Springfield (9-3, D-I R3 Semifinalist)
* Players to Watch – DE Darius James (6-1, 195, sr.), RB Onslow Williams (5-9, 165, sr.), QB JC Wallace (5-11, 180, jr.), OL Brandon Ehlinger (6-3, 275, jr.)
* Outlook – The Wildcats have been to the playoffs two years in a row but if they do it this year there will be several new faces leading the charge. Former head coach Rick Robertson left in the offseason, All-American LB Trey DePriest is now at Alabama and standout RB George Walker left the school. Wallace returns after throwing for 1,301 yards and 10 TDs last season.
Troy (8-3, D-I R3 Quarterfinalist)
* Players to Watch – DB/RB Marcus Foster (6-0, 195, sr.), RB Isiah Williams (5-9, 170, sr.), QB Cody May (6-3, 190, sr.), LB Chris Blair (6-0, 220, sr.), DL Alec Sears (6-1, 290, sr.), OL Ethan Hargrove (6-3, 290, sr.), DB Seth Predziola (6-1, 190, sr.), LB Zach Butcher (6-0, 210, sr.), WR Ian Dunaway (5-9, 180, sr.), RB/LB Zach Jones (5-9, 170, sr.)
* Outlook – The Trojans and head coach Steve Nolan (194-90 at Troy, 225-97 overall) made the playoffs for the first time since 2004 last year. Anything but a return trip this season would be a disappointment. Troy returns a talented nucleus that includes its QB, leading receiver, top three rushers, top two tacklers and seven All-GWOC performers. Foster has committed to Cincinnati and was the team’s leading rusher last year (870 yards and 13 TDs). He also caught 14 passes for 336 yards and three TDs. Defensively, Foster had three INTs. Williams (755 yards, eight TDs) and Jones (480 yards, six TDs) were second and third in rushing, respectively, while Williams (the leading receiver) added 14 receptions for 231 yards and a TD. Dunaway caught 17 passes for 208 yards and three TDs. May threw for 922 yards and seven TDs. Blair (125 tackles) will lead the defense along with Butcher (109 tackles) and Sears (38 tackles). An early season meeting with Middletown will tell a lot about each team.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Troy
Hilliard Davidson
Pickerington Central
Pickerington North
Upper Arlington
Hilliard Darby
Dublin Scioto
Olentangy Orange Dark Horses: Lancaster, Springfield
