Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

20 football players to keep your eyes on this fall

Here's a look at 20 names to watch for on the gridiron this fall.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

It feels so good to finally say this … high school football is officially back.

Last season provided plenty of jaw-dropping performances, instant classics and playoff runs that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Now, as we turn the page to the 2024 season, between the SVC, SOC I, SOC II, SOC III, FAC, MSL and OVC, alongside Logan, Vinton County, Wellston, Athens and Nelsonville-York, more moments are waiting to be covered and unknown players are ready to mold themselves into household names.

So before the season’s opening kickoff takes place, we’ve compiled a list of 20 players to watch for this season.

NOTE: This is NOT a list of the 20 best players in SOSA’s coverage area. It’s not a be all, end all. This doesn’t mean other players won’t have outstanding seasons. This is simply 20 names to keep an eye on this season. Nothing more, nothing less.

Nolan Johnson, Jackson

Jackson lost an all-state, Division I running back in Cade Wolford at the end of last season. The Ironmen are going to replace him with another Division I running back. Johnson, a University of Army commit, is a powerhouse who loves to run defenders over. Last season, he tallied just under 1,000 yards rushing and found the end zone 13 times. Good luck tackling a brick house-like football player.

Mason Parker, West

The Senators have a solid chance to win a conference title, and Parker will surely be the catalyst if it happens. He made a name for himself last year by rushing for 1,652 yards and 18 touchdowns — helping his team win eight games. Whether he’s under center or taking handoffs, the Senators will go as far as he can rush them to.

West running back Mason Parker rushed for 1,652 yards and 18 scores last fall.
CREDIT: *Renee Nemeth/SOSA*

Carson Free, Paint Valley

One of the best receivers in program history is back in Bainbridge to add to his growing legacy. He already owns the school record for career receiving yards with 2,153, and receiving yards in a season with 1,024 — which he accomplished two seasons ago. Last fall, he hauled in nine touchdowns for the 8-4 Bearcats. Expectations are high this season, and Free’s return is a big reason why.

Brice Johnson, Zane Trace

When a tackle was recorded last season, Johnson was usually somewhere in the mix. He led the Pioneers last season in take downs with 102, tackles for loss with seven, and was second in sacks with six … as a freshman. He has three more years to continue terrorizing opposing offenses. Let’s see what he’s got in store for 2024.

Mason Thacker, Piketon

Piketon was on top of the SVC mountain two seasons ago, and it could reclaim that throne with most of its team, including Thacker, back in the fold. Last year, he was the team leader in receptions with 56 and added 513 receiving yards and three scores to his totals. The Redstreaks have a number of weapons in their arsenal, and Thacker, on the outside, will be a top option.

Lane Haybron, Vinton County

Playing a big part in Vinton County ending a 24-year drought to win the TVC last season was Haybron’s capabilities on the field. He totaled 913 yards of offense — 597 rushing, 316 receiving — to go alongside 10 total scores for the 9-2 Vikings. Now, he’ll be the feature guy and the leader of VC’s offense. But it’s a load he can handle.

Tristan Wood, Valley

In the trenches on both sides of the ball, you can always find big No. 70 in the pile. Defensively, he’s a nightmare to block with the ability to get past his man and make a tackle. He finished last season with 73 tackles, 23 for loss, and three sacks, showing how tough of a blocking assignment he is. Don’t expect anything to change this fall.

Shaun Terry, Ironton

Ironton has state championship hopes, and if the Tigers want to get to that point, then Terry needs the football. The University of Missouri commit was the team’s leading receiver with 27 catches for 525 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He added five rushing touchdowns and was named the Division V Offensive Player of the Year. Feed him more.

Hillsboro’s Jeven Hochstuhl ran for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Jeven Hochstuhl, Hillsboro

Last year, Hochstuhl got his feet wet at the varsity level. This year, he’s Hillsboro’s go-to guy, which could lead to the Indians’ first winning season since 2018. He ran for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns while also hauling in three receiving touchdowns for a 5-6 team. This is a program on the rise, and Hochstuhl’s legs could be the key.

Xander Mowery, Wheelersburg

The Pirates lost a couple of threats on the outside, but Mowery is still there and he’ll surely be a favored target in the passing game. He made his contributions on both sides of the ball last year, helping ‘Burg win nine games and reach a regional final. Now, as a senior, he’ll elevate his game and make sure his team is back in the chase for a state championship.

Cartae Ligon, Chillicothe

Prepare to be reading about this young man for the next four years. He’s the future of Chillicothe’s football program and his time to shine begins this season. Yes, he’ll face a huge adjustment, transitioning from a dominant middle school career to the high school varsity game. But, if you’ve seen any highlights from his junior high days, then you know he’s got the juice. Bright doesn’t begin to describe his future.

Trey Robinette, Miami Trace

Robinette has been a player on the rise for quite some time, and last year, he became a household name after leading the Panthers to seven wins — including a road playoff victory over Hamilton Township. The 6-foot-3 signal caller enters his senior year as one of the top returning quarterbacks in Southeast Ohio and firmly has his sights set on repeating last season’s success, and then some.

Logan Elm’s Keegan Diehl helped the Braves finish 9-2 last fall.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Keegan Diehl, Logan Elm

Most of Logan Elm’s skill players from last season’s 9-2 MSL championship team are gone, leaving huge holes to fill. But Diehl is back and quite possibly could be the team’s top target heading into this season. He only caught nine passes last fall and had a touchdown catch behind a senior heavy group. Now it’s his turn to make his presence felt.

Owen Ruff, Fairfield Union

Last year marked the Falcons’ first winning season since 2017 and Ruff was the main reason behind the surge. He powered his way through defensive lines and ran like the wind to the tune of 1,538 yards and 17 scores for a 6-4 team. Many important players return this fall, which should lead to more success. Ruff is at the center of the storm.

Kameron Kitts, Fairland

Kitts missed three games last season, but still managed to end the year as Fairland’s leader in rushing touchdowns with seven. He was a part of a group that won nine games, marking the program’s seventh straight winning season. Now he’s back and fully healthy. Anytime the ball is in his hands, he’s a touchdown waiting to happen.

Braylan Rathburn, Gallia Academy

Things are going to look a little different for Gallia Academy with a sizable senior class and a head coach gone from last year. But Rathburn is back under center, and that should make the transition so much easier. He threw for 1,964 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall, lifting the Blue Devils to a 9-3 mark. Expect him to put on a show.

Kody Swords, Waverly

Waverly has never had a shortage of outstanding skill players on the outside, and Swords is just the latest example. With the ability to separate, locate the ball in the air and turn on the burners at a moment’s notice, it’s no wonder he was his quarterback’s favorite target last season. That trend certainly shouldn’t change this year as the Tigers’ aerial attack will be as dangerous as ever.

Unioto’s Caden Cutright caught 38 passes for 655 yards and 11 scores in 2023.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Caden Cutright, Unioto

Speaking of aerial attacks, it’s a mystery what Unioto’s will look like. But Cutright is back on the outside and he’ll surely be a top target. He returns after securing 38 catches for 655 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping the Shermans win their first SVC title since 1998 and first Gold Ball since 1981. Watch what he does this season. He’s a gamer.

Landen Inman, Nelsonville-York

The Buckeyes fell short of claiming the TVC title last season, but Inman’s return could be a reason they climb back up that mountain. He was the team’s top threat on the outside, hauling in 26 catches for 507 yards and seven touchdowns — helping his team win eight games and nail down a playoff victory. He’ll be at the center of the offense and has the goods to score at any point.

Alex Pero, Athens

Athens will be an interesting team to watch in Southeast Ohio, and it starts with Pero’s return to the backfield. He posted 1,253 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2023, helping the Bulldogs turn a 1-4 start to a 6-5 season. WIth only four seniors gone from last year’s team, the Bulldogs could have something special.