High school football season starts this week and the mood is bright because every team has hopes, goals and dreams to achieve. And the situation has changed dramatically.
In soccer, the split from three to five divisions helped move away from superpower programs. With renewed dreams heading into the new year, we take a too-early but entertaining look at the power rankings for boys and girls.
GUYS
1. Wooster
This program has become the norm in recent years and continues to be far superior to the rest of the area. The Generals always have the best players in the area and this season they have at least two top players again in Calen Relle and Nicholas Morse.
The duo will be key to this year’s success on the pitch as, just like his predecessors before him in the Blue and Gold’s attacking third, Morse can compete with the best. His ability to read the pitch, unrivalled footwork and clever movements in the box will be entertaining to watch. Relle, the only local who can match Morse in terms of footwork, will control the tempo of the game and keep his team on the attack.
2. Hiland
A year ago, Hiland tied a 2-2 tie with Western Reserve Academy in an early season league game that was closely battling perennial Div. I power St. Ignatius. There’s no doubt that the Tri-County League has surpassed the Wayne County Athletic League in football strength over the years. This is underscored by the strong schedule due to the teams in the league and highlighted by the postseason successes of league members Central Christian and Hawks. Hiland tied the Comets a year ago and returns strong weapons like Zeke Bodiker, Logan Hershberger and Ohlen Troyer.
3. Norwegian
The cream of the WCAL spiced up their schedule last year and will continue to play against Tri-County League teams this year. They hold a narrow lead over Central Christian and a narrow deficit over Hiland, and these rivalries are becoming increasingly exciting for any fan in the area. With Parker Metsker and Jon Graham at the helm, the Bobcats will be back in the hunt as they are clear favorites to win the league and will look to translate that into tournament success in the fall.
4. Central Christian
After a tough setback against the Bobcats and a tie against Hiland, Central Christian’s team has improved throughout the season. While they don’t have the elite individual talent typically seen on the Comets, last year’s team has continued their winning streak with strong soccer IQ, excellent footwork and ability to control the game with possession. With a very balanced roster and led by Silas Coleman and Aaron Miedel, this year’s team will once again be among the best in the region and should be primed for another deep playoff run.
5. Orrville
The Red Riders continued their recent winning streak, and last year’s most notable decision was a tie against TCL power Hiland. This year’s team should once again be top of the Principals Athletic Conference as they are clear favorites to repeat their success for the sixth year in a row. Orrville is led by the standout Kaleb Wayt, who puts out a powerful kick every Friday night and has shown he can light up the gates on a regular basis.
Next up: Smithville and Northwestern
GIRL
1. Chippewa
The only real power that has consistently challenged the Chipps’ dominance in the region over the years has been Norwayne. After losing Shelby Vaughn to the Bobcats, the WCAL title is firmly in Chippewa’s sights this year as the team seeks its 18th league title since the league’s inception in 2004. This year’s Chipps squad has the potential to be one of their best since the era of Bailey Clark and the Boualany Sisters.
With standout players like Elena Moyer and Mia Rodriguez in the midfield, Delaney Marshall looking like an even better version of herself than she was a year ago, and a defense solidified with experience and talent from players like Gabi Gartin, Addison Good and Myra Lewis, the dreams are big and this team’s goals should be lofty this fall.
2. Smithville
The last time Smithville started a season with this much flash and fanfare was in 2013, when it won the league and advanced to regionals with Natalie Indermuhle at the helm. This year’s Smithies team is one of the few league opponents that could give Chippewa problems, and they are a team built for this type of clash. With talent like Kaylie Holmes, Claire Haas, Aly Wickens, Jenna Necko and Shelby Schenk, Smithville is a team to keep an eye on this fall.
3. Waynedale
A year ago, the Golden Bears made their first-ever regional appearance, capturing their first-ever district title. Despite the departures and the tough WCAL season, they should be back this fall under the leadership of Nayeli Cruz, Cinthia Reyes and Raegan Bigley. Cruz, along with Reyes and Bigley, will be expected to add a more offensive presence to help break in a new goalie and give the defense time to find its identity.
4. Wooster
The Generals hold onto the No. 4 seed here, thanks largely to the presence of standout forward and one of the area’s best offensive players, Gabi Signorino. The veteran forward is still a force to be reckoned with and a terror for most defenses, but this year’s team will be different than teams of the past. With a defense still searching for answers and a midfield that needs to establish itself, Wooster will be a team looking for ways to tie in with the top. In a tough Ohio Cardinal Conference, the Generals will need to come together quickly to compete this fall.
5. West Holmes
After losing many key players and contributors last year when they advanced to the Division II semifinals for the first time in program history, the Knights will be looking to make big moves this year. The pace will be set by standout Charli Murphy, who had a great freshman season and will definitely need to repeat that this year to help the team win. Joining Murphy will be Averee Troyer, Katherine Kaster, Casey Ogi, Aveona Yoder and Brianna Poventud as West Holmes looks to rebuild this fall.
Next: Orrville and Hiland
