OHbuckeye1 wrote:
Although an amazing game that it was. They did get one break, Irontons best RB didn't play in that game because he was ejected from the game the week before, coincidently by an Official from Jackson lol.
I forgot about Wilkes not playing in that game. Obviously that was very fortunate for Jackson and I can admit that.
I had heard that the official was from Jackson, but I can't remember if I ever found out who it was. Send me a PM if you want to and let me know.
Just because Jackson won the SEOAL last season, it doesn't mean that they're automatically expected to repeat. The Ironmen lost some great skill players and their entire offensive line. Those five (or more) guys that played up front last season did a tremendous job and they were clearly the key to Jackson's offensive success. That said, the Ironmen are also returning some key players at the skill positions, and they added one of the best athletes in the area to their team with Osborne. As others have said earlier on this thread, and in other threads, if the offensive line turns out to be solid, Jackson has a great chance to defend their title. If the line struggles, then a title defense will be much more difficult.
There are other teams in the league that struggled last season, but those teams could easily turn things around this year. Logan and Portsmouth, for example, have a lot of talent that will have another year under their belts which should lead to improvement. Warren's program is on the rise, Chillicothe is rebuilding under one of the area's best and most experienced coaches, and Gallia Academy has the pieces to make a run at a title this season, in my opinion. Should be an interesting year in the SEOAL.
Jackson
Is my preseason favorite, sure they have lost a good amount to graduation, but still return Drew Ervin, added Osborn, and a host of other quality guys.
Gallia Academy
Lost tons of speed from last season, but have a solid nucleolus back, without that super speed from last year it will be up to the play of the line for the Blue Devils.
Portsmouth
Loaded with skilled players, will put up point on everyone in the league, but will need to find both an offensive line and a defense. If the Trojans can find a decent run game and any defense at all they could shock the SEOAL.
Logan
The sleeping giant, I never like to count the Chieftains they just have too many boys each year to choose from. I have heard good things about them so far this year, it will be interesting to see just how much they have improved.
Chillicothe
Ron Hinton will put something good on the field. Chillicothe losses a lot from last season though, and without them the Cavs will have a hard time. Expect the Cavs to be sound and make very few errors, which should keep them in most games.
Warren
Similar to Portsmouth, look for a lot of points out of a good offense, I just don’t know if the Warriors have the defense compete in the league.
Predicted the chiefs to go 5-5 last year before the season started and people thought I was crazy. They ended up 3-7. The issue this year could be a start of 0-5. I hope not but good luck.
Without a solid QB this team doesn't have a lot of talent with playing time.
The talent is there and it might not show until it is too late.
Could see a 1/9--0/10 season
Gallipolis
Will not score a lot of points.
If the defense can stay health you will see a lot of low scoring games that could go either way.
Could see a 7/3--6/4 season
Jackson
Last years team picked up a lot of breaks.
Teams will play them a lot stronger this year and if the break don't come---
Could see a 5/5 season
Logan
A lot better defense this year.
The offense looks to have been changes to fit the talent.
Could see a 7/3--6/4 season
Portsmouth
Will have a up and down season.
Can beat any SEOAL team on any given night.
Could see a 3/7--5/5 season
Warren
With the best QB in the league it will be fun season if things click
A lot of points put on the board.
Will be a season with the team with the ball last winning.
Could see a 4/6--6/4 season
Doesn't look like a lot of "horses" in the SEOAL from your assessment of each program.
Ok! As I see the SEOAL race playing out going into the start of the season;
Jackson, not as strong as last year but will win the title in a very close race.
Gallipolis, Will compete will jackson for the title!
Logan, If they find a defense the Chiefs could make the chase interesting.
Chillicothe, Best coach in the SEOAL but loss to much from last year.
Warren, will push Chillicothe for 4th place.
Portsmouth, has some of the better skill players in the SEOAL but can they play defense.
Jackson better passing game this season to go with the horses in the back field.-Possible SEOAL--4-1
Logan's offense will have to carry them until the defense catches up---Possible SEOAL--4-1
Gallipolis' defense will have to carry them until the offense catches up.---Possible SEOAL--4-1
Warren will be up and down as the season goes---Possible SEOAL--2-3
Portsmouth will score and the defense will allow a bunch---Possible SEOAL --1-4
Chillicothe is just too young--Possible---SEOAL--0-5
