Sunday, July 31, 2011
No labor disputes here — high school football is ready to go
By Rob Todor
Difficult as it may be to realize, four weeks from now we’ll be heading to high school football stadiums around the Valley for the return of Youngstown’s greatest tradition.
While the professionals quarreled all spring and part of the summer on how to divide almost $10 billion in revenue, and the college game was decimated by numerous scandals, high school athletes quietly went about their business, working hard in summer camps, the weight room and 7-on-7 showdowns to prepare for opening weekend — and beyond (they hope) — into November.
Once again many eyes will be on the Ursuline Fighting Irish, who have won three consecutive Division V state championships — and played in four in a row.
Coach Dan Reardon lost a lot of talented seniors to graduation, including Ohio’s Mr. Football and The Vindicator’s Offensive Player of the Year, running back Akise Teague, who took his talents to the University of Cincinnati.
Last season Reardon led the Fighting Irish to a perfect 15-0 record, but Ursuline’s schedule is incredibly tougher this season.
We at The Vindicator invite to check out today’s section, which features previews of some of the Valley’s top schools, and to check back on August 21 when our annual Blitz! season preview will have rosters, stats and pictures of all your favorite teams.