In 1998, I believe it's correct that MAC schools DSJ, Coldwater, and St. Henry all made the playoffs - so too did ML neighbor Versailles (not yet in the MAC). Both DSJ and Versailles won state titles that year.
Marion Local, by comparison, finished 3-7, had fallen behind other local programs, and was in somewhat of a state of turmoil.
That all changed in 1999 with the hiring of 27 year old TG, who had no prior head coaching experience. To the best of my recollection, here is how the years have gone.
1999: The TG era starts very well as ML defeats Versailles in OT in the opener. The Flyers reach the state semi where they are clobbered by an outstanding DSJ squad 38-8. ML finishes 10-4.
2000: ML defeats DSJ 24-20 in the state semi (probably the greatest ML football victory ever), ending DSJ's 57-game win streak. ML defeats Mogadore 54-0 to claim its first state title, finishing 14-1.
2001: ML again finishes 14-1 with another drubbing of Mogadore in the state final 63-7. Only blemish is a loss to Coldwater.
2002: ML fields a great offensive attack this season, but loses to an inspired Hardin Northern squad 26-16 in the regional final. Final record of 11-2.
2003: After a fairly strong first half of the regular season, ML soon gets blown out by Versailles 37-0 and DSJ 35-7 and is clearly struggling going into the playoffs. But the Flyers reach the state final, losing fairly narrowly to Columbus Grove 28-26 (in which CG's Blaine Maag rushes for 287 yards). Final record of 10-4.
2004: Devastating preseason injuries to two key players, limited talent, and the tragic death of jr wideout Corey Albers midway through the season are all part of a mostly forgettable 4-6 year in which ML does not reach the playoffs. A thrilling upset victory over a really strong Versailles team in week 6 is the only positive memory.
2005: ML gets back on track, posting a 7-3 regular season record before losing to DSJ 28-21 in either the regional semi or regional final.
2006: ML overcomes a 1-2 start and, behind an awesome rushing attack, wins state for the third time (score of 17-0 I believe), holding opponent Shadyside to a mere 52 yards. Final record of 13-2.
2007: TG's second greatest team, behind a tremendous defense (led by the best ML linebacking corps ever) the Flyers run the table at 15-0, defeating powerful Ursuline 21-14 in the D-V state final.
2008: Injuries eventually take their toll and this ML squad gets hammered 35-0 by Aaron Craft and his Liberty Benton teammates in the D-V state semi. Final record of 11-3.
2009: After a 3-0 start, ML loses its next five (and is 1-5 in the MAC). An awesome week 10 upset victory over 8-1 Anna propels ML into the playoffs, where they reach the state semi, losing to DSJ in OT. Final record of 8-6.
2010: ML jumps out to an impressive 7-0 record, but then loses back to back games to strong Coldwater and DSJ teams. Still with high hopes for a rematch with mighty DSJ in the state semi, ML is shocked by Minster 30-26 in the regional semi. Final record 9-3.
2011: A team with talent, but little depth, ML luckily avoids injuries and wins state (for the fifth time) against Buckeye Central 61-21 following an improbable come from behind win the previous week against DSJ. Final record 13-2.
2012: Playing the final 13 games with only five seniors in uniform, TG performs miracles week after week in achieving his 6th state championship, a nailbiting 28-21 victory over Newark Catholic. After week 5, on every defensive snap ML has more sophomores on the field than seniors! Final record 13-2.
2013: A powerhouse ML squad goes 15-0, thrashing Coldwater 47-14 in the regular season and thumping Trimble in the state final (score escapes me). Final record 15-0.
2014: TG's greatest team. Other than a stellar defensive effort by Coldwater, no team puts up much of a fight against this totally dominant Flyer squad. The state final isn't close (can't recall opponent nor score). Final record 15-0 and 8th state championship.
2015: A great team that struggles with injuries, ML is 13-1 going into the state final. The Flyers lose that game narrowly to a determined Kirtland squad 22-20, one of the very few times an ML defense under TG cannot stop a rushing attack.
2016: Another great Flyer squad, with a tremendous defense ML wins state for the 9th time with a 21-17 win over Cuyahoga Heights.
2017: ML has to replace numerous starters, yet somewhat surprisingly goes 15-0 with dominating, mercy-rule victories over Coldwater in the regional final and Kirtland in the state final.
From my limited x's and o's perspective, it appears that Goodwin's teams win by controlling things up front, allowing the skill players to do their thing. Flyer teams seem to always be well prepared, play with great intensity, and with very high focus (few mental errors). I've also heard that TG is excellent at adapting quickly to what's happening on the field on Friday nights, making shrewd adjustments that give his kids an edge.
Special teams play has never been a particular strong point for his teams, but that seems to rarely be an issue in the final score.
TG has reached the state final in 12 of his 19 seasons, winning 10. His playoff record over the most recent seven years is a jaw-dropping 34-1 with six state championships.
