Staff report

COLUMBUS

Four Cardinal Mooney High football players received first-team all-Ohio recognition when the Division III, IV and V teams were released on Tuesday by the Associated Press.

The Mooney players are offensive lineman Nick Bilas, kicker Zak Kennedy, linebacker Jordan Jones and defensive back Mark Handel.

Friday at 3 p.m. at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, Mooney (10-6) will play for its ninth state championship in the Division IV title game.

The opponent will be Clarksville Clinton-Massie (13-1), whose running back Bayle Wolfe is the Division IV offensive player of the year.

Kenton’s Noah Furbush was picked as defensive player of the year. Last week, Clinton-Massie edged Kenton, 21-20, in a state semifinal.

In Division III, three area players received first-team honors: Niles receiver Marcus Hill and Hubbard running back L.J. Scott and defensive lineman Matt Jones.

Hubbard went unbeaten in the regular season and won two playoff games before falling to Akron St. Vinvent-St. Mary in the regional final.

Niles offensive lineman Josh Krok and Poland defensive back Ross Gould earned second-team honors in Division III.

Earning Special Mention in Division III were: Kyle Paden, Niles; Kimu Kim, Canfield; Vlassios Pizanias, Hubbard; and Adam Wollett, Poland.

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Dante Booker and Dayton Thurgood Marshall’s Vayante Copeland were honored as the defensive players of the year.

On offense, three were selected as offensive players of the year: Luke Kennard, Franklin; Jamal Jackson, New Philadelphia; and DeShone Kizer, Toledo Central Catholic.

In Division IV, Lakeview wide receiver Jake Pishotti, Beaver Local defensive lineman Cody Martsolf and Struthers linebacker Nick Pollifrone earned second-team honors.

The third-team offense included Lakeview quarterback Angelo Marino and Struthers running back Luke Witkowski.

Mooney’s Denver Martin and Salem’s Logan Taylor received Special Mention.

In Division V, Crestview lineman Josh McDade and United defensive back Garrett Beech were picked for the second team.

Crestview quarterback Collin Gilbert made the third team as did Ursuline defensive lineman Sha’Huan Williams and Liberty defensive back Asim Pleas.

Receiving Special Mention were: Clint Linhart, Crestview; Lynn Bowden, Liberty; and James Cupan, Girard.

Crestview went 9-1 in the regular season and won two playoff games before losing to Akron Manchester in the regional final.