Football all-stars seek greatness on gridiron

TONY DAVIS
School/grade: Howland, senior.
Statistics/accomplishments: Division II Ohio Offensive Player of the Year, Trumbull County Player of the Year (and co-captain of the Trumbull County team), Northeast Ohio Inland District Player of the Year, MAC captain and MVP. Set school records for single-season rushing yards, including playoffs (1,768); career rushing yards (2,254); single-season touchdowns, including playoffs (22); and career touchdowns (30).
Name someone who has been a positive influence on your athletic career: My brother, Willie Davis Jr., because of all he has gone through, with being burned at a young age. I see from him that he never complains about something being too hard or too much. He just keeps working, so therefore I have no reason to complain about anything. I just keep on working like my older brother.
Best memory from this season: Howland High School's first home playoff game this year. We were down 14-3 at halftime, and when we came out of the locker room, our fans were just going wild. It was a sellout crowd, and you couldn't hear anything. When I looked into the coaches' eyes, as well as my teammates', I knew from that point on that we were going to win that game. I scored the winning touchdown in double overtime.
Something people don't know about you or would be surprised to learn: Most people probably wouldn't expect me to be the quiet type of person on and off the field, because I mainly just keep everything to myself. Most people are shocked when they talk to me.
CHASE ADAMS
School/grade: West Branch, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Three-year letterman. On defense, made 63 total hits (45 first hits, 18 assists), with a school-record 11 tackles for loss, a team-high five sacks, a team-high nine quarterback pressures, three passes defensed, a team-high three caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries. Carried the ball 47 times for 223 yards (4.7 average) and three TDs. Named to the first team All-Northeastern Buckeye Conference, first team NEO Inland District, Special Mention All-Ohio.
Positive influence: My father. He has been there every step of the way. For example, when I partially tore my MCL in our final scrimmage before the season, he kept my head up and focused on the future. I was able to play some in our first game. It takes a very special dad to be at every game, no matter what the weather, and to always encourage me to do my best. Thanks for being a great father.
Best memory: When Dick Hartzell came to our game against Salem, which is one of our biggest rivals, and gave us one of the best pregame speeches I have ever heard. We went out and beat Salem in overtime.
Surprised to learn: After football is over, I spend the winter months hunting and snowboarding.
BRANDON ALEXANDER
School/grade: Howland, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Five interceptions (11 for his career), 26 solo tackles, 27 assisted tackles, six knockdowns, two caused fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked punt. Graded out 86 percent blocking as a receiver, with 14 catches for 233 yards and three TDs.
Positive influence: My mother and stepdad. They help me make every right decision in my life.
Best memory: When we came back and beat Twinsburg in double overtime.
Surprised to learn: I plan on attending Indiana this summer.
BRANNDON BRAXTON
School/grade: Ursuline, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Graded out 87 percent for run-blocking this past season and 96 percent pass-blocking. Named first team All-American, first team All-State, first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District and first team All-Steel Valley Conference.
Positive influence: My parents because they have been there to support me with all my decisions. Also, my coaches and friends.
Best memory: When we made that comeback on Akron Hoban.
Surprised to learn: I'm taller than my parents.
ANTHONY CHILDS
School/grade: Cardinal Mooney, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team All-Steel Valley Conference, first team All-District, second team All-Ohio.
Positive influence: My family, friends and teammates for all their support, especially during my rehabilitation after a knee injury last year. It helped me return to football.
Best memory: Our team making it to the playoffs this year.
Surprised to learn: I have a lot of musical talent.
DARYLL CLARK
School/grade: Ursuline, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Completed 136-of-222 passes (61.3 percent) for 1,965 yards and 24 TDs, with seven INTs. Ran 110 times for 473 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and six TDs. Named first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District, second team All-State and first team All-Steel Valley Conference.
Positive influence: My dad first and foremost because he was the one who molded me into becoming a quarterback. If it wasn't for him, who stayed on me since I was young, I would not be in the position I'm in right now, and I love him for that.
