All Stories

  • If It’s State Title Time, It’s Time For Kirtland vs. MAC

    Across the miles, across the divisions, a powerhouse from Northeast Ohio knows that should it reach Canton on the final weekend of the high school football season, there will be a Midwest Athletic Conference foe waiting (Kirtland vs. Marion Local, ab...

    December 3, 2024
  • Commentary: Will You Show Up In Canton…?

    What it looked like the last time the state tournament was held at Ohio State...With new teams, old teams, and the building upon legacies at stake, is there enough intrigue about the state football tournament to make you want to go? Read today's ins...

    December 2, 2024
  • What I Saw This Weekend…December 2, 2024

    As bad as it was, it can always get worse...or can it?  My own thoughts about losing to Michigan for a fourth straight year, and what it does or doesn't prove....

    December 2, 2024
  • Who’s Hot: Marion Local Running Back, Parker Hess

    Marion's missing back from a year ago has rebounded to give the Flyers a three-headed monster in the backfield...and a shot at their fourth title in a row....

    December 1, 2024
  • Powerless Ohio State Comes Up Empty Again…Loses Fourth In A Row To Michigan

    Even the happiest weren't happy...as she watched the clock tick down on missed opportunity and the Buckeyes' fourth consecutive loss to the Michigan Wolverines. Read Jeff Gilbert in weekend Press Pros....

    November 30, 2024
  • Blown Leads, Last-second 3 Sinks Ohio State

    For Pitt it was a comeback and a great shot. For Ohio State it was a brutal reminder of games past that got away...in this case, more than once....

    November 30, 2024
  • “Crazy” 35-Point 2nd Quarter Helps Watterson Blitz Mistake-Plagued London 56-21

    With 21 points in a stunning 53-second span late in the second quarter, Watterson turned a tight game into a rout. The 15-0 Eagles earned a chance avenge a state title game defeat to Toledo Central Catholic in 2023. Ashville, OH – The adjective “craz...

    November 30, 2024
  • Division VI Semi-Final: Welsch’s Catches, Depweg’s TDs Put Bluffton On Ice

    Coldwater flashed enough finesse to augment a robust running game and dominant defense that pushed Bluffton aside and advanced the Cavaliers to the Division VI state championship game. #70 - Cale Wenning flying high with his teammates as they advanc...

    November 30, 2024
  • Big-Play Defense Ignites Liberty To 21-7 Upset Of 3-Time Defending Champ St. Edward

    Thanks to a defense that created three turnovers, Olentangy Liberty stymied seven-time state champion Lakewood St. Edward to punch its ticket to the program’s first-ever state championship game. Mansfield, OH – Throughout much of what has bloss...

    November 30, 2024
  • Marion Local Dominates Columbus Grove For 63rd Straight, And Shot At 15th Title

    They made it the usual business trip...Marion Local's run game (Parker Hess, 200 yards and three touchdowns, above) and defense overwhelmed Columbus Grove to claim its 63rd win in a row and a shot at their 15th title in next week's OHSAA Final Four. ...

    November 30, 2024
  • Marion, Coldwater Top A Delicious Friday Night Of High School Playoff Football….

    Can anyone stop Marion Local's quest for title 15? And have too many overlooked Coldwater?  Both play tonight for a spot in next week's OHSAA state final round. Some questions raised, and answered, in our Friday preview....

    November 29, 2024
  • The Rivalry And Its Men, Memories And Myths

    Ohio State vs. Michigan goes to many different places in the minds of those invested in the rivalry. The one that matters most this year to Ohio State would be a change of direction for Ryan Day (above) and his legacy. Read Jeff Gilbert....

    November 28, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Flyers Rip UConn, 85-67

    After losing two tight games to nationally-ranked North Carolina and Iowa State, the University of Dayton basketball team made a resounding statement Wednesday night in the Maui Invitational by outclassing and embarrassing No. 2 ranked UConn, 85-67, ...

    November 28, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Flyers Drop Another Close One

    UD cracks again under the pressure of a second half street brawl...failure to defend the other team's only scorer...lose a game they could have won......

    November 27, 2024
  • The Reader Speaks…November 27, 2024

    First-time writers share their own opinions about winning instead of participating...the volleyball tournament...Sammy Sasso...a 'real' tax cut...and the outdoors contribution of Ray Reilly....

    November 27, 2024
  • Buckeyes Ready To Satisfy Michigan Obsession

    This is the week, and this will be Ohio State's and Ryan Day's year to do what the senior class has never done...beat Michigan!...

    November 26, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Flyers Blow 21-Point Second-Half Lead

    After leading by 21 points, 56-35, early in the second half, the University of Dayton couldn't hold off onrushing North Carolina as the Tar Heels scored 58 second-half points and recorded their second biggest comeback in school history to beat the Fl...

    November 26, 2024
  • Thornton, Buckeyes Put Away Green Bay, Score 100 Again

    Thornton was the man...OSU junior guard had his most complete game as a Buckeye Monday in the team's second 100-point output in a row...a 102-69 shellacking of Wisconsin Green Bay. Read Jeff Gilbert's game story....

    November 25, 2024
  • What We Saw Over The Weekend…November 25, 2024

    Questions about sports photography...questions about Marion Local football...and more questions about the decision to expand title opportunity to every OHSAA sport.  That's what we saw (heard) over the weekend....

    November 25, 2024
  • Buckeyes Dispose Of Indiana, Look North To, Uh…You Know

    One for the band...Ohio State found ways to beat the upstart Hoosiers in every which way (Caleb Downs' third quarter punt return for a touchdown, above)...and keep alive their goal of getting to Indianapolis for a rematch with Oregon in the Big Ten t...

