2008 high school football preview

SPECIAL FEATURES

Cover story: The art of running the football - by Jeremy Schneider

Countdown: Ten reasons to keep an eye on high school football - by Tom Usher

In defense of zebras: Officials don't win or lose games. - by Tom Usher 

Anticipation: Wondering what's coming up? So am I - by Jeremy Schneider

CONFERENCE FORECASTS

MAC: Midwest Athletic Conference forecast

NWC: Northwestern Conference forecast

WBL: Western Buckeye League forecast

TEAM PREVIEWS

Ada: Life in the AD (After Dysert) for Ada
The post-Zac Dysert era begins for the Bulldogs.

Allen East: Staley brings aggressive style of play to Allen East
Mustangs hope to bounce back under new coach.

Anna: Anna hopes to continue climb up MAC ladder
The Rockets could be among the MAC's elite this season.

Bath: Another step in the road for Bath
Experience and a solid running game could make the Wildcats better in 2008.

Bluffton: Pirates looking to 'spread out' opposing teams
The Pirates hope spreading the field produces success.

Celina: Rolfes hopes to right the ship at Celina
Experience in the backfield is one of the keys for the Bulldogs.

Coldwater: No more underdog role for defending champion Coldwater
Last year's Division IV state champs have a chance to make another playoff run.

Columbus Grove: Columbus Grove will lean on experienced line
The Bulldogs have the blockers, now they need to find the backs.

Cory-Rawson: Cory-Rawson adjusting to new coach, new schemes
The Hornets hope an offensive and defensive makeover produces more wins.

Crestview: Knights plan to light up scoreboard
The Knights will need to replace do-it-all Ball State recruit Briggs Orsbon.

Defiance: Defiance ready to tackle WBL opponents
After back-to-back 6-4 seasons, the Bulldogs are aiming higher.

Delphos Jefferson: Delphos Jefferson hungry for more
The Wildcats should be in the thick of the NWC race.

Delphos St. John's: St. John's returns to power attack
The Blue Jays hope a return to their traditional style means a return to their winning ways.

Elida: Elida uses team-bonding approach .
The Bulldogs need a win to erase the memories of last year's 0-10 season.

Fort Recovery: Fort Recovery turning the corner under Niekamp
The Indians expect to put points on the scoreboard this fall after being a high-scoring team last season.

Hardin Northern: Brunow prepares to rebuild Polar Bears
The Polar Bears need young players to step up with only a few returnees.

Indian Lake: Indian Lake plans to lean on offensive, defensive lines
A veteran offensive line could open holes for running back Kyle Hefner.

Kenton: New faces abound at Kenton 
The Wildcats are young but need to grow up fast with Coldwater as their opener.

Leipsic: New coach hopes to bring new attitude to Leipsic
First-year coach Joe Kirkendall has 12 returning starters.

Lima Central Catholic: LCC battles high expectations, key player losses
The T-Birds have already faced adversity when QB Lance Helmig was lost for the season.

Lima Senior: Lima Senior could build with some new blocks
The Spartans will try to blend hard-earned experience with youth.

Marion Local: Marion Local reloads arsenal for title defense
Can you say three-peat even if the Flyers won't say it?

Minster: Minster hopes to erase nightmarish memories of 2007
The Wildcats will try to bounce back after their worst season in decades.

New Bremen: New Bremen has plenty of speed, talent for the season
The Cardinals will count heavily on speed and running the ball.

Ottawa-Glandorf: Titans looking to carry on tradition
The Titans are young but that doesn't mean they won't be thinking playoffs.

Pandora-Gilboa: Rockets hope to utilize upper class athleticism
Athleticism could be the key for the Rockets and their spread offense.

Parkway: Parkway ready to begin a new chapter
Replacing Ohio University recruit Jordan Thompson won't be easy for the Panthers.

Paulding: Paulding ready to take next step in development
Coach Chris Etzler says the Panthers could throw more this season.

Perry: Perry looks to make run at NWCC title
The Commodores are ready to contend for the NWCC title with 12 returning starters. 

Ridgemont: Ridgemont hopes to build on experience, enthusiasm
The Gophers are working to improve on last year's 1-9 record.

Shawnee: Shawnee aiming for big things
The Indians are thinking about a WBL title and improving last year's 7-3 record..

Spencerville: Despite key losses, cupboard not bare for Bearcats
The Bearcats have 12 returning starters from a playoff team.

St. Henry: Stahl set to command St. Henry's potentially potent offense
Defense will be a key for the Redskins.

St. Marys: Expectations remain the same at St. Marys
The Roughriders always run the ball, but this year the backs will be inexperienced.

Upper Scioto Valley: Upper Scioto Valley to capitalize on 2007 growing pains
The Rams have 13 returning starters.

Van Wert: Loaded with lettermen, Van Wert eyes improvement
Preseason injuries are a problem for Cougars.

Versailles: New coach, philosophy for Versailles
The Tigers have a new offense.

Wapakoneta: Wapakoneta hopes experience will lead to improvement
The Redskins hope to bounce back from a 3-7 season.

Waynesfield: Waynesfield ready to take the next step
The Tigers are aiming for the playoffs again.