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Tag: Crestview

  • Crestview Knights take on the 4-time defending state champions.

    Crestview Knights football team walking onto the field before a game, wearing blue uniforms, with coaches and staff in the background.

    The Crestview Knights varsity football opened their 2025 home schedule against the toughest team in the entire state of Ohio.

    The Marion Local Flyers.

    The Flyers came in on a 65-game winning streak, and have won 4 straight football state championships.

    The Knights came in 1-0 after defeating rival Parkway, 62-41.

    Crestview Knights football team running onto the field before the game.

    Crestview received the opening kickoff, and got a nice return by #2 Braxton Leeth. That would be as good as it got for the Knights on the opening drive.

    A miscommunication on 3rd down, led to a 5-yard loss. That was immediately followed by a bad snap, causing Marion Local to take over at the 23-yard line.

    The Flyers scored a touchdown on the 1st play, with a 23-yard run by #20 Ben Meier, to take a fast 7-0 lead.

    A Crestview Knights football player in blue uniform number 4 prepares to pass the ball while being pressured by a player from the opposing team in yellow.

    The following possession, Knights QB #Huxley Grose would get a nice scramble for a first down. The Flyers would stop Leeth for a 1-yard loss on 3rd and 3.

    Knights head coach Cole Harding would go for it on 4th down, but the Flyers broke up the pass.

    The Flyers would score on the 2nd play of their 2nd drive, and that would be a theme for the night, to make it 14-0.

    On the very 1st play of the Knights 3rd drive, QB Huxley Grose would throw his 1st of 3 interceptions of the game. The Flyers would quickly score their 3rd touchdown in 3 drives.

    A football player in a yellow jersey evades a tackle from a blue jersey player on a grassy field during a game.

    Marion Local would have a bad snap on the PAT, but they managed to get to the edge and actually convert it, into a successful 2-point conversion.

    Crestview would go for it on another 4th down play, and covert with a nice pass from Grose to #7 TE Liam Putman.

    The 1st quarter would end with the Flyers up 22-0.

    Marion Local would score again to make it 29-0 in the 2nd quarter.

    Knights #28 Conner Hammons would get an interception, but it would be a 3 and out.

    The Flyers would score back-to-back touchdowns, and it would be a massive 43-0 halftime lead.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 0, Guest 43, with 19:48 left in the third quarter.

    The officials would go to a running clock for the 2nd half of the game. It wouldn’t get any better for the Crestview Knights.

    Knights TE Liam Putman would be hurt of the 1st play of the 2nd half. Thankfully, he was able to the sideline under his own power. He would not return to the game.

    Another Flyers touchdown, thanks to some bad tackling attempts makes it 49-0.

    A holding penalty would move the Knights back. Leeth with a 9 yard run to make it 3rd and 9. Marion Local would get the sack forcing another Knights punt.

    Knights DL #57 Aiden Helt would get a big sack on 3rd down to force a Flyers punt.

    Marion Local would down the punt at the 4-yard line. The Knights would fumble the ball shortly afterwards, and the Flyers would return it to the 1-yard line. Another Flyers touchdown would make it 56-0 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

    Crestview Knights varsity football team huddled together on the field before the game.

    The Flyers would get 1 more touchdown on this night, to get a 63-0 win over the Knights.

    Marion Local has now won 66 games in a row. It’s their 50th straight regular season win.

    The Flyers last lost a regular season game, way back on October 18th, 2019, to the Minster Wildcats.

    A group of Crestview Knights football players in yellow and gray uniforms walk off the field under bright stadium lights after a game.

    Knights QB Huxley Grose finished 3 of 10, for 20 yards, and 3 INTs.
    HB Braxton Leetch had 24 carries, for 79 hard earned yards.
    DB Braxtyn Couts led the team with 6 tackles.

    Flyers QB Brennen Hess finished 4 of 6, for 96 yards, with 2 TDs and 1 INT.
    HB Ben Meier had 8 carries, for 110 yards, and 3 TDs.

    I spoke with Crestview head coach Cole Harting after the game.

    Players from the Crestview Knights football team walking on the field during a night game, with stadium lights shining.

    I asked Coach Harting, what are some positives that he and the team could take out of this home opening loss?

    “You know, our kids played hard. I thought we did some good things on offense. Defense is still coming along. We missed some tackles. We knew how good this team was coming in and it showed. We still got a way to go, to get to that point.”

