Summer is winding down, county fairs ending and a new school year is beginning which means Friday night football.
The Western Ohio Athletic Conference was solid at the top in 2024, and going into 2025, the expectations are that the top-tier teams will continue to be strong, with a few more teams throwing their helmet onto the field to challenge.
The Arrows won the first-ever WOAC league title in 2021 with Tri-Village and Ansonia sharing it in 2022, and then the Tigers have won back-to-back outright championships in 2023 and 2024.
Ansonia, Preble Shawnee and Tri-Village will once again challenge for a league title with Arcanum nipping at their cleats.
Key games to watch this year in week 2: Ansonia will play at Preble Shawnee. In week 5, Tri-Village plays at Ansonia and Arcanum at Preble Shawnee.
In week 9, it’s Tri-Village at Preble Shawnee and Ansonia at Arcanum.
The drama and climax to the season could go down to the final week with Arcanum playing at Tri-Village.
Let’s take a look at all 10 teams in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference in the order they finished in 2024.
Ansonia Tigers (2024 Record 12-2, 9-0 WOAC) Undefeated League Champions
After opening the regular season with a loss to a Riverside last year the Ansonia Tigers ran off nine straight league wins and for the second straight year went undefeated in the WOAC to capture their third straight championship. They then beat Twin Valley South and Lehman Catholic in the post season before falling to Marion Local in the State Regional Quarterfinals and had a 12-2 overall record.
The Tigers graduated eight seniors including WOAC Offensive player of the year Zane Henderson. Coach Adam Hall was the WOAC COY for the 2nd straight year and has seven seniors on a roster of 39 players for 2025.
The Tigers are still king of the mountain in football until someone knocks them off the hill and still considered as one of the front runners for another league title run.
When you play Ansonia you know what to expect as they will line up and bring it to you in their traditional Wing T offense and run the ball right at you.
Key Players
Layne Bowman 12 QB/DB Started at QB and DB last year
Lander Shives 11 RB/LB Started at RB and DE last year
Jacob Schmitmeyer 11 RB/DB Started at RB and DB last year
Cainan Robinson 12 RB/DB Started at RB and DB last year
Oden Hoening 11 OL/DL Started at OL and DL last year
Ben Barnt 12 OL/DL Started at OL and DL last year
Austin Singer 11 OL/DL Started on the OL last year
Matthew Middleton 12 TE/LB Started at TE and LB Last year
Cameron Grilliot 12 OL/DL Started at TE and LB last year
Cade Shellhaas 11 RB/DB Started last year at DB, 1st year starting at RB
Carson Tobe 10 RB/LB Started last year at DB, 1st year starting at RB
Coach Adam Hall Team Overview
“Offensively we are a run heavy straight T/ Wing T offense. We return a number of backs from last season that we expect to carry the ball for us. The key to our offense being successful will be replacing the guys we lost to graduation on the offensive line and being able to execute up front.
Defensively we are a 4-4/3-4 team. We have some new guys playing on the DL and at LB that we will be relying on to be successful.
Our team strength will be running the ball and playing good defense.
If we are able to replace the guys we lost to graduation, and execute on both sides of the ball, we will have success this season.
We will go out and compete each week of the season and I would expect the top teams to be Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee, and Arcanum.”
Preble Shawnee Arrows (2024 Record 10-2, 8-1 WOAC) 2nd Place in League
Preble Shawnee gave Ansonia a run for their money last year coming up short in their head-to-head match-up 24-13 in their only league loss finishing second in WOAC.
They beat Marian Pleasant in the first round of the playoffs but then fell to a very good Indian Lake team in the 2nd round.
The Arrows lost a few good four-year players … but they will just reload and still be in the mix once again in 2025.
They have a few big-time players returning in All State Senior Quarterback Brody Morton, Running Back Bryson Doran, All State Offensive and Defensive lineman Cooper Shrout and Junior Receiver Caleb Blankenship.
Here is a look at returning starters, key players and newcomers this year.
Returning Starters
Senior QB Brody Morton – 4-year starter. 3rd team all-state, first team all-district, first team all-league. Brody threw for over 1900 yards last season and ran for over 400. Outstanding young man. Extremely dangerous QB.
Senior OL/DL Cooper Shrout – 4-year starter. 3rd team all-state, 1st team all-district, 1st team all-league. Leader of our offensive and defensive lines. Difference maker for us up front.
