The release of the Division IV and Division V All-Ohio football teams saw 18 more Wayne County-area players earn All-Ohio distinction.
Headlining with first-team selections were Orrville placekicker Kaleb Wayt (Div. IV) and Norwayne running back Mason Moyer (Div. V). Wayt had the best leg seen in the area since Dan Stultz, setting the area’s record for longest field goal at 57 yards.
“Kaleb has worked really hard at his craft and has earned all the recognition he is getting,” said Red Riders coach Matt Zuercher. “He is an unselfish leader in our program, and he would be the first to give credit to his teammates.”
Moyer piled up 1,538 yards on the ground and scored 22 times on the ground, highlighted by a 203-yard effort to clinch the WCAL title in Week 10 vs. Hillsdale.
“Mason showed extreme grit and determination,” said Bobcats coach Adam Indorf. “He had back-to-back-to-back 100-plus-yard games after his injury, and he never said anything. Once his number was called, he handled his business, made sure he gave 100 percent.”
More: See the Wayne County area choices for Division VI and Division VII All-Ohio football
The duo had plenty of company.
In Div. IV, West Holmes landed six players on All-Ohio, led by senior Logan Zollars, who earned a second-team selection as a wide receiver. He finished with 49 catches for 847 yards and nine scores.
Earning third-team honors were Knights senior dual-threat quarterback Morgan Smith, who threw for 2,815 yards, ran for 730 and totaled 23 touchdowns; teammate Lynn Cline with 458 yards on the ground and 648 via the air; and Orville senior offensive lineman Talon Beichler.
Picking up honorable mention selections were West Holmes’ Morgan Eastep (OL), Hunter McCluggage (DL) and Braxton Blake (LB). McCluggage finished with 116 tackles, 12 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, and Blake led the Knights with 133.5 tackles, had 5.5 sacks and racked up nine tackles for loss.
“We are very proud of these young men,” said coach Keaton Leppla. “This recognition is a testament to their relentless work ethic, dedication, and commitment both on and off the field. Each of these young men has put in countless hours of training, preparation, and sacrifice to reach this level of achievement.
“They not only excelled individually but have raised the standard for excellence within our program. Their accomplishments reflect their passion for the game, but they also leave a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of players.”
In Div. V, Moyer was joined by teammates Dylan Smith (second team), Logan Hackworth (third team), Parker Metsker (honorable mention), Brayden Craven (honorable mention) and Ryder Ingold (honorable mention). Smith played both ways and shined. He split time at quarterback, yet threw for 857, ran for 531, pulled in 352 yards via the air and finished with eight scores, and added 72 tackles and three interceptions on defense. Metsker was as consistent as they come as he finished the season by nailing 63 of 65 PATs.
“It’s really a tribute to each of them and how they prepare and their passion for football,” said Indorf. “It’s nice for them to be recognized and I am super proud of all these guys for the time they put into Norwayne and the efforts they’ve given.”
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Triway was led by defensive lineman Roman Gilbert, who picked up a second-team selection, and quarterback Luke Starr earned a third-team nod. Gilbert finished with 76 tackles, five sacks and had 18 tackles for loss, and Starr threw for 3,110 yards and 25 scores on the season.
Titans earning honorable mention picks were offensive lineman Ron Bricker and linebacker Alex Shearer. Shearer finished his season with 106.5 tackles, had 2.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss and Bricker, who played on both sides of the ball, had 77.5 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
“These four represent what Triway football is all about,” said coach Cody Kelly. “They are high character guys with tremendous work ethic. I am proud of Bricker and Shearer and the legacy they leave and excited for the Starr and Gilbert to lead the program next year.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Wayne County-area All-Ohio football Division VI, Division V selections