    I asked him if he had any update on injuries to Braxton Leeth and Liam Putman.

    “Yeah, I mean we didn’t want them to take any more extra hits, so we pulled them a bit early. They are our bellcows and we wanted to get them a little bit of extra rest. Nothing to really worry about.”

    Prayers for them.

    A group of Crestview Knights football players and coaches gathered on the field, discussing strategies during a night game.

    The Crestview Knights (1-1) take on rival Wayne Trace Raiders (0-2) next Friday night, at 7:00 PM (EST) at Wayne Trace High School.

    – by Sean McKenize.

    Follow me on X (Twitter) @JoeAmerican6771.

    2 pictures courtesy of…..Richardson Photograpy.

    Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

  • Lady Knights with another tough test at home.

    Coach Gregory talking to the Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team during a timeout, with players in red jerseys huddled together on the court.

    Coach Gregory and the Lady Knights once again were back at The Ray with a tough matchup against the Coldwater Cavaliers. Whoever made the schedule, certainly made the home openers of the season tough, as Coldwater are the defending state champions.

    It was a nice turnout at The Ray, as over 100 Crestview and Coldwater students, parents, and fans showed up to cheer on the young ladies (by my hand count). It’s been a pleasant surprise to see how much the community supports all the Crestivew Knights athletic teams.

    Crestview got the first point of the game in a competitive first set, before falling 25-20.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team preparing for a match with coaches and players on the court.

    The Lady Cavaliers got off to a fast start in the second set, forcing Crestview timeouts with the Lady Knights down 11-5 and 16-12. The Lady Knights had a small rally forcing Coldwater to take a timeout up 20-16.

    The Cavaliers rallied back, forcing Coach Gregory to use a timeout, down 23-16, before the Coldwater won the second set 25-19.

    Once again, the Lady Cavaliers started the third set fast, jumping out to a dominate 20-9 lead. The Lady Knights stormed back, scoring six of the next eight points, forcing a Coldwater timeout, up 22-15.

    A volleyball player in a red jersey prepares to serve in a match, with a crowd of spectators in the background.

    It was just not to be again on this night, as the Lady Knights would fall 25-18, losing the match in straight sets.

    The Lady Knights were led by senior Lillie Best who went 9/10 serving with 2 aces, as well as 7 kills.

    Freshmen Nora Perkins got a lot of playing time, and played well, going 9/9 on serves and had 7 assists.

    Junior Kaci Gregory led the team with a whooping 16 digs. She was diving and flying around all over the floor. It’s fun to watch her play.

    Senior Haley McCoy had 4 kills and 2 blocks.

    Senior Emily Lichtle had 12 assists and is the most vocal player on the floor, so far this season.

    Volleyball teams Crestview Lady Knights and Coldwater Cavaliers shaking hands after the match in a gymnasium.

    Crestview JV Lady Knights fell in straight set as well (25-11 and 25-20).

    The Lady Knights (1-2) travel north on US-49 to take on the Antwerp Archers (1-5) on Thursday afternoon. JV kicks it all off at 5:30 PM at the Antwerp high school gym.

    Coach Gregory was unavailable for a post-match interview.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of……Crestview Head Coach Tammy Gregory.

  • Crestview Knights Varsity and JV Football Wrap-Up.

    Crestview Knights varsity football team posing for a group photo on the field after a game at night.

    The Crestview Knights varsity team started the 2025 high school football season against rival Parkway, with a big 62-41 to beat the Panthers for the 5th straight season.

    From the opening drive, it was the Braxton Leeth show in Rockford, Ohio.

    The 6’0″, 185 lbs HB/DB, ran by, ran around, and ran through, the Panthers defense, for new school records of 408 yards rushing and scored 7 touchdowns.

    Crestview Knights football player running with the ball during a game, showcasing determination and skill, while a defender falls behind.

    He continues to display the power to break through arms tackles, and the speed to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.

    I spoke to Knights Varsity Head Coach Cole Harting today.

    “Defensively we missed some tackles, so we gotta clean that up. We had a few penalties, which isn’t too bad for a first game. We got some things to work on in practice and get ready for next week.”

    A group of cheerleaders from the Crestview Knights team, posing together in their blue and red uniforms with smiles, on the sidelines of a football game.

    The Knights (1-0) varsity football team will play the 4-time defending state champion Marion Local Flyers (1-0), at home, next Friday night at 7:00 PM.