Senior RB/LB Bryson Doran – 3-year starter. 2nd team all-league. Very tough, physical player for us. Leader on both sides of the ball.
Junior WR/DB Caleb Blankenship. 2-year starter. Extremely good athlete. Very exciting player with big play capabilities.
Senior OL Wyatt Hawkins – 2-year starter. Great snapper and leader on our line.
Senior K Colton Schroeder – 3-year starter. Colton does a great job punting and kicking.
Other Returning Key Players
Senior WR/DB Zarrin Walton – Very tough, quick player with great instincts. We expect a lot out of him on both sides of the ball.
Soph RB/LB Ethan Mauller – Has the potential to be an extremely good player. Very explosive player with tons of speed. Tough on both sides of the ball.
Junior OL/DL Ethan Scott – Very tough, physical player up front. We expect a lot out of him this season.
Newcomers
Senior QB/DB Ian Frances – Versatile athlete that brings a lot of energy and leadership.
Senior WR/DB Kellen Sargent-Eckert – Very good athlete that brings senior leadership.
Senior WR/DB Bryson Allen – One of most improved players I’ve coached a hard worker & Sr. leader.
Junior OL/DL JT Long – Has the potential to be a huge impact up front.
Junior RB/LB Jackson Finch – Brings a lot of grit and physicality to the field. Will continue to develop into a good defensive player.
Soph OL/DL Gavin Finch – Very solid player up front on both sides of ball with tons of potential.
Soph TE/DL Klayton Taylor – Very physical player with a great motor. We expect great things from him.
Soph DL/RB Jasper Sizemore – Potential to be very good defensive lineman.
Soph WR/LB Andrew Unger – Versatile skilled player with tons of potential.
Soph TE/LB Foster Jewell – Young player that works very hard and has tons of potential. Will continue to develop into a leader on both sides of the ball.
Soph OL/DL Jackson Tincher – Big body with tons of strength. Should develop into a dominant defensive lineman.
Soph OL/DL Lief Taylor – Another big body defensive lineman with tons of potential.
Soph WR/DB Jacob Carter – Potential to be a very good receiver.
Coach Dave Maddox Team Overview
“We are a spread style offense. Brody Morton, Caleb Blankenship, Bryson Doran, and Ethan Mauller are very good skilled type players. Offensive line anchored by seniors Cooper Shrout and Wyatt Hawkins.
We are mainly a 4-4 defense. DL Cooper Shrout, LB Bryson Doran, and DB’s Caleb Blankenship will be the leaders defensively.
We are big up front and have some very good skilled players.
We try to measure our success by whether or not we are doing everything we can to reach our full potential. This team has the potential to win the region, but as long as we work as hard as we can, stay focused, stay positive, and continue to develop as a team, then we will consider this season a success.
I expect us to compete with Ansonia and Tri Village for the league title.”
Tri-Village Patriots (9-3, 7-2 WOAC) 3rd Place in League
The Patriots won a decisive first round playoff game last year against Waynesfield Goshen but then ran into Marion Local in the 2nd round. The Flyers were pretty much unbeatable on their way to a State Championship and state record 59 straight wins. TV scored twice on the Flyers and was the only team to do so all year.
They return a number of skill players including Senor All-State QB Trey Sagester who has a few quality receivers he can move the ball around to in Senior Noah Finkbine, Junior Griffin Richards
Key Returning Starters
Trey Sagester 12 QB – Southwest District Offensive Player of the Year; 1st Team All-Ohio as first year starter at QB
Noah Finkbine 12 WR/LB – Multiple time 1st Team All-WOAC, District, and State award winner
Levi Farmer 12 OL – 2nd Team All-District
Griffin Richards 11 WR – 1st Team All-WOAC and District, 2nd Team All-Ohio WR
Dom Black 11 OL/DL – 1st Team All-WOAC OL and DL, 1st Team All-District, 3rd Team All-Ohio
Colt Camacho 10 ATH – 2nd Team All-WOAC and District
Coach Matt Hopkins Team Overview
“We are a multiple spread offense. The offensive line will be the key to our offense (Dom Black, Logan Delong, Jake Buckley, Hunter Johnsman, and Levi Farmer). They will allow our talented skill players to make the plays needed for us to be successful.
We are a 3-4 base defense. Key defensive players will be Dom Black, Noah Finkbine, Hunter Ridout, Colt Camacho, and Landen Moore.
I like our competitiveness, and we are returning experience in key positions.