    November 23, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Flyers Get Chance To ‘Lei’ It Down

    UD fans are the best. No matter what tournament or where the Flyers play, UD fans always dominate the stands.  “Maui's a really fun tournament, a beautiful island.  The guys are really ready to play and it's a fun atmosphere to be in,” - Zed Key.  Ke...

    November 23, 2024
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    Depweg’s Four TDs Paves Coldwater’s Rout Of Anna

    In conditions that restricted the accomplished passing talents of Coldwater's Baylen Blockberger and Anna's Alex Shappie, neither Mother Nature nor the Rockets proved equal to the assault Coldwater mounted behind a dominant offensive line and its arr...

    November 23, 2024
  • Struck’s 3-TD Night Powers Liberty Past Pick North For Regional Title

    Called on to handle a larger role as a runner, three-sport standout and Ohio State lacrosse signee Jake Struck answered the bell as his physical style set the tone on this rainy, windy night. Columbus, OH – On its third play from scrimmage, Olentangy...

    November 23, 2024
  • Marion Local’s 62nd Sends Them To State Semis…Flyers Top Minster For Regional Crown

    Big run in the big game...Marion Local's Ethan Heitkamp (above) broke it open with this 82-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Flyers won their 62nd consecutive, claiming the Division VII Region 28 title with a 21-7 win over Minster. Rea...

    November 23, 2024
  • High-Scoring London Turns To Defense For Workmanlike 13-0 Win Over Bellbrook

    While boasting a highly successful program through the years, unbeaten London on Friday in rainy, windy conditions captured its first regional championship in 30 years, earning a state semifinal date with top-ranked Watterson. Springfield, OH – Still...

    November 23, 2024
  • Ohio State’s Game Plan For Indiana: Defense and Decibels

    Ohio State players and coaches want their fans to pump up the volume Saturday as unbeaten Indiana's high-scoring offense invades the Horseshoe....

    November 22, 2024
  • Week 14…At The End Of Our Road, The Regional Finals

    Highlighted by five MAC teams all trying to get to that elusive Final Four in football - and Marion Local (above) seeking win #62 in a row - week 14 of the Friday ‘Picks’ will conclude 2024 with a bang. Enjoy our finale preview of the top five chose...

    November 21, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Flyers Survive Bad First-Half Shooting

    In a game that resembled a barroom brawl under both baskets, the University of Dayton Flyers sloughed off a bad shooting first half and outscored New Mexico State by 20 points in the second half, led by Nate Santos' game-high 23 points, to win their ...

    November 21, 2024
  • Buckeyes Find Rhythm After Dissonant Start

    Devin Royal had his best night as a Buckeye, and nine different Buckeyes shot 52% from the floor to crush Evansville Tuesday night, 80-30. Read Jeff Gilbert in Wednesday's Press Pros....

    November 19, 2024
  • Nothing Quite Like A Football Day At Wrigley Field

    Far below the Chicago Skyline sits a ballpark and neighborhood like no other…where Ernie, Billy, Fergy, and yes, Butkus and Gale played.  Welcome to Wrigleyville....

    November 19, 2024
  • What I Saw Last Week…Are We Getting Better, Or Are We Getting More?

    The goal has forever been to bring more inclusion and competitive balance to high school sports,  football in this case.  Uh...have you seen the scores from last Friday's regional semi-finals? Our take on three weeks of playoff football.......

    November 18, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Flyers Do As Expected Against Dlll Capital

    With the University of Dayton expected to easily dismantle DIII Capital, Flyers coach Anthony Grant rested starters Enoch Cheeks and Zed Key the entire game so he could experiment with different lineup combinations and it worked as the Frenchman, Ama...

    November 17, 2024
  • Buckeyes Steal Momentum At Wrigley, Put Away Northwestern

    Buckeyes win in Wrigley...The Buckeyes' domination over Northwestern at the end of the first half and the start of the second half were more than enough for victory...and a sweet homecoming for wide receiver Carnell Tate....

    November 16, 2024
  • Minster’s Near-Flawless First Half Sets Up Marion Local Rematch 

    Minster dominated both sides of the ball in a no muss, no fuss 42-0 win over Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy to earn another shot at Marion Local in a Division-VII regional final.  Quarterback Brogan Stephey found James Niemeyer for an 18-yard...

    November 16, 2024
  • Saccoccia Gets Reprieve With Last-Minute TD As Liberty Edges UA 17-13

    In yet another nail-biter between Ohio Capital Conference Central Division co-champs, unheralded players Geno Saccoccia and Ben Godwin were the difference-makers as top-seeded Liberty eked out a close win over Upper Arlington. Westerville, OH – It wa...

    November 16, 2024
  • Coldwater overruns St. Bernard, preps for rematch against MAC rival Anna in D-VI regional final

    Cody Depweg leads Coldwater onto the field for a Division VI, Regional 24 playoff game that wasn't more in doubt than whether this banner could keep the Cavaliers from breaking through. (PressProsMagazine.com photo by Lee Woolery)....

    November 16, 2024
  • Pick North Rides Defense To 10-7 Win Over Berlin In Regional Semi

    Long regarded as the second dog in talent-rich Pickerington, North advanced to its first regional title game since 2017 with a hard-nosed win over Olentangy Berlin. Columbus, OH – Nate Hillerich always had heard that heading one of the Pickerington p...

    November 15, 2024
  • OSU’s Sasso triumphs in return from 20-month absence

    Dominant throughout its lineup, sixth-ranked Ohio State opened its season with wins in nine of 10 weight classes, including the one that mattered most to those who came to watch. Columbus, OH – Though his life has changed, Sammy Sasso’s goal has not,...

