Tri-Village opens new season with familiar expectations
Defending WOAC champions balance experienced playmakers with new faces and early injuries
NEW MADISON — Tri-Village entered the season with several new faces in important positions, but the expectations surrounding the Patriots have not changed.
Coming off an 11–1 season and a perfect 9–0 record in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference, Tri-Village expects to contend for another league championship and make a deep postseason run.
The Patriots began that pursuit Friday by overcoming severe weather, a physical opponent and their own mistakes to defeat Bethel 21–3.
“We’re excited for the season to start and have the opportunity to compete each week,” Tri-Village coach Matt Hopkins said.
Hopkins is beginning his fifth season at Tri-Village with a 42–8 record. He is entering his 15th season overall as a head coach and owns an 82–68 career record.
Although the Patriots return seven offensive starters, they are breaking in a new quarterback and three new offensive linemen. Both Brecken Gray and Cole Swafford received time behind center against Bethel.
Tri-Village completed eight of 14 passes for 46 yards while relying heavily on its running game. The Patriots rushed for 212 yards on 29 attempts, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
Junior Colt Camacho provided the biggest offensive spark. Camacho gained 108 yards on only six carries and scored on runs of 61 and 43 yards.
His contributions were just as significant defensively. The returning first-team All-WOAC selection led Tri-Village with 17 tackles, including six tackles for loss, and defended a pass.
Hayden Hunt provided the Patriots’ other touchdown by returning a fumble 25 yards. Hunt is returning after missing his junior season because of an ACL injury and is expected to contribute on both sides of the football.
Despite committing five turnovers, Tri-Village outgained Bethel 258–135. The Patriots’ defense limited Bethel to 73 rushing yards on 40 attempts—an average of just 1.8 yards per carry.
Those defensive results were encouraging for a group returning only four starters and adjusting to a new 3–3 scheme.
Hopkins identified athleticism as the defense’s greatest strength, but he acknowledged before the season that the Patriots would have to develop several new players within the new system.
Camacho is joined by returning defensive contributors Teddy Miller, Dominic Black, Aaron Bruner, Ryker Marshall and Jake Buckley. Hunt, Elijah Barnett, Kole Hiestand, Caleb Miller and Jamey Lipps are among the players expected to take on larger roles.
The Patriots came through their opener with a victory, but the physical contest left them dealing with several injuries as they prepared to face National Trail.
“We’re thin right now,” Hopkins said. “We have got several injuries that we’re battling. You know, a real physical game Friday.”
With only 36 players on the roster, an injury to one athlete can affect multiple positions.
“When you’ve got 36 guys, you’re pretty thin already,” Hopkins said. “Then you lose one guy—that’s three spots for us. So we’ve got a lot of walking wounded, but hopefully we’ll get them healed up as quickly as possible.”
Tri-Village will nevertheless bring an accomplished group of skill players into the season.
Senior Griffin Richards has earned first-team All-WOAC honors twice, shared the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award and recorded consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Junior Staley Colston, a second-team All-WOAC selection, led the Patriots with 15 carries for 73 yards against Bethel.
Senior receiver Teddy Miller is another returning second-team selection, while senior Kingston Shafer brings two years of starting experience.
The offense will again be anchored by Black, a four-year starter and two-time first-team All-WOAC selection who has committed to play at the University of Kentucky.
Hopkins described the Patriots’ offensive approach as a multiple-personnel spread, with their experienced skill-position players representing the unit’s greatest strength.
Special teams also provided an early bright spot. Sophomore Owen Ridout converted all three extra points against Bethel and averaged 43.7 yards on three punts, including a 60-yarder. Richards returns as the primary returner, with junior Levi Johnsman handling long-snapping duties.
Hopkins expects leadership to come from the senior class, the players their teammates select as captains and those chosen to represent each class on the team’s Unity Council.
Tri-Village sees itself among the conference’s leading contenders, with Hopkins expecting Ansonia, Preble Shawnee and Arcanum to figure prominently in the championship race.
Before turning its attention to those opponents, Tri-Village must prepare for another demanding matchup against National Trail.
