Guiton isn't yet ready to take over for Tom Herman, but it's easy to see why Urban Meyer wants to keep his backup QB around as a graduate assistant.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Five thoughts on Ohio State in our Buckeye Brunch.

1. Kenny Guiton is going to be a coach, and he’s going to be a good one. Urban Meyer said last week that the Ohio State backup quarterback needs to raise his GPA in order to be a graduate assistant next season, and it’s clear that Meyer wants him around. On a recent conference call, Mel Kiper Jr. floated the idea of Guiton getting an NFL look as a backup quarterback, and I think he’ll be in someone’s camp as a free agent. Former USC backup Matt Cassel made a career in the NFL after never starting in college, so now everyone thinks college backups can step into the pros. Guiton was a two-time Big Ten player of the week this season, so no offense to what Guiton has done, but I don’t see it at the next level. With smarts and hard work, he maximized everything he had to play well at this level, but I don’t think he’s a pro guy. I do think he’s a coach.

“Hopefully, I hope so,” Guiton said when I asked him this week if he’d be coaching a year from now. “I have told the coaches I want to do the coaching thing, so I hope so.”

And he hopes it’s at Ohio State.

“I need like point one,” Guiton said of his GPA. “I’ve got to do something.”

There are plenty of good reasons to think offensive coordinator Tom Herman will be moving along to a head coaching job sooner than later, so maybe Guiton can position himself to step in as a mid-20s guy running an offense.

“I hope so. That would be fun,” Guiton said.

That, obviously, is a stretch. But seeing a guy that coaches have called the most selfless player and one of the best teammates they have ever seen succeeding as a college coach? That makes perfect sense.

2. Indy Star columnist Bob Kravitz called this week for the firing of Indiana defensive coordinator Doug Mallory. The Hoosiers are last in yards and points given up in the Big Ten, allowing 40 more yards per game than Illinois and 90 more than Purdue. The Hoosiers were aiming for a bowl game this season, but at 4-6, it’s not going to happen. This is another team held back by being half a team, with only one side of the ball that can compete. Head coach Kevin Wilson knows offense, but with this kind of defense, it’s hard to disagree with Kravitz.

3. I don’t hunt, and I wouldn’t normally read a hunting story. But the level of detail in this tale of bagging a 24-point buck, as told by John Kampf, who also covers the Buckeyes for The News-Herald, makes it worth a read.

4. Urban Meyer always says he doesn’t redshirt guys. If you are good enough, you play. So it was interesting this week to hear him lament some decisions to redshirt some of these freshmen that the Buckeyes could use now. For instance, backup corners Gareon Conley and Eli Apple haven’t played, and burning a redshirt season now by putting them in would be a waste. But Ohio State could use a few more guys on special teams with the injuries the Buckeyes have dealt with.

“Probably made some errors,” Meyer said. “The defensive skill guys at the end of the day, they just weren't ready yet. We've done it. Everybody has done it. In the end of the year he plays 37 plays. Was that really worth it? If we have confidence in a lot of these young players, you just watch them, there's potential for really good careers.

"Was it a tactical error? Maybe.”

5. Is this a decent rap about Ohio State? I was going to ask Ari about it, since he listens to rap while writing every story he’s every worked on, and he and Zack ran through 2,000 songs on our drive to Purdue trying to find what kind of rap and hip-hop I like. I think there's a line in here that says, "I'm a smooth white guy that Urban ad-Meyer me," so I don't know, maybe. You decide on the effort by Cameron Grey.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Three football players from Northeast Ohio were named to the list of the nation’s top juniors by ESPN. St. Edward’s Shaun Crawford and David Dowell joined Benedictine’s Jerome Baker on the latest update of the ESPN 300 for the Class of 2015, released Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Three football players from Northeast Ohio were named to the list of the nation’s top juniors by ESPN.

St. Edward’s Shaun Crawford and David Dowell joined Benedictine’s Jerome Baker on the latest update of the ESPN 300 for the Class of 2015, released Wednesday.

See ESPN’s full list here.

Who are some of the other top players in Northeast Ohio's Class of 2015? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Crawford, a wide receiver and defensive back for the Eagles who is already committed to Michigan, came in at No. 73 overall and listed as No. 7 among athletes. Dowell, a wide receiver, is ranked No. 98 in the class and No. 23 among wide receivers.

Baker, a running back and linebacker for the Bengals, is ranked No. 166 overall, but is the No. 8 outside linebacker in the class according to ESPN.

Thirteen players from Ohio are included in the ESPN 300 for the Class of 2015, with Cincinnati St. Xavier linebacker Justin Hilliard ranking the highest at No. 34.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

GM Chris Antonetti will always listen to a trade proposal, regarless of who it involves.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Cards are looking for upgrades at shortstop and have been rumored to be in the mix for either Troy Tulowitzki or Jed Lowrie. Have the Indians contacted St. Louis at all to discuss a possible trade for Asdrubal Cabrera? Please tell me they are doing their due diligence. Do you think they would part with Matt Adams and a PTBNL? – Jason Tucher, Indianapolis.

Hey, Jason: I don’t think the Indians are actively trying to trade Cabrera, but if a team such as the Cardinals asks about him, they’ll listen because that’s what GM Chris Antonetti gets paid to do. It’s his job to evaluate all offers that could possibly make the Indians better.

Cabrera’s name has been linked to the Cardinals in the past, but since he’s entering the final year of his contract, and can be a free agent after the 2014 season, his value isn’t as high as it would have been if the Indians had traded him before the 2013 season.

If the Indians do trade Cabrera, especially to St. Louis, I think they have to get pitching in return. They have needs in the rotation and bullpen. Adams would be nice, but I believe pitching is a priority.

The Cardinals aren’t the only team looking for shortstop. The Mets and Pirates are as well. It’s also been reported that the Rockies do not want to trade Tulowitzki.

Hey, Hoynsie: Just wondering why the Indians are folding in their attempts to keep players like Scott Kazmir, Joe Smith, Matt Albers and Rich Hill. With Ubaldo Jimenez basically gone, shouldn't it be easier to sign them now? – Nick Barkley, Knoxville, Tenn.

Hey, Nick: It’s still early in the offseason and I don’t think the Indians have run up the white flag on any of the free agents you mentioned, but they do have issues. I think length of contract, especially in regard to Kazmir and Smith, is a barrier. Smith is looking for a three-year deal and it doesn’t sound as if the Indians want to go beyond two. Kazmir is looking for a two or three-year deal and I think the Indians are more comfortable with a one-year deal, perhaps with an option, just because of their concerns with his durability.

The closer we get to the winter meetings in December, the more the market for those players will evolve.

Hey, Hoynsie: What are the chances that the Indians take a look at Adam Dunn via trade? He's in the last year of his contract, and if the White Sox pay part of it ($15 million), I can live with 180-200 K's if he hits 35 HRs with 75+ walks. – Adam Primmo, Strongsville.

