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Tornadoes set for 2017 season

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XENIA —The Xenia Tornadoes semi-professional football team enters its second year with a new season, new coach and renewed hope.

Team owner/player Jay Knight says Tornadoes football fans will have a lot to look forward to this season.

“I am very very excited,” Knight said. “With the hiring of Douglas Edwards and his coaching staff, it’s hard not to believe that 2017 will be a season to remember.

“There’s several returning players I admire, but my main returning players are Keenan Early, Matt Search, Dave Brothers, Zachery Search, Danny Roberts and Matt Lindsey. Those guys are game changers for sure, and I love their style. Great guys to revolve your core around. Playmakers for sure,” Knight said. “As for new players, theres ONE that stands apart from the rest — Tarrel Jackson aka ‘T-Man.’ I promise you, watch out for him. I’m excited to have a player of his caliber, and I truly believe he is going to take us to the next level.”

The Tornadoes will join the Blue Collar Football League this season. Knight said he got his start in the BCFL and looks forward to a season of tough competition in an established league.

“The league we are in is tough, and has great competition. A lot of us started our career in the BCFL, and its new to some. But I believe it’s the league that southwest/central Ohio semi pro needed for a long time,” he said.

A seven-game home schedule highlights the Xenia Tornadoes’ 2017 semi-professional football season, with games set to take place on the Athletes In Action Sports Complex artificial turf.

Play begins Apri 15 when Xenia heads south to take on the Kentucky Maniacs at the Wyoming Rec Center.

The Tornadoes’ first home contest of the 2017 campaign will be a 3 p.m. non-league game May 13 with the Tri-County Raiders. All Tornadoes hoe games will take place on the AIA football field.

Other home contests will take place on June 10 (versus Cincinnati Dukes); June 17 (vs. Butler Co. Broncos); July 8 (Southern Ohio Blaze); July 15 (vs. Dayton Oilers); and their final home contest will be July 22 against the Columbus Gladiators.

BOWL FOR FOOTBALL: The Xenia Tornadoes are holding a team fundraiser on April 1 at Pla-Mor Lanes in Dayton. From 6-8:30 p.m., families can bowl to help the team with season operating expenses while meeting the players.

Cost is $7 for kids 12 and under, $15 for single adults; $20 for adult couples. Bowlers get a lane, free pitcher of their favorite soft drink, shoe rental and two hours of bowling for the price.

“As for the fans, we are still coming up with ideas to get the community of Xenia involved fully, so stay tuned to some things we will be doing this season in Xenia off the field,” Knight said.

By John Bombatch

[email protected]

Tornadoes 2017 Football Schedule

April 15 — at Kentucky Maniacs, 8 p.m.

April 29 — Tri-County Raiders, 3 p.m.

May 6 — at Columbus War Eagles, TBA

May 13 — Northern Kentucky Colts, 3 p.m.

May 20 — at Dayton Oilers, TBA

June 3 — at Columbus Gladiators, 7 p.m.

June 10 — Cincinnati Dukes, 5 p.m.

June 17 — Butler County Broncos, 5 p.m.

June 24 — at Cincinnati Dukes, 3 p.m.

July 8 — Southern Ohio Blaze, 5 p.m.

July 15 — Dayton Oilers, 5 p.m. 5

July 22 — Columbus Gladiators, 5 p.m.

July 29 — at Cincinnat Gators, TBA

Aug. 5 — at Butler County Broncos

Home games are played at the Athletes In Action Sports Complex, in Xenia.

You can reach John Bombatch at 937-372-4444, Ext. 2123.