Since joining the Toledo Area Athletic Conference a decade ago, Northwood has not often played second fiddle to anyone.
After hitting a rare off note last season, the Rangers finished second behind Toledo Christian. But Northwood's time out of the spotlight is expected to be short lived.
The Rangers have won the TAAC championship seven out of the 10 years that they've competed in the league. They have compiled a 51-4 record in the conference since joining in 2001.
However, Toledo Christian, led by an impressive aerial attack, captured its first TAAC title last year and handed Northwood its only league loss. The 20-16 triumph by the Eagles ended the Rangers' three-year run.
But the Eagles lost QB Nick Rightnowar and his main targets to graduation.
"For us it's not a revenge factor," longtime Northwood coach Ken James said. "But we felt like we underachieved last year. We have a lot of guys back that have sour tastes in the mouths. They are eager to get back and improve on last year's results."
The Rangers still reached the state playoffs last season just as they had in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2009.
"We struggled in some areas and lost players to injuries and we didn't play well," he said. "Typically we get better at the end and last year we didn't."
James attributes the program's consistent success to having talented players that work hard, being on a level playing field in a league with similar total numbers, and having a veteran coaching staff.
"We don't have too many people back but we do have guys that have some talent," James said. "We have guys that are football players. We've got some talented kids."
Although Toledo Christian looks to be retooling, the Eagles were still picked to finish second by league coaches.
"The strength of our team will be defense and we have added speed and skill to an offense that has a very strong offensive line," said first-year TC coach Scott Gibson, a longtime assistant in the program. "If we can get the newer players quickly up to speed, we believe we have a great opportunity to defend the TAAC championship."
Edon has one of the most talented backs around in senior Shannon Geren, an All-Ohio second team selection last season. Geren rushed for a league-high 2,040 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. Geren's production has many expecting the Bombers to challenge TC and Northwood.
Gibsonburg, which is coming into the TAAC from the now defunct Suburban Lakes League, is an unknown commodity. But the Golden Bears are expected to fare well and picked to finish fourth.
"I see Northwood as the favorite," Gibsonburg coach Steve Reser said. "Not only do they have a lot of tradition and great coaches, they have great numbers to go along with it."
Ottawa Hills, which won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005, is picked fifth.
"Any number of teams could hop up and beat anyone at anytime," James said.
Here's a look at the teams in predicted order of finish:
NORTHWOOD
Coach: Ken James, 26th season
Last season: 7-4 overall, 5-1 TAAC
Returning letter winners: 20
Returning starters: offense 7, defense 7
Schemes: Wishbone/4-3
Top players: Seniors Ricky Hartley, 6-0, 201, FS/SE; Fletcher Isaacs, 6-0, 171, SS/SE; Collin Molnar, 5-9, 218, DT; Tyler Mack, 5-8, 155, RB/CB. Juniors David Bogart, 6-3, 228, OT/DE; Nick Whitmore, 6-0, 218, FB/LB; Justin Rohrs, 6-2, 246; John Segura, 6-1, 229, OG/DE.
Outlook: James once again has larger numbers (52) and many of those players have gained game experience. James also likes his team's size and speed.
But depth along the offensive and defensive lines and a lack of experience at some skill positions are probable weaknesses.
"We are breaking in a bunch of new skill people," James said.
Whitmore will play a key role in the a standard run-dominated offensive attack. James also is breaking in a new QB in Russell, who is moving from free safety.
"He is talented and capable of doing really well," James said.
Northwood also should be big up front with players ranging from 220 to 240 pounds.
"For a small school, we have a little bit of size. That is why people think Northwood should be good because we are big," James said. "We also started a bunch of sophomores last year."
TOLEDO CHRISTIAN
Coach: Scott Gibson, first year
Last season: 8-3, 6-0
Returning letter winners: 9
Returning starters: offense 4, defense 4
Schemes: Spread/4-2-5
Top players: Seniors Ethan Wotring, 5-10, 185, NG; Nate Lyell, 6-3, 200, DE. Junior Isaac Barringer, 6-4, 265, OL/DT.
Outlook: Gibson served at TC's offensive coordinator and assistant coach for the last 11 years. Gibson has 25 on the varsity led by 10 seniors.
Wotring had 28 tackles, four sacks, and six tackles for loss last year. Lyell finished with 20 tackles and three sacks. Barringer anchored the offensive line as a sophomore and also had 39 tackles, six sacks, and nine tackles for loss.
"Our strength will be the offensive and defensive lines," Gibson said. "Averaging just over 265 pounds, they will anchor our team's success. We also added some skill players with speed."
But there also is inexperience at the skill positions. Gibson said he hopes the seniors fill in those vacated skill positions with knowledge, speed, and talent.
EDON
Coach: Scott Staten, second year
Last season: 7-3, 4-2
Returning letter winners: 11
Returning starters: offense 4, defense 7
Schemes: Multiple Formation/3-5-3
Top players: Seniors Shannon Geren, 5-8, 180, RB; Keegan Long, 6-1, 175, QB/S; Jake Michael 6-0, 221, OT/DE. Juniors Dakota Parrish 5-11, 156, WR/LB; Matt Cook, 6-0, 215, OL/LB. Sophomores Brock Thiel, 5-9, 177, TE/DB; Connor Hug 5-11, 174, WR/DB.
Outlook: Geren earned all-district last year and teams with Long to form a formidable backfield. Long finished second in the league with 1,039 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Michael was All-TAAC second team as a lineman.
"We are going to exude hard work and discipline in every aspect of the football program," Staten said. "We have a very young football team and we expect many of these players to step up and become leaders."
