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UK King’s Daughters Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Ashland 613 23rd St., Suite G30 Ashland, Ky. (606) 327-0036
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Back row: Brock Johnson, M.D.; Michael Chambers, M.D.; Andrew Brown, D.O.; Andy Gilliland, M.D.; and Gerry Trinidad, M.D. Front row: Athletic trainers Alissa McCarty, Thomas Ramsey, and Larissa Davis.
Good luck to all from the Ironton
Board of Education & Administration
Ironton eyes short term plan to get long term goal
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
The fans are looking to go backto-back with state championships. Ironton Fighting Tigers’ head coach Trevon Pendleton just wants to go 1-0.
Each week.
The Fighting Tigers are coming off the Division 5 state championship — the third in the program’s history — with a 28-17 win over Liberty Center at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium last December.
But winning a second straight title will be a challenge for Ironton after losing a large number of start-
ers. Pendleton knows there is talent but it’s young and inexperienced.
“Our whole focus is to go one-andoh. Our guys have heard enough about the rat poison, the long term goal. We always talk about take care of the now and everything else will take care of itself,” said Pendleton.
“We’re taking care of the short team goal. We’re just chipping away at that. We’re just trying to go oneand-oh each and every week. We’re excited about the schedule. A lot of good opportunities. I think we’re going to be battle tested, especially early. We’re going to be battle tested for the playoffs.”
Ironton was 15-1 last season and lost some key players such
as the Ohio Preps Sports Writers’ Division 5 Offensive Player of the Year Shaun Terry, first team defensive lineman Aiden Layne and defensive back Josh Johnson, second team All-Ohio quarterback Braden Schreck and offensive lineman Bowen Gossett.
Terry is playing at Missouri, Johnson at Penn State, Layne and Gossett at Morehead State and Schreck signed with Finlay.
All those players were key factors in winning the state title so the focus now shifts to their replacements along with some other players.
“We lost a lot of production, but we bring back a lot of kids that played a lot of football,” said
“They might be playing different positions but they are kids who have been out there and played under Friday night lights.
“They understand what it takes and their roles are going to be magnified and they’re going to have to step up and take on a little more bulk of the load, but they are very capable and we’re excited to see them do it.”
Pendleton said this year’s senior class has what it takes to lead and that last year’s senior class will still have a bearing on how well this year’s team will perform.
Pendleton as he enters his eighth season.
Members of the 2025 Ironton Fighting Tigers’ football team are: front row left to right, Max Haney, Jaxson Lavender, Liam Philabaun, Chase Barber, Mason Daniels, Kayden Madden, Reid Hunt, Wyatt Jenkins, Daniels, Caleb Porter; second row left to right, Jackson Thomas, Braylon Knipp, Jase Walker, Brodie Howell, Ethan Rice, Noah Jones, Ayden Justice, Demir Curtis, Easton Caudill, Eli Shaffer, Ethan Sutton, Landon Thomas, Drayden Edens, Luca Silva, Talib Spencer; third row from left to right, Wyatt Wolfe, Jacob Hughes, Braiden Linn, Brycen Mullins, Kayden Edwards, Brian Kidd, Tyson Harvey, Joey Weaver, Ethan Sutton, Landon Thomas, Drayden Edens, Lucas Silva, Talib Spencer; fourth row from left to right, Landon Deer, Bryson Kerns, Jase Williams, Silas Edwards, Tyson Cox, Braydon Baker, Zayne Williams, Tyler Carmon, Ashton Layne, Nolan Wolfe, Carson Akers, Carter Bridges, Caleb Porter, Joey Weaver; fifth row from left to right, Mason Wheeler, Kylan Grace, Zander Hurn, Maddix Markel, Ben Gulliams, Caleb Jacobs, Brock Biggs, Braden Barbour, David Fields, Thomas Crawford, Kayden Madden. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhoto)
Williams Carmon Markel Cox Baker Wheeler Grace Jacobs Fields
2025 IRONTON FIGHTING TIGERS FOOTBALL ROSTER
Ironton Fighting Tigers 2025 Football Roster
No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr
0 Braiden Linn FB-DL 5-10 215 Jr
2 Silas Edwards TE-LB 6-00 220 Jr
3 Brycen Mullins WR-DB 5-10 175 Jr
4 Ashton Layne WR-DB 6-03 180 Jr
5 Drayden Edens WR-DB 5-10 165 Jr
6 Landon Thomas RB-DB 5-10 170 Jr
7 Kayden Edwards QB-DB 5-11 180 Jr
8 Nolan Wolfe WR-DB 6-02 175 Jr
9 Thomas Crawford WR-LB 6-00 185 Sr
10 Bryson Kerns WR-DB 5-11 170 Jr
11 Brock Biggs QB-LB 6-02 190 So.
12 Wyatt Wolfe QB-DB 6-03 170 Fr
13 Brian Kidd QB-DB 5-10 170 So.
14 Easton Caudill RB-DB 5-11 190 Fr
15 Maddix Markel WR-DB 6-01 190 Sr
18 Braydon Baker WR-DB 5-10 180 Sr
20 Tyson Harvey RB-DB 5-10 175 Jr
21 Talib Spencer WR-DB 5-11 180 So.
22 Joey Weaver TE-DL 5-10 175 Jr
24 Zayne William RB-LB 5-09 205 Sr
25 Kylan Grace RB-LB 5-10 215 Sr
26 Tyler Carmon RB-DB 5-10 180 Sr
27 Jase Walker WR-DB 5-10 155 So.
28 Jacob Hughes RB-WR-LB 5-11 175 So.
29 David Fields PK 5-11 175 Sr
30 Tyson Cox TE-LB 6-00 200 Sr
31 Demir Curti WR-DB 5-08 150 Fr
32 Easton Caudill RB-DB 5-11 185 Fr
33 Eli Shaffer WR-LB 5-11 165 Fr
34 Jaxson Lavender WR-DB 5-09 160 Fr
35 Braylon Knipp RB-LB 5-10 165 Fr
36 Liam Philabaun WR-DB 6-00 155 Fr
37 Justin Lancaster WR-LB 5-09 155 Fr
38 Max Haney WR-DB 5-10 140 Fr
40 Reid Hunt WR-DB 5-07 140 Fr
44 Jamere Bacon WR-LB 6-02 160 Fr
45 Ayden Justice RB-LB 6-00 180 Fr
46 Wyatt Jenkins WR-DB 5-08 140 Fr
50 Jase Williams OL-DL 6-00 205 Jr
51 Aiden Hensley OL-DL 5-11 230 Sr
54 Chase Barber OL-DL 5-06 160 So.
55 Joey Weaver OL-DL 6-00 220 So.
56 Levi Deer OL-LB 6-01 190 So.
57 Kayden Madden OL-DL 5-09 160 Fr
Zander Hurn OL-LB-DL 6-01
Steven Payne OL-DL 5-10 220 Fr
Braden Barbour TE-DL 6-03
Sr 82 Beckham Waginger PK 5-10 170 So.
83 Mason Daniels WR-DB 5-06 120 So.
Head coach: Trevon Pendleton
Assistant coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Terry Miller, Garrett Pendleton, Daniel Murphy, Brandon Walker, Brett Thomas, Scott Schmidt, Sony Silva, Emmett
Keyes, Todd Knipp, Lincoln Barnes, Aiden Barnes
“We have a very good senior class. A lot of them have played three years, some of them even four years. They’ve been around the block and they understand what they need to do and what it takes to win,” said Pendleton.
“(Last year’s seniors) laid the foundation of how you’re supposed to lead the team. If these guys can take that and run with it they’ll be just fine.”
QUARTERBACK
Junior Kayden Edwards (5-11, 180) is the heir apparent to replace
Schreck who threw for more than 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns last season.
Edwards spot played last season while also playing some wide receiver. An excellent runner with a good arm, Edwards will be a dual threat. Last season, he was 18-of23 passing for 362 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. He also ran 25 times for 357 yards and five scores.
“Kayden Edwards has taken the lion’s share of the first team reps. He’s done a great job with it. He’s going each and every day with it,”
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Trevon Pendleton (82-14 at Ironton and overall, 8th season)
Assistant Coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Terry Miller, Merril Triplett, Daniel Murphy, Tom Kaskey, Brandon Walker, Brett Thomas, Sonny Silva, Emmett Keyes, Scott Schmidt, Garrett Pendleton, Lincoln Barnes, Aiden Barnes, Todd Knipp. Equipment: Tim Collins. Film: Trevor Hacker
Key Returnees: Zayne Williams, Maddix Markel, Braydon Baker, Tyler Carmon, Tyson Cox, Mason Wheeler, Aiden Hensley, Caleb Jacobs, Kayden Edwards, Carson Akers, Carter Bridges, John Weaver, Ethan Sutton, Braiden Linn, Zander Hurn, David Fields, Beckham Waginger
Key Losses: Shaun Terry, Braden Schreck, Aiden Layne, Josh Johnson, Nick Sites, Tyler Roach, Grant Day, Bowen Gossett, Austin Bump, Jesse Copas, Barkley Litton, Braylon Sturgill. 2024 Record: 15-1 (Division 5 state champions) Offense: Pro-I, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, 3-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 5
said Pendleton.
The backup will come from sophomore Brock Biggs (6-2, 190), freshman Wyatt Wolfe (6-2, 175), sophomore Brian “Bubby” Kidd (5-10,170).
Pendleton: “They’re all getting some reps there and doing a lot of good stuff and a lot of positive things. They’re all competing with each other. They’re all making each other better with each rep and that’s what it takes to be successful.”
RUNNING BACK
Leading the backfield will be possibly the best running back in the area in senior Zayne Williams (5-9, 205) who ran 98 times for 756 yards last season for a 7.7 yards per carry average. He scored 17 touchdowns and also caught 20 passes for 320 yards and four scores.
There’s plenty of depth with senior Tyler Carmon (5-10, 180), senior Kylan Grace (5-10, 215), junior Tyson Harvey (5-10, 175), freshman Easton Caudill (5-11, 185).
“Williams and Carmon were our top two leading rushers last year. Grace was a 1,500-yard rusher (at Hurricane, W.Va.), and you’ve got some young guys like Tyson Harvey and Easton Caudill who are very dynamic,” said Pendleton, noting Carmon ran 49 times for 416 yards and eight touchdowns.
“Our running back room is as deep as I’ve ever seen in Southern Ohio and we’re really excited to use all of them.”
K. Edwards Mullins Bridges Harvey Linn Layne Hensley Akers Weaver
Williams’ power running fuels Ironton ground game
Numerous colleges interested in Fighting Tigers’ All-Ohio senior standout
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
It’s not an unfamiliar site to see Zayne Williams on a pair of skis gliding along.
“I like skiing a lot. I love it,” said Williams.
But when Williams transitions to the football field, there’s not a lot of gliding. It’s hard running with a lot of collisions that often leave defenders lying in his wake.
One example of a Williams run came early in the Division 5 state championship against Liberty Center last December. Williams knocked over a few defenders, shed a couple of tackles, spun away from a couple more for a big game only to have the play nullified by offsetting penalties.
“That’s one of my favorites,” said Williams with a grin.
Williams’ running and defensive play at linebacker helped Ironton beat Liberty Center 28-17 and win the state championship.
“Personally, it was something when I was a little kid we went to every game. In 2019 and 2020, it was awesome to be able to experience that, but we always came up short,” said Williams.
“And then my freshman year we did make it and I got to play some defense, but it wasn’t like I was really in control. This past year, I felt like I had an even bigger role in that. It was a great feeling that it felt like part of it depended on me.”
While Williams got some personal satisfaction with the state championship, he was even happier that the team was able to win the program’s first state title in 35 years.
“From a team standpoint, we’ve been there and we’ve been there and it felt like almost a sense of relief. It was like it could be done,” Williams said.
Although Williams is known for his hard-running, he believes he’s proven not to be one-dimensional.
Williams carried 104 times for 786 yards and scored 17 touchdowns last season. He also caught 20 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns.
“I had my share of receiving yards last year. I think I’ll be involved,” said Williams.
“I know we had Shaun (Terry) and Tyler (Roach) and Nick (Sites) and obviously they were great players, but I don’t think people understood what we had behind them. They weren’t that much less. We’ve got a lot of good receivers coming up. I don’t think it’s going to be too much of a drop-off.”
Not only is Williams involved in both the running and passing on offense, he plays linebacker on defense and he likes playing on the other side of the ball as well.
“I like it because I like being involved. I can impact a game in many ways. But it does get exhausting at times and being on special teams,” said Williams.
“You can only do so much but I love it. You just have to keep a high level of conditioning to be able to perform on both sides of the ball.”
One of the biggest factors in Williams’ game this season will be his experience. He has gained playing time all four years as a starter.
“I feel pretty good where I’m at. I mean, at this point I’m not trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do or how to do it, just do it at the highest level. I think I’ve come along pretty well,” he said.
Williams said the only goal he has this season is trying to win back-to-
back state championships.
“I just never have any goal for myself to worry about,” said Williams.
The only personal goal Williams could achieve by just playing well is a college offer. He has had several offers including Army and Toledo.
“The school interested in me the most is Army. They are always calling me and checking up on me and seeing how things are going. I also had an offer from Toledo. That’s probably my number two right now. They’re also very interested,” said Williams.
“I went to OU (Ohio University) on a junior day thing and a practice. At the beginning, they seemed very interested. After the visit, the running back coach followed me around all day and talked to us. After that was over, there was a little less communication but they said they were going to wait until the very end to offer every position.
I’ll wait and see how my senior year goes.”
It’ll probably be a year that features gliding and colliding. That’s the way Zayne Williams likes to play.
Ironton Fighting Tigers’ running back Zayne Williams (24) pushes away a Portsmouth Trojans’ defender as he picks up a huge gain during a game last season. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhoto.com)
Zayne Williams
Wide Receivers
WIDE RECEIVER
Gone is the Ohio Preps Sports Writers’ Division 5 Offensive Player of the Year Shaun Terry to Missouri along with Tyler Roach and Nick Sites. Terry had 90 catches for 1,595 yards and 23 TDs. Roach was 24/458/5 and Sites 11/224/1.
However there are plenty of candidates to fill these spots.
Senior Braydon Baker (5-10, 180), senior Maddix Markel (6-1, 190), junior Brycen Mullins (5-10, 175), junior Bryson Kerns (5-11, 170) should be ready to step in and give Ironton plenty of capable targets.
“We’ve lost two of our starting wide receivers and Nick Sites who had a lot of production last year, But we bring back some guys who played a lot of football there and some guys that are really stepping into their own,” said Pendleton.
“Obviously, Braydon Baker, Brycen Mullins, Maddix Markel are taking on more of a role at receiver. And you’ve got Bryson Kerns who will be in the mix. This group will be really exciting and the depth of that group will shock a lot of people.
“It’ll definitely be by committee but they’re all capable of making plays and we’re excited to see them with the ball in their hands.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
This is an area that was decimated by graduation. The only returning starter is junior center Carter Bridges (5-9, 240),
“Carter Bridges started out the state championship game for us and Barkley Litton moved to
guard for that game. Carter is a returning guy, a very good snapper, plays with great leverage, understands the scheme and gets everyone in the right position,” said Pendleton.
But the Ironton coach said all the offensive linemen are interchangeable which means junior Braiden Linn (5-10, 215), sophomore John Weaver (6-0, 220), junior Jase Williams (6-0, 205) and senior Zander Hurn (6-1, 210) are all in the mix at center.
“We have three or four guys who are capable of playing center,” said Pendleton.
Bridges could also play guard and the other candidates are senior Mason Wheeler (6-0, 240), Hurn, junior Carson Akers (6-0, 235), Weaver, Williams, senior Ben Gulliams (6-2, 285), and junior Ethan Sutton (5-10, 205).
The tackles look to be senior Caleb Jacobs (6-4, 285) and Akers with sophomore Luca Silva (6-6, 270) possibly in the mix. Pendleton said Bridges and Williams could also play some tackle.
Wheeler will be the tight end but could also split time at guard.
“The O-Line is kind of interchangeable. There are guys playing tackle who are going to jump and play guard and jumping back out and playing tackle. It is what it is. Mason Wheeler who’s going to be playing a dual role. He’s going to play guard and tight end. He’s very athletic for his size;” Pendleton said.
“Ben Gulliams is a road grader down in there. Ethan Sutton does everything you ask and knows what everyone is supposed to be doing. We’ve got to get healthy up there. Those guys
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have got to continue to get better each and every rep and push each other.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
One of the team’s strongest areas will be the defensive line which returns three starters in Jacobs — a three-year starter — and ends Wheeler and Linn.
“We’ve been based out of the three-man front ever since I got here. We’ve got some guys we can go to a four-front. We can jump into it pretty easily.
Also in the mix at end are junior Silas Edwards (6-0, 220) and Caudill.
Behind Jacobs will be Williams, senior Aiden Hensley (5-11, 230), Akers, Gulliams and Hurn.
“Aiden Hensley is really excelling on the defensive side of the ball. Easton Caudill is a freshman who is very dynamic,” said Pendleton.
“Jacobs is definitely in shape to go both ways. Early in the year we’re going to try and spell him as much as we can and make sure he’s not playing every snap of the game, but when push comes to shove he’ll be in there.”
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Southern Ohio Conference II
Lucasville Valley Indians
Aug. 22 at Paint Valley
Aug. 29 FAYETTEVILLE
Sept. 5 at Piketon
Sept. 12 at Waverly#
Sept. 19 WHEELRSBURG#
Sept. 26 at Northwest#
Oct. 3 PORTSMOUTH WEST#
Oct. 10 OAK HILL#
Oct. 17 at Grandview Heights
Oct. 24 at Minford#
Minford Falcons
Aug. 22 ROCK HILL
Aug. 29 at Chesapeake
Sept. 5 BEAVER EASTERN
Sept. 12 OAK HILL#
Sept. 19 at Northwest#
Sept. 26 at Portsmouth West#
Oct. 3 at Waverly#
Oct. 10 MEIGS
Oct. 17 WHEELERSBURG#
Oct. 24 LUCASVILLE VALLEY#
Northwest Mohawks
Aug. 23 at Piketon
Aug. 29 GREENFIELD MCCLAIN
Sept. 5 CHESAPEAKE
Sept. 12 at Wheelersburg#
Sept. 19 MINFORD#
Sept. 26 LUCASVILE VALLEY#
Oct. 3 at Vinton County
Oct. 10 PORTSMOUTH WEST#
Oct. 17 at Waverly#
Oct. 24 at Oak Hill#
Oak Hill Oaks
Aug. 23 at Wellston
Aug. 30 Lancaster Fairfield
Christian
Sept. 5 ROCK HILL
Sept. 12 at Minford#
Sept. 19 SOUTH GALLIA
Sept. 26 WAVERLY#
Oct. 3 WHEELERSBURG#
Oct. 10 at Lucasville Valley#
Oct. 17 at Portsmouth West#
Oct. 24 NORTHWEST#
Portsmouth West Senators
Aug. 22 FAIRLAND
Aug. 29 PORTSMOUTH
Sept. 5 HILLSBORO
Sept. 12 at Chillicothe
Sept. 19 at Waverly#
Sept. 26 MINFORD#
Oct. 3 at Lucasville Valley#
Oct. 10 at Northwest#
Oct. 17 OAK HILL#
Oct. 24 at Wheelersburg#
Waverly Tigers
Aug. 22 MIAMI TRACE
Aug. 30 at Zane Trace
2025 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES OF INTEREST
Sept. 56 at Unioto
Sept. 12 LUCASVILLE VALLEY#
Sept. 19 PORTSMOUTH WEST#
Sept. 26 at Oak Hill#
Oct. 3 MINFORD#
Oct. 10 at Wheelersburg#
Oct. 17 NORTHWEST#
Oct. 24 at Worthington Christian
Wheelersburg Pirates
Aug. 22 at KIPP Columbus
Aug. 29 Cin. MCNICHOLAS
Sept. 5 at Jackson
Sept. 13 NORTHWEST#
Sept. 20 at Lucasville Valley#
Sept. 26 vs. Ironton
Oct. 4 at Oak Hill#
Oct. 11 WAVERLY#
Oct. 18 at Minford#
Oct. 25 PORTSMOUTH WEST#
Frontier Athletic Conference
Chillicothe Cavaliers
Aug. 22 at Bloom-Carroll
Aug. 29 at London
Sept. 5 WESTERN BROWN
Sept. 12 PORTSMOUTH WEST
Sept. 19 WILMINGTON
Sept. 26 at Miami Trace#
Oct. 3 at Washington Court House#
Oct. 10 HILLSBORO#
Oct. 17 GREENFIELD MCCLAIN#
Oct. 24 at Jackson#
Greenfield-McClain Tigers
Aug. 22 ADENA
Aug. 29 at Northwest
Sept. 5 at Paint Valley
Sept. 12 EAST CLINTON
Sept. 19 at Williamsburg
Sept. 26 WASHINGTON COURT
HOUSE#
Oct. 3 at Jackson#
Oct. 10 MIAMI TRACE#
Oct. 17 at Chillicothe#
Oct. 24 HILLSBORO#
Hillsboro Indians
Aug. 22 WESTERN BROWN
Aug. 29 GOSHEN
Sept. 5 at Portsmouth West
Sept. 12 at Williamsburg
Sept. 19 PONITZ TECH
Sept. 26 JACKSON#
Oct. 3 MIAMI TRACE#
Oct. 10 at Chillicothe#
Oct. 17 WASHINGTON COURT
HOUSE#
Oct. 24 at Greenfield-McClain#
Jackson Ironmen
Aug. 22 LITTLE MIAMI
Aug. 29 GALLIA ACADEMY
Sept. 5 WHEELERSBURG
Sept. 12 at Western Brown
Sept. 19 at Ironton
Sept. 26 at Hillsboro#
Oct. 3 GREENFIELD-MCCLAIN#
Oct. 10 at Washington Court
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Oct. 17 at Miami Trace#
Oct. 24 CHILLICOTHE#
Miami Trace Panthers
Oct. 22 at Waverly
Oct. 29 WILMINGTON
Sept. 5 LOGAN ELM
Sept. 12 at Batavia
Sept. 19 at Western Brown
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Aug. 22 MECHANICSBURG
Aug. 29 at Circleville
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Oct. 17 at Hillsboro#
Oct. 24 at Miami Trace#
Tri-Valley Conference
Ohio Division
Albany Alexander Spartans
Aug. 22 CORNING MILLER
Aug. 29 SCIOTOVILLE EAST
Sept. 5 at Belpre
Sept. 12 at Athens#
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Sept. 26 VINTON COUNTY#
Oct. 3 at River Valley#
Aug. 22 at Trimble
Oct. 10 NELSONVILLE-YORK#
Oct. 17 LOGAN ELM
Oct. 24 at Meigs#
Athens Bulldogs
Aug. 22 LOGAN
Aug. 29 PAINT VALLEY
Sept. 5 at Marietta
Sept. 12 ALBANY-ALEXANDER#
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Sept. 26 at Warren
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Oct. 17 at River Valley#
Oct. 24 NELSONVILLE-YORK#
River Valley Raiders
Aug. 22 at Berne Union
Aug. 29 SOUTH GALLIA
Sept. 5 at Symmes Valley
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Sept. 19 MEIGS#
Sept. 26 at Wellston#
Oct. 3 ALBANY-ALEXANDER#
Oct. 10 at Vinton County#
Oct. 17 ATHENS#
Oct. 24 at Fayetteville
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes
Aug. 29 at Logan
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Sept. 26 at Meigs#
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Oct. 24 at Athens#
Meigs Marauders
Aug. 22 REEDSVILLE EASTERN
Aug. 29 SYMMES VALLEY
Sept. 5 at Liberty Union
Sept. 12 VINTON COUNTY#
Sept. 19 at River Valley#
Sept. 26 NELSONVILLE-YORK#
Oct. 3 at Athens#
Oct. 10 at Minford
Oct. 17 at Wellston#
Oct. 24 ALBANY-ALEXANDER#
Vinton County Vikings
Aug. 22 at Waterford
Sept. 29 UNIOTO
Sept. 5 at Trimble
Sept. 12 at Meigs#
Sept. 19 ATHENS#
Sept. 26 at Albany-Alexander#
Oct. 3 NORTHWEST#
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Oct. 17 at Nelsonville-York#
Oct. 24 WELLSTON#
Wellston Rockets
Aug. 22 OAK HILL
Aug. 29 PIKETON
Sept. 5 at South Point
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Sept. 19 at Albany-Alexander#
Sept. 26 RIVER VALLEY#
Oct. 3 at Nelsonville-York#
Oct. 10 at Athens#
Oct. 17 MEIGS#
Oct. 24 at Vinton County#
Tri-Valley Conference
Hocking Division
Belpre Golden Eagles
Aug. 22 at Fisher Catholic
Aug. 29 at Federal Hocking#
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Sept. 12 BEALLSVILLE
Sept. 19 GREEN
Sept. 26 at Huntington St. Joseph, W.Va.
Oct. 3 TRIMBLE#
Oct. 10 at Racine Southern#
Oct. 17 at Reedsville Eastern#
Oct. 24 WATERFORD#
Federal Hocking Lancers
Aug. 22 GREEN
Aug. 29 BELPRE#
Sept. 5 MILLERSPORT
Sept. 12 at Reedsville Eastern#
Sept. 19 at Tuscarawas Central
Catholic
Sept. 26 at Hannibal River
Oct. 3 at Manchester
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Oct. 17 SOUTHERN#
Oct. 24 at Glouster Trimble#
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Aug. 22 NELSONVILLE-YORK
Aug. 29 BERNE UNION
Sept. 5 at Vinton County
Sept. 12 at Wellston
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Sept. 26 SOUTHERN#
Oct. 3 at Belpre#
Oct. 10 REEDSVILLE EASTERN#
Oct. 17 at Waterford#
Oct. 24 FEDERAL HOCKING#
Southern Tornadoes
Aug. 22 at South Gallia
Aug. 29 SOUTH POINT
Sept. 5 at Corning Miller
Sept. 12 GREEN
Sept. 19 at Beaver Eastern
Sept. 26 at Glouster Trimble#
Oct. 3 WATERFORD#
Oct. 10 BELPRE#
Oct. 17 at Federal Hocking#
Oct. 25 REEDSVILLE EASTERN#
Reedsville Eastern Eagles
Aug. 22 at Meigs
Aug. 29 at Wirt, W.Va
Sept. 5 at South Gallia
Sept. 12 FEDERAL HOCKING#
Sept. 19 SCIOTOVILLE EAST
Sept. 26 WATERFORD#
Oct. 3 WAHAMA, W.Va.
Oct. 10 at Trimble#
Oct. 17 BELPRE#
Oct. 25 at Southern#
Waterford Wildcats
Aug. 22 VINTON COUNTY
Aug. 29 CALDWELL
Sept. 5 at Shenandoah
Sept. 12 FORT FRYE
Sept. 19 at Nelsonville-York
Sept. 26 at Reedsville Eastern#
Oct. 3 SOUTHERN#
Oct. 10 FEDERAL HOCKING#
Oct. 17 TRIMBLE#
Oct. 24 at Belpre#
Big man Jacobs eyes big season for Fighting Tigers
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
“I’ll be a big man in town, honest, honey
I’ll be a big man in town, promise, darling
I’ll be a big man in town, just you wait and see You’ll be proud of me.”
— Big Man In Town (The Four Seasons)
The big man in Ironton for the Fighting Tigers is 6-foot-5, 275-pound Caleb Jacobs who is a three-year starter and has the size that makes him attractive to several colleges including an offer from GardnerWebb.
Being a big man in his family is unusual. His grandfather Juan Thomas was an electrifying running back for Ironton but he was just 5-6, 155. His mother and her mother were not very tall, either.
“I’ve always been told my grandpa’s uncles were tall. It just skipped a few generations,” said Jacobs.
Because he has always been big, Jacobs said he has always been a lineman.
“I’ve been a lineman throughout since I’ve started. Size is something I’ve always had,” said Jacobs. But size isn’t the only thing that will be big for Jacobs this season. He is one of the few returning start-
Caleb Jacobs
ers from last season’s Division 5 state title team. He has embraced the leadership role.
“It’s definitely different from other years, but it’s helped me grow as a leader being the senior of the line. We lost a lot, but I’ve guided my younger teammates to step up and we have a very good group,” said Jacobs, who expects to play more offense than defense this season.
“I help around with the younger guys since I’m more experienced. I always tell them if you mess up one play, don’t let it get to your head. There’s more than 100 plays in a
football game, so don’t let one play bring you down. Just go onto the next play.”
With the finality of being a senior, Jacobs said he has stepped up his preparations for this season.
“I’m approaching my senior year with working a lot. This summer I worked on my foot work and got stronger,” said Jacobs.
“It’s definitely made me a lot stronger and getting much quicker. Also, my game is changing over time. Instead of relying just strictly on my length, it’s more collective. It’s being in full control of using my body over the seasons.”
While Jacobs is working to improve himself, he has offered advice to his younger teammates to improve their game.
“I tell them to always get an extra rep in practice no matter who it’s against, whoever it is. That’s how I earned my spot going against the top players on my team,” said Jacobs.
“You’ve got to go out there and go for it. It doesn’t matter who it is. You always try to step up. Always get better, always ask questions.
I’m helping my teammates out and trying to help us go back-to-back.”
Although the Fighting Tigers are lacking experience, Jacobs thinks there is plenty of talent to help provide fuel for a return trip to the state title game.
“The experience gap between the two groups is a decent amount, but it’s just going to take us honing in and focusing collectively on that goal,” said Jacobs.
Ironton’s goal is to win back-toback state championships. Jacobs said winning the title last season was a great feeling. He also said the emotions ran high during the 28-17 win over Liberty Center.
“Playing this past year was a great feeling. Being out there in the atmosphere was something incredible, especially watching the plays that were made, having so much emotion through it. It was amazing,” said Jacobs.
Winning the state title is first and foremost in Jacobs’ mind, but he admits that he has thinking about playing at the next level floating around in the back of his mind. He said having a strong senior season will help determine his landing spot.
“I definitely have a decision to make, thinking about it. But I’m pretty sure I’ll go to the next level and continue playing football,” said Jacobs.
“I want to show myself out to obviously get more offers and go to a good school I’m really interested in and show that even though I’m a Division 5 school lineman, I’m one of the best.”
Caleb Jacobs isn’t just one of the best. He’s one of the biggest and best.
Ironton Fighting Tigers’ lineman Caleb Jacobs (78) knocks back a defensive lineman to give quarterback Braden Schreck (12) time to complete a pass during the playoffs last season. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhoto.com)
2024 DIVISION 5 ALL-OHIO FOOTBALL TEAM
Ohio Prep Sports Writers
Division 5 All-Ohio Football Team
Offensive Player of the Year: Shaun Terry, Ironton
Defensive Players of the Year: Alex Reese, Martins Ferry; Luke Starkey, Canfield South Range Coaches of the Year: Ryan Haines, Jamestown Greeneview; Trevon Pendleton, Ironton
First Team Offense
QB: Cole Spaulding, Columbus Academy, 6-6, 205, sr.; Mike LaLonde, Oak Harbor, 5-10, 170, sr.; Casey Carpenter, Barnesville, 5-11, 185, sr.; Tristan Toy, Canfield South Range, 5-10, 170, sr.; Alex Amburgy, Waynesville, 6-1, 185, sr.
RB: Nana Owusu, Johnstown Monroe, 5-7, 165, sr.; Waylon Rentz, Liberty Center, 5-11, 205, sr.; Dillon Soehnlen, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-8, 155, sr.; Phil Partin, Akron Manchester, 5-9, 165, so.; Mason Moyer, Creston Norwayne, 5-10, 205, sr.; Carson Ridener, Oak Harbor, 6-0, 190, sr.; Garrett Lundy, Waynesville, 5-7, 165, sr.
WR/TE: Caleb Anthony, Columbus Africentric, 5-8, 165, jr.; Shaun Terry, Ironton, 5-10, 175, sr.; Jack Hayden, Proctorville Fairland, 6-1, 180, sr.; Davin Wendt, Milan Edison, 6-0, 165, sr.; Quest Clay, Lewiston Indian Lake, 5-8, 150, sr.; Aidan Hopewell, Cincinnati Madeira, 6-1, 185, sr.
OL: Brady Henry, Marion Pleasant, 6-3, 260, sr.; Lucas Langhals, Milan Edison, 6-4, 200, sr.; Jonathan Stangl, Canton Central Catholic, 6-8, 318, sr.; Luke McGill, West Liberty West LibertySalem, 6-0, 215, sr.; Isaac Schulte, Oak Harbor, 6-2, 260, jr.; Ben Rader, Johnstown, 6-3, 320, sr.; Ezechiel Teshome, Harvest Prep, 6-1, 250, sr. K: Cooper Heimbach, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, Jr.
First Team Defense
DL: Sam Mentzer, Marion Pleasant, 5-11, 200, sr.; Aiden Layne, Ironton, 6-0, 240, sr.; Zander Zeiter, Liberty Center, 6-2, 240, sr.; Jacob Ridener, Oak Harbor, 6-0, 215, sr.; Alex Reese, Martins Ferry, 6-6, 220, sr.; Ivan Trent, Garrettsville Garfield, 6-3, 255, sr.
LB: Dezmond Porter, Harvest Prep, 6-0, 200, jr.; Blake Elliott, East Knox, 5-11, 210, sr.; Cy Finnen, Milan Edison, 5-11, 215, sr.; Jayce Wallick, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-0, 205, sr.; Luke Starkey, Canfield South Range, 6-0, 215, sr.; Brody Lynch, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-0, 225, sr.; Josh Wilcoxon, West Liberty West Liberty-Salem, 5-9, 195, sr.
DB: Jamarcus Jones, Harvest Prep, 6-0, 170, jr.; Cam Kahle, Liberty Center, 5-9, 155, sr.; Josh Johnson, Ironton, 6-3, 185, sr.; Payton Mayfield, West Milton Milton-Union, 5-8, 140, sr.; Luke Czarnecki, Williamsburg, 6-2, 200, jr.
P: Connor Yeager, Batavia Clermont Northeastern, 6-4, 215, sr. Second Team Offense
QB: Braden Schreck, Ironton, 6-2, 185, sr.; Zach Elchert, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-3, 195, jr.; Drew Luidhardt, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-10, 165, jr.; Burke Lowry, Fairview Park Fairview, 6-3, 190, jr.; Alex Horney, Jamestown Greeneview, 5-11, 180, sr.
RB: Chase Heiland, Portsmouth, 5-8, 195, sr.; Austin Gautier, Nelsonville-York, 5-8, 165, jr.; Carter Winland, Zanesville West Muskingum, 5-9, 205, sr.; Nate Blasiole, Mantua Crestwood, 5-9, 200, sr.; Josiah Hunter, Girard, 5-6, 170, sr.; Blake Lawson, Carlisle, 5-19, 170, sr.; Kaleb Miller, Middletown Madison, 5-9, 188, sr.
OL: Ethan Recker, Pemberville Eastwood, 6-0, 225, sr.; Braden Butler, Barnesville, 6-0, 290, Sr.; Dom Yurich, Poland, 6-1, 230, sr.; Macin Padin, LaGrange Keystone, 5-10, 210, sr.; Brennan Worley, Waynesville, 6-4, 260, sr.; Bowen Gossett, Ironton, 6-2, 265, sr.; Landon Evans, Wheelersburg, 6-5, 285, sr.; Will Granger, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-1, 235, sr.
K: Fulton Krupp, Oak Harbor, 6-2, 175, jr.; Roman Percic, Burton Berkshire, 5-9, 160, jr. Second Team Defense
DL: MJ Jackson, Columbus Academy, 6-2, 250, sr.; Dillon King, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2, 210, jr.; Gavin Gindlesperger, Akron Manchester, 6-1, 205, jr.; Roman Gilbert, Wooster Triway, 6-3, 250, jr.; Conrad Bartley, East Cleveland Shaw, 5-9, 260, sr.; Cam Bair, West Liberty-Salem, 6-0, 255, sr.
LB: Shavez Watkins, Harvest Prep, 5-7, 195, sr.; Quentin Cremeans, Proctorville Fairland, 6-0, 225, sr.; Hines Ford, Barnesville, 5-10, 185, jr.; Shane Ohl, LaGrange Keystone, 6-1, 185, jr.; Trey Moore, Wellington, 5-10, 180, jr.; Noah Shirk, Lewistown Indian Lake, 5-11, 160, jr.; Finn Warden, Cincinnati Mariemont, 6-0, 180, sr.
DB: Gabe Davis-Ray, Columbus Academy, 6-0, 160, jr.; Alex Frenk, Wellington, 6-1, 165, jr.; Will Allen, Fairview Park Fairview, 5-11, 170, jr.; Brodey Reisinger, Lewiston Indian Lake, 6-2, 175, so.; Jacob Evans, West Liberty West Liberty-Salem, 6-1, 190, sr.
P: Charlie Kinkead, Johnstown Northridge, 6-0, 173, jr.
Third Team Offense
QB: Joshua Smith, Columbus Africentric, 6-4, 180, jr.; Jake Anton, Zanesville West Muskingum, 6-3, 175, sr.; Luke Starr, Wooster Triway, 6-2, 175, jr.; Zach Shackelford, LaGrange Keystone, 6-0, 175, sr.; Brody Morton, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-3, 170, jr.
RB: Kaden Murphy, Coal Grove DawsonBryant, 5-9, 175, jr.; Carter Runyon, McDermott Northwest, 6-3, 210, sr.; Bryson Wittmer, Milan Edison, 6-0, 225, jr.; Aidan Dominguez, Canfield South Range, 6-1, 190, sr.; Max Hawkins, Columbiana Crestview, 5-11, 204, sr.; Conner Thomas, Canton Central Catholic, 5-10, 180, sr.; Wyatt McKee, LaGrange Keystone, 6-0, 195, so.;
WR/TE: Mason Thacker, Piketon, 5-5, 140, sr.; Seth Elchert, Liberty-Benton, 6-3, 185, jr.; Johnnie Kinter, Wellington, 6-3, 200, sr.; J.R. Beato, Fairview Park Fairview, 6-0, 190, sr.; Grady Whitacre, LaGrange Keystone, 6-0, 185, sr.; Tristin Kyle, East Cleveland Shaw, 6-7, 255, sr.
OL: Evan Brower, Chillicothe Zane Trace, 6-0, 260, sr.; Dylan Congdon, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley, 6-9, 320, sr.; Mitchell George, Byesville Meadowbrook, 6-6, 285, sr.; Sam Stauffer, Chagrin Falls, 6-1, 225, sr.; Cooper Shrout, Camden Preble Shawnee, 6-4, 280, jr.; Trey Holden, Williamsburg, 5-11, 260, jr.; Blake Midlam, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-0, 230, sr.; ; Brady Giesige, Liberty Center, 6-2, 265, sr.
K: Hayden Dunn, Amanda-Clearcreek, 6-2, 205, jr.; Evan Lough, Barnesville, 6-2, 180, Sr. Third Team Defense
WR/TE: Derron Gray Jr., Columbus Africentric, 6-4, 210, jr.; Cam Robinson, Worthington Christian, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jaxon Magnone, Genoa Area, 6-4, 195, so.; Lukas Gilland, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-2, 185, sr.; Dylan Smith, Creston Norwayne, 6-0, 175, sr.; Trenton Davis, Waynesville, 5-10, 185, sr.
LB: Jace Trachtenberg, Marion Pleasant, 6-0, 210, sr.; Austin Collert, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-11, 175, jr.; RJ Welshans, Martins Ferry, 5-10, 175, so.; Peyton Causby, Belmont Union Local, 6-1, 190, sr.; Jayce Mauger, Akron Manchester, 5-11, 185, sr.; Logan Hackworth, Creston Norwayne, 6-1, 195, sr.; Cole Kramer, Chagrin Falls, 5-10, 175, jr.; Cooper Payton, Jamestown Greeneview, 5-10, 185, sr.
DB: Jacob Hochanadel, Johnstown, 5-9, 175, sr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 160, sr.; Hayden Bankes, McConnelsville Morgan, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Oliver Miller, Burton Berkshire, 5-8, 165, so.; Johnny Owens, Beachwood, 5-11, 190, sr.; Cole Ducas, Chagrin Falls, 6-3, 200, sr.
P: Jas Stefancin, Poland, 6-2, 165, sr. Honorable Mention
QB: Hayden Piper, Utica, 6-0, 205, sr.; Blake Sipes, Fredericktown, 6-2, 180, jr.; Brayden Hanshaw, South Point, 6-3, 180, sr.; Johnny Scott, Wellston, 5-10, 200, sr.; Luke Gullion, Piketon, 5-11, 175, jr.; J.T. Williams, Portsmouth, 5-6, 147, sr.; Braylon Rucker, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, jr.; Ayden Ludolph, Martins Ferry, 5-9, 175, sr.; Brady Geibel, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-4, 195, sr.; JD Henderson, Richmond Edison, 5-11, 165, jr.; Nick Shifflet, West Liberty-Salem, 5-11, 205, sr.; Madden Lillard, Lewistown Indian Lake, 5-10, 160, sr.
RB: Silas Stewart, Chillicothe Zane Trace, 5-9, 190, sr.; Buddy Wilson, Piketon, 5-10, 180, sr.; Logan Wince, Coshocton, 5-11, 175, so.; Tev’n Williams, Martins Ferry, 5-11, 185, sr.; Trey Toliver, Barnesville, 5-9, 205, so.; Brody Perzanowski, Union Local, 5-1, 185, so.; Peter Killy, Navarre Fairless, 6-1, 185, sr.; Justin Phillips, Burton Berkshire, 6-0, 200, sr.; Aaron Mills, Casstown Miami East, 5-10, 165, sr.; Chase Walker, Jamestown Greeneview, 5-10, 170, sr.; Garrison Kruse, Liberty Center, 6-2, 210, so.
WR/TE: Keegan Smith, Proctorville Fairland, 6-3, 180, sr.; Dustin Vance, Pomeroy Meigs, 6-4, 220, sr.; Kenyon Evans, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 175, jr.; Aaden Dunn, Zane Trace, 5-10, 180, sr.; Carter Smith, Zanesville West Muskingum, 6-2, 190, so.; Bradey McIntire, Barnesville, 6-0, 160, sr.; Cole Pittman, Richmond Edison, 6-0, 175, sr.; Bronson Speedy, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-2, 200, sr.; Jack Hamaker, Casstown Miami East, 5-10, 155, so.; Andrew Lewis, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-11, 160, sr.; Tyler Thompson, Oak Harbor, 5-11, 165, sr.
DL: Tony Theodoropoulos, Johnstown Northridge, 5-11, 200, sr.; Chase Johnson, Columbus Africentric, 6-0, 250, sr.; Marquez Colvin, Harvest Prep, 6-4, 240, sr.; Kingston Littlefield, Portsmouth, 5-8, 167, sr.; Danny Tiller, Burton Berkshire, 6-1, 205, jr.; Gavin Henry, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-1, 210, sr.; Kaden Marshall, St. Paris Graham, 6-2, 245, sr.
K: Silas Kuhn, Zanesville West Muskingum, 5-9, 120, jr.; Anderson Colon, Sugarcreek Garaway, 5-7, 170, sr.; Parker Metsker, Creston Norwayne, 5-9, 160, sr.; Celtan Walton, Waynesville, 5-7, 155, sr.; Garrett Nealis, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-1, 185, sr.; Ian Rosebrook, Liberty Center, 6-0, 155, sr.
DL: Jesse Copas, Ironton, 5-9, 185, sr.; Caden Turner, Coal Grove, 6-5, 225, jr.; Garrett Cornwell, Proctorville Fairland, 6-0, 225, sr.; Nathaniel Shrum, Piketon, 5-6, 165, sr.; Ben Congdon, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley, 6-7, 275, jr.; Marshall Meade, Barnesville, 6-0, 235, sr.; Wes Little, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-2, 315, sr.; Jace Thompson, Crooksville, 6-3, 220, jr.; Colson Keller, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-3, 230, jr.; Evan Kimmerle, Richmond Edison, 6-2, 195, jr.; Luke Taylor, Barnesville, 6-1, 215, sr.; Collin Sullivan, Navarre Fairless, 6-0, 245, sr.; Ian Galloway, Akron Manchester, 6-3, 215, sr.; Brayden Craven, Creston Norwayne, 5-11, 255, sr.; Allen Hess-Cardona, Girard, 6-2, 220, jr.; Charlie Bazzone, Chagrin Falls, 6-0, 185, sr.; Nathan Krosse, Wellington, 5-11, 200, sr.; Julianye Johnson, Middletown Madison, 6-2, 197, sr.; Landen Meehan, Carlisle, 6-2, 220, sr.; Jack Simpson, Cincinnati Mariemont, 6-1, 220, jr.; Zach Rang, Milan Edison, 5-8, 160, sr.; CJ Barbara, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-4, 195, jr. LB: Tyler Krebehenne, Richwood North Union, 5-8, 150, sr.; Zayne Williams, Ironton, 5-9, 200, jr.; Austin Bump, Ironton, 6-0, 205, sr.; Hudson Williams, Chillicothe Zane Trace, 6-0, 175, so.; Joey Scarberry, Coal Grove, 6-1, 200, sr.; Hunter Collins, Wellston, 5-10, 210, sr.; Isaac Waller, Albany Alexander, 5-11, 205, sr.; Dakota Cunningham, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 185, jr.; Colton Campbell, McDermott Northwest, 5-9, 185, sr.; Trevin Brooks, Portsmouth, 5-11, 200, jr.; Elijah Brown, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 175, jr.; Wes Houston, Zanesville West Muskingum, 6-2, 240, sr.; Camden Carpenter, Barnesville, 5-10, 165, sr.; Graham Campbell, Bellaire, 5-9, 165, jr.; Jack Murphy, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 5-11, 190, sr.; Matt Evans, Richmond Edison, 6-1, 175, jr.; Eddie McAllister, Richmond Edison, 6-0, 170, jr.; Gaven Hanson, Girard, 6-2, 230, sr.; Merrik Baker, Akron Manchester, 6-1, 180, jr.; Alex Shearer, Wooster Triway, 6-0, 160, sr.; Brandon Clark, Fairview Park Fairview, 5-10, 170, sr.; Jeremy Hamm, Carlisle, 5-10, 190, sr.; Steven Brogan, Liberty Center, 5-11, 210, sr.; Dom Lindenberger, Genoa, 5-10, 190, sr. DB: Bodie Martin, Amanda-Clearcreek, 5-11, 195, jr.; Colton Conkle, Coshocton, 5-11, 175, sr.; Braxton Brownrigg, Zanesville West Muskingum, 5-8,145, jr.; Zack Vangosen, Richmond Edison, 5-9, 155, sr.; Chaz Culberton, Cadiz Harrison Central, 5-9, 170, jr.; Cam Carl, Navarre Fairless, 5-10, 170, jr.; Braylon Lowery, Byesville Meadowbrook, 5-9, 180, jr.; Ryder Ingold, Creston Norwayne, 5-8, 170, jr.; Brandyn Bogucki, Garrettsville Garfield, 5-9, 155, jr.; Gaven Nagy, Canfield South Range, 5-10, 165, sr.; Blaise Donatelli, Akron Manchester, 5-11, 185, sr.; Reece Smith, Camden Preble Shawnee, 5-11, 175, sr.; Lucas Miller, Arcanum, 6-0, 170, so.; Briar Rohrer, Port Clinton, 5-9, 160, sr.; Grady Miller, Liberty Center, 6-4, 210, sr. P: Brady Hyre, Cadiz Harrison Central, 6-4, 175, jr.; Jake Eyerman, Mantua Crestwood, 6-0, 230, jr.; Bryce Lehmkuhl, Wellington, 6-2, 185, so.; Cam Agler, Genoa, 5-8, 196, sr. Yadin Sharp, Akron Manchester, 5-10, 165, jr.
