2007: A Season in Review
  This season also put football in prospective with how valuable life, family, and friends are when Leetonia’s Josh Selway was diagnosis with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Many area fans, coaches, and players have expressed their best wishes for Selway, and hopefully he will be able to beat this disease.  Ironically, McDonald’s coach Dan Williams has a son who beat a similar disease and had a chance to meet with Selway in week 8.
   Sadly, one of the leagues most respected and professional coaches, Jim Tsilimos, resigned as the mentor of the Devils.  Despite the sweltering heat of that first night of the season, he wore his suit and tie similar to a throw back to the days of yesteryear when coaches like Bear Bryant, and Knute Rockne stood on the sidelines.  With his departure, coach Spaite of Columbiana is now the dean of ITCL coaches with 13 years of service for the Clippers.
  As I stood on the sidelines in the closing minutes of the South Range-Ursuline regional final game, I began to reflect on the season that was, and the finality of it all.  Weather they finished 1-9 or 12-1, every team in the ITCL finished with a disappointing loss.  Sure some teams saw great successes, and some suffered heart-breaking losses, but everyone shared a similar end to their season.
   It all began on a humid, steamy Thursday night in August when Leetonia and Mineral Ridge looked unbeatable in impressive wins.  The Bears would go on to win a share of the Lower Tier title.  The following night saw East Palestine break a long losing streak.  The Dogs would go on to win four games on the season, and open one of the most impressive facilities in the league with they’re new turf and stadium.  Sebring would snap they're long losing streak in week two action.
  In week two, one of the league’s very special players, Dana Rose, took it upon himself to win a game against Southern with a last minute touchdown run crushing the Indians hopes of victory.  Rose would go on to reach a milestone of rushing with over 3,000 yards in his career in week 9 against Springfield.  Having the unique privilege of witnessing both of those games will stick with me for some time.
   Obviously, many other players would have amazing performances over the course of the season beside Rose.  A.J. Zitello would rush for over 1,600 yards on season, and over 300 yards in week 10, all after suffering a knee injury before the start of the season!  Nate Schuler would throw for an amazing 344 yards in a loss to Crestview in week 8, and over 1,700 yards on the year.  Some others who also shined were Josh Hertel (Columbiana), Jeff Hanselman (Wellsville), Shane Ewing (Western Reserve), and Tony Britton (Crestview) to name just a few.  To name every player who had a special game or season would be to name every player from freshmen to seniors who ran out on to the field.
  The league saw four teams make the OHSAA playoffs, and one make it to a regional final.  Unfortunately, only one team advanced beyond the first round.  Perhaps the league took a step backwards at first glance, however region 21 was the home of the state runner-up, and two other teams that were considered state title contenders.
   It also saw numerous players named to All-District and All-Ohio all-star teams.  However, Columbiana’s Josh Hertel would be recognized as the NE Inland D6 defensive player of the year, a great compliment to his hard work and dedication.  Many, many other players pored their hearts out this season and should rightfully be congratulated for their efforts.
   Next year promises to be another year of unbelievable plays, players and games as the league continues to develop and grow in tradition and competitiveness.  Who will be next years surprise team?  What young player from this year will become a star of tomorrow?  What in the world will we do for the next nine months till the opening kickoff on August 21st!!!

-ITCLFootball.net Article