Our goal is to remain undefeated and compete for a league title, and make a deep playoff run.
We see ourselves as one of the top teams in the league. We expect to battle Ansonia and Preble Shawnee for a league title. Arcanum is another team to watch as they return the majority of their skill players and their offensive line.”
Arcanum Trojans (2024 Record 6-5, 6-3 WOAC) 4th Place in League
Don’t sleep on Arcanum … a team that two short years ago was playing mostly freshmen and sophomores, have now grown up both physically and mentally. They battled both Ansonia and Tri-Village down to the wire last year and finished fourth in the conference.
This Trojans team is capable of taking down anyone in the conference and will play heavy in the mix for 2025.
Key Returning Players
Marcus Rayburn Sr. 6’ 270 1st Team WOAC 2024- OL
MJ Macy Jr. 5’9 185 1st Team WOAC RB in 2024
Brayden Freeman Jr. 6’3 265 2nd Team WOAC OL in 2024
Kolten Quigney Sr. 5’10 190 3rd year starter at Middle Linebacker
Bishop Cartwright Jr. 6’2 170 Returning Starter at QB
Conner Rogers Jr. 6’2 270 Returning Starter OL
Avery Bowser So. 5’10 200 Returning Starter DL
Isaiah Frazee Jr. 6’ 260 Returning Starter OL/DL
Hudson Knaus So. 6’ 180 Returning Starter OLB and RB
Cody Werling Sr. 6’1 220 Two-way starter OL/DL
Coach Matt Macy Team Overview
“We will feature run game with an explosive downfield passing game to compliment. Our strength is our offensive line led by seniors Marcus Rayburn, Brayden Freeman, and Cody Werling. We have several key skill guys, Hudson Knaus, MJ Macy, Bishop Cartwright, Talan Stone to help make it go
We are a 4-4 defense and will be relying heavily on our defensive line
I feel like our team strength is our line on both sides and how big, strong and explosive they are.
Our keys are to not kill ourselves with turnovers and mental errors, if we can do that I see us having a successful season.
I see us being in mix with usual suspects, Ansonia, Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee, and National Trail.”
Twin Valley South (2024 Record 5-6, 5-4 WOAC) 5th Place in League
Coach Brian Butts is now in his third year at Twin Valley South.
The Panthers had a couple big league wins last year against Tri-County North and National Trail. They made it to post season but fell to Ansonia in the opening round of the playoffs.
South went 5-4 in the conference and will be looking to inch up a spot in the league race.
Key Players
Jayden Bradley 12 5’11 T, DT – 3-year starter on both sides of the ball
Andrew Johnson 12 6’0 OL, DL – 2-year starter and can play all line positions
Owen McKee 11 6’ 1 FB, LB – Last year was 2nd team WOAC Guard and LB
Dustin Miller 11 5’ 9 RB, DB – Start on both sides of the ball last year
Lucas Barlow 11 6’ 4 TE, DE – Two-way starter last year
Wyatt Harrod 11 6’ 0 RB, OLB – Two-way starter last year
Evan Day 11 6’ 0 QB, FS – Started at FS last year
Joseph Shewman 11 5-10 G, LB – Starter at Guard last year, will also start at LB this year
Matthew McClanahan12 5’ 9 C, DT – Started at offensive tackle last year
Levi Ritchie 11 6’ 0 WR, CB – Will be a two-way starter this year
Coach Brian Butts Team Overview
“We will be a Wing T again this year. We feel like we have a lot of weapons to work with as all three backs will be very good and the passing game with the TE and WR should also be a strong point.
The key player to make it go will be the offensive line of Bradley, Shewman, McClannahan, Thorpe, Johnson. The execution by them will set the tone and allow us to be able to get the ball to all of our weapons.
Our Defense will be a 4-2-5 this season. The Linebacker core of Harrod, Mckee and Shewman have the potential to be very good.
With a small roster they are really working hard on both sides of the ball and multiple position to give us the flexibility to succeed when injuries and such happen. These kids put in a lot of work this offseason and we are excited by their commitment to the program.
Staying as healthy as possible. If we can manage games to a pace of our liking that should help us overcome the smaller roster.
We feel we can compete and be better than the previous two years when we finished in the top half of the league. Several teams look really good on paper and have the potential to win the WOAC this season. But until one of them does the favorite is Ansonia. They have earned that recognition.”
