Johnstown’s Hunter Alley (44) and Alex Catalogna (70) take down a Newark Catholic ball carrier during a game earlier this season.

JOHNSTOWN – Hunter Alley did not finalize his decision to play football until late in this past offseason.

Since the Johnstown junior has gotten onto the field, however, he has been nothing but decisive. Alley’s play at end has helped the defense keep up its end of the bargain during the Johnnies’ unbeaten season.

“I decided to play, and it has really turned out well for me,” Alley said. “I wasn’t really feeling it. I wanted some time off, but I am glad I played. I love all of these guys. … I can’t wait (for Saturday).”

Johnstown (11-0) plays St. Clairsville (9-1) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Zanesville’s Sulsberger Stadium in a Division IV regional semifinal. Steubenville (10-0) and Salem (10-1) play in the other semifinal.

The Johnnies got win No. 11 by finally subduing Meadowbrook, 35-22, this past Saturday. The Colts had five plays of 16 yards or more, but they also lost yardage on 13 plays against the aggressive Johnstown defense.

“We were getting kind of mad out there, but we can fix that,” Alley said. “Our team is pretty tight.”

Alley had three tackles for loss, including a sack, during the second half just as it appeared Meadowbrook was finding a rhythm.

“I am trying to make plays. That is all I can do,” said Alley, who has a team-high 15 sacks this season.

Alley, classmate Brandon Siegfried and senior Cody Blevins fit the Johnstown mold for defensive ends. They are long and athletic, getting into passing lanes and keeping running backs from turning the corner.

“He’s a real competitor,” Johnstown coach Mike Carter said of Alley. “He is a strong kid, has long arms and a motor that keeps on running. We are really happy with the way he is playing and the effort he gives.”

St. Clairsville’s Brendan Ferns, one of the top linebacker recruits in the country, showed his all-around talent against Licking Valley. He scored on two short touchdowns runs in a 22-3 victory.

Ferns and Jake Stewart are a two-man wrecking crew that has helped the Red Devil defense create more than 30 turnovers this season.

The Johnnies have not been quite so opportunistic, but the first-string defense has allowed more than one touchdown in just two games this season.

“The most important thing is to give forth great effort, keep a positive attitude, stay close as a team and get the victory because of it,” Carter said.

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8556

Twitter: @newarkurt

COLUMBUS – The 2015 Associated Press All-Central District football teams, as selected by a media panel from the district:

DIVISION I

First team

Offense

Ends-Martee Morse, Reynoldsburg, 6-foot-11, 185 pounds, sr.; Jacob O’Donnell, Lewis Center Olentangy, 6-0, 175, sr.; Noah Stephens, Grove City Central Crossing, 6-4, 205, sr. Linemen-A.J. Arcuri, Powell Olentangy Liberty, 6-6, 250, sr.; Kyle Bessen, Hilliard Davidson, 6-0, 275, sr.; Luke Campbell, Lewis Center Olentangy, 6-4, 270, sr.; Alex Gellerstedt, Dublin Coffman, 6-7, 278, sr.; Gunnar Vogel, Westerville South, 6-6, 285, sr. Quarterback-Deeb Haber, Lewis Center Olentangy, 6-2, 190, sr. Backs-Ryan Fitchpatrick, Lancaster, 5-10, 225, sr.; Jaelen Gill, Westerville South, 6-0, 170, so.; Benny Snell, Westerville Central, 6-0, 212, sr. Kicker-Brady Whittekind, Hilliard Bradley, 6-0, 175, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Jonathon Cooper, Gahanna Lincoln, 6-4, 235, sr.; Chris Crumb, Lewis Center Olentangy, 6-1, 265, sr.; Dillon Denault, Lancaster, 6-3, 245, sr.; Kameron Teacher, Grove City Central Crossing, 6-1, 265, sr. Linebackers-Braeden Hook, Hilliard Darby, 6-1, 195, sr.; Isaac McKinney, Dublin Coffman, 6-0, 180, sr.; Ryan Tuchow, Hilliard Davidson, 5-11, 205, sr.; Chris Wall, Hilliard Bradley, 5-10, 200, sr. Backs-Seth Currens, Pickerington Central, 6-3, 215, sr.; Troy Speakman, Grove City Central Crossing, 6-0, 165, sr.; Brendon White, Powell Olentangy Liberty, 6-1, 195, jr.; Marcus Williamson, Westerville South, 5-10, 170, jr. Punter-Nathan Snyder, Marysville, 6-4, 210, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Benny Snell, Westerville Central.

Defensive player of the year: Jonathon Cooper, Gahanna Lincoln.

Coach of the year: Buddy White, Reynoldsburg.

Second team

Offense

Ends-Eric Bradford, Dublin Coffman, 5-7, 160, sr.; Kory Taylor, Hilliard Bradley, 6-5, 195, so.; Johnny Wiseman, Powell Olentangy Liberty, 5-10, 160, so. Linemen-Drew Cockerham, Pickerington Central, 6-3, 275, sr.; Dylan Day, Hilliard Davidson, 6-1, 210, sr.; Keegan Ferrell, Hilliard Darby, 5-10, 250, jr.; C.J. Johnson, Upper Arlington, 6-4, 285, sr.; Luke Sheridan, Lancaster, 6-2, 240, jr. Quarterback-Nick Powers, Hilliard Darby, 6-2, 195, sr. Backs-Colter Bass, Grove City Central Crossing, 5-11, 180, sr.; Danny Logan, Upper Arlington, 6-0, 190, sr.; Ryan Royer, Hilliard Davidson, 5-10, 189, jr. Kicker-Jacob Bell, Lewis Center Olentangy, 6-1, 175, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Nigel Chatman, Reynoldsburg, 6-0, 255, sr.; Jake Harms, Hilliard Darby, 6-0, 210, sr.; Cole Pirwitz, Upper Arlington, 6-4, 240, sr.; Steven Wolfe, Marysville, 6-1, 220, jr. Linebackers-Jaylin Bannerman, Pickerington Central, 6-5, 215, sr.; Eric Deluse, Lancaster, 6-1, 200, sr.; Griffin Grady, Dublin Coffman, 6-3, 205, sr.; Andrew Kozman, Hilliard Davidson, 6-0, 195, sr. Backs-Jordin Brown, Grove City, 6-0, 180, sr.; Tyrece Speaight, Upper Arlington, 5-11, 190, sr.; Ashton Walker, Lancaster, 5-7, 150, sr.; Andrew Wallace, Westerville Central, 6-2, 195, sr. Punter-Tanner Harding, Gahanna Lincoln, 5-10, 170, sr.

Special mention

Cael Baker, Gahanna Lincoln; Nathan Barko, Reynoldsburg; Noah Burk, Pickerington Central; EJ Caldwell, Upper Arlington; Jeremiah Campbell, Gahanna Lincoln; Clay Carrel, Galloway Westland; Jalen Carter-Henley, Westerville Central; J.D. Dayhuff, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange; Derek Dunnagan, Hilliard Bradley; Ryan Edwards, Lancaster; Jimmy Elmurr, Lewis Center Olentangy; Jeremy Ford, Grove City; Drew Hawley, Pickerington Central; Zack Hazlett, Dublin Jerome; Gunnar Hoak, Dublin Coffman; Tyler Houston, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange; Jordan Humphrey, Westerville South; Jake Kaiser, Grove City Central Crossing; Joe Kendrick, Dublin Coffman; Ryan Kennedy, Westerville Central; Alex Lando, Powell Olentangy Liberty; Robert LeFevre, Hilliard Davidson; Tyler Lichter, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange; Cole Mathias, Reynoldsburg; Devon McMillin, Pickerington Central; Tre Morgan, Grove City; Vince Murdocco, Upper Arlington; Mason Myers, Upper Arlington; Will Phillis, Hilliard Bradley; JAYME RANDOLPH, NEWARK; Jared Rapp, Hilliard Bradley; CHASE RICHARDSON, NEWARK; Brady Rothgeb, Dublin Coffman; Travis Sanders, Thomas Worthington; Blake Sawicki, Hilliard Darby; Mason Schmeling, Hilliard Darby; Pierce Scott, Marysville; Blake Skuratowicz, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange; Drew Smith, Lancaster; Caleb Stoneburner, Dublin Coffman; Zac Uphouse, Hilliard Davidson; Deric Williamson, Grove City Central Crossing; Cameron Young, Reynoldsburg.

Honorable mention

Obi Anunike, Lewis Center Olentangy; Ryan Beardsley, Dublin Coffman; Rahim Benton, Lewis Center Olentangy; Nate Brock, Powell Olentangy Liberty; Nick DeWolf, Hilliard Bradley; Abdul Diallo, Galloway Westland; Alex Draime, Lewis Center Olentangy; Will Fowler, Powell Olentangy Liberty; Connor Gessells, Pickerington North; ASHTON GILKEY, NEWARK; Trenton Gillison, Pickerington Central; Shea Goss, Lancaster; Jack Hamilton, Dublin Coffman; Thomas Henderson, Dublin Jerome; Xavier Henderson, Pickerington Central; Jack Klein, Hilliard Davidson; B.J. James, Pickerington North; Jacob Jenkusky, Lewis Center Olentangy; Cole Kaparos, Upper Arlington; Cam Kennedy, Lewis Center Olentangy; Casey Kirk, Dublin Coffman; Charlie Kneessi, Thomas Worthington; Daniel Kreuzer, Westerville Central; Willie Lewis, Hilliard Darby; Daniel Lex, Dublin Jerome; Michael Lowery, Pickerington North; Blake Luebben, Grove City Central Crossing; Chris Lyles, Thomas Worthington; Gavin Lyon, Westerville Central; Trey Mayes, Galloway Westland; Nic Melsop, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange; Matt Mickens, Galloway Westland; Josh Miller, Dublin Jerome; Christian Miranda, Grove City Central Crossing; Koran Montague, Grove City Central Crossing; Seth O’Neal, Lewis Center Olentangy; Lekan Oseni, Grove City Central Crossing; Ryan Peoples, Grove City Central Crossing; Drew Rosi, Powell Olentangy Liberty; Jacob Ross, Hilliard Davidson; James Schneider, Westerville Central; Adjrain Settler, Galloway Westland; Mason Shimmel, Grove City Central Crossing; Tremayne Smith, Gahanna Lincoln; Tim Sullivan, Grove City; Julien Turner, Pickerington North; Albert Van Fossen, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange; Zach Wachalec, Westerville South; Jeremiah Wood, Pickerington Central.

DIVISION II

First team

Offense

Ends-Nate Davis, Mount Vernon, 5-9, 165, sr.; Seth Dawkins, Columbus Franklin Heights. 6-3, 205, sr.; ALEX MILES, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 6-4, 190, SR. Tight end-Tarik Wright, Columbus Walnut Ridge, 6-3, 258, sr. Linemen-JORDAN COULTER, LICKING HEIGHTS, 6-2, 260, JR.; Ethan Hale, Sunbury Big Walnut, 6-2, 270, sr.; Tommy Lee, New Albany, 6-2, 240, sr.; Michael Robinson, Columbus Briggs, 6-3, 275, sr.; Carson Van Lynn, Worthington Kilbourne, 6-6, 230, jr. Quarterback-WESTLEY BRANDON, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 6-3, 190, SR. Backs-Brenden Knox, Columbus Franklin Heights, 6-0, 205, jr.; Victor White, New Albany, 5-9, 175, jr.; Isaiah Young, Worthington Kilbourne, 5-10, 190, sr. Kicker-Cory Barnett, Ashville Teays Valley, 6-1, 175, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Neal Davis, Ashville Teays Valley, 6-1, 285, sr.; Taylor Hill, Columbus St. Charles, 6-1, 240, sr.; Je’Len Olbrantz, Canal Winchester, 6-4, 250, sr.; Antonio Shelton, Westerville North, 6-3, 275, sr. Linebackers-Malik Harrison, Columbus Walnut Ridge, 6-4, 215, sr.; Domonique Powers, Columbus Northland, 6-1, 200, sr.; Jordan Scott, Marion Harding, 6-3, 230, sr.; Ethan Tucky, Delaware Hayes, 6-3, 230, sr. Backs-Michael Ayers, Columbus Walnut Ridge, 6-3, 180, jr.; CAMERON JOHNSON, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 6-0, 165, SR.; Davionn Johnson, Columbus St. Charles, 5-11, 170, jr.; LONDON PEARSON, LICKING HEIGHTS, 6-0, 180, SR. Punter-Thomas Wilson, Worthington Kilbourne, 5-9, 205, so.