    November 15, 2024
  • Week 13: The Field Narrows, And The Cream Rises….

    With a more manageable list of matchups at the mid-point of the playoffs, attention turns to the surviving elite teams...and the question of what's really elite,  and how can you tell?...

    November 14, 2024
  • Sasso’s Return Highlights No. 6 OSU’s Home Debut

    After being shot in a car-jacking near the Ohio State campus in the summer of 2023, two-time Big Ten champion and four-time All-American Sammy Sasso returns tonight as the sixth-ranked Buckeyes open their season against Tennessee-Chattanooga. Bruce H...

    November 14, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Starts Fast, Then Holds On

    It took Ball State 12 minutes to score its first basket and the University of Dayton Flyers constructed a 20-point lead in the first half, but the Cardinals adjusted at halftime and crept to within five points midway through the second half before En...

    November 14, 2024
  • Forced To Discuss Distractions, Buckeyes Stay Focused

    Ohio State football spokesmen Ryan Day and Will Howard acknowledge all that is swirling around them. But they say the team's focus remains on what's next on the field. Read Jeff Gilbert.............

    November 13, 2024
  • Observations…As Haire And The Buckeyes Complete Fall Practice

    Ninety days from the opening pitch of the 2024 season, the Buckeyes pose plenty of questions for first-year coach Justin Haire...beginning on the bump. Read more about them in Wednesday's Press Pros....

    November 13, 2024
  • Balanced Scoring, Defense Help Buckeyes Thrash Youngstown In Home Opener

    They were tough to score against (Buckeyes' Sean Stewart above, right)...The Buckeyes shot 55% from the floor and held Youngstown State to 23% from the floor in a thorough, if not challenging, win in the home opener....

    November 11, 2024
  • What I Saw Over The Weekend…Nov. 11, 2024

    Sometimes the outcome justifies more than the well-worn words about how it happened, and how you write about it.  It's good to know...that real human emotion is just as important to report what culture has conditioned us not to believe....

    November 11, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Flyers Stage Two Comebacks

    The University of Dayton basketball team fell behind by 13 points in the first half and trailed by 10 with 11 minutes left against Northwestern Saturday night in UD Arena. But the Flyers used a 20-3 run to grab the lead it never relinquished in a 71-...

    November 10, 2024
  • At Last…Coldwater Captures Its State Title In Volleyball, And The MAC’s 148th…

    In business-like fashion the Coldwater Cavaliers capped a perfect 29-0 season with the perfect finale...a straight-set win over Marion Pleasant for the OHSAA Division VI title. Seniors Olivia Broering, Morgan Blasingame, and Spencer Etzler (above, l...

    November 10, 2024
  • Ohio State Routs Purdue With Coordinated Effort

    Some big plays by each unit, including a blocked punt and a defensive touchdown, lead the Buckeyes to an expected blowout of the Boilermakers. Columbus, OH – By the start of the fourth quarter Saturday afternoon, the fans remaining in the Horseshoe m...

    November 9, 2024
  • Minster Overwhelms St. Henry In Playoff Rematch

    Two months ago on a soggy night Minster beat St. Henry 12-7 in a nailbiter. But in cleaner conditions, Minster's talent and wealth of offensive weapons prevailed, and the Wildcats earned a third consecutive regional semifinal bid. Minster outrushed S...

    November 9, 2024
  • Pick North Defense, Special Teams Pave Way To Big Win Over Rival Pick Central

    After being manhandled early, everything went Pickerington North’s way in 35-14 trouncing of crosstown rival Pickerington Central. Kentucky-bound Preston Bowman scored twice and made two game-altering plays as a punter. Pickerington, OH – In th...

    November 9, 2024
  • Missed Opportunities Cost Tipp In Playoff Loss

    The Red Devils will look back and wonder what might have been if they had taken advantage of two trips to the red zone in the third quarter. Instead, a late field goal ended their unbeaten season in the second round....

    November 9, 2024
  • Big-Play Defense Propels UA To 24-20 Win Over Orange

    Linebacker James Wilcox returned a fourth-quarter interception 75 yards to set up the game-winning score as UA avenged an Ohio Capital Conference Central Division defeat against Olentangy Orange in a playoff rematch. Lewis Center, OH– It was easy for...

    November 9, 2024
  • In Division VI…Coldwater Takes Out Independence In Semi-Final, Plays For First Title In Volleyball

    At times, it was everything you expect from #1-ranked Coldwater, and then a hiccup that made them regroup.  But it ended well…the Cavaliers play in Saturday’s final for their first title in volleyball. Vandalia, OH – God love Coldwa...

    November 8, 2024
  • The Longest Ten Years Of His Life…Rodgers, Loramie Win Second State Title In Volleyball

    A decade after winning their first, coach John Rodgers and the Fort Loramie Redskins beat Tiffin Calvert in straight sets to take their second OHSAA title in volleyball....

    November 8, 2024
  • Week 12…Week Two Of The Playoffs, And Logical Football

    With the ‘feel good’ games now in the rear view mirror, week two of the playoffs offer some outstanding matchups that mirror the way it used to be eight teams per region. There was very little justifying over some of the horrific Week 1 p...

    November 8, 2024
  • Scarlet And Gray Series: Wynk Comfortable With Role Reversal

    Last year’s closer turns this year’s Friday starter hopeful.  Former Miamisburg Viking Blaine Wynk smiles confidently at the prospect. It is one of the ironies of college baseball.  Spring training actually comes in the fall. It’s c...

