The Ironton Tribune • Pigskin Preview 2023

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Good luck to all from the Ironton Board of Education & Administration

FOOTBALL 2023

5

Members of the 2023 Ironton Fighting Tigers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Kaden Duty-Anderson, Carter Bridges, Carson Akers, Bryson Kerns, Drayden Edens, Luke Fitzpatrick, Brycen Mullins, Asher Keyes, Silas Edwards, Maverick Banks, Landon Thomas, Ethan Sutton, Bryson Hayes and Trenton Patterson; second row from left to right, James Shope, No. 65, Gabe Fitzpatrick, Caleb Jacobs, Braiden Linn, Kayden Edwards, Joey Weaver, Tyson Harvey, Jase Williams, Mason Wheeler, David Fields, Maddix Markel, Braydon Baker, Tyler Carmon and Stephen Ison; third row from left to right, Aiden Hensley, Morgan Gleichauf, Daryn Harvey, Peyton McKnight, Braylon Sturgill, Josh Johnson, Tyler Roach, Austin Bump, Barkley Litton, Aiden Layne, Ian Farrow, Grant Day, Caleb Dickerson, Zayne Williams and Tyson Cox; fourth row from left to right, Markel Cotton, Gavin Hart, Mason Hitchler, Shaun Terry, Nick Sites, Braden Schreck, Bowen Gossett, Jesse Copas, Nathan McDade, Tashawna Young, Creighton Bryant and Jacob Jenkins; fifth row from left to right, Connor Lowe, Isaac Fitzpatrick, Aris Pittman, Tatum Moore, Bailey Thacker, Justin Bryant, Noah Patterson, Ben Sloan, Phil Bowman, Ethan Hellyer, Landen Lewis, Bryson Hayes and Levi Joseph. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhoto.com)

Ironton filling holes following state title run

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

There was a sighting report at Iron City Hardware where Ironton head coach Trevon Pendleton was allegedly asking Jim Hacker for some life-size containers of wood filler putty.

Okay, so that was just fake news, but Pendleton will be looking to fill a lot of holes this season after Ironton lost a large and talented senior class that took the team to the Division 5 title game for the third time in four seasons and post-

Patterson

Sloan

ed more wins by any class in school history.

“Obviously, when you lose a senior class like last year it’s very hard to replace,” said Ironton’s sixth-year head coach who guided the team to a 15-1 record and state runner-up.

“The great thing is we’ve been pretty fortunate to make some deep playoff runs lately and basically it gives us a whole second half a season. Playing 15 games or 16 games as opposed to 10, a lot of our kids grow up in that extra practice time.”

Thacker

Pittman

Hart

Pendleton explained how the extra time will benefit this year’s team that must jell quickly.

“The guys that are going to step in and play this year have a lot of experience whether it’s on Friday nights getting some reps or on Monday playing a great jayvee schedule, or whether it’s just practice time going against them guys that obviously were a pretty good group playing in the state championship.

“I owe a lot to that senior class last year with the heights they’ve taken the program to, and not only that

Moore

Schreck

but for preparing the kids below them to be ready to play football at a high level,” said Pendleton.

Ironton suffered its most impact on defense with all three linebackers signing with Division 1 schools and two defensive backs also going to the college ranks. Ironton lost eight defensive starters.

“We’ve got some guys you put the ball in their hands offensively they’re playmakers and just natural with the ball in their hands,” said Pendleton.

Copas

SEE “FILLING,” PAGE 8

Layne

Gossett

6

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 Ironton Fighting Tigers Football Schedule Ironton Fighting Tigers 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 0 Aris Pittman WR-DB 6-02 190 Sr. 2 Braylon Sturgill WR-DB 5-10 180 Jr. 3 Tyler Roach WR-DB 6-00 170 Jr. 4 Shaun Terry WR-DB 5-10 175 Jr. 5 Nick Sites WR-DB 6-01 180 Jr. 7 Kayden Edwards WR-DB 5-11 165 Fr. 8 Josh Johnson WR-DB 6-03 180 Jr. 9 Bryson Kerns WR-DB 5-10 150 Fr. 11 Bailey Thacker QB-DE 6-03 210 Sr. 12 Braden Schreck QB-WR-DB 6-02 185 Jr. 13 Phil Bowman WR-DB 5-09 175 Sr. 14 Mason Hitchler WR-DB 5-10 180 Sr. 15 Maddix Markel WR-DB 6-00 185 So. 18 Braydon Baker WR-DB 5-10 170 So. 19 Asher Keyes WR-DB 5-07 135 Fr. 20 Tyson Harvey WR-DB 5-09 155 Fr. 21 Brycen Mullins WR-DB 5-08 150 Fr. 22 Gavin Hart FB-LB 6-01 220 Sr. 23 Markel Cotton WR-DB 6-02 170 Jr. 24 Zayne Williams RB-DB 5-09 200 So. 26 Tyler Carmon RB-DB 5-11 180 So. 27 Justin Bryant WR-DB 5-07 145 Sr. 29 David Fields PK 5-11 165 So.

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 44 45 46 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61

Ben Sloan Stephen Ison Braden Barbour Landon Thomas Tatum Moore Tyson Cox Silas Edwards Ethan Hellyer Drayden Edens Ethan Sutton Jesse Copas Kaden Duty-Anderson Braiden Linn Jase Williams Aiden Hensley Aiden Layne Barkley Litton Morgan Gleichauf Austin Bump Isaac Fitzpatrick Gabe Fitzpatrick Peyton McKnight Levi Joseph Mason Wheeler Nathan McDade

RB-LB WR-DB RB-LB WR-DB TE-LB WR-LB WR-DB WR-DB RB-DB WR-DB RB-DL WR-DB TE-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

5-10 5-10 6-00 5-10 6-02 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-08 5-08 5-09 5-11 5-10 5-09 5-09 6-01 6-01 5-11 6-00 6-02 5-09 5-11 5-09 5-11 6-01

185 165 190 160 200 180 185 170 155 180 185 160 185 210 210 240 190 210 205 185 170 200 190 225 280

Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.

62 Jacob Jenkins OL-DL 6-02 290 Sr. 63 Creighton Bryant OL-DL 5-11 310 Sr. 64 Noah Patterson OL-DL 6-03 285 Sr. 66 Grant Day OL-DL 5-10 255 Jr. 67 Tashawna Young OL-DL 5-07 200 Sr. 68 Carson Akers OL-DL 6-00 210 Fr. 69 James Shope OL-DL 5-09 180 So. 70 Landen Lewis OL-DL 6-05 305 Jr. 72 Carter Bridges OL-DL 5-09 245 Fr. 74 Ayden Habkins TE-DL 6-04 250 Fr. 75 Bryson Hayes OL-DL 5-11 280 Sr. 76 Ian Farrow OL-DL 5-10 260 Jr. 77 Bowen Gossett OL-DL 6-02 265 Jr. 78 Caleb Jacobs OL-DL 6-04 255 So. 79 Caleb Dickerson OL-DL 6-02 270 So. 80 Connor Lowe WR-DB 5-10 165 Sr. 81 Maverick Banks WR-DB 5-07 120 Fr. 82 Daryn Harvey WR-DL 5-06 160 Sr. 83 Joey Weaver WR-DB 5-11 155 Fr. 85 Luke Fitzpatrick TE-DL 6-03 170 Fr. 87 Trenton Patterson WR-DB 6-01 155 So. Head coach: Trevon Pendleton Assistant coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Merril Triplett, Walt Delong, Terry Miller, Daniel Murphy, Breandon Walker, Keith Wetzel, Jermaine Keyes, Brett Thomas.

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FOOTBALL 2023

7

2023 Area Football Schedules of Interest 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20

Jackson Ironmen August LOGAN at Ironton September WHEELERSBURG at Western Brown Hamilton Ross at Wash. Court House at Miami Trace October at Hillsboro GREENFIELD McCLAIN CHILLICOTHE

Wheelersburg Pirates August 18 at Ironton 25 CIN. McNICHOLAS September 1 at Jackson 8 NORTHWEST# 15 at Lucasville Valley# 22 HARVEST PREP 29 at Oak Hill# October 6 WAVERLY# 13 at Minford# 20 PORTSMOUTH WEST# Portsmouth West Senators August 18 FAIRLAND 25 PORTSMOUTH September 1 HILLSBORO 8 at Wellston 15 at Waverly# 22 MINFORD# 29 at Lucas. Valley# October 6 at Northwest# 13 OAK HILL# 20 at Wheelersburg# #-Denotes SOC game

Waverly Tigers August 18 MIAMI TRACE 25 at Zane Trace September 1 at Unioto 8 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 15 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 22 at Oak Hill# 29 MINFORD# October 6 at Wheelersburg# 13 NORTHWEST# 20 at Mount Healthy #-Denotes SOC game Lucasville Valley Indians August 17 at Portsmouth 25 COAL GROVE September 1 PIKETON 8 at Waverly# 15 WHEELERSBURG# 22 at Northwest# 29 PORTSMOUTH WEST# October 6 OAK HILL# 13 at Grandview Heights 20 at Minford# #-Denotes SOC game

18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6

Minford Falcons August ROCK HILL at Chesapeake# September WELLSTON OAK HILL# at Northwest# at Portsmouth West# at Waverly# October at Logan

13 WHEELERSBURG# 20 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# #-Denotes OVC game Oak Hill Oaks August 18 at Wellston 25 at Piketon September 1 ROCK HILL 8 at Minford# 15 SOUTH GALLIA 22 WAVERLY# 29 WHEELERSBURG# October 6 at Lucasville Valley# 13 at Portsmouth West# 20 NORTHWEST# #-Denotes SOC game Northwest Mohawks August 18 at Southeastern 25 GREENFIELD McClain September 1 HUNTINGTON ROSS 8 at Wheelersburg# 15 MINFORD# 22 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 29 at Vinton County October 6 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 13 at Waverly# 20 at Oak Hill# #-Denotes SOC game

18 25 2 8 15 23

Notre Dame Titans August at Manchester BERNE UNION September FISHER CATHOLIC MEIGS EASTERN WILLIAMSBURG SOUTH GALLIA#

29

at Green# October 6 BEAVER EASTERN# 13 at Symmes Valley# 20 at Sciotoville East# #-Denotes SOC game South Gallia Rebels August 18 RACINE SOUTHERN 25 at River Valley September 1 MEIGS EASTERN 8 MANCHESTER 15 at Oak Hill 23 at Prts. Notre Dame# 29 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# October 6 at Green# 13 at Beaver Eastern# 20 SYMMES VALLEY# #-Denotes SOC game Beaver Eastern Eagles August 18 at Miller 25 HUNTINGTON ROSS September 1 at Southeastern 8 FAYETTEVILLE 15 RACINE SOUTHERN 22 at Sciotoville East# 29 SYMMES VALLEY# October 6 at Ports. Notre Dame# 13 SOUTH GALLIA# 20 at Green# #-Denotes SOC game Sciotoville East Tartans August 18 at Bishop Rosecrans 25 MANCHESTER September 1 at Miller 15 at Bradford 22 Beaver Eastern#

29

at South Gallia# October 6 at Symmes Valley 13 GREEN# 20 PRTS. NOTRE DAME# #-Denotes SOC game

18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 18 25 1 8 22 29 6 13 20 27

Russell Red Devils August MASON COUNTY at Greenup County September at South Point MAGOFFIN COUNTY ASHLAND, Ky. at Fleming County at West Carter October LEWIS COUNTY at Bath County EAST CARTER Boyd County Lions August at South Point, Ohio BELL COUNTY September EAST CARTER at Mason County at Johnson Central GREENUP COUNTY October ASHLAND, Ky. at Rowan County at Lawrence County PIKEVILLE

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8

FOOTBALL 2023

Filling

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE RT RG C LG LT WR WR QB FB RB WR PK

80 11 64 56 54 55 77 xx 55 53 52 77 0 xx 12 xx 11 12 24 xx 44 26 14 xx 19 36

Connor Lowe Bailey Thacker Noah Patterson Isaac Fitzpatrick Morgan Gleichauf Austin Bump Bowen Gossett Landen Lewis Austin Bump Barkley Litton Aiden Layne Bowen Gossett Aris Pittman Kayden Edwards Braden Schreck Nick Sites Bailey Thacker Braden Schreck Zayne Williams Gavin Hart Jesse Copas Tyler Carmon Shaun Terry Maddix Markel David Fields Wesley Neal DEFENSE

DE NG DE ILB ILB OLB OLB CB CB S S P

64 53 44 55 52 11 20 30 22 32 34 0 55 30 12 17 7 23 14 18 24 5 12 26

Noah Patterson Barkley Litton Jesse Copas Austin Bump Aiden Layne Bailey Thacker Braylon Sturgill Ben Sloan Gavin Hart Braden Barbour Tatum Moore Aris Pittman Austin Bump Ben Sloan Braden Schreck Maddix Markel Kayden Edwards Brayden Baker Shaun Terry Josh Johnson Zayne Williams Nick Sites Braden Schreck Tyler Carmon

Copas (5-09, 185) and sophomore Tyler Carmon (5-11, 180).

“They didn’t get as many touches, especially at the varsity level, that you would like to see but that was due to the guys ahead of them.

There were times when these guys were capable ballcarriers but the situation just didn’t arise,” said Pendleton.

“Throughout fall camp, we have gotten them touches whether it’s Zayne Williams, Gavin Hart, Jesse Copas, Tyler Carman, those guys have taken advantage of their carries. Honestly, they’ve done a great job not just in the run game, but the pass game and the pass blocking.

Pendleton said there will be a lot of different runnings used depending on the situation.

“You’re going to see a lot of different sets. We’re going to be very multiple. We’ll have two-back, twotight end stuff,” said Pendleton with a chuckle.

Ironton Fighting Tigers August 19 at Wheelersburg 26 at Jackson September 2 at Fairland# 10 JOHNSON CENTRAL 16 SOUTH POINT# 23 CHESAPEAKE# 30 at Rock Hill# October 7 COAL GROVE# 14 GALLIPOLIS# 21 at Portsmouth# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Trevon Pendleton

Ironton Fighting Tigers Ironton 40 Wheelersburg 6 Ironton 13 Jackson 10 Ironton 20 Fairland (OT) 14 Ironton 7 Cin. Moeller 25 Ironton 36 South Point 0 Ironton 56 Chesapeake 7 Ironton 54 Rock Hill 6 Ironton 48 Coal Grove 0 Ironton 43 Gallipolis 0 Ironton 36 Portsmouth 9 Playoffs Ironton 49 Wellston 6 Ironton 17 Portsmouth 6 Ironton 14 Wheelersburg 17 Record: 11-2

SEE “FILLING,” PAGE 9

2022 Results

IRONTON

“Defensively, we’ve got some holes to fill but we have a lot of guys who have gotten reps in the past. We guys who have made great strides through this amp going into the fall season. Over the course of the summer you could see day one to the final day you could see exponential growth in them.”

RECEIVERS Ironton lost several wide receivers including the versatile Landen Wilson and Cincinnati Bearcats recruit Ty Perkins.

Pendleton doesn’t have any single player to fill Perkins’ role but rather Ironton will do it by committee.

Among those in the group are juniors Braden Schreck (6-2, 185) and Shaun Terry (5-10, 175), both returning starters plus senior Aris Pittman (6-2, 190).

Terry has already received offers from Toledo, UMass and Eastern Michigan.

Schreck will also be in the quarterback room.

“Braden is a really good quarterback in itself. He has great ball skills and really soft hands,” said Pendleton. “Shaun Terry is just electric with ball in his hands. Aris Pittman is long on the edge and just coming into his own.”

Others in the mix are juniors Tyler Roach (6-0, 170) and Nick Sites (6-1, 180), senior Connor Lowe (5-10, 165), sophomores Brayden Baker (5-10, 170) and Maddix Markel (6-0, 185) along with freshman Kayden Edwards (5-11, 165).

“I think we have a lot of guys who have stepped up. Ty (Perkins) is a special player. He was able to take the lid off the defense. Just his speed and his strength could take the top off a defense at any point, make teams guard us differently,” said Pendleton.

“This year I think the strength of our receiver room is in our numbers. I think we’ve got six to seven guys who can roll in there.

Throughout our 7-on-7s, we played different groups here and there, mixed and matched them up and played different positions. So, we have a really good group of guys who can play and do multiple things. I’m really excited come Friday night.”

QUARTERBACK “It’s pretty good when you’re talking about your quarterbacks being some of the best athletes on the field and being able to play multiple positions. Bailey fits that same mold. If he’s not playing quarterback, he can easily play receiver at tight end. Obviously, Bailey is a doing a lot of good things for us at

quarterback. We think his athleticism is really going to show this fall,” Pendleton said of the 6-3, 210pound senior.

“Braden Schreck and Kayden Edwards they’re both more than capable. Braden is honestly is as good as it gets in the quarterback position.

“He’s a great athlete and he controls the offense. Kayden Edwards is just young right now, but his athleticism is off the charts. He’s a really hard worker, a really coachable kid. Our quarterback room are all smart kids and all coachable kids.”

The 6-2, 185-pound Schreck is a junior while the 5-11, 165-pound Edwards is just a freshman.

RUNNING BACKS Gone are a group of running backs that were led by Jaques Keyes and Landen Wilson. There are a plethora of candidates this season that include sophomore Zayne Williams (5-9, 200), senior Gavin Hart (6-1, 220), junior Jesse

2023 Schedule

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Trevon Pendleton (56-11 at Ironton and overall, 6th season) Assistant Coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Merril Triplett, Walt Delong, Terry Miller, Daniel Murphy, Brandon Walker, Keith Wetzel, Jermaine Keyes, Brett Thomas, Sonny Silva, Emmett Keyes, Scott Schmidt, Jared Smith, Tariq Thomas, Garrett Pendleton, Shane Kerns.

Equipment: Tim Collins, Jeremy Williams Key Returnees: Noah Patterson, Ben Sloan, Isaac Fitzpatrick, Braden Schreck, Shaun Terry, Bailey Thacker, Zayne Williams, Tyler Carmon, Jaxon Johnson, Aiden Layne, Bowen Gossett, Jesse Copas, Aris Pittman.

Key Losses: Lincoln Barnes, Tayden Carpenter, Ty Perkins, Trevor Carter, Jaques Keyes, Aiden Young, Amari Felder, Landen Wilson, C.J. Martin, DeAngelo Weekly, Cole Freeman, Tanner Moore, Hunter Moore, Evan Williams.

2022 Record: 15-1 (D5 state runners-up, 7-0 OVC first) Offense: Pro-I, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, 3-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starter: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 3

FOOTBALL 2023

Williams

9

Litton

Bump

Gleichauf

Lowe

Carmon

Markel

Johnson

Sturgill

Filling CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

“Defensively, we’ve got some holes to fill but we have a lot of guys who have gotten reps in the past. We guys who have made great strides through this amp going into the fall season.

Over the course of the summer you could see day one to the final day you could see exponential growth in them.”

RECEIVERS Ironton lost several wide receivers including the versatile Landen Wilson and Cincinnati Bearcats recruit Ty Perkins.

Pendleton doesn’t have any single player to fill Perkins’ role but rather Ironton will do it by committee.

Among those in the group are juniors Braden Schreck (6-2, 185) and Shaun Terry (5-10, 175), both returning starters plus senior Aris Pittman (6-2, 190).

Terry has already received offers from Toledo, UMass and Eastern Michigan.

Schreck will also be in the quarterback room.

“Braden is a really good quarterback in itself.

He has great ball skills and really soft hands,” said Pendleton.

“Shaun Terry is just electric with ball in his hands. Aris Pittman is long on the edge and just coming into his own.”

Others in the mix are juniors Tyler Roach (6-0, 170) and Nick Sites (6-1, 180), senior Connor Lowe (5-10, 165), sophomores Brayden Baker (5-10, 170) and Maddix Markel (6-0, 185) along with freshman Kayden Edwards (5-11, 165).

“I think we have a lot of guys who have stepped up. Ty (Perkins) is a special player. He was able to take the lid off the defense. Just his speed and his strength could take the top off a defense at any point, make teams guard us differently,” said Pendleton.

“This year I think the strength of our receiver room is in our numbers. I think we’ve got six to seven guys who can roll in there. Throughout our 7-on-7s, we played different groups here and there, mixed and matched them up and played different positions. So, we have a really good group of guys who can play and do multiple things. I’m really excited come Friday night.”

QUARTERBACK “It’s pretty good when you’re talking about your quarterbacks being some of the best athletes on the field and being able to play multiple positions. Bailey fits that same mold. If he’s not playing quarterback, he can easily play receiver at tight end. Obviously, Bailey is a doing a lot of good things for us at quarterback. We think his athleticism is really going to show this fall,” Pendleton said of the 6-3, 210-pound senior.

“Braden Schreck and Kayden Edwards they’re both more than capable. Braden is honestly is as good as it gets in the quarterback position.

“He’s a great athlete and he controls the

offense. Kayden Edwards is just young right now, but his athleticism is off the charts. He’s a really hard worker, a really coachable kid.

Our quarterback room are all smart kids and all coachable kids.”

The 6-2, 185-pound Schreck is a junior while the 5-11, 165-pound Edwards is just a freshman.

RUNNING BACKS Gone are a group of running backs that were led by Jaques Keyes and Landen Wilson. There are a plethora of candidates this season that include sophomore Zayne Williams (5-9, 200), senior Gavin Hart (6-1, 220), junior Jesse Copas (5-09, 185) and sophomore Tyler Carmon (5-11, 180).

“They didn’t get as many touches, especially at the varsity level, that you would like to see but that was due to the guys ahead of them.

There were times when these guys were capable ballcarriers but the situation just didn’t arise,” said Pendleton.

“Throughout fall camp, we have gotten them touches whether it’s Zayne Williams, Gavin Hart, Jesse Copas, Tyler Carman, those guys have taken advantage of their carries. Honestly, they’ve done a great job not just in the run game, but the pass game and the pass blocking.

Pendleton said there will be a lot of different runnings used depending on the situation.

“You’re going to see a lot of different sets.

We’re going to be very multiple. We’ll have twoback, two-tight end stuff,” said Pendleton with a chuckle.

“We’re fortunate that we’ve been able to build some depth and had some guys who bought into weight room and changed their bodies.”

OFFENSIVE LINE A big factor for the Fighting Tigers will be on the offensive line as they look to replace Tanner Moore and Hunter Moore.

‘I think that’s biggest key for anyone involved in fall camp. You have five moving pieces and you need to mix “ Ironton returns 3 returning starting lineman this season led by Eastern Michigan recruit Noah Patterson (6-3, 285) as well as juniors Bowen Gossett (6-2, 265) and Aiden Layne (6-1, 240).

All 3 are capable of playing any of the three positions but Gossett will probably play center or tackle, Patterson at right tackle and Layne either guard or tackle.

“Gossett was a starter until he got hurt. Noah Patterson and Aiden Layne have been anchors on that line for some time now,” said Pendleton.

The other top linemen in the mix are Morgan Gleichauf (5-11, 210), junior Austin Bump (6-0, 205), junior Barkley Litton (6-1, 190) and senior Isaac Fitzpatrick (6-2, 185).

“The other guard and tackle or center spots will be according to matchups and how they are jelling. The good thing is we have three or four

guys there can all snap the ball equally, just about equal at guard, it’s just a matter of seeing the cohesiveness that they have as a unit,” Pendleton said.

DEFENSIVE LINE Building depth up front is going to be a priority for the Ironton staff. Several players on the offensive line will have to flip over and play some defense as well.

“We’ll have some guys going both ways. The way we describe it is platoon and a half. It ain’t a full platoon but whether they’re the starter on offense and get half rep on defense, we don’t have anyone I can see playing every snap both ways at least early on,” said Pendleton.

“We’ll see and judge it as camp does on. We feel like we have enough depth we can rotate and keep people fresh. “ Patterson and Layne both started at the tackle spots last season. Copas played last season but was plagued by injuries.

Also in the mix are Litton, Bump, sophomore Braden Barbour (6-0, 190) and junior Landon Lewis (6-5, 305).

“Austin Bump plays linebacker but is very capable of playing on the D-Line. Braden Barber is a guy who stepped up and played as of late.

Landon Lewis is a guy who jumped in their and played nose and played some here lately,” said Pendleton.

“We’re very excited about some of those guys and they’ve all thrown their name in the hat so to speak. We’re going to find out within the next few scrimmages that we have and the next few weeks of practice who wants to step up and take the bull by the horns and be that third guy all the way back to that fifth guy that’s rotating in there to get snaps.”

LINEBACKERS This is an area that took a major hit and Ironton lost All-District Defensive Player of the Year Lincoln Barnes who is at Marshall, Jaquez Keyes who signed with Wake Forest and the speedy Trevor Carter inked with Cincinnati.

Pendleton said there are 6 or 7 guys who are rotating at the linebacker spots both inside and outside which will allow the team to have depth.

The candidates include senior Aris Pittman, junior Braylon Sturgill (5-10, 180), Hart, senior Ben Sloan (5-10, 185), senior Tatum Moore (6-2, 200), Bump and possibly Williams who played outside linebacker last season but has switched to the secondary.

“Tatum Moore has been a guy who as of late has stepped up in that role and made the transition from corner last year. He had a great year in the offseason in the weight room and we moved him to outside linebacker and he’s just kind of taken off as of late,” said Pendleton SECONDARY

SEE “FILLING,” PAGE 10

10

FOOTBALL 2023

Patterson focused on team goals, not his own

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Senior year, postseason awards, college offers. There’s a lot on the table for Noah Patterson to focus on going into the football season. So what is his main goal?

“Win the state. That’s the main goal,” said Patterson.

Everything else that surrounds Patterson and his Ironton Fighting Tiger teammates is not only secondary, but down the list when compared to the main goal. And as a senior who is a three-year starter, Patterson said there is more to the season for him than just being on the field each Friday night.

“It’s gone so fast. As a freshman, I was like I can’t wait to be a senior year. Now it’s here and I’m like, ‘Whoa! What happened?’ I’m just shocked,” said Patterson.

“But going into the season I’m really focused on trying to make my teammates better and be the best leader I can, to be a role model to these guys and have them look up to me, see me as something special. I want to make an impact on their lives and impact them on their entire careers here as a freshman, a sophomore, no matter what.

I just want to be looked at as a guy who gave his all,.”

Patterson moved to Ironton after middle school with no idea of what to expect. Now standing at 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, Patterson was a wideeyed freshman when Ironton made the state championship game in 2020.

Ironton finished state runners-up in Division 5 that season, lost in the regional semifinals the following year, but returned to the state finals last season only to lost to South Range.

For Patterson, it’s been a wild ride and quite an exciting experience.

“My freshman and sophomore years were really rough, especially my first year here. I moved here

Noah Patterson from South Point. It’s a whole different experience. It’s insane how much coach (Trevon) Pendleton and all the staff is just invested and locked in on this program.

They just want to win the (state) title like we do. It’s been a journey ever since my freshman year. After getting beat on forever and now senior year, it’s my last year, I’m like ‘where’s time gone?’ Time’s a thief and I hate it.”

Patterson said there have been a lot of memorable games during his career but the state title games are burned into his brain.

“My freshman year we played Kirtland and it was the COVID year.

I never really got to be part of of that on the field, but I got to experience it and it was a wild atmosphere. It was insane. Fans were going crazy. We’re going hyped,” said Patterson.

“This (past) year, we played South Range and I actually played. They were a really good team. They bonded together, they were built well, disciplined and ready to come and play. Ever since I stepped on the field I was like, ‘I’m really taking in this moment. I’m really about to do this. I never pictured being in the state game, playing and having a big impact.”

Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior lineman Noah Patterson has verbally committed to Eastern Michigan but has his eyes firmly focused on the 2023 season.

As far as the goal of playing college football, Patterson has already checked that box. With offers from Murray State, UNLV and Youngstown State, he headed off the recruiting worries before the season even began by committing to Eastern Michigan, a Division 1 program that is a member of the Mid-American Conference.

‘When I went up there, it was a different atmosphere. I really loved the coaching staff, the players/ They really are invested in the program. They’re very connected to each other It made me feel like home. They made me feel like I was their top guy,” said Patterson.

And if anyone else comes calling, he may listen just to be polite.

“I’m set in stone,” said Patterson.

Now comes the task at hand which

is to make a return trip to the finals for a third time in his career and ultimately grab that gold ring. He said it will take patience not to look past anyone on the schedule along with plenty of hard work.

“During the regular season, we just try to learn plays and be perfect, spot-on with everything we do and when the playoffs start, we’re ready to go. We’re one hundred percent locked in and focused,” said Partterson.

“It’s starts in late December right after the season has ended. We start in the weight room and in July we start on the field and start to rep plays and get our minds going. It’s just another journey back to the state.”

Obviously, Noah Patterson is someone who is really goal oriented.

(yards) in practice the other day.

He just needs to work on consistency,” said Pendleton.

The punting job is between Schreck and Carmon and Pendleton said both “have been booming the ball. I think we’re right on par and ahead of the schedule with the kicking game compared to the last few years.”

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Ironton has its usual tough nonleague schedule with Wheelersburg, Jackson and this season Cabell Midland at Marshall Stadium. But

Pendleton is not about to overlook the conference games.

“We’re excited about the schedule. League play is going to be fun.

I feel our league is getting better every year,” said Pendleton.

“Gallia had a really good football team last year. Fairland has been really good lately. You have to play really good football to beat them.

They don’t beat themselves. You have to execute and do the little things. Portsmouth is going to be well-coached and do things right.”

Filling CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

The names in the secondary reflect the skilled players on offense with some additions to give Ironton a strong group of defensive backs.

“The secondary is a very talented group very similar to our receiver group. They’re guys who played a lot of snaps,” said Pendleton.17 The group includes junior Josh Johnson (6-3, 180), Edwards, Terry, Sites, Roach, Schreck, Markel, Williams, Baker and Lowe.

“We have about four guys at each of those positions who can rotate in there,” said Pendleton. “We have enough depth there that they’re going to keep pushing each other and get better.”

KICKING GAME Evan “Automatic” Williams is gone which should open up the job for sophomore David Fields (5-11, 165).

“We have a really strong kicker in David Fields. He has a really strong leg. He’s been going to a lot of camps. He made one from 50

FOOTBALL 2023

11

New rule change eliminates excessive offensive penalty enforcement INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A notable change to Rule 10 of the NFHS Football Rules Book will eliminate the excessive penalty enforcements for offensive fouls that occur behind the line of scrimmage in high school football.

This change in Rule 10-4 (Basic Spots) is one of seven revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 8-10 meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for the 2023 high school football season.

In a move to achieve one of the committee’s fundamental tasks of maintaining a balance between offense and defense, this revision stipulates the basic spot for enforcement of fouls behind the line of scrimmage is the previous spot rather than the spot of the foul. Current penalties for illegal kicking, bat-

ting and participation fouls, as well as provisions for offensive fouls occurring in the end zone that may result in a safety, remain intact.

As an example, with the change in Rule 10-4, a team on offense at its own 40-yard line that is called for holding 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage at its own 30-yard line, would be faced with first and 20 from its 30-yard line rather than the almost insurmountable task of first and 30 from its own 20-yard line.

In a change that addresses another goal of every NFHS rules committee – risk minimization – additional criteria were approved to help identify players who should be defined as defenseless receivers related to application of unnecessary or excessive contact.

An addition (d) to Rule 2-3216 states that another example of a defenseless player includes a receiver, as previously defined in the rule, including the person inter-

cepting the pass, who is forcefully contacted by an opponent that is not 1) incidental contact as a result of making a play on the ball, 2) initiated with open hands, or 3) an attempt to tackle by wrapping arm(s) around the receiver.

The committee also approved a clarification to the intentional grounding rule change implemented last year. The change in Rule 7-5-2EXCEPTION permits the exception for intentional grounding to the first and only player to possess the ball after the snap ends.

A revision in Rule 2-29-1 clarifies when a player is inbounds after being out of bounds. While the committee approved additional language for clarification, there is no change to any foul or subsequent penalty provisions, or any rules related to illegal participation or the provisions regarding eligibility to catch a pass.

One change was approved in Rule 1-5-3 regarding player equipment, specifically player towels, which now may contain one manufacturer’s

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logo and/or one school logo, neither exceeding 2¼ square inches. Towels must be a solid color, but now do not have to be the same color for each player. Towels may not, however, be the color of the ball or penalty flag.

In Rule 7-5 (TABLE) regarding forward pass interference, the word “intentional” was removed, which puts the rule in line with how it is already enforced, which is a 15-yard penalty.

A final change was approved in the rules differences for six-player football, which along with eight-player and nine-player use the basic 11-player football rules with exceptions. An exception in Rule 7 was approved for six-player football stating that “a direct forward handoff may be made during a scrimmage down before a change of possession, provided both players are in or behind the neutral zone unless it is to the snapper.”

This change allows the ball to be handed forward on a running play, including to the guards/ends, while pro-

hibiting handing the ball to the snapper, provided both players are behind the neutral zone.

The NFHS Football Rules Committee is composed of one representative from each of the NFHS member state associations that use NFHS football rules, along with a representative from the NFHS Coaches Association, NFHS Officials Association and NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

A complete listing of the football rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Football.”

According to the 2021-22 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, 11-player football is the most popular high school sport for boys with 973,792 participants in 13,733 schools nationwide. In addition, there were 34,935 boys who participated in 6-, 8- and 9-player football, along with 3,633 girls in all four versions of the game for a grand total of 1,012,360.

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FOOTBALL 2023

2022 All-Ohio Valley Conference Football Team 2022 All-Ohio Valley Conference Football First Team Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Ty Perkins, Ironton WR-DB 6-03 185 Lincoln Barnes, Ironton LB-TE 6-00 205 Trevor Carter, Ironton LB-RB 6-02 210 Tayden Carpenter, Ironton QB 6-00 190 Landen Wilson, Ironton RB-WR-DB 5-10 170 Amari Felder, Ironton DB 5-09 190 Jaquez Keyes, Ironton RB 6-00 215 Reade Pendleton, Portsmouth WR-LB 5-08 173 Tyler Duncan, Portsmouth QB-DB 5-11 138 Beau Hammond, Portsmouth RB-LB 5-08 173 Jayden Duncan, Portsmouth WR-DB 5-10 162 Brenden Truett, Portsmouth RB-LB 5-06 200 Isaac Clary, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-07 315 Brody Fellure, Gallipolis QB-DB 6-00 185 Kenyon Franklin, Gallipolis WR-DB 6-01 195 Hudson Shamblin, Gallipolis RB-LB 5-11 175 Cole Hines. Gallipolis RB-LB 5-09 185 Steeler Leep, Fairland WR-RB-DB 5-10 180 Brycen Hunt, Fairland WR-DB 6-00 155 Peyton Jackson, Fairland QB 5-09 173 Kordell French, Rock Hill RB-DB 5-08 155 Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill OL-DL 6-05 330 Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill RB-LB 5-11 200 Chase Hall, Coal Grove RB-LB 6-02 215

Gr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Elias Bazell, Coal Grove OL-DL 6-02 Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove OL-DL 6-02 Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove OL-DL 6-02 Jordan Ermalovich, South Point QB-S 6-00 Xavier Haney, South Point TE-DL 6=00 Nick Wright, Chesapeake DL-OL 6-00 Camron Shockley, Chesapeake RB-DB 5-07 Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Coach of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton Honorable Mention Player, School Pos. Ht. Aiden Young, Ironton WR-DB 5-11 C.J. Martin, Ironton WR-DB 6-02 Nolan Heiland, Potsmouth WR-DB 5-10 Amar Harmon, Portsmouth OL-DL 5-08 Dakota Siders, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-01 Mason Skidmore, Gallipolis WR-DB 5-09 Steven Rhodes, Fairland OL-DL 6-00 Ryan Dixon, Fairland OL-LB 6-00 Chase Delong, Rock Hill RB-DE 5-09 David Jenkins, Rock Hill OL-DL 6-01 Steven Simpson, Coal Grove RB-LB 5-09 Landon Webb, Coal Grove DL-OL 5-11 Blaine Freeman, South Point RB-LB 5-10 Gage Chapman, South Point RB-LB 5-11 Marcus Burnside, Chesapeake RB-LB 5-07 Ryan Martin, Chesapeake RB-DB 5-09

230 270 270 175 240 190 125

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Wt. 185 175 156 200 270 160 248 223 170 230 165 275 180 175 225 145

Gr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

2022 All-Southern Ohio Conference Football Team 2022 All-Southern Ohio Conference Division 1 Football First Team Player, School Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern Landyn Reinsmith Beaver Eastern K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern Landon Cavinder, Beaver Eastern Brewer Tomolison, Beaver Eastern Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern Justin Bradley, Beaver Eastern Wyatt Brackman, Northwest Alex Baer, Northwest Connor Lintz, Northwest Carter Runyon, Northwest Tanner Bolin, Northwest Kory Butler, Northwest Eli Dettwiller, Northwest Hunter Campbell, Northwest Dylan Seison, Ports. Notre Dame Gavin Hart, Ports. Notre Dame Carter Campbell, Ports. Notre Dame Jake Edwards, Ports. Notre Dame Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East Nathan Brannigan, Green Abe McBee, Green Levi Ross, Symmes Valley Division 1 Second Team Jacob Johnson, Beaver Easteren Alex Jones, Beaver Easteren Jace White, Beaver Eastern Lane Gilley, Northwest

Shane Miller, Northwest James Riffe, Northwest Cam Justice, Sciotoville East Landehn Pernell, Sciotoville East Wyatt Webb, Ports. Notre Dame Myles Phillips, Ports. Notre Dame Tyler Blanton, Green Aleck Beckett, Symmes Valley Isaac Ross, Symmes Valley Offensive Player of the Year Wyatt Brackman, Northwest Defensive Player of the Year Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East Lineman of the Year K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver East Coach of the Year Scott Tomlison, Beaver Eastern Division 2 Football First Team Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West Mitchell Irwin , Portsmouth West Cole Tipton, Portsmouth West Cole Windsor, Portsmouth West Brandon Anderson, Portsmouth West Trevor Fike, Portsmouth West Kade Wood, Portsmouth West Eric Lattimore, Wheelersburg Creed Warren, Wheelersburg Ethan Glover, Wheelersburg Joden Blackburn, Wheelersburg Caleb Arthur, Wheelersburg Wyatt Crabtree, Waverly,

Brock Adams, Waverly Jase Hurd, Wavery Hudson Kelly, Waverly Hunter Pendleton, Minford Jeffrey Pica, Minford Owen Blaine, Minford Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley Lakota Davis, Lucasvlle Valley Nate Clutters, Oak Hill Division 2 Football Second Team Mason Parker, Portsmouth West Carson Horner, Portsmouth West Jacob Cole, Portsmouth West Zavier Stanley, Wheelersburg Landon Hutchinson, Wheelersburg Derrick Lattimore, Wheelersburg Logan Long, Waverly Nate Welsh, Waverly Tyson Kingery, Minford Peyton Caudill, Minford Levi Bush, Lucasville Valley Evan Fisher, Oak Hill A.J. Harrison, Oak Hill Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West Defensive Player of the Year Wyatt Crabtree, Waverly Lineman of the Year Kade Wood, Portsmouth West Coach of the Year Todd Gilliland, Portsmouth West

FOOTBALL 2023

13

NFL approves first helmet designed specifically for QBs to reduce concussions The Associated Press The first quarterback-specific helmet designed to help reduce concussions has been approved for use by the NFL and NFLPA, the AP has learned.

The helmet, manufactured by Vicis, reduces severity of helmetto-ground impacts, which league data says account for approximately half of quarterback concussions, including the one suffered by Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa last season when his head slammed violently against the turf during a Thursday night game against Cincinnati.

“We’ve now analyzed with our engineers and with the Players Association more than a 1,000 concussions on field, we have a pretty good database of how these injuries occur,” NFL executive Jeff Miller told the AP about the helmet-toground impacts. “This helmet performs better in laboratory testing than any helmets we have ever seen

for those sorts of impacts.”

The helmet performed 7% better than the most popular helmet worn by quarterbacks last season, the league said in a memo sent to team executives on Thursday.

Jason Neubauer, an executive for Vicis, said the company began designing its Zero2 Matrix QB helmet in early 2022.

“The unique thing is that it has a deformal outer shell, which means when you take an impact in any location on that helmet, it will deform or basically dent in that location to absorb the impact,” Neubauer said. “What that means for us, as designers or engineers, as we’re looking to optimize it for different types of impacts, we’re able to change unique locations to try to optimize the impact mitigation in any one area.”

It’s unknown how many quarterbacks will switch to the new QB-specific helmet. The league and the players’ union share informa-

tion from the helmet studies with teams so players make informed decisions on helmet choice. The only other position-specific helmet already approved is the Vicis Zero2-R Trench for offensive and defensive linemen.

The memo sent to teams also includes the results of the 2023 helmet laboratory testing study. Miller told the AP seven helmets the league highly recommended in 2020

have now been downgraded to prohibited as a result of new testing.

“That’s a great sign,” Miller said. “Hopefully we can continue to stimulate that either with position-specific helmets designed for each position group or for a general all-purpose helmet to be able to say to players: ‘Work with us, be willing to change helmets because better and better products are coming online every year.’”

OHSAA offers state football finals ticket information Regional Playoff Game Tickets Tickets for regional playoff games (first four rounds) will go on sale every Monday with staggered start times. Division I and II go on sale at 5 p.m., Division III and IV go on sale at 6 p.m. and Division V, VI and VII go on sale at 7 p.m.

All tickets are purchased at www.

OHSAA.org/tickets The regional playoffs will follow bracket format (see bracket link below). Second-round games will

be played on Friday, November 4, at the better seeded team’s venue.

Neutral sites will be used beginning in the third round, with Divisions I, II, III and V playing on Friday, November 11, and Divisions IV, VI and VII playing on Saturday, November 12.

Brackets and playoff information: https://www.ohsaa.org/ Sports-Tournaments/Football/ Football-2021/2022-OHSAAFootball-Playoffs-Coverage

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one general admission ticket to all seven championship games. Ticket holders are required to exit the stadium between games.

All-session Stadium Club tickets are $150 each and provide one ticket to all seven games in a theater style seats, as well as access to the indoor climate-controlled club containing its own concessions for purchase and restroom facilities. There are no assigned seats in the Stadium Club section.

Patrons with club access do not need to exit the stadium between games. Additionally, the all-session Stadium Club package includes access to tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the OHSAA Football State Championship weekend.

A limited number of 100 all-session Stadium Club tickets that include a parking pass are also available for $210 each. These ticket holders will receive a parking hangtag for the weekend valid for Lot C near the stadium.

In addition, there are single-day ticket packages available for the three games on Friday or the three games on Saturday. The three-game tickets are $38 each and ticket holders are required to leave the stadium between games.

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COLUMBUS – Tickets for the Ohio High School Athletic Association football state championship games December 1, 2 and 3 in Canton are now on sale, and the OHSAA has also announced the schedule for finals weekend.

All seven state championship games will be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, located beside the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tickets for all postseason tournament contest in all sports are available at www.OHSAA.org/tickets.

The state championship games will be played in the following order: Thursday, December 1 – Division II championship game at 7 p.m.

Friday, December 2 – Division V championship game at 10:30 a.m.

Friday, December 2 – Division III championship game at 3 p.m.

Friday, December 2 – Division I championship game at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 – Division VI championship game at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, December 3 – Division VII championship game at 3 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 – Division IV championship game at 7:30 p.m.

State Championship Tickets All-session general admission tickets for the state championship games are $90 each. This package includes

chesapeake

Panthers

First downs to touchdowns — We have

panther pride!

football 2023

FOOTBALL 2023

15

Members of the 2023 Chesapeake Panthers football team are: front row left to right, Dustin Ward, Jacob Spitler, Will Schwamberger, Brooklyn McComas, Andrew Ellis, Dannie Maynard, Camron Shockley, Mason Giles, Nate Mills, Alex Plummer, Skylar Felder and Aaron Hall; second row left to right, Jackson Spitler, Chris Calderon, Garrett Napier, Curtis Brandenburg, Jacob Harris, Spencer Wright, Philip Thacker, Colton Huffman, Casey Moonmaw and Jonah Fairburn; third row from left to right, Casey Barker, Nehemiah Elder, Trey Adams, Braxton Adams, Ethan Harris, Avon Booker, Drew Plantz, Mikey Rose, Andrew Daniels, Jack Blankenship and Andrew Patrick. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photo/For The Ironton Tribune)

Panthers hoping experience holds the key

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — Maybe Peter Pan wanted to stay a boy and never grow up, but that’s not the story the Chesapeake Panthers want to read.

Forced to play the past two or three years as underclassmen, the Panther are now older, stronger, experienced and more equipped to handle the physical play of their opponents.

Chesapeake head coach Todd Knipp is hoping that the bumps and bruises his players have taken in the past will pay dividends this season.

“We’ve got quite a few kids back from last year’s team. We’ve had a great offseason. They’ve definitely gotten bigger and stronger in the weight room,” said the Panthers head coach. “We look more like a varsity football team this year.

“We’r going to be mostly junior/ senior dominated. They work well together. We’ve made tremendous strides so far this preseason.

Hopefully, we’ll continue to work and get better each week.”

QUARTTERBACKS A couple of juniors will again be in the hunt for the starting job that went to Jacob Harris (6-1, 180) last season although Drew Plantz (5-7, 140) got a lot of playing time.

“They’re both working really hard and pushing each other,” said

Knipp. “Both kind of do things well within our offense, it’s just finding what’s the best mix for us to be successful offensively.”

“We’re hoping to be able to expand our offense a little bit this year, throw a little bit more play action.

Both quarterbacks do a good job getting on the edge as a pass/run threat. We’ll try to utilize that an open up our offense a little more,.”

RUNNING BACKS The ground game has been a staple for the Panthers for decades and the stable of back who could see action this season should be a positive factor for the offense.

The tandem of junior Andrew Daniels (5-11, 170) and sophomore Philip Thacker (6-2, 200) give the Panthers a choice between size and speed.

“Philips is a big body and Andrew a little quicker. They’ll help us in the run game. They’re both solid blockers,” said Knipp.

The wingbacks will be senior Camron Shockley (5-7, 145), sophomore Corey Davis (5-9, 150), senior Dannie Maynard (5-8, 140).

“All three are quick, have good hands and have big play capability and can make things happen,” said Knipp. “Curtis is a bigger back. He can pound it inside the tackles and really seal the edge blocking.”

ENDS

SEE “PANTHERS,” PAGE 16

“Above the rest”

Have a great year and best of luck to all area teams!

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FOOTBALL 2023

Panthers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Senior Mason Giles (5-11, 140) and junior Ethan Kerns (5-10, 160) will be the wide receivers and Knipp said “both have good hands and have done a good job working this offseason. Both are solid blockers.”

There’s a logjam at tight end with three players in the mix including freshman Jaxson Spitler (6-0, 240), junior Jack Blankenship (5-11, 185) and sophomore Braxton Adams (6-0, 165).

“Adams gets off the ball well and is a solid blocker, Jaxson’s a big body but still learning our offense.

He’s showing some promise. Jack’s just a hard worker and he’s a coachable kid. We’ll probably rotating a lot of bodies and going with the hot hand,” said Knipp.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Panthers have some veterans on the offensive line led by senior Andrew Ellis (6-4, 310) who returns at tackle. The right guard is junior Spencer Wright (6-0, 240) who is a 3-year starter.

“Andy gets better every day. He gets off the ball, down blocks well,” said Knipp.

“He had a great offseason. He got bigger and stronger. He’ really

blocking well coming off the football for us.”

Junior Garrett Napier (6-0, 295) will be the center who is a 3-year starter with senior Will Schwamberger (6-1, 205) who is a 3-year starter at left guard. Junior Chris Calderon (6-0, 275) will man the other tackle.

“Will is a strong kid and a leader up front. He’s making the line calls for us,” said Knipp. “A lot of what you can say about one lineman you can say about the others.

Calderon falls into that mold. He really blocks well.”

The backup at tackle is senior Alex Plummer (6-1, 250) and adding depth at guard and center are junior Casey Moonmaw (6-0, 210)) and sophomore Braxton Adams (6-0, 165). Adams started four games last season.

DEFENSIVE L INE The Panthers will start in their base 4-4 defensive alignment with Wright and Schwamberger the ends. The backups are Spitler and Moomaw.

The tackles should be Napier and Calderon with Plummer and Ellis the backups. Knipp hopes to rotate the linemen to keep them rested since they must play offense as

well.

“All those kids are strong and have done a good job defeating blocks and beating double teams,” said Knipp. “I’m excite to see them progress as the year goes on.”

LINEBACKERS Daniels and Thacker will be the inside linebackers with

Brandenburg and Adams figuring into the mix.

“All of them move well to the ball and read their keys. They’re getting better every day,” said Knipp.

On the outside will be Giles, Plantz with Mikey Rose a backup.

SEE “PANTHERS,” PAGE 18

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Todd Knipp (8-17 at Chesapeake, 5th season; 54-95 overall, 16th season) Assistant Coaches: Rick Clark, Bob McCollister, George Long, Luke Hammond, Ryan Summers Trainer: Sarah Webb. Physician: Dr. Scott Davis. Film: Kerry Tutt. Statistician: Rusty Marcum.

Key Returnees: Camron Shockley, Dannie Maynard, Corey Henderson, Jacob Splitler, Alex Plummer, Spencer Wright, Jadon Brandenburg, Will Schwamberger, Andrew Ellis, Garrett Napier, Drew Plantz, Chris Calderon.

Key Losses: Marcus Burnside, Jacob Spears, Ryan Martin, Aaron Ross, Trevon Ferguson, Nick Wright, Jake Napier, Julian Pennington.

2022 Record: 2-8 overall, 0-7 OVC (8th) Offense: Double Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

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FOOTBALL 2023

17

2023 Chesapeake Panthers Football Roster Chesapeake Panthers 2023 Football Roster

TE LT LG C RG RT WR QB FB RB RB PK

44 88 53 75 50 74 56 78 70 58 53 79 50 11 3 2 9 14 32 12 10 20 28 16 23

Jackson Spitler Jack Blankenship Braxton Adams Chris Calderon Alex Plummer Will Schwamberger Casey Moomaw Garrett Napier Aaron Hall Spencer Wright Braxton Adams Andrew Ellis Alex Plummer Mason Giles Ethan Kerns Jacob Harris Drew Plantz Philip Thacker Andrew Daniels Camron Shockley Corey Davis Dannie Maynard Curtis Brandenburg Nate Mills Brooklyn McComas

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S P

58 56 78 79 55 58 74 44 14 53 33 28 11 7 9 33 20 2 12 2 10 2 3

Spencer Wright Casey Moomaw Chris Calderon Will Schwamberger Jared Napier Spencer Wright Will Schwamberger Jackson Spitler Philip Thacker Braxton Adams Andrew Daniels Curtis Brandenburg Mason Giles Mikey Rose Drew Plantz Andrew Daniels Dannie Maynard Jacob Harris Camron Shockley Jacob Harris Corey Davis Jacob Harris Ethan Kerns

Dusten Ward Casey Barker Casey Moomaw Spencer Wright Nehemiah Elder Jonah Fairburn Skylar Felder Aaron Hall Will Schwamberger Chris Calderon Andrew Patrick Garrett Napier Andrew Ellis Avonn Booker Jack Blankenship

OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DL

6-01 5-08 6-00 6-00 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-09 6-01 6-00 5-08 6-00 6-04 5-11 5-11

300 Jr. 170 Fr. 210 Jr. 240 Jr. 210 So. 295 Jr. 225 Sr. 230 So. 205 Sr. 275 Jr. 210 Fr. 295 Jr. 310 Sr. 190 Jr. 185 Jr.

Head coach: Todd Knipp Assistant coaches: Rick Clark, Bob McCollister, George Long, Luke Hammond, Ryan Summers Trainer: Sarah Webb. Physician: Dr. Scott Davis. Film: Kerry Tutt. Statistician: Rusty Marcum.

Panthers In The Spotlight

Shockley

Maynard

Ellis

Giles

Spitler

Schwamberger

Plummer

Harris

Plantz

Brandenburg

Calderon

Napier

Thacker

Daniels

August at Symmes Valley MINFORD September 1 at Southern 8 at Gallipolis# 15 at Coal Grove# 22 IRONTON# 29 at Portsmouth# October 6 SOUTH POINT# 13 ROCK HILL# 20 FAIRLAND# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Todd Knipp 18 25

Davis

Wright

Moomaw

Kerns

2022 Results

OFFENSE

Ht. Wt. Gr. 6-01 180 Jr. 5-10 160 Jr. 5-06 160 Jr. 5-07 140 Jr. 5-09 150 So. 5-11 140 Sr. 5-07 145 Sr. 6-02 200 So. 5-11 155 Sr. 5-08 140 Sr. 5-06 165 Sr. 5-11 205 Jr. 5-11 170 Jr. 6-02 170 Sr. 6-00 240 Fr. 6-01 250 Sr. 5-08 135 Fr. 5-09 180 Fr. 6-00 165 So.

2023 Schedule

CHESAPEAKE DEPTH CHART

No. Player Pos. 2 Jacob Harris QB-DB 3 Ethan Kerns WB-DB 7 Mikey Rose RB -DB 9 Drew Plantz QB-DB 10 Corey Davis RB-DB 11 Mason Giles WR-DB 12 Camron Shockley RB-DB 14 Philip Thacker RB-LB 16 Nate Mills PK 20 Dannie Maynard RB-DB 23 Brooklyn McComas PK 28 Curtis Brandenburg RB-LB 33 Andrew Daniels RB-LB 35 Jacob Spitler WR-DB 44 Jackson Spitler TE-DL 50 Alex Plummer OL-DL 51 Trey Adams OL-LB 52 Colton Huffman OL-LB 53 Braxton Adams OL-DL

54 55 56 58 60 62 68 70 74 75 77 78 79 83 88

Chesapeake Panthers 2022 Results Chesapeake 12 Southern Chesapeake 7 Minford Chesapeake 42 Sym. Valley Chesapeake 7 Gallipolis Chesapeake 6 Coal Grove Chesapeake 0 Ironton Chesapeake 12 Portsmouth Chesapeake 0 South Point Chesapeake 7 Rock Hill Chesapeake 12 Fairland Record: 2-8

6 41 6 42 43 62 35 31 35 41

18

FOOTBALL 2023

Most common football injuries & their prevention

Football is a sport that many people enjoy playing, but it's not without risks.

Luckily, common football injuries are easy to prevent with the proper techniques and safety equipment.

Overuse Injuries Because football training requires repetitive movements, it’s easy to overuse your muscles.

Overuse happens when you use your body more than your physical limits allow.

When you work your muscles, they sustain damage that requires time to heal.

You may practice for too long over days, weeks, or months, providing your body with inadequate recovery time.‌ You can prevent overuse

injuries in football by taking rest periods in between training and conditioning periods. Overuse injuries are the least common kind of injury for football players; you're more likely to sustain impact injuries while playing football because it's such a high-contact sport.

Concussions Helmets do a lot to protect football players from traumatic head injuries, but they can't prevent all damage. A direct hit to a player’s head can cause a sudden jerking motion that causes a concussion. There is a common misconception that the damage isn't severe enough to cause a concussion unless you pass out.

That’s not true. Concussion signs to watch for include: Headache Confusion Feeling dizz‌y Nausea or vomiting Blurred vision‌‌ If a player shows signs of a concussion, they should stop playing immediately and seek medical treatment. A doctor can advise when it is OK for you to play football again following a concussion.

Shoulder Injuries Physical impacts can cause your shoulder to dislocate or separate. A shoulder separation happens when you sprain the AC joint near your collarbone.

A dislocation happens if the tissue in your shoulder

socket tears. Shoulder injuries are especially common in players in the lineman position.

Knee Injuries Tackling is a common cause of knee injuries. Knee injuries in football are most common in children. The knee has two ligaments, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). These ligaments can tear, as can the meniscus tissue and cartilage in your knee joint.‌ Over time, knee injuries cause the early onset of arthritis. Many football players wear knee supports, but they are not proven to decrease your chance of a knee injury. In fact, many players feel like knee

braces limit their range of motion. If a knee brace doesn’t allow you to move the way you need to, weigh the pros and cons of using one.

Ankle Sprains Football requires quick movements that can lead to ankle injuries like twists and sprains. The flat playing surface can also contribute to ankle injuries.

This is why it’s important to wear proper cleats that offer grip when running.

Prevent Football Injuries Resting. You should take rest breaks during and between practices. Don’t push your body too far by adding in too many additional workouts between practices.‌

Hazing an area of concern for high schools, middle schools INDIANAPOLIS — If we needed evidence on a larger scale about the potential devastating effects of hazing within the athletics setting, the recent events at Northwestern University should cause all high school leaders to stand up and take notice.

What seems like innocent fun at first – making freshmen handle the unpleasant chores as an example – can sometimes spiral out of control and lead to loss of jobs for coaches, shattered lives for students and parents, and shame for the community at large.

Year after year, events such as the football hazing scandal that jolted the Northwestern campus continue to occur – at the high school and college levels. Although we are shocked, distraught, disappointed, discouraged and downright angry, progress over time seems limited at best.

As middle schools and high schools begin classes, and as fall

sports teams hit the practice fields, this is another chance – the next chance – for coaches and administrators to do what is right. Bringing a halt to longstanding rituals may not be a popular decision in some settings, but in most cases, it is the BEST decision for the health and well-being of the students.

BEFORE the season starts is the time to lay down the ground rules, share the expected behavior and make it clear that every person is to

be valued and that hazing will not be tolerated.

By definition, hazing is any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a group, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Any kind of initiation expectations should never be part of high school sports or performing arts.

Over the past two years, a number of horrific hazing incidents have occurred during the first month of the school year. Last year, in the month of August alone, there were five highly publicized incidents across the country – one of which forced cancellation of a school’s entire football season.

Now is the time to change.

Establishing an anti-hazing culture is the first step as the new school year begins. And that culture may need to include a different plan for welcoming new members.

Inclusion must be accomplished without a “requirement” for being

Chesapeake coach Phil Davis — will be the free safety.

“Corey is a good athlete, has good speed back there and he’s playing the ball better. We’re getting better everyday in the run support,” said Knipp.

KICKING GAME Senior Nate Mills (5-11, 165) — a member of the soccer team — along with senior Brooklyn McComas (5-6, 165) are vying for the placekicking duties.

The punter figures to be Kerns.

“Our kicking game is getting better,” said Knipp. “None of them have played football before or kicked a football before but they’re improving every day. Kerns is a pretty solid punter.”

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Even with Ironton as the favorite, Knipp sees a strong league from top to bottom.

“We’re all still chasing Ironton.

After that, everybody is going to be pretty solid. Gallia has quite a few guys back. Fairland has a lot of

a part of the team.

To build a positive school culture, coaches and athletic directors must take proactive steps. School leaders must supervise student-athletes and make it clear to every student that hazing will not be tolerated. An anti-hazing policy must be developed, and it should be presented to every student and parent in advance of every sport season.

The policy should be simple – no tolerance for hazing of any kind.

A tremendous resource to help in establishing a positive school culture is the online education course, “Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behaviors,” which is available through the NFHS Learning Center at www.

NFHSLearn.com. This course educates coaches about their legal responsibilities to provide a safe and respectful environment for the students in their care.

SEE “HAZING,” PAGE 28

Panthers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

“All three are good to the run defense and solid pass defenders,” Knipp said.

SECONDARY Shockley and Maynard are both 3-year starters and will be the cornerbacks.

“Both are undersized but run to the ball well and are good cover guys and solid tacklers,” Knipp said.

Davis — grandson of former

good skilled guys. Portsmouth has been good the last couple of years.

Coal Grove is on a nice run. South Point is getting better. Rock Hill kids always play hard. It’s going to be tough,” said Knipp.

e h t m o r f n o s t a c e i s r t t s i ea r D g l o a o ch S Have l a c o L d n a l r i a F

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FOOTBALL 2023

Members of the 2023 Fairland Dragons football team are: front row left to right, Billy Singer, Anthony Brammer, Tim Webb, Christian Bompus, Xander Collins, Wyatt Callicoat, Braxton Brown, Luke Ball, Eli Pine, Cyrus Cummings, Lennox Holbrook, Davin Murray and Garrett Massie; second row left to right, Brandon Kirk, Jeff Rowe, Will Callicoat, Quentin Cremeans, Elias Blankenship, Lucas Bompus, Dylan Stone, Kam Kitts, Gavin Ballard, Garrett Cornwell, C.J. Graham, Aiden Miller, Isaiah Reese and Jayden Cyrus; third row left to right, Travis Barker, Spencer Blevins, Christian Collins, Jack Hayden, Tristan Dailey, Brycen Hunt, Will Davis, Ethan Stewart, Ryan Dixon, Garrett Spence, Peyton Jackson, Ryan McLain, Keegan Smith and Cooper Charles. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Jackson making the change to Dragons head coach

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PROCTORVILLE — Singer Michael Jackson once sang, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.

I’m asking him to change his ways.

And no message could have been any clearer. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.”

Now shift to Michael Jackson who was the assistant coach for the Fairland Dragons. When Melvin Cunningham took another coaching job, Jackson looked into the mirror and made the change from assistant to head coach as he looks to make the Dragons a better place.

“It’s a lot more stuff you have to deal with. It’s the things outside of football you have to deal with. But I love it. I’m have a great time. The boys seem to be excited. I feel like keeps me young at heart and age,” said Jackson.

“Football is my favorite hobby. If it’s your favorite thing to do, what’s

better than to be around young kids and try to show them somewhat the path of life and to hopefully have some kind of impact on them. I love the game of football and I just love being around them young men.”

Jackson played quarterback for the Dragons and led them to their first playoff appearance in 1993 as first-year coach Jack Harris opened up the offense by utilizing Jackson’s skill set.

“I’ve played here my whole life.

I’ve coached in the midget league system for 11 years. I coached junior high for three years, and I’ve coached on the high school for eight. So, my whole like have been something around Fairland football,” said Jackson.

Returning to the philosophies of his playing days, Jackson said the Dragons will take advantage of their speed and skills to play a fastpaced offense.

“I’ve very happy with the skill and strength of our team. On paper, we’re not real big, but the kids are

strong for their size. We’ve won the state (powerlifting) championship the past three years, so pound for pound, this is one of the strongest teams we’ll have,” said Jackson.

“Maybe not size-wise, but strength wise. We’re very strong and athletic. We’ve got a lot of skilled kids that we’re happy if we can get the ball in someone’s hands.”

QUARTERBACK All-Ohio senior Peyton Jackson (5-11, 180) is back for his third season after throwing for 1,709 yards in just 7 games last season due to an injury.

He was 93-of-158 with 17 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions.

Peyton Jackson is not only a strong passer, but an excellent runner with good speed. Coach Jackson said he plays like a quarterback but thinks like a fullback when he runs.

“He won’t go out of bounds when he runs. He ain’t there just to slide.

He did it once and he got up and said, ‘I’m never doing that again,’” coach Jackson said with a laugh.

His backup figures to be sopho-

more Eli Pine (5-8, 185).

RECEIVERS Brycen Hunt was All-Ohio last year In the Dragons first scrimmage, they threw 8 passes but to 6 different receivers led by senior Brycen Hunt (6-1, 170). The plethora of receivers includes juniors Keegan Smith (6-2, 180), Jack Hayden (6-1, 180), C.J. Graham (5-7, 125), Christian Collins (6-3, 175) and senior Will Davis (6-2, 175).

“Brycen is an all-state receiver coming back, but we’ve got Keegan Smith, Jack Hayden, C.J.Graham, Christian Collins, basketball player Will Davis came out. He hasn’t played but he’s making leaps and bounds every day. We have Quinten Cremeans and Kam Kitts. Any of those guys who gets the ball in his hands, we’re happy.”

If the Dragons use a tight end set, senior Tristan Dailey (6-0, 210) will fill that role.

SEE “JACKSON,” PAGE 22

FOOTBALL 2023

21

2023 Fairland Dragons Football Roster No. 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 18 20 21 22 23 25

Fairland Dragons 2023 Football Roster Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Kam Kitts RB-DB 5-10 190 Jack Hayden WR-DB 6-01 180 Lucas Bompus RB-DB 5-07 145 C.J. Graham WR-DB 5-07 125 Davin Murray RB-LB 5-08 200 Christian Collins WR-DB 6-01 175 Eli Pine QB-DB 5-08 185 Xander Collins TE-DL 5-11 145 Brycen Hunt WR-DB 6-01 170 Tristan Dailey TE-DL 6-00 210 Peyton Jackson QB-DB 5-11 180 Keegan Smith WR-DB 6-02 180 Aiden Miller PK 5-07 150 Christian Bompus RB-DB 5-07 150 Garrett Spence RB-LB 6-01 175 Quentin Cremeans RB-LB 6-01 215 Tim Webb WR-DB 6-02 150 Garrett Massie RB-DB 5-08 155 Gavin Ballard WR-DB 5-11 155

Gr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr.

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Mike Jackson (0-0, first season at Fairland and overall) Assistant Coaches: Mark Hinkle, Aaron Murray, Ronnie Wooten, Tyler Campbell, Dick Sketel Key Returnees: Brycen Hunt, Peyton Jackson, Quentin Cremeans, Ryan McLain, Ryan Dixon, Kam Kitts, Christian Collins, Keegan Smith, Garrett Spence, Will Callicoat, Charles Cooper, Jack Hayden.

Key Losses: Steeler Leep, Zion Martin, Steve Rhodes, Mason Ward, Justin McKee. 2022 Record: 7-4 overall, 4-3 OVC (3rd) Offense: Pro Set, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 6

27 Cyrus Cummings WR-LB 6-00 180 So. 28 Ethan Adkins RB-DB 5-10 150 Fr. 33 Travis Barker WR-DB 5-09 145 Sr. 45 Luke Ball WR-DB 5-10 155 So. 50 Cooper Charles OL-DL 6-00 235 Jr. 52 Will Callicoat OL-LB 5-11 195 Jr. 53 Isaiah Reese OL-DL 5-10 240 Jr. 54 Ryan McLain OL-DL 6-00 255 Sr. 55 Jeff Rowe OL-DL 6-00 215 Sr. 57 Ryan Dixon OL-LB 6-01 225 Sr. 58 Wyatt Callicoat OL-DL 5-08 175 So. 61 Spencer Blevins OL-DL 6-03 325 Jr. 62 Brandon Kirk OL-DL 5-10 210 So. 65 Dylan Stone OL-DL 6-00 285 So. 70 Garrett Cornwell OL-DL 5-11 225 Jr. 72 Billy SInger OL-DL 5-09 210 Fr. 73 Elias Blankenship OL-DL 6-00 205 Jr. 74 Anthony Brammer OL-DL 5-08 170 So. 76 Braxton Brown OL-DL 5-09 220 So. 78 Ethan Stewart OL-DL 6-03 250 Jr. 79 Jayden Cyrus OL-DL 6-00 285 Fr. 81 Lennox Holbrook TE-LB 6-01 180 So. Head coach: Mike Jackson Assistant coaches: Ronnie Wooten, Tyler Campbell, Mark Hinkle, Dick Sketel, Aaron Murray Pediatrics | Family Practice | Dentistry | Behavioral Health

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22

FOOTBALL 2023

Fairland Players In The Spotlight

OFFENSE TE

11

Tristian Dailey

LT

57 54 70 73 65 50 52 50 78 54 12 8 21 1 3 10 7 5 17 13 3 15

Ryan Dixon Ryan McLain Garrett Cornwell Elias Blankenship Dylan Stone Cooper Charles Will Callicoat Cooper Charles Ethan Stewart Ryan McLain Peyton Jackson Eli Pine Quentin Cremeans Kam Kitts Jack Hayden Brycen Hunt Christian Collins C.J. Graham Will Davis Keegan Smith Jack Hayden Aiden Miller

LG C RG RT QB RB WR WR WR PK

DEFENSE DE NG DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S S P

11 76 61 65 70 62 21 6 57 27 20 12 52 12 3 7 3 5 10 17 1 8 10 15

Tristian Dailey Braxton Brown Spencer Blevins Dylan Stone Garrett Cornwell Brandon Kirk Quentin Cremeans Davin Murray Ryan Dixon Cyrus Cummings Garrett Spence Peyton Jackson Will Callicoat Peyton Jackson Keegan Smith Christian Collins Jack Hayden C.J. Graham Brycen Hunt Will Davis Kam Kitts Eli Pine Brycen Hunt Aiden Miller

Jackson

Dixon

Blevins

McLain

Hayden

Cremeans

Dragons CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

RUNNING BACKS The main three rushers right now are juniors Quentin Cremeans (6-1, 215), Kam Kitts (5-10,190) and Jack Hayden (6-1, 180), all who can catch the ball as well as running effectively.

