Utica’s Rowley, Heath’s Bayles take top Central District football honors

COLUMBUS — Licking County football teams caught the attention of central Ohio this fall, and top performers were honored Monday.

Utica’s Charlie Rowley was named Central District Division V Coach of the Year and Heath’s Brayden Bayles was selected as Division V Offensive Player of the Year by the area members of the Ohio Preps Sportswriters Association.

Rowley coached Utica to a 7-4 finish, the program’s first winning season since 2010. Utica qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2000.

Bayles led Heath to the Licking County League-Cardinal Division championship. He piled up 2,266 yards passing and 25 touchdowns and added 986 yards and 23 scores on the ground.

Heath teammates junior running back Connor Corbett and senior defensive end Daylen McIntyre joined Bayles on the first team. Utica seniors receiver Gavin Chinn and defensive lineman Dylan Cooperider also made the cut.

Newark senior quarterback Steele Meister was named to the Division I first team. He enjoyed a prolific season, playing a role in 35 TDs.

The Watkins Memorial trio of sophomore quarterback Drew Samsal, junior running back Gerald Banks and sophomore linebacker Rocco Paschal were named to the first team in Division II. Licking Heights junior linebacker Jake Lopinto joined them.

Granville put four players on the first team in Division III after finishing the regular season unbeaten and winning the LCL-Buckeye title. Versatile stars senior Dante Varrasso and sophomore Kyle Kirby made the list, as did juniors quarterback Beckett Long and offensive lineman Jackson Pelzer.

Licking Valley seniors quarterback Hayden Rodgers, kicker Jacob Wheeler and offensive lineman Matthew Lehman and junior linebacker Luke Conaway were a part of Licking County’s large contingent on the Division IV first team. Johnstown senior running back Kaynen Lindsey and junior offensive lineman Ben Rader joined them as did Lakewood seniors defensive lineman Keegan Jacks and defensive back Isaiah Mitchell.

Newark Catholic senior defensive lineman Nate Willis and junior running back Mikey Hess were named to the first team in Division VI. Northridge senior linebacker Drew Bingham joined them.

ALL-CENTRAL DISTRICT

The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association 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, 205, sr.; Bradyn Fleharty (Hilliard Bradley) 6-2, 195, sr.; Ethan Grunkemeyer (Olentangy) 6-3, 195, sr.; Jake Lowman (Delaware) 6-4, 210, sr.; Steele Meister (Newark) 6-4, 230, sr.; Matthew Papas (Grove City) 6-0, 175, sr. Running backs: Cole Dickerson (Lancaster) 6-1, 210, sr.; Diore Hubbard (Gahanna) 5-11, 190, sr. Receivers: Braydon Alford (Dublin Jerome) 5-9, 175, sr.; Austin Koslow (Delaware) 5-10, 155, sr.; Jackson Wiley (Olentangy) 6-0, 170, jr. Tight end: Gavin Grover (Olentangy) 6-7, 245, sr. Linemen: Jake Cook (Westerville North) 6-5, 290, jr.; Gavin Dabo (Grove City) 6-5, 285, sr.; Jake Grimm (Gahanna) 6-5, 302, sr.; Brendan Keener (Hilliard Darby) 6-2, 265, sr.; Kris Manu (Dublin Coffman) 6-4, 265, sr.; Nathan Potter (Marysville) 6-4, 245, sr. Kicker: Spencer Conrad (Olentangy Berlin) 6-0, 190, sr.

First-team defense

Backs: Terrance Alexander (Pickerington Central) 5-10, 170, sr.; Zach Corna (Upper Arlington) 5-11, 185, jr.; Cam Frazier (Gahanna) 5-10, 175, sr.; Jace Ninceheiser (Groveport) 5-11, 170, sr.; Dom Shaw (Pickerington Central) 6-3, 200, sr. Linebackers: Gabe Coffer (New Albany) 6-3, 185, jr.; Logan Frye (Delaware) 6-0, 215, sr.; Quan Rhodes-McKee (Gahanna) 6-0, 215, sr.; Ethen Tebbetts (Hilliard Bradley) 6-1, 205, sr. Linemen: Francis Brewu (Thomas Worthington) 6-2, 270, sr.; Nicholas Johnson (Marysville) 6-0, 225, sr.; Jalen Joyce (Groveport) 5-11, 255, jr.; Elijah King (Gahanna) 6-6, 220, sr.; Angelo McCullom (Pickerington North) 6-2, 285, sr.; Treyton Schroeder (Olentangy Orange) 5-10, 160, so.; Turner Schmidt (Hilliard Davidson) 6-4, 220, sr.; Daniel Stephens (Olentangy) 6-3, 250, so.; JD Thomas (Lancaster) 6-0, 195, sr. Punter: Carter Holden (Dublin Jerome) 6-2, 200, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Bradyn Fleharty (Hilliard Bradley)

Defensive player of the year: Angelo McCullom (Pickerington North)