    On Saturday morning, the Crestview Knights JV team hosted the Parkway Panthers.

    The Panthers started the game on offense. The Knights got a big sack on the third play of the game, forcing a punt. Crestview offense stalled out, after long completion from quarterback #9 Cooper Miller to wide receiver #11 Logan Matson.

    Knights TE/DL #84 Beckham Putman would put Crestview on the board first, with a scoop and score fumble recovery (2 pt attempt failed).

    Crestview Knights football scoreboard showing Knights 6, Guest 0, with 2:50 left in the third quarter.

    The Knights struggled in the first quarter with penalties. They had three offsides calls against them, including one that gave the Panthers a first down.

    In the second quarter, the Knights would get back on the board when an bad snap sailed high. RB/LB #25 Noah Mosier would scoop and score, for the defense to get their second touchdown of the half. (The 2 pt attempt would be successful), to make it a 14-0 game. Crestview would take that lead into halftime.

    Crestview Knights football scoreboard showing the score 14-0, with 9:51 remaining in the third quarter.

    The Knights would start the second half on offense HB/LB #32 Trenton Osborn slashed and gashed his way to a big run on the first play. On fourth down the Knights would commit another penalty. Illegal motion on 4th and 8. Parkway would get the stop on the next play.

    Knights QB #9 Cooper Miller was shaken up on a big hit the following drive and would be done for the rest of the game.

    Parkway would finally get on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass (2 pt attempt failed), to make it a 14-6 game in the 3rd quarter.

    Crestview Knights football game scoreboard showing Knights 14, Guest 6 with 7:40 left in the second quarter.

    In the fourth quarter, the Knights would attempt a fake punt on a fourth down, which the Panthers snuffed out easily.

    The Knights would force a fumble (I missed the number), on a fourth down attempt by Parkway.

    Crestview would finish the scoring for the day, with a trick play touchdown. Knights HB/LB Noah Mosier would score again. Breaking a tackle and taking it the house (2 pt attempt successful), making it a 22-6 game.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 22, Guest 6 at the end of a football game, with details of down, yards to go, and quarter.

    It was a sloppy game by the Knights. They struggled with penalties, and QB Cooper Miller threw 2 interceptions before leaving the game with injury.

    The Knights JV team (1-0) will travel down 49-S to take on the Fort Recovery Indians (unknown at press time), next Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    First 3 photos courtesy of…..Wyatt Photograhy.

    Number information courtesy of…..Crestview head coach Cole Hardesty media packet.

  • Powerhouse volleyball programs collide in early season clash.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team huddled together during a match, discussing strategy on the court.

    The Crestview Lady Knights opened their 2025 season at home against the New Bremen Cardinals.

    Two programs that are no strangers to state championships and deep playoff runs.

    Both teams also starting a lot of underclassmen on their varsity teams.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team stands in a line before a match, showcasing their team uniforms on the court.

    The Cardinals only have two seniors, in #4 Mary Rindler and #9 Allie Bornhorst with 9 girls either freshmen or sophomores.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team in a huddle on the court, preparing for the game.

    The Lady Knights only sport three seniors, #7 Emily Lichtle, #10 Lillie Best, and #21 Haley McCoy, with 7 girls being underclassmen.

    The Lady Knights lost the 1st set 25-19 to the visitors. Coach Gregory called a timeout in the 2nd set trailing 10-3. It got some momentum for the home team started.

    Both teams played a long volley back and forth in the 2nd set, which was won by Crestview to make it a 15-11 game. That would be the best for them in that set, as they eventually lost 25-16.

    A volleyball match in progress with players from both teams in action. The Crestview Lady Knights are in black uniforms, while the New Bremen Cardinals are in blue uniforms. A player from Crestview is jumping to hit the ball over the net.

    Down 2 sets to 0, the Lady Knights were hoping to recapture some of the magic they displayed against the Paulding Panthers on Tuesday. They went down 2-0, then came back to win 3 straight sets to bring home the victory.

    The Cardinals weren’t going to make it easy on them, scoring the first 5 points of the set, before Crestview got on the board, and took 3 straight points in return.

    The Knights student section was up and loud, cheering on the Lady Knights in the 3rd set.

    A large group of students and fans cheering in the stands during a high school volleyball game, showcasing team spirit with school colors and various expressions of excitement.

    It just wasn’t meant to be for the young Lady Knights on this night. Every time they got a bit of momentum, the Cardinals were quick to shut it down.

