D.L.Burnworth

  On Saturday, I was able to make my first trip to Eminence High School to watch the Warriors face Bellevue in the second game of a double-header that was part of a bowl game. The biggest thing that stuck out to me was that Jordan Pendleton from Bellevue has Old-West grit. The young man was hurt at least twice and came back in to have a very solid all-around game. The game had two scores before several fans had a chance to find a seat. Pendleton opened the dance with a 93-yard kickoff return for the touchdown, and then the Warriors responded with a 57-yard run from one of their many weapons. Jarren Beverly to give the home side the 7-6 lead with 11:22 still on the first quarter clock. Bellevue would get the first turnover, a fumble recovery on a punt return by Kameron Stokes. From there, Pendleton rambled 25 yards to make this a 12-7 game with 7:14 left in the quarter. Three completed passes by the Warriors by Blaze Berry to Kenien Foree set up the last score of the open

On Friday, Christian County and host Warren East squared off in game one of the J Allen Builders Bowl. Things started quickly for Warren East, with Jackson McCool busting free for a 36-yard gain. From there, Brayden Lightfoot, who was wide open, easily caught a pass thrown by Dan Parsley. The 8-play, 75-yard drive ended on a Parlsey 11-yard touchdown run to make this a 7-0 game with 9:50 left in the opening quarter. The point after the kick was nailed by Steven Rodriguez. On the ensuing kickoff, the Colonels coughed the ball up, making the recovery for the Raiders was McCool. The Raiders used just four plays to take the 14-0 lead, with Parsley hitting Jacob Miller for a 19-yard score. When the Raiders got the ball, they again needed 4 plays to make this a 21-0 game on a 2-yard run by McCool, with 6:54 left in the one-sided opening quarter. The Raiders defense got a nice play from Atlas Pinson, who got to the quarterback for a loss of three. This became a 28-0 game when Jayden Richey

  Name: Hayden Hicks School: Steubenville High School  Positions played:  Football: punter/kicker  Soccer: center back, center defensive midfielder, center midfielder  Baseball: right-handed pitcher and outfielder  Graduating year: 2025 Height and weight: 6’2” and 160lbs  You play three sports: baseball, soccer, and football. How long have you played each sport, and what got you started playing them? Football: started as a high school freshman Baseball and Soccer: Since I was 4 years old Of the three sports that you play, which one do you feel you are best at? Baseball  Of the three sports that you play, which one is the toughest to prepare for? Soccer because of the conditioning  What has been the highlight of your athletic career so far? Throwing a two-hit shutout this summer in addition to hitting a home run in the championship game of the Firecracker Classic in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware  I also won MVP for the tournament. Kicking or punting—which one do you feel that yo

    In a few hours, high school football starts not only here in Ohio but in several other states. For the seniors, this is the last game of their high school football career. Some will recognize this in a different way as they leave the locker room and head to the field for warm-ups. For the freshmen that are dressing varsity, they are, or most will have that deer in the headlight look right up until they are in the action; for the other freshmen, it might last until that first kickoff. Let's not forget about the senior cheerleaders, who have given every ounce they have to do a job that many, especially the fans, often overlook. The senior band members are another group that too many only recognize when we see them on the field. Before the lights are turned on and the ball is kicked to start the game, I wanted to say, especially to the seniors, take a second and take a good, hard look before you start your part of the game. Make sure your younger teammates are ready to go, and g

  The Terrell Panthers, led by Head Coach Broderick Jamison, opened their season against the Hebron Christian Lions on Friday afternoon. This was my first time seeing either team, so I paid a lot of attention to the teams as they entered the field and as they went through pregame warmups. What stuck out the most was how flat the Panthers looked, almost as if they knew this game was not going to be very competitive. The Lions, on the other hand, looked ready to hit. Nick Wade got to Beau Morgan with 8:15 left in the first for a 3-yard loss. With the game still scoreless, Thomas Stallworth had a bad snap go over his head, and racing back to make the recovery for the Panthers was #33. Deandre Bell, with 5:37 still left in the first. The Panthers would give the ball right back to the Lions when Ahmad Bridges coughed the ball up and Max Steve pounced on it at the Panthers 11-yard line. Devon Caldwell would take the ball for the 11 yards needed for the game's first score. After Cam Ebl

  Jaden Harris Harrison Central High School Guard, Defensive End 2026 5'11 210   What is the toughest part of being a 210-pound offensive and defensive lineman? I would have to say the toughest part is going up against way bigger players that play my position. What is the best part of being a 210-pound offensive and defensive lineman? The best part, I would say, is being able to be faster than others who play my positions. What is the strongest part of your game? I would have to say the strongest part of my game would have to be my speed at my position. What did you accomplish during the off-season that will make you a better player? In the off-season, I believe I have gotten a lot stronger, which will help me become a better player. What makes you a good teammate? What I would say makes me a good teammate is going and helping other teammates when they make mistakes. Who is the one teammate who will do something funny to get a laugh when things are a little tense?