OL: Peter Smith, Amanda-Clearcreek, 6-1, 235, sr.; Will Callicoat, Proctorville Fairland, 6-0, 200, sr.; Aaron Tobin, Pomeroy Meigs, 6-5, 275, sr.; C.J. Pemberton, Coal Grove, 6-3, 290, sr.; Brennon Tomlin, Nelsonville-York, 6-3, 270, sr.; Jaxon Powell, McDermott Northwest, 6-4, 280, jr.; Dylan Sanderlin, Portsmouth, 5-9, 229, sr.; Joe Walters, Coshocton, 6-0, 315, sr.; Kaiden Fleming, Zanesville West Muskingum, 5-9, 230, sr.; Malachi Giles, Martins Ferry, 6-0, 245, so.; Salvador Almaraz, Barnesville, 6-0, 300, sr.; Bubba Thompson, Richmond Edison, 5-11, 200, sr.; Witten Schaad, McConnelsville Morgan, 6-2, 245, jr.; Bryce Yoder, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-0, 260, sr.; Ron Bricker, Wooster Triway, 6-4, 210, sr.; Dan Doering, Mantua Crestwood, 6-1, 265, sr.; Danny Larkin, Fairview Park Fairview, 5-10, 225, sr.; Danny O’Neil, Fairview Park Fairview, 6-1, 240, so.; Caleb Corbett, Burton Berkshire, 6-2, 300, sr.; Simon Zank, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-0, 235, sr.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Senior Tyson Cox (6-0, 200), Sutton, Grace and junior Silas Edwards.
Pendleton: “A lot of the younger guys are playing multiple positions and roles. Tyson Cox is a guy who has played a lot of football for us. He’s doing very well for us. Ethan Sutton is a very smart football player who understands what everyone is supposed to be doing. Tylan Grace is transitioning to an inside position. He’s a thumper. His dad was the Canadian Defensive Player of the Year, so he kind of has a pedigree for it. Silas Edwards has been a rock inside, hard to move. Really good run filler.”
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Zayne Williams returns as a starter on the outside and he will be flanked by sophomore Jacob Hughes (5-10, 175), Biggs or Caudill.
Pendleton said Williams will be the key to the linebacking corps.
“Zayne is a returning starter. He’s played a lot of football, He does a great job. Brock is a kid who is long, 6-foot-2, 185, 195 pounds that is getting better each and every day,” said Pendleton.
CORNERBACKS
The secondary is filled with capable defenders and the cornerback position should be a strength as the season goes along.
Mullins — who had five interceptions and returned three for touchdowns — leads the group that includes Baker, Carmon and a newcomer in junior Ashton Layne. (6-3, 180) as the prime candidates and Pendleton likes the group.
“The secondary is all interchangeable. They’re learning every position. Mullins is the heart and soul of the defense. He really understands where to put everyone. He gets everyone in the right position. Baker stepped in and started the first four games of last year when Josh Johnson was out. Tyler Carmon has transitioned from outside linebacker to corner. He runs really well. Really good ball skills,” said Pendleton.
“Ashton Layne has been the surprise of them all. He has great ball skills, is very physical and he’s doing a great job. It doesn’t hurt that you replace a 6-3, 190-pound corner with a 6-4, 175-pound corner, It’s nice.”
SAFETIES
All the safeties will be new to the starting job, but all three had playing time last season.
Harvey and Markel may be the leaders to play in order to protect Edwards from injury. Edwards was a starter in the secondary last season.
“Tyson Harvey has done a great job at safety. Edwards and Markel have played there and do a great job,” said Pendleton.
KICKING GAME
The kicking game was solid last season and should be strong again. Sophomore Beckham Waginger took over the placekicking midway through the season and was consistent as he made 42 of 45 attempts.
Senior David Fields and Carmon will battle for the punting job. Fields — who is the long field goal kicker — has worked tirelessly on
his punting during the offseason. “(Waginger and Fields are) both getting their share of the kicks in,” said Pendleton. “David’s transitioning to punting this year and doing a fantastic job. He’s really booming the ball and Tyler Carmon has also done a lot of punting as well.”
chesapeake Panthers
First downs to touchdowns — We have panther pride!
football 2025
Hutchison takes the helm at Chesapeake
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
CHESAPEAKE — For Chuck Berry, the song “Sweet Little Sixteen” was a big hit.
Things weren’t so sweet for firstyear Chesapeake Panthers’ head coach Kevin Hutchison who was taking over a team that graduated 16 players from a 5-6 team.
“That’s been one of the hardest things, trying to see what kids can play what positions,” said Hutchison.
“We got a lot of new faces out, and a lot of these new kids are good athletes, but they’ve not played football for three or four years. So, it’s going to be a test for them.”
Despite the mountain in front of him that the coaches and players must climb, Hutchison is being positive and taking the challenge headon. In fact, he’s rather giddy.
“I love it. There’s never a boring moment. I love that. I love football,” said Hutchison, who has spent years coaching football or basketball.
Hutchison has coached for a couple of former Chesapeake head coaches, the late Phil Davis and Andy Clark. He was the middle school head coach for seven years.
Hutchison plans to run a spread style offense and he has hired Brent Wilcoxon as his offensive coordinator.
“I call him ‘The Godfather of the Spread’ because he’s been doing
it so long,” said Hutchison with a smile. “We’re going to be an up-tempo, spread offense.”
QUARTERBACK
The triggerman in the new offense will be sophomore Aaden Nester-Howard (6-2, 170).
“He looks like a pro-typical quarterback. He’s 6-1, 6-2, long and lanky, great arm. He seems to be pretty smart. But again, it’s going to be another test. Not much varsity experience,” said Hutchison.
Hutchison said there are three backups looking for playing time and they include senior JonCooper Barker (6-0, 175), freshman Colton Secrest (5-10, 155) and junior Peyton Muncy (6-1, 190).
“Barker is an athlete who hasn’t played for a while. He’s going to be a running back, too,” said Hutchison. “Muncy is a junior who hasn’t played for a while. He’s also going to be a running back. Secrest is a freshman and he’s never played quarterback before, but he’s been looking good, too,”
RUNNING BACK
Although the Panthers will use one running back most of the time, they have four strong candidates led by sophomore Andrew Isaacs (5-10, 145) who was a starter last season. The other backs in the rotation will be Jon-Cooper Barker, Peyton Muncy and Marquis Branch (5-6, 138).
“Above the
Members of the 2025 Chesapeake Panthers football team are: front row left to right, Dennis Scarberry, Colton Huffman Marquis Branch, Nehemiah Elder, Braxton Adams, Philip Thacker, Jon-Cooper Barker, Montez Carter, Owen Murray, Trey Adams; second row left to right, Jacob Oldaker, Jackson Spitler, Quinton baker, Aden Parrott, Peyton Muncy, Jonas Washington, Caden Thompson, Easton Lewis, Casey Barker; third row left to right, Lily Helmstetler, Levi Mitchell, Brion Russell, Arden Nester-Howard, Cody Harris, Andy Chapman, Hunter Dillon, Logan Clay; fourth row left to right, Uriah Brumfield, Jake Saunders, Josh Bland, Marlee Andrade, Jayden Washington, Andrew Isaacs, Zack Burdine. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhoto)
Panthers
“We’ll be single-back most of the time. but hopefully we’ll have three guys who can share the carries. Isaacs played last year and was just a freshman. Hopefully he has a good sophomore year, too,” said Hutchison. “They’re athletic but none of them have any experience. “Hopefully, they’re tough, too.”
RECEIVERS
Hutchison said the Panthers have a wide range of candidates for their receiving corps. Among those in the group are sophomore Logan Clay (5-11, 160), junior Dennis Scarberry (5-11, 150), junior Landon Kerns (5-9, 140), junior Ayden Parrott (5-11, 135), senior Montez Carter (5-8, 155) and sophomore Zach Burdine (5-10, 150).
“Hopefully, we’ll have a bunch of kids playing soccer and football this year. Some of those receivers are also soccer players. That’s the first time I’ve ever tried that,” said Hutchison. “It’s very athletic. Everybody looks good until you get hit, We’ll see how they handle that.”
The H-back will be senior Philip Thacker (6-4, 200).
“Thacker is a basketball player who hasn’t played football since his freshman year. He can move pretty well,” said Hutchison.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Panthers have three players back with any experience on the offensive line that includes senior Braxton Adams (6-0, 185) who is a three-year starter, junior Jackson Spitler (6-2, 260) and sophomore
Andy Chapman (6-5, 265).
Junior Colton Huffman (6-0, 195) is the leader in the battle for the center position. He is being challenged by freshman Marlee Andrade (5-9, 200) and sophomore Cody Harris (5-10, 155).
At the guard positions will be Adams and Spitler with junior Quinton Baker (5-11, 220) also in the hunt.
The tackle candidates are junior Caden Thompson (5-10, 210) and Andy Chapman.
Sophomore Hunter Dillon (5-11, 260) and junior Casey Barker (6-0, 250) are also looking for playing time at any of the offensive line positions.
“We have people running with the starting position, but we’re not going to know until after our second scrimmage,” said Hutchison.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Veteran Chris Leese will be the defensive coordinator. Reese has coached for several teams in West Virginia but is making his first stop in Ohio.
The Panthers will run a 4-man front with a variety of blitz packages.
Thacker, Chapman, Spitler and Muncy look to be the front four with Dillon and Huffman looking for reps.
LINEBACKERS
Adams and Jon-Cooper Barker will be in the middle flanked on the outside by Isaacs and Scarberry. Baker, Secrest, and freshman Uriah Brumfield (6-0, 180) will be backups.
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Kevin Hutchison (First season overall and at Chesapeake) Assistant Coaches: Brent Wilcoxon, Chris Leese, Robby Isaacs, Brandon Noble, Jeremy Estep Trainer: Kristian Rigsby. Physician: Dr. Scott Davis. Film: Lucas Holderby.
Key Returnees: Andrew Isaacs, Jackson Spitler, Braxton Adams
Key Losses: Drew Plantz, Jacob Harris, Ethan Kerns, Chris Calderon, Garrett Napier, Spencer Wright, Casey Moomaw, Jonah Fairburn, Mikey Rose, Logn Diamond, Curtis Brandenburg, Dusten Ward, Jack Blankenship, Andrew Daniels. 2023 Record: 5-6 overall, 2-4 OVC (5th) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 3
CHESAPEAKE DEPTH CHART
2025 CHESAPEAKE PANTHERS FOOTBALL ROSTER
No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr.
2 Jayden Washington RB-DB 5-08 145 Fr.
3 Landon Kerns WR-DB 5-09 140 Jr.
4 Colton Secrest QB-RB 5-10 155 Fr.
5 Jon-Cooper Barker RB-LB 6-00 175 Sr
6 Zack Burdine WR-DB 5-10 150 So.
7 Jonas Washington WR-DB 5-07 140 Jr
8 Aaden Nester-Howard QB-DB 6-02 170 So
9 Peyton Muncy RB-DE 6-01 190 Jr
10 Dennis Scarber ry WR-LB 5-11 150 Jr
11 Brion Russell WR-DB 5-11 155 So.
12 Easton Lewis WR-DB 6-00 150 Jr
14 Aden Parrott WR-DB 5-11 135 Jr
15 Levi Mitchell WR-DB 5-07 110 So.
16 Marquis Branch RB-DB 5-06 138 Jr
20 Andrew Isaacs RB-DB 5-10 145 So.
21 Logan Clay WR-DB 5-11 160 So
22 Josh Bland RB-DB 5-10 150 Fr.
23 Lily Helmstetler PK 5-05 115 So. 24 Philip Thacker WR-DE 6-04 200 Sr
Player Adams turning into teacher
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
CHESAPEAKE — They say a person should learn something new everyday. Braxton Adams likes learning, but he is going to have to also be a teacher and dispense some football playing wisdom this season.
“It’s exciting to get them learning into high school ball. There’s a learning curve for them for sure,” said Adams.
The 6-foot, 180-pound Adams will be a starter for the fourth straight season. But as one of only four returning starters, Adams knows he has some extra duties being a senior.
To help the younger players from having too big of a learning curve, Adams realizes that he and the other five seniors need to work as a group to provide the leadership the team needs.
“It’s different from what I’m used to. I’m hoping that what seniors we have we come together and get the team in the right direction,” said Adams.
Adams plays both offense and defense which could cause him to need some periodic rest. But he said he doesn’t get fatigued because he takes both a physical and mental approach.
“It’s all about how you are in your head. You have to be mentally tough. You just have to push through it and do what you’ve got to do for the team,” said Adams.
When it comes to knowing what to do, Adams is the perfect player for that. Not only does he have the experience, he plays all three interior offensive line positions of guard, center and even tackle if needed.
Besides his versatility on offense, Adams plays both inside and outside linebacker.
Although Adams has a positive attitude toward the versatile challenges he’s been given in the past, he knows that there is still some work to be done.
“It can be challenging at times remembering exactly what your assignment is, what you have to do and where you have to go,” said Adams. “But, once you put your mind to it, you can do it.”
Adams enjoys playing any position on either side of the ball, but like anyone he has a preference.
“Offense-wise, I like guard. Defense-wise, I like middle linebacker,” said Adams. “I like defense the most. I feel like it’s more challenging. You’ve got more of a job on your hands. You’ve got to stop and force plays and stuff like that.”
Despite the youth and inexperience of the Panthers’ team, Adams is upbeat about how they will play.
“I definitely think we have the talent. We’re young, we’re obviously going to make mistakes. With a new coaching staff it’s going to be a little bit different, but if we just keep our heads up in practice we’ll go right through it,” said Adams.
Set a number on the amount of games the Panthers should win, Adams just kind of shook his head.
“I feel like as a team we should just go out and try to win as many games as possible and mostly just learn how to face adversity as best as possible,” Adams said.
With his senior season about to get underway, Adams hasn’t given a lot of thought about playing beyond high school but would welcome the opportunity.
“If I get the opportunity to play the next level, absolutely,” said Adams. “As of now, I’m going straight into trade school. I’m going to do sheet metal.”
Playing various positions in football and eventually traveling for work doing sheet metal, Adams seems to always be on the move and he doesn’t seem to mind.
“I guess not. I’m a busy bee,” said Adams.
Braxton Adams
Clay Muncy
Huffman
Head coach: Chris
Chesapeake Panthers 2024 Results
Chesapeake 37 Sym. Valley 28
Chesapeake 42 Minford 0
Chesapeake 41 Southern 9
Chesapeake 14 Coal Grove 44
Chesapeake 6 Grandview Hts. 24
Chesapeake 8 Portsmouth 45
Chesapeake 41 South Point 26
Chesapeake 57 Gallipolis 21
Chesapeake 24 Ports. West 42
Baker
Thompson
Secondary
SECONDARY
The safety should be Clay — who lettered last year — with Branch, Carter, and freshman Jayden Washington (5-8, 145) are all battling for one of the cornerback positions.
“I think we’re a lot more ahead on defense because with football it’s easier to get the defense,” said Hutchison.
KICKING GAME
Sophomore Lilly Helmstetler (5-5, 115) has been the most consistent kicking conversions. Spitler is doing the punting.
“I think athletic ability is one of our strengths. We don’t have anybody who is super fast, but I think overall team speed is pretty good. I’ve been at Chesapeake e for a while and we don’t have anybody who’s 4.4, but we have a bunch of kids around 4.9, 5-flat,” said Hutchison.
C. Barker Nester-Howard Scarberry Parrott Isaacs
Chesapeake Panthers’ quarterback Aaden Nester-Howard sets up to pass in one of the team’s scrimmages. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos/For The Ironton Tribune)
Haveagreatseasonfromthe FairlandLocalSchoolDistrict
Dragon Football
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
Dragons filling lots of holes after heavy losses
PROCTORVILLE — There’s some famous songs with the number 16 in the title. 16 Candles, You’re 16, 16th Avenue, 16 Horsepower, even just the number 16.
Those songs were to make listeners feel good. But when the number 16 refers to the total of players you lost from your football team due to graduation, 16 may be the cause for concern.
Just ask Fairland Dragons’ head coach Mike Jackson.
“We lost 16 kids and they were 16 good ones,” said Jackson. “Hopefully, practicing against those good seniors that last couple of years and showing (this year’s players) how things need to be done that these young guys have learned something from them.
“Any time you lose 16 seniors from a 10-2 team, that’s going to be tough. But we’ve had a good summer. You’d like to have more
numbers. We’re in the low 30s. But we put the pads on the other day and I was happy with the hitting the first day.”
Fairland was 10-2 last season and won the Ohio Valley Conference. But the lack of experience and depth will be areas of concern for Jackson.
“Depth is going to be my issue this year,” said Jackson.
QUARTERBACK
Running the spread offense puts a lot of the attention on the quarterback and the Dragons must replace Ethan Wall. The top two candidates are senior Eli Pine (5-9, 200) and sophomore Owen
Burcham (5-8, 150).
An early injury has already exposed a depth problem.
“Pine broke his foot so Burcham is going to be the quarterback.
“We’ll still be spread. Our quarterback is athletic. He’s learning the progression and he’s learning the throwing.,” said Jackson. “He’s young, but we’ll make it as easy as we can for him. He’s very quick. We expect him to run the ball for us some.”
RUNNING BACK
There are several candidates for the depleted backfield but the top returning player is senior Davin Murray (5-10, 215) who had some big games late last season.
“We had four running backs last year. If it wasn’t for that, he’d have gotten more carries than he got,” Jackson said of Murray. “We expect good things out of him.”
Also in the backfield will be juniors Christian Bompus (5-10, 160), Garrett Massey (5-8, 165), and sophomores Ford Rickard (6-2, 165)
and Kylan Blake (5-8, 140).
“We’ve got Christian Bompus. We call him Little Bump. He’s Lucas’ brother and we expect him to be good,” said Jackson.
“We have some sophomores that are going to have to step up. Ford Rickard and Kylan Blake are going to be good players for us at the skill positions.”
RECEIVERS
Senior Connor Black (6-2, 165) played well last season until a late season injury. He should lead the receiving corps. Junior Xander Collins (6-1,170) played some tight end last season and moves up to the starting role. Also in the mix at wide receiver should be senior Luke Ball (6-0, 160).
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Dragons have two returning linemen to help guide the new faces. Senior center Wyatt Callicoat (5-10, 185) and senior tackle Brandon Kirk (6-0, 220) will be the anchors.
Members of the 2025 Fairland Dragons football team are: front row from left to right, Walker Callicoat, Jayden Ball, Aiden Kirk, Maddox VonVille, Kylan Blake, Owen Burcham, Braden Thompson, Aiden Trimble; second row from left to right, Orion Tolbert, Jayden Cyrus, Jack Parks, Wyatt Ritchie, Garrett Massey, A.J. Brammer, Kinyon Smith, Payton Lucas, Cody Sketel; third row left to right, Jacob McMichaelis, Wyatt Callicoat, Ford Rickard, Conner Black, Tim Webb, Davin Murray, Brandon Kirk, Luke Ball, Xander Collins, Christian Bompus. (The Ironton Tribune)
2025 FAIRLAND DRAGONS FOOTBALL ROSTER
Hinkle, J.D. Smith
2025 FAIRLAND DRAGONS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
“Callicoat did a good job last year and we expect good things out of him,” said Jackson. “Brandon Kirk is a three-year starter and he’ll do a good job.”
Depth will also be pivotal for the Dragons.
“We only have nine linemen so they’ll all have to know the guard and tackle positions because we don’t have any depth. When Eli Pine comes back, he may play inside. It’s funny because he’s practicing at quarterback and line both.
Jackson said all the line will know all the positions and move around depending on the situation and injuries. The group includes junior A.J. Brammer (6-0, 190), sophomores Payton Lucas (6-1, 230), Orion Tolbert (6-2, 220) and Aiden Kirk (6-0, 200).
Also, newcomer junior Wyatt Ritchie (5-9, 200) has been a weightlifter who has decided to play and will get a look at the guard position.
Aiden Kirk, Sketel, Ritchie and Lucas will vye for the guard position with Brandon Kirk, Payton and Lucas candidates.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Dragons will utilize a fourman front led by Murray who returns at defensive end. The other three positions will have Callicoat at the nose and the other two spots filled by either Sketel, Tolbert, Pine, Lucas and the Kirk brothers, Brandon and Aiden.
“We’ve got seven or eight guys playing the four spots,” Jackson said. “We have a lot of young guys, but hopefully they’re young enough not to know any better. They’ll get thrown in and we’ll see
what happens.”
LINEBACKERS
The middle linebacker will be Massey with Collins, Bompus and Ritchie rotating on the outside spots.
“Garrett Massey loves contact. He loves to hit and he’ll call out defenses,” said Jackson. “We should have some speed at linebacker. Those guys on the outside like contact, too.”
SECONDARY
In the secondary, Rickard, Burcham and Blake will work the two safety spots with Ball, Black, sophomore Kinyon Smith (5-7, 130) as well as Burcham filling the cornerback slots.
“Luke Ball has really improved in camp and he’ll get some looks at receiver, too,” said Jackson.
KICKING GAME
“That’s up in the air right now,” said Jackson with no pun intended. “Conner Black is our best extra point kicker right now. Pine was our punter and he’s out with a foot injury. We’ll have to look at some other guys.”
OVC
Jackson has not set favorite to win the Ohio Valley Conferene.
“Portsmouth will be good again. Last year, the conference came down to one play. Coal Grove is always big and strong and they’ve got the Murphy kid back. We expect them to be good. After that, everyone should be like us. You don’t know what to expect,” said Jackson.
“Gallipolis has a new coach and they have something like 48 kids out. Rock Hill has the big lineman and the quarterback. Chesapeake has a new coach. It’s hard to predict.”
Black Massey Callicoat Kirk Ritchie Bompus Collins Ball Brammer
FAIRLAND DEPTH CHART
Murray just wants to stay injury-free
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
PROCTORVILLE — If the television show “M.A.S.H.” was still making episodes, Davin Murray could have gotten a recurring role as a patient,
The Fairland Dragons’ senior running back and defensive end has spent the better part of his career battling one injury after another. Finally healthy, Murray is hoping he can have the kind of season his team needs.
Murray injured his hip as a freshman and then going into his sophomore year, he injured his other hip. Once the injuries healed, Murray started getting some playing time only to break his ankle in three different places.
“That was really bad recovering from (ankle). It was like seven months. I started training and working hard and had the best season I’ve ever had was my junior year with five sacks and a lot of TFL (tackles for a loss),” said Murray.
“But I had a shoulder injury at the beginning of my junior year. I separated my AC joint, but I played through it my whole junior year and started every game,”
Recovering from his shoulder injury, Murray started to get more carries and in his first game at running back he had a 64-yard scoring run against Coal Grove. He scored again the following week against Chesapeake. But he didn’t get out of the season without one more injury.
“I just put a pad over my shoulder and I was just fine. And then the very last game we went for an onside kick and I sprained my MCL trying to get the ball. Thank God it was the last game of the year,” he said.
Fairland lost 16 seniors from last year’s 10-2 Ohio Valley Conference championship team. Murray is one of only seven seniors on the Dragons’ roster which makes him realize his leadership will be extremely important to helping the team succeed.
“We’ve had great teams since I’ve been a freshman. It means a great deal to continue great leadership through the locker room,” said Murray. “There’s guys looking up to me and my teammates who are seniors and showing (the younger players) what it’s like to be a leader.”
Murray has played a number
of positions which will help him relate and understand his various teammates’ jobs and offer advice or encouragement.
“I need to use my voice and just do simple things. I can teach them how to make things easier on their roles. That way we can be better as a team. I’ve played probably five or six positions, so I know almost every position and if I can make their job easier then that’s a pretty good job on me by helping my guys out,” said Murray.
