Using talent and toughness to achieve goals

LOUIS IRIZARRY
School/grade: Ursuline, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-Steel Valley Conference; U.S. Army All-American; caught 36 passes for 823 yards and nine touchdowns; averaged 43.2 yards per punt; recorded 62 tackles and two sacks.Name someone who has been a positive influence on your athletic career: My grandparents. I always had them in the back of my mind. I want to be successful so I can take them out of the hard life.Best memory from this season: When we found out we made the playoffs.Something people don't know about you or would be surprised to learn: I like Cadillacs. I have one, too.
BRANDON BAXTON
School/grade: Ursuline, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-SVC; graded out at 85 percent on blocking.Positive influence: My mom. She's always been at my games and was behind me in all my decisions.Best memory: When we found out we were going to the playoffs with a 5-5 record.Surprised to learn: I like to play basketball.
BEN BESTIC
School/grade: Lowellville, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Inter-County League and all-district; special mention all-Ohio.Positive influence: Coach [John] Protopapa. He gave us the inspiration to succeed and didn't let us slack off, even in the offseason.Best memory: Winning our last game against McDonald that made us undefeated in the regular season.Surprised to learn: I'm actually a very calm person. I like to read and listen to music.
ANTHONY CHILDS
School/grade: Mooney, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district; second-team all-Ohio.Positive influences: My mom and aunt Lisa because they always support and encourage me. They insist I strive for my goals and never let go of my dreams. My uncle Chris for giving me constructive criticism that makes me work even harder to be the best I can be. My coach, P.J. Fecko, for believing in our team and not giving up on us.Best memory: Accomplishing the goal our team set this season to not repeat the 0-10 record from last season.Surprised to learn: Statistics are not really important. Being part of the Cardinal Mooney football team is the most important thing to me.
SEAN CLAYTON
School/grade: Poland, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio; Division III district offensive player of the year in Division III; threw for 1,934 yards (67 percent completion rate) and 19 TDs; ran for 400 yards and eight TDs.Positive influence: My whole family has really been great throughout my career.Best memory: The bus ride home from our playoff game against Cleveland Benedictine. It was the last time I was a Poland football player.Surprised to learn: I play the piano.
PAUL COLE
School/grade: Girard, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all Trumbull Athletic Conference, all-county and all-district; second-team all-Ohio; recorded 71 tackles, two sacks, four pass break-ups, four tackles for a loss and three fumble recoveries.Positive influence: My mom and dad, who pushed me to go to practice, and my uncle and coaches for pushing me at practice.Best memory: Standing on the field in the rain after losing to Ursuline and knowing it was my last high school football game.Surprised to learn: I am Batman's sidekick. My name is Chunk.
JUSTIN DECKER
School/grade: Struthers, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district and all-Metro Athletic Conference.Positive influence: Bryan Trevis. He has a physical disability and is not able to participate in the sport. So when I go out there, I play for him.Best memory: Our overtime victory against Liberty and our come-from behind win over Salem.
KEILEN DYKES
School/grade: Chaney, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio; Division II district defensive player of the year; City Series defensive player of the year; four-year starter; recorded 9 1/2 sacks this season.Positive influence: My parents, James and Cookie, who always have my back. My brothers Andre and Kelly, who were at every game cheering me on and who always told me to keep my head up and never let anyone break my stride.Best memory: Giving coach [Ron] Berdis his 100th win by beating Fitch.Surprised to learn: I like to watch cartoons and cook. I started playing football when I was 6 for my church team, Rising Stars Young Disciples.
DELBERT FERGUSON
School/grade: Ursuline, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district and all-SVC; ran 216 times for 1,695 yards and 21 TDs; caught eight passes for 86 yards and a TD.Positive influence: My mother. She supports me, she picks me up when I'm down and she is my biggest fan. She will be there through everything.Best memory: Beating Girard.Surprised to learn: I love to read books. My favorite book is the Bible because no matter how many times you read it, you always learn something new that will have an impact on your life forever.
TIM FREY
School/grade: Newton Falls, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-county, all-TAC-8.Positive influence: My whole coaching staff, which has always encouraged me and guided me to make the right decisions. And my family, who supports me by coming to my games and cheering me on.Best memory: In our final game against LaBrae, there was a huge rain storm that made the field a muddy mess. After our victory, we all slid face first across the field.Surprised to learn: I have a 3.4 grade point average and I can play the guitar.
TERRENCE GRAVES
School/grade: Ursuline, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: Ran 114 times for 676 yards and eight TDs; recorded 25 tackles and had an interception return for a touchdown. Four-year letterwinner, but struggled with injuries for much of this season. Positive influence: My dad, because he always keeps my head up even when he thinks he's hard on me. My uncle, because he's always around to tell me what I did wrong and right. And my running back coach, because he's my eyes on the field and he's been a good friend of mine for four years.Best memory: Our run through the playoffs. It let me stay around my fellow players and we got stronger as the playoffs went on.
DUSTIN HELLE
School/grade: Girard, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district, all-TAC-8; second-team all-Ohio; Trumbull County player of the year; had 47 receptions for 988 yards and 14 TDs; had 2,002 all-purpose yards with 40 tackles and six interceptions.Positive influence: My entire family, along with my coaches and teammates, influenced me to give my all on the field. The community of Girard was also very supportive to the team during the season.Best memory: Connecting on a two-point conversion with under a minute left to beat JFK. It gave us the momentum we needed the rest of the season. Beating Hubbard, who was undefeated at the time, to win the TAC-8 title outright was a great feeling. I also think we surprised a lot of people by blowing out Perry and Cleveland Villa-Angela St. Joseph in our first two playoff games.Surprised to learn: Despite playing football, basketball and baseball for Girard, I never had the chance to compete in swimming or hockey, which are most likely my two best sports.
JAMES JOHNSON
School/grade: Warren Harding, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-county, all-Steel Valley Conference.Positive influence: Coach [Daniel] Dota. He has always been there for me in times of need and he believed in me a lot. He was like a father to me.Best memory: Winning the Div. I regional championship against Mentor.
TIM KAWECKI
School/grade: Springfield, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-county; Inter-County League co-defensive player of the year; recorded 52 tackles, five sacks, four fumble recoveries, an interception and a TD.Positive influence: Denis Latess. He's a great role model and teaches great leadership.Best memory: Beating East Palestine 16-0 when they were supposed to have an undefeated season.Surprised to learn: I enjoy hunting and sing in the school choir.
SMITTY KENDREW
School/grade: East Palestine, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-county, all-district, all-Tri-County League; second-team all-Ohio; Division IV district offensive player of the year; gained more than 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards passing.Positive influence: Coach Brian Blevins. He has been a mentor for me and pushes me to do the best I can in everything. He has taught me that doing the right things and being a good person is important to success. He also showed me how your work ethic can help you achieve your goals.Best memory: Winning the first playoff game in school history against Sullivan Black River. The atmosphere was electric in front of our home crowd.Surprised to learn: My nickname, Smitty, came from my grandfather, Smith Kendrew. Also, I was born in New Orleans.
MIKE KOKAL
School/grade: Warren Harding, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio and all-district as a punter; first-team all-county as a quarterback; completed 93 of 176 passes for 1,276 yards.Positive influence: Coach [Thom] McDaniels has been a very positive influence on me throughout my years at Harding. He gave me a chance when everyone doubted me.Best memory: Having the chance to play in some of the biggest games in Ohio and the country. Being the USA Today national game of the week was something to be remembered.
SHAUN LANE
School/grade: Hubbard, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district and all-county; second-team all-Ohio; had 153 carries for 2,044 yards.Positive influence: My mother. Even though she never played football, she always knows the right thing to say.Best memory: Pulling out a victory against Liberty in overtime. I scored on the first play in overtime and we held on for the win.Surprised to learn: I attend church about three times a week and I work, so there's not much time for partying.
GEORGE MALACTARIS
School/grade: Campbell, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio and all-district; was 8 of 9 on field goals and 26 of 27 on extra points.Positive influence: All of my coaches. They've helped me to do my best and get the most out of my abilities.Best memory: Kicking a 32-yard field goal to beat Struthers in Week Two and kicking a game-tying field goal to force overtime against Kennedy Catholic, then kicking the game-winning extra point.Surprised to learn: This was my first year playing football.
ANDREW MAMULA
School/grade: Lowellville, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-ICL, all-district; second-team all-Ohio; ICL's co-defensive player of the year; recorded 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.Positive influence: Joe-Joe Stephenson, a former Lowellville player, for giving me the desire to be a good football player.Best memory: Winning the first playoff game ever at Lowellville.Surprised to learn: I'm very sensitive.
