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.
Avatar photo
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.
Avatar photo
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).
Avatar photo
Saturday, 19 November 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Big Plays Help Gahanna Hold Off New Albany

New Albany’s Joseph Flauto can't get away from Gahanna’s Romearo Wells, whose dogged defense typified the Lions' determination in holding off the Eagles' upset attempt in the Division I, Region 3 finals. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
Avatar photo
Saturday, 12 November 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Four Picks Help New Albany Oust UA, 20-7

Christian Manville rushed for 122 yards and a pair of TDs and New Albany’s attacking defense yielded big results as New Albany avenged a lopsided loss to Upper Arlington in a 2021 regional semifinal. Westerville, OH – The momentum changed hands many times during a Division I Region 3 semifinal Friday at Westerville Central. Wintry
Avatar photo
Saturday, 05 November 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Liberty Knocks Off Top-Seeded Jerome, 28-14

Dublin Jerome's Tarek Tzagournis (11) brings the heat on Olentangy Liberty's Ryan Shapker, but the Patriots brought down the curtain on their top-seeded opponent with a 28-14 upset of the Celtics. (PressPros Feature Photo by Brian Bayless).