Coach of the year: Wade Bartholomew (Olentangy)

Second-team offense

Quarterbacks: Jaystin Gwinn (Westerville Central) 6-1, 180, jr.; Quinn Hart (Dublin Coffman) 6-1, 185, sr.; Ronald Jackson (Westerville North) 5-11, 175, jr.; Andrew Leonard (Olentangy Liberty) 5-11, 180, jr.; Landon O’Connell (Pickerington North) 6-4, 215, sr.; Brennen Ward (Gahanna) 6-3, 205, jr. Running backs: Connor McClellan (Upper Arlington) 6-0, 200, sr.; Gunner Richards (Lancaster) 5-11, 175, sr. Receivers: Preston Bowman (Pickerington North) 5-11, 198, jr.; Elijah Harris (Westerville Central) 5-11, 165, so.; JJ King (Grove City) 6-0, 170, sr.; Aiden Llewellyn (Thomas Worthington) 6-1, 210, sr.; Drayson Peterson (Newark) 5-11, 170, jr.; Jalen Scott (Gahanna) 5-11, 160, sr. Tight end: AJ Miller (Pickerington North) 6-3, 233, sr. Linemen: Rex Lahr (Pickerington North) 6-2, 275, sr.; Elijah Lowden (New Albany) 6-2, 230, sr.; Justin Terry (Pickerington Central) 6-6, 315, sr. Kicker: Matt Schramm (Dublin Coffman) 6-0, 170, sr.

Second-team defense

Backs: Kaden Gebhardt (Olentangy) 6-1, 175, so.; Kelly Jackson (Pickerington North) 6-0, 184, sr.; Sammy Moloney (Dublin Coffman) 5-10, 180, sr.; Emoni Smith (Westland) 6-1, 170, so.; Mario Williams (Westerville Central) 5-11, 178, sr. Linebackers: Aiden Eviston (Olentangy Berlin) 6-0, 225, jr.; Brock Fisher (Olentangy Orange) 6-1, 205, sr.; Brayden Kohl (Hilliard Darby) 6-3, 220, sr.; Vanyn Fultz (Marysville) 6-0, 190, sr.; Austin Stamp (Olentangy Liberty) 5-11, 190, jr.; Caden Wilson (Hilliard Davidson) 6-2, 220, sr. Linemen: Jacob Biros (Olentangy Liberty) 6-2, 248, sr.; Keishaun Calhoun (Groveport) 6-3, 245, jr.; Julian Dandridge (Hilliard Bradley) 6-4, 235, sr.; Connor Dutton (Delaware) 6-3, 230, sr.; Brian Robinson (Westerville North) 6-5, 240, sr.; Dae’Yuan Thompson-Green (Pickerington Central) 6-1, 270, sr.; Cal Thrush (Upper Arlington) 6-4, 230, jr. Punter: Hessel Kirk (Upper Arlington) 6-1, 185, sr.

Special mention

Henry Anontvechrucks (Marysville); Michael Arinze Ezirim (Dublin Jerome); Austin Baker (Westerville North); Garrett Brown (Delaware); Hollis Burton (Reynoldsburg); Clay Carr (New Albany); Zach Caudill (Olentangy Berlin); Mikey Clark (Hilliard Davidson); Cam Cole (Olentangy Liberty); Levi Davis (Olentangy Orange); Brady Faller (Dublin Jerome); Logan Gardner (Thomas Worthington); George Gerber (Upper Arlington); Dominic Giannetto (Olentangy Berlin); Keevin Gibbon (Hilliard Davidson); Cooper Goble (Delaware); Damon Griffin (Reynoldsburg); Jayden Gwinn (Westerville Central); Myles Harrison (Pickerington Central); Easton Hill (Grove City); Raishad King (Groveport); Nicolaj Kisin (Hilliard Bradley); Kaedon Kline (Grove City); Andrew Kreakie (Westerville Central); Paul Knapke (Hilliard Davidson); Matt Krutowskis (Marysville); Rex Lahr (Pickerington North); Andrew Leech (Olentangy); Andrew Lewis (Hilliard Davidson); Jason Morbitzer (Hilliard Bradley); Carter Musgrove (Olentangy Orange); Joseph Owusu-Ansah (New Albany); Tommy Roberts (New Albany); Austin Rose (Newark); Cole Saneholtz (Dublin Jerome); Chase Selhorst (Olentangy); Jayden Steele (Westerville Central); Michael Taylor (Pickerington North); Ahmed Tounkara (Olentangy Berlin); Cam Turner (Reynoldsburg); Kyle White (Dublin Jerome); Rocco Williams (Pickerington Central).

