High School Insider With Mike Dyer | Cincinnati Nky Sports

Winton Woods (12-1) was a Division II regional semifinalist last season after the Warriors won the 2021 state title. "This team has a lot of experience returning," Murphy said. "The thing I like most is they’ve felt what it’s like to hoist a trophy after 16 weeks in 2021 and to turn equipment in after Week 13 (in 2022)." Winton Woods returns several key players including senior quarterback Van George, senior wide receiver Tra'mar Harris (Purdue verbal commit) and junior offensive tackle Raphael Greene, one of Ohio's top players in the 2025 class. The defense is led by several players including defensive tackle Cameron Jackson, who is a three-year starter. Defensive tackle Delan Massey-Wright was a Division II first-team all-state player in 2022. Junior linebacker Justin Hill - one of Ohio's top players in the 2025 class - has several significant scholarship offers including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Notre Dame. The Warriors also feature senior Zae Jennings, a West Virginia verbal commit,

Fairfield was represented by longtime head coach Jason Krause along with senior quarterback Talon Fisher (United States Naval Academy commit) and senior linebacker Jordan Baker. Fairfield (7-4 in 2022) will be tested in the season opener when it plays at Huber Heights Wayne (6-5) on Aug. 18 before the nine-game Greater Miami Conference schedule. Fairfield has 23 seniors including quarterback Fisher, who is a four-year starter. There is also a great deal of other talented skill position players including junior wide receiver/defensive back Noah King, junior cornerback/wide receiver Derion Prophett and Baker, who had 62 tackles including five sacks last season. Krause is starting his 27th year overall of coaching high school football. "Just being around the young guys and seeing their energy - see how much passion they have for playing this game," Krause said this summer. "A game that we love. It just helps me wake up every day, come out here." More at https://wcpo.com/HSinsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for p

Kings (13-2 in 2022), a Division II state semifinalist last season, will have a younger team that is eager to gain experience this year. "We have had a really good offseason and have some special talent coming up in our younger grades so the expectations are still high but we know we play a daunting schedule," Kings coach Alex Garvin said this summer. Garvin was a featured guest on the podcast along with seniors Camden Crooks (offensive tackle), Paul Kelly (defensive back/running back/wide receiver) and Colton Weisbrod (linebacker/defensive back). Garvin discussed the Knights' preseason as the team prepares for the season opener at Sycamore Aug. 18 before hosting Turpin Aug. 25 in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wyoming (15-1 in 2022) was a Division IV state runner-up last season. Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock enters his 12th season as head coach as the Cowboys start this year at Ross Aug. 18. Wyoming has a 67-game regular-season win streak entering this season. This year's senior class has a 37-3 record the first three seasons. "Our guys are stepping up," Hancock said. "They're hard-working kids. They've dedicated themselves to the summer program. Every year we want to do things better than they've ever been done before." Hancock was joined by Wyoming senior quarterback/linebacker Quaid Hauer, senior defensive end/offensive lineman Deuce Wiley and senior slot receiver/linebacker DJ Gray. "Those three guys are really great examples for our program," Hancock said. "But, we also have some guys that are just tremendous leaders so we have really good senior leadership. We're pushing forward and really excited about this year and where we're going to go."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Princeton (9-3 in 2022) returns several key players as its opens the season at Elyria Aug. 18. "I think that's the game they wanted to do," Parker said. "I think when you get to travel it adds a little excitement when you go play a team like Elyria that has a lot of history. It adds a little more excitement." The Vikings had 20 new starters during Week 1 of the 2022 season so the team added plenty of experience entering this year. "This year we're a different team," Parker said. "We're a more experienced team. We think we're a little deeper." The Vikings are 20-5 over the past two seasons under the leadership of Parker, who enters his third season in the Division I Greater Miami Conference program. Princeton senior safety Chaz Cole, senior linebacker Travis Lawrence and senior offensive lineman Jaylen Eberhart joined the conversation Tuesday afternoon on the podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CovCath (9-3 record in 2022) returns plenty of talent this season as it moves to Class 4A. The Colonels were in Class 5A last season. "The biggest thing right now is our guys are showing up to work," CovCath coach Eddie Eviston said. "We have a little different outlook on the year because of the different scenery with the different class, different district. It's one of those things you can't worry about that. We work every day and those guys have handled it real well." Senior quarterback Evan Pitzer and senior tight end Willie Rodriguez joined the podcast and discussed how close the team has been all year. "I'd say we're like all family," Pitzer said. "We'll hang out together. And I think that helps us on the field with the chemistry. We know what each other is going to do. But, not only that but I think we're hungry. We lost to Frederick Douglass last year in the second round. Our goal is a state championship every year, year in and year out. And I think a lot of guys want that and we're going to work it th

