lintermoot (FB/LB); Brodey Roth (K); JUNIORS – Brady Smith (OT); Cooper Tipton (OG); Jadon Lehman (DB); Dominic Salyers (DL); Carter Mitchel (G/DT); Wyatt Flickinger (TE/DE); Emilio Arroyo-Sierra (DT); SOPHOMORE – Kade Lintermoot (LB/TE
NEWCOMERS: SENIORS – Alex York (S); JUNIORS – Daniel Thatcher (DE); Gunner Avery (OT); Hayden Boulton (RB/DB); SOPHOMORES – Archer Andrews (DT); Alec Koder (OT); Gary Valentine (TE/DE); Vincent Martinez (RB); FRESHMAN – Marcus Nagel (RB/DB); Gunner Taylor (RB/DB)
STRENGTHS: “Has to be with a few linemen up front we have back, with also having Landon Lintermoot back with 140 att., for 538 yards and 4 TDs, and Carl Warner 75 att., 446 yards back gives us some experience coming back. Warner also had 12 catches for 125 yards, as well as Richard Flores had seven catches for 124 yards.”
“We have some solid experience at linebacker as Landon Lintermoot with 52 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 interceptions return as well as Cass Chiesa with 16 tackles.”
“The secondary has several guys back that saw action last year. Tyler Ruple with 29 tackles, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. Carl Warner had 28 tackles, and an interception and Richard Flores had 19 tackles.
WEAKNESSES: “Depth and unknowns…filling out the rest of the offensive line that isn’t returning and developing the tight end position into what we want it to be.”
“We’ve also need to improve our passing game some. If we can’t throw it at all it makes running the ball much more difficult. We punted 41 times last year.”
“That puts our defense in a lot of tough situations. We have to find a way to improve that. Adjusting to a new coach is always a concern also.”
“We are going to be developing a defensive line. All lost to graduation. Developing the ability to stop the run, adjusting to a new coordinator, finding depth and a lot of new starters on defense are all concerns.
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We need to be fundamentally sound and consistently take care of the ball. We have a few linemen returning with some experience, along with a couple of running backs.”
“We will need to be able to run the ball consistently to give ourselves a chance. We also need to try and improve our passing game as we only completed 32% of our passes last year for 310 yards.”
“We must run to the ball and gang tackle. We didn’t get off blocks very well last year, we have to improve on that. Adjusting to a little bit of a new scheme defensively might take some time and figure out who will go where to best help us.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: Order of finish: LC, PH, Archbold, Wauseon, Bryan, Evergreen, Swanton
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Ayersville (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: Bryan (H) 7pm
6. Bryan (5-6, 3-4; Lost in Division IV first round to Millersburg West Holmes, 70-50)
HEAD COACH: Scott Staten (1st Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: 14
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Connor Hogan, Cade Spiesak, Carter Dominique, Dameon Wolfe, Cody Shaffer, Jacob Uran
NEWCOMERS: SENIOR – Hutson Wheeler; JUNIORS – Gaige Phillips, Vincent Taylor, Jaymison Longoria, Logan Carter
STRENGTHS: “We have a number of playmakers that can step up and make big plays. We will look for an even distribution of the football in the passing game and establish the run game.
“We have the most experience in our linebacking corps with the return of Shaffer and Wolfe. We will look to build around these two individuals that bring toughness and a nose for the football to our defense.”
WEAKNESSES: “Depth on the offensive line is the biggest concern offensively. Much like offense, our concern on defense will be overall depth.”
“We will have some new starters which is expected with such a large, productive senior class graduating last year.”
“We must see improvement in special teams from last year. We will treat special teams as another weapon, and it will be a focus in practice every day.
SEASON OUTLOOK: “With only two returning starters on the offensive line, we will need to develop this position group throughout the summer in order to be able to be effective on offense to start the season.
“We will have a new starting quarterback and running back that will have big shoes to fill with the departure of Jase Kepler and Sam Herold, who accounted for over 2,500 yards.”
“We will need to be fundamentally sound, take what the defense gives us and limit turnovers in order to be successful offensively.”
“Limiting big plays and playing fundamentally sound football will be the keys to success defensively. We will need to play physically with an emphasis on tackling.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Until someone beats Liberty Center, they have to remain at the top. The rest of the conference is very solid from top to bottom with Patrick Henry, Wauseon and Archbold all having success last season.”
“We will need to focus on the process and the outcome will take care of itself as far as where we see ourselves in the conference.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Van Wert (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 13 – Delta (A) 7pm
BRYAN … Scott Staten takes over at Bryan and will have the challenge of replacing nearly all of the offensive production from last season, including quarterback Jase Kepler (pictured).
