User:BitBytes/Woodridge football

Woodridge High School in Peninsula, Ohio, is a high school which opened in 1962. It has had a football program since its inception. The former high school in Peninsula (Boston High School) had an established football program competing in the Suburban League, most notably under Ray Brannon, who led the Bulldogs to multiple conference titles during his tenure from 1956-61. Brannon continued as the coach during the first six seasons at the newly opened Woodridge High School in 1962. Due to schools in the Suburban League continuing to grow in enrollment, Woodridge switched to compete in the Portage County League in 1978. The Bulldogs have been members of the Portage Trail Conference (PTC) since 2005, where they currently compete in the Metro (Large School) Division. On April 15, 2019, all eight Metro Division schools announced that they plan to start a new conference (the Metro Athletic Conference) at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.

Besides a cluster of winning records in the late 1970s under Coach John Lahoski, Woodridge Football enjoyed little success for many years due to the absence of a youth football program, a small percentage of boy turnout for the team, and little continuity in the coaching ranks. After the school district experienced growing enrollment in the early 2000s, and with the hiring of head coach Eric Irvin, the program began to experience perennial winning records, multiple PTC division championships (six total), and regular appearances in the OHSAA playoffs (seven in all). The Bulldogs have advanced as far as the Division IV regional finals in 2009. The program has produced eight first team all-Ohio selections, one Akron Beacon Journal (ABJ) player of the year, two district players of the year, and 10 PTC division players of the year. Several players have played at the Division I ranks in college.

Since 2015, the Bulldogs have been coached by Jeff Decker, who is a math teacher at the high school. He maintains the highest career winning percentage (.804) among all coaches in program history, having won a PTC division championship or earned an OHSAA playoff birth (or both) in each of his first five seasons.

Woodridge plays its home games at Lahoski Field (renamed and renovated in 2006), which seats 3,000 and has a natural playing surface.

1962–1972 (Early Years)
Upon its inception as a high school Woodridge (like Boston High School) competed in the Suburban League against the likes of Hudson, Revere, Green, Manchester, Mogadore and other "non-urban" schools. Ray Brannon, who had lead the Boston Bulldogs to multiple league championships (1958 & 59), was retained as the coach when the new school opened. He was not able to continue his past success as the Bulldog's experienced only one winning season under Brannon's lead (1965). One of the major bright spots was DE Doug Cox who was named to the All-Ohio (A) 1st-team by the Associated Press in 1964. Overall in his 12 seasons of coaching at Boston/Woodridge, Brannon compiled a record of 48-53-5 (.476). However, his total record at the helm of Woodridge was just 18-36-1 (.336).

Upon retiring after the 1967 season to become athletic director, Brannon and was replaced by former Central High standout and Akron North assistant Carl Hilling. Hilling was unable to translate his personal playing success into winning on the field as Woodridge never amassed more than 3 wins in any of his 5 seasons. One of the highlights of the Hilling era was standout WR Kim Hoover who, in 1971, caught passes from his brother Jeff and was named to the Akron Beacon Journal all-district team with the likes of the "Buckey Boys" (Kenmore), Greg Boykin (Kent Rosevelt) and Willie Spencer (Massillon). He was also named 1st-team (AA) all-Ohio. Despite being constantly double or triple-covered that year, Hoover still holds the single-season school record for receptions (50) and receiving yards (914). Hoover would go onto earn a full-ride to play football at Division I Maryland, and eventually became a judge at Stow Municipal Court.

Hilling resigned from coaching after the 1972 season to focus on his duties as an administrator in the district, finishing with an overall record of 8-39-2 (.188). After 11 seasons in existence as a school, Woodridge tallied just one winning season (1965).

1973–1980 (John Lahoski Era)
On February 15, 1973 Woodridge announced that 30 year-old John Lahoski had beat out former Hilling assistants John Kane and Terry Forbes (future Canton McKinley coach) in being named the new head coach. Lahoski was a star running back and linebacker on Ray Brannon's Boston High teams that won consecutive Suburban League championships in 1958 and 1959. He then went on to a standout playing career at University of Akron, where he was serving as an assistant when hired at Woodridge.

Like his predecessors, Lahoski struggled during his first three seasons, including going winless in 1974. However, in 1976 Lahoski had his breakout season that would lead to the school's first era of winning football. Lead by future University of Akron walk-on Mark Padrutt (1,027 Rushing Yards) and sophomore QB and LB Jerry Burgy, the Bulldogs went 7-2 during the '76 campaign and tied Hudson for 2nd place in the Suburban League. Lahoski was recognized with several post-season coaching awards including Suburban League coach of the year and the prestigious Akron Touchdown Club coach of the year award which goes to the most outstanding coach in Summit County. Other coaches in the running for the TD Club award were Bill Ricco of Walsh who went 10-0 and was named Ohio AAA coach of the year, Mike Buckner of Buchtel who lead his team to a 10-1 mark and the City Series championship, Dick Fortner (Akron North) whose team did not lose until the OHSAA playoffs, and Terry Ross of Cuyahoga Falls who went 8-1-1. Two future Woodridge head coaches were on Lahoski's coaching staff in '76 (Paul Dorando and John Kane).

