LEAGUE FAVORITES AGAIN … Carson Dominique runs thru a hole for Archbold in a game last season at Delta. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Nate Calvin
LIBERTY CENTER – Even with the departure of quarterback DJ Newman the Archbold Bluestreaks were voted as the team to beat by other league coaches at the NWOAL Media Night on August 7th.
Archbold garner five of the eight first place votes with Liberty Center grabbing the other three.
Two new coaches enter the league as Evan Karchner takes over at Evergreen while veteran coach Eric Keller is the new head man at Swanton.
Keller is no stranger to the NWOAL having spent one season as the head coach at Evergreen.
Below are team-by-team previews in order of the coach’s preseason voting with last season’s results in parentheses.
1.Archbold (12-1, 7-0 NWOAL; Lost in Division VI regional semifinals to Liberty Center 38-35)
HEAD COACH: David Dominique (8th season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: DJ Newman-QB/FS (Rushing-1,311 yds, 9.2 per carry; 20 TDs; Passing-148/210, 2,159 yards, 29 TDs, 5 INTs, 54 tkls, 4 INTs); Gavin Bailey-WR (49 rec, 897 yards, 14 TDs); Cayden Alvardo-LB (94 tkls, 1 INT); Charlie Krieger-TE (10 rec., 155 yards, 5 TDs; Hunter Cullen-Lemley-WR (20 rec., 325 yards)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors: Devon Morris-G (moving to TE)/DE (62 tkls, 8 sacks); Hayden Dickman-T; Carson Dominique-RB (1,174 yds, 6.1 per carry, 17 TDs); Krayton Kern-K (68 PATs, 3 FGs); Lance Bauer-DT (29 tkls); Gabe Chapa-LB; Karter Behnfeldt-WR/KR/CB (37 rec, 523 yds, 6 TDs, 28 tkls, 10 PBUs, 1 INT, 24.2 yds per return); Kaleb Gigax-WR/DB (13 rec, 16 tkls); Chase Cornell-G/DE (8 tkls); Seth Foth-G/DT; Juniors; Brian Burrowes-C; Mason Siegel-T/DE (51 tackles); Wyat Ripke-G; Jordan Massengill-DT (32 tkls); Stephen Diller-SS (54 tkls, 5 PBUs); Jack Hurst-KR/SS (75 tkls, 2 INTs); Chase Miller-KR/CB (42 tkls, 2 PBUs; Cade Brenner-QB/FS (10/13, 148 yds); Josiah Gomez-RB/LB (148 yards, 24 tkls); Lucas Dominique-WR/DB (197 yds rushing, 12 tkls, 1 INT); Nathan Juarez-WR/DB; Titus Rufenacht-T/DT; Brodie Bailey-TE/DE
STRENGTHS: offensive line, team speed, running game
WEAKNESSES: skilled positions, experience
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Looking back at last year, it was a successful year for our program. We were able to finish 12-1 on the season and win an NWOAL championship.”
“Although we had a tough loss in the playoffs to a good Liberty Center team, our young men played hard week in and week out and as a coach that is all you can ask for.”
“We are going to need our offensive line to really take that next step this year and control the line of scrimmage completely.”
“We will lack experience at some skill positions so until they get up to speed, we need our front five to really dominate up front.”
“We showed flashes of this last year at times but need to be more consistent in these regards.”
“Our main concern on the offensive side of the ball will be at the skilled positions. We lose a three-year starting QB who was one of the most dynamic playmakers in the area along with a 1st Team All State WR in Gavin Bailey.”
“With that being said, we had a lot of wide receivers get time last year and expect them to fill the void lost at that position.”
“At the QB position, we have two capable guys who can play at a high level, but we are going to need to get them used to speed and physicality of varsity football quickly in order for us to succeed.”
Our main defensive strength will be the experience we return. We return nine starters who showed that they could play at a very high-level last year.”
“This is the most depth we have had along the interior six that we have had in a while, so we are going to need them to really control the line of scrimmage in order to find success.”
“Although we return four of five starters in the defensive backfield, we are going to have to rely on some less experienced individuals to fill the open voids.”
“We lost two seniors who played a lot throughout the season at the DB position and provided vocal leadership of making the calls, so we are going to need someone to step up to fill that void.”
“I think our younger guys were able to gain valuable experience as the year progressed, but they are going to need to really get acclimated to varsity football quickly.”
“We return all of our kick returners from last year so this should definitely provide us with a spark in our special teams.”
