1. Whitmer: Defense could take the Panthers (9-3, 6-1 TRAC) a long way this season. Defensive end Kyle Walsh and linebacker Luke Walling were first-team All-TRAC as juniors last year and defensive back Sam Stickels was a first-teamer as a sophomore. Whitmer’s only league loss last season was by one point to Toledo Central Catholic.
2. Toledo Central Catholic: The Irish (12-2, 7-0 TRAC) are led by two big-time recruits in running back Michael Warren and defensive end James Hudson. Warren, who has offers from Iowa, Kentucky, Rutgers and Iowa State, has rushed for 5,022 yards and 59 touchdowns in the last two seasons. Hudson has offers from Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Nebraska.
3. Toledo St. John’s: The Titans (6-4, 4-3 TRAC) also have several players pulling in offers from NCAA Division I schools. Junior linebacker Dallas Gant says Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Penn State are his top schools. Linebacker Peter McIntyre has committed to Northwestern and defensive back Tycen Anderson has given Toledo a commitment.
4. Lima Senior: A lot of talent, including first-team All-Ohio receiver Ruben Flowers III and first-team All-Ohio linebacker Jaylin Thomas, along with coach Mike Fell, are gone for the Spartans (9-3, 5-2 TRAC). Running back Jaden Walker (1,609 yards rushing, 26 TDs) and offensive lineman Darius Collins, both first-team All-TRAC players, are the top returnees.
5. Findlay: The Trojans (6-4, 3-4 TRAC) are rebuilding their offensive backfield and offensive line, which could be a risky thing in a high-scoring league like the TRAC.
6. Fremont Ross: When Chad Long was hired as coach of the Little Giants in February he said he had gotten “the best job in Northwest Ohio.” That was probably a little optimistic. Tyler Grine might be the player Ross builds its offense around. He had 618 yards rushing last fall, including back-to-back games of more than 100 yards, for the Little Giants (4-6, 2-5 TRAC).
7. Toledo St. Francis: The Knights (2-8, 1-6) have won one game in the TRAC in the last two seasons.
8. Oregon Clay: The Eagles (1-9, 0-7 TRAC) have won one game in the TRAC in the last three seasons.
