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, 20 August 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Severs’ 4 TDs Fuel Big Walnut Rout Of Hartley

Big Walnut made almost all the big plays, including this early interception from Teddy Dancer, to coast past Hartley in an unexpected opening night rout (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Tuesday, 16 August 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Features

Once A Troubled Teen, Calip Now A Top RB At Orange

After surviving a violence-filled childhood in Cleveland, JJ Calip has thrived on and off the football field after being taken in by his grandmother in the Columbus area. The Olentangy Orange senior and Central Michigan commit is one of the top backs in Ohio.
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Saturday, 13 August 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Coaching Alma Mater Fulfills Dream for Philmore

After numerous stops coaching at various levels, former Reynoldsburg and Northwestern great Mark Philmore finally found his way back home to coach the Raiders. Steve Blackledge writes for weekend Press Pros.
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Tuesday, 09 August 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features, Home Features

Stokes Optimistic Year 2 At Coffman Will Be More Fruitful

The two-time state champion at Minster spent year one at Coffman getting his points across - values, work, and playing for each other.  Now, in year two, he expects to see those values show dividends in an improvement on a 4-8 season. (Press Pros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg)
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Wednesday, 03 August 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Pickerington Central Star Stays At Home, Commits To OSU

Six-foot-seven small forward Devin Royal, who powered Pickerington Central to the Division I state championship in March, committed to Ohio State, adding to the Buckeyes' strong 2023 class. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.