    November 8, 2024
  • McCoy: November Baseball At Ohio State

    Fall baseball concludes...The Gray team took the first game of the weekend Scarlet and Gray World series on Friday, a revealing experience of players fighting back from adversity in an attempt to win a job, come February, and one more crack at colleg...

    November 7, 2024
  • Fort Loramie Advances To State Volleyball Final

    The senior-led Redskins make quick work of Strasburg-Franklin, display their connected and fast style of play, and will face Tiffin Calvert on Friday for the Division VII championship....

    November 7, 2024
  • Ohio State Learning Maybe It’s Good Enough To Just Win

    So many of the things that used to matter in college football about how you win don't mean as much as they used to. And the Buckeyes are figuring that out, making improvements and feeling better about who they are...regardless of the final score....

    November 6, 2024
  • McCoy: UD Unravels Saint Francis In Opener

    The University of Dayton Flyers, despite shooting only 8 of 32 from three, did what they were supposed to do in their season's opener in UD Arena Monday night against an outmanned and outmatched opponent — they posted an 87-57 victory over Saint Fran...

    November 5, 2024
  • What I Saw This Weekend…Nov. 4, 2024

    Far from the morning news shows, media, and the political ads, I took in the landscape, the people, and the priorities of the people in the state of North Dakota....

    November 4, 2024
  • Gilbert: Buckeyes ‘Will’ Themselves Past Penn State

    The best version of themselves?...No. 4 Ohio State grinds and grinds to overcome first-half mistakes with a fourth-quarter goal-line stand and a final clock-killing drive of 11 running plays to stick No. 3 Penn State with its first loss....

    November 2, 2024
  • Ryan’s bounce returns as OSU opens ranked No. 6

    A serious car accident and an excruciating recovery stole OSU wrestling coach Tom Ryan's joy for several months this summer, but he's back and in a much better place as the No. 6 Buckeyes prepare to open their season on Sunday. (PressProsMagazine.com...

    November 2, 2024
  • Lehman Sprints Past Rival Riverside, Earns First Playoff Win In 6 Years

    Lehman Catholic's quick wideouts and running backs gashed the Riverside defense for the Cavs' first playoff win since 2018. QB Turner Lachey threw four TDs and over 300 yards, greatly aided by Evan O'Leary's shifty moves on screen passes....

    November 2, 2024
  • Weaver Looms Large With Game-Winning TD As Orange Edges Olentangy 21-17

    Levi Davis drove the Pioneers 80 yards in the final 94 seconds to give Orange a dramatic win over its intra-district rival,  and set up a regional quarterfinal rematch against OCC Central rival Upper Arlington. By Aaron Blankenship for For Press Pros...

    November 2, 2024
  • St Henry Survives Defensive Slugfest In Playoff-Opening Win Over New Bremen

    Quarterback Charlie Werling's two touchdouchdown runs propel Redskins into second-round matchup with Minster. Charlie Werling sprinted through the middle of the field on a keeper for a 51-yard touchdown. (pictured)...

    November 2, 2024
  • Stunned Early, UA Buckles Down For 27-15 Win Over Newark

    Leaning on a punishing three-headed ground game and its always reliable defense, Upper Arlington dug out of an early hole and disposed of upset-minded Newark in a first-round playoff game. Upper Arlington, OH – There was never any panic among Upper A...

    November 2, 2024
  • Ryan Day’s Latest Project: Fix The Third-Down Problem

    Ohio State heads to Penn State on Saturday knowing it must run the football much better and convert more third-down opportunities if it wants a chance to win and keep its Big Ten title hopes alive....

    November 1, 2024
  • Easy As Pie…#1 Coldwater Cruises To Div. VI Regional Final

    In straight sets the #1-ranked Coldwater Cavaliers slipped past 22-2 Centerburg to advance to Saturday's final to play for a berth in the Final Four....

    October 31, 2024
  • On The Ultimate Prediction….

    Someone has asked about political predictions, which spawns a good column, but nothing as trustworthy as the Friday night 'Picks'. Read more.........

    October 31, 2024
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    The Playoffs…Week 11, And Whosoever Will, May Play

    The opening week of the playoffs feature a lot of questionable matchups for both participants and people who pay to see them.  We'll share with you our picks of the best on Week 11 of the Friday night 'Picks'....

    October 31, 2024
  • Ray Reilly: What We’re Missing From A Lack Of Hunting….

    We don't do it much anymore, hunting, that is...not like we used to...and it's costing valuable family social time as well as the beneficial lessons about life and responsibility....

    October 30, 2024
  • The Story Behind…Lee Greenwood, And God Bless The USA

    In our series of stories behind the song, this one is so symbolic of American and its freedoms that every president and those running for president seek to lean on its message, and writer Lee Greenwood...God Bless The USA....

    October 29, 2024
  • OSU Players Set Expectations, Fans Follow Suit

    When a football team this talented presents a championship or bust goal, fans have every right to grumble about a loss – even by a point at the current No. 1 team – and especially a near loss to an unranked team at home....

    October 28, 2024
  • If You’re Asking…Pitching Is Priority One For Buckeyes’ Fall Practice

    Just days before the OSU Scarlet-Gray Fall Series, final preparation for that and winter workouts come down to the priorities of winning baseball.  And no one has to guess...what priority is #...

    October 27, 2024
  • Who’s Hot? Marion Local, The ‘Record’, And How Many More?

    After claiming the all-time Ohio record for 58 consecutive wins, the question with Marion Local now shifts from 'will they' to 'how far' can they go?...

    October 27, 2024
  • Buckeyes Find Themselves In 4th Quarter, Escape Nebraska With Ugly Win

    The two constants...Freshman Jeremiah Smith hauls in his eighth touchdown of the season (above), and the only pretty sight at Ohio Stadium Saturday was the blue sky overhead. And while the football was anything but blue skies for the Buckeyes, they f...