“It’ll be another really physical game,” Hopkins said. “That’s one thing our league has—physical teams. It’s mainly a run-dominant league, so you have to be physical when you play that type of football.”
The Patriots’ stated goals are to remain undefeated at home, compete for another WOAC championship and make a deep playoff run.
Their opening victory was not as clean as they wanted, but it showed that Tri-Village can lean upon its running game and defense while its new players settle into their roles.
Story and photos by Jim Freeman
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Bradford shows ‘no quit’ in season-opening loss to Wickliffe
Railroaders show fight on both sides of the ball despite 41-7 loss to playoff-tested Wickliffe
BRADFORD — The scoreboard told one story Friday night. Bradford coach Bill Trevino saw another.
Wickliffe came away with a 41-7 victory over the Railroaders in the season opener, but for a Bradford program working to establish a new culture, Trevino saw something in his players he believes they can build on.
They didn't quit.
“That was the biggest thing we wanted to switch up, changing culture, is that no quit,” Trevino said. “There’s ways to lose. And tonight was a way to lose.”
Wickliffe showed early why it entered the season with high expectations. The Blue Devils established their running game on their opening possession and marched down the field for a touchdown.
By the second quarter, the Blue Devils had pushed the advantage to 20-0.
That's when Bradford began to show some of the fight Trevino has been trying to instill in his program.
The Railroaders began finding success through the air, picking up their first first down and drawing a pass interference penalty on another passing play. Quarterback Raiden Wombold kept another play alive by scrambling before finding a receiver for a sizable gain, helping move Bradford deep into Wickliffe territory.
Bradford finished the drive with a touchdown pass to junior Isaiah Purpus, who made the catch despite defensive pass interference.
With 4:12 remaining in the first half, Bradford had cut the deficit to 20-7.
“We're back in the game,” Trevino said. “Right back in the game. Momentum is starting to swing, but we just, you know, a couple mistakes here.”
Wickliffe eventually regained control and built its lead to 41-7.
But with the outcome increasingly decided, Bradford continued to compete.
Even with the Railroaders facing a sizable deficit, the Bradford sideline remained engaged and energetic. That attitude carried onto the field, particularly on defense.
One of Bradford's best sequences of the night came after a bad snap on a punt left Wickliffe with the ball near the Railroaders' 1-yard line.
Rather than allowing the Blue Devils to punch in another score, Bradford's defense dug in.
The Railroaders pushed Wickliffe backward and eventually stopped the Blue Devils on downs, turning away a first-and-goal opportunity from near the goal line.
Bradford's defense later stopped Wickliffe on downs again.
“I've not seen a goal line stand versus a first-team offense in a long time,” Trevino said.
For a team facing a large deficit, those stops meant something to its coach.
Trevino said one of the biggest things he wants to change at Bradford is how his players respond when adversity hits.
“Compared to pasts, the kids would quit,” Trevino said. “Get down 14 points, and they just would roll over. And that's the biggest thing we're preaching. They just never quit.”
That message has been emphasized on the practice field as well.
Trevino said the Railroaders entered Friday night's opener following their best week of practice so far, and he believes the effort against Wickliffe gives his players something tangible to carry forward.
“We got a great week of practice,” Trevino said. “It was the best week of practice we've had yet. And I think this is gonna build on it, and the kids are excited now.”
Bradford still has plenty of work ahead. Wickliffe exposed areas the Railroaders will need to improve as the season progresses, and mistakes proved costly Friday night.
But Trevino has also made it clear to his players that the work they put in during the week is supposed to prepare them for moments under the Friday night lights.
“We practice hard,” Trevino said. “Friday night is the reward.”
The Railroaders didn't get the result they wanted in their opener.
They did, however, give their coach evidence that the culture he's trying to build is beginning to take hold.
Story and photos by Jim Freeman
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Blazers ready to raise expectations under St. Augustine
(Photo Courtesy Champine Photography)
By Eddie Mowen Jr.
