Just as the University of Dayton men’s basketball glory years are often defined as its 1967 (NCAA runner-up) and ’68 (NIT champ) teams, so it is with Beavercreek football.
»ALTER: Top 7 all-time Knights
Beavercreek was a Western Ohio League titan from 1967-69, posting consecutive records of 8-2, 10-0 and 8-2 under then-coach Paul Martin. Season-opening battles against Chaminade, also a big-school power back then, were must-see. So were showdowns with upstart and neighboring Carroll. The rivalry with Xenia was comparable to any in the area.
»CENTERVILLE: Top 7 all-time Elks
That was an era of playoff-less football, and the Beavers are still looking for their first postseason. Only two Beavercreek teams since then have shared a title, in 1985 (WOL) and in 2012 (GWOC Central).
»ST. HENRY: Top 7 all-time Redskins
But what isn’t lacking is a run of great individual talent through the years.
»VALLEY VIEW: Top 7 all-time Spartans
Here’s who we consider the all-time seven best football players at Beavercreek High School in a continuing series. Have something to say about this alphabetical list? Email your comments to sports@coxohio.com.
»WAYNE: Top 7 all-time Warriors
Location: Beavercreek, Greene County.
Type: Public.
Affiliation: Greater Western Ohio Conference, National East.
Division: D-I, Region 3.
Zach Domicone, QB/DB, 2008: Former Beavers coach Scott Clodfelter credits Domicone for a big assist in recharging a program that had flat-lined. "Without him, I'm not sure we get to the point of respectability we have now," said Clodfelter, now Bethel's head coach. Rushed for 1,111 yards as a senior and scored nine TDs. Two-time MVP. Also was on 4x400 and 4x200 relay teams that placed in the D-I state track meet.
A rare Beavercreek alum – the other 1969 grad Randy Cowman - who played scholarship football at Ohio State University. Switched to DB with the Buckeyes and excelled on special teams, lettering four times from 2009-12.
Jim Edwards, TE/DL, 1968: At 6-4 and 210 pounds, Edwards was a two-way rock for coach Martin. Also a rugged basketball player. A four-year starter as a linebacker at Morehead State (1968-71). Signed as a free agent with the Bengals and made it to the final cut of the 1972 preseason.
Kirk Martin, WR, 1980: A go-to target before the spread offense. As a senior had 63 catches for 1,220 yards, a then-area single-season receiving record. Also was a 49-second quarter-miler. Could be the only Beavercreek alum to play football on scholarship at Penn State.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Airius Moore, RB/LB, 2014: A four-year standout for the Beavers and Clodfelter. Two-way reason why Beavers were 7-3 overall in 2012 and tied Northmont for the GWOC Central title (4-1). That was the Beavers' first title season since the 1985 team shared a Western Ohio League championship. The GWOC Central defensive player of the year as a senior and second team All-Ohio. Also a basketball standout and starred on another GWOC Central title team.
Enters this coming senior season at North Carolina State as a 6-0, 237-pound outside linebacker and has played more games (39) than any other Wolfpack defender. Defensive MVP of the 2016 Independence Bowl defeat of Vanderbilt (nine tackles, two sacks). Led NC State in tackles (77) as a sophomore.
Jon Roddy, QB, 1981: Didn't become a starter at QB until a senior for coach Jim Place, but responded with an 8-2 season in 1980. That record has not been matched since and was the Beavers' best showing since the 1969 team also was 8-2. An outstanding runner and passer, is the son of longtime former Beavers assistant football and head baseball coach Vollie Roddy. Also excelled in basketball and baseball. A QB at James Madison, he was teammates with Charles Haley (49ers, Cowboys) and Gary Clark (Redskins).
Jerry Wiseman, DE, 1967: Another defensive standout for the Beavers and shutdown force at end. Also a starter in basketball. A sophomore on the last Big Ten title team for Indiana in 1968 under coach Johnny Pont. Started for the Hoosiers his final two seasons. Older brother of HM pick Ed Wiseman ('75).
Credit: MARC PENDLETON / STAFF
Credit: MARC PENDLETON / STAFF
Ed Zink, RB/CB, 1970: Emerged as the featured back as a junior on the 10-0 WOL champs of 1968. Surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in 1968-69. Played on 8-2 team as a senior in 1969 that lost to Wayne and Xenia, but prevented Fairmont West from earning a WOL title share with a Week 10 win. Also a starter in basketball and baseball. Played football at Dayton along with Beavers' teammate and HM pick Mike Kundert for coaches John McVay and Ron Marciniak. A Flyers' captain as a senior in 1973.
Served as Beavercreek assistant football coach, head softball coach and AD. Remains the only Beavercreek girls basketball coach, a run that spans 42 seasons. His 749 career wins is an all-time Ohio girls record.
Honorable mention: Brian Baltzer, FB/DE, 1971; Matt Baltzer, FB/LB, 1997; Doug Beck, OL/DL, 1969; Dan Bennett, WR, 1980; Aaron Boehm, DL, 1993; Doug Boehme, RB/DB, 1977; Greg Brown, DL, 1977; Doug Cline, WR/DB, 1977; Jeremy Clingner, LB, 2003; Randy Cowman, DE, 1969; Bill Eskew, QB, 1964; George Freiberger, OL/DL, 1993; Mick Harp, QB, 1969; Don Henize, QB/DB, 1970;
Danny Krebs, DL, 1988; Mike Kundert, C/DE, 1970; Ray Loper, OL/DL, 1964; Jarrod Martin, DL, 1997; Ed Phillips, OL, 1957; Tom Replogle, FB/LB, 1974; Mark Rhea, DL, 1988; Fred Santo, QB, 1980; Monty Sanner, OL, 1971; Cris Shale, K, 1983; Mike Smith, DL, 1968; Jim Vanatsky, WR, 1984; De Wallace, RB, 2007; Jeff Wesley, LB, 1979; Ed Wiseman, TE, 1975; Tom Wroblewski, DL, 1987; Danny Young, QB, 1987.
FACEBOOK: For more high school sports you should like Marc Pendleton
»PHOTO GALLERY
About the Author