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Canton South's Poochie Snyder, Matt Dennison lead 2023 All-Stark County football honors

josh weir, canton repository
·17 min read

His real name is Jack.

His nickname is Poochie.

His distinction, at least most recent distinction, is Repository Stark County Player of the Year.

Canton South quarterback Jack "Poochie" Snyder and his head coach Matt Dennison headline the Canton Repository's All-Stark County High School Football Team for 2023.

Canton South’s quarterback Poochie Snyder launches a touchdown pass to Tre Wilson giving South a 28-7 lead over Struthers during the third quarter Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Canton South’s quarterback Poochie Snyder launches a touchdown pass to Tre Wilson giving South a 28-7 lead over Struthers during the third quarter Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Snyder put up historic numbers while leading the Wildcats to historic heights. The senior is the county's all-time passing leader in yards with 11,083 and touchdowns with 122. He accounted for 56 touchdowns passing and running this season as South advanced to a state semifinal.

The veteran coach Dennison, in his third year at South after an 18-year run at New Philadelphia, led the Wildcats to their first 10-0 regular season and first regional championship in program history. South won the outright PAC-7 championship this year after sharing it last year. Before that, South had not won a league title of any kind in 59 years.

Canton South head coach Matt Dennison talks to quarterback Poochie Snyder in the first quarter of Division IV regional semifinal against West Branch at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Canton South head coach Matt Dennison talks to quarterback Poochie Snyder in the first quarter of Division IV regional semifinal against West Branch at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Last year's all-county football team: Meet the 2022 Repository All-Stark County high school football team

Snyder is part of our 35-man all-county team, featuring 15 offensive players, 15 defensive players and five flex spots for some of the area's more versatile athletes. Check out the first team and honorable mention below, followed by bios on the first teamers.

2023 Canton Repository All-Stark County High School Football Team

OFFENSE

Lake tailback Nate Baker avoids a tackle by Jackson defensive back Cooper Geissinger for a first down to set up a second-quarter touchdown, Friday, Sept 22, 2023.
Lake tailback Nate Baker avoids a tackle by Jackson defensive back Cooper Geissinger for a first down to set up a second-quarter touchdown, Friday, Sept 22, 2023.

  • Quarterbacks: DaOne Owens, Massillon; Poochie Snyder, Canton South; Brendan Zurbrugg, Alliance.

  • Wide receivers: Zach Braucher, North Canton Hoover; Avantae Burt, GlenOak; Tavon Castle, Canton South; K'Vaughn Davis, Alliance.

  • Running backs: Nate Baker, Lake; Jamar Johnson, GlenOak; Connor Satterfield, Northwest.

  • Offensive linemen: Nolan Davenport, Massillon; Kae'lub Edwards, Canton McKinley; Brady Jones, Massillon; Anthony Miller, Lake; Jonathan Stangl, Canton Central Catholic.

ATHLETES

Sandy Valley quarterback Nick Petro runs for a first down against Canton South in the first half at Sandy Valley. Friday, Sept. 01, 2023.
Sandy Valley quarterback Nick Petro runs for a first down against Canton South in the first half at Sandy Valley. Friday, Sept. 01, 2023.

  • Flex: Mason Ashby, North Canton Hoover; Carson Colucci, Fairless; Aidan Geer, Canton South; Beau Himmelheber, Marlington; Nick Petro, Sandy Valley.

Massillon's Michael Wright Jr (45) reacts after sacking Westerville South QB Dominic Birtha during a home playoff game, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
Massillon's Michael Wright Jr (45) reacts after sacking Westerville South QB Dominic Birtha during a home playoff game, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

DEFENSE

  • Defensive linemen: Chase Bond, Massillon; Chapin Greer, Sandy Valley; Tyler Pugh, Canton South; Michael Wright Jr., Massillon.

  • Linebackers: Charlie Christopher, Lake; Cody Fair, Massillon; Joey Garro, Lake; Shaukeer Hatcher, Canton McKinley; Christian Ivanic, Perry; Landen Karovic, Canton South; Dante McClellan, Canton McKinley; Dorian Pringle, Massillon.

  • Defensive backs: Dan Boron, Canton Central Catholic; Anthony Fuline, Jackson; Keith Quincy, Canton McKinley.