COREY MANFULL
School/grade: United, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-county, all-Tri-County League; caught 57 passes for 911 yards.Positive influence: My dad. He has always been supportive of me and keeps me motivated to get better.Best memory: The first game. It was my first varsity football game and I have never felt anything else like it.Surprised to learn: This was my first year of football.
EDWARD MCELROY
School/grade: Chaney, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district and all-City; Division II district offensive player of the year; one of the leading rushers in school history.Positive influence: My father. He supports my every move and is at all of my games and team functions. My father wouldn't miss a game for anything. He sometimes calls off work to cheer me on.Best memory: Sharing three great years with my teammates and winning 28 games. We tied our school record for most games won as a class. I think this was my best year as a Cowboy.Surprised to learn: I am good at other things, such as art, baseball and basketball. I might play baseball this spring for the first time.
RYNE NUTT
School/grade: Howland, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-county, all-MAC; two-year starter and co-captain.Positive influence: My father. He has been very supportive and encouraged me to work harder. He was someone to talk to after the games and he didn't say anything negative.Best memory: Our win over Canfield in the playoffs. Our team didn't quit when we were behind and we fought back to win and make history -- again.
BRIAN PALMER
School/grade: Mineral Ridge, juniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-ICL, all-county; broke own school record with 50-yard field goal; three-year letterman.Positive influence: God, who gave me my ability to kick. My parents, Frank and Glenna, my sister, Holly and my grandfather, Glen "Moe" Morris, who have been behind me, encouraging me. They never miss a game. I write my grandfather's name on my kicking shoe for good luck. Also, coach Brown was always there for me if I needed help. I also want to thank my long snapper, Denver Goodman, and my holder, Chris Ault. And my former coach, James Papada, who gave me a chance to kick as a freshman.Best memory: Kicking the 50-yard field goal -- with about 10 yards to spare -- against Grand Valley. Also, going out on the field with my teammates and working together to fulfill our goals. Most of us have been playing together since junior high.Surprised to learn: I've played soccer since I was 6 and still play on the recreational level. I have also played basketball and baseball. I've been to Ohio State and YSU's kicking camps and worked with Jeff Wilkins of the St. Louis Rams and Paul McFadden.
ANDY PETERSON
School/grade: Lowellville, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-ICL; team MVP; rushed for 1,704 yards and 21 TDs.Positive influence: My grandfather. He has always been there for me with advice and encouragement.Best memory: Our win over McDonald that gave us an undefeated season and broke our 39-game losing streak at their field.Surprised to learn: I would like to play golf.
MICHAEL PHILLIPS
School/grade: Warren Harding, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-SVC; recorded 30 tackles, 15 pass break-ups, four interceptions and a sack.Positive influence: My dad, Richard Phillips. He has pushed me from the start.Best memory: Two-a-days.Surprised to learn: My nickname is "Scooby."
J.D. POWERS
School/grade: East Palestine, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district, all-county, all-TCL and quad-county; second-team all-Ohio; had 1,300 yards rushing with 17 TDs, 109 tackles and a 94-yard kickoff return for a TD.Positive influence: Lance Peterson, my eighth grade coach, who taught me how to work hard and achieve my goals.Best memory: In the locker room before the home game against Lisbon, a group of past TCL champs from East Palestine came in and inspired us to a victory. We won 42-14 in what was supposed to be a close game.Surprised to learn: I think football players are stereotyped as being loud and very open. I am usually very quiet and reserved.
TOM ROGERS
School/grade: Canfield, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-MAC.Positive influence: My father and Jim Rousher. They started coaching me when I was 6 and have taught me everything I know about football.Best memory: Completing the school's first 10-0 regular season and winning the MAC championship.Surprised to learn: I am going to Arizona to watch the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl.
DAN SCHULER
School/grade: Springfield, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First-team all-quad county as a quarterback; first team all-district and special mention all-Ohio as a punter; first team all-ICL as a defensive back; completed 100 of 173 passes for 1,420 yards and 12 TDs; carried 79 times for 258 yards and four TDs; had 40 tackles, five interceptions, averaged 37 yards per punt, was 25 of 29 on extra points and 2 of 3 on field goals.Positive influence: My dad. He has always been there to support me and is always ready to give me advice on sports or life.Best memory: Winning the Game of the Week on Fox 17/62 and being named player of the game.Surprised to learn: I have a cat named Tiger.