    October 26, 2024
  • Tipp Topples Xenia In Thriller To Claim MVL Title, Cap Perfect Regular Season

    Both teams 9-0, and the Miami Valley League on the line ... who's surprised it came down to a few big plays? Tipp made more of them en route to a 35-21 win to claim the MVL title and cap a perfect 10-0 season. Red Devil RB Xavier Melton stole Xenia R...

    October 26, 2024
  • Leonard-Led Liberty Whips Rival Orange For Share Of Title, Top Seed, Bragging Rights

    Capitalizing on four Olentangy Orange turnovers, Olentangy Liberty turned a competitive game into a rout. Andrew Leonard cemented his reputation has one of the area’s top quarterback, passing for 267 yards and four touchdowns and running for an...

    October 26, 2024
  • 58 In A Row…Marion Local Sets New Ohio Record With Win Over Coldwater

    History-making...The new Ohio record for consecutive wins now belongs to Marion Local...58 in a row...as wide receiver Victor Hoelscher (above) and the Flyers won it in style with their fifth consecutive shutout, 35-0 over Coldwater....

    October 26, 2024
  • St. Clair Passes, Runs Bellefontaine Past Kenton Ridge

    For the final time, a Central Buckeye Conference team had to defend Ohio State-bound quarterback Tavien St. Clair. And like most nights in league play the past four years, St. Clair and his teammates were too much for Kenton Ridge....

    October 26, 2024
  • Watterson Drubs Rival DeSales 44-7 To Cap Perfect Regular Season

    After falling in the Division III state championship game last December, Watterson is on a mission to return to Canton, and a decisive win over once-beaten DeSales was a big step in that direction. Columbus, OH – When it comes to central Ohio rivalri...

    October 26, 2024
  • More Musings…On Volleyball Brackets, Reporting, Politics…And Perspective

    Following the lead of colleague Jeff Gilbert’s weekend preview…some things for you to know and think about between now and the end of the presidential campaign. First, the best thing I heard this week came from a bank teller who said, ...

    October 25, 2024
  • Musings And Hot Takes Halfway Through Ohio State’s Season

    The first half of the season ended with a thud (some would call it a dud) at Oregon. Here's a smattering of how the Buckeyes got here, where they're maybe going and what it's like to travel cross-country for a conference game....

    October 25, 2024
  • Week 10…And The Game(s) You’ve Been Waiting For…..!

    On the final week of the regular season we try to nail down a near-perfect final four weeks...Does Lehman (above) have enough to win the TRC on the road against Northridge? And who wins a pair of critical title-determining games between top-ranked u...

    October 24, 2024
  • Coldwater Adds Another Notch…Tops St. Henry For The Div. VI District

    District champions...#1 Coldwater advanced to the regional round of the Division VI volleyball tournament Wednesday with a convincing, and powerful performance over #2 St. Henry that led some to ask...was this not the Division VI title game? Coldwat...

    October 23, 2024
  • Loss Motivates Buckeyes To Change What Needs To Be Changed

    Ryan Day didn't delve into specifics Tuesday, but he wasn't happy and there's no standing pat on pass-rush and fourth-quarter strategies after Oregon exposed weaknesses in both areas. Read Jeff Gilbert....

    October 22, 2024
  • What I Saw Last Week…If The Shoe Fits, And A Guy Named Ollie

    Sometimes it's nice to discover that you're not the only one.  So don't think it odd - or it's you that's odd. There's people out there with the same obsession, that no one else would understand...like shoes!...

    October 21, 2024
  • Reader Speaks…October 21, 2024

    The closer we get to the state tournaments in volleyball and football the more reader opinion we receive.  We appreciate your taking the time...to both read and let us know what you're thinking. Have a great week......

    October 21, 2024
  • Who’s Hot: Coach Adam Hall, Ansonia High School

    His style of football is questioned, even scoffed at, by contemporary culture.  But at Ansonia Adam Hall long ago returned to his roots, and the root football principles he learned at Ansonia High School as a player. Read about Hall, this week's 'Wh...

    October 20, 2024
  • Ansonia Takes Control Of WOAC, And Preble Shawnee…With Old-Time Football

    Impressively, Ansonia (and Zane Henderson, above) won its eighth straight by playing gritty, ball-control football, proving to undefeated Preble Shawnee...that you can't win if you can't score.   And you can't score if you don't have the ball....

    October 20, 2024
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    Werling Returns, Leads St. Henry On Winning Drive

    St. Henry didn't let a seven-point halftime deficit or quarterback Charlie Werling's mysterious ankle get in its way in the second half. ...

    October 19, 2024
  • Sidney Fends Off Piqua’s Comeback To Claim Battered Helmet

    Sidney's Speedsters dashed past Piqua to guide the Yellow Jackets to consecutive wins in the Battle of the Battered Helmet for the first time in over 40 years. After leading 20-0 in the fourth quarter, Sidney had to fight off a valiant rally by the I...

    October 19, 2024
  • Marion Ties Consecutive Win Record…Knouff’s Big Night, Run Game Sinks Minster

    On a night when the Marion Local Flyers tied the all-time consecutive win record, Minster challenged in a memorable manner...and Flyer quarterback Justin Knouff showed up big with 169 yards and two touchdowns. Read more about the game in Saturday Pr...

    October 19, 2024
  • Chilicki’s 4 TD Passes Helps Olentangy Win Shootout Over Jerome

    After losing its season opener, Olentangy has reeled off eight straight wins and now will face Olentangy Berlin for the OCC Cardinal title after escaping upset-minded Dublin Jerome 42-34. Lewis Center, OH – Throughout most of what has ballooned into ...