    They fell in the 3rd and final set 25-17.

    The Knights were led by #3 Kaci Gregory, who finished the game with 14/16 serving with 3 aces, as well as 8 digs and 6 kills.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team lineup, featuring players in blue jerseys, preparing for a match on the court.

    I first caught up with New Bremen Cardinals head coach Diana Kramer.

    It was the 2nd straight road win for the Cardinals; I asked her how she feels about the early season road wins and some positives coming out of it.

    “We’re in the gym a lot. There’s a lot of inexperience, a lot of young girls here. You got to trust your preparation and trust what you got to do in moments like this. The blockers did a good job controlling the net, which frustrated their hitters. I felt like outside of only one or two rotations; we were in control of most of the match.”

    She praised Coach Gregory, “With a great coach like Tammy on the sidelines, you have to bring your best.”

    Crestview Lady Knights and New Bremen Cardinals shaking hands after a volleyball match at Crestview.

    I spoke to Knights head coach Tammy Gregory shortly after the game, as well.

    I asked her what were some positives the team could take away from the loss?

    “Having good teams like this come here and compete is only going to teach our younger girls. We would get down, and we had to fight much harder to come back, because we were always down like five points. We had to waste a lot of energy to come back from that.”

    I brought up that there seemed to be a lot of miscommunications during the game.

    “We did just talk about that. I think we’ll have to take that with a more serious practice.”

    A volleyball coach stands on the sidelines with arms crossed, observing players on the court during a match. The gymnasium features a volleyball net and seating for spectators.

    The Lady Knights (1-1) are back in action at home against the Coldwater Cavaliers, on Tuesday August 26th, at 7:00 PM.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of…..Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory.

  • Lady Knights fall short in tough season opener.

    The Crestview Lady Knights girls soccer team lined up before the game, wearing blue and red uniforms on the field.

    The Crestview Lady Knights girls soccer team opened the 2025 season at home against the Ada Bulldogs.

    Game started with a lot of work at midfield by both teams. The Bulldogs got the first shot of the day at 38:18 of the first period. The Knights responded with a shot of their own at 36:35.

    The first goal of the game came #11 sophomore Avary Acheson at 33:15.

    The Bulldogs continued to put the pressure on Lady Knights goalie #96 Ella Lamb, but she stepped up and made stops at 28:51 and 28:26.

    Finally, Ada got the second goal of the game at 26:21, by #3 Alex Gibson.

    View of the Crestview Knights' bleachers with spectators, partially shaded by umbrellas, during a girls soccer game under a clear blue sky.

    Ada got off five straight shots off at 21:10, 19:11, 16:33, 15:45, and 11:43, keeping up the offensive pressure that would be the story of the game.

    Knights goalie Ella Lamb came up BIG with a double save while on the ground at 10:04 of the first half. She would finish the game with 22 saves.

    The Bulldogs would add two more goals at 3:08 and 1:10, to have a 4-0 lead at the half.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 0, Ada Bulldogs 4 with 2:48 remaining in the first half.

    (The 2:48 above is what was left at the halftime break when I snapped this picture)

    Ada would strike again quickly, scoring their fifth goal at 38:35. The Lady Knights would get shots off at 19:03 and 14:11.

    The Bulldogs would score their sixth and final goal of the game at 11:14 to take the victory and move to (2-0) on the season.

    Scoreboard displaying final score of Crestview Lady Knights 0, Ada Bulldogs 6 in a girls soccer match.

    After the game, I asked Lady Knights head coach Cindy Lamb, what are some positives that she can take away from today’s game?

    “We played a very physical and fast team. I think we know what we need to do against St. Johns because they play similar to Ada. So that’s going to help us prepare for the next game, knowing how we have to play, where to step up, where our holes are, and go from there.”

    Players from the Crestview Lady Knights and Ada Bulldogs soccer teams walk towards the field before the game, with trees and bleachers visible in the background.

    I asked her about goalie Ella Lamb’s aggressive playing style coming way out of the box to snag the ball. If that was coaching or just naturally how she plays.

    “She is naturally just an aggressive player. She wants the ball. She’s willing to sacrifice her body. She typically comes away with a lot of bruises in a game. She has it in her head. That ball is hers.”

    A group of Crestview Lady Knights girls soccer team members gathered for a discussion on the field, with their coach giving instructions while some players sit and others stand around.

