DEFENSE

Chris Wormley -- PLAYER OF THE YEAR

School: Whitmer Size/Class: 6-7, 270; senior Position: Defensive lineman

Scouting report: Fourth-year defensive end (third-year starter) was All-Ohio first team in 2010. All-Blade three times, he has 85 tackles, and team highs of 24 tackles for loss and 13 sacks this year. All-TRAC first team, All-City League first team in 2009 and 2010, and three-time Division I all-district (two-time defensive player of the year). Committed to play at Michigan.

Coach's comment: "Chris is that rare combination of size, speed and athletic ability, and he's durable. He's never missed a practice, or a play. He runs better than any big man that I've ever had. He can destroy a block at the point of attack, can hold up the block, and run down virtually any running back or skill player. He's all about playing with a purpose." -- Joe Palka

 

Micah Carter

School: Perrysburg Size/Class: 5-9, 230; senior Position: Defensive lineman

Scouting report: Carter, a dominating force inside, was Division II district defensive player of the year. He had 107 tackles and 11 sacks. He also had 28 tackles for loss, forced four fumbles and returned a fumble for a score. He has bench pressed 385 pounds and can squat 600. Carter is a three-time, first team All-NLL and all-district player.

Coach's comment: "He's the best I've ever coached. He is a combination of quickness and strength. He gets off blocks and is smooth. He's cat-like. His first three steps are as quick as any I've seen. He is a freak in the weight room. He would be a great [D-I] fullback." -- Matt Kregel

 

Marquise Moore

School: Whitmer Size/Class: 6-0, 290; junior Position: Defensive lineman

Scouting report: A force at defensive tackle, Moore has made 73 tackles for the 13-0 Panthers, including 21 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. All-TRAC first team and Division I all-district. A strong run stopper, he is a main reason Panthers allow foes just 2.4 yards per rush.

Coach's comment: "Marquise is really dominant from a nose tackle position. He's compact, but he's got a great first step, and he's as explosive of a down lineman as we've had. He can blow up even double-team blocks, and he's unblockable one-on-one. He is incredibly tenacious in staying after a play. He's just a quiet presence that's an unbelievable worker. He's very humble, but he's as good a nose tackle as I've coached." -- Joe Palka

 

Tarryl Hamilton

School: Southview Size/Class: 5-9, 216; senior Position: Defensive lineman

Scouting report: Hamilton was an effective pass rusher and played with a mean edge. All-NLL first team and Division I all-district first team. He registered 60 tackles and also had five sacks. In the weight room, Hamilton has dead-lifted 505 pounds 10 times.

Coach’s comment: “If he was 6-2, he could play for anyone, anywhere [in college]. Tarryl is mean as can be. He’s the kind of guy you want with you in a fight. He has great hands. His change of direction is amazing for how much he weighs. Plus he’s coachable.” — Jim Mayzes

 

Kent Kern

School: St. John’s Size/Class: 6-1, 225; senior Position: Linebacker

Scouting report: The Miami (Ohio) bound player was a three-year starter at linebacker, started at quarterback in 2009 and at running back the last two seasons, rushing for more than 2,800 yards. On defense this season, Kern had 85 tackles, including 12 for losses, had four sacks and one interception. He rushed for 790 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. All-TRA C first team and Division I all-district and All-Ohio second team in 2010.

Coach’s comment: Kent is fast, he’s very bright [4.3 GPA], he’s got great instincts and a motor that doesn’t quit. He’s physically tough and likes to make plays. To play all those spots, and be good at all of them, says an awful lot about him.” — Doug Pearson

 

Evan Karchner

School: Maumee Size/Class: 6-0, 230 Position: Linebacker

Scouting report: Karchner, a fierce competitor and tireless worker, was All-NLL and all-district first team. He led the Panthers with 143 tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. Karchner, also the team’s center and long snapper, was Division II All-Ohio first team in 2010. The four-year starter hopes to play in college at Division II level.

Coach’s comment: “He had an even better year this year. He is one of the best people to be around. He’s a coach’s dream. He goes hard in every drill. He studies film. Plus he’s so talented. He was our rock and foundation and a great teammate. He leaves a huge hole and set a standard.” — John Boles

 

Brian Lee

School: Start Size/Class: 5-11, 220; senior Position: Linebacker

Scouting report: A playmaker in every sense of the word and the most significant player on Start’s defense. The four-year letter winner made his greatest impact on the defensive side, pacing the Spartans with 112 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and eight quarterback sacks. He saw action as a running back and gained 330 yards on 36 carries (9.2 yards per carry).

Coach’s comment: “I think Brian is a true competitor. He has great instincts at the linebacker position. I think he can read his keys about as well as anybody I’ve coached. He’s like a coach on the field. He’s a true student of the game.” — Tyson Harder

 

Mark Meyers

School: Whitmer Size/Class: 6-1, 180; senior Position: Defensive back

Scouting report: A free safety, Meyers has made 92 tackles, including five for losses, and has three interceptions. Returned interception 54 yards for TD in last week’s 37-0 regional final win. All-TRA C first team and is two-time Division I all-district first team with college offers from several MAC schools including Toledo and Bowling Green.

Coach’s comment: “Mark can do it all as a defensive back. He’s a great tackler, a great cover guy, and he plays relentlessly. The other thing he does is he makes up for all our mistakes. He makes so many touchdown-saving tackles. Over the past two years we could make an argument that he’s been our most valuable defensive player.” — Joe Palka

 

Allen Gant

School: Southview Size/Class: 6-1, 210; senior Position: Defensive back

Scouting report: He had 46 tackles and intercepted three passes this season. He caught nine passes for 158 yards in Southview’s playoff opener. All-NLL first team all four seasons. The son of former University of Michigan defensive back Tony Gant has committed to the Wolverines. A four-year, two-way player, Gant is the only freshman to start for coach Jim Mayzes. As a freshman, he made a key reception in the Division II state title game.

Coach’s comment: “He has explosive talent. He has a tremendous work ethic. He is optimistic and energetic. He has great character and does what he’s supposed to. He’s a real hitter. I think he can go in and play right away [at Michigan].” — Jim Mayzes

 

Jayme Thompson

School: Central Catholic Size/Class: 6-1, 180; junior Position: Defensive back

Scouting report: A transfer from St. Francis, Thompson emerged as a top talent at safety this season for the Irish. A solid tackler and reliable cover man, he made 73 tackles, including seven for losses, and added two sacks and an interception. All-TRA C first team and Division II all-district. He has college offers from West Virginia and Buffalo, plus Big Ten interest.

Coach’s comment: “Jayme plays free safety but we move him all over the place. His combination of size and athleticism is a rare thing in a defensive backfield. Whether it be playing in the middle of the field and reading things, playing the run, or locking up and covering somebody, he gives you that capability every week.” — Greg Dempsey

 

Matt Granger

School: Anthony Wayne Size/Class: 5-9, 165; senior Position: Defensive back

Scouting report: After missing most of his junior season with an injury, he returned this year and caused havoc for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers. Proved to be a major ballhawk by recording a school record eight interceptions to go along with 25 tackles (including 14 solos) and seven pass breakups. All-NLL first team and Division I all-district first team.

Coach’s comment: “We thought he would have a chance to be one of the best cover guys in the NLL because he’s so athletic. He had just a great year and was a leader for us on defense. He really made some big plays for us.” — Craig Smith

 

OFFENSE

Paul Cosiano

School: Findlay Size/Class: 6-1, 208; junior Position: Quarterback

Scouting report: Mobile, efficient and an accurate passer, Cosiano led Findlay to an impressive 9-2 season and the school’s first playoff berth since 2005. Completed 119-of-181 passes (66 percent) for 2,032 yards and 19 touchdowns, and ran for 167 yards and a TD. All-TRA C first team and Division I all-district.

Coach’s comment: “One thing that helps make Paul so successful is that he’s always even keel. He doesn’t get too high or too low. He does whatever it takes, whether it’s throwing the ball or running the ball. We use all kinds of pass sets – five-step drops, quick release, screen passes – and Paul is extremely accurate. He makes good decisions” — Mark Ritzler

Jake Schneider

School: Maumee Size/Class: 6-0, 180; senior Position: Quarterback

Scouting report: Two-time All-Blade; Division II district offensive player of the year. Schneider threw for 2,151 yards and 26 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,364 yards (9.1 per carry) and 12 TDs. Coach John Boles compares Schneider to UT standout Eric Page (Springfield), another smaller player from the NLL . He may walk on at a Division I college program.

Coach’s comment: “He’s an incredible competitor and a great playmaker. He is fearless. He is just a threat. He can make any throw. He scrambles and he keeps his eyes downfield. He is fast enough to be an incredible D-I inside receiver. He has the total package with outstanding athleticism.” — John Boles

 

Jody Webb

School: Whitmer Size/Class: 5-8, 165; senior Position: Running back

Scouting report: Division I All-Ohio first-team selection in 2010, Webb continued his superb play this year as TRA C player of the year and district offensive player of the year. Rushed 199 times for 1,401 yards (7.0 average), caught 25 passes for 188 yards, and scored 29 touchdowns. MAC-level recruit with some interest from Big Ten programs.

Coach’s comment: “Jody can just accelerate and burst through the smallest of seams. Once he finds an opening, he’s got a second gear that I haven’t seen anywhere else. He’s also a very good receiver coming out of the backfield, and he’s turned into a very good blocker. He’s one of the most complete offensive players that I’ve ever had.” — Joe Palka

 

Amir Edwards

School: Central Catholic Size/Class: 5-11, 195; junior Position: Running back

Scouting report: After rushing for nearly 800 yards as a backup in 2010, Edwards became the starter this season and carried 210 times for 1,244 yards (5.9 average) and scored 25 touchdowns. Also caught six passes for 101 yards. All-TRA C first team and on Division II all-district team.

Coach’s comment: “Amir is a great runner. He’s got size, speed, balance, vision, and he can block well. He’s a complete running back. We broke in a whole new line and had a sophomore quarterback, and Amir really did a great job taking a leadership role. He was not just a statistical leader, but a team leader.” — Greg Dempsey

 

Alonzo Lucas

School: Whitmer Size/Class: 5-10, 150; senior Position: Receiver

Scouting report: Whitmer’s dynamic playmaker caught 42 passes for 598 yards and has scored nine touchdowns through 13 games for the unbeaten Panthers. Also returned 31 punts for a 15.2-yard average. All-TRA C first team and Division I all-district. Recruited by Toledo among other MAC schools.

Coach’s comment: “Alonzo’s got great acceleration and real good shiftiness. He’s very elusive, and what makes him special is what he can do after he has the ball. He’s a great [kickoff and punt] returner for us, a great receiver, and he can also carry the ball. He’s able to get big-time yardage after he touches the ball.” — Joe Palka

 

Dylan Blunk

School: Findlay Size/Class: 5-11, 181; senior Position: Receiver

Scouting report: The top receiver on a 9-2 playoff team that passed for 185 yards per game. He had 39 receptions for 727 yards (18.6 average) and scored six touchdowns. Also returned kickoffs for Trojans. All-TRA C first team and on Division I all-district team.

Coach’s comment: “Dylan runs really good routes and he couples that with great hands. He’s such a tough kid. He played the last half of our playoff game with a broken collarbone, and he refused to come out. He’s a vocal leader and a captain for us. He could have played on the defensive line and he could have played linebacker for us. He’s just a tough kid. He just wants to win, and he does whatever it takes.” — Mark Ritzler

 

Storm Norton

School: Whitmer Size/Class: 6-8, 300; senior Position: Offensive lineman

Scouting report: A mammoth offensive tackle who has committed to the University of Toledo, Norton brings size and strength, and the agility from playing on the basketball team. He has recorded 67 pancake blocks for Ohio’s second-ranked Division I team. All-TRA C first team and was named Division I all-district lineman of the year.

Coach’s comment: “Storm is really athletic for a big guy. We do a lot with him. We’ll put him in tight end positions as an offensive tackle, and we’ll spread him out. What’s unique is that he can block guys on the perimeter to go along with being a great zone blocker, and he can down block like a typical offensive tackle.” — Joe Palka

 

Kyle Stout

School: Southview Size/Class: 6-3, 280; senior Position: Offensive line

Scouting report: Steady and dependable, Stout had a blocking rate of 89 percent. The tackle approached the game with a lunch pail mentality. He could control the line of scrimmage and put his team on his back. Big and strong, Stout has the perfect makeup for an offensive lineman. All-NLL first team and Division I all-district first team.

Coach’s comment: “He’s very soft-spoken and intelligent. He’s really strong in the weight room. My favorite moment was when he went against [Blade player of the year Chris] Wormley. He enjoyed the challenge and felt like he blocked him well. He likes to go one-on-one, toe-to-toe.” — Jim Mayzes

 

Jeff Dew

School: Central Catholic Size/Class: 6-2, 280; junior Position: Offensive lineman

Scouting report: A center, Dew was All-TRA C first team and Division II all-district second team. Graded at 90 percent on blocking efficiency, he allowed just one sack all season. Played final two-plus games with torn ACL. Top blocker on team that averaged 29.5 points per game. Had nine tackles (two for losses) in spot duty on defense.

Coach’s comment: “Jeff’s a great athlete for his size, and he has great feet. He’s very good at pass sets and, with our run-blocking scheme, he’s a great zone blocker. You always want your kids to be tough on the field and have a nastiness about them. He has that, but he’s able to turn that off when he goes off the field.” — Greg Dempsey

 

Justin Gillen

School: Liberty Center Size/Class: 6-4, 265; senior Position: Offensive lineman

Scouting report: Gillen plays with a nonstop motor in the trenches. His run-blocking work on the line helped the Tigers rush for 3,460 yards, an average of six yards per attempt. All-Northwest Ohio Athletic League first team and offensive player of the year. Wake Forest, North Carolina State and several MAC schools have expressed interest.

Coach’s comment: “What’s impressive is he’s an offensive lineman being selected over running backs and quarterbacks for [NWOAL ] offensive player of the year. He’s been outstanding. He’s improved over 100 percent since last year. I don’t think he ever graded out where he missed a block this year.” — Rex Lingruen

 

Kris Hayward

School: Eastwood Size/Class: 5-11, 204; senior Position: Offensive lineman

Scouting report: A proven blocking force for an offense that relied primarily on its running game. A three-year starter, his role as a starting guard was arguably the most significant for a Wing-T attack that resulted in two runners rushing for more than 1,000 yards each. All-NBC first team and all-district offensive lineman of the year.

Coach’s comment: “Running a Wing-T, playing guard is huge because of all the trapping and pulling. I said this all along that I think it was the best offensive line play we’ve ever had and in our offense the guard position is the No. 1 position. We had a great group of seniors, but he was one of our leaders.” — Jerry Rutherford

 

Tyler Pickard

School: Genoa Size/Class: 5-11, 190; senior Position: Placekicker

Scouting report: He was a ballcarrier (seven TDs) a strong defensive player. However, his work as a kicker made him even more valuable to an 11-2 team. He made 50 extra-point kicks and 10 field goals this season. He kicked 11 field goals as a junior (career-long 47-yarder), and made 169 PAT s and 31 field goals in his career. All-Ohio Division IV in 2009 and 2010.

Coach’s comment: “Tyler was a fantastic kicker for us for three years. He helped our team win games in so many ways. As a kickoff specialist he often pinned the opponent down to at least the 20 and 70 percent of his kicks were touchbacks. He was also a tremendous weapon as a punter. He had an average of 40 yards for his three years here.” — Mike Vicars

 

Brandon Smith

School: St. John’s Size/Class: 6-0, 193; senior Position: Punter

Scouting report: All-Blade placekicker last year with 11 field goals, Smith was also named All-Ohio second team as punter in 2010. Punted 33 times for average of 41.6 yards, twice punting 62 yards. Was 33-of-36 on PAT s, 2-of-3 on field-goal attempts with a long of 41 yards (career best 51 in 2009). Sent 24 of 40 kickoffs into end zone for touchbacks.

Coach’s comment: “Brandon’s been all-league as a punter or kicker for three straight years. He’s been a pretty consistent guy for us over three years, and he’s a 4.0 student. He was the kind of guy you took for granted a little bit, but now that he’s gone you’re thinking, ‘How are we going to replace him?’ ” — Doug Pearson

 

SPECIAL MENTION

Offense

QUARTERBACKS: Austin Valdez (Southview), Brogan Roback (St. John’s), Tyler Wolf (Fremont Ross), D.J. Tucker (Rogers), DeShone Kizer (Central Catholic), Aaron Czesak (Bedford), Collin Bacon (Bryan).

RUNNING BACKS: Jarrod Jefferson (St. Francis), Vance Settlemire (Findlay), Aaron Dulay (Anthony Wayne), Shannon Geren (Edon), Jabree Lather (Fremont Ross), Brandon Phenix (Maumee), Kyle Nutter (Genoa), Isaiah Conkle (Eastwood), Zach Conkle (Eastwood), Jonathon Prajzner (Bedford), Tony Bais (Liberty Center), Jordan Crayon (Rogers), Kevin Carter (Waite), Mark Konieczny (Oak Harbor), Lucas Rosebrook (Patrick Henry), Jerry Brown (McComb), Will Longthorne (Ottawa Hills), Josh Golkiewicz (Summerfield), Brady Vaught (Liberty-Benton).

RECEIVERS: (Receivers) JQ Bowers (Southview), Joe Robie (St. John’s); Austin Bishop (Perrysburg), Dominique King (Maumee), Skylar Reffner (Fremont Ross), Allen Cook (Bowsher), Nate Hackworth (Otsego), Nick Vidra (Rossford), Mark Bernsdorff (Northview), T.J. Gerken (Archbold), Jerry Brown  (McComb), DeVonte Hughes (Waite), Cory Schenk (Danbury), Tyler Miller (Napoleon), Ben Swartz (Lake).

LINEMEN: Josh Thoma (Bedford), Hunter Hurt (Bedford), Colt Pettit (Patrick Henry), Logan Rulton (Anthony Wayne), David Bogart (Northwood), Nico Gorham (Bowsher), Hunter Stanley (St. Francis), Cam Stanley (St. Francis), Jason Blair (Maumee), Ross Huber (Napoleon), Nick Keller (Genoa), Brian Stamper (Whitmer), Troy Favorite (St. John’s), Evan Wendt (Genoa), Abel Steagell (Eastwood), Allen Boss (Oak Harbor),  Nathan Terhark (Liberty-Benton), Nick Demaline (Liberty Center).

PLACEKICKERS: Michael McGowan (St. Francis), Austin Rine (Maumee), Brandon Shanahan (Findlay), Michael Baldwin (Whitmer), Derek Snowden (Eastwood), Matt Chaney (Bryan), Lincoln Parsley (Archbold), Michael Geiger (Ottawa Hills).

 

Defense

LINEMEN: Jon Perrin (Central Catholic), Justin Robinson (St. John’s), Nick Lapoint (Whitmer), Jared Gray (Clay), Logan Rimmer (Bedford), Bobby Brooks (Eastwood), Devin Sibby (Genoa), Jimmy Spieth (Liberty Center), Jake Carrizales (Patrick Henry), Miles Ashleman (St. John’s), Trent Stout (Fremont Ross), Kyle Wilson (Wauseon), Ricky Bierbaum (Genoa), Adam Losie
(Oak Harbor), Cody Snook (Liberty-Benton).

LINEBACKERS: Devin Dennard (Findlay), Bryan Hefflinger (Liberty Center), Jack Linch (Whitmer), Jim Johnston (Central Catholic), Jay Fisher (Southview), Charles Hagler (Central Catholic), Pierre Harris (Rogers), Hunter Lonseth (Anthony Wayne), Bryan Smith (Bedford). Chase Beam (Eastwood), Nick Whitmore (Northwood), Jed Miller (Liberty-Benton), Chandler Tuckerman (Archbold), Jordan Garcia (Fremont Ross), Nate Walker (Napoleon), Dakota Ladd (Summerfield), Joey Mallernee (Oak Harbor).

DEFENSIVE BACKS: LeRoy Alexander (Whitmer), Dylan Starks (Fremont Ross), Drew Starks (Fremont Ross), Joshua Taliaferro (Rogers), Steve Duby (Maumee), Tyler Hooven (Bedford), Kyle Schlumbohm (Eastwood), Alex Keyes (Eastwood), Brandon Roberts (Genoa), Brian Mallernee (Oak Harbor), Lucas Kennedy (Danbury).

PUNTERS: Joseph Davidson (Findlay), Nate Holley (Whitmer), Caleb Vespi (Eastwood).

All-Blade team chosen from players from City League, TRAC, NLL, NBC, TAAC, NWOAL, plus Ohio schools of Arcadia, Fostoria St. Wendelin, Fremont St. Joseph, Holgate, Lakota,
Liberty-Benton, McComb, North Baltimore, Oak Harbor, Port Clinton and Van Buren, and Michigan schools of Bedford, Blissfield, Erie Mason, Summerfield and Whiteford.

First Published November 24, 2011, 5:00 a.m.