Best memory: When we were down at halftime at Akron Hoban. It was cold and wet and the coaches were really getting after us. The seniors got together before we went out for the second half. Everything went right for us after that. We ended up winning 24-21. That was the game I knew we had a great team. We were a family.
Surprised to learn: I am very old school.
RICHARD DAVIS
School/grade: Warren Harding, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: 145 rushing attempts for 976 yards (6.7 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns; 16 receptions for 116 yards (7.3 per reception) and one touchdown.
Positive influence: Coach [Thom] McDaniels. He has not only provided excellent coaching, but he helped me increase my confidence. He had faith in my athletic abilities when others had written me off. Coach McDaniels taught me how to maintain a strong and positive attitude when the odds are against you. As a team, he taught us what it really means to be a "team."
Best memory: Having 191 yards in the Solon game and 22 touchdowns for the season.
Surprised to learn: I am extremely shy.
RUSSELL DAWSON
School/grade: South Range, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team Northeast Ohio Inland District, first team Quad County, first team Inter-County League, ICL defensive MVP, second team All-State.
Positive influence: All of our coaches have influenced my athletic career because they have always accepted nothing but the best, whether it is in practice or in a game.
Best memory: When we beat Mineral Ridge. It was a hard-fought game, but we were victorious in the end.
Surprised to learn: My favorite thing to watch on TV is the History Channel.
JUSTIN DECKER
School/grade: Struthers, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Had 86 pancakes and didn't give up a sack all year. Made 26 tackles, 17 for loss, with two sacks. Named player of the game five times for Struthers. A three-year letterwinner, two-time All-Metro Athletic Conference player, two-time All-Northeast Ohio player and two-time All-State selection.
Positive influence: My parents, because they have always been there for me. My grandparents, for always supporting me. The coaches, for always pushing me to do my best. Jeremiah Hill, for always pushing me during the games. Mr. Lariccia, for helping our football team. I'd also like to thank the administration for the great weight room and the awesome locker room.
Best memory: The first game vs. Liberty. We ran a screen play and I pulled out and drove their outside linebacker to the track before I buried him.
DOMINIC DEFILIPPO
School/grade: Lisbon, junior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Three-year letterwinner on offensive line. First team All-Tri-County, first team All-Northeast District, first team All-Columbiana County and honorable mention All-Ohio.
Positive influence: My father. He pushed me, never letting me quit. He has always been there.
Best memory: Beating the No. 1-seeded team in the state playoffs this year. I felt I had an excellent offensive performance and a good defensive game, as well.
Surprised to learn: I would like to go to college, earn a teaching degree and teach students with learning disabilities.
ALEX ENGRAM
School/grade: Warren Harding, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team all-league and all-county; second team all-state; SVC player of the week against Massillon.
Positive influence: My coach down at Irving MacArthur (Texas), David Beaty. My first two years of high school, I was getting blackballed and I didn't really want to play football. He was brought in and changed the whole offense and helped me be where I am at now. I thank him every time I see him. My mom, Stacey, helps me at home, but I think [Beaty] kept me playing football.
Best memory: It was the game we lost, against Lakewood St. Edward. It was fourth and 15 and the whole time I was thinking, "This is our season." Even as my foot was going up in the shotgun, I was thinking that. I dropped back and found Pete [Sparks] and completed the pass and it was a big relief off my shoulders. Going 10-0 was pretty good, too.
Surprised to learn: I'm more of a student than an athlete. I had a 3.25 grade point average this semester, but that was just senioritis kicking in. I came up here [from Texas] with a 3.8.
ADAM FAST
School/grade: Columbiana, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Two-year starter who helped lead Columbiana to a 17-3 record over the past two seasons. Completed 64-of-117 pass attempts (54.7 percent) for 1,140 yards and eight TDs. Also carried the ball 145 times for 696 yards (4.8-yard average) and 13 TDs. Led the team in scoring, rushing and total yards (1,836). Team's fifth-leading tackler with 60 (31 solo, 29 assists), including eight for loss, and two sacks. First team Tri-County League, Quad County, Columbiana County.