“Our running game is looking better every day in practice,” said coach Jackson. “Jack will be mainly a receiver, but he’s dynamic with the ball, too. So, we have to get him in the backfield and give him the ball.”

Jackson is very high on his three backs and the Dragons also have a sophomore Davin Murray (5-8, 200) who could see some playing time.

“I’m very happy with our skill players,” said Jackson.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Dragons lost All-Ohio lineman Steven Rhodes as well as Mason Ward and Justin McKee who were all 3-year starters.

Junior Dylan Stone (6-0, 285) will be the center, junior Will Callicoat (5-11, 195) is going from tight end to guard with the other guard coming from juniors Garrett Cornwell (5-11, 225), Elias Blankenship (6-0, 205) and Cooper Charles (6-0, 235).

“Our line is doing really well. I’m happy with the progress of our line the way they’re jelling,” said Jackson. “We feel line were seven or eight deep on the offensive line. We’re going to play fast, so we’re going to need guys who can come in.”

“Dixon will anchor our line. Will Callicoat is one of our strongest kids. He lives in the weight room and he can move,” said Jackson.

The tackles will be senior Ryan Dixon (6-1, 225) and junior Ethan Stewart (6-3, 250) the tackles along with senior Ryan McLain (6-0, 255).

Ryan Dixon OL and LB who is a two-time state powerlifting champion who can squat and deadlift more than 500 pounds.

“You got a guy doing that, you expect big things out of him,” said coach Jackson.

DEFENSIVE LINE Using an odd-man front, the Dragons will have junior Spencer Blevins (6-3, 325) at the nose guard along with Stone in the rotation.

The ends will be Dailey on one side flanked by Cornwell on the other side.

“We plan to rep some other kids to keep them fresh,” said Jackson who plans to utilize sophomores Braxton Brown (5-9, 220) and Brandon Kirk (5-10, 210) alone with Charles, Blankenship and freshman Jayden Cyrus (6-0, 285).

LINEBACKER Dixon and Cremeans will be the inside linebackers and Jackson said “we have a pair of great middle linebackers. They’re two guys who are going to be physical and Cremeans is strong as a house. “

SEE “DRAGONS,” PAGE 23

Fairland Players In The Spotlight

Dailey

Graham

Stewart

Cornwell

Callicoat

Collins

Kitts

Charles

2023 Schedule

DEPTH CHART

Hunt

Fairland Dragons August 18 at Portsmouth West 25 WELLSTON September 1 at Ironton# 8 GLOSTER TRIMBLE 15 ROCK HILL# 22 GALLIPOLILS# 29 at South Point# October 6 PORTSMOUTH# 13 at Coal Grove# 20 at Chesapeake# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mike Jackson

2022 Results

FAIRLAND

Fairland Dragons Fairland 14 Ports. West 13 Fairland 47 Wellston 7 Fairland 13 Ironton 34 Fairland 41 Trimble 16 Fairland 34 Rock Hill 27 Fairland 35 Gallipolis 43 Fairland 35 South Point 22 Fairland 0 Portsmouth 34 Fairland 21 Coal Grove 6 Fairland 41 Chesapeake 12 Playoff Results Fairland 21 W. Muskingum 22 Record: 7-4

FOOTBALL 2023

23

Father/Son have strong bond on & off the playing field

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PROCTORVILLE — Peyton Jackson has inherited a lot of his quarterback talent from his father Mike Jackson who was a quarterback, too.

But it was dear old dad who started his son on a similar playing path.

In youth leagues, Peyton was coached by Mike but he didn’t begin his career as the quarterback.

“I played every position. The year before I switched to quarterback on the C-team I was the center. The year before that I was a receiver and on the line. I played wherever they needed me. I was a universal player,” said Peyton.

While Mike Jackson was the head coach and made the final decisions, it was a mutant by his assistant coaches that changed the course of Peyton and the Fairland Dragons’ future.

“I was harder on him and the other coaches kept telling me to play him at quarterback. They finally told me that if I didn’t move him to quarterback they were all going to quit, so I moved him to quarterback and he’s been there ever since,” said Mike.

When Jack Harris took over as head coach at Fairland, Mike Jackson was a senior. Harris used a wide-open offense with Mike as the trigger man. The Dragons won the Ohio Valley Conference and made the playoffs for the first time in school history.

Peyton is now in charge of the Dragons’ spread offense and he has shined even with some shoulder injuries.

Last season, the 5-foot-11, 180 pound senior completed 93-of-158 passes for 1,709 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions despite being hurt early in game 8 and missing the rest of the season.

Peyton enjoys the passing part of

The Fairland Dragons will be led on and off the field by the father/son duo of senior quarterback Peyton Jackson (left) and his father, head coach Mike Jackson (right).

(Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune) his game, but he has good speed and can scramble for big gains. Mike says he holds his breath each time Peyton tucks the ball and runs.

“He won’t go out of bounds when he runs. He ain’t there just to slide.

He did it once and he got up and said, ‘I’m never doing that again,’” Jackson said with a laugh.

Peyton said his father is tough on the players, not just him, but he is fair and knows when to give praise.

“It’s always been tough having him as a coach. He’s a great coach but he pushes us hard,” said Peyton.

“It’s fun having him as a coach, though. Going home, eating dinner, he’s going to be talking about what happened at practice or what happened at the game. He’s talking about reads I missed, what I did good. It’s pretty fun, though. We

talk all the time and I pretty much know what he’s going to say before it comes out of his mouth.”

Mike said that Peyton isn’t as bothered by his mistakes as he was when he played.

“He’s always taken it well. Of course, you’re always harder on your son than everyone else. But he can take it. He let’s it go off him and he doesn’t let it bother him.

He’s better than when I played.

He can throw an interception and, yeah, he’s mad about it, but he won’t let it bother him the next play.

“And the same with me. I’m going to rip his hind end but it doesn’t bother him. He’s knows were probably not going to bench him. I told him, look. You make a mistake, just go get the next one. He’s does very good of just knotting up and

going to the next play and forgetting about it.

Not only doesn’t Peyton seem immune to his mistakes, he actually thrives on his position.

“I like being the quarterback more. The attention is all on you every play. Any mistake or any good things is all on you. Everyone sees you when you make a mistake, but it’s fun. But playing center was pretty fun, too,” said Peyton.

While Mike Jackson has coached his son throughout his career, he has spent the past 8 seasons as a varsity assistant including 3 years on the staff with Peyton playing.

But when Melvin Cunningham resigned late last spring to take another head coaching job in Kentucky, Mike was the first choice as his replacement which meant Peyton now had his father in charge of everything.

Peyton said there isn’t that much of a difference from having Cunningham and his father as the Fairland head coach. “(My father) has always been on the coaching staff so it’s not too much of a difference. I mean, everyone playing sees him as a head coach even when he was an assistant. Team-wise, we’re doing pretty good. It’s been little of an adjustment but nothing big. Everyone is used to it.”

Mike Jackson plans to return next season to coach the Dragons but Peyton isn’t quite sure about his future.

“I haven’t thought about it too much. I’ve thought about continuing football but I’ve also thought about going into work. It’s just what I decide.”

Peyton could go to work for his father and continue to take orders, or he could go to college and continue his playing career.

No matter which way he goes, he’ll have his father’s support because Mike Jackson can’t help.

It’s in their genes.

Dragons CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

On the outside will be Callicoat and senior Garrett Spence (6-1, 175).

“Garrett Spence is just a tackling machine,” said Jackson. “He’s not a very big kid. He’s tall and lanky, but he just has a knack for finding the football.”

Peyton Jackson will be one of the backups at outside linebacker.

“He wants in there playing. And he will play some but we aren’t starting him. He gets in an arguments with our defensive coordinator. He wants in there. That’s why the kids love him.

They like the way he plays,” said coach Jackson.

SECONDARY

The Dragons plan to use 3 players for the 2 cornerback spots with Smith, Hayden and Collins all rotating.

“They’re all receivers so we want to keep them fresh so we’ll always have one of them off the field,” said Jackson.

Rotating at safety will be returning starters Kitts and Hunt as well as Graham.

“Same thing with them. We’ve got three guys playing the two safety spots,” said Jackson.

KICKING GAME The placekicker will be junior Aiden Miller (5-7, 160) from the soccer team. Gabe Polcyn was the kicker last season but Jackson said by the end of the season “he really came along. He’s

worked in the offseason and in our scrimmage he went 4-for-5 on extra points and in practice he’s booming the ball. We’re really happy with him.”

The punter will be Hunt.

“He can do anything. He’s an athlete,” said Jackson.

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Jackson said Ironton is the favorite until someone knocks them off.

“They’re the team to beat. I feel like we’ve played them well the last couple of years, but again, that’s not our expectations. We want to get over that hump and beat them,” said Jackson.

DAWSON-BRYANT LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hornets Football Supporting t n a y r B n o s w Da Athletes. d n a e f a s a e v Ha memorable season!

FOOTBALL 2023

25

Members of the 2023 Coal Grove Hornets football team are: front row from left to right, Jaron Friend, Kohen Shore, Brayden Salyers, Austin Fraley, Tyson Lewis, Logan Mosley, Bryson Newman, Kamryn Hall, Brisen Collins, David Milar, Cole Delawder and Quinton Baker; second row left to right, coach Chuck Price, Hayden Kingrey, Garrett Hankins, Ian Davis, Whyatt Mannon, Caleb Huff, Brennan Meadows, Devin Bloomfield, Steven Simpson, Gavin Gipson, Landon Roberts, Brett Klaiber, Zach Delawder, Wesley Runyhon, coach Aaron Rice and head coach Jay Lucas; third row left to right, coach Caleb Eplion, Landon Riley, Logan Robert, Joshua Spears, Bradon Carpenter, , Wyatt Wray, Braiden Huff, C.J. Pemberton, Bradley Klaiber, Joe Scarberry, Damien Price, Ethan Simpkins, Kaden Murphy, Leland McKnight and coach Jordan Lucas; fourth row left to right, Donovan Thompson, Landon McKnight, Kaiden Harris, Blake Wilson, Josh Short, Brayden Young, Cameron Friend, Caden Turner, Derrik Bloomfield, Rylan Smith, Skylar Depriest, Landen Hienemen, Isaiah Dixon and Brody Young. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Hornets must replace their main weapon Hall

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — Last season, the Coal Grove Hornets didn’t really need a playbook. It could have just been give the ball to number 21.

But the first team All-Ohio running back who was the Division 6 Co-Offensive Player of the Year in the state is no longer on the sidelines.

Chase Hall is playing for the Ohio Bobcats and he took with him 2,546 rushing yards, 42 touchdown, 276 carries for a 9.2 yards per carry average, 18 two-point conversions as well as 128 tackles on defense — 82 solo stops.

Hornets’ head coach Jay Lucas said the loss of Hall will be felt.

“Losing Chase is a big loss. He was a fantastic player for us. He was a four-year player for us and with the statistics he had last year and the impact he had on the games, replacing him makes it impossible,” said Lucas.

However, the Hornets return 8 offensive starters and 9 who started or played extensively on defense which could soften the blow.

“We feel like we have several starters back on both sides of the ball. Those guys are a year older and a year more mature. We feel good about what we have coming back, but losing that guy is a big loss for sure,” said Lucas.

Although the Hornets return a lot of starters, Lucas said there is one major key to the team’s success.

“What makes us stick is how well we jell as a group,” said Lucas. “We have a lot of guys back but we’ve got to come together as a team consistently. I think we’ve got to utilize more guys on the offensive side of the ball and they have to be comfortable doing things with it.”

RUNNING BACK Returning is senior running back Steven Simpson who started as a freshman, senior Gavin Gipson who is a two-year starter, plus junior Joe Scarberry (6-1, 195) and

sophomore Caden Turner who is a converted tight end.

“Collectively, we’ve got a stable of running backs,” said Lucas. “We have guys back who are experienced.”

Steven Simpson has been the fullback the past three season while — a starter on defense — has been a solid backup but could getting more playing time if Simpson plays tailback.

“Simpson does whatever you ask of him. Scarberry is a good kid to have at fullback,” said Lucas.

“There are a lot of good kids back there. Turner will be playing a little of both end and fullback. Caden is a fantastic player but he’s just a sophomore. He’s talented and we feel like we can use him in multiple positions to help our ball club.”

Senior Gavin Gipson (6-1, 185) is a three-year starter as a running back and he will be joined by sophomore Kaden Murphy (5-9, 160) who got considerable playing time last season. Simpson will split

time between fullback and running back.

“We feel good about those guys,” said Lucas. “Gavin is a good athlete and has good size.”

QUARTERBACK Senior Whyatt Mannon (6-0, 175) is back under center for his fourth season and will give the Hornets a passing threat to go with their strong running game.

“Whyatt is a special kid and he’s been a good player for us. He can throw the ball around a bit,” said Lucas.

Rylan Smith and Braden Carpenter are the backups.

RECEIVERS Turner will be at one tight end spot when he’s not in the backfield.

Señor veteran Wes Runyon (5-11, 165) started every game and was one of the top receivers. Braden Young fighting for a position along with freshman Cam Hall.

OFFENSIVE LINE

SEE “HORNETS,” PAGE 27

26

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 COAL GROVE HORNETS FOOTBALL ROSTER Coal Grove Hornets 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. 0 Landen McKnight RB-DL 1 Whyatt Mannon QB-DB 2 Brayden Young OL-DB 3 Rylan Smith QB-DB 4 Wesley Runyon WR-DB 5 Bradley Klaiber OL-DL 7 Bradon Carpenter QB-DB 8 Steve Simpson RB-LB 9 Logan Roberts WR-DB 10 Devin Bloomfield OL-DB 12 Landon Robert RB-DB 14 Kaden Murphy RB-DB 15 Damien Price RB-DB 17 Bryson Newman OL-DB 18 Brisen Collins RB-DL 19 Landon Riley RB-DL 20 Kohen Shore RB-DL

Meadows

Coal Grove Hornets Coal Grove 43 Berne Union Coal Grove 50 Lucas. Valley Coal Grove 61 Meigs Coal Grove 43 South Point Coal Grove 43 Chesapeake Coal Grove 42 Portsmouth Coal Grove 33 Gallipolis Coal Grove 6 Ironton Coal Grove 6 Fairland Coal Grove 56 Rock Hill Playoff Results Coal Grove 67 Malvern Coal Grove 47 W. Jefferson Coal Grove 14 Fort Frye Record: 8-5

Klaiber 6 34 34 7 6 43 36 55 21 28 43 40 27

2023 Schedule

2022 Results

Simpson

Gr. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr.

21 22 23 24 27 30 32 33 34 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 60 61

Kamryn Hall Leland McKnight Quinton Baker Gavin Gipson Braydon Klaiber Joe Scarberry Tyler Earnest Skylar Depriest Kaden Turner Hayden Kingrey Derrik Bloomfield Brayden Salyers Braiden Huff Cole Delawder Caiden Harris David Milar Brett Klaiber Tyson Lewis Ethan Simpkins Donovan Thompson

Mannon

Runyon

Coal Grove Hornets August 18 GREENUP CO., Ky. 25 at Lucasville Valley September 1 at Meigs 8 SOUTH POINT# 15 CHESAPEAKE# 22 at Portsmouth# 29 at Gallipolis# October 6 IRONTON# 13 FAIRLAND# 20 at Rock Hill# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Jay Lucas

RB-DB RB-DB OL-DL TE-DB RB-DB RB-LB OL-DL RB-DL RB-TE-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Fr. So, Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So.

Gipson

62 Ian Davis OL-DL Sr. 63 Logan Mosley OL-DL Fr. 64 Brennan Meadows OL-DL Sr. 65 Caleb Huff OL-DL Sr. 67 Brody Young OL-DL Fr. 70 Zach Delawder OL-DL Sr. 71 Josh Short OL-DL So. 72 C.J. Pemberton OL-DL Jr. 73 Isaiah Dixon OL-DL So. 74 Cameron Friend OL-DL Fr. 75 Austin Fraley OL-DL Fr. 76 Blake Wilson OL-DL So. 77 Wyatt Wray OL-DL Jr. 78 Landen Hienemen OL-DL Fr. 79 Jaron Friend OL-DL Fr. 84 Cameron Robinson TE-DL Jr. 88 Joshua Spears TE-DL Jr. Head coach: Jay Lucas Assistant coaches: Chuck Price, Aaron Rice, Jordan Lucas, Caleb Eplion

Delawder

C. Huff

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FOOTBALL 2023

27

Hornets

Hornets In The Spotlight

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

COAL GROVE DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE LT LG C RG RT TE WB QB RB FB PK

34 2 70 65 52 60 64 61 56 50 72 72 4 10 24 14 1 3 28 14 34 8 30 34 4

Caden Turner Brayden Young Zach Delawder Caleb Huff Braiden Huff Ethan Simpkins Brennan Meadows Donovan Thompson Brett Klaiber Derik Bloomfield C.J. Pemberton Wyatt Wray Wes Runyon Devin Bloomfield Gavin Gipson Kaden Murphy Whyatt Mannon Rylan Smith Steven Simpson Kaden Murphy Caden Turner Steven Simpson Joe Scarberry Caden Turner Wes Runyon

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S P

72 62 56 70 65 64 60 54 30 50 34 8 10 52 4 19 24 2 12 9 14 22 34 24

C.J. Pemberton Ian Davis Brett Klaiber Zach Delawder Caleb Huff Brennan Meadows Ethan Simpkins Caiden Harris Joe Scarberry Derrik Bloomfield Caden Turner Steven Simpson Devin Bloomfield Braiden Huff Wesley Runyon Landon Riley Gavin Gipson Brayden Young Landon Roberts Logan Roberts Kaden Murphy Leland McKnight Caden Turner Gavin Gipson

Brennan Meadows is a three-year starter at center and Lucas is high on the veteran senior.

“Meadows gives us that stability that we need in the middle of our line of scrimmage. And he’s smart enough that he can help make the calls. He’s a very valuable asset for us to have down in the middle of our offensive line,” said Lucas.

Backup help will comer from Braden Thompson, Caiden Harris and Caleb Huff (6-3, 285) who came in early in the Malvern playoff game to play.

“We’ve got some options there,” said Lucas.

Senior Brett Klaiber returns at guard who is a returning starter.

The other guard is still undecided with juniors Braden Huff (5-11, 217) and Ethan Simpkins along with sophomores Derek Bloomfield and Josh Short.

“Derek has come a long way this year. We’re expecting big things from him,” said Lucas.

Returning at tackle will be senior Zach Delawder who is a three-year starter with senior Caleb Huff, senior Ian Davis, and juniors C.J. Pemberton (6-3, 285) and Wyatt Wray. (6-2, 280).

“We have good depth there,” Lucas said.

DEFENSIVE LINE “We’ll be multiple this season.

Like we talked about earlier, we have several kids back. With the teams that we’re playing we’ve got to be multiple. We’ll be multiple fronts and multiple coverages,” said Lucas.

Caleb Huff and Klaiber are both two-year returning starters at tackle and will anchor the line play.

Davis has stepped up this season and will challenge for playing time as well as Short, Harris, Meadows and Delawder.

“We have so many kids fighting for playing time. We’ll be moving this kids around,” said Lucas. “Ian had a great offseason and we expect big things from him.”

LINEBACKERS Scarberry started every game last season on the inside along with Simpson while sophomore Devin Bloomfield (5-11, 165) was a starter on the outside. Turner will start on the inside with Derek Bloomfield another candidate on the inside, sophomore Landon Riley with Braden Huff on the outside “Scarberry started every game and he’s just a good football player.

Bloomfield was solid all year,” said Lucas.

SECONDARY With plenty of experience and

Pemberton

Davis

Simpkins

B. Huff

Roberts

Dev. Bloomfield

Turner

Murphy

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Jay Lucas (21-22 at Coal Grove, 5th season; 37-46 overall, 9th season) Assistant Coaches: Chuck Price, Aaron Rice, Jordan Lucas, Caleb Eplion Key Returnees: Wyatt Mannon, Wes Runyon, Steven Simpson, Landon Roberts, Kaden Murphy, Kaleb Sullivan, Gavin Gipson, Joe Scarberry, C.J. Pemberton, Brennan Meadows, Brett Klaiber, Devin Bloomfield, Zach Delawder, Caden Turner.

Key Losses: Chase Hall, Eli Bazell, Dustin Lunsford, John Turner.

2022 Record: 8-5 overall (D6 regional semi-finals), 3-4 OVC (4th) Offense: Wing-I, Pro-I, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 9 depth, Lucas said the Hornets will use different combinations of players to fit the multiple sets they will have to run.

Gipson — a 3-year starter in the secondary — figures to be one corner, senior Landon Roberts will be a corner or a safety with Murphy a returning starter at safety. Smith is also in the mix along with Braden Young, Logan Roberts and Leland McKnight and Carpenter are also getting a hard look.

“Gipson is a really nice player,” Lucas said of the senior who had 4 interceptions last season. “Murphy is a dynamic player. He can do a lot of good things.”

KICKING GAME Gone is John Turner but Caden Turner figures to be one placekicker along with Runyon.

The punting duties will be between Turner and Gipson.

“John did a good job for us,” said Lucas. “We feel like we have several options and we think they can do a good job for us.”

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Lucas gave the nod to Ironton but he said it will be a competitive and entertaining season.

“Obviously, Ironton is the frontrunner, but I feel the conference is going to be pretty balanced.

Anybody can beat anybody on any given Friday. There’s several good teams and several playoffs team from a year ago that are back. We have to take care of what we can do,” said Lucas.

28

FOOTBALL 2023

Simpson won’t let injury take away his senior year Coal Grove veteran RB plans to make early return

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — For the past three seasons, Steven Simpson has withstood all kinds of hits from big, fast and strong linebackers among other players.

But it took his own body to slow him down.

An all-district and All-Ohio Valley Conference selection last season, the Coal Grove Hornets’ senior running back and linebacker has withstood quite a bit of contact during his career.

But it was some non-contact that thwarted his summer workouts.

“I was playing in a 7-on-7 at West Virginia and I turned too quick and there was a pop on the knee,” Simpson said as he recalled that fateful moment.

When the injury occurred, Simpson said the early diagnosis was a dislocation. It was later determined to be a patella — a.k.a. kneecap — fracture.

Simpson’s first thoughts went straight to rehab.

“I thought I need to get healthy really fast so I can come back for the season,” said Simpson.

So far, Simpson has undergone six weeks of therapy and he is hoping to make an early return to the playing field.

“My aiming point is week four, but if I can come back before then that’s great. If not, I’m not worried about it until week four,” said Simpson as he was pointing toward the first conference game.

With this setback occurring during the summer of his senior season, Simpson admits there was been some anxiety but he’s adjusted to the situation.

“It’s been a little iffy. I’m kind of missing it right now. But, rehabbing will help me get back as soon as I can.”

Even though he can’t practice, Simpson hasn’t

Simpson

missed a day of workouts and he continues his leadership role.

“At practices I still go around and help the positions that I play. I help coach the younger guys on plays they don’t know and I help out coach (Jay Lucas) and do everything he tells me to,” said Simpson.

Head coach Jay Lucas is not surprised by Simpson’s mental approach and his ability to lead despite not being suited up for practices.

“He’s a dandy. Steven is a special young man.

He’s been a good football player for four years.

He’s been a difference maker for us the past three years. He’s ran the ball effectively, he’s been a great blocker, and defensively he’s been one of our top two or three tacklers since his freshman year.”

The Hornets lost All-Ohio running back and linebacker Chase Hall to graduation which makes the team’s hopes for success a tough challenge.

But not as far as Simpson can see.

“Chase was a great player but we’re super tight and we can do anything we put our mind to. We have a bunch of athletes and a bunch of players,” said Simpson.

“Obviously, one of our objectives is to win the state title. But, we want to defend our home and win all our games at home and make it as far in the playoffs at as can.”

Despite being only 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, Simpson has been the the team’s fullback the

Steven Simpson past three years and has done a lot of blocking for Hall and other backs.

“I take a lot of those hits, but at the end of the day I know it’s better for my team if I play there and just give it my all,” said Simpson.

Lucas said Simpson’s unselfish personality is an inspiration for his teammates.

“Steven always puts the team first. He’s a running back, not a fullback because of his size, but with his heart it makes him one of those guys who can go down inside in the middle of the defense. He doesn’t shy away from contact. He never has,” said Lucas.

As far as Steven Simpson is concerned, bring on the big boys.

Hazing

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

In addition, “Hazing Prevention for Students” is a free course designed to teach students how to identify hazing, when to step in, and why they should notify proper authorities.

The NFHS also offers a number of resources on hazing prevention for school staff, students and parents on its website at https://www. nfhs.org/resources/student-ser-

vices-inclusion/hazing.

In an opinion piece on MSNBC. com, Elizabeth Allan, a professor of higher education at the University of Maine, had the following to say about the importance of hazing prevention in high school athletics programs: “If we value the well-being of children and young adults in our lives, then hazing has no place in our athletic programs, schools, campuses and communities.

“Hazing prevention is not only

about eliminating harm and senseless suffering, but it’s also about gaining something. In the absence of hazing, we can build stronger and healthier groups, more ethical and caring leaders, and more inclusive communities that support student mental health and well-being.

“The alarming reports of hazing at Northwestern are a clarion call for prevention and, with that, an opportunity for each of us to trans-

form the hazing culture and create safer schools and campuses for our students.”

Online link to article: https:// www.nfhs.org/articles/hazing-prevention-top-agenda-item-as-newschool-year-begins/ ————— Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is completing her fifth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

FOOTBALL 2023

29

2022 Divisions 5-Thru-7 SE All-District Football Team Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Southeast Ohio 2022 All-District Football Teams Division 5 First Team Offense WR: Ty Perkins, Ironton, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Brycen Hunt, Fairland, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Brayden Hanshaw, South Point, 6-3, 175, So.; Casey Cline, Westfall, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Reade Pendleton, Portsmouth, 5-9, 164, Sr.; Jeffery Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 181, Jr.; Cole Tipton, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 165, Jr.; TE: Nalin Robinson, Zane Trace, 6-4, 235, Sr.; OL: Spencer Brower, Zane Trace, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Noah Patterson, Ironton, 6-2, 255, Jr.; Steven Rhodes, Fairland, 6-0, 248, Sr.; Alex Jenkins, Piketon, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Alex Baer, McDermott Northwest, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Kade Woods, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 225, So.; Caleb Miller, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 260, Sr. QB: Carter Langley, Zane Trace, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Tayden Carpenter, Ironton, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Peyton Jackson, Fairland, 5-9, 173, Jr.; Jordan Ermalovich, South Point, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jordan Schulz, Alexander, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Griffin Cleland, Meigs, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Tyler Duncan, Portsmouth, 5-11, 138, Sr.; Mitchell Irwin, Portsmouth Wet, 6-1, 190, Sr.; RB: Jaquez Keyes, Ironton, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Conlee Burnem, Meigs, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Jeffrey Pica, Minford, 5-9, 210, Jr.; Wyatt Brackman, McDermott Northwest, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Daniel Barnhart, Zane Trace, 6-1, 220, Sr.; All-Purpose: Landen Wilson, Ironton, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Steeler Leep, Fairland, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Connor Lintz, McDermott Northwest, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Eric Lattimore, Wheelersburg, 5-9, 145, Sr.; PK: Zach Roth, Portsmouth, 5-10, 168, Jr.; Connor Estep, Wheelersburg, 5-11, 160, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Lane Stewart, Zane Trace, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Hayden Brannigan, Zane Trace, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Zion Martin, Fairland, 5-11, 212, Sr.; Nick Wright, Chesapeake, 6-0, 190, Sr.; LB: Lincoln Barnes, Ironton, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Trevor Carter, Ironton, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Zane Brownfield, Piketon, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Isaac Waller, Alexander, 6-1, 200, So.; Hunter Pendleton, Minford, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Brenden Truett, Portsmouth, 5-6, 200, Sr.; Andrew Huck, Bidwell River Valley, 5-5, 150, Sr.; Landon Hutchinson, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, Jr.; DB: Amari Felder, Ironton, 5-9, 190, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Ty Perkins, Ironton Defensive Player of the Year: Lincoln Barnes, Ironton Lineman of the Year: Kade Woods, Portsmouth West Co-Coaches of the Year: Heath Hinton, Zane Trace; Todd Gilliland, Portsmouth West; Trevon Pendleton, Ironton Special Mention Blake Phillips, Zane Trace; Noah Fetters, Zane Trace; Aiden Young, Ironton; C.J. Martin, Ironton; Ryan Dixon, Fairland; Justin McKee, Fairland; Maurice Long, South Point; Blaine Freeman, South Point; Camron Shockley, Chesapeake; Marcus Burnside, Chesapeake; Bryce Wickline, Westfall; Caleb Osborne, Piketon; Gabe Lamerson, Piketon; Dawson Montgomery, Piketon; Alex Jeffrey, Alexander;

Chanz Pancake, Rock Hill; Landon Harper, Rock Hill; David Jenkins, Rock Hill; Zach Delawder, Coal Grove; Steven Simpson, Coal Grove; Caleb Osborne, Frankfort Adena; Mason Dyer, Frankfort Adena; D.J. Crocker, Huntington; Nate Clutters, Oak Hill; Dom Chambers, Paint Valley; Roman Wisecup, Paint Valley; Peyton Bell, Paint Valley; Brewer Tomlison, Beaver Eastern; Landyn Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern; Drew Douglas, NelsonvilleYork; Dakota Inman, Nelsonville-York; Trusten McWhorter, Southeastern; Brandon Burdette, Glouster Trimble; George Arnett, Lucasville Valley; Hunter Edwards, Lucasville Valley; Daniel Chapman, Crooksville Braidin Tuttle, Alexander; Wyatt Humphreys, Meigs; Garrett Roberts, Meigs; Justin Stump, Bidwell River Valley; Peyton Caudill, Minford; Tysen Kingery, Minford; J.D. Matiz, Minford; Carter Runyon, McDermott Northwest; Tanner Bolin, McDermott Northwest; Noah Livingston, Portsmouth; Cole Windsor, Portsmouth West; Trevor Fike, Portsmouth West; Mason Parker, Portsmouth West; Creed Warren, Wheelersburg; Ethan Glover, Wheelersburg; Eli Jones, Wheelersburg Division 6 First Team Offense WR: Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-3, 170, So.; Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Max Frank, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 170, Jr.; OL: Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-5, 330, Sr.; Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Elias Bazell, Coal Grove, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Evan Fisher, Oak Hill, 6-2, 275, Sr.; QB: Cavan Cooper, Paint Valley, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Makhi Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 170, Jr.; RB: Kordell French, Rock Hill, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Chase Hall, Coal Grove, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Nathan Dreitzler, Frankfort Adena, 6-2, 190, So.; Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley, 5-7, 215, So.; Hudson Stalder, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 180, Sr.; All-Purpose: Quinton Puckett, Huntington, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 230, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Dalton Black, Huntington, 6-2, 195, Sr.; K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Maleek Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Cole Wright, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 220, Jr.; LB: Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Gavin Richards, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 160, Jr., Sr.; Lakota Davis, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 225, Sr.; DB: Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 160, So.; Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley, 5-11, 160, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Defensive Player of the Year: Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York Co-Linemen of the Year: Elias Bazell, Coal Grove; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill Coach of the Year: Rusty Richards, Nelsonville-York Special Mention

Division 7 First Team Offense WR: Mason Heiss, Waterford, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Tanner Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 160, So.; OL: Landon Randolph, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-1, 245, Sr.; QB: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Josiah Smith, Racine Southern, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Logan Doughty, Corning Miller, 6-1, 155, So.; Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East, 6-0, 155, Sr.; RB: Dylan Taylor, Waterford, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Rylee Barrett, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Nathaniel Brannigan, Franklin Furnace, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Gavin Hart, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 215, Jr.; All-Purpose: Landan Lodwick, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Dylan Seison, Portsmouth Notre Dame; 6-1, 155, Sr.; PK: Hayden Wilcoxen, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 140, Fr. First Team Defense DL: Landon Flaherty, Waterford, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Carter Campbell, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-3, 190, Sr.; LB: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Derek Griffith, Racine Southern, 6-1, 190, Jr.; E.J. Siders, South Gallia, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Abe McBee, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-10, 185, Jr.; DB: Lane Cline, Waterford, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 183, So.; Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley, 5-8, 185, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern Lineman of the Year: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green Coach of the Year: Jason Jackson, Meigs Eastern Special Mention Colten McDougle, Waterford; Jud Cooper, Waterford; Brady Yonker, Meigs Eastern; Gavan Smith, Meigs Eastern; Cooper Barnett, Meigs Eastern; Kolten Thomas, Racine Southern; Bradie McCulley, Racine Southern; James Sheets, South Gallia; Hunter Wright, South Gallia; Conner Kaido, Corning Miller; Zander Bice, Corning Miller; Chais Lavender, Franklin Furnace Green; Blake Smith, Franklin Furnace Green; Landehn Pernell, Sciotoville East; Tyell Baker, Sciotoville East; Dylan Fitzgerald, Sciotoville East; Dominic Sparks, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Wyatt Webb, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Lucas Smith, Manchester; Aaron Lucas, Manchester

30

FOOTBALL 2023

Heat awareness top priority as high school sports begin INDIANAPOLIS — It is an exciting time of year for the millions of students involved in high school sports and performing arts programs. In many parts of the country, schools are back in session, practices have started, and the first games or performances are just around the corner.

Understandably, those teams that just missed the state playoffs are determined to get off to a fast start and make a deeper run this year.

There is an urgency among the coaching staff to get a step ahead, to work harder and to start the season at a faster pace than last year.

However, cooler heads – literally and figuratively – must prevail in the early weeks of fall sports and activity programs. In many states, the soaring temperatures have been garnering headlines for much of the summer. With heat indices approaching or exceeding 100 degrees in some areas, coaches, administrators and athletic trainers must take every precaution to avoid heat stress injuries or deaths.

More than 3.5 million students will be involved in outdoor practices this month – football, cross country, soccer, field hockey and marching band – and heat awareness

must be the first item addressed in the daily scheduling of events.

Even volleyball teams practicing in hot gyms without air conditioning must be on guard.

Last week, the NFHS distributed information about heat concerns to NFHS member state associations. In the most recent 10-year period, the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR) reported 42 Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) events in high school athletes, which included 18 deaths (15 in football, two in basketball and one in soccer).

As we have stated many times in this column, one heat-stroke death is too many because EHS is preventable. Even with one million participants in high school football, death from heat stroke is preventable.

Coaches, athletic directors and athletic trainers must have effective prevention plans in place so that student participants are fully protected from heat-related illnesses and injuries.

In addition to football and other outdoor fall sports, participants in marching band are just as susceptible to the effects of heat illness.

Like their counterparts on the athletic fields, band directors should provide for a slow and progressive

period of acclimatization prior to marching season.

The NFHS, through its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the NFHS Learning Center, offers many educational tools to assist schools in developing a proper heat acclimatization and heat illness prevention program. In addition, many state associations

have developed state-specific guidelines for dealing with heat issues and safety challenges.

The SMAC has developed a “Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement” which is available on the NFHS website.

The Green Local Board of Education wishes successful and memorable seasons to all of our athletic programs.

Go Bobcats!

SEE “AWARENESS,” PAGE 33

FOOTBALL 2023

31

Members of the 2023 Green Bobcats football team are: front row from left to right, Ethan Blevins, Braxton Conschafsky, Brett Chaney, Eli Fitch, Nathaniel Brannigan and Cole Maynard; second row left to right, Quincy Merrill, Mason Neal, Blake Smith, Ethan Hineman, Troy Stapleton, Landon Kimbler and Conner Blanton; third row left to right, Wyatt Floyd, Olivia Blevins, Ralph Klaiber, Carson Johnson, Gabe Blevins and Alex Hagen. Not pictured was Abe McBee. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Green has plenty of holes to fill

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

FRANKLIN FURNACE — When someone is said to “play the numbers game,” it means to use amounts or figures to support an argument, often in a way that confuses or misleads people.

With only 22 players on the Green football roster, head coach Chad Coffman is moving those numbers around to confuse and mislead opponents and find a way to get a win.

Last season it was working as Green began the year 6-0. But injuries began to pile up and the Bobcats very promising season ended with some tough losses and a 6-5 record.

“Last year we did some things.

We had the third winning season in 33 years, we had the first home playoff game and we have a beautiful stadium,” said Coffman.

“We have some high-end players back. The question is how well we

can fill in those other spots and what kind of completion can we create.”

With a small roster, Coffman is doing is best Bernie Madoff impression once again.

“When you practice with less than 25, it’s hard to have any 11 on 11 anything even if you’re holding practice dummies,” said Coffman.

“Last year we could do 11 on 11.

I thought that helped us get better.

I’ve been at small schools before.

We’ll get creative.”

Although the numbers are low now, Coffman sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

“I looked at the number and the average number of kids Green has had on the team since they started playing football is 18. So, 21 is better and not as high as the last couple of years, but we have nine boys in the freshman class. Not nine players in the class, just nine boys,” said Coffman.

SEE “GREEN,” PAGE 32

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FOOTBALL 2023

Green Players In The Spotlight

GREEN

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE LT LG C RG

RT QB

FB WB

WB TE WR PK

5 19 75 19 62 75 61 45 55 75 45 79 54 8 9 11 22 5 15 8 23 8 4 25 45 10 11 10 22

Braxton Conschafsky Dakota Hollon Cole Maynard Dakota Hollon Eli Fitch Cole Maynard Troy Stapleton Carson Johnson Brett Chaney Cole Maynard Carson Johnson Ralph Klaiber Ethan Blevins Abe McBee Gabe Blevins Landon Kimbler Nate Brannigan Braxton Conschafsky Blake Smith Abe McBee Conner Blanton Abe McBee Mason Neal Wyatt Floyd Carson Johnson Quincy Merrill Landon Kimbler Quincy Merrill Nate Brannigan DEFENSE

DE

19 25 DT 61 79 DT 55 54 DE 75 25 LB 22 75 LB 15 55 OLB 8 25 OLB 5 10 CB 11 23 CB 10 4 S 78 10 P 22 10

Dakota Hollon Wyatt Floyd Troy Stapleton Ralph Klaiber Brett Chaney Gabe Blevins Cole Maynard Wyatt Floyd Nate Brannigan Cole Maynard Blake Smith Brett Chaney Abe McBee Wyatt Floyd Braxton Conschafsky Quncy Merrill Landon Kimbler Conner Blanton Quincy Merrill Mason Neal Gabe Blevins Quincy Merrill Nate Brannigan Quincy Merrill

Klaiber

Neal

Kimbler

Stapleton

Fitch

G. Blevins

Johnson

Green

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

“But we got this new school, I think the future is still bright there.

I think more kids will be enrolled.

We’ve got a big fifth grade group and a big sixth grade group. Green has always been in a cycle like that.”

QUARTERBACK Senior Abe McBee (5-10, 180) was a big running threat last season and could be the quarterback but Coffman would like to move McBee to wingback to give him more running opportunities.

The move would mean either freshman Gabe Blevins (5-8, 135) or junior Landon Kimbler (5-5, 120) will take over the position.

“Blevins is kind of a jet back. He gives us another quarterback who can run,” said Coffman.

RUNNING BACK So goes the running game, so goes the Bobcats offense.

And the running game goes when senior fullback Nate Brannigan (6-0, 215) gets churning much like one game last season when he carried 35 times for 260 yards.

Senior Braxton Conschafsky (5-8, 170) will be in the backfield when he isn’t at tight end to give the Bobcats some depth.

“Teams know Nate is going to get the ball and he still gets his yardage. Brannigan could play for anybody,” said Coffman. “Blake is our best blocker as a running back and he’s gotten faster.”

The wingbacks are big in the offensive scheme and junior Blake Smith (6-2, 175) returns after a solid season last year.

McBee will probably move to wingback and be joined by sophomore Mason Neal (5-9, 140).

“Abe is a very effective runner when he runs it. He’s a very good running back,” said Coffman.

ENDS Conschafsky figures to be one tight end with junior Wyatt Floyd (5-7, 145) on the other end. Also in the mix will be junior Dakota Hollon (6-2, 170) and freshman

Carson Johnson (6-1, 180) who provide more size but lack playing experience.

Junior Quincy Merrill (5-7, 155) returns at wide receiver and his will be backed by Kimbler if he doesn’t play quarterback.

“We’ll be a lot of double tight, double win unless we get in the gun,” said Coffman.

“Conschafsky can play about anywhere as a back or a lineman.

Dakota is a big, strong kid. Wyatt isn’t that big but he’s a really strong kid.”

OFFENSIVE LINE With he limited number of linemen, this is where Coffman has to get creative in this numbers game.

Sophomore Troy Stapleton (5-8, 175) should be the center with seniors Eli Fitch (6-2, 190) and Brett Chaney (5-10, 200) the guards.

The tackles spots will be manned by veteran senior Cole Maynard (6-0, 200) who was a starter last season and sophomore Ralph Klaiber (5-10, 290) who is the team’s biggest player.

As for backups, Johnson could move from tight end to play center or guard. Senior Ethan Blevins (6-0, 235) and Hollon — another tight end —will provide depth at tackle.

The versatile Maynard has played all three interior positions along with some tight end.

“Cole is someone you can plug in anywhere. We have to have everyone ready to play somewhere else.

We can’t afford for someone to go down and not have anyone to put there,” said Coffman.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Bobcats will utilize a 4-4 alignment depending on the opposition’s offensive formations.

Stapleton and Chaney will be the tackles with Hollon and Maynard at the ends to give the Bobcats a smaller but quicker front.

Floyd is the backup at end with Klaiber and Blevins expected to get playing time at tackle.

“Our tackles and ends work together, so they’re interchangeable,” said Coffman. “We have eight

different guys working in there for those four spots.”

LINEBACKERS This is strong suit for the defense lead by All-Ohioan Brannigan and Smith on the inside and McBee and Conschafsky on the outside.

“Blake Smith is a special player.

He’s strong and a three-sport guy.

As a read linebacker who really can play,” said Coffman. “The real concern is depth at outside linebacker.”

Maynard shows his versatility again as a backup at inside linebacker with Chaney a capable backup.

Merrill and Floyd will provide the depth not he outside.

SECONDARY Although he didn’t play last season, Kimbler has been a pleasant addition this season and will be at one corner with Merrill — who can play at all the secondary positions — on the other side.

Sophomore Conner Blanton (5-5, 140) and Neal will be their backups.

Blevins is the safety with the veteran Merrill his backup.

“We have to determine who will be the corners and who will be the safety. We’ll keep evaluation,” said Coffman. “Neil is a guy who has some versatility which will give us more flexibility.”

KICKING GAME Merrill did the placements last season and has the edge with Brannigan capable of filling that role.

Brannigan will be the punter with Merrill ready to step in if called upon.

“Nate is a great punter and both he and Quincy can kick off,” said Coffman. “Quincy kicks extra points and field goals but Nate can kick the long field goals.”

SOUTHERN OHIO CONFERENCE Coffman sees Beaver Eastern repeating as the league favorite.

“It’s got to be Eastern. They won it last year and they’ve got a lot back. They have a quarterback back and a lineman back,” said Coffman.

“Notre Dame has a lot back, but I think the league is going to very competitive from top to bottom.”

FOOTBALL 2023

33

2023 Green Bobcats Football Roster 2023 Green Bobcats Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. 3 Gabe Blevins QB-DB 5-08 4 Mason Neal RB-DB 5-09 5 Braxton Conschafsky RB-LB 5-08 8 Abe McBee RB-LB 5-10 9 Carson Lavey SE-DB 5-10 10 Quincy Merrill QB-DB 5-07 11 Landon Kimbler QB-DB 5-05 15 Blake Smith RB-LB 6-02 19 Dakota Hollon TE-DE 6-02 22 Nathaniel Brannigan RB-DB 6-00 23 Conner Blanton WR-DB 5-05 25 Wyatt Floyd SE-LB 5-07

Wt. 135 140 170 180 150 155 120 175 170 215 140 145

Gr Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr.

45 Carson Johnson TE-DL 6-01 180 Fr. 50 Alex Hagen OL-DL 5-07 145 Fr. 54 Ethan Blevins T-DT 6-00 235 Sr. 55 Brett Chaney G-DE 5-10 200 Sr. 61 Troy Stapleton OL-DL 5-08 175 So. 62 Eli Fitch OL-DL 6-02 190 Sr. 75 Cole Maynard OL-DE 6-00 200 Sr. 76 Ethan Hineman OL-DL 6-00 240 Jr. 78 Olivia Blevins OL-DL 5-08 180 So. 79 Ralph Klaiber OL-DL 5-10 290 So. Head coach: Chad Coffman Assistant coaches: Bill Claxon, Andrew Holsinger, Shane Colvin, Kevin McDavis, C.J. Blevins Trainer: Ray Tackett

Green Players In The Spotlight

Brannigan

Smith

Conschafsky

Maynard

Chaney

E. Blevins

Merrill

Hineman

Floyd

Green Bobcats August 18 at Fairfield Christian 25 at Grove City Christian September 1 MANCHESTER 8 at Southern 15 FAIRVIEW, Ky. 22 at Symmes Valley# 29 PRTS. NOTRE DAME# October 6 SOUTH GALLIA# 13 at Sciotoville East# 20 BEAVER EASTERN# #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Chad Coffman

Awareness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

This document contains seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program.

In addition, the SMAC’s “Position Statement and Recommendations for Maintaining Hydration to Optimize Performance and Minimize the Risk for Exertional Heat Illness” is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS website.

Through the NFHS Learning Center, the NFHS offers a free online course entitled Heat Illness Prevention.

Head Coach: Chad Coffman (8-16 at Green, 4th year; 36-55 overall, 9th year) Assistant Coaches: Bill Claxon, Andrew Holsinger, Shane Colvin, Kevin McDavid Key Returnees: Braxton Conschafsky, Eli Fitch, Abe McBee, Quincy Merrill, Blake Smith, Nathaniel Brannigan, Cole Maynard, Ethan Blevins, Conner Blanton.

Key Losses: Landon Lodwick, Levi Blevins, Levi Waddell, Gabe McBee, James Hurst, Isaiah Runyon, Tyler Blanton, Chais Lavender, Andy Runyon Record: 6-5 overall, 1-4 SOC (5th) Offense: Double Wing-T Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

This course, which is available at www.nfhslearn.com, also reviews the seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. More than 2.3 million Heat Illness Prevention courses have been accessed. In addition, to address the necessary precautions for participants in marching band, the NFHS has a free course entitled Band Safety.

Among the fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program are 1) a slow progression in activity level – duration and intensity; 2) adjusting workouts as heat and humidity increase, includ-

ing close monitoring and a prompt response to developing problems; and 3) proper hydration.

Three other Learning Center courses should be a part of the preseason tutorials for all key members of the school’s team: The Collapsed Athlete, Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Concussion in Sports.

As an additional resource, last year the NFHS Foundation announced a grant program to distribute 5,000 wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) devices to high schools across the country.

The WBGT measures the heat stress

2022 Results

2023 Schedule

QUICK HITTER Green (OT) 15 Fairfield Christian 13 Green 40 Fisher Catholic 0 Green 41 Ridgedale 14 Green 65 Southern 52 Green 43 Fairview, Ky. 18 Green 21 Sym. Valley 0 Green 21 Notre Dame 29 Green 19 Northwest 29 Green 0 Sciotoville East 16 Green 28 Eastern 41 Playoff Results Green 36 Notre Dame 45 Record: 6-5

in direct sunlight, accounting for temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover. High schools can use the thermometer’s reading to help determine if the weather is appropriate to hold outdoor activities.

The NFHS Foundation provides a video on proper use of WBGT. School leaders must continue to take EHS seriously. We encourage every athletic coach and band director to take the free online courses – Heat Illness Prevention and Band Safety – at www.nfhslearn.com. It could be the best investment of time this year.

Rock Hill

GO BIG RED

FOOTBALL 2023

35

Members of the Rock Hill Redmen 2023 football team are: front row left to right, Matt Weber, Isak Delawder, Dakota Dust, Markas Dust, Landon Howard, Bradey Stamper, Bryson Stevens, Isaiah Strunk, Tomas Miller, Bradley Mullins, Yaden Bailey, Tristan Lewis and Carson Doolin; second row left to right, Bryson Lewis, Landon Rose, Peyton Clutters, Jaxson Rose, Sam Rusk, Levi Ross, Wyatt Jenkins, Mason Hanners, Connor Blagg, Blake Porter, Levi Jiles, Chase Sizemore, Anthony Stamper, Grant Bevins, Gabe Clutters, Dallin Cox, Preston Malone and Lorenzo Pernestti; third row left to right, Elden Myers, Mason Jenkins, Hunter Scott, Zach O’Bryant, Eli Smith, Nathan Stone, Daniel Medinger, Eli Hamlin, Drew Schug, Cameron Stevens, Chase Blevins, Logan Stewart, Ryan Clement, J.T. Howard and Gage Clutters. Not pictured were Bryson Loper and Trevor Lawless. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Redmen must overcome lots of inexperience

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PEDRO — The Replacements II. The Rock Hill Redmen suffered severely heavy losses which leaves head coach Mark Lutz searching for replacements for a team that was 5-6 including upset wins over Vinton County and Gallipolis.

“We lost 13 seniors and almost everyone of them started somewhere and that’s hard to replace,” said Lutz. “Practices have been a lot of teaching and coaching starting with the basics before you even get into the Xs and Os.” Both the offense and defense have been hurt by graduation and the lack of depth and experience is being felt.

“We don’t have a lot of size up front. A lot teams we play are in the spread so you have to be able to cover in space and tackle in the open field,” said Lutz.

RUNNING BACKS Gone is All-Ohio and 1,000-yard rusher Kordell French as well as fullback Chase Delong, but the Redmen return senior Levi Jiles (5-11, 170) and junior speedster Anthony Stamper (5-10, 165) to go with hard-running junior fullback

Gage Clutters (6-0, 220) and sophomore Preston Malone (6-0, 180).

“Stamper has really good vision.

He can makes cuts that you can’t teach,” said Luttz. “Jiles has worked hard in the offseason and he’s added bulk and strength. He’s just hard-nosed, has good speed and runs hard.

“I like our backfield on offense because they’ve all played. We have six backs who can all run,. It’s just finding some depth in certain other spots and praying we don’t have injuries.”

QUARTERBACK This is another hole that needs filled and both candidates are untested sophomores.

Dallin Cox (5-10, 140) played last season in a backup role while Eli Hamlin (6-2, 180) hasn’t played since junior high.

“Neither one has any varsity experience. Dallin ahead because he’s played. We’ll just have to bring them along slowly like a lot of the other guys we have,” said Lutz.

OFFENSIVE LINE The lone returning starter is a sophomore in 6-foot-4, 285-pound Daniel Medinger who played extremely well last season as a freshman.

“We’re really thin in the offensive line. We don’t have the depth or experience. If someone gets hurt, we might have to move an end or a back to the offensive line,” said Lutz.

Junior Wyatt “Earp” Jenkins (5-10, 185) looks to be the center with junior Eli Smith (6-2, 320) the backup. Senior Chase “Capone” Blevins (6-0, 265) and junior Gabe Clutters (6-0, 230) the guards while junior Ryan Clement (6-0, 330) is the other tackle.

Junior Nate Stone (6-5, 325) could play tackle or center while backup help will come from sophomore Levi Ross (5-7, 175) and possibly freshman Yaden Bailey (6-0, 220) who plays fullback but could be moved in an emergency.

ENDS The two tight end candidates are juniors Zach O’Bryant (6-3, 170) and first-year player Drew Schug (6-2, 190).

“Schug is a new guy and he’s doing a good job,” said Lutz. “My goal at least early is to play Schug at tight end and O’Bryant at defensive end. As the year goes on and things go well, we can put both of them in when we need two tight ends.”

At the wideouts will be seniors

Blake Porter (5-10, 170) and Connor Blagg (5-7, 130) and Cameron Stevens (6-2, 175). Stamper and Jiles could also line up on the outside as well.

“We’re going to try and spread out some because of the athleticism we have. We have Porter, we have Blagg, we have Stamper, we have Jiles. All those guys can run,” said Lutz. “Everyone knows of Porter’s athleticism from basketball.

DEFENSIVE LINE Medinger will be one tackle and Gabe Clutters is on the other side flanked by his twin brother Gage Clutters who will be the defensive end. The other end will be O’Bryant with Schug waiting in the wings.

“Some of our offensive linemen are going to have to flip over and play defense to give the other guys a break. They’re going to have to go play,” said Lutz. “After that, it’s going to be some of the young pups who’ll be thrown in the mix.”

LINEBACKERS Jiles and Jenkins will be the linebackers with juniors Grant Bevens (5-8, 190) and Chase Sizemore (5-10, 155) the backups who will play in certain defensive alignments.

SEE “REDMEN,” PAGE 36

36

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 Rock Hill Redmen Football Roster Rock Hill Redmen 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 1 Connor Blagg E-DB-K 5-07 130 Sr. 2 Landon Rose E-DB-P 5-07 150 Sr. 3 Blake Porter RB-S 5-10 170 Sr. 5 Sam Rusk RB-CB 5-09 160 Jr. 7 Levi Jiles RB-LB 5-11 190 Sr. 9 Dallin Cox QB-S 5-10 140 So. 10 Jaxson Rose RB-CB 5-11 160 Jr. 11 Tristan Lewis RB-S 5-10 125 Fr. 12 Eli Hamlin QB-S 6-02 180 So. 14 Anthony Stamper RB-S 5-10 165 Jr. 15 Bradey Stamper RB-CB 6-00 160 Fr. 20 Preston Malone RB-CB 6-00 180 So. 21 Bryson Lewis E-S 5-11 148 Jr. 22 Grant Bevins RB-LB 5-08 190 Jr. 23 Mason Hanners RB-CB 5-10 160 Jr. 24 Matt Weber RB-S 5-09 135 Sr. 25 Chase Sizemore RB-LB 5-10 155 Jr.

28 29 33 34 36 42 44 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 62 63 64

Dakota Dust Peyton Clutters Markas Dust Yaden Bailey Gage Clutters Lorenzo Pernestti Drew Schug Isaiah Strunk Tomas Miller Wyatt Jenkins Gabe Clutters Bryson Loper Hunter Scott Logan Stewart Levi Ross J.T. Howard Isak Delawder James Keaton Bradley Mullins

RB-LB RB-CB FB-LB FB-LB FB-DE D-DE E-DE G-LB G-LB G-LB G-LB T-DT G-DT C-LB C-NG T-DT G-DE G-NG T-DT

5-10 5-06 5-11 6-00 6-00 5-10 6-02 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-00 6-01 6-00 6-01 5-7 6-00 5-10 5-10 5-05

145 130 150 220 220 140 190 175 175 185 230 190 175 195 175 260 160 175 175

So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. fr.

Jr. Fr.

65 Chase Blevins G-DT 6-00 265 Sr. 66 Landon Howard T-DT 5-10 220 Fr. 67 Mason Jenkins G-DE 5-10 175 Fr. 68 Ryan Clement T-DT 6-00 330 Jr. 73 Elden Myers T-DT 5-06 325 Fr. 74 Daniel Medinger T-DT 6-04 285 So. 76 Nathan Stone T-DT 6-05 325 Jr. 78 Eli Smith T-DT 6-02 320 Jr. 83 Cameron Stevens E-S 6-02 175 Sr. 84 Bryson Stevens E-DE 5-09 145 Fr. 85 Carson Doolin E-DE 6-00 185 Fr. 88 Trevor Lawless P/PK 6-01 175 Jr. 89 Zach O’Bryant E-DE 6-03 170 Jr. Head coach: Mark Lutz Assistant coaches: Red Burcham, Eric Bailey, Barry Litteral, Nick Culbertson, Keith Adams, Josh Bryant, Jesse Carmon Trainer: Grant Charles

Redmen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

“Jiles has played there for a couple of years and Jenkins had to play at the end of last season because of an injury.

All four of them like to hit,” said Lutz.

SECONDARY This is a group that Lutz said “has speed and athleticism.”

Stamper is the lone returning starter form the group and will play safety. Junior Mason Hanners (5-10, 160) got some playing time last year and should be one of the cornerbacks.

Blagg will probably be the other safety with Stevens the nickel back while Porter cis apable of playing anywhere.

“Stamper has been talking more on defense when we need him to do because we don’t have anyone who has played

back there. He’s the only one who has played,” said Lutz.

KICKING GAME Blagg will handle the placements and he has a strong and accurate leg.

“He’s been a plus. He was just going to kick and now he wants to do it all,” said Lutz. “He’s look well in 7-on-7.

The punting job is between senior Landon Rose (5-7, 150) and Malone who both punted last season for the first time at the varsity level.

“They can both kick. They just have to be consistent.

We’re hoping our special teams will be improved,” said Lutz.

Trevor Lawless looks to do the kickoffs with Blagg a possibility as well.

SEE “ROCK HILL,” PAGE 37

KATHRYN L. SUTTON, DDS 419 Vernon St. • Ironton, OH • 740-532-6542 Fax 740-532-2133 FAMILY DENTISTRY (CHILDREN AND ADULTS)

From Our Team To Yours, Good Luck With Your Season

Jiles

Porter

Blevins

C. Stevens

Blagg

Jenkins

Stamper

Medinger

Hanners

Bevins

O’Bryant

Gb. Clutters Gg. Clutters

Malone

Clement

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Email: rlambert@lambert-law.org

FOOTBALL 2023

37

Jiles stepping up into leader role

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

ROCK HILL

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR

3 1 LT 68 76 LG 65 59 C 53 78 RG 54 53 RT 74 76 TE 44 89 QB 9 12 HB 14 20 FB 36 34 HB 30 20 PK 1 KO

Blake Porter Connor Blagg Ryan Clement Nathan Stone Chase Blevins Levi Ross Wyatt Jenkins Eli Smith Gabe Clutters Wyatt Jenkins Daniel Medinger Nathan Stone Drew Schug Zach O’Bryant Dallin Cox Eli Hamlin Anthony Stamper Preston Malone Gage Clutters Yaden Bailey Levi Jiles Preston Malone Connor Blagg Trevor Lawless

PEDRO — Casinos in Las Vegas have security cameras in the ceilings that are referred to as “Eyes in the Sky.” For Levi Jiles, there are only two “Eyes in the Sky” that concern him.

Those two eyes belong to his father Joshua who was killed in an automobile accident during his sophomore year.

“I’m trying to have a good year.

I want to make him proud. I know that he’s always watching. I’m just doing everything for him,” said Jiles.

Now a senior, the 5-foot-8, 190pound Jiles is ready for a strong season that he plans to dedicate to his father.

Schug

DT DE LB LB CB CB S S P

2023 Schedule

NG

Gage Clutters Zach O’Bryant Gabe Clutters Chase Blevins Chase Sizemore Levi Ross Daniel Medinger Nate Stone Zach O’Bryant Drew Schugg Wyatt Jenkins Yaden Bailey Levi Jiles Grant Bevins Mason Hanners Blake Porter Preston Malone Cameron Stevens Anthony Stamper Dallin Cox Cameron Stevens Eli Hamlin Preston Malone Landon Rose

2022 Results

DT

36 89 54 65 25 59 74 76 89 44 53 34 30 22 23 12 20 83 14 9 20 12 20 2

Levi Jiles

SEE “LEADER,” PAGE 38

Cox

Stone

Ross

Bailey

Hamlin

Rock Hill

DEFENSE DE

Sizemore

“The realization of it being the last year has to count. You have to perform at another level if you really want to. It should be a lot tougher. I’ve got a lot to prove this year,” said Jiles. “I have to step up and teach them how to do the things they don’t know.”

Rock Hill head coach Mark Lutz said Jiles has always been a quiet player who just did his job and loved to compete. He said Jiles is more of a leader by his actions than his words, “All summer and all spring he has been in the weight room everyday. Last year he battled several injuries and tried to play in games and sometimes he could only a series or two because of the injury,” said Lutz.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

Rock Hill Redmen August 18 at Minford 25 SYMMES VALLEY September 1 at Oak Hill 8 PORTSMOUTH# 15 at Fairland# 22 SOUTH POINT# 29 at Ironton# October 6 GALLIPOLIS# 13 at Chesapeake# 20 COAL GROVE# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mark Lutz Rock Hill Redmen 14 Minford 21 Vinton Co. 20 Oak Hill 21 Portsmouth 27 Fairland 21 South Point 7 Ironton 35 Gallipolis 35 Chesapeake 28 Coal Grove Playoff Results Rock Hill 7 Loudonville Record: 5-6 Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill

“Lawless has a pretty strong leg,” said Lutz.

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Lutz points to Ironton as the favorite.

“Right now, we’re all still chasing Ironton. But everyone has a lot of players back and it’ll be very competitive. It should be a strong league,” said Lutz.

QUICK HITTER

33 20 7 35 34 7 49 31 7 56 40

Coach: Mark Lutz (21-36 at Rock Hill and overall, 6th season) Assistant coaches: Red Burcham, Nick Culbertson, Eric Bailey, Barry Litteral, Keith Adams, Josh Bryant, Jesse Carmon.

Key Returnees: Levi Jiles, Chase Blevins, Cameron Stevens, Anthony Stamper, Preston Malone, Grant Bevins, Mason Hanners, Gage Clutters, Wyatt Jenkins, Levi Ross, Zach O’Bryant, Ryan Clement, Daniel Medinger, Dallin Cox. Key Losses: Kordell French, Andrew Medinger, Skylar Kidd, Brayden Adams, Chanz Pancake, Brock Friend, David Jenkins, Landon Harper, Chase Delong, Logan Short, Zaylor Gregory, Tyler Murphy, Hazley Matthews.

2022 Record: 5-6 overall, 3-4 OVC (4th) Offense: T-formation, Multiple Defense: 5-2, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 3

38

FOOTBALL 2023

Leader

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

“We were a much better team last year when he was on the field and health. He has done everything we’ve asked him to do and more to get ready for this season. We just hope he stays healthy and has a special year for all the work he has put in.”

Jiles understands that he may have to come out of his shell and be more verbal in order to communicate with his teammates.

“I just have to be more vocal and actually teach them instead of staying back and being quiet,” he said.

Jiles expects to carry more of a load on offense.

“It’ll be tough to do that every play and then go back and play defense. I feel I’m in better shape right now,” said Jiles.

Jiles has been a running back on offense but he also plays defense. He played mostly as a defensive back his first two seasons but played linebacker last year and should be the defensive leader from his linebacker position this season.

He said his past playing experiences will definitely help him be a better player.

“I’ll be able to visualize everything better and just help everybody out and how to play their position,” said Jiles.

The switch to linebacker last season was more than a welcome change for the four-year starter.

“I like hitting,” Jiles said But the main focus for Jiles is about how well the team performs and he wants to be a key to the success.

“We’re young, but I feel that if everybody focuses and plays with everything they have, we have a good chance of having a good season,” said Jiles.

And a good season is something Levi Jiles would love to have his dad get to see.

Rock Hill Redmen senior running back Levi Jiles (30) follows his blocking for a big game during a game against Chesapeake last season. (Tim Gearhart Sport Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

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FOOTBALL 2023

39

2022 SE Ohio Divisions 6 &7 All-District Football Team 2022 Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Southeast Ohio All-District Football Teams Division 6 First Team Offense WR: Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-3, 170, So.; Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Max Frank, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 170, Jr.; OL: Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-5, 330, Sr.; Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Elias Bazell, Coal Grove, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Evan Fisher, Oak Hill, 6-2, 275, Sr.; QB: Cavan Cooper, Paint Valley, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Makhi Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 170, Jr.; RB: Kordell French, Rock Hill, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Chase Hall, Coal Grove, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Nathan Dreitzler, Frankfort Adena, 6-2, 190, So.; Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley, 5-7, 215, So.; Hudson Stalder, NelsonvilleYork, 6-0, 180, Sr.; All-Purpose: Quinton Puckett, Huntington, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 230, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Dalton Black, Huntington, 6-2, 195, Sr.; K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Maleek Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Cole Wright, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 220, Jr.; LB: Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Gavin Richards, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 160, Jr., Sr.; Lakota Davis, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 225, Sr.; DB: Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 160, So.; Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley, 5-11, 160, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Defensive Player of the Year: Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York

Co-Linemen of the Year: Elias Bazell, Coal Grove; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill Coach of the Year: Rusty Richards, NelsonvilleYork Special Mention Chanz Pancake, Rock Hill; Landon Harper, Rock Hill; David Jenkins, Rock Hill; Zach Delawder, Coal Grove; Steven Simpson, Coal Grove; Caleb Osborne, Frankfort Adena; Mason Dyer, Frankfort Adena; D.J. Crocker, Huntington; Nate Clutters, Oak Hill; Dom Chambers, Paint Valley; Roman Wisecup, Paint Valley; Peyton Bell, Paint Valley; Brewer Tomlison, Beaver Eastern; Landyn Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern; Drew Douglas, NelsonvilleYork; Dakota Inman, Nelsonville-York; Trusten McWhorter, Southeastern; Brandon Burdette, Glouster Trimble; George Arnett, Lucasville Valley; Hunter Edwards, Lucasville Valley; Daniel Chapman, Crooksville Division 7 First Team Offense WR: Mason Heiss, Waterford, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Tanner Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 160, So.; OL: Landon Randolph, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-1, 245, Sr.; QB: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Josiah Smith, Racine Southern, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Logan Doughty, Corning Miller, 6-1, 155, So.; Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East, 6-0, 155, Sr.; RB: Dylan Taylor, Waterford, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Rylee Barrett, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Nathaniel Brannigan, Franklin Furnace, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Gavin Hart, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 215, Jr.; All-Purpose: Landan Lodwick, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Dylan Seison, Portsmouth Notre Dame; 6-1,

155, Sr.; PK: Hayden Wilcoxen, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 140, Fr. First Team Defense DL: Landon Flaherty, Waterford, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Carter Campbell, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-3, 190, Sr.; LB: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Derek Griffith, Racine Southern, 6-1, 190, Jr.; E.J. Siders, South Gallia, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Abe McBee, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-10, 185, Jr.; DB: Lane Cline, Waterford, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 183, So.; Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley, 5-8, 185, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern Lineman of the Year: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green Coach of the Year: Jason Jackson, Meigs Eastern Special Mention Colten McDougle, Waterford; Jud Cooper, Waterford; Brady Yonker, Meigs Eastern; Gavan Smith, Meigs Eastern; Cooper Barnett, Meigs Eastern; Kolten Thomas, Racine Southern; Bradie McCulley, Racine Southern; James Sheets, South Gallia; Hunter Wright, South Gallia; Conner Kaido, Corning Miller; Zander Bice, Corning Miller; Chais Lavender, Franklin Furnace Green; Blake Smith, Franklin Furnace Green; Landehn Pernell, Sciotoville East; Tyell Baker, Sciotoville East; Dylan Fitzgerald, Sciotoville East; Dominic Sparks, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Wyatt Webb, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Lucas Smith, Manchester; Aaron Lucas, Manchester

SOUTH POINT

Pointers GO BIG BLUE! PROTECT THE POINT!

FOOTBALL 2023

FOOTBALL 2023

41

SOUTH POINT POINTERS SOUTH POINT POINTERS

Members of the South Point Pointers 2023 football team are: front row from left to right, Jalyn Anderson, Eli Wilburn, Jelonte Green, Braylon Bird, Owen Federick, Corey Newman, Davin Heckard, Rece Craft, Gage Chapman, Xathan Haney, Anthony Burks, Dontae Harris, Anastasia Fahey and Blaine Freeman; second row left to right, Derrick Taylor, Corey Renn, Steeler Waulk, Ethan Littlejohn, Brayden Hanshaw, Kam Miller, Dazvon Jones, Corey Otzenbberger, Demarious Bacon-Smith and Benji Johnson; third row from left to right, Shyne Green, Isaiah Traylor, Braden Jackson, Jonah Fitzpatrick, Gary Estep, Skyler Ferguson, Levi Thornsbury, Jacob Lester, Braydon Browning and Tavarion Cabarrus; fourth row from left to right, Ethan Hunt, Davon Lewis, Robert Napier, Urijah Gardner, Landon Vance, Bryelin Staley, Hunter Chinn, Karson Kabi and Brody Maynard; fifth row from left to right, coaches Fred Craft, Josh Freeman, Dave Lewis, head coach Chris Davis, Brandon Haynes and Wes Hall. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Veterans will be key to Pointers’ success

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

SOUTH POINT — Charles Dickens had nothing on the South Point Pointers last season.

Dickens wrote the famous book “A Tale of Two Cities,” but the Pointers were busy writing the Tale of Two Halves last season as they finished 3-7.

Head coach Chris Davis said his team’s goal is to be consistent from the opening kickoff until the final horn.

“Put two halves together. That was the tale of our season last year,” said Davis. “WeE’d have one good half and never had two. We need to put two good halves together.”

With a lot of veteran players this season and loads of experience, Davis said he wants this team to be balanced which should help it be more consistent from start to finish.

“We’d like to have a good balance of run and pass like everyone would, but whatever is working at

that moment is what we’re going with.

“If one game the pass is working, we’re going to pass. If one game the run is working. It’s gong to be interesting,” said Davis.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Pointers have a lot of size and experience returning on the offensive line and has Davis grinning.

“They’re going to be our anchor this year,” said Davis. “Anthony and Dontae have been four-year starters, Newman has been there for 3 years,” said Davis. “Right now, we kind of stacked on the offensive line.”

Returning at the guards are senior Anthony Burks and Braylon Bird (6-3, 250). The tackles are also returning starters with big senior Dontae Harris (6-0, 305) on one side and junior Derrick Taylor on the right side.

The center is a new face in senior Jelonte Green but he can also play guard.

SEE “VETERANS,” PAGE 42

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Chris Davis (5-23 overall and at South Point, 4th season) Assistant Coaches: Jim Gifford, Rusty Smith, Brandon Haynes, Wes Hall, Fred Craft, Josh Freeman, Dave Lewis, Jeremy Taylor.

Key Returnees: Blaine Freeman, Eli Wilburn, Owen Frederick, Braylon Bird, Corey Newman, Dontae Harris, Anthony Burks, Xathan Haney, Rece Craft, Braydon Hanshaw, Kamren Wilkerson, Jalyn Anderson.

Key Losses: Jordan Ermalovich, Xavier Haney, Maurice Long, Cagen Rowe, Owen Barker, Braylon Balandra.

2022 Record: 3-7 overall, 1-6 OVC (7th) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

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FOOTBALL 2023

Veterans

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spring after moving from Florida.

Junior Kam Miller played last season and figures into the rotation and possibly freshman Davon Lewis (5-9, 160) who Davis said “has shown good hands.”

“They’re very athletic and very fast. We should be able to rotate guys in and keep guys fresh,” said Davis.

Returning at tight end is senior Jalyn Anderson ()6-4, 245) who is a good receiver and has the size to open up the ground game.

Also at tight end could be Owen Frederick (6-0, 215) who was forced to play guard last season due to injuries. He may still be part of the interior offensive line.

“We can go double tight if we need to but we’ll rotate the play in,” said.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Pointers will be the same familiar faces on the offensive line.

Harris, Burks and Bird figure to be the tackles with Taylor, Newman and Frederick all rotating at defensive end.

Green could find himself in the rotation as well at tackle.

2023 Schedule

The wild card in the offensive line is senior Corey Newman who can play all three positions and Davis said he will. He also said there will some moving around with e linemen to keep them fresh.

“Newman will go between center and guard. He and Jelonte might flip sometimes, and he could go to tackle. It all depends. They’re all interchangeable,” said Davis.

“We have seven offensive linemen who we can move around.

The guards and centers can move around but the tackles will probably stay the same for the most part.”

Junior Dazvon Jones is younger but Davis is looking to gradually let him work his way into some playing time.

QUARTERBACK With the loss of 1,000-yard passed Jordan Ermalovich to Otterbein University, the quarterback job opened up and senior Xathan Haney (6-3, 185) is ready to fill the role.

“He’s doing really well. He played receiver last year but would have been the quarterback last year is

it wasn’t for Larry played,” said Davis. “Rusty (Smith) has worked with him a lot. He’s really progressed and he has a great arm.”

The backup will be freshman Ethan Hunt.

RUNNING BACKS Senior Blaine Freeman (5-8, 200) has added muscle bulk to already “run close to the ground” style.

Freeman will be joined in the backfield by fellow senior Gage Chapman (5-11, 195).

Another candidate is junior Corey Otzenbarger who moved to South Point toward the end of football season plus junior Steeler Waulk “We’re solid. The meat of our team is our line, but we’ve got a stable of backs,” said Davis.

ENDS All-district wide receiver Brayden Hanshaw returns and the 6-foot-3 junior as the feature receiver, but he’s not a one-man band.

Senior Eli Wilburn (5-9, 150) is a definite threat along with senior Rece Craft (5-10, 160).

Another candidate is senior speedster Davin Heckard (5-8, 160) who was a standout in track last

South Point Pointers August 18 BOYD COUNTY, Ky. 25 at Alexander September 1 RUSSELL, Ky. 8 at Coal Grove# 15 IRONTON# 22 at Rock Hill# 29 FAIRLAND# October 6 at Chesapeake# 13 at Portsmouth# 20 GALLIPOLIS# #-Denotes OVC game Coach: Chris Davis

2022 Results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

SOUTH POINT POINTER

South Point Pointers South Point 28 Boyd Co. South Point 42 Alexander South Point 42 River Valley South Point 7 Coal Grove South Point 12 Ironton South Point 7 Rock Hill South Point 22 Fairland South Point 31 Chesapeake South Point 21 Portsmouth South Point 11 Gallipolis Record: 3-7

SOUTH POINT POINTER

SEE “POINTERS,” PAGE 44

Read all about it in the Ironton Tribune.

Desco is a proud community supporter!

Good Luck to all the heroes on and off the field!

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43 14 20 43 55 21 35 0 28 53

FOOTBALL 2023

43

SOUTH POINT

Freeman

Harris

Haney

Bird

Burks

Chapman

Wilburn

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE LT LG C RG RT WB RB QB WR WR WR PK

40 87 55 40 60 61 52 XX 78 61 72 40 3 30 21 29 1 5 11 5 12 30 15 5 23

Xavier Haney Jalyn Anderson Braylon Bird Xavier Haney Anthony Burks Cagen Rowe Corey Newman FIrstxxx Lastxxxx Dontae Harris Cagen Rowe Maurice Long Xavier Haney Owen Frederick Eli Wilburn Blaine Freeman Gage Chapman Jordan Ermalovich Xathan Haney Rece Craft Xathan Haney Braydon Hanshaw Eli Wilburn Kamren Wilkerson Xathan Haney Braylon Balandra

Newman

Anderson South Point Pointers’ leading rusher last season Blaine Freeman (21) scores a touchdown against Chesapeake. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Frederick

Craft

DEFENSE DE DT NG DT DE LB LB CB CB S S P

55 61 78 40 72 60 75 55 40 72 21 53 29 11 15 1 30 5 1 12 5 11 12 23

Braylon Bird Cagen Rowe Dontae Harris Xavier Haney Maurice Long Anthony Burks Owen Barker Braylon Bird Xavier Haney Maurice Long Blaine Freeman Eli Crager Gage Chapman Owen Frederick Kamren Wilkerson Jordan Ermalovich Eli Wilburn Xathan Haney Jordan Ermalovich Braydon Hanshaw Xathan Haney Rece Craft Braydon Hanshaw Braylon Balandra

GO POINTERS! We’re here to help ensure your next win by keeping you healthy for a long and active life.

Heckard

Hanshaw

Bonnie Patrick, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Medical Centers South Point Center

55 Township Road 508 East South Point, OH 45680

Otzenberger

Jones

740-377-2712

Family Practice

Taylor

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44

FOOTBALL 2023

2022 Area Southeast All-District Selections Southeast Ohio All-District Football Teams Area Selections Division 6 First Team Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Chase Hall, Coal Grove RB 6-02 215 Sr. Elias Bazell, Coal Grove OL 6-02 230 Sr. Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove OL 6-02 270 Sr. Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove DL 6-02 270 Jr. Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove DB 6-00 175 Jr. Kordell French, Rock Hill RB 5-08 155 Sr. Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill OL 6-05 330 Sr. Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill LB 5-11 200 Sr. Special Mention Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Zach Delawder, Coal Grove OL 6-01 300 Jr. Steven Simpson, Coal Grove RB 5-09 165 Jr. Landon Harper, Rock Hill OL 5-08 255 Sr. David Jenkins, Rock Hill OL 6-01 230 Sr. Chanz Pancake, Rock Hill TE 5-08 175 Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Defensive Player of the Year: Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York Co-Lineman of the Year: Elias Bazell, Coal Grove; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill Coach of the Year: Rusty Richards Division 7 First Team Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Tyler Blanton, Green OL 6-01 245 Sr. Nathaniel Brannigan, Green RB 6-00 200 Jr. Landan Lodwick Green All-Purpose 5-09 160 Sr. Abe McBee, Green DB 5-10 185 Jr. Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley DB 5-08 165 Sr. Special Mention Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Chais Lavender, Green OL 5-09 230 Sr. Blake Smith, Green LB 5-11 160 So. Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Pantlidis, Waterford

Pointers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

LINEBACKERS The three linebackers the Pointers will go with are Freeman, Chapman and Otzenberger with Waulk a possible candidate.

“They’re good. They like contact and they’ve got experience,” said Davis.

SECONDARY The cornerback will be Wilburn and Miller will be the corners with Hanshaw and Heckard at the safeties. Lewis could play some at cornerback and Craft will be in the rotation at safety.

KICKING GAME Hanshaw will be back as the punter but the loss of Braylon Balandra opened up the placement job. Craft stepped up and has the edge on the extra points and field goals.

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Davis said the league will be very tough and competitive once again.

“We got Ironton in their last year. We all know about Ironton.

It’s going to be Ironton to contend with,” said Davis.

Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern Lineman of the Year: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green Coach of the Year: Jason Jackson, Meigs Eastern Division 5 First Team Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Ty Perkins, Ironton WR 6-03 185 Sr. Lincoln Barnes, Ironton LB 6-00 205 Sr. Trevor Carter, Ironton LB 6-02 210 Sr. Tayden Carpenter, Ironton QB 6-00 190 Sr. Landen Wilson, Ironton All-Purpose 5-10 170 Sr. Amari Felder, Ironton DB 5-09 190 Sr. Jaquez Keyes, Ironton RB 6-00 215 Sr. Noah Patterson, Ironton OL 6-04 255 Jr. Steeler Leep, Fairland All-Purpose 5-10 180 Sr. Brycen Hunt, Fairland WR 6-00 155 Jr. Steven Rhodes, Fairland OL 6-00 248 Sr. Peyton Jackson, Fairland QB 5-09 173 Jr. Zion Martin, Fairland DL 6-00 190 Sr. Jordan Ermalovich, South Point QB 6-00 175 Sr. Brayden Hanshaw, South Point WR 6-03 175 So. Nick Wright, Chesapeake DL 6-00 190 Sr. Special Mention Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Aiden Young, Ironton DB 5-11 185 Sr. C.J. Martin, Ironton DB 6-02 175 Sr. Justin McKee, Fairland OL 6-00 250 Sr. Ryan Dixon, Fairland LB 6-00 223 Jr. Maurice Long, South Point DL 6-06 310 Sr. Blaine Freeman, South Point RB 5-10 180 Jr. Marcus Burnside, Chesapeake LB 5-07 225 Sr. Camron Shockley, Chesapeake RB 5-07 125 Jr. Offensive Player of the Year: Ty Perkins, Ironton Defensive Players of the Year: Lincoln Barnes, Ironton Lineman of the Year: Kade Woods, Portsmouth West Tri-Coaches of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton; Heath Hinton, Zane Trace; Todd Gilliland, Portsmouth West

2023 South Point Pointers Football Roster No. 1 3 4 5 11 16 29 30 44 52 55 60 75 78 87 6 7 8 12 15 22 40 62

Player Blaine Freeman Owen Frederick Davin Heckard Nathan Haney Rece Craft Gabe Chinn Gage Chapman Eli Wilburn Anastasia Fahey Corey Newman Braylon Bird Anthony Burks Jelonte Green Dontae Harris Jalyn Anderson Corey Otzenberger Corey Renn Demarious Bacon-Smith Brayden Hanshaw Kam Miller Steeler Waulk Beenji Johnson Ethan Littlejohn

Pos. RB-LB TE-DE WR-S QB-S WR-S TE-DE RB-LB WR-CB RB-LB C-DE T-DE G-DT C-DT G-DT TE-DE FB-LB RB-CB RB-CB WR-S WR-CB FB-LB PK-P C-DT

Gr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

70 Derrick Taylor T-DT Jr. 72 Dazvon Jones G-DT Jr. 10 Braden Jackson WR-S So. 18 Jacob Lester RB-CB So. 21 Jonah Fitzpatrick FB-LB So. 32 Isaiah Traylor FB-LB So. 33 Levi Thornbury WR-CB So. 50 Tavarion Cabarrus T-DE So. 61 Shyne Green T-DT So. 71 Gary Estep G-DT So. 77 Skyler Ferguson G-DT So. 81 Braydon Browning WR-CB So. 9 Davon Lewis WR-CB Fr. 13 Ethan Hunt QB-S Fr. 20 Robert Napier RB-LB Fr. 23 Landon Vance WR-DB So. 45 Urijah Gardner WR-DB Fr. 63 Hunter Chinn T-DT Fr. 65 Karson Kobi G-DT Fr. 66 Brody Maynard G-DE Fr. 76 Bryelin Staley T-DT Fr. Head coach: Chris Davis Assistant coaches: Jim Gifford, Rusty Smith, Brandon Haynes, Wes Hall, Fred Craft, Josh Freeman, Dave Lewis, Jeremy Taylor

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45

Blue Devils will rely on their speed, experience

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

2022 Results

“They can run, that’s for sure,” said Carter who then focused on Hunter Shamblin playing quarterback.

“It’s had to say what he’s going to be like. Right now he looks good, but he’s not so polished. But he can move and he has a strong arm,” said Carter.

“Obviously, he’s a great athlete but this is his first time around as quarterback. We have to keep it simple for him and get the ball in his hands and let him make plays.”

Sometimes Hunter Shamblin will take the ball from his hands and hand it to his brother Hudson and Carter said “he has good speed and he’s a threat to make a big play any time he touches the ball.”

Senior Cole Hines (5-10, 195) will work at both running back and receiver.

RECEIVERS The top weapon in the passing game is senior Kenyon Franklin

Gallipolis Blue Devils Gallipolis 44 Meigs 7 Gallipolis 38 Athens 15 Gallipolis 22 Pt. Pleasant 21 Gallipolis 42 Chesapeake 7 Gallipolis 36 Portsmouth 34 Gallipolis 43 Fairland 35 Gallipolis 36 Coal Grove 33 Gallipolis 31 Rock Hill 35 Gallipolis 22 Ironton 29 Gallipolis 53 South Point 11 Playoff Results Gallipolis 37 Licking Valley 30 Gallipolis 14 Indian Valley 35 Record: 9-3

2023 Schedule

GALLIPOLIS — There’s this thing called graduation. Fortunately, there’s this other thing called underclassmen.

The Gallipolis Blue Devils experienced a heavy graduation with its senior class, but there are plenty of returning players with talent and experience that should help the team in its quest to improve on last season’s 9-3 record.

The Blue Devils graduated 14 seniors including Marshall recruit Isaac Clary, quarterback Brody Fellure and defensive back Mason Skidmore. However, they return seven starters.

“Some of those players were really good so it’s a tall task again this year but we feel good about what we have in the room,” said Carter.

“Speed will be our strong suit. We should be fast to the football,” said Carter.

BACKFIELD One of the keep offensive weapons last season was senior running back Hudson Shamblin (5-11, 190) who led the team in rushing.

His twin brother Hunter Shamblin (5-11, 190) missed most of last season with an injury but returns to fill the quarterback spot.

Gallipolis Blue Devils August 19 MEIGS 25 at Athens September 1 at Pt. Pleasant, W.Va. 8 CHESAPEAKE# 15 PORTSMOUTH# 22 at Fairland# 29 COAL GROVE# October 6 at Rock Hill# 13 IRONTON# 20 at South Point# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Kole Carter

2023 Gallipolis Football Roster Gallipolis. Blue Devils 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 0 Kenyon Franklin WR-DB 6-01 205 Sr. 1 Braylon Rathburn QB-DB 6-01 185 Jr. 2 Max Canaday QB-DB Fr. 3 Alex Blair WB-DB 6-00 165 So 4 DeAnthony Taylor WR-DB 5-09 160 Jr. 5 Hunter Shamblin Athlete 5-11 195 Sr. 6 Caleb Stout WR-LB 5-10 190 Sr. 7 Brock Shelton RB-LB Fr. 8 Hudson Shamblin RB-LB 5-11 190 Sr. 9 Gunnar Peterson RB-LB 5-10 160 So. 10 Wes Saunders WR-DB Sr. 11 Parker Burris WR-DB So. 12 Cole Hines Athlete 5-10 195 Sr. 15 Connor Roe WR-DB 5-11 160 Sr. 17 Evan Houck WR-DB 5-08 130 So. 18 Chris Henry WR-DB Fr. 20 Peyton Harrell WR-DB Fr. 21 Joey Darnbrough WR-DB 5-09 160 Sr. 24 Cedric French RB-DB So. 26 Gabe Hammons WR-LB Fr.

29 Enoch Patterson WR-DB Fr. 32 Connor Nichols RB-LB Fr. 44 Macen Meadows TE-LB 5-09 160 Fr. 50 James Qualls WR-DB 5-09 195 So. 51 Bryson Ufer OL-DL Fr. 53 Carson Johnson OL-DL Jr. 54 Steven Davis OL-DL 5-11 175 Sr. 56 Dakota Sides OL-DL 6-02 275 Jr. 58 Matt Liberati OL-DL 5-11 210 Sr. 59 Michael Henry OL-DL 5-10 200 Sr. 60 Eric Russell OL-DL Fr. 62 Nathan Wilson OL-DL 5-11 190 So. 63 Kenjian Jones OL-DL Fr. 65 Cory Mock OL-DL So 67 Kole Loveday OL-DL 5-07 190 Fr. 69 Matthew Gordon OL-DL 6-03 255 Sr. 72 Jackson Loveday OL-DL 5-07 190 Fr. 73 Logan Kenney OL-DL Fr. 75 Tanner King OL-DL 6-02 270 So. 76 Travis Chapman OL-DL 5-11 280 Jr. 77 Quinton Vanmeter OL-DL 5-11 260 Jr. 88 Blake Caldwell TE-LB 6-03 180 Sr. Head coach: Kole Carter

(6-1, 205) who has added 20 pounds to his frame this season.

“He’s got good size and he can move around and obviously he can catch the football. You’ll see him in different spots this year.,” said Carter.

Also returning are senior receivers Connor Roe (5-11, 160) and Joey Darnbrough (5-9, 160). Looking to be in the mix is sophomore Alex Blair (6-0, 165) who got some playing time at the end of last season along with fellow sophomore Gunnar Peterson (5-10, 160).

Carter may also use senior Caleb Stout (5-10, 190) as a tight end and H-back. Stout has served as the team’s punter and plalcekicker, too.

Another tight end candidate is senior Blake Caldwell (6-3, 180).

OFFENSIVE LINE Gone is Isaac Clary to the college ranks at Marshall University, but the Blue Devils still return several linemen.

Veterans are juniors Matt Liberati (5-11, 210), Quinton Vanmeter (5-11, 260), Dakota Siders (6-2, 270) and Travis Chapman (5-11, 280) while senior Steven Davis (5-11, 185) moves from tight end to guard.

Senior Michael Henry (5-10, 200) is another guard candidate.

“We feel like we’ll be pretty sound up there, it’s just all about getting

to the point of attack, firing off the football and being disciplined,” said Carter.

“We also have a nice combination of freshmen and sophomores we could roll out there.”

DEFENSIVE LINE Caldwell, Cory Mock and Henry will rotate at the defensive ends with Vanmeter and Siders sharing the nose guard duties.

LINEBACKERS Hines and Davis are veterans who will anchor the defensive from their inside linebacker positions.

On the outside will be the Shamblin brothers, Peterson and Stout.

“We have some speed there,” said Carter.

SECONDARY The secondary is interchangeable with Darnbrough, Blair, Franklin and senior Wes Saunders.

“Saunders played soccer and basketball but decided to come out this year. He’s a heck of a player,” said Carter. “All those kids can play.

They can all run and they’re athletic.”

KICKING GAME Stout will handle both the placekicking and punting once again.

Carter said he has a range of 40 yards.

“He can kick it for sure. He’s a nice lefty,” said Carter.

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Cole Carter (9-3 at Gallipolis and overall, 2nd season) Assistant Coaches: Larry Carter, Jordan Deel, Dalton Jarrell, Nathan King, Alex Saunders, Tommy Saunders, Drew Young.

Key Returnees: Hunter Shamblin, Hudson Shamblin, Kenyon Franklin, Joey Dambrough, Matthew Gordon, Cole Hines, Matt Liberati, Stephen Davis, Quinton Vanmeter, Travis Chapman, Dakota Siders.

Key Losses: Isaac Clary, Brody Fellure, Gabe Rayons, Mason Skidmore, Mason Smith, Antwon Vanmeter.

2022 Record: 9-3 overall, 5-2 OVC (2nd) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 3-5-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7

46

FOOTBALL 2023

Members of the 2023 Portsmouth Trojans football team are: front row left to right, Leelind Scurlock, Lukas Bradley, Dee Parker, Jason Starr, Andrew Berry, Camron Williams, Trevin Brooks, Landon Malone, Lathan Bradley and Chase Heiland; second row from left to right, Zion Froe, Kayleb Johnson, Nik Copley, Braxton Carr, Nate Berry, Levaughn Cobb, AJ Rodriguez, Zach Roth, Colin Perry and JT Williams; third row from left to right, Landen Boren, Dylan Sanderlin, Alex McKenzie, Will Dunn, Alex Howard, Jacob Roth, Fernando Poxes, Noah Livingston, Kyo Sowards and Jacob Tidd; fourth row from left to right, Jon Carter, Wesley Runyon, Ean Parker, Anakin Malone, Leo Poxes, Isaiah Krekeler, Logan Thurman, Jaylon Ball and Kewan Lett; fifth row from left to right, Jay Lofton, Tyshone Henderson, Gavin Stillwell, JJ Henderson, Gage Sowards, Charles Fletcher and Nick Donley; sixth row from left to right, Mark Aeh, coaches Jason VanDeusen, Chad Hammond, Aaron Duncan, Dave Malone, head coach Bruce Kalb, Chris Duncan, John Berry, Nate Cadogan and Thomas Ramsey, . (Jim Walker/The Ironton Tribune)

Trojans will add more running to passing game

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — It’s what’s up front that counts.

And the Portsmouth Trojans are counting on their linemen to be the key to their success this season as they will be changing their offensive philosophy from a pass-happy spread for a pound it out, eat the clock ground game but still mix in its traditional passing attack to keep defenses honest.

“We’re pretty big up front this year. If we were to say there is a strength on this team going into the year, it’s the size and strength of the offensive line,” said Trojans’ head coach Bruce Kalb.

With Gerald Cadogan taking the job as athletic director at Shawnee State, Kalb will be helping to coach a position this season as he works with the offensive line.

The former Portsmouth lineman said it is a refreshing change for him.

“Going back a little to my roots, from when I first started as an offensive co-ordinator as well as well as my first couple of years, you’ll see a very different offense.

You’ll see a combination of the two, but we’ll be much more run heavy,” said Kalb.

“We’re going to be under center half the time, probably back in the I (formation), running downhill.

It’s almost a foreign style of football nowadays. You talk about the Coal Groves and Rock Hills, people look at them like they’re dinosaurs because you have a variation of the wing-T and the straight T. Nobody runs that anymore. You do that because of the athletes you have.”

The Trojans lost 12 valuable seniors but have large numbers in their junior and sophomore classes.

“I’m thrilled to have so many juniors, but they’re inexperienced,” said Kalb.

OFFENSIVE LINE Senior Leo Poxes (6-0, 280) returns at right tackle to anchor the offen-

sive line.

The other tackle will be sophomore Wesley Runyon (6-0, 290) while the guards should be junior Landen Boren (6-1, 267) and sophomore Charles Fletcher (5-10, 275).

Junior Dylan Sanderlin (5-10, 202) will shift from guard to center.

The backup at tackle will be sophomore Isaiah Krekeler and junior Alex McKenzie (5-8, 165). Krekeler can also play tackle and Sanderlin could shift back to guard in case of an injury.

QUARTERBACK The Trojans had Drew Roe a couple of years ago who combined passing and running to terrorize defenses.

Last season, Tyler Duncan was more of a pocket passer who proved to be an accurate and deadly passer.

This season, junior J.T. Williams (5-6, 154) will combine the running skills of Roe and passing skills of Duncan to provide a duel threat.

“J.T. is cut in the same mold as Drew Roe,” said Kalb. “Tyler

Duncan was very different. We were spoiled with him. He’s a coach’s kid (coach Aaron Duncan) so he’s had offense drilled in his head from day one,” said Kalb.

“J.T. is a little shorter in stature, His legs are just as much if not bigger a weapon than his arm.”

The backup will be freshman Camron Williams (5-5, 135).

RUNNING BACK Junior Chase Heiland (5-8, 183) moved from wide receiver to running back. His backup will be junior Nick Copley (5-8, 184).

RECEIVERS Gone is Reade Pendleton, but the receiving corps is deep and fast led by the trio of señor Levaughn Cobb (5-11, 212). The other two starters will be senior Nathaniel Berry (6-2, 191) and junior Colin Perry (5-10, 155).

The backups will be junior Lukas Bradley (5-10, 157), sophomore Landon Malone (5-7, 120) and Copley.

SEE “TROJANS,” PAGE 48

FOOTBALL 2023

47

2023 Portsmouth Trojans Football roster No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28

Portsmouth Trojans 2023 Football Roster Player Pos. Ht. Chase Heiland RB-LB 5-08 Lathan Bradley WR-DB 5-08 Landon Malone WR-DB 5-07 Trevin Brooks TE-LB 5-09 Camron Williams QB-DB 5-05 Andrew Berry P 6-00 Jason Starr WR-LB 5-06 Dontavion Parker RB-LB 5-08 Tyshon Henderson WR-DB 5-07 Lukas Bradley WR-DB 5-10 Leeland Scurlock WR-DB 5-08 J.T. Williams QB-DB 5-06 Colin Perry WR-DB 5-10 Zach Roth PK 5-10 Angel Rodriquez WR-DB 5-11 Levaughn Cobb RB-DL 5-11 Nathaniel Berry WR-DB 6-02 Braxton Carr WR-DB 5-05 Nick Copley WR-DB 5-08 Kingston Littlefield WR-DB 5-08 Kayleb Johnson RB-DB 6-00 Zion Froe WR-LB 5-07 Jacob Tidd WR-DB 5-10 Kyo Sowards TE-LB 5-09 Noah Livingston TE-LB 6-02

Wt. 183 130 120 193 135 148 117 145 130 157 124 154 155 168 154 212 191 120 184 167 170 144 140 148 200

Gr. Jr. Jr. So. So, Fr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

31 Fernando Poxes RB-LB 5-07 170 Fr. 32 Jacob Roth PK 5-07 141 So. 40 Alex Howard TE-LB 5-08 170 Jr. 45 Adam Charles TE-DL 5-11 195 Sr. 50 Will Dunn OL-LB 5-08 170 Jr. 51 Alex McKenzie OL-DL 5-08 165 Jr. 52 Dylan Sanderlin OL-LB 5-10 202 Jr. 54 Landen Boren OL-DL 6-01 267 Jr. 55 Kewan Lett OL-DL 5-08 180 Sr. 56 Diego Scott OL-DL 5-08 200 So. 57 Jaylon Ball OL-DL 5-10 195 Jr. 58 Isaiah Krekeler OL-DL 5-09 219 So. 60 Leo Poxes OL-DL 6-00 280 Sr. 62 Anakin Malone OL-DL 5-08 189 So. 66 Ean Parker OL-DL 6-00 204 So. 69 Wesley Runyon OL-DL 6-00 290 So. 71 Vlad Cochran OL-DL 5-08 215 Sr. 73 Nick Donley OL-DL 5-11 245 Fr. 75 Jonathan Carter OL-DL 6-00 262 So. 77 Charles Fletcher OL-DL 5-10 275 So. 79 Gage Sowards OL-DL 6-00 289 Sr. 80 J.J. Henderson WR-DB 5-04 108 Fr. 81 Gavin Stillwell WR-DB 5-07 112 Fr. 82 Jay Lofton WR-DB 5-05 132 Fr. Head coach: Bruce Kalb Assistant coaches: Bo Mayo, Dave Malone, Nate Cadogan, John Berry, Sean Sturgill, Aaron Duncan, Chris Duncan, Chad Hammond, Jason VanDeusen

Trojans

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

PORTSMOUTH

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR LT LG C RG RT QB TE RB WR WR PK

14 11 69 59 54 51 52 51 77 51 60 59 13 6 28 5 2 20 9 20 17 4 15

Colin Perry Lukas Bradley Wesley Runyon Isaiah Krekeler Landen Boren Alex McKenzie Dylan Sanderlin Alex McKenzie Charles Fletcher Alex McKenzie Leo Poxes Isaiah Krekeler J.T. Williams Cameron Williams Noah Livingston Trevin Brooks Chase Heiland Nick Copley Nathaniel Berry Nick Copley Levaughn Cobb Landon Malone Zach Roth DEFENSE

DE DT DT DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S P

17 18 60 57 69 58 54 57 28 5 52 40 2 5 20 5 22 14 4 18 13 12 7 15

Levaughn Cobb Nathaniel Berry Leo Poxes Jaylon Ball Wesley Runyon Isaiah Kekeler Landen Boren Jaylon Ball Noah Livingston Trevin Brooks Dylan Sanderlin Alex Howard Chase Heiland Trevin Brooks Nick Copley Trevin Brooks Kayleb Johnson Colin Perry Landon Malone Nathaniel Berry J.T. Williams Leeland Scurlock Andrew Berry Zach Roth

When the Trojans switch to tight ends, look for senior Noah Livingston (6-2, 200) and sophomore Trevin Brooks (5-9, 193) to fill those roles.

DEFENSIVE LINE The line figures to be the key to the defense as well as the offense.

Cobb and Boren are first up on the depth chart at defensive end with Poxes and Runyon manning the tackle positions. All four are returning starters.

“We feel the strength of our defense is going to be those big guys up front. They can eat blocks and how many double teams they get to let Livingston and Sanderlin make plays,” said Kalb.

Poxes can also play end while Krekeler and junior Jaylon Ball (5-10, 195) can also play both end and tackle.

LINEBACKERS The inside linebackers are Sanderlin and Livingston with Brooks and Howard providing the depth.

On the outside are Heiland and

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Bruce Kalb (2519 at Portsmouth and overall, 4th year) Assistant Coaches: Bo Mayo, Dave Malone, Nate Cadogan, John Berry, Sean Sturgill, Aaron Duncan, Chris Duncan, Chad Hammond, Jason VanDeusen Key Returnees: Levaughn Cobb, J.T. Williams, Chase Heilland, Kayleb Johnson, Dylan Sanderlin, Landen Boren, Leon Poxes, Nathaniel Berry, Caden Scott.

Key Losses: Brenden Truett, Nolan Heilland, Tyler Duncan, Reade Pendleton, Beau Hammond, Amari Harmon, Jayden Duncan, T. J. Debord.

2022 Record: 7-5 overall, 5-2 OVC (2nd) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

Copley with Brooks doing double duty as their backup.

“Livingston was an awesome, awesome linebacker he was last year,” said Kalb.

SECONDARY As usual, the Trojans will have plenty of speed in the secondary with the speedy J.T. Williams leading the way at safety. His backup is sophomore Leeland Scurlock (5-8, 124).

Sophomore Kayleb Johnson (5-10, 140) and Malone are penciled in at the cornerback slots with Perry and Berry the backups.

All 6 players are interchangeable.

“Right now we’re kind of up in the air about playing Willliams on defense. Typically, we’ve not played Williams a lot. Stupid stuff can happen and stupid stuff does happen. You just have to deal with it when it does happen,” said Kalb.

KICKING GAME Senior Zach Roth (5-10, 168) is back as the placekicker and will work with senior Andrew Berry (6-0, 148( for the punting duties.

Roth has been consistent from 40 yards on field goals “That’s a weapon. If I can sniff the red zone, I got a kicker who can kick it through,” said Kalb.

2023 Schedule

FOOTBALL 2023

Portsmouth Trojans August 17 LUCASVILLE VALLEY 25 at Portsmouth West September 1 GREENUP CO., Ky. 8 at Rock Hill# 15 at Gallipolis# 22 COAL GROVE# 29 CHESAPEAKE# October 6 at Fairland# 13 SOUTH POINT# 20 at Ironton# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Bruce Kalb

2022 Results

48

Portsmouth Trojans Portsmouth 42 Lucas. Valley Portsmouth 7 Ports. West Portsmouth 31 Spring Valley Portsmouth 35 Rock Hill Portsmouth 34 Gallipolis Portsmouth 43 Coal Grove Portsmouth 35 Chesapeake Portsmouth 34 Fairland Portsmouth 28 South Point Portsmouth 7 Ironton Playoff Results Portsmouth 28 Union Local Portsmouth 7 Ironton Record: 7-5

28 34 42 21 36 42 12 0 21 42 26 48

2022 Regular Season Standings High School Football 2022 Regular Season Final Standings Ohio Valley Conference

OVC Overall

W L Pts. Opp W L Pts Ironton 7 0 326 67 10 0 399 Gallipolis 5 2 262 184 8 2 367 Portsmouth 5 2 216 174 6 4 339 Fairand 4 3 179 178 7 3 281 Coal Grove 3 4 229 196 6 4 383 Rock Hill 3 4 174 219 5 5 229 South Point 1 6 111 235 3 7 224 Chesapeake 0 7 44 223 2 8 104 Southern Ohio Conference Division I

SOC Overall

W L Pts Opp W L Pts Northwest 4 1 196 60 7 3 242 Beaver Eastern 4 1 141 110 4 6 199 Prts. Notre Dame 3 2 147 119 5 5 309 Sciotoville East 3 2 52 86 5 5 222 Green 1 4 87 114 6 4 291 Symmes Valley 0 5 20 156 1 8 72 Division II

SOC Overall

W L Pts Opp W L Pts Portsmouth West 5 0 167 85 9 1 346 Wheelersburg 4 1 189 49 7 3 323 Waverly 3 2 200 129 5 5 341 Minford 2 3 106 152 6 4 275 Lucasville Valley 1 4 98 172 3 7 238 Oak Hill 0 5 24 197 1 9 85

Opp 117 227 278 214 270 279 312 342

Opp 171 234 225 206 211 287 Opp 121 144 340 234 315 294

SYMMES VALLEY

s g n i k i V

50

FOOTBALL 2023

Members of the 2023 Symmes Valley Vikings football team are: front row from left to right, water girl Kayley Maynard, Aydan Freeman, Zander Pancake, Caiden Mount, Colt Pancake, Jaxon Gates, Trey Campbell, Eli Pratt, Sam McCleese, Ethan Shafer, water girl Kaitlin Maynard; second row from left to right, girl Caly Schneider, Caleb Mount, Gradee Holland, Gage Scherer, Dylan Urban, Andy Strow, Zander Hurn, Gavin Harris, Tucker Ross, Brandon Fout, Johnathan Brammer and ball boy Bentlee Holland; third row left to right, Trevor Simpson, Case Webb, Cam Webb, Austin Dement, Cody Stapleton, Will Jones, Levi Owens, Branson Edwards, Aydan Taylor and Tucker Huff; fourth row left to right, coaches John Coriell, Eric Holland, Brad Nelson, head coach Ben Ferguson, Seth Jones and Donald Pancake.

Symmes Valley plans to spread things out

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — After last season, the Symmes Valley Vikings don’t want to be seen as the same team, and second-year head coach Ben Ferguson is making sure that doesn’t happen.

The Vikings were 1-8 with a team that had only seven seniors and very few returning starters. But the Vikings return plenty of players who got a lot of experience, plus they’ve added some younger players to the roster and they have done one other key thing.

They’re adding a passing game to their vaunted running game.

“We’re putting an emphasis on that part of the game, and not so that it’s pass heavy. Just having that weapon in our arsenal will let us balance it out a little bit,” said Ferguson of the plan to utilize the spread formation.

Trying to take advantage of the bounty of skilled players this season, Ferguson said the team is adapting well due to the amount of experience the players gained last season.

“The young guys who are now older guys, from last year, there

definitely were some low points, but because they went through that they’ve matured. You hear them them in practice telling some of those other guys, ‘We were there last year. You don’t know what it was like. You don’t have to know what it was like. We’re going to tell you and these are the goals we have set. We’re not going to be like we were portrayed last season,” said Ferguson.

“I feel really, really confident where we’re at. They’ve made great strides since last year. The little nuance things that maybe kept us from finishing things in those games we’ve been hammering at them.”

QUARTERBACK Sophomores Andy Strow (6-0, 170) and Dylan Urban (6-0, 155) are in a battle for the quarterback job.

Strow played some last season while Urban is in his first season.

“Strow has been taking the bulk of the first team reps right now, but Dylan is learning quickly, Both of them have been taking snaps,” said Ferguson. “It’s kind of a different offensive system a little bit from last year for both of them.”

Regardless if one doesn’t start, the other quarterback could play some wide receiver as the Vikings

utilize the shotgun formation that they turned to last season due to injuries.

“We’re definitely going to be in the gun a little more this year.

We’re definitely going to try and be more multiple. We’re going to air it out more, air out our passing game some. But we don’t want to lose the ability to just line up and run at you. In true Symmes Valley fashion, if we can run 50 times a game and it’s rolling, we’ll do it.”

RUNING BACK Senior Sam McCleese 5-7, 155) is ahead of the field as a four-year starter. “He has so much experience,” said Ferguson.

Two players expected to see a lot of playing time are freshman Case Webb (6-0, 180) and sophomore Randy Adkins (5-10, 175).

“Both are really good, solid backs. Both have a different skill set. Randy is that flash guy. He might tackled for a loss on one play, and you might run the same play and he hits the crease. He has that breakaway speed that can take it to the house,” said Ferguson.

“Case is super consistent, super coachable, has good vision and some shake in him.”

RECEIVERS

The slotback is junior Will Jones (6-3, 170).

“He got a lot of experience last year. He’s a super great leader. Long kid who’s grown into his coordination. He’s catching the ball really well, runs hard. He’s the guy who when he’s going down his legs are still pumping. He’s going to fight you all the way,” said Ferguson.

The other slot receiver will be freshman Gradee Holland (6-0, 150).

“He’s a freshman and not very big yet, but he has a really good skill set, high IQ, a knack for the game and he’s picking up pretty quickly,” said Ferguson.

Also in the mix are junior Branson Edwards (6-3, 160) who missed part of last season with an injury, senior Eli Pratt (5-7, 150) and junior Levi Owens (6-0, 170).

“Edwards can go up in the air and snag it out of the air. Pratt is a super quick guy who can shoot up through the seam and be gone.

He’s like lightning in a bottle,” said Ferguson. “Owens is similar to Branson. He has long arms, he has a lot of raw ability, he can kind of go up and get the ball, he has a good feel for it. But he’s just learning.”

SEE “VIKINGS,” PAGE 52

FOOTBALL 2023

51

Vikings In The Spotlight

SYMMES VALLEY DEPTH CHART

McCleese

Taylor

Jones

Pratt

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

DE

50 80 DT 70 72 DT 51 75 DE 44 79 ILB 77 15 ILB 34 32 OLB 8 21 OLB 25 33 CB 9 7 CB 45 3 S 12 4 P 32 25

Aydan Taylor Tucker Huff Cody Stapleton Trey Campbell Tucker Ross Gavin Harris Caiden Mount Austin Dement Zander Hurn Ethan Shafer Brandon Fout Case Webb Sam McCleese Johnathan Brammer Will Jones Levi Owens Branson Edwards Eli Pratt Colt Pancake Gradee Holland Dylan Urban Randy Adkins Case Webb Will Jones

Cai. Mount

Stapleton

QUICK HITTER

Strow

Urban

Ross

Hurn

Head Coach: Ben Ferguson (1-8 at Symmes Valley and overall, 2nd year) Assistant Coaches: Eric Holland, John Coriell, Seth Jones, Brad Nelson, Nathan Colegrove, Donald Pancake. Stats: Cameron Meadows. Film: John Sharp.

Key Returnees: Sam McClease, Will Jones, Randy Adkins, Caiden Mount, Tucker Ross, Zander Hurn, Colt Pancake, Branson Edwards, Alex Adkins, Andy Strow, Cody Stapleton, Austin Dement Key Losses: Josh Saunders, Caleb Ritchie, Aleck Beckett, Levi Ross, Wyatt Owens, Isaac Ross Record: 1-8 overall, 0-5 SOC-1 (6th) Offense: Spread, Wing-T, Wishbone, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

GO VIKINGS! Fout

2023 Schedule

Branson Edwards Dylan Urban Aydan Taylor Gage Scherer Caiden Mount Gavin Harris Tucker Ross Trey Campbell Cody Stapleton Caleb Mount Zander Hurn Austin Dement Eli Pratt Levi Owens Andy Strow Dylan Urban Sam McCleese Case Webb Randy Adkins Will Jones Gradee Holland Randy Adkins Will Jones Case Webb

2022 Results

WR 9 12 LT 50 55 LG 58 75 C 51 72 RG 70 53 RT 77 79 WR 7 33 QB 1 12 RB 8 32 4 Slot 25 3 4 PK 25 32

Edwards

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Symmes Valley Vikings August 18 CHESAPEAKE 25 at Rock Hill September 1 RIVER VALEY 8 at Tug Valley, W.Va. 15 at Manchester 22 GREEN# 29 at Beaver Eastern# October 6 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# 13 PRTS. NOTRE DAME# 20 at South Gallia# #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Ben Ferguson Symmes Valley Vikings Sym. Valley 28 South Gallia Sym. Valley 12 Eastern Sym. Valley 6 Chesapeake Sym. Valley 6 Tug Valley, WVa Sym. Valley 0 Green Sym. Valley 20 Eastern Sym. Valley 0 Sciotoville East Sym. Valley 0 Notre Dame Sym. Valley 0 Northwest Record: 1-8

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52

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 Symmes Valley Vikings Football Roster No. 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 12 13 15 18 21 25 29 32 33 34

Symmes Valley Vikings 2023 Football Roster Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Andy Strow QB-DB 6-00 170 Aydan Freeman QB-DB 5-04 165 Gradee Holland WR-DB 6-00 150 Randy Adkins RB-LB 5-10 175 Eli Pratt WR-DB 5-07 150 Sam McCleese RB-LB 5-07 155 Branson Edwards WR-DB 6-03 160 Dylan Urban QB-WR-DB 6-00 155 Cam Webb WR-DB 6-01 155 Ethan Shafer WR-DE 5-08 205 Trevor Simpson WR-LB 6-00 170 Johnathan Brammer WR-LB 5-10 175 Will Jones WR-LB 6-03 170 Zander Pancake WR-DB 5-06 150 Case Webb RB-DE-LB 6-00 180 Levi Owens WR-DL 6-00 170 Brandon Fout RB-WR-LB 5-09 170

Gr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr.

45 Colt Pancake WR-DB 5-07 145 Jr. 50 Aydan Taylor OL-DL 6-01 225 Sr. 51 Tucker Ross OL-DL 5-11 260 So. 52 Kaiden Gore OL-LB-DE 5-08 190 So. 53 Caleb Mount OL-DE 6-00 180 Fr. 54 Jaxon Gates OL-DL 5-07 150 Fr. 55 Gage Scherer OL-LB 5-11 175 So. 57 Hunter Kelley OL-DL 5-092 15 Fr. 58 Caiden Mount OL-DE 5-09 195 Jr. 65 Mason Campbell OL-DL 5-11 195 Fr. 70 Cody Stapleton OL-DL 6-00 270 Jr. 72 Trey Campbell OL-DL 5-06 230 Fr. 75 Gavin Harris OL-DL 5-10 215 Jr. 77 Zander Hurn OL-LB 6-01 200 So. 79 Austin Dement OL-DE 6-02 170 Jr. 80 Tucker Huff WR-DE 6-04 190 Fr. Head coach: Ben Ferguson Assistant coaches: John Coriell, Eric Holland, Brad Nelson, Seth Jones, Nathan Colegrove, Donald Pancake

Vikings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

OFFENSIVE LINE The Vikings have always had lineman who blocked well in the run game but will add passing blocking to the offense.

At center should be sophomore Tucker Ross (5-11, 260) who started last season.

“Tucker put in a lot of work in the offseason. He’s gotten bigger and stronger. If we needed him to play all five positions, he could. He anchors us there and he’s just coming into his own physically. He’s really taken to our new offense,” said Ferguson.

His back should be freshman Trey Campbell (5-6, 230).

Junior Cody Stapleton (6-0, 270) looks to be the right guard with freshman Caleb Mount (6-0, 180).

Junior Caiden Mount (5-9, 195) — Caleb’s older brother — will be the left guard with junior Gavin Harris (5-10, 215) the backup.

“Cody bounced back and forth from guard to tackle. He’s strong like a bull,” said Ferguson. “Caiden loves contact. He’s very physical, he’s durable and he’s working on the little things and he’s done a great job at that and he’s trying to mentor his brother to make him better.”

Aydan Taylor (6-1, 225) is the left tackle and the only senior on the offensive line.

“Taylor is the leader there. He can move well, played there last year and now he’s a señor and he’s really developed. He’s a really good leader for the other guys,” said Ferguson.

Sophomore Gage Scherer (5-11,

175) is behind Taylor on the depth chart.

The right tackle is sophomore Zander Hurn (6-1, 200) who played some last season.

“Hurn is long, he’s been there before school and after school for weights. He has very good feet and he’s really come on and developed,” Ferguson said.

Sitting behind Turn is junior Austin Dement (6-2, 170) who Ferguson said “is a really solid backup who could earn a starting spot.”

DEFENSIVE LINE “Were going to stay in our traditional 4-4, but we’re looking to ransom two high stuff to be more diverse and help us with the spread stuff,” said Ferguson. “But as our core we’ll try to stay with the 4-4.

We feel confident that we have guys who can rotate in and we have four really great down guys who can control the line of scrimmage.”

The leading candidates at tackle are Ross and Stapleton. Caiden Mount is leading at a defensive end but he will also be a backup at tackle.

Taylor played a lot at defensive end last season and should be back on the other side. Freshman Tucker Huff (6-4, 190) is another possible backup.

“They both had big bodies and they played there last year,” said Ferguson. “Caiden is a hybrid guy who can play tackle, too.”

Dement will be the backup at end and get in the rotation. Campbell and Harris are also in the conversation.

LINEBACKERS The inside linebackers figure to

be Hurn and junior Brandon Fout (5-9 170).

“Fout was that kid who showed up this year and then all of the sudden you’re at practice and looking around and say, ‘who was that?’ and somebody said that was Fout. He just kind of came into his own,” said Ferguson.

“Hurn is a high IQ guy. It’s kind of a different position for him. He was an end last year but where he’s grown and gotten faster we’re hoping he can fill that role.”

Sitting behind the pair on the depth chart are junior Ethan Shafer (5-8, 205) and Webb who was an end last year.

On the outside will be McCleese and Jones, both who are returning starters who will anchor the defense.

“They both know the defense inside and out,”said Ferguson.

“They can get everybody lined up.”

Senior Johnathan Brammer (5-10, 175) is new to the program and learning the defense and will be a backup along with Owens who is picking up the defense quickly.

SECONDARY Ferguson said there are big battles at the corner.

Edwards has a slight edge over junior Colt Pancake (5-7, 145) while Pratt who has excellent speed is on the other side. Holland will be the backup and still adjusting to varsity speed.

Urban is the leader at safety and Ferguson said “he has a really good knack for the ball and has the speed to stay over the top.”

Adkins looks to be his backup.

KICKING GAME The Vikings were forced to go for the 2-point Willie Jones is expected to handle the placement with Case Jones the punter.

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FOOTBALL 2023

53

McCleese’s fighting spirit grows contagious with SV teammates

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — At 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Sam McCleese might not strike fear into any opponent with that first glance.

But as the old saying goes, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.

That is the best way to describe the Symmes Valley Vikings’ senior running back and linebacker.

Although the Vikings were just 1-8 last season with a very young and inexperienced team, McCleese was proud of the team’s effort all year.

“That was the one thing. We never gave up in any of our games,” said McCleese. “I feel like we fought as hard as we could to the end.”

A four-year starter, McCleese reflected on his career and said there are a lot of memories.

“It’s been a good time. We’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve changed things up a bit, but I think it’s really going to help out this season,” said McCleese.

“I think we’ve got a little more experience this year than we did last year. I think the new kids are going to step up and do a little bit better.”

Vikings’ head coach Ben Ferguson said McCleese has always shown leadership skills.

“He’s a really good leader for us. When I coached junior high, I had him. The senior

group is a small group. He’s held them together. He’s contributed on the field since he was a sophomore. He’s smart, he’s high effort, he can see things that sometimes I can’t see. He’s good for the other kids. He’s never been a ‘me’ guy. He has never said one thing in terms of a individual accolade.”

Since it is his final season, McCleese said the goals are simple: make the playoffs and win the SOC. “I just want to be a leader. That’s all I can do.

Lead them and show them what we need to do.

We’ve been there and we need to do it again,” said McCleese who will rely on his own experiences to help his teammates.

“I’ve seen most of what we’ll see out there and I try to lead my team in what I can and show them what I know and help them through everything.”

McCleese doesn’t plan on playing at the next level which means this season will be bittersweet.

“It’s heartbreaking that this is all I’ve got left.

It was tough going out there last year playing with kids I’ve known my whole life and getting beat up and getting beat,” said McCleese.

“We had a lot of outsiders telling us we wouldn’t win a game and we ended up winning a game and we did better than anyone thought.

But, I feel like we could have done better and we’re going to show that this year.”

Spoken like a true fighter.

Sam McCleese

2022 Divisions 3 & 4 SE All-District Football Teams 2022 Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Southeast Ohio All-District Football Teams Division 3 First Team Offense WR: Garrett Guess, Miami Trace, 6-4, 200, Jr.; A.J. Dallmayer, Wash. Court House, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Andrew Holden, Sheridan, 5-9, 165, Sr.; OL: David Norris, Jackson, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Deegen Bloomfield, Hillsboro, 6-0, 208, Sr.; Drew Guthrie, Miami Trace, 6-8, 295, Sr.; Hunter Zizek, Sheridan, 5-9, 195, Sr.; TE: Tayvion Galloway, Chillicothe, 6-5, 225, Jr.; Tanner Lemaster, Wash. Court House, 6-6, 240, Sr.; QB: Jacob Winters, Jackson, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Scott Moats, Circleville, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Troy Thompson, Wash. Court House, 6-2, 180, Sr.; RB: Cade Wolford, Jackson, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Austin Barrett, Hillsboro, 5-11, 185, Jr.; All-Purpose: Jacob Wood, Jackson, 5-9, 160, Sr.; PK: Mason Siberell, Chillicothe, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Zach Warnock, Miami Trace, 6-3, 185, Sr. First Team Defense DL: Evan Lake, Chillicothe, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Charles Souther, Wash. Court House, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Cole Davis, Sheridan, 6-0, 225, Jr.; LB: Landon Camp, Jackson, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Max Lee, Chillicothe, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Joe Streitenberger, Circleville, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Alex Poirier, Sheridan, 6-1, 205, Sr.; DB: Junior Smith, Marietta, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Eli Broermann, Jackson, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Michael Beardon, Wash. Court House, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Reid Packer, Sheridan, 6-3, 190, Sr.; P: Mason Doughty, Chillicothe, 6-3, 225, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Jacob Winters, Jackson Defensive Player of the Year: Reid Packer, Sheridan Lineman of the Year: Hunter Zizek, Sheridan Co-Coaches of the Year: Paul Culver III,

Sheridan; Andy Hall, Jackson Special Mention Seth Britton, Marietta; Luke Brandes, Athens; Marcus Steevers, Athens; Bo Landrum, Jackson; A.J. Denny, Jackson; Carter Boltenhouse, Chillicothe; Ayden Clemons, Hillsboro; Gary Reno, Hillsboro; Trentt Fulgham, Circleville; Jude Blair, Circleville; Trevaughn Jackson, Wash. Court House; Rocky Jones, Wash. Court House; Noah Miller, Sheridan; Justin Munyan, Sheridan Division 4 First Team Offense WR: Tanner Pepper, Vincent Warren, 6-0, 170, Fr.; Maddox Fox, Unioto, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Hudson Kelly, Waverly, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Braylen Baker, Circleville Logan Elm, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Tatem Toth, New Lexington, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Kenyon Franklin, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-0, 195, Jr.; OL: Nathan Morrison, Unioto, 6-2, 285, Sr.; R.J. Weber, Circleville Logan Elm, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Gunnar George, Fairfield Union, 5-11, 245, Jr.; Brady Kennedy, New Lexington, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Isaac Clary, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-7, 305, Sr.; QB: Newton Hoops, Unioto, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Isaac Molihan, Vinton County, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Aaron Walters, Circleville Logan Elm, 6-0, 175, So.; Hayden Collins, Fairfield Union, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Lukas Ratliff, New Lexington, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Brody Fellure, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-1, 185, Sr.; RB: Jason Williams, Vincent Warren, 5-9, 182, Jr.; Garrett Brown, Vinton County, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Andrew Potts, Greenfield McClain, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Jase Hurd, Waverly, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Hunter Rose, New Lexington, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Hudson Shamblin, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-0, 185, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Wyatt Crabtree, Waverly, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Michael Vernon, New Lexington, 6-3, 190, Sr.; LB: Dawson Brown, Vinton County, 5-11, 190, Sr.;

Kaden Penwell, Greenfield McClain, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Blayton Reid, Circleville Logan Elm, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Cole Hines, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 5-9, 185, Jr.; DB: Matt Griffin, Unioto, 6-0, 220, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Newton Hoops, Unioto Defensive Player of the Year: Blayton Reid, Circleville Logan Elm Lineman of the Year: Isaac Clary, Gallipolis Gallia Academy Co-Coaches of the Year: Kole Carter, Gallipolis Gallia Academy; Kevin Board, New Lexington; Terry Holbert, Circleville Logan Elm Special Mention

Trent Taylor, Vincent Warren; Taylor Bowers, Vincent Warren; Nolan Fox, Unioto; Cody Tuttle, Unioto; Josiah Thacker, Vinton County; Owen Hire, Vinton County; Cade Sponcil, Greenfield McClain; Max Eikenberry, Greenfield McClain; Brock Adams, Waverly; Mason Kelly, Waverly; Landon Thompson, Circleville Logan Elm; Tanner Holbert, Circleville Logan Elm; Nolan Brumfield, Circleville Logan Elm; Jayden Prichard, Fairfield Union; Brennen Rowles, Fairfield Union; Zack Robinson, New Lexington; Jerek Braglin, New Lexington; Dakota Siders, Gallipolis Gallia Academy; Mason Skidmore, Gallipolis Gallia Academy

R&R Grocery Greasy Ridge • Scottown, Ohio

643-2542 Owners - Donnie and Rhonda Rigney Good Luck To Our Football Team and Cheerleaders

54

FOOTBALL 2023

2022 Division 5 All-Ohio Football Team Associated Press Sports Writers Division 5 All-Ohio Football Team Offensive Player of the Year: Dane Nauman, Marengo Highland Defensive Player of the Year: Owen Davis, North Union Coach of the Year: Casey Mohler, Liberty Center; Jake Buchholtz, Springfield Northeastern First Team Offense QB: Miles Miller, Burton Berkshire, 5-10, 160, jr.; Marcel Blasingame, Coldwater, 6-1, 175, sr.; Dylan Hohler, Huron, 6-4, 185, sr.; Gage Cline, Richmond Edison, 6-6, 215, sr.; Tyler Johnson, Centerburg, 6-2, 205, sr.; Cade Houseman, Springfield Northeastern, 6-0, 185, sr.; Billy Skripac, South Range, 6-2, 200, sr.

RB: Case Boos, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-10, 157, sr.; Mason Oliver, Bloomdale Elmwood, 5-10, 200, sr.; Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 220, sr.; Jaksan Price, Belmont Union Local, 5-10, 206, sr.; Dane Nauman, Marengo Highland, 6-0, 215, jr.; Jake Clark, Germantown Valley View, 5-11, 195, sr.; Jake Gill, Norwayne, 5-10, 190, sr.

R/TE: Brayden Richards, Perry, 6-1, 177, jr.; Cam Robinson, Willard, 6-0, 180, jr.; Ty Perkins, Ironton, 6-3, 185, sr.; Blake Brumbaugh, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-1, 180, sr.; Max Autry, Madeira, 5-11, 190, sr.; Ryne Shackelford, LaGrange Keystone, 6-0, 195, sr.; Brody Pumneo, Navarre Fairless, 6-1, 160, sr.

OL: A.J. Kifus, Perry, 6-5, 290, sr.; Landon Bockelman, Liberty Center, 6-3, 260, jr.; Kade Woods, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 225, soph.; Alex Baer, McDermott Northwest, 6-1, 255, sr.; Quinten Leasure, Barnesville, 6-0, 305, sr.; Ethan Lane, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-4, 285, sr.; Chase Bromagen, Germantown Valley View, 6-4, 225, sr.

K: Connor Estep, Wheelersburg, 5-11, 160, jr.

First Team Defense DL: Owen Box, Liberty Center, 6-3, 265, sr.; Evan Homan, Coldwater, 6-3, 274, sr.; Jacob Ridener, Oak Harbor, 6-0, 205, soph.; Jarett Wallick, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2, 230, sr.; Jake Brown, West Milton Milton-Union, 5-10, 240, sr.; Conner Cravaack, Madeira, 6-5, 225, sr.; Hawkeye Hickman, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-0, 235, sr.; JD Crouse, South Range, 6-3, 215, sr.

LB: Uzonna Nzekwe, Beachwood, 6-3, 235, sr.; Ty Covill, Conneaut, 5-9, 160, sr.; Lincoln Barnes, Ironton, 6-0, 205, sr.; Matt Parsons, Richmond Edison, 6-1, 200, sr.; Owen Davis, North Union, 6-3, 210, sr.; Gavin Degroat, Germantown Valley View, 6-0, 205, sr.; Michael Mulvihill, Blanchester, 6-2, 195, so; Keegan Sell, Akron Garfield, 5-11, 185, jr.

DB: A.J. Stroud, LaGrange Keystone, 5-10, 160, sr.; Caleb Anthony, Columbus Africentric, 5-6, 160, fr.; Cooper Brown, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-4, 186, sr.; Austin Stidham, Germantown Valley View, 5-8, 165, sr.; Antwon Brooks, Reading, 6-2, 180, sr.; Luke Yoder, Navarre Fairless, 5-11, 170, sr.; Josiah Cahill, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-0, 165, sr.

P: Carter Blake, Belmont Union Local, 6-2, 185, sr.

Second Team Offense QB: Aidan Rogers, Harvest Prep, 6-2, 205, sr.; Logan Yoder, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-10, 160, sr.; C.J. Hannahs, Barnesville, 5-9, 155., sr.; Konner Rodick, LaGrange Keystone, 6-2, 185, sr.; Hayden Rickard, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-4, 200, sr.; Tayden Carpenter, Ironton, 6-0, 190, sr.; Caden Henson, Germantown Valley View, 6-3, 180, jr.

RB: Zack Rice, Conneaut, 5-11, 185, sr.; Carson Dominique, Archbold, 5-10, 210, sr.; Daniel Barnhart, Zane Trace, 6-1, 220, sr.; Taison Starr, Barnesville, 5-9, 180, jr.; Teegan Ruhl, Fredericktown, 6-1, 180, sr.; Tim Davis, Brookville, 5-10, 160, sr.

WR/TE: Josh Brown, Burton Berkshire, 5-10, 165, sr.; Landen Wilson, Ironton, 5-10, 170, sr.; Mason Mossbarger, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-1, 165, sr.; Adam Thorbahn, Port Clinton, 6-4, 220, sr.; Dylan Haggy, Springfield Northeastern, 6-0, 173, sr.; Gavin Chinn, Utica, 5-11, 160, jr.; Shane Lindstrom, South Range, 5-7, 170, sr.

OL: Jordan Pickerel, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-9, 191, sr.; Devin Montalbine, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-1, 250, sr.; Caleb Miller, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 260, sr.; Ashton Ellis, Richmond Edison, 5-11, 190, sr.; Rashad Debose, Harvest Prep, 5-9, 220, sr.; Bronson Stacy, Brookville, 6-3, 240, sr.; K: Jace Madzia, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-2, 190, sr.

Second Team Defense DL: Brian Cox, Perry, 6-0, 195, sr.; Lane Stewart, Zane Trace, 6-0, 190, sr.; Johnny Sabinski, Belmont Union Local, 6-1, 255, jr.; Dalton Wilson, North Union, 6-2, 236, sr.; Xavier Cain, Harvest

Prep, 6-3, 315, sr.; Ernest Pierce, Harvest Prep, 6-0, 190, jr.; Grant Edgington, Madeira, 6-3, 275, sr.; Bailey Ryan, South Range, 6-2, 260, sr.

LB: Owen McKoon, Perry, 6-0, 175, soph.; Evan LaCivita, Huron, 5-10, 185, sr.; Trevor Carter, Ironton, 6-2, 210, sr.; Ty Shawger, Zanesville West Muskingum, 5-11, 190, sr.; Hunter Pendleton, Minford, 6-4, 230, sr.; Connor Corbett, Heath, 5-7, 170, soph.; Connor Yates, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-5, 210, sr.; Tyler Remish, South Range, 6-0, 190, sr.

DB: Keith Colvin, Lorain Clearview, 6-0, 155, jr.; Marcus Medina, Milan Edison, 6-0, 175, jr.; Devin Farley, Tontogany Otsego, 6-0, 170, jr.; Grady Hutchinson, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-0, 200, sr.; Jayonn Saunders, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 5-7, 136, soph.; Ty Reali, Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 165, sr.

P: Connor Yeager, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 6-4, 200, soph.

Third Team Offense QB: Walter Moses, Perry, 6-3, 165, soph.; Brayden Bayles, Heath, 6-0, 175, jr.; Alex Davis, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 6-1, 180, sr.; Blaise Sizer, Waynesville, 6-4, 195, sr.; Carson Colucci, Navarre Fairless, 6-0, 170, sr.

RB: Jayden Studio, Perry, 6-1, 193, jr.; Matthew Orr, Liberty Center, 6-0, 190, sr.; Jaqui Hayward, Oak Harbor, 5-10, 165, jr.; Jaquez Keyes, Ironton, 6-0, 215, sr.; Brent Thompson, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 6-0, 215, jr.; Nick Heisser, Madeira, 6-1, 210, sr.

WR/TE: Steeler Leep, Fairland, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Reade Pendleton, Portsmouth, 5-9, 164, sr.; Lukas Gilland, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-0, 155, soph.; Jacob Carrico, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 5-11, 170, sr.; Bryce Sipple, Blanchester, 6-1, 185, jr.; Ayden Leon, South Range, 6-3, 205, sr.; Alec Delsginore, Cardinal Mooney, 6-2, 205, sr.

OL: Jason Brent, Burton Berkshire, 5-10, 224, soph.; Camron Carreras, Lorain Clearview, 5-8, 315, sr.; Ethan Ranzenberger, Port Clinton, 6-3, 305, Sr.; Braden Klosterman, Coldwater, 5-10, 220, sr.; John Geiger, Centerburg, 6-5, 310, sr.; Chasen Allison, Blanchester, 6-1, 270, sr.; Max Mobley, Madeira, 6-2, 265, sr.; Tom Fox, Navarre Fairless, 6-2, 240, sr.

K: Caleb Harris, Highland, 5-11, 150, sr.; Sean Leonard, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-2, 190, soph.

Third Team Defense DL: Josiah Longo, Lorain Clearview, 5-9, 160, soph.; Javen Gaines, Defiance Tinora, 6-0, 270, sr.; Dalton Hesselbart, Pemberville Eastwood, 6-1, 181, sr.; Marshall Meade, Barnesville, 6-0, 190, soph.; Desmond Davis, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 6-4, 250, jr.; Ya’Va Harris, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 5-10, 211, sr.; Carson Colucci, Navarre Fairless, 6-2, 165, jr.

LB: Elijah Southern, Burton Berkshire, 5-11, 225, sr.; Charlie Frederick, Chagrin Falls, 5-10, 165, sr.; Cannon Endicott, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-2, 175, sr.; Zane Brownfield, Piketon, 5-8, 170, jr.; Caleb Miller, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-10, 160, sr.; Mekhi Johnson, Columbus Africentric, 6-1, 190, jr.; Bradyn Gibbs, Germantown Valley View, 6-1, 175, sr.

DB: Jake Burkons, Beachwood, 5-11, 185, jr.; Wyatt Payne, Conneaut, 5-8, 155, jr.; Chase Miller, Archbold, 5-8, 170, jr.; Alexander Roden, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2, 170, sr.; Brady Roden, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2 170, sr.; Keegan Mehr, Brookville, 6-0, 160, jr.

P: Krayton Kern, Archbold, 5-9, 165, Sr. Honorable Mention QB: Carter Langley, Zane Trace, 6-3, 180, jr.; Peyton Jackson, Fairland, 5-9, 173, jr.; Jordan Ermalovich, South Point, 6-0, 170, sr.; Jordan Schulz, Alexander, 6-3, 190, jr.; Griffin Cleland, Meigs, 5-10, 175, jr.; Tyler Duncan, Portsmouth, 5-11, 138, sr.; Mitchell Irwin, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 190, sr.; Hayden Cassidy, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-11, 160, jr.; David Dorsten, Mariemont, 6-0, 185, sr.; Zane Zeiter, Liberty Center, 6-1, 190, sr.; Kameron Garlock, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-10, 165, sr.; Ashton O’Brien, Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 180, jr.; Sawyer Hamsher, Orrville, 5-9, 155, jr.

RB: Conlee Burnem, Meigs, 5-10, 155, jr.; Jeffrey Pica, Minford, 5-9, 210, jr.; Wyatt Brackman, McDermott Northwest, 5-11, 230, sr.; Talan McClurg, Richmond Edison, 5-10, 190, jr.; Ethan Miller, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-9, 170, sr.; Jake Calodney, Columbus Academy, 5-11, 195, sr.; Caylan LeMaster, Centerburg, 5-9, 160, sr.; Jake Mott, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 5-10, 195, sr.; Brayden Doran, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-8, 170, sr.; Jerremiah Wolford, Delta, 6-0, 225, sr.; Jesse Grace, Garrettsville Garfield, 6-0, 200, sr.; Nate Blasiole, Mantua

Crestwood, 5-9, 190, so.; Nick Vesey, Champion, 5-11, 185, sr.

WR/TE: Zach Shackelford, LaGrange Keystone, 6-1, 175, soph.; Lincoln Garlock, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-9, 155, sr.; Brycen Hunt, Fairland, 6-0, 155, jr.; Brayden Hanshaw, South Point, 6-3, 175, soph.; Casey Cline, Westfall, 6-0, 175, sr.; Jeffery Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 181, jr.; Cole Tipton, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 165, jr.; Nalin Robinson, Zane Trace, 6-4, 235, sr.; Connor Lintz, McDermott Northwest, 6-2, 180, jr.; Eric Lattimore, Wheelersburg, 5-9, 145, sr.; Tre Rex, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-5, 175, sr.; Slater Sampsel, Zanesville West Muskingum, 6-2, 180, sr.; Trey Bossaller, North Union, 5-11, 160, sr.; Chris Brown, Harvest Prep, 6-1, 165, jr.; Cadence Varner, Pleasant, 5-10, 155, sr.; Jonathan Ricketts, Carlisle, 6-2, 165, sr.; Hayden Buhro, Oak Harbor, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Dwayne Moody, Youngstown Liberty, 5-11, 160, jr.

