With the beginning of every football season, high hopes spring eternal. This year, many teams in both Tiers have a lot of reasons for high hopes. McDonald, Crestview and South Range all won league championships last year, and should be considered as contenders again in 2009. However, Columbiana, East Palestine, and Mineral Ridge can be added to that list this year in the Upper Tier, while Wellsville and Western Reserve are strong contenders in the Lower Tier. Throw in perhaps even Leetonia, Southern and United as a darkhorse and what we have in 2009 is perhaps the most competitive season in the brief history of the ITCL.
Not to take anything away from a couple other schools, they are going to put up a bitter fight for league supremacy, but may lack some key players to push for titles are: Springfield, and Lowellville. But don't be surprised if any one of these schools pull off a big upset, or stay in the race right up to the very end of the season. Even perhaps steal it away from one of the top contenders! What they may lack in depth, speed, or size, they will make up for it with a lot of heart and determination.
The final group, and perhaps the most dangerous, are the teams that are in the process of re-building. Lisbon, Jackson-Milton, and Sebring have all worked extremely hard this past off-season, and could very well upset anyone who takes them for granted. The odds may be against any of these teams winning the league, but don't tell them that on a Frday night. They will come to play!
Here are our top 8 games in 2009 (and why):
1) Western Reserve at McDonald (Oct. 16): The winner of the Lower Tier will be determined with this game. Both teams will figure into the final standings, but can Reserve finally break the McDonald jinx?
2) Columbiana at East Palestine (Sept.. 18): This game will give the winner an inside track to the conference lead. If the Clippers or Bulldogs have any hopes of winning the league, this game will show us who the early favorite is.
3) Leetonia at McDonald (Oct. 30): This game may very well seal the league title. If the winner doesn't capture the title it will more than likely decide it for one of the other contenders.
4) South Range at East Palestine (Oct. 16): This game will go a long way in determining who wins the Upper Tier in 2009. If the Bulldogs are going to win a title they need to beat the Raiders.
5) Wellsville at Western Reserve (Oct. 2): Both teams return a ton of talent from 2008. This is the middle game between the leading contenders of these two and McDonald.
6) East Palestine at Crestview (Oct. 2): Just like the game against South Range, the Dogs will have to beat an always tough Rebels squad. A critical game for the Rebels sandwiched between Columbiana and South Range.
7) Crestview at South Range (Oct. 9): It's always one of the premiere games in the Mahoning Valley, and this year will be no exception. If either of these teams want to repeat as league champs, they will need this game.
8) Wellsville at McDonald (Sept. 23): The Tigers remember well the beating they took last year at the hands of the Devils. If Wellsville is going to make a statement in 2009, this early season match-up will be critical.
Here is a brief preview of all sixteen teams in the ITCL. We have included preview interviews from the coaches that were conducted by MYVALLEYSPORTS.COM . Make sure to visit their site for a lot of great high school football information.
ITCLFootball.net wishes all teams a fun, safe, and enjoyable 2009 season!