There are plenty of players who have stepped up for Beechwood (14-1 in 2022) as the Tigers enter this season as the reigning three-time Class 2A state champions. The Tigers have a new head coach in Jay Volker, but the expectations of playing for state title haven't changed for Beechwood, which opens the season at McNicholas Aug. 18. Volker along with senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Nick Alexander and senior wide receiver/defensive back Talon Linder joined the podcast. "It's been amazing," Volker said of his first season. "The team is coming together." With the graduation of 22 seniors from last season's team, Alexander and Lindner have emerged as leaders. "These two guys have stepped up since day one," Volker said. "They've always been great in their actions but they've stepped up very big in being vocal leaders and holding others accountable."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Hills coach Derek Webster was named the Mustangs coach in January after being the Mason County defensive coordinator the past two seasons. Western Hills (5-6 in 2022) earned its first playoff appearance since the 2000 season last year. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Daronte Copeland and senior quarterback/defensive back Marqco Zanders discussed what they've learned this summer with the implementation of a new offense and defense. Western Hills starts this season with four consecutive road games including a trip to Canton GlenOak Aug. 18 with a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the weekend schedule.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oak Hills (5-6 record in 2022) continues to transform the program after being winless in 2021. Coach Justin Roden discussed the elevated expectations within the Highlanders' program. Sophomore inside linebacker Max Rhodes along with junior wide receiver/quarterback/defensive back Max Supe joined the discussion as Oak Hills opens the season at Turpin Aug. 18.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gamble Montessori (7-4 in 2022) won its first conference championship in program history last season. Coach Rob Rachel discussed the Gators' mindset after it made its second straight postseason appearance in 2022. Senior running back Brent Thompson discusses the Gamble Montessori program, just a season after he broke the single-season school rushing yards record. Senior defensive lineman Desmond Davis and senior defensive back Ricky Trimble joined the podcast, too. Gamble Montessori opens the season Aug. 19 against visiting New Miami at Stargel Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elder (10-3 record in 2022) returns several key players on the offensive and defensive lines for coach Doug Ramsey, who enters his 27th season at the helm. The Panthers open the season with four consecutive home games including against Pickerington North Aug. 18. Senior left tackle Jacob Schorsch (6-6, 290 pounds), a Miami University verbal commit, discusses the tradition of Elder football while Ramsey reflected on his coaching career including his game-day routine on Friday. Senior defensive end Liam McKenna also joined the discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Approximately 40 seniors from 10 schools in the GMC have committed or signed a national letter of intent to play college football since the NCAA's early signing period in December. This year's national signing day ceremony, presented by Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, will be hosted by the Delta Marriott in Sharonville starting at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. The WCPO High School Insider Podcast, presented by the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Chick-fil-A restaurants, will hosted a special live episode with conversations with the GMC coaches from Colerain, Fairfield, Hamilton, Lakota East and West, Mason, Middletown, Princeton, Oak Hills, and Sycamore.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The football state championship week has arrived for Ohio and Kentucky. Two Greater Cincinnati high school football teams will play for state titles this weekend as the 2022 season concludes this Week 16. Beechwood will attempt to win a third consecutive Class 2A state title Friday afternoon in Lexington as the Tigers (13-1) play Mayfield (14-0) starting at 4 p.m. On Saturday, Wyoming (15-0) plays Cleveland Glenville (14-0) in the Ohio Division IV state final at 7:30 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. Wyoming is seeking its third state title in program history. This WCPO High School Insider podcast episode will feature interviews with Beechwood coach Noel Rash and Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock. Plus, ScoutingOhio.com director and Bucknuts.com analyst Mark Porter discusses the Ohio high school football season and how Luke Fickell's departure to Wisconsin impacts recruiting for the University of Cincinnati. More at https://highschoolinsider.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Thanksgiving week represents a significant start to the Week 15 high school football schedule. Indiana plays host to it state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium with East Central (Class 4A) and Lawrenceburg (Class 3A) this weekend. Ohio and Kentucky are in the state semifinals starting Friday night. Newport Central Catholic (Class 1A), Lloyd and Beechwood (Class 2A) are the Northern Kentucky representatives in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association state Final Four. Moeller (Division I) and Kings (Division II) play respective state semifinals Friday night while Wyoming (Division IV) plays Saturday night. The WCPO High School Insider delves into the Ohio High School Athletic Association state Final Four with interviews with Moeller coach Mark Elder, Kings coach Alex Garvin and Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock. The coaches also reflect on what they're thankful for as the teams practice on Thursday and prepare to travel to the state semifinal games in Divisions I-III. More at https://wcpo.com/highschoolinsider S

The arrival of cold air throughout Greater Cincinnati this week is a sure sign that it's Week 14 of the high school football season. "People are complaining about the cold and things like that," Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said with a smile before Tuesday's practice. "I said, 'You know you are doing something right if you are getting to practice in cold weather.'" Kentucky is in the state quarterfinals while Indiana is in the semi-state round with Lawrenceburg (Class 3A) and East Central (Class 4A) trying to make it to Lucas Oil Stadium next week. There are seven Greater Cincinnati teams in the Ohio High School Athletic Association regional finals this weekend with a trip to the state Final Four on the line. The WCPO High School Insider takes a closer look at some of the games to watch starting Friday night. You will hear from Bolden and his message to the undefeated Firebirds as they prepare to play Moeller for a second straight regional final. Moeller coach Mark Elder discusses the keys to victory as the C

The high school and college basketball season is upon us. Before the high school season officially begins Nov. 23, the WCPO High School Insider podcast previews the top Greater Cincinnati teams and players during this special episode. Triple Double Prospects analyst Corey Albertson explains why Taft will be a successful team again after being the Division III state champion last season. You will also hear why the Greater Miami Conference and Greater Catholic League South division will be among the top leagues in Southwest Ohio. Plus, you will hear from Dante Payne about the "Battle of the Bulldogs" college basketball event Nov. 26 at Winton Woods High School. This is the second annual year for the basketball games and college fair. More at https://wcpo.com/highschoolinsider   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 15 Greater Cincinnati high school football teams in the Ohio regional semifinals this weekend, the stakes are even more significant this Friday night. The WCPO High School Insider podcast looks at some of the top matchups and speaks with some of the area's top coaches entering Week 13 of the season. You will hear from Mason coach Brian Castner as the Comets (10-2) prepare to play Moeller (11-1) in a Division I regional semifinal Friday night. Mason is making its first regional semifinal appearance in program history, according to the school's athletic department. Kings coach Alex Garvin explains how the Knights are preparing for their second matchup with Winton Woods - this time in the regional semifinal. Western Brown coach Nick Osborne reflects upon the Broncos' memorable rally in the final home of the season in a Division III quarterfinal. McNicholas coach Mike Orlando discusses how the Rockets' difficult regular-season schedule has prepared the young team for the regional semifinals. More at https://

The Ohio high school football playoffs are one step closer to the state championships this week. There are 25 Greater Cincinnati teams in the regional quarterfinal round this Friday night. The WCPO High School Insider podcast highlights some of the top games to watch during Week 12. Taft coach Tyler Williams reflects on the turning point of the season for the Senators (9-2) and the team's mindset entering the Division IV, Region 16 quarterfinal against Alter (6-5). Williams also discusses how strong the Taft defense has been this season including the play of junior defensive back Tayshawn Banks (eight interceptions), who was named the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference Red Division athlete of the year. Moeller coach Mark Elder and St. Xavier coach Steve Specht discuss the GCL South rivals meeting for a second time this season - this time for the opportunity to play in the regional semifinals next week. Cincinnati Country Day coach Dennis Coyle reflects on the Nighthawks' first playoff win since 1999.   More

The road to Canton begins Friday night. There are 54 Greater Cincinnati high school football teams preparing for the first round of the Ohio High School Athletic Association playoffs Friday night across seven divisions. The WCPO High School Insider podcast will delve into some of the top games to watch Friday night as the postseason begins around the region: Badin coach Nick Yordy explains the Rams' regular-season success and the first 10-0 record for the team since 1980. Oak Hills coach Justin Roden explains how the Highlanders went from an 0-11 record in 2021 to a 5-5 record this season. Western Hills coach Charles Boyd, a 1997 graduate of the school, discusses the Mustangs' first playoff appearance since 2000. Summit Country Day coach David Wirth reflects on a significant win in the regular-season finale to propel the Silver Knights to a home playoff game. Wyoming coach Aaron Hanock spoke about the victory over Madeira to capture the Cowboys' seventh consecutive Cincinnati Hills League title and the 67th

The Gamble Montessori High School football team captured its first conference championship in program history this past weekend. "It was unimaginable," junior center/defensive lineman Desmond Davis said. "This program has been going up and up. We just keep getting better and better every year. I love it." Gamble Montessori coach Rob Rachel is very proud of the program which has persevered the past few seasons. "I am so extra proud of them," Rachel said. But, don't think for a moment that the Gators (6-3) are finished with their goals this season. Gamble Montessori is No. 12 in the Division V, Region 20 computer points standings. Rachel along with junior running back/linebacker Brent Thompson and junior center/defensive lineman Desmond Davis joined the WCPO High School Insider podcast to reflect upon the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference Blue division title. "We can see a difference in the attitude of the players this year," Gamble Montessori athletic director David Miller said. "Last year we had a chance a