After bringing back only 3 seniors, the 1977 Bulldogs dropped to a disappointing 1-7-1. Jerry Burgy switched form QB to RB to help stabilize the offense and earned 1st-team all-conference and honorable mention all-summit by the Akron Beacon Journal (also playing LB).

With the size of Suburban League schools growing ever larger each year, Woodridge switched to the Portage County League in 1978, posting a winning record of 6-4. Sr. Jerry Burgy (now playing

Fullback, LB and performing all kicking duties) was named conference player of the year by the Beacon Journal . Other post-season awards for Burgy included being named to both the offensive and defensive all-conference teams in the PCL, as well as 1st-team all-summit county and all-District by the ABJ. He also was named honorable-mention all-Ohio (AA) . At the end of the '78

season Lahoski said of Burgy, "He has the best football sense of anyone I ever coached. Offense, defense, it doesn't matter where." One PCL coach added, "Burgy gave us fits at running back, but what he did on defense almost made us leave the field." That same year Burgy repeated as state champion in wrestling and in the spring of 1979 signed a letter of intent to play football at the University of Akron. Even though he had been recruited by several D1 schools, Burgy's career at the college level never materialized.

In the fall of 1979, Lahoski kept the program on a winning track by posting a record of 7-2-1. By this time two things were converging on the field offensively to propel the 'Dogs to victory. First, offensive coordinator John Kane installed a form of the Run and Shoot offense which he learned watching Baldwin College head coach Lee Tressell. Secondly, double-threat quarterback Steve Blazer (who got his feet wet as a QB the prior two seasons as an underclassman) was ready to hit full stride. Blazer gave PCL opposing coaches and defenses fits in '79 as he passed for 1,520 yards and 13 TDs, while running for another 500 yards and 10 TDs. Woodridge challenged Mogadore for the league title but lost a week 6 contest to the Wildcats at home (24-6) in which Blazer threw 5 interceptions (including 1 returned for TD on his first pass of the game). At season's end, Blazer was named to the PCL and ABJ all-summit 1st teams, as well as honorable mention all-ohio (AA).

In 1980 Blazer and his bunch returned for what they did not know would be Lahoski's final season in which they posted a record of 7-3. Even though he was working with 4 new receivers, Blazer would once again put up eye-popping numbers (1,688 yards passing and 9 TDs with 515 yards rushing and 13 TD). This would earn him 1st-team ABJ all-district honors, 1st-team all-PCL honors as well as being a repeat all-Ohio (AA) team member, this time 2nd team (at DB). Following the season, Blazer would sign a letter of intent with Miami of Ohio. There he would play in the same defensive backfield as future Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Blazer finished his career as the all-time leader in passing yard (3,208), a record he would hold for 18 years

After the 1980 season John Lahoski (at the age of 38) announced that he was resigning from his posts as both a teacher and coach at Woodridge High School to run a family lumber business in Peninsula, Ohio. His record his last three seasons was a combined 20-9-1, posting winning seasons 4 out of the last 5 years. Lahoski told the Akron Beacon Journal, "Sure I will miss football, I still plan to enjoy it, go out to some games. I'll still be a part of this community...but this is an opportunity I can't pass up." Lahoski finished with a career record of 33-41-4 (.449) over 8 seasons.

Lahoski would successfully run the lumber company, Terry's Lumber & Supply Company, until his sudden death from a heart attack at the age of 63 in 2005. Both of his sons (Terry and John) would follow in his footsteps by playing football at Woodridge, and then running the family business up until this present day. Coach Lahoski's grandson Ben (Terry's Son) currently plays Linebacker for the Bulldogs and was named Defensive Player of the Year in the PTC during the 2018 season. The football field at Woodridge High School was renovated and re-dedicated as Lahoski Field in 2006.

1981–1988 (Coach Dorando, Coach Hasenstab and the "Streak")
Two Lashoski assistants (Offensive Coordinator John Kane and Paul Dorando) were logical candidates to succeed him. Initially, the job was offered to Kane, who deferred to Dorando (who had larger coaching aspirations) so long as Kane could stay on as Offensive Coordinator and call the plays to which Dorando agreed. Dorando, who had a successful playing career at St. Vincent-St. Mary's high school and then the University of Akron, came into the head positions with much enthusiasm since he had seen all previous coaching posts as preparation for a a job like this.

Unfortunately, Dorando's enthusiasm would not translate into consistent winning. Dorando's first two seasons (1981–1982) produced identical 3-7 records. One thing that did not change, however, was Kane's high octane passing attack in a still run-dominant era as QB Mike Parker passed for 1,450 and 1,520 yards his Jr. and Sr. seasons respectively, connecting for 11 and 10 TDs. In each of the next three seasons (1983–85) the team eaked out only 2 wins a year. One bright spot was Sr. QB Dave Bates, who in 1985 was named 1st team All-Ohio (A). While Bates earned his spot on the all-Ohio team due to his passing and kicking duties, he technically was named to the team as a DB as there were a number of premier quarterbacks in division (A). Bates had not played one down on defense. Bates' favorite target in 1985, WR Scott Karpinsky, was named honorable mention all-Ohio as he notched 506 receiving yards. When Bates graduated after the 1985 season, he held the then single-season passing records for yards (1,894) and TDs (14).

