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.
Leaning on a punishing three-headed ground game and its always reliable defense, Upper Arlington dug out of an early hole and disposed of upset-minded Newark in a first-round playoff game. Upper Arlington, OH – There was never any panic among Upper Arlington’s players and coaches after Newark shell-shocked the Golden Bears early with two long
Capitalizing on four Olentangy Orange turnovers, Olentangy Liberty turned a competitive game into a rout. Andrew Leonard cemented his reputation has one of the area’s top quarterback, passing for 267 yards and four touchdowns and running for another. Lewis Center, OH – When asked a multiple-choice question whether it was more satisfying A) winning a
Pickerington North broke open a 7-7 deadlock with three scores in the final nine minutes and beat Grove City 28-7 in an OCC Ohio battle of state-ranked one-loss teams. Grove City, OH – Pickerington North coach Nate Hillerich has so much faith in his junior dual threat quarterback, Jarin Mock, that he gives the Wisconsin
Propelled by TD runs of 70 and 90 yards on the first two plays from scrimmage, London amassed 480 yards on the ground in a 49-0 shutout of US 42 rival Jonathan Alder. The Red Raiders have now outscored their opposition 368-27. Plain City, OH – London 11th-year football coach Kyle Cutler doesn’t offer juicy