Upholding Integrity: A Coach's Consequence, A Program's Promise
Offseason Practice Irregularities Lead to Coach's Suspension
Evan Dreyer, the head football coach at Anderson High School, will be sidelined for the team's initial game due to his failure to adhere to two distinct regulations set forth by the Ohio High School Athletic Association concerning offseason practice protocols. This decision means Coach Dreyer will be absent from the Raptors' opening match on Friday, August 21st, against the formidable Louisville Trinity team from Kentucky.
Uncovering Violations: An Internal Investigation and Self-Reporting
The discovery of these infractions began when Anderson High School's strength coach, Adam Szabo, brought the potential violations to the school's attention. Szabo identified seven separate instances where the football team might have breached OHSAA rules. In response to the OHSAA's policy encouraging self-reporting, the school initiated an internal inquiry, which ultimately confirmed that two specific regulations had indeed been violated: 7.8, pertaining to the definition of individual skill instruction, and 7.10, related to individual skill/coaching instruction.
Understanding the Rules: Limits on Offseason Coaching and Team Play
These two confirmed violations trace back to Regulation 7.3, which imposes a strict limit on the number of football players who can receive instruction from a single coach during the offseason period, specifically from January 1st to May 14th. This rule stipulates a maximum of seven players per coach. While multiple groups and coaches are permitted to use the same facility, they are expressly forbidden from merging groups or engaging in "team play," such as 7-on-7 drills.
Evidence and Consequences: Full-Contact Drills and Program Probation
Coach Szabo provided video evidence demonstrating that Anderson's team conducted multiple practices during the restricted period where players were seen installing plays in an 11-on-0 setup or participating in full-contact team drills. As a result, the entire coaching staff has been placed on a one-year probation and is required to undergo ethics training. Furthermore, they must meticulously log all weight training and coaching sessions for the next two years, submitting these records to both the school and the OHSAA to maintain compliance.
School District's Stance: Commitment to Compliance and Student Well-being
The Forest Hills School District released a statement affirming their serious commitment to addressing these matters. They expressed a dedication to fulfilling the consequences, undergoing enhanced monitoring, and meeting the educational requirements mandated by the OHSAA following the investigation. The district emphasized that no students would be directly affected by these repercussions and expressed gratitude for the OHSAA's collaborative approach. They also confirmed that measures are already being implemented to strengthen compliance with all regulations, ensuring a positive and successful experience for their student-athletes.
Board Review and Coach's Acceptance of Responsibility
The details of this case are slated for inclusion in the infractions report presented at the OHSAA's Board of Directors meeting on August 27th. Coach Dreyer acknowledged his role in the situation, stating, "I accept full responsibility for how this situation was handled. I should have demonstrated greater awareness and better judgment, and I will learn from it." He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to player development and creating opportunities for their continued education and football careers, promising to pursue these goals with increased care, awareness, and accountability.
A Legacy of Success and Continued Dedication
Currently in his 11th season leading the Anderson team, Coach Dreyer boasts an impressive record of 101-29, including three Eastern Cincinnati Conference titles and appearances in the DII state championship game in both 2024 and 2025. His overall coaching record stands at 145-57, encompassing his tenures at Oak Hills and Western Brown. In 2025, he was honored with the Paul Brown Excellence in Coaching Award by the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the third Anderson coach to receive this prestigious recognition.