I believe he has coached only two athletes who have received D-I offers.
Marion Local, by comparison, finished 3-7, had fallen behind other local programs, and was in somewhat of a state of turmoil.
That all changed in 1999 with the hiring of 27 year old TG, who had no prior head coaching experience. To the best of my recollection, here is how the years have gone.
1999: The TG era starts very well as ML defeats Versailles in OT in the opener. The Flyers reach the state semi where they are clobbered by an outstanding DSJ squad 38-8. ML finishes 10-4.
2000: ML defeats DSJ 24-20 in the state semi (probably the greatest ML football victory ever), ending DSJ's 57-game win streak. ML defeats Mogadore 54-0 to claim its first state title, finishing 14-1.
2001: ML again finishes 14-1 with another drubbing of Mogadore in the state final 63-7. Only blemish is a loss to Coldwater.
2002: ML fields a great offensive attack this season, but loses to an inspired Hardin Northern squad 26-16 in the regional final. Final record of 11-2.
2003: After a fairly strong first half of the regular season, ML soon gets blown out by Versailles 37-0 and DSJ 35-7 and is clearly struggling going into the playoffs. But the Flyers reach the state final, losing fairly narrowly to Columbus Grove 28-26 (in which CG's Blaine Maag rushes for 287 yards). Final record of 10-4.
2004: Devastating preseason injuries to two key players, limited talent, and the tragic death of jr wideout Corey Albers midway through the season are all part of a mostly forgettable 4-6 year in which ML does not reach the playoffs. A thrilling upset victory over a really strong Versailles team in week 6 is the only positive memory.
2005: ML gets back on track, posting a 7-3 regular season record before losing to DSJ 28-21 in either the regional semi or regional final.
2006: ML overcomes a 1-2 start and, behind an awesome rushing attack, wins state for the third time (score of 17-0 I believe), holding opponent Shadyside to a mere 52 yards. Final record of 13-2.
2007: TG's second greatest team, behind a tremendous defense (led by the best ML linebacking corps ever) the Flyers run the table at 15-0, defeating powerful Ursuline 21-14 in the D-V state final.
2008: Injuries eventually take their toll and this ML squad gets hammered 35-0 by Aaron Craft and his Liberty Benton teammates in the D-V state semi. Final record of 11-3.
2009: After a 3-0 start, ML loses its next five (and is 1-5 in the MAC). An awesome week 10 upset victory over 8-1 Anna propels ML into the playoffs, where they reach the state semi, losing to DSJ in OT. Final record of 8-6.
2010: ML jumps out to an impressive 7-0 record, but then loses back to back games to strong Coldwater and DSJ teams. Still with high hopes for a rematch with mighty DSJ in the state semi, ML is shocked by Minster 30-26 in the regional semi. Final record 9-3.
2011: A team with talent, but little depth, ML luckily avoids injuries and wins state (for the fifth time) against Buckeye Central 61-21 following an improbable come from behind win the previous week against DSJ. Final record 13-2.
2012: Playing the final 13 games with only five seniors in uniform, TG performs miracles week after week in achieving his 6th state championship, a nailbiting 28-21 victory over Newark Catholic. After week 5, on every defensive snap ML has more sophomores on the field than seniors! Final record 13-2.
2013: A powerhouse ML squad goes 15-0, thrashing Coldwater 47-14 in the regular season and thumping Trimble in the state final (score escapes me). Final record 15-0.
2014: TG's greatest team. Other than a stellar defensive effort by Coldwater, no team puts up much of a fight against this totally dominant Flyer squad. The state final isn't close (can't recall opponent nor score). Final record 15-0 and 8th state championship.
2015: A great team that struggles with injuries, ML is 13-1 going into the state final. The Flyers lose that game narrowly to a determined Kirtland squad 22-20, one of the very few times an ML defense under TG cannot stop a rushing attack.
2016: Another great Flyer squad, with a tremendous defense ML wins state for the 9th time with a 21-17 win over Cuyahoga Heights.
2017: ML has to replace numerous starters, yet somewhat surprisingly goes 15-0 with dominating, mercy-rule victories over Coldwater in the regional final and Kirtland in the state final.
From my limited x's and o's perspective, it appears that Goodwin's teams win by controlling things up front, allowing the skill players to do their thing. Flyer teams seem to always be well prepared, play with great intensity, and with very high focus (few mental errors). I've also heard that TG is excellent at adapting quickly to what's happening on the field on Friday nights, making shrewd adjustments that give his kids an edge.
Special teams play has never been a particular strong point for his teams, but that seems to rarely be an issue in the final score.
TG has reached the state final in 12 of his 19 seasons, winning 10. His playoff record over the most recent seven years is a jaw-dropping 34-1 with six state championships.
I believe he has coached only two athletes who have received D-I offers.
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