Quay Hodges, Happy, TE-DE, 6-0, 200-pounds, Sr.
Arguably the most dominant player on both sides of the ball in the area, the two-time Class 1A Division All-State defensive lineman had 24.5 tackles during the Cowboys playoff run last year. He’s also anchored an offensive line that generated over 5,000 rushing yards the last two seasons while grabbing 19 touchdowns during that same time.
Haiden Thompson, Miami, RB-LB, 6-2, 185-pound, Sr.
If the Miami Warriors are to make a deep playoff push, the dynamic Thompson will be a direct reason for it. As a junior he threw for 1,732 yards and 25 touchdowns while amassing 1,234 yards and 18 scores on the ground. Defensively, Thompson made 85 tackles and seven picks earning second-team All-Region honors.
Sawyer Francis, Silverton, RB-DB, 6-3, 180-pounds, Sr.
With a 6-foot-3 reach and great speed, no running back is a bigger threat to take one to the house on every play more than Francis. As a junior Francis piled up 1,644 yards on the ground and 435 yards receiving while finding pay dirt an amazing 46 times. The multi-sport star will be counted on to lead the Owls to a district title that eluded them last year.
Tucker Schlueter, Valley, TE-DE, 6-2, 240-pounds, Sr.
A menacing two-way lineman, Schlueter garnered first-team all-district honors on both sides of the ball last year. His 137 tackles and nine forced fumbles are impressive while the big man is also a road grader up front as Valley looks to bounce back in District 4-1A Division I.
Luke Wheeler, Miami, FB-LB, 6-0, 210-pound, Sr.
In opponent’s backfields is where Wheeler spent most of his time last year. The bowling ball lineman totaled 72 tackles, 17 of those behind the line of scrimmage, totaling four sacks and three fumble recoveries. On offense he garnered almost 800 yards all-
purpose yards and 22 scores.
Kayle Rogers, Nazareth, TE-NG, 6-0, 235-pounds, Jr.
The talented big man helped set the edge last year allowing the Nazareth Swifts to rush for over 2,500 yards while being a weapon in the pass game. On defense,
Rogers nabbed second-team All-State honors at nose guard and will be counted on heavily to lead Nazareth to the playoffs again.
David Meeks, Follett, RB-S, 5-8, 175-pounds, Jr.
As a sophomore, Meeks gave the Panthers a speed element from the spread back position as he racked up 501 yards rushing and 456 yards passing. With Shayne Franks graduated and now playing at the college level, the focus on offense will shift to Meeks. The Region 1-1A Newcomer of the Year will make an impact defensively as well registering 101 tackles last year along with five interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Joey Blackmon, Happy, RB-LB, 5-11, 175-pounds, Sr.
Forced into duty after injuries last year, Blackmon garnered first-team team All-Region accolades after rushing for 640 yards and 11 scores. In spot duty on defense last year Blackmon racked up four sacks with five tackles for loss and the speedy senior will now be counted on to step into a larger role for the Cowboys.
Will Young, Nazareth, QB-CB, 5-10, 170-pounds, Sr.
Head coach Tyler Goodwin’s club made a deep playoff run last year and Young was a surprise part of that. Solidifying the quarterback position, the speedy signal caller stunned teams with his running and opportunistic passing skills. Defensively he became a solid player for one of the best defensive groups around and earning a first-team All-Region nod and will now be counted on heavily this year as the Swifts look to replace some key seniors.
Osiel Ventura, Follett, RB-LB, 5-11, 180-pound, Sr.
Out of the backfield, the speedy back gave Follett a different dimension from the hard charging Shayne Franks. Ventura was so impressive he nabbed first-team All-District honors. He now will carry more of the load and defenses will have to identify where he is on every play. From the linebacker spot his speed will anchor the edge for a traditionally tough Panther run defense.