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2025 Snapshot: New Miami

New Miami OL/DL Alex Leveline (photo courtesy of: TheReportOh.com by Josh Murray)

Those who return for New Miami experienced some pretty high highs and some very low lows in 2024. Things started off great for the Vikings, in Week 1 the program ended a 21-game losing streak, then went 3-0 and 4-1 before beginning Miami Valley Conference play. Feeling good about themselves the team ran into a buzzsaw once the MVC Gray got going. In divisional action, the Vikings went 0-5, had an average margin of defeat of 41.4 points per contest and are now mired in a Gray division losing streak of 16-games. It has left this group of returnees a bitter taste in their mouths after such a savory beginning to last season.

One of the better story lines in the Miami Valley Conference will be watching how New Miami responds in year three under head coach Chris Fogle. The foundation starts up front and the Vikings have envious size for a Division VII squad. “Our offensive and defensive lines will be our strengths this year,” Fogle states. The core five of Alex Levline, Hayden Stephens, Isaiah Johnson, Kameron Johnson and Bryton McName average 252 pounds between them. They are an extremely athletic bunch.

That group will lead the way early on as a slew of unproven playmakers get their feet under them and gain confidence on Friday nights. “Our skill players will be youthful this season but they have shown great potential,” Fogle says. Clayton Pauley is the only player on the team who has scored an offensive touchdown at the varsity level.

Going through what this New Miami went through a year ago this group is going to be mentally and emotionally tough. Don’t expect them to lose five of six contests by 33 points or more like they did in 2024. This team will be competitive on a weekly basis.

A grueling stretch of schedule in Weeks 7-9 will be the barometer of how far the Vikings have progressed under Fogle. Nab a couple of victories in that span and this team should have itself in position to not only make the playoffs and perhaps even host a game.  

Division VII, Region 28
2024 RECORD: 4-6, 0-5 MVC Gray
COACH: Chris Fogle (4-16 at New Miami, two years; 17-35 overall, five years)

HONOR ROLL
Isaiah Johnson, Jr, OT/DE – One of the best d-linemen in Region 28. Johnson was named OPSMA Division VII Second Team All-Southwest District as a sophomore. He has 90 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 23.5 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries heading into his junior year.

Hayden Stephens, Sr, C/DE – An anchor and a leader in the trenches for the Vikings. Stephens was an OPSMA Division VII Second Team All-Southwest District (OL) selection last fall. Stephens also has 53 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for losses and a fumble recovery at the varsity level.

Colton Pauley, So, DB – The speed of the game wasn’t too much for Pauley to handle as a freshman. He snared four interceptions, had 110 interception return yards and 19 tackles on his way to OPSMA Division VII Second Team All-Southwest District accolades.

Bryton McNamee, Jr, OG/NT – Emerged as a force on the offensive line in 2024. The 6-foot-0, 250-pound McNamee was named Second Team All-MVC Gray for his efforts.

New Miami LB Clayton Pauley (photo courtesy of: TheReportOh.com by Josh Murray)

OTHER RETURNEES
Clayton Pauley, Sr, OLB – Had an excellent first season at the varsity level for the Vikings. Pauley tallied 46 tackles, had 1.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for losses, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries as a junior. He also ran for 240 yards, had seven receptions for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns  (one rush, one rec).

Alex Levline, Sr, OT – The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Levline will be counted on to be a leader in the trenches. He helped pave the way for a Vikings offense that averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2024.

Kingston Royalty, Jr, RB/MLB – Already established as a defensive player. Royalty also showed some promise on offense as a sophomore, averaging 7.1 yards on 12 carries over the last two games. He has 62 tackles, a sack, 6.5 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries heading into his junior campaign.

NEWCOMERS
Fogle and the coaching staff believe that sophomore WR Landyn Butler as well as QB Karter Johnson and NT Dawson Love can come in and be contributors right away. Butler had one interception in four games as a freshman.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(four appearances, 1-4) – 2020, 2019, 2018, 2008

2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – at Gamble Montessori (0-8 in 2024) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – MANCHESTER (3-6) – 7:00 PM
Th – 09/04/25 – STIVERS (N/A) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – at Fayetteville-Perry (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – DAYTON CHRISTIAN (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/26/25 – at Cincinnati Country Day (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – at Purcell Marian (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – ST. BERNARD-ELMWOOD PLACE (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – at Lockland (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – MVCA (4-7) – 7:00 PM

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