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, 10 September 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Darby Stays Perfect, Downs Davidson In Thriller

In a battle of high-powered rushing offenses, Hilliard Darby held off cross-town rival Davidson and star tailback Jonny Weir in a down-to-the-wire thriller that hinged on surprise ending (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg)
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Saturday, 04 September 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Berlin’s Defense ”Bears” Its Teeth In Taking Down Scioto

Defense hasn't defined Olentangy Berlin in its young history, but that history may be changing after what the Bears did to Dublin Scioto and tailback Lesley Andoh in a 17-7 victory (Press Pros feature photo by Keith Harney)
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Saturday, 28 August 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Pick Central Defense Dominates In Win Over Elder

University of Cincinnati recruits CJ Doggette and Tyler Gillison pave the way on defense as the Tigers built on their impressive Week One victory at Massillon Washington with a win over another of Ohio's royalty programs, Cincinnati Elder.
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Saturday, 21 August 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Gresock Gets It Done As UA’s Meal Ticket And Decoy

Carson Gresock rushed for 276 of his career-high 382 yards after halftime as Upper Arlington erased a 20-point deficit for a thrilling, 42-41 victory over Reynoldsburg.
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Wednesday, 18 August 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Pick Central, DeSales Out To Erase State Title Defeats

A pair of perennial Central Ohio kingpins face different challenges in trying to regain the mojo that helped them to state championship games in 2020. Central columnist Steve Blackledge shares in today's Press Pros feature.