FOOTBALL: Take a look at SOSA’s All-Area team

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Needless to say, this football season was as successful as they come.

Southern Ohio Sports Authority was right there every step of the way, covering individual milestones, improbable feats and wins that changed history.

After a fun-filled year, take a look at our All-Area team, which consists of 35 area players who were at their best throughout the fall season.

Jake Allen | Jackson | Lineman | Sophomore

A team’s success begins up front, and Allen has all of the makings to be Jackson’s next big-time talent. He’s agile, aggressive off the ball, showcases quick feet and the ultimate protector. He’s also 6-foot-3, 280 pounds and only getting bigger, stronger and faster. He was named all-FAC and the Division III Lineman of the Year.

Peyton Bell | Paint Valley | Lineman | Senior

Elite offensive lineman have been a surplus in Bainbridge, and Bell was just the latest example. A mountain of a player at 6-foot-4 and just under 300 pounds, he paved the way in the trenches for the Bearcats to win eight games and pile up nearly 5,000 yards of total offense. He was the SVC Offensive Lineman of the Year and the Division VI Lineman of the Year. 

Jeffery Bishop | West | All-Purpose | Senior

Put simply, Bishop is an animal. And somehow, someway, he’s going to find the ball. Defensively, he had 53 tackles and seven interceptions. Offensively, he totaled just under 1,000 yards of total offense and 17 total touchdowns — 10 receiving, seven rushing. He was a first-team all-district selection.

Spencer Brower | Zane Trace | Lineman | Senior

Lining up against No. 77 had offensive linemen shaking in their cleats every Friday night. Brower was that good, and as advertised, every time he stepped on the field. He was the leader up front, ending the season with 103 tackles, 12 for a loss, and 9.5 sacks. That helped the Pioneers to a playoff victory. He was the SVC Defensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team all-district honoree.

Zane Brownfield | Piketon | Linebacker | Senior

For the last two seasons, Brownfield has made a name for himself as one of the best linebackers in the area. He sniffs out the football like a bloodhound and he’s never afraid to put his body on the line to make the tackle. Helping the Redstreaks to six wins, the senior finished the season with 119 tackles and three forced fumbles, earning first-team all-district honors. 

Caden Cutright | Unioto | All-Purpose | Junior

Cutright was a diamond in the rough that turned into the unsung hero for the Shermans. As a receiver, he hauled in 38 catches for 655 yards and 11 trips to the end zone. Defensively, though, he was stellar as he intercepted seven passes and took three of them back for touchdowns. Put him anywhere on the field and he gets the job done. 

Jake Darling | Wheelersburg | Linebacker | Senior 

One thing about Wheelersburg is its always going to have a stout defense with excellent linebacker play. This year was Darling’s time to shine. Leading a unit that pitched five shutouts, he was the Pirates’ leading tackler with 74 tackles for a group that allowed just 11 points per game. He was named first-team SOC II and the Division V Defensive Player of the Year.

Jordan Davis | Notre Dame | Running Back | Senior

What Davis didn’t have in height, he more than made up for with the way he played the running back position. Helping Notre Dame to a playoff win and the program’s most victories since 2013, he carried the ball 228 times to the tune of 1,604 yards and 23 touchdowns. He earned first-team all-district honors for his efforts. 

Chase Heiland | Portsmouth | Running Back | Junior

No player meant more to their team than Heiland did to Portsmouth. The proof is in the film and the results. He ran for 1,778 yards and found the end zone 18 times, including an outrageous 359-yard, four-touchdown performance in the Trojans’ playoff win over Fairland. Unquestionably the best back in the OVC, he was named first-team all-district. 

Cole Hines | Gallia Academy | Linebacker | Senior 

Don’t let Hines’ size fool you. He may only be 5-foot-8, but he knows how to bring the hit stick and make teams pay for trying him. Finishing tackles at a premium level, he ended the season with 112 tackles, including 10 for loss, helping the Blue Devils to a nine-win season. He was first-team OVC and the Division IV District Defensive Player of the Year. 

Blake Hoops | Unioto | Receiver | Junior

After a year of waiting in the ranks, Hoops got his chance to shine and showcase his talents on the gridiron. He wanted the ball in his hands, and understandably so, after breaking the record for touchdowns catches in a game … twice. He ended the season with 49 catches for 722 yards and 11 scores, earning first-team SVC and first-team all-district honors.

Newton Hoops | Senior | Quarterback | Unioto

Eight. That’s how many school records Hoops broke in his career. And seven of those happened this year as he threw for 2,565 yards and 32 touchdowns. That led Unioto to its best season in school history and a Gold Ball. He was the SVC Offensive Back of the Year, the SOSA Player of the Year and is now a two-time Division IV Offensive Player of the Year. Retire his number.

