Southern Ohio Conference I – Conference Preview
By: Ty Carpenter
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Beaver Eastern Eagles
2024 Record: 13-1 (5-0)
Eastern claimed the SOC-I crown for the third year in a row last season, capping off its second straight undefeated regular season and making its first ever regional finals appearance. The road looks similar for the Eagles this season, as their squad graduates only four players.
At the helm is quarterback Eric Manley Jr., who impressed last season with 3,214 total yards and 42 passing touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. The team does graduate Brady Moore, their leading rusher, but Sophomore Jack Montgomery, who totaled 500 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, will likely take the reigns as the primary running back.
The team also graduates receivers Wyatt Richardson and Tucker Leist, both of whom accounted for 30 of their receiving touchdowns last season. However, the Eagles have plenty of depth with Carson Peters and Boston Webb returning as pass catchers for Manley.
On the defensive side of the ball, junior standout Cade Leist emerges as a top option for the Eagles, as he tallied 23 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and eight sacks last season. Further talent returns in secondary, with Carson Peters making his return as well.
The Eagles are looking for their third straight undefeated regular season and fourth straight SOC-I title, and they return a largely similar squad to do so.
South Gallia Rebels
2024 Record: 7-4 (3-1)
South Gallia made some noise in the SOC-I last season and finished above .500 for the second year in a row. Last year’s squad posted the best offense in team history and returns many key contributors heading into the season. They came close to winning their first SOC-I title in program history as well, falling just short in a 13-12 loss against the Eastern Eagles.
The Rebels see several key players return this season. On defense they return the reigning SOC-I Defensive Player of the Year Blaise Davison, who tallied 88 tackles, six sacks, nine tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in just nine games. They also return RB Layne Wright, who put up an impressive 808 rushing yards in only 106 carries. South Gallia also boasts Judah Cremeens, who impressed on both offense and in special teams, putting up 1,103 total yards and 13 total touchdowns.
The Rebels return a largely similar team to one that brought Eastern to the wire last season and may be able to make a similar run this season as they look for their first SOC-I title.
Notre Dame Titans
2024 Record: 6-6 (3-2)
Notre Dame faced a sudden change in direction just a month before the season when head coach Buster Davis unexpectedly resigned, with athletic director Bob Boldman taking his place.
The Titans boast an experienced senior class consisting of QB Ethan Kingrey, RB Bryce Mcgraw and WR Luke Cassidy. These three will lead the offense, as Notre Dame is expected to have a balanced passing and rushing attack this season. This offense will likely be the highlight of the team as the Titans struggled on defense last season, allowing nearly 30 points per game.
Bob Boldman stepping in as head coach gives this team an easier transition and their experience should prove useful as they hope to make a push in the SOC-I.
Symmes Valley Vikings
2024 Record: 4-5 (2-3)
Symmes Valley finished below .500 last season but boasts a strong base of underclassmen to build with this year.
They return standout sophomore QB Bronx Carpenter who entered the starting role late last season, impressing with 12 passing touchdowns to just three interceptions and 840 yards passing. They also return plenty of other underclassmen like sophomore Asher Maynard at running back, as well sophomore Levi Russell, junior Gradee Holland and senior Andrew Strow at receiver.
The defense also holds plenty of younger talent, with Asher Maynard again alongside Jackson Fields and Caleb Mount.
The Vikings are among the youngest teams in the conference and impressed last year in a close game with Notre Dame. With strong performances from their underclassmen again this season, Symmes Valley could be a serious threat in the SOC-I.
Green Bobcats
2024 Record: 2-7 (1-4)
Green hired Shane Colvin as their new head coach before the season as they hope to improve upon a disappointing 2-7 record.
The Bobcats struggled on both ends of the ball last season, being shutout in three games and allowing 30 or more points in six games. But while they struggled, they did see substantial improvement from 2023 to 2024 on both sides of the ball, improving their points-per-game differential by 15 points.
They are among the younger teams in the conference, with senior Mason Neal likely taking a role as a leader this season.
The Bobcats begin their season against Federal Hocking, who they beat 42-0 to start last season. They will be hoping for a similar result to build momentum this year.
Sciotoville East Tartans
2024 Record: 1-9 (1-5)
Sciotoville East will have a relatively young squad this season as they hope to improve upon their 1-9 record from last year.
The Tartans scored less than 10 points in seven games last season and allowed an average of 37 points per game. They showed an ability to score in their lone win against Manchester but struggled to put it all together. They graduated notable seniors in Keegan Barker, Dustin Bailey and Bryton Lennex, so they will need their underclassmen to step up this season.
With Adam Bailey returning as head coach, Sciotoville East hopes to finish at .500 for the first time since 2022.