Offensive player of the year: Seth Dawkins, Columbus Franklin Heights

Defensive player of the year: Ethan Tucky, Delaware Hayes

Coach of the year: DARREN WATERS, LICKING HEIGHTS

Second team

Offense

Ends-Jeremiah Jackson, Columbus Mifflin, 6-0, 185, so.; Cam Marshall, Columbus Briggs, 5-7, 140, sr.; GARTH MEDORS, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 5-8, 155, JR. Linemen-Arius Griffin, Columbus Walnut Ridge, 6-3, 310, jr.; Dan Jones, Canal Winchester, 6-3, 250, jr.; Patrick McPherson, Columbus St. Charles, 6-2, 290, sr.; Tyler Poeschel, Columbus Briggs, 6-1, 290, sr.; Brian Zimmerman, Dublin Scioto, 5-10, 245, jr. Quarterback-Mason Williams, Mount Vernon, 6-3, 190, sr. Backs-Titus Douglas, Marion Harding, 5-9, 155, so.; Josh Stoner, Worthington Kilbourne, 5-11, 195, sr.; Byron White, Columbus West, 6-0, 190, sr. Kicker-COREY HARE, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 5-10, 185, SR.

Defense

Linemen-Brandon Evans, Ashville Teays Valley, 6-2, 230, sr.; Keyan Herrell, Marion Harding, 6-4, 230, sr.; ZACH JENKINS, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 6-3, 270, SR.;REX MILES, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 6-3, 190, SR. Linebackers-Colton Carroll, Ashville Teays Valley, 5-11, 185, sr.; L.A. KELLY, LICKING HEIGHTS, 6-1, 190, JR.; Jayson Little, Groveport Madison, 5-11, 215, jr.; Andrew Malick, Westerville North, 6-0, 210, sr. Backs-BOBBY BROOMFIELD, WATKINS MEMORIAL, 6-2, 180, SR.; Josh Hyatt, Delaware Hayes, 6-3, 185, sr.; Eric Klopfenstein, New Albany, 6-4, 185, sr.; NATE THACKER, LICKING HEIGHTS, 5-10, 175, SR. Punter-Will Groeber, Columbus St. Charles, 5-10, 165, sr.

Special mention

Dylan Akers, Columbus Franklin Heights; GABE CALDWELL, LICKING HEIGHTS; Davey Chamberlain, New Albany; Evan Garcia, Sunbury Big Walnut; KALEB GOAD, WATKINS MEMORIAL;JOEY HARRELL, LICKING HEIGHTS; Freddie Hart, Mount Vernon; Dakota Holtzclaw, Worthington Kilbourne; AJ Houchins, Columbus Briggs; Brailon Hunter, Columbus Walnut Ridge; Wills Hutras, Dublin Scioto; T.J. Jefferson, Marion Harding; Moussa Kaba, Columbus Northland; Wayne Lambert, Sunbury Big Walnut; Mose’ Lattimore, Columbus West; Kevin Leary, Columbus St. Charles; Ras Lumpkins, Dublin Scioto; Tyson Miles, Columbus Briggs; Drew Pennington, Ashville Teays Valley; Kapone Richardson, Columbus Briggs; Greg Scarpitti, Columbus St. Charles; Christian Scase, Franklin Heights; Trevor Thompson, Canal Winchester; Nick Tiell, Canal Winchester; Jack Trombetti, Worthington Kilbourne; Justin Vance, Columbus Walnut Ridge; Hunter Wellman, Ashville Teays Valley; Austin Wolfe, Canal Winchester;

Honorable mention

Kameron Brown, Columbus Walnut Ridge; Donovan Chhoum, Sunbury Big Walnut; Brandon Coleman, Ashville Teays Valley; Casey Cook, Canal Winchester; Mason Cullen, Columbus Briggs; Nick Dewberry, New Albany; Zach Distelhorst, Columbus Briggs; Nick Hill, Worthington Kilbourne; Malik Jolly, Groveport Madison; Charlie Klinedinst, Sunbury Big Walnut; JAKE LANGKAMP, LICKING HEIGHTS; Andrew Malick, Westerville North; Parker McGlothlin, Franklin Heights; Cullen Moore, Delaware Hayes; James Morgan, Franklin Heights; Abe Myers, Sunbury Big Walnut; Jestin Penn, Dublin Scioto; Jacob Robertson, Canal Winchester; Paul Robinson, Groveport Madison; Joey Rolwing, New Albany; Joey Schooley, Sunbury Big Walnut; Reece Schuetz, Dublin Scioto; Zack Shirk, New Albany; Chris Silber, Columbus St. Charles; Otis Smith, Columbus St. Charles; Kam Stephens, Columbus Briggs; C.J. Towns, Groveport Madison; Cody Valrance, Mount Vernon; Joe Wallace, Dublin Scioto; Austin Wolfe, Canal Winchester; Itika Wynn, Columbus Mifflin; Kalib Younger, Columbus Walnut Ridge.

DIVISION III

First team

Offense

Ends-Gabe Miller, Delaware Buckeye Valley, 5-11, 170, sr.; Rodell Rahmann, Columbus Beechcroft, 6-3, 205, sr.; Aidan Tuttle, Columbus Whetstone, 6-0, 175, sr. Tight end-Michael Schweitzer, Columbus Watterson, 6-4, 226, sr. Linemen-John Corcella, Bexley, 5-10, 170, jr.; Chad Douglas, Columbus Independence, 6-1, 270, so.; Travis Geiger, Marion-Franklin, 6-5, 301, so.; Aarin Smoot-Baker, Columbus Beechcroft, 6-3, 245, jr.; Christian Swauger, Columbus Hamilton Township, 6-1, 280, sr. Quarterback-Patrick Robinson, Columbus Hamilton Township, 5-8, 174, jr. Backs-Ronnie Kuipers, Columbus Independence, 5-11, 170, sr.; Derrione Leeper, Columbus Marion Franklin, 5-10, 225, sr.; Rico Truss, Bexley, 5-11, 170, sr. Kicker-Dominic DiMaccio, Columbus DeSales, 5-8, 160, jr.

Defense

Linemen-Adam Gilles, Columbus Watterson, 6-2, 208, sr.; Izzy Keller, Bexley, 6-1, 235, sr.; Derrius Mullins, Columbus DeSales, 6-4, 315, jr.; Jeffrey Owens, Columbus Eastmoor Academy, 6-2, 230, sr. Linebackers-Ryan Corkrean, Columbus DeSales, 6-2, 215, jr.; Austin Jewell, Columbus Hamilton Township, 6-2, 195, jr.; Sam Lewis, Columbus Watterson, 6-1, 215, sr.; Jamari Walker, Columbus Marion-Franklin, 6-1, 255. Backs-Austin Andrews, Columbus DeSales, 6-0, 180, sr.; Nick Cooper, Delaware Buckeye Valley, 5-10, 155, sr.; Justin King, Columbus Marion-Franklin, 5-9,180, sr.; Jacob Long, Columbus Hamilton Township, 6-1, 185, sr. Punter-Quincy Colvin, Columbus Eastmoor Academy, 5-11, 245, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Ronnie Kuipers, Columbus Independence

Defensive player of the year: Jacob Long, Columbus Hamilton Township

Coach of the year: Nate Hillerich, Columbus Hamilton Township

Second team

Offense

Ends-Terry Johnson, Columbus Eastmoor Academy, 6-1, 160, sr.; Jacob Nagle, Bexley, 5-11, 175, sr.; Mike Phimmasone, Columbus Hamilton Township, 5-6, 151, sr. Linemen-NICK KUREK, GRANVILLE, 5-10, 230, JR.; Jackson Lee, Bexley, 6-1, 210, sr.; Eli Walls, Delaware Buckeye Valley, 6-2, 295, sr.; Gardon Wycoff, Delaware Buckeye Valley, 6-2, 215, sr. Quarterback-Jack Staggs, Columbus Whetstone, 6-3, 180, jr. Backs-Alonzo Booth, Columbus DeSales, 6-0, 235, jr.; Jake Gilmore, Columbus DeSales, 5-8, 185, sr.; Earl Redman, Whitehall Yearling, 5-8, 162, sr. Kicker-Sam Scharff, Delaware Buckeye Valley, 5-6, 150, sr.

Defense

Linemen-MATHIEU HOLT, GRANVILLE, 6-1, 180, JR.; Jacob Maynard, Columbus Hamilton Township, 6-2, 185, jr.; Jeremy Maynard, Columbus Hamilton Township, 6-2, 185, jr.; Neal Pradier, Columbus Linden McKinley, 6-4, 225, sr. Linebackers-Trevon Hughes, Columbus Eastmoor Academy, 5-10, 215, jr.; Dezujwann Robinson, Columbus South, 6-1, 185, jr.; Eu’Rell Turnage, Columbus Independence, 6-0, 185, jr.; Teren Wycoff, Delaware Buckeye Valley, 6-2, 215, so. Backs-Mikele Cumberland, Columbus Hamilton Township, 5-10, 162, jr.; Da’Sean Henry, Columbus Linden McKinley, 5-8, 140, jr.; Allen McMichael-Roberts, Columbus Marion-Franklin, 6-0, 185, sr.; THADDEUS WINSTON, GRANVILLE, 6-0, 185, SR. Punter-Macyah Fleming, Columbus Beechcroft, 6-4, 205, sr.

Special mention

Michael Auddino, Columbus Watterson; Anthony Balsimo, Columbus Hamilton Township; Cordell Calloway, Columbus Linden McKinley; Markel Drake, Columbus Marion-Franklin; Sean Early, Columbus Bexley; Logan Meyer, Bexley; Darrell Nicks, Columbus Whetstone; Kaa’Von Parker, Columbus Independence; Miles Poff, Columbus Whetstone; Keeshawn Ramsey, Columbus Eastmoor Academy; Landon Saulsberry, Columbus Marion-Franklin; Ibrahim Sesay, Columbus Whetstone; Shawn Snyder, Columbus DeSales; Ben Spaulding, Delaware Buckeye Valley; Chase Towns, Columbus Watterson; Ty Van Fossen, Columbus DeSales; TaQuan Williams, Whitehall Yearling.

Honorable mention

Youssef Abou Hashish, Bexley; Austin Bowen, Columbus Hamilton Township; ANDREW BUBNAR, GRANVILLE; Wes Cochran, Delaware Buckeye Valley; Darius Echols, Columbus Centennial; Savon Edwards Jr., Columbus Eastmoor Academy; Micah Fleigel, Bexley; Parker Getz, Bexley; Luke Green-Lauber, Columbus Whetstone; BRANDON HALEY, GRANVILLLE; T.J. Johnson, Columbus Whetstone; Timmy Leach, Columbus Centennial; Stephen Marcos, Columbus Watterson; Nigel McMillan, Columbus Eastmoor Academy; Jacob Mittman, Bexley; Darrell Nicks, Columbus Whetstone; Jared Noble, Columbus DeSales; Tyler Patterson, Columbus Centennial; Santino Peake, Columbus Independence; Jack Peterson, Granville; Mike Powers, Columbus Beechcroft; JAKE PURDY, GRANVILLE; Derrion Sanders, Whitehall Yearling; Terrance Sealey, Columbus Marion-Franklin; Joe Sullens, Columbus Beechcroft; De’Zhan Townsend, Columbus Independence; DeShante Vaughn, Whitehall Yearling; Skylar Wilchowski, Whitehall Yearling; Jerrimi Williams, Columbus Whetstone.