Brycen Hunt | Fairland | Receiver | Senior 

Every quarterback has a receiver who they know will get the ball at any and all costs. Hunt was that guy for Fairland. As the go-to guy for the nine-win Dragons, he finished the season with 59 catches for 1,044 yards and an insane 18 touchdowns. Replicating his production certainly won’t be easy next season. He was named first-team OVC and was a first-team all-district selection.

Jase Hurd | Waverly | Running Back | Senior

Hurd went from a guy on a loaded team two seasons ago to a history-maker. The senior standout compiled over 1,600 rushing yards and scored 19 times, ending his storied Tiger career as the school’s all-time leading rusher. Production at its finest. He was named first-team SOC II and first-team all-district.

Peyton Jackson | Fairland | Quarterback | Senior

All it took was one play in the first game to show that Jackson was made of the right stuff. From that point on, he turned himself into the ultimate threat. He continued his roll, leading his Dragons to nine wins as he finished 155-of-219 passing for 2,415 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was the OVC Player of the Year and the Division V co-Player of the Year. 

Rocky Jones | Washington | Running Back | Junior

Jones went from another weapon last year to the featured back at WCH and took to his new responsibilities like a fish to water. A threat to bust a big play at a moment’s notice, he piled up 835 rushing yards on top of 516 receiving yards and found the end zone 14 times. He was named all-FAC and first-team all-district. 

Aiden Layne | Ironton | Lineman | Junior

Every great defense usually has a stud tackle up front that is causing chaos and blowing up offensive playcalls. Layne is that guy for the Tigers. Part of a unit that gave up just 13.8 points per game, he was a constant game-wrecker who made a habit of beating offensive lineman off the snap and getting into the backfield, racking up 52 tackles. He was a first-team all-district selection. 

Dylan Morton | Eastern | Quarterback | Senior

Eastern was the only team to run the table in the regular season, and Morton’s clutch gene was why. Ask Notre Dame. The senior signal caller led his Eagles to 11 wins and a playoff victory, going 107-of-198 passing for 1,745 yards and 22 touchdowns, alongside five more rushing scores. He was the Division VII Offensive Player of the Year. 

Kaden Murphy | Coal Grove | Running Back | Sophomore 

Murphy had a tall task replacing a running back that tallied over 3,000 yards last season, but he rose to the challenge every time his number was called. Shouldering much of the offensive load for the Hornets, he ended the season with 246 carries for 1,432 yards and 23 touchdowns. Get used to seeing his name for the next two seasons.  

Noah Patterson | Ironton | Lineman | Senior 

There’s a reason Patterson is committed to Eastern Michigan University. All you have to do is watch him play. He’s quick off the ball, a nasty run-blocker and gets pure enjoyment out of making pancake blocks to spring his playmakers. His work in the trenches helped propel the Tigers to 11 wins, earning him first-team OVC and Division V Lineman of the Year honors. 

Blake Phillips | Zane Trace | Running Back | Senior

Phillips simply had a knack for finding the end zone, and eventually made it a habit. The Pioneers’ plan to run all over teams worked out to winning eight games, including a playoff contest while the senior back toted the ball 189 times for 1,010 yards and 18 scores. He was named first-team SVC and first-team all-district.

Andrew Potts | McClain | Running Back | Senior

Give Potts the football and either line up to get your block knocked off or get out of the way. You’re on the tracks when Potts is coming through? No bueno. The senior went out in style, tallying well over 1,000 rushing yards — again — and leading the Tigers to their first-ever postseason berth. His shoes are a ginormous pair to fill.

Camden Redd | Logan Elm | Tight End | Senior

Redd had every chance to be a game-changing player, and he certainly lived up to his expectations. A 6-foot-5 target, he was a defender’s headache in any situation as he hauled in 35 catches for 665 yards and eight scores, helping the Braves to nine wins this season. He was named first-team MSL and first-team all-district. 

Gavin Richards | Nelsonville-York | Linebacker | Senior

Richards did everything for Nelsonville-York, but it was on the defensive side where he truly earned his stripes. Helping the Buckeyes to eight wins, including a playoff victory, he led a defense that gave up just 12.8 points per game with a ridiculous 189 tackles, 35 for a loss, and four forced fumbles. He was the TVC Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-district selection.

Cody Risner | Wheelersburg | Lineman | Senior

It took some time for Wheelersburg to become … well, Wheelersburg, and once it did, Risner’s play on the defensive side hit another level. He became the wrecking ball the Pirates needed up front, finishing the season with over 40 tackles, 10 for loss, and five sacks for the nine-win Pirates. He was named first-team all-district. 