Honorable mention

Kaejuan Alexander (Pickerington Central); Ayden Annarino (Pickerington North); Will Bartley (Olentangy); Zach Beckman (Dublin Coffman); Will Beinecke (Olentangy); Andy Boateng (Westerville Central); Isaiah Bowers (Thomas Worthington); Gavin Brinkmoeller (Delaware); Conner Bullen (Hilliard Davidson); Cole Compton (Upper Arlington); Carson Cox (Dublin Coffman); Alex Deschene (Olentangy Orange); Johnny DiBlasio (Hilliard Davidson); Kyle Davis (Olentangy); Terris Dudley (Hilliard Bradley); Lavon Edwards (Groveport); Tyson Flynn (Delaware); Toby Gage (Olentangy Liberty); Tyree Green (Reynoldsburg); Alex Irvin (Newark); Angelo Johnson (Olentangy Berlin); Aaron Heller (Pickerington Central); JT Hiltscher (Marysville); Terrell Holcomb (Gahanna); Cole Horvath (Hilliard Darby); Ray Jackson (Pickerington Central); Demetrius John (Dublin Coffman); Jack Kopachy (Newark); Jordan Matthews (Westland); Justin Matthews (Delaware); Andrew Miller (Hilliard Bradley); Kaiden Molnar (Hilliard Darby); Braylon Nowlin (Westerville North); Drew Remlinger (Hilliard Davidson); Wilson Roberts (Olentangy Liberty); Derick Ross (Pickerington North); Josh Russell (Delaware); Colin Scalise (Thomas Worthington); Peyton Schultz (Pickerington North); Kaden Seller (Hilliard Darby); Shane Seville (Newark); Kobe Sharpe (Olentangy Orange); Aidan Shipman (New Albany); Cale Snyder (Grove City); Jonathan Stevens (Westerville North); Amari Valerio-Hudson (Dublin Coffman); Sherone White (Pickerington Central); Corbin Wilson (Dublin Jerome); Preston Wolfe (Hilliard Bradley).

DIVISION II

First-team offense

Quarterbacks: Marquis Lucas (Walnut Ridge) 6-2, 218, so.; Drew Samsal (Watkins Memorial) 6-0, 165, so. Running backs: Jonny Askew (Mount Vernon) 5-10, 200, sr.; Gerald Banks (Watkins Memorial) 5-8, 180, jr.; David “Amir” Brown (Northland) 5-8, 170, sr.; Nequan Harris (Independence) 5-9, 165, so.; Nasir Phillips (Westerville South) 5-8, 185, sr.; Nate Severs (Big Walnut) 5-10, 193, sr. Receivers: Zion Moffett (Northland) 5-10, 160, sr.; Giovanni Rufus (Franklin Heights) 5-10, 172, jr.; Harrison Payne (Teays Valley) 5-10, 170, sr. Linemen: Tristan Arndt (Dublin Scioto) 6-4, 300, sr.; Titus Buoay (Independence) 6-1, 255, sr.; Abrem Igwebuike (St. Charles) 6-0, 235, sr.; Bry’neil Jones (Northland) 5-11, 290, sr.; David Sipke (Canal Winchester) 6-4, 305, sr. Kicker: Ryan Elliott (Big Walnut) 5-10, 183, sr.

First-team defense

Backs: Braylon Beckwith (Canal Winchester) 6-1, 185, sr.; Malik Kamara (Central Crossing) 6-1, 195, sr.; Garrett Stover (Big Walnut) 6-1, 210, sr. Linebackers: Harlee Hanna (Canal Winchester) 6-1, 225, sr.; Jake Lopinto (Licking Heights) 6-1, 200, jr.; Rocco Paschal (Watkins Memorial) 5-9, 210, so.; Ethan Schwallbauch (Teays Valley) 5-11, 200, jr.; Dylan Shoemaker (Westerville South) 5-10, 175, sr.; Max Shulaw (DeSales) 6-1, 220, sr. Linemen: Robin Briggs (Independence) 5-9, 250, sr.; Joseph Lacey (Whetstone) 6-8, 250, sr.; Ty Neubert (DeSales) 6-3, 250, jr.; Mike Williams (Marion Harding) 5-11, 240, sr.; Braydon Young (Canal Winchester) 5-10, 205, sr. Punter: Mike Woodyard (Mifflin) 5-10, 180, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Nate Severs (Big Walnut)

Defensive player of the year: Harlee Hanna (Canal Winchester)

Coach of the year: Ryan Sayers (Northland)

Second-team offense

Quarterback: LaQuealyn Battle (Whetstone) 6-1, 225, sr.; Jason Burton (Briggs) 5-8, 155, jr.; Ryan Mooney (St. Charles) 5-8, 160, jr.; Alex Stokes (Marion Harding) 6-2, 205, sr. Running backs: Aidan Fox (St. Charles) 5-8, 170, sr.; Damarion McClinton (Whetstone) 5-8, 150, sr. Receivers: Jahmere Johnson (West) 5-9, 155, jr.; Ryan Palmer (Briggs) 5-10, 150, sr.; Jaeden Ricketts (Watkins Memorial) 6-0, 181, so. Tight end: Raymond Scott-Holbolt (Marion Harding) 6-0, 198, jr. Linemen: Eli Hall (Big Walnut) 6-2, 282, jr.; Malakai Hammond (Northland) 5-10, 280, jr.; Nick Vance (DeSales) 6-2, 225, sr.; Matt Von Almen (Big Walnut) 6-1, 272, sr.

