By Ron Jackson, Dayton Daily News Staff Writer

Where are the most daunting venues to play high school football? Here’s the Dayton Daily News list of the 10 toughest places for visiting high school football teams in the Miami Valley:

#1. Centerville Stadium. Capacity: 8,000. Opened in 1979.

It’s a gorgeous stadium that’s the envy of high schools and even some colleges. Quite simply, it is the most uncomfortable place to play for visiting teams. It has a raucous student section and a reputation for being the 12th man. Don’t forget the mystique. A.J. Hawk once wreaked havoc here. Other name-droppers: Mike Nugent, Kirk Herbstreit and legendary coach Bob Gregg (the stadium is located on Bob Gregg Drive).

phototour_facilitiesBeavercreek quarterback Zach Domicone will tell you getting out of Centerville Stadium with a victory can be a daunting task.

“So many things make it the toughest place to play,” Domicone said. “It’s hard to pick up cadences and audibles there because of the noise. Those Centerville fans have a passion for football. It’s a mini-college setting with the music blaring, the Jumbotron and the (pregame) tailgating.”

In this unscientific survey of area coaches and players, Centerville Stadium was named the toughest place to play in area high school football. The venue features two-year-old synthetic turf and first-class facilities that rank among the best in the region.

A huge “Home of the Elks” sign welcomes visitors on Bob Gregg Drive (named in honor of the former Elks head coach).

Opposing players are always tackling fears when they enter “The Black Hole,” not to mention the Elks’ talented teams.

“It’s so dark in there on a Friday night because all their fans wear black,” said Springboro coach Ryan Wilhite, a former Wayne assistant. “Fans are rowdy. They know how to defend their turf there. It’s something we’re trying to build at Springboro (CareFlight Field).”

Wayne has developed an intense rivalry with the Elks. When the two area powers play, it’s normally a high-stakes showdown.

“What a hostile environment,” Warriors coach Jay Minton said. “I don’t want to say you’re in awe of the place, but it’s the bigness that contributes to their home-field advantage. Their fans embrace the game like ours.”

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