The graduation losses included several skill players which will put an added burden of responsibility on Murray.
“We lost 16 seniors, so as of now I’m playing running back and defensive end. From time to time, I can play any linebacker position on the field,” said Murray.
“I love them all. Running the ball is really fun. Scoring touchdowns is amazing. But getting sacks is really, really fun. The defensive side is probably my favorite side but offensive is really fun, too.”
Murray knows he will be counted on to produce offensively, but he said the Dragons have two other solid backs in Christian Bompus and Garrett Massey.
“We have two other running backs. They’re doing really well at running back, too,” said Murray.
Despite the heavy losses, Murray said the Dragons are not void of talent and he thinks this will be a
good team and his leadership will be important.
“We lost a lot of guys, but we still have a lot of talent. It helps having a great group of underclassmen who really listen to what you say,” said Murray.
“They look up to me because they know I’ve been part of great teams in the past three years. It really helps that they look up to me as a leader knowing I’ve had great leaders in the past three years.”
With skill players such as Kam Kitts, Jack Hayden, Quinten Cremeans, Ethan Wall, Lucas Bompus, C.J. Graham and Keegan Smith gone, Murray got a limited number of touches.
“It was hard. I was like running back four. I was still neck and neck with those guys. It was competitive,” said Murray. “I think that’s what’s making me great now. I had so many leaders in the past.”
Murray knows he will have to log extra time on both sides of the ball. Murray said he’s ready for the challenge.
“I feel pretty good. I’ve been working out in the off-season. I’ve been working out almost everyday trying to get in game shape. I’ve been doing really well in practice,” said Murray. “Last year I only played defensive end until the last three or four games. They needed help and I did pretty good there. I’ll be able to carry the load.”
He just needs to stay healthy.
Fairland Dragons’ defensive lineman Davin Murray (right) reaches to stop a West Muskingum runner. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos)
Survey indicates number of high school officials is up six percent since last year including 10% in football
The number of registered high school sports officials remains above pre-pandemic levels and grew by six percent during the last school year, according to a follow-up survey of 36 NFHS member state associations that originated in 2018-19.
Data compiled by the NFHS from the 36 associations showed the total number of officials’ registrations at 237,811 during the 2024-25 school year, up 14,432 from the previous year, and an eight percent increase from pre-pandemic numbers (220,340) report-
ed in 2018-19.
The growth in officiating continues despite an estimated loss of 50,000 officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. After dipping as low as 189,140 officials in 2019-20, participation has increased each year since the 2021-22 school year.
For the past two school years, officiating totals have surpassed those from 201819.
All sports except field hockey and water polo saw a year-over-year increase in official registrations in 202425. Eleven sports, including baseball (1%), basketball
(4%), football (10%), ice hockey (6%), boys lacrosse (4%), girls lacrosse (28%), soccer (13%), swimming and diving (10%), track and field and cross country (53%), volleyball (18%), and wrestling (22%), were above their pre-pandemic levels at the end of the most recent school year.
In addition, 27 states reported they were back above their pre-pandemic levels in 2024-25.
"With the steady increase of officials' registrations over the past couple of years, the NFHS is not only focusing on how we can
Revised ‘Concussion for Students’ course available now on NFHS Learning Center
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A new, revised version of the Concussion For Students course has officially launched on the NFHS Learning Center, with the ongoing goal of raising awareness about concussion as a serious injury and to educate students nationwide on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
Originally launched on July 1, 2016, the course has undergone a significant update, providing students with improved educational content, a fresh look, and enhanced learning experience.
“Concussions are an injury, and it's vital that students understand the potential impact they can have,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS Director of Educational Services.
“The goal is to not only educate students, but to empower them to help their teammates and peers recognize when someone might be injured. This revision ensures that students are better equipped to handle concussions, whether they’re on the field or in the classroom.”
Since the original course was launched almost nine years ago, about 1.8 million “Concussion for Students” courses have been accessed through the NFHS Learning Center, highlighting the growing demand for concussion education. The updated version builds on the core curriculum of the original course, with a focus on better engagement through video content, animated examples, and updated perspectives on concussion from a student’s point of view.
The revision process involved collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also helped with the original concussion course in 2016. The updated content aligns more closely with other concussion training programs, ensuring consistency across education platforms. In addition, the course now includes a refreshed visual design, with new videos and a more modern look to enhance the learning experience.
“We’re excited to present this new version, which not only looks better but will provide students with even more valuable information,” Schuster said.
“We know the previous version had a positive impact, but this new version will take it to the next level, ensuring students are more aware, more engaged and better prepared.”
The updated Concussion For Students online course is available for free on the Learning Center at www. NFHSLearn.com.
Originally established in 2007 as the NFHS Coach Education Program, the Learning Center has evolved from just two courses for coaches (Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid for Coaches) to more than 100 online education courses, over 75 of which are free.
This release was written by Parker Rodgers, an intern in the NFHS Publications/Communications Department and a sports media major at Indiana University in Bloomington.
bring more officials into the avocation, but we are working to ensure that we are doing enough to retain the officials who have been with us for years,” said Dana Pappas, NFHS director of officiating services.
“The emphasis on retention is as important as ever and we are stressing the need for support, training, recognition, education, advocacy and mentorship for officials and are collaborating with state associations and other organizations that are mission-aligned to be able to accomplish this."
The NFHS has made a concentrated effort to improve the retention and recruitment of officials. The NFHS organized two consortiums to address the drop in officials during the pandemic, and the BecomeAnOfficial and BenchBadBehavior campaigns continue to make an impact nationwide, among other initiatives.
While the number of officials is rising overall, there remains a significant nationwide need. Anyone can apply to become a high school official at www.highschoolofficials.com.
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Mike Jackson (19-4, third season at Fairland and overall)
Assistant Coaches: Mark Hinkle, Aaron Murray, Ronnie Wooten, Tyler Campbell, J.D. Smith
Key Returnees: Davin Murray, Connor Black, Xander Collins, Brandon Kirk, Eli Pine, Wyatt Callicoat, Carson Pemberton, Braxton Brown, Owen Burcham
Key Losses: Quentin Cremeans, Kam Kitts, Jack Hayden, C.J. Graham, Lucas Bompus, Keegan Smith, Will Callicoat, Garrett Cornwell, Elias Blankenship, Ethan Stewart
2024 Record: 10-2 overall, 6-0 OVC (first), D5
Cyrus Tolbert Sketel Burcham
DAWSON-BRYANT LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hornets Football
Supporting Dawson-Bryant Athletes. Have a safe and memorable season!
Coal Grove looking to ‘come together’
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
COAL GROVE — “Come together, right now, over me.”
— The Beatles “Come Together”
It’s a simple line from a classic Beatles song, and it simply tells the story of what the Coal Grove Hornets are needing to make this a successful football season.
Coal Grove Hornets’ head coach Jay Lucas has a lot of veterans plus some new faces, many who will be on the playing field each Friday night. Lucas said that one big key to success will be team unity.
“We do have some experience with the kids coming back. I think the key is staying healthy. But it’s critical for teams to come together as their own entity.”said Lucas.
“Losing the guys that we lost, guys who were good players for us for several years, and now then they aren’t there, whether on the field or in the locker room, there’s a growing process that has to come without those guys there. We have to jell at the right time. They have
to want to come together.”
RUNNING BACKS
One thing that the Hornets, coaches and fans can come together on is the running game led by the senior tandem of Mr. Inside Caden Turner (6-5, 225) and Mr. Outside Kaden Murphy (5-9, 185).
Murphy was third team All-Ohio last year as he ran 177 times for 1,565 yards — an 8.8 yards per carry average — and scored 21 touch-
downs. He returned eight kickoffs for 372 yards and two scores.
Turner ran 103 times for 675 yards and eight touchdowns last season and his blocking was a key part of his offensive game.
Also figuring into the offense is junior Case Webb along with sophomore Brayden Schug.
“Having Turner and Murphy is a huge luxury to have. They have both been players since they were freshmen. They’re good football players. Webb will definitely be in the mix along with Schug,” said Lucas.
QUARTERBACK
Back at the helm will be senior Rylan Smith who has made great strides during the offseason.
“I can see a lot of growth. He’s gotten bigger, stronger, faster. He’s the kid who can make big plays for us on both sides of the ball,” said Lucas. “He’s a weapon and he’s somebody we’re going to have to utilize to reach our potential. He’s grown in his knowledge of the game.”
Smith will be backed up by senior Leeland McKnight and freshman
Truitt Fields.
“Fields is a very talented kid, very mature. He’s got good strength, good speed, makes good decision. He’s going to be a solid player for us,” said Lucas.
RECEIVERS
Junior Bradon Klaiber returns to be the flanker with Logan Roberts getting some playing time as well as Case Webb. Murphy and Turner could also see some time as a wideout depending on who is in the backfield.
“They’re a solid group. Through the summer and early part of camp I can see a lot of growth. They have the potential to make the plays and make some really big plays for us,” said Lucas.
Also looking to get some playing time are senior Brayden Young and Cameron Webb.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line has a mix of veteran, younger players and experience to help unite the Hornets’ running game.
Members of the 2025 Coal Grove Hornets’ football team are: front row from left to right, assistant coaches Red Burcham and Jordan Lucas, Landen McKnight, Blake Wilson, Caiden Harris, Leland McKnight, Josh Short, Derik Bloomfield, Caden Turner, Rylan Smith, Brayden Young, Logan Roberts, Kaden Murphy, head coach Jay Lucas, assistant coach Eric Bailey; second row left to right Bryson Easthom, Karder Keaton, Max Klaiber, Braden Schug, Brayden Salyers, Austin Fraley, Ayden Hankins, Braydon Klaiber, Case Webb, Cam Webb, Cole Delawder, Hunter Duvendeck and Brody Young; third row from left to right, Coleton Kingrey, Elijah Douglass, Nolan Hughart, A.J. Roach. Truitt Fields, Braddock Brammer, Deklan Smith, Liam White, Troy Kelly, Jacob Morris, Colin Spears, Braylon Shope and assistant coach Chuck Price; fourth row left to right Rianna Best, Landen McKnight, Grayson O’Leary, Mark Clark, Johnny Hinds, Nathaniel Wheeler, Jagger Martin, Brokk Crisp, Brycen Malone, Gauge Craft, Presley Rowe, Kase Savino and assistant coach Aaron Rice.
2025 COAL GROVE HORNETS FOOTBALL ROSTER
0 Landen McKnight OL-DL Sr.
1 Braxton Patrick RB-DB Fr.
2 Brayden Young OL-DL Sr.
3 Rylan Smith QB/DB Sr.
4 Braydon Klaiber RB-DB Jr.
5 Case Webb RB-DL Jr.
7 Bryson Easthom RB-DB So.
8 Braden Schug RB-DL So.
9 Logan Roberts RB-DL Sr.
10 Deklan Smith RB-DB So.
12 Truitt Fields QB-DB Fr.
14 Kaden Murphy RB-DB Sr.
15 Grayson O’Leary RB-DB Fr.
17 Logan Stewart OL-DL Jr,
18 Colin Spears RB-DL So.
20 Kase Savino RB-DB Fr.
21 Cam Webb RB-DB Jr.
Hornets
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
Senior Caiden Harris started every game last year and will be back to do the center duties.
“He’s a solid player,” said Lucas.
Junior Austin Fraley is another solid player who played some on defense last year.
Senior Derik Bloomfield is returning at one guard while sophomore Max Klaiber is expected to man the other side.
“Both those guys are experienced and good football players,:” said Lucas.
Fraley can also step in at guard along with freshman Elijah Douglas.
Veteran senior Josh Short started every game last year and will be back at tackle. Battling for the other spot are junior Brayden Salyers and freshman Nolan Hughart. Pressing to be on the field will be freshman Jagger Martin along with sophomore Jacob Morris.
Lucas likes his offensive line unit.
“It’s an experienced group that understands what high school football is all about. They understand they have to execute, play hard and play physical,” said Lucas.
“As far as our offense goes over-
22 Leland McKnight RB-DB Sr.
23 Rianna Best RB-DB So.
24 Wyatt Kelly RB-DB Fr.
25 Tucker Rowe RB-LB Fr.
27 Braylon Roach RB-DB Fr.
Braddock Brammer OL-DL So.
Johnny Hinds OL-DL Fr.
Caden Turner RB-DL Sr. 38 Karder Keaton OL-DL So. 42 Gauge Craft OL-DL Fr. 44 Liam White RB-DL So. 50 Derik Bloomfield OL-DL Sr. 51 Brayden Salyers OL-DL Jr.
52 Brycen Malone OL-DL Fr.
53 Cole Delawder OL-DL Jr.
54 Caiden Harris OL-DL Sr.
55 Elijah Douglass OL-DL Fr. 56 Max Klaiber OL-DL
Assistant
all, it comes down to how well they come together. If they do that they can be a pretty good group.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Hornets will switch up defensive fronts depending on the opposition but will initially open in a four-man front.
Seniors Derik Bloomfield, Caden Harris, Josh Short, Caden Turner, juniors Brayden Salyers and Ayden Hankins, and sophomore Liam White are all capable of playing inside at tackle or nose guard.
Hankins, Turner, White and sophomore Karder Keaton will be the end candidates.
“I feel like that’s a deep group. They’ve got some experience. That’s a solid group,” said Lucas. “You’ve got several seniors. They just got to get in sync as a group. They’re good football players.”
LINEBACKERS
The inside and outside linebacking corps will come from sophomore Max Klaiber, seniors Brody Young and Logan Roberts and Case Webb.
“Losing Joe Scarberry who was a three-year starter was a big loss, but we feel confident in this group.
SEE “LINEBACKEERS,” PAGE 27
Smith Harris
Bloomfield Short Wilson
Fraley Case Webb
COAL GROVE DEPTH CHART
Hornets
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
Senior Caiden Harris started every game last year and will be back to do the center duties.
“He’s a solid player,” said Lucas.
Junior Austin Fraley is another solid player who played some on defense last year.
Senior Derik Bloomfield is returning at one guard while sophomore Max Klaiber is expected to man the other side.
“Both those guys are experienced and good football players,:” said Lucas.
Fraley can also step in at guard along with freshman Elijah Douglas.
Veteran senior Josh Short started every game last year and will be back at tackle. Battling for the other spot are junior Brayden Salyers and freshman Nolan Hughart. Pressing to be on the field will be freshman Jagger Martin along with sophomore Jacob Morris.
Lucas likes his offensive line unit.
“It’s an experienced group that understands what high school football is all about. They understand they have to execute, play hard and play physical,” said Lucas.
“As far as our offense goes overall, it comes down to how well they come together. If they do that they can be a pretty good group.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Hornets will switch up defensive fronts depending on the opposition but will initially open in a four-man front.
Seniors Derik Bloomfield, Caden Harris, Josh Short, Caden Turner, juniors Brayden Salyers and Ayden Hankins, and sophomore Liam White are all capable of playing inside at tackle or nose guard.
Hankins, Turner, White and sophomore Karder Keaton will be the end candidates.
“I feel like that’s a deep group. They’ve got some experience. That’s a solid group,” said Lucas. “You’ve got several seniors. They just got to get in sync as a group. They’re good football players.”
LINEBACKERS
The inside and outside linebacking corps will come from sophomore Max Klaiber, seniors Brody Young and Logan Roberts and
Case Webb.
“Losing Joe Scarberry who was a three-year starter was a big loss, but we feel confident in this group.
“Max is a talented kid. Brody Young and Logan are seniors who are solid football players. Case is a fantastic athlete and good football paltry. They’ll play hard and they’ll play physical.”
SECONDARY
The cornerbacks will come from Braydon Klaiber and Smith with freshman Gauge Craft will mix in. The safeties will be from a pool of Murphy, Leeland McKnight, Roberts and Landon McKnight.
“We feel like that’s a pretty solid group. Lots of game experience. We hope they can continue to grow on what they did last year,” said Lucas.
“Klaiber, Smith, Murphy and Leeland McKnight are all returning starters. Craft will mix in at corner and Roberts and Landon McKnight will get playing time.”
KICKING GAME
The kicking game is set and solid with the punting duties going to Turner whom Lucas said, “has done that three years and he’s a solid punter.
The placekicking will come from either Bloomfield, Craft or Case Webb.
OVC
In the Ohio Valley Conference, Lucas expects a very competitive race.
“I think it’s going to be good and fairly balanced. Portsmouth is always strong. Fairland is always strong and both of them always have good skill players. Rock Hill made a big jump last year and they’ll build on that. It’ll be strong from top to bottom. We have to focus on what we do and get better,” said Lucas.
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Jay Lucas (31-33 at Coal Grove, 7th season; 47-57 overall, 11th season)
Assistant Coaches: Chuck Price, Aaron Rice, Jordan Lucas, Red Burcham, Eric Bailey
Key Returnees: Kaden Murphy, Rylan Smith, Brayden Young, Caden Turner, Case Webb, Leland McKnight, Landon McKnight, Logan Roberts, Derik Bloomfield, Caiden Harris, Cam Webb, Brayden Salyers.
Key Losses: Joe Scarberry, C.J. Pemberton, Brayden Huff, Wyatt Wray.
2024 Record: 6-4 overall (Div. 5 first round), 4-2 OVC (3rd) Offense: Wing-I, Pro-I, Multiple Defense: 4-3,
Roberts Hankins
Rylan Smith hands off
Explosive Murphy looking for another big season
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
COAL GROVE — Powder keg: A situation or place that is highly volatile and likely to explode or escalate into violence or chaos. It implies a lot of tension and potential danger.
The definition of a powder keg also fits Coal Grove Hornets’ senior running back Kaden Murphy.
Murphy is 5-foot9 but a muscular 185 pounds. When he runs, he is explosive with his speed and strength and leaves defenders in chaos on his way to the end zone.
Murphy said he enjoys making contact and running through tacklers.
“It’s just like a shot of adrenaline immediately,” said Murphy. “It just makes me look for contact more, like when I run through somebody. I just love it.”
Murphy had a monster season last year as he ran 177 times for 1,565 yards — an 8.8 yards per carry average — and scored 21 touchdowns. He returned eight kickoffs for 372 yards and two scores.
So, what does he do for an encore?
“I’ll just kind of build off last year and I’ve been in the weight
room with the whole team all the off-season. We’ve been around each other just trying to get better, using each other. We’re just not taking our foot off the gas the whole off-season, just taking breaks, just staying in the weight room grinding,” said Murphy.
Murphy was a first team Division 5 Southeast Ohio All-District selection and was named third team AllOhio. None of that is on Murphy’s mind.
“Our expectations right now, is going into Russell being a hard game. We want to go in there and take care of business and make a statement in week one. Last year we dropped to Green County and I got hurt. Right now, we’re 0-1 in Kentucky,” said Murphy.
“Our goals in a team meeting were going 10-0, winning the conference, but the main thing was to win week one and not lose a home game. We want to protect the home field. We feel our biggest test could be week three at Nelsonville-York.
“I’m not worried about awards or running for two thousand yards. I’m just worried about winning football games right now. If I have to run for 300 yards every game to win, that’s what I’ll do. If I run for 150 yards and two touchdowns every game then I’ll be perfectly happy if we win the game.”
Playing at Coal Grove is a running back dream. The Hornets have
always had good running backs going back to the early days of the Ohio Valley Conference and the Lawrence County League.
“It’s good thing to get the ball a lot. We really play smash-mouth football here. Everybody knows we’re going to run the football here. Whether you’re going to put eight or eleven players in the box, we’re still going to run the ball on you,” said Murphy.
But the Hornets’ running back was quick to point out that all running backs’ success rely on the offensive line.
“We’re still going to move the ball effectively and our line does a really good job. I can’t do anything without them. They are the main focal point of our team. They make it to where we can effectively move the ball. If we didn’t have the line working as good as they do, we wouldn’t be half as good as we are,” said Murphy.
“You can have a back that’s like an all-state running back and but have a horrible offensive line, the back won’t look any good. They do a good job of making me look good and I make them look good on some plays.”
And Murphy gets help in the backfield from senior fullback Caden Turner who gives the Hornets a Mr. Inside and a Mister Outside.
“He’s a good blocking back. It’s
like having another lineman in the backfield with me. He runs the ball really well. He’s hard to tackle. It takes like three people to tackle him,” said Murphy.
One thing Murphy would love to do more of is catch passes. He said catching a pass can make him more explosive than when he runs the ball.
“I love catching passes out of the backfield. Every single play I just want the ball. I feel like I’m dangerous when I get the ball in my hands. I just love having the ball, especially space, I’m hard to tackle,” he said.
Murphy also plays defensive back and had four interceptions last season.
“I love playing defense. I love coming down especially after scoring a touchdown. I love coming down and hitting people. I love contact,” said Murphy.
Being a senior, Murphy knows that his career could end after this season. But with several college offers out there from Ashland University, Ohio Dominican, Rio Grande, Marietta, West Virginia State, Morehead State, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown State, Murphy figures to have at least four more years.
“I’d love to go to college for football,” said Murphy.
Imagine a powder keg at the college level.
Coal Grove Hornets’ senior running back Kaden Murphy (14) races past Lucasville Valley defenders. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos)
‘Quick change’ by Turner gives CG needed big back
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
COAL GROVE — Hold it right there Superman and Underdog. I need that telephone booth to make a quick change.
And with that, Caden Turner went from tight end to running back.
OK, that’s not how it really happened, but the results proved to be super in the eyes of the Coal Grove Hornets as Turner teams with Kaden Murphy to form the Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside running back tandem.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound senior ran 103 times for 675 yards and eight touchdowns last season and used his blocking ability he gained from playing tight end to help open holes for Murphy.
But Turner said his transition didn’t resemble any of the fictitious super heroes’ power.
“It’s not so much of an adjustment because as a back I’ve run it up the middle a bunch. It’s pretty straight forward. Much of the time
I’m just blocking. It hasn’t changed much. It’s a little different than what I’m used to,” said Turner.
“I prepare myself to go hit somebody on every play. We run the ball so much that you hit somebody every play. It’s constant. Prepare to take a beating,”
It would be easy to understand if Turner had a problem with fumbling the ball having never been a running back until his sophomore season.
In fact, Turner said he never thinks about fumbling the football. He said it has only happened one time and that was on a two-point conversion last year.
“I just point the ball until I see green,” said Turner. “I was fighting up for an extra yard and we were in a pile and someone stuck their head on the ball.”
The move from receiver to running back has given Turner more opportunities on offense due to the Hornets’ run-oriented attacks.
“If we need two or three yards, hand it to me. If we need ten, hand it to (Murphy). We had three touchdown receptions last year and I had two of them. They’ll split me out and it’s a jump ball. I like running the ball, but catching the ball is fun,
too,” said Turner.
With Turner in the backfield, the Hornets have two strong options.
“It makes things easier. We don’t have to run two-trap all the time,” said Turner.
There may be even more variety this season because the Hornets are looking to throw the ball more.
“We threw a bunch and worked on routes a bunch in the off-season. We did a lot of power stuff in the weight room,” said Turner.
When he’s not on offense, Turner is playing defensive end or outside linebacker. Defensively, he had 40 tackles including 8 for a loss and 3 quarterback sacks last season.
Being healthy is the biggest thing that will help Turner this season. He had shoulder surgery in the off-season but is back at 100 percent and is chomping at the bit to play defense.
“I don’t even think about (the shoulder). I’ve accidentally hit people in our 7-on-7 scrimmages. It felt good so far,” said Turner with a chuckle.
Playing both ways doesn’t bother Turner. In fact, he might prefer defense over offense.
“I’m going to stick at defensive end, but I could be brought to out-
side linebacker depending on the game plan. I’m usually the strong side,” said Turner.
“Getting blocked is not fun. Hitting is fun. You get to hit the guy with the ball. It’s kind of a toss-up. One week it might be offense and one week it might be defense. I’ve always been a tight end and defensive end. I like it. I get to hit a lot more people.”
With a lot of veteran players returning, Turner feels good about the upcoming season.
“I think we should be pretty good. We’ve all played together since first, second, third grade. I think we should have a pretty good season. We want to win the first game and then move on to the second game. I’m there to win the ball game,” said Turner.
Although his focus is mainly on the upcoming season, Turner is looking to play college football and one of his main suitors is Marshall. He said the Thundering Herd coaches are recruiting him as an H-back/ tight end.
“Hopefully, Marshall will offer. I’ve been in contact with their coaches. I’ve been on a bunch of visits, went and watched practices,” said Turner.
Coal Grove Hornets’ senior Caden Turner (34) shows why he made a successful switch from tight end to running back. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos)
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
FRANKLIN FURNACE — Forget filming NFL teams for “Hard Knocks.” Film first-year head coach Shane Colvin of the Green Bobcats.
Colvin — who previously served as an assistant coach for Green — takes over the program that has had limited numbers on the roster in recent seasons and was just 2-7 last year.
Colvin has had a positive attitude as he tastes the bitter with the sweet.
“It’s been a lot of fun. A learning experience. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. You couldn’t ask for anything better,” said Colvin who was a first team all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio end for Ironton.
The experience of coaching the players has been good, but Colvin would probably like to coach even more players. The Bobcats have just 18 players which makes for a lot of
Colvin finds tough challenges as he takes Bobcats’ helm
difficulties when trying to practice, let alone play a game.
“It’s tough. You have to practice with a half line, or no line. It’s tough to get them up to game speed,” said Colvin.
“It’s hard to get them what to look for on offense and defense. Basically, you’re using dummies out there in practice.”
One positive factor for Colvin has been the team attitude which has been good for the most part.
“The attitude of the team is getting better every day. The mentality changed and they’re starting to get more aggressive, physical. I’ve said it from the beginning you’ve got to take it one day at a time. Baby steps,” said Colvin.
Colvin plans to run various offenses depending on the opponent to create mismatches. Defensively, the new Green coach will adjust his defenses according to the opposition’s offense.
QUARTERBACK
With the graduation of Landon
Kimbler, Colvin said freshman Elijah Evans will step in to fill the job.
Senior Mason Neal will be used in certain situations as could senior Caleb Lewis. Colvin said “I’ve got three guys I can use out there.”
RUNNING BACKS
Seniors Brandon Boza and Conner Blanton will be their two running backs.
“The backfield is very fast, very strong. They’ve been in the weight room every day since January,” said Colvin. “They’re inexperienced and that’s a problem right there, but they’re picking up quickly.”
WIDE RECEIVERS
Neal and Lewis headline the receiving corps and are joined by junior Luke Kimbler, freshman Kaiden Parsons, freshman Kaleb Mutters and Blanton.
“Blanton is a small guy, but he’s fast and strong and quick, has good hands and is really shifty,” Colvin said.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Bobcats will mix and match with their offensive linemen as they try to keep them healthy and fresh.
Senior Troy Stapleton is a fouryear starter and finds himself in the center position again. The guards will be freshman Collin Hagans and junior Alex Hagen will be the guards with senior Ralph Klaiber, Alex Spangenberg and senior Olivia Blevins should get some playing time.
Colvin said freshman Hunter Moore has been getting stronger and he could work his way onto the field for some playing time.
“I feel really good about the offense right now. We’re spreading it out and this is the first year we did a 7-on-7,” said Colvin.
“Of course, with a 7-on-7 you’re not looking to run the ball and the defense is dropping back in coverage. I’m anxious to see how we do in a game with 11 on 11.
Members of the 2025 Green Bobcats football team are: front row left to right, Olivia Blevins, Braydon Boza, Conner Blanton, Ralph Klaiber, Troy Stapleton, Caleb Lewis, Mason Neal; second row left to right, Kaiden Parsons, Kamdyn Henderson, Alex Hagen, Alex Spangenberg, Collin Hagans, Luke Kimbler; third row left to right, head coach Shane Colvin, assistant coach Christian Moore, Elijah Evans, Kaleb Mutters, Leland Blevins, assistant coaches James McGuire and Cody Stapleton.
2024 GREEN BOBCATS FOOTBALL ROSTER
Klaiber
Head coach: Shane Colvin
Assistant coaches: James McGuire, Christian Moore, Cody Stapleton1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31
“We have a lot of fast guys and it’s my job to get them one-on-one opportunities. I feel if we can do that, we’ll be successful.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
Colvin said the Bobcats will play with a 3- or 4-man front defending on the opposition.
“We young, we’re small. You can get by with that on offense.
When you have a freshman go to tackle a senior it’s tough,” said Colvin.
Across the front will be Klaiber in the middle flanked by Lewis, freshman Leland Blevins and junior Carson Lavey.
play some defensive end.”
SECONDARY
Kimbler, Parsons, Evans and Mutters will all see action at cornerback while Blanton and Neal are the safeties.
“We’re young. We’ll need to communicate a lot and Mason Neal is a four-year starter so he kind of gets everybody where they need to be which makes it a lot easier for the younger guys to learn it,” said Colvin.
KICKING GAME
Neal will punt and Colvin said “he does a good job.” The placekicker will be Blanton.
SOC-1
Head
“We have several guys we can put on the line,” Colvin said.
LINEBACKERS
Alex Hagen, Stapleton and Blanton while Boza and Lavey will be on the outside.
Colvin said “Boza can play both inside and outside and Lewis can
QUICK HITTER
Assistant Coaches: James McGuire, Christian Moore, Cody Stapleton Key Returnees: Ralph Klaiber, Troy Stapleton, Carson Johnson, Alex Hagen, Conner Blanton, Mason Neal, Key Losses: Landon Kimbler, Blake Smith,, Wyatt Floyd, Noah Clausing, Riley Cunningham, Quincy Merrill, Brody Stapleton
(4th)
Offense: Pro-I, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple
Returning Offensive Starters: 5
Returning Defensive Starters: 5
Colvin said the Southern Ohio Conference will be a battle every night.
“It’s going to be competitive. There might be one or two teams who stick out, but this might be the most balanced other than maybe two teams,” said Colvin.
Boza
Mutters
Blanton Lewis
Hagen Stapleton
L. Blevins Klaiber
GREEN DEPTH CHART
TE 5 Caleb Mutters
8 Caleb Lewis
LT 71 Alex Spangenberg 64 Olivia Blevins
LG 53 Collin Hagans
52 Hunter Moore
C 61 Troy Stapleton
52 Hunter Moore
RG 50 Alex Hagen
71 Carson Johnson
RT 79 Ralph Klaiber
64 Olivia Blevins
QB 12 Elijah Evans
1 Mason Neal
FB 2 Brandon Boza
RB 23 Conner Blanton 1 Mason Neal
Neal taking on an extra job to help add another facet to Green offense
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
FRANKLIN FURNACE — The late Lou Christie had a famous song “Two Faces Have I.”
Green Bobcats’ senior Mason Neal doesn’t have two faces, but he does have two different jobs on offense.
Neal is listed as an athlete and will play wide receiver but also double sometimes as a quarterback.
Neal said playing a dual role is nothing new.
“I’ve done that really all four years. I’m used to it. I just have to stick to what I’ve done all four years and work hard,” said Neal.
Although he’s used to playing both positions, Neal prefers receiver.
“It’s easier for sure. Quarterback I’m kind of new to it. Receiver I’ve played all four years. I’ve played all my life, really. I’m just super used to it,” said Neal.
Despite his limited time at quarterback, Neal said he is starting to get used to it.
“I’m like it,” said Neal. “It’s different for sure. I really don’t know yet all they want me to do.”
Whether he’s at quarterback or receiver or defensive back, Neal knows he has to be a leader to the younger players.
“I just have to make sure these
Mason Neal
guys do their job, make sure they work hard, make sure they don’t miss out on reps,” said Neal.
As a senior leader, Neal said he’s found himself having to teach the players.
“I’ve had a few (teaching moments) so far, especially with the incoming freshmen, trying to teach them about receiver,” said Neal.
Being a senior versus an incoming freshman is very different and Neal reflected on his progression for rookie to seasoned veteran.
“It’s changed a lot, especially with the program. We had 30 kids
my freshman year and we just went down, down from there. We just have to keep working at it,” said Neal.
The low numbers coupled with some injuries forced the Bobcats to cancel a game last season, something that the players took to heart.
“It’s definitely hard, but you just learn to try to get through it and keep at it,” said Neal.
With low numbers again this year, Neal said the players know there is a possibility of missing another game.
“It’s definitely in the back of our minds. We just try to work and do what we do,” said Neal.
Heading into his senior year, Neal is taking a positive attitude.
“I want to try to put up a lot of numbers, make first team All-SOC, do what I do and try to help the team win,” said Neal.
After graduation, Neal wants to attend a trade school and be a carpenter. However, if the opportunity would arise, he admitted he’d be open to playing football or baseball at the college level.
“If it came up, I would definitely think about it,” said Neal, who said he has been playing those sports since he started walking.
“I like football and baseball. I can’t really pick. But if I had too, I’d pick football.. I love offense, I love catching balls and making big plays.”
PIPER REPORT ON CAUSES OF FOOTBALL
INJURIES
LB 50 Alex Hagen
2 Brandon Boza
LB 61 Troy Stapleton
23 Connor Blanton OLB 2 Brandon Boza
15 Leland Blevins
OLB 22 Carson Lavey
15 Leland Blevins
CB 11 Luke Kimbler
1 Mason Neal
CB 6 Kaiden Parsons
11 Luke Kimbler
S 23 Connor Blanton
Rock Hill go big red!
Rock Hill looking to fill holes after heavy losses
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
PEDRO — It was the Rock Hill Redmen version of Bar Rescue.
Heading into last season, firstyear head coach Tony Love had a veteran team but he wasn’t sure about the mindset. The senior class delivered plenty of leadership and as a result raised the bar as the Redmen delivered an 8-win season that included a playoff berth and a home playoff game, too.
“Last year’s bunch did an unbelievable job as leaders for us. It’s always difficult when you have to inherit a new head coach your
senior year. You don’t know what’s coming down, the structure of how things are going to be, if you’re going to play the same position,” said Love.
“They did a great job of embracing me and setting the tone for this program. And they set the bar. Eight wins. That’s something that hasn’t happened here for a while. And they got a home playoff game and a playoff win.”
But heavy graduation losses have left the Redmen filling holes all over the field as they look to not just match last year’s results, but surpass last season’s 8-4 record and a fourth place finish in the roster.
QUARTERBACK
Senior Dallin Cox (6-1, 160) has gained weight, gotten stronger and is throwing the ball better and running better. Love said it has been a transition for Cox.
“2024 Dallin Cox is completely different from 2025 Dallin Cox,” said Love. “They went from a pretty simple play calling to pretty complex. It’s a mouthful of words sometimes how we communicate motions and alignments and blocking schemes.
“When we started out last year, he was thinking about moving to receiver. I told him we’re going to baby step this. By the end of the year he’s noticeably different.”
The backup will be freshman Connor Moore.
“He’s a very mature freshman. He has a football mentality. He really understands football,” said Love. RUNNING BACK
Gone is first team All-Ohio Anthony Stamper so the Redmen will do the job by committee.
“There’s so much competition for positions, but there is much of a gap between the running backs,” said Love.
Kelan Davidson, Brady Murrell, Yaden Bailey, Aaron Workman will all be part of the backfield.
Members of the 2025 Rock Hill Redmen football team are: front row from left to right, Braylon McClellandConnor Moore, Cash Lyons, Colton Lewis, Brady Murrell, Peyton Clutters, Gavin Malone, Cameron Howard and Dallin Cox; second row left to right, Vander Green, Jarrod Bridges, Eli Hamlin, Preston Malone, Bridger Kerns, Kelan Davidson, Aaron Workman and Yaden Bailey; third row left to right, Elijah Boyd, Gavin Brooks, Thomas Miller, Tucker Boggs, Carson Doolin, Levi Ross, Jaiden Hackworth, Justin Bundy and Cooper Webb; fourth row left to right, Aiden Dillon, MaverickMcFann, Ryder Henry, Gabe Chamlee, Daniel Medinger, Caden Robinson, Aiden Cochran, Nate Stone and Matthew Watson; back row left to right, coaches Jimmy Hopper, Trey Wilds, Eddie Zeek, Jesse Carmon, head coach Tony Love, Scott Miller and trainer Grant Charles. (The Ironton Tribune)
Redmen
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35
“(Davidson) is one of the most competitive kids I’ve been around,” said Love. “Bailey is a bigger kid but he has great feet for a big kid. I look for him to take off. He can be a running back or jump out there and be an H-back. Aaron Workman works in the backfield now and then. He’s very athletic.”
RECEIVERS
Braylon McClelland, Gavin Malone, Cash Lyons, Bridger Kerns and senior Preston Malone are all part of a talented receiving corps.
“McClellan has size and speed. Malone has really changed his body and developed speed and the ability to catch the ball,” said Love. “Kern’s really coming along. Workman is going to be another receiver for us. Lyons is a blur out there. He’s worked hard. It’s not going to be a one-man show.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Senior Daniel Medinger (6-5, 290) is the anchor of the line at tackle. A four-year starter and third team All-Ohio selection, Medinger is getting several
2025 ROCK HILL REDMEN FOOTBALL ROSTER
Head coach: Tony Love
Assistant coaches: Eddie Zeek, Jesse Carmon, Trey Wilds, Scott Miller, Shane Kerns.
Trainer: Grant Charles
Division 1 college offers.
“He’s been a player on Friday nights for several years. He’s the one who will be calming the waters out there and help them out with blocking schemes and adjustments. And he’s a pretty calm kid as well which really helps,” said Love.
The center is a battle between Levi Ross and Jaiden Hackworth. Medinger will be flanked by either Caden Robinson, Maverick McFann, Thomas Miller or Gavin Brooks on the left side.
Whomever doesn’t play center or tackle will slide into a guard position along with Carson Doolin.
Davidson Ross
Cox
McClelland
REDMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT
ROCK HILL DEPTH CHART
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B “(Davidson) is one of the most competitive kids I’ve been around,” said Love. “Bailey is a bigger kid but he has great feet for a big kid. I look for him to take off. He can be a running back or jump out there and be an H-back. Aaron Workman works in the backfield now and then. He’s very athletic.”
RECEIVERS
Braylon McClelland, Gavin Malone, Cash Lyons, Bridger Kerns and senior Preston Malone are all part of a talented receiving corps.
“McClellan has size and speed. Malone has really changed his body and developed speed and the ability to catch the ball,” said Love. “Kern’s really coming along. Workman is going to be another receiver for us. Lyons is a blur out there. He’s worked hard. It’s not going to be a one-man show.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Senior Daniel Medinger (6-5, 290) is the anchor of the line at tackle. A four-year starter and third team AllOhio selection, Medinger is getting several Division 1 college offers.
“He’s been a player on Friday nights for several years. He’s the one who will be calming the waters out there and help them out with blocking schemes and adjustments. And he’s a pretty calm kid as well which really helps,” said Love.
The center is a battle between Levi Ross and Jaiden Hackworth. Medinger will be flanked by either Caden Robinson, Maverick McFann, Thomas Miller or Gavin Brooks on the left side.
Whomever doesn’t play center or tackle will slide into a guard position along with Carson Doolin.
“Doolin understands schemes. Robinson is a big kid and super strong,” said Love. “We lost five of the six counting (tight end) Drew Schug on the line. Offensive line takes the longest to coordinate and gel as a group. All six of those guys have to be in harmony or you’re missing blocks.
“Just looking at the kids, they’ve made the improvements and have the athleticism and I feel that we could have a pretty good offensive line.”
Tight end Eli Hamlin and Workman are sharing the duties. Love said “Both are athletic and strong. They’ll rotate in and out and stay fresh.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Redmen will operate out of a 3-4 alignment this season with seven different players expected to rotate up front.
Medinger and Robinson and Hamlin, the tackles and Miller nose guard plus Hackworth “He’s a
QUICK HITTER
Coach: Tony Love (8-4 at Rock Hill, second season; 89-33 overall, 11th season)
Assistant coaches: Eddie Zeek, Jesse Carmon, Trey Wilds, Scott Miller, Shane Kerns
Key Returnees: Daniel Medinger, Dallin Cox, Braylon McClelland, Levi Ross, Preston Malone, Yaden Bailey, Bridger Kerns, Rylan Barker.
Key Losses: Anthony Stamper, Grant Bevins, Mason Hanners, Gage Clutters, Wyatt Jenkins, Drew Schug, Zach O’Bryant, Ryan Clement, Eli Smith, Gabe Clutters, Sam Rusk.
2024 Record: 8-4 overall, 3-3 OVC (4th). D6 quarterfinals
Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 9 Returning Defensive Starters: 9
powerful kid.”
“You’ve got to stop the run and you’ve got to have a passion to play defense,” said Love. “I’ve seen that passion with out guys and it’s more than eleven.”
LINEBACKER
On the inside will be Bailey and Workman and Love said “Both are thumper kind of kids. They run through the alleys well.”
On the outside will be Murrell, Peyton Clutters, Preston Malone and Doolin will work on the inside and outside.
“We have some depth at linebacker,” said Love.
SECONDARY
Love said the secondary is a strength with its speed and athleticism.
The cornerbacks should be Cox and McClelland with Gavin Malone, Preston Malone, Kerns and Lyons all in the mix.
“I feel good about those guys. Cox is the best athlete on the team,” said Love.
If he’s not at corner, Lyons will be a safety along with either Conner Moore or Davidson.
KICKING GAME
Preston Malone will handle the punting and Love said “Preston did a great job for us last year.”
Placekicking will be between either Cox or Cameron Howard who is a soccer player.
“The sun is going down on Rock Hill and Howard is still out there kicking. He’s pretty solid,” said Love.
OVC
In the Ohio Valley Conference, Love said “Coal Grove is at the front of the table going into the season. They have so many kids coming back.
Medinger easy to find on a football field
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
PEDRO — It’s not hard to spot Daniel Medinger on the football field, and it’s even easier to see how good he is as you watch the game.
The 6-foot-4, 295-pound Rock Hill Redmen senior lineman is a four-year starter who was a first team Southeast Ohio All-District and third team All-Ohio in Division 6.
As one of the few returning starters from last season’s 8-4 team and Division 6 playoff qualifier, Medinger will be in the sights of opposing teams.
But it didn’t start that well for Medinger. In his first high school game he was a starter in week one against the Minford Falcons. He struggled but bounced back the second week and had a strong game and continued to get better every game.
“I think it was getting
comfortable to the speed of the game,” said Medinger.
“Going from first game to second game was getting used to it. It was like having zero reps at a high school level to being baptized by fire I guess. Minford was good that year.”
Opposing players as well as coaches and fans aren’t the only ones who see what Medinger can do on the field. Colleges like
Bowling Green, Miami, Ohio, and several NCAA Division 2 and 3 programs are showing interest. But the main school with interest is Marshall University which likes Medinger due to his ability to play guard or tackle.
“I definitely like tackle. I’m more comfortable at tackle, but I do like guard. I like pulling as a guard. That’s the best part of being a guard,” said Medinger.
“Talking to Marshall, the big reason they were interested in me is because I was available to do either. That’s more of a decision to be more like a utility player to plug in when the time comes.”
Medinger also plays on the defensive line. He said it’s something that’s expected because of his size and experience, but he said it really hasn’t been a factor in terms of wearing out during the course of the game.
“At a Division 6 school, everybody has got to be able to do that,” said Medinger. “Talking to Coach (Tony) Love I’d say it should be similar to last year the amount I play. Conditioning-wise, I think anybody can play the whole game the way we do things now.”
The only thing Medinger can see that has changed from his previous three seasons to his senior year is the leadership expectations.
“I think it’s just stepping up in a leadership role is the biggest difference. Physically and mentally it’s just being vocal in the weight room and on the field. That’s the biggest change for me,” said Medinger. “There’a a lot of teaching now. Knowing what you’re doing and what everyone else is doing as well.”
Having a good season last year was enjoyable, but Medinger doesn’t want
to rest on the team’s past performance. He knows the team lost a lot of seniors including first team AllOhio running back and defensive back Anthony Stamper, but he is using the graduation losses as a reason not to win.
“As a team, I want to win at least nine games. I want to do anything better than last year. I feel as a program you need to progress each year,” said Medinger. “We’re at least a month ahead of where we were last year. Everybody is accustomed to what we’re doing.”
“It’s going to be a long time to have someone like Stamper, but we have a really strong running game. We’re going to be young, but we don’t have a set starting lineup. There are a lot of guys who can play. We just need to get reps.”
And with that work, the players might just come up big. Like Daniel Medinger big.
Daniel Medinger
Rock Hill Redmen senior lineman easy to find the football field with his massive size. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos)
2024 DIVISION 6 ALL-OHIO FOOTBALL TEAM
Ohio Prep Sports Writers Division 6 All-Ohio Football Team
Offensive Player of the Year: AJ Bower, Galion Northmor
Defensive Player of the Year: Matthew Heatwole, Dalton Coaches of the Year: Dave Carroll, Milford Center Fairbanks; Tiger LaVerde, Kirtland
First Team Offense
QB: AJ Bower, Galion Northmor, 6-1, 175, sr.; William Zeedyk, Sherwood Fairview, 5-10, 160, jr.; Baylen Blockberger, Coldwater, 6-4, 180, sr.; Tucker Howell, Monroe Central, 6-2, 205, sr.; Carter Hignight, Dalton, 6-2, 165, so.; Jake LaVerde, Kirtland, 6-2, 180, jr.
RB: Henry Ohlinger, Grandview Heights, 6-1, 215, jr.; Ryker Green, Milford Center Fairbanks, 6-0, 185, sr.; Braylon Robertson, Bainbridge Paint Valley, 5-9, 205, sr.; Rocco Pillarelli, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 5-8, 160, jr.; Dante Gentile, New Middletown Springfield, 5-10, 175, sr.; Ja’Sean Lindsey, Youngstown Valley Christian, 5-10, 197, sr.; Danny Alfieri, Kirtland, 5-11, 210, sr.; Demico Harris, St. Bernard St. BernardElmwood Place, 5-7, 200, sr.
WR/TE: Logan Olinger, Sherwood Fairview, 6-0, 170, so.; Sammy Tomlinson, Dalton, 5-9, 160, sr.; Casey Carkhuff, Kirtland, 6-1, 205, sr.; Damien Dawson, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 5-10, 180, sr.
OL: Eli Potter, Mechanicsburg, 6-5, 255, sr.; Kade Woods, Portsmouth West, 6-2, 280, sr.; Christian Craver, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-3, 215, sr.; Logan Sesser, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-2, 260, sr.; Matthew Kahley, Kirtland, 6-0, 240, sr.; KJ Kotalik, Bucyrus Wynford, 6-8, 315, sr.; Zachary Anderson, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 6-1, 235, sr. K: Cameron Manner, Huron, 6-1, 160, sr.
First Team Defense
DL: Braddock Lusher, Grandview Heights, 6-2, 230, sr.; Holtz Maine, Milford Center Fairbanks, 6-5, 245, sr.; Payne DeGray, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-4, 230, jr.; Grant Smith, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-0, 205, jr.; Braxton Ross, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-1, 205, sr.; Matthew Heatwole, Dalton, 6-4, 205, sr.
LB: Cam Vickers, Mount Gilead, 6-1, 200, sr.; Cody Depweg, Coldwater, 6-2, 225, sr.; Landen Worcester, Bluffton, 5-11, 201, sr.; Aiden Sparger, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-11, 175, sr.; Tyler Turk, Kirtland, 5-10, 170, sr.; Noah Aufderhaar, Anna, 6-3, 185, sr.; Ryan Coyle, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-9, 185, sr.
