By Doug Haidet ASHLAND – It would be easy to view them as a trio of dominoes loaded with football talent, tipping over along a pathway to Ashland University. Ashland High School senior linebacker Gunner Lacey announced his commitment in mid-January to suit up for the Eagles. A few weeks later, his classmates – lineman Budda Martin and kicker Carson O’Brien – made the decision to follow in his footsteps. Ever the entertaining conversationalist, Martin thought about the situati

By Doug Haidet ASHLAND – He probably never really had the time to think about all the ways it made perfect sense. Gunner Lacey was too busy setting the Ashland High School record for tackles and becoming the first defensive player in team history to be named a first-team All-Ohioan twice. So the right moment for deep deliberation likely never arose. But last Thursday, on his official visit to Ashland University, it seemed like fate had finally arrived. Over time, becoming an

By Doug Haidet CUYAHOGA FALLS – There were enough narratives for the 2025 Walsh Jesuit football team to fill a semi-truck. * Monster season-opening win over an eventual state runner-up? Check. * Home win streak stretched to 24 games and still counting? Check. * Finally knocking off bitter nemesis and powerhouse Hoban in the playoffs? Check. * Final 11-2 record despite the second-toughest schedule of any Division II team in Ohio? Check. * Boasting the most seniors in team hist

By Doug Haidet CUYAHOGA FALLS – Nobody will ever say Marty Tobin isn’t a great author. With his college football destination still up in the air and a daunting postseason path in front of him, the Walsh Jesuit senior penned one of the finest final chapters of anyone in his school’s football history. A vital piece to a Warriors’ team playing one of the toughest schedules in all of Ohio this season, Tobin’s 1,856 rushing yards in 2025 are the third-most in Walsh Jesuit’s record