  Name: Jaikyh Z. McIntyre East High School (Akron) Positions played at LB, strong safety, slot, and outside are basically wherever my coach feels like he needs me. Graduating year 2025 Height and weight 6’0 165 With this being your final high school football season, have you found yourself preparing for the upcoming season differently than you have in the past? Way different What have you learned about your team during practices so far leading up to the opening night kickoff? We all have talents that we display; we are all different in our own ways, and that’s what makes us so fun to watch.  Where on the field do you feel that you are best at? I feel best when I’m outside blocking, and I’ll have fun going for a few routes. What is the strongest part of your game? My blocking  Which part of your game have you worked on the most during the off-season? My blocking and footwork for DB What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Akron East High School? We get to pla

  These two schools did battle at West Forsyth High School, and this would be my first visit to the school and my first time getting to see both of these teams play. The Wildcats punt team made the first big splash in this contest when Preston Cooper raced downfield, avoiding any would-be blockers to take Jermain Tyler Jr. before he could gain an inch. The Wildcats defense would come up with a nice play at the 5:19 mark of the opening quarter, when Andrew Ainsworth crushed Albert McCoy for a loss of three. Then, with 4:36 showing on the clock, Christan Lee planted McCoy for a five-yard loss. With thirty-five seconds left on the clock, the Wildcats found themselves facing a fourth and six. They decided to go for it, and the decision was made good when Matt Pearch connected with Danny Boden for a nine-yard gain and a big first down. The same combo would bring the first score of the game on a 32-yard touchdown pass. After Jude Torjak was true on the punt after the kick, we had a 7-0 game

    The game was played at Kell High School, and this marked my first time catching a game there and my first time seeing each team. There was a smaller crowd at the game, but they were into it; at times they were very loud. The first big play of the game came when Marquavios Grimes from Douglass crushed Kayden Sutton for a five-yard loss at the 6:23 mark of the opening quarter. Lagrange would shake off the negative play and take a 3-0 lead on the drive in the tenth play, with Mason Calhoun nailing a 43-yard field goal with 5:23 left in the quarter. The drive went for ten plays, totaling 77 yards. Noah Outland would sack John Wilson for a loss of fifteen to help get the LaGrange offense back on the field a short time later. Elijah Hunter would pick off a Gryson Cockrell pass with forty-six seconds left in the quarter. John Wilson connected with Boykin Quintavious for a gain of 72 yards with 35 seconds left in the quarter. The Douglass drive, which lasted for three plays and totale

  Grady Kinsey  Indian Valley High School 2026 RB 5-9, 195 What was the high point of the 2023 season? The high point of 2023 was our playoff run. Who was the best team that Indian Valley faced during the 2023 season, along with the reasons that made them so good? The best team we played for in 2023 was Steubenville; they were great because they were coached very well. In a game, who has been the best player you have ever faced? The best player I ever played was Reginald Anderson from Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C. Who is the one teammate who goes 100 mph no matter the situation? My teammate Ryker Williams is always going 100 mph. What is the worst part of two-a-days? The worst part of two days is getting blisters on your cleats. What is your favorite part of practice? My favorite part of practice is going through the offensive script. What has been your biggest moment as an athlete, in any sport, at any age? My biggest moment as an athlete was hitting a gr

Tate MaCauley Tioga Central  RG/DL 2025 6’1-240 Let's kick this off with you telling the readers how many state titles your team has won in a row and what it feels like to do so. We have won three consecutive state titles, and it’s definitely a great feeling to be part of something so special. With the state titles come big memories. What has been the biggest memory with the state titles? My biggest memory has to be when we beat Oak Field, Alabama, to go to the dome for the first time. Who has been the best player that you have faced, along with the team he played for? There was a lot of hype around our Stillwater game as the O Line coach was an ex-NFL player. Guard or defensive tackle of the two positions, which one do you feel that you are best at? Definitely Guard Guard or defensive tactic—which one is the toughest to prepare for? Explain I would say guard because you have to read the defense in front of you and make decisions on the fly to pick up linebackers or w

Ethan Thanthanavong Bloom-Carroll   Quarterback 2025 6’0 190 What is the toughest part of practice? I would say going against our defense in our team period Which part of practice is your favorite? 7 on 7 because it helps me go through my progressions better. What did you learn about yourself during the 2023 season that you will be able to use this year to be a better player? That having composure keeps you mentally sharp as well as your team. What were the high and low points of the 2023 season? High points: beating Jackson in the playoffs Low points: losing to Hamilton and Watterson With this being your final high school football season, have you found yourself preparing differently? Explain I’ve definitely worked harder this off-season than I ever have before, so I’m hoping it all shows this year. As an athlete, what has been your biggest moment in any sport at any age? Definitely, throwing a touchdown in the state championship is something I will never forget. You a

  Isaiah Robinson School: Martin Luther King High School  Positions: Rb Qb Ss De Wr Grad year: 2024 Height weight  5’10 175 What were your emotions as you walked off the field for the last time as a high school player? My emotions from playing in my last HS game were great; I just took in the moment and was glad it ended with a win. As a student-athlete, what was your biggest regret? As a student athlete, my biggest regret is not working hard enough to get on the field as a freshman or sophomore. What was the biggest life lesson you learned from playing football? The biggest life lesson football taught me is that sacrifice is better than selfishness. What was the biggest highlight of your high school athletic career? The biggest highlight from HS is throwing 3 touchdowns and 200+ yards in my division championship game. What was the most embarrassing moment for me as an athlete? My most embarrassing moment is probably breaking three sacks and then fumbling the ball all