Positive influence: Coach Spaite because he is always there for you. It doesn't matter what he is doing, if you have a problem he will drop everything and try to help.
Best memory: Going undefeated in the regular season and making the playoffs.
Surprised to learn: There is nothing to tell. I'm not a very interesting person.
BRADLEY FLETCHER
School/grade: Liberty, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Defensively, made 70 tackles, with five pass breakups and two interceptions. Offensively, had 143 carries for 815 yards and 12 TDs. Also caught 11 passes for 262 yards and three TDs.
Positive influence: My coach, Jeff Whittaker. He has always been there for me through my years in Liberty.
Best memory: Winning a conference title against our rival Girard.
Surprised to learn: I like to go swimming.
DAN GERBERRY
School/grade: Austintown Fitch, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team All-Federal League, first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District, Honorable Mention All-State.
Positive influence: My dad, because he has always supported me. I knew he was there cheering for me every play. Win or lose, my dad is there.
Best memory: Beating Chaney 27-14.
Surprised to learn: I have a 3.7 grade-point average and I am in National Honor Society.
SHANE T. GOLDEN
School/grade: Warren JFK, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team all-county and all-district; second team all-Ohio; team offensive player of the year; compiled 1.124 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns as a runner, receiver and kick returner; forced two fumbles and caught six interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
Positive influence: My brother, Steven. He has been so supportive and he knows what it takes to be successful. He was an all-state defensive back at Warren Harding, so he really is a big help when it comes to football. Every game that he is able to make is so wonderful because he plays at Toledo and is not able to be there. I just thank God I have a brother like him.
Best memory: Winning the regional title. Just standing there in a beautiful stadium with the people I love and play with was a blessing from God. I am truly blessed for having experienced that event.
Surprised to learn: I'm in love with music and dancing. Hopefully when I'm done with my athletic career I can pursue a music career.
ZAC GREY
School/grade: Salem, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: 55 catches for 1,024 yards and 13 TDs. Named first team All-Metro Athletic Conference, first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District and first team All-State.
Positive influence: My father, Ron. As a young athlete, he was always by my side encouraging me to do my best and teaching me fundamentals of the game. As I've grown older, he is always supporting me to the best of his ability.
Best memory: (Personal) Breaking seven school records. (Team) Laying the cornerstone for the rebirth of Salem football and the tradition that coincides with it.
Surprised to learn: I took piano lessons for 10 years.
MICHAEL S. HALL
School/grade: Chaney, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Scored 14 touchdowns this season. Named Honorable Mention All-Ohio and first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District, Div. II.
Positive influence: Charles Woodson. He taught me no matter the size, never let anybody get the best of you.
Best memory: When we played Canfield, I scored on the first play of the game, a 67-yard run. Then I had a 51-yard run and an 11-yard run for touchdowns. I ended the game with the three touchdowns and 12 carries for 184 yards.
Surprised to learn: I'm a good person. I'm a positive person who tries to make everything fun for everybody. I'm not such a good runner as I am a blocker.
LANDON HEATH
School/grade: Salem, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Completed 127-of-218 passes for 1,711 yards (58 percent) and 17 TDs, with six INTs. Holds every Salem High School passing record. Named first team All-Metro Athletic Conference, first team All-District, second team All-Ohio and All-Columbiana County.
Positive influence: My parents, for giving all their support to me. Todd Huda, the quarterbacks coach, for teaching me to be the best quarterback that I could be.
Best memory: Beating East Liverpool the last game of the year on Senior Night, and being able to end my career with a win is something that I won't forget for a long time.
JED HILL
School/grade: Struthers, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team All-Metro Athletic Conference, first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District, first team All-State, seven-time player of the game. A three-year letterwinner who has committed to Penn State University.
Positive influence: My twin brother, Jeremiah. He's been by my side in everything I have ever done. He's my best friend and I want to wish him the best of luck in his college football career.
Best memory: In the game against Canfield this season, we went into the locker room at halftime down 14-0. We ended up winning 24-14.
