Newark Catholic's Hackett, Watkins Memorial's Waters take top Central District football honors
COLUMBUS — Licking County boosts some of the top football players and coaches in central Ohio, and those who star on Friday nights have been rewarded as such.
Newark Catholic senior running back Mason Hackett was named the Central District Division VII Offensive Player of the Year on Wednesday by area media. Watkins Memorial’s Darren Waters was named the Division II Coach of the Year.
Hackett has run for 1,090 yards and 20 touchdowns in just seven games. Hackett, who also made an impact in the return game, led the Green Wave to the Licking County League-Cardinal Division title.
Waters, in just his second season at the school, led Watkins to a share of the LCL-Buckeye title, its first league championship since 2006. The Warriors now have won nine games for the first time since that same season.
NC sophomore quarterback Miller Hutchison and senior receiver Grant Moore, who have connected for 617 yards and 11 scores, joined Hackett on the Division VII first team as did senior lineman Kyle Wright.
Watkins senior Jace Henry, who has made impact plays for Waters in all three phases, junior quarterback Patrick Carney, who has totaled more than 2,200 yards and 26 touchdowns, and senior lineman Colton Middendorf were named to the Division II first team. Seniors quarterback Deuce Caldwell and lineman Andrew Schmitz from rival Licking Heights joined the Warriors on the first team.
The Granville offensive three-headed monster of seniors quarterback Tyler Ernsberger and running back Matt Chaykowski and junior receiver Dante Varrasso were named to the Division III first team with Ernsberger and Varrasso connecting for more than 863 yards and half of Ernsberger’s 20 scores for the Blue Aces, who shared the LCL-Buckeye title. Junior kicker Noah Musick, who has made six field goals during the last three games, also was named to the first team.
Licking Valley junior quarterback Hayden Rodgers and senior receiver Ayden Stalnaker connected for 894 yards and eight scores, and each were named to the Division IV first team. Juniors lineman Trevor Croak and defensive back Logan Workman joined their Panther teammates on the first team.
Johnstown seniors quarterback Caleb Schneider and running back Nathan Sheets each ran for more than 1,000 yards, and they joined senior defensive lineman Garrett Grinstead on the first team. Lakewood juniors lineman Keegan Jacks and receiver Isaiah Mitchell, who recorded 734 receiving yards, rounded out the heavy LCL presence on that Division IV first team.
Heath junior quarterback Brayden Bayles, who totaled more than 2,300 yards and 18 scores, including one each on a punt return, reception and interception, was named to the Division V first team. He was joined by teammates sophomore linebacker Connor Corbett and junior defensive lineman Daylen McIntyre.
Utica junior Gavin Chinn, who totaled 727 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, also was named to the first team in Division V.
The All-Central District high school football teams, selected by a media panel from the district:
DIVISION I
First-team offense
Quarterbacks: Harrison Brewster (Olentangy Berlin) 6-1, 195, jr.; Will Cooper (Thomas Worthington) 5-9, 180, sr.; James Hayek (Upper Arlington) 6-1, 195, sr.; Matthew Papas (Grove City) 6-0, 165, jr.; Zakk Tschirhart (Dublin Jerome) 5-11, 180, sr. Running backs: Jakivion “JJ” Calip (Olentangy Orange) 6-0, 190, sr.; Diore Hubbard (Gahanna) 5-11, 185, jr.; Griffin Johnson (Marysville) 5-11, 185, sr.; Christian Manville (New Albany) 6-1, 190, sr. Receivers: Austin Koslow (Delaware) 5-9, 150, jr.; Alex Okuley (Olentangy Liberty) 6-3, 170, sr.; Joey Zalewski (Thomas Worthington) 6-3, 215, sr. Tight ends: Braden Dougherty (Dublin Coffman) 6-5, 235, sr.; Gavin Grover (Olentangy) 6-7, 235, jr. Linemen: Gavin Dabo (Grove City) 6-4, 255, jr.; Kasey Garrett (Hilliard Darby) 6-2, 230, sr.; Braeden Gray (Marysville) 6-4, 245, sr.; Justin Henry (Olentangy Berlin) 6-5, 290, sr.; Henry Rappolt (Upper Arlington) 6-1, 250, sr.; Keilan Smith (Pickerington Central) 6-4, 300, sr. Kicker: Spencer Conrad (Olentangy Berlin) 6-0, 210, jr.
First-team defense
Backs: Malik Kamara (Central Crossing) 6-0, 180, jr.; Nikeese McCollum (Delaware) 5-8, 150, sr.; Jace Ninceheiser (Groveport) 5-10, 155, jr. Linebackers: Tom Bohman (New Albany) 6-2, 230, sr.; Chris Karr (Reynoldsburg) 6-0, 195, sr.; Chidi Mabatah (New Albany) 6-2, 190, sr.; Ben Marsh (Hilliard Darby) 6-4, 240, sr.; Colton Powers (Marysville) 5-11, 190, sr.; Malik Ray (Pickerington North) 5-11, 208, sr.; Brady Sestili (Dublin Jerome) 6-3, 205, sr.; EJ Teah (Hilliard Bradley) 6-1, 195, sr. Jaden Yates (Gahanna) 6-1, 220, sr. Linemen: Dalton Allen (Delaware) 6-2, 260, sr.; Francis Brewu (Thomas Worthington) 6-3, 250, jr.; Kamari Burns (Gahanna) 6-3, 247, sr.; Kobi Gorman (Pickerington Central) 6-3, 255, sr.; RJ Keuchler (Pickerington Central) 6-6, 260, sr.; Will Smith (Dublin Coffman) 6-3, 278, sr. Punter: Carter Holden (Dublin Jerome) 6-2, 180, jr.
Offensive player of the year: Diore Hubbard (Gahanna)
Defensive player of the year: Will Smith (Dublin Coffman)
Coach of the year: Mike Picetti (Thomas Worthington)
Second-team offense
Quarterbacks: Bradyn Fleharty (Hilliard Bradley) 6-3, 190, jr.; Ethan Grunkemeyer (Olentangy) 6-3, 190, sr.; Jake Lowman (Delaware) 6-3, 205, jr. Running backs: Dawaun Green (Pickerington North) 6-2, 225, sr.; Javi Quimba (Hilliard Darby) 5-10, 180, sr.; Jake Struck (Olentangy Liberty) 6-0, 185, so. Receivers: Jacob Harris (Westerville Central) 6-5, 205, sr.; JJ King (Grove City) 6-0, 175, jr.; Marek Tzagournis (Dublin Jerome) 5-11, 160, sr. Tight end: Kaden Gannon (Delaware) 6-0, 206, sr. Linemen: Isaac Carter (Grove City) 6-2, 230, sr.; Jake Cook (Westerville North) 6-5, 300, so.; Ben Dehmer (New Albany) 6-4, 250, sr.; Dillon Halter (Dublin Coffman) 5-11, 280, sr.; Jonas Mann (Pickerington North) 6-7, 270, sr.; Isaac Perkins (Gahanna) 6-3, 300, sr.; Dane Wieklinski (Dublin Jerome) 6-6, 265, jr.; Kicker: Jake Walter (Hilliard Bradley) 5-9, 160, jr.
Second-team defense
Backs: Rasheem Biles (Pickerington Central) 6-2, 190, sr.; Sean Callahan (Groveport) 6-1, 165, sr.; Cayden Christopher (Pickerington North) 5-11, 183, sr.; Charlie Paxton (Upper Arlington) 5-7, 160, sr.; Romearo Wells (Gahanna) 5-11, 165, sr.; Mario Williams (Westerville Central) 6-0, 170, jr. Linebackers: Bubba Bangura (Westerville Central) 6-3, 220, sr.; Cole Dickerson (Lancaster) 6-1, 210, jr.; Logan Frye (Delaware) 6-0, 205, jr.; George Gerber (Upper Arlington) 5-11, 191, jr.; Kyle Jackowski (Olentangy Berlin) 6-0, 195, sr.; Gabe Pence (Olentangy Liberty) 6-2, 205, sr.; Caden Wilson (Hilliard Davidson) 5-11, 215, jr. Linemen: Jalen Joyce (Groveport) 5-11, 285, so.; Kyler LaRosa (Dublin Jerome) 6-3, 285, sr.; Caden Lockwood (Dublin Jerome) 6-3, 225, sr.; Christian McCartney (Marysville) 5-10, 175, sr.; Turner Schmidt (Hilliard Davidson) 6-4, 222, jr. Punter: Alex Koons (Hilliard Bradley) 5-11, 185, jr.
Special mention
Aaron Arledge (Grove City); Will Beinecke (Olentangy); Preston Bowman (Pickerington North); Keishaun Calhoun (Groveport); James Collins (New Albany); Quinn Crotty (Upper Arlington); Julian Dandridge (Hilliard Bradley); Kaleb Dotson (Hilliard Darby); Max Durbin (Newark); Brock Egan (Pickerington Central); Levi Estep (Westland); Jack Evans (Olentangy Orange); Jake Grimm (Gahanna); Jaystin Gwinn (Westerville Central); Kolin Hendricks (Central Crossing); Derek Hole (Dublin Jerome); Christian Isaacs (Grove City); Stanley Jackson (Westerville North); Tommy Janowicz (Upper Arlington); Demetrius John (Westerville North); Jack Kendall (Olentangy Liberty); Kaedon Kline (Grove City); Rex Lahr (Pickerington North); Andrew Leech (Olentangy); Andrew Leonard (Olentangy Liberty); Payton Long (Hilliard Davidson); Angelo McCullom (Pickerington North); Luke McLoughlin (Dublin Jerome); Holden Milliken (Upper Arlington); Trevor Mills (Grove City); Jacob Morbitzer (Hilliard Bradley); Troy Mrukowski (Olentangy Liberty); Aaron Nebraska (Olentangy Berlin); Bobby Ogles (Olentangy Orange); Roman Orsinelli (New Albany); Ryan Reber (Grove City); Josh Riley (Olentangy Berlin); Dylan Rosser (New Albany); Michael Roth (New Albany); Hammond Russell (Reynoldsburg); Sawyer Sand (Delaware); Colin Schuler (New Albany); Brady Schwieterman (Hilliard Davidson); Calvin Scott (Westerville North); Kaden Sellers (Hilliard Darby); Connor Smith (Thomas Worthington); Joe Spann (Reynoldsburg); David Stump (Hilliard Davidson); Wally Swiney (Upper Arlington); Ethan Tebbetts (Hilliard Bradley); JT Tompkins (Olentangy Berlin); Brennen Ward (Gahanna); Jackson Wiley (Olentangy); Gino Williams (Pickerington Central); Mason Ziegler (Olentangy Berlin).
Honorable mention
Joseph Abbiw (Pickerington North); Terrance Alexander (Pickerington Central); Thomas Andrews (Groveport); Colin Ansel (Upper Arlington); Michael Arinze-Ezirim (Dublin Jerome); Clay Blakely (Hilliard Darby); Carson Bopp (Westerville North); Jonah Brinkman (Olentangy Liberty); Aaron Britford (Groveport); Grant Burke (Pickerington North); Bryce Byrd (Olentangy Liberty); Josh Codjoe (Central Crossing); Zach Corna (Upper Arlington); Oliver Cornley (Hilliard Davidson); Levi Davis (Olentangy Orange); Kaedyn Dunbar-White (Pickerington North); Evan Eichel (Olentangy Orange); Jaden Fields (Thomas Worthington); Kaden Gebhardt (Olentangy); Zane Gibbs-Aguon (Westland); Elijah Griffith (New Albany); Blake Hajjar (Olentangy Liberty); Blake Harper (Olentangy Liberty); Sabian Harris (New Albany); Quinn Hart (Dublin Coffman); Kody Hoffman (Lancaster); Corey Howlett (Westerville North); Culllen Hronek (Westerville Central); Brendan Keener (Hilliard Darby); Kenny Kemper (Central Crossing); Steven Jackson (Westland); Justin Kennedy (Westerville Central); Brayden Kohl (Hilliard Darby); Andrew Kreakie (Westerville Central); Lucas Kubik (Newark); Sam Lacher (Thomas Worthington); Austin Lambert (Olentangy Berlin); Troy Lane (Pickerington Central); Sean Lee (Newark); Mac Link (Hilliard Darby); Chris Louis (Pickerington North); Aiden Lowery (Dublin Jerome); Nate Maag (Olentangy Liberty); Troy Martin (Reynoldsburg); Zavion Mattox (Pickerington Central); Connor McClellan (Upper Arlington); Zach McDowell (Olentangy Orange); Steele Meister (Newark); Kendrick Mensah (Pickerington Central); Sammy Moloney (Dublin Coffman); Colin Neimeister (Hilliard Davidson); Evan Nelson (Olentangy Liberty); Josh Neri (Hilliard Darby); Jayden Phillips (Hilliard Davidson); Gunnar Richards (Lancaster); Wilson Roberts (Olentangy Liberty); Xavier Rose (Grove City); Ethan Moeller (Marysville); Michael Robinson (Groveport); Dylan Scott (Gahanna); Collin Scalese (Thomas Worthington); Dillon Schaub (New Albany); Brady Seger (Marysville); Makai Shahid (Gahanna); Jonathan Stevens (Westerville North); Cam Turner (Reynoldsburg); Amari Valerio-Hudson (Dublin Coffman); Daven White (Dublin Coffman); Jaylen White (Westerville North); Jakob Williams (Hilliard Darby); Preston Wolfe (Hilliard Bradley).
DIVISION II
First-team offense
Quarterbacks: Deuce Caldwell (Licking Heights) 5-9, 165, sr.; Patrick Carney (Watkins Memorial) 6-1, 182, jr.; Antonio Harris (Independence) 5-9, 200, sr. Running backs: David “Amir” Brown (Northland) 5-8, 170, jr.; Nasir Phillips (Westerville South) 5-9, 195, jr.; Nate Severs (Big Walnut) 5-10, 207, jr. Receivers: Jonny Askew (Mount Vernon) 5-10, 185, jr.; Mekhi Kilburn (Northland) 5-9, 170, sr. Linemen: Abdoul Bah (Independence) 5-9, 225, sr.; Ryan Carretta (St. Charles) 6-5, 310, sr.; Mason Fry (Canal Winchester) 6-3, 280, sr.; Craig Horton (Westerville South) 6-0, 255, sr.; Andrew Schmitz (Licking Heights) 6-5, 300, sr.; Ryan Steinbrink (Canal Winchester) 6-4, 286, sr.; Matt VonAlmen (Big Walnut) 6-3, 250, jr. Kicker: Quentin Sheets (Westerville South) 6-2, 180, sr.
First-team defense
Backs: Braylon Beckwith (Canal Winchester) 6-0, 170, jr.; Jace Henry (Watkins Memorial) 5-10, 175, sr.; Nicky Pentello (Big Walnut) 5-10, 190, sr. Linebackers: Ethan Clawson (Big Walnut) 6-2, 220, sr.; Drew Goff (Westerville South) 5-9, 185, sr.; Harlee Hanna (Canal Winchester) 6-0, 210, jr.; Gavin Karshner (Teays Valley) 6-0, 210, sr.; Quan Rhodes-McKee (Westerville South) 6-1, 220, jr.; Max Shulaw (DeSales) 6-1, 220, jr.; Garrett Stover (Big Walnut) 6-2, 215, jr. Linemen: Cameron Gwinn (DeSales) 6-2, 240, jr.; Colton Middendorf (Watkins Memorial) 6-3, 330, sr. Punter: Cam Gladden (Big Walnut) 5-8, 160, sr.
Offensive player of the year: Nasir Phillips (Westerville South)
Defensive player of the year: Braylon Beckwith (Canal Winchester)
Coach of the year: Darren Waters (Watkins Memorial)
Second-team offense
Quarterback: Nash Biglin (Worthington Kilbourne) 6-4, 225, sr.; Jake Nier (Big Walnut) 6-2, 195, jr. Running backs: Da’Vaughn Bufford (Independence) 5-7, 175, sr.; DaaVion Long (Watkins Memorial) 5-10, 160, sr.; Damarion McClinton (Whetstone) 5-7, 150, jr. Receivers: Harrison Payne (Teays Valley) 5-11, 155, jr.; Trent Wolpert (Teays Valley) 6-1, 175, fr. Tight end: Ashton Wilson (Dublin Scioto) 6-4, 215, sr. Linemen: Joe Lacy (Whetstone) 6-5, 260, jr.; Trey Rutherford (Westerville South) 6-6, 235, sr.; Zane Swackhammer (Worthington Kilbourne) 6-2, 235, sr.
Second-team defense
Backs: Jerijah Moore (Dublin Scioto) 6-1, 180, sr.; Jonah Hane (Licking Heights) 5-9, 160, sr.; Brody Lee (Watkins Memorial) 5-10, 160, sr.; Ryan Palmer (Briggs) 5-6, 155, jr.; Jalen Wheeler (Westerville South) 6-0, 175, sr. Linebackers: Marcus Gipson (Worthington Kilbourne) 5-11, 235, sr.; Justin Long (Marion Harding) 6-0, 195, so.; Jake Lopinto (Licking Heights) 6-1, 185, so.; Dayo Olobatuyi (Dublin Scioto) 6-1, 195, sr.; Mason O’Reilly (St. Charles) 6-1, 200, sr. Linemen: Nana Amponsah (Worthington Kilbourne) 5-11, 270, sr.; Davonte Courtney (Canal Winchester) 6-1, 245, sr.; Asher Hayles (DeSales) 6-2, 230, sr.; Gentry Ross (Northland) 6-2, 190, sr.; Punter: Ethan Whitt (Licking Heights) 6-4, 250, jr.
Special mention
Niels Abessolo (Independence); Landon Adams (Marion Harding); Kevin Bell (Northland); Dominic Birtha (Westerville South); Jordan Blankson (Northland); Seamus Bonte (DeSales); Robin Briggs (Independence); Omarion Conteh (DeSales); Pete DeSocio (St. Charles); Tyon Fountain (Big Walnut); Colin Greenhalge (St. Charles); Ethan Hanna (Westerville South); Kaden Hines (Teays Valley); Grant Hoff (Licking Heights); Anthony Jalloh (Franklin Heights); Ameri McBrown (Independence); Jackson McDonald (Worthington Kilbourne); Myles McKee (Canal Winchester); Luke Mullins (Mount Vernon); Ty Neubert (DeSales); Kian O’Ryan (Dublin Scioto); Isaac Pekarcik (DeSales); Reese Powell (Licking Heights); Ethan Shipps (Dublin Scioto); Wes Skinner (Big Walnut); Dylan Taynor (Dublin Scioto); Jordan Wheeler (Westerville South); Terrell Williamson (Briggs); Keifer Young (Whetstone).
Honorable mention
Connor Asbury (Worthington Kilbourne); Ben Bartram (Worthington Kilbourne); Will Bratt (St. Charles); Tommy Brown (Worthington Kilbourne); Titus Buoay (Independence); Tyler Cain (Worthington Kilbourne); Gabe Caruso (DeSales); Grant Coulson (Big Walnut); Brendan Clayburn (Northland); Ty Crump (Worthington Kilbourne); Bobby Davies (Canal Winchester); DJ Fillmore (Licking Heights); Ryan Firebaugh (Mount Vernon); Logan Fitch (Watkins Memorial); Bry’neil Jones (Northland); Logan Keller (Licking Heights); Antonio Morris (Whetstone); Jonathon Moss (DeSales); Luke Mumford (Watkins Memorial); Victor Oliver (Watkins Memorial); Blake Messer (Briggs); Ethan Pollock (Watkins Memorial); Isaiah Price (Briggs); Evan Rardin (Canal Winchester); Tymere Richards (Marion-Franklin); Bobby Ruh (Licking Heights); DeMarco Sellers (Independence); Sean Sheehan (Watkins Memorial); Dylan Shoemaker (Westerville South); Anthony Smith (Mifflin); Nate Snead (Big Walnut); Emmanual Watson (Whetstone); Aaron Weeks (Dublin Scioto); Fifi Yankee (Independence).
DIVISION III
First-team offense
Quarterbacks: Tyler Ernsberger (Granville) 6-4, 170, sr.; Damon Griffin (South) 5-10, 150, so.; Aurelius Scott (Beechcroft) 5-10, 155, jr. Running backs: Dylan Armentrout (Bloom-Carroll) 5-9, 180, jr.; Matt Chaykowski (Granville) 6-0, 177, sr.; Andrew Jackson (Whitehall) 6-1, 175, jr.; Cameron Jewell (Jonathan Alder) 6-0, 190, jr. Receivers: Jayden Douglas (Beechcroft) 6-0, 170, sr.; Dante Varrasso (Granville) 6-1, 180, jr. Linemen: Jaden Ball (Bloom-Carroll) 6-4, 285, jr.; Grant Dolan (Bloom-Carroll) 6-3, 250, sr.; Andrew Heisler (Jonathan Alder) 6-4, 290, jr.; Cole Rhett (Watterson) 6-6, 315, sr.; Christian Taylor (South) 6-2, 254, jr. Kickers: Rudy Kessinger (Watterson) 6-0, 160, jr.; Noah Musick (Granville) 5-10, 170, jr.
First-team defense
Backs: Zach Jones (London) 6-1, 200, jr.; Nadir Langston (Hamilton Township) 5-11, 175, jr.; Ryan Rudzinski (Watterson) 6-4, 195, sr.; DaShawn Simmons (South) 6-2, 180, jr. Linebackers: Nakylan Haley (Whitehall) 5-10, 165, sr.; Sean Johns (London) 6-2, 215, sr.; Andrew Marshall (Bloom-Carroll) 6-2, 225, sr.; Caleb Miller (Jonathan Alder) 5-11, 180, sr.; Dominic Purcell (Watterson) 5-11, 190, jr. Linemen: Kaden Kiser (Hamilton Township) 6-5, 220, sr.; Ty Moore (Jonathan Alder) 6-4, 205, jr.; Chase Plantz (Bloom-Carroll) 5-11, 215, sr.; Jovontice Shull (Beechcroft) 5-10, 189, sr.; Gene Sutton (Linden) 6-1, 213, sr. Punter: Dominic Gutter (Bexley) 6-1, 170, sr.
Offensive player of the year: Dylan Armentrout (Bloom-Carroll)
Defensive player of the year: Andrew Marshall (Bloom-Carroll)
Coach of the year: George Yates (South)
Second-team offense
Quarterback: Christopher Towns (Linden) 5-7, 135, sr. Running backs: Rosean Burns (Beechcroft) 5-11, 140, jr.; Treyton Mercer (Watterson) 6-0, 185, jr.; Cliff Padmore (Bexley) 5-10, 200, sr.; Nate Sollars (London) 5-10, 200, so. Receiver: Brandon Trout (Watterson) 5-11, 170, sr. Linemen: Alonte Hewston (London) 6-5, 315, sr. Nick Watson (Linden) 6-1, 338, sr.
Second-team defense
Backs: Elliott Baur (Watterson) 5-11, 175, jr. Charlie Bernotas (Watterson) 5-10, 165, sr.; Brodyn Bishop (Bloom-Carroll) 6-0, 175, jr.; Linebackers: Zeke Poulos (Bexley) 5-10, 180, sr.; Mikey Chaykowski (Granville) 5-10, 170, sr. Linemen: Kale Kraner (Bloom-Carroll) 5-9, 220, sr.; Baylor Petzinger (Jonathan Alder) 6-2, 230, sr.; Ralph Walker (Whitehall) 6-1, 190, sr.
Special/honorable mention
Jaiden Ashford (Linden); Aiden Burke (Jonathan Alder); Artis Cain-Jackson (Hamilton Township); Dylan Chittum (Bloom-Carroll); Jaylan Davis (South); Casey Da’Qun (Linden); Connor Fulton (London); Zane Gogolin (Bloom-Carroll); Grant Horne (Jonathan Alder); Kenyon Jamison (Linden); Katoryan Johnson (South); Marqualyn Jones (Linden); Jerome Killebrew (Beechcroft); Kyle Kirby (Granville); Dylan Layne (Granville); Tyler Lieu (Watterson); AJ McAninch (Watterson); Maxton Messner (Granville); Elijah Mitchell (London); Desean Pollard (South); Nick Purdy (Granville); Trent Renz (Hamilton Township); Tyler Russell (Beechcroft); Hank Shoemaker (Jonathan Alder); Andrew Sims (London); Quinn Tackett (Granville); Ethan Thanthanavong (Bloom-Carroll); June Turner (London); Armand Vickers (Beechcroft); Zack Weber (Watterson); Collin Willet (Bloom-Carroll); Josh Woods (Hamilton Township).
DIVISION IV
First-team offense
Quarterbacks: Wayne “Tre” Lindsay (East) 5-11, 175, sr.; Hayden Rodgers (Licking Valley) 6-2, 175, jr.; Caleb Schneider (Johnstown) 6-1, 200, sr.; Cayden Shidone (River Valley) 6-0, 185, sr.; Tymir Wynn (KIPP Columbus) 5-11, 165, jr. Running backs: Taizaun Burns (East) 5-10, 165, so.; Brian Fitzsimmons (Ready) 5-10, 190, sr.; DeAunte Hubbard (Hartley) 6-0, 200, sr.; Nathan Sheets (Johnstown) 5-11, 190, sr. Receivers: Grant Butler (River Valley) 6-4, 170, sr.; Isaiah Mitchell (Lakewood) 5-11, 165, jr.; Keyan Shidone (River Valley) 5-9, 145, jr.; Ayden Stalnaker (Licking Valley) 6-2, 175, sr. Tight end: Brendan Laret (Hartley) 6-3, 250, jr. Linemen: Trevor Croak (Licking Valley) 6-3, 255, jr.; Jordan Hall (KIPP Columbus) 6-8, 330, sr.; Keegan Jacks (Lakewood) 6-0, 285, jr.; Tylar Mix (Ready) 6-5, 325, jr.; Carmello Yarbrough (Marion-Franklin) 6-0, 295, sr. Kicker: Drew Craddock (Ready) 5-9, 176, jr.