Second-team defense

Backs: Eli Cassidy (Canal Winchester) 6-0, 180, sr.; Isaiah Price (Briggs) 5-9, 165, sr.; Jordan Wheeler (Westerville South) 6-0, 175, sr. Linebackers: John Banks Jr. (Watkins Memorial) 5-11, 215, sr.; Kevin Bell (Northland) 6-0, 215, sr.; Tyler Bussard (Worthington Kilbourne) 5-11, 205, sr.; Nevin Densel (Dublin Scioto) 5-10, 190, so.; D’Angelo Goodrich (Licking Heights) 5-10, 155, sr.; Jacob Granick (Worthington Kilbourne) 6-0, 190, jr.; Colin Greenhalge (St. Charles) 6-0, 200, sr.; Justin Long (Marion Harding) 6-0, 200, jr.; Luke Mullins (Mount Vernon) 6-1, 210, so.; Sean Sheehan (Watkins Memorial) 5-11, 210, sr. Linemen: Aidan Ballard (Big Walnut) 5-10, 172, sr.; Zay Furman (Westerville South) 6-1, 230, sr.; Cameron Gwinn (DeSales) 6-2, 255, sr.; Mason Wellborn (Walnut Ridge) 6-1, 255, jr.; Ethan Whitt (Licking Heights) 6-3, 255, sr. Punter: Brendan Ballard (DeSales) 5-8, 165, sr.

Special mention

Dominic Birtha (Westerville South); Will Bratt (St. Charles); Reggie Crawford (Licking Heights); RJ Day (DeSales); Nakoda Densel (Dublin Scioto); Yahir Dominguez (Central Crossing); Elazar Hood (DeSales); Jerid Jackson-Rivera (Northland); Anthony Jalloh (Franklin Heights); Dai’Veonte Jefferson (Whetstone); Aaron Jenkins (Central Crossing); Tyler Kielmeyer (Westerville South); Tyreek Lewis (Northland); Robarje Magnus (Independence); Jake Nier (Big Walnut); Josiah Payne (Marion Harding); Leesean Saunders (Walnut Ridge); Jasir Smith (Northland); Alex Taylor (Mount Vernon); Alijah Toles (Independence); Luke White (Central Crossing).

Honorable mention

John Apel (Watkins Memorial); Antonio Armstead (Westerville South); Josiah Ayers (Licking Heights); Emarion Bell (West); Raesean Betton (DeSales); Seth Bias (Franklin Heights); Ondre Black (Independence); Joe Busey (Canal Winchester); Ray Crump (West); Carson Fraley (West); Justin Gneiting (Big Walnut); Eli Helton (Big Walnut); Israel Hernandez-Gomez (Dublin Scioto); Corey Howard (Canal Winchester); Preston Kawa (Westerville South); Kyle Kruskamp (Central Crossing); Michael Landry (Licking Heights); Marquis Long (Marion Harding); Ralph Merz (Watkins Memorial); Kian O’Ryan (Dublin Scioto); James Pugh (Briggs); Sawyer Russell (Big Walnut); Jayden Simpkins (Briggs); Jaydin Sowers (Whetstone); Donte Truss (Independence); Christian Turner (Walnut Ridge); Michael Walker (DeSales); Romans Ward (Briggs); Emmanual Watson (Whetstone); Mason Wemmer (Briggs); Eden Williams (Dublin Scioto).

DIVISION III

First-team offense

Quarterbacks: AJ McAninch (Watterson) 6-2, 195, sr.; Beckett Long (Granville) 6-0, 145, jr.; Ethan Thanthanavong (Bloom-Carroll) 6-0, 190, jr.; Josh Woods (Hamilton Township) 6-2, 190, sr. Running backs: Dylan Armentrout (Bloom-Carroll) 5-9, 185, sr.; Nadir Langston (Hamilton Township) 5-11, 175, sr.; Tyrell Russell (Beechcroft) 6-0, 165, jr. Receivers: Jovon McBride (Hamilton Township) 6-1, 160, so.; Matt Hall (Buckeye Valley) 5-10, 165, sr.; Khalil Samuel (Beechcroft) 5-10, 155, jr.; Jake Uhlenhake (Watterson) 6-2, 185, jr.; Jamie Wright (Bexley) 6-1, 170, sr. Linemen: Jaden Ball (Bloom-Carroll) 6-5, 303, sr.; Braden Ditello (London) 6-0, 220, sr.); Connor Fulton (London) 6-0, 230, sr.; Bryson Harr (Hamilton Township) 6-5, 250, sr.; Jackson Pelzer (Granville) 5-11, 255, jr.; Christian Taylor (South) 6-2, 254, sr. Kicker: Rudy Kessinger (Watterson) 6-0, 160, sr.

