by - St. Edward
2023 record: 15-1, Division I state champion
Coach: Tom Lombardo
League: Independent
Comment: Much of the massive offensive line is gone, but the Eagles still have plenty in the cupboard as they seek their fourth consecutive Division I state title.
- Akron Hoban
2023 record: 13-2, Division II state runner-up
Coach: Tim Tyrell
League: Independent
Comment: With eight state final appearances in the past nine years including five titles, the Knights are looking to end a string of three consecutive state runner-up finishes. Having several Power Four prospects should help the cause.
- Avon
2023 record: 14-1, Division II state semifinalist
Coach: Mike Elder
League: Southwestern Conference
Comment: Fifteen returning starters could be enough to get the Eagles past the state semifinals, where their season has ended in six of the past seven years, often times to the eventual state champion.
- Mentor
2023 record: 7-4, Division I regional qualifier
Coach: Matt Gray
League: Greater Cleveland Conference
Comment: With Scotty Fox under center and the bitter memories of four losses by a total of nine points last year, the Cardinals are primed for a deep playoff run.
- Cleveland Heights
2023 record: 11-2, Division I regional semifinalist
Coach: Mac Stephens
League: Greater Cleveland Conference
Comment: Led by Marquise Davis, who should be a finalist for Mr. Football once again, the Tigers are out for revenge after seeing their season end last year against Medina, a team they defeated in the regular season.
- Wadsworth
2023 record: 9-3, Division I regional quarterfinalist
Coach: Justin Todd
League: Suburban League, National Division
Comment: After dropping to Division II this season, the physical Grizzlies appear to have the depth to challenge not only for their conference title, but also for supremacy atop the Region 6 standings.
- Glenville
2023 record: 13-3, Division IV state champion
Coach: Ted Ginn
League: Cleveland Senate League
Comment: Veteran coach Ted Ginn says this is one of his youngest teams but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of talent as the Tarblooders aim for a third consecutive state title.
- St. Ignatius
2023 record: 3-9, Division I regional quarterfinalist
Coach: Ryan Franzinger
League: Independent
Comment: A late playoff run last year provides optimism for the Wildcats, who return their entire offensive line as well as Ohio State commit Cody Haddad and Minnesota recruit Grant Washington.
- Walsh Jesuit
2023 record: 12-2, Division II regional finalist
Coach: Nick Alexander
League: Independent
Comment: The Warriors should be especially strong on offense as they, like every other Division II team in Northeast Ohio, hope to get past Hoban, which has knocked Walsh out of the playoffs twice in three years.
- Hudson
2023 record: 9-3, Division II regional semifinalist
Coach: Jeff Gough
League: Suburban League, National Division
Comment: There’s lots of talent coming back, but with key players taking on new roles it remains to be seen just how far the Explorers can go this season.
- VA-SJ
2023 record: 9-4, Division III regional semifinalist
Coach: Jeff Rotsky
League: Independent
Comment: In Rotsky’s fourth year at the helm, the Bo Jackson-led Vikings hope to return to the glory days of the past and make a playoff run that is deeper than last year’s.
- Medina
2023 record: 10-4, Division I regional finalist
Coach: Larry Laird
League: Greater Cleveland Conference
Comment: The Bees must replace 10 starters on offense, so expect the defense with eight returning starters to lead the way while the usually high-powered offense works itself out.
- Highland
2023 record: 11-3, Division II regional finalist
Coach: Mike Gibbons
League: Suburban League, American Division
Comment: After reaching the regional finals last year, the Hornets look for another deep playoff run and perhaps a conference title as well.
- North Ridgeville
2023 record: 8-4, Division II regional quarterfinalist
Coach: Bryan Morgan
League: Southwestern Conference
Comment: This is definitely a program on the rise, as the Rangers have won three, then five, then eight games in the first three years of Morgan’s tenure. Are they ready to contend for the SWC title?
- Avon Lake
2023 record: 7-5, Division II regional quarterfinalist
Coach: Matt Kostelnik
League: Southwestern Conference
Comment: Coming off a season with an uncharachteristic five losses, the Shoremen have the horses up front to be an offensive power while the inexperienced defense catches up.
- Kirtland
2023 record: 15-5, Division VI state champion
Coach: Tiger LaVerde
League: Chagrin Valley Conference, Valley Division
Comment: Lots of holes to fill, but that’s nothing new for the Hornets, who return much of their offensive line and junior quarterback Jake LaVerde as they seek an eighth consecutive trip to the state finals.
- Nordonia
2023 record: 8-3, Division II regional qualifier
Coach: Jeff Fox
League: Suburban League, National Division
Comment: A strong senior class has the Knights looking for more following three consecutive seasons with eight victories.
- Lake Catholic
2023 record: 10-3, Division IV regional semifinalist
Coach: Marty Gibbons
League: North Coast Conference
Comment: This could be a huge season for the Cougars, with 17 returning starters, lots of offensive talent surrounding All-Ohio quarterback Frankie Trinetti, and depth added from last year’s 9-1 junior varsity team.
- Chardon
2023 record: 11-4, Division III state semifinalist
Coach: Mitch Hewitt
League: Western Reserve Conference
Comment: More than 30 seniors are gone from last year’s team that made a fifth consecutive run to the regional finals, but don’t be surprised if this motivated group makes it six in a row.
- Olmsted Falls
2023 record: 9-4, Division II regional semifinalist
Coach: Tom DeLuca
League: Southwestern Conference
Comment: Back for his third year as starting quarterback, Jimmy Rosol, Jr. leads the always-powerful running attack as the Bulldogs hope to contend for the Southwestern Conference title.
- Strongsville
2023 record: 3-8, Division I regional qualifier
Coach: Jason Trusnik
League: Greater Cleveland Conference
Comment: Optimism is high as former NFL player Trusnik takes over a team that is bolstered by the return of quarterback Nolan Beard and defensive lineman Storm Miller.
- Aurora
2023 record: 11-2, Division III regional semifinalist
Coach: Bob Mihalik
League: Suburban League, American Division
Comment: Six returning starters on each side of the ball gives reason for optimism, as a veteran coach leads a veteran squad.
- Perry
2023 record: 16-0, Division V state champion
Coach: Bob Gecewich
League: Chagrin Valley Conference, Chagrin Division
Comment: The defending state champs have moved up a Division, but led by three-year quarterback Walter Moses, who passed for nearly 2,400 yards and 28 TDs, the Pirates are primed to make a run in Division IV.
- Shaker Heights
2023 record: 7-4, Division II regional qualifier
Coach: Alex Nicholson
League: Greater Cleveland Conference
Comment: There’s plenty of talent, led by Oregon commit Trey McNutt, but the Red Raiders need to settle on a new quarterback in order to contend for the GCC title.
- Kenston
2023 record: 10-2, Division III regional quarterfinalist
Coach: Jeff Grubich
League: Western Reserve Conference
Comment: Gone to Akron is high-scoring Sean Patrick, but the offense should remain potent as the Bombers attempt to defend their conference crown.
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