Hey, Adam: I know Boston won the World Series with a roster that struck out more times than just three other teams in the American League. I also know it’s a lot easier to say you can live with 200 strikeouts in November than it is in July.

If the Indians are going to make a substantial investment this winter, they need to do it on the pitching side of things. Especially when you consider that they could lose Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir from the rotation and Joe Smith, Matt Albers and Rich Hill from the bullpen. By releasing closer Chris Perez when they did, they cannot resign him until May 15.

On top of that, I’d much rather give Dunn’s 500 to 600 at-bats to Carlos Santana.

Hey, Hoynsie: Considering the general consensus that Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir will depart, and the Indians will go after another starter from outside the organization, who do you think they’ll try to land? – Nick Green, Antigua, Fla.

Hey, Nick: The Indians have four starters in Justin Masterson, Danny Salazar, Corey Kluber and Zack McAllister. Candidates to fill the fifth sport from within include Carlos Carrasco, Josh Tomlin and Trevor Bauer. Still, the Indians would like to add a veteran free agent starter.

They tried to do that last year with Brett Myers, but his right elbow was never sound. They had interest in Tim Hudson until he signed a two-year $23 million deal with the Giants. Former Indians Bartolo Colon and Jake Westbrook are on the market along with several other starters that fit in that category.

Right now I think the Indians are going to wait until they bigger names on the pitching market sign. Then they’ll take a look at who is still available.

With C.J. Miles expected to start at shooting guard tonight in place of a healthy Dion Waiters, Brown said he's not sure if this is the lineup he'll stick with longterm.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – The Cavaliers have started five different lineups through the first 11 games of the season, but coach Mike Brown isn't ready to commit to this latest iteration – with C.J. Miles at shooting guard.

"I can't say anything is temporary or permanent right now," Brown said. "We're just going to coach and go by feel until we feel like, 'You know what? We're going to try to roll with this for a little bit.' There's nothing permanent in this business."

Dion Waiters is expected to come off the bench tonight against Washington, a new role for the shooting guard after he missed two games because of illness.

While Waiters never started a game while at Syracuse, he's said he prefers to start, and made that a distinct goal during last year, his rookie season.

But Brown said he's not going to provide any special counseling sessions to Waiters, even if his move to the bench lasts awhile.

"Dion's bought into everything we've asked him to," Brown said. "I'm going to coach him like I coach everybody else."

Probable starters: Cavs -- F Tristan Thompson, F Alonzo Gee, C Andrew Bynum, G C.J. Miles, G Kyrie Irving. Wizards -- F Martell Webster, F Nene, C Marcin Gortat, G Bradley Beal, G John Wall.

Injuries: Cavs -- Carrick Felix (sports hernia) and Tyler Zeller (sprained right ankle) are out. Wizards – Chris Singleton (left foot fracture) and Otto Porter (right hip flexor) are out. Trevor Ariza (strained right hamstring) and Al Harrington (sore right knee) are questionable.

Officials: Derrick Stafford, Brian Forte, Eli Roe.

Up next for Cavs: Friday at New Orleans. 

Demetrius Treadwell, not at practice for the Akron Zips; immediate future unknown for the 6-7, 235-pound product of Euclid High.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- No Demetrius Treadwell at practice Wednesday adds some noise to a quiet time for Akron Zips basketball,

"He wasn't here,'' head coach Keith Dambrot said. "We've had guys miss (practice) before. It's not the first time and he's not the first player we have been through this with. ''

The team does not play again until Dec. 7 vs. Cleveland State, and with a losing record early, definitely has some thing to work on, particularly in the backcourt. Baseline play is a team strength, but only time will tell if Treadwell's current issue is an early season hiccup, or a major domino about to fall.

"When you have guys going through their struggles, the best you can do is stand behind them and hopefully get them through it,'' Dambrot said.

Perhaps it is suddenly being the face of a successful program, perhaps it is just the byproduct of a 1-2 start for a team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament last season and has won the regular season Mid-American Conference title the last two years, but head coach Keith Dambrot confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Treadwell has struggled in recent days and was not at practice Wednesday.

Treadwell, a preseason All- MAC first team pick out of Euclid High, and one of the favorites for MAC Player of the Year, has had games of 13, 17 and six points to start the season. While his averages of 12.0 points and 7.7 rebounds a game are in line with his production from last season, the 6-7, 235-pound forward is finding them tougher to get.

As the new focus of attention, and without the departed 7-0 Zeke Marshall and point guard Alex Abreu, the relentless baseline player is discovering what it is like to be the front man.

Treadwell, 22, spent this summer on a European basketball excursion where he showed the leadership the Zips expected to carry over to the 2013-2014 campaign.

"These issues are tough on players, and get tougher with this instant analysis, instant news, internet cycle we live in right now,'' Dambrot said. "One way or another, it always works out. Hopefully this one does to.''

Get ready for OSU-Indiana and the rest of the action in the league this weekend.

CLEVELAND,

Their guest this week is BTN.com writer Tom Dienhart. They will talk about what's going on around the league, including the big showdown between Illinois and Purdue for last place.

And don't miss this week's Ohio State Insider Show, which streams live at 12:30 each Wednesday and can be watched in archive form afterward. This week's guest was Andy Staples of SI.com.

The Indians add second hitting coach, Matt Quatraro, to big league staff.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It’s official. The Indians will have two hitting coaches in the 2014 season.

The news of Matt Quatraro being hired as assistant hitting coach surfaced last week at the general managers meetings in Orlando, Fla. The Indians formally announced the hiring Wednesday.

Quatraro, 40, spent 19 years with the Tampa Bay Rays as a player, manager, coach and hitting coach. He will assist hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo, who completed his first year on the job this past season on manager Terry Francona’s coaching staff.

The Rays drafted Quatraro in the eighth round in 1996. He played seven seasons, reaching Class AAA Durham in 2002. He managed in Tampa Bay’s minor league system from 2006 through 2009 after beginning his coaching career in 2004.

Quatraro has been the Rays minor league hitting coordinator since 2010.

The Indians are one of several teams in the big leagues to use two hitting coaches.

Veteran utility man Cord Phelps was designated for assignment to make room for new 40-man addtions Bryan Price, Austin Adams, Jesus Aguilar, Carlos Moncrief and Erik Gonzalez.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians added five players to their 40-man major league roster Wednesday in anticipation of the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 12 at the winter meetings.

They purchased the contracts of right-handers Bryan Price (Class AAA Columbus), Austin Adams (Class AA Akron), infielder Jesus Aguilar (Class AA Akron), outfielder Carlos Moncrief (Class AA Akron) and infielder Erik Gonzalez (Class A Carolina).

To make room for the new additions, utility man Cord Phelps was designated for assignment.

By adding Price, Adams, Aguilar, Moncrief and Gonzalez to the 40-man roster, it means they are protected from the Rule 5 draft. If newly-signed free agent outfielder David Murphy passes his physical Thursday, , he will be added to the 40-man and another move with have to be made.

The deadline for setting the 40-ma roster with players from within each team’s organization is midnight Wednesday.

Here is a brief look at the new additions.

-Price compiled a 2.04 ERA with four saves in 47 games between Columbus and Akron. Price, 27, is currently pitching winter ball in Venezuela and has a 1.89 ERA.

-Adams, 27, went 3-2 with four saves and a 2.62 ERA in 45 appearances at Akron.

-Aguilar, 23, hit .275 with 16 homers and 105 RBI at Akron. He’s currently tearing it up for Caracas in Venezuela where he’s tied for the league lead with 10 homers and ranks second in RBI with 31.

-Moncrief, 25, hit .284 with 26 doubles, seven triples, 17 homers and 77 RBI at Akron.

-Gonzalez, 22, hit .254 with 32 doubles, 12 triples, nine homers and 76 RBI between Class A Lake County and Carolina. He’s hitting .351 for Escogido in the Dominican Republic this winter.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A who's who of the area's top boys basketball teams and players visited the Northeast Ohio Media Group offices Tuesday night for the second of two Media Day events. Players and coaches from 10 local teams attended Tuesday, filming team videos and one-on-one player spotlight interviews that will run throughout the boys basketball season, taking pictures,...

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A who's who of the area's top boys basketball teams and players visited the Northeast Ohio Media Group offices Tuesday night for the second of two Media Day events.

Players and coaches from 10 local teams attended Tuesday, filming team videos and one-on-one player spotlight interviews that will run throughout the boys basketball season, taking pictures, filling out profile sheets, and more.

Among Tuesday's attendees was Ohio State signee Dave Bell of Garfield Heights. Another Big Ten signee was in the house -- Westlake's Gavin Skelly, who signed with Northwestern last week. 

Tuesday's lineup consisted of players and coaches from Archbishop Hoban, Beachwood, Benedictine, Brunswick, Cleveland Central Catholic, East Tech, Garfield Heights, Glenville, John Hay and Westlake.

See a sights and sounds video from Day 2 -- a compilation of video clips, pictures and some of the lighter moments between players from different schools.

And don't miss Monday's Day 1 video with reigning Division I champ Mentor, regional runner-up Shaker Heights, Division III state runner-up St. Vincent-St. Mary, and six other teams. 

We have been writing for weeks that it's better to be too early than too late when it comes to free agency. This past weekend was another example.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - We have been writing for weeks that it's better to be too early than too late when it comes to free agency. This past weekend was another example. While some decided to wait for the Tampa Bay running back situation to clear up between Brian Leonard and Bobby Rainey, others took the chance on Rainey and were rewarded. 

With Rainey, they have the player who would be the No. 1 waiver target this week. The same goes for Colts RB Donald Brown. The pendulum was starting to swing in his favor a few weeks ago and you shouldn't have had to see his two-touchdown explosion first.

Giants RB Andre Brown is another example. Let's hope you grabbed him before he actually made his return. When it comes to waivers, there is no such thing as being too early. It takes a forward-thinker to stay ahead of the competition.

Also, this is a good time to handcuff your running backs if you still can. If you own Jamaal Charles then make sure you grab Knile Davis. If you have LeSean McCoy then be sure that Bryce Brown is also on your roster.

You won't see Rainey or Brown on this list. They were already recommended, but if they are available, they should get top priority.

Quarterbacks

View full sizeWith six touchdowns in his last three games, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer could be a solid pickup this week.Associated Press

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals – He has at least two touchdown passes in his last three games, including a 400-yard explosion against Jacksonville. The Colts aren't Jacksonville, but they haven't been great against quarterbacks either. Three of the last four QBs have tossed multiple TDs against Indy.

Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Lions have allowed multiple touchdown passes in five straight games. Ben Roethlisberger just threw four TDs against them in some sloppy weather. Glennon might not be the biggest name out there, but he has a star receiver like Vincent Jackson, who helps increase the value. With Nick Foles and Russell Wilson on a bye as well as Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler dealing with injury, you have to find someone to fill in this week.

Running Backs

Montee Ball, Denver Broncos – If you missed out on Rainey last week, then try for Ball this week. He was used more on Sunday night then any other game during the season. He punched in two short touchdowns. Knowshon Moreno isn't going anywhere, but he hasn't shown to be the most durable back through his career and it's clear Denver wants Ball to have some kind of role.

Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland Browns – Ogbonnaya has very little future value, but if you're an owner with LeSean McCoy or Marshawn Lynch and you need a fill-in for this weekend, Obie could be available. He is coming off a 99-yard game and this week he plays the Pittsburgh Steelers run defense, which has allowed the second-most rushing TDs in 2013.

View full sizeDolphins running back Daniel Thomas continues to take touches away from Lamar Miller.Associated Press

Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins – I know, I don't like it either. He's not very good and the Miami offensive line is in shambles. Both Thomas and Lamar Miller could struggle for the rest of the year, but Thomas got all three carries inside the red zone last week against the Chargers. It's a tandem in Miami and Thomas will continue to have value.

Wide Receivers

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers – This might be your last chance to get him. He may or may not return this week against Washington, but he has been back at practice and a return is on the horizon. Wouldn't it be nice to have a guy that had 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago right in time for the playoffs to start?

Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions – Before his arm injury, his lowest catch total was six and his lowest yardage total was 45. Even if he doesn't play this week, he is coming back and he will cut into the numbers of Kris Durham.

Rod Streater, Oakland Raiders – He had more targets (eight) than anyone in Oakland last week. Matt McGloin looked for him and if Denarius Moore (shoulder) can't return in Week 12 then Streater could be a good one-week play.

Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh Steelers – He is not the most consistent receiver out there because he's still fighting with Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders for targets. However, Cotchery is making the most of his opportunities and has five touchdowns in his last three games. If Sanders (foot) is forced to miss Week 12's showdown against the Browns, then the former Jet could feast, just like other No. 2 WRs - Marlon Brown, Brian Hartline, Jarrett Boykin and Kris Durham - have been able to do against the Browns.

Tight Ends

Rob Housler, Arizona Cardinals – Housler was one of my sleepers this year because of how much Palmer likes to throw to his tight ends. An injury at the beginning of the season hurt his chances of a breakout, but he's starting to emerge in the desert. With 10 catches in his last two games, the big, athletic tight end has a chance this weekend against a defense (Colts) that just allowed 10 catches to Delanie Walker

View full sizeDelanie Walker's recent production can't be ignored.Associated Press

Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans – He has three touchdowns in his last five games, 18 targets in his last two and is clearly the No. 2 option in the passing game behind WR Kendall Wright. That's enough to warrant a roster spot. They didn't sign him this off-season only to block for Chris Johnson.

Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens – Just like Crabtree, this is your last chance to get a potential Top 10 tight end for the playoffs. He practiced today and could return in Week 14. Joe Flacco's second favorite target in 2012 will have value. 

Browns quarterback Jason Campbell needed the full 24 hours to shake off the 41-20 loss to the Bengals, his worst game of the season. But he's ready to bounce back against the Steelers.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns quarterback Jason Campbell needed every second of the 24-hour rule to shake off last week's 41-20 to the Bengals.

"I was hard on myself Sunday night and Monday,'' said Campbell. "I really was hurt by the outcome of the game because it was a game I felt like we had a chance to win and put ourselves in a really good position (in the AFC North). The fact that it didn't happen, what can you do about it now but learn from it and move on?

Campbell, who will start Sunday against the 4-6 Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium, said he replayed the loss about 10 times in his head, wondering what he could've done differently.

"But it was just one of those weird games,'' he said. "The whole day was weird. Even the flight was weird. It was just one of those days that happens. You move on. It's quickly got to be done and behind you.''

Campbell had his worst game in a Browns uniform, completing only 27 of his 56 attempts for 248 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions for a dismal 44.3 rating. But all three of his interceptions came off deflected balls, including the final one with 1:26 left in the game that bounced up and out of Greg Little's hands.

What's more, Campbell's moved behind the eight ball when the Browns surrendered 31 unanswered points in the second quarter on a comedy of errors to fall behind 31-13 at the break. The second-quarter meltdown included a pick off a batted ball, two blocked punts (one partially) that led to touchdowns, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

"Everything went wrong,'' said Campbell. "Last week, we started the game off 13-0 and the wheels kind of fell off after that. Give them some credit. They made some great plays, blocking two punts and tipping balls in the air and getting interceptions. We can't take anything from them, but we know we're a way better football team than what we put out. I think for us it's just a matter of getting back into rhythm, getting ourselves going again and get back to playing football.''

He said he won't have trouble rebounding from a mental standpoint.

"Psychologically, games like that happen,'' he said. "You can't do anything about the tipped interceptions, but you can do something about playing better. I think I look forward to bouncing back and playing a better game this week.''

He admitted that he had to block out the pain of his bruised ribs against the Bengals. He suffered the injury on Nov. 3 against the Ravens when 340-pound Haloti Ngata fell hard on top his back with the ball pinned underneath him.

"It was a challenge last week, but it's a new week now,'' Campbell said. "I try not to put too much focus on it or none at all. I feel great. I feel good and I’m going to go out and play.”

He said he'll play without a flak jacket again even though he was sacked four times and hit a total of nine times last week.

“Yeah. That’s not even in my mindset this week,'' he said. "I do everything I can. That’s in my rearview mirror. I try not to think about it. You play this game. If you’re on the field, you’re healthy enough to play. That’s how I look at it. I’m on the field, so I’m healthy enough to play. That’s why I have to go out and have fun and enjoy the game.’

Despite forcing himself not to think about the ribs, he doesn't think they impacted his play.

"I don't think so,'' he said. "It's just a matter of getting back into rhythm. I feel like I never got into a rhythm in the game and we just never got ourselves going offensively like we're used to. We just have to get used to doing everything a little bit faster with more of a sense of urgency.''

Campbell plans to draw on his nine years' experience to help him put the poor outing behind him.

"You just have to,'' he said. "You look around the league and you see guys that will play great three or four weeks and then they'll have a rough one. It's all about bouncing back the next week. You can't live in the past. Even in your life, you can't live in the past. I always say that. You've always got to look towards the future. Your past can help you, but if you hang onto it, it can hurt you.

"This is a new week, a new opportunity. If you can get on a streak here, you can look back at that game and say it made us a stronger and better team.''

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has been impressed with what he's seen from Campbell on film.

"He's a strong-armed quarterback that's capable of making any of the throws on the field,'' said Tomlin. "He doesn’t flinch in the face of pressure or adversity. I’ve seen him quite a bit. He’s a "Steady Eddy" performer from that standpoint. He doesn’t flinch. He’s a solid, battle-tested, veteran player.''

Watch as Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed discuss the news from Berea on Wednesday as the Cleveland Browns begin their preparations to play the Steelers Sunday. Also, a video with Jason Campbell on getting rhythm back after loss to Bengals. Watch video

 BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed recap what happened at practice Wednesday in Berea as the Browns begin their preparations to play division rival Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. 

Topics include:  The rivalry between the Browns and the Steelers.  Quarterback Jason Campbell bouncing back from the poor performance in the loss to the Bengals.  Joe Haden having a Pro Bowl year.  How will the defense do against Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who is 15-1 against the Browns?

Also, a video with Campbell on getting his rhythm back after loss in Cincinnati.

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Tune in tonight at 6:30 p.m. for a live, in-studio video with Mentor football coach Steve Trivisonno and quarterback Conner Krizancic as well as St. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle and wide receiver Jack Hyland. The video also will include a chatroom window for fans to interact and pose their questions for the teams.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Tune in tonight at 6:30 p.m. for a live, in-studio video with Mentor football coach Steve Trivisonno and quarterback Conner Krizancic as well as St. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle and wide receiver Jack Hyland.

The video also will include a chatroom window for fans to interact and pose their questions for the teams.

The coaches and players will preview their highly anticipated Division I regional semifinal to be played Saturday, as well as the recent history between the two football programs. This week's game marks the third straight season the Cardinals and Wildcats have met in the regular season, and followed it with a playoff rematch.

Last season, the Cardinals lost to the Wildcats in the regular season but beat them in a memorable 57-56 triple-overtime game in the regional finals. In 2011, the Cardinals won the regular season meeting, but the Wildcats won the regional final rematch, 23-17. 

The Wildcats beat the Cardinals, 26-6, in Week 2 this season.

What questions do you have for Trivisonno, Kyle as well as offensive stars Krizancic and Hyland? We invite you to share your questions now in the comments section below, or live tonight in the chatroom window. We will select some of the best questions to ask.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There are many highly anticipated postseason matchups among Northeast Ohio football teams this weekend. In Division I, Region 1, No. 2 Mentor is slated to take on No. 11 St. Ignatius and in Division II, Region 4, No. 1 Highland is set to face No. 2 Avon. These games are just the tip of the iceberg...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There are many highly anticipated postseason matchups among Northeast Ohio football teams this weekend.

In Division I, Region 1, No. 2 Mentor is slated to take on No. 11 St. Ignatius and in Division II, Region 4, No. 1 Highland is set to face No. 2 Avon. These games are just the tip of the iceberg for all the action that is scheduled to play out this weekend. 

Whether you're rooting for a specific school or just excited about the prospect of two evenly matched teams facing off against each other, we want to know what high school football game you're most excited about this week. 

What playoff football matchup are you most looking forward to this week? Is your alma mater playing? Do you have a student athlete in your family who will be playing? Share your thoughts.

New this school year: Readers can now comment on all cleveland.com high school sports stories — and we encourage it.

Look for the comments section at the bottom of every post. Registering for an account is free and takes just a few minutes. Once you register you will have the ability to comment on all posts.

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (rrozboril@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@rrozboril). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

AVON, Ohio — The Avon football team is coming off a tight win over Perrysburg in the Division II regional semifinals, and by all indications, the Eagles could be in for another close one this week. The Eagles (12-0), the No. 2 seed in Division II, Region 4, take on No. 1 Highland (12-0) Friday night in a regional...

AVON, Ohio — The Avon football team is coming off a tight win over Perrysburg in the Division II regional semifinals, and by all indications, the Eagles could be in for another close one this week.

The Eagles (12-0), the No. 2 seed in Division II, Region 4, take on No. 1 Highland (12-0) Friday night in a regional final game at Brunswick Auto Mart Stadium.

For Avon, it’s been a balanced offense led by quarterback Tommy Glenn and running back Gerrett Choat that’s led the way. Glenn threw four interceptions last week, but came up clutch with a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Zack Torbert to pull out the win. Torbert stepped in for injured receiver Rhys Ratino, who is expected to miss this week's game.

The Eagles have been stingy defensively this year, giving up around 14 points per game, and will be tested by Highland’s read-option offense.

Something will have to give between two teams that have found ways to win in every week leading up to this point.

Avon’s season, game by game

Week 1: Defeated Avon Lake, 41-10.

Week 2: Defeated East Tech, 56-6.

Week 3: Defeated Twinsburg, 24-7.

Week 4: Defeated Midview, 45-28.

Week 5: Defeated Lakewood, 52-7.

Week 6: Defeated Elyria Catholic, 38-7.

Week 7: Defeated North Ridgeville, 31-7.

Week 8: Defeated Rocky River, 56-41.

Week 9: Defeated Olmsted Falls, 21-14.

Week 10: Defeated Bay, 34-7. 

Playoffs

Regional quarterfinal: Defeated Toledo St. Francis, 38-14.

Regional semifinal: Defeated Perrysburg, 24-21.

More about Avon

Record: 12-0.

Final cleveland.com ranking: 6.

Final AP state ranking: 3.

Coach: Mike Elder. 

Top players and stats: QB Tommy Glenn (262 attempts, 174 completions, 2,530 yards, 26 touchdowns, 9 interceptions); RB Gerett Choat (168 carries, 1,028 yards, 14 TDs); WR Braeden Friss (75 receptions, 1,028 yards, 13 TDs); LB Mitch Tomlin (95 total tackles, 5.5 sacks). 

Total playoff appearances: 7.

Last playoff appearance: 2012.

How team fared in last playoff appearance: Lost in regional final.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Rookie head coach Tom Arth has energized the John Carroll football program.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- It was halftime of John Carroll's game at Mount Union.

It was Mount Union 28, John Carroll 10.

This was the biggest game in more than 10 years for JCU, and rookie Blue Streaks coach Tom Arth watched his team drag into the lockerroom.

No. 1-ranked Mount was at home. Both teams were undefeated, but the first half had been a mess for the Blue Streaks.

Arth had a lot to say, but this is what stuck with most of the players: "We can't give up. Not now. We will see these guys again."

Again?

That's right, again. As in the Division III playoffs.

"I remember that part, him talking about us seeing them again," said Jordan D'Orzio, a sophomore from Cuyahoga Heights.

Behind those words was Arth's message that his team belonged in these games -- big games -- and more big games will come.

Mount Union won that game, 42-34, but the second half saw a different -- and better -- JCU.

John Carroll is in the Division III playoffs. The No. 9-ranked Blue Streaks (9-1) will host St. John Fisher (8-2) Saturday at Shula Stadium in a noon game.

Making history

The last time the JCU made the playoffs was 2002 with a quarterback named Tom Arth, the same person who has led them back to the post-season. They were 12-2 that season, and it ended in the Final Four with 57-19 loss to eventual national champion Mount Union.

It seemed that Mount and JCU were destined to play at the high levels of the Ohio Athletic Conference.

"But we sort of got stuck in the middle of the pack," said Marty Gibbons, a junior safety from Lake Catholic.

His father and brother went to JCU, so Gibbons has followed the football program for years.

After that 2002 season, JCU was 7-3 (2003 and 2005). In the previous five seasons, the records were 5-5, 3-7, 5-5, 5-5 and 6-4 in 2012.

That's when the university made the decision to replace Regis Scafe with Arth.

Scafe had been there for 14 years. He coached Arth. It was Scafe who returned Arth to JCU as quarterbacks coach in 2010.

Replacing Scafe was hard for Arth, because he considers Scafe one of his coaching mentors.

"He was a lot of what John Carroll football to meant to me," said Arth.

The speeches

Tom Arth as a JCU quarterback, where he led the Blue Streaks to their last playoff appearance -- in 2002.Photo courtesy of John Carroll

Not long after being named head coach, Arth called the players together. Arth had been on the coaching staff for three years, but as an assistant.

Now, it was his team.

"This is a special place," he told the players. "We should not settle for less than excellence. We have a world class academic school, and we need a football team to match that."

He talked about what John Carroll meant to him.

"It's a huge part of who I am as a person," he said. "It's why I am a coach. It's why I was in the NFL. There is no place that I'd rather be a coach."

The players could sense his sincerity -- and his dedication to putting his alma mater back among the top Division III programs in the country.

Coming from St. Ignatius, he embraces the same Jesuit philosophy that is at the core of both Catholic educational institutions.

"He was so enthusiastic, it was like a breath of fresh air," said Gibbons, the junior safety.

Star quarterback Mark Myers recalled Arth's talk to the team right before the season opened.

"He talked about how we could build a national champion at Carroll, and how football meant so much to him," said Myers. "He meant the school and Carroll football. Then he broke down in tears. We all felt it."

Etiquette & Yoga

Arth wanted his players exposed to something more than Xs and Os.

One day, he was thinking about how guys need to behave on the job.

"You go out for an interview and they take you to a nice place to eat," said Arth. "We all should know how to handle those situations."

He looked online and found an "Etiquette Coach." Her name is Collen Harding. He contacted her to talk to the team.

"I didn't know how it would go over," said Arth. "But when she showed up, a couple of guys made roses out of napkins. Vince Joyce (Akron St. Vincent-St Mary) presented it to her. She loved it."

Harding told the team that there was a difference between "eating and dining."

"I still remember her saying … 'slice .. slice … pierce' when cutting up food," laughed Arth. "The guys loved her."

He brought in a yoga teacher.

He had Vince Thomson -- a former NFL lineman and Executive Vice President of Ideastream -- talk to the team about football and business.

"It's a great break from camp, and the guys can get a lot out of it," said Arth.

No baby-sitting

The football team does not have study tables.

"If you have to bring the guys together and make them do homework, you have problems," said Arth. "You are in college and don't know to do your work? Come on."

JCU had a 3.0 grade point average for the 150 players in the program. Arth realizes that some of his players will need help in certain subjects.

He has an "academic council," a group of about 15 players who are strong academically. This dates back to Scafe's era.

