Hilliard Bradley quarterback Bradyn Fleharty ruled out for state semi because of injury
MANSFIELD — Hilliard Bradley had to play its first state semifinal without its Mr. Football finalist.
Senior quarterback Bradyn Fleharty, who has accounted for 4,170 yards and 49 total touchdowns in leading the Jaguars to Friday’s semifinal against two-time defending Division I state champion Lakewood St. Edward at Arlin Field, was ruled out after being injured at the end of a Region 3 final win over Upper Arlington.
Freshman Declan O’Neil started in Fleharty’s place.
Fleharty has passed for 2,810 yards and 32 touchdowns with six interceptions and run for another 1,360 yards and 17 scores. He scored the winning touchdown on a 2-yard run last week in double overtime as the Jaguars (13-1) beat Upper Arlington 35-28 at Historic Crew Stadium, but injured his left ankle on the play.
Fleharty, who told The Dispatch earlier in the week that he hoped to play Friday, is one of eight finalists for Mr. Football. He also was named Central District Offensive Player of the Year.
O’Neil has played in one game this season, completing all three of his pass attempts for 25 yards against Westerville Central on Sept. 1.
Friday’s winner plays Cincinnati Moeller or Springfield in the state final at 7:30 p.m. next Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Injury forces Bradley QB Bradyn Fleharty to miss state semifinal
