By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
WAUSEON – It’s another season of NWOAL football and that means everybody will be chasing Liberty Center according to the coaches’ vote at the NWOAL Media Night earlier this month.
The Tigers garnered 49 points to edge out Henry County rival Patrick Henry with 43. Archbold and Delta, who face each other in week one of league play on September 12, tied for third with 34 points apiece followed by Wauseon (23), Evergreen (19), Bryan (17), and Swanton (7).
The Tigers will have holes to fill from last season but will rely on the experience of their running backs and defensive line to try and capture a fourth straight league title.
Patrick Henry has to replace do-it-all and Northwestern commit Lincoln Creager but expect to be strong on the offensive and defensive lines.
The Delta Panthers bring back 24 letterwinners from 2024 and despite the graduation of Landon Lintermoot, the Panthers return three starters in the backfield led by running back Marcus Nagel (567 yards, 6 TDs).
Below are team previews in order of the preseason voting.
1. Liberty Center (15-1 NWOAL; Lost in Division V state final to Ironton, 28-17)
HEAD COACH: Casey Mohler (9th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Stephen Brogan (OL/LB); Brady Giesige (OL); Clayton Seel (OL); Waylon Rentz (RB/LB); Zander Zeiter (TE/DL); Noah Hammontree (TE); Grady Miller (QB/DB); Tyler Ley (OL); Blake Garber; Cam Kahle (DB); Kyelar Kern (DL); Jackson Bartels
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Hunter Spangler (OL/DL); Thomas Mohler (RB/DB); Max Walker (OL/K/P); T. Garrison Kruse (RB/LB); Tyler Rohrs; Isaac Orth; Degan Schwaiger, Kaden Sonnenberg; Mason Smith; Gabe Klapp; Logan Sifuentes; Kaden Kreinbrink; JT Oelkrug; Lucas Navarre; Kellen Wymer; Jaxton Lawniczak; Baxter Barrett
NEWCOMERS: Juniors – Ethan Gray, Mason Tallent; Sophomores – Sawyer Bockelman, Isaiah Badenhop, Henry Fitzenreiter, Tatum Murdock
STRENGTHS: “The strength of our offense is that we have a little bit of experience back at each offensive group. We have two running backs returning, a quarterback who took 1/2 of our snaps last season, and a couple of linemen who took significant snaps back as well.
“Depth at the defensive line, and linebackers will be our biggest defensive strengths. These position groups have experience in big games as well.”
“We have an experienced kicker returning who has done a very nice job for us the last three years. We also have several players that will be returning on our coverage teams and return teams.”
WEAKNESSES: “Developing depth at each position and not having much returning production from our receiving corps are concerns offensively. Replacing four out of our five defensive backs will be a big challenge. We are going to have to find guys who can make plays on a consistent basis.”
“On special teams, making sure that we buy in and we can develop depth on each unit. We have to compete and make sure we get the right people in the right places.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “For us to be successful we will need to take care of the football and control the line of scrimmage. We will also need to be diverse and spread the ball around as much as we can. Finding new linemen to replace our departing seniors will be very important as well.”
“Defensively we will need to be physical, relentless, and disciplined to be successful. We will need to control the line of scrimmage, create turnovers, and prevent big plays. We must make plays when there are plays to be made.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “The league was very young last year overall so most teams have a lot of guys back who played a lot. Patrick Henry has almost their entire defense back and most of their offensive line. They will be the team to beat.”
“After that Archbold has a lot coming back, and so does Evergreen and Delta. Wauseon, Bryan, and Swanton will be better than they were last season. If we can stay healthy and develop some of our inexperienced players, we feel like we can give ourselves a chance to compete each week.
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Tinora (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: Swanton (A) 7pm
2. Patrick Henry (12-2, 6-1 NWOAL; Lost in Division VI Region 22 final to Bluffton, 24-7)
HEAD COACH: Bill Inselmann (33rd Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Lincoln Creager (QB/DB); Jaden Punches (OLB); Lane Jackson (WR); Avery Wright (OT); Jaden Bishop (OT)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors – Grant Smith (OL/DL) 120 tackles, 14 sacks; Trent Johnson (TE/DE) 277 yds. receiving, 5 TDs, 71 tackles); Akevian Kryder (122 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries); Adrian Delgado (OG/DL); Grant Schwab (S/WR); Cal Schroder (RB/DB) 465 yards rushing; Lane Biederstedt (C); Jaidan Ruttter (RB) 599 yards rushing; Brian Scherdt (WB); Conner Neiderhouse (FB); Juniors – Reid Creager (CB); Jude Hudson (OT/DT); Kieffer Holloway (WR/DB)
NEWCOMERS: Seniors – Ethan James (OLB), Mitch Prigge (WR/DB); Juniors – Max Johnson (OG/DE), Reed Jackson (RB/OLB)
STRENGTHS: “We will have experience back at the offensive line. They are strong and athletic. We feel we have potential at the receiver position. We will focus this year on establishing a running game.
“On defense, we have good experience and athleticism return with all four starters in the secondary coming back.
“The defensive line will be strong with Grant Smith and Trent Johnson leading the way. Our first team Mike backer returns as well. A total of eight starters are coming back.”
WEAKNESSES: “We lost a tremendous athlete at the QB position in Northwestern commit Lincoln Creager. Replacing him will be a big key for us.
“We will hopefully find someone to step in and develop our passing game to complement our running attack. Developing stability and depth at the RB position will be important.
“Defensively, we must replace both of our first team all- league outside linebackers, Lincoln Creager and Jaden Punches. The other key will be finding depth at the interior position.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Line play on both sides of the ball will need to be one of our strengths. Defense should be a strength with all four starters back in the secondary and with key players returning up the middle and at defensive end.
“How quickly we can develop our QB position and find a passing game to complement our running game will be the biggest key. We have potential at the receiver position.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: 1. Liberty Center, 2. Archbold, 3. Patrick Henry, 4. Delta, 5. Evergreen; 6. Wauseon, 7. Bryan, 8. Swanton. “Liberty Center is the team to beat! Ourselves, Archbold, Delta, Evergreen, Wauseon, and Bryan will field good teams to make it a competitive league.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Hicksville (A); NWOAL Opener: September 12 – Bryan (H) 7pm
T3. Archbold (6-5, 4-3 NWOAL; Lost in Division V Region 18 first round to Eastwood, 41-0)
HEAD COACH: David Dominique (11th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Kurt Krueger (QB); Broden Piercefield (WR); David Oregon (OT); Chezney Miller (C); Evan Wendt (S); Jayden Gensler (DT)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ryder Ryan (RB/KR/PR); Morgan Harris (WR/CB/KR); Aranjer Krieger (WR/FS/PR); Anderson Bentley (H-Back); Jason Grime (T/DE); Hunter Warner (G); Parker Bixler (G/DE/Snapper); Brayden Garcia (DT); Wyatt Cline (DE); Max Burrowes (LB); Joseph Williams (LB); Ethan Bowman (SS); Garrett Stamm (CB); Rudy Rodger (K); Jarret Rufenacht (QB/H/DB); Sean Garcia (G/DE); Ashton Stuckey (SS); Carter King (H-back/LB); Caleb Heckel (DE); Isaiahs Gracia (DB); AJ Boysel (G/DT); Eli Farbrother (DT); Kadyn Pollock (DT); Jesse Schumacher (RB); Collin Short (WR); Maddox Pinter (QB/LB); Wyatt Gericke (WR/DE); Tate Peterson (G/LB)
NEWCOMERS: Seniors – Kobe Schrock (WR/DB); Landon Wanless (DT); Junior – Brooks Miller (DB)
STRENGTHS: “We return a lot of experience from our young team from last year. I think the competition level for all positions will be at an all-time high – something we have been lacking the last couple of years due to lack of depth.
“Having to fight for positions and compete daily in practice will only help our skilled players and offensive line. I think we will have a lot of playmakers in both the backfield and on the edges that can help our offense improve from our lack of efficiency last year.
“We feel that our defensive line and defensive backfield should be strengths for us with the experience back. This is an area where we feel we will have a lot of depth and will be able to rotate bodies freely.
“We are excited to have back an HM All League Kicker in Rudy Rodger who showed by the end of the season that he is a great weapon in the kicking game.
“Along with this, we return the majority of our special teams’ guys – not just kickers/punters/snappers/returns, but guys who played a lot of reps on special teams as a whole. We are going to really rely on them to help us swing momentum in games.”
WEAKNESSES: “We have no varsity proven signal callers so this is going to be an area we must see a lot of growth over the summer. We feel confident in the guys who play the position and think we have multiple guys who can challenge for the starting position.
“We must improve on our ability to stop big plays and make teams snap it again. We really struggled with this last year so it will be a focus of ours to make teams drive the length of the field and not give up freebies.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We are going to need to be more consistent at being able to run the ball. If you want to win in the NWOAL and postseason, you need to be able to hang your hat on your rushing attack.
“We were very inconsistent last year in this area, and we simply need to play tougher across the board. Having the ability to run the ball on any given down will allow us to open up our passing game and get the ball to our playmakers on the edge.
“We need to play fast and physical style of football for the full 48 minutes. This was an area we really struggled in last year and it showed against the good teams we played. We made strides as the year progressed, but this needs to happen immediately this year.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Until someone knocks Liberty Center off, I foresee them being the top dog in the league. Patrick Henry returns a lot as well and will be tough as always. I also see teams like Evergreen and Delta being threats with the number of players they return with experience.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Genoa (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: Delta (A) 7pm
T3. Delta (6-5, 3-4 NWOAL; Lost in Division V Region 18 first round to Creston Norwayne 45-42-OT)
HEAD COACH: Mike Vicars (11th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Landon Lintermoot (RB/LB); Cass Chiesa (C/LB); Richard Flores (SE/DB); Parker Cone (G); Brody Roth (PK); Carl Warner (DB)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors – Brady Smith (OT/DL) 19 tackles; Carter Mitchell (OG); Alex York (S/PK) 46 tackles, 4 INTs; Wyatt Flickinger (DE) 36 tackles, 4 sacks; Cooper Tipton (G); Dominic Salyers (DL); Hayden Boulton (DB/RB; Kalob Limpf (DB); Grant Cansky (G); Kaleb Yevtich (OT); Emilio Arroyo Sierra (DL); Jadon Lohman (DB/SE); Gary Valentine (DE/TE); Juniors – Vincent Martinez (RB/DB) 488 yards, 3 TDs, 32 tackles; Kade Lintermoot (TE/DE) 26 tackles; Malacaih Ambriz (DL) 41 tackles, 5 sacks; Wyatt Flickinger (DE) 36 tackles, 4 sacks; Alex Koder (OT); Jakob Russell (SE/DB); Hunter Heinemann (RB/DB); Archer Andrews (DL); Sophomores – Emric Friess (QB) 26/59, 4 TDs, 5 INTs; Marcus Nagel (RB/LB) 567 yards, 6 TDs, 31 tackles; Gunner Taylor (RB) 113 yards
NEWCOMERS: Junior – Hunter Elton (C); Sophomores – Jensyn Gillen (Utility player); Jack Mazurowski (LB); Brett Dadisman (OL); Peyton Popovich (OL/LB)
STRENGTHS: “As the season progressed 3 of our 4 backfield guys included 3 freshmen and a sophomore and got some tremendous experience. Emric Friess started every game at QB for us.
“Of our front seven guys 4 of those return 2nd team all-league tackle Brady Smith, offensive tackle Alec Koder, and guard Carter Mitchell are back. Also, running backs Vincent Martinez and Marcus Nagel return. Both TE’s return in Kade Lintermoot and Gary Valentine.
“We are bigger, stronger, and more mature on the defensive line this year and that should help keep guys off our linebackers. We just didn’t make enough plays in the trenches last year and that has to change. Wyatt Flickinger 2nd Team all NWOAL DE returns, as well as Alex York 2nd Team all NWOAL Safety, and 2nd Team DL Malacaih Ambriz return.
“The front five all return, Marcus Nagel returns at LB, and several guys got a lot of time in the secondary last year. We are hoping that experience can eliminate explosive plays vs our defense.”
WEAKNESSES: “Replacing Landon Lintermoot 1st team NWOAL RB, Cass Chiesa 2nd team NWOAL center, and replacing a guard will be a challenge. Five fumbles really hurt us in the double OT loss, and we have to clean those things up.
“We have to be more efficient in our passing game. We only completed 43% of our passes last year. We have to get better at that, and our QB has to add some run elements in his second year. But a solid foundation is there if we are healthy – that was a challenge late in the season.
“On defense, Lintermoot (LB) and Cass Chiesa (LB) will be difficult to replace. Richard Flores III has to be replaced as well. We got pushed around too much up front last year and that must improve a ton!
“That has yet to be seen if we can do that vs the best in this league. We are looking to improve our depth at LB. Secondary all have experience, but they must prove yet that we can eliminate explosive plays when it matters most.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Our schedule is tough this year. We will be strongly tested early as we have Ayersville, then at 2 round playoff deep Fairview, then 2 round deep playoff Gibsonburg, then league play begins with playoff Archbold who we lost to in the last 60 seconds last year. We are going to know a lot about ourselves about the time mid-season hits.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Liberty Center is loaded. They were not only super strong on varsity a year ago but were as strong on JV. They have many excellent players returning even though they lost some good ones. They will easily reload back to the top.
“PH has some fine ball players, just not quite as many as Liberty Center has. They have the best defensive linemen in the league. They are outstandingly coached, and it will give them a chance to have a terrific year.
“Then the rest of the conference was young last year, and I think everyone is improved. It makes for an improved NWOAL and rugged schedule every week. You are going to see a lot of competitive NWOAL games this year in those teams that are 3 through 8.
“I just think the gap between the top two and the rest of us is too much to overcome. But make no mistake 3-8 are rapidly getting better. Some of those programs have some fine youngsters coming.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Ayersville (H) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: Archbold (H) 7pm
5. Wauseon (3-7, 3-4 NWOAL)
HEAD COACH: Shawn Moore (7th Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Wyatt Smith (WR) 25 receptions, 654 yards, 7 TDs; Braylon Miller (WR/S); Ben Tule (G/DT) 24 tackles; Michael Hartman (TE); Landon O’Dell (OT); Ashton Vonier (LB) 69 tackles, 2 sacks; Caleb Kissel (S) 28 tackles; Nate Jackson (DT) 21 tackles
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors – Kahle Albright (QB/S) 58/116 – 1,008 yards, 276 yards rushing, 15 total TDs, 80 tackles; Brayden Burkholder (OT); Jaden Duncan (C); Otis Flowers (WR/LB/KR) 237 yards rushing, 49 tackles, 19.6 yds/return; Logan Peaslee (CB) 33 tackles; Sean OConnor (DE) 52 tackles; Collin Mennetti (K); Landon Ballard; Julian Jasso; Juniors – Brady Miller (G/DE/LB) 72 tackles, 2 INTs; A’Zarrion Hicks (RB); Rico Vazquez (OT); Xzavier Molina (WR/CB); Tyler Rodriguez (LB) 99 tackles; Thad Reckner (DB); Domanck Yeary; Connor Shadbolt; Irvin Ayala; Sophomore – Allen Bock
NEWCOMERS: Juniors – Slade Inderrieden, Brody Shehorn; Sophomores – Dylan Burkholder, Izaak Conrad, Brady McGuire, Clete Van Etten
STRENGTHS: Returning experience, leadership
WEAKNESSES: Lack of depth at some positions
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have a lot of experience coming back, especially at all three levels of our defense, but we are still young looking to prove ourselves. 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 and every week, no matter who the opponent is.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Fairview (H) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 12 – Evergreen (A) 7pm
6. Evergreen (6-5, 4-3 NWOAL; Lost in Division VI Region 22 first round to Patrick Henry, 35-4)
HEAD COACH: Hunter Kohls (1st Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Trevor Johnosn (RB/OL/LB); Will Johnson (TE/DE); Max Mossing (RB/LB); Colton Robertson (WR/DB); Lane Vance (OL/DL); Ethan Wolfe (OL/DL)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Bryce Bolger (QB), Austin Burghart (OL), Jackson Huffman (OL), Joey Okos (OL/DL), Will Ruetz (WR/DB), Luke Woodring (WR/DB); George Allendorf (DB), Quinten Eisel (DB), JJ Johnson (LB), Alex Mossing (DB/K); Landon Ricker (P); Lester Schwartz; Austin Gillen; Brendan Holman; Nolan Hudik; Jaret Studenka; Timothy Grabarczyk; Logan Huerman; Hayes Studenka
NEWCOMERS: Joey LaPoint
STRENGTHS: Speed and experience
WEAKNESSES: Overall depth, running game
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We must execute and be disciplined. On defense, we will need to play fast, swarm the ball and cause turnovers. We look to be competitive in every game. There is loads of potential within our roster with lots of experience from upperclassmen.
“This team has built a foundation over the past couple of years. Even with a head coaching change, we’ve been able to bring back continuity with the coaching staff. This has allowed for a smooth transition with for the players who are looking to build on what was accomplished last year.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Each and every week is going to be a test.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Delphos Jefferson (H) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 12 – Wauseon (H) 7pm
7. Bryan (1-9, 1-6 NWOAL)
HEAD COACH: Scott Staten (2nd Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Cade Spisak (OL/DL); Dameon Wolfe (RB/LB); Carter Dominique (TE/DE); Hutson Wheeler (WR/S)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Logan Carder (OL/DL); Jaymison Longoria (OL); Connor Hogan (OL/LB); Lukas Reid (OL/RB/LB); Rhett McGill (QB); Anthony Weber (WR/CB); Jacob Uran (TE/DE); Aaden Wallace (WR); Cade Carlin (RB/WR/CB); Hunter Watson (SS); Vincent Taylor (LB); Gaige Phillips (LB);
NEWCOMERS: Junior – Sam Gonzalez; Sophomores – Miles Palmer, Easton Kerr, Cole Carlin
STRENGTHS: “We have good experience on the offensive line and at the wide receiver positions. Our strength on defense is our linebacking corps.
