Discussion Groups

HomeHomeRecruitingRecruiting2008 Football R...2008 Football R...North/South Ohio ClassicNorth/South Ohio Classic
Previous
 
Next
New Post
6/12/2008 10:07 AM
 
North/South Ohio Classic  (United States)
High school football: Chance to play in 'Shoe excites North-South cast
Thursday,  June 12, 2008 3:25 AM
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

    Ohio North-South game

  • What: North all-stars vs. South all-stars
  • When: 4 p.m. Saturday
  • Where: Ohio Stadium

    Big 33 Classic

  • What: Ohio all-stars vs. Pennsylvania all-stars
  • When: 7 p.m. Saturday
  • Where: Hershey, Pa.
Maybe the word has been slow to leak out, but Kenny Anunike wants people to know there is going to be a football game Saturday in Ohio Stadium, and he's going to be in it.

"Anything being played in the Horseshoe, I think to a lot of fans that's a big deal," he said.

The Ohio North-South high school all-star football game is returning to Ohio Stadium after 32 years. But with little publicity and no future Ohio State players on either roster, it has been one of the area's better-kept secrets.

"I think it's a special moment for all of us players involved, because most are going to be playing in the ACC, the Big East, the MAC, and we're not going to get another chance to come up here and play in the Horseshoe," said Anunike, an Olentangy tight end who is headed for Duke. "It is going to be an awesome opportunity to get a feel for that great stadium and its amazing atmosphere."

Four future Buckeyes also will be in action Saturday, but on Ohio's roster in the Big 33 Classic vs. Pennsylvania all-stars in Hershey, Pa.

The games have gone head to head for a few years because more and more players are being encouraged to gain a head start on college by enrolling for summer terms.

The Big 33 used to be a July fixture before making the move and crowding the Ohio game. Now the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association must fill three all-star rosters, and it loaded up the Big 33 team so it could be the most competitive.

But the Ohio North-South still features its share of stars. Besides Anunike, there is Hilliard Darby quarterback/receiver Jeremy Ebert, who will play for Northwestern. Both will play for the South.

Ebert, with 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash, is perhaps the most versatile player on either roster. He will catch passes from Akron-bound Robbie Davia of Harrison Central, play a little quarterback and return kicks.

"He's got the speed, he's got the quicks, and he's got the intelligence to play that slot," said Groveport's Tim Brown, coach of the South. "And as a return guy, he's very elusive in the open field."

Anunike could grab some attention, too, Brown said.

"He's very intelligent, and he is super aggressive," he said. "If you challenge him, you better be ready, because he is coming right back at you. He doesn't step down from anybody."

They'll try to keep pace with a North team led by quarterback Ryan Radcliff, who is headed for Central Michigan after throwing for 11,038 yards and 139 touchdowns the past three seasons at Sherwood Fairview.

But the surroundings might be the most exciting thing for the players.

"I'll only play in the Horseshoe again my senior year in college," Ebert said. Ohio State "was my team growing up, and it's going to be special playing in that atmosphere of that stadium. I'm looking forward to it. … And four years from now? That will be a thrill -- 100,000-plus. That will be big time."


http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/06/12/hsfb12.ART_ART_06-12-08_C6_4SAFH8M.html?sid=101

 
New Post
6/12/2008 10:08 AM
 
Re: North/South Ohio Classic  (United States)
North-South All-Star Classic rosters
Thursday,  June 12, 2008 3:26 AM