    October 19, 2024
  • Liberty Makes Its Case With Resounding 32-7 Win Over Davidson

    A controversial call in the final minute of the first half led to two TDs in a game-changing sequence and Olentangy Liberty dominated in all phases the rest of the way for a key OCC Central win. Powell, OH – The conversation for bragging rights as th...

    October 19, 2024
  • The Doctor Is In…Dr. Andrew Schneider, On Flexibility, Sports, and Preventing Injury

    While strength is prioritized as an essential component to contemporary sports competition, Dr. Andrew Schneider of the Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio reminds that range of motion (flexibility) is your passport to healthier involvement....

    October 18, 2024
  • Week 9….And It’s Time To Win!

    At the final quarter pole of the season, key games mark this week Friday 'Picks'.  Perfect seasons, conference titles, and being that '16th' team in the region is all on the line. Read more about it in the Friday 'picks', sponsored by the Orthopedic...

    October 17, 2024
  • Handicapping The Area Top Seeds In Volleyball….

    Don't count out anyone (St. Henry, above)...With four #1 seeds and a pair of #2s in divisions III, VI, and VII, there should be no shortage for area volleyball fans to follow for a hoped-for trip to the Final Four at the Nutter Center....

    October 15, 2024
  • What We Saw This Weekend….October 14, 2024

    The question was asked over the weekend pertaining to last Friday night's scores:  "Why are there so many blowouts in high school football?"  The times, they are a changin', we know.  And that includes football!...

    October 14, 2024
  • Who’s Hot: Kiley May, Versailles High School

    The Tigers’ impressive sophomore is playing beyond her years, and last week helped Versailles past two ranked opponents – #5 Marion Local, and previously unbeaten Tippecanoe....

    October 13, 2024
  • Late Penalty Costs Ohio State Chance To Win At Oregon

    Frantic mode....The Buckeyes made lots of mistakes on both sides of the football, and they will always believe Saturday's loss to Oregon should never have come down to the final seconds. But it did! Jeff Gilbert writes for Sunday Press Pros....

    October 13, 2024
  • Minster Dominates Line Of Scrimmage, Breezes By Versailles 35-0

    Dominant offensive and defensive line play made things easy for Brogan Stephey & Company as Minster raced to a 28-0 halftime lead. The Wildcats improved to 7-1 (6-1 in the MAC) and are playing their best football with a trip to Maria Stein around the...

    October 12, 2024
  • Marion On The Threshold With 56th Straight Win…Blasts Anna, 42-0

    As efficient as you can ask for in a high school football team, Marion Local sparkled on both offense and defense (above), and streaked to its 56th consecutive win Friday, victimizing Anna in just 24 minutes. Read more....

    October 12, 2024
  • Davis Steals The Show Again As Orange Bounces UA

    Levi Davis showed again why is a heavily recruited dual-threat junior quarterback, rushing for 179 yards and a TD and passing for 123 yards and another score in Orange’s 28-20 win over Upper Arlington. LEWIS CENTER, Ohio – With much of his team...

    October 12, 2024
  • Mock-To-Bowman TD Strikes Lift Pick North Over Grove City

    Pickerington North broke open a 7-7 deadlock with three scores in the final nine minutes and beat Grove City 28-7 in an OCC Ohio battle of state-ranked one-loss teams. Grove City, OH – Pickerington North coach Nate Hillerich has so much faith in his ...

    October 12, 2024
  • Are The Buckeyes Haunted By The 2021 Game (With Oregon)?

    The delicious rematch between two teams, now members of the same conference, and the lingering motivation of their meeting three years ago and the impact that a 35-28 loss ultimately had on Ohio State football. A preview of Saturday's game in Eugene...

    October 11, 2024
  • On Any Given Night…Versailles Concludes MAC With Rousing Win Over Marion Local

    As energy-packed and entertaining as you could want, Versailles made a statement on both the present and the future (sophomore Kiley May, above) with a MAC-concluding win over #5 Marion Local. Read more about the match....

    October 11, 2024
  • Week 8…The Homestretch Begins For Teams With Titles (And Rankings) To Gain

    Believe it or not, the final trimester of the 2024 football season is at hand, with some area teams having key matchups this week that will determine if they achieve some season-long goals. Lehman's Dwane Rowley (above) leads the Cavaliers against C...

    October 10, 2024
  • Buckeyes Excited To Play In A Big Game

    No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Oregon could be one of the nation's most important games of the season;  and relevant regarding the future pecking order of Big Ten football. Read Jeff Gilbert....

    October 9, 2024
  • Remembering Tom Cappell: Squirrels Along The Creek With Uncle Mel….

    You talk about the experiences of your life that you’ll never forget...for a twelve-year-old boy his first morning of real hunting is one that ranks at the very top. To this day I’ll never forget it, or, the man who taught me what it meant....

    October 9, 2024
  • #1 Coldwater Improves to 21-0…Leaves Little Doubt In Shutout Of #2 New Bremen

    In a clash of the #1 and #2 teams in state Division VI, Coldwater and Morgan Blasingame (above) left little to doubt about its #1 ranking, crushing #2 New Bremen in straight sets. Read more in Wednesday's Press Pros....

    October 8, 2024
  • Bert Kaempfert…And The Story Of “The Match Game” Song

    Some of our readers enjoy the back stories to popular songs and tunes from yesteryear.  One in particular wrote to ask..."I'd like to know more about the 'Match Game' song?" We’re happy to share the story....