First-team defense

Backs: Brodyn Bishop (Bloom-Carroll) 6-2, 178, sr.; Zach Jones (London) 6-1, 205, sr.; Dante Varrasso (Granville) 6-1, 180, sr. Linebackers: Tristan Britch (Bloom-Carroll) 5-11, 195, sr.; Kyle Kirby (Granville) 6-1, 205, so.; Dominic Purcell (Watterson) 6-0, 190, sr.; Braxton Rundio (Watterson) 6-0, 205, sr. Linemen: Rashaun Hill (Beechcroft) 6-5, 255, sr.; Javion Jones-Cunningham (South) 6-1, 255, so.; Andrew Sims (London) 6-4, 245, sr. Punter: Noah Thomas (Watterson) 5-10, 165, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Nadir Langston (Hamilton Township)

Defensive player of the year: Dominic Purcell (Watterson)

Coach of the year: Tennyson Varney (Hamilton Township)

Second-team offense

Quarterback: Jackson Frey (Bexley) 6-2, 190, sr.; Nathan Huss (Buckeye Valley) 6-0, 170, so.; Aurelius Scott (Beechcroft) 5-10, 162, sr. Receivers: Gavin Benson (Bexley) 6-1, 170, sr.; Dwayne Jacobs Henry (Whitehall) 5-6, 130, sr. Linemen: Nate Kreuz (Watterson) 6-3, 260, sr.; Ian Rutherford (Granville) 6-3, 270, sr.; Kaden Shannon (Buckeye Valley) 5-10, 210, sr. Kicker: Treyton McKee (Bloom-Carroll) 5-11, 157, jr.

Second-team defense

Backs: Elliott Bauer (Watterson) 5-11, 175, sr.; Rashard “June” Turner (London) 5-10, 160, jr. Linebackers: Nick Morrow (Hamilton Township) 5-11, 190, sr.; Cooper Phillips (Granville) 6-0, 210, jr. Linemen: Azel Lunsford (Whitehall) 6-3, 185, sr.; CJ Youell (Watterson) 6-1, 190, jr.

Special/honorable mention

Matthew Anokwu (Whitehall); Kal-el Beverly-Akin (Hamilton Township); Rosean Burns (Beechcroft); Hunter Canney (London); Carter Cornelius (Bloom-Carroll); Tyrell Dansby (Beechcroft); DeWayne Davis (Centennial); Noah Fellure (London); Marcus Hemphill (Buckeye Valley); Brady Holt (Hamilton Township); Jayden Jarrell (Hamilton Township); Jeff Jones (Bloom-Carroll); Marqualyn Jones (Linden); Connor Lacy (London); Davaunte Lane (Whitehall); Cal Mangini (Watterson); Eldon Mars (London); Hayden Mays (Buckeye Valley); Chase Payne (London); Xzorion Pernell (Centennial); Damian Roby (London); Jayse Rockwood (Bloom-Carroll); Ta’John Royster (Linden); Jonnathan Sexton (London); Garrett Slater (Buckeye Valley); Michael Stevenson (Bloom-Carroll); Park Truex (Bloom-Carroll); Zack Weber (Watterson).

DIVISION IV

First-team offense

Quarterbacks: Terry Black (Marion-Franklin) 6-2, 185, sr.; Chase Ebert (River Valley) 6-1, 195, jr.; Hayden Rodgers (Licking Valley) 6-1, 185, sr. Running backs: Taizuan Burns (East) 6-0, 165, jr.; Tito Glass (Marion-Franklin) 6-3, 230, sr.; Cameron Jewell (Jonathan Alder) 6-0, 195, sr.; Robert Lathon (Hartley) 6-0, 210, so.; Kaynen Lindsay (Johnstown) 5-10, 165, sr.; Kentrell Rinehart (Ready) 6-1, 205, jr. Receivers: Ryan Perry (Hartley) 6-0, 185, sr.; Keyan Shidone (River Valley) 5-9, 160, sr. Linemen: Jake Beatty (Hartley) 6-4, 260, so.; Andrew Heisler (Jonathan Alder) 6-4, 315, sr.; Keegan Jacks (Lakewood) 6-1, 280, sr.; Jude Kusan (Ready) 6-2, 280, sr.; Matthew Lehman (Licking Valley) 6-3, 270, sr.; Tylar Mix (Ready) 6-4, 330, sr.; Ben Rader (Johnstown) 6-2, 300, jr. Kicker: Jacob Wheeler (Licking Valley) 6-1, 165, sr.