Jackson's Anthony Fuline scores a first-half touchdown as Central Catholic defender Braylwyn Tabelion closes in, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.
Jackson's Anthony Fuline scores a first-half touchdown as Central Catholic defender Braylwyn Tabelion closes in, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

  • Player of the Year: Poochie Snyder, Canton South

  • Coach of the Year: Matt Dennison, Canton South

Canton South football coach Matt Dennison talks to his team following a loss to Glenville in the state semifinals, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Wadsworth.
Canton South football coach Matt Dennison talks to his team following a loss to Glenville in the state semifinals, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Wadsworth.

HONORABLE MENTION

  • Alliance: Ramhir Hawkins, Kevin Frazier. Canton South: Rome Cox, Tre Wilson, DeAngelo Spear, Ma'Taeaun Frazier, Ethan Fricke. Central Catholic: Andrew Neal, John Hofacre. East Canton: Olly Schrader. Fairless: Gio Moore, Xavier Collier. GlenOak: Adrion Burt, David Potter, Austin Morrison. Hoover: Carson Dyrlund, Cole Rembielak, Bryce Roach. Jackson: Kyle Benson, Lucas Ecrement, Jordan Warmath. Lake: Evan Brady, Ryan Lippe, Gavin Zacharyj. Louisville: Kolton Loy. Marlington: Caiden O'Brien, Carter Difloure. Massillon: Jacques Carter, Ja'Meir Gamble, Tyler Hackenbracht, Adonis Marshall. McKinley: Dior Garner, K'Vuone McNeal, Keaton Rode, Ja'Diss Jackson. Northwest: Parker Kraft, Morgan Kunkle. Perry: Mike Millin, Brock Huggins. Sandy Valley: Chad Davis, Lukas Gilland. Tuslaw: Jacob Lyons.

Canton South football players huddle around head coach Matt Dennison during a home playoff game against Buchtel, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
Canton South football players huddle around head coach Matt Dennison during a home playoff game against Buchtel, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

Meet the 2023 Repository All-Stark County First Team

QUARTERBACKS

Massillon QB DaOne Owens runs the ball vs. Lake in a regional semifinal, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Hoover.
Massillon QB DaOne Owens runs the ball vs. Lake in a regional semifinal, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Hoover.

DaOne Owens, Massillon

6-1, 200, senior 

Northeast Inland District Division II Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Dual-threat QB with game-breaking speed, averaged 9.3 yards per carry for state champion Tigers. Ran for 1,302 yards and 15 touchdowns, becoming the first Massillon QB to surpass 1,000 yards rushing in a season. Lefty thrower passed for 1,566 yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions, completing 58.0% of his attempts. Led Tigers to 16-0 record against one of the most difficult schedules in the state. College offers from Southern Illinois and Ashland.

Canton South quarterback Poochie Snyder eludes the tackle of Glenville defender Demetrius Harper in the first half, Nov. 24, 2023.
Canton South quarterback Poochie Snyder eludes the tackle of Glenville defender Demetrius Harper in the first half, Nov. 24, 2023.

Poochie Snyder, Canton South

6-0, 180, senior 

Repository Stark County Player of the Year, Northeast Inland District Division IV Offensive Player of the Year, PAC-7 Player of the Year and Ohio Mr. Football finalist. Stark County's all-time leading passer in yards (11,083) and touchdowns (122). The passing yards rank 10th in state history and the passing TDs 11th, according to OHSAA unofficial records. Also rushed for 3,002 yards and 44 TDs in career. This season, passed for 3,701 yards and 40 touchdowns. Threw six interceptions in 353 attempts and completed 72.2% of his passes. Rushed for 1,504 yards at 10.0 a carry and 16 TDs. Second straight year as 3,000-yard passer/1,000-yard rusher. Led South to first 10-0 regular season and first regional championship in program history. Committed to Division I FCS Sacred Heart (Conn.).

Alliance quarterback Brendan Zurbrugg leaps a Salem defender before crossing the goal line for a touchdown at Kehres Stadium, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
Alliance quarterback Brendan Zurbrugg leaps a Salem defender before crossing the goal line for a touchdown at Kehres Stadium, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.

Brendan Zurbrugg, Alliance

6-4, 195, senior

Northeast Inland District Division III Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Oklahoma University recruit passed for 2,322 yards, 26 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 70.0% of his passes. Rushed for 1,038 yards at 6.9 a carry and 13 TDs. Averaged 41.5 yards a punt and made 17 PAT kicks. Holds virtually every Alliance passing record and ranks fifth in Stark County history with 6,376 yards. Also rushed for 2,170 yards and 25 TDs in career. Three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and is a state-level hurdler.

RUNNING BACKS

Lake running back Nathan Baker escapes a pair of Jackson defenders, Sept 22, 2023.
Lake running back Nathan Baker escapes a pair of Jackson defenders, Sept 22, 2023.

Nate Baker, Lake

5-11, 175, senior 

Shifty, hard-running back who was Federal League Player of the Year and led the area with 1,664 yards at 6.1 a carry. Scored 16 TDs overall, 15 rushing for Lake (9-4). Ran for career-high 234 yards in Lake's second-round playoff win against Big Walnut. Caught 20 passes for 218 yards this season. Also started at cornerback, intercepting two passes after picking off four last year. Made 26 tackles, five of them for loss. Averaged 23.5 yards a kick return and 14.3 a punt return. A three-year, two-way starter for Lake.

GlenOak's Jamar Johnson fights for yardage as Massillon's Vito McConnell comes in for the stop in Week 2 of 2023. GlenOak's Matt Rekstis is also in on the play.
GlenOak's Jamar Johnson fights for yardage as Massillon's Vito McConnell comes in for the stop in Week 2 of 2023. GlenOak's Matt Rekstis is also in on the play.

Jamar Johnson, GlenOak

5-11, 200, junior

Shouldered much of the offensive load for GlenOak team that went 7-5, earning the program's most wins since 2015 and first playoff win since 2014. Rushed for 1,315 yards at 6.8 a carry and seven TDs. Also caught a TD pass. Played some linebacker and made 22 tackles.

Northwest running back Connor Satterfield breaks a tackle by Marlington's Carter Difloure, Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.
Northwest running back Connor Satterfield breaks a tackle by Marlington's Carter Difloure, Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

Connor Satterfield, Northwest

6-2, 215, senior 

Two-way monster for Northwest as a running back and linebacker. Rushed for 1,400 yards at 5.8 a carry and 24 TDs in 11 games after playing a blocking role (guard, H-back) earlier in career. Caught 18 passes for 161 yards for 5-6 Northwest. Defensively, led team in tackles for second straight season, finishing with 145 stops (84 solo) in 2023. Added five sacks, two tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Holds an offer from Walsh University.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Hoover’s Zach Braucher makes a touchdown reception against McKinley with 15 seconds left in the first half, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
Hoover’s Zach Braucher makes a touchdown reception against McKinley with 15 seconds left in the first half, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.

Zach Braucher, North Canton Hoover

6-0, 165, junior 

Caught 57 passes for 897 yards and seven TDs despite playing almost two full games at QB when starter was injured. Also ran for three TDs. Led Hoover with four interceptions on defense. Made 26 tackles. Second-team All-Ohio last year. Three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and baseball. Led young Hoover team to 6-6 record, including first-round playoff win at Columbus DeSales.

GlenOak's Avantae Burt runs the ball at McKinley, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.
GlenOak's Avantae Burt runs the ball at McKinley, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

Avantae Burt, GlenOak

5-9, 170, senior 

Scored nine touchdowns and gained 1,326 all-purpose yards despite battling injuries much of the season. Helped GlenOak go 7-5, earning program's most wins since 2015 and first playoff win since 2014. Caught 30 passes for 524 yards and three TDs. Ran 65 times for 477 yards and six TDs. Averaged 10.3 yards a punt return and 19.3 yards a kick return. Holds several Division II college offers and multiple preferred walk-on Division I offers.

Canton South wide receiver Tavon Castle holds back West Branch linebacker Zachary Coffee for a first down in the second quarter of Division IV regional semifinal at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Canton South wide receiver Tavon Castle holds back West Branch linebacker Zachary Coffee for a first down in the second quarter of Division IV regional semifinal at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Tavon Castle, Canton South

6-1, 180, senior

First-team All-Ohio last year when he caught 75 passes for 1,195 yards and 10 TDs. Followed that with 122 receptions for 1,690 yards and 16 TDs this season in helping South to a state semifinal appearance. Praised by coaches for his blocking ability along with his pass catching. Also played cornerback in big games, totaling 26 tackles and two interceptions. Finished career with 3,220 yards and 31 touchdowns receiving.

Alliance's K'Vaughn Davis pulls in a long pass against West Branch, Friday Oct. 6, 2023.
Alliance's K'Vaughn Davis pulls in a long pass against West Branch, Friday Oct. 6, 2023.

K'Vaughn Davis, Alliance

6-3, 210, senior

Big-body wideout caught 55 passes for 1,032 yards and 10 TDs. Averaged 18.8 yards a catch. First 1,000-yard receiver at Alliance since 1986. Averaged 20.6 yards a kick return. Finished four-year varsity career with 137 receptions for 2,059 yards and 20 TDs.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Massillon's Ja'Meir Gamble is lifted up by lineman Nolan Davenport after a second-half touchdown in their OHSAA Div. II regional semifinal vs. Lake at Hoover High School Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Massillon's Ja'Meir Gamble is lifted up by lineman Nolan Davenport after a second-half touchdown in their OHSAA Div. II regional semifinal vs. Lake at Hoover High School Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Nolan Davenport, Massillon

6-6, 260, junior 

Left tackle for powerful Massillon running game that averaged 6.6 yards per carry en route to a Division II state championship. Tigers scored 53 rushing touchdowns to two for the opposition. Overall, Tigers averaged 38.6 points and 387.1 yards of offense per game. Holds college offers from Kentucky, Cincinnati, Louisville and Duke.

Kae'lub Edwards, Canton McKinley

6-5, 300, senior 

Co-captain for McKinley team that won outright Federal League championship after sharing it last year. Left tackle and anchor of offensive line that helped 9-4 Bulldogs rush for 2,094 yards, pass for 2,467 yards and score 40 offensive TDs. Preferred walk-on offers from Akron and Toledo.

Massillon fans cheer on the Tigers during their state semifinal against Anderson, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Columbus.
Massillon fans cheer on the Tigers during their state semifinal against Anderson, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Columbus.

Brady Jones, Massillon

6-3, 245, senior 

Athletic, physical center on dominant offensive line for 16-0 Tigers. Helped Massillon rush for 3,843 yards and 53 touchdowns on the way to a Division II state championship. Tigers averaged 38.6 points and 387.1 yards of offense per game.

Lake's Anthony Miller blocks McKinley's K'Vuone McNeal in the first half, Friday, Sept 29, 2023.
Lake's Anthony Miller blocks McKinley's K'Vuone McNeal in the first half, Friday, Sept 29, 2023.

Anthony Miller, Lake

6-5, 285, senior 

Air Force recruit and highest recruited offensive lineman at Lake in 25 years. Three-year starter at left tackle for the Blue Streaks, paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher each season and two straight Federal League Players of the Year. Helped Blue Streaks run for 32 TDs this season. Consistently Lake's highest graded lineman. Helped Lake win its first league title in 24 years and advance to a regional final as a junior.

Jonathan Stangl, Canton Central Catholic

6-8, 315, junior

Big offensive tackle who possesses great feet and is good in pass protection. Graded out as top lineman for Central team that averaged 27.9 points and 310.3 yards of offense, going 7-5 overall. Division I college offers from Kent State and Ball State.

FLEX PLAYERS

Hoover's Mason Ashby (3) tries to elude Hudson defenders Trey Sharp (1) and Nick Innamorato (10) Friday in North Canton.
Hoover's Mason Ashby (3) tries to elude Hudson defenders Trey Sharp (1) and Nick Innamorato (10) Friday in North Canton.

Mason Ashby, North Canton Hoover

5-8, 155, senior

One of the fastest players and most dangerous return men in the area. Returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this season and four overall in career. Hoover's all-time leader in single-season and career receptions (170). Caught 87 passes this year for 745 yards and eight TDs. Also rushed for a touchdown for 6-6 Vikings.

Fairless' Carson Colucci scores a second-quarter touchdown against Sandy Valley, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
Fairless' Carson Colucci scores a second-quarter touchdown against Sandy Valley, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

Carson Colucci, Fairless

6-2, 165, senior

Four-year varsity starter, three of them at QB. Third-team All-Ohio last year when he helped Fairless to second straight PAC-7 championship. This year, carried a heavy load after team graduated multiple playmakers from 2022 and suffered through injuries. Threw for 1,700 yards, 17 TDs and 17 interceptions, completing 59.0%. Rushed for another 905 yards at 5.5 a carry and nine TDs. Also totaled 55 tackles, 14 pass breakups and two interceptions. Averaged 38.1 a punt and held on kicks. School's career leader in passing TDs (69) and second in passing yards (6,044).

Canton South head coach Matt Dennison holds up the regional championship trophy after defeating Struthers 35-13 on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Canton South head coach Matt Dennison holds up the regional championship trophy after defeating Struthers 35-13 on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Aidan Geer, Canton South

5-8, 215, senior

Top lineman for South team that went 14-1, won its first regional championship and produced its first 10-0 regular season. Helped Wildcats share last year's PAC-7 championship and win it outright this season after they suffered through 59-year league title drought. Dominating blocker as South averaged 38.6 points a game, passed for 3,793 yards and rushed for 3,120 yards. Added 19 tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks on defense.

Marlington quarterback Beau Himmelheber (2) with the ball surrounded by Alliance defenders, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Marlington quarterback Beau Himmelheber (2) with the ball surrounded by Alliance defenders, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Beau Himmelheber, Marlington

5-11, 175, senior

Caught 32 passes for 593 yards and seven TDs through first six weeks of the season. Then moved to quarterback when team's starter was injured. Threw for 397 yards, four TDs and one interception. Overall, rushed for 270 yards and seven TDs. Returned two punts for touchdowns and one fumble for a defensive TD. Scored 17 TDs overall for 6-4 Marlington. Holds school records for career receiving yards and career receiving TDs. Receiving mix of Division I and II college interest, including a preferred walk-on offer from Toledo.

Sandy Valley quarterback Nick Petro fights off the tackle of Malvern's Ryan Runyon in the first half, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
Sandy Valley quarterback Nick Petro fights off the tackle of Malvern's Ryan Runyon in the first half, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Nick Petro, Sandy Valley

6-3, 185, senior

Dual-threat QB bounced back from injury-plagued junior season to produce big senior year as a 2,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher. Threw for 2,002 yards, 19 TDs and five interceptions. Completed 59.7% of his passes. Ran for 1,402 yards at 8.4 a carry and 14 TDs. Also intercepted two passes and made 13 tackles as a defensive back. Returned one of the picks for a touchdown. Committed to play baseball for Walsh University.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Massillon's Chase Bond (92), Cody Fair (33) and Michael Wright Jr. (45) celebrate with the regional championship trophy after beating Green 31-6, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in North Canton.
Massillon's Chase Bond (92), Cody Fair (33) and Michael Wright Jr. (45) celebrate with the regional championship trophy after beating Green 31-6, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in North Canton.

Chase Bond, Massillon

6-4, 245, senior 

Edge rusher who blew up plays and ate up blockers for 16-0 state champion Massillon. Overall impact does not necessarily show up on stat sheet. Credited with 27 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 12 games. Returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown in Massillon's state semifinal win. Blocked punts in state final (setting up game's only TD) and regional final. Also played as a blocking tight end in jumbo offensive package. Committed to North Carolina State.

Sandy Valley receiver Chapin Greer reels in a pass in the first half with defense from Malvern's Rodney Smith at Malvern Friday, September 15, 2023.
Sandy Valley receiver Chapin Greer reels in a pass in the first half with defense from Malvern's Rodney Smith at Malvern Friday, September 15, 2023.

Chapin Greer, Sandy Valley

6-1, 175, senior 

Fast edge rusher who set a Sandy Valley single-season record with 17.5 sacks. Also totaled 22 tackles for loss for the 7-5 Cardinals. Made 64 tackles (40 solo) and had five QB hurries. Added 15 receptions for 225 yards and one touchdown.

Dover's quarterback Jack Judkins scrambles on a run as Canton South's Tyler Pugh makes the tackle, Friday, Aug. 25 at Clyde Brechbuhler Stadium in Canton.
Dover's quarterback Jack Judkins scrambles on a run as Canton South's Tyler Pugh makes the tackle, Friday, Aug. 25 at Clyde Brechbuhler Stadium in Canton.

