2003 Non-League Opponents
Four of the Chiefs first 5 games in 2003 will be against non-SEOAL teams. This article will preview those four games:
Aug. 22, 2003 - The opening Friday Night, Logan travels to Central Ohio Powerhouse Westerville South. South has finished under .500 for two straight seasons, but are rebuilt and are on everyone's "to watch list" in 2003. The offense is quite simply, loaded. Senior wide receiver Nick Moore (6'4-185) returns after a stellar season a year ago. Moore is a definite D1 prospect not only in football, but in basketball as well. J Sharps (6'6-215) and Robin Bailey (6'5-180) round out a superb receiving corps. At TB, Elijah Griffin (5'7-165), Nephew of two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, returns as a Sophomore. Freshman Rocco Pentello (6'0-185) will direct the offense. To top it off, the offensive line averages 267 pounds. The defense returns four seniors on the defensive line, anchored by three-year starter Zane Bogosian (6'1-250). Middle Linebacker Seth Robinson (6'1-205) leads a stellar linebacking corps. The secondary is as fast as any around, and led by Nick Moore (6'4-185). The Wildcats are not only a top pick in the OCC Central, but are also an early favorite for a high seed in Division One Region Three and picked as a team who COULD make a deep playoff run.
Aug. 29, 2003 - In the home opener for the Purple and White, Chillicothe make their first appearance at Bill Sauer Field since 1993. On that day the Cavs put up 60 points in a convincing win. The Chiefs are 1-3 all time against the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers went 5-5 in 2002, and were just one win away from earning a share of the OCC Cardinal title that went to Dublin Scioto. The Cavaliers will look to utilize their speed in 2003, and have plenty with Wide Recievers Kevin Milliken (6'0-185), Chris Woodfork (5'11-170), and Matt Weaver (6'1-180) out wide. The favorite at quarterback is Junior Clint Austin (6'2-175). The backfield will feature TB Kevin Bass (So, 5'10-170) and FB John Metzger (6'1-230). The offensive line is big, averaging 242 pounds. The defense returns eight starters, and should be solid in 2003. MLB Clay Price (6'1-225) is a stand-out, as is DT John Metzger (6'1-230). The defensive backfield has strong cover men and a lot of speed at safety. The Cavaliers will look to finally get over the hump in the OCC under first year coach Bill Davidson. Olentangy and U. Arlington both must come to CHS, so the Cavs should be playing for the title in week 10 at Dublin Scioto.
Sept. 5, 2003 - Week three on the hilltop brings to town not only a new opponent, but a totally new school. Pickerington's growth has finally forced them to join the ranks of their OCC rivals by building a second high school. The Panthers are coached by former Fairfield Union mentor Tim Bahen. Bahen's ground oriented running game will be a new look in the finesse happy OCC. The Panthers will be without a conference or Seniors this season. Junior Evan Jablonka will play QB, Safety, kick, and punt. The defense will use two main fronts, a 5-2 and a 4-4. The Panthers schedule gives them opportunites for wins, however, a .500 season would be a GREAT season for this squad.
Sept. 19, 2003 - In week five, state power Columbus Desales visits the Hilltop for the first time since 1992. Last season the Stallions kocked off the Chiefs in Columbus 13-0. The Stallions aren't tabbed to be as strong as a year ago, but any Bob Jacoby coached team is always tough to beat. The Stallions will be led by a STINGY defense led by Def. Tackle Kevin Randolph (6'1-245). Inside Linebackers Jeremy Ambrose (5'10-200) and Austin Addington (6'1-215) lead an outstanding linebacking corps that will also include Joe Matovich (5'11-195). The defensive secondary returns Safety Chris Rotella (5'7-150) and corner Ronnie Smith (5'10-155). On offensive the backfield is led by new QB Danny Brandenstein (6'2-175). The runningbacks are Ronnie Smith (5'10-155) and Austin Addington (6'1-215). The Stallions play another brutal schedule in 2003, but if they survive, another deep playoff run could be in the cards.