Dorando's teams consistently suffered due to a lack of numbers and the mileage many of his players wracked up having to play both ways. At the outset of the 1984 season Dorando lamented the fact that only 27 kids came out for the team, with the prior year's starting backfield moving out of state or transferring to other schools. "We have 8 or 9 kids going both ways and that means wear and tear", Dorando said. "If someone gets hurt we could be in trouble". The 1986 season would be Dorando's last. While season started with a promising 5-2 start, it ended with the 'Dogs losing the last 3 games to finish at 5-5. Dorando would finish with an overall record of 17–42–1 (.292) over 6 seasons.

For the 1987 season John Hasenstab was named the new head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for 8 seasons at Walsh Jesuit High School under coaching legends Bill Ricco and Gerry Rardin. Hasenstab seemed to know what he was getting into with only 30 kids coming out for the 1987 squad. "Look, I didn't inherit a powerhouse", Hasenstab said. "We've just six lettermen returning from last year and only four seniors. And, two of them are going to be playing for the first time. Looking at these numbers, you know depth is going to be a problem." Hasenstab would be correct as his teams would stumble to back-to-back 0-10 seasons during the '87 and '88 campaigns, bringing the program losing streak to 23 games. Partway through the 1988 season (with the losing streak then at 19 games) an exasperated Hasenstab said, "We're small, but we're slow....this season we started out with 37 players...but injuries caught up to us and now we're down to 27 players, and not all of them are 100 percent". Looking over his two seasons coaching the 'Dogs as a whole, and noting the lack of a talent pool Hasenstab noted, "Last year we had 29 players, 14 of whom never played football before. This year ('88) I have five senior and we do have experience, but you wonder if it's a positive experience". Hasenstab resigned after just two seasons.

1989–1997 (Coach Hammond, Coach Kane and "Flashes of Winning")
In 1989 it would be newcomer George Hammond (previously at Buckeye High School in Medina County ) taking the reigns of the Bulldog program. In his first words to the media, Hammond said of the 23-game losing streak he inherited, "Someone up there is testing us." Rather than guaranteeing victories, Hammond focused on changing the attitude of the program with his up-beat personality and ability to connect with players. "Our main concern here is attitude", said Hammond. "We're taking it slow and easy, looking at all the positives. 'Teach' is the key word around here. We want to teach upbeat, not teach down. It's going slow, but I'm seeing some progress." This attitude would infuse a burst of energy into the program that not even Hammond could have predicted.

The Mogadore Thriller and Following Controversy

Woodridge began the 1989 season in typical losing fashion, falling on the road to Hudson and Rootstown, extending the losing streak to 25 games. In week 3, however, the "Cinderella story" began against the defending PCL champions and Division V state runner-up Mogadore Wildcats at home. The Woodridge faithful (and Mogadore travelers) were stunned as the Bulldogs pilled up 249 rushing yards, holding the visitors to 106 yards of total offense (24 rushing) en route to a 15-13 win. , including the stop of a 2-point conversion attempt by Mogadore after a late touchdown which would have tied the game. Terry Lahoski (son of then assistant coach John Lahoski) gained 172 yards on the ground with Frank Miller adding 109. Lahoski streaked for a 77 yard TD late in the 1st quarter, with Miller adding an early field goal and a 76 yard TD bolt of his own in the 3rd. Coach Hammond, after acknowledging that the victory was a "team effort", noted that it was the first time in 29 years that Woodridge had defeated the Wildcats. The victors, however, were in jeopardy of having their hallmark win taken away and their losing streak reinstated due to an inadvertent rule violation. Shortly after the Mogadore win, Woodridge administrators discovered (due to rule changes) that they played an ineligible player and self-reported their violation to the OHSAA. The OHSAA responded by stating Woodrdige would have to forfeit the game. Woodridge's initial appeal was denied. Finally, after appealing a second time with more evidence (and hiring a lawyer and threatening legal action), the OHSAA overturned their initial decision and allowed the victory to stand. Fortunately the players and fans were unaware that this was going on behind the scenes, and it was not reported to the papers until after the issue was resolved allowing the momentum of the victory not to be washed away.

Playing for the PCL Title and Vying for the Playoffs

For the remainder of the '89 season the Bulldogs and Coach Hammond rode the rushing attack of Lahoski and Miller to victory after victory in PCL play. They sported a 5–1 league record (6–-3 overall) going into their season finale against Southeast, where a victory in week 10 would give them not only a share of the league title, but also a possible OHSAA playoff birth. It was not to be. Woodridge lost the finale to finish at 6-4, finishing 2nd in the PCL and missing the state playoffs by eight computer points. However, new life had been infused into the program with their new coach, a new attitude, and the first winning season in 9 years. Both Lahoski (1,242 Yards, 7.2 Avg, 7 TDs) and Miller (908 yards and 9 TDs) were named 1st-team all-PCL and 1st-team all-NEO district in Division V. Lahoski's yards total broke the school record held by Chris Berhart (1973) and would stand for 10 years. George Hammond was recognized as Portage County League coach of the year.

Tough Times Again

Everyone, even Coach Hammond, knew that a repeat of the prior season's success would be tough to pull off in 1990. Not only did they graduate the dynamic duo of running backs (Lahoski and Miller), they lost a total of 13 players from the 1989 varsity squad. Two of his 4 seniors, including a converted gymnast, would be playing football for the first time. Hammond noted heading into the pre-season, "Our weakness could be our youth...a lot of kids just aren't game-tested and we must improve defensively. We want to be very sound technique-wise because we are not that big." Although Woodridge "won" all three pre-season scrimmages, the caliber of the regular season schedule became apparent in the first 4 games. After losing to perennial power Revere in the opener (who would go onto a 10-0 record), they then faced three teams (Crestwood, Mogadore and Rootstown) who started the season a combined 21-0. Having lost those 4 contests by a combined score of 174–13, suddenly a new losing streak was underway. Hammond knew that if he wanted to keep the program going in the right direction he had to prevent an 0–10 season (which had occurred the two seasons prior to his arrival). Ironically, Hammond's team killed those chances by their actions away from the field as 10 of his 11 starters were suspended 2-1/2 games due to a drinking incident at a party. After finishing 0-10, Hammond now had an 11 game losing streak of his own. The program, now 6-34 the last 4 seasons, would struggle again to get the few boys in the school to actually come out for the team. Hammond lamented after the 1990 season, "We're going through a boy shortage...there are 29 boys in the senior class, 24 in the sophomore class, 108 in all. Southeast has 285." Despite these odds, Hammond refused to give up his upbeat mentality, "But I still love small schools...there's a feeling. I'm the first one down to the office when I hear we have a transfer".

Heading into the 1991 season, whether the Bulldogs had enough to recover from the prior years' struggles would become evident very quickly as it would be the same 4 schools sitting at the top of the Bulldog's schedule (Revere, Rootstown, Mogadore and Crestwood). One thing to pin their hopes on was the fact that Woodridge returned its starting quarterback from the prior year (Sr. Mike Hutzler) and a core of speedy receivers. Further, Woodridge had a relatively large group of sophomores (19 in all) which came out for the team and had experienced some success during their Jr. High and JV careers. Despite these reasons for optimism, Woodridge would be sitting at 0-8 after the first 8 games, having extended their losing streak to 19 games. With nothing to lose heading into week 9, Hammond decided to shake up the starting line-up to see what his talented sophomore class could do. Sr. QB Hutzler (at his own suggestion ) was moved to wide-out and rocket-armed 10th-grader Ron Pruchnicki was inserted as the signal caller. This garnered instant results as Pruchnicki completed 17 of 34 passes for 213 and a TD, leading Woodridge to a 27-20 victory over Windham. The following week the fireworks continued against Southeast at home as Pruchnicki would throw for a school-record 402 yards and 5 TD's. His 5th TD strike to open the 4th quarter put the 'Dogs up 36-34. But Southeast had too much firepower of their own as they defeated the home team by a score of 53-36. Despite the fact that they finished the season 1-9, Woodridge's new-found signal caller (who had thrown for over 600 yards and 6 TD's the final two games of the season), along with his talented class-mates, were reason to think the future was bright.

The headlines were all abuzz concerning what Pruchnicki might do entering the 1992 season. The Falls News Press contained the pre-season headline "Woodridge's Hopes Rest on Pruchnicki's Golden Arm". In a September Akron Beacon Journal article titled "Woodridge going to air behind QB Pruchnicki", George Hammond did not hide what his offensive strategy would be for the upcoming season, "I threw away our I-formation playbook. We're going to be throwing the ball at least 70 percent of the time." Armed with the speedy and sure-handed identical twin wide-receivers Brandon and Ryan Lipchek, wing-back speedster Steve Alvis, and the shifty Jay Cannon at tail-back, a high-octane offense was all but inevitable. First downs and big plays seemed to come easy for the Pruchnicki-lead group, nevertheless points did not as repeated costly penalties, untimely turnovers, and a shaky offensive line seemed to constantly short-circuit drives. This, compounded with a shaky defense, led to a frustrating start to the season. In week 4 against Mogadore on the road while dropping back for a pass, Purchnicki was blindsided by a blitzing Wildcat and knocked out of the game, culminating in a 39-3 loss. This would begin the remainder of Pruchnicki's career which would be plagued by injuries. While Pruchnicki would return the following week and play most of the season, the Bulldogs would experienced another embarrassing 0-10 season. Partway through the season an exasperated Hammond disclosed to the media that a number of players he was counting on to come out (especially on the interior line) did not come out for the team. By the end of the season he was quoted as saying that a lack of job openings at the school made it nearly impossible to have consistency in the assistant coaching positions. Now even Hammond (the eternal optimist) seemed to realize that he was fighting a losing battle. Once again, the air had been deflated out of the Woodridge program which had now gone 0-10 in 4 of the last 6 seasons. Hammond notified his team before the last game of the 1992 season that it would be his last as the Bulldogs coach. He would finish with a career record of 7–33 (.175) over his 4-year tenure as coach, with 6 of those wins coming in the magical 1989 season.

