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.
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 junior dual threat quarterback, Jarin Mock, that he gives the Wisconsin
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 11th-year football coach Kyle Cutler doesn’t offer juicy
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 expired to preserve the win. Lewis Center, OH – Hurricane Helene’s wrath, which included high
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 Olentangy Orange coach Wes Schroeder admitted that it’s been “kind of weird” spending Friday nights this fall