DIVISION IV

First team

Offense

Ends-Rian Anderson, Columbus Hartley, 6-3, 180, sr.; CAMERON DOWNS, LAKEWOOD, 5-9, 150, JR.; Trey Pugh, Plain City Jonathan Alder, 6-5, 215, jr. Linemen-Thomas Casmir, Columbus Hartley, 6-0, 230, jr.; Jacob Jones, London, 6-3, 260, so.; JEFF NOGAJ, JOHNSTOWN, 6-5, 325, JR.;JAQUI VANMETER, LICKING VALLEY, 6-0, 270, SR.; Jacob Ware, Marengo Highland, 5-10, 265, sr. Quarterback-AARON LATIOLAIS, HEATH, 5-9, 165, JR. Backs-Quri Hickman, Columbus Hartley, 5-10, 220, sr.; Michael Johnson, London, 6-3, 200, sr.; Jordan Leasure, Amanda-Clearcreek, 6-1, 204, sr. Kicker-Satchel Denton, Marengo Highland, 5-11, 170, jr.

Defense

Linemen-Zach Baker, Marengo Highland, 6-1, 220, jr.; JONNY CHATFIELD, JOHNSTOWN, 5-9, 225, SR.; Cody Howard, Carroll Bloom-Carroll, 6-0, 245, sr.; ELIJAH SENIOR, HEATH, 5-10, 205, SR. Linebackers-HAYDEN BULLARD, JOHNSTOWN, 5-11, 165, SR.; Nash Fry, Caledonia River Valley, 5-9, 175, jr.; Cody Kirkbride, Columbus Hartley, 6-3, 220, jr.; GARRET ROBINSON, LICKING VALLEY, 5-11, 195, SR. Backs-ELIJAH BRECHBILL, LICKING VALLEY, 5-10, 175, SR.; Devin Hessler, Caledonia River Valley, 5-9, 160, sr.; Richard Jones III, Columbus Hartley, 6-0, 175, sr.; Andrew Koening, Plain City Jonathan Alder, 6-3, 185, jr. Punter-CODY WORKMAN, JOHNSTOWN, 5-11, 165, JR.

Offensive player of the year: Michael Johnson, London

Defensive player of the year: Cody Howard, Bloom-Carroll

Coach of the year: Brett Glass, Plain City Jonathan Alder

Second team

Offense

Ends-Carson Parsell, Caledonia River Valley, 6-0, 185, sr.; SIMON ROMINE, HEATH, 5-9, 145, SO. Linemen-ALEX CATALOGNA, JOHNSTOWN, 6-3, 325, SR.; Jared Croswell, Columbus Hartley, 5-10, 265, sr.; MAT FRENCH, LAKEWOOD, 6-3, 315, SR.; Jake McLaughlin, Plain City Jonathan Alder, 6-2, 250, sr.; Hayden Thompson, London, 6-2, 270, sr.; Quarterback-Preston Eisnaugle, Plain City Jonathan Alder, 5-10, 165, so. Backs-Jared Limings, Marengo Highland, 6-0, 180, jr.; Sean Sullivan, Plain City Jonathan Alder, 5-10, 180, sr.; ANDREW SAYER, JOHNSTOWN, 5-11, 185, JR. Kicker-Ben Hawk, Columbus Hartley, 5-10, 165, sr.

Defense

Linemen-HUNTER ALLEY, JOHNSTOWN, 6-4, 210, JR.; Vince Carraker, Columbus Hartley, 5-10, 290, sr.; Grant Dozer, Carroll Bloom-Carroll, 6-0, 175, sr.; Zeke Thorpe, Plain City Jonathan Alder, 6-0, 230, sr. Linebackers-Keaton Baldwin, Amanda-Clearcreek, 5-11, 185, jr.; DAULTON BROWN, HEATH, 5-8, 220, JR.;NATE BROWN, JOHNSTOWN, 6-0, 200, SR.; Andrew Hoffman, London, 6-0, 185, sr. Backs-Bryan Blacka, Plain City Jonathan Alder, 5-11, 165, so.; GUNNAR CARPENTER, LICKING VALLEY, 5-9, 140, SO.;RICHIE CAREY, JOHNSTOWN, 6-2, 190, SR.; Andrew Stillwell, Marengo Highland, 5-10, 185, sr.

Special mention

Bailey Cole, Caledonia River Valley; Christian Hipp, Plain City Jonathan Alder; AVERY HOGUE, HEATH;TYLER KARR, HEATH;CLAY PSURNY, JOHNSTOWN; Jake Ruby, Columbus Hartley; Austin Sorg, Carroll Bloom-Carroll; BRYLAN TAYLOR, LICKING VALLEY; Orpheus Twymon, East; Ross Wirthman, Columbus Hartley; Brock Wooten, Caledonia River Valley.

Honorable mention

Austyn Albanese, Marengo Highland; TRENT COE, JOHNSTOWN;DAVID CORBI, JOHNSTOWN MONROE; Austin Fooce, Plain City Jonathan Alder; COLE GLAUB, LAKEWOOD; Daniel Gowans, Plain City Jonathan Alder; Dylan Jude, Carroll Bloom-Carroll; Jax Harville, Caledonia River Valley; BAILEY HAYDEN, LICKING VALLEY; Jaden Manley, Columbus Hartley; NATHAN RICE, LAKEWOOD; Jawan Smith, Columbus East; KYLE YOHO, HEATH.

DIVISION V

First team

Offense

Ends-Jerome Buckner, Columbus Academy, 5-8, 155, so.; Nico Sansotta, Marion Pleasant, 6-4, 195, sr.; Reed Tucker, Worthington Christian, 6-0, 155, jr. Tight end-Jack Mills, Columbus Academy, 6-2, 190, sr. Linemen-Brandon Cox, Richwood North Union, 5-11, 275, sr.; Michael Mollohan, Mount Gilead, 6-4, 275, sr.; Josh Monroe, Richwood North Union. 6-2, 260, sr.; GARETT ROBBERTS, UTICA, 6-1, 245, SR.; Andy Wilson, London Madison Plains, 6-4, 275, sr. Quarterback-Joe Craycraft, Marion Pleasant, 6-3, 200, jr. Backs-Jonah Barnett, Mount Gilead, 5-10, 175, jr.; Braden Glasgow, Liberty Union, 6-0, 200, sr.; Nate Hammons, Richwood North Union, 6-3, 192, sr. Kicker-Sam Tuckerman, Columbus Academy, 6-1, 185, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Brett Bates, Columbus Academy, 6-3, 225, jr.; Jack Bitler, Baltimore Liberty Union, 6-3, 220, sr.; Zack Foster, Mount Gilead, 5-10, 180, sr.; MITCHELL MARSTON, UTICA, 6-5, 200, SR. Linebackers-Roman Bellisari, Columbus Academy, 6-1, 190, jr.; Corbin Bunsold, Richwood North Union, 5-10, 180, sr.; Jake Dempsey, Baltimore Liberty Union, 5-7, 178, jr.; Lee Griffin, London Madison Plains, 5-10, 195, sr. Backs-Deondre Cook, Mount Gilead, 5-8, 155, sr.; DANIEL HATFIELD, NORTHRIDGE, 6-3, 170, JR.;PEYTON SNOW, UTICA, 5-10, 160, SR.; John Vallery, London Madison Plains, 6-0, 155, sr. Punter-Wyatt Pertuset, Richwood North Union, 6-0, 195, sr.

Offensive player of the year-Jerome Buckner, Columbus Academy

Defensive player of the year-Deondre Cook, Mount Gilead

Coach of the year-Nick Hajjar, Richwood North Union

Special mention

Tyler Bland, Mount Gilead; Ross Buscemi, London Madison Plains; Chris Coil, London Madison Plains; Justin Eisel, Worthington Christian; LOGAN GAREE, NORTHRIDGE; Luke Krawczyk, Richwood North Union; GAGE LINKOUS, NORTHRIDGE; Herman Moultrie, Columbus Academy; Emerson Patrick, Worthington Christian; PIERCE PIAZZA, UTICA; Brad Robbins, Worthington Christian; Mark Shoemaker, Worthington Christian; Adam Taylor, Baltimore Liberty Union; Jake Vallery, London Madison Plains.

(Note: Due to a low number of teams in the division, a second team was not selected.)

DIVISION VI

First team

Offense

Ends-Sterling Armstrong, Centerburg, 6-2, 180, jr.; Jack Iannarino, Milford Center Fairbanks, 5-10, 175, jr.; Devin Pearl, Cardington Lincoln, 6-3, 170, jr. Linemen-NICK CAVINEE, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 6-7, 250, SR.; Michael Cockrell, Fredericktown, 5-10, 180, sr.; Dylan David, Howard East Knox, 6-3, 270, sr.; Marcus Stone, Columbus Ready, 6-0, 240, sr.; Luke Treasure, Grandview Heights, 6-2, 220, sr. Quarterback-Andre Readey, Grandview Heights, 6-1, 180, sr. Backs-Devin Dukes, Columbus Ready, 5-10, 215, so.; Brenden Reed, Fredericktown, 5-8, 180, sr.; Jacob Rings, Centerburg, 5-11, 170, jr. Kicker-Benton Bair, Grandview Heights, 5-10, 175, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Kyle Hogan, Centerburg. 6-1, 185, sr.; James Lachey, Grandview Heights, 6-4, 215, so.; Brian Singleton, Fredericktown, 5-11, 185, sr.; Ethan Stambaugh, Cardington Lincoln, 6-1, 275, so. Linebackers-Trevor Ferguson, West Jefferson, 6-0, 225, sr.; Rhodes Jump, Grandview Heights, 5-10, 210, sr.; WES JURDEN, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 5-11, 191, SR.; Trey Williams, Cardington Lincoln, 6-2, 225, sr. Backs-Jacob DeRoads, Milford Center Fairbanks, 5-11, 180 sr.; Hanson Holter, Sugar Grove Berne Union, 6-2, 175, sr.; JUD LEWIS, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 5-11, 150, SR.; Kirk Manns, Fredericktown, 6-2, 185, sr. Punter-Dominic Lombardi, Columbus Ready, 6-0, 175, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Devin Dukes, Columbus Ready

Defensive player of the year: Rhodes Jump, Grandview Heights

Coach of the year: BILL FRANKS, NEWARK CATHOLIC

Second team

Offense

Ends-TANNER LAKE, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 6-1, 151, JR.; Connor Powell, West Jefferson, 6-1, 185, sr.; Nathan Romine, Sugar Grove Berne Union, 6-4, 160, jr. Linemen-Ross Gibson, Milford Center Fairbanks, 6-4, 260, sr.; Nathan Grandstaff, Centerburg, 6-1, 260, sr.; Trevor LeMaster, Centerburg, 5-9, 230, sr.; Miles Pozderac, Fredericktown, 6-3, 215, sr.; Brandon Spaulding, Grandview Heights, 6-1, 235, so. Quarterback-Luke McCarrell, Cardington Lincoln, 6-0, 170, jr. Backs-Earl Braithwaite, West Jefferson, 6-0, 205, sr.; Demetrius Johnson, Galion Northmor, 5-9, 160, so. Kicker-HEATH MCCARTHY, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 5-10, 146, SR.

Defense

Linemen-Blake Bramer, Centerburg, 6-5, 230, sr.; Brock Shade, Cardington Lincoln, 6-0, 180, sr.; NATE MCNABB, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 5-11, 216, SR.; Jacob Walker, Galion Northmor, 5-9, 190, sr. Linebackers-COLE BUCHANAN, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 6-0, 171, SR.; Michael Collins, Centerburg, 5-11, 175, jr.; Frank Keller, Galion Northmor, 6-3, 185, sr.; Tyson Sloan, Milford Center Fairbanks, 6-1, 200, sr. Backs-Zach Hill, Howard East Knox, 5-10, 175, sr.; Chris Schmitt, Centerburg, 6-0, 170, sr.; Tristin Siemer, Columbus Ready, 5-10, 175, so.; JACK WOLLENBURG, NEWARK CATHOLIC, 6-2, 170, SR. Punter-Dustin Palms, Fredericktown, 6-0, 185, sr.

Special mention

Austin Geiger, Fredericktown; Gunnar Gregory, Centerburg; NOLAN JURDEN, NEWARK CATHOLIC; Kyle Krownapple, Howard East Knox; Braxton McQueen, Fredericktown; Braxton Mead, Centerburg; Zach Murdock, Marion Elgin; Anthony Puluso, Centerburg; Dillon Smith, Fredericktown; Thomas Stanley, Grandview Heights; Kyle Warner, Milford Center Fairbanks.

Honorable mention

Glenn Cheney, Grandview Heights; Chaz Dickerson, Sugar Grove Berne Union; Jake Farley, Galion Northmor; KRIS GOODMAN, NEWARK CATHOLIC; Hunter Holland, Grandview Heights; Daniel Kill, Cardington; Ryan King, Howard East Knox; Marshall McKinley, Fredericktown; Braden Morey, Fredericktown; Drake Pence, Howard East Knox; Bishop Reese, Sugar Grove Berne Union; CONNOR SHEEHAN, NEWARK CATHOLIC.

DIVISION VII

First team

Offense

Ends-Kenton Mickley, Danville, 6-1, 201, sr.; Mike Seeger, Millersport, 6-0, 150, sr.; Deonte Wade, Columbus Africentric, 6-0, 158, fr. Linemen-Austin Coleman, Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy, 5-10, 200, sr.; Nathan Sandusky, Millersport, 5-11, 220, so; Gaven Wears, Danville, 6-2, 205, sr.; Quinton Woodson-Levey, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 5-11, 240, jr. Quarterback-Ridge Durbin, Danville, 6-3, 240, sr. Backs-Danield Bangura, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 5-9, 170, so.; Hayden Muckensturm, Lancaster Fisher Catholic, 5-8, 165, sr.; Tavian Sim, Grove City Christian, 5-6, 160, sr.

Defense

Linemen-Jacob Burley, Lancaster Fisher Catholic, 6-4, 285, sr.; Gunor Doretich, Danville, 5-9, 216, sr.; Isaiah Mullens, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 6-6, 230, so.; Jordan Wilson, Danville, 6-2, 232, sr. Linebackers-Hunter Hawkins, Danville, 6-0, 203, sr.; Josh Heeter, Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy, 6-0, 190, sr.; Alex Melfe, Columbus Crusaders, 6-3, 230, jr.; Melvyn Thomas, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 6-0, 200, sr. Backs-Jared Faulkner, Lancaster Fisher Catholic, 6-3, 170; Cal Honabarger, Danville, 6-3, 175, sr.; Curtis Jones, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 5-9, 170, sr.; Tyler Potts, Columbus Africentric, 6-1, 155, so. Punter-Duvan Bautista, Morral Ridgedale, 6-0, 150, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Ridge Durbin, Danville

Defensive player of the year: Jacob Burley, Lancaster Fisher Catholic

Coach of the year: Ed Honabarger, Danville

Special mention

Jaron Anderson, Africentric; Rob Anderson, Columbus Reigning Sports Academy; Sebastian Bateman, Millersport; Nehemiah Bowie, Columbus Crusaders; Hunter Boyd, Morral Ridgedale; Isaac Butts, Millersport; Jayy Davis, Columbus Reigning Sports Academy; Derek Elliott, Danville; Marcus Goins, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep; Brady Holt, Grove City Christian; Brandon Holt, Danville; Nijal Jackson, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep; Cory Jude, Millersport; Bobby Leeper, Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy; Colt Lyon, Danville; Tremaine Manns, Columbus Africentric; Jarrod Martin, Columbus Africentric; Allen McCall, Lancaster Fisher Catholic; Anthony McClain, Danville; Nico Moxley, Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy; Caleb Newkirk, Grove City Christian; Tabarius Parker, Columbus Reigning Sports Academy; Kalib Patterson, Morral Ridgedale; Kayin Perkins, Columbus Africentric; Beau Thorne, Millersport; Tyler Wren, Morral Ridgedale; Trevor Wren, Morral Ridgedale.

(Note: Due to a low number of teams, a second team was not selected.)

Heath quarterback Aaron Latiolais looks for a receiver during a Week 9 game against Lakewood.

COLUMBUS – Westley Brandon and Aaron Latiolais were named two of central Ohio’s top quarterbacks Thursday.

Brandon, a Watkins Memorial senior, and Latiolais, a Heath junior, were respectively named to the Division II and Division IV Central District first team by the Associated Press.

Brandon shattered Watkins’ passing records with 2,022 yards and 27 touchdowns, and Latiolais ran for 1,178 yards and 18 touchdowns while throwing for 1,079 yards and 10 scores.

Joining Brandon on the Division II first team were teammates senior receiver Alex Miles and senior defensive back Cameron Johnson. Licking Heights coach Darren Waters was named the top coach in Division II, and his first-teamers were junior lineman Jordan Coulter and senior defensive back London Pearson.

Joining Latiolais on the Division IV first team were teammate lineman Elijah Senior, Lakewood junior receiver Cameron Downs and Licking Valley senior offensive lineman Jaqui VanMeter, senior linebacker Garret Robinson and senior defensive back Elijah Brechbill. Johnstown junior offensive lineman Jeff Nogaj, senior defensive lineman Jonny Chatfield, senior linebacker Hayden Bullard and junior punter Cody Workman also were named to the first team.

Newark Catholic coach Bill Franks was named the top coach in Division VI. Green Wave senior lineman Nick Cavinee, senior defensive back Jud Lewis and senior linebacker Wes Jurden were named to the first team.

Utica senior defensive back Peyton Snow, senior offensive lineman Garett Robberts and senior defensive lineman Mitch Marston and Northridge junior defensive back Daniel Hatfield were named to the first team in Division V.

Newark Generals’ Levi Beckholt dodges Westerville Warcats’ defender Travis Furman. The Generals and Warcats tied 3-3 on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015.

NEWARK – The offense in the third period was everything Newark wanted Thursday.

The Generals simply could not find the net. Newark just missed on two late breakaways to finish in a 3-3 tie against visiting Westerville in Greater Columbus High School Club Hockey League action at Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena.

Newark never led, but quickly answered each time the Warcats took a one-goal lead. After Patrick Chaykowski tied the game for a third and final time early in the third period, the Generals relentlessly attacked Westerville goaltender Sean Coonfare.

“The first and third (periods) were the kind of game we wanted to play,” Newark assistant coach Kyle Thomas said. “We were very aggressive. We are really good on the forecheck, and we were getting opportunities and chances at the net. We just rang a couple posts.”

Freshman Reece Trowbridge, who had two goals in his debut Nov. 5 against Athens, had a breakaway with less than two minutes left, but his shot went wide. Senior Levi Beckholt then had an attempt as time ran out, but his shot was just high.

The Generals typically start slow due to a number of football players joining the team late in the fall, but their explosive offense has not let that be a problem. Chaykowski scored twice more Thursday to give him six goals on the young season.

“The effort is fantastic,” Thomas said. “We have some young guys, but we have a good core group of seniors. Every season is a little different, and they just have to mold a little bit.”

The Warcats scored all three of their goals in the second period, but the Generals never let them get comfortable, answering within two minutes each time.

Chaykowski scored off a rebound from a Trowbridge attempt to start the Newark scoring, and Cole Jaquith found the net after Cody Baldwin and Cobe Needham put the puck on net.

“I think it’s definitely the veteran guys,” Jaquith said. “We have been in tough spots before. We have been behind in important games in our league tournament and in the state tournament. It is definitely a lot of guys that have been there before.”

The Generals’ best defense in the third period proved to be offense. Charlie Smart faced just 19 shots for the game while the Generals delivered 28 shots against Coonfare.

They will have to take care of business away from home for now. They do not return home until a stretch of three games in eight days beginning Dec. 3.

“We are in a pretty good spot right now,” senior defenseman Drew Ross said. “A tie’s a tie. It’s not a win, but it’s better than nothing. We’ve really progressed pretty well. We have our momentum coming out of state from last year, and we are just trying to carry that over.”

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8556

Twitter: @newarkurt

Justin Franklin runs the ball down the field in the Division IV regional semifinals against St. Clairsville. Johnstown took the win 42-38.

Johnstown’s head coach Mike Carter celebrates with his team after they won the Division IV regional semifinals Saturday night. The Johnnies took on the St. Clairsville Red Devils winning 42-38. Johnstown will play Steubenville next week.

Cody Workman runs the ball down the field avoiding the attempted tackles of St. Clairsville to score the first touchdown of the game.

ZANESVILLE – For all the offensive fireworks set off at Zanesville’s Sulsberger Stadium Saturday night, it took defensive stands by Johnstown to preserve its unbeaten season during a Division IV shootout.

The Johnnies came from behind four times, and got big fourth-quarter stops to survive a wild 42-38 regional semifinal win against St. Clairsville. Second-seeded Johnstown will match 12-0 records with top-seeded Steubenville, a 46-7 winner against Salem, in a regional final next Saturday at 7 p.m. at a site to be announced Sunday.

Johnstown trailed 31-28 early in the fourth, when Cody Workman’s 52-yard punt and a 14-yard sack by defensive end Cody Blevins flipped the field and seemed to turn the tide.

“I knew someone had to make a play, and it just happened to be me,” said the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Blevins, who also lined up at fullback in the backfield on the goal-line. “The whole defense had to play well, and we did. It was exciting, hard-hitting on both sides of the ball.”

The Johnnies forced a short punt and took a 35-31 lead with 7:50 left on Andrew Sayer’s 1-yard run. But the Red Devils immediately responded when Brendan Ferns, a versatile 6-3, 220-pounder, turned a short sideline pass into a 59-yard TD reception from quarterback Zach Bigelow. Ferns caught eight passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns, and also ran for 96 yards on 12 carries and another score.

Down 38-35, Johnstown drove 52 yards in nine plays to score on Justin Franklin’s 6-yard run with 3:39 to play. Clay Psurny, who went 6-of-6 on PAT kicks, added his last for the 42-38 lead.

The Johnnies then stopped St. Clairsville twice, on fourth-and-17 after Hunter Alley’s 7-yard sack, and at midfield after Ferns made a 27-yard reception off a deflection.

Workman ran for 138 of his 174 yards in the first half for Johnstown, which rushed for 362 yards overall. His highlight reel 61-yard TD run, when he reversed field, broke tackles, stayed on his feet and galloped down the left sideline, touched off the scoring spree and pushed the Johnnies up 7-0.

But the Red Devils, primarily a ground team during the season, lined Ferns up as a receiver and took to the air on this night as Bigelow threw for 281 yards, including a 60-yard TD strike to Ferns to quickly tie the score 7-7. After Workman ran 28 yards for another score late in the first, Bigelow threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Ferns to make it 14-14. Ferns later had a 41-yard run on a jet sweep, setting up  Gage Cuiksa’s 2-yard scoring run as St. Clairsville led for the first time 21-14.