“This will be Krayton Kern’s third year as our kicker so we are expecting some big things from him, and he will also take over the punting duties from Newman.”
“We bring back a lot of experience on our special teams and are hoping to take the next step on this side of the ball this year.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “As a whole, I think the NWOAL will be very challenging this year. I look for Liberty Center, Patrick Henry, and Wauseon to be towards the top of the league.”
“They all return some key pieces to their teams and will be very tough to beat. I look for the rest of the league to be competitive as well so each week you must be ready to go to find success.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener-vs. Genoa (Aug. 19th); NWOAL Opener- vs. Bryan (Sept. 9th)
2. Liberty Center (11-3, 6-1; Lost in Division VI regional finals to Carey 31-7)
HEAD COACH: Casey Mohler (6th season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Owen Johnson-OG/LB; Evan Conrad-TE/OLB; Camren Foster-WB/OLB; Owen Long-DB; Gavin Gerken-WR/DB; Emmett Perry-WR/DB; Luke Leatherman-OG/DL; Kyle Huffman-OT/DL; Jesse Noll-C/DL; Wes Wymer-K; Tejay Moore-RB; Ethan Tampurages-WR/DB; Carly Roth-K
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Zane Zeiter-QB/DB; Matthew Orr-RB/LB; Owen Box-OL/DL; Landon Bockleman-OL; Riley Chapa-WR/DB; Tanner Kline-OL; Jeff Zacharis-DB; Aiden Hammontree-TE/LB; Austin Legg-G/LB; Landon Amstutz-WR/QB/DB; Landon Kruse-WR/DB; Trenton Kruse-RB/LB; Colton Kruse-RB/LB/DL; Colton Chambers-WR/DB; Seth Navarre-OL/DL
STRENGTHS: returning QB; defensive experience
WEAKNESSES: replacing parts of offensive line; lack of depth
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We will need to stay healthy and develop some depth at certain positions. A major key for us will be taking care of the football and eliminating penalties.”
“We have a little bit of experience at each position group and return our quarterback.”
“We’ll be replacing our center, guard, and tight end. Making sure we get the right people in the right spots and playing consistent, mistake free, turnover free football.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “The NWOAL will be very tough this year. Wauseon has a lot of skill coming back, Archbold has a very good nucleus returning, & Patrick Henry has a lot of players coming back.”
“I think those three teams will be the teams to beat. Delta and Bryan will contend each week as well.”
“With new coaching staffs at Swanton and Evergreen they could also be dark horses this season. We are hoping to be able to compete week in and week out and give ourselves a chance to win.”
For us to be successful defensively we need to be able to create turnovers, get off the field on 3rd down, and make plays when they need to be made.
“We have some experience coming back that has played in some big games and tasted success.” “We are faced with replacing three All-Ohio defenders will be challenging as well as finding depth at all positions.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: vs. Tinora (Aug. 19th); NWOAL Opener: @ Wauseon (Sept. 9th)
3. Wauseon (8-4, 5-2 NWOAL; Lost in Division IV regional quarterfinals to Van Wert 53-20)
HEAD COACH: Shawn Moore (4th season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Jonas Tester-WR/DB (70 rec., 955 yds, 8 TDs, 583 return yds., 4 INTs, 86 tackles); Bryson Stump-RB/LB (464 yds rushing, 7 TDs, 67 tackles); Matthew Shaw-OL/DL; Tucker Delaney-OL/LB; Teren Garcia-OL/DL; Kyle Moore-OL/DL; Chase Santiago-OL/DL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jude Armstrong-WR/CB (76 rec., 791 yds, 6 TDs, 5 INTs); Sam Smith-WR/CB (36 rec. 727 yds., 8 TDs); Elijah McLeod-QB (215/328, 2800 yds, 27 TDs, 14 INTs); Tyson Rodriguez-WR/K/P (20 rec. 209 yds., 3 TDs); Chance Snow-OL/DL; Alden Leininger-OL; Ethan Borton-S; Logan Carroll-LB/RB (200 yds rushing, 68 tackles); Justin Duncan-DL (49 tackles); Zaidan Kessler-LB (53 tackles)
STRENGTHS: passing game; defensive backs
WEAKNESSES: questions at offensive line
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Our passing game is always going to be our strength. We have a lot of confidence in our wide receivers and quarterbacks.”
“We need to solidify our offensive line to give our quarterback time to get the ball to our athletes in space and increase our production in the running game.”
“Giving the quarterback time to go through progressions to find the open WR is always a concern.”
