Every season however does come to an end and only one team in each division can call themselves champions. The Tornadoes have been in the top 8 in Division II for the last two seasons now and they continue to build an already strong program. Reaching the Regional Finals for two years straight is what the most recent editions of Tornadoes have been able to do, matching the farthest TC has ever been in the current OHSAA playoff format(2004, 2010, 2011). Coach Brian Colatruglio took over to begin the 2010 season and has helped build a program that was already impressive under Steve Gilbert. Colatruglio is 21-5 in his two season tenure, including 4-2 in the playoffs. The 2012 version of the Tornadoes enter the season with expectations as high as ever.
"We expect to compete for an NOL title and to make the playoffs," said Coach Brian Colatruglio.
Tiffin Columbian comes in at 5th place on the newly released JJHuddle.com Division II power poll.
"We really don't deal with it at all [pre-season accolades]. It is flattering and says a lot about the tradition of Columbian football to be ranked that high during the pre-seasons, but we are more focused on improving from week to week and being in the mix at the end of the year," said Colatruglio.
The new squad will look similar to last season. Led by Senior do-everything QB/RB Jack Jacoby, who tallied nearly 1900 yards and 25 TD's last season, lining up nearly everywhere except for in the coaches' box upstairs. Coach Colatruglio appreciates what Jacoby can do to keep defenses around the state honest.
"He [Jacoby] is the most unique talent that I have coached. He could be successful as a full-time QB, at tailback or at wide receiver. His versatility allows us to do a lot of things on offense and makes us difficult to prepare for," said Colatruglio.
Although Jacoby will certainly be a main focal point of the offense, you may recognize the offensive gameplan the Tornadoes employ this season. Some wildcat packages will have Jacoby lined up behind center, while other times he may be split out wide as a Split End. The starting QB though will be 6-4 senior, Michael Rohrbach. Coach Colatruglio likes what he sees from both Jacoby and Rohrbach from behind center and will use their different abilities to throw more wrinkles at defenses."They are both very capable leaders who have very different skill sets. Mike has a big arm and is 6'4, which allows him to be effective from the pocket. Jack has such a unique skill set in that he is a very physical runner but also has the ability to throw. I believe we can make things very difficult on defenses by using both of these guys and their different skill sets," said Colatruglio.
If recent history is any indicator, the key to the team's success though will depend on some younger players stepping up.
"The experience [that guys like Ryan Lynch and Isiah Moore] received last season have made them hungrier in the off-season. They are both stronger and faster and ready to be key players on our team," said Colatruglio.
This will be paramount for a team that has big shoes to fill. The Tornadoes will have to replace 3rd-team All-Ohio WR, Jonah Boyer. Coach Colatruglio thinks a few players can step up if they continue to work hard and stay healthy.
"I think Donovan Walker could have a big season for us at WR and CB. Also, Nate Hoyda as our starting FS needs to be good for our defense to be successful," said Colatruglio.
The team will also need to replace the production of iron-man and 3rd-team All-Ohio Lineman, Carter Mullins. Coach Colatruglio and his coaching staff aren't too concerned though, as they feel that their line can and needs to be a strength of the team. The team returns players on the line that include: Isiah Moore, Alec Lucius, Brock Riggs and Chandler Hoover.
"[The lines] need to be strengths for our team. We have several returning starters and top back-ups from last year returning. Our guys on both lines have made huge strides in strength and speed during the off-season and we need them to perform at a high level," said Colatruglio.
"They are like us, it doesn't matter what they graduate, they reload and have high expectations every year. They are one of the two best teams we will play this year and will win 8 or 9 games after they play us. It is a huge game for both teams with potentially huge computer points available to the winner," said Colatruglio.
The Tornadoes kick off their season at Clyde on 8/24 at 7:00.
Northern Ohio League pre-season Media Poll: (first place votes)
1) Tiffin Columbian (16), 111 points
2) Bellevue (2), 95 points
3) Sandusky (1), 72 points
4) Norwalk, 60 points
5) Willard, 38 points
6) Shelby, 23 points
Conference news and notes:
Vermillion will NOT be joining the conference, it was confirmed in June they'd be going to the WSC.
Ontario will join the conference, effective the 2013-2014 school year.
Galion was re-invited but declined.
The NOL is the 3rd-oldest football playing conference in Ohio.
Tiffin Columbian 2012 Football Schedule:
8/24 @ Clyde 7:00
8/31 @ Mansfield Senior 7:00
9/7 Fostoria 7:30
9/14 Marion Harding 7:30
9/21 @ Toledo Start 7:00
9/28 Bellevue 7:30
10/5 @ Shelby 7:30
10/12 Willard 7:30
10/19 Sandusky 7:30
10/26 @ Norwalk 7:30
Last Season Team Statistics:
Scoring Offense: 34.4 Points per game
Scoring Defense: 17 Points allowed per game
Jimbo Says! Projections:
Pre-season offensive player of the year: QB/RB Jack Jacoby
Pre-season defensive player of the year: ILB Ryan Lynch
Projected record: 9-1
Jimbo Says! early lines: (Jimbo Says! does not endorse illegal betting)
TC (-6) @ Clyde
TC (-21) @ Mansfield Senior
TC (-48) vs Fostoria
TC (-24) vs Marion Harding
TC (-28) @ Toledo Start
TC (-7) vs Bellevue
TC (-42) @ Shelby
TC (-35) vs Willard
TC (-24) vs Sandusky
TC (-17)@ Norwalk
I like how I had them favored in every game and they were able to run the table.
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