It has been 19 years since Oak Hills has finished above .500 (6-4 in 2006) and despite that futility the program has shown signs of being on the upswing. The Highlanders have made the playoffs in each of the past five seasons. Progress is headed in the right direction, now it’s time to take the next steps..put together a winning campaign and nab the schools first ever postseason victory.
Dan Scholz begins his second stint as head coach. The cupboard isn’t bare for Scholz. The Highlanders return a solid core of players who are experienced and most importantly, the most athletic group at the skill positions that the program has seen in years.
Defensively, the front seven will be one of Oak Hills strengths. The secondary also has a veteran core who are capable of creating takeaways.
On offense, the line has question marks. Young, undersized and inexperienced linemen will need to step up and solidify play in the trenches. A group of exciting skill players will be able to mask some of the growing pains up front early in the year. If the line gels this could be a very enjoyable offense to watch as the season wears on.
This team is on the cusp of changing the perception of the program. If the Highlanders handle the challenges and adversity that comes their way this fall, and they will be more than prepared to do so, it will be that breakthrough season that has eluded Oak Hills for the last two decades.
Division I, Region 4
2024 RECORD: 4-7, 3-6 GMC
COACH: Dan Scholz (12-18 at Oak Hills, three years; 48-33 overall, eight years)
HONOR ROLL
Max Rhodes, Sr, ILB/P – One of the most under-heralded players in Hamilton County, Rhodes is the schools all-time leader in tackles with 321 (227 solo) to go along with 6.0 sacks, 21.5 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. An OPSMA Division I Second Team All-Southwest District selection as a junior, Rhodes offers include Toledo, Eastern Kentucky, Penn, Gardner Webb and Youngstown State.
Aaron McFarland, Sr., WR/ DB – The transfer from Taylor gives the Highlanders passing game a big shot in the arm. McFarland was named OPSMA Division IV First Team All-Ohio (Second Team as a sophomore) after catching 74 balls for 1,081 yards with 15 touchdowns catches, 1,576 all-purpose yards and 108 points scored (17 TDs, three 2-pt conv). On defense, he had 29 tackles, 4.0 tackles for losses, a forced fumble, three pass breakups and three interceptions including a pick-six. For his career, McFarland has 148 receptions, 2,783 yards receiving, 37 touchdown receptions (tied for 23rd most in Ohio history), 3,735 all-purpose yards, 41 total touchdowns, 260 points scored, 77 tackles, 5.0 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, nine pass breakups and five takeaways (four INTs, one FR). His offers include West Virginia, Toledo, Kent State, Miami (OH), Marshall, Eastern Kentucky, UMass and East Carolina.
Julian Harris, Sr, DL – Back for his third season as a starter Harris earned Second Team All-GMC honors in 2024. He has 100 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 16.5 tackles for losses and an interception in his career.
Jeremy Bader, Sr, OT – The anchor and leader of the offensive line. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Bader was named First Team All-GMC as a junior.
OTHER RETURNEES
Theorie Troxell, Sr, DL – a three year starter, the 5-foot-11, 245-pound Troxell has 38 tackles and 2.0 sacks in his career.
J’Sean Dorsey, Sr, DB – A key component of a very good Highlanders secondary. Dorsey has 48 tackles, nine pass breakups and a pair of interceptions in an Oak Hills uniform.
Anthony Young, Sr, SS/PR – A three year starter at strong safety and punt returner, Young will also see time on offense this season. He has 100 tackles, 6.5 tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, six pass breakups and four interceptions in his career.
Fletcher Kenkel, Jr, OLB – Had a solid varsity debut and was one of the team leaders in tackles as a sophomore. He finished the year with 53 tackles, a sack, 9.5 tackles for losses, two pass break ups and two fumble recoveries.
Jarrard Harper, Jr, DE – Teams with Harris and Troxell to give the Highlanders a formidable d-line. Harper was in on 34 tackles, had 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as a sophomore.
Lincoln Schreiber, Jr, QB – A three-sport standout, Schreiber started the last three games a year ago. He finished with 637 yards and two touchdowns passing.
Yann Bouda, Jr, DB – Showed promise last fall recording 14 tackles in five games as a sophomore.
Grant Walker, Jr, OG – One of the few guys with size and experience up front. The Highlanders will rely heavily on the 6-foot-0, 260-pound Walker to help bring along the younger linemen.
Owen Schmalz, Jr, OT – Like Walker, Oak Hills will lean on Schmalz for guidance on the o-line.
NEWCOMERS
Junior WR Demetri Vetter along as well as sophomores ATH Cordell Ball, slot Tyson Watt and LB Mylz Cunningham will get their opportunities to crack the starting lineup. Ball is a multi-sport athlete, who has the talent to be a two-way standout for the Highlanders.
Oak Hills WR Tyson Watt (photo from X: @tysonwatt6)
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(six appearances, 0-6) – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 1999
2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – at Edgewood (3-8 in 2024) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – at Lakota East (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – MIDDLETOWN (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – at Colerain (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/26/25 – HAMILTON (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – at Sycamore (1-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – PRINCETON (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – at Lakota West (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – FAIRFIELD (2-9) – 7:00 PM