First-team defense

Backs: Johann Boeckl (Jonathan Alder) 6-0, 185, sr.; Marsean Bowles (East) 5-7, 130, jr.; Dawayne Galloway (Marion-Franklin) 6-1, 175, jr.; Fidelis Imojah (Hartley) 6-0, 185, jr.; Isaiah Mitchell (Lakewood) 5-10, 170, sr.; Joey Wooten (Hartley) 6-0, 200, sr.; Linebackers: Luke Conaway (Licking Valley) 6-0, 170, jr.; Denim Cook (Hartley) 6-4, 230, jr.; Conlon Dent (Ready) 6-0, 189, jr.; Treyton Mercer (River Valley) 6-0, 200, sr.; Ty Moore (Jonathan Alder) 6-3, 215, sr.; Tyson Waddle (River Valley) 5-10, 200, jr.; Jay Zang (Hartley) 6-0, 210, so. Linemen: Alex Boggs (Jonathan Alder) 6-2, 220, sr.; Donovan Davis (Hartley) 6-1, 275, sr.; Anthony Kroninger (Jonathan Alder) 6-2, 195, jr.; Anthony Shields (East) 6-4, 212, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Kentrell Rinehart (Ready)

Defensive player of the year: Donovon Davis (Hartley)

Coach of the year: TJ Burbridge (Ready)

Special/honorable mention

Kasen Abbott (Ready); JD Catena (Ready); Carter Creeden (River Valley); Donavan Delph (Eastmoor Academy); Winston Eusebio (Eastmoor Academy); Matt Galich (Hartley); Zach Gantz (Jonathan Alder); Diego Hansard (East); Jacob Hochanadel (Johnstown); Grant Horne (Jonathan Alder); Jeremiah Johnson (Eastmoor Academy); Jeremiah Jones (Marion-Franklin); Ayden Kenney (River Valley); Brendan Laret (Hartley); Ethan Lyon (River Valley); Sam Marasek (Johnstown); Trent Markus (Licking Valley); Xavier Martin-Fuller (Hartley); Darion Matlock (East); Kolton Milisor (River Valley); Dalton Miller (Ready); Evan Montgomery (Ready); Jacob Myers (Johnstown); Levi Osborne (Johnstown); Titan Priest (Licking Valley); Rory Alston (Hartley); Keyon Shaver (Marion-Franklin); Landon Smith (Johnstown); Brody Thompson (Johnstown); Donovan Tucker (Hartley); Malik Tufts (Hartley); Anthony Wallace (Marion-Franklin); Scottie Wallace (Jonathan Alder); Sean Wilkes (East); Bryson Winbush (Hartley); Steven Wood (Eastmoor Academy).

DIVISION V

First-team offense

Quarterback: Brayden Bayles (Heath) 6-0, 180, sr.; Owen Lowry (Pleasant) 6-1, 185, jr. Running backs: Connor Corbett (Heath) 5-7, 180, jr.; Dane Nauman (Highland) 6-0, 215, sr.; Greyson Thomas (Columbus Academy) 6-1, 210, sr. Receivers: Gavin Chinn (Utica) 6-0, 160, sr.; Jacob Corwin (Worthington Christian) 5-10, 175, jr.; Kaden Reichenbach (Highland) 6-4, 175, jr. Linemen: Brady Henry (Pleasant) 6-3, 260, jr.; Rylan Keever (North Union) 6-1, 249, sr.; Cameron Koelbl (Fredericktown) 5-10, 265, sr.; Ezecheil Teshome (Harvest Prep) 6-1, 240, jr.; Nick Tiberi (Columbus Academy) 5-10, 200, sr.

First-team defense

Backs: Caleb Anthony (Africentric) 5-8, 165, so.; Chris Brown (Harvest Prep) 6-1, 175, sr.; Gabe Davis-Ray (Columbus Academy) 6-0, 160, so.; Nolan Draper (North Union) 5-11, 172, sr.; Jesse Rings (Centerburg) 5-10, 165, sr. Linebackers: Marchello Cox (Harvest Prep) 5-11, 205, sr.; Ladon Hayes (Highland) 6-1, 228, sr.; Mekhi Johnson (Africentric) 6-2, 190, sr.; Dezmond Porter (Harvest Prep) 6-1, 220, so.; Conner Smith (Pleasant) 6-1, 200, sr.; Linemen: Dylan Cooperider (Utica) 6-1, 300, sr.; Elijah Lambert (Harvest Prep) 6-0, 195, sr.; Slade McClaskey (Liberty Union) 6-4, 250, sr.; Daylen McIntyre (Heath) 5-10, 166, sr.; Sam Mentzer (Pleasant) 5-10, 180, jr.; Talil Spikes (Africentric) 6-2, 250, jr.; Ryne Whitt (Columbus Academy) 6-2, 210, sr. Punter: Carter Skaggs (North Union) 6-3, 174, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Brayden Bayles (Heath)

Defensive player of the year: Caleb Anthony (Africentric)

Coach of the year: Charlie Rowley (Utica)

Second-team offense

Quarterbacks: Hayden Piper (Utica) 6-0, 190, jr.; Hobie Raikes (Worthington Christian) 5-8, 165, sr.; Noah Shook (Liberty Union) 6-3, 190, jr.; Kolton Stover (Highland) 6-3, 175, jr. Running back: Justin Giffin (Utica) 5-10, 180, sr. Receivers: Aiden Smith (Pleasant) 6-0, 155, jr.; Mason Turske (Centerburg) 5-11, 165, sr. Tight end: Conner Toomey (Heath) 6-0, 170, sr. Offensive linemen: Chase Armstead (Heath) 5-9, 270, sr.; Andre Priest (Worthington Christian) 6-0, 208, sr.; Jalon Ray (Harvest Prep).

