The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Area contingent headed to North-South game
An area contingent of eight — seven players and one coach — will have the opportunity to represent their schools in April at the annual North-South high school football classic at Paul Brown Stadium in Massillon.
There are two all-star games April 28. The first game, featuring players from Division IV-VII programs, starts at noon, while the second, featuring players from Division I-III programs, kicks off at 4 p.m.
In the big-school game, Mentor will be represented by offensive lineman Tyler Schonauer and linebacker Mike Brey, with offensive lineman Ryan Nocero representing Lake Catholic and quarterback Jayden Cunningham representing University.
The North team, coached by Massillon Washington’s Nate Moore, also has University coach Ben Malbasa on its staff.
In the small-school game, Perry will be represented by quarterback Kolston Brewster and defensive lineman Nick Mason, while two-way tackle Brett Diemer will represent Kirtland.
“I’m extremely honored for one,” said Brewster, a first-team Division IV AllOhioan who threw for more than 3,000 yards this past fall. “To play with all these amazing athletes is going to be a good experience. I’m honored.”
Brewster said getting to take the field with longtime friend Mason, another first team Division IV allOhioan, is a plus also.
“Definitely. Having Nick there too makes it extremely special to me,” Brewster said. “It’s going to be a memory I will never forget.”
Diemer, a first-team Division VI all-Ohioan gives the small-school North team a trio of first-teamers from The News-Herald area.
In the big-school game, University’s Malbasa is looking forward to one more game with star quarterback Cunningham, a Youngstown State signee.
Cunningham totaled more than 2,600 yards of total offense this season, accounted for 33 touchdowns (rushing and passing) and intercepted seven passes.
“Being able to coach Jayden one final time is a reminder of how fortunate I have been to coach a tremendous quarterback and an outstanding young man,” Malbasa said. “For the past five years, I have coached T.J. McKiernan or Jayden Cunningham. Great quarterbacks and transformative leaders make good coaches.
As for his own nomination to coach on the North staff, Malbasa said, “Coaching in the game is a humbling honor because the quality of coaching in Ohio is so outstanding, and being selected by one’s peers is always gratifying.”
Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno said he is proud of the two members from the Cardinals’ Division I state finalist team being selected. Both Schonauer and Brey were first-team NewsHerald all-stars
“Tyler was a rock in the middle for us,” Trivisonno said. “When he missed his junior year (with an injury), we were a different team. He’s tough and smart, just what you want out of a prototypical center.”
Of linebacker Brey, Trivisonno said. “He had a phenomenal year, in all phases for our defense. He was really, really good. I’m happy he got selected.”
Also on the big-school offensive line for the North is Nocero, who had a banner year for the Lake Catholic football team.
“It’s the first player we’ve had in the North-South game since I’ve been head coach,” Lake coach Scott O’Donnell said. “He is what it’s all about when it comes to being a Cougar. It’s a tremendous honor for Lake Catholic. We’re happy he is representing us.”