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.
Olentangy Liberty's defense turned in a brilliant performance to stymie high-powered Cincinnati Moeller, led by Mr. Football Matt Ponatoski, and the Patriots key offensive stars – quarterback Andrew Leonard, running back/receiver Jake Struck and receiver Christian Moulton – all delivered in the Patriots' dominant win. Read Steve Blackledge......
With 21 points in a stunning 53-second span late in the second quarter, Watterson turned a tight game into a rout. The 15-0 Eagles earned a chance avenge a state title game defeat to Toledo Central Catholic in 2023. Ashville, OH – The adjective “crazy” was used about a dozen times by players and coaches
Called on to handle a larger role as a runner, three-sport standout and Ohio State lacrosse signee Jake Struck answered the bell as his physical style set the tone on this rainy, windy night. Columbus, OH – On its third play from scrimmage, Olentangy Liberty delivered an emphatic message to Pickerington North that the Patriots
In yet another nail-biter between Ohio Capital Conference Central Division co-champs, unheralded players Geno Saccoccia and Ben Godwin were the difference-makers as top-seeded Liberty eked out a close win over Upper Arlington. Westerville, OH – It was such an evenly-matched and superbly-played Division I, Region 3 semifinal between two championship caliber teams, one could only