Second-team defense

Backs: Tyler Krebehenne (North Union) 5-8, 145, jr.; Colby Stoughton (Madison-Plains) 5-11, 150, jr. Linemen: MJ Jackson (Columbus Academy) 6-2, 210, jr.; Chase Johnson (Africentric) 6-0, 235, jr.; Cameron Osborne (North Union) 5-8, 232, sr.; EJ Pierce (Harvest Prep) 6-0, 200, sr. Linebackers: Tanner Affolter (Amanda-Clearcreek) 5-10, 180, jr.; Tyler Collura (Utica) 5-10, 175, sr.; Tannar Patterson (Heath) 5-11, 190, jr.; Lane Warner (Fredericktown) 5-8, 160, sr.; Dax Zartman (Worthington Christian) 5-11, 190, sr. Punters: Drew Dossman (Amanda-Clearcreek) 6-3, 210, sr.; Logen Fisher (Utica) 5-11, 150, sr.

Special/honorable mention

Cam Alloway (Centerburg) 5-9, 200, sr.; Justin Alpert (Columbus Academy); Christian Anthony (Harvest Prep); Johnny Bauman (Worthington Christian); Chase Bennett (Utica); Elijah Brown (Harvest Prep); Logan Bush (Madison-Plains); Zach Church (Highland); Marcus Colvin (Harvest Prep); Paul Gould (Heath); Kaden Green (Heath); Trevin Harris (Centerburg); Grant Hartley (Fredericktown); Luke Hermiz (Worthington Christian); Sam Hernandez (Highland); JJ Holloway (Heath); Carson James (Columbus Academy); Mikey Jauchius (Columbus Academy); Tommy Jauchius (Columbus Academy); Hayden Kline (Highland); Caylan LeMaster (Centerburg); Ian Miller (Heath); Jordan Moore (Fredericktown); Landon O’Donnell (Pleasant); Cirk Parker (Fredericktown); Reece Shriner (Heath); Blake Sipes (Fredericktown); Peter Smith (Amanda-Clearcreek); Peyton Smith (Madison-Plains); Noah Sprague (Heath); Jace Trachtenberg (Pleasant); Jaylon Turner (Africentric); Gavin Tussey (Utica); Grayson Tyo (Utica); Nathan Wansik (Pleasant); Shavez Watkins (Harvest Prep); Maverick Webb (Madison-Plains); Trey Whiteside (Harvest Prep); Nick Yakam (Columbus Academy); Jack Yeoman (Columbus Academy).

DIVISION VI

First-team offense

Quarterbacks: AJ Bower (Northmor) 6-1, 175, jr.; Austin Buescher (West Jefferson) 6-4, 165, so. Running backs: Cayden Carroll (Grove City Christian) 5-10, 175, jr.; Wyatt Denney (Cardington) 5-7, 175, so.; Quentin Harrison (Elgin) 5-10, 175, jr.; Mikey Hess (Newark Catholic) 5-11, 185, jr.; Henry Ohlinger (Grandview) 6-1, 205, so. Receivers: Mason Book (West Jefferson) 6-2, 180, sr.; Bracen Davis (East Knox) 5-9, 140, sr.; Cameron Pearson (West Jefferson) 5-10, 150, sr.; Jax Wenger (Northmor) 6-2, 185, jr. Linemen: Alex Dolby (East Knox) 6-2, 250, sr.; Joseph Kean (West Jefferson) 6-3, 250, sr.; Hayden Krinn (Mount Gilead) 6-0, 255, sr.; Jaden Patterson (Grove City Christian) 6-3, 320, jr.; Russell Sherman (Elgin) 6-1, 250, sr. Kicker: Caleb Schnuerer (Northmor) 6-0, 190, sr.

First-team defense

Backs: Hunter Fulk (Northmor) 5-10, 150, sr.; AJ Landon (Fairbanks) 6-0, 180, sr.; Owen Nugent (Grandview) 5-9, 150, so. Linebackers: Drew Bingham (Northridge) 6-1, 160, sr.; Blake Elliott (East Knox) 5-11, 190, jr.; Wyatt Keyt (West Jefferson) 5-7, 150, jr.; Landon Shepard (Elgin) 6-3, 215, jr. Linemen: Braddock Lusher (Grandview) 6-2, 220, jr.; Holtz Maine (Fairbanks) 6-2, 225, jr.; Nels Van Gundy (Elgin) 6-3, 190, sr.; Nate Willis (Newark Catholic) 6-2, 240, sr. Punter: Cam Vickers (Mount Gilead) 6-2, 170, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Austin Buescher (West Jefferson)

Defensive player of the year: Blake Elliott (East Knox)

Coach of the year: Jason Peters (Grandview)

Special/honorable mention

Nicholas Armrose (Northmor); Ayden Banks (Grove City Christian); Cooper Bauer (Grandview); Brett Bogenrife (West Jefferson); Dylan Britt (Northmor); Jacob Brown (Elgin); Carson Campbell (Northmor); Shane Carpenter (Mount Gilead); Stephen Castillo-Carey (Elgin); Gary Chaffin-Waltz (Grandview); Joey Couzins (Newark Catholic); Paul Cramer (Northmor); Austin Dahmer (Grove City Christian); Coby Dellinger (Fairbanks); Corbin Dick (Grove City Christian); Shane Gardner (East Knox); Jacob Garmen (Grove City Christian); Warren Garrison (Cardington); Cameron Goldback (Northmor); Kayden Gwilym (Cardington); Bryar Householder (East Knox); Will Jensen (East Knox); Kyle Kukura (Grandview); Josh Lautenschleger (Grove City Christian); Bo Landin (Northmor); Jaxon Lester (East Knox); Kaiden Luikhart (Elgin); Tristan Musgrave (Newark Catholic); Andy Orrell (Grove City Christian); Jordan Ortega (Grove City Christian); Jameson Rausch (Fairbanks); Jake Sakash (Grandview); Landen Sams (Grove City Christian); Mitchell Sayers (Mount Gilead); Gabe Simpson (Mount Gilead); Jackson Stage (Fairbanks); Raffi Stauffer (Fairbanks); Braxton Stone (West Jefferson); Theo Talbott (Newak Catholic); Ryan Tucker (Grandview); Owen Warner (West Jefferson); Kelly Wendt (Newark Catholic); Luke West (West Jefferson); Riley Wheeler (Northridge).

DIVISION VII

First-team offense

Quarterbacks: Austin Bauer (Columbus Crusaders) 6-4, 175, sr.; Grant Keefer (Fisher Catholic) 5-11, 159, jr.; Jayden Roland (Mechanicsburg) 5-9, 175, sr. Running backs: Danny Blair (Fairfield Christian) 5-10, 175, jr.; Cole Delaughder (Danville) 6-2, 215, sr. Receivers: Rusty Hutchinson (Fairfield Christian) 5-5, 140, so.; Hyde O’Reilly (Fisher Catholic) 6-3, 183, sr. Linemen: Wyatt Adams (Berne Union) 6-1, 180, sr.; Gavyn Lepley (Danville) 5-10, 225, sr.

First-team defense

Backs: Bryer Boeshart (Danville) 6-0, 195, sr.; Walker Weckesser (Danville) 5-11, 160, sr.; Jason Wells (Millersport) 6-0, 150, so. Linebackers: Jericho Etok (Columbus Crusaders) 6-1, 200, sr.; Simon Messerly (Fisher Catholic) 6-3, 184, sr.; Lane Poland (Mechanicsburg) 6-2, 165, sr.; Nathan Thiel (Ridgedale) 6-3, 195, sr. Linemen: Kaleb Debrah (Fairfield Christian) 5-8, 165, so.; Caleb Lucas (Danville) 6-2, 215, jr.; Evan Ricketts (Ridgedale) 6-4, 195, so.; Brayden Townsend (Ridgedale) 6-3, 205, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Danny Blair (Fairfield Christian)

Defensive player of the year: Walker Weckesser (Danville)

Coach of the year: Corey Chatman (Ridgedale)

Special/honorable mention

Mykell Andrews (Columbus Crusaders); TJ Blair (Fairfield Christian); Aidan Burke (Danville); Braedon Buxton (Mechanicsburg); Josh Byers (Danville); Dom Carter (Columbus Crusaders); Kendall Carter (Danville); Denver Caudill (Mechanicsburg); Blake Colopy (Danville); Luke Cutright (Berne Union); Ray Davenport (Berne Union); Michael Deas (Ridgedale); Jacob Eiginger (Millersport); Ezrah Embrey (Fairfield Christian); Dylan Finefrock (Berne Union); Brody Fultz (Ridgedale); Prestyn Griffith (Mechanicsburg); Cody Homan (Berne Union); Landon Murphy (Ridgedale); Wyatt Nissley (Danville); Peyton Owens (Fisher Catholic); Wesley Payne (Danville); Eli Potter (Mechanicsburg); Cody Ricketts (Danville); J.J. Slaughterbeck (Ridgedale); Liam Smith (Mechanicsburg); Jarett Thompson (Berne Union); Sa’Mauri Tutstone (Columbus Crusaders); John Walters (Columbus Crusaders); Gabe Welsh (Fairfield Christian); Colton Woodgeard (Berne Union); Brock Wright (Millersport); 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: Utica’s Rowley, Heath’s Bayles take Central District football honors