The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Big crowd expected for N-H football awards show
A capacity crowd is expected for the announcement of the 11th annual Tony Fisher Award on Nov. 20 at Hooley House, 7861 Reynolds Road, Mentor.
Six finalists will be in the house for the award’s unveiling, which annually goes to The News-Herald’s player of the year in football.
The announcement will take place during the Varsity Chalk Talk Show, hosted by Bill Tilton, a show that will run from 7 to 9 p.m.
“I host about 30 Chalk Talk shows per year at Hooley House, and there’s no question that the Fisher Award show is my favorite night of the year,” said Tilton, who presented the first Tony Fisher Award back in 2007 to Mentor quarterback Bart Tanski.
“It’s a great crowd, a great atmosphere, and a tremendous evening for the entire high school football community that everyone associated with Hooley House takes very seriously and goes out of their way to make special for all in attendance.”
The Tony Fisher Award is named for the former Euclid and University of Notre Dame running back who went on to a fine career in the NFL. Fisher will be on hand to present the award.
Also as part of the night’s festivities will be the announcement of the second annual Bob Ritley Award, which goes to The News-Herald’s coach of the year. The award is named for the legendary coach from Perry who died of cancer in 2003.
Members of the Ritley family will be on hand to present the award.
“The talent in the room that night is always very impressive and this year is no exception,” Tilton said. “I’m just happy to still be a small part of the fantastic event after all these years. It’s a highlight night for myself and Chalk Talk and especially for Hooley House.”
A big crowd is expected, so reservations are encouraged — call 440-942-6611 to secure a table.
Here is a look at this year’s finalists for both awards.
For the Tony Fisher Award (in alphabetical order):
• Kolston Brewster: The senior quarterback from
Perry finished the season having thrown for 3,069 yards and 37 touchdowns.
• Jayden Cunningham: The senior quarterback from University threw for 1,748 yards and 16 touchdowns, ran for 917 yards and 17 scores, and also intercepted eight passes (returning three for touchdowns).
• Godwin Joe: The senior quarterback from Brush threw for 2,764 yards and 30 touchdowns, and also ran for 882 yards and 13 scores.
• Chase Kline: The senior linebacker from Chardon, a Michigan State recruit, finished the season with 129 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, nine sacks and seven pass breakups.
• Ronald Lee: The senior running back from Euclid ran for 2,304 yards (averaging 9.4 yards per carry) and scored 23 touchdowns.
• Tadas Tatarunas: Heading into the Division I state final four round, Mentor’s senior quarterback has thrown for 2,976 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also rushing for 377 yards and six touchdowns.
For the Bob Ritley Award (in alphabetical order):
• Shawn Dodd, North: He led the Rangers to a 6-4 regular-season record, including a five-game winning streak to end the season, to put the Rangers into the Division II playoffs for the first time in program history.
• Tiger LaVerde, Kirtland: He has led the Hornets to a 12-0 record heading into the Division VI state final four, including wins over state-ranked Cuyahoga Heights, Mogadore and Rootstown.
• Matt Rosati, Perry: He led the Pirates to a 12-1 record and a second straight appearance in the Division IV regional championship round on Nov. 17 against Steubenville.
• Steve Trivisonno, Mentor: He has led the Cardinals to an 11-1 record heading into the Division I state final four, including back-to-back victories over St. Edward and St. Ignatius.