Northwest Ohio top 10

Beginning today I'll post my top ten football teams in Northwest Ohio regardless of division.

My definition of Northwest Ohio is that area north of US 30 and west of US 250.

Agree, disagree, comment, tell us who you think belongs in the top ten. It's all in good fun.

Here we go....

1. Sylvania Southview
The defending DII champs move up to the big school division this year. Despite the divisonal change the Cougars will not miss a beat. Southview will want to prove they can compete. Week one has them hosting Toledo St. Francis.

2. Toledo Whitmer
The Panthers are expected to be one of the challengers for a playoff spot in region two. Whitmer has fared well in their preseason scrimmages against Findlay and Perrysburg. Friday night finds the Panthers at Frost-Kalnow Stadium in Tiffin battling the Columbian Tornadoes.

3. Toledo Central Catholic
A familiar face in the DII playoffs of late the Fighting Irish want to wipe away the memories of their quick exit in the 2008 postseason. CCHS opens the season Friday night at Bowling Green.

4. Fremont Ross
The Little Giants really want to wipe away the near-miss label they have achieved in the past two seasons. Ross just missed the postseason in '07 and '08. Many folks believe this talented Little Giant squad could make a playoff run. Ross hosts Toledo Start at Don Paul Stadium Friday night.

5. Genoa
The Comets, a team that pushed Kettering Alter in the playoffs in '08, are back and are the favorites in the Suburban Lakes League. Genoa opens the season at Rossford on Friday night.

6. Bellevue
The Redmen, a playoff qualifier in 2008 return some talent and have high hopes in 2009. Bellevue would like to take the NOL title away from Tiffin Columbian and return to the playoffs in 2009.

7. Clyde
The Fliers, defending champs of the Sandusky Bay Conference are the favorites once again.
Clyde will need to hit the ground running as they will be at always tough Eastwood on Friday night.

8. Kenton
The Wildcats have a familiar, and talented, name at QB. Sophomore Matt Mauk will lead the offense for his fathers Kenton squad. Kenton will find out quick just how good they are with a Friday night contest at Coldwater.

9. Defiance
The Bulldogs won the Western Buckeye League title in '08 and made a playoff appearance. They'd like to repeat that this season. The 'Dogs are a favorite along with Kenton in the WBL.

10. Eastwood
The Eagles will once again challenge Genoa for the SLL title. The Eagles open the season against a very tough Clyde squad on Friday night.

On the radar screen...
Toledo St. Francis
Toledo St. Johns
Bowling Green
Hopewell-Loudon
Tiffin Columbian
Norwalk St. Paul
Patrick Henry
Fairview
Perkins