“We knew he was a very good athlete,” coach Mike Carter said of Ferns. “We saw on film that they lined him up all over. We tried to pay special attention to him.”

Like they did all night, the Johnnies responded by storming 94 yards in eight plays with Franklin scoring on a 3-yard run with just three seconds on the first half clock. Workman, who attempted only one second-half pass, hit Trent Coe for 12 and 26-yard gains, and had a 17-yard run to set up Franklin’s score for a 21-21 halftime tie.

“Our offensive line knows to keep blocking, even if I take off the other way,” Workman said. “Tonight, I saw a look in their eyes that I had never seen. I knew then that we were going to be alright. In the second half, our running backs came out strong and ran hard.”

When the Red Devils drove 69 yards in 11 plays to lead 28-21 on Ferns’ 2-yard run, back came the Johnnies to travel 65 yards in 10 plays, with Workman covering the final two yards on fourth-and-goal for a 28-28 tie. Sayer, who ran for 83 yards on 19 carries, had 38 yards on the drive. Franklin finished with 82 yards in 14 attempts.

“We told the kids coming in, it was going to take all four quarters to win this game,” Carter said. “At halftime, they knew what we had been talking about.”

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75

Division I, Regional Semifinals – Games at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21

Home Team listed first.

Region 1

1 Lakewood St. Edward (11-1) vs. 5 Euclid (10-2) at Parma Byers Field

2 Stow-Munroe Falls (12-0) vs. 3 Lewis Center Olentangy (11-1) at Mansfield Arlin Field

Region 2

1 Cincinnati Colerain (11-1) vs. 5 Cincinnati Elder (9-3) at Mason Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium

2 Hilliard Davidson (11-1) vs. 3 Huber Heights Wayne (12-0) at Dayton Welcome Stadium

Division II, Regional Finals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20

Home Team listed first.

Region 3

5 Hudson (10-2) vs. 3 Mayfield (11-1) at Solon Stewart Field

Region 4

4 Cleveland Glenville (11-1) vs. 2 Perrysburg (12-0) at Kalahari Field at Huron Memorial Stadium

Region 5

1 Massillon Perry (10-2) vs. 3 Worthington Kilbourne (11-1) at Mt. Vernon Yellow Jacket Stadium – Energy Field

Region 6

1 Cincinnati La Salle (10-2) vs. 2 Kings Mills Kings (11-1) at West Chester Lakota West Firebird Field

Division III, Regional Finals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20

Home Team listed first.

Region 7

1 Akron Archbishop Hoban (11-1) vs. 2 Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (11-1) at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field

Region 8

1 Cleveland Benedictine (12-0) vs. 2 Toledo Central Catholic (10-2) at First National Bank Field at Bellevue Athletic Facility

Region 9

4 Jackson (11-1) vs. 3 Zanesville (11-1) at Athens High School R. Basil Rutter Field

Region 10

1 Wapakoneta (12-0) vs. 3 Trotwood-Madison (9-3) at Lima Spartan Stadium

Division IV, Regional Finals – Games at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21

Home Team listed first.

Region 11

5 Youngstown Ursuline (7-5) vs. 3 Mantua Crestwood (10-2) at Ravenna Portage Community Bank Stadium

Region 12

1 Columbus Bishop Hartley (8-3) vs. 7 Bellevue (10-2) at Mansfield Madison Ram Field at StarTek Stadium

Region 13

1 Steubenville (11-0) vs. 2 Johnstown-Monroe (12-0) at New Philadelphia Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium

Region 14

1 Middletown Bishop Fenwick (12-0) vs. 3 Clarksville Clinton-Massie (11-1) at Xenia Doug Adams Stadium

Division V, Regional Finals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20

Home Team listed first.

Region 15

1 Columbiana Crestview (10-2) vs. 3 Canton Central Catholic (9-3) at Minerva Dr. Robert H. Hines Stadium

Region 16

1 Milan Edison (11-1) vs. 6 Doylestown Chippewa (10-2) at Brunswick AutoMart Stadium

Region 17

1 Wheelersburg (12-0) vs. 2 Chillicothe Zane Trace (12-0) at Waverly Raidiger Field

Region 18

1 Brookville (12-0) vs. 3 Coldwater (12-0) at Piqua Alexander Stadium, Purk Field

Division VI, Regional Finals – Games at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21

Home Team listed first.

Region 19

1 Kirtland (11-1) vs. 6 Cuyahoga Heights (10-2) at West Geauga Howell Field

Region 20

5 Van Buren (9-3) vs. 2 Defiance Tinora (10-1) at Findlay Donnell Stadium

Region 21

8 Fredericktown (10-2) vs. 3 Grandview Heights (11-1) at Newark White Field

Region 22

1 Maria Stein Marion Local (11-1) vs. 2 Mechanicsburg (12-0) at Bellefontaine AcuSport Stadium

Division VII, Regional Finals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20

Home Team listed first.

Region 23

1 Warren John F. Kennedy (11-1) vs. 2 Mogadore (11-1) at Twinsburg Tiger Stadium

Region 24

1 McComb (11-1) vs. 3 Lucas (10-1) at Tiffin Columbian Frost-Kalnow Stadium

Region 25

1 Danville (12-0) vs. 2 Caldwell (11-1) at Zanesville Sulsberger Stadium

Region 26

1 Minster (10-2) vs. 3 Fort Recovery (10-2) at Sidney Memorial Stadium

.

Johnstown’s Andrew Sayer (34) and Cody Blevins celebrate after a touchdown against St. Clairsville in the Johnnies’ 42-38 win at Zanesville High School.

JOHNSTOWN – For the third time in five years, Johnstown finds itself on the cusp of the state semifinals.

Standing in the way, however, is a familiar, formidable opponent.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced that the Johnnies (12-0) will meet Steubenville (11-0) for the Division IV, Region 13 title at 7 p.m. Saturday at New Philadelphia Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium.

It will be a rematch of the 2014 regional quarterfinals, when the Big Red beat Johnstown 35-22 at Steubenville Harding Stadium. Steubenville went on to the state semifinals, where it lost 40-12 to Cleveland Benedictine.

The second-seeded Johnnies have beaten seventh-seeded Meadowbrook 35-22 and third-seeded St. Clairsville 42-38 in this postseason. The top-seeded Big Red has overpowered No. 8 Indian Creek 40-0 and No. 5 Salem 46-7. Steubenville was ranked second in the final Associated Press poll, while Johnstown was third.

Johnstown last made the state semifinals in 2011, when the unbeaten Johnnies — led by running back Ross Franklin and quarterback Matt Smith — fell to eventual state champ Creston Norwayne 58-29. In 2012, Johnstown lost 37-29 to eventual state runnerup St. Clairsville in the regional finals.

The Johnnies came back from deficits of 21-14, 28-21, 31-28 and 38-35 against St. Clairsville, which lost 27-0 to Steubenville ending the regular season. Johnstown will need to show similar resilience against the powerful Big Red, with speed, size and talent on both sides of the ball.

Steubenville is led by a pair of three-year starters in quarterback Mandela Lawrence-Burke and running back Johnnie Blue. The Big Red also have another outstanding back in Jalen McGhee, and a 6-foot-6, 240-pound wide receiver in Charles Reeves who has already committed to Kentucky as a junior. The team is outscoring opponents 43-8.

Seeking its 16th regional championship, Steubenville is going after its first state title since 2006 and fourth overall. The Big Red also has three state runner-up finishes. They are fifth all-time in playoff appearances (28) and consecutive playoff berths (15) and rank sixth in playoff wins (55).

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75

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The Newark boys basketball team is opening the upcoming season at home.

The Wildcats will play Dayton Dunbar on Nov. 27 at Jimmy Allen Gymnasium instead of the following night. The freshman game begins at 5:30 p.m. in the auxiliary gymnasium with the reserve and varsity games to be at the normal 6 and 7:30 p.m. start times.

Newark’s game at Tri-Valley originally set for Nov. 27 now will be Feb. 6. The game was moved due to Tri-Valley’s football playoff run.

Johnstown’s Michael Perkins takes a shot over Newark’s Kobe Long-Weber in an OHSAA Foundation Games on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015.

Newark’s Olivis Fox takes a shot against defense from Centennial’s DeAuja Thompson in an OHSAA Foundation Games on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015.

Newark’s Katie Shumate dodges Centennial defenders Akiya Brown during an OHSAA Foundation Games on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015.

Newark’s BJ Duling and Johnstown’s Tyler Maynard fight for a rebound in an OHSAA Foundation Games on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015.

NEWARK – Newark boys and girls basketball fans may want to buy a program this season, at least in the early going.

The girls have only one senior and return just one starter, while the boys have just three seniors and no returning starters.

Both teams showed their youth at times during Tuesday’s Newark Lions Club Foundation Games in Jimmy Allen Gymnasium, but also a lot of promise. The boys fought off Johnstown 49-41, while the girls beat Centennial 65-55 in Ohio High School Athletic Association benefit contests, which served as final tuneups for the fast-approaching regular season.

B.J. Duling, a 6-foot-7 junior transfer from New Albany, led the Newark boys with 17 points and 12 rebounds. To start the game, he scored a pair of baskets and also had two assists, one to Keshawn Heard, a 6-5 freshman starter.

Johnstown, still waiting on several football players, still gave the Wildcats trouble with its size and defense. Ohio University-bound Jason Carter (6-6) led the Johnnies with 15 points and nine rebounds, while 6-5 junior Kyle Matoszkia added eight points and seven boards.

Matoskzkia scored off a Carter assist, had a tip-in and scored on a rebound as Johnstown got within 30-25 in the third quarter, before Justin Carter drained a 3 for Newark.

In the fourth quarter, the Johnnies also got it down to five, after Michael Perkins hit a pair of 3s and Jeremy Neff made another. But Kobe Long-Weber sank a 3 and made two foul shots, and Duling had a foul-line jumper to keep the Johnnies at bay.

“We got spoiled having Jordy (Dartis), Khayle (Woods) and Shack (Darius Shackleford) for three straight years,” coach Jeff Quackenbush said. “We’re very young, and it might take a little while with such a young group. We’re just trying to run our offense and work on man-to-man defense. B.J. is very skilled, and he’s starting to bring the mentality to be a leader. Leadership is kind of by committee right now.”

Johnstown coach Kevin Martin was pleased with his team’s effort, despite not having a full roster. The Johnnies looked primed to contend for another Licking County League championship.

“It has hurt our depth in practice at the varsity level and put us a little behind,” he said. “Tonight, we weren’t able to execute offensively, but we’re trying to build on our defense from last season. We might have gotten a little tired tonight, but we’ll have plenty of numbers when we get everyone back.”

Newark girls coach J.R. Shumate graduated All-Ohioan Kym Royster and Ali Cartnal from a state semifinal team. Meanwhile, senior Tana Barrett decided to concentrate on track, while multi-talented sophomore Adrian Crockwell has moved into the Reynoldsburg district.

But the Wildcats showed Tuesday they will be a handful to deal with, combining returning guard Emily Paul and top sub Takia Barrett with some promising newcomers.

They were able to deal with Centennial’s tenacious, full-court pressure and score in transition, despite committing 30 turnovers. Olivia Fox, a 6-foot-1 junior post, led the way with 16 points including 10 in a pivotal fourth quarter that saw Newark out-score the Stars 24-17, opening a 52-33 lead.

“People don’t know about Olivia, but playing in the post in practice last year against Kym really helped her,” Shumate said.

Barrett added 10 points, while freshmen Morgan Sharps hit a pair of 3-pointers and scored eight first-half points. Classmate Katie Shumate added seven second-half points. Junior Carlee Street and sophomore Brooke Brown each made a pair of 3s.

“We’re focusing primarily on half-court man-to-man defense and running our transition,” coach Shumate said. “We turned it over way too much, but we’ll get better. We have a really good mix. We have five guards who can play all the time, and four posts.”

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75

Brian Gastin

UTICA – Brian Gastin started coaching football right out of high school, while a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Thirty-six years later, he was still at it. Until Friday, that is.

After one season as Utica head coach, Gastin decided to retire from coaching. He informed his team on Friday, but said he will remain at the high school school as an English teacher.

Under Gastin, the Redskins finished 3-6 and showed marked improvement the last half of the season. They led Granville in the fourth quarter, upset Heath 21-15 and finished the season with a 57-16 rout of Northridge.

“That’s probably what I’m most proud about,” he said. “My job was to come in and make it run smoothly, make every piece fit. When I came in, everyone was kind of doing their own thing, but we got everyone to work together on the same page.”

Gastin said the long hours required as a head coach, and teacher, took their toll.

“It was just more than I wanted to take on,” he said, after serving the previous two years as an assistant for the Redskins. “All those years consecutively….it was just the perfect time.”

After studying at Mount Vernon Nazarene, Gastin was an assistant at Lucas, Danville and Highland, eventually becoming a 10-year head coach at Mount Vernon where he led the Yellow Jackets to an Ohio Conference title.

He’s not leaving the cupboard bare at Utica.

“We have a smaller senior class coming up, but we also have a large, very athletic sophomore class,” Gastin said. “And a lot of them played key roles this year.”

Gastin said his wife, Lori, did most of the child raising, and now he’ll be able to be at home. There was one final factor in his decision.

“We had our first grandchild recently (Willow),” he said. “That really clinched it for me.”

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75

A host of Stuebenville defenders attempt to stop Johnstown quarterback Cody Workman during Saturday’s Division IV Regional Championship.

Johnstown’s Cody Workman runs the ball as Stuebenville’s Niko Petrides attempts to tackle him in Saturday’s Division IV Regional Championship.

Marion Lawrence of Stuebenville attempts to sack Johnstown quarterback Cody Workman in Saturday’s Division IV Regional Championship.

NEW PHILADELPHIA – Steubenville has speed to burn on both sides of the ball, but the swiftness with which the Big Red struck against Johnstown Saturday was truly stunning.

They scored four touchdowns in one minute, 21 seconds, including three scores in the final 1:05 of the half, handing the Johnnies a 42-7 Division IV, regional final loss at blustery, wet and chilly Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium.

Johnstown (12-1) hurt itself with five turnovers, four in the decisive first half, but Steubenville (12-0) out-gained the Johnnies 321-118 including 276-20 in the first two quarters.

“We played with a lot of speed, intensity  and pride,” said Big Red coach Reno Saccoccia. “Play fast for six seconds every time, as hard as we can. It was a fantastic team effort. We had some penalties and turnovers offensively, but were still able to control things. Our speed was the difference throughout.”

The Johnnies lost 35-22 last year to Steubenville in the regional quarterfinals, but noticed a difference in the Big  Red in 2015. “They were faster than last year, that’s for sure,” linebacker Hayden Bullard said.

Dimitri Collaros hit 6-foot-6 receiver Charles Reeves for a 61-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage, but Johnstown was able to hang tough for much of the first half despite not being able to move the ball. Bullard and Hunter Alley recovered Big Red fumbles and the Johnnies twice stopped Steubenville on fourth down, once when Nate Brown nearly intercepted a screen pass.

With under five minutes in the first half, Johnstown trailed only 7-0. Then disaster struck quickly.

The Johnnies muffed a punt, and Collaros threw a 21-yard TD pass to Jeremy Blue.  Another fumble led to Johnnie Blue’s 7-yard TD run at 1:05, and Blue ran 20 yards for another score after Johnstown fumbled the ensuing squib kick. Then, Dujuan Jones returned an interception 96 yards down the sideline as time expired, suddenly making it 35-0 and forcing a second-half running clock.

“They’re a great team, and they took advantage of the opportunities presented to them,” coach Mike Carter said. “We had a great week of practice, but we just had too many miscues. We never got into a rhythm. We wanted to control the ball and the line of scrimmage, and weren’t able to.”

“They came out ready to go,” senior wideout-cornerback Trent Coe said. “We came out a little flat and were a little nervous. We were playing not to lose, and that’s not the way we play.”

Steubenville played its backups for most of the second half, but Johnny Agresta still threw a 21-yard TD pass to Alec Taylor. Justin Franklin had a 19-yard touchdown run for the Johnnies with 4:11 to play, capping a 66-yard, nine-play drive.

Johnnie Blue had 112 yards on 13 carries, all in the first half, for the Big Red. Collaros hit on six of 10 passes for 141 yards.

Andrew Sayer had 10 carries for 38 yards for Johnstown and Franklin added 35 yards on nine attempts. Cody Workman was held  to 18 yards on 19 carries and was dropped six times for 29 yards in losses. He completed four of seven passes for 33 yards. Jonny Chatfield recovered a fumble.

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75

Johnstown’s Trent Coe dives for extra yardage Saturday during a 42-7 loss to Steubenville.

Kurt Snyder

Preparations for Johnstown’s 2015-16 football season begin a month from now.

The Johnnies will not say it publicly, but everything they do for 11 months should be geared toward what could happen 364 days from now. On Saturday, the Johnnies were beaten 42-7 by Steubenville in a Division IV regional final at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium in New Philadelphia.

The Big Red are not going anywhere. They expect to be back at this point next season. The Johnnies should, too.

“One of things I talked to the young men at halftime about was every game no matter whether it’s Week 13 or whether it’s Week 1, you have to play great fundamental football,” Johnstown coach Mike Carter said. “You have to become experts at fundamental football. When you do that, great things will happen for you. That will be our point of emphasis as we go into next year.”

It might have taken more than fundamentals to beat Steubenville, which has a top-notch player at every position. Carter, however, has built a program with a style that works at Johnstown. The Johnnies did not play that way Saturday.

The Johnnies’ timing was off all night, committing too many penalties on the offensive line. They muffed two kick and punt returns that led to 14 points during Steubenville’s onslaught to close the second quarter and defensively were unable to get off blocks to slow down the Big Red’s running game.

“I hope the underclassmen gain that just because you want to beat somebody doesn’t mean you will,” senior linebacker Hayden Bullard said. “You have to earn it. You have to earn the win. You can’t just say, ‘Hey, we are going to win. Let’s win.'”

With quarterback Cody Workman and running backs Andrew Sayer and Justin Franklin, who accounted for more than 3,000 yards of rushing offense, returning to run behind a line that will include returners Jeff Nogaj, Pace Branson, Caleb Writesel and Corey Bias, scoring points undoubtedly will not be a problem.

The Johnnies, however, might have to adjust their approach. Workman ran two magnificent two-minute drills in victories against Watkins Memorial and St. Clairsville, but it is hard for a passing game to be sharp with only 29 attempts during the regular season.

Defensively, Johnstown has excelled by using a two-platoon system, keeping players fresh and allowing them to rise to the occasion down the stretch in close games. It might serve the Johnnies well to give their best offensive players defensive repetitions to have them available for spot duty when they see powerful offensive players such as what St. Clairsville and Steubenville featured.

“They definitely gained experience tonight playing in an exciting game and have gained experience from playing in as many big games that they have had the opportunity to play in,” Carter said. “I hope they are able to take that and gain confidence and motivation so that they can push themselves and get a little bit better tomorrow.”

Rest assured Saturday will be a learning experience. Each time, Carter’s teams have had a sense of disappointment they have come back stronger.

After reaching the state semifinal in 2011, a team with new skill players came right back and reached the regional final. Two seasons ago, the Johnnies lost a bevy of close games and rebounded to win back-to-back Licking County League-Cardinal Division titles.

“I expect the classes under us to do better than us,” Bullard said. “I have always wanted that from the underclassmen. We were driving to do better than the (2011 team), and I hope that they were hoping we would do better than them, too.”

Duplicating their unbeaten regular season will not be easy against a schedule that again includes Watkins Memorial, Granville, Newark Catholic and Licking Valley among others. The Johnnies, however, must have a long-range plan, and Steubenville must be highlighted and circled at the top.

“The coaches help push us every day. Three hundred sixty-five days a year, we are just busting our butt,” senior defensive back Trent Coe said. “Without the coaches, we wouldn’t be able to get this far without the energy and enthusiasm and the hard work. I know that will stay in the program, so I am excited to see what the future holds for Johnstown.”

Snyder is a sports writer for The Advocate. He can be reached at ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

State semifinal playoff pairings

Division I, State Semifinals/Regional Finals – Games at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28

Home Team listed first.

Region 1

1 Lakewood St. Edward (12-1) vs. 2 Stow-Munroe Falls (12-0) at Parma Byers Field

Region 2

1 Cincinnati Colerain (12-1) vs. 3 Huber Heights Wayne (13-0) at Mason Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium

Division II State Semifinals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27

Home Team listed first.

1 Massillon Perry (11-2) vs. 5 Hudson (11-2) at Solon Stewart Field

2 Perrysburg (13-0) vs. 1 Cincinnati La Salle (11-2) at Piqua Alexander Stadium, Purk Field

Division III, State Semifinals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27

Home Team listed first.

1 Akron Archbishop Hoban (12-1) vs. 3 Zanesville (12-1) at Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium

2 Toledo Central Catholic (11-2) vs. 3 Trotwood-Madison (10-3) at Sidney Memorial Stadium

Division IV, State Semifinals – Games at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28

Home Team listed first.

1 Steubenville (12-0) vs. 5 Youngstown Ursuline (8-5) at Boardman New Spartan Stadium

1 Middletown Bishop Fenwick (13-0) vs. 1 Columbus Bishop Hartley (9-3) at Wilmington Alumni Field

Division V, State Semifinals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27

Home Team listed first.

1 Milan Edison (12-1) vs. 3 Canton Central Catholic (9-3) at Wooster Triway Jack Miller Field

3 Coldwater (13-0) vs. 1 Wheelersburg (13-0) at Xenia Doug Adams Stadium

Division VI, State Semifinals – Games at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28

Home Team listed first.

1 Kirtland (12-1) vs. 3 Grandview Heights (12-1) at Mansfield Madison Ram Field at StarTek Stadium

1 Maria Stein Marion Local (12-1) vs. 2 Defiance Tinora (11-1) at Wapakoneta Harmon Field

Division VII, State Semifinals – Games at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27

Home Team listed first.

1 Danville (13-0) vs. 2 Mogadore (12-1) at Orrville Red Rider Stadium

3 Fort Recovery (11-2) vs. 1 McComb (12-1) at Lima Senior Spartan Stadium

Licking County League

Football

Buckeye Division

Co-Lineman of Year: Jordan Coulter, Licking Heights; Zach Jenkins, Watkins Memorial

Back of Year: London Pearson, Licking Heights

Coach of Year: Darren Waters, Licking Heights

Ernie Godfrey Award: Luke Kozlowski, Licking Valley

First Team

Alex Miles, Watkins Memorial

Corey Hare, Watkins Memorial

Westley Brandon, Watkins Memorial

Jaqui VanMeter, Licking Valley

Garret Robinson, Licking Valley

Elijah Brechbill, Licking Valley

Gunnar Carpenter, Licking Valley

London Pearson, Licking Heights

Nate Thacker, Licking Heights

Joey Harrell, Licking Heights

Jordan Coulter, Licking Heights

L.A. Kelly, Licking Heights

Cole Glaub, Lakewood

Thaddeus Winston, Granville

Jack Peterson, Granville

Second Team

Zach Jenkins, Watkins Memorial

Rex Miles, Watkins Memorial

Bobby Broomfield, Watkins Memorial

Brylan Taylor, Licking Valley

Josh Montgomery, Licking Valley

Anthony Moran, Licking Valley

Bailey Hayden, Licking Valley

Cameron Malicoate, Licking Heights

Gabe Caldwell, Licking Heights

Zach Sims, Licking Heights

Ke’Shawn Moore, Licking Heights

Mat French, Lakewood

Nick Kurek, Granville

Andrew Bubnar, Granville

Honorable Mention

Garth Medors, Watkins Memorial

Cameron Johnson, Watkins Memorial

Cole Nixon, Watkins Memorial

Ethan Fout, Licking Valley

Luke Kozlowski, Licking Valley

Briar Hartshorn, Licking Valley

Jack Langkamp, Licking Heights

Chasen Neff, Licking Heights

Brandon Smith, Licking Heights

Cameron Downs, Lakewood

Branson Hinkle, Lakewood

Cody Campbell, Lakewood

Brandon Haley, Granville

Trent Compton, Granville

Zac LaRussa, Granville

Cardinal Division

Lineman of Year: Jeff Nogaj, Johnstown

Back of Year: Cody Workman, Johnstown

Coach of Year: Mike Carter, Johnstown

Ernie Godfrey Award: Carlos Rencher, Heath

First Team

Garett Robberts, Utica

Mitch Marston, Utica

Pierce Piazza, Utica

Gage Linkous, Northridge

Wes Jurden, Newark Catholic

Cole Buchanan, Newark Catholic

Nate McNabb, Newark Catholic

Nick Cavinee, Newark Catholic

Cody Workman, Johnstown

Jeff Nogaj, Johnstown

Nate Brown, Johnstown

Hayden Bullard, Johnstown

Jonny Chatfield, Johnstown

Elijah Senior, Heath

Aaron Latiolais, Heath

Second Team

Peyton Snow, Utica

Matt Moore, Utica

Gavin Posey, Utica

Logan Garee, Northridge

Tanner Lake, Newark Catholic

Jack Wollenburg, Newark Catholic

Nolan Jurden, Newark Catholic

Jud Lewis, Newark Catholic

Richie Carey, Johnstown

Andrew Sayer, Johnstown

Alex Catalogna, Johnstown

Trent Coe, Johnstown

Avery Hogue, Heath

Daulton Brown, Heath

Honorable Mention

Tony Hoover, Utica

Brad Keener, Utica

Brock Moran, Utica

Daniel Hatfield, Northridge

Sam Doran, Northridge

Trevor Roach, Northridge

Connor Sheehan, Newark Catholic

Kyle Gibson, Newark Catholic

Kris Goodman, Newark Catholic

Clay Psurny, Johnstown

David Corbi, Johnstown

Cody Blevins, Johnstown

Kyle Yoho, Heath

Tyler Karr, Heath

Kordell Wiley, Heath

Granville’s Alex Meurer gets free for a layup last season against Northridge.

GRANVILLE –  Granville fans have become accustomed to seeing the Blue Aces contend for Licking County League championships under coach Adam Teeters.

If the Blue Aces are going to continue that trend, they’ll have to reload with mostly new faces in 2015-16 as they come off a successful 18-6 season, including 15-3 as LCL runnersup.

“We lost 90 percent of our scoring and 90 percent of our rebounding,” Teeters said after a recent four-way scrimmage at Central Crossing with the Comets, Columbus West and Grandview Heights. “Right now, we’re battling inconsistency.”

The only returning starter is senior point guard Alex Meurer, who will play a new role this season for Granville. “He’s being a leader,” Teeters said. “And he’s dictating the flow.”

Jacob Alexander, a 6-foot-2 senior, was lost for the season in 2014-15 with a concussion in late January after being a steady contributor. “We’re just getting him back, but he’s a scrapper, a battler who will do the dirty work,” Teeters said.

Senior forward Payton Ley, who was lost with a dislocated ankle last season against Newark Catholic, returns along with classmates Drew Dilger and Trent Tackett.

A pair of junior forwards, Will Sharp and Justin Thompson, are ready to move up from reserves. At about 6-3, Sharp is the tallest player on the team.

Granville will also throw some younger players into the fire. Sophomore Nick Windley is the backup point guard, while freshman Cameron Crouch will play varsity basketball, much like he did in football. “He’ll get his opportunity to contribute,” Teeters said. “He invested a lot of time in the summer, in football and basketball.”

With the lack of size, the Blue Aces will rely on more of a motion offense, with a lot of penetrating and kicking the ball out. “But we’re streaky shooters right now,” Teeters said. “We need to be consistent.”

Teeters said Granville will rely on interchangeable parts, and will have a deep bench.

“We can change positions and not have a dropoff,” he said. “We can go 10 deep, and probably will.”

For the first time, the new LCL will go to divisions, with Granville competing with Lakewood, Watkins Memorial, Licking Valley and Licking Heights for the Buckeye Division title. They’ll play just one crossover game with the Cardinal Division teams, freeing up some non-league games.

The Blue Aces, who open this Friday and Saturday at the London Classic, have added Beechcroft, Briggs and Groveport to the schedule.

“I really feel like we have the chance to compete this year, not only in our league, but with our non-league schedule,” Teeters said. “We just need to find that energy on a consistent basis.”

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75

Granville junior Brookyln Holthaus tips the ball over the net against Lakewood during the Blue Aces’ district semifinal win.

Granville senior Nikki Cox lines up a shot against Watkins Memorial during the Blue Aces’ LCL win.

GRANVILLE – The All-Licking County League fall sports teams were recently announced, and Granville walked away with a trio of the top honors.

Senior Nikki Cox, who led the Blue Aces to LCL, district and regional title as well as Division II state runnerup honors, was named girls soccer Player of the Year, while Scott Forster was Coach of the Year.

In girls cross country, Granville won the Buckeye Division and senior Micaela DeGenero was Runner of the Year. Chrisi Rogerson was Coach of the Year.

In volleyball, Granville won the Buckeye Division, and junior setter Brooklyn Holthaus was named Buckeye Player of the Year. Todd Parkison of the Blue Aces was Coach of the Year.

Three Granville teammates joined Cox on first-team All-LCL girls soccer: sophomore Rose Sawyers, junior Reilley Welles and senior Tori Long. Senior Taylor Beitzel and freshman Katie Cox made the second team, while sophomore Natalie Pireu was honorable mention.

Kylee McFarland joined DeGenero on the Buckeye Division first-team cross country, while making second team were Maddie Long, Rosie Lamb, Destiny Braden and Riley Bruck. Riley Pay was honorable mention.

In the Cardinal Division, Johnstown’s Grace Mast was Runner of the Year and Kat Fields of Heath won Coach of the Year.

Joining Holthaus on first-team Buckeye Division volleyball was senior hitter Emilee Skerbetz. Sophomore hitter Christina Harrison made the second team, while senior Morgan Dawson was honorable mention.

In the Cardinal Division, Newark Catholic swept top honors with Taylor Daignault as Player of the Year, while Jeri Helfer was Coach of the Year.

All-LCL football was also announced, with Granville landing a pair of first-team picks in the Buckeye Division in senior defensive back-wideout Thaddeus Winston and junior wideout-defensive back Jack Peterson. Lineman Nick Kurek and linebacker Andrew Bubnar made the second team, while Brandon Haley, Trent Compton and Zac LaRussa earned honorable mention.

Jordan Coulter of Licking Heights and Watkins Memorial’s Zach Jenkins were Buckeye Co-Linemen of the Year, while London Pearson of Licking Heights was Back of the Year and Darren Waters from Heights was Coach of the Year.

In the Cardinal Division, Johnstown swept honors with Jeff Nogaj Lineman of the Year, Cody Workman Back of the Year and Mike Carter Coach of the Year,

Four Granville players were named first-team All-LCL in boys soccer: Jacob Alexander, Alex Libertini, Evan Lewandowski and Austin Rader. Jack Bain, Colin Crates and Will Nock were second-teamers, while honorable mention went to Max Keegan.

In boys cross country, Granville’s Joe Pappas was a first-team All-LCL Buckeye Division selection, while Jonny Lukins and Tyler Keenan made second team. Thomas Patton, Victor Ziegert and Jack McGonagle were honorable mention. State champion Andrew Jordan of Watkins Memorial was Buckeye Runner of the Year, while John Jarvis of Watkins was Coach of the Year.

The Cardinal Division saw Taylor Hopkins of Heath as Runner of the Year, and Heath’s Scott Brown as Coach of the Year,

In boys golf, Alex Meurer and Tyler Dunfee of Granville were first-team picks. Luke Stewart made second team, while Coury Rogers was honorable mention. Newark Catholic’s Nick Willis was Player of the Year, while Thom McManus of NC was Coach of the Year.

Granville’s Alyssa Newsom was a first-team All-LCL choice in girls golf, while Maggie Wolf made the second team and Ariana Long was honorable mention. Johnstown’s Katie Grunkemeyer was Player of the Year, and NC’s Tracy Johnson was Coach of the Year.

Licking Heights senior Dennis Johnson makes a tackle Nov. 13 during a Division II regional semifinal against Worthington Kilbourne.

Killian Brewer had trouble choking back tears in the minutes following Licking Heights’ football playoff loss to Worthington Kilbourne on Nov. 13.

Brewer’s career is not over. He will be back in 2016 for his senior season, but his tears were for a senior class that took underclassmen under their wing and led the Hornets to one of the best seasons in school history.

“They were the first class that I ever really knew,” Brewer said. “I didn’t really know last year’s seniors because I was never around them. Now, I am not going to see them next year. (Mina Zaky) was the first person I threw a touchdown pass, too.”

Heights lost 17-14 to Worthington Kilbourne, falling just short of advancing to the first regional final in program history. Two narrow losses kept the Hornets short of the postseason in a 2014 season, which ended with a 6-4 record.

Instead of questioning whether the program could compete long term in the Licking County League and in Division II, the Hornets regrouped and rebounded in resounding fashion. They rallied from a 16-3 deficit against rival Watkins Memorial and were virtually untouchable the rest of the way.

“We kind of restructured ourselves as far as what our mission was going to be, and our kids bought into it, and they did something special this year,” Heights coach Darren Waters said. “We felt we were better able to prepare the kids for where we were at. Our kids did a great job of following everything they were asked to do in the way that they prepared.”

Brewer caught a touchdown pass and played a strong game at safety, subbing for the injured Nate Thacker against Kilbourne. He, however, spent most of the season as second-string quarterback, playing at the end of lopsided games and keeping his unit motivated and on call when needed.

Many of the seniors took a back seat as juniors. Gabe Caldwell was the starting quarterback, but he stepped into a starring role as Heights committed to developing its spread offense.

London Pearson became one of the top playmakers, accounting for more than 1,000 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns, and classmates Cameron Malicoate and Dennis Johnson waited their turn and emerged as key pieces to a dominant defense.

“We knew we were going to be counting on London Pearson, but not only did he do a great job as an athlete, he turned into an exceptional leader and it really wasn’t by saying a whole lot,” Waters said. “It was by going out and making plays, it was trusting his coaches. He would come to the sidelines and have conversations with our offensive coordinator, and his suggestions were always something that was going to open up to get someone else the ball not him the ball.”

Waters frequently spoke during the season of how he wanted the Hornets to live in the moment and seize their opportunity. He pushed talk of their legacy or the impact for the program off to the side.

By making their mark, however, the Hornets put another stake in the ground for a program that has not looked back during the past decade. They have now set a bench mark for next season’s Hornets to work to clear.

“We just have to work hard and make them proud,” Brewer said.

Snyder is a sports writer for the Pataskala Standard. Tell him what you think at ksnyder@gannett.com.

Watkins Memorial junior Ben Pack goes up for a dunk during a recent practice. The Warriors host Dublin Scioto on Friday to open the regular season.

PATASKALA – Watkins Memorial’s boys basketball seniors are not used to losing.

