Last season, LaBrae qualified for the playoffs for just the 3rd time in the school's history. Coach Bill Bohren says that if any team can go back-to-back, it's this one. The Vikings are relying on their 6 foot 7 quarterback, Peyton Aldridge, who is also a three-year starter. They also have tailback Carl Brown and tight end Paul Zigmont running the offense with Aldridge.
The Girard Indians enjoyed their best season in school history last year (11-2). They lost eight starters on both sides of the ball, including Trumbull County Player of the Year, Dan Graziano, and multi-threat running back, Ahmad Eggelston. They have the depth to reload, but the likelihood of them having a repeat season is undecided.
The Hubbard Eagles' run of 5 straight playoff appearances ended in 2011 although they did finish the season with a 7-3 record. Their running back, Larry Scott, had one of the best seasons in the history of any freshman running back, running for almost 1,200 yards. He ran for 100 yards seven times and also had a five touchdown game against Liberty. They lost their star quarterback, Ashton Owens to graduation. Senior Brandon Harb is expected to start this season.
Last year, the Niles football team went 5-5. If you look at it on paper, it seems like an average season, but there is some upside to last years' record. They improved their record in virtually every single offensive and defensive category. They have one of the best offensive lines in the area. Quarterback, Zach Bailey, has departed after leading the division in passing yards with 1,502. Niles will try to continue their winning ways in 2012.
Howland has qualified for the postseason in each of the last five years. They have one of the best running backs in Trumbull County in DeVeon Smith. Smith, who has committed to Michigan, broke the record for career rushing yards in Howland history last year after running for 2,161 yards and 25 touchdowns, while averaging an astounding 11.5 yards per carry. After going 9-1 last season, you can definitely expect another quality season for the Tigers,
Last year, Lakeview had a 4-5 season. Their biggest piece on their team was running back, Blake Reddick, who ran for 1,353 yards and 10 touchdowns. On defense, Sam Breese, who led the team with 62 tackles last year, is back and better than ever. Zach Bigley is their returning quarterback, who, if improved, will be a force to be reckoned with this upcoming year.
Warren G. Harding is definitely the most prestigious team in this preview, but last year was a horrid year for the Raiders. After going 2-8, they have hired a new coach. Steve Arnold plans on trying to get this team back to the elite level as quickly as possible. Jimmy Rumple is coming back as the Raiders' starting quarterback. LeShun Daniels is a returning starter who ran for 850 yards and six touchdowns last season. There are high hopes for Daniels this upcoming season.
The Southington Chalker Wildcats had 0 wins in 2010. Last year they improved to 3-6. JC Comella is returning as the team's leading receiver after catching eight passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Brendan Baugher is the team's leading tackler after recording 55 tackles last year. Coach Ryan Sloan is most excited about new freshman fullback/outside linebacker, Jake Miller.
After going 2-8 last season, the Champion Golden Flashes are destined to have a much better season this year. They have 30 players in camp this year. 12 of them are seniors. James Naylor is returning at quarterback after throwing for 566 yards and four touchdowns last season. Mike D'Andrea and Alex Klejka will anchor the offensive line this year. Champion opens the season with three of their first four games on the road.