OL: Jimmie Palmer, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-1, 235, jr.; David Kramer, Fairview Park Fairview, 6-1, 205, sr.; Daren Christine, Conneaut, sr.; Spencer Brower, Zane Trace, 6-1, 210, jr.; Noah Patterson, Ironton, 6-2, 255, jr.; Steven Rhodes, Fairland, 6-0, 248, sr.; Alex Jenkins, Piketon, 5-11, 225, sr.; Cabot Arbaugh, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-4, 270, sr.; Andrew Neary, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-2, 275, jr.; Cohen Cabot, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-10, 218, sr.; Carson Causby, Belmont Union Local, 5-10, 209, sr.; Connor McKenzie, Zanesville West Muskingum, 6-0, 220, jr.; Drue Duncan, North Union, 6-2, 270, sr.; Landon Pedigo, Highland, 6-0, 260, sr.; Preston Ross, Harvest Prep, 6-0, 230, sr.; Dirk Konrad, Reading, 5-11, 240, jr.; Nathan Abazi, Huron, 5-10, 210, sr.; Jon Wiczen, Garrettsville Garfield, 6-3, 260, jr.; Cody Brugmann, Mantua Crestwood, 6-2, 230, jr.; Gus Valentine, South Range, 6-0, 240, jr.; Adam Garloch, Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 310, sr.; Tino Merlo, Cardinal Mooney, 6-5, 280, sr.

K: Salvatore Vargas, Burton Berkshire, 5-8, 155, sr.; Cameron Manner, Huron, 5-10, 150, soph.; Cason Doolittle, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-2, 175, sr.; Zach Roth, Portsmouth, 5-10, 168, jr.; Justin Kaup, Coldwater, 6-2, 190, sr.; Ethan Bittence, Garrettsville Garfield, 5-8, 155, jr.

DL: Trevor Otley, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-8, 170, sr.; Greg O’Hern, Lorain Clearview, 5-11, 175, jr.; Jaydon Anderson, Conneaut, 6-0, 225, soph.; Zach May, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-0, 245, sr.; Hayden Brannigan, Zane Trace, 5-11, 210, sr.; Zion Martin, Fairland, 5-11, 212, sr.; Nick Wright, Chesapeake, 6-0, 190, sr.; Lane Waggoner, Richmond Edison, 6-0, 150, jr.; Wyatt Wallick, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-0, 180, jr.; Jonas Paugh, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-1, 230, sr.; Chandler Stevens, Highland, 5-10, 190, sr.; Slade McClaskey, Liberty Union, 6-3, 240, jr.; Daylen McIntyre, Heath, 5-10, 166, jr.; Lawson Wade, Mariemont, 6-2, 265, jr.; Matt Wilkerson, Waynesville, 6-4, 230, jr.; Jaleel Rayford, Pemberville Eastwood, 6-0, 200, sr.; Will Desmond, Cardinal Mooney, 6-2, 210, jr.; Jeff Brenner, Cardinal Mooney, 6-0, 210, sr.

LB: Nate Glanc, Fairview Park Fairview, 5-10, 210, sr.; Ayden Cruz, Lorain Clearview, 6-1, 170, jr.; Carson Cinniger, Willard, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Trenton Kruse, Liberty Center, 6-0, 175, jr.; Gabe Chapa, Archbold, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Bryce Hesselbart, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-9, 187, sr.; Isaac Waller, Alexander, 6-1, 200, soph.; Brenden Truett, Portsmouth, 5-6, 200, sr.; Andrew Huck, Bidwell River Valley, 5-5, 150, sr.; Landon Hutchinson, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, jr.; Casey Carpenter, Barnesville, 5-10, 180, soph.; Payton Keller, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-0, 185, jr.; Kauelen Smith, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-11, 205, sr.; Marchello Cox, Harvest Prep, 5-11, 190, jr.; Harold Hacker, Columbus Academy, 5-11, 200, sr.; Vincent Eadicicco, Reading, 6-0, 195, sr.; Dylan Horsley, Norwood, 6-0, 185, sr.; Adam Meyer, Bloomdale Elmwood, 5-8, 180, sr.; Luke Raines, Smithville, 6-3, 195, sr.; Logan Boyd, Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 220, sr.; Luke Belcher, Wooster Triway, 6-0, 185, jr.

DB: Landen Kruse, Liberty Center, 6-0, 175, jr.; Micah Oliver, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-1, 180, jr.; Amari Felder, Ironton, 5-9, 190, sr.; Parker Hutton, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-11, 185, jr.; Antwone Johns, Coshocton, 6-0, 180, jr.; Decker Lancaster, Richmond Edison, 5-11, 145, sr.; Emmanuel “EJ” Jenkins, Columbus Academy, 5-9, 170, sr.; Hayden Kline, Highland, 5-8, 140, jr.; Isaac Morrison, Lewistown Indian Lake, 6-2, 165, sr.; Mason Drummond, Genoa Area, 5-10, 175, sr.; Elijah Stanley, Creston Norwayne, 6-0, 190, sr.; Dennis Clark, Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 170, fr.

P: Drew Dossman, Amanda-Clearcreek, 6-2, 180, jr.; Jeremy Reber, Apple Creek Waynedale, 6-0, 160, jr.

FOOTBALL 2023

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2022 Division 7 All-Ohio Football Team 2022 Division 7 All-Ohio Football Teams Offensive Player of the Year: Connor Smith, Gibsonburg Defensive Player of the Year: Levi Lyons, Danville Coach of the Year: Jason Hale, Antwerp First Team Offense QB: Carson Altimus, Antwerp, 6-0, 170, jr.; Jake Pantelidis, Waterford, 6-1, 190, sr.; Cale Bender, Caldwell, 5-10, 165, jr.; Kabel Isaly, Hannibal River, 5-10, 160 jr.; Vinny Ballone, Lowellville, 6-4, 195, sr.

RB: Connor Smith, Gibsonburg, 5-8, 180, sr.; Quincey Crabbs, Norwalk St. Paul, 5-9, 185, sr.; Marshal Sayre, Caldwell, 5-10, 195, sr.; Mason Hackett, Newark Catholic, 5-8, 195, sr.; Alex Sanders, Upper Scioto Valley, 6-0, 190, jr.; Exzaviar Moody, Ansonia, 5-11, 195, sr.; Chase Eye, Windham, 5-11, 170, sr.

WR/TE: Aidan Morris, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 170, jr.; Isaac Blair, Greenwich South Central, 6-1, 155, jr.; Caden Nester, Edon, 6-2, 185, sr.; Brody Lollathin, Hannibal River, 5-11, 180, sr.; Hyde O’Rielly, Fisher Catholic, 6-4, 172, soph.; Logan Eilerman, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 210, sr.

OL: Rylar Essinger, Arlington, 6-3, 244, sr.; Martin Myerholtz, Gibsonburg, 6-2, 215, sr.; Peyton Blue, Hannibal River, 6-1, 250, soph.; Levi Milledge, Mechanicsburg, 6-0, 200, sr.; Jacob Lauck, Lima Central Catholic, 6-2, 215, sr.; Nick Bormuth, McComb, 6-4, 260, jr.; Patrick Valent, Warren JFK, 6-4, 290, sr.

K: Elam Suter, Pandora-Gilboa, 5-10, 165, sr.

First Team Defense DL: Kevin Smith, Upper Scioto Valley, 6-1, 310, sr.; Ben Haney, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 6-4, 222, sr.; Daymeon Pennington, Hamilton New Miami, 6-1, 265, sr.; Kendric Robinson, Antwerp, 6-6, 330, sr.; Carter Campbell, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-3, 190, sr.

LB: Andrew Swisher, McComb, 5-11, 180, sr.; Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 240, jr.; Colby Langley, Caldwell, 5-11, 195, sr.; Levi Lyons, Danville, 6-0, 210, sr.; Nathan Thiel, Ridgedale, 6-3, 185, jr.; Calvin Hoying, Fort Loramie, 6-3, 240, sr.; Wyatt Morris, Salineville Southern, 5-11, 155, sr.; Ambrose Hoso, Warren JFK, 5-11, 195, sr.

DB: Landon Brewer, Antwerp, 6-3, 180, jr.; David Homan, New Bremen, 6-0, 167, sr.; Kaiden Colopy, Danville, 6-0, 175, sr.; AJ Meyer, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 185, sr.; Braylon Scalf, Delphos Jefferson, 6-0, 160, sr.; Thomas Valent, Warren JFK, 5-11, 185, sr.

P: Max Payne, Danville, 5-11, 215, sr.

Second Team Offense QB: Drew Breitigam, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-9, 140, jr.; Brogan Stephey, Minster, 6-1, 165, soph.; Caleb Maurer, Fort Loramie, 6-1, 170, sr.; Carson Parker, Lima Central Catholic, 6-2, 207, jr.; Caleb Hadley, Warren JFK, 6-2, 210, jr.

RB: Owen Berner, Defiance Ayersville, 6-0, 200, sr.; Ethan Luginbill, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 210, sr.; Danny Blair, Fairfield Christian, 5-10, 175, soph.; Daniel Kamara, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-9, 170, jr.; Warren Shockey, Degraff Riverside, 5-9, 155, sr.; Colton Soukup, Salineville Southern, 6-0, 175, sr.

WR/TE: Corbin Toms, Lucas, 6-0, 164, sr.; Dalton Jordan, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-10, 145, jr.; Elijah Brock, Shadyside, 6-5, 195, sr.; Grant Moore, Newark Catholic, 6-1, 175, sr.; Brady Bunofsky, Lowellville, 6-3, 200, sr.; Jackson Howdyshell, Cedarville, 6-2, 200, jr.

OL: Austin Miller, Antwerp, 5-9, 225, jr.; Will Fazekas, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 6-3, 250, sr.; Jase Norman, Caldwell, 6-2, 275, jr.; Kyle Wright, Newark Catholic, 6-2, 210, sr.; Blaine Castle, Upper Scioto Valley, 6-5, 280, sr.; Kaleb Schindewolf, De Graff Riverside, 6-4, 260, sr.

K: JJ Viau, Fisher Catholic, 5-10, 158, sr.

Second Team Defense DL: Wilson Grubb, McComb, 5-9, 170, jr.; Brayden Townsend, Ridgedale, 6-2, 185, soph.; Damian Bruns, Fort Loramie, 6-6, 215, jr.; Andy Silverthorn, Toronto, 6-6, 232, soph.; Dillon Looney, Danville, 6-0, 205, sr.

LB: Jackson DeBolt, Columbus Crusaders, 5-9, 170, jr.; Wyatt Russell, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 220, sr.; Ty Lehnhart, Lucas, 6-0, 175, sr.; Weston

McGuire, Defiance Ayersville, 6-0, 210, sr.; Abe McBee, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-10, 185, jr.; Gavin Douglass, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic, 6-0, 200, jr.; Demico Harris, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 5-6, 200, soph.

DB: Logan Toms, Lucas, 6-0, 179, jr.; Lane Cline, Waterford, 5-10, 160, sr.; Camden Glaser, McComb, 6-4, 175, sr.; Zaiden Fry, Sycamore Mohawk, 6-1, 175, sr.; Alex Herlan, Caldwell, 6-3, 175, soph.; Aidan Rossi, Warren JFK, 6-0, 180, sr.

P: Daniel Bolster, Steubenville Catholic Central, 6-2, 165, jr.

Third Team Offense QB: Jared Griggs, Arlington, 5-10, 167, sr.; Jayden Roland, Mechanicsburg, 5-9, 175, jr.; Zeb Kinsey, Toronto, 6-3, 210, soph.; Miller Hutchinson, Newark Catholic, 6-3, 160, soph.

RB: Braxton Althauser, McComb, 5-10, 165, jr.; Evan Rice, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-11, 200, sr.; Greg Miller, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 6-1, 230, sr.; Ryan Carcelli, New Middletown Springfield, 5-8, 160, sr.; Dom Toto, Vienna Mathews, 5-7, 145, soph.

WR/TE: Kailen Butler, Mechanicsburg, 5-8, 155, jr.; Abe Delano, Defiance Ayersville, 6-3, 215, jr.; Billy Clouse, Tiffin Calvert, 6-3, 190, jr.; Seandelle Gardner, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 145, sr.; Anthony Lucente, Lowellville, 6-2, 205, sr.; OL: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-1, 245, sr.; Ivan Escamilla, Springfield Catholic Central, 6-1, 255, sr., Caleb Finney, South Charleston Southeastern Local, 5-11, 210, sr.; Roger Hoying, Fort Loramie, 6-0, 260, jr.; Max Silverthorn, Toronto, 6-6, 232, sr.; Kyle Crown, McDonald, 5-11, 265, sr.

K: Hunter Schaefer, New Bremen, 5-10, 193, sr.

Third Team Defense DL: Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East, 5-9, 165, sr.; Brayden Strawn, Hannibal River, 5-9, 200, sr.; Wes McKinley, Mt. Victory Ridgemont, 6-3, 235, sr.; Brady Clark, Defiance Ayersville, 6-3, 215, jr.; Donald Bailey, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-4, 215, sr.

LB: Ryan Lucas, Danville, 5-8, 195, sr.; Anthony Ibarra, Union City Mississinawa Valley, 5-11, 210, jr.; Matt Cira, Lima Central Catholic, 6-1, 185, sr.; Seth Thomas, Toronto, 6-3, 228, jr.; Ty Long, Hannibal River, 6-2, 195, sr.; Isaac Raterman, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 200, sr.; Rico Johnson, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 5-10, 185, jr.; Lucas Datillo, New Middletown Springfield, 5-10, 217, sr.

DB: Mykell Andrews, Columbus Crusaders, 6-0, 190, jr.; Simon Godwin, De Graff Riverside, 5-6, 150, sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 183, soph.; Jaelen Griffin, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-0, 175, soph.

P: Ashton Mullins, Mt. Victory Ridgemont, 6-5, 200, sr.

Honorable Mention QB: Josiah Smith, Racine Southern, 6-0, 185, jr.; Logan Doughty, Corning Miller, 6-1, 155, soph.; Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East, 6-0, 155, sr.; Colin Jackson, Bridgeport, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jackson Pyles, Cedarville, 6-0, 170, jr.; Myles Platfoot, De Graff Riverside, 6-0, 175, jr.; Brandon Mitchell, Greenwich South Central, 6-0, 175, sr.; Andrew Smollen, Lucas, 6-1, 183, sr.; Jake Hoverstock, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-9, 155, sr.

RB: Dylan Taylor, Waterford, 5-10, 180, jr.; Rylee Barrett, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 165, jr.; Nathaniel Brannigan, Franklin Furnace, 6-0, 200, jr.; Gavin Hart, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 215, jr.; Landan Lodwick, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-9, 160, sr.; Zane Kinsey, Toronto, 5-10, 187, sr.; Andrew Kronenbitter, Millersport, 5-9, 155, sr.; Clay Padubny, Delphos St. John’s, 6-2, 215, sr.; Ben Burger, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 175, jr.; Hayden Hiegel, Leipsic, 6-1, 180, sr.; Aiden Biederman, Waynesfield-Goshen, 6-3, 210, sr.; Colten Vanwinkle, Lewisburg Tri-County North, 6-0, 215, jr.; Antonio Smith, Warren JFK, 5-9, 185, jr.

WR/TE: Mason Heiss, Waterford, 6-0, 170, sr.; Tanner Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 160, soph.; Dylan Wheeler, Caldwell, 5-10, 170, sr.; Mason Aberts, Bridgeport, 5-9, 160, sr.; Weston Hartman, Zanesville Rosecrans, 6-3, 190, sr.; Sam Rauch, Fairfield Christian, 6-2, 210, sr.; Josh Flora, Cedarville, 6-0, 160, jr.; Christian McGee, Fort

Loramie, 6-3, 170, sr.; Carter Kiess, Edon, 6-0, 160, sr.; Parker Moore, Antwerp, 5-10, 150, sr.; Dylan Seison, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-1, 155, sr.

OL: Tom Miller, Ashtabula St. John, sr.; Braden Hagemier, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 250, sr.; Chase Rospert, Norwalk St. Paul, 5-8, 175, sr.; Chase Dunson, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-11, 220, sr.; Seth Archer, Caldwell, 6-2, 265, sr.; Robert Myer, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-11 220, sr.; Landen Lydick, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 6-2, 200, jr.; Chase Baldwin, Cedarville, 6-0, 265, jr.; Chris’Jen Dickey, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 5-10, 250, jr.; Jason Stover, Ansonia, 5-9, 250, sr.; Cam Waugaman, Gibsonburg, 6-4, 290, sr.; Tyler Shipman, Lima Central Catholic, 6-2, 225, sr.; Landon Randolph, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 215, sr.; Payton Hersman, 6-1, 285, sr., Salineville Southern; Anthony Paolella, Windham, 5-10, 235, jr.

K: Aidan Culler, Lucas, 6-1, 183, Jr.; Hayden Wilcoxen, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 140, fr.; Paisley Sidwell, Caldwell, 5-7, 120, jr.; Tyler Young, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-10, 175, sr.; Sarosh Sheth, Warren JFK, 5-8, 155, sr.

DL: Logan Risner, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Maverrick Piotrowski, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-10, 170, jr.; Landon Flaherty, Waterford, 6-2, 200, sr.; Ethan Crock, Caldwell, 6-2, 185, soph.; Ethan Carpenter, Caldwell, 5-8, 210, sr.; Kaden Johnson, Hannibal River, 5-11, 230, jr.; Ethan Geiger, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 6-3, 250, sr., Eyan Hackler, Ansonia, 5-7, 210, sr.; Trent Trobridge, Union City Mississinawa Valley, 5-9, 170, jr.; Omarion Turnage, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-3, 275, sr.; Tanner Vorhees, Delphos Jefferson, 5-10, 195, sr.; Abram Rivera, Warren JFK, 5-11, 210, sr.; Vinny Perry, Lowellville, 5-11, 225, jr.; Vinnie Woods, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 200, sr.; Joe Linkesh, Vienna Mathews, 6-1, 220, soph.

LB: Jace Margraf, Sycamore Mohawk, 5-8, 165, sr.; Andy Meyer, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 185, sr.; Braden Kiesel, Greenwich South Central, 5-10, 185, sr.; Zak Hambor, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-10, 168, sr.; Derek Griffith, Racine Southern, 6-1, 190, jr.; E.J. Siders, South Gallia, 6-1, 190, jr.; Dalton Phillips, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 5-10, 180, jr.; Joey Bugaj, Bridgeport, 5-8, 160, sr.; Lane Poland, Mechanicsburg, 6-1, 160, sr.; Darrien Stapleton, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-11, 180, jr.; Nate Boerger, Fort Loramie, 5-11, 190, sr.; CJ Wilt, South Charleston Southeastern Local, 5-10, 175, jr.; Montana Pierce, McComb, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Ethan Frankhouser, Lima Central Catholic, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jack Eye, Windham, 6-0, 185, so.; Santino Rivera-Ocasio, Lowellville, 5-10, 170, jr.; Wyatt Kuboff, New Middletown Springfield, 5-8, 175, soph.; Logan Corson, Vienna Mathews, 5-11, 180, sr.; Danny Gray, McDonald, 5-9, 180, sr.; Braylen Jarvis, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-1, 185, jr.

DB: Jimmy Severino, Ashtabula St. John, 5-9, 137, sr.; Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley, 5-8, 185, sr.; Kam Wright, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-8, 138, fr.; Lucas Cox, New Matamoras Frontier, 5-9, 155, sr.; Kenton Renicker, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic, 5-8, 140, jr.; Dom Bouscher, Toronto, 6-1, 181, jr.; Noah Kroger, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 6-1, 150, jr.; Elijah Snow, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy; 5-8, 165, sr.; Jake Vermillion, Arlington, 5-7, 145, sr.; Jayden Elliott, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-8, 160, sr.; Toby Schrader, East Canton, 5-10, 145, sr.; Michael Ballone, Lowellville, 5-9, 150, jr.; Sean Guerriero, New Middletown Springfield, 6-0, 170, jr.; Luke Ramsey, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 6-0, 165, sr.; Max Vesper, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-10, 175, sr.

P: Hayden Zeller, New Bremen, 6-5, 187, jr.; Caiden Allen, Plymouth, 6-1, 165, sr.; Fred Bolchalk, Warren JFK, 5-10, 160, soph.

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56

FOOTBALL 2023

2022 Division 6 All-Ohio Football Team Associated Press Sports Writers Division 6 All-Ohio Football Team Offensive Players of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove; Marco Cirigliano, Columbia Station Columbia Defensive Players of the Year: Darren Meier, Maria Stein Marion Local; Philip LaVerde, Kirtland Coaches of the Year: Jason Ward, Columbia Station Columbia; Mike Reid, Mount Gilead First Team Offense QB: Jacob Hershberger, Harrod Allen East, 5-11, 165, sr.; Blake Foos, Attica Seneca East, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Nate Nemeth, Berne Union, 6-0, 185, sr.; Matthew Bland, Mount Gilead, 6-1, 175, sr.; Braden Keating, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-10, 160, jr.; Jack Talkington, Canton Central Catholic, 6-3, 220, sr.

RB: Marco Cirigliano, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-10, 180, jr.; Adison Reymer, Ashland Crestview, 5-11, 175, sr.; Chase Hall, Coal Grove, 6-2, 215, sr.; Owen Brown, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-2, 205, sr.; Drew Lause, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-0, 180, soph.; Cody Coontz, Rootstown, 5-10, 190, sr.

WR/TE: Landon Johnson, Hamler Patrick Henry, 5-9, 160, jr.; Trevor Vogt, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-1, 180, jr.; Ray Ray Pettigrew, Bellaire, 5-11, 165, sr.; Brenden Portman, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 5-9, 163, jr.; Grant Knight, Hanoverton United, 6-1, 160, sr.

OL: George Prusock, Kirtland, 6-1, 240, sr.; Mason Ringler, Ashland Crestview, 6-2, 225, sr.; Mason Rose, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 245, sr.; Anthony Fatica, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-6, 295, sr.; Joe Pekar, Kirtland, 6-0, 200, sr.; Quentin Lehman, Dalton, 6-3, 260, sr.; Tony Karp, Rootstown, 6-2, 280, jr.; Trevor Davis, Mogadore, 6-2, 235, sr.

K: Luke Courtney, Hanoverton United, 6-0, 160, jr.

First Team Defense DL: Daven Patel, Kirtland, 5-10, 190, sr.; Owen Barker, Ashland Crestview, 6-3, 205, sr.; Jake Topp, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-0, 200, sr.; Caleb Riggs, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-4, 215, sr.; Judah Reid, Mount Gilead, 6-2, 260, sr.; Jared Lyons, Versailles, 6-0, 215, sr.; Seth Cook, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-2, 180, sr.; Mason Williams, Mogadore, 6-4, 245, sr.

LB: Philip LaVerde, Kirtland, 5-10, 180, sr.; Darren Meier, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 195, sr.; Tadd Koch, Columbus Grove, 6-3, 240, sr.; Landen Kemerley, Carey, 6-0, 210, sr.; Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 185, sr.; Zaiden Huck, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-11, 190, sr.; Brayden Koeller, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-10, 170, jr.; Roclen Bettura, Columbiana Crestview, 5-9, 180, sr.

DB: Tommy Gogolin, Kirtland, 5-8, 175, sr.; Tate Hess, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-2, 165, sr.; Braxton Brown, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-0, 164, sr.; Caden Cunningham, Ashland Crestview, 6-1, 175, sr.; Will Sayle, Kirtland, 5-11, 170, jr.; Tyler Mrakuzic, Sullivan Black River, 5-9, 150, sr.

P: Emilio Duran, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-0, 190, sr.

Second Team Offense QB: Makhi Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 170, jr.; Cavan Cooper, Paint Valley, 6-1, 210, sr.; Braxton Barnett, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-0, 165, fr.; JJ Miller, Williamsburg, 5-11, 165, jr.; Ethan Siders, West Salem Northwestern, 6-1, 190, sr.; Donovan Pawlowski, Brookfield, 6-0, 190, sr.

R: Josh Soltis, Middlefield Cardinal, 5-9, 180, sr.; Jake Boggs, Castalia Margaretta, 6-1, 220, sr.; Bunk Millender, Newcomerstown, 5-8, 150, soph.; Ethan Albert, Worthington Christian, 5-9, 180, sr.; Joel Gehret, Versailles, 5-10, 190, jr.; Grayson Siders, Dalton, 5-11, 185, jr.

WR/TE: Gino Blasini, Kirtland, 6-2, 195, jr.; Adam Knack, Kirtland, 6-2, 230, sr.; Beau Wolf, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley, 5-11, 165, sr.; Gibby Wilson, Worthington Christian, 6-3, 175, sr.; Alex Ervin, Williamsburg, 6-4, 235, jr.; Michael Osborne, Versailles, 5-11, 170, jr.; Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-3, 170, soph.

OL: Nick Novak, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-2, 270, jr.; Dylan Gibson, Castalia Margaretta, 6-1, 267, jr.; Parker Ketterman, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-2, 215, sr.; Brennan Davis, Harrod Allen East, 6-4, 300, sr.; Braylon Kinder, Bellaire, 6-0, 230, sr.; Dillan Plush, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-1, 220, sr.; Lucas Stammen, Versailles, 5-10, 185, sr.; K: Graham Sorg, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-11, 170, sr.

Second Team Defense

DL: Max Soltis, Middlefield Cardinal, 6-2, 190, soph.; Gavin Tollett, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-2, 185, jr.; Joel Rataiczak, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-4, 220, sr.; Ian Gecse, Grandview, 6-4, 235, sr.; Austin Sellers, Dayton Christian, 6-1, 175, jr.; LB: Ethan Hostetler, West Jefferson, 6-1, 180, sr.; Vince Berardi, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-3, 180, sr.; AJ Schafer, Columbus Grove, 6-1, 225, sr.; Jacob Rayburn, Arcanum, 5-9, 170, sr.; Austin Rismiller, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-3, 210, sr.; Grant Johnson, Dalton, 5-10, 190, sr.; Alex Anderson, Canton Central Catholic, 5-10, 170, sr.

DB: Jacob Sanders, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-7, 150, jr.; Sam McCaffery, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-1, 170, sr.; Ryan Coyle, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-9, 170, soph.; Jamison Watts, New Paris National Trail, 6-0, 165, jr.; Justin Finkbine, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-5, 190, sr.; P: Aiden Eifert, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 185, sr.; Eric Groesser, Sullivan Black River, 6-0, 195, jr.

Third Team Offense QB: Evan Kreais, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-4, 170, jr.; Hayden Kuhn, Ashland Crestview, 6-0, 155, sr.; Nathan Boiarski, Orwell Grand Valley, 6-3, 190, sr.; Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 230, jr.; Jared Witherow, Malvern, 6-4, 180, soph.; Hobie Raikes, Worthington Christian, 5-9, 165, jr.; Preston Sellers, Dayton Christian, 5-10, 195, sr.

RB: Rocco Alfieri, Kirtland, 5-10, 180, jr.; Breckin Dugan, Elgin, 5-8, 140, sr.; Awesom Mitchell, North Lewisburg Triad, 5-11, 185, soph.; Kendall Luckett, Deer Park, 6-0, 200, sr.; Reed Wehr, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-7, 170, jr.; Ian Erb, Mineral Ridge, 6-1, 180, jr.

WR/TE: LeJon Woods, Garfield Heights Trinity, 5-9, 165, sr.; Robert Rogers, Orwell Grand Valley, 6-2, 175, jr.; Hunter Yates, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-0, 170, jr.; Mason Book, West Jefferson, 6-2, 180, jr.; Tanner Printz, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-0, 160, jr.; Isaiah Jones, Brookfield, 6-4, 200, sr.; Jontrell Mixon, Youngstown Valley Christian, 6-4, 230, sr.

OL: Matthew Kahley, Kirtland, 6-0, 225, soph.; Brock Bushong, Carey, 6-3, 280, sr.; Elias Bazell, Coal Grove, 6-2, 230, sr.; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-5, 330, sr.; Spencer Ebersbach, Newcomerstown, 6-0, 270, soph.; Hayden Krinn, Mount Gilead, 6-0, 240, jr.; Caleb Coolman, Dayton Christian, 6-3, 305, sr.; Wyatt Jones, Newton Falls, 6-3, 275, sr.

K: Frank Washburn, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-2, 180, sr.

Third Team Defense DL: Will Bates, Kirtland, 5-10, 190, jr.; Angelo Rocco, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-0, 180, sr.; Luke Zody, Worthington Christian, 6-1, 240, sr.; Charles Naylor, Northmor, 6-0, 200, jr.; LB: Rory Corrigan, Independence, 6-0, 210, sr.; JT Patrick, Castalia Margaretta, 6-0, 196, sr.; George Hulsey, Martins Ferry, 5-9, 180, sr.; Brayden Roth, Bellaire, 5-11, 180, sr.; James Ashton, Berne Union, 6-1, 207, sr.; Jack Rickert, Grandview, 5-11, 225, sr.; Shepard Snell, Cincinnati Country Day, 6-3, 175, jr.; Nathan Rohrman, Mineral Ridge, 6-1, 225, sr.

DB: Josh Nocella, Wellington, 5-9, 170, sr.; AJ Landon, Fairbanks, 5-11, 175, jr.; Hunter Fulk, Northmor, 5-10, 150, jr.; Kaden Rosebrook, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Blake Berrier, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-1, 170, jr.; P: Clay Greuey, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-4, 205, jr.

Honorable Mention QB: Ryan Croston, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-10, 180, jr.; Jake Heatherington, Bellaire, 6-2, 185, sr.; Clayton Miller, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-0, 180, soph.; AJ Bower, Northmor, 6-0, 175, soph.; Braydan Taylor, Grove City Christian, 6-2, 195, sr; Lance Rickle, Kamryn Lohr, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 5-11, 190, sr.; Zeke Cameron, Mogadore, 6-1, 170, jr.; Triston Valley, Mineral Ridge, 6-0, 185, sr.

RB: Trenton Barraza, Columbus Grove, 6-1, 174, soph.; Quinton Puckett, Huntington, 5-10, 155, sr.; Nathan Dreitzler, Frankfort Adena, 6-2, 190, soph.; Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley, 5-7, 215, soph.; Hudson Stalder, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 180, sr.; Tev’n Williams, Martins Ferry, 5-10, 180, soph.; Austin Powell, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-8, 160, sr.; Garrett George, Mount Gilead, 5-11, 185, sr.; Gabe McGill, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 165, jr.; Cais Kingsley, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-10, 165, jr.; Jack Hoel, Harrod Allen East, 5-8, 200, jr.; JeSean Lindsey, Youngstown Valley Christian, 5-8, 180, soph.; Kordell French, Rock Hill, 5-8, 155, sr.

WR/TE: Riley Dunbar, Metamora Evergreen, 6-5, 185, jr.; Chris Buchanan, Collins Western Reserve, 6-3, 170, sr.; Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern, 5-9, 155, jr.; Max Frank, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 170, jr.; OL: Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, sr.; Evan Fisher, Oak Hill, 6-2, 275, sr.; Dylan Phillips, Malvern, 6-2, 175, jr.; Carson Steinmetz, East Knox, 5-10, 165, sr.; Titus Gehret, Versailles, 6-0, 205, sr.; Craig Reed, West Salem Northwestern, 6-1, 170, sr.; Zach Frankford, Loudonville, 5-10, 180, sr.

OL: Kalen Skidmore, Bucyrus Wynford, 6-0, 255, jr.; Jared Trenner, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 5-9, 210, sr.; Kaleb Bailey, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-3, 252, sr.; Frank McClelland, Malvern, 6-5, 280, sr.; Lucas Littell, Bellaire, 6-0, 245, sr.; Colin McAvoy, Cardington, 6-0, 205, sr.; Christian Miller, Fairbanks, 5-9, 190, sr.; Tyler Richmond, Grove City Christian, 6-2, 315, sr.; Sean Roberts, New Paris National Trail, 6-0, 255, sr.; Paul Day, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-1, 225, jr.; Wylie Harbour, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 250, sr.; Michael Warner, North Lewisburg Triad, 5-9, 250, sr.; Blake Weyant, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-1, 345, sr.; Matt Allomong, Carey, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Dallas McCracken, Hanoverton United, 6-5, 290, jr.; Evan Riffle, Ravenna Southeast, 6-4, 290, sr.; Connor Heater, Brookfield, 6-2, 255, sr.; Tyler Shellenbarger, Mogadore, 5-8, 250, sr.; T.J. Perkins, Canton Central Catholic, 5-9, 225, sr.

K: Braylen Kennedy, Harrod Allen East, 6-0, 135, sr.; Braxton Morton, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 5-9, 150, jr.; Ryan Runyon, Malvern, 5-9, 150, jr.; Devin Holloway, Ashland Crestview, 5-10, 155, sr.

DL: Nathan Brodman, Carey, 6-4, 205, jr.; Aiden Behrman, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-5, 170, sr.; Dillon Bryan, Columbus Grove, 6-0, 190, sr.; Will Nutter, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-3, 230, soph.; Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, jr.; Dalton Black, Huntington, 6-2, 195, sr.; K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern, 6-4, 290, sr.; Maleek Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 215, sr.; Cole Wright, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 220, jr.; Carter McConnell, Newcomerstown, 5-10, 185, soph.; Kyle Bossert, Malvern, 6-2, 245, jr.; Alex Reese, Martins Ferry, 6-5, 215, soph.; Graham Baker, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-10, 215, jr.; Wyatt Adams, Berne Union, 6-1, 180, sr.; Jacob Neighbarger, East Knox, 5-9, 185, sr.; Gage McQueen, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-11, 250, sr.; Gage Summit, Carey, 6-0, 175, sr.; Drew Nero, Rootstown, 6-4, 225, sr.; Austin Wise, Atwater Waterloo, 6-2, 225, sr.; Micah Simpson, Loudonville, sr.; Colin Jones, 6-0, 215, Dalton, jr.

LB: Anthony Starr, Brooklyn, 5-10, 160, sr.; Nathan Patfield, Wellington, 5-9, 205, sr.; Kade Wireman, Harrod Allen East, 5-8, 155, sr.; Shawn Bailey, Ashland Crestview, 6-3, 180, sr.; Gabe Thew, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-2, 210, sr.; Drew Seitz, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-2, 225, sr.; Jagger Endicott, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 5-10, 175, sr.; Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill, 5-11, 200, sr.; Gavin Richards, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 160, jr., Sr.; Lakota Davis, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 225, sr.; Charlie Parry, Old Washington Buckeye Trail, 6-4, 185, jr.; Manny Walker, Malvern, 5-8, 145, jr.; Jacob Feldner, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 5-8, 180, jr.; Cayden Carroll, Grove City Christian, 5-9, 170, soph.; Josh Wilcoxon, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 185, soph.; Blake Hopkins, Sullivan Black River, 5-11, 185, jr.; AJ Bartolin, Brookfield, 6-1, 185, sr.; Kaiden Kirila, Brookfield, 5-11, 210, jr.; Mason Miller, Mineral Ridge, 6-2, 190, sr.

DB: Shep Halker, Columbus Grove, 5-9, 155, sr.; Nathan Buschur, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-11, 170, sr.; Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove, 6-0, 175, jr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 160, soph.; Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley, 5-11, 160, sr.; Weston Miley, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-3, 170, jr.; Baron Lucey, Martins Ferry, 5-9, 165, jr.; Terrin Frazier, Bellaire, 5-10, 150, sr.; Brandon Anderson, Deer Park, 5-9, 160, sr.; Ben Browning, New Paris National Trail, 5-10, 170, sr.; Cole Bishop, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-0, 170, jr.; Justin Oliver, Dayton Christian, 5-9, 160, sr.; Devin Graham, Mogadore, 6-2, 155, jr.; Nolan Hartsel, West Salem Northwestern, 6-2, 205, sr.; Ethan Stutz, Dalton, 6-0, 175, sr.; Brett Carsone, Brookfield, 5-8, 170, jr.; Owen McDevitt, North Jackson Jackson-Milton, 5-9, 155, sr.; Dan Boron, Canton Central Catholic, 5-10, 170, jr.

P: Devon Dzik, Cuyahoga Heights, 5-9, 150, soph.; Drew DeWitt, New Paris National Trail, 6-4, 210, jr.; Eric Allison, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-5, 175, sr.; Jackson Gregory, Van Buren, 6-3, 195, sr.; Luke DeAngelis, Rootstown, 6-3, 230, sr.

FOOTBALL 2023

57

Ironton Fighting Tigers Playoff Run To D5 State Finals Game Boxscores Minford 0 0 0 7 = 7 Ironton 21 17 6 7 = 51 First Quarter Irn — Shaun Terry 36 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 9:26 Irn— Jaquez Keyes 9 run (Evan Williams kick) 5:19 Irn — Landen Wilson 9 run (Evan Williams kick) 0:00 Second Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 6 run (Evan Williams kick) 9:35 Irn — Ty Perkins 57 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 545 Irn — Evan Williams 26 field goal 1:12 Third Quarter Irn — Tyler Carmon 7 run (kick failed) 8:34 Fourth Quarter Mn — Jeff Pica 12 run (Myles Montgomery kick) 8:41 Irn — DeAngelo Weekly 24 run (David Fields kick) 1:46 ——— Mn Irn First downs 10 24 Rushes-yards 28-135 29-200 Passing yards 3 234 Total yards 138 434 Cmp-Att-Int 2-11-1 12-17-0 Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0 Penalties-yards 4-40 7-60 Punts-average 5-33.6 1-27.0 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Minford: Jeff Pica 24-120 TD, Bennett Kayser 1-13, Randall Schreick 2-5, Bryson McQuade 1-minus 3; Ironton: Jacquez Keyes 10-72 2TD, Zayne Williams 1-12, C.J. Martin 1-8, Trevor Carter 1-18, Braden Schreck 1-7, Tyler Carmon 6-37 TD, DeAngelo Weekly 6-58 TD, Bailey Thacker 2-9, team 1-minus 21.

PASSING–Minford: Bennett Kayser 2-11-1 3; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 9-11 199 2TD, Braden Schreck 2-3-0 44, Bailey Thacker 1-3-0 4.

RECEIVING–Minford: Jeff Pica 1-5, Mason Book 1-minus 2; Ironton: Ty Perkins 3-80 TD, Shaun Terry 4-67 TD, Braden Schreck 2-37, Aiden Young 1-19, C.J. Martin 1-31 MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Portsmouth 0 0 0 7 = 7 Ironton 21 14 6 7 = 48 First Quarter Irn — Landen Wilson 22 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 11:23 Irn — Jaquez Keyes 18 run (Evan Williams kick) 8:50 Irn — DeAngelo Weekly 1 run (Evan Williams kick) 5:01 Second Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 42 run (Evan Williams kick) 6:45 Irn — Braden Schreck 27 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 4:25 Third Quarter Irn — C.J. Martin 22 pass from Bailey Thacker (kick failed) 6:11 Fourth Quarter Prt — Jayden Duncan 8 pass from Tyler Duncan (Zach Roth kick) 10:11 Irn — Jesse Copas 16 run (David Fields kick) 5:26 ——— Prt Irn First downs 11 15 Rushes-yards 21-39 18-135 Passing yards 123 182 Total yards 162 317 Cmp-Att-Int 15-19-0 9-12-0 Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-0 Penalties-yards 2-20 3-35 Punts-average 5-26.0 0-00.0 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Portsmouth: Brenden Truett 14-58, Beau Hammond 3-5, J.T. Williams 1-0, Tyler Duncan 3-minus 33; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 7-118 2TD, Kanden Wilson 1-11, Jesse Copas 2-17 TD, C.J. Martin 1-8, DeAngelo Weekly 2-1 TD, Zayne Williams 3-3, Tayden Carpenter 2-minus 12.

PASSING–Portsmouth: Tyler Duncan 15-19-0 123 TD; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 7-9-0 141 2TD, Bailey Thacker 1-2-0 22 TD, Braden Schreck 1-1-0 19.

RECEIVING–Portsmouth: Jayden Duncan 6-54 TD, Beau Hammond 6-52, Nathaniel Berry 1-2, Brenden Truet 1-5, Chase Heiland 1-10; Ironton: Ty Perkins 3-74, Landen Wilson 2-23 TD, Braden Schreck 1-27 TD, C.J. Martin 1-22 TD, Shaun Terry 1-17, Bailey Thacker 1-19.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Ports. West Ironton Second Quarter

0 0

0 21

7 0

0 14

= 7 = 35

Irn — Amari Felder 1 run (Evan Williams kick) 11:56 Irn — Aiden Young 64 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 9:55 Irn — Ty Perkins 37 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 1:05 Third Quarter PW — Ryan Sissel 7 run (Carson Malnar kick) 7:45 Fourth Quarter Irn — Ty Perkins 45 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 11:44 Irn — Ty Perkins 37 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 9:30 ——— PW Irn First downs 5 18 Rushes-yards 29-63 37-121 Passing yards 21 264 Total yards 84 385 Cmp-Att-Int 4-14-2 16-21-1 Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-0 Penalties-yards 2-10 7-85 Punts-average 6-35.2 3-34.7 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Portsmouth West: Ryan Sissel 16-55 TD, Mitchell Irwin 5-minus 4, Hayden Lore 3-2, Jeffery Bishop 5-10; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 9-39, Amari Felder 8-38 TD, Landen Wilson 3-24, Zayne Williams 4-12, DeAngelo Weekly 2-14, Jose Copas 1-5, Braden Schreck 1-3, Tayden Carpenter 6-minus 9, team 3-minus 5.

PASSING–Portsmouth West: Mitchell Irwin 4-4-2 21; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 16-21-1 264 4TD. RECEIVING–Portsmouth West: Cole Tipton 1-13, Brandon Anderson 1-4; Ironton: Ty Perkins 6-147 3-TD, Aiden Young 2-65 TD, Landen Wilson 2-15, C.J. Martin 1-13, Shaun Terry 2-6, Zayne Williams 1-1, Amari Felder 1-5, Braden Schreck 1-12.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Harvest Prep 0 0 0 0 = 0 Ironton 7 7 14 6 = 34 First Quarter Irn — Ty Perkins 23 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 5:53 Second Quarter Irn — Tayden Carpenter 2 run (Evan Williams kick) 6:00 Third Quarter Irn — Ty Perkins 17 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 632 Irn — Ty Perkins 20 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 2:58 Fourth Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 2 run (pass failed) 11:55 ——— HP Irn First downs 10 18 Rushes-yards 22-49 29-79 Passing yards 81 243 Total yards 130 322 Cmp-Att-Int 9-24-3 15-20-0 Fumbles-lost 3-1 0-0 Penalties-yards 7-71 8-75 Punts-average 1-35.0 0-00.0 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Harvest Prep: Marchello Cox 3-14, Aidan Rogers 9-21, Ernest Pierce 8-24, Shavez Watkins 1-0, team 1-minus 10; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 6-21 TD, Amari Felder 8-18, Braden Schreck 1-minus 12, Tayden Carpenter 10-34 TD, Zayne Williams 1-14 Jesse Copas 1-6, team 2-minus 2.

PASSING–Harvest Prep: Aidan Rogers 8-23-3 69, Ernest Pierce 1-1-0 12; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 15-20-0 243 3-TD. RECEIVING–Harvest Prep: Chris Brown 1-25, Justin Batista 3-36, Shawn Ruffin 3-18, Marchello Cox 1-0, Shavez Watkins 1-2; Ironton: Ty Perkins 6-123 3-TD, Shaun Terry 4-54, Landen Wilson 2-21, Braden Schreck 1-8, Lincoln Barnes 1-29, Amari Felder 1-10, C.J. Martin 1-minus 2.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Valley View 7 14 0 0 = 21 Ironton 7 7 14 7 = 35 First Quarter Irn — Tayden Carpenter 2 run (Evan Williams kick) 8:59 VV — Jake Clark 1 run (Caden Phillips kick) 5:04 Second Quarter VV — Jedrek Lynch 2 pass from Caden Henson (Cade Phillips kick) 8:30 VV — Austin Stidham recover fumble in end zone

(Caden Phillips kick) 7:09 Irn — Jaquez Keyes 3 run (Evan Williams kick) 5:54 Third Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 72 run (Evan Williams kick) 11:48 Irn — Shaun Terry 51 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 1:12 Fourth Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 2 run (Evan Williams kick) 3:52 ——— VV Irn First downs 12 12 Rushes-yards 24-60 41-257 Passing yards 184 246 Total yards 244 504 Cmp-Att-Int 13-22-3 15-2-1 Fumbles-lost 1-1 2-1 Penalties-yards 2-7 10-105 Punts-average 3-39.0 2-35.5 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Valley View: Jake Clark 13-54, Austin Stidham 3-11, Caden Henson 8-minus 5; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 13-150 3-TD, Amari Felder 15-66, Tayden Carpenter 10-35, Landen Wilson 3-6.

PASSING–Valley View: Caden Henson 13-21–2 149 TD, Austin Stidham 0-1-1; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 15-25-1 246 TD. RECEIVING–Valley View: Troy Hypes 1-29, Austin Stidham 6-125, Jedrek Lynch 3-22, Jake Clark 3-8; Ironton: Ty Perkins 2-14, Aiden Young 4-42, Landen Wilson 2-55, Shaun Terry 3-71 TD, C.J. Martin 2-61, Trevor Carter 1-4, Jaquez Keyes 1-minus 1, MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

South Range 14 18 7 14 = 53 Ironton 7 7 7 6 = 27 First Quarter SR — Billy Skripac 7 run (Logan Butcher kick) 8:30 Irn — Lincoln Barnes 66 pas from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 8:13 SR — J.D. Crouse 40 pass from Billy Skripac (Logan Butcher kick) 0:42 Second Quarter

Good luck all area schools!

SR — Billy Skripac 5 run (kick failed) 11:14 SR — Billy Skripac 8 run (kick failed) 8:52 Irn — Ty Perkins 31 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 5:19 SR — Blake Ewert 31 run (pass failed) 3:13 Third Quarter SR — Shane Lindstrom 65 pass from Billy Skripac (Logan Butcher kick) 6:01 Irn — Amari Felder 7 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 4:46 Fourth Quarter SR — Dean Depizzo 8 pass from Billy Skripac (Logan Butcher kick) 7:57 Irn — Ty Perkins 27 pass from Tayden Carpenter (pass failed) 5:58 SR — Aidan Dominguez 3 run (Logan Butcher kick) 1:45 ——— SR Irn First downs 21 16 Rushes-yards 44-225 21-46 Passing yards 339 343 Total yards 564 389 Cmp-Att-Int 14-26-0 22-37-1 Fumbles-lost 1-0 1-1 Penalties-yards 9-67 10-92 Punts-average 2-21.0 3-31.3 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–South Range: Billy Skripac 12-57 3-TD, Blake Ewert 19-142 TD, Tyler Remis 4-15, Aidan Dominguez 2-12 TD, Hunter Knauf 2-10, Ayden Leon 1-minus 1, Jake Starkey 1-minus 1, team 3-minus 9; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 9-22, Amari Felder 4-20, Aiden Young 1-5, Tayden Carpenter 7-minus 1.

PASSING–South Range: Billy Skripac 13-25-0 331 3-TD, Shane Lindstrom 1-1-0 8; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 21-361 325 4-TD, Braden Schreck 1-1-0 18.

RECEIVING–South Range: Shane Lindstrom 6-176 TD, J.D. Crouse 3-71 TD, A Leon 3-54, J Starkey 1-30, Dean Depizzo 1-8 TD; Ironton: Ty Perkins 7-121 2-TD, Landen Wilson 5-61, Shaun Terry 3-23, Amari Felder 2-45 TD, Aiden Young 2-18, C.J. Martin 1-minus 5.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

58

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 OHSAA Division 5 Regional Assingments ID District School 105 C Columbus 105 C AFRICENTRIC 108 SE ALEXANDER 114 C AMANDA-CLEARCREEK 162 E BARNESVILLE 334 C CENTERBURG 362 SE CHESAPEAKE 410 C COL. ACADEMY 556 SE FAIRLAND 1737 C HARVEST PREP 706 C HEATH 760 SE IRONTON 866 C LIBERTY UNION 1000 E MEADOWBROOK 1008 SE MEIGS 1048 SE MINFORD 1100 SE NEW LEXINGTON 1166 SE NORTHWEST 1256 SE PIKETON 1268 SE PORTSMOUTH 1270 SE PORTS. WEST 816 SE RIVER VALLEY 1458 SE SOUTH POINT 1566 E UNION LOCAL 1584 C UTICA 1652 SE WELLSTON 1690 E W. MUSKINGUM 1696 SE WHEELERSBURG 1740 C WORTH. CHRISTIAN

City Div AFRICENTRIC V COLUMBUS V ALBANY V AMANDA V BARNESVILLE V CENTERBURG V CHESAPEAKE V GAHANNA V PROCTORVILLE V CANAL WINCHESTER V HEATH V IRONTON V BALTIMORE V BYESVILLE V POMEROY V MINFORD V NEW LEXINGTON V MC DERMOTT V PIKETON V PORTSMOUTH V W. PORTSMOUTH V BIDWELL V SOUTH POINT V BELMONT V UTICA V WELLSTON V ZANESVILLE V WHEELERSBURG V WORTHINGTON V

Region 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19

ID District School 134 NW ARCHBOLD 394 NW COLDWATER 466 NW DELTA 508 NW EASTWOOD 518 NW EDISON 530 NW ELMWOOD 614 C FREDERICKTOWN 636 NW GENOA AREA 712 C HIGHLAND 746 NW HURON 754 SW INDIAN LAKE 820 NW LAKE 864 NW LIBERTY CENTER 862 NW LIBERTY-BENTON 1156 C NORTH UNION 1172 NW NORTHWOOD 1184 NW OAK HARBOR 1212 NW OTSEGO 1214 NW OTTAWA-GLANDORF 1260 C PLEASANT 1266 NW PORT CLINTON 1468 NW SPENCERVILLE 1506 NW SWANTON 1710 NW WILLARD

City ARCHBOLD COLDWATER DELTA PEMBERVILLE MILAN BLOOMDALE FREDERICKTOWN GENOA MARENGO HURON LEWISTOWN MILLBURY LIBERTY CENTER FINDLAY RICHWOOD NORTHWOOD OAK HARBOR BOWLING GREEN OTTAWA MARION PORT CLINTON SPENCERVILLE SWANTON WILLARD

Region 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

Div V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

ID District School 170 NE BEACHWOOD 202 NE BERKSHIRE 262 NE BROOKSIDE 346 NE CHAGRIN FALLS 354 NE CHAMPION 380 NE CLEARVIEW 416 NE CONNEAUT 426 E COSHOCTON 440 NE CRESTWOOD 519 E EDISON 560 NE FAIRLESS 570 NE FAIRVIEW 630 NE GARFIELD 294 E HARRISON CENTRAL 808 NE KEYSTONE 828 NE LAKEVIEW 860 NE LIBERTY 936 NE MANCHESTER 1174 NE NORWAYNE 1210 NE ORRVILLE 1246 NE PERRY 1300 E RIDGEWOOD 1396 E SANDY VALLEY 1426 NE SMITHVILLE 1460 NE SOUTH RANGE 1548 NE TRIWAY

City BEACHWOOD BURTON SHEFFIELD CHAGRIN FALLS WARREN LORAIN CONNEAUT COSHOCTON MANTUA RICHMOND NAVARRE FAIRVIEW PARK GARRETTSVILLE CADIZ LA GRANGE CORTLAND YOUNGSTOWN NEW FRANKLIN CRESTON ORRVILLE PERRY WEST LAFAYETTE MAGNOLIA SMITHVILLE CANFIELD WOOSTER

Div V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

Region 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

ID District School 208 SW BETHEL-TATE 228 SW BLANCHESTER 264 SW BROOKVILLE 318 SW CARLISLE 1956 SW CLARK MONTESSORI 382 SW CLERMONT NE 490 SW EAST CLINTON 588 SW FINNEYTOWN 672 SW GREENEVIEW 676 SW GREENON 9461 SW JNG MONTESSORI 920 SW MADEIRA 924 SW MADISON SENIOR 928 C MADISON-PLAINS 954 SW MARIEMONT 1018 SW MIAMI EAST 1042 SW MILTON-UNION 1134 SW N. COLLEGE HILL 1136 SW NORTHEASTERN 1168 SW NORTHWESTERN 1176 SW NORWOOD 1272 SW PREBLE SHAWNEE 1276 SW PURCELL MARIAN 1504 SW SUM. COUNTRY DAY 1590 SW VALLEY VIEW 1644 SW WAYNESVILLE 1676 SE WESTFALL 1752 SE ZANE TRACE

City BETHEL BLANCHESTER BROOKVILLE CARLISLE CINCINNATI BATAVIA SABINA CINCINNATI JAMESTOWN ENON CINCINNATI CINCINNATI MIDDLETOWN LONDON CINCINNATI CASSTOWN WEST MILTON CINCINNATI SOUTRH VIENNA SPRINGFIELD NORWOOD CAMDEN CINCINNATI CINCINNATI GERMANTOWN WAYNESVILLE WILLIAMSPORT CHILLICOTHE

Div V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

Region 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

FOOTBALL 2023

59

2023 OHSAA Division 6 Regional Assingments ID District School City Div 182 E BELLAIRE BELLAIRE VI 194 SE BELPRE BELPRE VI 284 E BUCKEYE TRAIL LORE CITY VI 314 C CARDINGTON-LINCOLN CARDINGTON VI 442 SE CROOKSVILLE CROOKSVILLE VI 458 SE DAWSON-BRYANT COAL GROVE VI 498 C EAST KNOX HOWARD VI 524 C ELGIN MARION VI 598 E FORT FRYE BEVERLY VI 624 E GARAWAY SUGARCREEK VI 664 C GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS COLUMBUS VI 681 C GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN GROVE CITY VI 900 NE LOUDONVILLE LOUDONVILLE VI 968 E MARTINS FERRY MARTINS FERRY VI 1072 C MOUNT GILEAD MOUNT GILEAD VI 1084 SE NELSONVILLE-YORK NELSONVILLE VI 1090 C NEWARK CATHOLIC NEWARK VI 1096 E NEWCOMERSTOWN NEWCOMERSTOWN VI 1144 C NORTHMOR GALION VI 1150 C NORTHRIDGE JOHNSTOWN VI 1186 SE OAK HILL OAK HILL VI 1318 SE ROCK HILL IRONTON VI 1418 E SHENANDOAH SARAHSVILLE VI 1540 SE TRIMBLE GLOUSTER VI 1558 E TUSCARAWAS VALLEY ZOARVILLE VI 1682 C WEST JEFFERSON West Jefferson VI

Region 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23

ID District School 256 NE BROOKFIELD 260 NE BROOKLYN 340 NE CENTRAL CATHOLIC 308 NE CARDINAL 366 NE CHIPPEWA 408 NE COLUMBIANA 436 NE CRESTVIEW 446 NE CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS 488 NE EAST CANTON EAST 504 NE EAST PALESTINE EAST 662 NE GRAND VALLEY 750 NE INDEPENDENCE 768 NE JACKSON-MILTON N. 812 NE KIRTLAND 818 NE LABRAE 1010 NE MEMORIAL 1044 NE MINERAL RIDGE 1058 NE MOGADORE 1112 NE NEWTON FALLS 1280 NE PYMATUNING VALLEY 1304 NE RITTMAN 1328 NE ROOTSTOWN 1448 NE SOUTHEAST 1542 NE TRINITY HS 1560 NE TUSLAW 1570 NE UNITED 1751 NE VALLEY CHRISTIAN 1630 NE WATERLOO

Region 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

City BROOKFIELD BROOKLYN CANTON MIDDLEFIELD DOYLESTOWN COLUMBIANA COLUMBIANA CUYAHOGA HTS. CANTON PALESTINE ORWELL INDEPENDENCE JACKSON KIRTLAND LEAVITTSBURG CAMPBELL MINERAL RIDGE MOGADORE NEWTON FALLS ANDOVER RITTMAN ROOTSTOWN RAVENNA GARFIELD HTS. MASSILLON HANOVERTON YOUNGSTOWN ATWATER

Div VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI

1640 NE 1706 NE

WAYNEDALE WICKLIFFE

APPLE CREEK WICKLIFFE

VI VI

21 21

ID District School 226 NE BLACK RIVER 236 NW BLUFFTON 290 NW BUCYRUS 316 NW CAREY 400 NW COLONEL CRAWFORD 404 NE COLUMBIA 412 NW COLUMBUS GROVE 434 NW CRESTVIEW 542 NW EVERGREEN 572 NW FAIRVIEW 708 NW HICKSVILLE 834 NW LAKOTA 946 NE MAPLETON 950 NW MARGARETTA 1170 NE NORTHWESTERN 1192 NE OBERLIN 1216 NW OTTAWA HILLS 1236 NW PAULDING 1308 NW RIVERDALE 1400 NW SENECA 1532 NW TINORA 1592 NW VAN BUREN 1646 NW WAYNE TRACE 1650 NE WELLINGTON 1670 NW WESTERN RESERVE 1722 NW WOODMORE 1742 NW WYNFORD

City Div SULLIVAN VI BLUFFTON VI BUCYRUS VI CAREY VI NORTH ROBINSON VI COLUMBIA STATION VI COLUMBUS GROVE VI ASHLAND VI METAMORA VI SHERWOOD VI HICKSVILLE VI KANSAS VI ASHLAND VI CASTALIA VI WEST SALEM VI OBERLIN VI TOLEDO VI PAULDING VI MT. BLANCHARD VI EAST ATTICA VI DEFIANCE VI VAN BUREN VI HAVILAND VI WELLINGTON VI COLLINS VI ELMORE VI BUCYRUS VI

Region 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

ID District School 102 SE ADENA 110 NW ALLEN EAST 120 SW ANNA 130 SW ARCANUM 368 SW CIN. COUNTRY DAY 460 SW DAYTON CHRISTIAN 462 SW DEER PARK 470 SW DIXIE NEW 544 C FAIRBANKS 744 SE HUNTINGTON 1082 SW NATIONAL TRAIL 1226 SE PAINT VALLEY 1230 NW PARKWAY 9057 SW RIVERVIEW E. ACAD. 1450 SE SOUTHEASTERN 1538 SW TRIAD NORTH 1546 SW TRI-VILLAGE 1553 SW TROY CHRISTIAN 1564 SW TWIN VAL. SOUTH W. 1586 SE VALLEY 1600 SW VERSAILLES 1688 SW W. LIBERTY-SALEM W. 1712 SW WILLIAMSBURG

City FRANKFORT HARROD ANNA ARCANUM CINCINNATI MIAMISBURG CINCINNATI LEBANON MILFORD CENTER CHILLICOTHE NEW PARIS BAINBRIDGE ROCKFORD Cincinnati CHILLICOTHE LEWISBURG NEW MADISON TROY ALEXANDRIA LUCASVILLE VERSAILLES LIBERTY WILLIAMSBURG

Region 24 24 24 24 4 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

Div VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI

60

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 OHSAA Division 7 Regional Assingments ID District School 172 E BEALLSVILLE 204 C BERNE UNION 222 E BISHOP ROSECRANS 250 E BRIDGEPORT 296 E CALDWELL 492 SE EASTERN 494 SE EASTERN 553 C FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN 594 C FISHER CATHOLIC 618 E FRONTIER 668 SE GREEN 938 SE MANCHESTER 1036 SE MILLER 1040 C MILLERSPORT 1063 E MONROE CENTRAL 1178 SE NOTRE DAME 1306 E RIVER 484 SE SCIOTOVILLE COMNITY 1406 E SHADYSIDE 1453 SE SOUTH GALLIA 1454 SE SOUTHERN 1514 SE SYMMES VALLEY 1628 SE WATERFORD

City Div BEALLSVILLE VII SUGAR GROVE VII ZANESVILLE VII BRIDGEPORT VII CALDWELL VII BEAVER VII REEDSVILLE VII LANCASTER VII LANCASTER VII NEW MATAMORAS VII FRANKLIN FURNACE VII MANCHESTER VII CORNING VII MILLERSPORT VII WOODSFIELD VII PORTSMOUTH VII HANNIBAL VII PORTSMOUTH VII SHADYSIDE VII CROWN CITY VII RACINE VII WILLOW WOOD VII WATERFORD VII

Region 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27

ID District School City Div 100 NW ADA ADA VII 126 NW ANTWERP ANTWERP VII 128 NW ARCADIA ARCADIA VII 136 NW ARLINGTON ARLINGTON VII 154 NW AYERSVILLE DEFIANCE VII 298 NW CALVERT TIFFIN VII 312 NW CRDNAL STRITCH CATH. OREGON VII 424 NW CORY-RAWSON RAWSON VII 438 NW CRESTVIEW CONVOY VII 512 NW EDGERTON EDGERTON VII 520 NW EDON EDON VII 640 NW GIBSONBURG GIBSONBURG VII 694 NW HARDIN NORTHERN DOLA VII 722 NW HILLTOP WEST UNITY VII 732 NW HOPEWELL-LOUDON BASCOM VII 772 NW JEFFERSON DELPHOS VII 854 NW LEIPSIC LEIPSIC VII 874 NW LIMA CENT. CATHOLIC LIMA VII 990 NW MC COMB MC COMB VII 1060 NW MOHAWK SYCAMORE VII 1066 NW MONTPELIER MONTPELIER VII 1130 NW NORTH BALTIMORE NORTH BALTIMORE VII 1132 NW NORTH CENTRAL PIONEER VII 1228 NW PANDORA-GILBOA PANDORA VII 1234 NW PATRICK HENRY HAMLER VII 1242 NW PERRY LIMA VII 1296 C RIDGEDALE MORRAL VII 1298 NW RIDGEMONT Mt. Victory VII 1358 NW ST JOHN’S DELPHOS VII 1370 NW ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC FREMONT VII 1576 NW UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY MC GUFFEY VII 1594 NW VANLUE VANLUE VII 1642 NW WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN WAYNESFIELD VII

Region 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

ID District School City Div 278 NW BUCKEYE CENTRAL NEW WASHINGTON VII 326 E CATHOLIC CENTRAL STEUBENVILLE VII 418 E CONOTTON VALLEY BOWERSTON VII 432 NW CRESTLINE CRESTLINE VII 450 NE DALTON DALTON VII 454 C DANVILLE DANVILLE VII 456 NE DAVID ANDERSON LISBON V II 566 NE FAIRPORT HARDING FAIRPORT HARBOR VII 720 NE HILLSDALE JEROMESVILLE VII 786 NE JOHN F KENNEDY WARREN VII 850 NE LEETONIA LEETONIA VII 906 NE LOWELLVILLE LOWELLVILLE VII 908 NW LUCAS LUCAS VII 934 E MALVERN MALVERN VII 974 NE MATHEWS VIENNA VII 992 NE MCDONALD MCDONALD VII 1064 NW MONROEVILLE MONROEVILLE VII 1262 NW PLYMOUTH PLYMOUTH VII 1294 NE RICHMOND HEIGHTS RICHMOND HTS VII 996 NE SEBRING MC KINLEY SEBRING VII 1446 NW SOUTH CENTRAL GREENWICH VII 1456 NE SOUTHERN LOCAL SALINEVILLE VII 1478 NE SPRINGFIELD NEW MIDDLETOWN VII 1359 NE ST JOHN SCHOOL ASHTABULA VII 1374 NW ST PAUL NORWALK VII 1378 NE ST THOMAS AQUINAS LOUISVILLE VII 1494 E STRASBURG-FRANKLIN STRASBURG VII 1536 E TORONTO TORONTO VII 1556 E TUSCARAWAS CATH. NEW PHILADELPHIA VII 1654 NE WELLSVILLE WELLSVILLE VII 1668 NE WESTERN RESERVE BERLIN CENTER VII 1716 NE WINDHAM WINDHAM VII

Region 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

ID District School City Div 122 SW ANSONIA ANSONIA VII 246 SW BRADFORD BRADFORD VII 324 SW CATHOLIC CENTRAL SPRINGFIELD VII 328 SW CEDARVILLE CEDARVILLE VII 9272 SW CIN. COLLEGE PREP. CINCINNATI VII 430 SW COVINGTON COVINGTON VII 576 SW FAYETTEVILLE-PERRY FAYETTEVILLE VII 602 SW FORT LORAMIE FORT LORAMIE VII 604 NW FORT RECOVERY FORT RECOVERY VII 776 SW JEFFERSON TWP DAYTON VII 852 SW LEHMAN CATHOLIC SIDNEY VII 886 SW LOCKLAND LOCKLAND VII 958 NW MARION LOCAL MARIA STEIN VII 1004 C MECHANICSBURG MECHANICSBURG VII 1023 SW MIAMI VAL. CHRISTIAN CINCINNATI VII 1052 NW MINSTER MINSTER VII 1054 SW MISSISSINAWA VALLEY UNION CITY VII 1092 NW NEW BREMEN NEW BREMEN VII 1104 SW NEW MIAMI HAMILTON VII 1310 SW RIVERSIDE DE GRAFF VII 1452 SW SOUTHEASTERN LOCAL SO. CHARLESTON VII 1340 SW ST BERNARD CINCNNATI VII 1352 NW ST HENRY ST HENRY VII 1562 SW TRI-COUNTY NORTH LEWISBURG VII

Region 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

FOOTBALL 2023

61

Senior members of the 2023 Ironton Fighting Tigers football team are: front row left to right, Justin Bryant, Phil Bowman, Connor Lowe, Ben Sloan, Creighton Bryant, Ethan Hellyer, Daryn Harvey and Mason Hitchler; second row left to right, Bryson Hayes, Bailey Thacker, Isaac Fitzpatrick, Aris Pittman, Noah Patterson, Gavin Hart, Tatum Moore and Tashawna Young. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhotos)

Lore

CONGRATULATIONS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES Now it’s time for college!

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FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Coal Grove Hornets football team are: front row left to right, Garrett Hankins, Whyatt Mannon, Devin Bloomfield, Steven Simpson, Gavin Gipson, Landon Roberts and Wesley Runyon; second row left to right, Brennan Meadows, Caleb Huff, Ian Davis, Brett Klaiber and Zach Delawder. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 Chesapeake Panthers are: seated left to right, Brooklyn McComas, Dannie Maynard, Camron Shockley, Mason Giles and Nate Mills; standing left to right, Andrew Ellis, Jacob Spitler, Will Schwamberger, Alex Plummer and Skylar Felder. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photo/For The Ironton Tribune)

FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Rock Hill Redmen football team are: front left to right, Matt Weber, Connor Blagg, Landon Rose and Isaiah Struck; standing left to right, Blake Porter, Levi Jiles, Chase Blevins and Cameron Stevens. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 South Point Pointers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Eli Wilburn, Gage Chapman, Rece Craft, Anastasia Fahey, Blaine Freeman and Davin Heckard; second row left to right, Jalyn Anderson, Anthony Burks, Corey Newman, Owen Frederick, Jelonte Green, Xathan Haney, Braylon Bird and Dontae Harris. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

63

64

FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Fairland Dragons are: from left to right, Brycen Hunt, Christian Collins, Tristan Daily, Ryan Dixon, Peyton Jackson, Will Davis, Garrett Spence, Ryan McLain and Travis Barker. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 Symmes Valley Vikings football team are: from left to right, Johnathan Brammer, Sam McCleese, Eli Pratt and Aydan Taylor.

(Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Portsmouth Trojans football team are: front left to right, Kewan Lett, Nathaniel Berry and Gage Sowards; standing left to right, Zach Roth, Levaughn Cobb, Noah Livingston, Andrew Berry and Leo Poxes. (Jim Walker/The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 Green Bobcats are, from left to right, Ethan Blevins, Braxton Conschafsky, Brett Chaney, Eli Fitch, Nathaniel Brannigan and Cole Maynard. Not pictured was Abe McBee. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

65

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FOOTBALL 2023

5

Members of the 2023 Ironton Fighting Tigers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Kaden Duty-Anderson, Carter Bridges, Carson Akers, Bryson Kerns, Drayden Edens, Luke Fitzpatrick, Brycen Mullins, Asher Keyes, Silas Edwards, Maverick Banks, Landon Thomas, Ethan Sutton, Bryson Hayes and Trenton Patterson; second row from left to right, James Shope, No. 65, Gabe Fitzpatrick, Caleb Jacobs, Braiden Linn, Kayden Edwards, Joey Weaver, Tyson Harvey, Jase Williams, Mason Wheeler, David Fields, Maddix Markel, Braydon Baker, Tyler Carmon and Stephen Ison; third row from left to right, Aiden Hensley, Morgan Gleichauf, Daryn Harvey, Peyton McKnight, Braylon Sturgill, Josh Johnson, Tyler Roach, Austin Bump, Barkley Litton, Aiden Layne, Ian Farrow, Grant Day, Caleb Dickerson, Zayne Williams and Tyson Cox; fourth row from left to right, Markel Cotton, Gavin Hart, Mason Hitchler, Shaun Terry, Nick Sites, Braden Schreck, Bowen Gossett, Jesse Copas, Nathan McDade, Tashawna Young, Creighton Bryant and Jacob Jenkins; fifth row from left to right, Connor Lowe, Isaac Fitzpatrick, Aris Pittman, Tatum Moore, Bailey Thacker, Justin Bryant, Noah Patterson, Ben Sloan, Phil Bowman, Ethan Hellyer, Landen Lewis, Bryson Hayes and Levi Joseph. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhoto.com)

Ironton filling holes following state title run

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

There was a sighting report at Iron City Hardware where Ironton head coach Trevon Pendleton was allegedly asking Jim Hacker for some life-size containers of wood filler putty.

