Lorain County High School Football – Team Rankings

Here are my pre-season rankings:

1. Avon Lake – This is the gold standard for Lorain County football. All other teams wish they could be like the Shoremen.
   
   
2. Elyria Catholic – With QB Danny Reaser, Alex Nielsen and Conor Voreis on offense and Buddy Davila, Corey Campbell and Zack Rogers on defense, the Panthers will be tough. Awesome non-conference schedule against Clearview, Buckeye, and Elyria.
   
   
3. North Ridgeville – Coming off their best team in school history, the Rangers are hungry and returning QB Mike Mees is looking great.
   
   
4. Amherst – another team that reloads every year. If they can replace their QB & OL quickly, they can challenge for a play-off spot.
   
   
5. Avon – A lot of players returning from a 6-4 team a year ago. The Eagles face Avon Lake in week 1 - they’ll get an early litmus test.
   
   
6. Elyria – They have the state’s best linemen in Chase Farris. The Pioneers could be the most improved team in the county.
   
   
7. Midview – The Middies were 5-5 last year and easily could have been 8-2. In the wide-open West Shore Conference, Midview will contend.
   
   
8. Clearview – A ton of question marks at QB, RB, and WR but tough to bet against a team that has won their division 4 straight years.
   
   
9. Columbia – Another candidate for most improved team in the county. The Raiders return a 1300 yard passer (John Banyasz) and an 1100 yard runner (Brandon Heidinger).
   
   
10. Lorain – The new high school with a larger student body. Unfortunately, the schedule is brutal and improvement may not be reflected in the won/loss column.
    
    
11. Wellington – The Dukes offense will open up this year more than in the past. Offensive line is getting an overhaul.
    
    
12. Keystone – The Wildcats need to replace star RBs Jimmy Reid and Corry Sprouse. The defense needs to learn how to tackle.
    
    
13. Brookside - Coach Keenan Leichty will have a full summer to get ready for his 2nd season. The Cardinals two wins last year came against winless teams.
    
    
14. Firelands – Team is very young and inexperienced especially on the defense where the Falcons need to replace Ryan Waldmann, Jordan & Jacob Sosinski.
    
    
15. Vermilion – The offensive and defensive lines will carry this team. The Sailors need to find a QB and a RB.
    
    
16. Oberlin – Former Coach Dave McFarland worked wonders with this program. New coach Fred Howery inherited an empty cupboard.