First-team defense
Backs: JD Catena (Ready) 5-11, 155, jr.; Cameron Frazier (KIPP Columbus) 5-11, 170, jr.; Logan Workman (Licking Valley) 5-10, 165, jr. Linebackers: Kasen Abbott (Ready) 5-8, 221, so.; Malik Ali (Marion-Franklin) 5-10, 205, sr.; Denim Cook (Hartley) 6-4, 215, so.; Will Garrison (River Valley) 6-1, 215, sr.; Sam Jones (Buckeye Valley) 6-2, 205, sr.; Anthony Murphy (Hartley) 6-2, 225, sr. Linemen: Isaac Asiedu (Hartley) 6-3, 290, sr.; Te’Shun Bosley (KIPP Columbus) 5-10, 240, fr.; Donovan Davis (Hartley) 6-1, 285, jr.; Dezwuan Dickerson (Marion-Franklin) 6-2, 210, sr.; Garrett Grinstead (Johnstown) 6-4, 220, sr.; Sidikiba Kaba (KIPP Columbus) 6-2, 270, sr.; CJ Swanson (East) 6-4, 245, sr.
Offensive player of the year: Cayden Shidone (River Valley)
Defensive player of the year: Anthony Murphy (Hartley)
Coach of the year: Mike Bell (East)
Special/honorable mention
Julian Albano (East); Adairius Allison (Marion-Franklin); Junior Breaston (East); Ethan Browning (Buckeye Valley); Antonio Campbell (KIPP Columbus); Garrett Carey (Buckeye Valley); Cam Childs (KIPP Columbus); Adam Crawford (Lakewood); Conlon Dent (Ready); Cullen Dent (Ready); Alek Diller (Licking Valley); Logan Dimel (Ready); Tanner Domyanich (Buckeye Valley); Rozell Dotstry (Marion-Franklin); Tito Glass (Marion-Franklin); Marvais Hampton (Eastmoor Academy); Nathan Huss (Buckeye Valley); Eyan Jackson (Hartley); Cooper Criner (Johnstown); Jude Kusan (Ready); Robert Lathon (Hartley); Ethan Lyon (River Valley); Shiren Mabry (KIPP Columbus); Mitchell Melfe (Buckeye Valley); Dalton Miller (Ready); Anthony Page (KIPP Columbus); Stewart Poulnott (Lakewood); Dashawn Price (Marion-Franklin); Titan Priest (Licking Valley); Ben Rader (Johnstown); Rory Ralston (Hartley); Kentrell Reinhart (Ready); Brady Ridder (Buckeye Valley); Anthony Shields (East); Jared Slone (River Valley); Bryce Spangler (Johnstown); Ryan Stewart (KIPP Columbus); De’Aire Summerall (Marion-Franklin); Brody Thompson (Johnstown); Spencer Thomson (Johnstown); Solomon Vaughn (East); Kam Walker (Licking Valley); Clay Whitaker (Buckeye Valley); Austin Whitley (River Valley); Joey Wooten (Hartley).
DIVISION V
First-team offense
Quarterback: Brayden Bayles (Heath) 6-0, 175, jr.; Tyler Johnson (Centerburg) 6-2, 205, sr.; Aidan Rogers (Harvest Prep) 6-2, 205, sr. Running backs: Jake Calodney (Columbus Academy) 5-11, 195, sr.; Caylan LeMaster (Centerburg) 5-9, 160, sr.; Dane Nauman (Highland) 6-0, 215, jr.; Teegan Ruhl (Fredericktown) 6-1, 180, sr. Receivers: Trey Bossaller (North Union) 5-11, 160, sr.; Chris Brown (Harvest Prep) 6-1, 165, jr.; Gavin Chinn (Utica) 5-11, 160, jr.; Cadence Varner (Pleasant) 5-10, 155, sr. Linemen: Rashad Debose (Harvest Prep) 5-9, 220, sr.; Drue Duncan (North Union) 6-2, 270, sr.; John Geiger (Centerburg) 6-5, 310, sr.; Landon Pedigo (Highland) 6-0, 260, sr.; Preston Ross (Harvest Prep) 6-0, 230, sr. Kicker: Caleb Harris (Highland) 5-11, 150, sr.
First-team defense
Backs: Caleb Anthony (Africentric) 5-6, 160, fr.; Emmanuel “EJ” Jenkins (Columbus Academy) 5-9, 170, sr.; Hayden Kline (Highland) 5-8, 140, jr. Linebackers: Connor Corbett (Heath) 5-7, 170, so.; Marchello Cox (Harvest Prep) 5-11, 190, jr.; Owen Davis (North Union) 6-3, 210, sr.; Harold Hacker (Columbus Academy) 5-11, 200, sr.; Mekhi Johnson (Africentric) 6-1, 190, jr. Linemen: Xavier Cain (Harvest Prep) 6-3, 315, sr.; Slade McClaskey (Liberty Union) 6-3, 240, jr.; Daylen McIntyre (Heath) 5-10, 166, jr.; Ernest Pierce (Harvest Prep) 6-0, 190, jr.; Chandler Stevens (Highland) 5-10, 190, sr.; Dalton Wilson (North Union) 6-2, 236, sr. Punter: Drew Dossman (Amanda-Clearcreek) 6-2, 180, jr.
Offensive player of the year: Dane Nauman (Highland)
Defensive player of the year: Owen Davis (North Union)
Coach of the year: Milan Smith (Harvest Prep)
Second-team offense
Quarterbacks: Cayden Carroll (Liberty Union) 5-11, 175, sr.; Zach Heckman (Utica) 5-10, 150, sr.; Lane Hess (Northridge) 6-3, 172, sr.; Cayden Lassiter (North Union) 5-10, 180, sr.; Owen Lowry (Pleasant) 6-1, 170, so. Running back: Caden Courts (Liberty Union) 5-10, 175, sr. Offensive linemen: Liam Adams (North Union) 5-9, 210, sr.; Miles Friedman (Columbus Academy) 6-0, 215, sr.; Mason Lanthorn (Centerburg) 5-11, 250, sr.; Reece Shriner (Heath) 5-11, 226, jr.
Second-team defense
Linemen: Sean Michael Gouhin (Columbus Academy) 6-1, 180, sr.; Kaden Green (Heath) 6-1, 190, jr.; Xavier Mullins (Fredericktown) 6-2, 220, sr.; Talil Spikes (Africentric) 6-2, 240, so.; Tannar Patterson (Heath) 5-10, 173, so.; Nathen Wansik (Pleasant) 6-1, 180, jr. Linebackers: JJ Decarlo (Harvest Prep) 5-11, 220, jr.; Tanner Hott (Centerburg) 5-11, 185, sr. Backs: Zach Church (Highland) 5-8, 160, fr.; Darion Matlock (Africentric) 5-9, 165, fr. Punter: Carter Skaggs (North Union) 6-3, 170, jr.
Special/honorable mention
Justin Batista (Harvest Prep); Trevor Bellman (Fredericktown); Elijah Brown (Harvest Prep); Kaid Carpenter (Fredericktown); Dylan Chambers (Northridge); Tyler Collura (Utica); Landon Converse (North Union); Cade Craft (Liberty Union); Zach Cyphers (Utica); Nolan Draper (North Union); Logen Fisher (Utica); Justin Giffin (Utica); Paul Gould (Heath); Jordan Hartman (Utica); Lucas Herbst (Fredericktown); Mason Hoeflich (Fredericktown); MJ Jackson (Columbus Academy); Chase Johnson (Africentric); Jamas Kalas (Northridge); Cameron Koelbl (Fredericktown); Troy Myers (Liberty Union); Brian Norman (North Union); Cameron Osborne (North Union); Brendyn Ragan (Liberty Union); Jesse Rings (Centerburg); AJ Roenker (Utica); Braden Sapp (Fredericktown); Logan Small (Fredericktown); Connor Smith (Pleasant); Tommy Stai (Amanda-Clearcreek); Gauge Stepp (Centerburg); Greyson Thomas (Columbus Academy); Nick Tiberi (Columbus Academy); Connor Toomey (Heath); Mason Turske (Centerburg); Grayson Tyo (Utica); Dominic Vargo (Centerburg); Ryne Whitt (Columbus Academy).
DIVISION VI
First-team offense
Quarterbacks: Matthew Bland (Mount Gilead) 6-1, 175, sr.; AJ Bower (Northmor) 6-0, 175, so.; Nate Nemeth (Berne Union) 6-0, 185, sr.; Hobie Raikes (Worthington Christian) 5-9, 165, jr.; Braydan Taylor (Grove City Christian) 6-2, 195, sr. Running backs: Ethan Albert (Worthington Christian) 5-9, 180, sr.; Breckin Dugan (Elgin) 5-8, 140, sr.; Garrett George (Mount Gilead) 5-11, 185, sr. Receivers: Mason Book (West Jefferson) 6-2, 180, jr.; Carson Steinmetz (East Knox) 5-10, 165, sr. Gibby Wilson (Worthington Christian) 6-3, 175, sr. Linemen: Hayden Krinn (Mount Gilead) 6-0, 240, jr.; Colin McAvoy (Cardington) 6-0, 205, sr.; Christian Miller (Fairbanks) 5-9, 190, sr.; Tyler Richmond (Grove City Christian) 6-2, 315, sr.
First-team defense
Backs: Hunter Fulk (Northmor) 5-10, 150, jr.; AJ Landon (Fairbanks) 5-11, 175, jr. Linebackers: James Ashton (Berne Union) 6-1, 207, sr.; Cayden Carroll (Grove City Christian) 5-9, 170, so.; Ethan Hostetler (West Jefferson) 6-1, 180, sr.; Jack Rickert (Grandview) 5-11, 225, sr. Linemen: Wyatt Adams (Berne Union) 6-1, 180, sr.; Ian Gecse (Grandview) 6-4, 235, sr.; Charles Naylor (Northmor) 6-0, 200, jr.; Jacob Neighbarger (East Knox) 5-9, 185, sr.; Judah Reid (Mount Gilead) 6-2, 260, sr.; Luke Zody (Worthington Christian) 6-1, 240, sr.
Offensive player of the year: Nate Nemeth (Berne Union)
Defensive player of the year: Judah Reid (Mount Gilead)
Coach of the year: Mike Reid (Mount Gilead)
Special/honorable mention
Correll Amsbaugh (Worthington Christian); Caleb Atha (Elgin); Maddox Baker (Grandview); Kaiden Beach (Cardington); Colton Brush (Elgin); Justin Caldwell (Grove City Christian); Joshua Carrel (Worthington Christian); Evan Coil (Madison-Plains); Austin Dahmer (Grove City Christian); Bracen Davis (East Knox); Cole DeLaughder (East Knox); Cody Dellinger (Fairbanks); Wyatt Denney (Cardington); Blake Elliott (East Knox); Jake Fitzpatrick (West Jefferson); Brogan Green (Fairbanks); Jaydin Hazlett (Grove City Christian); Joshua Heredia-Aguirre (Worthington Christian); Owen High (Mount Gilead); Wyatt Keyt (West Jefferson); Jax Lester (East Knox); Zane Lewis (Grove City Christian); Braddock Lusher (Grandview); Dillon Minturn (Cardington); Ashton Plowman (Cardington); Tanner Salyer (West Jefferson); Landen Sams (Grove City Christian); Landon Shepard (Elgin); Gabe Simpson (Mount Gilead); Kenny Sloan (Elgin); Peyton Smith (Madison-Plains); Raffi Stauffer (Fairbanks); CJ Stoney (Northmor); Ben Stoughton (Madison-Plains); Ryan Tucker (Grandview); Nels Van Gundy (Elgin); Luke West (West Jefferson); Ben Whitt (Mount Gilead); Karson York (Madison-Plains); Dax Zartman (Worthington Christian).
DIVISION VII
First-team offense
Quarterbacks: Miller Hutchinson (Newark Catholic) 6-3, 160, so.; Jayden Roland (Mechanicsburg) 5-9, 175, jr. Running backs: Danny Blair (Fairfield Christian) 5-10, 175, so.; Mason Hackett (Newark Catholic) 5-8, 195, sr.; Andrew Kronenbitter (Millersport) 5-9, 155, sr. Receivers: Kailen Butler (Mechanicsburg) 5-8, 155, jr.; Grant Moore (Newark Catholic) 6-1, 175, sr.; Hyde O’Rielly (Fisher Catholic) 6-4, 172, so. Tight end: Sam Rauch (Fairfield Christian) 6-2, 210, sr. Linemen: Levi Milledge (Mechanicsburg) 6-0, 200, sr.; Kyle Wright (Newark Catholic) 6-2, 210, sr. Kicker: JJ Viau (Fisher Catholic) 5-10, 158, sr.
First-team defense
Backs: Mykell Andrews (Columbus Crusaders) 6-0, 190, jr.; Kaiden Colopy (Danville) 6-0, 175, sr. Linebackers: Jackson DeBolt (Columbus Crusaders) 5-9, 170, jr.; Ryan Lucas (Danville) 5-8, 195, sr.; Lane Poland (Mechanicsburg) 6-1, 160, sr.; Nathan Thiel (Ridgedale) 6-3, 185, jr. Linemen: Dillon Looney (Danville) 6-0, 205, sr.; Brayden Townsend (Ridgedale) 6-2, 185, so. Punter: Mac Payne (Danville) 5-11, 215, sr.
Offensive player of the year: Mason Hackett (Newark Catholic)
Defensive player of the year: Levi Lyons (Danville)
Coach of the year: Marcus Pardon (Fairfield Christian)
Special/honorable mention
Charlie Bradford (Mechanicsburg); Rocco Capretta (Newark Catholic); Gabe Carlisle (Newark Catholic); Kendall Carter (Danville); Maurice Diawara (Columbus Crusaders); Bradyn Ehret (Newark Catholic); Jericho Etok (Columbus Crusaders); Bryce Forgette (Millersport); John Grabans (Fairfield Christian); Chase Heissner (Columbus Crusaders); Mason Hess (Mechanicsburg); Ben Hopple (Fairfield Christian); Grant Keefer (Fisher Catholic); Gabe Hursey (Mechanicsburg); Gavyn Lepley (Danville); Caleb Lucas (Danville); Landon Murphy (Ridgedale); Nico Richards (Newark Catholic); Dylan Schetter (Mechanicsburg); Brendan Sheehan (Newark Catholic); Liam Smith (Mechanicsburg); Joe Stanley (Newark Catholic); Walker Weckesser (Danville); Jason Wells (Millersport); Tanner Wert (Newark Catholic); Nate Willis (Newark Catholic); Connor Wright (Newark Catholic); Nicholas Yingling (Millersport).
Note: Only one team was selected in some divisions due to low number of schools
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Mason Hackett, Darren Waters take top Central District football honors