    October 8, 2024
  • Finding Reassurance In The Buckeyes’ Identities

    No. 2 Ohio State travels to No. 3 Oregon this week in one of the nation's most anticipated games. And the Buckeyes know (Denzel Burke, above) who they are in every phase of the game. Read Jeff Gilbert....

    October 7, 2024
  • What I Saw Last Week…Some Help I’m Proud To Endorse!

    Nothing is worse than issues with a car.  And nothing can be better than to have the issue resolved professionally, on time, and delivered better than you expect.  This happened to me last week, and I have a story for you....

    October 7, 2024
  • Buckeyes Piece Together Dominating Second Half, Blast Iowa 35-7

    After a fast start and a head-scratching second quarter, Ohio State leaned on its defense, then mowed down Iowa 35-7 to set up next Saturday's top-10 showdown at Oregon. Read Jeff Gilbert....

    October 5, 2024
  • Iowa’s Defense Will Teach Us More About Ohio State’s Offense

    The Ohio State offense has seen little resistance in a 4-0 start. How it does against Iowa's defense will say a lot about just how far Chip Kelly's unit has come in his first season....

    October 5, 2024
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    Minster Dominates Up Front, Rides Fast Start Past New Bremen

    Minster plays complementary football, wins the line of scrimmage on most plays and rolls behind another big night from quarterback Brogan Stephey....

    October 5, 2024
  • Osborn’s Fumble Return Leads Anna Past Versailles 13-7 In Defensive Showdown

    Chaos reigned in Anna's 13-7 win over Versailles, featuring three touchdowns erased by penalties, and 28 yellow flags in total. Zach Osborn’s 2nd quarter scoop and score made the difference in a matchup void of offense....

    October 5, 2024
  • Olding’s 3 TDs, Second Half Comeback, Powers Lehman Past Riverside

    CJ Olding (above, #1) had the biggest night in his athletic life - 3 TDs - as Lehman put a horrid first half behind them for a scintillating second half comeback over Riverside.  6-1 Cavs stay at the top of  TRC standings. Read about the game....

    October 5, 2024
  • Stirring Fourth Quarter Rally Gives UA 31-28 Win Over Liberty

    Trailing by 12 points in the fourth quarter, Upper Arlington rallied for a last-minute winning score in an OCC Central showdown against Olentangy Liberty. Upper Arlington, OH — Being forced to rally from a second-half deficit hasn’t been a regu...

    October 5, 2024
  • Dynamic Run Game, Staunch Defense Propel Unbeaten London To Another Blowout Win

    Propelled by TD runs of 70 and 90 yards on the first two plays from scrimmage, London amassed 480 yards on the ground in a 49-0 shutout of US 42 rival Jonathan Alder. The Red Raiders have now outscored their opposition 368-27. Plain City, OH – London...

    October 5, 2024
  • A Little Respect?…Tipp Moves To 19-0, And 57 Straight Sets, With Win Over Piqua

    The Tipp Red Devils (Emily Aselage, above) continued their 19-game win streak Wednesday, and without dropping a set, with another shutout over Piqua...Tipp ranked #10 in Division III for the first time in the latest poll coaches poll. Read about the...

    October 2, 2024
  • McCoy: Despite His Warts and Foibles, Rose Is A Hall Of Famer

    My relationship with Pete Rose was complicated, a love-hate proposition for him. But I always loved and respected the Hit King, despite his warts and foibles and failures off the field.  Even at his age, I never thought he'd leave us....

    October 1, 2024
  • The Reader Speaks…September 30, 2024

    Seldom have we ever had a 'Reader Speaks' page that was consumed by just one subject.  But Reds and Marge Schott fans far and wide made it a point to make their feelings known. Read........

    September 30, 2024
  • Who’s Hot: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith

    No other Ohio State freshman, and only a handful in college football, anywhere, have made as big an early impact since the days of Archie Griffin.  And if you haven't seen him...someone called Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith 'Houdini in a helmet' af...

    September 29, 2024
  • Smith’s Exquisite Catches Spark Buckeyes In 38-7 Rout Of MSU

    Jeremiah Smith's ability to catch footballs (above) was well known before Saturday night. But his work against Michigan State raised his level of play and pushed his team toward an expected victory. Read Jeff Gilbert in Sunday's Press Pros. ...

    September 29, 2024
  • Heroics by Davis, Musgrove Give Orange 21-14 Win Over Davidson In OCC Central Showdown

    Neither rain nor wind would deter quarterback Levi Davis on a 99-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter that gave Olentangy Orange a 21-14 lead over Hilliard Davidson. Luke Musgrove made a game-saving tackle just outside the 1-yard-line as time exp...

    September 28, 2024
  • Troy Subdues Piqua in 140th Battle on the Miami, Defends All-Time Series Lead

    Aiden Kirkpatrick and a stout defense guided Troy to a 21-7 win in Ohio's oldest football rivalry. The Trojan defense stagnated Piqua with a tough run front and a little help in the air game from the torrential downpour. Read Alan Brads....

    September 28, 2024
  • Knouff Runs, Passes Marion Local To Another Dominant Win

    Marion Local remained unbeaten, extends its winning streak to 54 games and quarterback Justin Knouff has a big night because of the wet and windy weather and in spite of it....

    September 28, 2024
  • Minster Wins In The Mud…Late Touchdown Foils St. Henry Comeback Bid

    Brogan Stephey scored the game's first touchdown (above), but his pass to Dylan Heitkamp with 18 seconds remaining foiled St.Henry's bid for the miraculous win Friday over Minster in the mud. Read about the game....