Surprised to learn: I am a letterwinner in tennis and a TKO boxing champ, and I was born in Indiana. I'm half Greek and half Indian.
ANTHONY HOKE
School/grade: Warren Harding, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: 59 tackles, nine for loss, with 81/2 sacks, three caused fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Named Northeast Ohio District Defensive Player of the Year (Div. I), All-Ohio Defensive Player of the Year (Div. I) and captain of the defense on the All-Trumbull County team.
Positive influence: My mom. She is always pushing me. She made sure I was always doing what I had to do in school first, then on the field.
Best memory: It isn't the best, but the thing I remember most is when I looked up at the clock in Fawcett Stadium and it read St. Ed's 21, Warren Harding 13, with no time left.
JUSTIN HOOD
School/grade: Chaney, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team Northeast Ohio Inland District, second team All-Ohio, two-time All-City Series selection.
Positive influence: Brad Smith, Robert Drake and Anthony Floyd. I look up to them because they went to Chaney and I got to see first-hand how hard they work.
Best memory: When we won the Boardman game by a touchdown.
Surprised to learn: My mom started me playing football and I used to hate it.
BEN JOHNSTON
School/grade: South Range, junior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Totaled 1,078 rushing yards and 336 receiving yards, with 19 total touchdowns. Named first team All-Inter-County League, Quad County and Northeast Ohio Inland District, and second team All-State.
Positive influence: My dad. He is my biggest fan. Not only does he tell me everything I do wrong, but he gives me useful pointers. He taught me football is all in your head. His favorite saying, "Open up a can of whoop---," is my motivation.
Best memory: Beating Independence in the first round of the playoffs. It was a home game and on TV. Nobody thought we had a chance against them. It felt real good for all of us to win that game. We love winning as the underdog.
Surprised to learn: I play guitar in a band with Brad Turnbull, who plays fullback for Ursuline. Justin Carolyne plays bass. He is an awesome receiver for South Range.
JIMMY KOKRAK
School/grade: Warren JFK, senior
Statistics and accomplishments: First team all-county, all-district and all-state; district defensive player of the year; two-time defensive MVP; recorded 10 sacks and forced six fumbles.
Positive influence: My older brothers, Barry and Brad Burkey, who both played at Kennedy. They have had a great impact on my athletic career in all the sports I participate in.
Best memory: The entire season was full of best memories. It would be hard to pick one from a great season.
Surprised to learn: Unlike the position I play on the field, off the field I'm a very shy and quiet person who kind of keeps to myself. I also take my skin care very seriously.
DAVID KOVAL
School/grade: Poland, senior
Statistics and accomplishments: Caught 53 passes for 813 yards and nine touchdowns; ran 14 times for 198 yards and a touchdown; set six school records; first team all-MAC, all-district and all-Ohio.
Positive influence: My parents. They have always been there to take and pick me up from practice when I was younger and have attended every athletic event I have competed in.
Best memory: Beating Struthers in overtime, at home, in the last game of my high school career.
Surprised to learn: I am a member of the Academic Challenge team at Poland. I watch Jeopardy every night and run a baseball league in my basement with all of my friends. I also have a full football scholarship to Miami of Ohio.
SHAUN LANE
School/grade: Hubbard, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Team co-captain, All-County, All-District, All-TAC-8, Team MVP, first team All-State. Trumbull County player of the year nominee.
Positive influence: My coaches, because they gave me the opportunity to excel to the next level.
Best memory: Beating Girard at their home field.
Surprised to learn: I attend church on a regular basis, and I work very hard for everything I get. I also had a part-time job during football season and still do.
GEORGE MALACTARIS
School/grade: Campbell Memorial, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: All-Northeast Ohio, team captain; scored 31 points on 26-of-27 extra points and 2-of-3 field goals. Both field goals were game-winners.
Positive influence: All of my coaches because they pushed me to perform to the best of my abilities every time I took the field.