The ol' "Switcheroo"

Woodridge would look no further than it's own building to replace Hammond for the 1993 season as it would be assistant principle and girls athletic director John Kane that would finally take the reigns of the program. Kane would replace Hammond not only as the football coach, but also boy's athletic director, with Hammond continuing to teach Physical Ed. and take Kane's old job as girls AD. Kane, who previously served as an assistant for Carl Hilling, John Lahoski and Dorando in the 1970s-1980s, brought a more laid back style of coaching compared to the detailed-oriented Hammond who wanted to have his hands in the offense, defense and special teams. However, Kane brought a kind of "old school" mentality in that he did not hesitate to go with the "next man up" if he through it would produce results, even if it meant playing a freshman or a sophomore. Ron Pruchnicki (now returning for his senior year along with 14 others in his class ) opened the Kane era on a positive note in week 1 by shutting out perennial playoff-qualifier Independence at home 7–0. But in Week 2 against local power Aurora, Pruchnicki was once again knocked out of the game by a vicious hit, forcing Jr. Marty Whalen into action. Pruchicki would return the following week, but injuries and lack of team unity kept his talented bunch from winning ways as they would struggle to a 2–8 record.

Things did not get much better in 1994 as the Bulldogs would stagger to a 1–9 record. Cuyahoga Falls transfer RB/LB Brent Kaser infused a flash of brilliance early in the season as his 138 rushing yards (2 TDs) fueled Woodridge to once again beat Independence in the opener 15-12. But a season-ending injury to Sr. QB Marty Whalen in week 2 against Aurora, as well as losing Kaser early in the season, caused another season to self-destruct. The only thing Woodridge could take pride in is that it was not piling up newsworthy losing streaks.

Coming into the 1995 season, Kane had only 5 seniors leading the squad. But two massive cornerstones in the Jr. class (future Kent State scholarship earner OL Aaron Mayer and RB/LB James "Jimmy" Bragg) as well as a plethora of talented sophomores, would provide a foundation upon which Coach Kane could build. Although the Bulldogs amassed a record of 3–7 (after starting 3–1), the team would lose 3 of their last 4 games against conference foes by only a combined 11 points (including PCL national division champs Crestwood by a score of 10-8). The following season (1996) the talented group of sophomores from the previous year (now Jr.s) took their experience and slugged out a 5–5 record. The Bulldogs were now lead by undersized Sophomore signal-caller Danny McCue who relied on mobility and arm strength, accurately hitting targets 40 yards down field while on the run from would be tacklers. Mayer (who would be first team all-PCL, first-team ABJ Summit County and 2nd-team all-Ohio Div. V) and Jimmy Bragg (now seniors) provided senior leadership for their younger team-mates and set them up for what would be Kane's best and last season the following year.

1997 saw everything come together as McCue (now a Jr.) and the experienced class ahead of him was ready to take on the league. The offense featured two RBs that would amass over 700 yards on the ground (Zack Fela for the 2nd year in a row and Jr. Christian Shaver with 900), a QB (McCue) that would throw for 1,500 yards and 11 TDs, and a squad overall that would have 11 players make all-league (tied at the time for most in school history with the 1976 team). Pete Bishop and Jim O'Flanagan would both garner 1st-team PCL and NEO all-district Div V recognition, with Nate Lance, Zack Fela and Christian Shaver earning 1st-team all PCL Honors in leading their club to the best record since the 1989 season. After going 7-3 in the regular season (4–0 in conference division play), the team qualified to play in the PCL championship game at Kent State against Crestwood (the winner of the other PCL division). This was the first time that Woodridge had ever played a post-season game. The Bulldogs showed they belonged on the big stage taking a 3-3 tie into the 3rd quarter, with Crestwood having to resort to a trick play to net their only TD to take the lead late in the 3rd. A Zack Fela TD (which would have tied the game) was called back due to a holding penalty. In the end the Bulldogs lost 10-3. Although he was named PCL Coach of the Year, the championship game would be Kane's last as he decided to "go out on top", finish with a career head coaching record of 18–31 (.353) in five seasons.

1998-2003 (Coach Becker and Coach Sincel)
Much like after the last Cinderella season (1989), the 1997 season was not followed by continued upward progress, but disappointing back-sliding as Ed Becker (in his only years as coach) oversaw the team during their 2-8 record in 1998. Danny McCue returned for his final season as signal caller, but gone was the talented and experienced class of seniors from the previous year that filled so many interior line and skill position. Christian Shaver returned as the featured running back, but injuries shortened his season. Despite his disappointing Sr. season, Danny McCue would finish his career as the then all-time leader in games played at QB (31), passing attempts (550), completions (228) and yards (3,576).

Chuck Sincel would take on the head coaching position starting with the 1999 season. While posting disappointing records of 2-8, 3-7, and 3–7 his first three seasons, one major bright spot was running back and LB Dewaine Clark. After a standout So. season in 1998 in which he garnered 2nd-team all PCL honors (710 yards on the ground), his breakout year in 2000 saw him rack up 1,196 yards rushing and 11 TDs (falling short of Terry Lahoski's school record by 47 yards). Expectations were high for Clark's Sr. seasons (2001), but it was cut short as he was not on the field for the majority of the season due to injuries. 2002 showed some promise as the Bulldogs jumped to a 5-5 record (sending 8 players to the all-PCL team), but in 2003 the 'Dogs fell back to 0-9, with Coach Sincel's career coming to an end with an overall record of 13-36 (.265) over 5 years.