Braylon Robertson | Paint Valley | Running Back | Junior

One thing about Paint Valley is it always has a standout back to carry the load. That was Robertson’s responsibility, and few did it better. The 5-foot-8 workhorse racked up 2,137 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also totaled 116 tackles and 12 for a loss. He was the SVC Defensive Back of the Year and the Division VI Offensive Player of the Year. 

Owen Ruff | Fairfield Union | Running Back | Junior

Fairfield Union has had its struggles for the past two decades, but Ruff provided the Falcons with a much-needed glimmer of hope for the future. He led the Falcons to their first winning season since 2017, second since 2006, as he carried the rock 251 times for 1,538 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s back again after a first-team all-district season.

Hunter Shamblin | Gallia Academy | Running Back | Senior 

Gallia Academy had a number of guys who could break off big plays, but Shamblin was the go-to guy when that was needed most. A touchdown waiting to happen, he finished the season with over 1,500 total yards rushing and receiving alongside 20 touchdowns, helping the Blue Devils to a playoff victory. He was named first-team OVC and first-team all-district. 

Parker Shonborn | Vinton County | Quarterback | Senior 

In what will go down as one of the best seasons in Vinton County’s history, Shonborn was the guy under center to make it happen. He was calm in the face of adversity and made the big plays when needed, ending the season with 954 passing yards, 596 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns, bringing the Vikings their first TVC title since 1999. He was the TVC Offensive Player of the Year.

Shaun Terry | Ironton | All-Purpose | Junior

Lightning in a bottle. Faster than a hiccup. He made Usain Bolt look slow. Maybe that last one is a stretch, but you get the idea. Terry is the most dynamic player in Southeast Ohio, evidenced by the fact he scored 13 touchdowns, but touched the ball less than 50 times. He was first-team OVC and the Division V Co-Player of the Year. 

Brewer Tomlinson | Eastern | Lineman | Sophomore

In Division VII, there wasn’t a better lineman on both sides of the ball than Tomlinson. Defensively, he was menace as he racked up 67 tackles, 11 for a loss, and six sacks. Offensively, the Eagles ran behind his massive 270-pound frame for over 4,000 total yards of offense and a perfect season. He was the Division VII Lineman of the year.  

Aaron Walters | Logan Elm | Quarterback | Junior

Logan Elm knew last year what a talent it had with Walters, and completely turned him loose this fall. He was given the keys to the car and came back with a share of the MSL title, finishing with 2,295 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 68 percent of his passes. Impressive. He was first-team MSL and first-team all-district.

Creed Warren | Wheelersburg | Running Back | Senior 

Warren was the bellcow with legs that simply never stopped moving. He was quick to hit an open hole and possessed a powerful low center of gravity that made him tough for defenders to tackle … just ask Barnesville. He racked up over 1,200 rushing yards and more than 15 total touchdowns for the SOC II champion Pirates, earning first-team all-district honors. 

Drew Wiley | Jackson | Linebacker | Senior

Wiley was among a small handful of players with returning varsity experience for Jackson, and he used that experience to turn in a stellar season. Leading the defensive unit for the 10-win Ironmen, he ended the season with a team-high 142 tackles and seven takedowns for loss. His efforts earned him all-FAC and Division III Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Cade Wolford | Senior | Running Back | Jackson

Wolford understood the workload he was about to undertake, and Jackson was going to ride with him until the wheels fell off. The Kent State University commit capped off a legendary career with 1,554 rushing yards, 224 receiving yards and 33 total touchdowns. He was the FAC Player of the Year and the Division III Offensive Player of the Year. 

Honorable Mention Selections

Jordan Perkins, Unioto; Carson Free, Paint Valley; Brent McGuire, Piketon; Bryce Wickline, Westfall; Morgan Breniser, Huntington; Nolan Johnson, Jackson; Garrett Guess, Miami Trace; Bailey Thacker, Ironton; Kenyon Franklin, Gallia Academy; Braylan Rathburn, Gallia Academy; Daniel Medinger, Rock Hill; Ryan Dixon, Fairland; Leo Poxes, Portsmouth; Kade Woods, West; Teagan Werner, Eastern; Jace White, Eastern; Ethan Kingery, Notre Dame; Cole Estep, Wheelersburg; Gabe McNeil, Valley; Quinton Hurd, Waverly; Alex Pero, Athens; Ashton Allman, Vinton County; Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York; Landon Thompson, Logan Elm; Drew Thornsley, Circleville

SPONSORED BY GLOCKNER FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS