I have a source at a certain local newspaper (who happens to be an editor) that told me today that the reformation of the old LCL is a done deal. Schools won't comment on it and make it official until sometime next week or the week to follow because there still is a meeting next week, but from what he said it sounds like it's just to work out scheduling, exchange all school info...etc. Just the BS paperwork. But everyone is one board it seems (and has seemed that way since the beginning of the talk this may be real). Play would "likely start in 2012". Expect Watkins AD John McGiffin to make the announcement, as he has been the main driving force behind this from the beginning. Is this really possible? This is the best news I've heard regarding HS sports in this area...maybe EVER!

Here's how it would shake out in football season:

Newark (DI)
Watkins Memorial (DII)
Licking Valley, Granville, Licking Heights, Lakewood (DIII)
Heath, Johnstown, Utica (DIV)
Northridge (DV)
Newark Catholic (DIV)

There are some nice already-existing rivalries in place there...Watkins/Heights, LV/Granville, LV/NC, Utica/Northridge. Can't wait to see this all come together. Anyone interested in playing NINE WEEKS OF CONFERENCE GAMES and 1 OOC game??? Let's hope so. I'd rather do that than play 7 of the 9 other teams on a rotating schedule.

Thoughts??? Is anyone else as pumped for this as I am? I have talked to SO many people who wish the LCL had never disbanded and who remember it fondly, and I think it's a great idea and a very good time to do it.

I would love to see this. I have been watching on LC sports but I am surprised our mbl brothers are involved.

If this were to happen where is Lakewood in this . I do not see Newark involved in this either. Go to Licking County sports and they are talking about a two 5 team division.I hope this works out , heard about this a month ago.By the way Licking Hts is not D-V they are D-three.

gils;437873 wrote:If this were to happen where is Lakewood in this . I do not see Newark involved in this either. Go to Licking County sports and they are talking about a two 5 team division.I hope this works out , heard about this a month ago.By the way Licking Hts is not D-V they are D-three.

I fixed the Licking Heights and Lakewood errors. Good catch on your part.

However, I'm leaving Newark in there for now. I've talked to 3 people who are involved in this one way or another (either admins/coaches or local media) and I haven't heard anything about Newark NOT being involved in this. There are 11 teams in the county and I haven't heard anything about any of them not wanting to be a part of it or openly rejecting it. That being said, I could easily see Newark not wanting to, and they would be dumb IMO to join, but as of yet, I haven't heard anything to the contrary officially. When I do, I'll be the first to take them off.

Why would Newark leave the OCC to be part of this? To be relevent again is my best guess.

This would be great for the OCC!
Opens the door for teams like Canal and Teas Valley to take bottom feeders Nerk and WM place

ahhh... internet rumors! lol

Not happening... not gonna

I also dont see Newark Leaving the OCC to join this due to the vast size of Newark High School compared to the division 5 and 6 teams. It would take an undefeated season in the LCL and an out of league win against a powerhouse D1 program for them to even sniff the playoffs. It wouldnt make sense for them to do that, so I honestly do not see it happening.

As for the rest of it, I honestly do not know. It seems most of the Licking County Schools are pretty settled in to their leagues. As much as I would like to enjoy a Utica vs Licking Valley Friday night or a Heath vs Watkins Memorial slug fest in the mud. I just dont see it happening.

I may eat my words, and it might already be in the works....but if you want to renew old rivalries, do so in your 3 non league games, like most schools already do.

i am all for the return of the lcl. i enjoyed a rivalry game every week.