ARCHBOLD, Ohio — Archbold overview:
2023 Record: 10-2 (Advanced to 2nd Round of Playoffs)
Head Coach: David Dominique (10th year)
Top Returning Players:
David Oregon, Senior DL (1st Team All-NWOAL)
Eddie Yoder, Senior LB (2nd Team All-NWOAL)
2024 Schedule:
WEEK 1 8/23 vs. Genoa
WEEK 2 8/30 @ St. Henry
WEEK 3 9/6 vs. Tinora
WEEK 4 9/13 @ Liberty Center*
WEEK 5 9/20 vs. Delta*
WEEK 6 9/27 @ Evergreen*
WEEK 7 10/4 @ Swanton*
WEEK 8 10/11 vs. Wauseon*
WEEK 9 10/18 @ Patrick Henry*
WEEK 10 10/25 vs. Bryan*
*Denotes Northwest Ohio Athletic League game
Week One of Big Board Friday begins on Aug. 23 and in the NWOAL, Archbold is picked to finish 3rd among member coaches.
Three years removed from the league title in 2021, the Blue Streaks are motivated to rise back to the top.
"It's a lot more physical than last year," senior Eddie Yoder said. "Last year, everybody had been playing varsity for a while and had their spots set in stone, so no one had to compete. This year, everybody is young and getting ready to play in their first game."
It'll be a challenge this season. They will not only attempt to dethrone two-time defending champion Liberty Center, but also have to replace 22 seniors.
"These guys have a chip on their shoulder," head coach David Dominique said. "When you lose a big senior class, a lot of people don't think you're going to be very good. But the expectations are sky high for these guys and they're willing to prove, put the work in to show people that we belong in the top echelon of our league."
If there's a program to bank on having success, this program has proven to fit the bill. Archbold has won seven or more games in each season dating back to 2017.
Although a deep playoff run is the ultimate goal, regaining the title of league champion remains a priority.
"We're very excited, we didn't like the outcome of last season," senior David Oregon said. "We're ready to show everyone we haven't lost a step even with all those seniors leaving last year."
The Blue Streaks lost twice last year at home: 42-14 to Liberty Center and 28-14 to Coldwater in playoffs.
MORE FROM WTOL 11 BIG BOARD FRIDAY: