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.
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Saturday, 25 November 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Watterson Shakes Off Slow Start, Dominates Celina To Gain D-III Championship Berth

Bishop Watterson's fell into a 14-0 hole early, but its defense -- with Dominic Purcell (6) and Joe Hayes (23) wrapping up Celina's Parker Bertke (9) here -- settled down and gave the Eagles time to pull even by halftime and dominate thereafter in advancing to the Division III state championship game (PressPros Feature Photo by Brian Bayless).
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Saturday, 18 November 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Fleharty’s Heroics Lift Bradley To 2-OT Win Over Upper Arlington

Quarterback Bradyn Fleharty rushed for 180 yards and three touchdowns and passed for two more scores as Hilliard Bradley knocked off Upper Arlington 35-28 in two overtimes to capture the program's first regional title.
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Saturday, 11 November 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Bradley Defense Stellar In Shutout Of Pick North

Pickerington North's defense made life rough for Central District offensive player-of-the-year Bradyn Fleharty, but his Hilliard Bradley defense was even better in a regional semifinal shutout of the Panthers. Steve Blackledge has the story...(PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 04 November 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

UA Outslugs Pick Central 23-17 In 3-OT Classic

Hard-nosed running back Connor McClellan scored on a 6-yard TD run in the third overtime, handing fourth-seeded Upper Arlington a thrilling victory over fifth-seeded Pickerington Central. The Golden Bears (9-3) will face top-seeded Gahanna (12-0) in a regional semifinal. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.
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Saturday, 28 October 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Grove City Turns Tables On Davidson, 38-22, In Playoff Rematch

Matthew Papas passed for four touchdowns and ran for another score as Grove City took out two decades of frustration on old rival Hilliard Davidson, avenging a 2022 playoff defeat and a lopsided loss to the Wildcats early in the season. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.