2004–2013 (The Eric Ervin Era)
For the 2004 season, Woodridge decided to give little-known Hudson High School assistant Eric Ervin a shot at running the program. Ervin had played at Hoban High School and the University of Akron under Gerry Faust and Lee Owens. Although he would continue to teach at Hudson the first few seasons, he was committed to trying to change the culture at Woodridge in ways not done before. He would not simply be upbeat and positive and focus on fundamentals, he wanted to change what it would take to consistently put a winner on the field. By this he meant installing mandatory off-season weight training, conditioning, and doing things a winning way all year around. Reflecting back he noted, "It was a challenge....the first thing we had to do was change the culture. We had to teach them how to prepare, how to practice, how to win." However, Ervin would run into some of the identical challenges that many of his predecessors had, as his first team had only 33 players and went 1-9. 2005 was little better with the squad going 2-8. One of the lone bright spots was 2nd generation Woodridge player Bryan Rastok who rushed for over 2,100 yards and 18 TDs during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. 2006 had it's own unique challenges as the program had hoped to open it's newly renovated and newly named stadium (Lahoski Field) but was forced to play all its home games at other schools due to turf problems which made the field unusable. "That was a very difficult year. We sold the players on the idea of playing in a new stadium and it didn't happen. It was a back-breaker". One had to wonder if all the talk of changing the culture was actually taking place. However, the one thing that Ervin could point to is that he had improved in the win column every single year his first three seasons and therefore was showing slow progress. The answer as to whether the culture was truly changing would come in 2007 as the team went 8-2 (the first time a Bulldog team had amassed 8 wins). With Ervin's former University of Akron teammate Jeremy Maxa now hitting his stride calling plays as the offensive coordinator, and Sr. QB Dave Krusinski running the spread offense with efficiency, the bulldogs began to take on an identity that they maintain until this day: a double-threat (run or pass) offensive machine that can score anytime, anyplace, and in any way. During the '07 campaign the 'Dogs averaged 31.6 points a game (compared to 11.5, 16.7 and 17.3 Ervin's first three seasons) which was the first time any team in school history had scored over 30 points a game. Krusinski (in earning 1st team all-PTC and honorable mention all-Ohio Div. IV honors) threw for nearly 1,900 yards and 14 TDs. Now the question would be, "was 2007 Eric Ervin's flash in the pan?"

Breaking through...

Compared to other seasons following a break-out year, 2008 was a good showing as the Bulldogs went 5–5. Not only was the drop-off in record not as severe as in years past after a big season, but the .500 record was accomplished with new players filling key positions as they would send 11 players to the all-PTC team (7 on the first team), with only 1 player being a repeat member. Jr.'s Anthony Westren (QB), Anthony Kelly (RB) and Brandyn Peters (WR) would lead an offense that would average 29.3 points a game, with all three players being recognized on the NEO District Div. IV team, and Peters (32 catches, 773 yds, 5 TDs) being named to the All-Ohio team (Honorable mention). His 24.2 yards per catch still stands as a school record.

2009 would be the season that perhaps many thought would never come. For not only would they achieve a regular season record of 8-2 (6-1 in conference play to win their first PTC divisional crown), they would qualify for the OHSAA playoffs and reach the regional finals (the furthest the school has advanced to date). In bringing back the "three-headed monster" on offense (Westren/Kelly/Peters) the Bulldogs averaged a whopping 39.3 points per game, smashing the school record set two years prior by nearly 8 points a game. Their regular season losses were by a combined 8 points as they lost in week 2 (32-26) to eventual state-runner up Chagrin Falls, and in week 7 on the road to Rootstown in the pouring rain (34-32). Perhaps the most satisfying win was a 52-7 blowout of perennial playoff contender Mogadore at home. Finishing as the 6th seed in Div IV Region 13, this meant that Woodridge would travel to 3rd seed Martin's Ferry for their first OHSAA playoff game in school history. Martin's Ferry had shut out 4 opponents that year, and had held 3 others to 7 or fewer points. After a slow start to the game the Bulldogs blew out the Purple Raiders on their home field 49-28. Next up would be un-defeated and second-seeded Girard at neutral site Lake High School, where Woodridge defeated the Indians convincingly 34-20. Next (in the regional finals) would be a rematch with top-seeded Chagrin Falls led by all-state QB Chris Trinetti. After losing by only 6 points at Chagrin Falls in Week 6, the confident Bulldogs were hoping they would fair well on a neutral field. The firepower of the Tigers, however, proved to be too much as they ran rough-shod over the Bulldogs defense on the way to a 58-28 final score. Chagrin Falls would win 20-14 the next week in the state semis, and lose to undefeated Archbishop Alter in the state finals.

There was no shortage of school records and awards (for both players and Coach Ervin) resulting from what was the greatest season in school history up to that point. Westren (2,877 yards passing and 35 TDs) and Kelly (2,244 rush yards and 27 TDs) set single-season school records that still stand. Peters once again averaged 20 yards per catch (adding 13 touchdowns), with all three players being recognized on the AP All-Ohio team (Kelly 1st team, Westren 3rd team and Peters Hon. Mention). David Charles (LB) was named PTC Defensive Player of the Year (as well as Hon. Mention all-state), with Kelly being named Offensive Player of Year in the PTC County division. Anthony Kelly was also awarded the prestigious Akron Beacon Journal Player of the Year award which goes to the best football player in the 5 county area (Summit, Stark, Portage, Wayne and Media). He is the only player in school history to do so. The team, on the whole, placed 13 players on the all-PTC team, with 8 players being recognized on the NEO Inland Div IV all-district team. Coach Ervin was named not only NEO District Div. IV AP coach of the year and PTC County Div. Coach of the year, but also was recognized as the Clem Caraboolad Memorial Coach of the Year, which goes to the most outstanding coach in the area in all sports as awarded by the Akron TD Club. With this season, it was clear that the winning ways of the previous year (2008) were no "flash in the pan", for Ervin appeared to have instilled a system, attitude and entire "culture" that would sustain winning for the long-run.