The coaches can go to a player such as senior Ryan Winchell (Willoughby South) who is a strong math student and ask him to help a teammate in that area.

"But what we have found is the guys are doing it among themselves," said Arth. "The players are working with each other -- and sometimes, we're not even aware of it."

This is part of Arth's leadership training with the team. It also makes a player more comfortable asking a teammate for help, as opposed to a tutor whom he doesn't know well.

"We are not here to baby-sit," said Arth.

The talent

Mark Myers has a chance to break many of Tom Arth's passing records at JCU.Thomas Ondrey / The Plain Dealer

Scafe left a roster with a superb quarterback in Pitt transfer Mark Myers and a lot of promising players.

A St. Ignatius graduate, Myers started his career at Pitt.

"I had four coaches in two years," he said. "There was no stability. Most of the guys thought they were going to the NFL. I really needed a change."

Arth was close to P.J. Myers, a cousin of Mark Myers. Arth had known Mark Myers since Myers was in grade school. And Myers went to Ignatius, just like Arth.

After Myers had quit football at Pitt, it was Arth who convinced him to try again at JCU. He has thrown for 27 touchdowns and completed 66 percent of his passes this season.

He is a big-time player at a small school.

"We have had the talent to win for a while," said A.J. Short, a senior from St. Ignatius. "We needed to have that special feeling."

Short is a fifth-year senior. He graduated in 2012, and then took a job as a graduate student strength and conditioning coach a Louisiana-Monroe. He was hearing from his former teammates about the strong impression made by Arth.

"Because I had a shoulder injury in 2011 (missed all but one game), I had one more year to play if I wanted it," said Short. "I decided to come back (from Louisiana) and go to graduate school while playing for these coaches."

A starting defensive back, freshman Javon Dawson lives in nearby University Heights. The Benedictine product had no interest in attending JCU until the coaching change -- when he was finally convinced to visit the campus.

"I just fell in love with the school and coaches," he said. "I was going to Lake Erie College, but they changed my mind."

Coaching connections

Arth changed the coaching staff.

He made Jerry Schuplinski the defensive coordinator. The JCU graduate had been on the staff of Greg Debelek (another JCU graduate) at Case-Western.

Before Shuplinski could even coach a practice for the Blue Streaks, he was hired to work for Bill Belichick in New England in March. He became the fourth JCU product with the Patriots, joining Josh McDaniels (offensive coordinator), Nick Caserio (Player Personnel Director) and Frank Russo (assistant scout).

Arth called Dave Ragone, a friend from St. Ignatius who is the quarterback coach for the Tennessee Titans. He wanted to see if Ragone could convince Titans quality control coach Jonathan Gannon (another St. Ignatius graduate) to considering coming to JCU as defensive coordinator.

Gannon wasn't interested.

But Ragone had another name -- Brandon Staley, a graduate assistant at Tennessee who had previously coached at Hutchinson Junior College and St. Thomas (a Division III school in Minnesota). Staley played football at Perry High.

Arth followed up and had his defensive coordinator.

The Blue Streaks switched from a 4-2 to a 3-4 defense … and what a defense it became.

In their first nine games, they allowed only 33 points -- before giving up 42 to Mount Union. At the end of the season, JCU had the OAC's top ranked defense, slightly ahead of Mount Union.

The new era

Tom Arth was a backup with the Colts from 2003-05.Photo courtesy of John Carroll

And Arth is young at 32. His coaching experience is limited to those three years as Scafe's assistant.

This also is the first year that he has called plays on offense -- although he leaves many of the other duties on that side of the ball to coordinator Tom Zagorski.

A Benedictine and Case-Western product, Zagorski joined he JCU coaching staff in 2010 with Arth. The offensive line is his speciality, and he is a relentless recruiter.

Arth used to say he was "born to play football."

But maybe he was born to coach football.

He spent three years with the Colts as a backup quarterback to Peyton Manning -- mostly on the practice squad.

He remembers Colts coach Tony Dungy and offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell telling him at different times, "You'll be a heckuva coach one day."

Arth said, "Back then, I didn't want to hear that. I wanted to play."

But it stuck with him.

Not only did he have some pro experience exposed to the likes of Manning, Dungy and Caldwell -- he has the St. Ignatius and John Carroll connections.

Arth injured his shoulder in 2003, and wasn't drafted. But two former JCU products (Dave Caldwell and Chris Polian) were in the Colts front office. That led to a tryout.

It also has helped Arth quickly grow as a head coach.

"It's amazing all the (NFL) connections that Coach (Arth) has," said Myers.

This is JCU's fourth trip to the playoffs -- the others were in 1989, 1997 and 2002.

Myers said the team watched the Division III playoff pairings show, and noticed the Blue Streaks are in the opposite bracket of Mount Union.

"If we play them, it will be in the title game," said Myers. "And that's our goal."

MEDINA, Ohio — It’s been a long time since the Highland football team lost a game, nearly 14 months to be more exact. In this week’s Division II regional final against Avon, the Hornets could be in for their stiffest test since that last loss, which came on Sept. 28 of last year.

MEDINA, Ohio — It’s been a long time since the Highland football team lost a game, nearly 14 months to be more exact.

In this week’s Division II regional final against Avon, the Hornets could be in for their stiffest test since that last loss, which came on Sept. 28 of last year.

Top-seeded Highland was buoyed by its offense for most of the regular season, but in the playoffs, it’s been the Hornets defense that’s turned some heads. A dominant defensive performance against Massillon last week propelled Highland into this week’s regional final.

Coach Tom Lombardo and WR/DB Cory Moncol spoke with cleveland.com Wednesday about their playoff run and this week’s matchup against a tough Avon team.

Highland’s season, game by game

Week 1: Defeated Wooster, 45-17.

Week 2: Defeated Olmsted Falls, 29-6.

Week 3: Defeated North Royalton, 56-14

Week 4: Defeated Wadsworth, 24-23.

Week 5: Defeated Copley, 42-14.

Week 6: Defeated Tallmadge, 49-26.

Week 7: Defeated Revere, 35-0.

Week 8: Defeated Green, 45-20.

Week 9: Defeated Nordonia, 28-25.

Week 10: Defeated Cloverleaf, 49-7.

Playoffs

Regional quarterfinal: Defeated Avon Lake, 28-21.

Regional semifinal: Defeated Massillon, 17-14.

Other coverage

See an archived chat with Highland coach Tom Lombardo before the Hornets' Week 9 game against Nordonia (cleveland.com).

More about Highland

Record: 12-0.

Final cleveland.com ranking: 8.

Final AP state ranking: 6.

Coach: Tom Lombardo.

Top players and stats: QB Bruce Kinsey (232 attempts, 133 completions, 1,771 yards, 18 touchdowns, 4 interceptions; 216 carries, 1,127 yards, 14 TDs); RB Alex Harris (228 carries, 1,381 yards, 19 TDs); WR Cory Moncol (53 receptions, 801 yards, 5 TDs); WR Coltin Kinsey (51 receptions, 593 yards, 9 TDs); LB Grant Wallace (90 tackles, 5 sacks); LB James Friedl (87 tackles, 4 sacks).