    The Lady Knights (0-1) do it all over again tomorrow afternoon, at home, against the Delphos St. John Blue Jays.

    Game starts at 5:00 PM (EST).

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Subscribe, follow, and like, allsportsfan.com

    Player number information courtesy of…..maxpreps and crestviewknights.com

  • Houses divided in high school football showdown.

    Flags representing the Van Wert Cougars and Crestview Knights football teams are displayed on a grassy lawn, signaling community support for the local high school rivalry.

    Van Wert County, Ohio is a rural county with strong agricultural roots. Only 1% of the counties 410 square miles has been deemed “urban”. The Lincoln Highway Byway is a beautiful driving route, with many land markers and stops along the way. America’s very first free public county library was built here (Brumback Library). The Van Wert County courthouse, built in 1876, is a Gothic and Romanesque architectural marvel. I’ve visited multiple times.

    There is strong community support and spirit in the towns that dot the landscape. People greet each other by name. Know your family and help neighbors out in times of need.

    There’s only one thing that could divide families, and put friendships on hold for a few hours, and that is high school football.

    The two predominate football teams in Van Wert County are the Van Wert Cougars.

    Football players in red uniforms practicing on a green field under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

    and the Crestview Knights.

    High school football players in practice jerseys gather on the field under a clear blue sky, with trees and a scoreboard in the background.

    Parents and children are often related to someone from the other team. Friendships formed from youth sports, church events, pancake breakfasts, and other community events.

    So for that brief moment in time, when the helmets are put on. The chin straps are snapped on, and pads start popping, the trash talking starts. On this hot and clear, but beautiful summer evening, the friendly chirping was aplenty.

    Knight Pride vs Cougar Pride.

    A group of football players in blue and red uniforms huddled together on a grassy field, discussing strategies during a practice scrimmage.

    The 2025 football scrimmage game had both teams looking to clean some things up, lingering over from summer practice. Both teams hoping that this would be the start, of a return to the playoffs.

    The varsity starters played an entire first half of football.

    A high school football game in Van Wert County, Ohio, showing players in red and blue uniforms lined up at the line of scrimmage on a sunny day.

    On the first play, Knights HB Braxton Leeth busted through the middle for a 15-yard run. but it was to be short lived, as the Knights fumbled the football on the very next play.

    The Cougars couldn’t capitalize, as the Knights stopped them on a 4th down attempt.

    Van Wert QB #15, sophomore Zach Crummey missed a throw, to a wide-open receiver, that would’ve been a touchdown on Van Wert’s fourth offensive drive.

    A high school football scrimmage in Van Wert County, Ohio, with players from two teams lined up on the field. The scene shows a clear blue sky, green grass, and the scoreboard in the background.

    The defenses ruled, and after the first quarter of play, it was a 0-0 game.

    Finally, with 1:31 left to play in the half; the Cougars put the first points up on the board, when QB Zach Crummey scored on a quarterback draw from the 1-yard line, on a 3rd and 1.

    Scoreboard during a youth football game showing Crestview Knights 0, guest team 7, with 1:31 left in the quarter.

    The lead would be short lived for the visiting Van Wert Cougars as a mere 25 seconds later, the Crestview Knights would tie the game when senior QB #4 Huxley Grose connected on deep pass to senior WR #5 Hayden Perrott, with 1:06 left on the clock.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 7, Guest 7, with 1:06 remaining in the quarter.

    That would be it for the varsity football teams from both schools. Ending up in a 7-7 tie at the end of the half.

    The Knights outgained the Cougars in total yards 162 to 151. Both teams struggled on 3rd downs, going a combined 2 for 11.

    Knights QB Huxley Grose finished the half completing 5/9 for 89 yards.

    His counterpart Cougars QB Zach Crummey 9/14 for 60 yards.

    I spoke with Crestview head coach Cole Harting first after the game.

    A group of football players and coaches gathered in a huddle on a grassy field during evening practice.

    “I thought both teams played really hard. Both offenses were able to move the ball at times. We had a couple penalties here and there, so we got to clean that up. We got to get our snap game a little better, we had some bad snaps, but we should be OK. Braxton had a really nice game. He had a couple tough runs, and a couple deep runs. Obviously, Hayden Perrott had a nice game, and I thought Huxley played really nice.”

    I asked him specifically about the Knights defensive line getting lots of pressure on Cougars QB Crummey, mostly on the edge.