2010 would be proof of that as many of the talented players from the prior year moved on, yet the Bulldogs posted a strong 7-3 record. They did not repeat as league champs nor did they qualify for the playoffs, but the offense continued to roll as they averaged 36.2 points per game under new QB Jon Robinson. 2011 would see the 'Dogs stumble slightly as they fell to 5-5 with an injury to 2nd year RB John Reid, and a defense that would give up 40 or more points 3 times (26.9 per game). 2012, however, would see the program return to the OHSAA playoffs with a record of 7-3, this time in Division III. The driver of the season was clearly the offense as they racked up a then school-record 40 points per game behind OC Maxa and 2nd year Sr. QB Sean McCoy. The bulldogs would truly air it out as McCoy would sling it 313 times and connect on 176 passes (the later a school record) netting 2,020 and 14 TDs. His favorite target was Nelson Perry (42 Rec., 887 yds, 10 TDs) who himself would garner 1st-team AP all-Ohio Honors. He was joined on the 1st team (all-Ohio) by PK/Punter Hunter Niswander who set the state record for consecutive XP's made (111), and set the school record for the longest field goal made (53 yards). As the 12th-rated kicker in the entire country by scouts.com, Niswander earned a scholarship to kick for the Northwestern Wildcats , becoming the first Bulldog to earn a scholarship to play for a Big-10 school. A shaky defense, however, would once again be the downfall of the Bulldogs in 2012, as they gave up 35 or more points in 4 regular season games and would allow 22 points a contest. In the first round of playoffs against arch-nemesis Chagrin Falls, the 'Dog's fell 68-20. The Tigers would go onto lose to St. Vincent's/St. Mary's (the eventual state champs) in the State semi's. 2013 saw the Bulldogs repeat as OHSAA playoff qualifiers (3rd time overall) and win the PTC County division for the 2nd time with a record of 8–2 in the regular season. Coach Ervin and his gang had to be hopeful going into their opening round playoff game (their first ever as a host) since their only two regular-season losses came at the hands of undefeated repeat state champion St. Vincent/St. Mary's and state-semi finalist Manchester. They seemed to be a more physical team behind bruising running back Dalevon Davidson (1,564 yards and 20 TDs) and 1st-team all-Ohio LB Brandon Williams who led a defense that only yielded 16.5 points per contest. The host-bulldogs were disappointed, though, as they lost the first-round contest 28-0 to Cleveland Benedictine. Benedictine would go onto defeat Chagrin Falls the following week and lose to Youngstown Card. Mooney (28-21) in the regional finals. Davidson was recognized at PTC Offensive Player of the Year and was 3rd team all-Ohio, with Williams being recognized as NEO Inland District Div. IV Defensive Player of the year (in addition to 1st team All-Ohio). Mason Hilling (PTC Defensive Player of the Year) and Tom Morehouse were Hon. Mention all-Ohio.

The following Spring (March 2014) Coach Ervin notified the school that he would be stepping aside as coach after 10 seasons, retaining his job as an English teacher. Ervin cited spending time with his family as key reason for resigning" Ervin still holds the school records for games coached (105) and coaching wins (56). At the time of his resignation, his lifetime winning percentage of .533 was not only highest in school history, but he was the only coach to have a career record over .500.

2014–Present Day (Coach Decker and continued success)
After being blown out by Chagrin Falls in two of their three OHSAA playoff appearances (giving up 58 and 60 points in those two games), it is no surprise that Woodridge hired Chagrin Falls defensive coordinator Jeff Decker to be their next head coach. Decker from the outset wanted to bring a tougher identity to the team and naturally a focus on defense (as Jeremy Maxa was retained as offensive coordinator). In 2014 Decker relied on returning all-Ohio LB Brandon Williams to anchor the defense (allowing 18.8 points a contest), as returning starting QB Tom Finnegan ran the show on offense (scoring 35 points a game), resulting in Decker going 8–2 in his debut season. Their regular season losses were to Decker's former team (Chagrin Falls) and undefeated powerhouse Mogadore. This resulted in the 'Dogs qualifying for the OHSAA playoffs and once against hosting a first round game (this time against state power Youngstown Cardinal Mooney). Before the game Decker was confident, noting that his players were not intimidated by the hora and tradition of their first-round foe, stating his team was actually excited. That confidence would not be without foundation as Woodridge more than held its own, losing to the Cardinals 28–21. At season's end Brandon Williams became the first player in school-history to be named 1st team all-Ohio twice (also being named PTC County division and district Defensive Player of the Year). A total of 13 players were named to the all-PTC squad.

