prep football notebook

Dota not renewed: By a 4-1 vote, the Warren City Schools Board of Education chose not to renew the contract of football coach D.J. Dota for next year, with several board members saying they believe the football program can do better than it has done under Dota. “My intention is to bring a coach in who provides all that Coach Dota did but takes us up a notch on a better record,” board member Ed Bolino said. “I believe we can reach higher, do better.” Board member Patty Limperos said the key phrase connected with this decision is “higher expectations.” Dota went 23-17-1 in four years with the Raiders, losing in the first round of the playoffs last fall. Limperos, Superintendent Kathryn Hellweg and others said Dota’s work with the players on and off the field was commendable, with all of his players graduating. “Coach Dota has been a tremendous influence, but it’s time to raise the bar,” Limperos said. Board members Kevin Stringer and Regina Patterson, who voted to release Dota, admitted they didn’t have strong opinions of their own and relied on the assistance of other board members. “It made sense to try something new,” Stringer said. The one vote of support for Dota came from longtime board member Bob Faulkner. “I have not had teachers and staff tell me that the players are disrespectful, that they think they should be treated differently,” Faulkner said. “He has focused on players as students first,” Hellweg said in recommending Dota be brought back for another year. “Coach Dota has implemented a winner’s attitude both on and off the field.” Athletic director Paul Trina also recommended that Dota be rehired but acknowledged that it’s not easy to live up to the program’s “high tradition.” Harding won state titles in 1974 and 1990 and fared better under Dota’s predecessor, Thom McDaniels, who went 62-21 in seven seasons at Harding, making the playoffs in five of those seven seasons. Dota went to the playoffs once.

Smith to OU: Girard wide receiver Landon Smith switched his verbal commitment from Youngstown State to Ohio University. Smith (6-1, 185), a second team All-Ohio receiver, caught 37 passes for 928 yards and 12 TDs this season. He plans to enroll early at OU after finishing classes at Girard this month. Smith also had offers from several other Mid-American Conference schools, including Akron, Miami (Ohio), Kent State and Ball State, as well as Indiana and Syracuse.

Penguin addition: Clyde defensive end Trevor Strickland verbally committed to YSU on Monday. Strickland (6-6, 245) was a third team All-Ohio defensive end for Clyde, compiling 82 tackles with 12.5 sacks. The Fliers went 9-1 this fall and earned a Division III playoff berth. Strickland is also undefeated as a heavyweight wrestler this winter, recently earning his 100th victory. YSU has 12 commitments in the 2011 class, include four area players. They are Warren Harding running back Demond Hymes, West Branch offensive lineman Brandon Ferguson, East cornerback Mike Thomas and Fitch defensive lineman Steve Zaborsky. Signing day is Feb. 2. The Penguins begin spring practice on March 23.

Vindicator staff report