By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Toledo Area Athletic Conference will see some major changes in the 2025 high school football season.
With the departure of Northwood (Sandusky Bay Conference River Division), the TAAC has added four new members in North Central, along with three schools from Michigan in Summerfield, Erie Mason, and Whiteford.
Those four schools, along with current TAAC members Edon, Hilltop, Montpelier, and Ottawa Hills, will be playing a seven-game conference schedule this fall.
This also marks the final year Ottawa Hills will be competing in the TAAC. Next year, they’ll be joining Northwood in the Sandusky Bay Conference River Division.
The Northern 8 Conference (eight-man) has also expanded with the addition of Cardinal Stritch to its membership roster.
Cardinal Stritch replaces defending N-8 champion Toledo Christian, who is returning to 11-man football following several years of membership.
Like the TAAC, the Northern 8 will also play a seven-game schedule to determine its conference champion.
In the Green Meadows Conference, Fairview appears as the favorite to unseat defending champion Tinora. A year ago, Edgerton and Edon both reached the Division VII state playoffs only to fall in the opening round.
Following is a capsule outlook on the area football teams.
EDGERTON BULLDOGS
HEAD COACH: Brody Flegal (sixth season)
2024 RECORD: 6-5 overall, 4-3 Green Meadows Conference.
LETTERMEN LOST: Scott Krontz (WR/DB, first team GMC wide receiver/defensive back, second team Div. 7 Northwest District and All-Ohio honorable mention wide receiver); Joel Walkup (RB/LB, first team GMC running back/linebacker, second team NW district and All-Ohio honorable mention running back); Evan Stark (OT/DT, GMC honorable mention); Cory Herman (WR/TE/OLB second team GMC tight end); Braden Leppelmeier (DB, first team GMC and Div. VII NW District, Co-defensive player of the year NW District and All-Ohio third team).
RETURNING STARTERS: Maddox Baker (QB/DB, 5-9, 160, senior, second team GMC, 1, 727 yards passing, 18 TD’s); Kellen Sanchez (WR/DB, 6-0, 165, junior, GMC honorable mention, 25 rec. 322 yards, 3 TD’s); Jackson Flower (OG/LB, 6-0, 200, senior, GMC honorable mention, 93 tackles); Bryce Schroeder (OG, 5-11, 240, senior, GMC honorable mention); Karter Gibson (WR/LB, 6-0, 170, senior, GMC honorable mention, 39 rec. 525 yards, 5 TD’s); Noah Weaver (WR/TE/DL, 6-1, 215, senior); Ty Leppelmeier (C, 5-11, 215, junior); Parker Elden (WR/DB/K 6-2, 165, senior, GMC honorable mention, 41-47 PAT kicks).
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH: Bret Payton (RB/LB, 5-8, 170, junior); Chris Lockwood (OL/DL, 6-5, 280, junior); Caden Sinclair (WR/DB, 5-10, 150, senior); Mason Elden (WR/QB/DB, 6-2, 160, junior).
COACH’S OUTLOOK: “We finished the regular season 6-4 and qualified for a playoff spot, where we fell to a strong Mohawk team. While we showed flashes of strong play throughout the year, consistency remained a challenge.
“Playing four complete quarters each week will be a key focus moving forward. We know there’s still more work to do. Our goal for 2025 is to become a more consistent football team. Offensively, our quarterback (Baker) returns for his third year under center, and our offense will be built around his strengths.
“We bring back experience in all position groups. Major concern is we graduated our top rusher and receiver and need to replace their production. Defensively, we return a lot of experience up front on the line. The keys to success on defense is alignment, assignment, and tackling.
“When we do these things, we put ourselves in a position to get stops defensively. The GMC is always a competitive league year in and year out. We are excited to compete in 2025.
EDON BOMBERS
HEAD COACH: Bob Olwin (sixth season); 250-183-1 (career record)
2024 RECORD: 9-2 overall, 3-1 TAAC.
LETTERMEN LOST: Cohen Hulbert, Kyler Sapp, Parker Kelley, Blake Baker, Mason Pinkham, Colton Willis, Max Radabaugh, and Carter Steinke.
RETURNING STARTERS: Kendol Brigle (WR/Rover, 6-3, 170, senior, 32 tackles, 60 rec. 751 yards, 10 TD’s); Briggs Gallahue (QB/FS, 6-4, 210, senior, 4-6 passing, 37 yards, 45 tackles/3 INT); Danny Avila-Garcia (OT/DT, 5-8, 190, senior, 49 tackles); Braedyn Wehrle (5-8, 165, junior, 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks); Grant Reed (OG/DE, 5-11, 220, senior, 11 tackles); Gauge Nester (RB/DE, 5-11, 170, senior, 41 tackles); Eli Dickmann (WR/DB, 6-0, 150, senior, 27 rec. 343 yards, 3 TD’s); Trent Buck (LB/RB, 5-11, 175, junior, 15 tackles); Kadin Stantz (WR/DB, 5-5, 130, junior, 29 tackles).
OTHER RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Collan Vollmer (OT/DT, 5-7, 235, senior); Devin Hoffman (DE, 5-8, 210, senior).
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Korbin Olds (5-7, 130, sophomore); Corbin Chrisman (5-8, 148, junior); Landen Reitzel (5-10, 170, junior); Logan Reitzel (5-10, 165, junior); Aricin Rodriguez (5-10, 225, junior); Micah Kessler (5-10, 210, sophomore); Lincoln Kiess (5-5, 125, sophomore); Wyatt Wheeler (5-8, 155, sophomore); Parker Moyer (5-5, 140, sophomore); Cayden Thiel (5-3, 110, sophomore); Brady Trent (5-8, 225, sophomore); Gage Cisneros (5-3, 140, sophomore).
COACH’S OUTLOOK: The Bombers won their first nine games of the 2024 season before losing to eventual TAAC champion Ottawa Hills (55-14) in the regular season finale and to McComb (28-14) in the first round of the Division VII playoffs.
Olwin listed wide receivers, defensive line, defensive backs, and middle linebackers as team strengths. Biggest concern is having limited experience, and that includes replacing quarterback Kyler Sapp, who threw for 2,882 yards on 238 of 348 pass attempts and 39 TDs. Key to the 2025 season is to stay healthy and get production from specific positions.
HILLTOP CADETS
HEAD COACH: Nate Massie (eighth season); 17-59 (career record)
2024 RECORD: 1-8 overall, 0-4 TAAC.
LETTERMEN LOST: Cameron Schlosser (WR/LB, holds school record in receptions and receiving yards); Brock Kesler (WR, DB, 4-year letterman, 2nd team TAAC); Brian Guillen (OL/DL, 1st team TAAC).
RETURNING STARTERS: Cameron Shimp (QB/LB, junior); Anthony Jiannuzi (TE/LB, sophomore); Brycen Grubbs (WR/DB, senior); Zane Burdine (OL/DE, junior 2nd team TAAC); Terry Rebeck (LB, junior); Zakk Cammack (OL, senior); Jon Stephens (OL/DL, senior, honorable mention TAAC); Jesus Guillen (OL/DL, senior, 2nd team TAAC); Scott Bowers (RB/LB, senior, 2nd team TAAC); Nate Johnson (OL/DL, sophomore).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Brayden Talbot (freshman).
SEASON OUTLOOK: Despite being a young team last fall, the Cadets showed improvements across the board as a team but still need to keep getting better. Hilltop played five junior varsity games last season, the first time since 2016.
Offensively, the Cadets must limit turnovers and run the football effectively on first and second down. The offensive line and running game are the two biggest strengths this season.
Biggest concern is replacing two wide receivers (Schlosser and Kesler), both of whom accounted for 600 yards plus of receiving and replacing an all-TAAC lineman in Brian Guillen. Defensively, the Cadets must improve on tackling and execution of the defense.
The linebacker position will be a major strength, according to Massie, but he is concerned about the lack of speed and experience in the secondary. With the TAAC expanding this fall, Massie is hoping the Cadets can be competitive and hopefully finish in the middle of the pack.
MONTPELIER LOCOMOTIVES
HEAD COACH: Andy Robinson (fourth season); 13-18 (coaching record)
2024 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 1-3 TAAC.
LETTERMEN LOST: Kam Smith (WR/DB, TAAC first team wide receiver); Gary Robinson (DL, TAAC second team lineman).
RETURNING STARTERS: Hayden Sharps (QB/DB, 6-1, 180, senior, 1,683 yards passing, 15 TD’s, 283 yards rushing, 4 TD’s, NW District honorable mention); Griffin Cooley (RB/LB, 6-1, 180, senior, 66 carries, 448 yards rushing, 7 TD’s, 31 rec. 491 yards, 3 TD’s, TAAC first team running back/linebacker, NW District honorable mention); Jaxson Stahler (WR/LB, 5-10, 170, senior, 38 rec. 394 yards, 4 TD’s, TAAC second team); Logan Pontious (OL/DL, 6-5, 280, senior, TAAC first team lineman); NW District honorable mention); Wesley Hartsock (WR/DB, 6-3, 170, junior, TAAC second team wide receiver); Johnny Fritsch (OL/DL, 5-10, 210, senior); Malachi Smith (5-10, 225, junior); Ryan Riggenbach (OL/DL, 6-3, 210, sophomore); Travis Clifford (OL/DL, 5-10, 260, sophomore); Carter Meek (RB/S, 5-11, 175, sophomore).
OTHER LETTERWINNERS: Carter Waterston (OL/LB, 5-10, 160, senior); Jacob Lyons (WR/DB, 5-9, 150, sophomore); Zepplin Morales (RB/DB, 5-9, 155, sophomore).
PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Zane Stull (sophomore); Dom Guilford (freshman); Hazen Smith (freshman); Anthony Fletcher (freshman).
COACH’S OUTLOOK: “We started five freshmen last year, and it was a big learning curve for them. Our progression from week 1 to week 10 was evident, and we ended the season with a great win.
We only had two seniors on last year’s team, so I feel the lumps we took were beneficial (for) us to succeed in the next few seasons.