4 p.m. Saturday at Ohio Stadium

South roster

NAME POS. HIGH SCHOOL
Keith Morgan S/WR Bellefontaine
Zach Hutchins DE/LB Berne Union
Robbie Davia QB Harrison Cent.
Zach Brown DL Canal Winch.
Evan Davis C/G Cin. Colerain
J.K. Schaffer LB/DE Cin. LaSalle
Greg Scruggs DE Cin. St. Xavier
Nick Schneider LB Cin. St. Xavier
Larry Black DL Cin. Wyoming
Dustin Harmon DT/G Dawson-Bryant
Zach Kauth WR Chaminade-Jul.
Tony Washington RB Fairborn
Taylor Hitzfield TE/DE Fredericktown
Nick Stevens K Gallipolis Gallia
B.J. Camden LB/TE Groveport
Phillip Manley G Hamilton
Jeremy Ebert WR/DB Hilliard Darby
Joe Pachuta G/DL John Glenn
Corry Manns WR Kenton
JohnKendrick CB/WR Kett. Fairmont
Tim German T/DL Licking Valley
Mike Wallace OL Logan
Mark Nichols RB/DB Newark Cath.
Andre Dawson CB/WR Olentangy
Kenny Anunike DE/TE Olentangy
David Rolf LB/WR Piqua
Justin Hemm S/WR Piqua
Mike Kindel CB/WR Springboro
Jon Ingerman T/DT Springfield NE
Andy Radakovich T/DL Steubenville
Josh McKee DB Tecumseh
Zach Free DB Washington CH
Aston Jackson RB/CB Xenia
Bryan Gaiters RB Zanesville

North roster

NAME POS. HIGH SCHOOL
Steve Yoak LB/RB Akron Hoban
Mike Haddad LB/RB Avon Lake
Jordan Gribble WR/CB Brunswick
Teddy Robb WR/BR Canl Fulton NW
Sean Whitten OL/DL Can. McKinley
Jacob Andrews LB/RB Clyde
Nate Caudill WR Clyde
Kyle Smedi LB/RB Cort. Lakeview
Jon Biehl WR/DB Cort. Lakeview
Andrew Illig OL Walsh Jesuit
Kurt Hanenkrth DL/OL Ayersville
Richie Baker WR/DB Elyria Catholic
Devon Jennings DB Euclid
Chase Munoz WR/DB Fostoria
Derrick Vicars LB/RB Genoa
Jake Stolles DL/OL Hunting. Valley U.
Brad Gallik RB Lexington
Marc Stevens OL Lexington
Aaron Pankratz QB Mac. Nordonia
Brian Vollmer WR/DB Mac. Nordonia
Karsn Bodnovch OL/DL Mayfield
Kevin Harper PK/P Mentor
Joe Gaglione OL/DL Ment. Lake Cath.
Matt Wakulchik WR/DB N. Can. Hoover
Gus Armbruster LB North Royalton
Jon Masser OL/LB Sher. Fairview
Ryan Radcliff QB Sher. Fairview
Steve Greer LB Solon
Patrick Pakan DB/WR Tallmadge
Eric Herman OL/DL Tol. Central Cath.
Isaiah Ballard RB/DB Toledo Rogers
Andy Schaetzke DL Tol. St. John's
Nick Tuminello LB/DL Young. Boardmn
Salv. Battles RB/DB Young. East
 
New Post
6/12/2008 2:13 PM
 
Re: North/South Ohio Classic  (United States)
Big 33, North/South Games Up Saturday
Nic DiLillo is on the Ohio Big 33 roster.
Nic DiLillo is on the Ohio Big 33 roster.
BuckeyeSports.com
Posted Jun 10, 2008

A bit of a change has hit the summer pre all-star circuit when it comes to Ohio, as all of the future Buckeyes in action will be in Hershey, Pa., for the Big 33 game rather than in Columbus for the North/South game on Saturday. We check in with points of interest for each game as well as ticket and broadcast info.

The 51st annual Big 33 game, pitting the best senior prep Ohio and Pennsylvania talent, will have a Buckeye feel in 2008, more so than in past seasons.

Five Ohio State players were selected for the Buckeye State roster, though just four will suit up in the game held Saturday in Hershey, Pa. One of those players, Westerville Central kicker/punter Ben Buchanan, said he’s looking forward to the chance to represent his state in one of the biggest high school all-star games in the country.

“There’s a lot of tradition,” Buchanan said. “A lot of great players have played in the game. It’s a great honor to be selected for the team, and to represent Ohio is going to be a great honor and is something I look forward to.”