Best memory: When I came back from an injury late in the game and kicked the game-winning extra point in overtime in a 45-44 win over Struthers. It was a three-OT game.
Surprised to learn: It was only my second year as a kicker.
COREY MANFULL
School/grade: United, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: School records for most touchdowns (30), most receptions in a game (14), most yards receiving in a game (269) and most touchdowns in a game (5). Broke his own record for single-season yards (911) with 1,022 yards this year. Scored 184 points this year. Had 2,169 all-purpose yards for nine games. Named to the All-Ohio first team (and player of the year), Tri-County League first team, Quad County and Northeast Inland District first team (and player of the year).
Positive influence: My dad because he's always pushing me to get better and never give up. He's always told me to speak with my actions, not words. If you are good at something, you don't have to tell people. They can see it.
Best memory: The first game ever that United was on TV, versus Columbiana. There was a ton of people there. It was crazy.
Surprised to learn: I wasn't going to play after my freshman year because of a broken leg. I was going to race dirt bikes. I raced my sophomore year, then decided to play football again. I am also young for my grade. I am 17 and could be a junior.
RYAN MAXWELL
School/grade: South Range, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Passed for 1,350 yards and 11 TDs and rushed for 760 yards and nine TDs. Was voted second team All-Ohio quarterback, first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District, first team Quad County, first team Inter-County League quarterback, ICL offensive player of the year.
Positive influence: My high school coaches. The past four years they have helped me grow as a football player and as a student. Their positive influences have gone a long way in the shaping of the person I am today.
Best memory: Scoring the winning touchdown against Mineral Ridge with two minutes remaining to seal at least a share of the ICL championship.
Surprised to learn: I am first in my class with a 4.0 GPA.
DAN MCGARRY
School/grade: Poland, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First team all-league, all-district and all-state; Mack Truck Award recipient; caught 23 passes -- 20 for first downs or more --for 416 yards and two touchdowns.
Positive influence: Dennis Mickelson, my pee-wee football coach. He always made the game fun and always believed that I could be the best.
Best memory: Beating Struthers in overtime. It was my last memory as a Bulldog.
Surprised to learn: I was hit by a car while I was walking from a friend's house. The car was going 55 and all I got was a concussion and some road rash. No breaks or stitches.
SHAWN O'HALLORAN
School/grade: Poland, senior
Statistics and accomplishments: First team all-MAC, all-district and all-Ohio; set school record with 50-yard field goal; made 7 of 12 field goals and 25 of 27 extra points; averaged 45 yards per punt; received the Archie Griffin "Athlete of the Week" award for excellence in Ohio high school athletics.
Positive influence: My parents, for supporting me and coming to all my games.
Best memory: Kicking a 50-yard field goal to break the school record.
Surprised to learn: I started playing football my freshman year.
BRIAN PALMER
School/grade: Mineral Ridge, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: First teams All-Ohio, All-Northeast Ohio District, All-Inter-County League, All-County. Made 7-of-9 field goals; 90-percent kickoffs for touchbacks; 39.6 yards punt average. The team's only four-year letterman.
Positive influence: God, who gave me my ability to kick. My parents, Glenna and Frank; my sister, Holly; and my Grammy and Grandpa Morris who have always encouraged and supported me. They never missed a game. Also, my head coach ShaWn Brown, and my kicking coach, Derek Schorejs. Coach Brown taught me that whenever you're in trouble, don't back down, step up to the challenge and keep your head up. Coach Schorejs taught me whenever you're down and out, don't get frustrated. Take things step by step and everything will fall in place. Whatever you put into kicking, that's what you'll get out of it.
Best memory: Playing football with the team and six years together with all the seniors in my class. We have been together for so long and through so much. On Senior Night, I looked into every senior's eyes and knew there was no better group of guys I would rather play with and call my teammates.
Surprised to learn: That for good luck I had "Grandpa Moe" stitched on my kicking shoe. I've played soccer since I was 6, and still play. I've played basketball, baseball and I also like to golf, bowl and cook. I also play drums.