“This is a group that has experience and excelled last year. We have some very strong legs in our program. We hope to be able to use these players to score points and pin defenses deep in their own territory.”
WEAKNESSES: “We haven’t had the explosive player on offense that is able to put pressure on the defense. We need to find players that have a knack for finding the end zone. Not scoring in the red zone was a big problem for us last year. We need to finish drives with points.
“Defensively, our biggest concern heading into the season is consistency. We showed flashes last year—times where we played fast, physical football—but we struggled to put together four full quarters.
“Part of that comes with youth and inexperience, which we had a lot of last year. We were replacing nearly our entire starting unit from the previous season, so naturally there were growing pains.”
“We need to fix the issues with our return game. We need players that want the ball to step up and bring explosiveness to our special teams.
SEASON OUTLOOK: “It all starts up front. We need to be more physical on the offensive line and have better protection for our young quarterback. We also will need to develop a consistent run game to take pressure off the quarterback.
“We need to see more explosive plays downfield from our passing game. We must eliminate turnovers, and finish drives better than we did last year. We need to eliminate big plays on defense and make opposing offenses drive the length of the field.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Everyone is still chasing Liberty Center. Patrick Henry and Archbold are behind Liberty. I feel like the rest of the league can be grouped together. I look for this season to be filled with very competitive games. In this league you can never take a night off.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Van Wert (H) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 12 – Patrick Henry (A) 7pm
8. Swanton (0-10, 0-7 NWOAL)
HEAD COACH: Nate McAfee (2nd Season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Lucas Wilson (QB); Drake Harris (QB/RB); Josh Tyburski (RB/LB); Kaiden Bryan (TE/SS); Hunter Entenmann (G); Evan Smigelski (C/DT); Michael Holtsberry (G/LB); Tyler Camp (T)’ Cam’ron Kirtz (DT); Cam Fay (DE); Walker Klinger (CB); Isaiah Bolyard (CB)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jayden Wilson (QB/WR); Zak Wylie (DT/T); Seth Carman (WR/KR); Dennis Robinson (WR/KR); Marquise Zalecki (WR/CB); Connor Mitchey (FS); Javi Hornyak (LB); Hudson Pancoast (DE/LB); James Bates; Landon Bolyard; Shawn McGary
NEWCOMERS: Senior – Luke Marlow; Junior – Gio Ruiz; Freshmen – Coly Aytes, Logan Secory, Lucas Fay
STRENGTHS: “I think one big strength is that the returning players are familiar with our offensive system. They will understand the plays and have confidence in what concepts the offensive coaches are presenting to them.
“This understanding will help the players be able to concentrate more on their position technique which will help the offense overall! If we are talking about a position of strength on offense, it is the receivers!
“We return all of our receivers and having the varsity experience will bode well for them this upcoming season! One of our strengths on defense is that we return most of our secondary! An off season in the weight room and having varsity experience throughout the defensive backfield will help the defensive unit be successful.”
WEAKNESSES: Offensive and defensive line depth
SEASON OUTLOOK: “To be successful offensively we need to improve on not turning the ball over! We had way too many turnovers in 2024! If we can hang on to the ball and sustain drives in this upcoming season, we can be successful.
“To be successful defensively we need to have confidence in our play and increase our pursuit to the ball. Get all eleven hats to the ball carrier and make the tackle. Too many missed tackles last season in 2024.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “A lot of people are counting us out on fielding a successful team. I have confidence the way our off-season has gone with guys dedicating themselves to the weight room, it will help us on the field this season!
“Our mindset has begun turning over, from the way things used to be, to how things should be in our new Swanton Football mindset/cycle. Holding themselves and their teammates accountable for their actions is something we have been really pushing this off season.
“If we can change the mindset and fully believe in the new positive cycle, who knows what this team can do! Within the conference, I feel like Liberty Center and Patrick Henry are at the top until the rest of us can compete with them consistently.
“And until that happens, the rest of us are going to be working with our teams to do the best we can to improve and get to a place where every team is competitive. To benefit our league, I would love to see every NWOAL game be competitive and fun to watch!
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 22 – Paulding (A) 7pm; NWOAL Opener: September 12 – Liberty Center (H) 7pm
