Athlete of the Week: Ryan Montgomery, Findlay High School

 Athlete of the Week: Ryan Montgomery, Findlay High School

Although the sophomore sensation doesn't bask in his own numbers, they were still impressive. 333 passing yards and a career-high six touchdowns against Fremont Ross

FINDLAY, Ohio — "First and foremost, I do anything and everything just to win because that's the main goal," Findlay sophomore quarterback Ryan Montgomery said. "I don't care what the stats are, I just want to win at all costs."

Montgomery proved that in Week 6 of the Ohio High School football season, leading the Trojans to victory over previously unbeaten Fremont Ross.


"That was a huge win, we needed that win for sure," Montgomery said. "We didn't start off too strong, struggling in different aspects of the game, especially on offense. We didn't find a groove yet and this game we really found what we're good at."

While the sophomore sensation doesn't bask in his own numbers, they were still impressive. 333 passing yards and a career-high six touchdowns.

"I thought I played pretty well, but it's a team game. I couldn't have done anything without the other 10 guys on offense," Montgomery said. "My lineman played great up front, I didn't really get hit all game, the protection was amazing. Receivers made plays and just shoutout to all of them because I don't want to take all the credit because they played a huge role."

Head coach Stefan Adams added "You did see the highest level of competitor come out of him a little bit more than usual. He wanted to make every single throw."

Montgomery's talent has been center stage even before he reached high school. With two years still to go before graduation, he's already received more than a dozen Division One offers which include Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State & Toledo.

Yet, you won't find this quarterback settling for anything.

"He loves to work. I think he truly believes that everything he does will help him to be successful individually and for his teammates as well," Adams said. "I've just been super impressed with his ability to put his head down and work."

Effort that has lead to production and most importantly belief.

"I just love having the ball in my hands, I'm super confident in myself," Montgomery said. "Super confident in our offense and I know I can make plays, it really showed Friday night."

Ryan Montgomery is our WTOL 11 Sports Athlete of the Week.

Band of the Week: Otsego High School Marching Band

Band of the Week: Otsego High School Marching Band
The Knights under the lights are our latest featured band.

WTOL 11 Band of the Week heads to Otsego for week seven to visit the 65 members of Otsego High School's marching band.

“It’s like a whole new system and everything so we’re getting used to everything, but I feel like it’s been a lot of hard work and this is well deserved,” snare drummer Neil Amborski said.

Principal Kevin O'Shea shared some interesting facts about the group. Several members of different families take the field together each week. Four band members might make you think you're seeing double, because Otsego's ranks include two sets of twins.

The entire band has put in the work to put together a great show.

“During band camp, it’s exhausting,” clarinet player Sofia Ellis said. “It’s been hard rebuilding after a COVID year when we didn’t really march that year.”

Friday is a special night for the Knights both past and present.

"This week is our homecoming game," O'Shea said. "And we look forward to welcoming back several alumni to perform with us during pregame, halftime and in the stands."

September 30, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday

September 30, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday

Perrysburg vs. Anthony Wayne
Maumee vs. Southview
Northview vs. Bowling Green
Napoleon vs. Springfield
Clay vs. Central Catholic
Lima Senior vs. Whitmer
St. John’s vs. Fremont Ross
Findlay vs. St. Francis
Elmwood vs. Eastwood
Rossford vs. Woodward
Perkins vs. Bellevue
Columbian vs. Clyde
Bowsher vs. Start
Defiance vs. Bath
McComb vs. Arlington
Liberty-Benton vs. Riverdale
Monroe vs. Bedford

WTOL 11 Sports EXTRA! with Jordan Strack: This week Jordan welcomes in Cam Coutcher, the Head Football Coach at Maumee High School. They talk about everything from Cam’s time as Jordan’s baseball coach, his transition to a football coach, and what’s next for the Maumee Panthers.

 

WTOL 11 Sports EXTRA! with Jordan Strack: This week Jordan welcomes in Cam Coutcher, the Head Football Coach at Maumee High School. They talk about everything from Cam’s time as Jordan’s baseball coach, his transition to a football coach, and what’s next for the Maumee Panthers.

Band of the Week: Maumee High School Marching Band

 Band of the Week: Maumee High School Marching Band

September 23, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday

 September 23, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday

Athlete of the Week: Adelle Francis, Perrysburg High School In a league matchup against Maumee, the senior netted five goals, becoming the Yellow Jackets all-time leading scorer.

Athlete of the Week: Adelle Francis, Perrysburg High School
In a league matchup against Maumee, the senior netted five goals, becoming the Yellow Jackets all-time leading scorer.

WTOL 11 Sports' Athlete of the Week is Perrysburg senior Adelle Francis.
"Right now, she's killing it," head coach Jorge Diaz said.
A swarm of goals has been the calling card for Francis, since she first stepped onto the varsity scene as a 9th grader.
"Rarely do I bring a freshman up to Varsity, but during the scrimmages prior to the start of the season, she was the leading scorer," Diaz said. "So, I said we need a weapon like her to help our team."