DB: Anthony Stamper, Ironton Rock Hill, 5-11, 175, sr.; Lincoln Creager, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-2, 190, sr.; Mason Welsch, Coldwater, 6-2, 195, sr.; Tyson Ringler, Ashland Crestview, 6-3, 185, sr.; Jack Lessick, Kirtland, 5-8, 155, sr.; Vinnie Clark Jr., Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 6-2, 180, sr. P: Owen Kunk, Coldwater, 6-7, 205, sr
Second Team Offense
QB: Austin Buescher, West Jefferson, 6-4, 175, jr.; Hayden Keith, Collins Western Reserve, 5-11, 205, jr.; Grant Lahmers, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-2, 200, sr.; Zeb Kinsey, Toronto, 6-3, 215, sr.
RB: Cowin Becker, Northmor, 6-0, 150, sr.; Cayden Carroll, Grove City Christian, 5-10, 190, sr.; Tyler Hill, Meigs Eastern, 5-9, 175, sr.; Ryan McMichael, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-1, 205, jr.; Dom Singer, Newcomerstown, 5-6, 145, Jr.; Clayton Miller, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-1, 185, sr.; Artie Sonego, Rittman, 5-9, 180, sr.; Lee Thomas, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-10, 195, sr.; Justin Thomas , Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 6-1, 190, sr.; Zach Osborn, Anna, 5-10, 175, sr.
WR/TE: Chris Ritchie, Mechanicsburg, 6-1, 170, sr.; Mason Marchbank, Toronto, 6-3, 230, sr.; Thomas Huckleby, Cincinnati Country Day, 5-5, 150, fr.; Jaxon Wenger, Galion Northmor, 6-2, 185, sr.
OL: Treven Nicholson, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-3, 230, sr.; Trent Ellyson, Hanoverton United, 6-4, 260, sr.; Lucci Cantini, Kirtland, 5-11, 225, so.; Chase Vogue, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-3, 270, sr.; Jackson Carestio, Kirtland, 5-11, 220, sr.; Lucas Donahue, Cincinnati Country Day, 6-2, 265, jr.; Aaron Turner, St. Bernard St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 6-2, 300, sr. K: Bryce Couchot, Coldwater, 5-10, 145, jr.
Second Team Defense
DL: Cooper Bauer, Grandview Heights, 6-2, 225, jr.; Alex Homier, Defiance Tinora, 6-0, 160, sr.; Will Barry, Coldwater, 6-2, 225, sr.; Justin Smith, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-6, 230, sr.; Brady Thompson, New Paris National Trail, 6-7, 215 sr.; Esquire Heard, Cincinnati Purcell Marian, 6-2, 215, sr.
LB: Landon Shepard, Marion Elgin, 6-3, 215, sr.; Landen Sams, Grove City Christian, 5-11, 215, jr.; Kaden Bruner, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-2, 210, sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 205, sr.; Jackson McNulty, Huron, 6-5, 195, sr.; Ethan Crock, Caldwell, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Sam Reder, Cincinnati Summit Country Day, 5-11, 200, jr.
DB: Owen Nugent, Grandview Heights, 5-9, 165, jr.; Chris Marshall, Centerburg, 5-8, 160, sr.; Chance Allen, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 6-4, 170, sr.; Nico Samac, Kirtland, 6-1, 165, sr.; Jahmir Neal, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, 5-9, 145, sr.; Dameon Williams, Sabina East Clinton, 6-1, 170, sr.
P: Braxton Barnett, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-2, 180, jr.
Third Team Offense
QB: Hayden Jones, Waterford, 5-6, 155, so.; Ryan Croston, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-11, 199, sr.; Elijah Guttman, Cincinnati Country Day, 6-2, 190, sr.; Alex Shappie, Anna, 6-3, 185, sr.
RB: Wyatt Denney, Cardington, 5-8, 175, jr.; Quentin Harrison, Marion Elgin, 5-10, 185, sr.; Colten Jones, Waterford, 5-9, 175, sr.; Landon Rich, Elmore Woodmore, 6-0, 195, jr.; Anthony Evans, Bucyrus Wynford, 5-11, 155, sr.; Brody Zemba, Zanesville Rosecrans, 5-10, 170, jr.; Spencer Pruitt, Columbiana, 5-10, 170, sr.; Ty Vickery, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-9, 210, sr.; Logan Ruscin, Wickliffe, 5-11, 160, sr.
WR/TE: Austin Haynes, Mechanicsburg, 6-0, 155, jr.; Garrett Chadwell, South Vienna Northeastern, 5-10,180, sr.; Drew Schug, Ironton Rock Hill, 6-2, 195, sr.; Cooper Barnett, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 201, sr.
OL: Jaden Patterson, Grove City Christian, 6-3, 320, sr.; Danny Main, Grandview Heights, 5-8, 195, jr.; Nicholas Armrose, Galion Northmor, 6-0, 225, sr.; Daniel Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-4, 285, jr.; Jake Johns, Smithville, 5-11, 300, sr.; Nate Chapman, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-11, 260, sr.; Clark McGowan, Cincinnati Deer Park, 5-11, 265, sr.
K: Nate Russell, Milford Center Fairbanks, 6-2, 170, sr. Third Team Defense
DL: Shane Carpenter, Mount Gilead, 6-4, 250, sr.; Brennen Reber, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-2, 240, sr.; Ty Bledsoe, Kirtland, 5-10, 170, jr.; Teddy Prusock, Kirtland, 5-10, 265, sr.; Tristen Malone, Blanchester, 6-2, 240, sr.; James Hall, St. Bernard St. BernardElmwood Place, 6-4, 200, jr.
LB: Gavin Barker, Ashland Crestview, 6-1, 215, sr.; Travis Dodd, Lore City Buckeye Trail, 6-0, 203, sr.; Cody Houseman, South Vienna Northeastern, 5-10, 175, jr; Will Baskey, Mogadore, 6-3, 185, sr.; Alex Hess, Dalton, 5-11, 185, sr.; Maddox Huck, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-1, 180, sr.; Bryce Tolliver, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 6-1, 195, so.
DB: Carson Trainer, Mount Gilead, 6-3, 175, sr.; Colby Stoughton, London Madison-Plains, 5-11, 165, sr.; Grant Johnson, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-11, 145, sr.; Jeremiah DesJardins, Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy, 5-9, 150, so.; Kevin Guzman, Cincinnati Deer Park, 6-0, 175, sr.; Brady Hignight, Dalton, 6-3, 170, sr. P: Isaiah Radebaugh, Doylestown Chippewa, 6-1, 175, sr.
Honorable Mention
QB: Jacob Harris, Chesapeake, 6-1, 180, sr.; Preston Fauber, Chillicothe Paint Valley, 5-11, 195, jr.; Chase Miller, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-0, 175, sr.
RB: Drew Plantz, Chesapeake, 5-8, 150, sr.; Treyvon Bearhs, Meigs Eastern, 6-0, 170, so.; Anthony Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-8, 196, so.; Mason Parker, Portsmouth West, 5-10, 195, sr.; Isaac Taylor, Chillicothe Huntington, 5-10, 170, jr.; Tyce Beardlsey, Beverly Fort Frye, 6-2, 200, jr.; Colton Wittman, Ashland Mapleton, 5-9, 210, sr.; Conner Lehner, Mogadore, 5-10, 190, jr.; Jimmy Stofey, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-10, 165, jr.; Jose Rivera, Columbia Station Columbia,
5-8, 175, jr.; Eli Steen, Carey, 6-0, 240, jr.; Braylon Martinez, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 5-10, 180, sr.; Demaris Munn-Page, Bucyrus, 6-1, 190, sr.; Isaiah McFadden, Lima Perry, 6-1, 180, sr.
WR/TE: Ethan Kerns, Chesapeake, 6-0, 170, sr.; Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-4, 210, sr.; Matt Humphrey, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-10, 155, sr.; Aiden Filby, Toronto, 6-1, 170, sr.; Cooper Howell, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 6-1, 170, so.; Day’Lynn Garrett, Covington, 6-0, 150, jr.; Griffin Stackhouse, Bluffton, 5-10, 161, sr.; Taylor Young, Attica Seneca East, 6-0, 180, sr.; Blake Rhonehouse, Paulding, 6-1, 150, jr.; Reddik Pillarelli, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-0, 185, sr.; Karter Goon, Ashland Crestview, 6-2, 190, jr.; Colton Robertson, Metamora Evergreen, 5-11, 170, sr.
OL: Logan Bush, London Madison-Plains, 6-3, 275, sr.; Garrett Napier, Chesapeake, 6-0, 325, sr.; Dylan McCutcheon, Waterford, 5-9, 210, so.; Tristan Wood, Lucasville Valley, 6-2, 235, sr.; Rohwan Gilmore, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 272, sr.; Wyatt Conner, Lore City Buckeye Trail, 5-10, 233, sr.; Andrew Pickenpaugh, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 6-0, 275, sr.; Ben Jackson, Zanesville Rosecrans, 6-3, 265, sr.; Ryan Graves, Sullivan Black River, 6-2, 235, sr.; Cohen Riggenbach, Dalton, 6-2, 260, sr.; Trevor Hinkle, Mogadore, 6-0, 210, sr.; John Finello, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-11, 230, sr.; James Baker, New Paris National Trail, 6-1, 270, sr.; Travis French, Collins Western Reserve, 6-0, 240, jr.; Will Nutter, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-3, 260, sr.; Braden Drosky, Attica Seneca East, 6-2, 260, jr.; Xavier Diller, Bluffton, 6-2, 206, jr.; Jeremy Leber, Ashland Crestview, 5-10, 175, sr.; Adrian Delgado, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-0, 265, jr.; KJ Kotalik, Bucyrus Wynford, 6-8, 315, sr.; Sterling Karakas, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 6-3, 200, sr. K: Jaylen Bender, Lucasville Valley, 5-10, 155, jr.; Jacob Bishop, Defiance Tinora, 5-8, 140, sr.; Ethan Foster, Newcomerstown, 6-0, 150, sr.; Jadon Smoulder, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-11, 135, so.; Quinn Maibach, Smithville, 6-4, 230, sr.; Xavier Lasecki, Kirtland, 5-11, 160, jr.; Leon Hall Jr., Cincinnati Country Day, 5-10, 260, so. DL: Caleb Saunders, Chillicothe Paint Valley, 6-3, 250, sr.; Jackson Hess, Lore City Buckeye Trail, 6-2, 221, sr.; Corbin Farnsworth, Woodsfield Monroe Central, 6-2, 180, so.; Martin Hernandez, Newcomerstown, 5-9, 250, so.; Owen Chapman, Sullivan Black River, 6-2, 240, sr.; Nick Stephenson, Mogadore, 6-5, 190, sr.; Thomas Sheely, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 250, sr.; Lukas Brown, Cincinnati Deer Park, 6-2, 250, sr.; Carter Bame, Carey, 5-10, 190, jr.; Aiden Ewald, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 6-1, 230, jr.; Justin Reiter, Attica Seneca East, 6-3, 215, sr.; Hunter Bostleman, Defiance Tinora, 5-8, 190, sr.; Brennen Reber, North Robinson Colonel Crawford, 6-2, 240, sr.; Jaden Punches, Hamler Patrick Henry, 6-4, 185, sr. LB: Wyatt Jenkins, Ironton Rock Hill, 5-10, 195, sr.; Si Ware, Waterford, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Austin Magill, Frankfort Adena, 5-10, 200, sr.; Tilton Rapp, Portsmouth West, 5-10, 180, so.; Russ Dickinson, Toronto, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Owen Hunt, Caldwell, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Jace Leach, Smithville, 6-0, 205, sr.; Brian Youngblood, Rootstown, 5-10, 200, sr.; Wyatt Kuboff, New Middletown Springfield, 5-9, 190, sr.; Jaron Nowakowski, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-9, 180, sr.; Luke Giddings, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-10, 180, so.; Jack Woods, Paulding, 5-10, 220, sr.; Akevian Kryder, Hamler Patrick Henry, 5-9, 185, jr.; Alec Schaublin, Defiance Tinora, 5-9, 190, sr.; Brayden Brickman, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon, 5-11, 180, sr.; Tedy Szyperski, Toledo Ottawa Hills, 5-10, 185, sr.
DB: Finn Pennock, Waterford, 5-11, 150, so.; Zach Whitt, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 180, sr.; Talon Carns, West Lafayette Ridgewood, 5-8, 160, jr.; Brody Winters, Toronto, 6-3, 190, jr.; Tanner Smith, Newcomerstown, 5-10, 160, jr.; Parker Newburn, Hanoverton United, 5-10, 150, sr.; Carson Cunningham, New Middletown Springfield, 6-0, 185, sr.; Logan Menge, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-7, 155, so.; Sean Croston, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 5-7, 165, jr.; Quinn Each, Bluffton, 5-10, 162, sr.; Tripp Phoenix, Carey, 5-11, 150, so.; Will Ruetz, Metamora Evergreen, 5-10, 165, jr.; Tommie McDonald, Huron, 5-7, 150, sr.
P: Ambrose Beach, Columbia Station Columbia, 5-9, 165, so.; Ayden Basham, Blanchester, 5-10, 165, jr.; Carder Orr, Spencerville, 6-4, 195, sr.
Workman Murrell Doolin Bailey Lyons Clutters Malone Hamlin
SOUTH POINT POINTERS
Experienced Pointers look to make strides
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
SOUTH POINT — The good thing about young players is they get older every year.
The South Point Pointers’s football roster was filled with young players last season, but with a lot of those players returning and some good senior leadership, head coach Chris Davis is looking for an improved team after going 1-9 last year.
“Last year, most of our team was young. We only had five seniors. So, a lot of young kids got playing time which is good for this year,” said Davis.
“They know what to expect now. They’re a little older, a little more seasoned, so I think they came into this season knowing it’s going to be on their shoulders even though they’re young. They’ve taken the reins and they’re running with it.”
Two main offensive weapons are gone in quarterback Brayden Hanshaw and wide receiver
Kamren Miller.
But the year of experience and growth should pay some dividends this season.
“Offensively, we should be better than last year. We were so young last year. We’re hitting in stride this year. Everybody knows what we’re trying to do,” said Davis.
“In our 7-on-7s we started out kind of slow, but once we got everybody here we looked a lot better. We went to Logan and won the whole thing.”
QUARTERBACK
Ethan Hunt was the backup last season and should step in and fill the void left by Hanshaw who was an All-District first team selection and honorable mention All-Ohio in Division 5.
“He’s healthy, he’s older now, mature, he knows what to expect and what we need from him,” said Davis.
Providing the backup will be
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Chris Davis (11-38 overall and at South Point, 6th season)
Assistant Coaches: Dave Lewis, Jeremy Taylor, Fred Craft, Wes Hall, Joey Riner, Xavier Haney.
Key Returnees: James Carey, Tavarion Cabarrus, Ethan Hunt, Davon Lewis, Levi Thornsbury, Elye Patterson, Isaiah Traylor, Kayleb Adkins, Robert Napier, Landon Vance, Jonah Fitzpatrick, Braden Jackson, Shyne Green
Key Losses: Brayden Habshaw, Kamren Miller Steeler Waulk, Benji Johnson, Dalzvon Jones, Corey Renn, Corey Otzenberger
2024 Record: 1-9 overall, 0-6 OVC (7th)
Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 6
Members of the 2025 South Point Pointers’ football team are: front row left to right, Dom Pegram, Marcus Handshaw, Davon Lewis, Landon Vance, Robert Napier, Killian Harbolt, Anthony Neal, K.J. McLain; second row from left to right, Cash Westmoreland, Luke Fitzpatrick, Elijah Fahey, Elye Patterson, Logan McFann, Caesyn Pope, George McDaniels, Kayleb Adkins, Ethan Hunt, Reece Walters; third row left to right, Noah Fahey, Jonah Fitzpatrick, Levi Thornsbury, Skyler Ferguson, Shyne Green, Tavarion Cabarrus, James Carey, Gary Estep, Braden Jackson, Isaiah Traylor, Patrick Allen.
SOUTH POINT POINTERS
South Point Pointers
2025 SOUTH POINT POINTERS FOOTBALL ROSTER
SOUTH POINT POINTERS
South Point Pointers
South Point 0 Boyd Co., Ky. 38
South Point 20 Spring Valley 55
South Point 13 Russell, Ky. 35
South Point 44 Symmes Valley 8
South Point 20 Rock Hill 41
South Point 0 Fairland 36
South Point 26 Chesapeake 41
South Point 0 Coal Grove 43
South Point 0 Portsmouth 41
South Point 12 Gallipolis 49 Record: 1-9
Coach: Chris Davis
Pointers
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41
freshman K.J. McLain.
“He’s a freshman, so he’s going to get better as the season goes along,” said Davis.
RUNNING BACK
Senior Isaiah Traylor and juniors Landon Vance and Robert Napier will handle the bulk of the running game with senior Braden Jackson expected to pick up some playing time.
“Those will be my main three guys. Braden Jackson came out and he’ll fill out my rotation,” said Davis. “It’s a good group. It’s a good mix of size and speed.”
TIGHT END
The tight end position will be junior Noah Fahey and senior Jonah Fitzpatrick sharing those duties. Another possible candidate is junior Luke Fitzpatrick.
“When we put a tight end in we’ll have two guys who can play. Luke Fitzpatrick is a wide receiver but we can throw him in there, too,” said Davis.
WIDE RECEIVER
“We’ve got plenty of those guys,” said Davis with a grin.
Among the receiving corps will be senior and returning veterans James Carey and Levi Thornsbury, returning junior Davon Lewis, Luke Fitzpatrick, sophomore Elye Patterson who played
some last year, sophomore Caesyn Pope who also played as a freshman, the Swiss Army Knight in Fahey, and freshmen Dom Pegram, Marcus Handshaw and Anthony Neal.
Davis said Neal can flip to tight end if needed.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Sophomore Kayleb Adkins should be the center after playing guard last season. He missed most of last season with a cracked vertebrae in his back.
“He got in the weight room and he’s gotten stronger and gotten better, so he’s doing pretty good so far,” said Davis.
The backup will be sophomore Elijah Fahey.
The guards figure to be sophomore George McDaniels, junior Reece Walters who will also play soccer, freshman Killian Harbolt and Fahey.
The tackles are experienced with seniors Tavarian Cabarrus and Quinn Johnson. Quinn will switch between tackle and guard which will give some playing time to junior Patrick Allen.
“Quinn Johnson came out and he’s going to help us a lot. Allen is a new kid and has good size. We’re looking a lot better this year than last year at the offensive line,” said Davis.
“SOUTH POINT,” PAGE 43
Assistant coaches: Dave Lewis, Fred
SOUTH POINT DEPTH CHART
Pointers’ Cabarrus just likes to have fun
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
SOUTH POINT — Tavarion Cabarrus likes to have fun, especially when playing football.
But as a senior this season, Cabarrus is taking a more serious path.
“I’m taking it more seriously because it’s my senior year. And, I want a better season than last year,” said Cabarrus.
“I definitely think (this year’s team) has a lot more potential than last year’s team. We’ve got a lot of players coming up from all around like receivers and our running backs has pretty good. I think we’re going to be more well-rounded this year.”
As a senior, Cabarrus takes time to ponder his future. He currently has an NCAA Division 2 offer, but said “unless I get a better offer at the D1 level, I think my plan is to go to medical school.”
Getting an offer to play at Marshall would solve any decision problems for Cabarrus.
“If I got an offer from Marshall, I could knock out two (goals).
South Point
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42
DEFENSIVE LINE
Davis said the Pointers’ will be in a four-man front but won’t hesitate to change their alignment.
Cabarrus will play end but can also play inside. Johnson and Harbolt can play inside while Adkins can play inside or out.
McDaniels will man the nose guard position when it is in use. Carey and Luke Fitzpatrick can also play defensive end.
Senior Shyne Green will play on the defensive line and Davis said “he’s a big, solid kid who we’ll
Marshall has a nice med school,” said Cabarrus.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Cabarrus is a three-year starter who does double duty playing on both the offensive and defensive lines. Cabarrus is playing right tackle on offense and every defensive line position.
“I’m having fun because D-line
is my favorite position,” said Cabarrus. “I prefer defensive end, but they’re all fun. Interior is harder because you get double teamed a lot.”
As a veteran senior, Cabarrus knows his team needs leadership and He’s read for the challenge.
“I have to be more verbal with everybody and I have to help out the younger people,” said Cabarrus.
“I’m a captain and I’ve taken a bigger leadership role than I have before. But I get help from the other seniors.”
As for this season, Cabarru has set a goal that would help his team.
“I want a minimum of at least one sack a game. I want 10 sacks by the end of the year. I want to have a positive season, a positive record,” said Cabarrus.
“I’ve definitely got a lot stronger and a lot faster. It’s gotten a lot easier than when I first started.”
Off the field, Cabarrus plans to hang out with his friends. He admitted that he would be open to trying new things, even skydiving.
“I would but I’m not old enough. I’m still 17. I like zip lining,” said Cabarrus.
keep right there. We’re going to try and keep them rotated so they stay fresh.”
LINEBACKERS
The inside linebackers will be Traylor, Napier, Vance and Jackson. Whomever doesn’t play inside will move to the outside. Noah Fahey can also play line as well as defensive end.
SECONDARY
Expected to start at the cornerback spots are Lewis and Patterson with Handshaw and MCormick in the mix.
The sophomore Logan McFann,
Pope and Carey are all candidates to play safety. Handshaw can also play safety.
KICKING GAME
McFann looks to handle the placements and Carey is the leader to do the punting.
OVC
Davis said the Ohio Valley Conference should be very competitive.
“Right now, the top is looking to be Coal Grove, but I think it’s up for grabs. Everyone is averaging 25 to 30 kids and it’s not just our conference,” said Davis.
Tavarion Cabarrus
Carey Hunt Vance Lewis Green
Fahey Napier Traylor McLain L. Fitzpatrick
Jackson Walters Thornsbury
J. Fitzpatrick
2025 OHSAA DIVISION 5 REGIONAL ASSINGMENTS
Portsmouth has new look after heavy losses
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
PORTSMOUTH — Losing 17 seniors will give a team a new look. Graduating a running back like Chase Heiland will give you a new look as well.
The big loss of workhorse running back Chase Heiland plus quarterback J.T. Williams, running back Nik Copley and linebacker Dylan Sanderlin among the 17 seniors will mean a lot of new faces on both sides of the football for the Trojans who were 8-4 last season and second in the Ohio Valley Conference race.
“We’ll be a little different offensively. We’ll stretch out sideline to sideline, but we can still throw it so we’ll keep teams honest,” said Trojans coach Bruce Kalb.
“We lost a lot of kids, but we do have some good skilled kids. We’re not sure what we have overall. We’ll find out more about ourselves the more we play.”
Taking over in the backfield will
be junior Fernando Poxes (5-10, 202) along with quick and fast sophomore Jemarkus Parker (5-2, 135) with his cousin senior Dontavion Parker (5-8, 141) getting some playing time.
RUNNING BACK
With Heiland running between the tackles, he was able to make second team All-Ohio in Division 5. His multiple carries, power running and speed will be hard to fill. But Kalb thinks Poxes and Jemarkus Parker
“(Jemarkus Parker) is a sophomore and he’s shown some really good flashes. His cousin has shown some pretty good flashes, and Poxes is coming in at 205 and he has only one speed and that’s 100 percent forward,” said Kalb. “Plus, he’s a beast.”
QUARTERBACK
Senior Marquez Lockleart (5-10, 158) will take over the quarterback job left vacant by J.T. Williams graduation.
2025 Portsmouth Trojans football team (Photo Courtesy of Paul Boggs/Portsmouth Daily Times)
2025 PORTSMOUTH TROJANS FOOTBALL ROSTER
Head Coach: Bruce Kalb
Assistant Coaches: Bo Mayo, Dave Malone, Sean Sturgill, Chad Hammond, Jason VanDeusen, Cedric Davis, Dan Polcyn.
Director of Football Operations: Mark Ach
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Bruce Kalb (3929 at Portsmouth and overall, 6th year)
Assistant Coaches: Bo Mayo, Dave Malone, Sean Sturgill, Chad Hammond, Jason VanDeusen, Cedric Davis, Dan Polcyn.