“Our defensive backs are all solid across the board allowing us to limit the opposition’s passing attack.”
“Putting pressure on the quarterback and staying gap sound up front will be points of emphasis for the defense.”
Although we lack depth in this area, we will have a solid kicking game all around with lots of speed for coverage to help make this phase of the game a positive for us.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “The league will again be very competitive from top to bottom this year.”
“I see Archbold and Liberty Center having strong teams this year and will be the teams to beat like usual, but you cannot sleep on anyone with the talent and coaching that we have in the NWOAL.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: vs. Fairview (Aug.19th); NWOAL Opener: vs. Liberty Center (Sept. 9th)
4. Patrick Henry (6-5, 4-3 NWOAL; Lost in Division VII 1st round to Antwerp 14-7)
HEAD COACH: Bill Inselmann (30th season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Noah Kistner-LB; Emilio Raymundo-G; Will Seedorf-T; Timmy Johnson-WR/CB
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors: Aiden Behrman-WR/DB (521 yds); Landen Wensink-G/DE; Braden Hall-RB/DL; Gavin Jackson-WR/DB (276 yds); Kaden Rosebrook-DB/TE; Drew Rosengarten-T/DE; Mason Schwiebert-TE/LB; Juniors: Landon Johnson-WR/DB (888 yds); Nash Meyer-QB/LB (2,289 yds); Houston Miranda-LB; Cody McCance-LB; Brock Behrman-DB; Sophomores: Lincoln Creager-RB/DB
NEWCOMERS: Senior: Alex Updike-OL; Jeff Camp-WR; Junior: Gavin Schwiebert-OL; Jorge Delgado-OL; Sophomore: Avery Wright-DL
STRENGTHS: experience at quarterback and wide receiver; experience at linebacker and secondary
WEAKNESSES: lack of size and experience on the offensive line; only one returner on defensive line
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We will have good experience back this year. Our biggest concern is our lack of depth.”
“We only have 28 players in the top three grades. Competition at different positions and getting quality practice competition will be our big disadvantages since we are the only Division VII team in the league.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: 1. Liberty Center; 2. Archbold; 3. Wauseon; 4. PH; 5. Bryan; 6. Delta; 7. Swanton; 8. Evergreen
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: vs. Hicksville (Aug. 19th); NWOAL Opener: at Swanton (Sept. 9th)
5. Bryan (5-5, 3-4 NWOAL)
HEAD COACH: Grant Redhead (8th season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Nic Herold-DL; Korbin Shepherd-RB; Craig Jackson-WR; Carter Brown-FS; Joey Douglas-DL; Noah Phillips-OL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jase Kepler-QB; Dylan Dominique-QB/P; Parker Vollmer-OL; Zain Bell-OL; Tyler Spisak-OL; Landon Shilling-OL; Ayden Pelz-RB/LB; Sam Herold-RB/LB/PK; Tayson Deckrosh-DB; Maddox Langenderfer WR/DB; Carter Dominique-TE; Jayden Dennis-DE; Drew Hahn-DB/PR
STRENGTHS: offensive line, two experienced quarterbacks, veteran linebackers, experience on defense
WEAKNESSES: replacing all-league running back, new players in secondary, new kickers
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We must be able to sustain drives and score in the red zone.” “Defensively, we need to tackle well and be physical to have a good year.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: 1. LC; 2. Wauseon; 3. Bryan; 4. PH; 5. Archbold; 6. Delta; 7. Evergreen; 8. Swanton
6. Delta (4-7, 2-5 NWOAL; Lost in Division VI 1st Round to Archbold 44-7)
HEAD COACH: Nate Ruple (8th season)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors: Jerremiah Wolford-RB/LB (587 yds, 6 TDs, 42 tkls, 2 TFL); James Ruple-QB/DB (35/89, 494 yds, 6 TDs; rushing-171 yds, 3 TDs, 39 tkls, 2 INT)); Bryer Knapp-RB/DB (425 yds, 4 TDs, 13 rec., 167 yds, 2 TDs, 41 tkls, 2 INT); Holden Barnes-TE/DE (49 tkls, 3 sacks, 8 TFL; Connor Bates-OL; Luke Schlatter-OL; Ethan Funk-DE (48 tkls, 1 sack, 3 TFL); Evan Hanefeld-DB; Josh White-DL (29 tkls, 1 sack, 2 TFL); Phil Smithers-K (29/31 PATs, 2/3 FGs); Juniors: Maverick Mercer-TE/DE (40 tkls, 2 sacks, 3 TFL); Landon Greisinger-OL; Justin Ruple-SE/DB (52 tkls, 1 TFL); Caleb Lantz-LB (36 tkls, 1 def. TD)
STRENGTHS: varsity experience, kicking game
WEAKNESSES: offensive line depth, linebacker experience
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We look to continue to improve as a program in 2022. Team cohesion, leadership, and avoiding major injuries will be the keys for success this season.”