    “We have a little bit more experience on the edges there, and our kids are pretty athletic, so that bodes well for us on the perimeter.”

    Van Wert head coach Keith Recker has been leading the Cougars for 14 seasons, and led them to a state championship in 2020. I caught up with him after the game.

    Football team in red jerseys gathered for a huddle on a grassy field during a practice session.

    “Defensively we played well. We challenged them to really stop the run. They ran all over us last year with the same running back and a lot of the same offensive line. So, we challenged our linebackers to fill and keep their shoulders square. We did a really nice job against that.”

    I asked Coach Recker about #11 sophomore WR/DB Xavier Kelly, who was a 2024 Honorable Mention as a freshman.

    “Yeah, X does a great job and he’s only a sophomore. He can play a lot of different positions. We put him in at running back today because he can get a lot of touches that way.”

    Van Wert’s starting QB Zach Crummey is a big kid, at 6’6″. He showed some scrambling ability for a kid his size. I asked Coach Recker about his ability to move around.

    “Unfortunately, our pass pro broke down quite a bit and he had to be elusive, but I thought he showed that really well. We want to keep him healthy through the scrimmage and but he’s tough and he’ll do whatever he needs to when we get into the game.”

    High school football teams from Van Wert and Crestview shake hands after a scrimmage game on a grassy field under a clear sky.

    At the end of the day, there were hugs and handshakes by all. Players, coaches, and even the fans who came out to support their kids and teams. They’ll be seeing each other again. I know both teams will be represented at the Wren Homecoming Pie Eating Contest, in Wren, Ohio on Saturday at 2:15 PM.

    I wonder if it will be as competitive as last night’s game.

    – by Sean McKenzie.

    Subscribe, Like, and Follow….. allsportsfan.com.

    Stats courtesy of….. Chris Lutz.

  • Summer High School Football Crestview vs Antwerp Scrimmage.

    Crestview Knights football team in their blue jerseys gathered in a huddle on the field during practice at sunset.

    As summer break for kids starts coming to a close, fall high school sports season is about to kickoff.

    After a few weeks of those long, hot, dog day of summer practices against each other, teams are finally seeing how they stack up against other local area squads.

    On late Friday afternoon, I made the trip up US-49 (getting lost thanks to those detour signs), to Antwerp, Ohio to watch the Crestview Knights take on the Antwerp Archers.

    I wasn’t the only person who made the trip. I counted 69 parents and fellow students (including 5 members of the girls’ volleyball team), who all came out to support the football Knights.

    A group of spectators sitting in bleachers during a high school football scrimmage on a sunny afternoon.

    The starters for both teams opened the scrimmage on both sides of the ball. On the first play of the scrimmage, Antwerp jumped offsides. That was something they unfortunately struggled with often on this day.

    The 3rd offensive play, saw Knights HB Braxton Leetch score a TD on a long run over the right side.

    On the 2nd drive, the Knights had back-to-back high snaps. This is something they’re struggling with, as they search for a new center. QB Huxley Grose threw a TD the next play.

    Crestview started the third offensive drive by lining up offsides. That was a very brief setback, as the very next play, HB Braxton Leeth scored his second TD. This time a reception out of the backfield.

    Leeth would score not one, not two, not even three, but four TDs in this scrimmage, as well as deliver a big hit, that forced an incompletion on Antwerp’s second offensive drive.

    Football players from the Crestview Knights team gathered on the field during a scrimmage practice, with a focus on teamwork and strategy.

    Knights WR/DB Braxtyn Couts would also get on the board with a TD.

    The starters for the Knights dominated the Archers on both sides of the ball.

    The Archers answered back though once the backups got in, with a great TD catch by #10 Kane Hines, and #12 Zack Salas bulldozing his way into the endzone.

    To end the scrimmage, the starters played a full 12-minute quarter.

    #8 Cash Hammons had a pick-6 for the Knights defense, and the afore mentioned #2 Braxton Leeth, as well as, #7 Liam Putman had scores.

    Football players from the Crestview Knights team participate in a scrimmage against the Antwerp Archers under a clear blue sky, with spectators in the background.

    I got a brief interview with Knights head coach Cole Harting afterwards.

    “Obviously, I thought we did a lot of good things. We got a lot of kids’ reps tonight. Offensively, we found some stuff that could work. They played well and really executed well at times. We just let our athletes be athletes.”