Staten believes his solid skilled position players are complemented nicely by versatility on the offensive and defensive lines.
"The challenge this year will be overcoming the lack of varsity experience," he said. "Overall, we are going to focus on working as hard as possible each and every day and taking things one step at a time. We are going to do everything we can to put ourselves in a position to succeed."
GIBSONBURG
Coach: Steve Reser, second year
Last season: 0-10, 0-6 (SLL)
Returning letter winners: NA
Returning starters: offense 4, defense 6
Schemes: Spread/30 stack
Top players: Seniors Jared Columber, 6-3, 280, OL/DL; Logan Jones, 6-4, 200, WR/DE; Jordan Eddings, 5-8, 155, WR/DB; Curt Davies, 6-0, 220, OL/LB; Jon Angelone, 5-8, 150, RB/LB.
Outlook: Reser said he believes his 11 seniors will provide much needed leadership.
But a lack of experience with several new players could be tough to overcome.
Reser has 41 players as the Golden Bears moved to a more comparable level of competition.
"We hope to be competitive," Reser said. "If we stay healthy in key positions we can compete. We have great potential."
OTTAWA HILLS
Coach: Chris Hardman, 14th year
Last season: 3-7, 1-5
Returning letter winners: 12
Returning starters: offense 6, defense 7
Schemes: Multiple/4-3
Top players: Seniors Paul Joseph, 6-1, 215, OL/DL; Doug Stockton, 5-11, 160, WR/DB; Cameron Saum, 5-10, 170, OL/LB. Juniors Will Longthorne, 5-10, 185, RB/LB; Michael Geiger, 5-9, 170, K/WR.
Outlook: Hardman said he likes his team's enthusiasm and potential heading into the season. He said the Green Bears have a desire as a team to be successful.
Team speed and athleticism also should be positive attributes. Longthorne rushed for 727 yards, sixth best in the TAAC. He also had 346 receiving yards.
However, depth and the unknown development of the team's young players are potential problem areas.
Seven seniors are among 41 on the varsity.
"We are excited about possibilities of this season," Hardman said. "We need to have some early successes to build our belief. I know we will work hard and try to improve daily. This team has enough talent to compete for a TAAC championship. That very simply is our goal."
HILLTOP
Coach: Mike Bumb, 13th year
Last season: 5-5, 3-3
Returning letter winners: 11
Returning starters: offense 3, defense 5
Schemes: Multiple/ 4-3
Top players: Senior Brandon Semer, 5-8, 160, RB/OLB; Travis Herman, 5-9, 190, OL/DL; Tyler Shipman, 5-11, 185, QB; Jared Crampton, 6-0, 175, OL/LB. Juniors Brooks Kuney 6-0, 190, OL/DL; McCauley Frazer, 6-0, 210, OL/DL; Bill Wagner, 6-3, 190, TE/DE.
Outlook: Of the 31 on the varsity, five are seniors.
Bumb, who has a career record of 76-46, said his team will be better in the secondary. It also has decent speed and has very good chemistry. He said he expects his quarterback play to be solid.
Shipman threw for 980 yards and rushed for 542 yards. Semer finished with 308 yards rushing.
But lack of depth and overall inexperience are possible trouble areas.
"If we stay healthy we will be okay," Bumb said. "We have been hit hard by graduation and lower enrollment numbers but we still have some very good players."
CARDINAL STRITCH
Coach: Jim Kubuske, first year
Last season: 4-6, 2-4
Returning letter winners: 7
Returning starters: offense 2, defense 2
Schemes: Multiple/4-3
Top players: Seniors Michael Blazevich, 6-1, 175, QB/CB; Andy Geiermann, 6-0, 220, T/DT; Christian Peters, 6-0, 195, FB/LB; Shawn Zaborski, 6-3, 225, T/DE. Juniors Zach Denomy, 6-0, 165, RB/SS; Trent Fuller, 5-10, 165, TE/LB.
Outlook: Kubuske, a former longtime coach at Lake, is back in the coaching ranks after taking a few years off.
Blazevich returns at QB after throwing for 593 yards and five scores. But Kubuske also likes his running game.
However he also inherits a team that does not have much depth (33 players, six seniors) and lacks playing experience.
"Our quarterback's success is the key to the season," Kubuske said. "Early success will build confidence for league games."
DANBURY
Coach: Tim Heffernan, third year
Last season: 1-8, 0-7
Returning letter winners: 11
Returning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense
Schemes: Spread/Odd front
Top players: Seniors Lucas Kennedy, 5-11, 185, QB/FS; Ben Adams, 5-11, 205, OL/MLB; Cory Schenk, 6-2, 180, CB/WR; Jon McClellan, 5-10, 185, OL/DL; Justin Tester, 5-10, 190, OL/DL; Austyn Morin, 5-10, 260, OL/DL; Cody German, 5-10, 190, DB/RB. Junior Brandon Bahnsen, 5-10, 185, LB/WR.
Outlook: The Lakers look to take a step up behind an effective offensive attack and solid special teams play.
Kennedy, who rushed for 1,189 yards and passed for 878, was a All-Ohio third team at quarterback. Bahnsen is the team's leading receiver (504 yards).
Danbury also returns nine of 11 starters on both sides of the ball.
But with only 25 varsity players and six seniors, lack of overall numbers is an issue.
"The team has literally doubled in size and Danbury looks to improve over last year's record," Heffernan said. "Things look promising with the return of Kennedy."
Contact Mark Monroe at: mmonroe@theblade.com or 419-724-6354.
First Published August 24, 2011, 4:15 a.m.