JEFF PETERSON
School/grade: Lowellville, senior
Statistics and accomplishments: First team all-ICL and all-district, second team all-Ohio.
Positive influence: My brother and my grandfather. Anytime I needed anything, they were both there for me.
Best memory: Senior night. Each play was a memory for me. Every time I ran the ball, anytime I would make a touchdown and doing that all while playing with my teammates.
Surprised to learn: I do enjoy long walks on the beach. When I was younger, I always wanted to be an archeologist.
RON STOOPS
School/grade: Cardinal Mooney, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: As a safety, made 91 tackles, two interceptions and four sacks. As a quarterback, in nine games, 614 yards passing and seven touchdowns and 480 yards rushing. First team All-Steel Valley Conference, first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District (and defensive player of the year in Div. IV), first team All-Ohio. Earned a full athletic scholarship to Michigan State.
Positive influence: My dad because he has always taken the time out of his busy schedule to help me become a better person and player.
Best memory: Making the playoffs.
MILES WILLIAMS
School/grade: Fitch, senior
Statistics and accomplishments: First team all-Federal League, all-district and all-Ohio as a defensive back; scored six rushing touchdowns, two punt return touchdowns and one receiving touchdown in only 19 quarters on offense.
Positive influence: My mom. She's been to every home and away game since I started playing football. She's always supported me, whether I had a good game or a bad game.
Best memory: Beating Chaney.
Surprised to learn: I was born in Texas and lived there for seven years.
JAY YORTY
School/grade: Lisbon, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: Second team All-State linebacker, first team All-County offensive back, first team All-Tri-County League offensive back, first team All-Northeastern Ohio Inland District linebacker.
Positive influence: My aunt and uncle have been very supportive by attending every game I ever played in. This is motivation and they provide moral support.
Best memory: Blocking the PAT at the United game.
Surprised to learn: Along with playing three sports, I am actively involved in theatrical performances and mock trials.
DAVID ZIDIAN
School/grade: Cardinal Mooney, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: As a defensive end, first team All-Steel Valley Conference, first team All-Northeast Ohio, first team All-Ohio.
Positive influence: Coach Paul Palumbo. His attitude and work ethic set an example for me to work hard throughout the season, no matter what was going on. His expectations were high and he always pushed us harder.
Best memory: After falling behind Ursuline 14-0, the come-from-behind victory (24-21) to seal a playoff spot.
Surprised to learn: I'm a three-year letterwinner in basketball. I have a GPA of 3.94.
MATT ZUPPO
School/grade: Girard, senior.
Statistics and accomplishments: 154-of-259 pass attempts for 2,319 yards and 20 TDs; 105 carries for 420 yards and eight TDs. As a safety, made 23 tackles, 17 solo, with one sack and three tackles for loss. Broke the Trumbull County record for passing yards in a season (2,319); broke the school records for regular-season passing yards (2,319), total offense regular season (2,739), career passing yards (4,724), career TD passes (42), career total offense (5,864). First team All-Trumbull Athletic Conference, first team All-Trumbull County, first team All-NEO Inland District, second team All-State.
Positive influence: Coach Nick Cochran. He sacrificed his time and would go out of his way during the summer to make me a better player. He would stay after practice with me and make sure that I understood defenses.
Best memory: The JFK game. Even though we lost, it was one of the best games I've ever played in.
Surprised to learn: I am a diabetic. Up until my junior year, I was taking five to six shots of insulin a day. Then I went on an insulin pump, and it helped me a lot. I want to thank a friend of mine, Chris Kenney (a great tight end from Howland, who wears the pump, also) for helping me learn to adapt to it.
COACH OF THE YEAR
P.J. FECKO
School/year: Cardinal Mooney, fourth.
Statistics and accomplishments: Team went 8-3 and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Named Northeast Ohio Inland District coach of the year in Div. IV.
Positive influence: My father. He taught me how to compete and what hard work can do.
Best memory: The senior class.
Surprised to learn: My real name is Patrick Joseph.
XWarren Harding's Mario Manningham was selected to the team, but declined to participate.