NEW PARIS — A veteran group of returning players will provide a strong foundation as Ricky St. Augustine begins his first season as head football coach at National Trail.
St. Augustine is entering his third season with the Blazers program but his first as a head coach. He inherits a team that went 4-6 overall and 4-5 in Western Ohio Athletic Conference play last season.
With 10 returning starters, several all-conference performers and plenty of experience on both sides of the ball, St. Augustine isn't making predictions. He is, however, raising expectations.
“We’re not going to make predictions, but we are going to raise expectations,” St. Augustine said. “Our players need to believe they belong in competitive games, and then we have to prove that with preparation, toughness and execution. The league will test us, and that’s exactly what we need.”
Senior Jonah Brinkley is among the leaders of an experienced returning group. A four-year starter at halfback and defensive end, Brinkley earned first-team All-WOAC honors on both offense and defense last season after receiving special mention recognition in 2024.
Brinkley averaged 10.4 yards per carry and rushed for five touchdowns last season. He added a team-high 500 receiving yards and five touchdown catches, finishing with 10 total touchdowns and a team-best 60 points.
Defensively, Brinkley led Trail with 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He also contributed as a punter.
Junior Talon Bousman gives the Blazers another versatile veteran. The three-year starter at wide receiver and defensive back was a second-team All-WOAC defensive back in 2024. Last season, he recorded 74 total tackles, including 25 solo stops, while also contributing offensively with five rushing touchdowns and four touchdown passes.
Junior Grady Ott returns for his third season as a starter at quarterback and defensive back. Ott earned second-team All-WOAC honors at defensive back last season after recording three interceptions for 75 return yards. His 49 assisted tackles tied for the team lead.
Senior Christian Miears also recorded 49 assisted tackles. The four-year starter at fullback and middle linebacker earned special mention All-WOAC recognition in 2024.
National Trail's senior class also includes four-year starter Nick Clark at tight end and outside linebacker, three-year starter Westin Marker on the offensive and defensive lines and two-year starter Matt Jones at fullback and outside linebacker.
The Blazers return experience throughout the secondary as well.
Junior Jay Lofton is back for his second season as a starter at wide receiver and safety. He scored twice on defense last season, returning an interception and a fumble recovery for touchdowns.
Junior Henry Roberts, a three-year starter at wide receiver and cornerback, led Trail with two fumble recoveries.
Sophomore Kaili Merritt returns for his second season as a starter at quarterback and defensive back after averaging a team-high 23.5 yards per reception last year.
Junior Liam Davis, an offensive tackle and outside linebacker, is another returning player expected to contribute.
A group of newcomers will look to add depth around Trail's veteran core.
Senior Wyatt Cass joins the team at wide receiver and nose guard, while senior Davyn Penley will compete at center and outside linebacker. Sophomores Bradley Taylor and Blake Reid provide additional options along the offensive and defensive fronts.
Freshmen Landon Kovacs, a wide receiver and cornerback, and Killian Brewer, a kicker and wide receiver, also join the program.
With that combination of experience and new talent, the Blazers will look to improve on last year's four-win season. For St. Augustine, however, progress will be measured by more than the final standings.
One of his priorities is developing a team capable of responding the right way when adversity inevitably arrives.
“A big expectation for us is learning how to respond,” St. Augustine said. “Every season brings injuries, mistakes, tough moments and close games. We want to become a team that responds with discipline instead of panic and keeps improving regardless of circumstance.”
St. Augustine also wants the program's growth to extend beyond the field. He sees families, alumni, school staff, volunteers and the surrounding community as important parts of building a sustainable football program at National Trail.
“A healthy football program is not built by coaches alone,” he said. “Families, alumni, volunteers, school staff and community members all have a role.”
As St. Augustine begins his first season at the helm, the goal is to bring those groups together while creating an environment that challenges and supports the players.
“This year, we’re especially focused on bringing people into that shared purpose and making sure our players are known, challenged, supported and prepared,” St. Augustine said.
The Blazers are scheduled to open the season at home against Catholic Central on Friday, Aug. 21.
