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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Saturday, 29 October 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Late TD Drive Lifts Marysville Over Coffman

In a back-and-forth affair that knocked paint off plenty of helmets, Marysville wound up with a final stop that Griffin Johnson celebrated and a 28-24 victory over Dublin Coffman. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 22 October 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Workmanlike UA Beats Davidson For Central Title

Davidson’s Mikey Clark couldn't get away from Upper Arlington on this kickoff return, nor did any of his Wildcats' teammates fare much better with a stingy UA defense all night. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 15 October 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Griffith’s Pick-Six Gets New Albany Past North

New Albany’s Chidi Mabatah pursues Pickerington North’s Chris Lewis in an OCC Ohio showdown that turned on big plays by the defenses, the last of which tilted the outcome to New Albany. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 08 October 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Jerome Defense Steps Up In Bounce-Back Win

Olentangy Berlin quarterback Harrison Brewster found running room non-existent and throwing lanes clogged by a Dublin Jerome defense that triggered the Celtics' ascent to a 17-7 victory (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 01 October 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Big Plays Propel Gahanna To Win Over New Albany

Gahanna’s Diore Hubbard (4) celebrates one of his three touchdowns with teammates Jeremy McDowell (71) and Ben Morris (68) in the Lions' 38-24 win over New Albany. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg)