by Head Coaches of the Year
Rocky River – Josh Wells
Coach Wells led the Pirates past their rival Bay Village for the first time in several seasons. He led them to the first ever GLC Championship game and won! He led them to the third round of the playoffs as well before losing to top seeded West Holmes. A tremendous season for Coach Wells and the Pirates.
Elyria Catholic – Brian Fox
He left his role of Athletic Director right before the season and remained fully focused on coaching football. It proved to be a smart move as the Panthers had a dream season, reaching the Regional Championship and putting up incredible numbers along the way.
Fox is one of those coaches that will go on to break records the longer he stays with the program and coaching in the OHSAA. He truly is, one of the best.
North Olmsted Tim Brediger
After graduating starters on both sides of the ball from last year, Coach Brediger didn’t flinch as he took a 2 win Eagles team from 2020, and made them at 6 win team this year, returning them to the playoffs. He is a player friendly coach who gets the most out of his student athletes. He is fun to cover and always willing to give his time to help those who seek it.
The Eagles had numerous come from behind wins this season in the second half, and that is a sign of strong coaching, heart, and leadership! He also had the guts to go for two to win the game in overtime at Bay Village on October 1.
Lakewood – Thomas Thome
I told everyone in my pre-season preview to “watch out for Lakewood”, many chuckled and made snide remarks, but head coach Tom Thome proved my words to be true. The Rangers had a terrific start to the season at 4-0, with all signs pointing to 5-0 before a game with Normandy was cancelled and they had to go on the road to play State Powerhouse Lucas, a game, they barely lost.
Thome is on this list of coaches for the simple fact that he took a Lakewood team that was winning 1 or 2 games a year for numerous seasons and made them respectable. Under Thome, they had their best season in years and show no signs of slowing down any time soon. Great job coach!