Okay, so that was just fake news, but Pendleton will be looking to fill a lot of holes this season after Ironton lost a large and talented senior class that took the team to the Division 5 title game for the third time in four seasons and post-

Patterson

Sloan

ed more wins by any class in school history.

“Obviously, when you lose a senior class like last year it’s very hard to replace,” said Ironton’s sixth-year head coach who guided the team to a 15-1 record and state runner-up.

“The great thing is we’ve been pretty fortunate to make some deep playoff runs lately and basically it gives us a whole second half a season. Playing 15 games or 16 games as opposed to 10, a lot of our kids grow up in that extra practice time.”

Thacker

Pittman

Hart

Pendleton explained how the extra time will benefit this year’s team that must jell quickly.

“The guys that are going to step in and play this year have a lot of experience whether it’s on Friday nights getting some reps or on Monday playing a great jayvee schedule, or whether it’s just practice time going against them guys that obviously were a pretty good group playing in the state championship.

“I owe a lot to that senior class last year with the heights they’ve taken the program to, and not only that

Moore

Schreck

but for preparing the kids below them to be ready to play football at a high level,” said Pendleton.

Ironton suffered its most impact on defense with all three linebackers signing with Division 1 schools and two defensive backs also going to the college ranks. Ironton lost eight defensive starters.

“We’ve got some guys you put the ball in their hands offensively they’re playmakers and just natural with the ball in their hands,” said Pendleton.

Copas

SEE “FILLING,” PAGE 8

Layne

Gossett

6

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 Ironton Fighting Tigers Football Schedule Ironton Fighting Tigers 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 0 Aris Pittman WR-DB 6-02 190 Sr. 2 Braylon Sturgill WR-DB 5-10 180 Jr. 3 Tyler Roach WR-DB 6-00 170 Jr. 4 Shaun Terry WR-DB 5-10 175 Jr. 5 Nick Sites WR-DB 6-01 180 Jr. 7 Kayden Edwards WR-DB 5-11 165 Fr. 8 Josh Johnson WR-DB 6-03 180 Jr. 9 Bryson Kerns WR-DB 5-10 150 Fr. 11 Bailey Thacker QB-DE 6-03 210 Sr. 12 Braden Schreck QB-WR-DB 6-02 185 Jr. 13 Phil Bowman WR-DB 5-09 175 Sr. 14 Mason Hitchler WR-DB 5-10 180 Sr. 15 Maddix Markel WR-DB 6-00 185 So. 18 Braydon Baker WR-DB 5-10 170 So. 19 Asher Keyes WR-DB 5-07 135 Fr. 20 Tyson Harvey WR-DB 5-09 155 Fr. 21 Brycen Mullins WR-DB 5-08 150 Fr. 22 Gavin Hart FB-LB 6-01 220 Sr. 23 Markel Cotton WR-DB 6-02 170 Jr. 24 Zayne Williams RB-DB 5-09 200 So. 26 Tyler Carmon RB-DB 5-11 180 So. 27 Justin Bryant WR-DB 5-07 145 Sr. 29 David Fields PK 5-11 165 So.

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 44 45 46 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61

Ben Sloan Stephen Ison Braden Barbour Landon Thomas Tatum Moore Tyson Cox Silas Edwards Ethan Hellyer Drayden Edens Ethan Sutton Jesse Copas Kaden Duty-Anderson Braiden Linn Jase Williams Aiden Hensley Aiden Layne Barkley Litton Morgan Gleichauf Austin Bump Isaac Fitzpatrick Gabe Fitzpatrick Peyton McKnight Levi Joseph Mason Wheeler Nathan McDade

RB-LB WR-DB RB-LB WR-DB TE-LB WR-LB WR-DB WR-DB RB-DB WR-DB RB-DL WR-DB TE-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

5-10 5-10 6-00 5-10 6-02 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-08 5-08 5-09 5-11 5-10 5-09 5-09 6-01 6-01 5-11 6-00 6-02 5-09 5-11 5-09 5-11 6-01

185 165 190 160 200 180 185 170 155 180 185 160 185 210 210 240 190 210 205 185 170 200 190 225 280

Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.

62 Jacob Jenkins OL-DL 6-02 290 Sr. 63 Creighton Bryant OL-DL 5-11 310 Sr. 64 Noah Patterson OL-DL 6-03 285 Sr. 66 Grant Day OL-DL 5-10 255 Jr. 67 Tashawna Young OL-DL 5-07 200 Sr. 68 Carson Akers OL-DL 6-00 210 Fr. 69 James Shope OL-DL 5-09 180 So. 70 Landen Lewis OL-DL 6-05 305 Jr. 72 Carter Bridges OL-DL 5-09 245 Fr. 74 Ayden Habkins TE-DL 6-04 250 Fr. 75 Bryson Hayes OL-DL 5-11 280 Sr. 76 Ian Farrow OL-DL 5-10 260 Jr. 77 Bowen Gossett OL-DL 6-02 265 Jr. 78 Caleb Jacobs OL-DL 6-04 255 So. 79 Caleb Dickerson OL-DL 6-02 270 So. 80 Connor Lowe WR-DB 5-10 165 Sr. 81 Maverick Banks WR-DB 5-07 120 Fr. 82 Daryn Harvey WR-DL 5-06 160 Sr. 83 Joey Weaver WR-DB 5-11 155 Fr. 85 Luke Fitzpatrick TE-DL 6-03 170 Fr. 87 Trenton Patterson WR-DB 6-01 155 So. Head coach: Trevon Pendleton Assistant coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Merril Triplett, Walt Delong, Terry Miller, Daniel Murphy, Breandon Walker, Keith Wetzel, Jermaine Keyes, Brett Thomas.

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FOOTBALL 2023

7

2023 Area Football Schedules of Interest 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20

Jackson Ironmen August LOGAN at Ironton September WHEELERSBURG at Western Brown Hamilton Ross at Wash. Court House at Miami Trace October at Hillsboro GREENFIELD McCLAIN CHILLICOTHE

Wheelersburg Pirates August 18 at Ironton 25 CIN. McNICHOLAS September 1 at Jackson 8 NORTHWEST# 15 at Lucasville Valley# 22 HARVEST PREP 29 at Oak Hill# October 6 WAVERLY# 13 at Minford# 20 PORTSMOUTH WEST# Portsmouth West Senators August 18 FAIRLAND 25 PORTSMOUTH September 1 HILLSBORO 8 at Wellston 15 at Waverly# 22 MINFORD# 29 at Lucas. Valley# October 6 at Northwest# 13 OAK HILL# 20 at Wheelersburg# #-Denotes SOC game

Waverly Tigers August 18 MIAMI TRACE 25 at Zane Trace September 1 at Unioto 8 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 15 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 22 at Oak Hill# 29 MINFORD# October 6 at Wheelersburg# 13 NORTHWEST# 20 at Mount Healthy #-Denotes SOC game Lucasville Valley Indians August 17 at Portsmouth 25 COAL GROVE September 1 PIKETON 8 at Waverly# 15 WHEELERSBURG# 22 at Northwest# 29 PORTSMOUTH WEST# October 6 OAK HILL# 13 at Grandview Heights 20 at Minford# #-Denotes SOC game

18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6

Minford Falcons August ROCK HILL at Chesapeake# September WELLSTON OAK HILL# at Northwest# at Portsmouth West# at Waverly# October at Logan

13 WHEELERSBURG# 20 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# #-Denotes OVC game Oak Hill Oaks August 18 at Wellston 25 at Piketon September 1 ROCK HILL 8 at Minford# 15 SOUTH GALLIA 22 WAVERLY# 29 WHEELERSBURG# October 6 at Lucasville Valley# 13 at Portsmouth West# 20 NORTHWEST# #-Denotes SOC game Northwest Mohawks August 18 at Southeastern 25 GREENFIELD McClain September 1 HUNTINGTON ROSS 8 at Wheelersburg# 15 MINFORD# 22 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 29 at Vinton County October 6 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 13 at Waverly# 20 at Oak Hill# #-Denotes SOC game

18 25 2 8 15 23

Notre Dame Titans August at Manchester BERNE UNION September FISHER CATHOLIC MEIGS EASTERN WILLIAMSBURG SOUTH GALLIA#

29

at Green# October 6 BEAVER EASTERN# 13 at Symmes Valley# 20 at Sciotoville East# #-Denotes SOC game South Gallia Rebels August 18 RACINE SOUTHERN 25 at River Valley September 1 MEIGS EASTERN 8 MANCHESTER 15 at Oak Hill 23 at Prts. Notre Dame# 29 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# October 6 at Green# 13 at Beaver Eastern# 20 SYMMES VALLEY# #-Denotes SOC game Beaver Eastern Eagles August 18 at Miller 25 HUNTINGTON ROSS September 1 at Southeastern 8 FAYETTEVILLE 15 RACINE SOUTHERN 22 at Sciotoville East# 29 SYMMES VALLEY# October 6 at Ports. Notre Dame# 13 SOUTH GALLIA# 20 at Green# #-Denotes SOC game Sciotoville East Tartans August 18 at Bishop Rosecrans 25 MANCHESTER September 1 at Miller 15 at Bradford 22 Beaver Eastern#

29

at South Gallia# October 6 at Symmes Valley 13 GREEN# 20 PRTS. NOTRE DAME# #-Denotes SOC game

18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 18 25 1 8 22 29 6 13 20 27

Russell Red Devils August MASON COUNTY at Greenup County September at South Point MAGOFFIN COUNTY ASHLAND, Ky. at Fleming County at West Carter October LEWIS COUNTY at Bath County EAST CARTER Boyd County Lions August at South Point, Ohio BELL COUNTY September EAST CARTER at Mason County at Johnson Central GREENUP COUNTY October ASHLAND, Ky. at Rowan County at Lawrence County PIKEVILLE

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8

FOOTBALL 2023

Filling

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE RT RG C LG LT WR WR QB FB RB WR PK

80 11 64 56 54 55 77 xx 55 53 52 77 0 xx 12 xx 11 12 24 xx 44 26 14 xx 19 36

Connor Lowe Bailey Thacker Noah Patterson Isaac Fitzpatrick Morgan Gleichauf Austin Bump Bowen Gossett Landen Lewis Austin Bump Barkley Litton Aiden Layne Bowen Gossett Aris Pittman Kayden Edwards Braden Schreck Nick Sites Bailey Thacker Braden Schreck Zayne Williams Gavin Hart Jesse Copas Tyler Carmon Shaun Terry Maddix Markel David Fields Wesley Neal DEFENSE

DE NG DE ILB ILB OLB OLB CB CB S S P

64 53 44 55 52 11 20 30 22 32 34 0 55 30 12 17 7 23 14 18 24 5 12 26

Noah Patterson Barkley Litton Jesse Copas Austin Bump Aiden Layne Bailey Thacker Braylon Sturgill Ben Sloan Gavin Hart Braden Barbour Tatum Moore Aris Pittman Austin Bump Ben Sloan Braden Schreck Maddix Markel Kayden Edwards Brayden Baker Shaun Terry Josh Johnson Zayne Williams Nick Sites Braden Schreck Tyler Carmon

Copas (5-09, 185) and sophomore Tyler Carmon (5-11, 180).

“They didn’t get as many touches, especially at the varsity level, that you would like to see but that was due to the guys ahead of them.

There were times when these guys were capable ballcarriers but the situation just didn’t arise,” said Pendleton.

“Throughout fall camp, we have gotten them touches whether it’s Zayne Williams, Gavin Hart, Jesse Copas, Tyler Carman, those guys have taken advantage of their carries. Honestly, they’ve done a great job not just in the run game, but the pass game and the pass blocking.

Pendleton said there will be a lot of different runnings used depending on the situation.

“You’re going to see a lot of different sets. We’re going to be very multiple. We’ll have two-back, twotight end stuff,” said Pendleton with a chuckle.

Ironton Fighting Tigers August 19 at Wheelersburg 26 at Jackson September 2 at Fairland# 10 JOHNSON CENTRAL 16 SOUTH POINT# 23 CHESAPEAKE# 30 at Rock Hill# October 7 COAL GROVE# 14 GALLIPOLIS# 21 at Portsmouth# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Trevon Pendleton

Ironton Fighting Tigers Ironton 40 Wheelersburg 6 Ironton 13 Jackson 10 Ironton 20 Fairland (OT) 14 Ironton 7 Cin. Moeller 25 Ironton 36 South Point 0 Ironton 56 Chesapeake 7 Ironton 54 Rock Hill 6 Ironton 48 Coal Grove 0 Ironton 43 Gallipolis 0 Ironton 36 Portsmouth 9 Playoffs Ironton 49 Wellston 6 Ironton 17 Portsmouth 6 Ironton 14 Wheelersburg 17 Record: 11-2

SEE “FILLING,” PAGE 9

2022 Results

IRONTON

“Defensively, we’ve got some holes to fill but we have a lot of guys who have gotten reps in the past. We guys who have made great strides through this amp going into the fall season. Over the course of the summer you could see day one to the final day you could see exponential growth in them.”

RECEIVERS Ironton lost several wide receivers including the versatile Landen Wilson and Cincinnati Bearcats recruit Ty Perkins.

Pendleton doesn’t have any single player to fill Perkins’ role but rather Ironton will do it by committee.

Among those in the group are juniors Braden Schreck (6-2, 185) and Shaun Terry (5-10, 175), both returning starters plus senior Aris Pittman (6-2, 190).

Terry has already received offers from Toledo, UMass and Eastern Michigan.

Schreck will also be in the quarterback room.

“Braden is a really good quarterback in itself. He has great ball skills and really soft hands,” said Pendleton. “Shaun Terry is just electric with ball in his hands. Aris Pittman is long on the edge and just coming into his own.”

Others in the mix are juniors Tyler Roach (6-0, 170) and Nick Sites (6-1, 180), senior Connor Lowe (5-10, 165), sophomores Brayden Baker (5-10, 170) and Maddix Markel (6-0, 185) along with freshman Kayden Edwards (5-11, 165).

“I think we have a lot of guys who have stepped up. Ty (Perkins) is a special player. He was able to take the lid off the defense. Just his speed and his strength could take the top off a defense at any point, make teams guard us differently,” said Pendleton.

“This year I think the strength of our receiver room is in our numbers. I think we’ve got six to seven guys who can roll in there.

Throughout our 7-on-7s, we played different groups here and there, mixed and matched them up and played different positions. So, we have a really good group of guys who can play and do multiple things. I’m really excited come Friday night.”

QUARTERBACK “It’s pretty good when you’re talking about your quarterbacks being some of the best athletes on the field and being able to play multiple positions. Bailey fits that same mold. If he’s not playing quarterback, he can easily play receiver at tight end. Obviously, Bailey is a doing a lot of good things for us at

quarterback. We think his athleticism is really going to show this fall,” Pendleton said of the 6-3, 210pound senior.

“Braden Schreck and Kayden Edwards they’re both more than capable. Braden is honestly is as good as it gets in the quarterback position.

“He’s a great athlete and he controls the offense. Kayden Edwards is just young right now, but his athleticism is off the charts. He’s a really hard worker, a really coachable kid. Our quarterback room are all smart kids and all coachable kids.”

The 6-2, 185-pound Schreck is a junior while the 5-11, 165-pound Edwards is just a freshman.

RUNNING BACKS Gone are a group of running backs that were led by Jaques Keyes and Landen Wilson. There are a plethora of candidates this season that include sophomore Zayne Williams (5-9, 200), senior Gavin Hart (6-1, 220), junior Jesse

2023 Schedule

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Trevon Pendleton (56-11 at Ironton and overall, 6th season) Assistant Coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Merril Triplett, Walt Delong, Terry Miller, Daniel Murphy, Brandon Walker, Keith Wetzel, Jermaine Keyes, Brett Thomas, Sonny Silva, Emmett Keyes, Scott Schmidt, Jared Smith, Tariq Thomas, Garrett Pendleton, Shane Kerns.

Equipment: Tim Collins, Jeremy Williams Key Returnees: Noah Patterson, Ben Sloan, Isaac Fitzpatrick, Braden Schreck, Shaun Terry, Bailey Thacker, Zayne Williams, Tyler Carmon, Jaxon Johnson, Aiden Layne, Bowen Gossett, Jesse Copas, Aris Pittman.

Key Losses: Lincoln Barnes, Tayden Carpenter, Ty Perkins, Trevor Carter, Jaques Keyes, Aiden Young, Amari Felder, Landen Wilson, C.J. Martin, DeAngelo Weekly, Cole Freeman, Tanner Moore, Hunter Moore, Evan Williams.

2022 Record: 15-1 (D5 state runners-up, 7-0 OVC first) Offense: Pro-I, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, 3-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starter: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 3

FOOTBALL 2023

Williams

9

Litton

Bump

Gleichauf

Lowe

Carmon

Markel

Johnson

Sturgill

Filling CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

“Defensively, we’ve got some holes to fill but we have a lot of guys who have gotten reps in the past. We guys who have made great strides through this amp going into the fall season.

Over the course of the summer you could see day one to the final day you could see exponential growth in them.”

RECEIVERS Ironton lost several wide receivers including the versatile Landen Wilson and Cincinnati Bearcats recruit Ty Perkins.

Pendleton doesn’t have any single player to fill Perkins’ role but rather Ironton will do it by committee.

Among those in the group are juniors Braden Schreck (6-2, 185) and Shaun Terry (5-10, 175), both returning starters plus senior Aris Pittman (6-2, 190).

Terry has already received offers from Toledo, UMass and Eastern Michigan.

Schreck will also be in the quarterback room.

“Braden is a really good quarterback in itself.

He has great ball skills and really soft hands,” said Pendleton.

“Shaun Terry is just electric with ball in his hands. Aris Pittman is long on the edge and just coming into his own.”

Others in the mix are juniors Tyler Roach (6-0, 170) and Nick Sites (6-1, 180), senior Connor Lowe (5-10, 165), sophomores Brayden Baker (5-10, 170) and Maddix Markel (6-0, 185) along with freshman Kayden Edwards (5-11, 165).

“I think we have a lot of guys who have stepped up. Ty (Perkins) is a special player. He was able to take the lid off the defense. Just his speed and his strength could take the top off a defense at any point, make teams guard us differently,” said Pendleton.

“This year I think the strength of our receiver room is in our numbers. I think we’ve got six to seven guys who can roll in there. Throughout our 7-on-7s, we played different groups here and there, mixed and matched them up and played different positions. So, we have a really good group of guys who can play and do multiple things. I’m really excited come Friday night.”

QUARTERBACK “It’s pretty good when you’re talking about your quarterbacks being some of the best athletes on the field and being able to play multiple positions. Bailey fits that same mold. If he’s not playing quarterback, he can easily play receiver at tight end. Obviously, Bailey is a doing a lot of good things for us at quarterback. We think his athleticism is really going to show this fall,” Pendleton said of the 6-3, 210-pound senior.

“Braden Schreck and Kayden Edwards they’re both more than capable. Braden is honestly is as good as it gets in the quarterback position.

“He’s a great athlete and he controls the

offense. Kayden Edwards is just young right now, but his athleticism is off the charts. He’s a really hard worker, a really coachable kid.

Our quarterback room are all smart kids and all coachable kids.”

The 6-2, 185-pound Schreck is a junior while the 5-11, 165-pound Edwards is just a freshman.

RUNNING BACKS Gone are a group of running backs that were led by Jaques Keyes and Landen Wilson. There are a plethora of candidates this season that include sophomore Zayne Williams (5-9, 200), senior Gavin Hart (6-1, 220), junior Jesse Copas (5-09, 185) and sophomore Tyler Carmon (5-11, 180).

“They didn’t get as many touches, especially at the varsity level, that you would like to see but that was due to the guys ahead of them.

There were times when these guys were capable ballcarriers but the situation just didn’t arise,” said Pendleton.

“Throughout fall camp, we have gotten them touches whether it’s Zayne Williams, Gavin Hart, Jesse Copas, Tyler Carman, those guys have taken advantage of their carries. Honestly, they’ve done a great job not just in the run game, but the pass game and the pass blocking.

Pendleton said there will be a lot of different runnings used depending on the situation.

“You’re going to see a lot of different sets.

We’re going to be very multiple. We’ll have twoback, two-tight end stuff,” said Pendleton with a chuckle.

“We’re fortunate that we’ve been able to build some depth and had some guys who bought into weight room and changed their bodies.”

OFFENSIVE LINE A big factor for the Fighting Tigers will be on the offensive line as they look to replace Tanner Moore and Hunter Moore.

‘I think that’s biggest key for anyone involved in fall camp. You have five moving pieces and you need to mix “ Ironton returns 3 returning starting lineman this season led by Eastern Michigan recruit Noah Patterson (6-3, 285) as well as juniors Bowen Gossett (6-2, 265) and Aiden Layne (6-1, 240).

All 3 are capable of playing any of the three positions but Gossett will probably play center or tackle, Patterson at right tackle and Layne either guard or tackle.

“Gossett was a starter until he got hurt. Noah Patterson and Aiden Layne have been anchors on that line for some time now,” said Pendleton.

The other top linemen in the mix are Morgan Gleichauf (5-11, 210), junior Austin Bump (6-0, 205), junior Barkley Litton (6-1, 190) and senior Isaac Fitzpatrick (6-2, 185).

“The other guard and tackle or center spots will be according to matchups and how they are jelling. The good thing is we have three or four

guys there can all snap the ball equally, just about equal at guard, it’s just a matter of seeing the cohesiveness that they have as a unit,” Pendleton said.

DEFENSIVE LINE Building depth up front is going to be a priority for the Ironton staff. Several players on the offensive line will have to flip over and play some defense as well.

“We’ll have some guys going both ways. The way we describe it is platoon and a half. It ain’t a full platoon but whether they’re the starter on offense and get half rep on defense, we don’t have anyone I can see playing every snap both ways at least early on,” said Pendleton.

“We’ll see and judge it as camp does on. We feel like we have enough depth we can rotate and keep people fresh. “ Patterson and Layne both started at the tackle spots last season. Copas played last season but was plagued by injuries.

Also in the mix are Litton, Bump, sophomore Braden Barbour (6-0, 190) and junior Landon Lewis (6-5, 305).

“Austin Bump plays linebacker but is very capable of playing on the D-Line. Braden Barber is a guy who stepped up and played as of late.

Landon Lewis is a guy who jumped in their and played nose and played some here lately,” said Pendleton.

“We’re very excited about some of those guys and they’ve all thrown their name in the hat so to speak. We’re going to find out within the next few scrimmages that we have and the next few weeks of practice who wants to step up and take the bull by the horns and be that third guy all the way back to that fifth guy that’s rotating in there to get snaps.”

LINEBACKERS This is an area that took a major hit and Ironton lost All-District Defensive Player of the Year Lincoln Barnes who is at Marshall, Jaquez Keyes who signed with Wake Forest and the speedy Trevor Carter inked with Cincinnati.

Pendleton said there are 6 or 7 guys who are rotating at the linebacker spots both inside and outside which will allow the team to have depth.

The candidates include senior Aris Pittman, junior Braylon Sturgill (5-10, 180), Hart, senior Ben Sloan (5-10, 185), senior Tatum Moore (6-2, 200), Bump and possibly Williams who played outside linebacker last season but has switched to the secondary.

“Tatum Moore has been a guy who as of late has stepped up in that role and made the transition from corner last year. He had a great year in the offseason in the weight room and we moved him to outside linebacker and he’s just kind of taken off as of late,” said Pendleton SECONDARY

SEE “FILLING,” PAGE 10

10

FOOTBALL 2023

Patterson focused on team goals, not his own

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Senior year, postseason awards, college offers. There’s a lot on the table for Noah Patterson to focus on going into the football season. So what is his main goal?

“Win the state. That’s the main goal,” said Patterson.

Everything else that surrounds Patterson and his Ironton Fighting Tiger teammates is not only secondary, but down the list when compared to the main goal. And as a senior who is a three-year starter, Patterson said there is more to the season for him than just being on the field each Friday night.

“It’s gone so fast. As a freshman, I was like I can’t wait to be a senior year. Now it’s here and I’m like, ‘Whoa! What happened?’ I’m just shocked,” said Patterson.

“But going into the season I’m really focused on trying to make my teammates better and be the best leader I can, to be a role model to these guys and have them look up to me, see me as something special. I want to make an impact on their lives and impact them on their entire careers here as a freshman, a sophomore, no matter what.

I just want to be looked at as a guy who gave his all,.”

Patterson moved to Ironton after middle school with no idea of what to expect. Now standing at 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, Patterson was a wideeyed freshman when Ironton made the state championship game in 2020.

Ironton finished state runners-up in Division 5 that season, lost in the regional semifinals the following year, but returned to the state finals last season only to lost to South Range.

For Patterson, it’s been a wild ride and quite an exciting experience.

“My freshman and sophomore years were really rough, especially my first year here. I moved here

Noah Patterson from South Point. It’s a whole different experience. It’s insane how much coach (Trevon) Pendleton and all the staff is just invested and locked in on this program.

They just want to win the (state) title like we do. It’s been a journey ever since my freshman year. After getting beat on forever and now senior year, it’s my last year, I’m like ‘where’s time gone?’ Time’s a thief and I hate it.”

Patterson said there have been a lot of memorable games during his career but the state title games are burned into his brain.

“My freshman year we played Kirtland and it was the COVID year.

I never really got to be part of of that on the field, but I got to experience it and it was a wild atmosphere. It was insane. Fans were going crazy. We’re going hyped,” said Patterson.

“This (past) year, we played South Range and I actually played. They were a really good team. They bonded together, they were built well, disciplined and ready to come and play. Ever since I stepped on the field I was like, ‘I’m really taking in this moment. I’m really about to do this. I never pictured being in the state game, playing and having a big impact.”

Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior lineman Noah Patterson has verbally committed to Eastern Michigan but has his eyes firmly focused on the 2023 season.

As far as the goal of playing college football, Patterson has already checked that box. With offers from Murray State, UNLV and Youngstown State, he headed off the recruiting worries before the season even began by committing to Eastern Michigan, a Division 1 program that is a member of the Mid-American Conference.

‘When I went up there, it was a different atmosphere. I really loved the coaching staff, the players/ They really are invested in the program. They’re very connected to each other It made me feel like home. They made me feel like I was their top guy,” said Patterson.

And if anyone else comes calling, he may listen just to be polite.

“I’m set in stone,” said Patterson.

Now comes the task at hand which

is to make a return trip to the finals for a third time in his career and ultimately grab that gold ring. He said it will take patience not to look past anyone on the schedule along with plenty of hard work.

“During the regular season, we just try to learn plays and be perfect, spot-on with everything we do and when the playoffs start, we’re ready to go. We’re one hundred percent locked in and focused,” said Partterson.

“It’s starts in late December right after the season has ended. We start in the weight room and in July we start on the field and start to rep plays and get our minds going. It’s just another journey back to the state.”

Obviously, Noah Patterson is someone who is really goal oriented.

(yards) in practice the other day.

He just needs to work on consistency,” said Pendleton.

The punting job is between Schreck and Carmon and Pendleton said both “have been booming the ball. I think we’re right on par and ahead of the schedule with the kicking game compared to the last few years.”

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Ironton has its usual tough nonleague schedule with Wheelersburg, Jackson and this season Cabell Midland at Marshall Stadium. But

Pendleton is not about to overlook the conference games.

“We’re excited about the schedule. League play is going to be fun.

I feel our league is getting better every year,” said Pendleton.

“Gallia had a really good football team last year. Fairland has been really good lately. You have to play really good football to beat them.

They don’t beat themselves. You have to execute and do the little things. Portsmouth is going to be well-coached and do things right.”

Filling CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

The names in the secondary reflect the skilled players on offense with some additions to give Ironton a strong group of defensive backs.

“The secondary is a very talented group very similar to our receiver group. They’re guys who played a lot of snaps,” said Pendleton.17 The group includes junior Josh Johnson (6-3, 180), Edwards, Terry, Sites, Roach, Schreck, Markel, Williams, Baker and Lowe.

“We have about four guys at each of those positions who can rotate in there,” said Pendleton. “We have enough depth there that they’re going to keep pushing each other and get better.”

KICKING GAME Evan “Automatic” Williams is gone which should open up the job for sophomore David Fields (5-11, 165).

“We have a really strong kicker in David Fields. He has a really strong leg. He’s been going to a lot of camps. He made one from 50

FOOTBALL 2023

11

New rule change eliminates excessive offensive penalty enforcement INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A notable change to Rule 10 of the NFHS Football Rules Book will eliminate the excessive penalty enforcements for offensive fouls that occur behind the line of scrimmage in high school football.

This change in Rule 10-4 (Basic Spots) is one of seven revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 8-10 meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for the 2023 high school football season.

In a move to achieve one of the committee’s fundamental tasks of maintaining a balance between offense and defense, this revision stipulates the basic spot for enforcement of fouls behind the line of scrimmage is the previous spot rather than the spot of the foul. Current penalties for illegal kicking, bat-

ting and participation fouls, as well as provisions for offensive fouls occurring in the end zone that may result in a safety, remain intact.

As an example, with the change in Rule 10-4, a team on offense at its own 40-yard line that is called for holding 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage at its own 30-yard line, would be faced with first and 20 from its 30-yard line rather than the almost insurmountable task of first and 30 from its own 20-yard line.

In a change that addresses another goal of every NFHS rules committee – risk minimization – additional criteria were approved to help identify players who should be defined as defenseless receivers related to application of unnecessary or excessive contact.

An addition (d) to Rule 2-3216 states that another example of a defenseless player includes a receiver, as previously defined in the rule, including the person inter-

cepting the pass, who is forcefully contacted by an opponent that is not 1) incidental contact as a result of making a play on the ball, 2) initiated with open hands, or 3) an attempt to tackle by wrapping arm(s) around the receiver.

The committee also approved a clarification to the intentional grounding rule change implemented last year. The change in Rule 7-5-2EXCEPTION permits the exception for intentional grounding to the first and only player to possess the ball after the snap ends.

A revision in Rule 2-29-1 clarifies when a player is inbounds after being out of bounds. While the committee approved additional language for clarification, there is no change to any foul or subsequent penalty provisions, or any rules related to illegal participation or the provisions regarding eligibility to catch a pass.

One change was approved in Rule 1-5-3 regarding player equipment, specifically player towels, which now may contain one manufacturer’s

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logo and/or one school logo, neither exceeding 2¼ square inches. Towels must be a solid color, but now do not have to be the same color for each player. Towels may not, however, be the color of the ball or penalty flag.

In Rule 7-5 (TABLE) regarding forward pass interference, the word “intentional” was removed, which puts the rule in line with how it is already enforced, which is a 15-yard penalty.

A final change was approved in the rules differences for six-player football, which along with eight-player and nine-player use the basic 11-player football rules with exceptions. An exception in Rule 7 was approved for six-player football stating that “a direct forward handoff may be made during a scrimmage down before a change of possession, provided both players are in or behind the neutral zone unless it is to the snapper.”

This change allows the ball to be handed forward on a running play, including to the guards/ends, while pro-

hibiting handing the ball to the snapper, provided both players are behind the neutral zone.

The NFHS Football Rules Committee is composed of one representative from each of the NFHS member state associations that use NFHS football rules, along with a representative from the NFHS Coaches Association, NFHS Officials Association and NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

A complete listing of the football rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Football.”

According to the 2021-22 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, 11-player football is the most popular high school sport for boys with 973,792 participants in 13,733 schools nationwide. In addition, there were 34,935 boys who participated in 6-, 8- and 9-player football, along with 3,633 girls in all four versions of the game for a grand total of 1,012,360.

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FOOTBALL 2023

2022 ALL-OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE FOOTBALL TEAM 2022 All-Ohio Valley Conference Football First Team Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Ty Perkins, Ironton WR-DB 6-03 185 Lincoln Barnes, Ironton LB-TE 6-00 205 Trevor Carter, Ironton LB-RB 6-02 210 Tayden Carpenter, Ironton QB 6-00 190 Landen Wilson, Ironton RB-WR-DB 5-10 170 Amari Felder, Ironton DB 5-09 190 Jaquez Keyes, Ironton RB 6-00 215 Reade Pendleton, Portsmouth WR-LB 5-08 173 Tyler Duncan, Portsmouth QB-DB 5-11 138 Beau Hammond, Portsmouth RB-LB 5-08 173 Jayden Duncan, Portsmouth WR-DB 5-10 162 Brenden Truett, Portsmouth RB-LB 5-06 200 Isaac Clary, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-07 315 Brody Fellure, Gallipolis QB-DB 6-00 185 Kenyon Franklin, Gallipolis WR-DB 6-01 195 Hudson Shamblin, Gallipolis RB-LB 5-11 175 Cole Hines. Gallipolis RB-LB 5-09 185 Steeler Leep, Fairland WR-RB-DB 5-10 180 Brycen Hunt, Fairland WR-DB 6-00 155 Peyton Jackson, Fairland QB 5-09 173 Kordell French, Rock Hill RB-DB 5-08 155 Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill OL-DL 6-05 330 Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill RB-LB 5-11 200 Chase Hall, Coal Grove RB-LB 6-02 215

Gr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Elias Bazell, Coal Grove OL-DL 6-02 Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove OL-DL 6-02 Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove OL-DL 6-02 Jordan Ermalovich, South Point QB-S 6-00 Xavier Haney, South Point TE-DL 6=00 Nick Wright, Chesapeake DL-OL 6-00 Camron Shockley, Chesapeake RB-DB 5-07 Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Coach of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton Honorable Mention Player, School Pos. Ht. Aiden Young, Ironton WR-DB 5-11 C.J. Martin, Ironton WR-DB 6-02 Nolan Heiland, Potsmouth WR-DB 5-10 Amar Harmon, Portsmouth OL-DL 5-08 Dakota Siders, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-01 Mason Skidmore, Gallipolis WR-DB 5-09 Steven Rhodes, Fairland OL-DL 6-00 Ryan Dixon, Fairland OL-LB 6-00 Chase Delong, Rock Hill RB-DE 5-09 David Jenkins, Rock Hill OL-DL 6-01 Steven Simpson, Coal Grove RB-LB 5-09 Landon Webb, Coal Grove DL-OL 5-11 Blaine Freeman, South Point RB-LB 5-10 Gage Chapman, South Point RB-LB 5-11 Marcus Burnside, Chesapeake RB-LB 5-07 Ryan Martin, Chesapeake RB-DB 5-09

230 270 270 175 240 190 125

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Wt. 185 175 156 200 270 160 248 223 170 230 165 275 180 175 225 145

Gr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

2022 ALL-SOUTHERN OHIO CONFERENCE FOOTBALL TEAM 2022 All-Southern Ohio Conference Division 1 Football First Team Player, School Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern Landyn Reinsmith Beaver Eastern K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern Landon Cavinder, Beaver Eastern Brewer Tomolison, Beaver Eastern Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern Justin Bradley, Beaver Eastern Wyatt Brackman, Northwest Alex Baer, Northwest Connor Lintz, Northwest Carter Runyon, Northwest Tanner Bolin, Northwest Kory Butler, Northwest Eli Dettwiller, Northwest Hunter Campbell, Northwest Dylan Seison, Ports. Notre Dame Gavin Hart, Ports. Notre Dame Carter Campbell, Ports. Notre Dame Jake Edwards, Ports. Notre Dame Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East Nathan Brannigan, Green Abe McBee, Green Levi Ross, Symmes Valley Division 1 Second Team Jacob Johnson, Beaver Easteren Alex Jones, Beaver Easteren Jace White, Beaver Eastern Lane Gilley, Northwest

Shane Miller, Northwest James Riffe, Northwest Cam Justice, Sciotoville East Landehn Pernell, Sciotoville East Wyatt Webb, Ports. Notre Dame Myles Phillips, Ports. Notre Dame Tyler Blanton, Green Aleck Beckett, Symmes Valley Isaac Ross, Symmes Valley Offensive Player of the Year Wyatt Brackman, Northwest Defensive Player of the Year Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East Lineman of the Year K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver East Coach of the Year Scott Tomlison, Beaver Eastern Division 2 Football First Team Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West Mitchell Irwin , Portsmouth West Cole Tipton, Portsmouth West Cole Windsor, Portsmouth West Brandon Anderson, Portsmouth West Trevor Fike, Portsmouth West Kade Wood, Portsmouth West Eric Lattimore, Wheelersburg Creed Warren, Wheelersburg Ethan Glover, Wheelersburg Joden Blackburn, Wheelersburg Caleb Arthur, Wheelersburg Wyatt Crabtree, Waverly,

Brock Adams, Waverly Jase Hurd, Wavery Hudson Kelly, Waverly Hunter Pendleton, Minford Jeffrey Pica, Minford Owen Blaine, Minford Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley Lakota Davis, Lucasvlle Valley Nate Clutters, Oak Hill Division 2 Football Second Team Mason Parker, Portsmouth West Carson Horner, Portsmouth West Jacob Cole, Portsmouth West Zavier Stanley, Wheelersburg Landon Hutchinson, Wheelersburg Derrick Lattimore, Wheelersburg Logan Long, Waverly Nate Welsh, Waverly Tyson Kingery, Minford Peyton Caudill, Minford Levi Bush, Lucasville Valley Evan Fisher, Oak Hill A.J. Harrison, Oak Hill Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West Defensive Player of the Year Wyatt Crabtree, Waverly Lineman of the Year Kade Wood, Portsmouth West Coach of the Year Todd Gilliland, Portsmouth West

FOOTBALL 2023

13

NFL approves first helmet designed specifically for QBs to reduce concussions The Associated Press The first quarterback-specific helmet designed to help reduce concussions has been approved for use by the NFL and NFLPA, the AP has learned.

The helmet, manufactured by Vicis, reduces severity of helmetto-ground impacts, which league data says account for approximately half of quarterback concussions, including the one suffered by Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa last season when his head slammed violently against the turf during a Thursday night game against Cincinnati.

“We’ve now analyzed with our engineers and with the Players Association more than a 1,000 concussions on field, we have a pretty good database of how these injuries occur,” NFL executive Jeff Miller told the AP about the helmet-toground impacts. “This helmet performs better in laboratory testing than any helmets we have ever seen

for those sorts of impacts.”

The helmet performed 7% better than the most popular helmet worn by quarterbacks last season, the league said in a memo sent to team executives on Thursday.

Jason Neubauer, an executive for Vicis, said the company began designing its Zero2 Matrix QB helmet in early 2022.

“The unique thing is that it has a deformal outer shell, which means when you take an impact in any location on that helmet, it will deform or basically dent in that location to absorb the impact,” Neubauer said. “What that means for us, as designers or engineers, as we’re looking to optimize it for different types of impacts, we’re able to change unique locations to try to optimize the impact mitigation in any one area.”

It’s unknown how many quarterbacks will switch to the new QB-specific helmet. The league and the players’ union share informa-

tion from the helmet studies with teams so players make informed decisions on helmet choice. The only other position-specific helmet already approved is the Vicis Zero2-R Trench for offensive and defensive linemen.

The memo sent to teams also includes the results of the 2023 helmet laboratory testing study. Miller told the AP seven helmets the league highly recommended in 2020

have now been downgraded to prohibited as a result of new testing.

“That’s a great sign,” Miller said. “Hopefully we can continue to stimulate that either with position-specific helmets designed for each position group or for a general all-purpose helmet to be able to say to players: ‘Work with us, be willing to change helmets because better and better products are coming online every year.’”

OHSAA offers state football finals ticket information Regional Playoff Game Tickets Tickets for regional playoff games (first four rounds) will go on sale every Monday with staggered start times. Division I and II go on sale at 5 p.m., Division III and IV go on sale at 6 p.m. and Division V, VI and VII go on sale at 7 p.m.

All tickets are purchased at www.

OHSAA.org/tickets The regional playoffs will follow bracket format (see bracket link below). Second-round games will

be played on Friday, November 4, at the better seeded team’s venue.

Neutral sites will be used beginning in the third round, with Divisions I, II, III and V playing on Friday, November 11, and Divisions IV, VI and VII playing on Saturday, November 12.

Brackets and playoff information: https://www.ohsaa.org/ Sports-Tournaments/Football/ Football-2021/2022-OHSAAFootball-Playoffs-Coverage

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one general admission ticket to all seven championship games. Ticket holders are required to exit the stadium between games.

All-session Stadium Club tickets are $150 each and provide one ticket to all seven games in a theater style seats, as well as access to the indoor climate-controlled club containing its own concessions for purchase and restroom facilities. There are no assigned seats in the Stadium Club section.

Patrons with club access do not need to exit the stadium between games. Additionally, the all-session Stadium Club package includes access to tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the OHSAA Football State Championship weekend.

A limited number of 100 all-session Stadium Club tickets that include a parking pass are also available for $210 each. These ticket holders will receive a parking hangtag for the weekend valid for Lot C near the stadium.

In addition, there are single-day ticket packages available for the three games on Friday or the three games on Saturday. The three-game tickets are $38 each and ticket holders are required to leave the stadium between games.

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COLUMBUS – Tickets for the Ohio High School Athletic Association football state championship games December 1, 2 and 3 in Canton are now on sale, and the OHSAA has also announced the schedule for finals weekend.

All seven state championship games will be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, located beside the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tickets for all postseason tournament contest in all sports are available at www.OHSAA.org/tickets.

The state championship games will be played in the following order: Thursday, December 1 – Division II championship game at 7 p.m.

Friday, December 2 – Division V championship game at 10:30 a.m.

Friday, December 2 – Division III championship game at 3 p.m.

Friday, December 2 – Division I championship game at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 – Division VI championship game at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, December 3 – Division VII championship game at 3 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 – Division IV championship game at 7:30 p.m.

State Championship Tickets All-session general admission tickets for the state championship games are $90 each. This package includes

chesapeake

Panthers

First downs to touchdowns — We have

panther pride!

foOtbalL 2023

FOOTBALL 2023

15

Members of the 2023 Chesapeake Panthers football team are: front row left to right, Dustin Ward, Jacob Spitler, Will Schwamberger, Brooklyn McComas, Andrew Ellis, Dannie Maynard, Camron Shockley, Mason Giles, Nate Mills, Alex Plummer, Skylar Felder and Aaron Hall; second row left to right, Jackson Spitler, Chris Calderon, Garrett Napier, Curtis Brandenburg, Jacob Harris, Spencer Wright, Philip Thacker, Colton Huffman, Casey Moonmaw and Jonah Fairburn; third row from left to right, Casey Barker, Nehemiah Elder, Trey Adams, Braxton Adams, Ethan Harris, Avon Booker, Drew Plantz, Mikey Rose, Andrew Daniels, Jack Blankenship and Andrew Patrick. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photo/For The Ironton Tribune)

Panthers hoping experience holds the key

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — Maybe Peter Pan wanted to stay a boy and never grow up, but that’s not the story the Chesapeake Panthers want to read.

Forced to play the past two or three years as underclassmen, the Panther are now older, stronger, experienced and more equipped to handle the physical play of their opponents.

Chesapeake head coach Todd Knipp is hoping that the bumps and bruises his players have taken in the past will pay dividends this season.

“We’ve got quite a few kids back from last year’s team. We’ve had a great offseason. They’ve definitely gotten bigger and stronger in the weight room,” said the Panthers head coach. “We look more like a varsity football team this year.

“We’r going to be mostly junior/ senior dominated. They work well together. We’ve made tremendous strides so far this preseason.

Hopefully, we’ll continue to work and get better each week.”

QUARTTERBACKS A couple of juniors will again be in the hunt for the starting job that went to Jacob Harris (6-1, 180) last season although Drew Plantz (5-7, 140) got a lot of playing time.

“They’re both working really hard and pushing each other,” said

Knipp. “Both kind of do things well within our offense, it’s just finding what’s the best mix for us to be successful offensively.”

“We’re hoping to be able to expand our offense a little bit this year, throw a little bit more play action.

Both quarterbacks do a good job getting on the edge as a pass/run threat. We’ll try to utilize that an open up our offense a little more,.”

RUNNING BACKS The ground game has been a staple for the Panthers for decades and the stable of back who could see action this season should be a positive factor for the offense.

The tandem of junior Andrew Daniels (5-11, 170) and sophomore Philip Thacker (6-2, 200) give the Panthers a choice between size and speed.

“Philips is a big body and Andrew a little quicker. They’ll help us in the run game. They’re both solid blockers,” said Knipp.

The wingbacks will be senior Camron Shockley (5-7, 145), sophomore Corey Davis (5-9, 150), senior Dannie Maynard (5-8, 140).

“All three are quick, have good hands and have big play capability and can make things happen,” said Knipp. “Curtis is a bigger back. He can pound it inside the tackles and really seal the edge blocking.”

ENDS

SEE “PANTHERS,” PAGE 16

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Have a great year and best of luck to all area teams!

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FOOTBALL 2023

Panthers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Senior Mason Giles (5-11, 140) and junior Ethan Kerns (5-10, 160) will be the wide receivers and Knipp said “both have good hands and have done a good job working this offseason. Both are solid blockers.”

There’s a logjam at tight end with three players in the mix including freshman Jaxson Spitler (6-0, 240), junior Jack Blankenship (5-11, 185) and sophomore Braxton Adams (6-0, 165).

“Adams gets off the ball well and is a solid blocker, Jaxson’s a big body but still learning our offense.

He’s showing some promise. Jack’s just a hard worker and he’s a coachable kid. We’ll probably rotating a lot of bodies and going with the hot hand,” said Knipp.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Panthers have some veterans on the offensive line led by senior Andrew Ellis (6-4, 310) who returns at tackle. The right guard is junior Spencer Wright (6-0, 240) who is a 3-year starter.

“Andy gets better every day. He gets off the ball, down blocks well,” said Knipp.

“He had a great offseason. He got bigger and stronger. He’ really

blocking well coming off the football for us.”

Junior Garrett Napier (6-0, 295) will be the center who is a 3-year starter with senior Will Schwamberger (6-1, 205) who is a 3-year starter at left guard. Junior Chris Calderon (6-0, 275) will man the other tackle.

“Will is a strong kid and a leader up front. He’s making the line calls for us,” said Knipp. “A lot of what you can say about one lineman you can say about the others.

Calderon falls into that mold. He really blocks well.”

The backup at tackle is senior Alex Plummer (6-1, 250) and adding depth at guard and center are junior Casey Moonmaw (6-0, 210)) and sophomore Braxton Adams (6-0, 165). Adams started four games last season.

DEFENSIVE L INE The Panthers will start in their base 4-4 defensive alignment with Wright and Schwamberger the ends. The backups are Spitler and Moomaw.

The tackles should be Napier and Calderon with Plummer and Ellis the backups. Knipp hopes to rotate the linemen to keep them rested since they must play offense as

well.

“All those kids are strong and have done a good job defeating blocks and beating double teams,” said Knipp. “I’m excite to see them progress as the year goes on.”

LINEBACKERS Daniels and Thacker will be the inside linebackers with

Brandenburg and Adams figuring into the mix.

“All of them move well to the ball and read their keys. They’re getting better every day,” said Knipp.

On the outside will be Giles, Plantz with Mikey Rose a backup.

SEE “PANTHERS,” PAGE 18

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Todd Knipp (8-17 at Chesapeake, 5th season; 54-95 overall, 16th season) Assistant Coaches: Rick Clark, Bob McCollister, George Long, Luke Hammond, Ryan Summers Trainer: Sarah Webb. Physician: Dr. Scott Davis. Film: Kerry Tutt. Statistician: Rusty Marcum.

Key Returnees: Camron Shockley, Dannie Maynard, Corey Henderson, Jacob Splitler, Alex Plummer, Spencer Wright, Jadon Brandenburg, Will Schwamberger, Andrew Ellis, Garrett Napier, Drew Plantz, Chris Calderon.

Key Losses: Marcus Burnside, Jacob Spears, Ryan Martin, Aaron Ross, Trevon Ferguson, Nick Wright, Jake Napier, Julian Pennington.

2022 Record: 2-8 overall, 0-7 OVC (8th) Offense: Double Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

Ronald L. Eastham, PLS Managing Partner 3992 State Route 7 Chesapeake, Ohio 45619 Voice (740) 867-8369 • (800) 424-5258 Cell (304) 633-4025 • Fax (740) 867-8146

Email: reastham@eastham-assoc.com http://www.eastham-assoc.com

FOOTBALL 2023

17

2023 CHESAPEAKE PANTHERS FOOTBALL ROSTER Chesapeake Panthers 2023 Football Roster

TE

44 88 53 LT 75 50 LG 74 56 C 78 70 RG 58 53 RT 79 50 WR 11 3 QB 2 9 FB 14 32 RB 12 10 RB 20 28 PK 16 23

Jackson Spitler Jack Blankenship Braxton Adams Chris Calderon Alex Plummer Will Schwamberger Casey Moomaw Garrett Napier Aaron Hall Spencer Wright Braxton Adams Andrew Ellis Alex Plummer Mason Giles Ethan Kerns Jacob Harris Drew Plantz Philip Thacker Andrew Daniels Camron Shockley Corey Davis Dannie Maynard Curtis Brandenburg Nate Mills Brooklyn McComas

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S P

58 56 78 79 55 58 74 44 14 53 33 28 11 7 9 33 20 2 12 2 10 2 3

Spencer Wright Casey Moomaw Chris Calderon Will Schwamberger Jared Napier Spencer Wright Will Schwamberger Jackson Spitler Philip Thacker Braxton Adams Andrew Daniels Curtis Brandenburg Mason Giles Mikey Rose Drew Plantz Andrew Daniels Dannie Maynard Jacob Harris Camron Shockley Jacob Harris Corey Davis Jacob Harris Ethan Kerns

Dusten Ward Casey Barker Casey Moomaw Spencer Wright Nehemiah Elder Jonah Fairburn Skylar Felder Aaron Hall Will Schwamberger Chris Calderon Andrew Patrick Garrett Napier Andrew Ellis Avonn Booker Jack Blankenship

OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DL

6-01 5-08 6-00 6-00 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-09 6-01 6-00 5-08 6-00 6-04 5-11 5-11

300 Jr. 170 Fr. 210 Jr. 240 Jr. 210 So. 295 Jr. 225 Sr. 230 So. 205 Sr. 275 Jr. 210 Fr. 295 Jr. 310 Sr. 190 Jr. 185 Jr.

Head coach: Todd Knipp Assistant coaches: Rick Clark, Bob McCollister, George Long, Luke Hammond, Ryan Summers Trainer: Sarah Webb. Physician: Dr. Scott Davis. Film: Kerry Tutt. Statistician: Rusty Marcum.

PANTHERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Shockley

Maynard

Ellis

Giles

Spitler

Schwamberger

Plummer

Harris

Plantz

Brandenburg

Calderon

Napier

Thacker

Daniels

August at Symmes Valley MINFORD September 1 at Southern 8 at Gallipolis# 15 at Coal Grove# 22 IRONTON# 29 at Portsmouth# October 6 SOUTH POINT# 13 ROCK HILL# 20 FAIRLAND# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Todd Knipp 18 25

Davis

Wright

Moomaw

Kerns

2022 Results

OFFENSE

Ht. Wt. Gr. 6-01 180 Jr. 5-10 160 Jr. 5-06 160 Jr. 5-07 140 Jr. 5-09 150 So. 5-11 140 Sr. 5-07 145 Sr. 6-02 200 So. 5-11 155 Sr. 5-08 140 Sr. 5-06 165 Sr. 5-11 205 Jr. 5-11 170 Jr. 6-02 170 Sr. 6-00 240 Fr. 6-01 250 Sr. 5-08 135 Fr. 5-09 180 Fr. 6-00 165 So.

2023 Schedule

CHESAPEAKE DEPTH CHART

No. Player Pos. 2 Jacob Harris QB-DB 3 Ethan Kerns WB-DB 7 Mikey Rose RB -DB 9 Drew Plantz QB-DB 10 Corey Davis RB-DB 11 Mason Giles WR-DB 12 Camron Shockley RB-DB 14 Philip Thacker RB-LB 16 Nate Mills PK 20 Dannie Maynard RB-DB 23 Brooklyn McComas PK 28 Curtis Brandenburg RB-LB 33 Andrew Daniels RB-LB 35 Jacob Spitler WR-DB 44 Jackson Spitler TE-DL 50 Alex Plummer OL-DL 51 Trey Adams OL-LB 52 Colton Huffman OL-LB 53 Braxton Adams OL-DL

54 55 56 58 60 62 68 70 74 75 77 78 79 83 88

Chesapeake Panthers 2022 Results Chesapeake 12 Southern Chesapeake 7 Minford Chesapeake 42 Sym. Valley Chesapeake 7 Gallipolis Chesapeake 6 Coal Grove Chesapeake 0 Ironton Chesapeake 12 Portsmouth Chesapeake 0 South Point Chesapeake 7 Rock Hill Chesapeake 12 Fairland Record: 2-8

6 41 6 42 43 62 35 31 35 41

18

FOOTBALL 2023

Most common football injuries & their prevention

Football is a sport that many people enjoy playing, but it's not without risks.

Luckily, common football injuries are easy to prevent with the proper techniques and safety equipment.

Overuse Injuries Because football training requires repetitive movements, it’s easy to overuse your muscles.

Overuse happens when you use your body more than your physical limits allow.

When you work your muscles, they sustain damage that requires time to heal.

You may practice for too long over days, weeks, or months, providing your body with inadequate recovery time.

You can prevent overuse

injuries in football by taking rest periods in between training and conditioning periods. Overuse injuries are the least common kind of injury for football players; you're more likely to sustain impact injuries while playing football because it's such a high-contact sport.

Concussions Helmets do a lot to protect football players from traumatic head injuries, but they can't prevent all damage. A direct hit to a player’s head can cause a sudden jerking motion that causes a concussion. There is a common misconception that the damage isn't severe enough to cause a concussion unless you pass out.

That’s not true. Concussion signs to watch for include: Headache Confusion Feeling dizzy Nausea or vomiting Blurred vision If a player shows signs of a concussion, they should stop playing immediately and seek medical treatment. A doctor can advise when it is OK for you to play football again following a concussion.

Shoulder Injuries Physical impacts can cause your shoulder to dislocate or separate. A shoulder separation happens when you sprain the AC joint near your collarbone.

A dislocation happens if the tissue in your shoulder

socket tears. Shoulder injuries are especially common in players in the lineman position.

Knee Injuries Tackling is a common cause of knee injuries. Knee injuries in football are most common in children. The knee has two ligaments, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). These ligaments can tear, as can the meniscus tissue and cartilage in your knee joint.

Over time, knee injuries cause the early onset of arthritis. Many football players wear knee supports, but they are not proven to decrease your chance of a knee injury. In fact, many players feel like knee

braces limit their range of motion. If a knee brace doesn’t allow you to move the way you need to, weigh the pros and cons of using one.

Ankle Sprains Football requires quick movements that can lead to ankle injuries like twists and sprains. The flat playing surface can also contribute to ankle injuries.

This is why it’s important to wear proper cleats that offer grip when running.

Prevent Football Injuries Resting. You should take rest breaks during and between practices. Don’t push your body too far by adding in too many additional workouts between practices.

Hazing an area of concern for high schools, middle schools INDIANAPOLIS — If we needed evidence on a larger scale about the potential devastating effects of hazing within the athletics setting, the recent events at Northwestern University should cause all high school leaders to stand up and take notice.

What seems like innocent fun at first – making freshmen handle the unpleasant chores as an example – can sometimes spiral out of control and lead to loss of jobs for coaches, shattered lives for students and parents, and shame for the community at large.

Year after year, events such as the football hazing scandal that jolted the Northwestern campus continue to occur – at the high school and college levels. Although we are shocked, distraught, disappointed, discouraged and downright angry, progress over time seems limited at best.

As middle schools and high schools begin classes, and as fall

sports teams hit the practice fields, this is another chance – the next chance – for coaches and administrators to do what is right. Bringing a halt to longstanding rituals may not be a popular decision in some settings, but in most cases, it is the BEST decision for the health and well-being of the students.

BEFORE the season starts is the time to lay down the ground rules, share the expected behavior and make it clear that every person is to

be valued and that hazing will not be tolerated.

By definition, hazing is any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a group, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Any kind of initiation expectations should never be part of high school sports or performing arts.

Over the past two years, a number of horrific hazing incidents have occurred during the first month of the school year. Last year, in the month of August alone, there were five highly publicized incidents across the country – one of which forced cancellation of a school’s entire football season.

Now is the time to change.

Establishing an anti-hazing culture is the first step as the new school year begins. And that culture may need to include a different plan for welcoming new members.

Inclusion must be accomplished without a “requirement” for being

Chesapeake coach Phil Davis — will be the free safety.

“Corey is a good athlete, has good speed back there and he’s playing the ball better. We’re getting better everyday in the run support,” said Knipp.

KICKING GAME Senior Nate Mills (5-11, 165) — a member of the soccer team — along with senior Brooklyn McComas (5-6, 165) are vying for the placekicking duties.

The punter figures to be Kerns.

“Our kicking game is getting better,” said Knipp. “None of them have played football before or kicked a football before but they’re improving every day. Kerns is a pretty solid punter.”

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Even with Ironton as the favorite, Knipp sees a strong league from top to bottom.

“We’re all still chasing Ironton.

After that, everybody is going to be pretty solid. Gallia has quite a few guys back. Fairland has a lot of

a part of the team.

To build a positive school culture, coaches and athletic directors must take proactive steps. School leaders must supervise student-athletes and make it clear to every student that hazing will not be tolerated. An anti-hazing policy must be developed, and it should be presented to every student and parent in advance of every sport season.

The policy should be simple – no tolerance for hazing of any kind.

A tremendous resource to help in establishing a positive school culture is the online education course, “Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behaviors,” which is available through the NFHS Learning Center at www.

NFHSLearn.com. This course educates coaches about their legal responsibilities to provide a safe and respectful environment for the students in their care.

SEE “HAZING,” PAGE 28

Panthers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

“All three are good to the run defense and solid pass defenders,” Knipp said.

SECONDARY Shockley and Maynard are both 3-year starters and will be the cornerbacks.

“Both are undersized but run to the ball well and are good cover guys and solid tacklers,” Knipp said.

Davis — grandson of former

good skilled guys. Portsmouth has been good the last couple of years.

Coal Grove is on a nice run. South Point is getting better. Rock Hill kids always play hard. It’s going to be tough,” said Knipp.

e h t m o r f n o s t a c e i s r t t s i ea r D g l o a o ch S Have l a c o L d n a l r i a F

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n o g a

t o o F

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FOOTBALL 2023

Members of the 2023 Fairland Dragons football team are: front row left to right, Billy Singer, Anthony Brammer, Tim Webb, Christian Bompus, Xander Collins, Wyatt Callicoat, Braxton Brown, Luke Ball, Eli Pine, Cyrus Cummings, Lennox Holbrook, Davin Murray and Garrett Massie; second row left to right, Brandon Kirk, Jeff Rowe, Will Callicoat, Quentin Cremeans, Elias Blankenship, Lucas Bompus, Dylan Stone, Kam Kitts, Gavin Ballard, Garrett Cornwell, C.J. Graham, Aiden Miller, Isaiah Reese and Jayden Cyrus; third row left to right, Travis Barker, Spencer Blevins, Christian Collins, Jack Hayden, Tristan Dailey, Brycen Hunt, Will Davis, Ethan Stewart, Ryan Dixon, Garrett Spence, Peyton Jackson, Ryan McLain, Keegan Smith and Cooper Charles. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Jackson making the change to Dragons head coach

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PROCTORVILLE — Singer Michael Jackson once sang, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.

I’m asking him to change his ways.

And no message could have been any clearer. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.”

Now shift to Michael Jackson who was the assistant coach for the Fairland Dragons. When Melvin Cunningham took another coaching job, Jackson looked into the mirror and made the change from assistant to head coach as he looks to make the Dragons a better place.

“It’s a lot more stuff you have to deal with. It’s the things outside of football you have to deal with. But I love it. I’m have a great time. The boys seem to be excited. I feel like keeps me young at heart and age,” said Jackson.

“Football is my favorite hobby. If it’s your favorite thing to do, what’s

better than to be around young kids and try to show them somewhat the path of life and to hopefully have some kind of impact on them. I love the game of football and I just love being around them young men.”

Jackson played quarterback for the Dragons and led them to their first playoff appearance in 1993 as first-year coach Jack Harris opened up the offense by utilizing Jackson’s skill set.

“I’ve played here my whole life.

I’ve coached in the midget league system for 11 years. I coached junior high for three years, and I’ve coached on the high school for eight. So, my whole like have been something around Fairland football,” said Jackson.

Returning to the philosophies of his playing days, Jackson said the Dragons will take advantage of their speed and skills to play a fastpaced offense.

“I’ve very happy with the skill and strength of our team. On paper, we’re not real big, but the kids are

strong for their size. We’ve won the state (powerlifting) championship the past three years, so pound for pound, this is one of the strongest teams we’ll have,” said Jackson.

“Maybe not size-wise, but strength wise. We’re very strong and athletic. We’ve got a lot of skilled kids that we’re happy if we can get the ball in someone’s hands.”

QUARTERBACK All-Ohio senior Peyton Jackson (5-11, 180) is back for his third season after throwing for 1,709 yards in just 7 games last season due to an injury.

He was 93-of-158 with 17 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions.

Peyton Jackson is not only a strong passer, but an excellent runner with good speed. Coach Jackson said he plays like a quarterback but thinks like a fullback when he runs.

“He won’t go out of bounds when he runs. He ain’t there just to slide.

He did it once and he got up and said, ‘I’m never doing that again,’” coach Jackson said with a laugh.

His backup figures to be sopho-

more Eli Pine (5-8, 185).

RECEIVERS Brycen Hunt was All-Ohio last year In the Dragons first scrimmage, they threw 8 passes but to 6 different receivers led by senior Brycen Hunt (6-1, 170). The plethora of receivers includes juniors Keegan Smith (6-2, 180), Jack Hayden (6-1, 180), C.J. Graham (5-7, 125), Christian Collins (6-3, 175) and senior Will Davis (6-2, 175).

“Brycen is an all-state receiver coming back, but we’ve got Keegan Smith, Jack Hayden, C.J.Graham, Christian Collins, basketball player Will Davis came out. He hasn’t played but he’s making leaps and bounds every day. We have Quinten Cremeans and Kam Kitts. Any of those guys who gets the ball in his hands, we’re happy.”

If the Dragons use a tight end set, senior Tristan Dailey (6-0, 210) will fill that role.

SEE “JACKSON,” PAGE 22

FOOTBALL 2023

21

2023 FAIRLAND DRAGONS FOOTBALL ROSTER No. 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 18 20 21 22 23 25

Fairland Dragons 2023 Football Roster Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Kam Kitts RB-DB 5-10 190 Jack Hayden WR-DB 6-01 180 Lucas Bompus RB-DB 5-07 145 C.J. Graham WR-DB 5-07 125 Davin Murray RB-LB 5-08 200 Christian Collins WR-DB 6-01 175 Eli Pine QB-DB 5-08 185 Xander Collins TE-DL 5-11 145 Brycen Hunt WR-DB 6-01 170 Tristan Dailey TE-DL 6-00 210 Peyton Jackson QB-DB 5-11 180 Keegan Smith WR-DB 6-02 180 Aiden Miller PK 5-07 150 Christian Bompus RB-DB 5-07 150 Garrett Spence RB-LB 6-01 175 Quentin Cremeans RB-LB 6-01 215 Tim Webb WR-DB 6-02 150 Garrett Massie RB-DB 5-08 155 Gavin Ballard WR-DB 5-11 155

Gr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr.

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Mike Jackson (0-0, first season at Fairland and overall) Assistant Coaches: Mark Hinkle, Aaron Murray, Ronnie Wooten, Tyler Campbell, Dick Sketel Key Returnees: Brycen Hunt, Peyton Jackson, Quentin Cremeans, Ryan McLain, Ryan Dixon, Kam Kitts, Christian Collins, Keegan Smith, Garrett Spence, Will Callicoat, Charles Cooper, Jack Hayden.

Key Losses: Steeler Leep, Zion Martin, Steve Rhodes, Mason Ward, Justin McKee. 2022 Record: 7-4 overall, 4-3 OVC (3rd) Offense: Pro Set, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 6

27 Cyrus Cummings WR-LB 6-00 180 So. 28 Ethan Adkins RB-DB 5-10 150 Fr. 33 Travis Barker WR-DB 5-09 145 Sr. 45 Luke Ball WR-DB 5-10 155 So. 50 Cooper Charles OL-DL 6-00 235 Jr. 52 Will Callicoat OL-LB 5-11 195 Jr. 53 Isaiah Reese OL-DL 5-10 240 Jr. 54 Ryan McLain OL-DL 6-00 255 Sr. 55 Jeff Rowe OL-DL 6-00 215 Sr. 57 Ryan Dixon OL-LB 6-01 225 Sr. 58 Wyatt Callicoat OL-DL 5-08 175 So. 61 Spencer Blevins OL-DL 6-03 325 Jr. 62 Brandon Kirk OL-DL 5-10 210 So. 65 Dylan Stone OL-DL 6-00 285 So. 70 Garrett Cornwell OL-DL 5-11 225 Jr. 72 Billy SInger OL-DL 5-09 210 Fr. 73 Elias Blankenship OL-DL 6-00 205 Jr. 74 Anthony Brammer OL-DL 5-08 170 So. 76 Braxton Brown OL-DL 5-09 220 So. 78 Ethan Stewart OL-DL 6-03 250 Jr. 79 Jayden Cyrus OL-DL 6-00 285 Fr. 81 Lennox Holbrook TE-LB 6-01 180 So. Head coach: Mike Jackson Assistant coaches: Ronnie Wooten, Tyler Campbell, Mark Hinkle, Dick Sketel, Aaron Murray Pediatrics | Family Practice | Dentistry | Behavioral Health

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22

FOOTBALL 2023

FAIRLAND PLAYERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

OFFENSE TE

11

Tristian Dailey

LT

57 54 70 73 65 50 52 50 78 54 12 8 21 1 3 10 7 5 17 13 3 15

Ryan Dixon Ryan McLain Garrett Cornwell Elias Blankenship Dylan Stone Cooper Charles Will Callicoat Cooper Charles Ethan Stewart Ryan McLain Peyton Jackson Eli Pine Quentin Cremeans Kam Kitts Jack Hayden Brycen Hunt Christian Collins C.J. Graham Will Davis Keegan Smith Jack Hayden Aiden Miller

LG C RG RT QB RB WR WR WR PK

DEFENSE DE NG DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S S P

11 76 61 65 70 62 21 6 57 27 20 12 52 12 3 7 3 5 10 17 1 8 10 15

Tristian Dailey Braxton Brown Spencer Blevins Dylan Stone Garrett Cornwell Brandon Kirk Quentin Cremeans Davin Murray Ryan Dixon Cyrus Cummings Garrett Spence Peyton Jackson Will Callicoat Peyton Jackson Keegan Smith Christian Collins Jack Hayden C.J. Graham Brycen Hunt Will Davis Kam Kitts Eli Pine Brycen Hunt Aiden Miller

Jackson

Dixon

Blevins

McLain

Hayden

Cremeans

Dragons CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

RUNNING BACKS The main three rushers right now are juniors Quentin Cremeans (6-1, 215), Kam Kitts (5-10,190) and Jack Hayden (6-1, 180), all who can catch the ball as well as running effectively.

“Our running game is looking better every day in practice,” said coach Jackson. “Jack will be mainly a receiver, but he’s dynamic with the ball, too. So, we have to get him in the backfield and give him the ball.”

Jackson is very high on his three backs and the Dragons also have a sophomore Davin Murray (5-8, 200) who could see some playing time.

“I’m very happy with our skill players,” said Jackson.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Dragons lost All-Ohio lineman Steven Rhodes as well as Mason Ward and Justin McKee who were all 3-year starters.

Junior Dylan Stone (6-0, 285) will be the center, junior Will Callicoat (5-11, 195) is going from tight end to guard with the other guard coming from juniors Garrett Cornwell (5-11, 225), Elias Blankenship (6-0, 205) and Cooper Charles (6-0, 235).

“Our line is doing really well. I’m happy with the progress of our line the way they’re jelling,” said Jackson. “We feel line were seven or eight deep on the offensive line. We’re going to play fast, so we’re going to need guys who can come in.”