“Offensively, we bring back just about all of our firepower, including Hayden Sharps, who is a three-year-plus starter at quarterback, along with Griff Cooley and Jaxson Stahler at skill positions, which have been playmakers for us the last couple of seasons.
“To be successful offensively this season, we will need to lean on those guys to help finish off drives with points. We need to do a better job taking care of the ball and having a balanced attack both through the air and on the ground.
“Keys to our defense are we have depth in the front seven, creating turnovers at a higher rate, tackling in space, and staying tough in the box. In the TAAC, I believe the league is as wide open as it has been in years.
“The addition of the three Michigan schools brings a different dynamic this season. Whiteford has a solid program and will be looked at as the frontrunner this year. Edon will be competitive at the top of the league again, and I see teams that have been at the bottom bringing back experienced rosters.
“The winner of the league this year will need to remain healthy and play their best ball week in and week out.
NORTH CENTRAL EAGLES
HEAD COACH: Tyler Iwinski (second season)
2024 RECORD: 3-7 overall.
LETTERMEN LOST: Anton Hagler (WR 27 rec. 301 yards, 4 TD’s); Gavin Shockley (WR, 13 rec, 113 yards, 2 TD’s); Carlos Cadena (DT);
RETURNING STARTERS: Tyler Myers (QB/DB, 5-10, 160, senior); Jameson Benedict (RB, 5-9, 190, senior); Alex St. John (RB/LB 5-10, 165, junior); Brendon Solano (WR, 5-7, 165, senior); Ernie Lempfert (OT, 6-4, 265, junior); William Massey (OG/DE, 5-10, 255); Logan Clark (OT/NT, 5-10, 235, senior); Brody Taylor (WR/LB, 5-5, 145, senior); Briggs Fiser (RB/LB, 5-10, 175, sophomore); Jesse Taylor (WR/DB, 5-8, 165, sophomore): Thomas Ghent (DB, 5-10, 135); Cash Martin (WR/DL, junior); Thane Martin (WR/DB, sophomore); Dakota Baker (OL/DL, sophomore).
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Jackson Poynter (WR/DB, junior); Carson Nixon (OL/DL, junior); Leamm McElroy (WR/DB, freshman); Matt Hausch (OL/LB, freshman); Ashaun Dickey (RB/LB, freshman); Garrett Shockley (WR/DB, junior).
COACH’S OUTLOOK: “Second year under the new system, so that we can play faster with quicker decisions. Athletic in the skill positions with a lot of returning starters. We are looking to make a statement after finally joining a league with the TAAC and playing good football.”
“Looking to be physical and disciplined to win games. The TAAC is a great conference to be a part of. We are looking to make a statement about belonging in the league. I believe Ottawa Hills, Edon, Whiteford, and Erie Mason are the teams we look forward to playing.
STRYKER PANTHERS
HEAD COACH: Jamison Grime (first season)
2024 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 1-6 Northern 8 Conference
LETTERMEN LOST: Jacob Myers (WR/DB, 2nd team Northern 8 utility selection, 4-year letterman); Chris Damms (RB/LB, 4-year letterman).
RETURNING STARTERS: Owen Zachrich (OL/DL, 5-10, 260, senior); Jacob Ramon (WR/DB/KR, 5-9, 145, junior, Northern 8 honorable mention); Michael Damms (OL/LB, 5-10, 220, junior); Eli Capps (RB/WR/LB/P/K, 6-0, 160, senior, Northern 8 honorable mention); Rustin Nafziger (OL/DL, 5-10, 295, senior); Ethan Beltran (OL/DL, 5-9, 190, junior, Northern 8 honorable mention); Nate Ryan (RB/DB, 5-10, 160, sophomore); Cody Stewart (QB/DB, 6-1, 160, sophomore); Walker Atkinson (RB/LB, 5-8, 195, sophomore); Dylan Rivas (OL/DL, 5-10, 215, sophomore, Northern 8 honorable mention).
OTHER RETURNING LETTERMEN: Austin Werts (DB/WR, 5-7, 115, sophomore); Cooper Stuckey (OL/DL, 5-7, 205, sophomore); Luis Arreola (OL/DL, 5-9, 175, sophomore).
NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Lane Breen (OL/DL, 5-9, 210, freshman); Liam Lee (5-9, 180, freshman).
SEASON OUTLOOK: Grime, who has spent the last three years as an assistant coach at Stryker, also has previous head coaching experience at Delta, where he was 6-4 in 2007. He stressed the goal is to improve day to day.
“Our success was not measured in wins and losses, but by how hard we competed in games. By the end of the season, we were much improved, and it culminated with a decisive victory (46-6) at Sebring McKinley,” he said.
Biggest strength for the Panthers is the offense, having 7 of 8 starters returning, and other players seeing action. Stryker loses just one starter defensively to graduation from last year. Grime noted the Panthers need to get stops early in the game and cannot give up early touchdowns and dig themselves into a hole early.
In the Northern 8 Conference, the first-year head mentor lists Sandusky, St. Mary’s, Danbury, and Chalker as the frontrunners. He doesn’t believe anybody will completely dominate the league like Toledo Christian has done the last few years. It will be interesting to see who improves from week to week and can compete for the championship at the end of the season.
