Xenia High School was especially dominant in the mid-1960s as an out-going member of the Miami Valley League. With Tom Stephenson, Jack Harbaugh (Jim and John’s father) and Earl Knight guiding the Buccaneers – and later Mike Anderson – the black and blue was a program to be circled on every opponent’s schedule.
»COLDWATER: Top 7 all-time Cavaliers
The 1964 team that went 9-1 and posted six shutouts is generally regarded as Xenia’s finest. But the 1969 team that also was 9-1 and won a Western Ohio League title might have something to say about that.
»BEAVERCREEK: Top 7 all-time Beavers
Located due east on U.S. Route 35 just past Beavercreek, Xenia still has a signature entrance look in Doug Adams Stadium on the left, previously known as Cox Stadium.
»ALTER: Top 7 all-time Knights
Here’s who we consider the all-time seven best football players at Xenia High School, the eighth in a continuing series. Have something to say about this alphabetical list? Email your comments to sports@coxohio.com.
»CENTERVILLE: Top 7 all-time Elks
Location: Xenia, Greene County.
Type: Public.
Affiliation: Greater Western Ohio Conference, American South.
Division: D-II, Region 8.
»RELATED: Top 7 all-time players from St. Henry, Valley View and Wayne
Doug Adams, LB, 1967: Before he became one of Woody Hayes' "Super Sophs" on the unbeaten 1968 Ohio State University national champions, the academic overachiever with a passion to succeed excelled for the Buccaneers in football and track. The Western Ohio League MVP as a senior, he also was All-Ohio, a first team Scholastic All-American and a high school All-American.
»PHOTOS REQUEST: Have action of these players as Buccaneers? Email to sports@coxohio.com
Played three seasons as linebacker at OSU and was a team captain in 1970, surrounded by some of the nation’s best players of that era. Drafted by the Broncos, played from 1971-74 with the Bengals. Returned to OSU’s medical school after retiring from football and set up a dental practice at Mount Orab near Cincinnati. Tragically, he was killed while riding his bike by a driver who had fallen asleep. He was 48.
The Doug Adams Trust Fund was established in 2010 from a $1 million gift by his mother Edna to Xenia Community Schools. That helped fund the Doug Adam Fitness Center on the high school campus. The fund also was key in refurbishing the former Cox football stadium, renamed Doug Adams Stadium.
David Adkins, LB, 1974: Another standout All-Ohio linebacker as a senior. Also team MVP and first team All-WOL.
Lettered four seasons at OSU from 1974-77 with Hayes as coach. Voted by teammates as the Buckeyes’ MVP as a senior in 1977 after leading the defense with 172 tackles. Selected in the eighth round of the 1978 NFL draft by the Falcons.
Vaughn Broadnax, FB, 1980: At 6-2, 250 pounds, among the biggest to ever play in the Buccaneers' backfield. Like Adams and Adkins, also would take his game to OSU, where he lettered four seasons and started as a blocking fullback for the 1981-83 seasons. Considered among OSU's all-time best FBs, although he mostly blocked for Tim Spencer and Keith Byars. Etched his place in OSU history with a stunning block that took out three defenders near the sideline and allowed QB Art Schlichter to score the winning TD in a 14-9 win at Michigan in 1981.
Also an outstanding wrestler. Won a Class AAA state heavyweight title as a senior when he went 34-0 with 30 pins. A high school All-American in wrestling and a U.S. Wrestling Federation national champion in 1980. Career Bucs’ wrestling record was 65-3. “Little” brother of massive Vernon Broadnax, also a football and wrestling Bucs’ standout.
Credit: JULIE JACOBSON
Credit: JULIE JACOBSON
Trent James Cole Jr., RB/DL, 2001: A football, basketball, baseball and track standout for the Buccaneers. The WOL player of the year as a senior, also played in the Ohio North-South game. As a senior RB, had 1,241 yards rushing and 10 TDs. Defensively, he was good for 121 tackles and eight sacks.
A two-time first team All-Conference U.S.A. member with the University of Cincinnati, playing for Rick Minter and Mark Dantonio. Initially a nose guard, switched to defensive end. Selected to North team for 2005 Senior Bowl.
Drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round in 2005, excelled as a pass rusher and was All-Pro in 2007 and ’09. Currently ranks third on the Eagles’ all-time sack list. Played for Eagles from 2005-14 and Colts in 2015-16. Credited with 617 tackles, 90.5 sacks and 21 forced fumbles in NFL career. Has not announced retirement from football.
A cousin to the Cole family that excelled in all sports at Dunbar High School, including NBA player Norris Cole. An avid outdoorsman, nicknamed “The Hunter.”
Ted Detty, RB, 1953: Like Cole, another football, basketball, baseball and track Buccaneers standout for Xenia Central. Highly regarded and considered by many at the most talented player in Xenia history, held records for most career TDs (50) and single season (19) as a senior. Scored six TDs twice in different games. All-Miami Valley League, which Xenia was a charter member in 1926 until joining the WOL in 1966. Also third team All-Ohio.
Continued football career with the 82nd U.S. Army Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Also was a longtime fixture with the Dayton Triangles-Colts semi-pro team during its heyday from the mid-1950s to mid-1960s.
Stanley Key, RB, 1970: Go-to runner in the backfield of the 1969 WOL champs (9-1) and christened league MVP. A Sunkist 1969 All-American. Held the Bucs' all-time single-season rushing record. Also National Honor Society member and played basketball and ran track. Senior teammate was WR Dave Hazel, who started three seasons at OSU and earned a medical degree a decade later at Wright State.
Just as known for his academics, Key took his game to Northwestern, where he was the Wildcats’ co-captain, MVP, leading rusher and second team All-Big Ten in 1973 as a senior.
Dave West, RB/DB, 1957: Another outstanding halfback at Xenia Central. As a senior was All-MVL and third team All-Ohio. Accepted a scholarship to play football at OSU, but instead excelled at Central State, where he was inducted into the Marauders' athletic hall of fame. A sprinter, also qualified for the state track meet in 1956-57. Played with the New York Jets of the AFL in 1962-63 as a defensive back.
Dedicated to youth after his playing career, was employed by the Ohio Youth Commission, the Montgomery County Juvenile Court System and was active as a Northwest Track Club coach. Died in 2007 at age 68.
Honorable mention: Steve Ault, LB, 1970; Mike Austin, RB/LB, 1996; Bill Brewer, OL/DL, 1965; Mike Cassity, 1963; Jerry Claggett, LB, 1972; Gregg Cross, QB, 1968; Dave Denzin, OL, 1965; Lawrance Dudgeon, 1987; Bevan Garwood, DL, 1965; George "Bud" Geyer, RB, 1940; Bill Harris, DL, 1984; Dave Hazel, WR, 1970;
DeWayne Hubbard, RB, 1971; Bill Knisley, RB, 1939; Ben Person, OL, 2004; Scott Phillippi, QB, 1983; Dave Reasons, DL, 1981; Doug Snider, QB, 1971; Cedric Tolbert Jr., RB, 2005; Jack Wilson, 1943.
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