DAVANZO TATE
School/grade: Fitch, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio; had over 1,000 all-purpose yards and seven TDs.Positive influence: My parents. They taught me the value of working hard in all I do.Best memory: Beating our rival, Boardman, because all the reporters went against us.Surprised to learn: I am a member of National Honor Society.
KEVIN TUMINELLO
School/grade: Boardman, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district and all-SVC; honorable mention all-Ohio; three-year letterman; Mac Murchy award winner (for character and leadership); National Honor Society; MAC Truck Award for lineman of the year; SVC academic all-American team; scholar athlete of the week; team offensive line MVP.Positive influence: My family. They've helped me through hard times and supported me 100 percent in whatever I choose. They gave me the opportunity to be successful. I don't know where I'd be without them.Best memory: Beating the defending Div. I state champions, Cleveland St. Ignatius, in the closing seconds of the game at home.Surprised to learn: This was my 11th season playing football.
MICHAEL TURJANICA
School/grade: Canfield, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district, all-MAC; MAC defensive player of the year; second-team all-Ohio; recorded 100 tackles and two interceptions; two-time team captain.Positive influence: My older brother, Joe. I always tried to compete with him growing up, whether it was ping pong or basketball in the driveway. I tried to beat him in everything we did.Best memory: Beating West Branch for the first time in 20 years and beating Poland to win the MAC and getting the trophy back in Canfield -- where it belongs.Surprised to learn: I signed my letter of intent to play basketball at YSU.
JUSTIN TURNBAUGH
School/grade: Sharon, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: Had 14 catches for 286 yards and four interceptions in six games. Missed part of the season with a broken collarbone.Positive influence: Marlin Jackson, because he taught me that hard work pays off and he showed me what it takes to be great on both sides of the ball.Best memory: My first game back from a broken collarbone was the District 10 championship. I caught three passes for 66 yards, had an interception and numerous tackles. Even though we lost, I felt blessed to play one more game my senior year.Surprised to learn: No matter what level I play at, I can be great anywhere they put me because I feel there is so much potential inside me.
MIKE VILLAGRANA
School/grade: Boardman, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district, all-SVC; second-team all-Ohio; Spartans' offensive player of the year; three-year starter; recorded 60 tackles, 81/2 sacks, 11 tackles for a loss, caught 25 passes for 395 yards and six TDs and caused four turnovers.Positive influence: My mother, who has always been there for me and has done so many things for me in sports while working two jobs and raising me. Being a single parent, to me, is bigger than any challenge on the football field.Best memory: Causing and recovering a fumble at the 3-yard line against St. Ignatius to clinch the game. Also, playing against Warren in two overtimes.Surprised to learn: I'm originally from Utah, but my mother brought me here to live with grandparents to keep me away from a bad environment we lived in.
TREYMAYNE WARFIELD
School/grade: Warren Harding, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-Ohio, all-district, all-county, all-SVC; had 53 catches for 628 yards and five TDs.Positive influence: My parents. They have always been there for me. They haven't missed a thing I've done. They keep my head on straight and make sure I do the right thing.Best memory: The whole year has just been great. This season I was around the best group of people. Just being able to play with and for these people was great.
TOM ZETTS, JR.
School/grade: Boardman, seniorStatistics/accomplishments: First team all-district and all-SVC; second-team all-Ohio.Positive influence: My father, Tom Sr. He has been making the sports I play the best part of my life since I began playing. I always think back to playing some catch at the school and ending with the throw to "Beat Ignatius," then yelling "Go all the way," like the fans at our home games. Also, my mom has managed to motivate me in some way to be ready to play (often making me mad on game day). But who could argue? It works.Best memory: The feeling I got after beating St. Ignatius. Then telling the story about my dad and I to every reporter I talked to.Surprised to learn: I make the best Rice Krispies treats in town, have a yard work business (call me) and can throw a baseball 92 miles per hour.
COACH OF THE YEARBUD McSULEY
School: Girard coachAccomplishments: Winning the first outright league title at Girard in 50 years.Positive influence: All the head coaches I have worked under. I took a little of each of them and made it into my style.Best memory: The two-point conversion at Mollenkopf Stadium to beat JFK.Surprised to learn: I like going to auctions and garage sales.
X New Castle senior Allen Billyk and Warren Harding senior Prescott Burgess were selected to the team, but declined to participate. Howland's Maurice Smith did not return a questionnaire.