Sylvania Southview Football

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Hillsdale Signs WR, LB

As the over-hyping of National Letter of Intent Signing has faded, Hillsdale College head football coach Keith Otterbein and his staff have remained hard at work, trying to finalize this year's recruiting class. Recently signed at two players who bring added speed to the Charger football program.

Aaron Waldie, 5'11, 175, WR, Sylvania (OH) Southview Waldie is a two-time Div. 2 All-Ohio wide receiver who caught 50 passes for 820 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

"I am very excited to be a part of the great football tradition at Hillsdale," Waldie said recently. "I have heard nothing but great things about the program and the school."

Waldie brings with him soft hands and great speed. He turned heads this summer with a 4.5 (electronic) 40 yard dash time that earned him the "Smokehouse Champion" award as the fastest athlete at the University of Michigan football camp. He also won the camp's coveted "Best Hands Award".

Southview Coach Jim Mayzes recently stated, "Aaron is an exceptional football player. He is a very coach-able, intelligent athlete and a team player with a good positive head on his shoulders and a desire to succeed each and every day. Aaron has a 3.5 gpa, he's a National Honor Society member, a team captain and has been a natural driven leader on the team since he stepped foot on the field 4 years ago. He not only consistently catches the ball but makes something happen after the catch on almost every occasion."

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Article published Saturday, September 25, 2004

NLL: Southview 25, Springfield 14

Andrew Skeels completed 21 of 33 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns to Aaron Waldie to lead the Cougars.

Waldie, who had 10 catches for 195 yards, caught TD tosses of 13 and 65 yards for Southview (5-0, 2-0). Michael Campbell added eight catches for 80 yards.

Hans Vetter (13-of-29) scored on a 52-yard punt return and threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to David Martinez for the visiting Blue Devils (1-4, 0-2).

Gary Shannon gained 81 yards on nine carries for Southview, which compiled 455 total yards.

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Cougars kickoff season, 4-0 Southview on pace to repeat last year’s, 10-0 - Emily Everly Sports Editor

Senior Aaron Waldie catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter during Friday night’s showdown against the Bulldogs at Rossford’s Jackson-Ferguson Stadium. Waldie has four touchdown receptions on the season, and is looking forward to tonight's game against the Springfield Blue Devils at home.

The Southview Cougar Football team is looking forward to another perfect season as they kicked off their league opener, Sept. 17, at Rossford High School winning,27-7, and completing a perfect preseason scheduling with three wins. Senior Captain Aaron Waldie, senior Gary Shannon and junior quarterback Scott Stansley scored for the Cougars leading them to a victory. Junior Kevin Lanning made all of the field goal attempts. Although, in their preseason games, the Cougars had been known to rack up an average of 40 points per game, the offense had a chance to shine holding the Bulldogs to two first downs and not allowing them to advance passed their own 40-yard line. “The offense did not execute as well as we had in previous games, and the Rossford defensive line put more pressure on me than I had been used to from previous opponents, this contributed to our low scoring game,” said Junior Quarterback Andrew Skeels. The game would have been a shut out except for Rossford’s 72-yard touchdown pass near the end of the fourth quarter.

Leading off the preseason match ups, the Cougars traveled to Archbold, not once, but twice, which made the Southview vs. Archbold game to have the longest half time in the history of football. At half time, the game was called on account of lightning, but the Cougars had the lead 14-7. The game resumed the following night, where the Cougars finished off the Blue Streaks 47-7. "We were a bit slow the first half, just trying to get out our first game jitters, but the second half, we had the whole day to think and prepare for it, so we came out more confident and ready to get things done," said Waldie. Next, the Cougars rolled right over the Roger Rams Sept. 3, at Cats Stadium winning, 40-20. "The first half was awesome, we were able to get the score high enough that we were then able to get some of the younger guys out on the field toward the end," said Waldie. Skeels racked up 274 yards passing and through two touchdowns. Waldie commented on the junior’s performance saying, "Skeels has really stepped up and been leading the offense. He’s making good decisions and throwing the ball well." Senior Eric Thompson had three touchdowns for the evening, rushing 129 yards. And Malcolm Campbell added to the score with one touchdown as well. The football team once again roared past the Start Spartans Sept. 10, to finish off the non league schedule with a win 43-27. Thompson was the first to score after Start turned over a five-yard carry, unfortunately Thompson was taken out after the touchdown due to a sprained ankle. It was a good thing Shannon came off the bench ready to run. He rushed 186 yards on 18 carries contributing two touchdowns to the Cougar’s score. "The Start defensive line left a lot of holes that I just took advantage of, I was able to run past them and pick up lots of yardage," said Shannon. Waldie was also able to contribute to the score with six completed receptions and 80-yards for two touchdowns. The Cougars will host the Springfield Blue Devils tonight at Cats Stadium. This year the Cougars are led by Captians Waldie, Thompson Malcolm Campbell, John Michael Smith, and Sean Shadix. They are again coached by Jim Mayzes.

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Article published Saturday, September 18, 2004
Southview tops Rossford

By DONALD EMMONS
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Southview's Aaron Waldie slips past Rossford's Jason Duly.
( THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON )

Ready or not, Rossford had to deal with defending league champion Southview last night to kick off conference action.

The Bulldogs fought for four quarters only to come up short, 21-7, in the Northern Lakes League game before a packed crowd at Jackson-Ferguson Stadium. Southview, which had averaged more than 40 points during nonleague play, spent most of the contest playing on Rossford's end of the field. However, Southview came away with only three scoring drives against a Bulldog defense that locked up the explosive running game that had been overpowering opposing defenses this season.

Other than a 62-yard touchdown run by Gary Shannon with just under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Cougars found little running room. Yet, champions often take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves in a tight contest. The Cougars, who improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in league play, certainly did so against the Bulldogs (2-2, 0-1). The Cougars' defense and special teams rose to the occasion. The Cougars, who won their 14th straight regular-season game, came away with three turnovers and limited the Bulldogs to two first downs and 33 total yards for three quarters.

Rossford's offense never advanced beyond the Bulldogs' own 40-yard line before halftime. Meanwhile, Southview punter Kevin Lanning punted six times for an average of 35 yards to help keep Rossford in poor field position. "They were nothing but tough," said Southview coach Jim Mayzes of the Bulldogs. "They were very, very strong up front. "We relaxed just a little bit against them and just like that they got us for a score."

Southview took a 14-0 lead into halftime after putting together two short scoring drives in the second quarter. The longer of the two was 42 yards while the other was just 12. Southview quarterback Scott Stansley capped the first scoring drive with a a three-yard touchdown run around right end to give the Cougars a 7-0 lead with 6:56 to play in the half.

Defensive lineman Drew Miller set up the Cougars' second scoring drive when he recovered a Rossford fumble deep in Bulldog territory. The Cougars needed only two plays to score. Southview's other QB, Andrew Skeels, connected with Aaron Waldie for a 12-yard touchdown completion to give Southview a 14-0 lead.

Waldie, who finished the night with 12 receptions for 125 yards, credited the Bulldogs' defensive work that focused on containing the Cougars' running game. "We knew we would have to throw a little bit because their coverage played off 10 yards," Waldie said.

Shannon, who finished with 102 yards rushing on 10 carries, had been held to two yards on five carries through three quarters. Eric Thompson, who started in the Cougars' backfield, finished with 11 yards on 11 carries.

Rossford defenders D.J. Semersky, Travis Brewer and Justin Shaffer led the push up front against the Cougars. "Their defense was good," Shannon said. "Their defensive line was real powerful." A momentary lapse by the Cougars' defense cost Southview a chance at a shutout. Down 21-0, Rossford's Andy Bowman hit Jason Duly streaking across the middle of the field for what turned into a 72-yard touchdown pass after Duly outran a couple of Cougar defenders to the end zone.

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Article published Friday, September 17, 2004

Southview uses 2-QB system
Skeels, Stansley interchangeable for unbeaten Cougars
By DONALD EMMONS
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Kelley Rowe was Mr. Everything for the Southview offense last year. As the quarterback, he was responsible for gaining more than 3,300 yards in 2003 while guiding the Cougars to their first 10-0 regular season. He passed for more than 2,500 yards, rushed for nearly 900 and accounted for 37 touchdowns.

Finding a suitable candidate to replace Rowe - The Blade's player of the year - presented a challenge for Southview coach Jim Mayzes. The Cougars coach, who considered Rowe the best all-around QB to ever direct Southview's offense during his tenure, couldn't come up with a single player to fill Rowe's shoes.

Instead, he's relying on two. Andrew Skeels and Scott Stansley, both juniors, represent Rowe's replacement. Call them the Cougars' starting quarterbacks 1A and 1B, although which is which is not clear. They share the quarterback responsibilities.

"It fits them, and I think it has worked well," Mayzes said of the platoon system. "Both can throw and both can run with it. It's worked that way and we're going to keep with it." The coach added that Skeels and Stansley are good friends who "help each other a lot. We're really pleased with how they've played. They both throw well and each one would be a starter on most teams." Skeels, who served as Rowe's backup last fall, stands 6-1 and weighs 175 pounds. He sees most of the playing time when the Cougars are in their spread offense.

Playing time is not an issue with him. "I always support [Stansley] when he goes in and he supports me when I go in," said Skeels, who has completed 27 of 53 passes for 494 yards and four touchdowns in three games. "I like the way it works out. "Everyone gets tired and I know I get tired, and knowing that if I get tired he can come in for me. If he gets tired I can go in for him. It allows me to go out and give it all I've got."

Stansley, a former linebacker who became a full-time quarterback last season while playing on the junior-varsity squad, stands six feet and weighs 188 pounds. He usually is on the field when the Cougars try to establish a running game. Stansley has hit 3 of 5 passes for 27 yards and run seven times for 27 yards. He supports sharing the playing time with Skeels because he believes it benefits the team. "It really doesn't matter the number of snaps I get, I'm just out there to help the team win," said Stansley, who has thrown two touchdown passes among his three completions.

Based upon the Cougars' 3-0 start, it would be hard to argue against Mayzes' two-quarterback system. The pair have helped extend Southview's regular-season winning streak to 13 games. Neither Skeels nor Stansley approached the season thinking they had to try to live up to Rowe's play. "We just try to look at it as another year," Stansley said. "We're basically competing between ourselves and not against Kelley," Skeels said.

The Cougars begin their quest to repeat as Northern Lakes League champions when they play tonight at Rossford. The Bulldogs are 2-1. Rossford coach Chris Werbylo said the Bulldogs are looking forward to taking on the defending league champions. The fact that Rowe has graduated doesn't make the Cougars any less of a challenge, according to Werbylo.

"They're a different type of team without Kelley Rowe," he said. "I think their coaches have done a fine job of adjusting to playing without him. It's less feature of quarterbacks and more featuring their team speed." Both quarterbacks say having a talented group of players around them, including All-Ohio wideout Aaron Waldie, has helped them adjust to playing on the varsity level. Waldie, who caught a pair of TD passes in the Cougars' 43-27 win over Start a week ago, leads the team with 12 catches for 229 yards, with four touchdowns. Michael Campbell has caught six passes for 64 yards. Also, Gary Shannon (27 carries for 204 yards) and Eric Thompson (27 carries for 145 yards, team-leading six touchdowns) have provided a solid running game.

"I'm not afraid to throw throw the ball to anybody on this team because even if I throw a bad ball they're good at adjusting to go up and get it," Skeels said. Mayzes is seeing the future of the Cougars quarterback spot develop twice as nice as he could have imagined. "We'll keep playing both of them because it's an advantage for us," Mayzes said. "It makes us more versatile. It also makes us ready if one of them ever goes down with an injury."

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The Sylvania Herald Newspaper - September 15, 2004

Cougars, pick up week 3 victories - By Mark Griffin Herald Editor

Southview 43, Start 27.

At Northview High School, host Southview took a 22-7 lead after one quarter and went on to win its 13th straight regular-season game. Backup tailback Gary Shannon, replacing an injured Eric Thompson (sprained ankle), rushed for a game-high 186 yards on 18 carries and scored on TD runs of 6 and 63 yards for the Cougars.

Start fumbled a punt return early in the game and Southview's Aaron Waldie recovered to get the ball rolling for the Cougars, who led 29-14 at halftime.

"We just executed real well," Southview coach Jim Mayzes said. "Things went real well in the beginning. I was real pleased with our offensive line. We were running inside zone plays and our line just did a great job. That's where Gary got his yards." Thompson, a senior and the Cougars' top rusher this season, had just two carries for 1 yard before twisting his ankle in the first half and sitting out the rest of the game.

"We have a couple of other good running backs, I just didn't want to take any chances with him," Mayzes said. "He should be OK by Friday. Without his quickness he's going to get hit. He's not a real big guy. I'm not going to put a deer out there with a broken leg." Shannon started to cramp up after his last couple of carries and was replaced by sophomore Kwesi Kankam in the Southview backfield. "Shannon did a real nice job,"

Mayzes said. "Kwesi came in and had a bunch of carries and a bunch of yards. He did real well. He did a great job." Junior quarterback Andrew Skeels threw a pair of TD passes, including a 39-yarder and a 5-yarder to Waldie in the third quarter.

Mayzes said his team is getting to where it needs to be heading into Friday's Northern Lakes League opener at Rossford. "We got the W's and the L's in the right place," the coach said. "That's good. I'm pleased we don't have any bad injuries and the team is really working hard and trying hard. I'm real pleased with the coaching staff; I'm just real proud of everybody."

Mayzes said Rossford (2-1), which beat previously undefeated Lake 17-3 last Friday, "doesn't have a lot of depth but they have good football players." The Bulldogs, who intercepted three Lake passes, lost to still undefeated Delta in their opener and beat Oak Harbor in the second week of the season. "They have an all-league receiver and they're quarterback is doing a nice job," Mayzes said. "They have a bunch of big offensive linemen. They run the spread offense and also smash it at you."

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Article published Saturday, September 11, 2004
Southview off to great Start
Shannon comes off bench to lead Cougars's ground attack

By DONALD EMMONS
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Southview's Aaron Waldie catches a pass over Start's Omar Simmons in the first quarter.
( THE BLADE/ALLAN DETRICH )

Scoring Details

SV-Thompson 5 run (Lanning kick)

SV-Shannon 6 run (Lanning kick)

SV-Shannon 63 run (Shannon run)

SV-Waldie 39 pass from Skeels (Lanning kick)

SV-Waldie 5 pass from Skeels (Lanning kick)

The thought that Southview is potentially all-around better this year than a year ago when it posted a 10-0 regular season record for the first time in school history could be scary for the rest of the Northern Lakes League.

Southview finished off its non-league schedule in decisive fashion with a 43-27 victory over Start last night at Cats Stadium.

The Cougars, who scored 22 points in the first quarter and owned a 29-14 lead at the half, improved to 3-0 and have won 13 straight regular-season games dating to last season.

Southview halfback Gary Shannon came off the bench and rushed for 186 yards on 18 carries, including touchdown runs of 6 and 63 yards to spark a Cougars bunch that averaged better than 40 points during its three non-league contests.

"We lost people along the way and other people stepped up," Southview coach Jim Mayzes said. "We dealt with adversity today and we rose to the occasion."

Start's Saliyl Cunningham (33) with Jovan Haythorn after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter.
( THE BLADE/ALLAN DETRICH )

The Cougars called on Shannon after starting tailback Eric Thompson suffered an ankle sprain during the first half after providing Southview with its first score of the game. Thompson, who finished with two carries for one yard, scored following a Start turnover on a 5-yard carry with 8:59 remaining in the first quarter. Thompson came up limping on the touchdown run and would not return to the game.

However, that allowed Shannon a chance to show what he can do given the opportunity to carry the load. He responded right away on his way to a career night.

The 5-9, 180-pound senior showed plenty of moves and speed on his 63-yard scamper with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter to give Southview a 22-7 lead.

"The offensive line was doing a great job and this really was my first game where I felt 100 percent," Shannon said.

Nonetheless, the Spartans (1-2) made it difficult on themselves with inopportune turnovers and miscues that allowed the Cougars opportunities to put points on the scoreboard.

Saliyl Cunningham carried much of the load for Start, gaining 185 yards on 22 totes, including touchdown runs of 14 and 13 yards. Mike Berman through touchdown passes of 7 and 13 yards.

The Cougars defense, led by ball-hawking defensive end Josh Murchison, contributed to the Spartans' struggles to establish consistency moving the ball down field. Grant Thompson and Michael Campbell came up with an interception apiece to halt potential scoring drives for the Spartans.

"All 43 points on the scoreboard were off turnovers and penalties," Start coach Pat Gucciardo said. "I told them that we need to focus on the little things. Southview made very little mistakes.

"We left too many points on the field. We're known for scoring, whether running or passing."

Gucciardo added: "Without question we could beat them and that's not taking anything away from Southview because that's a good team. It's very frustrating to lose when you self-destruct like that. I'd rather get flat-out beat by a team than lose like that."

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Article published Saturday, September 4, 2004
Southview 40, Rogers 20

A 23-point second quarter put Southview in control at home.

Eric Thompson scored four touchdowns for the Cougars on runs of 5, 5 and 2 yards plus a 58-yard pass from Aaron Skeels.

Skeels hit 10 of 17 passes for 262 yards.

The Cougars also scored on a five-yard pass from Scott Stansley to Malcolm Campbell.

Southview ran for 120 yards and gained 295 through the air.

Quarterback Kris Larue paced Rogers with 51 yards rushing on 18 carries and hit 9 of 13 passes for 177 yards, including TD tosses to Randy Popoff and Marvel Thompson.

Larue also scored on a 15-yard run.

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Cougars need two days to crush Archbold 47-7

Sylvania Herald, Sept 1st, 2004

ARCHBOLD - Junior quarterback Andrew Skeels threw two long touchdown passes and backup QB Scott Stansley threw for another score Friday night and Saturday, leading Southview to a 47-7 season-opening romp over Archbold. The first half was played Friday night and called at halftime due to poor weather. Southview then made a return trip on Saturday to play the second half. "I was a little disappointed that we didn't play with more poise in the first half," Southview coach Jim Mayzes said. "After the longest halftime in history, we went back out and played much, much better on Saturday." Skeels, starting in place of All-Ohio quarterback Kelley Rowe, threw a 51-yard scoring pass to senior Malcolm Campbell in the first quarter and added a 51-yarder to senior Aaron Waldie in the fourth quarter for the Cougars. Waldie also caught a 4-yard TD pass from Scott Stansley as Southview put the game out of reach with a 26-point fourth quarter. Senior tailback Eric Thompson put the Cougars ahead for good with a 31-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Thompson finished with 86 yards on 13 carries. Kwesi Kankam also had a 73-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter, while sophomore Brian Hites returned an interception 60 yards for the Cougars' final score. Southview also scored on special teams, when senior John-Michael Smith blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 65 yards for a third-quarter score. Smith's TD gave Southview a 21-7 lead. "It was just a fantastic play," Mayzes said. "We weren't even trying to block it. We were only sending six guys." Skeels was 6-of-15 passing for 122 yards with one interception.

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Thompson eyes 1,000 yards rushing as Southview’s featured tailback

By Mark Griffin Herald Editor, Sept. 1st, 2004

SYLVANIA   -   Eric Thompson might put up some big numbers during the 2004 football    season,    but Southview's senior tailback hopes to make an even bigger impact in a different area.

"I want to be a team leader and help lead my team to victory," said Thompson, who is one of five captains on this year's Cougar squad. "I think our team will be great this year. I think I'm doing a great part in leading this team. "My expectations for the team are to go the 15th game, and we have the potential to do it. We went to a lot of (7-on-7 summer football) tournaments and we won two out of the three tournaments. We did pretty good."

Last year's team went 10-0 during the regular season for the first time in school history and returned to the playoffs for the first time since it reached the Division II state finals in 1999. If coach Jim Mayzes' squad, which finished 11-1 a year ago, is to win its second straight   Northern   Lakes League title and make a return trip to the postseason, Thompson will have had to play a major role. A year ago he turned in several dazzling runs en route to gaining 687 yards on 119 carries (5.8 average) and rushing for nine touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes for 147 yards and three more scores.

Mayzes said Thompson's role as a receiver will increase this season. "Eric Thompson, out of the backfield, has as good a running back hands as I've ever seen," Mayzes said. "The kid can jump. He gets off the ground. He's very quick and runs great routes. He has an uncanny ability to be a good running back with the ball under his arm, and then to go out and run routes like a     darn good wide-out.   The routes he runs,   he runs them as good as anybody."

One of Thompson's strengths as a running back is his vision. That was never more evident than during last year's home playoff game against NLL rival Anthony Wayne, when he rushed for 89 yards on 14 carries and scored a career-high three touchdowns another TD was called back because of a penalty in a 48-28 romp over the Generals. "I've been referred to as a Barry Sanders type of runner, just really shifty, side to side," Thompson said. "I'm also a strong player going north to south."

Where does Thompson (5-8, 160) get his field awareness? "I really can't explain it," he said. "It just comes to me naturally. I'd rather fake a guy out, but it depends. I like to shake 'em, break 'em down and then try to run through them. I just judge (a defender) by what his stance is. If he's flat-footed, then I know I can run through him."

Thompson has been playing football since age 5 and started out as a running back. Last spring he kept in shape for off season football by competing in the long jump and 100 and 200 dash for the Cougars' track team. Thompson is just one of many weapons Mayzes has at his disposal this season. First-team All-Ohio receiver Aaron Waldie returns, as do senior Malcolm Campbell and senior tailback Gary Shannon, a transfer from Elyria.

"We have a strong back field," Thompson said. "We're really happy Malcolm is playing offense as well as defense this year. He's playing tight end and brings a lot. We go five wide (receivers) a lot, and he's big and he's fast. He has really good hands." Thompson has set some lofty personal goals for 2004. "I want to rush for over 1,000 yards and (score) a lot of touchdowns," he said. "I want to be the best I can be. My expectations are high for myself."

Mayzes also has high expectations for Thompson. "I'm so happy for Eric," the coach said. "He's worked so hard. "He's worked hard in the weight room and paid his dues as a sophomore and took his dings, and last year things started coming around for him." Thompson rushed for 86 yards on 13 carries in the Cougars' 47-7 season-opening win over Archbold last Friday.

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Article published Sunday, August 29, 2004

Southview 47, Archbold 7

By DONALD EMMONS - BLADE SPORTS WRITER

ARCHBOLD - The Cougars scored 26 fourth-quarter points and had many offensive contributors.

Eric Thompson ran for 86 yards on 13 carries and scored on a 31-yard touchdown run, Kwesi Kankam had 77 yards on two carries with a 73-yard score, and Andrew Skeels hit 6 of 15 passes for 122 yards with 51-yard TD hookups with Aaron Waldie and Malcolm Campbell.

Jacob Wilson scored on a 65-yard punt block and return, and Brian Jacobs returned an interception 60 yards for the final touchdown.

Chuck Nofziger led Archbold with 61 yards on 14 carries and scored on a three-yard run.

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Article published Thursday, August 26, 2004

NLL: Southview top pick
Swift Cougars hope to repeat success of 2003

By DONALD EMMONS - BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Duplicating last season's regular-season campaign would be perfect for longtime Southview coach Jim Mayzes. The Cougars marched through the regular season to post the school's first 10-0 record, including a 7-0 mark in the Northern Lakes League to claim the championship. "The school has been around for 30 years and has done it only once," Mayzes said. "But I think we have that kind of potential. We're a contender no doubt it." Southview is the clear favorite to finish on top according to the league coaches. Mayzes has never worked with a group that has had more speed. "This is the fastest team I've ever seen in our league or have played against," Mayzes said. "It's nice to have speed but you still have to make plays."

The Cougars' 24 returning lettermen are reason enough to have the rest of the NLL coaches thinking Southview is the team to beat. Waldie, an All-Ohio wide receiver, along with the Campbell twins and Thompson, lead the talented and swift group.

The Cougars, led last fall by quarterback Kelley Rowe, were an offensive juggernaut with their spread offense. The loss of Rowe, Blade player of the year, to graduation presents a dilemma of finding a quarterback. Andrew Skeels and Scott Stansley have been dueling it out during two-a-days.

Here's a look at the teams in predicted order of finish:

SOUTHVIEW : Coach: Jim Mayzes, 11th year : Last season: 11-1, 7-0 NLL

Returning letter winners: 24 : Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense : Schemes: Spread offense, multiple defense

Key players: Seniors Aaron Waldie, 5-11, 165, WR-DB; Michael Campbell, 5-9, 155, WR-DB; Malcolm Campbell, 5-9, 165, WR-DB; Eric Thompson, 5-7, 165, RB-DB; Sean Shadix, 6-0, 250, OL-DL, John Michael Smith, 5-11, 180, RB-LB. Juniors Andrew Skeels, 6-0, 175, QB; Scott Stansley, 6-0, 190, QB. sophomores Chad Valdez, 5-11, 230, OL-LB; Kwesi Kankam, 5-9, 155, RB-DB.

Outlook: The Cougars could possibly be an all-around better team than last season. "This is the fastest team I've ever seen in our league or any team we've played against," Mayzes said. "It's nice to have speed, but you still have to make plays."

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Article published Thursday, August 26, 2004

2004 High School Football: Top 10 Returning Players

By DONALD EMMONS - BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Offense
Blaine Maag literally ran the Bulldogs to the D-VI state championship last season, rushing 40 times for 287 yards and three TDs in a 28-26 title-game win over Marion Local. On the 2003 season, the 6-1, 185-pounder, who was Ohio’s D-VI offensive player of the year, carried 352 times for 2,713 yards and scored 43 TDs. While it is debatable whether or not a D-VI player is the best offensive player in any division from Northwest Ohio this year, there is no one likely expected to produce so much for his team than Maag.

Orta was another workhorse last season as a junior, rushing for 1,937 yards in helping Defiance reach the D-II regional playoff finals, where the Bulldogs lost to eventual champion Avon Lake.

The slippery Fought was the perfect complementary part to Whitmer’s record-setting tailback Edwin Hood during a 9-2 season last year. He is adept at recognizing enemy defensive alignments and making correct aubible calls a the line. He is also a pretty elusive runner, even in close quarters. He rushed for over 600 yards and passed for another 800-plus.

TOP 10 RETURNING PLAYERS

Offense — based on projected level of impact on team as offensive player

1. Blaine Maag, Columbus Grove, 6-1, 185, sr., RB

2. Robert Orta, Defiance, 5-9, 190, sr., RB

3. J.J. Fought, Whitmer, 5-11, 170, sr., QB

4. Kevin Leady, Eastwood, 6-3, 183, sr., QB

5. Dorian Milletti, St. John’s, 6-1, 190, sr.,TB

6. Marc Krauss, Patrick Henry, 6-3, 200, jr., WR

7. Greg Keys, Bellevue, 6-1, 205, sr., RB

8. Steve Gawronski, Rogers, 6-3, 295, sr., OL

9. Dan Amato, Central, 5-9, 165, sr., QB

10. Jordy Franklin, Start, 5-11, 180, sr., RB

Defense — based on projected level of impact on team as defensive player

1. Marcus Waugh, St. John’s, 5-11, 228, sr., LB

2. Brad Goatley, Maumee, 6-2, 220, sr., LB

3. David Ingram, Start, 6-2, 230, sr., DL

4. Aaron Waldie, Southview, 5-11, 165, sr., DB

5, Nick Boyle, Central, 5-9, 185, sr., LB

6. Ronnie Oates, Findlay, 5-10, 211, sr., LB

7. Chris Dyko, Central, 6-3, 315, sr., DT

8. Jamison Moss, Delta, 5-7, 165, sr., DT

9. Kyle Andrews, Whitmer, 6-2, 180, sr., DB

10. Jay Wheeler, St. John’s, 6-0, 196, sr., DB

Leady, who has verbally committed to Bowling Green, was a true two-way threat as the D-III district offensive player of the year and first-team All-Ohio last season, when he led the SLL in rushing (1,433 yards), was second in passing yardage (1,907) and scored a league-best 26 TDs.

Milletti, despite missing some action with a calf injury, rushed for 1,583 yards in helping the Titans to a 10-4 finish in the D-I state semifinals.

Krauss earned first-team D-V All-Ohio honors for PH, when he caught 64 passes for 1,451 yards and 15 TDs.

Keys, a 6-1, 205-pound speedster, is rated by at least one scouting evaluation service, as one of the state’s top 50 senior football players this season. Last year he rushed for over 1,200 yards.

Gawronski, a guard/defensive end, has received a scholarship offer from the University of Toledo. He has won regional and national martial arts competitions, and down about 35 pounds from two years ago, is very quick for his size.

Amato is a polished veteran as a third-year starter. He quarterbacked a 10-2 playoff team as a sophomore, and last season completed 118 of 200 passes for 1,332 yards and 10 TDs, and was also a D-II second-team All-Ohio punter.

Franklin had some of his offensive production cut down by an early-season injury last year, and because of Start’s pass-heavy scheme. But, he still managed 710 rushing yards on just 84 carries (8.5 average), and this 5-11, 180-pound speedster he is one of the top outside threats in the area.

Defense
Waugh is arguably the best all-around football talent in this corner of the state, combining superior skill at linebacker (127 tackles), powerful blocking and running (983 yards) at fullback, and was the D-I All-Ohio first-team punter for a 10-4 state semifinal Titan squad. He combines 4.5 speed in the 40 and a 410-pound bench press with his 5-11, 228-pound frame.

Goatley was St. John’s leading tackler as a sophomore linebacker before transferring back to Maumee last year. His season was hindered by injuries, but he is still regarded as a top college prospect.

Ingram, a strong, quick and versatile6-2, 230 pounds, is one of the most dominant front-line defenders in the area.

Like Waugh, Waldie could be on this list on either offense or defense. He made the All-Blade defense in the secondary, and also received first-team All-Ohio honors as a receiver. He led the NLL with 1,126 receiving yards on 52 catches and scored 13 TDs during Southview’s 10-0 regular season.

Boyle is another terrific two-way player. He had 579 rushing yards at fullback, and recorded 110 tackles to lead the Irish.

Oates had 130 tackles last year for Findlay en route to second-team district honors.

Dyko, is also a two-way force, and is a D-I college prospect at 6-3, 315, probably on the offensive line.

Moss, ferocious at just 5-5 and 160 pounds, included 13 sacks in his 80 tackles and was named D-IV first-team all-district and special mention All-Ohio.

Andrews, who doubles at flanker on offense, returns as a solid D-I first-team all-district DB. He had seven interceptions last season.

Wheeler, another two-way standout, is a solid cover man in the secondary to go with his 20 catches for 400-plus yards in 2003

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NLL 2004 League Standings

	League					Overall
School	W	L	T	%	P	W	L	T	%
Sylvania Southview	6	1	0	0.857	0	9	1	0	0.900
Maumee	5	2	0	0.714	0	8	2