Oak Harbor football rocketed to the top of the Northern Buckeye Conference in the program's first year competing in the league in 2023.
The Rockets appear to have re-fueled for another run at an NBC title in their second season in the conference.
Four NBC teams — Oak Harbor, Eastwood, Genoa, and Otsego — qualified for the playoffs last season.
Oak Harbor (12-1 overall) went undefeated in the NBC (7-0). The Rockets won their first 12 games and reached the Division V regional semifinals, before losing to eventual state runner-up Liberty Center.
Oak Harbor coach Mike May said his team's goals were to win the league title in its last season in the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division in 2022 and its first season in the NBC.
“We were fortunate to accomplish both of those goals and are looking forward to competing in the NBC moving forward,” he said.
The Rockets survived a gauntlet late in the regular season with consecutive wins over Otsego (49-21), Genoa (21-0), and Eastwood (35-21) to secure the title.
Eastwood (9-3 overall, 6-1 NBC) reached the second round of the D-V playoffs, while Genoa (7-4, 5-2) also qualified for the D-V postseason. Otsego (4-7, 4-3) also qualified for the playoffs.
Maumee, which also joined the NBC last season, broke a 34-game losing streak.
“Our conference is extremely talented and tough,” Maumee coach Evan Karchner said. “We have a lot of solid football teams that compete very hard on a week-to-week basis. In our conference, you have to bring your best game every Friday if you want to be successful.”
Here are five things to know about Northern Buckeye Conference football this fall.
Must-see game
Oct. 18: Eastwood at Oak Harbor.
The 2024 NBC championship will very likely be on the line in this penultimate game of the regular season. The Rockets burst into the league with a title and appear to have the tools to repeat. Eastwood, which had won six of 13 NBC titles since the league's inception, looks to climb back to the top in coach Sam Cotterman's second season. Oak Harbor has its QB and top lineman back, while the Eagles also have experience at quarterback and wide receiver. The Rockets won 35-21 on the road last season.
Best offensive player
Oak Harbor senior quarterback Michael Lalonde threw for 1,758 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. A three-year starter, Lalonde has full command of an offense that averaged more than 44 points per game and is a very accurate passer. Lalonde earned a spot on the Division V second team on offense and as a defensive back. The free safety is the Rockets' QB on defense, as well. He brings confidence to both sides of the ball.
“Michael is a great leader for us and a great competitor,” May said. “Michael has full command of our offense and is a very accurate passer. On defense, he makes all of our strength calls and adjustments. Michael brings a ton of confidence to our team on both sides of the ball.”
Also in the running: Maumee senior RB Cody Wulf, Eastwood senior QB Kadyn Donnell, and Eastwood senior WR Andre Lewis.
Best defensive player
Oak Harbor senior defensive lineman Jacob Ridener returns after earning All-Ohio first-team honors for the second straight season. The 6-foot-0 and 215-pound offensive and defensive lineman also earned a spot on the All-Blade team and was the district defensive lineman of the year in D-V. Ridener led the Rockets with 84 tackles, including 16 sacks.
Also in the mix: Eastwood senior lineman Paul Lautzenheiser and Fostoria junior cornerback Lance Miller.
Biggest questions
■ Can Oak Harbor replicate its success with the return of some of the top skilled athletes in the league?
■ Can the Rockets overcome the loss of a host of key linemen?
■ How much improvement will Eastwood see in its second season under coach Sam Cotterman?
■ Will Genoa's depth at the skill positions give the Comets the ability to challenge Oak Harbor for the title?
■ Can Maumee continue to turn around the fortunes of the program under coach Evan Karchner?
■ Can former Eastwood coach Craig Rutherford provide an instant boost at Otsego?
■ How many NBC teams will qualify for the playoffs by staying healthy during a brutal NBC schedule?
How we see it
Oak Harbor will win the NBC title outright once again. Eastwood will win all of its other league games and will battle the Rockets on the road, only to finish one game back in the standings. Genoa could play the spoiler role but the Comets fall just short on the road at OH and Eastwood. Maumee moves up the standings with home wins over Genoa and Otsego. Four NBC teams will once again make the playoffs.
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