Key Returnees: Cam Williams, Marquez Locklear, Trevin Brooks, Dontavion Parker, Kayleb Johnson, Nick Donley, Leeland Scurlock, Landon Malone, Landen Boren, Jacob Roth, Charles Fletcher
Key Losses: Chase Heiland, J.T. Williams, Dylan Sanderlin, Lathan Bradley, Colin Perry, Nick Copley, Lukas Bradley, Alex McKenzie, Landen Boren
2024 Record: 8-4 overall, 5-1 OVC (2nd), D5 quarterfinals
2024 REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS
Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters:5 Returning Defensive Starters: 4 Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH DEPTH CHART
Trojans
Camron Williams will again be the backup after being forced to play as a freshman
“The Locklear kid is really solid. A couple of years ago we threw the younger Williams kid in and he was lightning in a bottle. They’re two different styles,” said Kalb. “Locklear has the ability to see the open receiver and Williams has found a home as the slot receiver.”
WIDE RECEIVER
Camron Williams will fill the back or slot receiver spot and the wideouts will be seniors Landon Malone (5-6, 119), Braxton Carr (5-7, 114), Leeland Scurlock (5-11, 150) and Tyshoune Henderson (5-11, 161) all in the mix.
Senior Trevin Brooks (5-11, 218) will be the tight end when the offense calls for his position with senior Landen Bayless (5-11, 165) the backup.
“We have most of our skilled kids back. We were starting a lot of juniors on defense,” said Kalb. “Brooks grew a couple of inches over the summer. He’s 218 and he’s solid. He’s a football smart kid and he has a nose for the ball.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
There is plenty of size up front with three of the five interior linemen returning starters.
The center is freshman Alex Martinez (6-0, 260). He is flanked by junior Nick Donley (6-2, 300) at one guard with returning senior starter Charles Fletcher (6-0, 305) on the other side. Both tackles return with seniors Wesley Runyon (6-1, 286) and Jonathan Carter (6-2, 304) bringing size and experience.
“Those guys work well together. The experience of Fletcher, Runyon and Carter will help the other two,” said Kalb.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Three of the offensive starters will flip over on defense with Carter at an end, Runyon and Fletcher inside and they will be joined by the annual dart up front in junior end Caden Meyers (5-10, 148). Look for senior Zy’relle Stubbs (5-8, 150) to get some playing time.
Fletcher and Runyon were starters last season and Carter a backup.
LINEBACKERS
Poxes and Williams return and will team up with Locklear and Dontavion Parker getting to start.
“Poxes and Parker back on the outside but they can play inside, too. We have a young freshman who is making some noise for us in the middle,” said Kalb.
SECONDARY
Scurlock will be the safety with
Prep football rule changes,
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. Ille gal and Improperly Worn Player Equipment
2. Sportsmanship3
3. Defenseless Player/ Targeting
Committee Clarifies and Restricts Attachments on Tooth and Mouth Protectors Effective with the 2026 Season [1-5-1d(5)a - 4, 5 (NEW)] –Items that are attached to the tooth and mouth protector that do not serve a purpose and function in protecting the teeth or mouth will not be allowed. Items that are a part of the tooth and mouth protector that are a health or risk issue to the player and can pose a danger to themselves or other players, will not be allowed.
Arm Sleeve Specifications Developed to Guide Manufacturers, Players and Coaches Effective with the 2027 Season [1-5-2d (NEW), 1-53c(6)] – The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), in working with the football arm sleeve manufacturers and the NFHS, has developed new football arm sleeve performance specifications to be effective with the 2027 playing season. These new specifications closely align with the cur-
junior J.J. Henderson (5-11, 150) and Williams as the corners. Also, senior Kayleb Johnson (6-01, 176) will play at all positions.
KICKING GAME
Returning for the Trajans are both their main kickers with virtually automatic senior Jacob Roth (6-1, 175) while Camron Williams will handle the punting.
OVC
Kalb said the league looks very balanced but gives Coal Grove a slight edge as the favorite. “We lost a lot of seniors but so did all the other programs. Gallipolis has a new coach and they have more than 50 out. This is as competitive as I’ve seen the league since I’ve been coaching,” said Kalb.
points of interest
rent rules for football gloves. Electronic Equipment Approved to Permit Non-Audio and Still Images to Assist with Relaying Plays from the Sideline to Players [1-5-3c(2)] – This change allows for the use of some additional equipment, but continues to preclude in-helmet communication. This would allow for fixed electronic signs with play signals as well as non-audio methods but still would not permit the players between the numbers to watch video.
Rules Additions Further Prohibit the Use of Video and Audio Devices by Players [1-5-3c(3) (NEW)] – No
player participating in the game will be allowed to wear any type of audio or video device in order to record or transmit audio or video. Forward Fumbles Out of Bounds to be Returned to the Spot of the Fumble [3-4-2d (NEW), 3-4-3a, 4-3-1 EXCEPTION (NEW), 8-5-2a EXCEPTION] – A situation potentially giving an unfair advantage to a fumbling team was revised. When a forward fumble goes out of bounds or is ruled out of bounds between the goal lines, the ball shall be returned to the spot of the fumble.
Further Clarifications Made to Rule 10-4 in Specific Situations [9-6 PENALTY, 10-4-4b (DELETED)] –
The committee continues its revisions and clarifications within the penalty enforcement rules to ensure consistency, particularly among illegal participation fouls. Rules for 6-Player Football Revised to Permit Advancement of a Fumbled Snap (Six-Player – Rule 2 and 7, Six-Player – Rule 7) – The committee clarified that as long as there is a change of possession from the snap receiver to another player on offense, the ball can be advanced beyond the line of scrimmage.
2025 OHSAA DIVISION 6 REGIONAL ASSINGMENTS
450 NE DALTON DALTON VI 21
624 E GARAWAY SUGARCREEK VI 21 662 NE GRAND VALLEY ORWELL VI 21 812 NE KIRTLAND KIRTLAND VI 21 818 NE LABRAE LEAVITTSBURG
SYMMES VALLEY Vikings
Youthful Vikings will rely on experience
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
WILLOW WOOD — They say age is but a number. Unless that number refers to the age of your football team.
With just two seniors on the roster, Symmes Valley Vikings’ head coach Ben Ferguson is playing a numbers game when it comes to his team.
“I think we have a very large number of a young core in our lower grades. Our two seniors that we do have have been asked to step up the last couple of years, so hopefully that shows. They’ve been
doing really well so far showing these young guys the way we do things and bringing them along,” said Ferguson.
“We have a sophomore group right now that a lot of them as freshmen had to play immediately. They think they’re ready but they don’t know until that ball is snapped in a varsity game. The speed’s different. You’re 14-, 15-years old hitting an 18-year-old, things come into play.”
The only seniors are four-year starters Andy Stow and Tucker Ross. Ferguson said the younger players are being asked to perform like older players since they have had some valuable playing experience.
“The good news is that to me that sophomore group is really like juniors because they’ve had so much experience early on,” said Ferguson.
“And the young guys who are here, they’re workers and they understand they could have their number called at any time. They’ve really embraced what we’ve asked them to do. Some will be asked to step up before they’re ready. That’s small school football. That’s what you’re asked to do.”
One thing that will be a major test for the team is the schedule, mainly the non-league part that includes Meigs, South Point, Chesapeake,
River Valley and Lancaster Fairfield Christian.
“FCA is our size, but all the others are bigger. The thought process is, you play some better competition in the area, and hopefully when you get to the league, what are they going to throw at you? You’ve already seen the bigger teams, you’ve seen teams with more depth, you see some better speed, better strength,” said Ferguson. By playing a tougher non-league schedule, Ferguson hopes it helps his players gain important experience.
Members of the 2025 Symmes Valley Vikings football team are: front row left to right, Cooper Baumgardner, J.R. Turner, Jaxon Gates, Trey Campbell Aydan Freeman, Michael Weaver, Jackson Fields; second row left to right, Mason Adams, Bekcem Roth, Bronx Carpenter, Colton Taylor, Wyatt Hedrick, Jordan Nance; third row left to right, Carson Brammer, Caleb Mount, Levi Russell, Andy Strow Tucker Ross, Gradee Holland, Hayden Holbrook; fourth row left to right, assistant coach Eric Holland, head coach Ben Ferguson, Zayden Sandman, Zayne Wilson, Asher Maynard.
2025 OHSAA DIVISION 7 REGIONAL ASSINGMENTS
SYMMES VALLEY DEPTH CHART
Youthful
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50
“The first two years, no matter if you’ve got the guys in the right spot, there’s no substitute for experience. Now, we’re working out those kinks. I think we made some pretty big strides last year, not only in the passing game but in the running game, too,” said Ferguson.
QUARTERBACK
Back at the helm will be sophomore Bronx Carpenter (6-1, 160) who began last season by suffering a broken collarbone and missed the first part of the season.
But when he returned, he picked up where he was in the preseason and played well and that has carried over to this season.
“Bronx had really taken that role, taken the offense, taken a lot of leadership in it and really grown as a player this year,” said Ferguson.
Behind Carpenter is another sophomore Jordan Nance (5-9, 160) and did not play last season but did play in junior high.
“He’s been taking those second string reps. He’s shown great growth and he’s done everything we’ve asked of him,” said Ferguson. “He got behind but he didn’t play last year. He’s doing everything he can to make the year up.”
RUNNING BACK
Sophomore Asher Maynard (6-2, 215) and junior Ayden Freeman (5-6, 200) will share the backfield duties as they look to replace AllOhio all-purpose running back Will Jones.
“Both are showing a lot of growth,” said Ferguson. “Both of them are very capable and there might be a time when you see both of them on the field. They’ve both been doing well.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Vikings return senior Tucker Ross (6-0, 270) and junior Caleb Mount (6-1, 200). Ross figures to be the center with Mount playing left tackle.
SEE “VIKINGS,” PAGE 54
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Ben Ferguson (7-21 at Symmes Valley and overall, 4th year)
Assistant Coaches: Eric Holland, Nathan Colegrove, Brad Nelson, John Coriell, Donald Pancake. Trent Carpenter, Brad Carpenter. Stats: Cameron Meadows. Film: John Sharp. Key Returnees: Dylan Urban, Randy Adkins, Caleb Mount, Tucker Ross, Andy Strow, Bronx Carepnter, Gradee Holland, Asher Maynard, Levi Russell
Key Losses: Will Jones, Caiden Mount, Cody Stapleton, Austin Dement, Logan Simpkins, Ethan Shafer, Branson Edwards Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 5
Holland
Ross Russell Carpenter
Freeman Campbell Roth Maynard
Strow become mentor to younger teammates
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
WILLOW WOOD — Andy Strow may not see himself as a star, but he has been somewhat of a meteor.
From never having played football until his freshman year, Strow has had a meteoric evolution as a player for the Symmes Valley Vikings.
Strow has played numerous positions on both sides of the football and lettered all three years including three as a starter.
“I transferred from a different school and I’d never played football in my life. My brother (Chris) played and I always enjoyed watching it, so I transferred. I played all through the summer. I was new and I was learning,” said Strow.
And learn he has.
As a quarterback, Strow was 7-of8 for 28 yards while as a receiver he had 30 receptions for 304 yards, both the second most on the teams behind All-Ohio running back Will Jones. He also caught a pair of touchdown passes.
“My freshman year was probably the most growth I had as a player from having not played at all to being thrown in there and starting the last two games of the season,” said Strow.
“The last two games our quarterback got hurt and I had to go in for the entire game. That was brand new. My sophomore year was easier. I got bigger and stronger and started putting in more work in the off-season.
It was during his sophomore season that Strow was moved from quarterback to wide receiver.
“My sophomore to junior year I switched positions again to slot. I kept working and putting in more work and I kept getting taller. I quit growing the middle of my junior year,” said the 6-foot, 175-pound Strow.
“I just continued to work and do everything I could to give me more of an advantage on the field. I’ve been lifting a lot more, trying to get stronger and faster.”
Chris Stow played wide receiver and Andy said he just followed in his brother’s footsteps but he has come to embrace playing the slot position.
“I think slot is what I really gravitated to,” said Strow. “I like either slot of outside linebacker. I started at inside linebacker and I’ve played a little bit of cornerback. But my
favorite two are wide receiver and outside linebacker.”
Playing a lot of positions has given Strow a wider look at both offense and defense. He said it’s hard to choose which side of the ball he prefers.
“I like defense. I like how aggressive it is. I like hitting people. That’s football. It’s really close, but I think I like offense more but I like how aggressive defense is,” said Strow.
“But I like offense. We have a new offensive coordinator Trent Carpenter and he’s done a lot for us. I like the offense he runs. It’s fast and everything is on the fly. We’re all moving and running full-speed. He calls good plays.”
Strow is one of only three seniors on the team which includes lineman Tucker Ross who is also a four-year letterman. He said being a senior puts him front-and-center as a team leader.
“Honestly, it’s not new to me. My junior year I felt I had to step up and help. Will Jones was a good leader for us. I feel they depend on me a whole lot more than last year.
I feel like I need to be on my A-game at all times and help with the young kids.”
Strow looks for the Vikings to improve on last season’s 4-6 record..
“I think we’ll have a great season. We’ve rebuilt and we have all kinds of players with experience. We have a lot of young guys who
have some experience,” Strow said.
Although he has come to love the game of football, Strow doesn’t necessarily see that as the sport in his future.
“Baseball is my big sport, but if I had the chance I’d go to the next level for football, I’d work hard and take advantage of it,” said Strow.
Symmes Valley Vikings Andy Strow (1) makes a catch against South Gallia last season. (Kaya Niece/Kaptured By Kay)
Strow
2025 SYMMES VALLEY VIKINGS FOOTBALL ROSTER
Chase Adkins OL-DE 5-10
Head coach: Ben Ferguson
Assistant coaches: Trent Carpenter, Brad Carpenter, Eric Holland, John Coriell, Nate Colegrove, Caleb Eplion, Mike Roth, Chris Lafon, Kyle Meadows.
Vikings
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52
“Both are very experienced, both have played at least three years,” said Ferguson.
The other line positions remain up in the air with several linemen in the mix. The group includes juniors Zane Wilson (6-4, 210), Jarod Neff (5-6, 185). Trey Campbell (5-6, 255) and Jaxon Gates (5-7, 150) and sophomore Cooper Bumgardner (5-10, 255).
“We have some guys in the junior class who didn’t come out until this year but are showing great strides. Zane Wilson looks like a potential tackle. Cooper Bumgardner is pushing for some time at tackle, Trey Campbell is the sixth guy the past couple of years but looks like he’s going to take over one guard spot,” said Ferguson.
“The other guard spot will be Jarod Neff. He’s a junior who didn’t come out until this year. He’s strong and athletic and pushing for some time as is Jaxon Gates. He’s been here through seventh grade and is pushing for playing time.”
WIDE RECEIVER
The top returning players are
junior Gradee Holland (6-0, 170) and sophomore Levi Russell (6-1, 155) on the outside with senior Andy Strow (6-0, 175) the H-Back as well as sophomore Jackson Fields (5-10, 165).
“Both of them saw a lot of time last year. They’ve kind of solidified themselves on the outside,” said Ferguson.
“Our other two spots, Andy Strow has had a lot of playing time and he’s show a lot of good things. Fields has shown a lot of good growth. Those are our four core receivers, but it’s not set in stone. It’s early and you have to have more than just four. Those guys have the most experience so they’re kind of on their own level.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Vikings will utilize the 4-foreman front and even the two-man format but can shift to a 3-man front depending on the opponent and formation.
Ross played some end last year but has shifted to tackle. Campbell should be the other tackle.
“Both of them have shown a lot of growth,” said Ferguson. Mount is back at defensive end
but has played some inside linebacker in record years. The other end position is up in the air between Wilson, Neff and freshman Mason Adams (6-0, 175).
LINEBACKERS
On the inside will have Maynard and Freeman. Ferguson said Maynard has some experience but both are learning the ropes.
Mount could play on the outside again if he’s not needed at end. On the other side will be freshman Beckhem Roth (5-10, 175).
“Roth’s big thing will be adjusting to the speed of the game,” said Ferguson.
SECONDARY
The cornerbacks should be Holland and Russell. Fields has been a bright spot and will be the safety.
“I think we’re going to be a lot faster as a defense. We lost a lot of seniors and we graduated a lot of size,” said Ferguson.
“I think what we’re missing in size we’re making up for in experience and speed. Inside we’ve got some sizes.”
KICKING GAME
Carpenter will be the punter and Ferguson said he “has been kicking well.” Campbell has the most consistent placekicker.
SOC
Ferguson said the Southern Ohio Conference should be competitive again but he still puts Beaver Eastern as the favorite.
“I think the league is going to be tough again like it always is. Beaver (Eastern) is coming off a threepeat. They certainly seem poised to possibly four-peat. I know they have a big senior class that’s very capable,” said Ferguson.
“East, South Gallia, Notre Dame, Green, they all have a lot tradition-wise. They have guys who have been there a lot of years, so it’s going to be tough every day.”
Gates Mount
Jarrell takes over the reins at Gallia Academy
By JIM WALKER jim.walker@irontontribune.com
GALLIPOLIS — When Gallipolis went looking for a new head coach, they didn’t have to go very far.
The Blue Devils just look at the coaching staff and hired one of their own former players Dalton Jarrell.
The Blue Devils are on their third coach in three seasons as Jarrell takes the helm and tries to erase the memories of last season’s 1-9 record.
“I know it’s been tough on them. Three coaches in three years, it would be tough. They’re fired up. We’ve got 52 kids on the roster this year. We’ve got as many kids as we’ve had in a long time. They are excited around here and we’re ready to get this community fired back up about football Friday nights.”
Jarrell — who graduated from Gallia Academy in 2011—was part of a team that went 7-3 as a senior after the Blue Devils went 2-8 the preview year.
“I’ve been there. I’ve been through it. It can be done,” said Jarrell. “It takes more than coaching or just players. Everybody has to be
Gallipolis Blue Devils’ Max Canaday (5) runs for yardage at Chesapeake last season. (Tim Gearhart Sports Photos)
on the same page and we all have to work together as one. If we can all come together as a team we can make big things happen.”
Jarrell has been at Gallipolis as an assistant both at the junior high and varsity level and is familiar with the players.
Having been through the
same situation, Jarrell has coined the motto, “Be the change.
“We want to be very fierce competitors on the field. Everything we do we want to be aggressive.”
The Blue Devils were just 1-9 last season and 1-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference. However, they only lost
2025 GALLIPOLIS FOOTBALL ROSTER
five seniors.
“We lost from last year’s team our center, quarterback and one wide receiver/defensive back,” Jarrell said. “Other than that, we’ve got pretty much everybody back. They’re all hungry coming off of a 1-9 season.”
One of the top returning players
Junior Max Canaday was the backup last year and threw just 5 passes. He was a wide receiver with 12 catches for 186 yards.
“He was our backup last year,” Jarrell said. “He was our JV quarterback. He’s a very athletic kid. He’s one of the faster kids on the team. We’ll use him a lot in the run game. He can sling it some, too. We’re excited think he’s going to have a big season this year.”
Senior Parker Burris led the team with 32 catches for 507 yards and junior Enoch Patterson caught 33 passes for 380 yards.
The top rushers last season were junior Connor Nichols with 257 yards on 63 carries and junior Brock Shelton with 102 yards on 24 attempts.
Nichols led the team with 37 tackles with Burris mak-
ing 29 stops and leading the team with 3 interceptions.
“Parker Burris, he’s a receiver/defensive back,” Jarrell said. “Alex Blair, another receiver/defensive back. Got Tanner King and Cory Mock, both offensive/ defensive linemen. We’ve got three seniors up front. We’ve got a few skill position seniors. We’re excited for that group.”
QUICK HITTER
Head Coach: Dalton Jarrell (0-0 at Gallipolis and overall,
2024 Divisions 5-Thru-7 sE All-DisTricT FooTbAll
Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association 2024 Southeast Ohio All-District Football Teams
Division 5
First Team Offense
OL—Bowen Gossett, Ironton, 6-2, 265, Sr.; Will Callicoat, Fairland, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Evan Brower, Zane Trace, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Aaron Tobin, Meigs, 6-5, 275, Sr.; C.J. Pemberton, Coal Grove, 6-3, 290; Brennon Tomlin, Nelsonville-York, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Jaxon Powell, McDermott Northwest, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Dylan Sanderlin, Portsmouth, 5-9, 229, Sr.; Landon Evans, Wheelersburg, 6-5, 285, Sr.; WR-Keegan Smith, Fairland, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Dustin Vance, Meigs, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Mason Thacker, Piketon, 5-5, 140, Sr.; Kenyon Evans, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Quarterback—Braden Schreck, Ironton, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Brayden Hanshaw, South Point, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Johnny Scott, Wellston, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Luke Gullion, Piketon, 5-11, 175, Jr.; J.T. Williams, Portsmouth, 5-6, 147, Sr.; Braylon Rucker, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, Jr.; RB—Kaden Murphy, Coal Grove, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Silas Stewart, Zane Trace, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Austin Gautier, Nelsonville-York, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Buddy Wilson, Piketon, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Carter Runyon, McDermott Northwest, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Chase Heiland, Portsmouth, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Athlete—Shaun Terry, Ironton, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Jack Hayden, Fairland, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Aaden Dunn, Zane Trace, 5-10, 180, Sr.; PK—Cooper Heimbach, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 160, Jr.
First Team Defense
DL—Aiden Layne, Ironton, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Jesse Copas, Ironton, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Caden Turner, Coal Grove, 6-5, 225, Jr..; Garrett Cornwell, Fairland, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Nathaniel Shrum, Piketon, 5-6, 165, Sr.; Kingston Littlefield, Portsmouth, 5-8, 167, Sr.; LB—Zayne Williams, Ironton, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Austin Bump, Ironton, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Quentin Cremeans, Fairland, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Hudson Williams, Zane Trace, 6-0, 175, So.; Joey Scarberry, Coal Grove, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Hunter Collins, Wellston, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Isaac Waller, Alexander, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Dakota Cunningham, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Colton Campbell, McDermott Northwest, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Trevin Brooks, Portsmouth, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Elijah Brown, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 175, Jr.; DB—Josh Johnson, Ironton, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 160, Sr. Lineman of the Year: Aiden Layne, Ironton
Offensive Player of the Year: Shaun Terry, Ironton
Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Johnson, Ironton
Tri-Coaches of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton; Mike Jackson, Fairland; Rusty Richards, Nelsonville-York
Special Mention
Barkley Litton, Ironton; Tyler Roach, Ironton; Brycen Mullins, Ironton; Kam Kitts, Fairland; Ethan Wall, Fairland; Lucas Bompus, Fairland; Kamren Miller, South Point; Landon Vance, South Point; Caiden Harris, Coal Grove; Derik Bloomfield, Coal Grove; Coen Larson, Zane Trace; Kale Faught, Wellston; Josh Clarkson, Wellston; Eddie Abele, Oak Hill;
Andy Meldick, Oak Hill; Landen DeWeese, Meigs; Zach Goble, Meigs; Alec Thompson, Nelsonville-York; Noah Loge, NelsonvilleYork; Will Odenthal, Nelsonville-York; Conner Slyer, Piketon; Curtis Glenn, Minford; Thatcher Webb, McDermott Northwest; Aidden Armbrister, McDermott Northwest; Alex McKenzie, Portsmouth; Landen Boren, Portsmouth; Logan Evans, Wheelersburg; Xander Mowery, Wheelersburg
Division 6
First Team Offense
OL—Garrett Napier, Chesapeake, 6-0, 325, Sr.; Daniel Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-4, 285, Jr.; Dylan McCutcheon, Waterford, 5-9, 210, So.; Tristan Wood, Lucasville Valley, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Kade Woods, Portsmouth West, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Rohwan Gilmore, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 272, Sr; TE—Drew Schug, Rock Hill, 6-2, 195, Sr.; WR—Ethan Kerns, Chesapeake, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Carson Free, Paint Valley, 6-4, 210, Sr.; QB—Jacob Harris, Chesapeake, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Hayden Jones, Waterford, 5-6, 155, So.; Preston Fauber, Paint Valley, 5-11, 195, Jr.; RB—Drew Plantz, Chesapeake, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Colten Jones, Waterford, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Tyler Hill, Meigs Eastern, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Treyvon Bearhs, Meigs Eastern, 6-0, 170, So.; Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Anthony Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-8, 196, So.; Mason Parker, Portsmouth West, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Athlete—Cooper Barnett, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 201, Sr.; Isaac Taylor, Chillicothe Huntington, 5-10, 170, Jr.; PK—Jaylen Bender, Lucasville Valley, 5-10, 155, Jr.