    September 28, 2024
  • London Gains Measure Of Revenge With Beatdown Of St. Clair, Bellefontaine

    Noah Sollars powered a potent running game and the Red Raiders’ defense did the rest, limiting the five-star Ohio State recruit to just 77 yards passing in a Central Buckeye Conference game. London, OH – Neither the challenging weather conditio...

    September 28, 2024
  • What The Reds Have Lost Since Marge Schott……….

    No longer a proud tradition in major league baseball, the Reds have sacrificed winning and a lot of that tradition for the sake of the bottom line...ignoring the fact that you have to win if you want a bottom line!...

    September 27, 2024
  • St. Henry Impressive In Four…Hands Marion Local Its Second Defeat

    For two sets they couldn't have played better...then St. Henry relied on its defense (and Karlee Buschur, above) to get the momentum back in a four-set win Thursday over Marion Local....

    September 26, 2024
  • Playoff Talk An Early-Season Bonus

    Nothing is perfect with college football, but the bubble watch is a thing in September. How fun is that?  Is the cart before the horse?  And can’t we just enjoy football…without all the contingencies? Are we having fun yet? I am. Not that...

    September 25, 2024
  • Miami East Dusts Lehman In 3…Still Hopes For A Share Of TRC Crown

    Miami East kept pace with Covington Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Lehman...East hoping to make a late run now that everyone is back (Whitney Enis, above) playing healthy....

    September 24, 2024
  • Your Questions About Last Week’s Column…On Buckeye Baseball

    On a rainy Tuesday...a baseball 'Reader Speaks' on last week's column about fall workouts at Bill Davis Stadium under first-year coach Justin Haire.  First impression...he has a lot to prove.  Second impression...he really believes he can do it.  Who...

    September 24, 2024
  • Who Are Your Top Area Volleyball Teams In 2024….?

    A regular reader wrote to challenge us on area volleyball superiority.  How do we rank the best teams we've seen in the area, he asked.  Here's what we believe, so far....

    September 24, 2024
  • McCoy: Bell’s Firing Is Classless, Clueless

    The Reds did Monday what all baseball organizations do when their incompetency and ego overcomes the realities on the field.  They fired the manager, David Bell. Read Hal McCoy....

    September 23, 2024
  • What I Saw Last Week…Sept 23, 2024

    Stunning figures coming out of the University of Tennessee, which announced that they would be adding 10% to the cost of  football tickets in 2025...in order to help pay players. What it could mean to you....

    September 23, 2024
  • Who’s Hot: Turner Lachey…Lehman High School

    The quarterback of the Lehman Cavaliers is turning the team's record, as well as a few heads while he does it.  He's not just as good as he needs to be...but better. Read about Turner Lachey in weekend Press Pros....

    September 22, 2024
  • Buckeyes Strike With Speed, Pound With Power, Mash Marshall

    The running game was terrifying (TreVeyon Henderson, above)...Ohio State did what it wanted on offense Saturday, made adjustments on defense, and finished its preparations for Big Ten play by putting all of its offensive weapons on display. Jeff Gil...

    September 21, 2024
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    Rockets Avert Crash Landing, Anna Fends Off St. Henry’s Comeback Bid

    After claiming a 21-0 lead, the Anna Rockets (3-2, 1-2) fought off a threatening comeback from St. Henry (2-3, 1-2). The Rockets clung on to a 21-14 win behind two receiving touchdowns by Noah Aufderhaar, a Zach Osborn pick-6, and a fourth down goal ...

    September 21, 2024
  • Late TD Grab Lifts Tipp Over Troy…….

    Tipp led at halftime, Troy took the lead in the second half and it all came down to a long third-down pass with under three minutes to play for Tipp's fifth straight win in the rivalry. Read Jeff Gilbert in Saturday's Press Pros....

    September 21, 2024
  • Coldwater Adds Another Quality Win…Pottkotter, Couchot Put Finishing Touches On Comeback Win

    Classic MAC finish...Kicker Bryce Couchot follows the flight of his winning field goal Friday that gave Coldwater a thrilling 24-21 win over the Minster Wildcats. Read about the game in Saturday's Press Pros....

    September 21, 2024
  • Schroeder Makes Uncle Proud With 3-INT Night In Orange Rout of Rival Berlin

    Treyton Schroeder made three interceptions and a fumble recovery to lead an opportunistic defense, while Levi Davis and Terryn Thomas offered the fireworks on offense as Orange delivered a statement win over Berlin. Lewis Center, OH – First-year Olen...

    September 21, 2024
  • Lehman Sticks Together, Puts Away Miami East With Explosive Offense

    In a game marked by big plays and long touchdowns (Evan O'Leary, above), Lehman Catholic controlled most of the fourth quarter to hold off Miami East for a 45-35 Three Rivers Conference victory. Jeff Gilbert writes for Press Pros....

    September 20, 2024
  • Fall Baseball…What’s Next At Bill Davis….?

    Fall workouts are underway at Bill Davis Stadium and the byword is a fresh new look for 2024...a lot of new faces. Read the first installment of Buckeyes baseball, 2025, in this weekend's Press Pros. ...

    September 19, 2024
  • Marshall Football, NIL Offers And Tudor’s Biscuits … Oh, My

    Coach Huff's offer to Ohio State players might have been a joke, but the Marshall Thundering Herd breakfast sandwich, in Hungtington, isn't. It's a meal in itself. Read Jeff Gilbert (he's had a few)....

    September 19, 2024
  • Week 5….Some Better Games And Better Interest

    At the halfway mark of the high school football season, there are some better matchups this week.  It makes for tougher picks, and bigger crowds...because this is what the people have waited all year to see....

    September 18, 2024

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