7. Evergreen (4-6, 2-5; did not qualify for playoffs)
HEAD COACH: Barry Bock (2nd Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Riley Dunbar (WR); Jessie Spradlin (WR/DB); Grant Richardson (OL/DE); Mason Emmitt (OL); Robert Pennington (OL/DL); Ryder Hudik (DB); Memphis LaPoint (DB); Diesil Stoykoff (DL)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Colton Robertson (Ath/DB); Max Mossing (RB/P); Layne Vance (DE/LB/TE); Trevor Johnson (LB/RB); Will Johnson (TE/DE/LB); JUNIORS – Joey Okos (OL/DL); Austin Burghardt (C); Bryce Bulger (QB); Will Ruetz (WR/DB/KR); John Johnson III (LB); Isaiah Pasco (OL); SOPHOMORE – Luke Woodring (DB/KR); Alex Mossing (K)
NEWCOMERS: SENIOR – Ethan Wolfe; JUNIOR – Quinten Eisel; SOPHOMORES – Jackson Huffman, Nolan Hudik, Brendon Holman
STRENGTHS: “Our backfield is all returning this year, as well as some key weapons on the outside. One thing that we feel confident in is our offensive line this year with their strength and footwork.”
“We lost some key players last year up front, but everyone is returning or has starting experience in the past. Tons of experience from our linebackers and defensive line.”
“Our defensive backs all started at some point last year as well so it helps that having the same system in play and the terminology will help us take that next step and be even more multiple this season.”
“When on the field last year our defense kept us competitive in a lot of games. Our All-League and All-District kicker is back and only a sophomore. As well as our punter and long snapper.”
“Special teams are a major focus for our program, so we want to make sure we get the best 11 on each special teams unit every week.”
WEAKNESSES: “Turnovers, we cannot give the ball back to the other team with great field possession. If we can sustain long drives and be physical, this will help in all phases with our defense and special teams.”
“Giving up big plays. We know big plays happen, but our goal is to eliminate as many as possible against us. Those big plays not only take a toll on our team but also on the momentum of the game.”
“Another concern is finding a way to get off the field. Last season our defense was on the field over 60 times per game.”
“That is some on the defense as well as our offense having short drives. Finding a way to bring that number down to 30-40 snaps per game has been our goal this offseason.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We want to find a rhythm. Last year when we had rhythm and consistency we had success, and when we didn’t it showed. So being consistent is going to be key for us.”
“We will want to use our speed to our advantage in our play calls. To put our athletes in position to make plays. We play a multiple hybrid type of defense so having our athletes understand each call and where to lineup is key and takes reps.”
“With the speed we have on the back end of our defense if we can spill everything from up front to the outside, we feel confident in our athletes to come up and make a play.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “With LC running the table last year and just coming up short in the state title game they will be the favorite again this season in the NWOAL.”
“Archbold and Patrick Henry are always competing and talented to make a push for the top of the league as well.”
“There are some schools this year that graduated a lot of key players so after the top 2-3 teams in the league we feel like it might be more open than in years past.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Elmwood (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 13 – Patrick Henry (A) 7pm
EVERGREEN … Max Mossing (pictured) is a projected starter at running back for the Vikings and second year coach Barry Bock.
8. Swanton (0-10, 0-7; did not qualify for playoffs)
HEAD COACH: Nate McAfee (1st Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Brennan Mersing (WR); Mason Hutchison (OL); Luke Arnold (TE); Jonah Rico (DT); Luke Arnold (DE)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Lucas Wilson (QB/DB); Jayden Wilson (QB); Josh Tyburski (RB/LB); Connor Mitchey (WR/DB); Kaiden Bryan (TE/DB); Cameron Fay (OT/DE); Zak Wylie (OT/DT); Michael Holtsberry (OG/LB); Cam’ron Kirtz (OG/DT); Drake Harris (DT); Evan Smigelski (C/DT); Dennis Robinson (DB); Walker Klinger (DB)
NEWCOMERS: Isaiah Bolyard (WR/DB); Seth Carman (WR/DB); Marquise Zalecki (WR/DB); Hudson Pancoast (RB/LB)
STRENGTHS: Physical size; The ability of picking up the new systems quickly; varsity field experience/having an older team (18 seniors)
WEAKNESSES: Overall position depth
SEASON OUTLOOK: “The overall outlook for the Swanton Bulldogs is promising! With 45 players and 18 of them being seniors, we have a team that is very hungry for some wins.”
“We have a new system both offensively and defensively that the players have picked up quickly. The team has been working hard over the summer and we look to put a competitive product on the field this fall.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “I feel like the league could go a lot of different ways. Teams lose a lot through graduation but then gain younger players to round out their teams.”
“The league is a very competitive league, and anything can happen each season. After the top 3 teams or so, we will have some really competitive games if everyone stays healthy on both teams.
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Paulding (H) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 13 – Wauseon (H) 7pm
SWANTON … Jayden Wilson (above) and the Bulldogs will be under the guidance of new coach Nate McAfee as he looks to turn things around for a program that has struggled in the win column the past few seasons.