Greyhounds continue building foundation under Schooley
(Photo Courtesy of Champine Photograpy)
By Eddie Mowen Jr.
NEW LEBANON — For Dixie football coach Sean Schooley, the Greyhounds’ second season under his leadership is less about looking ahead to a particular win total and more about continuing to build the program one day at a time.
Dixie returns a core group of players who endured the challenges of a 1-9 season a year ago and remained committed to the program. Schooley believes that experience can help the Greyhounds take another step forward this fall.
“Our focus is on us — getting better every day, doing the little things right, preparing the right way, and making sure that we hold our standard in everything we do,” Schooley said.
Schooley enters his second season as Dixie’s head coach with a 1-9 career record. The Greyhounds finished 1-8 in Western Ohio Athletic Conference play last season.
The program’s approach is summed up by its motto: “Chop Wood, Carry Water.”
“That’s exactly how we’re approaching this season: put in the work every day, trust the process, and don’t look too far ahead,” Schooley said. “We’re going to take it one game at a time and put everything we have into the opponent in front of us.”
Dixie has eight returning starters, along with another key returner, to provide experience on both sides of the ball.
Junior Ayden Hipp returns at quarterback and defensive back, while junior Nathan Metcalf is back at running back and linebacker. Junior Colt Himan and junior Noah Thompson give the Greyhounds experience at wide receiver and in the secondary, with Thompson also playing outside linebacker.
Sophomores Elijah Dillion and Koa Dishman gained valuable varsity experience as freshmen. Dillion plays wing and free safety, while Dishman returns along the offensive and defensive lines.
Senior Zach Poston provides additional experience on both lines, while senior Keegan Wells returns as the team’s kicker. Junior Ty Easom is another returning contributor on the offensive and defensive lines.
Schooley said that group has played an important role in establishing the direction of the program.
“This group of returning players represents what we are trying to build at Dixie,” Schooley said. “Elijah Dillion, Koa Dishman, Colt Himan, Ayden Hipp, Nathan Metcalf, Zach Poston, Noah Thompson, Ty Easom and Keegan Wells have stuck with the program, continued to grind, and bought into the direction we are heading.”
Their willingness to remain committed through a difficult season is something Schooley hopes will pay dividends.
“They have experienced the challenges that come with building a program, but instead of walking away, they have continued to ‘Chop Wood, Carry Water,’” he said. “Their experience, leadership and commitment will be extremely important as we continue to grow the program and establish the culture we want at Dixie.”
The Greyhounds will also have a large group of newcomers competing for opportunities.
Seniors Wyatt Kayler and Garrett Williams join the mix at wide receiver and defensive back, while senior Dillon Singer will contribute along the offensive line and at linebacker. Senior Levi Welz adds depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
Sophomore Aiden Gruber will compete on both lines, while Chandler Rhobus is a running back and outside linebacker. Sophomore Peyton Predue adds another option on the offensive and defensive lines, and classmate Colton Moore will compete at running back and linebacker.
Dixie also has several freshmen who could work their way into the lineup. Ambry Hurtt is a wide receiver and defensive back, Liam Pennington is a running back and outside linebacker, Konor Wylie can contribute at wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back, and Gavin Kisling will work on both lines.
Schooley said the newcomers have quickly embraced the program’s expectations.
“Our newcomers have stepped in ready to compete and become part of the direction we are taking Dixie football,” he said. “They have embraced what we are building and will have opportunities to contribute this season.”
While the Greyhounds hope their increased experience translates into improvement in the WOAC standings, Schooley said the program will measure itself first by its preparation, effort and consistency.
“If we continue to improve, play together, and live by our core values, the results will take care of themselves,” he said.
For Schooley, continuing to establish those values remains the primary objective as Dixie enters year two of its rebuilding process.
“Our biggest expectation this season is to continue building the culture and foundation of Dixie football,” Schooley said. “We want our players focused on being great teammates, staying positive, and giving uncommon effort every single day.
“It’s about us getting better, competing together, and learning how to do things the right way consistently. We will continue to ‘Chop Wood, Carry Water,’ take things one day and one game at a time, and keep moving this program forward.”