Francis added "I feel like I've grown a lot, not only physically, but game-wise as well."
In a league matchup against Maumee last week, the captain scored five times and set a new school record with 74 career goals.
"It means quite a lot to me," Francis said. "I don't think I could've done it without my teammates, my girls, because they played in a bunch of good balls. It's just a really exciting moment for me."
An achievement she doesn't take lightly. Knowing full well how quickly the game of soccer can be taken away.
"Last year, I struggled with health issues and I wasn't able to play with the girls and stuff," Francis said. "So, just being back with the team and being healthy is definitely a great feeling."
Despite missing games, the star striker still finished last season 1st team All-Ohio. A testament to her talent and a big reason why she's committed to play at Michigan State next year.
Before her trip up north, Francis is on a mission toward Columbus. Acting as a catalyst for the 3rd-ranked team in the state. Perrysburg Girls Soccer remains unbeaten with a record of 9-0-2.
"We're having a ton of fun," Francis said. "We click so well this year and we're all so eager to go out there and get a win, every game has so much energy."


http://hollyomlor.com/Podcasts/BBF_9_9_22_480.mp4

WTOL 11 Sports EXTRA! with Jordan Strack: This week Jordan sits down with Todd Drusback, head football coach at Rossford High School

 WTOL 11 Sports EXTRA! with Jordan Strack: This week Jordan sits down with Todd Drusback, head football coach at Rossford High School

 

Athlete of the Week: Connor Smith, Gibsonburg High School

Athlete of the Week: Connor Smith, Gibsonburg High School

Band of the Week: Rossford High School Marching Band

 Band of the Week: Rossford High School Marching Band

September 16, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday:

 September 16, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday

Athlete of the Week: Mason Heintschel, Clay High School. In his third career start, the sophomore signal caller put up six touchdowns to go with over 430 total yards.

 

Athlete of the Week: Mason Heintschel, Clay High School. In his third career start, the sophomore signal caller put up six touchdowns to go with over 430 total yards.

OREGON, Ohio — A performance to remember in Week Three for Clay quarterback Mason Heintschel, earns him WTOL Athlete of the Week presented by Dave's Running!

"It's been awesome to watch him," head coach John Galyas said. Heintschel added "Getting the ball to my playmakers, line blocked really well. Just getting the ball to my guys and letting them make plays. A lot of fun getting the ball to our playmakers."

In his third career start, the sophomore signal caller put up six touchdowns to go with over 430 total yards. Guiding the Eagles to a 50-37 win against Springfield.

"Helps so much, being able to take that off my shoulders and just move onto the next week," Heintschel said. "Knowing that I'm able to put up stats like that, it feels great knowing I can do that."

Galyas adds "What Mason can do as far as seeing the field and extending plays, we obviously saw it against Springfield."

Clay's offense has soared out of the gates with Heintschel behind center. Averaging more than 43 points per game which has helped guide the team to a 3-0 start.

"That's what we wanted coming in, we wanted to have a great start and just keep it going," Heintschel said. "I didn't know we were going to put this many points on the board, but it's been fun."

Hard to believe, with their early season success, that Heintschel is a first-year starter. Yet, it's easy to recognize why he's so coveted. 

"His composure and his poise for being that young, definitely impresses you," Galyas said. "Anybody who sees him, he's a pretty cool customer."

WTOL 11 Sports Film Room: In episode 4, Jordan Strack sits down with veteran Ottawa Hills head coach Chris Hardman to discuss his more than 40 years of coaching. On his 71st birthday, Hardman reflects

 In episode 4, Jordan Strack sits down with veteran Ottawa Hills head coach Chris Hardman to discuss his more than 40 years of coaching. On his 71st birthday, Hardman reflects on his incredible coaching career with the Green Bears.wn

Band of the Week: Start High School Marching Band

 

It’s time to pay a visit to Start High School, home of the Spartans and home of our fourth Band of the Week.

Like most marching bands, Start students believe in traditions. Theirs is a wacky one.

“Whenever we win, it’s fun for the band because have our little tradition," flutist Rebecca Consani said. "If we’re in our full uniforms we put our helmets backwards. It’s interesting to march with.”

The 32 members of the Start High School Spartan Marching Band work hard to do their best for their team and for each other on and off the field.

“Sometimes it can be family, sometimes it can be we want to rip each other’s throats out," snare drummer Manny Wagner said. "But at the end of the day, as long as we sound good, there’s no complaints.”

September 9, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday:

 

September 9, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday:

1. Whitmer vs. Anthony Wayne
2. Olentangy Orange vs. Central Catholic
3. St. John’s vs. Perrysburg
4. Start vs. St. Francis
5. Findlay vs. Bowling Green
6. Fremont Ross vs. Sandusky
7. Brush vs. Southview
8. Bowsher vs. Northview

BREAK ONE

Friday Feature: Wauseon football story from Tyler

BREAK TWO

1. Liberty Center vs. Otsego
2. Perkins vs. Port Clinton
3. Carey vs. Waite
4. Lakota vs. Northwood
5. Pioneer vs. Bedford

WTOL 11 Sports Film Room:This week Jordan Strack welcomes in Southview first-year head football coach Steve Hardy. He's got the Cougars off to a 3-0 start and this week, they begin NLL play.

 This week Jordan Strack welcomes in Southview first-year head football coach Steve Hardy. He's got the Cougars off to a 3-0 start and this week, they begin NLL play.

Band of the Week: St. Francis de Sales School Marching Band

 Band of the Week: St. Francis de Sales School  Marching Band

September 2, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday

 September 2, 2022: Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Big Board Friday