Ferrell, Valentine awarded top state football honors
Linden-mckinley coach Eric Valentine was named Ohio football coach of the year in Division IV. Valentine led Linden to an 8-3 record and made the playoffs on merit for the first time in school history.
Bloom-carroll defensive lineman Luke Ferrell was named defensive player of the year.
Bloom-carroll quarterback KJ Benedict earned first-team honors, as did Highland running back Dane Nauman. On defense, Ferrell is joined by Heath defensive lineman Gavin Postelwaite and East defensive back Tyrese Taylor on the first team.
Linden quarterback Christopher Towns, Marion-franklin receiver Chrishawn Adams, Heath offensive lineman Reece Shriner and Highland offensive lineman Turner Harmon were named to the second team.
Heath linebacker Connor Corbett and Bloom-carroll defensive back Beau Wisecarver each earned second-team honors on defense.
Heath running back Ar’moni Mccrae is the lone Columbus-area representative on the third-team offense.
Highland defensive lineman Chandler Stevens, Licking Valley defensive back Alijah Stevens and Bexley punter Jonathan Spiess were named to the defensive third team.
In Division V, North Union running back Owen Davis, Liberty Union receiver Jacob Denney, Harvest Prep offensive lineman Joe Johnson and Ready kicker Evan O’connell were all named to the first team on offense.
Columbus Academy defensive lineman Gyvnn Mendenhall earned firstteam honors on defense.
North Union linebacker Gavin Miller, Pleasant linebacker CJ Smith and Amanda-clearcreek punter Jonathan Weaver were named to the defensive second team.
Ready running back Brian Fitzsimmons, Harvest Prep running back Jaylen Jennings, Amanda-clearcreek receiver Tayvon Miller, Columbus Academy tight end Parker Logan and Ready offensive lineman Marvin Sutton earned third-team honors on offense.
On defense, Harvest Prep linebacker Chandler Burrell was named to the third team.