Future scholarship Buckeyes joining him on the roster include Cleveland Glenville defensive tackle Shawntel Rowell, Madison tight end Nic DiLillo and Washington Court House Miami Trace Nathan Williams. As reported earlier this week by Scout’s Dave Berk, Beavercreek safety Zach Domicone was slated to play but has had to pull out with a leg injury.

The game will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. in Hersheypark Stadium. It will be broadcast on CN8 on Comcast as well as shown on a webcast, with information on the event’s website at big33.org.

Eight other future Big Ten players are also on the Ohio roster, including four Michigan Wolverines in Youngstown Cardinal Mooney defensive end Taylor Hill, Wauseon offensive lineman Elliott Mealer and Trotwood-Madison teammates Michael Shaw (running back) and Ray Roundtree (wide receiver).

Other Big Ten Ohioans include Cleveland Glenville defensive back William Lowe (Iowa); Huber Heights Wayne defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (Michigan State); Cardinal Mooney linebacker Mike Zordich (Penn State) and Dublin Coffman linebacker Steve Gardiner (Michigan State).

Other BCS-bound players include five future Cincinnati Bearcats in Strongsville DB D.J. Woods, Cincinnati St. Xavier DB Danny Milligan, Cincinnati Colerain defensive tackle Brandon Mills, Columbus Eastmoor RB Isaiah Pead and Cincinnati Anderson WR/DB Nick Truesdell. Also on the roster are Hilliard Darby DE B.J. Machen (Georgia Tech), Clayton Northmont OL Zebrie Sanders (Florida State), Chardon OL Joey Madson (West Virginia), Gates Mills Gilmour Academy OL Matt Mihalik (Virginia) and Turpin OL Aaron VanKuiken (Virginia).

Jim Ryan of Olmsted Falls will coach the squad. He will be assisted by Mike Fell of Ada, Ed Miley of Marlington, Jay Minton of Huber Heights Wayne, Dan Reardon of Youngstown Ursuline and Matt Rosati of Perry.

Pennsylvania’s roster includes six future Penn State Nittany Lions and eight Pittsburgh Panthers-to-be. The Nittany Lions include DE Pete Massaro, K David Soldner, OL/DL Mike Stankiewich, OL/DL Brandon Ware, DE Mark Wedderburn and LB Mike Yancich, though a report in the Harrisburg Patriot-News indicates Yancich will not play because of injury.

Other notable names include LB Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh), OL/DL Lucas Nix (Pittsburgh), ATH Cameron Saddler (Pittsburgh) and Michigan de-commit Christian Wilson (North Carolina).

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (717) 534-3911. Hershey, Pa., is located in the eastern half of Pennsylvania in Dauphin County, just east of the capital of Harrisburg and approximately a 6½ hour drive from Columbus, just shy of four hours from Pittsburgh and two hours from Philadelphia

North-South Game Sans Buckeyes
For the first time in a while, the Ohio North-South Game, held in Ohio Stadium Saturday, will not feature any players who have accepted scholarship offers to play at Ohio State.

However, the game still should provide some entertainment for central Ohio fans, especially with its move to the Horseshoe

 
New Post
6/12/2008 2:22 PM
 
Re: North/South Ohio Classic  (United States)

Area is well represented at Ohio North-South Classic at Ohio Stadium

Email To A Friend
Printer Friendly
Comments
Add to Reddit Add to Digg Add to del.icio.us

By TIM McDONOUGH

[email protected]

The Ohio High School Football Coaches Association has been staging a statewide all-star game since 1946, making the Ohio North-South Classic the longest running high school all-star game in the nation.

The name of the game has changed throughout the years as have the venues, with at least one game being held in Akron, Canton, Columbus, Mansfield, Massillon, Middle-town, Spring-field, and Toledo.

But despite the changes, every summer the best high-school players in the state gather each summer to showcase their talents in an all-star football game that has featured players that have gone on to win Heisman trophies and have Hall of Fame professional careers.

This year's game will kick-off from Ohio Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The Defiance six-county area will be well represented in the game this year by both players and coaches.

