A seven-time Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association writer of the year, Blackledge spent the final 34 years of a four-decade career as the chief prep beat writer for the Columbus Dispatch. A Delaware, Ohio native, Blackledge graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1982 with degrees in journalism and communications. He served as sports editor of the Wilmington News-Journal for three-plus years. He also worked at the Lake County Telegraph and the Delaware Gazette. In addition to the prep beat, Blackledge has covered the Browns, Indians, Reds, Bengals, Columbus Crew and various Ohio State sports.
Friday, 23 September 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

New Albany Runs Wild To Throttle Grove City

New Albany’s Sabian Harris blocks a Grove City point-after, epitomizing an Eagles defense that limited high-scoring Grove City more than enough in a 45-21 victory (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
Friday, 16 September 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

South’s One-Two Punch Steamrolls Big Walnut

Westerville South’s Jalen Wheeler got free on this catch, just as his teammates in the backfield found ample room all night, in the Wildcats' victory over previously-unbeaten Big Walnut. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
Saturday, 10 September 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Dominant Defense Keys Central’s Win Over North

Pickerington North’s Chris Louis runs ahead of pursuit from Pick Central’s Isaiah Harper, one of few big offensive plays in a defensive struggle that went to the Tigers. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
Saturday, 03 September 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Green Paves Way On North’s Game-Winning Drive

Pickerington North’s Jaiden Vital gets a few yards before Upper Arlington’s Nick Sawyer makes the play in the first career meeting between two of the best teams in Central Ohio, a thriller that went down to the wire. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
Saturday, 27 August 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Phillips’ Hard Running Leads South Over Central

Westerville Central QB Jaystin Gwinn didn't have much success avoiding a salty Westerville South defense in the Wildcats' 30-7 victory. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).