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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Friday, 09 December 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Rejuvenated Berlin Makes Statement Vs. Darby

Olentangy Berlin’s Aidan Ackermann drives to the basket against Hilliard Darby’s Cam Gilkerson in a victory the Bears took control of down the stretch to raise hopes for a landmark season ahead. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Sunday, 04 December 2022 / Published in Features

Glenville Controls Wyoming, Claims Elusive Title

With running back D’Shawntae Jones piling up 195 yards and scoring three touchdowns, Cleveland Glenville overpowered Cincinnati Wyoming’s ballyhooed defense for a 26-6 win in the Division IV championship game. Canton, OH – They did it for former program greats such as Ted Ginn Jr.,Troy Smith, Donte Whitner, Cardale Jones, Christian Bryant, Cobe Bryant, Bryant
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Friday, 02 December 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features, Home Features

Bloom-Carroll Can’t Get Untracked, Falls to Canfield

Dual-threat Indiana-bound quarterback Broc Lowry (12) accounted for five touchdowns as Canfield used its speed and unpredictability to trump Bloom-Carroll's power-based run game and take home its first title.
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Friday, 02 December 2022 / Published in Features, Home Features

Defensive Stops Help Toledo CC Hold Off Hoban

Toledo Central Catholic jumped out to leads of 21-0 and 28-7, but had to hold on for dear life to shut down record-setting running back Lamar Sperling on two key plays late in the fourth quarter and beat Hoban, 28-21, for its fourth state title.
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Saturday, 26 November 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

St. Edward Overpowers Mistake-Prone Gahanna

Defending Division I state champion Lakewood St. Edward proved too much for Gahanna Lincoln, in skill and size, with Ed's Kyan Mason (1) and lineman Ben Roebuck celebrating the Eagles' advance. (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).