Total playoff appearances: 6.

Last playoff appearance: 2011.

How team fared in last playoff appearance: Lost in a regional quarterfinal.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the first week of the playoffs, it was the Benedictine football team’s defense that stole the show with a shutout against Woodridge. Last week, the offense took its turn behind running back Jerome Baker in a big win over Chagrin Falls.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the first week of the playoffs, it was the Benedictine football team’s defense that stole the show with a shutout against Woodridge.

Last week, the offense took its turn behind running back Jerome Baker in a big win over Chagrin Falls.

This week, the fifth-seeded Bengals will need both units to be on top of their game in a regional final against No. 3 Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.

Benedictine coach Joe Schaefer and FB/DE Antonio Robinson spoke with cleveland.com Thursday about their playoff run and how they plan to slow down the Mooney rushing attack.

Benedictine’s season, game by game

Week 1: Defeated Normandy, 45-13.

Week 2: Lost to Steubenville, 28-17.

Week 3: Lost to Bedford, 23-0.

Week 4: Defeated Holy Name, 35-7.

Week 5: Defeated Cleveland Central Catholic, 37-36.

Week 6: Defeated Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, 38-28.

Week 7: Defeated Lake Catholic, 31-23.

Week 8: Lost to Walsh Jesuit, 27-7.

Week 9: Defeated Archbishop Hoban, 20-14.

Week 10: Defeated Padua, 56-14.

Playoffs

Regional quarterfinal: Defeated Woodridge, 28-0.

Regional semifinal: Defeated Chagrin Falls, 52-35.

Other coverage

Benedictine linebacker Jerome Baker draws inspiration from football legends, college offers (cleveland.com)

More about Benedictine

Record: 9-3.

Final cleveland.com ranking: Unranked.

Final AP state ranking: Unranked.

Coach: Joe Schaefer. 

Top players and stats: QB Brian Schoeffler (180 attempts, 95 completions, 13 touchdowns, 5 interceptions); RB/LB Jerome Baker (173 carries, 1,447 yards, 25 total TDs); RB Dontez Rash (154 carries, 949 yards, 22 receptions, 138 yards, 10 total TDs) WR Matt Merimee (30 receptions, 562 yards); WR Justin Layne (22 receptions, 426 yards, 7 TDs). 

Total playoff appearances: 18.

Last playoff appearance: 2011.

How team fared in last playoff appearance: Lost in regional a quarterfinal. 

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Deer seasons set to open.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Listing of outdoors events in the area.

Nov. 23-24: Youth deer hunting season. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Nov. 24: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 4323 Route 534 (2 miles north of Route 6), Hartsgrove. Regular trial and water trial. Entry deadline Thursday night at 7 p.m. Call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855.

Nov. 24: Turkey Shoots:

South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd. (south of Route 82, North Royalton. Shoots begin at 9 a.m. Breakfast 6-9 a.m. Call Kevin Armstrong, 216-642-8852.

Streetsboro Sportsman Association, Peck Rd. (south of Ohio 303), Shalersville Township. Shoots begin at 10 a.m. Call Martin Smeal, 330-626-2115.

Nov. 28: Special pheasant release for traditional Thanksgiving Day hunting at selection Ohio wildlife areas. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Nov. 29: Buck Fever Night, Ashtabula County Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, 6:30 p.m., Ashtabula County Fairgrounds, Jefferson. Games, raffles, social hour and buffet dinner. Tickets $25. Call Dale Sunderlin, 440-466-2223; Tim Starkey, 440-224-0324; or Denny Malloy, 330-507-9489.

Nov. 30: North Zone duck hunting second season begins through Jan. 12. North Zone and South Zone goose hunting second seasons begin through Jan. 30. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Dec. 1: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Contact Bert Scali, 216-513-9147, scali44212@aol.com.

Dec. 2-8: Deer gun hunting season. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Dec. 8: Jack Davis Memorial All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Crooked Creek Conservation Club, 4323 Route 534 (2 miles north of Route 6), Hartsgrove. Regular trial and water trial. Entry deadline Thursday night at 7 p.m. Call Cindy Rogge, 440-858-2855.

Dec. 14: South Zone duck hunting second season begins through Jan. 26. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Dec. 15: Second portion of the dove hunting season opens through Jan. 2. Second portion of the snipe hunting season opens through Jan. 4. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Dec. 15: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

Dec. 22: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Contact Bert Scali, 216-513-9147, scali44212@aol.com.

Dec. 26: Beaver and river otter trapping seasons open through Feb. 28. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Dec. 29: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, Pinecrest Shooting Preserve, 8 a.m., 1035 Derussey Road, New London. Entry deadline is Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Tim Reznik, 440-236-9131.

Jan. 4: Dave Maiwurm Appreciation All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987.

Jan. 4-7: Statewide black powder rifle season for deer. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Jan. 12: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.

Jan. 19: George Sullivan Memorial All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

Jan. 26: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Contact Bert Scali, 216-513-9147, scali44212@aol.com.

Feb. 2: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578.

Feb. 9: Gus Ferencak Memorial and Del Shamp/Chuck Weber Classic All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.

Feb. 16: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

Feb. 23: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Entries close Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987.

March 1: Lake Erie walleye daily bag limit is reduced from 6 to 4 fish per day. For details, visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

March 2: Dec. 29: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, Pinecrest Shooting Preserve, 8 a.m., 1035 Derussey Road, New London. Entry deadline is Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Tim Reznik, 440-236-9131.

March 8: Annual banquet of the Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International, Michauds Towne & Country, 16808 Pearl Rd., Strongsville. Dinner, raffles, games and the return of the Duck Drop. Tickets $50. Contact Paul Potemski (216-695-3800, paul@twendesafarissa.com) or visit www.ohiosafarichapter.com or www.twendesafarissa.com.

March 9: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578.

March 16: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.

March 21-23: Bowhunting Supershow, Columbus Convention Center, Columbus. Show hours: Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15, $20 for the weekend. NRA members free. For exhibitor, show information contact bowshowcontact@gmail.com.

March 23: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

April 5: 47th annual Invitational Winner’s Trial of the All-Breed Hunter’s Trial Circuit, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Entries closed.

April 19-20, 2014: Youth wild turkey hunting spring season. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

April 21: Spring wild turkey hunting season opens through May 18, 2014. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

HUNTING SEASONS

DEER HUNTING SEASONS

Deer archery: Sept. 28-Feb. 2, 2014;

Youth deer: Nov. 23-24

Deer gun: Dec. 2-8

Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 4-7, 2014.

WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASONS

Ducks - Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Nov. 9-Dec. 22

Ducks – North Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 12

Ducks – South Zone: Dec. 14-Jan. 26

Geese – Lake Erie Goose Zone: Nov. 9-Jan. 9

Geese – North Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 30

Geese – South Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 30

SMALL GAME HUNTING SEASONS

Squirrel: Sept. 1-Jan. 31, 2014

Doves: Dec. 15-Jan. 2.