The Greyhounds will host New Miami for their season opener on Friday, Aug. 21.
Experienced Panthers eye winning season, playoff berth
(Photo Courtesy of Champine Photography)
By Eddie Mowen Jr.
LEWISBURG — A year of growth, a productive offseason and an experienced senior class have Tri-County North believing it can take another step forward in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference this fall.
The Panthers enter coach Nicholas Bandstra’s second season coming off a 4-6 campaign, including a 4-5 mark in the WOAC.
Bandstra said the progress made during his first year, coupled with increased confidence throughout the program, has raised expectations heading into 2026.
“We have raised the expectations for the program as a whole after last season and how the offseason has gone,” Bandstra said. “The buy-in has been great, and our kids have a lot more confidence and want to accomplish a lot this season.”
Bandstra is 4-6 at Tri-County North and 10-30 through four seasons as a head coach.
While North will rely on a sizable freshman class, the Panthers have an experienced group of seniors capable of providing leadership on both sides of the ball.
Senior Peyton Fannin returns as one of the WOAC’s top running backs after rushing for 1,032 yards last season, fourth-best in the conference. Fannin earned first-team All-WOAC honors at both running back and defensive back and second-team Southwest District recognition at running back.
He has also received multiple NCAA Division III football offers.
Senior Luke Wright gives the Panthers another proven two-way performer in the trenches. A two-year captain, Wright earned honorable mention All-Ohio and first-team Southwest District honors at defensive line after recording 87 tackles and three sacks.
Senior Corbin Flory returns at split end and defensive back after recording 41 tackles and earning honorable mention Southwest District honors at tight end.
Grayson Woodworth is another experienced senior expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. Woodworth, a split end and linebacker, earned honorable mention Southwest District recognition at defensive back last season after finishing with 26 tackles and three interceptions.
Senior Logan Watts, another two-year captain, returns on the offensive line and at linebacker. Watts was a special mention All-WOAC offensive lineman and recorded 65 tackles defensively.
Junior Luke Baughman gives North experience at quarterback. The two-year starter passed for 624 yards and accounted for seven total touchdowns last season and will also contribute at linebacker.
The Panthers are also looking forward to having sophomore Jake Wiegand back in the lineup. Wiegand’s 2025 season ended with an injury in the opening game, but Bandstra expects the running back and defensive back to play a significant role on both sides of the ball.
Several newcomers could make an immediate impact.
Junior Carter Mathews is expected to contribute at running back and defensive back as well as on special teams. Freshmen Eli Creech, Conner Haney, Grant Bowlin and Corbin Oswalt are also expected to see significant playing time.
Creech will rotate at running back and linebacker, while Haney is expected to start at offensive tackle and Bowlin at center. Oswalt could fill several roles on offense, defense and special teams.
The youth movement will be an important storyline for North.
Seventeen of the Panthers’ 36 players are freshmen, something Bandstra knows could result in some early growing pains.
“We will have some growing pains for sure with 17 of our 36 players being freshmen,” Bandstra said. “However, we have a really good senior group that has developed into leaders that will help ease some of those growing pains.”
North will attempt to make its move in a competitive WOAC. Bandstra expects Ansonia, Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee and Arcanum to again be among the conference’s top teams.
“We are in a tough conference, but we have had a great offseason and are ready to compete,” Bandstra said. “I expect Ansonia, Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee and Arcanum to continue to be playoff teams. Should we stay healthy, I personally think we can compete in the WOAC this year.”
For the Panthers, improvement in 2026 would mean more than simply adding to last season’s win total. Bandstra wants North competing for meaningful games late in the season and putting itself in position to reach the postseason.
“I truly think we can compete with anyone when we are on our A game,” Bandstra said. “Our goal is to have a winning record and to compete for a playoff spot this season.”
With a proven senior group setting the tone and a large freshman class beginning to establish itself, the Panthers enter Bandstra’s second season with a clear objective — continue building the program while making their presence felt in the WOAC.
The Panthers open the season at home against River View.