Two near-perfect seasons

The 2015 and 2016 seasons would set new standards by which all future Woodridge teams, players and coaches would be measured. For not only would the teams post back-to-back undefeated regular seasons (10-0), undefeated PTC Metro division championships (7-0), and consecutive OHSAA playoff appearances, each season the team won a program record 11 games. In 2016 seventeen players were named to the all-PTC squad, with Coach Decker being named not only the PTC Metro Coach of the Year both years, but also NEO Inland Div. IV District Coach of the Year in 2016. Both teams blasted opposing defenses off the map, averaging 40.7 and 47.9 points per game in '15 and '16 respectively, while smothering opposing teams as they gave up only 12.7 and 11.1 points per contest back to back years. Both team averages from 2016 are still school records. In 2015, So. Mason Lydic took the reigns as the signal-caller. A physical specimen in terms of height, strength, speed and a rocket arm, Lydic would join juggernaut RB King Alfred Sanders in Maxa's offensives system that put up record numbers, even though the OHSAA installed a new running clock rule in 2014 when teams achieve a lead of 30 points. Sanders would be named PTC Offensive Player of the Year both seasons, and Lydic would join him both seasons on the all-Ohio Squad. Spencer Robinson would notch over 100 tackles in both seasons to lead the defense, being named PTC Defensive Player of the Year in '16. In terms of the OHSAA Playoffs, both seasons saw the Bulldogs win first round home games and advance to the regional semi-finals. In 2015 Woodridge would lose to state semi-finalist Youngstown Ursuline 27-20, with a 4th quarter rally falling just short. The following year the 'Dogs would lose a shootout in overtime to state semi-finalist Lake County Perry 42-41 in a contest of two 11-0 teams. After the 2016 season Sr. Jacob Margroff (Lydic's favorite target) would retire as the all-time leading Bulldog's receiver in terms of catches (119), yards (1,754) and TDs (26). Sanders would end up first on the all time rushing list in terms of career carries (442) and TDs (45).

In 2017 Lydic (QB) and Robinson (LB) would return to lead their respective units for the third straight year. Lydic would need to adjust to not only losing his trusted RB (K. Alfred Sanders), but also his two all-league receivers (Margroff and Shariff Howard). The Bulldogs would still average 41.2 points a game (2nd highest in school history), en route to going 9-1 in the regular season. The 'Dogs once again were perfect in the PTC (7–0) winning the Metro Title once again, also qualifying for the OHSAA playoffs (for the 6th year in a row). Being bumped up to Division III that year meant that Woodridge would host St. Vincent's/St. Mary in their first-round playoff game. Again, Woodridge was confident it could hang with the perennial power and recent two-time state champion. In the end, turnovers and penalties would be too much to overcome in a 27–17 loss. An offensive pass interference penalty brought back what would have been a 75-yard touchdown. Lydic would throw for over 300 yards in his finale as a Bulldog, but had many passes deflected leading to three interceptions. Following the season Coach Decker was named PTC Metro Division Coach of the Year for the 3rd straight season. Lydic (Offense) and Robinson (Defense) were named PTC players of the year, each of them being named to the all-Ohio team for the third straight year (both 3rd team). 15 players in all were named to the PTC post season squad (nine first team). When all was through, Lydic would sit atop the career Woodridge passing records in terms of games won as a QB (31), completions (384), attempts (615), Comp. % (62.4), yards (6,121) and touchdowns (79). After graduation Lydic (also the school's all-time leading scorer in basketball) opted to play basketball at Marietta College instead of continue his career on the gridiron.

Losing the three-time all-Ohioan, all-time leading passer and winning-est quarterback in school history (Lydic) would provide challenges to the program heading into the 2018 season. The Dog's had also lost their three-time all-Ohio linebacker in Spencer Robinson. It was clear the program would have a new identity going forward. For the first 4 games of the 2018 season it appeared that new identity would be losing as they stumbled to an 0–4 start, scoring just 13.2 points a game and giving up 36.5. But in what some could argue was Decker's best coaching job to date, the Bulldog's rallied to win the last 6 games of the season to win a share of the PTC Metro division crown for the 4th year in a row with a record of 6–4. Decker was once again named PTC Metro coach of the year (4th season in a row), and the squad had 16 players named to the PTC all-metro team. Jr. LB Ben Lahoski (grandson of Woodridge coaching and playing legend John) was selected as PTC Metro Defensive player of the year. After struggling early in the season and battling an injury, Jr. QB Andrew Mekeal recovered to throw for 1,581 yards and 20 TDs. .

2019 saw the Bulldogs suffer their first losing season in 13 years as they posted a record of 3-7. Despite the return of Makeal at QB and Sr. WR Brandon Albright breaking the single-season record for receptions with 61, the Bulldogs struggled on offense as they averaged only 18.5 points per game (fewest since 2006), while yielding 30 points and 200 yards rushing per contest.

2020 was the first season that Woodridge was to compete in the newly formed Metro Athletic Conference, which was formed by the 8 former Metro Division schools of the Portage Trail Conference (PTC). However, the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio put inter-school competition at risk for contact sports. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on Tuesday, August 18th that contact sports may proceed with the plan laid out by the OHSAA, which included a modified 6-game regular season for football, followed by a state playoff where all schools wishing to participate would qualify. One inter-school scrimmage was allowed, non-conference games were eliminated, with Woodridge's modified 2020 schedule having them play every MAC school except for Ravenna.

Coach Decker currently enjoys the highest career winning percentage in program history (.727), having won a PTC Metro division crown or qualifying for the OHSAA (or both) in 5 of his first 6 seasons. He is only 9 wins shy of the all-time record for wins.