Since joining the Miami Valley Conference in 2019, Roger Bacon has gone a combined 24-3. As good as the Spartans have been in this league their senior class is hungry to win a divisional title. It’s a feat the school hasn’t accomplished since the Class of 2026 were freshmen.
Division IV, Region 16
2024 RECORD: 6-5, 4-1 MVC-Scarlet
HEAD COACH: Mike Blaut (61-46 at Roger Bacon, 10 years; 61-46 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Bubba Smart, Sr, QB – The Spartans all-time leader in passing yards (3,375) and touchdown tosses (42). Smart was named OPSMA Division IV Honorable Mention All-Ohio as a junior. “We believe we have one of the best QBs in the city. He has a group of very good receivers and should have a monster season,” head coach Mike Blaut states. Smart recently picked up his first offer from Ohio Dominican.
Joe Coleman, Sr, OL/DL – The heart and soul of the offensive and defensive lines. Coleman was named OPSMA Division IV Second Team All-Southwest District (OL) last fall. On defense he recorded 36 tackles.
Max Hoffman, Sr, LB – A team leader who will control the defense. Hoffman was second on the team with 64 tackles in 2024. He also had 4.0 tackles for losses, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries on his way to OPSMA Division IV Honorable Mention All-Southwest District accolades.
Tom Bedinghaus, Jr, LB – Had a breakout sophomore season. Bedinghaus was in on 63 tackles, had 7.0 tackles for losses, a forced fumble and a pair of interceptions on his way to Second Team All-MVC Scarlet honors.
Christian Byrd, Sr, WR/DB – A rock solid varsity debut saw Byrd be named Second Team All-MVC Scarlet as a junior. He finished with 17 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions including a pick-six against Western Hills.
Liam Vargo, Jr, WR/DB – Will be one of Smart’s top targets. Vargo was named Honorable Mention All-MVC Scarlet after catching 223 balls for 235 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore. He also had 40 tackles on defense.
Da’Vion Gipson, Sr, WR/DB – An Honorable Mention All-MVC Scarlet selection in 2024, Gipson is a playmaker in the secondary. He has 74 tackles, five pass breakups and three interceptions in his career.
OTHER RETURNEES
Ja’Mere Mitchell, Sr, RB/DL – Was solid at running back last season and could also be a dynamic presence on the d-line this fall. Mitchell has 527 yards and eight touchdowns rushing as well as 37 tackles and 3.5 tackles for losses in his career.
Jerome Smith, Jr, RB – Teams with Mitchell to give the Spartans an explosive backfield tandem. Smith has 648 yards and eight touchdowns rushing at the varsity level.
Max Defranco, So, LB – The future looks bright for Defranco. He had 24 tackles, a sack, 4.5 tackles for losses and two fumble recoveries as a freshman.
NEWCOMERS
Senior OL/DL Jaden Tiller, junior WR/P Evan Otto and sophomore WR/DB Eli Stenger are expected to come in and contribute starting in Week 1. Otto handled punting duties for the Spartans last season.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(11 appearances, 9-11) – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 (Regional Champion), 2019, 2010, 2005, 2001, 1998, 1997
2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – at Indian Hill (9-4 in 2024) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – WESTERN HILLS (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – HUGHES (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – at McNicholas (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – NEW RICHMOND (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/26/25 – at Danville (IN) (8-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – NORWOOD (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – at Summit Country Day (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – at CHCA (9-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – PURCELL MARIAN (6-6) – 7:00 PM