Snipe: Sept. 1-Nov. 25 and Dec. 15-Jan. 4

Ruffed grouse: Oct. 12-Jan. 31, 2014

Woodcock: Oct. 12-Nov. 25.

Fall wild turkey: Oct. 14-Dec. 1

Cottontail rabbit: Nov. 1-Feb. 28, 2014

Ring-necked pheasant: Nov. 1-Jan. 5, 2014

Bobwhite quail: Nov. 1-Dec. 1

Fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel: Nov. 10-Jan. 31, 2014

Mink and muskrat: Nov. 10-Feb. 28, 2014

Mink, muskrat, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel (Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky counties, and Lucas County east of the Maumee River): Nov. 10-March 15, 2014

Beaver: Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2014

River otter: Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2014

Crow: June 7-March 8, 2014; June 6, 2014-March 7, 2015 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)

Youth spring wild turkey: April 19-20, 2014

Spring wild turkey: April 21-May 18, 2014

Coyote and wild boar: No closed season

Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

Mount Union has won 25 straight in Division III, Ohio State 22 straight in Division I and Ohio Dominican 15 straight in Division II.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The topic for the offseason football coaching clinics should be easy to figure out.

“Ohio Winning Streaks: How to win a bunch of games in a row. Presented by Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, Mount Union’s Vince Kehres and Ohio Dominican’s Bill Conley.”

“We might have Coach Larry Kehres fill my spot on that one,” Vince Kehres said this week with a laugh.

Larry Kehres, the former Mount Union coach who retired this offseason after 27 seasons and 11 national championships, was the king of the winning streak, putting together NCAA-record 55- and 54-game winning streaks from 1996-99 and from 2000-2003. He ended on a 15-game streak with a Stagg Bowl win last season, before Vince, his son, took over with a 10-game streak of his own to start his head coaching career. So 25 games at Mount Union is nothing new.

“We’ll take it,” Vince Kehres said with a laugh during a phone interview with Cleveland.com on Wednesday. “We’ll definitely take it.”

Any football program, or team in any sport, would marvel at Mount Union’s success as a Division III power. At least in Ohio, a couple other teams can relate.

This state currently hosts the football teams with the longest winning streaks in Division I football (Ohio State, at 22), Division II football (Ohio Dominican, also based in Columbus, at 15) and Division III (the Purple Raiders at 25).

Mount Union first-year head coach Vince KehresMount Union Athletics

All have done it with relatively new coaches. Kehres is in his first year continuing the Mount Union tradition, Meyer is in year two of his quick turnaround of the Buckeyes and former Ohio State assistant Bill Conley is in his fourth season at Ohio Dominican, going from 2-8 to 7-4 to 8-3 to perfect this season. He has done it with former Buckeyes Pepe Pearson, Reggie Germany, Winfield Garnett and Harlen Jacobs among his assistants.

“We use the term old school around here a lot,” Conley said. “We believe in discipline and accountability. I think that Midwest attitude has a lot to do with it.”

It’s an Ohio thing. When you have three schools go out and win 62 straight games, your advice on how it’s happened matters.

Start with setting a tone,

“There’s an expectation. There’s an expectation from outside the program and from within the program,” Kehres said. “We expect to win every game. And I don’t think it’s cockiness or arrogance to say that. But we expect to win every game. We’re almost expected to win every game, so we try to use that to our advantage. We can be confident and we can expect to play well, but it boils down to we’ve earned that confidence. We earned it with the work we did in the offseason, we earned it with the preparation that we had through the game week.”

If those words had come out of Meyer’s mouth instead, no one would have been surprised. Kehres said he has seen Meyer speak at clinics, and he has watched him coach at Ohio State practices, but he’s never actually met him.

“Coach Meyer is undefeated in two years as the head coach of the Buckeyes, and that’s unbelievable,” Kehres said. “So I think it’s a credit to our state and the high school football programs in our state and the high school coaches out there that we have three teams that have the longest winning streaks in their divisions right now. I think it speaks volumes about Ohio football, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Ohio Dominican fourth-year football coach Bill ConleyOhio Dominican Athletics

Conley, an assistant with the Buckeyes for 16 years under Earle Bruce, John Cooper and Jim Tressel, still knows everyone around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Like any coaches who win, he’s guarding against coming out flat.

“That’s one thing we told the players, that we can’t control how you come out mentally ready to play,” Conley said. "Because we can jump up on a table and give a motivational speech, and we all do that, but that lasts for about three plays. It’s the job of the players to carry that standard onto the field. And they’ve done a really good job of that.”

Asked for advice for the Buckeyes, he laughed.

“I like to think they’ve got it under control,” Conley said. “I know those guys very well, and I think they’re going to get it. Urban does a great job, and if they jump in there they have a chance of winning it all.”

All three of these teams do. While Ohio State is sitting at No. 3 in the BCS standings in a division that, for one more year, has just a two-team playoff, all the best schools in Division II and III have a shot.

Ohio Dominican is the No. 2 seed in its region in a 24-team playoff, given a first-round bye and a home game next Saturday against the winner of No. 3 Indianapolis vs. No. 6 West Texas A&M. With three wins, the Panthers would play for a national title in Florence, Ala., on Dec. 21.

“We all know what we can accomplish if we keep working and we all want the same thing. We all want that national championship,” said Ohio Dominican receiver Ronald McCloud, a Shaw High School graduate. "It’s easy for us to go out every day and keep working hard.”

Mount Union, in a 32-team playoff, is ranked No. 1 in Division III and opens up with a home game at noon Saturday against Washington and Jefferson. After wrapping up a 22nd straight OAC title last week, it's now win four games, and then the title will be on the line in Salem, Va., on Dec. 20.

If the Buckeyes do get a shot at the BCS National Championship on Jan. 7, there could be two Ohio football titles in the bag by then. Meyer has been extra careful about focus this week, with the Buckeyes able to set a new record for an OSU winning streak on Saturday. And he never really knows much of what’s going on in the rest of the world. So he wasn’t up on what Mount Union and Ohio Dominican were up to until he was told.

“I'm an Ohioan. I didn't realize that about those other schools. You live in a cubbyhole, drive to work, sit in dark rooms all day long. That's great for those two schools,” Meyer said. “You said Ohio Dominican? That’s outstanding.”

In Ohio this fall, it’s just football.

MOUNT UNION: Winning streak: 25 games: Record this season: 10-0 Last loss: Dec. 16, 2011, 13-10 to Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Stagg Bowl, the Division III national championship

OHIO STATE: Winning streak: 22 games: Record this season: 10-0 Last loss: Jan. 1, 2012, 24-17 to Florida in Gator Bowl

OHIO DOMINICAN: Winning streak: 15 games: Record this season: 10-0 Last loss: Oct. 6, 2012, 44-21 to Ashland