First Team Defense
DL—Caleb Saunders, Paint Valley, 6-3, 250, Sr.; LB—Wyatt Jenkins, Rock Hill, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Si Ware, Waterford, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Gavin Murphy, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Austin Magill, Adena, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Tilton Rapp, Portsmouth West, 5-10, 180, So.; DB— Anthony Stamper, Rock Hill, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Finn Pennock, Waterford, 5-11, 150, So.; Zach Whitt, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Lineman of the Year: Kade Woods, Portsmouth West
Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Braylon Robertson, Paint Valley; Tyler Hill, Meigs Eastern
Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Stamper, Rock Hill
Coach of the Year: Eric McCutcheon, Waterford
Special Mention
Mason Hanners, Rock Hill; Gage Clutters, Rock Hill; Spencer Wright, Chesapeake; Trevin Zimmer, Waterford; Logan Jackson, Waterford; Alex Parker, Belpre; Gavin Smith, Meigs Eastern; Ethan Edwards, Meigs Eastern; Colton Yoakum, Paint Valley; Jase Rhinehart, Paint Valley; Joey Francis, Adena; Fisher Schaaf, Paint Valley; Frankie Hirsch, Chillicothe Huntington; Kayden Curtiss, Chillicothe Huntington; Gage Cheadle, Southeastern; Braxten Conaway, Lucasville Valley; Carson Carver, Portsmouth West; Nichol Rapp, Portsmouth West; Bo Wroten, Portsmouth West.
Division 7
First Team Offense
OL—James Sheets, South Gallia, 6-4, 305, Sr.; Wyatt Porter, Miller, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Marcus Cable, Trimble, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Brewer Tomlison, Beaver Eastern, 6-3, 290, Jr.; WR—Tucker Leist, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 175, Sr.; QB— Logan Doughty, Miller, 6-2,1 70, Sr.; Leland Horner, Manchester, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Ethan Kingrey, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Eric Manley Jr., Beaver Eastern, 6-6, 225, Jr.; RB—Will Jones, Symmes Valley, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Layne Wright, South Gallia, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Zander Bice, Miller, 5-8, 195, Jr.; Mathew Moyer, Trimble, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Bryce McGraw, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Athlete— Dylan Urban, Symmes Valley, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Zach Thomas, Racine Southern, 5-10, 175, Sr.; PK—Bobby Richmond, Miller, 6-0, 190, Sr. First Team Defense
DL—Coltin Ward, Trimble, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Brody Coleman, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Cade Leist, Beaver Eastern, 5-11, 255, So.; LB—Blaise Davison, South Gallia, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Gryphon Thomas, Racine Southern, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Blake Smith, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Bryce Dorsey, Miller, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Mason Hart, Trimble, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Declan Davis, Beaver Eastern, 5-9, 175, Sr.; DB—Tanner Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Wyatt Richardson, Beaver Eastern, 6-1, 180, Sr.; P—Brady Moore, Beaver Eastern, 5-8,170, Sr.
Lineman of the Year: Brewer Tomlison, Beaver Eastern
Offensive Player of Year: Eric Manley Jr., Beaver Eastern
Defensive Player of the Year: Blaise Davison, South Gallia
Co-Coaches of the Year: Scott Tomlison, Beaver Eastern; Dominic Scott, Miller
Special Mention
Caleb Mount, Symmes Valley; Tucker Ross, Symmes Valley; Riley Cunningham, Franklin Furnace Green; Judah Cremeens, South Gallia; Logan Saber, South Gallia; Landon Everson, Racine Southern; Brandon Laudermilt, Racine Southern; Nick Thompson, Miller; Tucker Morgan, Miller; Brady Jajczyk, Trimble; Luke Orsborne, Trimble; Brody Rutter, Federal Hocking; Gabe Bray, Federal Hocking; Keegan Barker, Sciotoville East; Dustin Bailey, Sciotoville East; Mason Gilliam, Manchester; Luke Cassidy, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Mathew Hiles, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Jack Montgomery, Beaver Eastern
2024 DIVISION 7 ALL-OHIO FOOTBALL TEAM
Ohio Prep Sports Writers Division 7 All-Ohio Football Team
Offensive Player of the Year: Brogan Stephey, Minster
Defensive Player of the Year: Drew Lause, Maria Stein
Marion Local
Coaches of the Year: Trevor Cline, Jeromesville Hillsdale; Andy Schafer, Columbus Grove; Derek O’Hara, Bowerston Conotton Valley
First Team Offense
QB: Eric Manley Jr., Pike Eastern 6-6, 225, jr.; Brogan Stephey, Minster, 6-1, 180, sr.; Justin Knouff, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-2, 185, sr.; Trey Sagester; New Madison Tri-Village, 6-3, 160, jr.; Owen Jurjavcic, East Palestine, 6-1, 220, sr.
RB: Aidan Burke, Danville, 5-9, 220, sr.; Trent Barazza, Columbus Grove, 6-2, 190, sr.; Grant Smith, Gibsonburg, 5-10, 180, so.; Geno Perry, Lowellville, 5-10, 200, sr.; Zane Henderson, Ansonia, 5-11,190, sr.
WR/TE: Hyde O’Rielley, Lancaster Fisher Catholic, 6-2, 189, sr.; Landon Fries, Norwalk St. Paul, 5-11, 165, jr.; Victor Hoelscher, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-2, 180, sr.; Rodney Smith, Malvern, 6-3, 170, sr.; Hayden McFadden, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-11, 165, jr.; Evan O’Leary, Sidney Lehman Catholic, 5-10, 180, jr.
OL: Brewer Tomlison, Pike Eastern, 6-3, 290, jr.; Brycen Dunlap, Monroeville, 6-2, 260, jr.; Ben Blum, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-3, 280, sr.; Kyle Ungruhn, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-4, 240, sr.; Will Frimel, Minster, 5-10, 220, sr.
K: Carson Bills, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 165, sr.
First Team Defense
DL: Caleb Lucas, Danville, 6-2, 225, sr.; Kylan Mayes, Columbus Grove, 6-1, 270, sr.; Adam Winner, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-1, 200, sr.; Peyton Rauch, Steubenville Catholic Central, 6-2, 235, sr.; Bradey Krichbaum, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-6, 215, sr.; Dillon Schmiesing, Sidney Lehman Catholic, 6-0, 190, sr.; Petey Jones, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-0, 245, sr.
LB: Josh Byers, Danville, 6-1, 215, sr.; Blaine Davison, Crown City South Gallia, 6-0, 225, jr.; Drew Lause, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-0, 205, sr.; Luke Smith, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-8, 150, sr.; Nathan Hemberger, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 6-1, 205, sr.; Jack Eye, Windham, 6-1, 215, sr.; Brody Adams, Springfield Catholic Central, 6-4, 225, jr.
DB: Evan Benfer, Monroeville, 6-0, 165, sr.; Reese Walby, Gibsonburg, 5-10, 170, so.; Cole Micker, Shadyside, 5-10, 170, sr.; Jaelen Griffin, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 5-10, 170, sr.; Lane Bierly, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-2, 165, sr.
P: Danny Blair, Lancaster Fairfield Christian, 5-10, 175, sr.
Second Team Offense
QB: Jared Witherow, Malvern, 6-5, 190, sr.; Logan Doughty, Corning Miller, 6-2, 170, sr.; Kael Lewis, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-2, 170, so.; Zach Putnam, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-10, 165, sr.; Turner Lachey, Sidney Lehman Catholic, 5-10, 170, jr.
RB: Ezekiel Bowie, Columbus Crusaders, 5-7, 170, jr.; Zander Bice, Corning Miller, 5-8, 195, jr.; Jimmy Hernon, Steubenville Catholic Central, 6-1, 180, sr.; Owen Sloan, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-9, 180, jr.; Carlos Bruton, Windham, 5-10, 170, sr.
WR/TE: Brooks Bower, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-10, 170, sr.; Rocco Ressler, Independence, 6-2, 175, sr.; Griff Richards, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-1, 150, so.; Maxwell Maurer, Fort Loramie, 6-3, 170, sr.
OL: Blake Colopy, Danville, 5-8, 185, sr.; Brandon Miller, Malvern, 6-6, 250, sr.; Travis Brooks, DeGraff Riverside, 6-3, 340, sr.; Asher Shives, Ansonia, 5-11, 205, sr.; Carter Dejulia, Warren John F. Kennedy, 6-4, 250, so.
K: Landon Stein, Monroeville, 6-1, 160, sr.
Second Team Defense
DL: Tristan Nickoli, Norwalk St. Paul, 5-8, 200, sr.; Evan Ricketts, Morral Ridgedale, 6-4, 205, jr.; Greg Wilson, Danville, 6-2, 245, sr.; Dan Hockensmith, Lucas, 5-9, 210,
sr.; Grayson Petros, Ashtabula St. John, 6-3, 253, sr.; Peyton Kelch, Ansonia, 6-1, 230, sr.
LB: Mason Hart, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 180, sr.; Ray Caudill, Lucas, 6-0, 205, sr.; Cohe Hulbert, Edon, 6-1, 210, sr.; Brady Heller, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-9, 190, jr.; Ray Hoying, Fort Loramie, 6-4, 200, jr.; Kaeden Lipps, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-3, 185, sr.; LaBaron Oliver, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, 6-1, 205, sr.
DB: Austin Bauer, Columbus Crusaders, 6-4, 180, sr.; Kam Wright, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-8, 150, jr.; Owen Canan, Bradford, 5-8, 160, sr.; Ayden Cavinee, Arlington, 6-1, 200, jr.; Kaleb Bish, Sycamore Mohawk, 6-1, 180, sr.
P: Freddy Bolchalk, Warren John F. Kennedy, 6-0, 180, sr.
Third Team Offense
QB: Jack Phillips, New Washington Buckeye Central, 6-1, 185, jr.; Lucas Dennis, Hannibal River, 5-10, 160, sr.; Cal Ciminello, Middlefield Cardinal, 5-10, 165, sr.; Gabe Hart, Fort Loramie, 6-2, 205, sr.
RB: Bryce McGraw, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 5-9, 200, jr.; Cian Glennon, Crestline, 6-0, 200, sr.; Gavin Chamberlain, Cuyahoga Heights, 5-9, 147, jr.; Dalson Hayes, Hamilton New Miami, 6-0, 190, sr.; Colt Coffey, Cedarville, 6-1, 210, sr.
WR/TE: Reese Soltis, Middlefield Cardinal, 6-0, 180, sr.; Yomar Castellano, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-5, 140, so.; Devon Dzik, Cuyahoga Heights, 5-9, 165, sr.; CJ Olding, Sidney Lehman Catholic, 5-11, 160, jr.
OL: Logan Baker, Bridgeport, 6-1, 206, sr.; Colin LaFaye, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-10, 230, sr.; Joe Piccirillo, Ashtabula St. John, 6-2, 177, sr.; Dom Black, New Madison Tri-Village, 6-5, 280, so.; Kaden Lee, Sidney Lehman Catholic, 5-11, 205, sr.
K: Bobby Richmond, Corning Miller, 6-0, 190, sr.
Third Team Defense
DL: Caden Dugan, Strasburg-Franklin, 5-7, 205, jr.; Noah Chase, Salineville Southern, 6-4, 265, sr.; Nate Wright, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-9, 235, sr.; Hayden Carter, South Charleston Southeastern, 6-3, 165, sr.; Jorden Dunham, DeGraff Riverside, 5-10, 220, sr.
LB: Noah Hough, Steubenville Catholic Central, 6-0, 185, sr.; Gage Moore, Strasburg-Franklin, 6-2, 205, jr.; Ian Odille, Warren John F. Kennedy, 6-0, 180, sr.; DJ Dambolena, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 6-1, 220, jr.; Hayden Davis, South Charleston Southeastern, 6-1, 210, sr.
DB: Timmy Potts, Salineville Southern, 6-3, 205, sr.; Brock Bower, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-0, 160, jr.; Tommy Pergi, Steubenville Catholic Central, 6-1, 170, sr.; Josh Schnetzer, Hamilton New Miami, 6-0, 150, sr.; Braden Leppelmeier, Edgerton, 5-10, 160, sr.
P: Brady Moore, Pike Eastern, 5-8, 170, sr.
Honorable Mention
QB: Leland Horner, Manchester, 6-0, 230, sr.; Ethan Kingrey, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-1, 220, jr.; Dylan Urban, Willow Wood Symmes Valley, 6-0, 155, jr.; Jaki Threet, Bridgeport, 6-0, 180, jr.; True King, New Matamoras Frontier, 6-3, 185, sr.; Landon McClain, Atwater Waterloo, 5-8, 165, sr.; Ricky Wilrich, Lowellville, 5-9, 160, so.; Zach Shafer, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-2, 209, so.; Ben Bogner, Sycamore Mohawk, 6-0, 185, sr.; Levi Green, Ada, 5-8, 160, sr.; Kyler Sapp, Edon, 6-1, 200, sr.
RB: Brock Wright, Millersport, 5-7, 137, jr.; Will Jones, Willow Wood Symmes Valley, 6-3, 170, sr.; Layne Wright, Crown City South Gallia, 6-1, 185, jr.; Mathew Moyer, Glouster Trimble, 5-11, 190, sr.; Caleb Kirkpatrick, New Matamoras Frontier, 5-10, 163, jr.; Julius Gore, Malvern, 6-2, 205, jr.; Keizer Thomas, Strasburg-Franklin, 5-9, 160, so.; AJ Bishop, Bridgeport, 5-9, 142, jr.; Ashton Hinchliffe, Lisbon David Anderson, 6-0, 210, jr.; Abraham Castellano, Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding, 5-6, 145, fr.; Parker Hess, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-11, 185, sr.; Nolan Hopson, Dola Hardin Northern, 5-9, 180, sr.; Maddox Underwood, Upper Scioto Valley, 5-11, 165, sr.; Charlie Werling, St. Henry, 6-2, 200, jr.; Landen Roeder, Monroeville, 5-7, 160, sr.; Cal Warnement, Tiffin Calvert, 6-0, 180, sr.; Joel Walkup, Edgerton, 6-1, 205, sr.
WR/TE: Tucker Leist, Pike Eastern, 6-0, 175, sr.; Zach
Thomas, Racine Southern, 5-10, 175, sr.; Avery Powell, New Matamoras Frontier, 6-1,172, jr.; Roy Simmons, Malvern, 5-6, 145, jr.; Ryan Becker, Strasburg-Franklin, 6-2, 145, so.; Holland Young, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 6-1, 170, sr.; Matthew Ralston, Atwater Waterloo, 6-2, 175, sr.; Josh Pazel, Lowellville, 6-2, 175, jr.; Trevon Baxter, Columbus Grove, 5-11, 175, jr.; Kahne Hayman, Sycamore Mohawk, 6-0, 200, sr.; Max Radabaugh, Edon, 6-0, 160, sr.; Brady Basinger, Columbus Grove, 6-2, 205, so.; Dylan Heitkamp, Minster, 5-8, 160, sr.; Jayce Brecht, Leipsic, 6-2, 162, sr.; Scottie Krontz, Edgerton, 6-3, 155, sr. OL: James Sheets, Crown City South Gallia, 6-4, 305, sr.; Wyatt Porter, Corning Miller, 6-0, 225, sr.; Marcus Cable, Glouster Trimble, 6-3, 240, jr.; Derek Smith, Hannibal River, 6-5, 360, sr.; Darnell Jackson, Malvern, 5-9, 225, jr.; Brock Johnson, Strasburg-Franklin, 5-6, 225, so.; Aiden Flynn, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-1, 282, jr.; Ty Meyer, Columbus Grove, 5-2, 210, sr.; Dalton Amos, Ada, 6-2, 265, sr.; Cameron Bagent, Tiffin Calvert, 6-5, 285, sr.; Garrett Rinehart, Sycamore Mohawk, 6-4, 210, sr.; Logen Guy, East Palestine, 6-1, 240, sr.; Lincoln Jones, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-7, 160, sr.; Brandon Petrich, Windham, 6-1, 190, sr.; Colten Ahrens, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-3, 220, sr.; Elijah Gibbs, McComb, 5-11, 265, sr.; Eli Luginbill, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-2, 245, sr.; Gianni McKee, Lima Central Catholic, 6-0, 285, sr.; Patrick Stacklin, Mt. Victory Ridgemont, 6-3, 225, sr. K: Evan Verhoff, Columbus Grove, 5-6, 150, jr.; A.J. Brown, Jeromesville Hillsdale, 5-6, 120, jr.
DL: Coltin Ward, Glouster Trimble, 6-0, 220, sr.; Brody Coleman, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-2, 245, sr.; Cade Leist, Pike Eastern, 5-11, 255, so.; Camden Bradley, Steubenville Catholic Central, 6-3, 185, sr.; Parker Bennett, Hannibal River, 5-9, 215, sr.; Mike Bartoe, Warren John F. Kennedy, 6-0, 200, sr.; Trevon Hall, Warren John F. Kennedy, 6-1, 220, sr.; Jaxson Hedrick, Monroeville, 6-6, 245, sr.; Quinn Westhoven, Leipsic, 6-2, 199, sr.; Beau Sanders, Upper Scioto Valley, 5-11, 195, so.; Issac Muhlenkamp, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-1, 205, sr.; Colton Bailey, Mt. Victory Ridgemont, 6-3, 225, sr.; Josh Mueller, Delphos St. John’s, 6-2, 260, sr.; Brodi Hipsher, Dola Hardin Northern, 6-3, 240, sr.; Carter Wolph, Tiffin Calvert, 6-4, 205, sr.
LB: Gage Armstrong, Lancaster Fisher Catholic, 6-1, 239, sr.; Jackson Broyles, Newark Catholic, 5-10, 185, sr.; Michael Deas, Morral Ridgedale, 6-0, 200, jr.; Brayden Stem, Lancaster Fairfield Christian, 5-10, 175, jr.; Gryphon Thomas, Racine Southern, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Blake Smith, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-2, 185, sr.; Bryce Dorsey, Corning Miller, 6-1, 220, jr.; Declan Davis, Pike Eastern, 5-9, 175, sr.; Drake Hutchison, Malvern, 5-10, 160, sr.; Owen Ball, Malvern 6-3, 185, jr.; Gavin Haney, Bowerston Conotton Valley, 5-10, 180, jr.; Timmy Mihalyo, Steubenville Catholic Central, 5-9, 180, sr.; Tyrell Watkins, Wellsville, 6-3, 190, sr.; James Hipple, McDonald, 6-2, 200, sr.; Ryan Williams, Ashtabula St. John, 5-10, 217, sr.; Kyle Porter, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-2, 204, sr.; Zach Unger, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-1, 158, sr.; Braylon Dunn, DeGraff Riverside, 5-9, 200, sr.; Landen Houston, Columbus Grove, 5-10, 205, sr.; Andrew Miller, Pandora-Gilboa, 6-0, 215, sr.; Brayden Shoop, McComb, 6-1, 175, sr.; Luke Foster, Gibsonburg, 6-2, 220, jr.; Owen Patrizi, Sycamore Mohawk, 5-9, 160, jr.; Caden Falke, Lima Central Catholic, 6-0, 205, jr.; Bryant Meier, Maria Stein Marion Local, 5-10, 170, sr.; Rafael Gross, Norwalk St. Paul, 6-1, 180, so.; Troy Spencer, Waynesfield-Goshen, 5-10, 185, sr.; Jevin Henderson, Mt. Victory Ridgemont, 5-11, 160, sr.; Landin Hershiser, Monroeville, 5-11, 200, sr.
DB: Jason Wells, Millersport, 6-0, 160, jr.; Tanner Sanders, Crown City South Gallia, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Wyatt Richardson, Pike Eastern, 6-1, 180, sr.; Brode Brown, Bridgeport, 5-8, 145, so.; Matthew Sprochi, Steubenville Catholic Central, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Jack Darney, Lowellville, 6-0, 170, sr.; Casey Miller, McDonald, 5-7, 165, jr.; Will Anderson, Ashtabula St. John, 5-11, 188, sr.; Nick Armbrust, Cuyahoga Heights, 6-2, 147, sr.; Grant Eversole, Columbus Grove, 5-11, 180, sr.; Ryan Homan, Maria Stein Marion Local, 6-1, 175, sr.; Ty Lammers, Leipsic, 6-3, 168, sr.; Grant Dicke, New Bremen, 6-0, 179, sr. P: Vin Narducci, Ashtabula St. John, 6-1, 205, sr.; Griff Roell, West Alexandria Twin Valley South, 6-5, 195, sr.; Xander Wilson, Dola Hardin Northern, 6-1, 180, sr.
Senior members of the 2025 Coal Grove Hornets football team are: front row left to right, Kayden Murphy, Leland McKnight, Logan Roberts, Caiden Harris, Derik Bloomfield, Landen McKnight; back row left to right, Blake Wilson, Brayden Young, Caden Turner, Rylan Smith, Josh Short.
Senior members of the 2025 Ironton Fighting Tigers football team are: front from left to right, Mason Wheeler, Thomas Crawford, Braydon Baker, Aiden Hensley, Tyler Carmon, Kylan Grace, Zayne Williams; second row left to right, Maddix Markel, Braden Barbour, Caleb Jacobs, Ben Gulliams, Zander Hurn, David Fields, Tyson Cox. (Jeremy Holtzapfel/HoltzPhoto)
Senior members of the 2025 Fairland Dragons are: from left to right, Jacob McMichaelis, Wyatt Callicoat, Conner Black, Tim Webb, Brandon Kirk, Davin Murray and Luke Ball.
2025 senior members of the Rock Hill Redmen football team are: front row left to right, Brady Murrell, Peyton Clutters, Levi Ross, and Jaiden Hackworth; second row from left to right, Preston Malone, Nate Stone, Daniel Medinger, Eli Hamlin and Dallin Cox.
Senior members of the 2025 Chesapeake Panthers football team are: from left to right, Nehemiah Elder, Braxton Adams, Philip Thacker, Jon-Cooper Barker, Owen Murray, Montez Carter. (Jeremy Holtzpafel/HoltzPhoto)
Senior members of the 2025 South Point Pointers’ football team are: frontrowleft to right, Levi Thornsbury, Jonah Fitzpatrick, James Carey, Braden Jackson, Gary Estep, Isaiah Traylor; second row from left to right, Shane Green, Tavarion Cabarrus, Shyne Green.
Senior members of the 2025 Portsmouth Trojans are: front row left to right, Diego Scott, Landon Malone, Braxton Carr, Zy’relle Stubbs, Dontavion Parker, Marquez Locklear, Kayleb Johnson, Leeland Scurlock and Landen Bayless; second row left to right, Jonathan Carter, Charles Fletcher, Wesley Runyon, Tyshoune Henderson and Jacob Roth. (Photo Courtesy Paul Boggs of Portsmouth Daily Times)
Senior members of the 2025 Green Bobcats football team are: front row from left to right, Braydon Boza, Conner Blanton and Mason Neal; second row left to right, Olivia Blevins, Troy Stapleton, Caleb Lewis and Ralph Klaiber. Symmes Valley Vikings senior Andy Strow
Symmes Valley Vikings senior Tucker Ross
Good luck area teams!