“We’ll need to be playing our best each Friday as the NWOAL should again be extremely competitive from week to week.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener-at Ayersville (Aug. 19th); NWOAL Opener-at Evergreen (Sept. 9th)
T7. Evergreen (3-7, 1-6 NWOAL)
HEAD COACH: Evan Karchner (1st season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Payton Boucher-QB/DB (307 yds rushing; 116/188, 1,512 yds, 10 TDs, 6 INTs); Alex Peete-K; Landen Vance-TE/DE (40 rec., 581 yds, 3 TDs); Ashton Sayers-OL/LB (31 tackles); Cody Sheller-OL/DL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors: Connor Hewson-RB (352 yds rushing, 2 TDs, 23 rec. 120 yds); Sam Worline; Woran Thompson; Camden Schlueter; Andrew Geer; Ben Reutz; Juniors: Riley Dunbar-WR (33 rec., 562 yds, 2 TDs); Grant Richardson-WR (11 rec., 136 yds, 33 tackles); Robert Pennington; Diesel Stoykoff (28 tackles); Jesse Spradlin; Drew Gillen; Hunter Vaculik-QB (14/21, 121 yds, 54 tackles); Ryder Hudik; Jack Stubleski; Sophomores: Max Mossing; Colton Robertson; Trevor Johnson; Layne Vance
NEWCOMERS: “Since we are a new staff, we are not labeling anyone a starter until our first game.”
“Everyone gets a clean slate and a chance to compete for a spot. With our program, we are starting over fresh with having three new systems in place.”
STRENGTHS: “We’d like to have a well-rounded offense who can effectively run and throw the ball. We want to protect the ball on every down.”
“We want to be able to stress defenses in ways that become problems for them and put our kids in positions to win.”
“We want to effectively stop the run and defend the pass on every down. We want to be a sound defense who can disengage blocks and tackle well.”
“We want to make offenses earn everything. Our goal is to make it difficult for offenses to move the ball on us.”
WEAKNESSES: As of right now, we don’t have many concerns for our offensive or defensive schemes or players. We are excited to build a solid product at Evergreen.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: 1. Archbold; 2. Liberty Center; 3. Wauseon; 4. PH; 5. Bryan; 6. Delta; 7. Swanton; 8. Evergreen
“Our conference is extremely talented and tough. We have a lot of solid football teams that compete very hard on a week-to-week basis.”
“In our league, you have to bring your best game every Friday if you want to be successful. We are excited to be here and compete with some of the best teams in Northwest Ohio.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: @ North Baltimore (Aug. 19th); NWOAL Opener: vs. Delta (Sept. 9th)
T7. Swanton (0-10, 0-7 NWOAL)
HEAD COACH: Eric Keller (1st season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Austyn Gossett-G/LB; Bryce Marvin-C/DE; Aaron Thomas-T/DE
TOP RETURNERS: Seniors: Cole Mitchey-TE/SS/P; Ethan Hensley-QB/CB/K; Kamon Molina-WB/DE; Junior: Toby Solarek-T/LB; Sophomore: Trenton Eitniear-WB/LB; Camron Kirtz-FB/NG
STRENGTHS: improved defense, running game, secondary, linebacker play, overall team number, senior leadership
WEAKNESSES: depth at offensive line and defensive back; new coaching staff, overall inexperience
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We are working every day to improve in ALL areas of our football program by raising the expectations and demands we put on our athletes.”
“The results have been positive so far with a significant increase in numbers and a lot of enthusiasm from our athletes and coaches.”
“We are in the first stage of rebuilding our football program and will welcome ANY level of success this season.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “We feel that the NWOAL is one of the most competitive small school leagues in the state of Ohio.”
“Four different football programs have won state championships in the last 30 years. Teams are tough, physical, and well coached. We aspire to be described by these terms.”
Preseason poll: 1. Archbold; 2. Liberty Center; 3. Patrick Henry; 4. Wauseon; 5. Delta; 6. Bryan; 7. Swanton; 8. Evergreen
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: vs. Rossford (Aug. 19th); NWOAL Opener: vs. Patrick Henry (Sept. 9th)
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com