Tyler Pugh, Canton South

6-0, 175, senior 

Two-way starter who never left field for 14-1 state semifinalist Canton South. Havoc-creating defensive end, with 83 tackles (60 solo), 19 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. Scored one defensive TD. Added 54 receptions for 685 yards and five TDs. Helped South to first 10-0 regular season and regional championship in program history.

Massillon Washington running back Mike Wright Jr. (45) reacts after scoring a touchdown during their state semi-final game against Anderson Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.
Massillon Washington running back Mike Wright Jr. (45) reacts after scoring a touchdown during their state semi-final game against Anderson Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

Michael Wright Jr., Massillon

5-10, 280, junior

Quick, powerful nose tackle. Spearheaded dominant Massillon defense that allowed 167.5 yards per game, including 40.6 rushing. Totaled 36 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 10.5 sacks as Tigers won Division II state championship. A three-year starter. Also utilized as a blocker and ball carrier in jumbo offensive package, scoring eight touchdowns and a 2-point conversion.

LINEBACKERS

Green's Antonio Martin fights the tackle of Lake's Charlie Christopher in the second half at Green Friday, October 20, 2023.
Green's Antonio Martin fights the tackle of Lake's Charlie Christopher in the second half at Green Friday, October 20, 2023.

Charlie Christopher, Lake

6-1, 220, junior 

Fast, wrecking-ball linebacker who led Lake in tackles for a second straight season. Totaled 128 tackles overall (90 solo), 13 tackles for loss and three sacks for a Lake defense that allowed 16.8 points per game. Intercepted two passes. Added four TDs as a short-yardage running back. Helped Lake to 21 combined wins the last two seasons. Holds Division I college offers from Toledo, Bowling Green, Miami of Ohio and Ball State.

Massillon's Cody Fair celebrates a first-half tackle at McKinley, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
Massillon's Cody Fair celebrates a first-half tackle at McKinley, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

Cody Fair, Massillon

6-2, 220, senior

Leading tackler for Massillon defense that allowed 7.3 points per game and two rushing touchdowns all season, guiding Tigers to 16-0 record and a Division II state championship. Totaled 82 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and five sacks. A 4.24 GPA student who holds college offers from Navy, Colgate and Ashland.

Massillon's Ricardo Wells works to fight off the tackle of Lake's Joseph Garro in the first half in their OHSAA Div. II regional semifinal game at Hoover High School Friday, Nov.10, 2023.
Massillon's Ricardo Wells works to fight off the tackle of Lake's Joseph Garro in the first half in their OHSAA Div. II regional semifinal game at Hoover High School Friday, Nov.10, 2023.

Joey Garro, Lake

6-1, 210, senior 

Another impact player on Lake's rugged defense. Led the Blue Streaks with 22 tackles for loss, second in sacks with 10 and third in total tackles with 92. Forced two fumbles. Played some tailback, averaging 6.2 yards a carry and scoring four TDs. Two-year starter, helping Lake to 21 wins in that span, including a share of first Federal League title in 24 years and a regional final appearance last season.

McKinley’s Shaukeer Hatcher (6) celebrates his pick six with Robert Brown (24) and Keith Quincy (11), which gave McKinley a 14-0 lead over St. Ignatius in their playoff game Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
McKinley’s Shaukeer Hatcher (6) celebrates his pick six with Robert Brown (24) and Keith Quincy (11), which gave McKinley a 14-0 lead over St. Ignatius in their playoff game Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

Shaukeer Hatcher, Canton McKinley

6-0, 190, senior

Versatile inside linebacker who could hit and cover. Northeast Inland District Division I Defensive Player of the Year. Leading tackler for Federal League champion McKinley with 123 stops, including 89 solo. Added three sacks and team-high 18 tackles for loss. Four interceptions, including one he returned 58 yards for a touchdown in playoff win against St. Ignatius. Forced two fumbles and registered a safety. Ran for 106 yards at 5.3 a carry, two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion in limited time at running back. Averaged 18.9 yards on kick returns.

Perry's Christian Ivanic eludes the tackle of McKinley's Detryk Daniels in the second half Friday, September 8, 2023.
Perry's Christian Ivanic eludes the tackle of McKinley's Detryk Daniels in the second half Friday, September 8, 2023.

