Well kids, it's getting to be that time of year...7 on 7's and lineman camps should be already beginning. I need thoughts on this year's conference, especially key losses from last season and who might be some up-and-comers in the league. I know Fredericktown lost a very talented, experienced senior class that led them to an undefeated regular season and a league title last year, and I also believe Loudonville lost the kid that was their best player (and an absolute beast)...but they have a few returning players who are supposed to be very good. Johnstown, from what I'm hearing here in Licking county is expected to be closer to returning to form than a year ago, and Danville is a year older and did show a lot of talent and toughness out of their freshman and sophmores last year.

I really need info about Northridge, East Knox and Centerburg.

Utica returns almost all their key players. Their top 6 skill players all return in Jason Hoar (Sr.), Scott Cline (Sr.), Justin Newsome (Sr.), Ryan Combs (Sr.) Artie Douglas (Jr.) and Austin Brown (Jr.). I believe they return 2 starters on the line from last season, but several kids saw significant time off of the bench, and they may be getting a sophmore from down near cincy that comes from a division 1 school who would make an impact right away at about 230 pounds. The process is not finalized yet and I don't want to report something as true that isn't final as of yet, but when/if it is confirmed I will update this later.

My thoughts:

1. Loudonville/Utica
3. Johnstown
4. Fredericktown
5. Danville
6. East Knox
7. Northridge
8. Centerburg

Don't know who will win the conference or if more than 1 team will tie for it (hell there might be 4 teams tie for the title, this IS the MBC after all lol) but I can tell you that Loudonville/Utica game @ Utica is going to be one hell of an atmosphere and looks like it will be one whale of a ballgame!

Thoughts? Even if you don't have a dog in this fight, feel free to post. With such few people on here, any talk about anything you know abt the MBC would be appreciated! See y'all in August and GO U!

I have heard that Jason Hoar has been getting some stuff from a handful of D-3 coaches is this true?

newarkcatholicfan;392285 wrote:I have heard that Jason Hoar has been getting some stuff from a handful of D-3 coaches is this true?

I've heard just about everything so far...but the most reliable person I've heard from has said that he already has a couple D3 schools that want him to play there, several D2 and MAC schools that have come to see him play last year (and probably this year too). I haven't heard any word if any of the bigger schools have offered him anything yet, which is ok since there is a LONG way to go til february. I'm assuming one of the biggest things schools are looking at is competition level and if they feel he can play at their school at the next level. If he has another year like he did last year, I would almost bet he gets at least a D2 offer, possibly even a MAC school that likes him very well in their system.

Now, the only thing is, the bigger schools that have shown some interest want him for defense. I've heard for awhile now that he wants to play QB in college, and I've also heard since last year that he and Cline are a package deal. They want to go to college together, preferrably on the offensive side of the ball. I think in the end, they'll probably pick what they feel is the "best" school that offers both of them.

I think Utica's only problem will be the same as the last few years. They need a line that can get the job done in big games. They have the best skill players in the league but in big games they will need more up front.

gamauter;402154 wrote:I think Utica's only problem will be the same as the last few years. They need a line that can get the job done in big games. They have the best skill players in the league but in big games they will need more up front.

Very very true. They will be banking on some younger but big guys on the line this year that they're hoping mature quickly. I'm really hoping they get this kid from down by Cincy (meaning I hope the OHSAA clears him to play in time for football season; transfers are really a pain in terms of paperwork lol). He could help out immensly on both sides of the ball at a really big needed spot for them (tackle and DT).

By the way, the line hasn't been utica's only problem in big games the last 20+ years if you catch my drift.

That is correct about Loudonville. Lost both backs in Lance and Allerding. Plus what they contributed on defense as well. Should be interesting to see how the younger kids can come in and step up at the varsity level.

Rbirdsman01;403959 wrote:That is correct about Loudonville. Lost both backs in Lance and Allerding. Plus what they contributed on defense as well. Should be interesting to see how the younger kids can come in and step up at the varsity level.

Jordan Lance, that was his name! lol thanks Rbirdsman! Kid was an absolute animal the two games I saw last year (Utica and Fredericktown). Did he go to college anywhere? He or Allerding?

I think one of them is going to Muskingum and the other one Ashland, but I don't remember which one is going where. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong.