Ohio High School Football 2007 Preview: Hilliard Davidson

Hilliard Davidson High School is located in Hilliard, Ohio, just north of Columbus. It is one of two high schools in the Hilliard City School District. With just over 2,000 students, it is the smaller of the two (the other high school, Hilliard Darby High, has over 2,300 students). The school's mascot is the Wildcat. Their colors are white and royal blue.

Hilliard Davidson Football

In 2006 the Hilliard Davidson Wildcat Varsity Football Team has a lossless year, winning all 10 season games and five in the OCC Buckeye Division. They went on to win several honors including the Division I Region 4 Championship, the OCC Buckeye Division Conference, and the Division I State Championship.

The team was lead by several seniors, including running backs Tyler Young, Grant Richter, and Brad McKinley, defensive and offensive linesmen including Patrick Baker, Eric Canale, Andy Damante, Josh Cunningham, and Alek Stemen, and tight ends Tyler Backstrom and Cory Riffe. Bo Delande, who ran 236 yards to score five touchdowns during the championship game against the Mentor Cardinals, was a huge asset to the team. JB Strahler, tight end and linebacker, will also be missed from the team. During the 2006 regional semifinal against Upper Arlington Strahler completed a 21-yard reception and an 18-yard reception.

In 2005 the team won all ten games in the regular season and all five of the OCC Buckeye Division. They won the OCC Buckeye Division Conference.

The Hilliard Davidson 2007 Team

The Hilliard Davidson Wildcats are expected to have another good season. While the losses of 2006 team's players like Bo Delande and JB Strahler will leave some large gaps to be filled, the hope is that the experience the younger members of that team gained by playing the championship game will help them fill those gaps.

Many of Hilliard Davidson's star players who played in the State Championship games will be returning for the 2007 team. Runningback Drew Dolder will be an asset to the team. During the Division I state semifinal game against Colerain in 2006 Dolder tackled the opposing team's quarterback in the end zone for a safety, greatly contributing to the Wildcat's victory.

Kicker/punter Colby Catlett will also be returning for the 2007 season as a senior. During the 2006 championship game against the Cardinals, Catlett scored 4 extra points. These extra points can not be overlooked since the Wildcats defeated the Cardinals during the game's second overtime, and only won by one point.