Christian Ivanic, Perry

5-11, 160, senior 

Totaled 58 tackles and a team-high three interceptions for Perry (4-7), returning one of the picks for a touchdown. Finished with a team-high 10 tackles for loss. Forced a fumble and blocked a PAT kick. Inserted as wing-T fullback midseason and produced several big games, finishing with 965 yards at 7.8 a carry and nine TDs. Also caught team-high 11 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown. Returned a kickoff 90 yards for another score.

Canton South vs Glenville OHSAA high school football playoffs at Wadsworth High School Friday, November 24, 2023.
Canton South vs Glenville OHSAA high school football playoffs at Wadsworth High School Friday, November 24, 2023.

Landen Karovic, Canton South

5-11, 195, junior 

Leading tackler for 14-1 Canton South team that won program's first regional championship and produced its first 10-0 regular season. His 169 tackles were 83 more than closest teammate. Had 94 solo tackles and six tackles for loss. Recovered two fumbles.

McKinley’s Dante McClellan makes a reception in front of St. Ignatius’s Ryan Roche on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
McKinley’s Dante McClellan makes a reception in front of St. Ignatius’s Ryan Roche on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

Dante McClellan, Canton McKinley

6-2, 210, junior 

Impressive overall athlete who has 15 Division I college offers, including 10 Power Five offers from schools such as USC and Tennessee. Made 79 tackles, including 61 solo, for Federal League champion McKinley. Totaled two sacks, 13 tackles for loss, one interception and five pass breakups. Also caught 32 passes for 518 yard and two touchdowns.

Massillon's Dorian Pringle evades the tackle from McKinley's Geno Kelly (22) and Ja'Diss Jackson, Oct. 21, 2023.
Massillon's Dorian Pringle evades the tackle from McKinley's Geno Kelly (22) and Ja'Diss Jackson, Oct. 21, 2023.

Dorian Pringle, Massillon

6-0, 215, senior 

Two-time Northeast Inland District Co-Defensive Player of the Year in Division II. Led 16-0 state champion Massillon with 48 solo tackles and 24.5 tackles for loss despite missing three playoff games to a knee injury. Totaled 74 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and three recoveries. Blocked a PAT kick that helped Massillon beat St. Edward in Week 5. Also scored 14 touchdowns as a short-yardage back, totaling 246 yards at 4.9 a carry. Committed to Bowling Green.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

St. Thomas Aquinas' Nick Allen hits Central Catholic's Daniel Boron, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
St. Thomas Aquinas' Nick Allen hits Central Catholic's Daniel Boron, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Dan Boron, Canton Central Catholic

6-0, 180, senior

Northeast Inland District Division VI Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Versatile player who gained 1,783 all-purpose yards and scored 23 TDs for 7-5 Central. Ran for 703 yards at 6.7 a carry and 12 TDs. Caught 43 passes for 757 yards and nine TDs. (Also threw a TD pass.) Returned a punt for a score and had a defensive TD. Averaged 15.7 yards a punt return and 22.0 yards a kick return. Ran for a school-record 264 yards vs. Alliance. Led Central with four interceptions. Made 83 tackles, 58 of them first hits and four for loss. Averaged 38.0 yards a punt and kicked off for Central.

Jackson's Anthony Fuline (2) tries to evade a Green defender at Fife Stadium, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Jackson's Anthony Fuline (2) tries to evade a Green defender at Fife Stadium, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

Anthony Fuline, Jackson

6-0, 170, senior

Quick, smart cornerback picked off team-high four passes, returning three of them for TDs for Polar Bears (5-6). Broke up five other passes and made 32 tackles. Blocked two PATs. Jackson's leading receiver with 40 catches for 726 yards and six TDs.

McKinley’s Keith Quincy makes a reception in front of St. Ignatius’s Max Woidke for a touchdown to give McKinley a 21-3 lead Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
McKinley’s Keith Quincy makes a reception in front of St. Ignatius’s Max Woidke for a touchdown to give McKinley a 21-3 lead Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

Keith Quincy, Canton McKinley

6-2, 185, junior 

Long, athletic skill player who is not afraid to hit. Picked off a team-high six passes and returned one for a touchdown for Federal League champion McKinley (9-4). Made 30 tackles and forced a fumble. Also led Bulldogs in receiving with 51 catches for 970 yards and eight TDs. Handled McKinley's punting duties, averaging 35.2 yards an attempt. Holds an offer from Akron.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 2023 All-Stark County High School Football Team | Greater Canton