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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Friday, 03 December 2021 / Published in Features, Home Features

Winton Woods Dethrones Hoban as Division II Champ

A lowly seventh seed in Region 8 entering the Playoffs, Cincinnati Winton Woods proved that resume and reputation guarantee exactly nothing by riding its tiny titans to a convincing state championship victory.
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Friday, 26 November 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Lakewood St. Ed’s Slows UA Offense In 16-10 Final

An unbeaten season that ends shy of a state championship never ends painlessly, and such was the case with Upper Arlington after its 16-10 loss to Lakewood St. Edward, with Henry Rappolt (67) consoling Jake Badgeley (66) when the Golden Bears ran out of time.
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Saturday, 20 November 2021 / Published in MAC, MAC Feature

Otte’s Big Plays Lift Marion Local Over St. Henry

Marion Local has been on a mission since losing in the regional finals last season, but Saturday night the Flyers' Drew Lause and his teammates overcame St. Henry to win Region 28 and move into the state semifinals.
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Saturday, 20 November 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Defense Powers Springfield To 27-0 Shutout Of Marysville

Te'Sean Smoot passed for 363 yards and two TDs and also ran for two scores as Springfield rolled to its third consecutive Division I regional title. Springfield's Anthony Brown (7) hauls in a reception while Marysville's Cameron Jones (4) pursues. (pictured). Steve Blackledge writes for Saturday Press Pros.
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Saturday, 13 November 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Home Features

Central Gains Revenge On North In Battle Of Pickerington

Led by its dominant defense, Pickerington Central whipped Pickerington North, 27-7, advancing to a sixth straight regional title game. Steve Blackledge writes for Saturday Press Pros.