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, 07 January 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Sheldon’s 38 Powers Coffman’s Late Comeback

Upper Arlington's Nick Heath leveled this blocked shot at Coffman's Ryan Kirkby, but the 'Rocks took over late with their defense and Ajay Sheldon's 38 points (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).
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Monday, 27 December 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Second-Half Surge Sends South Past Davidson

Westerville South’s Isaiah Johnson (15) found himself in Hilliard Davidson's defensive vice here, but he and his teammates' pressure wound up turning the tables and triggering South's ascent to 8-0. (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg)
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Saturday, 18 December 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Davidson Jumps Coffman Early To Remain Unbeaten

Not known as a basketball power, Hilliard Davidson and point guard Cole Carter (1) delivered a statement OCC Central win by using a blend of height, defense and chemistry to defeat Dublin Coffman (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).
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Friday, 10 December 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

South Holds Off North In Defensive Battle Of The ‘Ville

Defense was the name of the game, and the key to the game, as it often is when Westerville South and Westerville North battle, as South's Andy Badu (23) and North's Caleb Iheukwu (4) do here in South's 45-43 win (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 04 December 2021 / Published in MAC, MAC Feature

Coldwater Comes Up Short Vs. Heavyweight Carey

Chewing up the clock with an old-school wing-T attack, Carey effectively won a game of keep-away from Coldwater and took home its first state title since 1975.