That is what made the 2014-15 season so befuddling. The Warriors learned a harsh reality that talent simply is not enough.

“It’s on trust now,” senior point guard Joey Looney said. “We all trust each other. We are confident in each other. We know each other has our back. We don’t play selfish ball.”

Watkins’ seniors dominated at the middle school level and after earning a taste of varsity action as sophomores expected to pick up where they left off. Instead, Watkins made too many mistakes to win the majority of a bevy of close games.

What was expected to be a strong defense also fell apart and left the Warriors way behind in a couple ugly losses. It certainly was a season the Warriors wanted to forget. The Warriors open this season at home Friday against Dublin Scioto.

“They are all playing with a chip on their shoulder because they realize now you can’t just show up and meet your potential,” said coach Ben Schenko, who has moved up from his assistant role to replace Pat Dimmick. “Everything that we have seen from the summer all the way up to the beginning of practices, the guys are putting in the work, and they realize what they have to do to achieve their goals. … For seven of them, it’s the last shot they have.”

Schenko’s move to the next seat on the bench is not Watkins’ only change. Gavin Brown and Matt Smith each emerged as scoring threats a season ago, but they have since transferred to Bloom-Carroll.

Junior guard Tyler Ruff and senior forward Alex Miles will be asked to shoulder the scoring load. Ruff is a strong outside shooter while Miles uses his 6-foot-5 frame to score in the post or out to the 3-point line.

“The one really great thing about our guys is we have so many that are capable of hitting shots and forcing turnovers and getting transition layups,” Schenko said. “As long as we have a few consistent guys, I think the rest of it is going to come along with it with four- or six- or eight-point nights from several guys.”

Miles also will be a key piece to the defense as will his twin brother Rex after he recovers from a hand injury suffered during the football season. The Warriors will attempt to attack the perimeter ball-handlers, and they can do that with 6-4 Bobby Broomfield lurking in the paint.

“Especially when you have Bob, that is always helpful when you have a big athletic dude whose head is at the rim,” Looney said. “You are confident that you can get up in your dude, and if you get beat, you have someone to protect the rim.”

Watkins’ progress began with a renewed commitment to the offseason. Because of the number of athletes who play multiple sports, it has been difficult for the boys basketball program to get a full complement of players for summer activities. This season, the players made sacrifices, and it showed in their play.

Watkins finished with its best record at the Ohio University team camp since Schenko began coaching in the program. The tone the Warriors set carried into this month.

“Our intensity has gotten better in practices,” Alex Miles said. “We are not goofing around, and we all showed up in the summer. So far it looks it (made a difference). You never know until the season.”

Granville is the likely favorite in the Licking County League-Buckeye Division, but the Blue Aces graduated a core of its roster. The league title could be up for grabs.

The Warriors are hoping to leave their fans and opponents with a better second impression.

“Nobody is going to be looking at us,” Alex Miles said. “They are going to be saying, ‘They are unfocused. They are uncoachable.’ Hopefully, we will be a lot better than last year.”

ksnyder@gannett.com

740-328-8556

Twitter: @newarkurt

Licking Heights’ Jordan Highfill drops a pass off to a teammate during a 2014-15 game against Heath.

PATASKALA – The move to Division I has caused a transition period for the Licking Heights boys basketball team the past few seasons.

Returning just three players with significant varsity experience this season, it might not be the time the Hornets make a statement in the win/loss column in central Ohio, but coach Nathan Clark sees his program gaining a foothold. Heights again will play all D-I competition during nonleague play.

“Just looking at where we were three or four years ago to now, I think our guys have a lot more confidence when they are playing these teams that are Division I programs,” said Clark, whose senior-laden roster a season ago gave Zanesville three quarters of tough play before running out of gas in the fourth in a tournament loss.

“There’s going to be more length, more athleticism because those schools have more guys to pick from, and I think our guys, each class is becoming more accustomed to playing against higher competition.”

Heights is attempting to make up for lost time. The Hornets did not have their first scrimmage until past Saturday because of the football team making the postseason, and they have trips to Canal Winchester and Logan sandwiching the home opener against Olentangy Orange in a span of eight days to start the season.

Many of the Hornets play AAU basketball on teams in Columbus and have familiarity with their competition.

“We are seeing a fearlessness,” Clark said. “They are not going to back down just because of who the opponent might be. They are going to be ready to play.”

Senior Austin Dulaney brings that experience, having made an immediate impact in the second half of the 2014-15 season after transferring from Reynoldsburg. Dulaney is Heights’ top returning scorer, but points will have to come by committee.

With senior Jordan Highfill and junior Keshawn Moore joining Dulaney in the backcourt, Heights frequently will be able to push the tempo and keep opponents on their toes.

“I think we are going to be a little bit more open this year,” Clark said. “Our guards are going to try to get penetration and into the gaps, and we are going to have to knock down some shots. There are some younger post players that hopefully we are going to be developing through the year. My goal is to definitely build that here early and see if any of those guys can step up and be that for us.”

Junior Chase Doone will help Dulaney spread the floor. Freshman Jacob Righter also could be called upon if he can handle the speed of the varsity game.

Heights will not be thick inside, so the Hornets will have to use their length and athleticism to keep teams out of the paint.

“We are going to use our quickness, our length, maybe pressure a little bit more than even we did last year,” Clark said. “Last year it was more situational, or we would just have (Moore) pick up the ball and add pressure.”

Senior Nathan Dugue will be a key asset at the defensive end, and sophomore Tanner Allton is an intriguing young player, who played at Heights in middle school before playing a season ago at DeSales.

The Licking County League again is expected to be filled with defense-first teams, and Buckeye Division favorite Granville helps set that tone. With a premium put on hard-nosed players, Clark said that is Heights’ missing piece so far.

The Hornets will have to follow the example of senior forward Mina Zaky if they are to play at a championship level.

“We don’t have that physical presence that can move people off the block or set that really hard screen. We are trying to get that mentality,” Clark said. “Mina Zaky does some of that. He bangs, and he goes hard around the rim.”

ksnyder@gannett.com

740-328-8556

Twitter: @newarkurt

OFFENSE

FIRST TEAM

CODY WORKMAN, JOHNSTOWN

•Position QB

•Grade Junior

•Notable Ran for 1,571 yards, 15 TDs, LCL-Cardinal BOY

WESTLEY BRANDON, WATKINS MEMORIAL

•Position QB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Threw for 2,022 yards, 27 TDs.

AARON LATIOLAIS, HEATH

•Position QB

•Grade Junior

•Notable Eclipsed 1,000 yards in both running and passing, 28 total TDs.

ANDREW SAYER, JOHNSTOWN

•Position RB

•Grade Junior

•Notable Ran for 1,106 yards, 11 TDs.

JOEY HARRELL, LICKING HEIGHTS

•Position RB

•Grade Junior

•Notable Ran for 879 yards, 10 TDs.

ALEX MILES, WATKINS MEMORIAL

•Position WR

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 56 catches for 727 yards, 12 TDs.

CAMERON DOWNS, LAKEWOOD

•Position WR

•Grade Junior

•Notable Made 46 catches for 593 yards, 1 TD.

TANNER LAKE, NEWARK CATHOLIC

•Position WR

•Grade Junior

•Notable Made 37 catches for 471 yards, 4 TDs.

JEFF NOGAJ, JOHNSTOWN

•Position OL

•Grade Junior

•Notable Best blocker for attack with 2 1,000-yard rushers.

JAQUI VAN METER, LICKING VALLEY

•Position OL

•Grade Senior

•Notable Blocked 83 percent for diverse running attack.

ELIJAH SENIOR, HEATH

•Position OL

•Grade Senior

•Notable Blocked for team with 2,000 rushing yards.

JAYME RANDOLPH, NEWARK

•Position OL

•Grade Senior

•Notable Blocked at 88 percent for young offensive talent.

NICK CAVINEE, NEWARK CATHOLIC

•Position OL

•Grade Senior

•Notable Team’s best blocker, also strong DE and punter.

NATE THACKER, LICKING HEIGHTS

•Position Flex

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 29 catches for 416 yards, 8 total TDs.

ELIJAH BRECHBILL, LICKING VALLEY

•Position K

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 6 FGs, pinned opponents deep.

DEFENSE

JORDAN COULTER, LICKING HEIGHTS

•Position DL

•Grade Junior

•Notable Dominant on both sides of ball, LCL-Buckeye LOY.

GARETT ROBBERTS, UTICA

•Position DL

•Grade Senior

•Notable Team’s second-leading tackler, best two-way lineman.

JONNY CHATFIELD, JOHNSTOWN

•Position DL

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 83 tackles, 23 for loss.

WES JURDEN, NEWARK CATHOLIC

•Position LB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 22 tackles for loss, forced five fumbles.

L.A. KELLY, LICKING HEIGHTS

•Position LB

•Grade Junior

•Notable Made more than 80 tackles, 2 INTs.

CHASE RICHARDSON, NEWARK

•Position LB

•Grade Junior

•Notable Made 95 tackles, including 10 for loss, and 3 pass breakups.

GARRET ROBINSON, LICKING VALLEY

•Position LB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made more than 80 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT.

HAYDEN BULLARD, JOHNSTOWN

•Position LB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 99 tackles, scored two defensive touchdowns.

LONDON PEARSON, LICKING HEIGHTS

•Position DB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 5 INTs, Shut down best opposing WR.

CAMERON JOHNSON, WATKINS MEMORIAL

•Position DB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 74 tackles, 4 INTs.

RICHIE CAREY, JOHNSTOWN

•Position DB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 67 tackles, 4 INTs.

THADDEUS WINSTON, GRANVILLE

•Position DB

•Grade Senior

•Notable Made 67 tackles, forced 2 fumbles.

COREY HARE, WATKINS MEMORIAL

•Position P

•Grade Senior

•Notable Averaged 39 yards per punt, 10 inside 20.

SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE

QB Gabe Caldwell, Sr., Licking Heights

QB Cole Glaub, Sr., Lakewood

QB Kris Goodman, Sr., Newark Catholic

RB D’ante Woods, So., Newark

RB Pierce Piazza, Sr., Utica

WR Jud Lewis, Sr., Newark Catholic

WR Ashton Gilkey, So., Newark

WR Jack Peterson, Jr., Granville

OL Zach Sims, Sr., Licking Heights

OL Brylan Taylor, Sr., Licking Valley

OL Vinnie Pancini, Sr., Newark

OL Gavin Posey, So., Utica

OL Mat French, Sr., Lakewood

Flex Garth Medors, Jr., Watkins Memorial

K Clay Psurny, Sr., Johnstown

DEFENSE

DL Chance Canady, Jr., Licking Heights

DL Zach Jenkins, Sr., Watkins Memorial

DL Hunter Alley, Jr., Johnstown

DL Mathieu Holt, Jr. Granville

LB Daulton Brown, Jr., Heath

LB Nate Brown, Sr., Johnstown

LB Gage Linkous, Jr., Northridge

LB Tyler Karr, So., Heath

DB Trent Coe, Sr., Johnstown

DB Daniel Hatfield, Jr., Northridge

DB Gunnar Carpenter, So., Licking Valley

DB Bobby Broomfield, Sr., Watkins Memorial

P Mitch Marston, Sr., Utica

HONORABLE MENTION

Andrew Bubnar, Granville

Jake Purdy, Granville

Simon Romine, Heath

Alex Catalogna, Johnstown

Nathan Rice, Lakewood

Ke’Shawn Moore, Licking Heights

Josh Montgomery, Licking Valley

Christian Black, Newark

Ty Scott, Newark

Jack Wollenburg, Newark Catholic

Logan Garee, Northridge

Tony Hoover, Utica

Peyton Snow, Utica

Rex Miles, Watkins Memorial

Kaleb Goad, Watkins Memorial