“Dixon will anchor our line. Will Callicoat is one of our strongest kids. He lives in the weight room and he can move,” said Jackson.

The tackles will be senior Ryan Dixon (6-1, 225) and junior Ethan Stewart (6-3, 250) the tackles along with senior Ryan McLain (6-0, 255).

Ryan Dixon OL and LB who is a two-time state powerlifting champion who can squat and deadlift more than 500 pounds.

“You got a guy doing that, you expect big things out of him,” said coach Jackson.

DEFENSIVE LINE Using an odd-man front, the Dragons will have junior Spencer Blevins (6-3, 325) at the nose guard along with Stone in the rotation.

The ends will be Dailey on one side flanked by Cornwell on the other side.

“We plan to rep some other kids to keep them fresh,” said Jackson who plans to utilize sophomores Braxton Brown (5-9, 220) and Brandon Kirk (5-10, 210) alone with Charles, Blankenship and freshman Jayden Cyrus (6-0, 285).

LINEBACKER Dixon and Cremeans will be the inside linebackers and Jackson said “we have a pair of great middle linebackers. They’re two guys who are going to be physical and Cremeans is strong as a house. “

SEE “DRAGONS,” PAGE 23

FAIRLAND PLAYERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Dailey

Graham

Stewart

Cornwell

Callicoat

Collins

Kitts

Charles

2023 Schedule

DEPTH CHART

Hunt

Fairland Dragons August 18 at Portsmouth West 25 WELLSTON September 1 at Ironton# 8 GLOSTER TRIMBLE 15 ROCK HILL# 22 GALLIPOLILS# 29 at South Point# October 6 PORTSMOUTH# 13 at Coal Grove# 20 at Chesapeake# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mike Jackson

2022 Results

FAIRLAND

Fairland Dragons Fairland 14 Ports. West 13 Fairland 47 Wellston 7 Fairland 13 Ironton 34 Fairland 41 Trimble 16 Fairland 34 Rock Hill 27 Fairland 35 Gallipolis 43 Fairland 35 South Point 22 Fairland 0 Portsmouth 34 Fairland 21 Coal Grove 6 Fairland 41 Chesapeake 12 Playoff Results Fairland 21 W. Muskingum 22 Record: 7-4

FOOTBALL 2023

23

Father/Son have strong bond on & off the playing field

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PROCTORVILLE — Peyton Jackson has inherited a lot of his quarterback talent from his father Mike Jackson who was a quarterback, too.

But it was dear old dad who started his son on a similar playing path.

In youth leagues, Peyton was coached by Mike but he didn’t begin his career as the quarterback.

“I played every position. The year before I switched to quarterback on the C-team I was the center. The year before that I was a receiver and on the line. I played wherever they needed me. I was a universal player,” said Peyton.

While Mike Jackson was the head coach and made the final decisions, it was a mutant by his assistant coaches that changed the course of Peyton and the Fairland Dragons’ future.

“I was harder on him and the other coaches kept telling me to play him at quarterback. They finally told me that if I didn’t move him to quarterback they were all going to quit, so I moved him to quarterback and he’s been there ever since,” said Mike.

When Jack Harris took over as head coach at Fairland, Mike Jackson was a senior. Harris used a wide-open offense with Mike as the trigger man. The Dragons won the Ohio Valley Conference and made the playoffs for the first time in school history.

Peyton is now in charge of the Dragons’ spread offense and he has shined even with some shoulder injuries.

Last season, the 5-foot-11, 180 pound senior completed 93-of-158 passes for 1,709 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions despite being hurt early in game 8 and missing the rest of the season.

Peyton enjoys the passing part of

The Fairland Dragons will be led on and off the field by the father/son duo of senior quarterback Peyton Jackson (left) and his father, head coach Mike Jackson (right).

(Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune) his game, but he has good speed and can scramble for big gains. Mike says he holds his breath each time Peyton tucks the ball and runs.

“He won’t go out of bounds when he runs. He ain’t there just to slide.

He did it once and he got up and said, ‘I’m never doing that again,’” Jackson said with a laugh.

Peyton said his father is tough on the players, not just him, but he is fair and knows when to give praise.

“It’s always been tough having him as a coach. He’s a great coach but he pushes us hard,” said Peyton.

“It’s fun having him as a coach, though. Going home, eating dinner, he’s going to be talking about what happened at practice or what happened at the game. He’s talking about reads I missed, what I did good. It’s pretty fun, though. We

talk all the time and I pretty much know what he’s going to say before it comes out of his mouth.”

Mike said that Peyton isn’t as bothered by his mistakes as he was when he played.

“He’s always taken it well. Of course, you’re always harder on your son than everyone else. But he can take it. He let’s it go off him and he doesn’t let it bother him.

He’s better than when I played.

He can throw an interception and, yeah, he’s mad about it, but he won’t let it bother him the next play.

“And the same with me. I’m going to rip his hind end but it doesn’t bother him. He’s knows were probably not going to bench him. I told him, look. You make a mistake, just go get the next one. He’s does very good of just knotting up and

going to the next play and forgetting about it.

Not only doesn’t Peyton seem immune to his mistakes, he actually thrives on his position.

“I like being the quarterback more. The attention is all on you every play. Any mistake or any good things is all on you. Everyone sees you when you make a mistake, but it’s fun. But playing center was pretty fun, too,” said Peyton.

While Mike Jackson has coached his son throughout his career, he has spent the past 8 seasons as a varsity assistant including 3 years on the staff with Peyton playing.

But when Melvin Cunningham resigned late last spring to take another head coaching job in Kentucky, Mike was the first choice as his replacement which meant Peyton now had his father in charge of everything.

Peyton said there isn’t that much of a difference from having Cunningham and his father as the Fairland head coach. “(My father) has always been on the coaching staff so it’s not too much of a difference. I mean, everyone playing sees him as a head coach even when he was an assistant. Team-wise, we’re doing pretty good. It’s been little of an adjustment but nothing big. Everyone is used to it.”

Mike Jackson plans to return next season to coach the Dragons but Peyton isn’t quite sure about his future.

“I haven’t thought about it too much. I’ve thought about continuing football but I’ve also thought about going into work. It’s just what I decide.”

Peyton could go to work for his father and continue to take orders, or he could go to college and continue his playing career.

No matter which way he goes, he’ll have his father’s support because Mike Jackson can’t help.

It’s in their genes.

Dragons CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

On the outside will be Callicoat and senior Garrett Spence (6-1, 175).

“Garrett Spence is just a tackling machine,” said Jackson. “He’s not a very big kid. He’s tall and lanky, but he just has a knack for finding the football.”

Peyton Jackson will be one of the backups at outside linebacker.

“He wants in there playing. And he will play some but we aren’t starting him. He gets in an arguments with our defensive coordinator. He wants in there. That’s why the kids love him.

They like the way he plays,” said coach Jackson.

SECONDARY

The Dragons plan to use 3 players for the 2 cornerback spots with Smith, Hayden and Collins all rotating.

“They’re all receivers so we want to keep them fresh so we’ll always have one of them off the field,” said Jackson.

Rotating at safety will be returning starters Kitts and Hunt as well as Graham.

“Same thing with them. We’ve got three guys playing the two safety spots,” said Jackson.

KICKING GAME The placekicker will be junior Aiden Miller (5-7, 160) from the soccer team. Gabe Polcyn was the kicker last season but Jackson said by the end of the season “he really came along. He’s

worked in the offseason and in our scrimmage he went 4-for-5 on extra points and in practice he’s booming the ball. We’re really happy with him.”

The punter will be Hunt.

“He can do anything. He’s an athlete,” said Jackson.

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Jackson said Ironton is the favorite until someone knocks them off.

“They’re the team to beat. I feel like we’ve played them well the last couple of years, but again, that’s not our expectations. We want to get over that hump and beat them,” said Jackson.

DAWSON-BRYANT LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hornets Football Supporting t n a y r B n o s w Da Athletes. d n a e f a s a e v Ha memorable season!

FOOTBALL 2023

25

Members of the 2023 Coal Grove Hornets football team are: front row from left to right, Jaron Friend, Kohen Shore, Brayden Salyers, Austin Fraley, Tyson Lewis, Logan Mosley, Bryson Newman, Kamryn Hall, Brisen Collins, David Milar, Cole Delawder and Quinton Baker; second row left to right, coach Chuck Price, Hayden Kingrey, Garrett Hankins, Ian Davis, Whyatt Mannon, Caleb Huff, Brennan Meadows, Devin Bloomfield, Steven Simpson, Gavin Gipson, Landon Roberts, Brett Klaiber, Zach Delawder, Wesley Runyhon, coach Aaron Rice and head coach Jay Lucas; third row left to right, coach Caleb Eplion, Landon Riley, Logan Robert, Joshua Spears, Bradon Carpenter, , Wyatt Wray, Braiden Huff, C.J. Pemberton, Bradley Klaiber, Joe Scarberry, Damien Price, Ethan Simpkins, Kaden Murphy, Leland McKnight and coach Jordan Lucas; fourth row left to right, Donovan Thompson, Landon McKnight, Kaiden Harris, Blake Wilson, Josh Short, Brayden Young, Cameron Friend, Caden Turner, Derrik Bloomfield, Rylan Smith, Skylar Depriest, Landen Hienemen, Isaiah Dixon and Brody Young. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Hornets must replace their main weapon Hall

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — Last season, the Coal Grove Hornets didn’t really need a playbook. It could have just been give the ball to number 21.

But the first team All-Ohio running back who was the Division 6 Co-Offensive Player of the Year in the state is no longer on the sidelines.

Chase Hall is playing for the Ohio Bobcats and he took with him 2,546 rushing yards, 42 touchdown, 276 carries for a 9.2 yards per carry average, 18 two-point conversions as well as 128 tackles on defense — 82 solo stops.

Hornets’ head coach Jay Lucas said the loss of Hall will be felt.

“Losing Chase is a big loss. He was a fantastic player for us. He was a four-year player for us and with the statistics he had last year and the impact he had on the games, replacing him makes it impossible,” said Lucas.

However, the Hornets return 8 offensive starters and 9 who started or played extensively on defense which could soften the blow.

“We feel like we have several starters back on both sides of the ball. Those guys are a year older and a year more mature. We feel good about what we have coming back, but losing that guy is a big loss for sure,” said Lucas.

Although the Hornets return a lot of starters, Lucas said there is one major key to the team’s success.

“What makes us stick is how well we jell as a group,” said Lucas. “We have a lot of guys back but we’ve got to come together as a team consistently. I think we’ve got to utilize more guys on the offensive side of the ball and they have to be comfortable doing things with it.”

RUNNING BACK Returning is senior running back Steven Simpson who started as a freshman, senior Gavin Gipson who is a two-year starter, plus junior Joe Scarberry (6-1, 195) and

sophomore Caden Turner who is a converted tight end.

“Collectively, we’ve got a stable of running backs,” said Lucas. “We have guys back who are experienced.”

Steven Simpson has been the fullback the past three season while — a starter on defense — has been a solid backup but could getting more playing time if Simpson plays tailback.

“Simpson does whatever you ask of him. Scarberry is a good kid to have at fullback,” said Lucas.

“There are a lot of good kids back there. Turner will be playing a little of both end and fullback. Caden is a fantastic player but he’s just a sophomore. He’s talented and we feel like we can use him in multiple positions to help our ball club.”

Senior Gavin Gipson (6-1, 185) is a three-year starter as a running back and he will be joined by sophomore Kaden Murphy (5-9, 160) who got considerable playing time last season. Simpson will split

time between fullback and running back.

“We feel good about those guys,” said Lucas. “Gavin is a good athlete and has good size.”

QUARTERBACK Senior Whyatt Mannon (6-0, 175) is back under center for his fourth season and will give the Hornets a passing threat to go with their strong running game.

“Whyatt is a special kid and he’s been a good player for us. He can throw the ball around a bit,” said Lucas.

Rylan Smith and Braden Carpenter are the backups.

RECEIVERS Turner will be at one tight end spot when he’s not in the backfield.

Señor veteran Wes Runyon (5-11, 165) started every game and was one of the top receivers. Braden Young fighting for a position along with freshman Cam Hall.

OFFENSIVE LINE

SEE “HORNETS,” PAGE 27

26

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 COAL GROVE HORNETS FOOTBALL ROSTER Coal Grove Hornets 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. 0 Landen McKnight RB-DL 1 Whyatt Mannon QB-DB 2 Brayden Young OL-DB 3 Rylan Smith QB-DB 4 Wesley Runyon WR-DB 5 Bradley Klaiber OL-DL 7 Bradon Carpenter QB-DB 8 Steve Simpson RB-LB 9 Logan Roberts WR-DB 10 Devin Bloomfield OL-DB 12 Landon Robert RB-DB 14 Kaden Murphy RB-DB 15 Damien Price RB-DB 17 Bryson Newman OL-DB 18 Brisen Collins RB-DL 19 Landon Riley RB-DL 20 Kohen Shore RB-DL

Meadows

Coal Grove Hornets Coal Grove 43 Berne Union Coal Grove 50 Lucas. Valley Coal Grove 61 Meigs Coal Grove 43 South Point Coal Grove 43 Chesapeake Coal Grove 42 Portsmouth Coal Grove 33 Gallipolis Coal Grove 6 Ironton Coal Grove 6 Fairland Coal Grove 56 Rock Hill Playoff Results Coal Grove 67 Malvern Coal Grove 47 W. Jefferson Coal Grove 14 Fort Frye Record: 8-5

Klaiber 6 34 34 7 6 43 36 55 21 28 43 40 27

2023 Schedule

2022 Results

Simpson

Gr. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr.

21 22 23 24 27 30 32 33 34 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 60 61

Kamryn Hall Leland McKnight Quinton Baker Gavin Gipson Braydon Klaiber Joe Scarberry Tyler Earnest Skylar Depriest Kaden Turner Hayden Kingrey Derrik Bloomfield Brayden Salyers Braiden Huff Cole Delawder Caiden Harris David Milar Brett Klaiber Tyson Lewis Ethan Simpkins Donovan Thompson

Mannon

Runyon

Coal Grove Hornets August 18 GREENUP CO., Ky. 25 at Lucasville Valley September 1 at Meigs 8 SOUTH POINT# 15 CHESAPEAKE# 22 at Portsmouth# 29 at Gallipolis# October 6 IRONTON# 13 FAIRLAND# 20 at Rock Hill# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Jay Lucas

RB-DB RB-DB OL-DL TE-DB RB-DB RB-LB OL-DL RB-DL RB-TE-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Fr. So, Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So.

Gipson

62 Ian Davis OL-DL Sr. 63 Logan Mosley OL-DL Fr. 64 Brennan Meadows OL-DL Sr. 65 Caleb Huff OL-DL Sr. 67 Brody Young OL-DL Fr. 70 Zach Delawder OL-DL Sr. 71 Josh Short OL-DL So. 72 C.J. Pemberton OL-DL Jr. 73 Isaiah Dixon OL-DL So. 74 Cameron Friend OL-DL Fr. 75 Austin Fraley OL-DL Fr. 76 Blake Wilson OL-DL So. 77 Wyatt Wray OL-DL Jr. 78 Landen Hienemen OL-DL Fr. 79 Jaron Friend OL-DL Fr. 84 Cameron Robinson TE-DL Jr. 88 Joshua Spears TE-DL Jr. Head coach: Jay Lucas Assistant coaches: Chuck Price, Aaron Rice, Jordan Lucas, Caleb Eplion

Delawder

C. Huff

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631 High St. • Coal Grove • 532-8294 “Good Luck, Hornets!”

Scarberry

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FOOTBALL 2023

27

Hornets

Hornets In The Spotlight

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

COAL GROVE DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE LT LG C RG RT TE WB QB RB FB PK

34 2 70 65 52 60 64 61 56 50 72 72 4 10 24 14 1 3 28 14 34 8 30 34 4

Caden Turner Brayden Young Zach Delawder Caleb Huff Braiden Huff Ethan Simpkins Brennan Meadows Donovan Thompson Brett Klaiber Derik Bloomfield C.J. Pemberton Wyatt Wray Wes Runyon Devin Bloomfield Gavin Gipson Kaden Murphy Whyatt Mannon Rylan Smith Steven Simpson Kaden Murphy Caden Turner Steven Simpson Joe Scarberry Caden Turner Wes Runyon

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S P

72 62 56 70 65 64 60 54 30 50 34 8 10 52 4 19 24 2 12 9 14 22 34 24

C.J. Pemberton Ian Davis Brett Klaiber Zach Delawder Caleb Huff Brennan Meadows Ethan Simpkins Caiden Harris Joe Scarberry Derrik Bloomfield Caden Turner Steven Simpson Devin Bloomfield Braiden Huff Wesley Runyon Landon Riley Gavin Gipson Brayden Young Landon Roberts Logan Roberts Kaden Murphy Leland McKnight Caden Turner Gavin Gipson

Brennan Meadows is a three-year starter at center and Lucas is high on the veteran senior.

“Meadows gives us that stability that we need in the middle of our line of scrimmage. And he’s smart enough that he can help make the calls. He’s a very valuable asset for us to have down in the middle of our offensive line,” said Lucas.

Backup help will comer from Braden Thompson, Caiden Harris and Caleb Huff (6-3, 285) who came in early in the Malvern playoff game to play.

“We’ve got some options there,” said Lucas.

Senior Brett Klaiber returns at guard who is a returning starter.

The other guard is still undecided with juniors Braden Huff (5-11, 217) and Ethan Simpkins along with sophomores Derek Bloomfield and Josh Short.

“Derek has come a long way this year. We’re expecting big things from him,” said Lucas.

Returning at tackle will be senior Zach Delawder who is a three-year starter with senior Caleb Huff, senior Ian Davis, and juniors C.J. Pemberton (6-3, 285) and Wyatt Wray. (6-2, 280).

“We have good depth there,” Lucas said.

DEFENSIVE LINE “We’ll be multiple this season.

Like we talked about earlier, we have several kids back. With the teams that we’re playing we’ve got to be multiple. We’ll be multiple fronts and multiple coverages,” said Lucas.

Caleb Huff and Klaiber are both two-year returning starters at tackle and will anchor the line play.

Davis has stepped up this season and will challenge for playing time as well as Short, Harris, Meadows and Delawder.

“We have so many kids fighting for playing time. We’ll be moving this kids around,” said Lucas. “Ian had a great offseason and we expect big things from him.”

LINEBACKERS Scarberry started every game last season on the inside along with Simpson while sophomore Devin Bloomfield (5-11, 165) was a starter on the outside. Turner will start on the inside with Derek Bloomfield another candidate on the inside, sophomore Landon Riley with Braden Huff on the outside “Scarberry started every game and he’s just a good football player.

Bloomfield was solid all year,” said Lucas.

SECONDARY With plenty of experience and

Pemberton

Davis

Simpkins

B. Huff

Roberts

Dev. Bloomfield

Turner

Murphy

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Jay Lucas (21-22 at Coal Grove, 5th season; 37-46 overall, 9th season) Assistant Coaches: Chuck Price, Aaron Rice, Jordan Lucas, Caleb Eplion Key Returnees: Wyatt Mannon, Wes Runyon, Steven Simpson, Landon Roberts, Kaden Murphy, Kaleb Sullivan, Gavin Gipson, Joe Scarberry, C.J. Pemberton, Brennan Meadows, Brett Klaiber, Devin Bloomfield, Zach Delawder, Caden Turner.

Key Losses: Chase Hall, Eli Bazell, Dustin Lunsford, John Turner.

2022 Record: 8-5 overall (D6 regional semi-finals), 3-4 OVC (4th) Offense: Wing-I, Pro-I, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 9 depth, Lucas said the Hornets will use different combinations of players to fit the multiple sets they will have to run.

Gipson — a 3-year starter in the secondary — figures to be one corner, senior Landon Roberts will be a corner or a safety with Murphy a returning starter at safety. Smith is also in the mix along with Braden Young, Logan Roberts and Leland McKnight and Carpenter are also getting a hard look.

“Gipson is a really nice player,” Lucas said of the senior who had 4 interceptions last season. “Murphy is a dynamic player. He can do a lot of good things.”

KICKING GAME Gone is John Turner but Caden Turner figures to be one placekicker along with Runyon.

The punting duties will be between Turner and Gipson.

“John did a good job for us,” said Lucas. “We feel like we have several options and we think they can do a good job for us.”

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Lucas gave the nod to Ironton but he said it will be a competitive and entertaining season.

“Obviously, Ironton is the frontrunner, but I feel the conference is going to be pretty balanced.

Anybody can beat anybody on any given Friday. There’s several good teams and several playoffs team from a year ago that are back. We have to take care of what we can do,” said Lucas.

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FOOTBALL 2023

Simpson won’t let injury take away his senior year Coal Grove veteran RB plans to make early return

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — For the past three seasons, Steven Simpson has withstood all kinds of hits from big, fast and strong linebackers among other players.

But it took his own body to slow him down.

An all-district and All-Ohio Valley Conference selection last season, the Coal Grove Hornets’ senior running back and linebacker has withstood quite a bit of contact during his career.

But it was some non-contact that thwarted his summer workouts.

“I was playing in a 7-on-7 at West Virginia and I turned too quick and there was a pop on the knee,” Simpson said as he recalled that fateful moment.

When the injury occurred, Simpson said the early diagnosis was a dislocation. It was later determined to be a patella — a.k.a. kneecap — fracture.

Simpson’s first thoughts went straight to rehab.

“I thought I need to get healthy really fast so I can come back for the season,” said Simpson.

So far, Simpson has undergone six weeks of therapy and he is hoping to make an early return to the playing field.

“My aiming point is week four, but if I can come back before then that’s great. If not, I’m not worried about it until week four,” said Simpson as he was pointing toward the first conference game.

With this setback occurring during the summer of his senior season, Simpson admits there was been some anxiety but he’s adjusted to the situation.

“It’s been a little iffy. I’m kind of missing it right now. But, rehabbing will help me get back as soon as I can.”

Even though he can’t practice, Simpson hasn’t

Simpson

missed a day of workouts and he continues his leadership role.

“At practices I still go around and help the positions that I play. I help coach the younger guys on plays they don’t know and I help out coach (Jay Lucas) and do everything he tells me to,” said Simpson.

Head coach Jay Lucas is not surprised by Simpson’s mental approach and his ability to lead despite not being suited up for practices.

“He’s a dandy. Steven is a special young man.

He’s been a good football player for four years.

He’s been a difference maker for us the past three years. He’s ran the ball effectively, he’s been a great blocker, and defensively he’s been one of our top two or three tacklers since his freshman year.”

The Hornets lost All-Ohio running back and linebacker Chase Hall to graduation which makes the team’s hopes for success a tough challenge.

But not as far as Simpson can see.

“Chase was a great player but we’re super tight and we can do anything we put our mind to. We have a bunch of athletes and a bunch of players,” said Simpson.

“Obviously, one of our objectives is to win the state title. But, we want to defend our home and win all our games at home and make it as far in the playoffs at as can.”

Despite being only 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, Simpson has been the the team’s fullback the

Steven Simpson past three years and has done a lot of blocking for Hall and other backs.

“I take a lot of those hits, but at the end of the day I know it’s better for my team if I play there and just give it my all,” said Simpson.

Lucas said Simpson’s unselfish personality is an inspiration for his teammates.

“Steven always puts the team first. He’s a running back, not a fullback because of his size, but with his heart it makes him one of those guys who can go down inside in the middle of the defense. He doesn’t shy away from contact. He never has,” said Lucas.

As far as Steven Simpson is concerned, bring on the big boys.

Hazing

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

In addition, “Hazing Prevention for Students” is a free course designed to teach students how to identify hazing, when to step in, and why they should notify proper authorities.

The NFHS also offers a number of resources on hazing prevention for school staff, students and parents on its website at https://www. nfhs.org/resources/student-ser-

vices-inclusion/hazing.

In an opinion piece on MSNBC. com, Elizabeth Allan, a professor of higher education at the University of Maine, had the following to say about the importance of hazing prevention in high school athletics programs: “If we value the well-being of children and young adults in our lives, then hazing has no place in our athletic programs, schools, campuses and communities.

“Hazing prevention is not only

about eliminating harm and senseless suffering, but it’s also about gaining something. In the absence of hazing, we can build stronger and healthier groups, more ethical and caring leaders, and more inclusive communities that support student mental health and well-being.

“The alarming reports of hazing at Northwestern are a clarion call for prevention and, with that, an opportunity for each of us to trans-

form the hazing culture and create safer schools and campuses for our students.”

Online link to article: https:// www.nfhs.org/articles/hazing-prevention-top-agenda-item-as-newschool-year-begins/ ————— Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is completing her fifth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

FOOTBALL 2023

29

2022 DIVISIONS 5-THRU-7 SE ALL-DISTRICT FOOTBALL TEAM Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Southeast Ohio 2022 All-District Football Teams Division 5 First Team Offense WR: Ty Perkins, Ironton, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Brycen Hunt, Fairland, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Brayden Hanshaw, South Point, 6-3, 175, So.; Casey Cline, Westfall, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Reade Pendleton, Portsmouth, 5-9, 164, Sr.; Jeffery Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 181, Jr.; Cole Tipton, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 165, Jr.; TE: Nalin Robinson, Zane Trace, 6-4, 235, Sr.; OL: Spencer Brower, Zane Trace, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Noah Patterson, Ironton, 6-2, 255, Jr.; Steven Rhodes, Fairland, 6-0, 248, Sr.; Alex Jenkins, Piketon, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Alex Baer, McDermott Northwest, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Kade Woods, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 225, So.; Caleb Miller, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 260, Sr. QB: Carter Langley, Zane Trace, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Tayden Carpenter, Ironton, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Peyton Jackson, Fairland, 5-9, 173, Jr.; Jordan Ermalovich, South Point, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jordan Schulz, Alexander, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Griffin Cleland, Meigs, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Tyler Duncan, Portsmouth, 5-11, 138, Sr.; Mitchell Irwin, Portsmouth Wet, 6-1, 190, Sr.; RB: Jaquez Keyes, Ironton, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Conlee Burnem, Meigs, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Jeffrey Pica, Minford, 5-9, 210, Jr.; Wyatt Brackman, McDermott Northwest, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Daniel Barnhart, Zane Trace, 6-1, 220, Sr.; All-Purpose: Landen Wilson, Ironton, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Steeler Leep, Fairland, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Connor Lintz, McDermott Northwest, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Eric Lattimore, Wheelersburg, 5-9, 145, Sr.; PK: Zach Roth, Portsmouth, 5-10, 168, Jr.; Connor Estep, Wheelersburg, 5-11, 160, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Lane Stewart, Zane Trace, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Hayden Brannigan, Zane Trace, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Zion Martin, Fairland, 5-11, 212, Sr.; Nick Wright, Chesapeake, 6-0, 190, Sr.; LB: Lincoln Barnes, Ironton, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Trevor Carter, Ironton, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Zane Brownfield, Piketon, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Isaac Waller, Alexander, 6-1, 200, So.; Hunter Pendleton, Minford, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Brenden Truett, Portsmouth, 5-6, 200, Sr.; Andrew Huck, Bidwell River Valley, 5-5, 150, Sr.; Landon Hutchinson, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, Jr.; DB: Amari Felder, Ironton, 5-9, 190, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Ty Perkins, Ironton Defensive Player of the Year: Lincoln Barnes, Ironton Lineman of the Year: Kade Woods, Portsmouth West Co-Coaches of the Year: Heath Hinton, Zane Trace; Todd Gilliland, Portsmouth West; Trevon Pendleton, Ironton Special Mention Blake Phillips, Zane Trace; Noah Fetters, Zane Trace; Aiden Young, Ironton; C.J. Martin, Ironton; Ryan Dixon, Fairland; Justin McKee, Fairland; Maurice Long, South Point; Blaine Freeman, South Point; Camron Shockley, Chesapeake; Marcus Burnside, Chesapeake; Bryce Wickline, Westfall; Caleb Osborne, Piketon; Gabe Lamerson, Piketon; Dawson Montgomery, Piketon; Alex Jeffrey, Alexander;

Chanz Pancake, Rock Hill; Landon Harper, Rock Hill; David Jenkins, Rock Hill; Zach Delawder, Coal Grove; Steven Simpson, Coal Grove; Caleb Osborne, Frankfort Adena; Mason Dyer, Frankfort Adena; D.J. Crocker, Huntington; Nate Clutters, Oak Hill; Dom Chambers, Paint Valley; Roman Wisecup, Paint Valley; Peyton Bell, Paint Valley; Brewer Tomlison, Beaver Eastern; Landyn Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern; Drew Douglas, NelsonvilleYork; Dakota Inman, Nelsonville-York; Trusten McWhorter, Southeastern; Brandon Burdette, Glouster Trimble; George Arnett, Lucasville Valley; Hunter Edwards, Lucasville Valley; Daniel Chapman, Crooksville Braidin Tuttle, Alexander; Wyatt Humphreys, Meigs; Garrett Roberts, Meigs; Justin Stump, Bidwell River Valley; Peyton Caudill, Minford; Tysen Kingery, Minford; J.D. Matiz, Minford; Carter Runyon, McDermott Northwest; Tanner Bolin, McDermott Northwest; Noah Livingston, Portsmouth; Cole Windsor, Portsmouth West; Trevor Fike, Portsmouth West; Mason Parker, Portsmouth West; Creed Warren, Wheelersburg; Ethan Glover, Wheelersburg; Eli Jones, Wheelersburg Division 6 First Team Offense WR: Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-3, 170, So.; Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Max Frank, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 170, Jr.; OL: Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-5, 330, Sr.; Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Elias Bazell, Coal Grove, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Evan Fisher, Oak Hill, 6-2, 275, Sr.; QB: Cavan Cooper, Paint Valley, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Makhi Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 170, Jr.; RB: Kordell French, Rock Hill, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Chase Hall, Coal Grove, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Nathan Dreitzler, Frankfort Adena, 6-2, 190, So.; Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley, 5-7, 215, So.; Hudson Stalder, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 180, Sr.; All-Purpose: Quinton Puckett, Huntington, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 230, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Dalton Black, Huntington, 6-2, 195, Sr.; K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Maleek Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Cole Wright, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 220, Jr.; LB: Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Gavin Richards, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 160, Jr., Sr.; Lakota Davis, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 225, Sr.; DB: Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 160, So.; Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley, 5-11, 160, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Defensive Player of the Year: Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York Co-Linemen of the Year: Elias Bazell, Coal Grove; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill Coach of the Year: Rusty Richards, Nelsonville-York Special Mention

Division 7 First Team Offense WR: Mason Heiss, Waterford, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Tanner Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 160, So.; OL: Landon Randolph, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-1, 245, Sr.; QB: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Josiah Smith, Racine Southern, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Logan Doughty, Corning Miller, 6-1, 155, So.; Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East, 6-0, 155, Sr.; RB: Dylan Taylor, Waterford, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Rylee Barrett, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Nathaniel Brannigan, Franklin Furnace, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Gavin Hart, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 215, Jr.; All-Purpose: Landan Lodwick, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Dylan Seison, Portsmouth Notre Dame; 6-1, 155, Sr.; PK: Hayden Wilcoxen, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 140, Fr. First Team Defense DL: Landon Flaherty, Waterford, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Carter Campbell, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-3, 190, Sr.; LB: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Derek Griffith, Racine Southern, 6-1, 190, Jr.; E.J. Siders, South Gallia, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Abe McBee, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-10, 185, Jr.; DB: Lane Cline, Waterford, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 183, So.; Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley, 5-8, 185, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern Lineman of the Year: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green Coach of the Year: Jason Jackson, Meigs Eastern Special Mention Colten McDougle, Waterford; Jud Cooper, Waterford; Brady Yonker, Meigs Eastern; Gavan Smith, Meigs Eastern; Cooper Barnett, Meigs Eastern; Kolten Thomas, Racine Southern; Bradie McCulley, Racine Southern; James Sheets, South Gallia; Hunter Wright, South Gallia; Conner Kaido, Corning Miller; Zander Bice, Corning Miller; Chais Lavender, Franklin Furnace Green; Blake Smith, Franklin Furnace Green; Landehn Pernell, Sciotoville East; Tyell Baker, Sciotoville East; Dylan Fitzgerald, Sciotoville East; Dominic Sparks, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Wyatt Webb, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Lucas Smith, Manchester; Aaron Lucas, Manchester

30

FOOTBALL 2023

Heat awareness top priority as high school sports begin INDIANAPOLIS — It is an exciting time of year for the millions of students involved in high school sports and performing arts programs. In many parts of the country, schools are back in session, practices have started, and the first games or performances are just around the corner.

Understandably, those teams that just missed the state playoffs are determined to get off to a fast start and make a deeper run this year.

There is an urgency among the coaching staff to get a step ahead, to work harder and to start the season at a faster pace than last year.

However, cooler heads – literally and figuratively – must prevail in the early weeks of fall sports and activity programs. In many states, the soaring temperatures have been garnering headlines for much of the summer. With heat indices approaching or exceeding 100 degrees in some areas, coaches, administrators and athletic trainers must take every precaution to avoid heat stress injuries or deaths.

More than 3.5 million students will be involved in outdoor practices this month – football, cross country, soccer, field hockey and marching band – and heat awareness

must be the first item addressed in the daily scheduling of events.

Even volleyball teams practicing in hot gyms without air conditioning must be on guard.

Last week, the NFHS distributed information about heat concerns to NFHS member state associations. In the most recent 10-year period, the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR) reported 42 Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) events in high school athletes, which included 18 deaths (15 in football, two in basketball and one in soccer).

As we have stated many times in this column, one heat-stroke death is too many because EHS is preventable. Even with one million participants in high school football, death from heat stroke is preventable.

Coaches, athletic directors and athletic trainers must have effective prevention plans in place so that student participants are fully protected from heat-related illnesses and injuries.

In addition to football and other outdoor fall sports, participants in marching band are just as susceptible to the effects of heat illness.

Like their counterparts on the athletic fields, band directors should provide for a slow and progressive

period of acclimatization prior to marching season.

The NFHS, through its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the NFHS Learning Center, offers many educational tools to assist schools in developing a proper heat acclimatization and heat illness prevention program. In addition, many state associations

have developed state-specific guidelines for dealing with heat issues and safety challenges.

The SMAC has developed a “Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement” which is available on the NFHS website.

The Green Local Board of Education wishes successful and memorable seasons to all of our athletic programs.

Go Bobcats!

SEE “AWARENESS,” PAGE 33

FOOTBALL 2023

31

Members of the 2023 Green Bobcats football team are: front row from left to right, Ethan Blevins, Braxton Conschafsky, Brett Chaney, Eli Fitch, Nathaniel Brannigan and Cole Maynard; second row left to right, Quincy Merrill, Mason Neal, Blake Smith, Ethan Hineman, Troy Stapleton, Landon Kimbler and Conner Blanton; third row left to right, Wyatt Floyd, Olivia Blevins, Ralph Klaiber, Carson Johnson, Gabe Blevins and Alex Hagen. Not pictured was Abe McBee. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Green has plenty of holes to fill

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

FRANKLIN FURNACE — When someone is said to “play the numbers game,” it means to use amounts or figures to support an argument, often in a way that confuses or misleads people.

With only 22 players on the Green football roster, head coach Chad Coffman is moving those numbers around to confuse and mislead opponents and find a way to get a win.

Last season it was working as Green began the year 6-0. But injuries began to pile up and the Bobcats very promising season ended with some tough losses and a 6-5 record.

“Last year we did some things.

We had the third winning season in 33 years, we had the first home playoff game and we have a beautiful stadium,” said Coffman.

“We have some high-end players back. The question is how well we

can fill in those other spots and what kind of completion can we create.”

With a small roster, Coffman is doing is best Bernie Madoff impression once again.

“When you practice with less than 25, it’s hard to have any 11 on 11 anything even if you’re holding practice dummies,” said Coffman.

“Last year we could do 11 on 11.

I thought that helped us get better.

I’ve been at small schools before.

We’ll get creative.”

Although the numbers are low now, Coffman sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

“I looked at the number and the average number of kids Green has had on the team since they started playing football is 18. So, 21 is better and not as high as the last couple of years, but we have nine boys in the freshman class. Not nine players in the class, just nine boys,” said Coffman.

SEE “GREEN,” PAGE 32

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32

FOOTBALL 2023

GREEN PLAYERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GREEN

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE LT LG C RG

RT QB

FB WB

WB TE WR PK

5 19 75 19 62 75 61 45 55 75 45 79 54 8 9 11 22 5 15 8 23 8 4 25 45 10 11 10 22

Braxton Conschafsky Dakota Hollon Cole Maynard Dakota Hollon Eli Fitch Cole Maynard Troy Stapleton Carson Johnson Brett Chaney Cole Maynard Carson Johnson Ralph Klaiber Ethan Blevins Abe McBee Gabe Blevins Landon Kimbler Nate Brannigan Braxton Conschafsky Blake Smith Abe McBee Conner Blanton Abe McBee Mason Neal Wyatt Floyd Carson Johnson Quincy Merrill Landon Kimbler Quincy Merrill Nate Brannigan DEFENSE

DE

19 25 DT 61 79 DT 55 54 DE 75 25 LB 22 75 LB 15 55 OLB 8 25 OLB 5 10 CB 11 23 CB 10 4 S 78 10 P 22 10

Dakota Hollon Wyatt Floyd Troy Stapleton Ralph Klaiber Brett Chaney Gabe Blevins Cole Maynard Wyatt Floyd Nate Brannigan Cole Maynard Blake Smith Brett Chaney Abe McBee Wyatt Floyd Braxton Conschafsky Quncy Merrill Landon Kimbler Conner Blanton Quincy Merrill Mason Neal Gabe Blevins Quincy Merrill Nate Brannigan Quincy Merrill

Klaiber

Neal

Kimbler

Stapleton

Fitch

G. Blevins

Johnson

Green

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

“But we got this new school, I think the future is still bright there.

I think more kids will be enrolled.

We’ve got a big fifth grade group and a big sixth grade group. Green has always been in a cycle like that.”

QUARTERBACK Senior Abe McBee (5-10, 180) was a big running threat last season and could be the quarterback but Coffman would like to move McBee to wingback to give him more running opportunities.

The move would mean either freshman Gabe Blevins (5-8, 135) or junior Landon Kimbler (5-5, 120) will take over the position.

“Blevins is kind of a jet back. He gives us another quarterback who can run,” said Coffman.

RUNNING BACK So goes the running game, so goes the Bobcats offense.

And the running game goes when senior fullback Nate Brannigan (6-0, 215) gets churning much like one game last season when he carried 35 times for 260 yards.

Senior Braxton Conschafsky (5-8, 170) will be in the backfield when he isn’t at tight end to give the Bobcats some depth.

“Teams know Nate is going to get the ball and he still gets his yardage. Brannigan could play for anybody,” said Coffman. “Blake is our best blocker as a running back and he’s gotten faster.”

The wingbacks are big in the offensive scheme and junior Blake Smith (6-2, 175) returns after a solid season last year.

McBee will probably move to wingback and be joined by sophomore Mason Neal (5-9, 140).

“Abe is a very effective runner when he runs it. He’s a very good running back,” said Coffman.

ENDS Conschafsky figures to be one tight end with junior Wyatt Floyd (5-7, 145) on the other end. Also in the mix will be junior Dakota Hollon (6-2, 170) and freshman

Carson Johnson (6-1, 180) who provide more size but lack playing experience.

Junior Quincy Merrill (5-7, 155) returns at wide receiver and his will be backed by Kimbler if he doesn’t play quarterback.

“We’ll be a lot of double tight, double win unless we get in the gun,” said Coffman.

“Conschafsky can play about anywhere as a back or a lineman.

Dakota is a big, strong kid. Wyatt isn’t that big but he’s a really strong kid.”

OFFENSIVE LINE With he limited number of linemen, this is where Coffman has to get creative in this numbers game.

Sophomore Troy Stapleton (5-8, 175) should be the center with seniors Eli Fitch (6-2, 190) and Brett Chaney (5-10, 200) the guards.

The tackles spots will be manned by veteran senior Cole Maynard (6-0, 200) who was a starter last season and sophomore Ralph Klaiber (5-10, 290) who is the team’s biggest player.

As for backups, Johnson could move from tight end to play center or guard. Senior Ethan Blevins (6-0, 235) and Hollon — another tight end —will provide depth at tackle.

The versatile Maynard has played all three interior positions along with some tight end.

“Cole is someone you can plug in anywhere. We have to have everyone ready to play somewhere else.

We can’t afford for someone to go down and not have anyone to put there,” said Coffman.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Bobcats will utilize a 4-4 alignment depending on the opposition’s offensive formations.

Stapleton and Chaney will be the tackles with Hollon and Maynard at the ends to give the Bobcats a smaller but quicker front.

Floyd is the backup at end with Klaiber and Blevins expected to get playing time at tackle.

“Our tackles and ends work together, so they’re interchangeable,” said Coffman. “We have eight

different guys working in there for those four spots.”

LINEBACKERS This is strong suit for the defense lead by All-Ohioan Brannigan and Smith on the inside and McBee and Conschafsky on the outside.

“Blake Smith is a special player.

He’s strong and a three-sport guy.

As a read linebacker who really can play,” said Coffman. “The real concern is depth at outside linebacker.”

Maynard shows his versatility again as a backup at inside linebacker with Chaney a capable backup.

Merrill and Floyd will provide the depth not he outside.

SECONDARY Although he didn’t play last season, Kimbler has been a pleasant addition this season and will be at one corner with Merrill — who can play at all the secondary positions — on the other side.

Sophomore Conner Blanton (5-5, 140) and Neal will be their backups.

Blevins is the safety with the veteran Merrill his backup.

“We have to determine who will be the corners and who will be the safety. We’ll keep evaluation,” said Coffman. “Neil is a guy who has some versatility which will give us more flexibility.”

KICKING GAME Merrill did the placements last season and has the edge with Brannigan capable of filling that role.

Brannigan will be the punter with Merrill ready to step in if called upon.

“Nate is a great punter and both he and Quincy can kick off,” said Coffman. “Quincy kicks extra points and field goals but Nate can kick the long field goals.”

SOUTHERN OHIO CONFERENCE Coffman sees Beaver Eastern repeating as the league favorite.

“It’s got to be Eastern. They won it last year and they’ve got a lot back. They have a quarterback back and a lineman back,” said Coffman.

“Notre Dame has a lot back, but I think the league is going to very competitive from top to bottom.”

FOOTBALL 2023

33

2023 GREEN BOBCATS FOOTBALL ROSTER 2023 Green Bobcats Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. 3 Gabe Blevins QB-DB 5-08 4 Mason Neal RB-DB 5-09 5 Braxton Conschafsky RB-LB 5-08 8 Abe McBee RB-LB 5-10 9 Carson Lavey SE-DB 5-10 10 Quincy Merrill QB-DB 5-07 11 Landon Kimbler QB-DB 5-05 15 Blake Smith RB-LB 6-02 19 Dakota Hollon TE-DE 6-02 22 Nathaniel Brannigan RB-DB 6-00 23 Conner Blanton WR-DB 5-05 25 Wyatt Floyd SE-LB 5-07

Wt. 135 140 170 180 150 155 120 175 170 215 140 145

Gr Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr.

45 Carson Johnson TE-DL 6-01 180 Fr. 50 Alex Hagen OL-DL 5-07 145 Fr. 54 Ethan Blevins T-DT 6-00 235 Sr. 55 Brett Chaney G-DE 5-10 200 Sr. 61 Troy Stapleton OL-DL 5-08 175 So. 62 Eli Fitch OL-DL 6-02 190 Sr. 75 Cole Maynard OL-DE 6-00 200 Sr. 76 Ethan Hineman OL-DL 6-00 240 Jr. 78 Olivia Blevins OL-DL 5-08 180 So. 79 Ralph Klaiber OL-DL 5-10 290 So. Head coach: Chad Coffman Assistant coaches: Bill Claxon, Andrew Holsinger, Shane Colvin, Kevin McDavis, C.J. Blevins Trainer: Ray Tackett

GREEN PLAYERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Brannigan

Smith

Conschafsky

Maynard

Chaney

E. Blevins

Merrill

Hineman

Floyd

Green Bobcats August 18 at Fairfield Christian 25 at Grove City Christian September 1 MANCHESTER 8 at Southern 15 FAIRVIEW, Ky. 22 at Symmes Valley# 29 PRTS. NOTRE DAME# October 6 SOUTH GALLIA# 13 at Sciotoville East# 20 BEAVER EASTERN# #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Chad Coffman

Awareness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

This document contains seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program.

In addition, the SMAC’s “Position Statement and Recommendations for Maintaining Hydration to Optimize Performance and Minimize the Risk for Exertional Heat Illness” is also available on the sports medicine page of the NFHS website.

Through the NFHS Learning Center, the NFHS offers a free online course entitled Heat Illness Prevention.

Head Coach: Chad Coffman (8-16 at Green, 4th year; 36-55 overall, 9th year) Assistant Coaches: Bill Claxon, Andrew Holsinger, Shane Colvin, Kevin McDavid Key Returnees: Braxton Conschafsky, Eli Fitch, Abe McBee, Quincy Merrill, Blake Smith, Nathaniel Brannigan, Cole Maynard, Ethan Blevins, Conner Blanton.

Key Losses: Landon Lodwick, Levi Blevins, Levi Waddell, Gabe McBee, James Hurst, Isaiah Runyon, Tyler Blanton, Chais Lavender, Andy Runyon Record: 6-5 overall, 1-4 SOC (5th) Offense: Double Wing-T Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

This course, which is available at www.nfhslearn.com, also reviews the seven fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program. More than 2.3 million Heat Illness Prevention courses have been accessed. In addition, to address the necessary precautions for participants in marching band, the NFHS has a free course entitled Band Safety.

Among the fundamentals of a Heat Acclimatization Program are 1) a slow progression in activity level – duration and intensity; 2) adjusting workouts as heat and humidity increase, includ-

ing close monitoring and a prompt response to developing problems; and 3) proper hydration.

Three other Learning Center courses should be a part of the preseason tutorials for all key members of the school’s team: The Collapsed Athlete, Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Concussion in Sports.

As an additional resource, last year the NFHS Foundation announced a grant program to distribute 5,000 wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) devices to high schools across the country.

The WBGT measures the heat stress

2022 Results

2023 Schedule

QUICK HITTER Green (OT) 15 Fairfield Christian 13 Green 40 Fisher Catholic 0 Green 41 Ridgedale 14 Green 65 Southern 52 Green 43 Fairview, Ky. 18 Green 21 Sym. Valley 0 Green 21 Notre Dame 29 Green 19 Northwest 29 Green 0 Sciotoville East 16 Green 28 Eastern 41 Playoff Results Green 36 Notre Dame 45 Record: 6-5

in direct sunlight, accounting for temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover. High schools can use the thermometer’s reading to help determine if the weather is appropriate to hold outdoor activities.

The NFHS Foundation provides a video on proper use of WBGT. School leaders must continue to take EHS seriously. We encourage every athletic coach and band director to take the free online courses – Heat Illness Prevention and Band Safety – at www.nfhslearn.com. It could be the best investment of time this year.

Rock Hill

GO BIG RED

FOOTBALL 2023

35

Members of the Rock Hill Redmen 2023 football team are: front row left to right, Matt Weber, Isak Delawder, Dakota Dust, Markas Dust, Landon Howard, Bradey Stamper, Bryson Stevens, Isaiah Strunk, Tomas Miller, Bradley Mullins, Yaden Bailey, Tristan Lewis and Carson Doolin; second row left to right, Bryson Lewis, Landon Rose, Peyton Clutters, Jaxson Rose, Sam Rusk, Levi Ross, Wyatt Jenkins, Mason Hanners, Connor Blagg, Blake Porter, Levi Jiles, Chase Sizemore, Anthony Stamper, Grant Bevins, Gabe Clutters, Dallin Cox, Preston Malone and Lorenzo Pernestti; third row left to right, Elden Myers, Mason Jenkins, Hunter Scott, Zach O’Bryant, Eli Smith, Nathan Stone, Daniel Medinger, Eli Hamlin, Drew Schug, Cameron Stevens, Chase Blevins, Logan Stewart, Ryan Clement, J.T. Howard and Gage Clutters. Not pictured were Bryson Loper and Trevor Lawless. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Redmen must overcome lots of inexperience

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PEDRO — The Replacements II. The Rock Hill Redmen suffered severely heavy losses which leaves head coach Mark Lutz searching for replacements for a team that was 5-6 including upset wins over Vinton County and Gallipolis.

“We lost 13 seniors and almost everyone of them started somewhere and that’s hard to replace,” said Lutz. “Practices have been a lot of teaching and coaching starting with the basics before you even get into the Xs and Os.” Both the offense and defense have been hurt by graduation and the lack of depth and experience is being felt.

“We don’t have a lot of size up front. A lot teams we play are in the spread so you have to be able to cover in space and tackle in the open field,” said Lutz.

RUNNING BACKS Gone is All-Ohio and 1,000-yard rusher Kordell French as well as fullback Chase Delong, but the Redmen return senior Levi Jiles (5-11, 170) and junior speedster Anthony Stamper (5-10, 165) to go with hard-running junior fullback

Gage Clutters (6-0, 220) and sophomore Preston Malone (6-0, 180).

“Stamper has really good vision.

He can makes cuts that you can’t teach,” said Luttz. “Jiles has worked hard in the offseason and he’s added bulk and strength. He’s just hard-nosed, has good speed and runs hard.

“I like our backfield on offense because they’ve all played. We have six backs who can all run,. It’s just finding some depth in certain other spots and praying we don’t have injuries.”

QUARTERBACK This is another hole that needs filled and both candidates are untested sophomores.

Dallin Cox (5-10, 140) played last season in a backup role while Eli Hamlin (6-2, 180) hasn’t played since junior high.

“Neither one has any varsity experience. Dallin ahead because he’s played. We’ll just have to bring them along slowly like a lot of the other guys we have,” said Lutz.

OFFENSIVE LINE The lone returning starter is a sophomore in 6-foot-4, 285-pound Daniel Medinger who played extremely well last season as a freshman.

“We’re really thin in the offensive line. We don’t have the depth or experience. If someone gets hurt, we might have to move an end or a back to the offensive line,” said Lutz.

Junior Wyatt “Earp” Jenkins (5-10, 185) looks to be the center with junior Eli Smith (6-2, 320) the backup. Senior Chase “Capone” Blevins (6-0, 265) and junior Gabe Clutters (6-0, 230) the guards while junior Ryan Clement (6-0, 330) is the other tackle.

Junior Nate Stone (6-5, 325) could play tackle or center while backup help will come from sophomore Levi Ross (5-7, 175) and possibly freshman Yaden Bailey (6-0, 220) who plays fullback but could be moved in an emergency.

ENDS The two tight end candidates are juniors Zach O’Bryant (6-3, 170) and first-year player Drew Schug (6-2, 190).

“Schug is a new guy and he’s doing a good job,” said Lutz. “My goal at least early is to play Schug at tight end and O’Bryant at defensive end. As the year goes on and things go well, we can put both of them in when we need two tight ends.”

At the wideouts will be seniors

Blake Porter (5-10, 170) and Connor Blagg (5-7, 130) and Cameron Stevens (6-2, 175). Stamper and Jiles could also line up on the outside as well.

“We’re going to try and spread out some because of the athleticism we have. We have Porter, we have Blagg, we have Stamper, we have Jiles. All those guys can run,” said Lutz. “Everyone knows of Porter’s athleticism from basketball.

DEFENSIVE LINE Medinger will be one tackle and Gabe Clutters is on the other side flanked by his twin brother Gage Clutters who will be the defensive end. The other end will be O’Bryant with Schug waiting in the wings.

“Some of our offensive linemen are going to have to flip over and play defense to give the other guys a break. They’re going to have to go play,” said Lutz. “After that, it’s going to be some of the young pups who’ll be thrown in the mix.”

LINEBACKERS Jiles and Jenkins will be the linebackers with juniors Grant Bevens (5-8, 190) and Chase Sizemore (5-10, 155) the backups who will play in certain defensive alignments.

SEE “REDMEN,” PAGE 36

36

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 ROCK HILL REDMEN FOOTBALL ROSTER Rock Hill Redmen 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 1 Connor Blagg E-DB-K 5-07 130 Sr. 2 Landon Rose E-DB-P 5-07 150 Sr. 3 Blake Porter RB-S 5-10 170 Sr. 5 Sam Rusk RB-CB 5-09 160 Jr. 7 Levi Jiles RB-LB 5-11 190 Sr. 9 Dallin Cox QB-S 5-10 140 So. 10 Jaxson Rose RB-CB 5-11 160 Jr. 11 Tristan Lewis RB-S 5-10 125 Fr. 12 Eli Hamlin QB-S 6-02 180 So. 14 Anthony Stamper RB-S 5-10 165 Jr. 15 Bradey Stamper RB-CB 6-00 160 Fr. 20 Preston Malone RB-CB 6-00 180 So. 21 Bryson Lewis E-S 5-11 148 Jr. 22 Grant Bevins RB-LB 5-08 190 Jr. 23 Mason Hanners RB-CB 5-10 160 Jr. 24 Matt Weber RB-S 5-09 135 Sr. 25 Chase Sizemore RB-LB 5-10 155 Jr.

28 29 33 34 36 42 44 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 62 63 64

Dakota Dust Peyton Clutters Markas Dust Yaden Bailey Gage Clutters Lorenzo Pernestti Drew Schug Isaiah Strunk Tomas Miller Wyatt Jenkins Gabe Clutters Bryson Loper Hunter Scott Logan Stewart Levi Ross J.T. Howard Isak Delawder James Keaton Bradley Mullins

RB-LB RB-CB FB-LB FB-LB FB-DE D-DE E-DE G-LB G-LB G-LB G-LB T-DT G-DT C-LB C-NG T-DT G-DE G-NG T-DT

5-10 5-06 5-11 6-00 6-00 5-10 6-02 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-00 6-01 6-00 6-01 5-7 6-00 5-10 5-10 5-05

145 130 150 220 220 140 190 175 175 185 230 190 175 195 175 260 160 175 175

So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. fr.

Jr. Fr.

65 Chase Blevins G-DT 6-00 265 Sr. 66 Landon Howard T-DT 5-10 220 Fr. 67 Mason Jenkins G-DE 5-10 175 Fr. 68 Ryan Clement T-DT 6-00 330 Jr. 73 Elden Myers T-DT 5-06 325 Fr. 74 Daniel Medinger T-DT 6-04 285 So. 76 Nathan Stone T-DT 6-05 325 Jr. 78 Eli Smith T-DT 6-02 320 Jr. 83 Cameron Stevens E-S 6-02 175 Sr. 84 Bryson Stevens E-DE 5-09 145 Fr. 85 Carson Doolin E-DE 6-00 185 Fr. 88 Trevor Lawless P/PK 6-01 175 Jr. 89 Zach O’Bryant E-DE 6-03 170 Jr. Head coach: Mark Lutz Assistant coaches: Red Burcham, Eric Bailey, Barry Litteral, Nick Culbertson, Keith Adams, Josh Bryant, Jesse Carmon Trainer: Grant Charles

Redmen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

“Jiles has played there for a couple of years and Jenkins had to play at the end of last season because of an injury.

All four of them like to hit,” said Lutz.

SECONDARY This is a group that Lutz said “has speed and athleticism.”

Stamper is the lone returning starter form the group and will play safety. Junior Mason Hanners (5-10, 160) got some playing time last year and should be one of the cornerbacks.

Blagg will probably be the other safety with Stevens the nickel back while Porter cis apable of playing anywhere.

“Stamper has been talking more on defense when we need him to do because we don’t have anyone who has played

back there. He’s the only one who has played,” said Lutz.

KICKING GAME Blagg will handle the placements and he has a strong and accurate leg.

“He’s been a plus. He was just going to kick and now he wants to do it all,” said Lutz. “He’s look well in 7-on-7.

The punting job is between senior Landon Rose (5-7, 150) and Malone who both punted last season for the first time at the varsity level.

“They can both kick. They just have to be consistent.

We’re hoping our special teams will be improved,” said Lutz.

Trevor Lawless looks to do the kickoffs with Blagg a possibility as well.

SEE “ROCK HILL,” PAGE 37

KATHRYN L. SUTTON, DDS 419 Vernon St. • Ironton, OH • 740-532-6542 Fax 740-532-2133 FAMILY DENTISTRY (CHILDREN AND ADULTS)

From Our Team To Yours, Good Luck With Your Season

Jiles

Porter

Blevins

C. Stevens

Blagg

Jenkins

Stamper

Medinger

Hanners

Bevins

O’Bryant

Gb. Clutters Gg. Clutters

Malone

Clement

LAMBERT LAW OFFICE, LLC Lambert Bldg. • 215 S. 4th St. • P.O. Box 725 • Ironton, Ohio

Randall L. Lambert ATTORNEY

Office: (740) 532-4333 Fax: (740) 532-7341

Cassandra Sark ATTORNEY

Email: rlambert@lambert-law.org

FOOTBALL 2023

37

Jiles stepping up into leader role

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

ROCK HILL

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR LT LG C RG RT TE QB HB FB HB PK KO

3 1 68 76 65 59 53 78 54 53 74 76 44 89 9 12 14 20 36 34 30 20 1

Blake Porter Connor Blagg Ryan Clement Nathan Stone Chase Blevins Levi Ross Wyatt Jenkins Eli Smith Gabe Clutters Wyatt Jenkins Daniel Medinger Nathan Stone Drew Schug Zach O’Bryant Dallin Cox Eli Hamlin Anthony Stamper Preston Malone Gage Clutters Yaden Bailey Levi Jiles Preston Malone Connor Blagg Trevor Lawless

PEDRO — Casinos in Las Vegas have security cameras in the ceilings that are referred to as “Eyes in the Sky.” For Levi Jiles, there are only two “Eyes in the Sky” that concern him.

Those two eyes belong to his father Joshua who was killed in an automobile accident during his sophomore year.

“I’m trying to have a good year.

I want to make him proud. I know that he’s always watching. I’m just doing everything for him,” said Jiles.

Now a senior, the 5-foot-8, 190pound Jiles is ready for a strong season that he plans to dedicate to his father.

Schug

DT DE LB LB CB CB S S P

2023 Schedule

NG

Gage Clutters Zach O’Bryant Gabe Clutters Chase Blevins Chase Sizemore Levi Ross Daniel Medinger Nate Stone Zach O’Bryant Drew Schugg Wyatt Jenkins Yaden Bailey Levi Jiles Grant Bevins Mason Hanners Blake Porter Preston Malone Cameron Stevens Anthony Stamper Dallin Cox Cameron Stevens Eli Hamlin Preston Malone Landon Rose

2022 Results

DT

36 89 54 65 25 59 74 76 89 44 53 34 30 22 23 12 20 83 14 9 20 12 20 2

Levi Jiles

SEE “LEADER,” PAGE 38

Cox

Stone

Ross

Bailey

Hamlin

Rock Hill

DEFENSE DE

Sizemore

“The realization of it being the last year has to count. You have to perform at another level if you really want to. It should be a lot tougher. I’ve got a lot to prove this year,” said Jiles. “I have to step up and teach them how to do the things they don’t know.”

Rock Hill head coach Mark Lutz said Jiles has always been a quiet player who just did his job and loved to compete. He said Jiles is more of a leader by his actions than his words, “All summer and all spring he has been in the weight room everyday. Last year he battled several injuries and tried to play in games and sometimes he could only a series or two because of the injury,” said Lutz.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

Rock Hill Redmen August 18 at Minford 25 SYMMES VALLEY September 1 at Oak Hill 8 PORTSMOUTH# 15 at Fairland# 22 SOUTH POINT# 29 at Ironton# October 6 GALLIPOLIS# 13 at Chesapeake# 20 COAL GROVE# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mark Lutz Rock Hill Redmen 14 Minford 21 Vinton Co. 20 Oak Hill 21 Portsmouth 27 Fairland 21 South Point 7 Ironton 35 Gallipolis 35 Chesapeake 28 Coal Grove Playoff Results Rock Hill 7 Loudonville Record: 5-6 Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill Rock Hill

“Lawless has a pretty strong leg,” said Lutz.

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Lutz points to Ironton as the favorite.

“Right now, we’re all still chasing Ironton. But everyone has a lot of players back and it’ll be very competitive. It should be a strong league,” said Lutz.

QUICK HITTER

33 20 7 35 34 7 49 31 7 56 40

Coach: Mark Lutz (21-36 at Rock Hill and overall, 6th season) Assistant coaches: Red Burcham, Nick Culbertson, Eric Bailey, Barry Litteral, Keith Adams, Josh Bryant, Jesse Carmon.

Key Returnees: Levi Jiles, Chase Blevins, Cameron Stevens, Anthony Stamper, Preston Malone, Grant Bevins, Mason Hanners, Gage Clutters, Wyatt Jenkins, Levi Ross, Zach O’Bryant, Ryan Clement, Daniel Medinger, Dallin Cox. Key Losses: Kordell French, Andrew Medinger, Skylar Kidd, Brayden Adams, Chanz Pancake, Brock Friend, David Jenkins, Landon Harper, Chase Delong, Logan Short, Zaylor Gregory, Tyler Murphy, Hazley Matthews.

2022 Record: 5-6 overall, 3-4 OVC (4th) Offense: T-formation, Multiple Defense: 5-2, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 3

38

FOOTBALL 2023

Leader

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

“We were a much better team last year when he was on the field and health. He has done everything we’ve asked him to do and more to get ready for this season. We just hope he stays healthy and has a special year for all the work he has put in.”

Jiles understands that he may have to come out of his shell and be more verbal in order to communicate with his teammates.

“I just have to be more vocal and actually teach them instead of staying back and being quiet,” he said.

Jiles expects to carry more of a load on offense.

“It’ll be tough to do that every play and then go back and play defense. I feel I’m in better shape right now,” said Jiles.

Jiles has been a running back on offense but he also plays defense. He played mostly as a defensive back his first two seasons but played linebacker last year and should be the defensive leader from his linebacker position this season.

He said his past playing experiences will definitely help him be a better player.

“I’ll be able to visualize everything better and just help everybody out and how to play their position,” said Jiles.

The switch to linebacker last season was more than a welcome change for the four-year starter.

“I like hitting,” Jiles said But the main focus for Jiles is about how well the team performs and he wants to be a key to the success.

“We’re young, but I feel that if everybody focuses and plays with everything they have, we have a good chance of having a good season,” said Jiles.

And a good season is something Levi Jiles would love to have his dad get to see.

Rock Hill Redmen senior running back Levi Jiles (30) follows his blocking for a big game during a game against Chesapeake last season. (Tim Gearhart Sport Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

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39

2022 SE OHIO DIVISIONS 6 &7 ALL-DISTRICT FOOTBALL TEAM 2022 Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Southeast Ohio All-District Football Teams Division 6 First Team Offense WR: Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-3, 170, So.; Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Max Frank, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 170, Jr.; OL: Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-5, 330, Sr.; Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Elias Bazell, Coal Grove, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Evan Fisher, Oak Hill, 6-2, 275, Sr.; QB: Cavan Cooper, Paint Valley, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Makhi Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 170, Jr.; RB: Kordell French, Rock Hill, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Chase Hall, Coal Grove, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Nathan Dreitzler, Frankfort Adena, 6-2, 190, So.; Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley, 5-7, 215, So.; Hudson Stalder, NelsonvilleYork, 6-0, 180, Sr.; All-Purpose: Quinton Puckett, Huntington, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 230, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Dalton Black, Huntington, 6-2, 195, Sr.; K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Maleek Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Cole Wright, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 220, Jr.; LB: Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Gavin Richards, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 160, Jr., Sr.; Lakota Davis, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 225, Sr.; DB: Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 160, So.; Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley, 5-11, 160, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Defensive Player of the Year: Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York

Co-Linemen of the Year: Elias Bazell, Coal Grove; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill Coach of the Year: Rusty Richards, NelsonvilleYork Special Mention Chanz Pancake, Rock Hill; Landon Harper, Rock Hill; David Jenkins, Rock Hill; Zach Delawder, Coal Grove; Steven Simpson, Coal Grove; Caleb Osborne, Frankfort Adena; Mason Dyer, Frankfort Adena; D.J. Crocker, Huntington; Nate Clutters, Oak Hill; Dom Chambers, Paint Valley; Roman Wisecup, Paint Valley; Peyton Bell, Paint Valley; Brewer Tomlison, Beaver Eastern; Landyn Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern; Drew Douglas, NelsonvilleYork; Dakota Inman, Nelsonville-York; Trusten McWhorter, Southeastern; Brandon Burdette, Glouster Trimble; George Arnett, Lucasville Valley; Hunter Edwards, Lucasville Valley; Daniel Chapman, Crooksville Division 7 First Team Offense WR: Mason Heiss, Waterford, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Tanner Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 160, So.; OL: Landon Randolph, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-1, 245, Sr.; QB: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Josiah Smith, Racine Southern, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Logan Doughty, Corning Miller, 6-1, 155, So.; Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East, 6-0, 155, Sr.; RB: Dylan Taylor, Waterford, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Rylee Barrett, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Nathaniel Brannigan, Franklin Furnace, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Gavin Hart, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 215, Jr.; All-Purpose: Landan Lodwick, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Dylan Seison, Portsmouth Notre Dame; 6-1,

155, Sr.; PK: Hayden Wilcoxen, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 140, Fr. First Team Defense DL: Landon Flaherty, Waterford, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Carter Campbell, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-3, 190, Sr.; LB: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Derek Griffith, Racine Southern, 6-1, 190, Jr.; E.J. Siders, South Gallia, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Abe McBee, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-10, 185, Jr.; DB: Lane Cline, Waterford, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 183, So.; Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley, 5-8, 185, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Pantelidis, Waterford Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern Lineman of the Year: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green Coach of the Year: Jason Jackson, Meigs Eastern Special Mention Colten McDougle, Waterford; Jud Cooper, Waterford; Brady Yonker, Meigs Eastern; Gavan Smith, Meigs Eastern; Cooper Barnett, Meigs Eastern; Kolten Thomas, Racine Southern; Bradie McCulley, Racine Southern; James Sheets, South Gallia; Hunter Wright, South Gallia; Conner Kaido, Corning Miller; Zander Bice, Corning Miller; Chais Lavender, Franklin Furnace Green; Blake Smith, Franklin Furnace Green; Landehn Pernell, Sciotoville East; Tyell Baker, Sciotoville East; Dylan Fitzgerald, Sciotoville East; Dominic Sparks, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Wyatt Webb, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Lucas Smith, Manchester; Aaron Lucas, Manchester

SOUTH POINT

Pointers GO BIG BLUE! PROTECT THE POINT!

FOOTBALL 2023

FOOTBALL 2023

41

SOUTH POINT POINTERS SOUTH POINT POINTERS

Members of the South Point Pointers 2023 football team are: front row from left to right, Jalyn Anderson, Eli Wilburn, Jelonte Green, Braylon Bird, Owen Federick, Corey Newman, Davin Heckard, Rece Craft, Gage Chapman, Xathan Haney, Anthony Burks, Dontae Harris, Anastasia Fahey and Blaine Freeman; second row left to right, Derrick Taylor, Corey Renn, Steeler Waulk, Ethan Littlejohn, Brayden Hanshaw, Kam Miller, Dazvon Jones, Corey Otzenbberger, Demarious Bacon-Smith and Benji Johnson; third row from left to right, Shyne Green, Isaiah Traylor, Braden Jackson, Jonah Fitzpatrick, Gary Estep, Skyler Ferguson, Levi Thornsbury, Jacob Lester, Braydon Browning and Tavarion Cabarrus; fourth row from left to right, Ethan Hunt, Davon Lewis, Robert Napier, Urijah Gardner, Landon Vance, Bryelin Staley, Hunter Chinn, Karson Kabi and Brody Maynard; fifth row from left to right, coaches Fred Craft, Josh Freeman, Dave Lewis, head coach Chris Davis, Brandon Haynes and Wes Hall. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Veterans will be key to Pointers’ success

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

SOUTH POINT — Charles Dickens had nothing on the South Point Pointers last season.

Dickens wrote the famous book “A Tale of Two Cities,” but the Pointers were busy writing the Tale of Two Halves last season as they finished 3-7.

Head coach Chris Davis said his team’s goal is to be consistent from the opening kickoff until the final horn.

“Put two halves together. That was the tale of our season last year,” said Davis. “WeE’d have one good half and never had two. We need to put two good halves together.”

With a lot of veteran players this season and loads of experience, Davis said he wants this team to be balanced which should help it be more consistent from start to finish.

“We’d like to have a good balance of run and pass like everyone would, but whatever is working at

that moment is what we’re going with.

“If one game the pass is working, we’re going to pass. If one game the run is working. It’s gong to be interesting,” said Davis.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Pointers have a lot of size and experience returning on the offensive line and has Davis grinning.

“They’re going to be our anchor this year,” said Davis. “Anthony and Dontae have been four-year starters, Newman has been there for 3 years,” said Davis. “Right now, we kind of stacked on the offensive line.”

Returning at the guards are senior Anthony Burks and Braylon Bird (6-3, 250). The tackles are also returning starters with big senior Dontae Harris (6-0, 305) on one side and junior Derrick Taylor on the right side.

The center is a new face in senior Jelonte Green but he can also play guard.

SEE “VETERANS,” PAGE 42

QUICK HITTER Head Coach: Chris Davis (5-23 overall and at South Point, 4th season) Assistant Coaches: Jim Gifford, Rusty Smith, Brandon Haynes, Wes Hall, Fred Craft, Josh Freeman, Dave Lewis, Jeremy Taylor.

Key Returnees: Blaine Freeman, Eli Wilburn, Owen Frederick, Braylon Bird, Corey Newman, Dontae Harris, Anthony Burks, Xathan Haney, Rece Craft, Braydon Hanshaw, Kamren Wilkerson, Jalyn Anderson.

Key Losses: Jordan Ermalovich, Xavier Haney, Maurice Long, Cagen Rowe, Owen Barker, Braylon Balandra.

2022 Record: 3-7 overall, 1-6 OVC (7th) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

42

FOOTBALL 2023

Veterans

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spring after moving from Florida.

Junior Kam Miller played last season and figures into the rotation and possibly freshman Davon Lewis (5-9, 160) who Davis said “has shown good hands.”

“They’re very athletic and very fast. We should be able to rotate guys in and keep guys fresh,” said Davis.

Returning at tight end is senior Jalyn Anderson ()6-4, 245) who is a good receiver and has the size to open up the ground game.

Also at tight end could be Owen Frederick (6-0, 215) who was forced to play guard last season due to injuries. He may still be part of the interior offensive line.

“We can go double tight if we need to but we’ll rotate the play in,” said.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Pointers will be the same familiar faces on the offensive line.

Harris, Burks and Bird figure to be the tackles with Taylor, Newman and Frederick all rotating at defensive end.

Green could find himself in the rotation as well at tackle.

2023 Schedule

The wild card in the offensive line is senior Corey Newman who can play all three positions and Davis said he will. He also said there will some moving around with e linemen to keep them fresh.

“Newman will go between center and guard. He and Jelonte might flip sometimes, and he could go to tackle. It all depends. They’re all interchangeable,” said Davis.

“We have seven offensive linemen who we can move around.

The guards and centers can move around but the tackles will probably stay the same for the most part.”

Junior Dazvon Jones is younger but Davis is looking to gradually let him work his way into some playing time.

QUARTERBACK With the loss of 1,000-yard passed Jordan Ermalovich to Otterbein University, the quarterback job opened up and senior Xathan Haney (6-3, 185) is ready to fill the role.

“He’s doing really well. He played receiver last year but would have been the quarterback last year is

it wasn’t for Larry played,” said Davis. “Rusty (Smith) has worked with him a lot. He’s really progressed and he has a great arm.”

The backup will be freshman Ethan Hunt.

RUNNING BACKS Senior Blaine Freeman (5-8, 200) has added muscle bulk to already “run close to the ground” style.

Freeman will be joined in the backfield by fellow senior Gage Chapman (5-11, 195).

Another candidate is junior Corey Otzenbarger who moved to South Point toward the end of football season plus junior Steeler Waulk “We’re solid. The meat of our team is our line, but we’ve got a stable of backs,” said Davis.

ENDS All-district wide receiver Brayden Hanshaw returns and the 6-foot-3 junior as the feature receiver, but he’s not a one-man band.

Senior Eli Wilburn (5-9, 150) is a definite threat along with senior Rece Craft (5-10, 160).

Another candidate is senior speedster Davin Heckard (5-8, 160) who was a standout in track last

South Point Pointers August 18 BOYD COUNTY, Ky. 25 at Alexander September 1 RUSSELL, Ky. 8 at Coal Grove# 15 IRONTON# 22 at Rock Hill# 29 FAIRLAND# October 6 at Chesapeake# 13 at Portsmouth# 20 GALLIPOLIS# #-Denotes OVC game Coach: Chris Davis

2022 Results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

SOUTH POINT POINTER

South Point Pointers South Point 28 Boyd Co. South Point 42 Alexander South Point 42 River Valley South Point 7 Coal Grove South Point 12 Ironton South Point 7 Rock Hill South Point 22 Fairland South Point 31 Chesapeake South Point 21 Portsmouth South Point 11 Gallipolis Record: 3-7

SOUTH POINT POINTER

SEE “POINTERS,” PAGE 44

Read all about it in the Ironton Tribune.

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Good Luck to all the heroes on and off the field!

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43 14 20 43 55 21 35 0 28 53

FOOTBALL 2023

43

SOUTH POINT

Freeman

Harris

Haney

Bird

Burks

Chapman

Wilburn

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE LT LG C RG RT WB RB QB WR WR WR PK

40 87 55 40 60 61 52 XX 78 61 72 40 3 30 21 29 1 5 11 5 12 30 15 5 23

Xavier Haney Jalyn Anderson Braylon Bird Xavier Haney Anthony Burks Cagen Rowe Corey Newman FIrstxxx Lastxxxx Dontae Harris Cagen Rowe Maurice Long Xavier Haney Owen Frederick Eli Wilburn Blaine Freeman Gage Chapman Jordan Ermalovich Xathan Haney Rece Craft Xathan Haney Braydon Hanshaw Eli Wilburn Kamren Wilkerson Xathan Haney Braylon Balandra

Newman

Anderson South Point Pointers’ leading rusher last season Blaine Freeman (21) scores a touchdown against Chesapeake. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Frederick

Craft

DEFENSE DE DT NG DT DE LB LB CB CB S S P

55 61 78 40 72 60 75 55 40 72 21 53 29 11 15 1 30 5 1 12 5 11 12 23

Braylon Bird Cagen Rowe Dontae Harris Xavier Haney Maurice Long Anthony Burks Owen Barker Braylon Bird Xavier Haney Maurice Long Blaine Freeman Eli Crager Gage Chapman Owen Frederick Kamren Wilkerson Jordan Ermalovich Eli Wilburn Xathan Haney Jordan Ermalovich Braydon Hanshaw Xathan Haney Rece Craft Braydon Hanshaw Braylon Balandra

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44

FOOTBALL 2023

2022 AREA SOUTHEAST ALL-DISTRICT SELECTIONS Southeast Ohio All-District Football Teams Area Selections Division 6 First Team Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Chase Hall, Coal Grove RB 6-02 215 Sr. Elias Bazell, Coal Grove OL 6-02 230 Sr. Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove OL 6-02 270 Sr. Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove DL 6-02 270 Jr. Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove DB 6-00 175 Jr. Kordell French, Rock Hill RB 5-08 155 Sr. Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill OL 6-05 330 Sr. Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill LB 5-11 200 Sr. Special Mention Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Zach Delawder, Coal Grove OL 6-01 300 Jr. Steven Simpson, Coal Grove RB 5-09 165 Jr. Landon Harper, Rock Hill OL 5-08 255 Sr. David Jenkins, Rock Hill OL 6-01 230 Sr. Chanz Pancake, Rock Hill TE 5-08 175 Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove Defensive Player of the Year: Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York Co-Lineman of the Year: Elias Bazell, Coal Grove; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill Coach of the Year: Rusty Richards Division 7 First Team Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Tyler Blanton, Green OL 6-01 245 Sr. Nathaniel Brannigan, Green RB 6-00 200 Jr. Landan Lodwick Green All-Purpose 5-09 160 Sr. Abe McBee, Green DB 5-10 185 Jr. Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley DB 5-08 165 Sr. Special Mention Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Chais Lavender, Green OL 5-09 230 Sr. Blake Smith, Green LB 5-11 160 So. Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Pantlidis, Waterford

Pointers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

LINEBACKERS The three linebackers the Pointers will go with are Freeman, Chapman and Otzenberger with Waulk a possible candidate.

“They’re good. They like contact and they’ve got experience,” said Davis.

SECONDARY The cornerback will be Wilburn and Miller will be the corners with Hanshaw and Heckard at the safeties. Lewis could play some at cornerback and Craft will be in the rotation at safety.

KICKING GAME Hanshaw will be back as the punter but the loss of Braylon Balandra opened up the placement job. Craft stepped up and has the edge on the extra points and field goals.

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Davis said the league will be very tough and competitive once again.

“We got Ironton in their last year. We all know about Ironton.

It’s going to be Ironton to contend with,” said Davis.

Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern Lineman of the Year: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green Coach of the Year: Jason Jackson, Meigs Eastern Division 5 First Team Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Ty Perkins, Ironton WR 6-03 185 Sr. Lincoln Barnes, Ironton LB 6-00 205 Sr. Trevor Carter, Ironton LB 6-02 210 Sr. Tayden Carpenter, Ironton QB 6-00 190 Sr. Landen Wilson, Ironton All-Purpose 5-10 170 Sr. Amari Felder, Ironton DB 5-09 190 Sr. Jaquez Keyes, Ironton RB 6-00 215 Sr. Noah Patterson, Ironton OL 6-04 255 Jr. Steeler Leep, Fairland All-Purpose 5-10 180 Sr. Brycen Hunt, Fairland WR 6-00 155 Jr. Steven Rhodes, Fairland OL 6-00 248 Sr. Peyton Jackson, Fairland QB 5-09 173 Jr. Zion Martin, Fairland DL 6-00 190 Sr. Jordan Ermalovich, South Point QB 6-00 175 Sr. Brayden Hanshaw, South Point WR 6-03 175 So. Nick Wright, Chesapeake DL 6-00 190 Sr. Special Mention Player, Team Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Aiden Young, Ironton DB 5-11 185 Sr. C.J. Martin, Ironton DB 6-02 175 Sr. Justin McKee, Fairland OL 6-00 250 Sr. Ryan Dixon, Fairland LB 6-00 223 Jr. Maurice Long, South Point DL 6-06 310 Sr. Blaine Freeman, South Point RB 5-10 180 Jr. Marcus Burnside, Chesapeake LB 5-07 225 Sr. Camron Shockley, Chesapeake RB 5-07 125 Jr. Offensive Player of the Year: Ty Perkins, Ironton Defensive Players of the Year: Lincoln Barnes, Ironton Lineman of the Year: Kade Woods, Portsmouth West Tri-Coaches of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton; Heath Hinton, Zane Trace; Todd Gilliland, Portsmouth West

2023 SOUTH POINT POINTERS FOOTBALL ROSTER No. 1 3 4 5 11 16 29 30 44 52 55 60 75 78 87 6 7 8 12 15 22 40 62

Player Blaine Freeman Owen Frederick Davin Heckard Nathan Haney Rece Craft Gabe Chinn Gage Chapman Eli Wilburn Anastasia Fahey Corey Newman Braylon Bird Anthony Burks Jelonte Green Dontae Harris Jalyn Anderson Corey Otzenberger Corey Renn Demarious Bacon-Smith Brayden Hanshaw Kam Miller Steeler Waulk Beenji Johnson Ethan Littlejohn

Pos. RB-LB TE-DE WR-S QB-S WR-S TE-DE RB-LB WR-CB RB-LB C-DE T-DE G-DT C-DT G-DT TE-DE FB-LB RB-CB RB-CB WR-S WR-CB FB-LB PK-P C-DT

Gr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

70 Derrick Taylor T-DT Jr. 72 Dazvon Jones G-DT Jr. 10 Braden Jackson WR-S So. 18 Jacob Lester RB-CB So. 21 Jonah Fitzpatrick FB-LB So. 32 Isaiah Traylor FB-LB So. 33 Levi Thornbury WR-CB So. 50 Tavarion Cabarrus T-DE So. 61 Shyne Green T-DT So. 71 Gary Estep G-DT So. 77 Skyler Ferguson G-DT So. 81 Braydon Browning WR-CB So. 9 Davon Lewis WR-CB Fr. 13 Ethan Hunt QB-S Fr. 20 Robert Napier RB-LB Fr. 23 Landon Vance WR-DB So. 45 Urijah Gardner WR-DB Fr. 63 Hunter Chinn T-DT Fr. 65 Karson Kobi G-DT Fr. 66 Brody Maynard G-DE Fr. 76 Bryelin Staley T-DT Fr. Head coach: Chris Davis Assistant coaches: Jim Gifford, Rusty Smith, Brandon Haynes, Wes Hall, Fred Craft, Josh Freeman, Dave Lewis, Jeremy Taylor

FOOTBALL 2023

45

Blue Devils will rely on their speed, experience

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

2022 Results

“They can run, that’s for sure,” said Carter who then focused on Hunter Shamblin playing quarterback.

“It’s had to say what he’s going to be like. Right now he looks good, but he’s not so polished. But he can move and he has a strong arm,” said Carter.

“Obviously, he’s a great athlete but this is his first time around as quarterback. We have to keep it simple for him and get the ball in his hands and let him make plays.”

Sometimes Hunter Shamblin will take the ball from his hands and hand it to his brother Hudson and Carter said “he has good speed and he’s a threat to make a big play any time he touches the ball.”

Senior Cole Hines (5-10, 195) will work at both running back and receiver.

RECEIVERS The top weapon in the passing game is senior Kenyon Franklin

Gallipolis Blue Devils Gallipolis 44 Meigs 7 Gallipolis 38 Athens 15 Gallipolis 22 Pt. Pleasant 21 Gallipolis 42 Chesapeake 7 Gallipolis 36 Portsmouth 34 Gallipolis 43 Fairland 35 Gallipolis 36 Coal Grove 33 Gallipolis 31 Rock Hill 35 Gallipolis 22 Ironton 29 Gallipolis 53 South Point 11 Playoff Results Gallipolis 37 Licking Valley 30 Gallipolis 14 Indian Valley 35 Record: 9-3

2023 Schedule

GALLIPOLIS — There’s this thing called graduation. Fortunately, there’s this other thing called underclassmen.

The Gallipolis Blue Devils experienced a heavy graduation with its senior class, but there are plenty of returning players with talent and experience that should help the team in its quest to improve on last season’s 9-3 record.

The Blue Devils graduated 14 seniors including Marshall recruit Isaac Clary, quarterback Brody Fellure and defensive back Mason Skidmore. However, they return seven starters.

“Some of those players were really good so it’s a tall task again this year but we feel good about what we have in the room,” said Carter.

“Speed will be our strong suit. We should be fast to the football,” said Carter.

BACKFIELD One of the keep offensive weapons last season was senior running back Hudson Shamblin (5-11, 190) who led the team in rushing.

His twin brother Hunter Shamblin (5-11, 190) missed most of last season with an injury but returns to fill the quarterback spot.

Gallipolis Blue Devils August 19 MEIGS 25 at Athens September 1 at Pt. Pleasant, W.Va. 8 CHESAPEAKE# 15 PORTSMOUTH# 22 at Fairland# 29 COAL GROVE# October 6 at Rock Hill# 13 IRONTON# 20 at South Point# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Kole Carter

2023 GALLIPOLIS FOOTBALL ROSTER Gallipolis. Blue Devils 2023 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. 0 Kenyon Franklin WR-DB 6-01 1 Braylon Rathburn QB-DB 6-01 2 Max Canaday QB-DB 3 Alex Blair WB-DB 6-00 4 DeAnthony Taylor WR-DB 5-09 5 Hunter Shamblin Athlete 5-11 6 Caleb Stout WR-LB 5-10 7 Brock Shelton RB-LB 8 Hudson Shamblin RB-LB 5-11 9 Gunnar Peterson RB-LB 5-10 10 Wes Saunders WR-DB 11 Parker Burris WR-DB 12 Cole Hines Athlete 5-10 15 Connor Roe WR-DB 5-11 17 Evan Houck WR-DB 5-08 18 Chris Henry WR-DB 20 Peyton Harrell WR-DB 21 Joey Darnbrough WR-DB 5-09 24 Cedric French RB-DB 26 Gabe Hammons WR-LB

Wt. Gr. 205 Sr. 185 Jr. Fr. 165 So 160 Jr. 195 Sr. 190 Sr. Fr. 190 Sr. 160 So. Sr. So. 195 Sr. 160 Sr. 130 So. Fr. Fr. 160 Sr. So. Fr.

29 Enoch Patterson WR-DB 32 Connor Nichols RB-LB 44 Macen Meadows TE-LB 5-09 50 James Qualls WR-DB 5-09 51 Bryson Ufer OL-DL 53 Carson Johnson OL-DL 54 Steven Davis OL-DL 5-11 56 Dakota Sides OL-DL 6-02 58 Matt Liberati OL-DL 5-11 59 Michael Henry OL-DL 5-10 60 Eric Russell OL-DL 62 Nathan Wilson OL-DL 5-11 63 Kenjian Jones OL-DL 65 Cory Mock OL-DL 67 Kole Loveday OL-DL 5-07 69 Matthew Gordon OL-DL 6-03 72 Jackson Loveday OL-DL 5-07 73 Logan Kenney OL-DL 75 Tanner King OL-DL 6-02 76 Travis Chapman OL-DL 5-11 77 Quinton Vanmeter OL-DL 5-11 88 Blake Caldwell TE-LB 6-03 Head coach: Kole Carter

Fr. Fr. 160 Fr. 195 So. Fr. Jr. 175 Sr. 275 Jr. 210 Sr. 200 Sr. Fr. 190 So. Fr. So 190 Fr. 255 Sr. 190 Fr. Fr. 270 So. 280 Jr. 260 Jr. 180 Sr.

(6-1, 205) who has added 20 pounds to his frame this season.

“He’s got good size and he can move around and obviously he can catch the football. You’ll see him in different spots this year.,” said Carter.

Also returning are senior receivers Connor Roe (5-11, 160) and Joey Darnbrough (5-9, 160). Looking to be in the mix is sophomore Alex Blair (6-0, 165) who got some playing time at the end of last season along with fellow sophomore Gunnar Peterson (5-10, 160).

Carter may also use senior Caleb Stout (5-10, 190) as a tight end and H-back. Stout has served as the team’s punter and plalcekicker, too.

Another tight end candidate is senior Blake Caldwell (6-3, 180).

OFFENSIVE LINE Gone is Isaac Clary to the college ranks at Marshall University, but the Blue Devils still return several linemen.

Veterans are juniors Matt Liberati (5-11, 210), Quinton Vanmeter (5-11, 260), Dakota Siders (6-2, 270) and Travis Chapman (5-11, 280) while senior Steven Davis (5-11, 185) moves from tight end to guard.

Senior Michael Henry (5-10, 200) is another guard candidate.

“We feel like we’ll be pretty sound up there, it’s just all about getting

to the point of attack, firing off the football and being disciplined,” said Carter.

“We also have a nice combination of freshmen and sophomores we could roll out there.”

DEFENSIVE LINE Caldwell, Cory Mock and Henry will rotate at the defensive ends with Vanmeter and Siders sharing the nose guard duties.

LINEBACKERS Hines and Davis are veterans who will anchor the defensive from their inside linebacker positions.

On the outside will be the Shamblin brothers, Peterson and Stout.

“We have some speed there,” said Carter.

SECONDARY The secondary is interchangeable with Darnbrough, Blair, Franklin and senior Wes Saunders.

“Saunders played soccer and basketball but decided to come out this year. He’s a heck of a player,” said Carter. “All those kids can play.

They can all run and they’re athletic.”

KICKING GAME Stout will handle both the placekicking and punting once again.

Carter said he has a range of 40 yards.

“He can kick it for sure. He’s a nice lefty,” said Carter.

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Cole Carter (9-3 at Gallipolis and overall, 2nd season) Assistant Coaches: Larry Carter, Jordan Deel, Dalton Jarrell, Nathan King, Alex Saunders, Tommy Saunders, Drew Young.

Key Returnees: Hunter Shamblin, Hudson Shamblin, Kenyon Franklin, Joey Dambrough, Matthew Gordon, Cole Hines, Matt Liberati, Stephen Davis, Quinton Vanmeter, Travis Chapman, Dakota Siders.

Key Losses: Isaac Clary, Brody Fellure, Gabe Rayons, Mason Skidmore, Mason Smith, Antwon Vanmeter.

2022 Record: 9-3 overall, 5-2 OVC (2nd) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 3-5-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7

46

FOOTBALL 2023

Members of the 2023 Portsmouth Trojans football team are: front row left to right, Leelind Scurlock, Lukas Bradley, Dee Parker, Jason Starr, Andrew Berry, Camron Williams, Trevin Brooks, Landon Malone, Lathan Bradley and Chase Heiland; second row from left to right, Zion Froe, Kayleb Johnson, Nik Copley, Braxton Carr, Nate Berry, Levaughn Cobb, AJ Rodriguez, Zach Roth, Colin Perry and JT Williams; third row from left to right, Landen Boren, Dylan Sanderlin, Alex McKenzie, Will Dunn, Alex Howard, Jacob Roth, Fernando Poxes, Noah Livingston, Kyo Sowards and Jacob Tidd; fourth row from left to right, Jon Carter, Wesley Runyon, Ean Parker, Anakin Malone, Leo Poxes, Isaiah Krekeler, Logan Thurman, Jaylon Ball and Kewan Lett; fifth row from left to right, Jay Lofton, Tyshone Henderson, Gavin Stillwell, JJ Henderson, Gage Sowards, Charles Fletcher and Nick Donley; sixth row from left to right, Mark Aeh, coaches Jason VanDeusen, Chad Hammond, Aaron Duncan, Dave Malone, head coach Bruce Kalb, Chris Duncan, John Berry, Nate Cadogan and Thomas Ramsey, . (Jim Walker/The Ironton Tribune)

Trojans will add more running to passing game

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — It’s what’s up front that counts.

And the Portsmouth Trojans are counting on their linemen to be the key to their success this season as they will be changing their offensive philosophy from a pass-happy spread for a pound it out, eat the clock ground game but still mix in its traditional passing attack to keep defenses honest.

“We’re pretty big up front this year. If we were to say there is a strength on this team going into the year, it’s the size and strength of the offensive line,” said Trojans’ head coach Bruce Kalb.

With Gerald Cadogan taking the job as athletic director at Shawnee State, Kalb will be helping to coach a position this season as he works with the offensive line.

The former Portsmouth lineman said it is a refreshing change for him.

“Going back a little to my roots, from when I first started as an offensive co-ordinator as well as well as my first couple of years, you’ll see a very different offense.

You’ll see a combination of the two, but we’ll be much more run heavy,” said Kalb.

“We’re going to be under center half the time, probably back in the I (formation), running downhill.

It’s almost a foreign style of football nowadays. You talk about the Coal Groves and Rock Hills, people look at them like they’re dinosaurs because you have a variation of the wing-T and the straight T. Nobody runs that anymore. You do that because of the athletes you have.”

The Trojans lost 12 valuable seniors but have large numbers in their junior and sophomore classes.

“I’m thrilled to have so many juniors, but they’re inexperienced,” said Kalb.

OFFENSIVE LINE Senior Leo Poxes (6-0, 280) returns at right tackle to anchor the offen-

sive line.

The other tackle will be sophomore Wesley Runyon (6-0, 290) while the guards should be junior Landen Boren (6-1, 267) and sophomore Charles Fletcher (5-10, 275).

Junior Dylan Sanderlin (5-10, 202) will shift from guard to center.

The backup at tackle will be sophomore Isaiah Krekeler and junior Alex McKenzie (5-8, 165). Krekeler can also play tackle and Sanderlin could shift back to guard in case of an injury.

QUARTERBACK The Trojans had Drew Roe a couple of years ago who combined passing and running to terrorize defenses.

Last season, Tyler Duncan was more of a pocket passer who proved to be an accurate and deadly passer.

This season, junior J.T. Williams (5-6, 154) will combine the running skills of Roe and passing skills of Duncan to provide a duel threat.

“J.T. is cut in the same mold as Drew Roe,” said Kalb. “Tyler

Duncan was very different. We were spoiled with him. He’s a coach’s kid (coach Aaron Duncan) so he’s had offense drilled in his head from day one,” said Kalb.

“J.T. is a little shorter in stature, His legs are just as much if not bigger a weapon than his arm.”

The backup will be freshman Camron Williams (5-5, 135).

RUNNING BACK Junior Chase Heiland (5-8, 183) moved from wide receiver to running back. His backup will be junior Nick Copley (5-8, 184).

RECEIVERS Gone is Reade Pendleton, but the receiving corps is deep and fast led by the trio of señor Levaughn Cobb (5-11, 212). The other two starters will be senior Nathaniel Berry (6-2, 191) and junior Colin Perry (5-10, 155).

The backups will be junior Lukas Bradley (5-10, 157), sophomore Landon Malone (5-7, 120) and Copley.

SEE “TROJANS,” PAGE 48

FOOTBALL 2023

47

2023 PORTSMOUTH TROJANS FOOTBALL ROSTER No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28

Portsmouth Trojans 2023 Football Roster Player Pos. Ht. Chase Heiland RB-LB 5-08 Lathan Bradley WR-DB 5-08 Landon Malone WR-DB 5-07 Trevin Brooks TE-LB 5-09 Camron Williams QB-DB 5-05 Andrew Berry P 6-00 Jason Starr WR-LB 5-06 Dontavion Parker RB-LB 5-08 Tyshon Henderson WR-DB 5-07 Lukas Bradley WR-DB 5-10 Leeland Scurlock WR-DB 5-08 J.T. Williams QB-DB 5-06 Colin Perry WR-DB 5-10 Zach Roth PK 5-10 Angel Rodriquez WR-DB 5-11 Levaughn Cobb RB-DL 5-11 Nathaniel Berry WR-DB 6-02 Braxton Carr WR-DB 5-05 Nick Copley WR-DB 5-08 Kingston Littlefield WR-DB 5-08 Kayleb Johnson RB-DB 6-00 Zion Froe WR-LB 5-07 Jacob Tidd WR-DB 5-10 Kyo Sowards TE-LB 5-09 Noah Livingston TE-LB 6-02

Wt. 183 130 120 193 135 148 117 145 130 157 124 154 155 168 154 212 191 120 184 167 170 144 140 148 200

Gr. Jr. Jr. So. So, Fr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

31 Fernando Poxes RB-LB 5-07 170 Fr. 32 Jacob Roth PK 5-07 141 So. 40 Alex Howard TE-LB 5-08 170 Jr. 45 Adam Charles TE-DL 5-11 195 Sr. 50 Will Dunn OL-LB 5-08 170 Jr. 51 Alex McKenzie OL-DL 5-08 165 Jr. 52 Dylan Sanderlin OL-LB 5-10 202 Jr. 54 Landen Boren OL-DL 6-01 267 Jr. 55 Kewan Lett OL-DL 5-08 180 Sr. 56 Diego Scott OL-DL 5-08 200 So. 57 Jaylon Ball OL-DL 5-10 195 Jr. 58 Isaiah Krekeler OL-DL 5-09 219 So. 60 Leo Poxes OL-DL 6-00 280 Sr. 62 Anakin Malone OL-DL 5-08 189 So. 66 Ean Parker OL-DL 6-00 204 So. 69 Wesley Runyon OL-DL 6-00 290 So. 71 Vlad Cochran OL-DL 5-08 215 Sr. 73 Nick Donley OL-DL 5-11 245 Fr. 75 Jonathan Carter OL-DL 6-00 262 So. 77 Charles Fletcher OL-DL 5-10 275 So. 79 Gage Sowards OL-DL 6-00 289 Sr. 80 J.J. Henderson WR-DB 5-04 108 Fr. 81 Gavin Stillwell WR-DB 5-07 112 Fr. 82 Jay Lofton WR-DB 5-05 132 Fr. Head coach: Bruce Kalb Assistant coaches: Bo Mayo, Dave Malone, Nate Cadogan, John Berry, Sean Sturgill, Aaron Duncan, Chris Duncan, Chad Hammond, Jason VanDeusen

Trojans

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

PORTSMOUTH

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR LT LG C RG RT QB TE RB WR WR PK

14 11 69 59 54 51 52 51 77 51 60 59 13 6 28 5 2 20 9 20 17 4 15

Colin Perry Lukas Bradley Wesley Runyon Isaiah Krekeler Landen Boren Alex McKenzie Dylan Sanderlin Alex McKenzie Charles Fletcher Alex McKenzie Leo Poxes Isaiah Krekeler J.T. Williams Cameron Williams Noah Livingston Trevin Brooks Chase Heiland Nick Copley Nathaniel Berry Nick Copley Levaughn Cobb Landon Malone Zach Roth DEFENSE

DE DT DT DE LB LB OLB OLB CB CB S P

17 18 60 57 69 58 54 57 28 5 52 40 2 5 20 5 22 14 4 18 13 12 7 15

Levaughn Cobb Nathaniel Berry Leo Poxes Jaylon Ball Wesley Runyon Isaiah Kekeler Landen Boren Jaylon Ball Noah Livingston Trevin Brooks Dylan Sanderlin Alex Howard Chase Heiland Trevin Brooks Nick Copley Trevin Brooks Kayleb Johnson Colin Perry Landon Malone Nathaniel Berry J.T. Williams Leeland Scurlock Andrew Berry Zach Roth

When the Trojans switch to tight ends, look for senior Noah Livingston (6-2, 200) and sophomore Trevin Brooks (5-9, 193) to fill those roles.

DEFENSIVE LINE The line figures to be the key to the defense as well as the offense.

Cobb and Boren are first up on the depth chart at defensive end with Poxes and Runyon manning the tackle positions. All four are returning starters.

“We feel the strength of our defense is going to be those big guys up front. They can eat blocks and how many double teams they get to let Livingston and Sanderlin make plays,” said Kalb.

Poxes can also play end while Krekeler and junior Jaylon Ball (5-10, 195) can also play both end and tackle.

LINEBACKERS The inside linebackers are Sanderlin and Livingston with Brooks and Howard providing the depth.

On the outside are Heiland and

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Bruce Kalb (2519 at Portsmouth and overall, 4th year) Assistant Coaches: Bo Mayo, Dave Malone, Nate Cadogan, John Berry, Sean Sturgill, Aaron Duncan, Chris Duncan, Chad Hammond, Jason VanDeusen Key Returnees: Levaughn Cobb, J.T. Williams, Chase Heilland, Kayleb Johnson, Dylan Sanderlin, Landen Boren, Leon Poxes, Nathaniel Berry, Caden Scott.

Key Losses: Brenden Truett, Nolan Heilland, Tyler Duncan, Reade Pendleton, Beau Hammond, Amari Harmon, Jayden Duncan, T. J. Debord.

2022 Record: 7-5 overall, 5-2 OVC (2nd) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

Copley with Brooks doing double duty as their backup.

“Livingston was an awesome, awesome linebacker he was last year,” said Kalb.

SECONDARY As usual, the Trojans will have plenty of speed in the secondary with the speedy J.T. Williams leading the way at safety. His backup is sophomore Leeland Scurlock (5-8, 124).

Sophomore Kayleb Johnson (5-10, 140) and Malone are penciled in at the cornerback slots with Perry and Berry the backups.

All 6 players are interchangeable.

“Right now we’re kind of up in the air about playing Willliams on defense. Typically, we’ve not played Williams a lot. Stupid stuff can happen and stupid stuff does happen. You just have to deal with it when it does happen,” said Kalb.

KICKING GAME Senior Zach Roth (5-10, 168) is back as the placekicker and will work with senior Andrew Berry (6-0, 148( for the punting duties.

Roth has been consistent from 40 yards on field goals “That’s a weapon. If I can sniff the red zone, I got a kicker who can kick it through,” said Kalb.

2023 Schedule

FOOTBALL 2023

Portsmouth Trojans August 17 LUCASVILLE VALLEY 25 at Portsmouth West September 1 GREENUP CO., Ky. 8 at Rock Hill# 15 at Gallipolis# 22 COAL GROVE# 29 CHESAPEAKE# October 6 at Fairland# 13 SOUTH POINT# 20 at Ironton# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Bruce Kalb

2022 Results

48

Portsmouth Trojans Portsmouth 42 Lucas. Valley Portsmouth 7 Ports. West Portsmouth 31 Spring Valley Portsmouth 35 Rock Hill Portsmouth 34 Gallipolis Portsmouth 43 Coal Grove Portsmouth 35 Chesapeake Portsmouth 34 Fairland Portsmouth 28 South Point Portsmouth 7 Ironton Playoff Results Portsmouth 28 Union Local Portsmouth 7 Ironton Record: 7-5

28 34 42 21 36 42 12 0 21 42 26 48

2022 REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

Ironton Gallipolis Portsmouth Fairand Coal Grove Rock Hill South Point Chesapeake

Northwest Beaver Eastern Prts. Notre Dame Sciotoville East Green Symmes Valley

Portsmouth West Wheelersburg Waverly Minford Lucasville Valley Oak Hill

High School Football 2022 Regular Season Final Standings Ohio Valley Conference OVC Overall W L Pts. Opp W L Pts 7 0 326 67 10 0 399 5 2 262 184 8 2 367 5 2 216 174 6 4 339 4 3 179 178 7 3 281 3 4 229 196 6 4 383 3 4 174 219 5 5 229 1 6 111 235 3 7 224 0 7 44 223 2 8 104 Southern Ohio Conference Division I SOC Overall W L Pts Opp W L Pts 4 1 196 60 7 3 242 4 1 141 110 4 6 199 3 2 147 119 5 5 309 3 2 52 86 5 5 222 1 4 87 114 6 4 291 0 5 20 156 1 8 72 Division II SOC Overall W L Pts Opp W L Pts 5 0 167 85 9 1 346 4 1 189 49 7 3 323 3 2 200 129 5 5 341 2 3 106 152 6 4 275 1 4 98 172 3 7 238 0 5 24 197 1 9 85

Opp 117 227 278 214 270 279 312 342

Opp 171 234 225 206 211 287 Opp 121 144 340 234 315 294

SYMMES VALLEY

s g n i k i V

50

FOOTBALL 2023

Members of the 2023 Symmes Valley Vikings football team are: front row from left to right, water girl Kayley Maynard, Aydan Freeman, Zander Pancake, Caiden Mount, Colt Pancake, Jaxon Gates, Trey Campbell, Eli Pratt, Sam McCleese, Ethan Shafer, water girl Kaitlin Maynard; second row from left to right, girl Caly Schneider, Caleb Mount, Gradee Holland, Gage Scherer, Dylan Urban, Andy Strow, Zander Hurn, Gavin Harris, Tucker Ross, Brandon Fout, Johnathan Brammer and ball boy Bentlee Holland; third row left to right, Trevor Simpson, Case Webb, Cam Webb, Austin Dement, Cody Stapleton, Will Jones, Levi Owens, Branson Edwards, Aydan Taylor and Tucker Huff; fourth row left to right, coaches John Coriell, Eric Holland, Brad Nelson, head coach Ben Ferguson, Seth Jones and Donald Pancake.

Symmes Valley plans to spread things out

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — After last season, the Symmes Valley Vikings don’t want to be seen as the same team, and second-year head coach Ben Ferguson is making sure that doesn’t happen.

The Vikings were 1-8 with a team that had only seven seniors and very few returning starters. But the Vikings return plenty of players who got a lot of experience, plus they’ve added some younger players to the roster and they have done one other key thing.

They’re adding a passing game to their vaunted running game.

“We’re putting an emphasis on that part of the game, and not so that it’s pass heavy. Just having that weapon in our arsenal will let us balance it out a little bit,” said Ferguson of the plan to utilize the spread formation.

Trying to take advantage of the bounty of skilled players this season, Ferguson said the team is adapting well due to the amount of experience the players gained last season.

“The young guys who are now older guys, from last year, there

definitely were some low points, but because they went through that they’ve matured. You hear them them in practice telling some of those other guys, ‘We were there last year. You don’t know what it was like. You don’t have to know what it was like. We’re going to tell you and these are the goals we have set. We’re not going to be like we were portrayed last season,” said Ferguson.

“I feel really, really confident where we’re at. They’ve made great strides since last year. The little nuance things that maybe kept us from finishing things in those games we’ve been hammering at them.”

QUARTERBACK Sophomores Andy Strow (6-0, 170) and Dylan Urban (6-0, 155) are in a battle for the quarterback job.

Strow played some last season while Urban is in his first season.

“Strow has been taking the bulk of the first team reps right now, but Dylan is learning quickly, Both of them have been taking snaps,” said Ferguson. “It’s kind of a different offensive system a little bit from last year for both of them.”

Regardless if one doesn’t start, the other quarterback could play some wide receiver as the Vikings

utilize the shotgun formation that they turned to last season due to injuries.

“We’re definitely going to be in the gun a little more this year.

We’re definitely going to try and be more multiple. We’re going to air it out more, air out our passing game some. But we don’t want to lose the ability to just line up and run at you. In true Symmes Valley fashion, if we can run 50 times a game and it’s rolling, we’ll do it.”

RUNING BACK Senior Sam McCleese 5-7, 155) is ahead of the field as a four-year starter. “He has so much experience,” said Ferguson.

Two players expected to see a lot of playing time are freshman Case Webb (6-0, 180) and sophomore Randy Adkins (5-10, 175).

“Both are really good, solid backs. Both have a different skill set. Randy is that flash guy. He might tackled for a loss on one play, and you might run the same play and he hits the crease. He has that breakaway speed that can take it to the house,” said Ferguson.

“Case is super consistent, super coachable, has good vision and some shake in him.”

RECEIVERS

The slotback is junior Will Jones (6-3, 170).

“He got a lot of experience last year. He’s a super great leader. Long kid who’s grown into his coordination. He’s catching the ball really well, runs hard. He’s the guy who when he’s going down his legs are still pumping. He’s going to fight you all the way,” said Ferguson.

The other slot receiver will be freshman Gradee Holland (6-0, 150).

“He’s a freshman and not very big yet, but he has a really good skill set, high IQ, a knack for the game and he’s picking up pretty quickly,” said Ferguson.

Also in the mix are junior Branson Edwards (6-3, 160) who missed part of last season with an injury, senior Eli Pratt (5-7, 150) and junior Levi Owens (6-0, 170).

“Edwards can go up in the air and snag it out of the air. Pratt is a super quick guy who can shoot up through the seam and be gone.

He’s like lightning in a bottle,” said Ferguson. “Owens is similar to Branson. He has long arms, he has a lot of raw ability, he can kind of go up and get the ball, he has a good feel for it. But he’s just learning.”

SEE “VIKINGS,” PAGE 52

FOOTBALL 2023

51

VIKINGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SYMMES VALLEY DEPTH CHART

McCleese

Taylor

Jones

Pratt

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

DE

50 80 DT 70 72 DT 51 75 DE 44 79 ILB 77 15 ILB 34 32 OLB 8 21 OLB 25 33 CB 9 7 CB 45 3 S 12 4 P 32 25

Aydan Taylor Tucker Huff Cody Stapleton Trey Campbell Tucker Ross Gavin Harris Caiden Mount Austin Dement Zander Hurn Ethan Shafer Brandon Fout Case Webb Sam McCleese Johnathan Brammer Will Jones Levi Owens Branson Edwards Eli Pratt Colt Pancake Gradee Holland Dylan Urban Randy Adkins Case Webb Will Jones

Cai. Mount

Stapleton

QUICK HITTER

Strow

Urban

Ross

Hurn

Head Coach: Ben Ferguson (1-8 at Symmes Valley and overall, 2nd year) Assistant Coaches: Eric Holland, John Coriell, Seth Jones, Brad Nelson, Nathan Colegrove, Donald Pancake. Stats: Cameron Meadows. Film: John Sharp.

Key Returnees: Sam McClease, Will Jones, Randy Adkins, Caiden Mount, Tucker Ross, Zander Hurn, Colt Pancake, Branson Edwards, Alex Adkins, Andy Strow, Cody Stapleton, Austin Dement Key Losses: Josh Saunders, Caleb Ritchie, Aleck Beckett, Levi Ross, Wyatt Owens, Isaac Ross Record: 1-8 overall, 0-5 SOC-1 (6th) Offense: Spread, Wing-T, Wishbone, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

GO VIKINGS! Fout

2023 Schedule

Branson Edwards Dylan Urban Aydan Taylor Gage Scherer Caiden Mount Gavin Harris Tucker Ross Trey Campbell Cody Stapleton Caleb Mount Zander Hurn Austin Dement Eli Pratt Levi Owens Andy Strow Dylan Urban Sam McCleese Case Webb Randy Adkins Will Jones Gradee Holland Randy Adkins Will Jones Case Webb

2022 Results

WR 9 12 LT 50 55 LG 58 75 C 51 72 RG 70 53 RT 77 79 WR 7 33 QB 1 12 RB 8 32 4 Slot 25 3 4 PK 25 32

Edwards

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Symmes Valley Vikings August 18 CHESAPEAKE 25 at Rock Hill September 1 RIVER VALEY 8 at Tug Valley, W.Va. 15 at Manchester 22 GREEN# 29 at Beaver Eastern# October 6 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# 13 PRTS. NOTRE DAME# 20 at South Gallia# #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Ben Ferguson Symmes Valley Vikings Sym. Valley 28 South Gallia Sym. Valley 12 Eastern Sym. Valley 6 Chesapeake Sym. Valley 6 Tug Valley, WVa Sym. Valley 0 Green Sym. Valley 20 Eastern Sym. Valley 0 Sciotoville East Sym. Valley 0 Notre Dame Sym. Valley 0 Northwest Record: 1-8

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52

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 SYMMES VALLEY VIKINGS FOOTBALL ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 12 13 15 18 21 25 29 32 33 34

Symmes Valley Vikings 2023 Football Roster Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Andy Strow QB-DB 6-00 170 Aydan Freeman QB-DB 5-04 165 Gradee Holland WR-DB 6-00 150 Randy Adkins RB-LB 5-10 175 Eli Pratt WR-DB 5-07 150 Sam McCleese RB-LB 5-07 155 Branson Edwards WR-DB 6-03 160 Dylan Urban QB-WR-DB 6-00 155 Cam Webb WR-DB 6-01 155 Ethan Shafer WR-DE 5-08 205 Trevor Simpson WR-LB 6-00 170 Johnathan Brammer WR-LB 5-10 175 Will Jones WR-LB 6-03 170 Zander Pancake WR-DB 5-06 150 Case Webb RB-DE-LB 6-00 180 Levi Owens WR-DL 6-00 170 Brandon Fout RB-WR-LB 5-09 170

Gr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr.

45 Colt Pancake WR-DB 5-07 145 Jr. 50 Aydan Taylor OL-DL 6-01 225 Sr. 51 Tucker Ross OL-DL 5-11 260 So. 52 Kaiden Gore OL-LB-DE 5-08 190 So. 53 Caleb Mount OL-DE 6-00 180 Fr. 54 Jaxon Gates OL-DL 5-07 150 Fr. 55 Gage Scherer OL-LB 5-11 175 So. 57 Hunter Kelley OL-DL 5-092 15 Fr. 58 Caiden Mount OL-DE 5-09 195 Jr. 65 Mason Campbell OL-DL 5-11 195 Fr. 70 Cody Stapleton OL-DL 6-00 270 Jr. 72 Trey Campbell OL-DL 5-06 230 Fr. 75 Gavin Harris OL-DL 5-10 215 Jr. 77 Zander Hurn OL-LB 6-01 200 So. 79 Austin Dement OL-DE 6-02 170 Jr. 80 Tucker Huff WR-DE 6-04 190 Fr. Head coach: Ben Ferguson Assistant coaches: John Coriell, Eric Holland, Brad Nelson, Seth Jones, Nathan Colegrove, Donald Pancake

Vikings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

OFFENSIVE LINE The Vikings have always had lineman who blocked well in the run game but will add passing blocking to the offense.

At center should be sophomore Tucker Ross (5-11, 260) who started last season.

“Tucker put in a lot of work in the offseason. He’s gotten bigger and stronger. If we needed him to play all five positions, he could. He anchors us there and he’s just coming into his own physically. He’s really taken to our new offense,” said Ferguson.

His back should be freshman Trey Campbell (5-6, 230).

Junior Cody Stapleton (6-0, 270) looks to be the right guard with freshman Caleb Mount (6-0, 180).

Junior Caiden Mount (5-9, 195) — Caleb’s older brother — will be the left guard with junior Gavin Harris (5-10, 215) the backup.

“Cody bounced back and forth from guard to tackle. He’s strong like a bull,” said Ferguson. “Caiden loves contact. He’s very physical, he’s durable and he’s working on the little things and he’s done a great job at that and he’s trying to mentor his brother to make him better.”

Aydan Taylor (6-1, 225) is the left tackle and the only senior on the offensive line.

“Taylor is the leader there. He can move well, played there last year and now he’s a señor and he’s really developed. He’s a really good leader for the other guys,” said Ferguson.

Sophomore Gage Scherer (5-11,

175) is behind Taylor on the depth chart.

The right tackle is sophomore Zander Hurn (6-1, 200) who played some last season.

“Hurn is long, he’s been there before school and after school for weights. He has very good feet and he’s really come on and developed,” Ferguson said.

Sitting behind Turn is junior Austin Dement (6-2, 170) who Ferguson said “is a really solid backup who could earn a starting spot.”

DEFENSIVE LINE “Were going to stay in our traditional 4-4, but we’re looking to ransom two high stuff to be more diverse and help us with the spread stuff,” said Ferguson. “But as our core we’ll try to stay with the 4-4.

We feel confident that we have guys who can rotate in and we have four really great down guys who can control the line of scrimmage.”

The leading candidates at tackle are Ross and Stapleton. Caiden Mount is leading at a defensive end but he will also be a backup at tackle.

Taylor played a lot at defensive end last season and should be back on the other side. Freshman Tucker Huff (6-4, 190) is another possible backup.

“They both had big bodies and they played there last year,” said Ferguson. “Caiden is a hybrid guy who can play tackle, too.”

Dement will be the backup at end and get in the rotation. Campbell and Harris are also in the conversation.

LINEBACKERS The inside linebackers figure to

be Hurn and junior Brandon Fout (5-9 170).

“Fout was that kid who showed up this year and then all of the sudden you’re at practice and looking around and say, ‘who was that?’ and somebody said that was Fout. He just kind of came into his own,” said Ferguson.

“Hurn is a high IQ guy. It’s kind of a different position for him. He was an end last year but where he’s grown and gotten faster we’re hoping he can fill that role.”

Sitting behind the pair on the depth chart are junior Ethan Shafer (5-8, 205) and Webb who was an end last year.

On the outside will be McCleese and Jones, both who are returning starters who will anchor the defense.

“They both know the defense inside and out,”said Ferguson.

“They can get everybody lined up.”

Senior Johnathan Brammer (5-10, 175) is new to the program and learning the defense and will be a backup along with Owens who is picking up the defense quickly.

SECONDARY Ferguson said there are big battles at the corner.

Edwards has a slight edge over junior Colt Pancake (5-7, 145) while Pratt who has excellent speed is on the other side. Holland will be the backup and still adjusting to varsity speed.

Urban is the leader at safety and Ferguson said “he has a really good knack for the ball and has the speed to stay over the top.”

Adkins looks to be his backup.

KICKING GAME The Vikings were forced to go for the 2-point Willie Jones is expected to handle the placement with Case Jones the punter.

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FOOTBALL 2023

53

McCleese’s fighting spirit grows contagious with SV teammates

By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — At 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Sam McCleese might not strike fear into any opponent with that first glance.

But as the old saying goes, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.

That is the best way to describe the Symmes Valley Vikings’ senior running back and linebacker.

Although the Vikings were just 1-8 last season with a very young and inexperienced team, McCleese was proud of the team’s effort all year.

“That was the one thing. We never gave up in any of our games,” said McCleese. “I feel like we fought as hard as we could to the end.”

A four-year starter, McCleese reflected on his career and said there are a lot of memories.

“It’s been a good time. We’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve changed things up a bit, but I think it’s really going to help out this season,” said McCleese.

“I think we’ve got a little more experience this year than we did last year. I think the new kids are going to step up and do a little bit better.”

Vikings’ head coach Ben Ferguson said McCleese has always shown leadership skills.

“He’s a really good leader for us. When I coached junior high, I had him. The senior

group is a small group. He’s held them together. He’s contributed on the field since he was a sophomore. He’s smart, he’s high effort, he can see things that sometimes I can’t see. He’s good for the other kids. He’s never been a ‘me’ guy. He has never said one thing in terms of a individual accolade.”

Since it is his final season, McCleese said the goals are simple: make the playoffs and win the SOC. “I just want to be a leader. That’s all I can do.

Lead them and show them what we need to do.

We’ve been there and we need to do it again,” said McCleese who will rely on his own experiences to help his teammates.

“I’ve seen most of what we’ll see out there and I try to lead my team in what I can and show them what I know and help them through everything.”

McCleese doesn’t plan on playing at the next level which means this season will be bittersweet.

“It’s heartbreaking that this is all I’ve got left.

It was tough going out there last year playing with kids I’ve known my whole life and getting beat up and getting beat,” said McCleese.

“We had a lot of outsiders telling us we wouldn’t win a game and we ended up winning a game and we did better than anyone thought.

But, I feel like we could have done better and we’re going to show that this year.”

Spoken like a true fighter.

Sam McCleese

2022 DIVISIONS 3 & 4 SE ALL-DISTRICT FOOTBALL TEAMS 2022 Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Southeast Ohio All-District Football Teams Division 3 First Team Offense WR: Garrett Guess, Miami Trace, 6-4, 200, Jr.; A.J. Dallmayer, Wash. Court House, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Andrew Holden, Sheridan, 5-9, 165, Sr.; OL: David Norris, Jackson, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Deegen Bloomfield, Hillsboro, 6-0, 208, Sr.; Drew Guthrie, Miami Trace, 6-8, 295, Sr.; Hunter Zizek, Sheridan, 5-9, 195, Sr.; TE: Tayvion Galloway, Chillicothe, 6-5, 225, Jr.; Tanner Lemaster, Wash. Court House, 6-6, 240, Sr.; QB: Jacob Winters, Jackson, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Scott Moats, Circleville, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Troy Thompson, Wash. Court House, 6-2, 180, Sr.; RB: Cade Wolford, Jackson, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Austin Barrett, Hillsboro, 5-11, 185, Jr.; All-Purpose: Jacob Wood, Jackson, 5-9, 160, Sr.; PK: Mason Siberell, Chillicothe, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Zach Warnock, Miami Trace, 6-3, 185, Sr. First Team Defense DL: Evan Lake, Chillicothe, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Charles Souther, Wash. Court House, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Cole Davis, Sheridan, 6-0, 225, Jr.; LB: Landon Camp, Jackson, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Max Lee, Chillicothe, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Joe Streitenberger, Circleville, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Alex Poirier, Sheridan, 6-1, 205, Sr.; DB: Junior Smith, Marietta, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Eli Broermann, Jackson, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Michael Beardon, Wash. Court House, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Reid Packer, Sheridan, 6-3, 190, Sr.; P: Mason Doughty, Chillicothe, 6-3, 225, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Jacob Winters, Jackson Defensive Player of the Year: Reid Packer, Sheridan Lineman of the Year: Hunter Zizek, Sheridan Co-Coaches of the Year: Paul Culver III,

Sheridan; Andy Hall, Jackson Special Mention Seth Britton, Marietta; Luke Brandes, Athens; Marcus Steevers, Athens; Bo Landrum, Jackson; A.J. Denny, Jackson; Carter Boltenhouse, Chillicothe; Ayden Clemons, Hillsboro; Gary Reno, Hillsboro; Trentt Fulgham, Circleville; Jude Blair, Circleville; Trevaughn Jackson, Wash. Court House; Rocky Jones, Wash. Court House; Noah Miller, Sheridan; Justin Munyan, Sheridan Division 4 First Team Offense WR: Tanner Pepper, Vincent Warren, 6-0, 170, Fr.; Maddox Fox, Unioto, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Hudson Kelly, Waverly, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Braylen Baker, Circleville Logan Elm, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Tatem Toth, New Lexington, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Kenyon Franklin, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-0, 195, Jr.; OL: Nathan Morrison, Unioto, 6-2, 285, Sr.; R.J. Weber, Circleville Logan Elm, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Gunnar George, Fairfield Union, 5-11, 245, Jr.; Brady Kennedy, New Lexington, 6-1, 285, Sr.; Isaac Clary, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-7, 305, Sr.; QB: Newton Hoops, Unioto, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Isaac Molihan, Vinton County, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Aaron Walters, Circleville Logan Elm, 6-0, 175, So.; Hayden Collins, Fairfield Union, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Lukas Ratliff, New Lexington, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Brody Fellure, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-1, 185, Sr.; RB: Jason Williams, Vincent Warren, 5-9, 182, Jr.; Garrett Brown, Vinton County, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Andrew Potts, Greenfield McClain, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Jase Hurd, Waverly, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Hunter Rose, New Lexington, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Hudson Shamblin, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 6-0, 185, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Wyatt Crabtree, Waverly, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Michael Vernon, New Lexington, 6-3, 190, Sr.; LB: Dawson Brown, Vinton County, 5-11, 190, Sr.;

Kaden Penwell, Greenfield McClain, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Blayton Reid, Circleville Logan Elm, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Cole Hines, Gallipolis Gallia Academy, 5-9, 185, Jr.; DB: Matt Griffin, Unioto, 6-0, 220, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Newton Hoops, Unioto Defensive Player of the Year: Blayton Reid, Circleville Logan Elm Lineman of the Year: Isaac Clary, Gallipolis Gallia Academy Co-Coaches of the Year: Kole Carter, Gallipolis Gallia Academy; Kevin Board, New Lexington; Terry Holbert, Circleville Logan Elm Special Mention

Trent Taylor, Vincent Warren; Taylor Bowers, Vincent Warren; Nolan Fox, Unioto; Cody Tuttle, Unioto; Josiah Thacker, Vinton County; Owen Hire, Vinton County; Cade Sponcil, Greenfield McClain; Max Eikenberry, Greenfield McClain; Brock Adams, Waverly; Mason Kelly, Waverly; Landon Thompson, Circleville Logan Elm; Tanner Holbert, Circleville Logan Elm; Nolan Brumfield, Circleville Logan Elm; Jayden Prichard, Fairfield Union; Brennen Rowles, Fairfield Union; Zack Robinson, New Lexington; Jerek Braglin, New Lexington; Dakota Siders, Gallipolis Gallia Academy; Mason Skidmore, Gallipolis Gallia Academy

R&R Grocery Greasy Ridge • Scottown, Ohio

643-2542 Owners - Donnie and Rhonda Rigney Good Luck To Our Football Team and Cheerleaders

54

FOOTBALL 2023

2022 DIVISION 5 ALL-OHIO FOOTBALL TEAM Associated Press Sports Writers Division 5 All-Ohio Football Team Offensive Player of the Year: Dane Nauman, Marengo Highland Defensive Player of the Year: Owen Davis, North Union Coach of the Year: Casey Mohler, Liberty Center; Jake Buchholtz, Springfield Northeastern First Team Offense QB: Miles Miller, Burton Berkshire, 5-10, 160, jr.; Marcel Blasingame, Coldwater, 6-1, 175, sr.; Dylan Hohler, Huron, 6-4, 185, sr.; Gage Cline, Richmond Edison, 6-6, 215, sr.; Tyler Johnson, Centerburg, 6-2, 205, sr.; Cade Houseman, Springfield Northeastern, 6-0, 185, sr.; Billy Skripac, South Range, 6-2, 200, sr.

RB: Case Boos, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-10, 157, sr.; Mason Oliver, Bloomdale Elmwood, 5-10, 200, sr.; Ryan Sissel, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 220, sr.; Jaksan Price, Belmont Union Local, 5-10, 206, sr.; Dane Nauman, Marengo Highland, 6-0, 215, jr.; Jake Clark, Germantown Valley View, 5-11, 195, sr.; Jake Gill, Norwayne, 5-10, 190, sr.

R/TE: Brayden Richards, Perry, 6-1, 177, jr.; Cam Robinson, Willard, 6-0, 180, jr.; Ty Perkins, Ironton, 6-3, 185, sr.; Blake Brumbaugh, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-1, 180, sr.; Max Autry, Madeira, 5-11, 190, sr.; Ryne Shackelford, LaGrange Keystone, 6-0, 195, sr.; Brody Pumneo, Navarre Fairless, 6-1, 160, sr.

OL: A.J. Kifus, Perry, 6-5, 290, sr.; Landon Bockelman, Liberty Center, 6-3, 260, jr.; Kade Woods, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 225, soph.; Alex Baer, McDermott Northwest, 6-1, 255, sr.; Quinten Leasure, Barnesville, 6-0, 305, sr.; Ethan Lane, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-4, 285, sr.; Chase Bromagen, Germantown Valley View, 6-4, 225, sr.

K: Connor Estep, Wheelersburg, 5-11, 160, jr.

First Team Defense DL: Owen Box, Liberty Center, 6-3, 265, sr.; Evan Homan, Coldwater, 6-3, 274, sr.; Jacob Ridener, Oak Harbor, 6-0, 205, soph.; Jarett Wallick, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2, 230, sr.; Jake Brown, West Milton Milton-Union, 5-10, 240, sr.; Conner Cravaack, Madeira, 6-5, 225, sr.; Hawkeye Hickman, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-0, 235, sr.; JD Crouse, South Range, 6-3, 215, sr.

LB: Uzonna Nzekwe, Beachwood, 6-3, 235, sr.; Ty Covill, Conneaut, 5-9, 160, sr.; Lincoln Barnes, Ironton, 6-0, 205, sr.; Matt Parsons, Richmond Edison, 6-1, 200, sr.; Owen Davis, North Union, 6-3, 210, sr.; Gavin Degroat, Germantown Valley View, 6-0, 205, sr.; Michael Mulvihill, Blanchester, 6-2, 195, so; Keegan Sell, Akron Garfield, 5-11, 185, jr.

DB: A.J. Stroud, LaGrange Keystone, 5-10, 160, sr.; Caleb Anthony, Columbus Africentric, 5-6, 160, fr.; Cooper Brown, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-4, 186, sr.; Austin Stidham, Germantown Valley View, 5-8, 165, sr.; Antwon Brooks, Reading, 6-2, 180, sr.; Luke Yoder, Navarre Fairless, 5-11, 170, sr.; Josiah Cahill, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-0, 165, sr.

P: Carter Blake, Belmont Union Local, 6-2, 185, sr.

Second Team Offense QB: Aidan Rogers, Harvest Prep, 6-2, 205, sr.; Logan Yoder, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-10, 160, sr.; C.J. Hannahs, Barnesville, 5-9, 155., sr.; Konner Rodick, LaGrange Keystone, 6-2, 185, sr.; Hayden Rickard, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-4, 200, sr.; Tayden Carpenter, Ironton, 6-0, 190, sr.; Caden Henson, Germantown Valley View, 6-3, 180, jr.

RB: Zack Rice, Conneaut, 5-11, 185, sr.; Carson Dominique, Archbold, 5-10, 210, sr.; Daniel Barnhart, Zane Trace, 6-1, 220, sr.; Taison Starr, Barnesville, 5-9, 180, jr.; Teegan Ruhl, Fredericktown, 6-1, 180, sr.; Tim Davis, Brookville, 5-10, 160, sr.

WR/TE: Josh Brown, Burton Berkshire, 5-10, 165, sr.; Landen Wilson, Ironton, 5-10, 170, sr.; Mason Mossbarger, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-1, 165, sr.; Adam Thorbahn, Port Clinton, 6-4, 220, sr.; Dylan Haggy, Springfield Northeastern, 6-0, 173, sr.; Gavin Chinn, Utica, 5-11, 160, jr.; Shane Lindstrom, South Range, 5-7, 170, sr.

OL: Jordan Pickerel, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-9, 191, sr.; Devin Montalbine, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-1, 250, sr.; Caleb Miller, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 260, sr.; Ashton Ellis, Richmond Edison, 5-11, 190, sr.; Rashad Debose, Harvest Prep, 5-9, 220, sr.; Bronson Stacy, Brookville, 6-3, 240, sr.; K: Jace Madzia, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-2, 190, sr.

Second Team Defense DL: Brian Cox, Perry, 6-0, 195, sr.; Lane Stewart, Zane Trace, 6-0, 190, sr.; Johnny Sabinski, Belmont Union Local, 6-1, 255, jr.; Dalton Wilson, North Union, 6-2, 236, sr.; Xavier Cain, Harvest

Prep, 6-3, 315, sr.; Ernest Pierce, Harvest Prep, 6-0, 190, jr.; Grant Edgington, Madeira, 6-3, 275, sr.; Bailey Ryan, South Range, 6-2, 260, sr.

LB: Owen McKoon, Perry, 6-0, 175, soph.; Evan LaCivita, Huron, 5-10, 185, sr.; Trevor Carter, Ironton, 6-2, 210, sr.; Ty Shawger, Zanesville West Muskingum, 5-11, 190, sr.; Hunter Pendleton, Minford, 6-4, 230, sr.; Connor Corbett, Heath, 5-7, 170, soph.; Connor Yates, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-5, 210, sr.; Tyler Remish, South Range, 6-0, 190, sr.

DB: Keith Colvin, Lorain Clearview, 6-0, 155, jr.; Marcus Medina, Milan Edison, 6-0, 175, jr.; Devin Farley, Tontogany Otsego, 6-0, 170, jr.; Grady Hutchinson, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-0, 200, sr.; Jayonn Saunders, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 5-7, 136, soph.; Ty Reali, Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 165, sr.

P: Connor Yeager, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 6-4, 200, soph.

Third Team Offense QB: Walter Moses, Perry, 6-3, 165, soph.; Brayden Bayles, Heath, 6-0, 175, jr.; Alex Davis, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 6-1, 180, sr.; Blaise Sizer, Waynesville, 6-4, 195, sr.; Carson Colucci, Navarre Fairless, 6-0, 170, sr.

RB: Jayden Studio, Perry, 6-1, 193, jr.; Matthew Orr, Liberty Center, 6-0, 190, sr.; Jaqui Hayward, Oak Harbor, 5-10, 165, jr.; Jaquez Keyes, Ironton, 6-0, 215, sr.; Brent Thompson, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 6-0, 215, jr.; Nick Heisser, Madeira, 6-1, 210, sr.

WR/TE: Steeler Leep, Fairland, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Reade Pendleton, Portsmouth, 5-9, 164, sr.; Lukas Gilland, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-0, 155, soph.; Jacob Carrico, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 5-11, 170, sr.; Bryce Sipple, Blanchester, 6-1, 185, jr.; Ayden Leon, South Range, 6-3, 205, sr.; Alec Delsginore, Cardinal Mooney, 6-2, 205, sr.

OL: Jason Brent, Burton Berkshire, 5-10, 224, soph.; Camron Carreras, Lorain Clearview, 5-8, 315, sr.; Ethan Ranzenberger, Port Clinton, 6-3, 305, Sr.; Braden Klosterman, Coldwater, 5-10, 220, sr.; John Geiger, Centerburg, 6-5, 310, sr.; Chasen Allison, Blanchester, 6-1, 270, sr.; Max Mobley, Madeira, 6-2, 265, sr.; Tom Fox, Navarre Fairless, 6-2, 240, sr.

K: Caleb Harris, Highland, 5-11, 150, sr.; Sean Leonard, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-2, 190, soph.

Third Team Defense DL: Josiah Longo, Lorain Clearview, 5-9, 160, soph.; Javen Gaines, Defiance Tinora, 6-0, 270, sr.; Dalton Hesselbart, Pemberville Eastwood, 6-1, 181, sr.; Marshall Meade, Barnesville, 6-0, 190, soph.; Desmond Davis, Cincinnati Gamble Montessori, 6-4, 250, jr.; Ya’Va Harris, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 5-10, 211, sr.; Carson Colucci, Navarre Fairless, 6-2, 165, jr.

LB: Elijah Southern, Burton Berkshire, 5-11, 225, sr.; Charlie Frederick, Chagrin Falls, 5-10, 165, sr.; Cannon Endicott, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-2, 175, sr.; Zane Brownfield, Piketon, 5-8, 170, jr.; Caleb Miller, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-10, 160, sr.; Mekhi Johnson, Columbus Africentric, 6-1, 190, jr.; Bradyn Gibbs, Germantown Valley View, 6-1, 175, sr.

DB: Jake Burkons, Beachwood, 5-11, 185, jr.; Wyatt Payne, Conneaut, 5-8, 155, jr.; Chase Miller, Archbold, 5-8, 170, jr.; Alexander Roden, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2, 170, sr.; Brady Roden, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2 170, sr.; Keegan Mehr, Brookville, 6-0, 160, jr.

P: Krayton Kern, Archbold, 5-9, 165, Sr. Honorable Mention QB: Carter Langley, Zane Trace, 6-3, 180, jr.; Peyton Jackson, Fairland, 5-9, 173, jr.; Jordan Ermalovich, South Point, 6-0, 170, sr.; Jordan Schulz, Alexander, 6-3, 190, jr.; Griffin Cleland, Meigs, 5-10, 175, jr.; Tyler Duncan, Portsmouth, 5-11, 138, sr.; Mitchell Irwin, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 190, sr.; Hayden Cassidy, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-11, 160, jr.; David Dorsten, Mariemont, 6-0, 185, sr.; Zane Zeiter, Liberty Center, 6-1, 190, sr.; Kameron Garlock, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-10, 165, sr.; Ashton O’Brien, Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 180, jr.; Sawyer Hamsher, Orrville, 5-9, 155, jr.

RB: Conlee Burnem, Meigs, 5-10, 155, jr.; Jeffrey Pica, Minford, 5-9, 210, jr.; Wyatt Brackman, McDermott Northwest, 5-11, 230, sr.; Talan McClurg, Richmond Edison, 5-10, 190, jr.; Ethan Miller, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-9, 170, sr.; Jake Calodney, Columbus Academy, 5-11, 195, sr.; Caylan LeMaster, Centerburg, 5-9, 160, sr.; Jake Mott, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 5-10, 195, sr.; Brayden Doran, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-8, 170, sr.; Jerremiah Wolford, Delta, 6-0, 225, sr.; Jesse Grace, Garrettsville Garfield, 6-0, 200, sr.; Nate Blasiole, Mantua

Crestwood, 5-9, 190, so.; Nick Vesey, Champion, 5-11, 185, sr.

WR/TE: Zach Shackelford, LaGrange Keystone, 6-1, 175, soph.; Lincoln Garlock, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-9, 155, sr.; Brycen Hunt, Fairland, 6-0, 155, jr.; Brayden Hanshaw, South Point, 6-3, 175, soph.; Casey Cline, Westfall, 6-0, 175, sr.; Jeffery Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 181, jr.; Cole Tipton, Portsmouth West, 5-11, 165, jr.; Nalin Robinson, Zane Trace, 6-4, 235, sr.; Connor Lintz, McDermott Northwest, 6-2, 180, jr.; Eric Lattimore, Wheelersburg, 5-9, 145, sr.; Tre Rex, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-5, 175, sr.; Slater Sampsel, Zanesville West Muskingum, 6-2, 180, sr.; Trey Bossaller, North Union, 5-11, 160, sr.; Chris Brown, Harvest Prep, 6-1, 165, jr.; Cadence Varner, Pleasant, 5-10, 155, sr.; Jonathan Ricketts, Carlisle, 6-2, 165, sr.; Hayden Buhro, Oak Harbor, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Dwayne Moody, Youngstown Liberty, 5-11, 160, jr.

OL: Jimmie Palmer, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-1, 235, jr.; David Kramer, Fairview Park Fairview, 6-1, 205, sr.; Daren Christine, Conneaut, sr.; Spencer Brower, Zane Trace, 6-1, 210, jr.; Noah Patterson, Ironton, 6-2, 255, jr.; Steven Rhodes, Fairland, 6-0, 248, sr.; Alex Jenkins, Piketon, 5-11, 225, sr.; Cabot Arbaugh, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-4, 270, sr.; Andrew Neary, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-2, 275, jr.; Cohen Cabot, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-10, 218, sr.; Carson Causby, Belmont Union Local, 5-10, 209, sr.; Connor McKenzie, Zanesville West Muskingum, 6-0, 220, jr.; Drue Duncan, North Union, 6-2, 270, sr.; Landon Pedigo, Highland, 6-0, 260, sr.; Preston Ross, Harvest Prep, 6-0, 230, sr.; Dirk Konrad, Reading, 5-11, 240, jr.; Nathan Abazi, Huron, 5-10, 210, sr.; Jon Wiczen, Garrettsville Garfield, 6-3, 260, jr.; Cody Brugmann, Mantua Crestwood, 6-2, 230, jr.; Gus Valentine, South Range, 6-0, 240, jr.; Adam Garloch, Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 310, sr.; Tino Merlo, Cardinal Mooney, 6-5, 280, sr.