  Jude Blair Bloom Carroll High RB 2025 5’11 190 How long have you played football, and what keeps you playing? I’ve played football since I was about 3. What keeps me playing is that I just enjoy the game and want to play it in college.  How did your 2023 track season go? My 2023 track season had some ups and downs. We had really good relay teams, but my year was cut short with hamstring problems, so I didn’t get to run much. Last season, you were close to 900 yards rushing with five touchdowns. What are your goals for the 2024 season?  My goal would be to rush for 1500 yards. But I think as a team, we want to win the MSL and then win a state championship. Bloom Carroll had another good season in 2023, going 10-3, including two playoff wins. Of the three games that you guys lost, which of those teams do you believe were the best?  Personally, I don’t know. I just moved to Carroll during track season, so I didn’t get to play football at Carroll, so this will be my first and

  Jaki threet Bridgeport High School Rb,ss 2026 6’0 175 What was the thing that you were able to learn the most during the 2023 season that you can use this year to be a better player? Reading the holes and trusting that one will open up  What are your goals for the 2024 season? 1000 yards rushing  You play several positions; where on the field do you feel is your strongest position to play? Rb for Sure I’m pretty balanced with speed and power. Which is harder to prepare for as a player—defense or offense? Defense because you never know exactly what they are going to run. What is your favorite part of practice? Team, you really get to see everything in live action. What is the worst part of two-a-days? Coming back out after your break  Coming off of a 3-7 season, what will the 2024 team have to do better to be a.500 or better team this year? Just buy in and believe in what the coaches are doing. Who is the toughest teammate to squabble up against at practice? Avery

  Makhi Boone  St.Edward Cornerback  2026 6'0, 167 lbs  How long have you played football, and what or who got you started? My mom put me in football at 4 years old. Since then, it’s been a big part of my life.  What did you learn about yourself that you can use this season to be a better player and teammate? Mental strength is just as important as physical strength. Being mentally healthy can help me support my teammates on the field and in life. Being a student athlete is a lot of work, and we can all use extra support.  I know it is very early, but what has surprised you so far at practice about your team? We have young players stepping into big roles, and they or we have shown that they can accept the challenge.  What is the toughest part of playing in the secondary? You have little room for mistakes. Any mistake we make can let the other team score. When we make a mistake, everyone knows because we are the last line of defense.  What makes playing and going to sch

  This afternoon at Mount St. Joseph University, the Ohio High School 2024 season kicked off, with the Landmark Eages out of Cincinnati hosting the Crimson Knights out of Indianapolis, Indiana. I spoke briefly to Coach Goodpastor before the game, and he said, "We are young.". Things started out well for the home team when Stefon Hamerling took the opening kickoff about 45 yards to the Knights 25, but the Knights defense stood strong and kept the Eagle off the board. The Knights had a bad snap that Ian Musgrave fell on, but the play resulted in a 15-yard loss. From there, the Eagles quickly got their offense back on the field. Noah Bryant would use some nice field vision coupled with some nasty line work to pick up 10 yards with 7:23 left in the opening quarter. The four-play, 43-yard drive closed on a 25-yard touchdown pass from AJ Skoog to a wide open Israel Marcum . Daniel-Hoke cleared the crossbar with his point-after-kick to make this a 7-0 game, with 5:31 showing on

  Jason Lee Plylaharn Jr. School Reading High  Positions played: QB/ATH Graduating year 2026 Height and weight 5’11|175lbs What or who got you started playing football, along with how long you have played the game? I’ve played football ever since my dad showed me a football. Growing up through the Reading youth team to now having the opportunity to play Friday night. It’s been a privileged 10 years of getting better and playing this game.  What did you learn from the 2023 season that you will use to be a better player this year? I learned that from the start to the finish, all 11 guys have to give 110% effort every time. I also learned that confidence is a key factor in success. As for me being a sophomore last year, often times I had adversity at the beginning of games, but my teammates and all the coaches brought the energy out, straightened me up, and kept me focused on the next play. Knowing that I can start giving myself and my teammates that same energy when we need it. 

  Roy Simmons  Malvern High School Slot wr/Cb  2026 5’6/150 Who or what got you started playing football? Prime Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel  How long have you played football, along with the reasons you continue to play? I've played since I was 4, and it’s just something that I can use to get my mind off everything else.  What were the high and low points of the 2023 season?  The lowest point of last year was losing in the playoffs, and the highest part was winning vs. Green late in the season. What do you feel is the strongest part of your game?  Having the ball on the open field and using my exclusiveness  Which part of your game must you improve on the most to become a better player?  Something I could get better at is blocking. What makes you a good teammate? I’m going to go 100% every play, and I’ll pick up my teammates when they need it.  Who is the one teammate who will do something funny to get a laugh when things are a little tense?  Julius Gore or Rodn