Fairview quarterback Ryan Radcliff, Fairview offensive lineman Jon Masser and Ayersville defensive lineman Kurt Hanenkrath will all be a part of the North Squad, which will be coached by former Fairview head coach Bob Olwin. Olwin will start his tenure as the head football coach at Versailles this fall.

"I coached as an assistant in this game in 2002, but it's a great honor to get nominated to be a head coach in this game," said Olwin. "This is something a lot of guys don't get the chance to do. For our team, to be able to play in this game in Ohio Stadium, that also makes it very intriguing."

According to the OHSFCA, alumni of the Ohio North-South Classic have participated in all but two of the National Football League's 42 Super Bowl games.

"That is enough said right there about the quality and tradition of this game," added Olwin.

For Radcliff, a Central Michigan signee, has the luxury of running his high school offense in this game for the most part, but he is really looking forward to the opportunity to meet new people and have fun playing football again.

"It's awesome that the coaches wanted me to play in this game with the best players in Ohio," said Radcliff. "I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and having the opportunity to play in the game. The first day was a learning experience trying to get to know everybody, but it was also a lot of fun.

"It's great that I get to run my high school offense, except we won't be going five-wide because we have to have a back in the backfield," added Radcliff. "I know I'll have to show some patience this week too. I already know the offense, so I'll have to help the guys pick it up fast and be patient with them. Getting to play at Ohio Stadium is going to be a blast, I just hope to have fun and play well."

Ayersville head coach Chris Dales is pleased and excited that Hanenkrath will represent the Pilots in the game on Saturday. This is the second straight year a player from Ayersville has been selected to play in the game, with Hanenkrath following in the footsteps of Austin Fritz.

"I think it's a great accomplishment for our football program with Austin going last year and Kurt this year," said Dales. "Look, I'm not stupid, we've been successful because we've had good football players here. Those kids worked hard and have come a long ways and they're very, very deserving of this honor.

"It's neat for the community because until last year it had never happened before," added Dales. "To have two guys in two years just goes to show how hard work and dedication can bring a reward like this on a very grand scale. You can't get any bigger than this. This is playing in the 'The Horseshoe' against guys going to major colleges and who will someday play in the NFL."

The North squad will be looking to avenge a 50-7 loss a year ago, but the North squad leads the all-time series 36-23-3.

2008 Ohio North-South Classic

North Roster

Jon Biehl, Lakeview Cortland; Salvadore Battles, Youngstown East; Brian Vollmer, Nordonia; Richie Baker, Elyria Catholic; Aaron Pankratz, Nordonia; Patrick Pakan, Tallmadge; Ryan Radcliff, Fairview; Kyle Smedi, Lakeview Cortland; Teddy Robb, Northwest; Devon Jennings, Euclid; Nick Tuminello, Boardman; Gus Armbruster, Norwalk; Nate Caudill, Clyde; Jordan Gribble, Brunswick; Derrick Vicars, Genoa; Chase Munoz, Fostoria; Jacob Andrews, Clyde; Brad Gallik, Lexington; Mike Haddad, Avon Lake; Kevin Harper, Mentor; Karson Bodnovich, Mayfield; Steve Yoak, Hoban; Isaiah Ballard, Rogers; Steve Greer, Solon; Andrew Illig, Walsh Jesuit; Andrew Schaetkze, Toledo St. John's; Joe Gaglione, Lake Catholic; Jon Masser, Fairview; Sean Whitten, Canton McKinley; Marc Stevens, Lexington; Kurt Hanenkrath, Ayersville; Eric Herman, Toledo Central Catholic; Matt Wakulchik, North Canton Hoover; Jake Stolles, University School.

