Tri-State Football high school rankings: Ohio D1

We are still two months away from the start of the 2012 high school football season in Southwest Ohio, but it’s never too early to start talking about rankings.

The first TriStateFootball.com rankings for Ohio Division I are out and despite falling short in the regional finals a year ago, the Moeller Crusaders are the area’s top-ranked team.

The mighty men of Moeller will be challenged by a talented Colerain and Middletown team as well as their GCL South foes, St. Xavier, among others.

Here’s a look at our initial preseason rankings:

1. Moeller (9-4)
How They Finished: Lost to St. Xavier in the Division I Region 4 Finals.
Looking Ahead: John Rodenberg has his deepest team yet at Moeller.

2. Colerain (10-2)
How They Finished: Lost to St. Xavier in Round 2 of the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: This is the most explosive offense that Tom Bolden has ever had. Only three starters return on defense but all have FCS offers.

3. St. Xavier (10-4)
How They Finished: Regional Champions, Lost to eventual state champion, Pickerington Central in Final Four
Looking Ahead: The skills players on the Bombers’ offense are talented, but everyone knows the Bombers win with defense.

4. Middletown (10-2)
How They Finished: Lost to Moeller in Round 2 of the playoffs
Looking Ahead: A fourth straight 10-win season for the Middies is definitely attainable with star quarterback Jalin Marshall leading the charge.

5. Wayne (6-4)
How They Finished: Did not make playoffs
Looking Ahead: If Warriors stay healthy this could be a magical campaign.

6. Centerville (7-4)
How They Finished: Lost to Middletown in Round 1 of the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Massive Elks are looking for a sixth straight post-season appearance.

7. LaSalle (7-3)
How They Finished: Started out 5-0 before 2-3 finish with losses to Moeller and St. X included.
Looking Ahead: The always optimistic, Tom Grippa loves the depth of athletes that the Lancers have.

8. Elder (2-8)
How They Finished: Finished one of the worst campaigns in school history by dropping 8 straight games.
Looking Ahead: They're back. A tough schedule is either going to make or break the resurgent Panthers.

9. Withrow (7-3)
How They Finished: Finished 5-1 inside CMAC, but only 2-2 out versus non-conference opponents.
Looking Ahead: Tigers return 17 starters, including an offensive line that averages 315 pounds.

10. Princeton (7-3)
How They Finished: Promising start diminished by losses to Sycamore, Mason and Middletown.
Looking Ahead: They are going to be a tough out if they get a solid showing at quarterback.

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