K: Salvatore Vargas, Burton Berkshire, 5-8, 155, sr.; Cameron Manner, Huron, 5-10, 150, soph.; Cason Doolittle, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-2, 175, sr.; Zach Roth, Portsmouth, 5-10, 168, jr.; Justin Kaup, Coldwater, 6-2, 190, sr.; Ethan Bittence, Garrettsville Garfield, 5-8, 155, jr.

DL: Trevor Otley, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-8, 170, sr.; Greg O’Hern, Lorain Clearview, 5-11, 175, jr.; Jaydon Anderson, Conneaut, 6-0, 225, soph.; Zach May, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-0, 245, sr.; Hayden Brannigan, Zane Trace, 5-11, 210, sr.; Zion Martin, Fairland, 5-11, 212, sr.; Nick Wright, Chesapeake, 6-0, 190, sr.; Lane Waggoner, Richmond Edison, 6-0, 150, jr.; Wyatt Wallick, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-0, 180, jr.; Jonas Paugh, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-1, 230, sr.; Chandler Stevens, Highland, 5-10, 190, sr.; Slade McClaskey, Liberty Union, 6-3, 240, jr.; Daylen McIntyre, Heath, 5-10, 166, jr.; Lawson Wade, Mariemont, 6-2, 265, jr.; Matt Wilkerson, Waynesville, 6-4, 230, jr.; Jaleel Rayford, Pemberville Eastwood, 6-0, 200, sr.; Will Desmond, Cardinal Mooney, 6-2, 210, jr.; Jeff Brenner, Cardinal Mooney, 6-0, 210, sr.

LB: Nate Glanc, Fairview Park Fairview, 5-10, 210, sr.; Ayden Cruz, Lorain Clearview, 6-1, 170, jr.; Carson Cinniger, Willard, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Trenton Kruse, Liberty Center, 6-0, 175, jr.; Gabe Chapa, Archbold, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Bryce Hesselbart, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-9, 187, sr.; Isaac Waller, Alexander, 6-1, 200, soph.; Brenden Truett, Portsmouth, 5-6, 200, sr.; Andrew Huck, Bidwell River Valley, 5-5, 150, sr.; Landon Hutchinson, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, jr.; Casey Carpenter, Barnesville, 5-10, 180, soph.; Payton Keller, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-0, 185, jr.; Kauelen Smith, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-11, 205, sr.; Marchello Cox, Harvest Prep, 5-11, 190, jr.; Harold Hacker, Columbus Academy, 5-11, 200, sr.; Vincent Eadicicco, Reading, 6-0, 195, sr.; Dylan Horsley, Norwood, 6-0, 185, sr.; Adam Meyer, Bloomdale Elmwood, 5-8, 180, sr.; Luke Raines, Smithville, 6-3, 195, sr.; Logan Boyd, Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 220, sr.; Luke Belcher, Wooster Triway, 6-0, 185, jr.

DB: Landen Kruse, Liberty Center, 6-0, 175, jr.; Micah Oliver, Bloomdale Elmwood, 6-1, 180, jr.; Amari Felder, Ironton, 5-9, 190, sr.; Parker Hutton, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-11, 185, jr.; Antwone Johns, Coshocton, 6-0, 180, jr.; Decker Lancaster, Richmond Edison, 5-11, 145, sr.; Emmanuel “EJ” Jenkins, Columbus Academy, 5-9, 170, sr.; Hayden Kline, Highland, 5-8, 140, jr.; Isaac Morrison, Lewistown Indian Lake, 6-2, 165, sr.; Mason Drummond, Genoa Area, 5-10, 175, sr.; Elijah Stanley, Creston Norwayne, 6-0, 190, sr.; Dennis Clark, Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 170, fr.

P: Drew Dossman, Amanda-Clearcreek, 6-2, 180, jr.; Jeremy Reber, Apple Creek Waynedale, 6-0, 160, jr.

FOOTBALL 2023

55

2022 DIVISION 7 ALL-OHIO FOOTBALL TEAM 2022 Division 7 All-Ohio Football Teams Offensive Player of the Year: Connor Smith, Gibsonburg Defensive Player of the Year: Levi Lyons, Danville Coach of the Year: Jason Hale, Antwerp First Team Offense QB: Carson Altimus, Antwerp, 6-0, 170, jr.; Jake Pantelidis, Waterford, 6-1, 190, sr.; Cale Bender, Caldwell, 5-10, 165, jr.; Kabel Isaly, Hannibal River, 5-10, 160 jr.; Vinny Ballone, Lowellville, 6-4, 195, sr.

RB: Connor Smith, Gibsonburg, 5-8, 180, sr.; Quincey Crabbs, Norwalk St. Paul, 5-9, 185, sr.; Marshal Sayre, Caldwell, 5-10, 195, sr.; Mason Hackett, Newark Catholic, 5-8, 195, sr.; Alex Sanders, Upper Scioto Valley, 6-0, 190, jr.; Exzaviar Moody, Ansonia, 5-11, 195, sr.; Chase Eye, Windham, 5-11, 170, sr.

WR/TE: Aidan Morris, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 170, jr.; Isaac Blair, Greenwich South Central, 6-1, 155, jr.; Caden Nester, Edon, 6-2, 185, sr.; Brody Lollathin, Hannibal River, 5-11, 180, sr.; Hyde O’Rielly, Fisher Catholic, 6-4, 172, soph.; Logan Eilerman, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 210, sr.

OL: Rylar Essinger, Arlington, 6-3, 244, sr.; Martin Myerholtz, Gibsonburg, 6-2, 215, sr.; Peyton Blue, Hannibal River, 6-1, 250, soph.; Levi Milledge, Mechanicsburg, 6-0, 200, sr.; Jacob Lauck, Lima Central Catholic, 6-2, 215, sr.; Nick Bormuth, McComb, 6-4, 260, jr.; Patrick Valent, Warren JFK, 6-4, 290, sr.

K: Elam Suter, Pandora-Gilboa, 5-10, 165, sr.

First Team Defense DL: Kevin Smith, Upper Scioto Valley, 6-1, 310, sr.; Ben Haney, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 6-4, 222, sr.; Daymeon Pennington, Hamilton New Miami, 6-1, 265, sr.; Kendric Robinson, Antwerp, 6-6, 330, sr.; Carter Campbell, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-3, 190, sr.

LB: Andrew Swisher, McComb, 5-11, 180, sr.; Brandon Oldaker, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 240, jr.; Colby Langley, Caldwell, 5-11, 195, sr.; Levi Lyons, Danville, 6-0, 210, sr.; Nathan Thiel, Ridgedale, 6-3, 185, jr.; Calvin Hoying, Fort Loramie, 6-3, 240, sr.; Wyatt Morris, Salineville Southern, 5-11, 155, sr.; Ambrose Hoso, Warren JFK, 5-11, 195, sr.

DB: Landon Brewer, Antwerp, 6-3, 180, jr.; David Homan, New Bremen, 6-0, 167, sr.; Kaiden Colopy, Danville, 6-0, 175, sr.; AJ Meyer, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 185, sr.; Braylon Scalf, Delphos Jefferson, 6-0, 160, sr.; Thomas Valent, Warren JFK, 5-11, 185, sr.

P: Max Payne, Danville, 5-11, 215, sr.

Second Team Offense QB: Drew Breitigam, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-9, 140, jr.; Brogan Stephey, Minster, 6-1, 165, soph.; Caleb Maurer, Fort Loramie, 6-1, 170, sr.; Carson Parker, Lima Central Catholic, 6-2, 207, jr.; Caleb Hadley, Warren JFK, 6-2, 210, jr.

RB: Owen Berner, Defiance Ayersville, 6-0, 200, sr.; Ethan Luginbill, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 210, sr.; Danny Blair, Fairfield Christian, 5-10, 175, soph.; Daniel Kamara, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-9, 170, jr.; Warren Shockey, Degraff Riverside, 5-9, 155, sr.; Colton Soukup, Salineville Southern, 6-0, 175, sr.

WR/TE: Corbin Toms, Lucas, 6-0, 164, sr.; Dalton Jordan, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-10, 145, jr.; Elijah Brock, Shadyside, 6-5, 195, sr.; Grant Moore, Newark Catholic, 6-1, 175, sr.; Brady Bunofsky, Lowellville, 6-3, 200, sr.; Jackson Howdyshell, Cedarville, 6-2, 200, jr.

OL: Austin Miller, Antwerp, 5-9, 225, jr.; Will Fazekas, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 6-3, 250, sr.; Jase Norman, Caldwell, 6-2, 275, jr.; Kyle Wright, Newark Catholic, 6-2, 210, sr.; Blaine Castle, Upper Scioto Valley, 6-5, 280, sr.; Kaleb Schindewolf, De Graff Riverside, 6-4, 260, sr.

K: JJ Viau, Fisher Catholic, 5-10, 158, sr.

Second Team Defense DL: Wilson Grubb, McComb, 5-9, 170, jr.; Brayden Townsend, Ridgedale, 6-2, 185, soph.; Damian Bruns, Fort Loramie, 6-6, 215, jr.; Andy Silverthorn, Toronto, 6-6, 232, soph.; Dillon Looney, Danville, 6-0, 205, sr.

LB: Jackson DeBolt, Columbus Crusaders, 5-9, 170, jr.; Wyatt Russell, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 220, sr.; Ty Lehnhart, Lucas, 6-0, 175, sr.; Weston

McGuire, Defiance Ayersville, 6-0, 210, sr.; Abe McBee, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-10, 185, jr.; Gavin Douglass, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic, 6-0, 200, jr.; Demico Harris, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 5-6, 200, soph.

DB: Logan Toms, Lucas, 6-0, 179, jr.; Lane Cline, Waterford, 5-10, 160, sr.; Camden Glaser, McComb, 6-4, 175, sr.; Zaiden Fry, Sycamore Mohawk, 6-1, 175, sr.; Alex Herlan, Caldwell, 6-3, 175, soph.; Aidan Rossi, Warren JFK, 6-0, 180, sr.

P: Daniel Bolster, Steubenville Catholic Central, 6-2, 165, jr.

Third Team Offense QB: Jared Griggs, Arlington, 5-10, 167, sr.; Jayden Roland, Mechanicsburg, 5-9, 175, jr.; Zeb Kinsey, Toronto, 6-3, 210, soph.; Miller Hutchinson, Newark Catholic, 6-3, 160, soph.

RB: Braxton Althauser, McComb, 5-10, 165, jr.; Evan Rice, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-11, 200, sr.; Greg Miller, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 6-1, 230, sr.; Ryan Carcelli, New Middletown Springfield, 5-8, 160, sr.; Dom Toto, Vienna Mathews, 5-7, 145, soph.

WR/TE: Kailen Butler, Mechanicsburg, 5-8, 155, jr.; Abe Delano, Defiance Ayersville, 6-3, 215, jr.; Billy Clouse, Tiffin Calvert, 6-3, 190, jr.; Seandelle Gardner, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 145, sr.; Anthony Lucente, Lowellville, 6-2, 205, sr.; OL: Tyler Blanton, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-1, 245, sr.; Ivan Escamilla, Springfield Catholic Central, 6-1, 255, sr., Caleb Finney, South Charleston Southeastern Local, 5-11, 210, sr.; Roger Hoying, Fort Loramie, 6-0, 260, jr.; Max Silverthorn, Toronto, 6-6, 232, sr.; Kyle Crown, McDonald, 5-11, 265, sr.

K: Hunter Schaefer, New Bremen, 5-10, 193, sr.

Third Team Defense DL: Keagan Jackson, Sciotoville East, 5-9, 165, sr.; Brayden Strawn, Hannibal River, 5-9, 200, sr.; Wes McKinley, Mt. Victory Ridgemont, 6-3, 235, sr.; Brady Clark, Defiance Ayersville, 6-3, 215, jr.; Donald Bailey, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-4, 215, sr.

LB: Ryan Lucas, Danville, 5-8, 195, sr.; Anthony Ibarra, Union City Mississinawa Valley, 5-11, 210, jr.; Matt Cira, Lima Central Catholic, 6-1, 185, sr.; Seth Thomas, Toronto, 6-3, 228, jr.; Ty Long, Hannibal River, 6-2, 195, sr.; Isaac Raterman, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 200, sr.; Rico Johnson, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 5-10, 185, jr.; Lucas Datillo, New Middletown Springfield, 5-10, 217, sr.

DB: Mykell Andrews, Columbus Crusaders, 6-0, 190, jr.; Simon Godwin, De Graff Riverside, 5-6, 150, sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 183, soph.; Jaelen Griffin, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-0, 175, soph.

P: Ashton Mullins, Mt. Victory Ridgemont, 6-5, 200, sr.

Honorable Mention QB: Josiah Smith, Racine Southern, 6-0, 185, jr.; Logan Doughty, Corning Miller, 6-1, 155, soph.; Austin Baughman, Sciotoville East, 6-0, 155, sr.; Colin Jackson, Bridgeport, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jackson Pyles, Cedarville, 6-0, 170, jr.; Myles Platfoot, De Graff Riverside, 6-0, 175, jr.; Brandon Mitchell, Greenwich South Central, 6-0, 175, sr.; Andrew Smollen, Lucas, 6-1, 183, sr.; Jake Hoverstock, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-9, 155, sr.

RB: Dylan Taylor, Waterford, 5-10, 180, jr.; Rylee Barrett, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 165, jr.; Nathaniel Brannigan, Franklin Furnace, 6-0, 200, jr.; Gavin Hart, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 215, jr.; Landan Lodwick, Franklin Furnace Green, 5-9, 160, sr.; Zane Kinsey, Toronto, 5-10, 187, sr.; Andrew Kronenbitter, Millersport, 5-9, 155, sr.; Clay Padubny, Delphos St. John’s, 6-2, 215, sr.; Ben Burger, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 175, jr.; Hayden Hiegel, Leipsic, 6-1, 180, sr.; Aiden Biederman, Waynesfield-Goshen, 6-3, 210, sr.; Colten Vanwinkle, Lewisburg Tri-County North, 6-0, 215, jr.; Antonio Smith, Warren JFK, 5-9, 185, jr.

WR/TE: Mason Heiss, Waterford, 6-0, 170, sr.; Tanner Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 160, soph.; Dylan Wheeler, Caldwell, 5-10, 170, sr.; Mason Aberts, Bridgeport, 5-9, 160, sr.; Weston Hartman, Zanesville Rosecrans, 6-3, 190, sr.; Sam Rauch, Fairfield Christian, 6-2, 210, sr.; Josh Flora, Cedarville, 6-0, 160, jr.; Christian McGee, Fort

Loramie, 6-3, 170, sr.; Carter Kiess, Edon, 6-0, 160, sr.; Parker Moore, Antwerp, 5-10, 150, sr.; Dylan Seison, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-1, 155, sr.

OL: Tom Miller, Ashtabula St. John, sr.; Braden Hagemier, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 250, sr.; Chase Rospert, Norwalk St. Paul, 5-8, 175, sr.; Chase Dunson, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-11, 220, sr.; Seth Archer, Caldwell, 6-2, 265, sr.; Robert Myer, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-11 220, sr.; Landen Lydick, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 6-2, 200, jr.; Chase Baldwin, Cedarville, 6-0, 265, jr.; Chris’Jen Dickey, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 5-10, 250, jr.; Jason Stover, Ansonia, 5-9, 250, sr.; Cam Waugaman, Gibsonburg, 6-4, 290, sr.; Tyler Shipman, Lima Central Catholic, 6-2, 225, sr.; Landon Randolph, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 215, sr.; Payton Hersman, 6-1, 285, sr., Salineville Southern; Anthony Paolella, Windham, 5-10, 235, jr.

K: Aidan Culler, Lucas, 6-1, 183, Jr.; Hayden Wilcoxen, Meigs Eastern, 5-8, 140, fr.; Paisley Sidwell, Caldwell, 5-7, 120, jr.; Tyler Young, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-10, 175, sr.; Sarosh Sheth, Warren JFK, 5-8, 155, sr.

DL: Logan Risner, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Maverrick Piotrowski, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-10, 170, jr.; Landon Flaherty, Waterford, 6-2, 200, sr.; Ethan Crock, Caldwell, 6-2, 185, soph.; Ethan Carpenter, Caldwell, 5-8, 210, sr.; Kaden Johnson, Hannibal River, 5-11, 230, jr.; Ethan Geiger, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 6-3, 250, sr., Eyan Hackler, Ansonia, 5-7, 210, sr.; Trent Trobridge, Union City Mississinawa Valley, 5-9, 170, jr.; Omarion Turnage, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-3, 275, sr.; Tanner Vorhees, Delphos Jefferson, 5-10, 195, sr.; Abram Rivera, Warren JFK, 5-11, 210, sr.; Vinny Perry, Lowellville, 5-11, 225, jr.; Vinnie Woods, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 200, sr.; Joe Linkesh, Vienna Mathews, 6-1, 220, soph.

LB: Jace Margraf, Sycamore Mohawk, 5-8, 165, sr.; Andy Meyer, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-0, 185, sr.; Braden Kiesel, Greenwich South Central, 5-10, 185, sr.; Zak Hambor, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-10, 168, sr.; Derek Griffith, Racine Southern, 6-1, 190, jr.; E.J. Siders, South Gallia, 6-1, 190, jr.; Dalton Phillips, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 5-10, 180, jr.; Joey Bugaj, Bridgeport, 5-8, 160, sr.; Lane Poland, Mechanicsburg, 6-1, 160, sr.; Darrien Stapleton, Springfield Catholic Central, 5-11, 180, jr.; Nate Boerger, Fort Loramie, 5-11, 190, sr.; CJ Wilt, South Charleston Southeastern Local, 5-10, 175, jr.; Montana Pierce, McComb, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Ethan Frankhouser, Lima Central Catholic, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jack Eye, Windham, 6-0, 185, so.; Santino Rivera-Ocasio, Lowellville, 5-10, 170, jr.; Wyatt Kuboff, New Middletown Springfield, 5-8, 175, soph.; Logan Corson, Vienna Mathews, 5-11, 180, sr.; Danny Gray, McDonald, 5-9, 180, sr.; Braylen Jarvis, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-1, 185, jr.

DB: Jimmy Severino, Ashtabula St. John, 5-9, 137, sr.; Josh Saunders, Symmes Valley, 5-8, 185, sr.; Kam Wright, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-8, 138, fr.; Lucas Cox, New Matamoras Frontier, 5-9, 155, sr.; Kenton Renicker, New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic, 5-8, 140, jr.; Dom Bouscher, Toronto, 6-1, 181, jr.; Noah Kroger, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 6-1, 150, jr.; Elijah Snow, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy; 5-8, 165, sr.; Jake Vermillion, Arlington, 5-7, 145, sr.; Jayden Elliott, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-8, 160, sr.; Toby Schrader, East Canton, 5-10, 145, sr.; Michael Ballone, Lowellville, 5-9, 150, jr.; Sean Guerriero, New Middletown Springfield, 6-0, 170, jr.; Luke Ramsey, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 6-0, 165, sr.; Max Vesper, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-10, 175, sr.

P: Hayden Zeller, New Bremen, 6-5, 187, jr.; Caiden Allen, Plymouth, 6-1, 165, sr.; Fred Bolchalk, Warren JFK, 5-10, 160, soph.

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56

FOOTBALL 2023

2022 DIVISION 6 ALL-OHIO FOOTBALL TEAM Associated Press Sports Writers Division 6 All-Ohio Football Team Offensive Players of the Year: Chase Hall, Coal Grove; Marco Cirigliano, Columbia Station Columbia Defensive Players of the Year: Darren Meier, Maria Stein Marion Local; Philip LaVerde, Kirtland Coaches of the Year: Jason Ward, Columbia Station Columbia; Mike Reid, Mount Gilead First Team Offense QB: Jacob Hershberger, Harrod Allen East, 5-11, 165, sr.; Blake Foos, Attica Seneca East, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Nate Nemeth, Berne Union, 6-0, 185, sr.; Matthew Bland, Mount Gilead, 6-1, 175, sr.; Braden Keating, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-10, 160, jr.; Jack Talkington, Canton Central Catholic, 6-3, 220, sr.

RB: Marco Cirigliano, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-10, 180, jr.; Adison Reymer, Ashland Crestview, 5-11, 175, sr.; Chase Hall, Coal Grove, 6-2, 215, sr.; Owen Brown, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-2, 205, sr.; Drew Lause, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-0, 180, soph.; Cody Coontz, Rootstown, 5-10, 190, sr.

WR/TE: Landon Johnson, Hamler Patrick Henry, 5-9, 160, jr.; Trevor Vogt, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-1, 180, jr.; Ray Ray Pettigrew, Bellaire, 5-11, 165, sr.; Brenden Portman, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 5-9, 163, jr.; Grant Knight, Hanoverton United, 6-1, 160, sr.

OL: George Prusock, Kirtland, 6-1, 240, sr.; Mason Ringler, Ashland Crestview, 6-2, 225, sr.; Mason Rose, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 245, sr.; Anthony Fatica, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-6, 295, sr.; Joe Pekar, Kirtland, 6-0, 200, sr.; Quentin Lehman, Dalton, 6-3, 260, sr.; Tony Karp, Rootstown, 6-2, 280, jr.; Trevor Davis, Mogadore, 6-2, 235, sr.

K: Luke Courtney, Hanoverton United, 6-0, 160, jr.

First Team Defense DL: Daven Patel, Kirtland, 5-10, 190, sr.; Owen Barker, Ashland Crestview, 6-3, 205, sr.; Jake Topp, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-0, 200, sr.; Caleb Riggs, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-4, 215, sr.; Judah Reid, Mount Gilead, 6-2, 260, sr.; Jared Lyons, Versailles, 6-0, 215, sr.; Seth Cook, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-2, 180, sr.; Mason Williams, Mogadore, 6-4, 245, sr.

LB: Philip LaVerde, Kirtland, 5-10, 180, sr.; Darren Meier, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 195, sr.; Tadd Koch, Columbus Grove, 6-3, 240, sr.; Landen Kemerley, Carey, 6-0, 210, sr.; Leighton Loge, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 185, sr.; Zaiden Huck, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-11, 190, sr.; Brayden Koeller, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-10, 170, jr.; Roclen Bettura, Columbiana Crestview, 5-9, 180, sr.

DB: Tommy Gogolin, Kirtland, 5-8, 175, sr.; Tate Hess, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-2, 165, sr.; Braxton Brown, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-0, 164, sr.; Caden Cunningham, Ashland Crestview, 6-1, 175, sr.; Will Sayle, Kirtland, 5-11, 170, jr.; Tyler Mrakuzic, Sullivan Black River, 5-9, 150, sr.

P: Emilio Duran, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-0, 190, sr.

Second Team Offense QB: Makhi Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 170, jr.; Cavan Cooper, Paint Valley, 6-1, 210, sr.; Braxton Barnett, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-0, 165, fr.; JJ Miller, Williamsburg, 5-11, 165, jr.; Ethan Siders, West Salem Northwestern, 6-1, 190, sr.; Donovan Pawlowski, Brookfield, 6-0, 190, sr.

R: Josh Soltis, Middlefield Cardinal, 5-9, 180, sr.; Jake Boggs, Castalia Margaretta, 6-1, 220, sr.; Bunk Millender, Newcomerstown, 5-8, 150, soph.; Ethan Albert, Worthington Christian, 5-9, 180, sr.; Joel Gehret, Versailles, 5-10, 190, jr.; Grayson Siders, Dalton, 5-11, 185, jr.

WR/TE: Gino Blasini, Kirtland, 6-2, 195, jr.; Adam Knack, Kirtland, 6-2, 230, sr.; Beau Wolf, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley, 5-11, 165, sr.; Gibby Wilson, Worthington Christian, 6-3, 175, sr.; Alex Ervin, Williamsburg, 6-4, 235, jr.; Michael Osborne, Versailles, 5-11, 170, jr.; Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-3, 170, soph.

OL: Nick Novak, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-2, 270, jr.; Dylan Gibson, Castalia Margaretta, 6-1, 267, jr.; Parker Ketterman, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-2, 215, sr.; Brennan Davis, Harrod Allen East, 6-4, 300, sr.; Braylon Kinder, Bellaire, 6-0, 230, sr.; Dillan Plush, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-1, 220, sr.; Lucas Stammen, Versailles, 5-10, 185, sr.; K: Graham Sorg, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-11, 170, sr.

Second Team Defense

DL: Max Soltis, Middlefield Cardinal, 6-2, 190, soph.; Gavin Tollett, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-2, 185, jr.; Joel Rataiczak, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-4, 220, sr.; Ian Gecse, Grandview, 6-4, 235, sr.; Austin Sellers, Dayton Christian, 6-1, 175, jr.; LB: Ethan Hostetler, West Jefferson, 6-1, 180, sr.; Vince Berardi, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-3, 180, sr.; AJ Schafer, Columbus Grove, 6-1, 225, sr.; Jacob Rayburn, Arcanum, 5-9, 170, sr.; Austin Rismiller, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-3, 210, sr.; Grant Johnson, Dalton, 5-10, 190, sr.; Alex Anderson, Canton Central Catholic, 5-10, 170, sr.

DB: Jacob Sanders, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-7, 150, jr.; Sam McCaffery, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-1, 170, sr.; Ryan Coyle, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-9, 170, soph.; Jamison Watts, New Paris National Trail, 6-0, 165, jr.; Justin Finkbine, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-5, 190, sr.; P: Aiden Eifert, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 185, sr.; Eric Groesser, Sullivan Black River, 6-0, 195, jr.

Third Team Offense QB: Evan Kreais, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-4, 170, jr.; Hayden Kuhn, Ashland Crestview, 6-0, 155, sr.; Nathan Boiarski, Orwell Grand Valley, 6-3, 190, sr.; Dylan Morton, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 230, jr.; Jared Witherow, Malvern, 6-4, 180, soph.; Hobie Raikes, Worthington Christian, 5-9, 165, jr.; Preston Sellers, Dayton Christian, 5-10, 195, sr.

RB: Rocco Alfieri, Kirtland, 5-10, 180, jr.; Breckin Dugan, Elgin, 5-8, 140, sr.; Awesom Mitchell, North Lewisburg Triad, 5-11, 185, soph.; Kendall Luckett, Deer Park, 6-0, 200, sr.; Reed Wehr, New Madison Tri-Village, 5-7, 170, jr.; Ian Erb, Mineral Ridge, 6-1, 180, jr.

WR/TE: LeJon Woods, Garfield Heights Trinity, 5-9, 165, sr.; Robert Rogers, Orwell Grand Valley, 6-2, 175, jr.; Hunter Yates, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-0, 170, jr.; Mason Book, West Jefferson, 6-2, 180, jr.; Tanner Printz, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-0, 160, jr.; Isaiah Jones, Brookfield, 6-4, 200, sr.; Jontrell Mixon, Youngstown Valley Christian, 6-4, 230, sr.

OL: Matthew Kahley, Kirtland, 6-0, 225, soph.; Brock Bushong, Carey, 6-3, 280, sr.; Elias Bazell, Coal Grove, 6-2, 230, sr.; Andrew Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-5, 330, sr.; Spencer Ebersbach, Newcomerstown, 6-0, 270, soph.; Hayden Krinn, Mount Gilead, 6-0, 240, jr.; Caleb Coolman, Dayton Christian, 6-3, 305, sr.; Wyatt Jones, Newton Falls, 6-3, 275, sr.

K: Frank Washburn, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-2, 180, sr.

Third Team Defense DL: Will Bates, Kirtland, 5-10, 190, jr.; Angelo Rocco, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-0, 180, sr.; Luke Zody, Worthington Christian, 6-1, 240, sr.; Charles Naylor, Northmor, 6-0, 200, jr.; LB: Rory Corrigan, Independence, 6-0, 210, sr.; JT Patrick, Castalia Margaretta, 6-0, 196, sr.; George Hulsey, Martins Ferry, 5-9, 180, sr.; Brayden Roth, Bellaire, 5-11, 180, sr.; James Ashton, Berne Union, 6-1, 207, sr.; Jack Rickert, Grandview, 5-11, 225, sr.; Shepard Snell, Cincinnati Country Day, 6-3, 175, jr.; Nathan Rohrman, Mineral Ridge, 6-1, 225, sr.

DB: Josh Nocella, Wellington, 5-9, 170, sr.; AJ Landon, Fairbanks, 5-11, 175, jr.; Hunter Fulk, Northmor, 5-10, 150, jr.; Kaden Rosebrook, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Blake Berrier, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-1, 170, jr.; P: Clay Greuey, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-4, 205, jr.

Honorable Mention QB: Ryan Croston, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-10, 180, jr.; Jake Heatherington, Bellaire, 6-2, 185, sr.; Clayton Miller, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-0, 180, soph.; AJ Bower, Northmor, 6-0, 175, soph.; Braydan Taylor, Grove City Christian, 6-2, 195, sr; Lance Rickle, Kamryn Lohr, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 5-11, 190, sr.; Zeke Cameron, Mogadore, 6-1, 170, jr.; Triston Valley, Mineral Ridge, 6-0, 185, sr.

RB: Trenton Barraza, Columbus Grove, 6-1, 174, soph.; Quinton Puckett, Huntington, 5-10, 155, sr.; Nathan Dreitzler, Frankfort Adena, 6-2, 190, soph.; Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley, 5-7, 215, soph.; Hudson Stalder, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 180, sr.; Tev’n Williams, Martins Ferry, 5-10, 180, soph.; Austin Powell, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-8, 160, sr.; Garrett George, Mount Gilead, 5-11, 185, sr.; Gabe McGill, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 165, jr.; Cais Kingsley, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-10, 165, jr.; Jack Hoel, Harrod Allen East, 5-8, 200, jr.; JeSean Lindsey, Youngstown Valley Christian, 5-8, 180, soph.; Kordell French, Rock Hill, 5-8, 155, sr.

WR/TE: Riley Dunbar, Metamora Evergreen, 6-5, 185, jr.; Chris Buchanan, Collins Western Reserve, 6-3, 170, sr.; Teagan Werner, Beaver Eastern, 5-9, 155, jr.; Max Frank, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 170, jr.; OL: Dustin Lunsford, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, sr.; Evan Fisher, Oak Hill, 6-2, 275, sr.; Dylan Phillips, Malvern, 6-2, 175, jr.; Carson Steinmetz, East Knox, 5-10, 165, sr.; Titus Gehret, Versailles, 6-0, 205, sr.; Craig Reed, West Salem Northwestern, 6-1, 170, sr.; Zach Frankford, Loudonville, 5-10, 180, sr.

OL: Kalen Skidmore, Bucyrus Wynford, 6-0, 255, jr.; Jared Trenner, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 5-9, 210, sr.; Kaleb Bailey, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-3, 252, sr.; Frank McClelland, Malvern, 6-5, 280, sr.; Lucas Littell, Bellaire, 6-0, 245, sr.; Colin McAvoy, Cardington, 6-0, 205, sr.; Christian Miller, Fairbanks, 5-9, 190, sr.; Tyler Richmond, Grove City Christian, 6-2, 315, sr.; Sean Roberts, New Paris National Trail, 6-0, 255, sr.; Paul Day, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-1, 225, jr.; Wylie Harbour, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 250, sr.; Michael Warner, North Lewisburg Triad, 5-9, 250, sr.; Blake Weyant, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-1, 345, sr.; Matt Allomong, Carey, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Dallas McCracken, Hanoverton United, 6-5, 290, jr.; Evan Riffle, Ravenna Southeast, 6-4, 290, sr.; Connor Heater, Brookfield, 6-2, 255, sr.; Tyler Shellenbarger, Mogadore, 5-8, 250, sr.; T.J. Perkins, Canton Central Catholic, 5-9, 225, sr.

K: Braylen Kennedy, Harrod Allen East, 6-0, 135, sr.; Braxton Morton, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 5-9, 150, jr.; Ryan Runyon, Malvern, 5-9, 150, jr.; Devin Holloway, Ashland Crestview, 5-10, 155, sr.

DL: Nathan Brodman, Carey, 6-4, 205, jr.; Aiden Behrman, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-5, 170, sr.; Dillon Bryan, Columbus Grove, 6-0, 190, sr.; Will Nutter, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-3, 230, soph.; Brett Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-2, 270, jr.; Dalton Black, Huntington, 6-2, 195, sr.; K.J. Reinsmith, Beaver Eastern, 6-4, 290, sr.; Maleek Williams, Nelsonville-York, 6-2, 215, sr.; Cole Wright, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 220, jr.; Carter McConnell, Newcomerstown, 5-10, 185, soph.; Kyle Bossert, Malvern, 6-2, 245, jr.; Alex Reese, Martins Ferry, 6-5, 215, soph.; Graham Baker, Beverly Fort Frye, 5-10, 215, jr.; Wyatt Adams, Berne Union, 6-1, 180, sr.; Jacob Neighbarger, East Knox, 5-9, 185, sr.; Gage McQueen, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 5-11, 250, sr.; Gage Summit, Carey, 6-0, 175, sr.; Drew Nero, Rootstown, 6-4, 225, sr.; Austin Wise, Atwater Waterloo, 6-2, 225, sr.; Micah Simpson, Loudonville, sr.; Colin Jones, 6-0, 215, Dalton, jr.

LB: Anthony Starr, Brooklyn, 5-10, 160, sr.; Nathan Patfield, Wellington, 5-9, 205, sr.; Kade Wireman, Harrod Allen East, 5-8, 155, sr.; Shawn Bailey, Ashland Crestview, 6-3, 180, sr.; Gabe Thew, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-2, 210, sr.; Drew Seitz, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-2, 225, sr.; Jagger Endicott, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 5-10, 175, sr.; Skyler Kidd, Rock Hill, 5-11, 200, sr.; Gavin Richards, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 160, jr., Sr.; Lakota Davis, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 225, sr.; Charlie Parry, Old Washington Buckeye Trail, 6-4, 185, jr.; Manny Walker, Malvern, 5-8, 145, jr.; Jacob Feldner, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 5-8, 180, jr.; Cayden Carroll, Grove City Christian, 5-9, 170, soph.; Josh Wilcoxon, West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 185, soph.; Blake Hopkins, Sullivan Black River, 5-11, 185, jr.; AJ Bartolin, Brookfield, 6-1, 185, sr.; Kaiden Kirila, Brookfield, 5-11, 210, jr.; Mason Miller, Mineral Ridge, 6-2, 190, sr.

DB: Shep Halker, Columbus Grove, 5-9, 155, sr.; Nathan Buschur, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-11, 170, sr.; Gavin Gipson, Coal Grove, 6-0, 175, jr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 160, soph.; Colt Buckle, Lucasville Valley, 5-11, 160, sr.; Weston Miley, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-3, 170, jr.; Baron Lucey, Martins Ferry, 5-9, 165, jr.; Terrin Frazier, Bellaire, 5-10, 150, sr.; Brandon Anderson, Deer Park, 5-9, 160, sr.; Ben Browning, New Paris National Trail, 5-10, 170, sr.; Cole Bishop, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-0, 170, jr.; Justin Oliver, Dayton Christian, 5-9, 160, sr.; Devin Graham, Mogadore, 6-2, 155, jr.; Nolan Hartsel, West Salem Northwestern, 6-2, 205, sr.; Ethan Stutz, Dalton, 6-0, 175, sr.; Brett Carsone, Brookfield, 5-8, 170, jr.; Owen McDevitt, North Jackson Jackson-Milton, 5-9, 155, sr.; Dan Boron, Canton Central Catholic, 5-10, 170, jr.

P: Devon Dzik, Cuyahoga Heights, 5-9, 150, soph.; Drew DeWitt, New Paris National Trail, 6-4, 210, jr.; Eric Allison, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-5, 175, sr.; Jackson Gregory, Van Buren, 6-3, 195, sr.; Luke DeAngelis, Rootstown, 6-3, 230, sr.

FOOTBALL 2023

57

Ironton Fighting Tigers Playoff Run To D5 State Finals Game Boxscores Minford 0 0 0 7 = 7 Ironton 21 17 6 7 = 51 First Quarter Irn — Shaun Terry 36 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 9:26 Irn— Jaquez Keyes 9 run (Evan Williams kick) 5:19 Irn — Landen Wilson 9 run (Evan Williams kick) 0:00 Second Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 6 run (Evan Williams kick) 9:35 Irn — Ty Perkins 57 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 545 Irn — Evan Williams 26 field goal 1:12 Third Quarter Irn — Tyler Carmon 7 run (kick failed) 8:34 Fourth Quarter Mn — Jeff Pica 12 run (Myles Montgomery kick) 8:41 Irn — DeAngelo Weekly 24 run (David Fields kick) 1:46 ——— Mn Irn First downs 10 24 Rushes-yards 28-135 29-200 Passing yards 3 234 Total yards 138 434 Cmp-Att-Int 2-11-1 12-17-0 Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0 Penalties-yards 4-40 7-60 Punts-average 5-33.6 1-27.0 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Minford: Jeff Pica 24-120 TD, Bennett Kayser 1-13, Randall Schreick 2-5, Bryson McQuade 1-minus 3; Ironton: Jacquez Keyes 10-72 2TD, Zayne Williams 1-12, C.J. Martin 1-8, Trevor Carter 1-18, Braden Schreck 1-7, Tyler Carmon 6-37 TD, DeAngelo Weekly 6-58 TD, Bailey Thacker 2-9, team 1-minus 21.

PASSING–Minford: Bennett Kayser 2-11-1 3; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 9-11 199 2TD, Braden Schreck 2-3-0 44, Bailey Thacker 1-3-0 4.

RECEIVING–Minford: Jeff Pica 1-5, Mason Book 1-minus 2; Ironton: Ty Perkins 3-80 TD, Shaun Terry 4-67 TD, Braden Schreck 2-37, Aiden Young 1-19, C.J. Martin 1-31 MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Portsmouth 0 0 0 7 = 7 Ironton 21 14 6 7 = 48 First Quarter Irn — Landen Wilson 22 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 11:23 Irn — Jaquez Keyes 18 run (Evan Williams kick) 8:50 Irn — DeAngelo Weekly 1 run (Evan Williams kick) 5:01 Second Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 42 run (Evan Williams kick) 6:45 Irn — Braden Schreck 27 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 4:25 Third Quarter Irn — C.J. Martin 22 pass from Bailey Thacker (kick failed) 6:11 Fourth Quarter Prt — Jayden Duncan 8 pass from Tyler Duncan (Zach Roth kick) 10:11 Irn — Jesse Copas 16 run (David Fields kick) 5:26 ——— Prt Irn First downs 11 15 Rushes-yards 21-39 18-135 Passing yards 123 182 Total yards 162 317 Cmp-Att-Int 15-19-0 9-12-0 Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-0 Penalties-yards 2-20 3-35 Punts-average 5-26.0 0-00.0 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Portsmouth: Brenden Truett 14-58, Beau Hammond 3-5, J.T. Williams 1-0, Tyler Duncan 3-minus 33; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 7-118 2TD, Kanden Wilson 1-11, Jesse Copas 2-17 TD, C.J. Martin 1-8, DeAngelo Weekly 2-1 TD, Zayne Williams 3-3, Tayden Carpenter 2-minus 12.

PASSING–Portsmouth: Tyler Duncan 15-19-0 123 TD; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 7-9-0 141 2TD, Bailey Thacker 1-2-0 22 TD, Braden Schreck 1-1-0 19.

RECEIVING–Portsmouth: Jayden Duncan 6-54 TD, Beau Hammond 6-52, Nathaniel Berry 1-2, Brenden Truet 1-5, Chase Heiland 1-10; Ironton: Ty Perkins 3-74, Landen Wilson 2-23 TD, Braden Schreck 1-27 TD, C.J. Martin 1-22 TD, Shaun Terry 1-17, Bailey Thacker 1-19.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Ports. West Ironton Second Quarter

0 0

0 21

7 0

0 14

= 7 = 35

Irn — Amari Felder 1 run (Evan Williams kick) 11:56 Irn — Aiden Young 64 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 9:55 Irn — Ty Perkins 37 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 1:05 Third Quarter PW — Ryan Sissel 7 run (Carson Malnar kick) 7:45 Fourth Quarter Irn — Ty Perkins 45 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 11:44 Irn — Ty Perkins 37 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 9:30 ——— PW Irn First downs 5 18 Rushes-yards 29-63 37-121 Passing yards 21 264 Total yards 84 385 Cmp-Att-Int 4-14-2 16-21-1 Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-0 Penalties-yards 2-10 7-85 Punts-average 6-35.2 3-34.7 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Portsmouth West: Ryan Sissel 16-55 TD, Mitchell Irwin 5-minus 4, Hayden Lore 3-2, Jeffery Bishop 5-10; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 9-39, Amari Felder 8-38 TD, Landen Wilson 3-24, Zayne Williams 4-12, DeAngelo Weekly 2-14, Jose Copas 1-5, Braden Schreck 1-3, Tayden Carpenter 6-minus 9, team 3-minus 5.

PASSING–Portsmouth West: Mitchell Irwin 4-4-2 21; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 16-21-1 264 4TD. RECEIVING–Portsmouth West: Cole Tipton 1-13, Brandon Anderson 1-4; Ironton: Ty Perkins 6-147 3-TD, Aiden Young 2-65 TD, Landen Wilson 2-15, C.J. Martin 1-13, Shaun Terry 2-6, Zayne Williams 1-1, Amari Felder 1-5, Braden Schreck 1-12.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Harvest Prep 0 0 0 0 = 0 Ironton 7 7 14 6 = 34 First Quarter Irn — Ty Perkins 23 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 5:53 Second Quarter Irn — Tayden Carpenter 2 run (Evan Williams kick) 6:00 Third Quarter Irn — Ty Perkins 17 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 632 Irn — Ty Perkins 20 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 2:58 Fourth Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 2 run (pass failed) 11:55 ——— HP Irn First downs 10 18 Rushes-yards 22-49 29-79 Passing yards 81 243 Total yards 130 322 Cmp-Att-Int 9-24-3 15-20-0 Fumbles-lost 3-1 0-0 Penalties-yards 7-71 8-75 Punts-average 1-35.0 0-00.0 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Harvest Prep: Marchello Cox 3-14, Aidan Rogers 9-21, Ernest Pierce 8-24, Shavez Watkins 1-0, team 1-minus 10; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 6-21 TD, Amari Felder 8-18, Braden Schreck 1-minus 12, Tayden Carpenter 10-34 TD, Zayne Williams 1-14 Jesse Copas 1-6, team 2-minus 2.

PASSING–Harvest Prep: Aidan Rogers 8-23-3 69, Ernest Pierce 1-1-0 12; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 15-20-0 243 3-TD. RECEIVING–Harvest Prep: Chris Brown 1-25, Justin Batista 3-36, Shawn Ruffin 3-18, Marchello Cox 1-0, Shavez Watkins 1-2; Ironton: Ty Perkins 6-123 3-TD, Shaun Terry 4-54, Landen Wilson 2-21, Braden Schreck 1-8, Lincoln Barnes 1-29, Amari Felder 1-10, C.J. Martin 1-minus 2.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

Valley View 7 14 0 0 = 21 Ironton 7 7 14 7 = 35 First Quarter Irn — Tayden Carpenter 2 run (Evan Williams kick) 8:59 VV — Jake Clark 1 run (Caden Phillips kick) 5:04 Second Quarter VV — Jedrek Lynch 2 pass from Caden Henson (Cade Phillips kick) 8:30 VV — Austin Stidham recover fumble in end zone

(Caden Phillips kick) 7:09 Irn — Jaquez Keyes 3 run (Evan Williams kick) 5:54 Third Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 72 run (Evan Williams kick) 11:48 Irn — Shaun Terry 51 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 1:12 Fourth Quarter Irn — Jaquez Keyes 2 run (Evan Williams kick) 3:52 ——— VV Irn First downs 12 12 Rushes-yards 24-60 41-257 Passing yards 184 246 Total yards 244 504 Cmp-Att-Int 13-22-3 15-2-1 Fumbles-lost 1-1 2-1 Penalties-yards 2-7 10-105 Punts-average 3-39.0 2-35.5 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–Valley View: Jake Clark 13-54, Austin Stidham 3-11, Caden Henson 8-minus 5; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 13-150 3-TD, Amari Felder 15-66, Tayden Carpenter 10-35, Landen Wilson 3-6.

PASSING–Valley View: Caden Henson 13-21–2 149 TD, Austin Stidham 0-1-1; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 15-25-1 246 TD. RECEIVING–Valley View: Troy Hypes 1-29, Austin Stidham 6-125, Jedrek Lynch 3-22, Jake Clark 3-8; Ironton: Ty Perkins 2-14, Aiden Young 4-42, Landen Wilson 2-55, Shaun Terry 3-71 TD, C.J. Martin 2-61, Trevor Carter 1-4, Jaquez Keyes 1-minus 1, MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

South Range 14 18 7 14 = 53 Ironton 7 7 7 6 = 27 First Quarter SR — Billy Skripac 7 run (Logan Butcher kick) 8:30 Irn — Lincoln Barnes 66 pas from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 8:13 SR — J.D. Crouse 40 pass from Billy Skripac (Logan Butcher kick) 0:42 Second Quarter

Good luck all area schools!

SR — Billy Skripac 5 run (kick failed) 11:14 SR — Billy Skripac 8 run (kick failed) 8:52 Irn — Ty Perkins 31 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 5:19 SR — Blake Ewert 31 run (pass failed) 3:13 Third Quarter SR — Shane Lindstrom 65 pass from Billy Skripac (Logan Butcher kick) 6:01 Irn — Amari Felder 7 pass from Tayden Carpenter (Evan Williams kick) 4:46 Fourth Quarter SR — Dean Depizzo 8 pass from Billy Skripac (Logan Butcher kick) 7:57 Irn — Ty Perkins 27 pass from Tayden Carpenter (pass failed) 5:58 SR — Aidan Dominguez 3 run (Logan Butcher kick) 1:45 ——— SR Irn First downs 21 16 Rushes-yards 44-225 21-46 Passing yards 339 343 Total yards 564 389 Cmp-Att-Int 14-26-0 22-37-1 Fumbles-lost 1-0 1-1 Penalties-yards 9-67 10-92 Punts-average 2-21.0 3-31.3 ——— Individual Leaders RUSHING–South Range: Billy Skripac 12-57 3-TD, Blake Ewert 19-142 TD, Tyler Remis 4-15, Aidan Dominguez 2-12 TD, Hunter Knauf 2-10, Ayden Leon 1-minus 1, Jake Starkey 1-minus 1, team 3-minus 9; Ironton: Jaquez Keyes 9-22, Amari Felder 4-20, Aiden Young 1-5, Tayden Carpenter 7-minus 1.

PASSING–South Range: Billy Skripac 13-25-0 331 3-TD, Shane Lindstrom 1-1-0 8; Ironton: Tayden Carpenter 21-361 325 4-TD, Braden Schreck 1-1-0 18.

RECEIVING–South Range: Shane Lindstrom 6-176 TD, J.D. Crouse 3-71 TD, A Leon 3-54, J Starkey 1-30, Dean Depizzo 1-8 TD; Ironton: Ty Perkins 7-121 2-TD, Landen Wilson 5-61, Shaun Terry 3-23, Amari Felder 2-45 TD, Aiden Young 2-18, C.J. Martin 1-minus 5.

MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.

58

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 OHSAA DIVISION 5 REGIONAL ASSINGMENTS ID District School 105 C Columbus 105 C AFRICENTRIC 108 SE ALEXANDER 114 C AMANDA-CLEARCREEK 162 E BARNESVILLE 334 C CENTERBURG 362 SE CHESAPEAKE 410 C COL. ACADEMY 556 SE FAIRLAND 1737 C HARVEST PREP 706 C HEATH 760 SE IRONTON 866 C LIBERTY UNION 1000 E MEADOWBROOK 1008 SE MEIGS 1048 SE MINFORD 1100 SE NEW LEXINGTON 1166 SE NORTHWEST 1256 SE PIKETON 1268 SE PORTSMOUTH 1270 SE PORTS. WEST 816 SE RIVER VALLEY 1458 SE SOUTH POINT 1566 E UNION LOCAL 1584 C UTICA 1652 SE WELLSTON 1690 E W. MUSKINGUM 1696 SE WHEELERSBURG 1740 C WORTH. CHRISTIAN

City Div AFRICENTRIC V COLUMBUS V ALBANY V AMANDA V BARNESVILLE V CENTERBURG V CHESAPEAKE V GAHANNA V PROCTORVILLE V CANAL WINCHESTER V HEATH V IRONTON V BALTIMORE V BYESVILLE V POMEROY V MINFORD V NEW LEXINGTON V MC DERMOTT V PIKETON V PORTSMOUTH V W. PORTSMOUTH V BIDWELL V SOUTH POINT V BELMONT V UTICA V WELLSTON V ZANESVILLE V WHEELERSBURG V WORTHINGTON V

Region 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19

ID District School 134 NW ARCHBOLD 394 NW COLDWATER 466 NW DELTA 508 NW EASTWOOD 518 NW EDISON 530 NW ELMWOOD 614 C FREDERICKTOWN 636 NW GENOA AREA 712 C HIGHLAND 746 NW HURON 754 SW INDIAN LAKE 820 NW LAKE 864 NW LIBERTY CENTER 862 NW LIBERTY-BENTON 1156 C NORTH UNION 1172 NW NORTHWOOD 1184 NW OAK HARBOR 1212 NW OTSEGO 1214 NW OTTAWA-GLANDORF 1260 C PLEASANT 1266 NW PORT CLINTON 1468 NW SPENCERVILLE 1506 NW SWANTON 1710 NW WILLARD

City ARCHBOLD COLDWATER DELTA PEMBERVILLE MILAN BLOOMDALE FREDERICKTOWN GENOA MARENGO HURON LEWISTOWN MILLBURY LIBERTY CENTER FINDLAY RICHWOOD NORTHWOOD OAK HARBOR BOWLING GREEN OTTAWA MARION PORT CLINTON SPENCERVILLE SWANTON WILLARD

Region 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

Div V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

ID District School 170 NE BEACHWOOD 202 NE BERKSHIRE 262 NE BROOKSIDE 346 NE CHAGRIN FALLS 354 NE CHAMPION 380 NE CLEARVIEW 416 NE CONNEAUT 426 E COSHOCTON 440 NE CRESTWOOD 519 E EDISON 560 NE FAIRLESS 570 NE FAIRVIEW 630 NE GARFIELD 294 E HARRISON CENTRAL 808 NE KEYSTONE 828 NE LAKEVIEW 860 NE LIBERTY 936 NE MANCHESTER 1174 NE NORWAYNE 1210 NE ORRVILLE 1246 NE PERRY 1300 E RIDGEWOOD 1396 E SANDY VALLEY 1426 NE SMITHVILLE 1460 NE SOUTH RANGE 1548 NE TRIWAY

City BEACHWOOD BURTON SHEFFIELD CHAGRIN FALLS WARREN LORAIN CONNEAUT COSHOCTON MANTUA RICHMOND NAVARRE FAIRVIEW PARK GARRETTSVILLE CADIZ LA GRANGE CORTLAND YOUNGSTOWN NEW FRANKLIN CRESTON ORRVILLE PERRY WEST LAFAYETTE MAGNOLIA SMITHVILLE CANFIELD WOOSTER

Div V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

Region 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

ID District School 208 SW BETHEL-TATE 228 SW BLANCHESTER 264 SW BROOKVILLE 318 SW CARLISLE 1956 SW CLARK MONTESSORI 382 SW CLERMONT NE 490 SW EAST CLINTON 588 SW FINNEYTOWN 672 SW GREENEVIEW 676 SW GREENON 9461 SW JNG MONTESSORI 920 SW MADEIRA 924 SW MADISON SENIOR 928 C MADISON-PLAINS 954 SW MARIEMONT 1018 SW MIAMI EAST 1042 SW MILTON-UNION 1134 SW N. COLLEGE HILL 1136 SW NORTHEASTERN 1168 SW NORTHWESTERN 1176 SW NORWOOD 1272 SW PREBLE SHAWNEE 1276 SW PURCELL MARIAN 1504 SW SUM. COUNTRY DAY 1590 SW VALLEY VIEW 1644 SW WAYNESVILLE 1676 SE WESTFALL 1752 SE ZANE TRACE

City BETHEL BLANCHESTER BROOKVILLE CARLISLE CINCINNATI BATAVIA SABINA CINCINNATI JAMESTOWN ENON CINCINNATI CINCINNATI MIDDLETOWN LONDON CINCINNATI CASSTOWN WEST MILTON CINCINNATI SOUTRH VIENNA SPRINGFIELD NORWOOD CAMDEN CINCINNATI CINCINNATI GERMANTOWN WAYNESVILLE WILLIAMSPORT CHILLICOTHE

Div V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

Region 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

FOOTBALL 2023

59

2023 OHSAA DIVISION 6 REGIONAL ASSINGMENTS ID District School City Div 182 E BELLAIRE BELLAIRE VI 194 SE BELPRE BELPRE VI 284 E BUCKEYE TRAIL LORE CITY VI 314 C CARDINGTON-LINCOLN CARDINGTON VI 442 SE CROOKSVILLE CROOKSVILLE VI 458 SE DAWSON-BRYANT COAL GROVE VI 498 C EAST KNOX HOWARD VI 524 C ELGIN MARION VI 598 E FORT FRYE BEVERLY VI 624 E GARAWAY SUGARCREEK VI 664 C GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS COLUMBUS VI 681 C GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN GROVE CITY VI 900 NE LOUDONVILLE LOUDONVILLE VI 968 E MARTINS FERRY MARTINS FERRY VI 1072 C MOUNT GILEAD MOUNT GILEAD VI 1084 SE NELSONVILLE-YORK NELSONVILLE VI 1090 C NEWARK CATHOLIC NEWARK VI 1096 E NEWCOMERSTOWN NEWCOMERSTOWN VI 1144 C NORTHMOR GALION VI 1150 C NORTHRIDGE JOHNSTOWN VI 1186 SE OAK HILL OAK HILL VI 1318 SE ROCK HILL IRONTON VI 1418 E SHENANDOAH SARAHSVILLE VI 1540 SE TRIMBLE GLOUSTER VI 1558 E TUSCARAWAS VALLEY ZOARVILLE VI 1682 C WEST JEFFERSON West Jefferson VI

Region 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23

ID District School 256 NE BROOKFIELD 260 NE BROOKLYN 340 NE CENTRAL CATHOLIC 308 NE CARDINAL 366 NE CHIPPEWA 408 NE COLUMBIANA 436 NE CRESTVIEW 446 NE CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS 488 NE EAST CANTON EAST 504 NE EAST PALESTINE EAST 662 NE GRAND VALLEY 750 NE INDEPENDENCE 768 NE JACKSON-MILTON N. 812 NE KIRTLAND 818 NE LABRAE 1010 NE MEMORIAL 1044 NE MINERAL RIDGE 1058 NE MOGADORE 1112 NE NEWTON FALLS 1280 NE PYMATUNING VALLEY 1304 NE RITTMAN 1328 NE ROOTSTOWN 1448 NE SOUTHEAST 1542 NE TRINITY HS 1560 NE TUSLAW 1570 NE UNITED 1751 NE VALLEY CHRISTIAN 1630 NE WATERLOO

Region 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

City BROOKFIELD BROOKLYN CANTON MIDDLEFIELD DOYLESTOWN COLUMBIANA COLUMBIANA CUYAHOGA HTS. CANTON PALESTINE ORWELL INDEPENDENCE JACKSON KIRTLAND LEAVITTSBURG CAMPBELL MINERAL RIDGE MOGADORE NEWTON FALLS ANDOVER RITTMAN ROOTSTOWN RAVENNA GARFIELD HTS. MASSILLON HANOVERTON YOUNGSTOWN ATWATER

Div VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI

1640 NE 1706 NE

WAYNEDALE WICKLIFFE

APPLE CREEK WICKLIFFE

VI VI

21 21

ID District School 226 NE BLACK RIVER 236 NW BLUFFTON 290 NW BUCYRUS 316 NW CAREY 400 NW COLONEL CRAWFORD 404 NE COLUMBIA 412 NW COLUMBUS GROVE 434 NW CRESTVIEW 542 NW EVERGREEN 572 NW FAIRVIEW 708 NW HICKSVILLE 834 NW LAKOTA 946 NE MAPLETON 950 NW MARGARETTA 1170 NE NORTHWESTERN 1192 NE OBERLIN 1216 NW OTTAWA HILLS 1236 NW PAULDING 1308 NW RIVERDALE 1400 NW SENECA 1532 NW TINORA 1592 NW VAN BUREN 1646 NW WAYNE TRACE 1650 NE WELLINGTON 1670 NW WESTERN RESERVE 1722 NW WOODMORE 1742 NW WYNFORD

City Div SULLIVAN VI BLUFFTON VI BUCYRUS VI CAREY VI NORTH ROBINSON VI COLUMBIA STATION VI COLUMBUS GROVE VI ASHLAND VI METAMORA VI SHERWOOD VI HICKSVILLE VI KANSAS VI ASHLAND VI CASTALIA VI WEST SALEM VI OBERLIN VI TOLEDO VI PAULDING VI MT. BLANCHARD VI EAST ATTICA VI DEFIANCE VI VAN BUREN VI HAVILAND VI WELLINGTON VI COLLINS VI ELMORE VI BUCYRUS VI

Region 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

ID District School 102 SE ADENA 110 NW ALLEN EAST 120 SW ANNA 130 SW ARCANUM 368 SW CIN. COUNTRY DAY 460 SW DAYTON CHRISTIAN 462 SW DEER PARK 470 SW DIXIE NEW 544 C FAIRBANKS 744 SE HUNTINGTON 1082 SW NATIONAL TRAIL 1226 SE PAINT VALLEY 1230 NW PARKWAY 9057 SW RIVERVIEW E. ACAD. 1450 SE SOUTHEASTERN 1538 SW TRIAD NORTH 1546 SW TRI-VILLAGE 1553 SW TROY CHRISTIAN 1564 SW TWIN VAL. SOUTH W. 1586 SE VALLEY 1600 SW VERSAILLES 1688 SW W. LIBERTY-SALEM W. 1712 SW WILLIAMSBURG

City FRANKFORT HARROD ANNA ARCANUM CINCINNATI MIAMISBURG CINCINNATI LEBANON MILFORD CENTER CHILLICOTHE NEW PARIS BAINBRIDGE ROCKFORD Cincinnati CHILLICOTHE LEWISBURG NEW MADISON TROY ALEXANDRIA LUCASVILLE VERSAILLES LIBERTY WILLIAMSBURG

Region 24 24 24 24 4 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

Div VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI VI

60

FOOTBALL 2023

2023 OHSAA DIVISION 7 REGIONAL ASSINGMENTS ID District School 172 E BEALLSVILLE 204 C BERNE UNION 222 E BISHOP ROSECRANS 250 E BRIDGEPORT 296 E CALDWELL 492 SE EASTERN 494 SE EASTERN 553 C FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN 594 C FISHER CATHOLIC 618 E FRONTIER 668 SE GREEN 938 SE MANCHESTER 1036 SE MILLER 1040 C MILLERSPORT 1063 E MONROE CENTRAL 1178 SE NOTRE DAME 1306 E RIVER 484 SE SCIOTOVILLE COMNITY 1406 E SHADYSIDE 1453 SE SOUTH GALLIA 1454 SE SOUTHERN 1514 SE SYMMES VALLEY 1628 SE WATERFORD

City Div BEALLSVILLE VII SUGAR GROVE VII ZANESVILLE VII BRIDGEPORT VII CALDWELL VII BEAVER VII REEDSVILLE VII LANCASTER VII LANCASTER VII NEW MATAMORAS VII FRANKLIN FURNACE VII MANCHESTER VII CORNING VII MILLERSPORT VII WOODSFIELD VII PORTSMOUTH VII HANNIBAL VII PORTSMOUTH VII SHADYSIDE VII CROWN CITY VII RACINE VII WILLOW WOOD VII WATERFORD VII

Region 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27

ID District School City Div 100 NW ADA ADA VII 126 NW ANTWERP ANTWERP VII 128 NW ARCADIA ARCADIA VII 136 NW ARLINGTON ARLINGTON VII 154 NW AYERSVILLE DEFIANCE VII 298 NW CALVERT TIFFIN VII 312 NW CRDNAL STRITCH CATH. OREGON VII 424 NW CORY-RAWSON RAWSON VII 438 NW CRESTVIEW CONVOY VII 512 NW EDGERTON EDGERTON VII 520 NW EDON EDON VII 640 NW GIBSONBURG GIBSONBURG VII 694 NW HARDIN NORTHERN DOLA VII 722 NW HILLTOP WEST UNITY VII 732 NW HOPEWELL-LOUDON BASCOM VII 772 NW JEFFERSON DELPHOS VII 854 NW LEIPSIC LEIPSIC VII 874 NW LIMA CENT. CATHOLIC LIMA VII 990 NW MC COMB MC COMB VII 1060 NW MOHAWK SYCAMORE VII 1066 NW MONTPELIER MONTPELIER VII 1130 NW NORTH BALTIMORE NORTH BALTIMORE VII 1132 NW NORTH CENTRAL PIONEER VII 1228 NW PANDORA-GILBOA PANDORA VII 1234 NW PATRICK HENRY HAMLER VII 1242 NW PERRY LIMA VII 1296 C RIDGEDALE MORRAL VII 1298 NW RIDGEMONT Mt. Victory VII 1358 NW ST JOHN’S DELPHOS VII 1370 NW ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC FREMONT VII 1576 NW UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY MC GUFFEY VII 1594 NW VANLUE VANLUE VII 1642 NW WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN WAYNESFIELD VII

Region 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

ID District School City Div 278 NW BUCKEYE CENTRAL NEW WASHINGTON VII 326 E CATHOLIC CENTRAL STEUBENVILLE VII 418 E CONOTTON VALLEY BOWERSTON VII 432 NW CRESTLINE CRESTLINE VII 450 NE DALTON DALTON VII 454 C DANVILLE DANVILLE VII 456 NE DAVID ANDERSON LISBON V II 566 NE FAIRPORT HARDING FAIRPORT HARBOR VII 720 NE HILLSDALE JEROMESVILLE VII 786 NE JOHN F KENNEDY WARREN VII 850 NE LEETONIA LEETONIA VII 906 NE LOWELLVILLE LOWELLVILLE VII 908 NW LUCAS LUCAS VII 934 E MALVERN MALVERN VII 974 NE MATHEWS VIENNA VII 992 NE MCDONALD MCDONALD VII 1064 NW MONROEVILLE MONROEVILLE VII 1262 NW PLYMOUTH PLYMOUTH VII 1294 NE RICHMOND HEIGHTS RICHMOND HTS VII 996 NE SEBRING MC KINLEY SEBRING VII 1446 NW SOUTH CENTRAL GREENWICH VII 1456 NE SOUTHERN LOCAL SALINEVILLE VII 1478 NE SPRINGFIELD NEW MIDDLETOWN VII 1359 NE ST JOHN SCHOOL ASHTABULA VII 1374 NW ST PAUL NORWALK VII 1378 NE ST THOMAS AQUINAS LOUISVILLE VII 1494 E STRASBURG-FRANKLIN STRASBURG VII 1536 E TORONTO TORONTO VII 1556 E TUSCARAWAS CATH. NEW PHILADELPHIA VII 1654 NE WELLSVILLE WELLSVILLE VII 1668 NE WESTERN RESERVE BERLIN CENTER VII 1716 NE WINDHAM WINDHAM VII

Region 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

ID District School City Div 122 SW ANSONIA ANSONIA VII 246 SW BRADFORD BRADFORD VII 324 SW CATHOLIC CENTRAL SPRINGFIELD VII 328 SW CEDARVILLE CEDARVILLE VII 9272 SW CIN. COLLEGE PREP. CINCINNATI VII 430 SW COVINGTON COVINGTON VII 576 SW FAYETTEVILLE-PERRY FAYETTEVILLE VII 602 SW FORT LORAMIE FORT LORAMIE VII 604 NW FORT RECOVERY FORT RECOVERY VII 776 SW JEFFERSON TWP DAYTON VII 852 SW LEHMAN CATHOLIC SIDNEY VII 886 SW LOCKLAND LOCKLAND VII 958 NW MARION LOCAL MARIA STEIN VII 1004 C MECHANICSBURG MECHANICSBURG VII 1023 SW MIAMI VAL. CHRISTIAN CINCINNATI VII 1052 NW MINSTER MINSTER VII 1054 SW MISSISSINAWA VALLEY UNION CITY VII 1092 NW NEW BREMEN NEW BREMEN VII 1104 SW NEW MIAMI HAMILTON VII 1310 SW RIVERSIDE DE GRAFF VII 1452 SW SOUTHEASTERN LOCAL SO. CHARLESTON VII 1340 SW ST BERNARD CINCNNATI VII 1352 NW ST HENRY ST HENRY VII 1562 SW TRI-COUNTY NORTH LEWISBURG VII

Region 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

FOOTBALL 2023

61

Senior members of the 2023 Ironton Fighting Tigers football team are: front row left to right, Justin Bryant, Phil Bowman, Connor Lowe, Ben Sloan, Creighton Bryant, Ethan Hellyer, Daryn Harvey and Mason Hitchler; second row left to right, Bryson Hayes, Bailey Thacker, Isaac Fitzpatrick, Aris Pittman, Noah Patterson, Gavin Hart, Tatum Moore and Tashawna Young. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhotos)

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CONGRATULATIONS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES Now it’s time for college!

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FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Coal Grove Hornets football team are: front row left to right, Garrett Hankins, Whyatt Mannon, Devin Bloomfield, Steven Simpson, Gavin Gipson, Landon Roberts and Wesley Runyon; second row left to right, Brennan Meadows, Caleb Huff, Ian Davis, Brett Klaiber and Zach Delawder. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 Chesapeake Panthers are: seated left to right, Brooklyn McComas, Dannie Maynard, Camron Shockley, Mason Giles and Nate Mills; standing left to right, Andrew Ellis, Jacob Spitler, Will Schwamberger, Alex Plummer and Skylar Felder. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photo/For The Ironton Tribune)

FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Rock Hill Redmen football team are: front left to right, Matt Weber, Connor Blagg, Landon Rose and Isaiah Struck; standing left to right, Blake Porter, Levi Jiles, Chase Blevins and Cameron Stevens. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 South Point Pointers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Eli Wilburn, Gage Chapman, Rece Craft, Anastasia Fahey, Blaine Freeman and Davin Heckard; second row left to right, Jalyn Anderson, Anthony Burks, Corey Newman, Owen Frederick, Jelonte Green, Xathan Haney, Braylon Bird and Dontae Harris. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

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FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Fairland Dragons are: from left to right, Brycen Hunt, Christian Collins, Tristan Daily, Ryan Dixon, Peyton Jackson, Will Davis, Garrett Spence, Ryan McLain and Travis Barker. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 Symmes Valley Vikings football team are: from left to right, Johnathan Brammer, Sam McCleese, Eli Pratt and Aydan Taylor.

(Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

FOOTBALL 2023

Senior members of the 2023 Portsmouth Trojans football team are: front left to right, Kewan Lett, Nathaniel Berry and Gage Sowards; standing left to right, Zach Roth, Levaughn Cobb, Noah Livingston, Andrew Berry and Leo Poxes. (Jim Walker/The Ironton Tribune)

Senior members of the 2023 Green Bobcats are, from left to right, Ethan Blevins, Braxton Conschafsky, Brett Chaney, Eli Fitch, Nathaniel Brannigan and Cole Maynard. Not pictured was Abe McBee. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)

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Good luck area teams!

Lawrence County One-Stop 120 N. Third St. • Ironton, Ohio • 740-532-3140 • Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Our One-Stop is a resource to our community.

SERVICES AVAILABLE • Individual services for adults, dislocated workers and youth.

• Resume writing • Interviewing Preparation • Application preparation • Labor Market information • On-the-job training • MAT Program

• Homeless housing assistance • Individual assessment • Career exploration • Utility Assistance • Academic and computer workshops • Employability skill training • Workforce database for employers • Youth Services ( Ages 14-24)

PARTNERS LOCATED WITHIN THE ONE-STOP • ASPIRE • Behavioral Health Program • Collins Career Technical Center • Family Medical Center • Healthcare for the Homeless Program • Home Energy Assistance Program • Homeless Assistance Programs • Housing Assistance Program • Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization

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