Derron Pritchett almost had a pick-6 against Celina.

For the past eight years I’ve had the privilege of covering Defiance High School football and I have to say I’ve had a lot of fun doing it. There have been playoff appearances, a WBL crown and countless interviews with head coach Jerry Buti, the assistant coaches and many, many of the players. That’s really the best part of this job, getting the chance to talk to Jerry, the assistant coaches and the kids because I’m always interested in hearing what they have to say about playing about Defiance football.

Over those past eight years, I’ve also had a lot of help keeping stats (all except defensive ones) and so I thought I would take this opportunity to thank the people who have helped me at countless home games and the many road trips that are always long in the Western Buckeye League.

So thank you to my friends Phil Bohn, Joe Relyea and Doug Klausing for taking the time to hang out with me and help me get those “official” Defiance High School football stats as right as we can get them. I also need to thank my fiancee Deb Weber for making road trips when those guys couldn’t. Last but not least thanks to Denny Mansfield … the guy I send these stats to every week. Not only does he make sure I get them right (which isn’t always the case), but he makes sure the DHS record book is right and up to date.

Thanks again guys. Oh and Joe, we may be headed to Avon on Saturday for a Week 11 showdown that will probably turn into an overnighter. Better let the Mrs. know ASAP.