Cin. Mt. Healthy, W 52-12
Zanesville, W 23-6
Lancaster, W 20-19
Bishop Watterson, W 7-3
Kettering Alter, W 23-20
Cincinnati Moeller, L 20-9
St. Charles, W 48-0
1996 Regular Season
1996 OHSAA Playoffs
Divsion-III, Region 12 Final
DeSales (9-2) vs. Jackson (11-0)
Date: November 15, 1996
Location: Lancaster Fulton Field
Result: DeSales 21, Jackson 7
DeSales knocked off previously undefeated Jackson to advance to the State Final Four for the first time since 1991. The Ironmen came into the game averaging 40.8 points per game and featured a running back in Shane Wolford, who had run for over 1,500 yards. Wolford was held in check, gaining just 17 yards on 11 carries. In fact, the DeSales defense limited Jackson to only 4 total first downs and all of them came in the first half. The Ironmen ran 52 plays and gained 72 yards. Both teams were actually stout on defense through the first 2 quarters and it took a defensive play to break a scoreless tie in the 2nd half. Jackson struck first, returning a fumble 50 yards to take a 7-0 3rd quarter lead. After a Loren Dobbins interception, the Stallions took over at the Jackson 37 yard line. DeSales would capitalize on the turnover when Matt Bajorek found Travis Marter for the 16 yard touchdown. The Stallions would take the lead for good on a 1-yard touchdown run by Matt Stewart, which was set up by 2 receptions by Mike Mayhew of 10 and 25 yards. Mayhew finished with 4 catches for 79 yards.
1996 OHSAA Playoffs
Divsion-III, Region 12 Semifinal
DeSales (8-2) vs. Kettering Alter
Date: November 8, 1996
Location: Springfield North Stadium
Result: DeSales 25, Kettering Alter 7
In a rematch of a regular season matchup, the Stallions out-gained Alter in total yards 311-113, led by Matt Stewart’s 139 yards rushing, a touchdown, 8 tackles and 2 sacks. Ten of Stewart’s 36 carries came on the first drive, which led to a Travis Marter touchdown on 4th down. Marter finished the game with with 17 rushes for 73 yards. The Stallions took a 15-0 lead into the locker room after Stewart’s 1-yard touchdown run. DeSales totaled 278 yards on the ground and held Alter to just 2 yards on 21 attempts. The Purple and White defense also posted 4 sacks in the game. Alex Cherubin also added a touchdown in the 4th quarter.
1996 OHSAA Playoffs
Divsion-III, State Semifinal
DeSales (10-2) vs. Thornville Sheridan (11-1)
Date: November 23, 1996
Location: Lancaster Fulton Field
Result: DeSales 26, Sheridan 7
For the 3rd time in as many playoff games, the Stallions dominated the total yards category, outgaining Sheridan 362-165. Sheridan came in averaging 332 yards rushing per game. Backup quarterback Matt Bajorek threw for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Stallions advanced to their 3rd State Championship game in school history. Bajorek found Mike Mayhew 5 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Tom Weilbacher led the Stallions with 102 yards receiving on 2 catches, including a 64-yard score. Matt Stewart scored the other touchdown for DeSales and finished with 108 yards rushing on 24 carries. Adam Foust kicked 2 field goals (18, 41) and the defense held Sheridan to only one first down in the second half, which came on their last drive. The Generals got on the scoreboard first in the opening quarter before the Stallions rallied for 26 unanswered points. DeSales took to the air in the 2nd half as 11 of Bajorek’s 12 passing attempts came after halftime.
1996 OHSAA Playoffs
Divsion-III, State Final
DeSales (11-2) vs. Benedictine (11-1)
Date: November 30, 1996
Location: Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium
Result: Benedictine 14, DeSales 3
Cleveland Benedictine captured their 4th state championship with the 14-3 win over DeSales. Pat Minnillo opened the game with a 93-yard kickoff return to the Stallions’ 3 yard line and the Bengals would take advantage, jumping out to a 7-0 lead. Tim Cheatwood would add to the Benedictine lead with 48 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter after a 29-yard touchdown reception.
Just one week after throwing for 198 yards, the Stallions passing attack could not get on track, finishing 0-for-14.
1996 Division-III Final Four
Sheridan 7
DeSales 26
Bellevue 12
Cle.
Ben. 28
DeSales 3
Benedictine 14
Cle. Ben.
1996 Quick Facts
- DeSales finished as the top seed in Region 12, Division-III
- The Stallions were ranked 6th in the final Division-III AP Poll
- DeSales won it’s 14th league title
- Place kicker Adam Foust led the area in kick scoring with 11 field goals and was named Special Mention All-Ohio
- Matt Stewart and John Kelley were named Division-III Co-Defensive Players of the Year in the Central District
Toledo St. John’s, L 14-10
Northland, W 34-18
Beechcroft, W 30-10
- Matt Stewart (LB), John Kelley (DL) and Scott Smith (OL) were named Division-III 1st-Team All-Ohio
- Defensive back Mike Mayhew was named 1st-Team All-District and Special Mention All-Ohio after tying for the area lead in interceptions (8)
- Stewart and Kelley were named Division-III Co-Defensive Players of the Year in the Central District
- Stewart led the team with nearly 1,600 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns
- Stewart was recognized as the Dispatch Agonis Lineman of the Year
- Stewart and Grant Bowman (Honorable Mention All-District) each made NFL rosters
- Stewart was recognized as the Dispatch Agonis Lineman of the Year
- 6 letterwinners on the ’96 team committed to play Division-I College Football - Stewart (Vanderbilt), Tom Weilbacher (Ohio), Kelley (Army), Smith (Akron), Mayhew (Miami OH) and Bowman (Michigan)
1996 D-III Final - DeSales vs. Cleveland Benedictine
