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.
Three miscues proved critical to Watterson in a 27-7 loss to bigger, faster Toledo Central Catholic, which won its second straight title and ran its win streak to 31 games. Seniors Nate Kreuz (78), Elliot Baur (11) and Dominic Purcell (6) share a moment while accepting the runner-up trophy. (Pictured)
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).
