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 Central’s attacking defense spent much of the night harassing Olentangy Liberty quarterback Andrew Leonard (the Tigers collected seven sacks) and the end result was a 28-17 win in an opener between perennial powers. Powell, OH – If Jeff Lomonico could pocket a nickel for each time he is questioned about being a head coach
Tale of two emotions....Despite leaving the bases loaded twice and stranding 12 overall, Olentangy Orange finally broke through in the bottom of the ninth when a bases-loaded suicide squeeze bunt by Keegan Knupp scored Cole Cahill with the winning run. The Pioneers will face top-ranked Cincinnati Moeller in the title game at 10 a.m. Saturday.
