Waynesville, Carlisle picked to fight for title

Carlisle earns top spot despite losing 20 seniors.

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By John Bombatch, Staff Writer 2:05 AM Sunday, August 21, 2011

It’s unanimous among the coaches in the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division that the title race will come down to defending champ Carlisle and perennial contender Waynesville.

The Spartans edged out the Indians by just one point (46-45) in the preseason poll.

“I think the coaches chose us because they saw that we have a lot of returning starters, and we’re very appreciative of their votes,” Waynesville head coach Brandon Philpot said. “But until we beat the champs, it’s still Carlisle’s league championship to lose. They always have a lot of good athletes over there, so we know we’ve got to beat them if we want to win the division title.”

Carlisle won a close 28-24 battle in Waynesville last season. The win came despite a 240-yard rushing performance by Waynesville quarterback Luke Creditt.

Most of the stars from the Indians’ title winning team graduated, but Creditt is back, along with 2010 SWBL Defensive Lineman of the Year Isaac Hammonds and two-time all-Ohio place-kicker Caleb Keeton.

“Seeing how we graduated 20 seniors, it’s nice to see we are still respected,” Carlisle coach Bill Jewell said. “Now our boys need to work hard to keep that respect.”

Waynesville earned four first-place votes, Carlisle received three.

Milton-Union (32 points) was picked third, followed by Dixie (27), Madison (21), Preble Shawnee (13) and Northridge (12).

“We’re obviously honored to be selected as the division’s preseason champ,” Waynesville’s Philpot said. “But what goes along with that is the challenge of living up to that prediction.

“If you don’t play football on the field, none of this will matter.”

Carlisle hosts Waynesville Sept. 16 at Doc Laughlin Field in the SWBL Buckeye opener for both teams.

SWBL Buckeye Division poll

(First-place votes in parentheses)

Waynesville (4) 46

Carlisle (3) 45

Milton-Union 32

Dixie 27

Madison 21

Preble Shawnee 13

Northridge 12

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