South Roster

Bryan Gaiters, Zanesville; Justin Hemm, Piqua; Robbie Davia, Harrison Central; Nick Stevens, Gallia Academy; Jeremy Ebert Hilliard Darby; Andre' Dawson, Olentangy; Keith Morgan, Bellefontaine; Johnathan Kendrick, Kettering Fairmont; Zack Kauth, Chaminade-Julienne; Nick Schneider, St. Xavier; Josh McKee, Tecumseh; Mark Nichols, Newark Catholic; Mike Kindel, Springboro; Aston Jackson, Xenia; Anthony Washington, Fairborn; Taylor Hitzfield, Fredricktown; Corey Manns, Kenton; Zach Hutchins, Berne Union; Zach Free, Washington Courthouse; B.J. Camden Groveport-Madison; David Rolf, Piqua; J.K. Schaffer, LaSalle; Evan Davis, Colerain; Joe Pachuta, John Glenn; Larry Black, Wyoming; Zach Brown, Canal Winchester; Mike Wallace, Logan; Dustin Harmon, Coal Grove; Phillip Manley, Hamilton; Andrew Radakovich, Steubenville; Jon Ingerman, Northeastern; Tim German, Licking Valley; Kenny Anunike, Olentangy; Greg Scruggs, St. Xavier.

http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/3929371

 
New Post
6/12/2008 2:22 PM
 
Re: North/South Ohio Classic  (United States)
Coach, football standout score one more shot at win
Thursday,  June 12, 2008 3:14 AM
The Columbus Dispatch
<p>Taylor Hitzfield of Fredericktown, picking up yardage against Danville</p>
COURTESY of TAYLOR HITZFIELD

Taylor Hitzfield of Fredericktown, picking up yardage against Danville

Taylor Hitzfield is spending his summer stocking shelves, lugging patio stones and loading 40-pound bags of mulch into customers' cars at a home-improvement store in Mount Vernon.

Who needs offseason conditioning with a job like that?

"It requires a lot of lifting and carrying heavy items," said Hitzfield, a recent graduate of Fredericktown High School. "But I don't mind it."

His work ethic wasn't one of his strongest qualities until he began playing for Freddies football coach Luke Beal. Nobody doubted the teen's potential, but Beal wondered aloud whether the tight end was willing to try.

"I was pretty lazy as a freshman," Hitzfield said.

He and Beal have experienced much together in helping to turn around the Freddies' program.

They will enjoy one more game, Saturday in Ohio Stadium: Player and coach will represent Fredericktown on the South squad in the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association North-South Classic.

The 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound grad can't think of a better way to cap his high-school career before joining the University of Toledo football team as a preferred walk-on.

Hitzfield could become the first student-athlete from the small Knox County school to play Division I football since the 1980s, Beal said.

"Ollie Cline played for Ohio State, but that was in the mid-1940s," he said, also noting that Fredericktown's Earl Bechtel played for OSU in the 1950s.

"We haven't had a lot of Division I players."

Four years ago, Hitzfield didn't seem like a prime candidate. During his freshman season, he skipped practice to attend a Cincinnati Bengals game on a Monday night. The Freddies were mired in a 1-9 season and playing six freshmen on a roster of just 35 kids.

The next day, the coach -- trying to change the culture of a program that hadn't produced a winning season since 1990 -- called out Hitzfield in front of his teammates.

Hitzfield showed initiative his sophomore year, when the Freddies improved to 6-4, and took greater strides the next summer.

"He made a huge transformation," said Beal, 36. "He became a hard worker and leader."

Fredericktown made the playoffs after the 2006 and '07 seasons. With Hitzfield playing tight end and defensive end, the Freddies went 10-3 last season and reached the Division V regional finals.

The co-captain caught 41 passes for 566 yards and eight touchdowns, and recorded eight sacks and 54 tackles.

"Taylor was part of the most competitive group of seniors I've ever been around," said Beal, who will coach defensive ends in the North-South game. "These guys played with so much chemistry and helped set the foundation for our program."

The Freddies have more than 50 kids out for football. Hitzfield is pleased for his coach, who came under fire four years ago for the program's struggles.

Beal's teaching ability goes beyond the X's and O's of a playbook, Hitzfield said.

"I had him for government and economics. He is a smart guy on and off the football field."

[email protected]

 
Previous
 
Next
HomeHomeRecruitingRecruiting2008 Football R...2008 Football R...North/South Ohio ClassicNorth/South Ohio Classic