    “On the defensive side of the ball, we did a really good job of rotating guys in. They had a couple of long drives, but we did a good job of rotating guys in and out. There’s obviously things to fix, but you know, we’ll go back and watch film and see what we can improve on.”

    He finished up the interview saying “I told the guys, I want us to be playing our best football Week 10. So, looking forward to watching the tape and seeing what we can fix for next week.”

    High school football players in jerseys line up on the field during a sunset, with spectators in the background and a communication tower in view.

    The Crestview Knights will scrimmage against the Van Wert Cougars next Friday afternoon, at 6:00 PM (EST) in Convoy.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Follow me on X (Twitter) @JoeAmerican6771 and @allsportsfancom.

  • Crestview Knights Football Season Preview.

    Scoreboard for the Crestview Knights football team at their home field, displaying game information.

    The small town of Convoy, Ohio is just 10 minutes from the Ohio/Indiana border in Van Wert County. With a population of only 1,002 (according to the 2024 census) it’s small town Americana. Mail is not delivered here. Instead, everyone in town is given a PO Box.

    It has a flower shop “The Secret Garden Floral and Gifts”, run by Jason and Nate. A coffee shop “The Rebel Bean” run by Jennifer, Amy, and Ashley; and ice cream shop “Convoy Tastee Freeze”, share the same building. My daughter is in love with Daily Dose drinks. Cheers and Gears Bar and Grill has great mozzarella sticks. that I just smash on.

    People are friendly, chatty, and always say “hello” when walking around and in the shops and churches.

    There’s only one stoplight in the whole town, and it’s at the school.

    It is home to the Crestview Knights.

    Two high school football players are practicing a tackling drill on a grassy field, with coaches and teammates observing in the background.

    3rd year head coach Cole Harting (in white shirt above) leads a team that returns 12 letter winners in total. 8 starters return on offense (mostly underclassmen) and 4 on defense.

    I watched the team practice for 4 days and sat down with the head coach who granted me an interview.

    With 2 of their first 3 games against their rivals, my first question was how he’ll keep his players focused on the games with all the trash talking that comes with these types of games?

    “I’m sure there is more than I know about, but for the most part, you know, the kids are just interested in playing, and they want to go out there and compete. And you know the biggest thing for us is we just want to get better you know. From game to game. So, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing, whether it’s’ a rival or not.”

    A printed document featuring the 2025 Crestview Knights football schedule with game dates and opponent names.

    Between those two games, in Week 2, Crestview plays the 4-time defending state champions and a team on a 64-game winning streak, in the Marion Local Flyers in their home opener.

    I asked Coach how he and the staff will scheme to match such a powerhouse school with personnel.

    “We’re going to run our stuff. Obviously, we’ll scout them. We’ll probably get to their first game and then maybe a scrimmage or so. We’ll tackle them like we do everybody else. See what they run, and we’ll see what we can do to stop them. I’m actually really excited for that game. It’s going to be a great game. They are the gold standard. If we want to get where we want to get to, I think it’s important to play teams like that.”

    High school football practice scene with players in blue jerseys on a grassy field, some in position preparing for drills.

    Something that I noticed in my 4 days of watching them at practice was that they were rotating a lot of players at the center position. So, I asked him about that.

    “Well, right now we’re returning 4 of our 5 starting linemen from last year. The one that was lost was actually our starting center. So right now, we’re just trying some different guys in that spot and see who can execute most consistently for us there.”

    Senior TE/DE #7 Liam Putman led the team in receptions and sacks last season. I asked Coach Harting, how he plans on keeping him fresh throughout the season.

    “You know, some kids just have the ability to play the whole game. We try our best to rotate guys in and out depending on certain circumstances. The biggest thing is keeping him fresh during the week. We don’t want to put too much on our two-way players throughout the week.

    High school football practice featuring players in blue and gray uniforms, with a coach observing as they simulate drills on a grassy field.

    The Knights start the final month of the regular season with back-to-back road games, against Bluffton and Columbus Grove. Two teams that made deep playoff runs last season.

    “You know, with high school kids the biggest thing is you go on these road trips, and once that bus leaves, the guys are focusing and thinking about the task at hand. Our kids aren’t messing around on the bus. They should be focused, locked in, preparing themselves for what’s ahead of them.” Coach Harting replied when I asked him about those games.

    A football practice session with players in blue uniforms gathered on a grassy field, discussing strategies with a coach in a white shirt.

