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 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.
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Saturday, 06 November 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

UA Defense Stifles Reynoldsburg In Rematch

Asher Hamilton and the Upper Arlington defense pointed the way to the regionals, where the Golden Bears will face unbeaten New Albany after eliminating Reynoldsburg. (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 30 October 2021 / Published in Home Features

Everhart Runs Wild, Leads Jerome Over Liberty, 21-7

Dublin Jerome used some big plays in the passing game, including this one to David Adolph, and elusive tailback Preston Everhart to oust Olentangy Liberty (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Saturday, 30 October 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Everhart Runs Wild, Leads Jerome Over Liberty, 21-7

Dublin Jerome used some big plays in the passing game, including this one to David Adolph, and elusive tailback Preston Everhart to oust Olentangy Liberty (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).