National Trail (2024 Record 4-6, 4-5 WOAC) 6th Place in League
National Trail almost pulled off a big upset verses Arcanum but came up short 14-13. The Blazers had a big win against Tri-County North and have some young talented skill players mixed in with older experienced players as well.
Coach Eric Wolfe is now in his third year with the Blazers and looking for his team to settle more into his style and is not a team anyone would want to overlook.
Key Players
Luke Vernon SR OL/DL
Killian O Connor SR OL/DL
Jonah Brinkley JR RB/End
Korbin Sullivan JR RB/LB
Christian Miears JR OL/LB
Westin Marker JR OL/DL
Aiden Martin SR Slot/DB
Grady Ott SOPH TE/DB
Talon Bousman SOPH QB/DB
Coach Eric Wolfe Team Overview
“Offensively will run the Gun Wing T – Talon Bousman, Jonah Brinkley, Korbin Sullivan, Jason Lofton Running the ball, while Aiden Martin and Nick Clark handle receiving duties Receiving. Westin Marker, Luke Vernon, Killian O Connor, Christian Miears, and Grady Ott paving the way up front.
Will run a 4-3 Defense with Evan Gierzak, Weston Marker and Jonah Brinkley will be fighting in the trenches. Meanwhile Christian Miears, Matt Jones, Korbin Sullivan, and Jason Lofton will back them up at LB spots. In the secondary Aiden Martin, Talon Bousman, Grady Ott, and Henry Roberts will be going to work.
Our team strengths are some size and strength up front and some speed in the backfield. Defensively we bring back a good deal of experience and they communicate well. Overall team leadership is very solid for a younger team.
Success for us is measured in continual improvement and the ability to consistently give every team a very hard time dealing with us. Continuing to build on what we have set in motion.
Top teams to beat will be the same as in previous years. Tri-Village, Ansonia, and Arcanum.”
Tri-County North (2024 Record 3-7, 3-6 WOAC) 6th Place in League
For the third straight year Tri-County North will have new coach as they welcome in Nicholas Bandstra a former Bradford and Northwestern (Springfield) Head Coach. He returns to the league after one year away dealing with a family health issue. Nick is also the social media Director for Ohio High School Football Coaches Association (OHSFCA) & (Miami Valley Football Coaches Association) MVFCA.
The Panthers will look to improve upon a three-win season last year.
Key Players
Peyton Fanning Jr 5’8 RB/DB
Frank Filbrun Sr 5’7 RB/LB
Mason Givens Sr 5’9 RB/LB
Bennett Woodyard Sr 6’3 OL/DL
Luke Wright Jr 6’0 OL/OLB
Logan Watts Jr 5’11 OL/LB
Corbin Flory Jr 5’10 WR/TE/CB
Coach Nicholas Bandstra Team Overview
“We are a wing-based offense that will run through Mason Givens, Frank Filbrun, and Peyton Fannin.
Defensively we are a 3-3 stack base defense, that will run through Luke Wright, Jake Wiegand, Mason Givens, Frank Filbrun, and Logan Watts.
We are fairly deep at our skill positions, particularly our running back position.Keys to being successful are staying healthy and focusing on getting better each week.
I think we can compete with most teams in our league, especially if we can stay healthy.
I expect Tri-Village, Ansonia, and Preble Shawnee to be the teams to compete for a title.”
Mississinawa Valley Blackhawks (2024 Record 2-8, 2-7 8th Place WOAC)
Mississinawa Valley finished with just two wins last year and was looking to go a new direction with the program.
A former alumni and player Brandon Williams a 2005 graduate takes over the program. He resides in Union City and is married to Shanna and has three children. Brandon played for coach John Graher and also coached with Graher for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Key Players
Kyle Wehrkamp Senior 6′ RB/LB School record on receiving IDs
Bryce Watson Senior 5′ 8″ RB/S School record on receiving IDs
Caleb Spradling Soph 5’10” QB/DB School Record on Career Passing yds and IDs
Coach Brandon Williams Team Overview
“We will be a Wing T offense that will have the ability to spread it out for a passing game. We will rely heavily on our guys up front with Ty Houser, Mateo Castro-Weiss, Jake Norris leading the charge up front. We have some good athletes at the skill positions with seniors Michael Bell, Kyle Wehrkamp, and Bryce Watson playing the running back and wing positions. They all have good athleticism and can run it as well as catch it out of the backfield. The offense will be conducted by sophomore Caleb Spradling. He had a great year last year as the starting QB as a freshman that has the ability to sling it and be a threat on all levels on the football field.
We will be in a 4-4 defense with some mixed coverage schemes. Again, the guys up front will be key to our success defensively. Ty Houser, Nolan Stump, and Mateo Castro-Weiss are good sized kids that use their hands well to fight blocks. Ashton Amspaugh and Cole McGlothlin will play the corner back position for us. These 2 players are very athletic, and I think they will be really good for us.
Sophomores Colton Hiestand and Cooper Nieport will be Linebackers for us. They are young but ready to make an impact.Seniors Kyle Wehrkamp and Bryce Watson will be at the Linebacker and Safety position. These two can really run sideline to sideline and make tackles.
Our biggest strength will be up front where our most experience is with our Running Backs leading the way.
Numbers are a big deal in this conference, we believe if we can have competitive football games with a chance to win the games where our numbers are similar to our opponents we will be making progress.
Ansonia, Tri-Village, and Preble Shawnee will be at the top with Arcanum we believe challenging these teams for the title.”
Bradford Railroaders (2024 Record 1-9, 1-8 (WOAC) 8th Place in League
In Bradford Chuck Cantrell is back for his second season. Fighting low numbers, they won just one game last year against winless Dixie and had a close game with Tri-County North in a 21-18 defeat.
The numbers are looking better this year with 29 on their roster with five seniors and 11 juniors. They will also be looking to replace a talented quarterback in Owen Canan.
Key Players
Kaleb Tegtmeyer SR 5’9 RB/LB – Strong showing in limited action at RB last year. Ready to take a step forward
Raiden Wombold JR 5’10 QB – 1st Year starting at QB; Has put in a lot of work going into season
Adam Hudelson JR 5’10 OL/DL – Leader and strong contributor on both sides of the ball
Morgan Hudelson JR 5’9 OL/DL – Leader and strong contributor on both sides of the ball
Doolin Puterbaugh SO 5’7 WR/CB – Had a strong freshman season and has worked hard to continue to improve
Isaiah Purpus SO 5’10 WR/CB – Excellent Speed and dynamic player
Coach Chuck Cantrell Team Overview
“We will run multiple formations both under center and shotgun. Goal is to have balance and take advantage of defenses weaknesses.
Quarterback Raiden Wombold is important in every phase of the offense. Running backs Kaleb Tegtmeyer and Riley Gardner are key to keeping the balance of the offense.
We run a 3-4 aggressive defense. Linebackers Nick Swiger and Fenix Spurgeon are young but solid players.
The team is determined to continue to improve. The strengths of the team really come down to the determination and work ethic of the players.
We are continuing to build the program and establish the culture and mindset of a successful program from top to bottom. Getting better every day through hard work is the key.
We hope to be competitive and play hard in every game. I expect the top teams this year will be, Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee, and Ansonia.”
Dixie Greyhounds (2024 Record 010, 0-9 WOAC) 9th Place in League
The Dixie program is under their third coach in as many years and with the departure of Charles Kash the Greyhounds welcome Sean Schooley who has an impressive resume of coaching experience.
2012-2017 – Xenia O-Line Coach / Run Game Coord.
2017-2018 – Middletown O-Line Coach / Run Game Coord
2018 – 2019 – Valleyview Single backs Coach
2019 – 2022 – Miamisburg Outside Line Backers and Safeties Coach / OL Coach Run Game Coord.
2023-2024 – – Middletown O-Line Coach / Run Game Coord / Special Teams Coord.
2024-2025 – Dayton Christian Defense Coord / Outside Line Backers Coach
Key Players
Cole Swafford So. 6’0 QB
Blake McDaniel Sr. 5’11 FB/ISLB
Ayden Hipp So. 5’10 WR/DB
Gavin Cooper So. 6’0 OL/DL
Jason Myers So. 5’10 FB/OLB
Zach Poston Jr. 5’10 OL/ISLB
Coach Sean Schooley Team Overview
“Run & Shoot Triple – Key Players Cole Swafford, Blake McDaniel, Jason Myers
3-3 Stack – Key Players Elijah Dillon, Blake McDaniel
Willingness to lean.
Giving and uncommon effort, being a great teammate, and staying positive
We should be competitive in every game with a chance to win. Ansonia, Tri-Village, Preble Shawnee, Arcanum”
Good luck to all WOAC football teams who open the season Friday August 22nd with non-conference games.