    The 2024 Crestview Knights season was snake bitten by injuries. That led to a lot of young players getting pressed action. I asked Coach how that experience last season, benefited them coming into this season.

    “Anytime you have injuries, that’s a huge blow to your team. And in the moment, it’s tough to overcome. But when you kind of step back a little bit, it’s kind of a nice thing sometimes, where it gives kids opportunities to grow. So last year, obviously dealing with all those injuries, that was difficult, but it did give a lot of our kids chances to play.”

    A high school football player in a green practice jersey prepares to throw a football during practice, with another player in a blue jersey walking in the background.

    (Starting QB Huxley Grose, was forced into action last season due to injury. Started 6 games as a junior. He had a ROCKET side arm throw on Day 4, into a tight window.)

    Coach brought up the injury to star HB/DB #2 Braxton Leeth in particular.

    “Braxton Leeth got hurt last year, which forced us to play one of our freshmen at safety, Cash Hammons. And you know, he had his moments where he struggled a little bit, but after he got a few games under his belt, he started playing really well. Now as a sophomore, he has almost a full season of experience, you know, has paid huge dividends.”

    Speaking of Braxton, he was absolutely unstoppable on offense and defense. In my 4 days of watching practice, he was only stopped 2 times, and that was when he and Liam went head-to-head on a tackling drill. They split the 4 reps that I saw 2-2.

    A football player practices running drills on a grassy field, guided by a coach. Blue training equipment is visible in the background along with other players in practice.

    Listed at 6’0″ and 185 lbs. He certainly looks the part. He’s one of the fastest players on the field, and powerful enough to break the tackles of defensive lineman who weigh in at 235, 265, 230, and 245. There were multiple times where he was breaking through double and triple tackles.

    As a sophomore, Braxton rushed for over 1,200 yards. Even though he missed 4 games last season, he still rushed for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns.

    I asked Coach Harting if another 1,200 yard and double-digit touchdown season, is the bar for Braxton.

    “He holds himself to such a high standard. He thinks that he’s always going to get that. Every time he touches the ball, he thinks he’s going to score a touchdown. He refuses to be tackled. He’s got the speed, agility, and the vision. On your team, you have guys at different levels, and he’s just one of those guys. He’s all in when it comes to football. It shows in his work ethic. He’s been tremendous.”

    He continued to sing his praises.

    “When I got this job, I mean he never missed. He’s always here. He’s always looking to get better. The injuries last year were unfortunate, but he’s a tough kid and he battled back. I fully expect him to have a great year for us.”

    (High point catch in the corner of the endzone on Day 4 of practice.)

    A young football player jumps to catch a pass during practice, wearing a helmet and blue and red uniform against a clear sky with clouds.

    To end my one-on-one interview with Coach Harting; I asked him what his and the coaching staff’s expectations are for the 2025 season.

    “Our expectations are we’re going to continue to get better every single day. We’re going to chase excellence, and we’re going to do everything we can to put ourselves in positions to win games. There are a lot of great matchups throughout the season. We’re going to prepare every week, and we’re going to continue to grow week to week to week and be playing our best football come the weekend.”

    Something I noticed in practice was just how well the entire coaching staff interacted with the players. Especially, when the players had questions about the schemes, proper forms, and lining up. They were eagerly asking questions and whether it was OL Coach Kory Lichtensteiger or STC/Linebackers Coach Dylan Hicks, or any of them. The coaches were clear and hands on with instruction. It was great to see.

    A football coach instructs players during a practice session on a grassy field. Several athletes in football gear gather around, attentively listening and engaged in discussion.

    During my 4 days interacting with the team, I also interacted with coaches from other sports. I went to the Crestview “Meet the Teams” Assembly, for the fall sports teams, held in the HS/MS gym. It was completely full. Not a seat to be found. It was a pleasure to see the community come out to support not just the football team, but the wrestling, cross country, cheer, golf, soccer, and the volleyball team. The volleyball team, led by Coach Tammy Gregory, has finished first in the conference the last 3 straight seasons, as well as deep playoff runs in those seasons.

    The Knights have a deep and rich history in fall high school sports. I look forward to travelling and seeing them as often as possible this year.

    A large crowd of people standing in a gymnasium, with many in red and blue clothing, showing community support during a school assembly.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Information packet provided to me, courtesy of……Head Coach Cole Harting.