Falcons’ Hewlett top D-I defender

Staff report

Austintown Fitch’s Tyler Hewlett was one of the top defensive players in the Mahoning Valley this season.

The 5-foot-7, 170-pound Hewlett also was one of the top defenders in Ohio.

The Falcons’ senior linebacker was the state’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year on the Division I All-Ohio football team, which was released Monday evening by The Associated Press.

Hewlett had 112 tackles and six sacks in helping the Falcons to an 8-3 season and another Division I playoff appearance.

“It feels pretty good to win the award,” Hewlett said. “It’s cool to know hard work pays off.”

Hewlett shares the award with Justin Hilliard of Cincinnati St. Xavier.

The honor came as a surprise to Hewlett.

“I didn’t expect it,” Hewlett said. “But it is honestly pretty cool.”

In nine regular-season Hewlett’s tackle numbers included 62 solo stops, 33 assists and 11 tackles for loss. He also forced three fumbles, recovered two fumbles and broke up four passes. He had two interceptions.

“The award just proves you can do whatever you want to do,” Hewlett said.

Fitch coach Phil Annarella called Hewlett the Falcons’ “most valuable defensive player,” but he also became a major contributor on offense after the loss of running back Darrin Hall and wide receiver Joey Harrington early in the year to injuries.

“My goal was to make everyone around me better,” Hewlett said. My team pushed me to where I am.”

Hewlett took over as Fitch’s running back at midseason and finished the regular season with 506 yards and 12 touchdowns on 78 carries. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry.

Falcons quarterback Antwan Harris, a 5-11, 210-pound senior, was a special-mention All-Ohio pick in Division I.

Harris, a team captain and two-year starter, rushed for 1,237 yards and 15 touchdowns on 157 attempts. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry. Harris also was a passing threat, completing 74 of 125 attempts (59.2 percent) for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Annarella said Harris was the Falcon’s offensive MVP.

The All-Ohio teams for Divisions III and IV are scheduled for release today by The Associated Press. Divisions V, VI and VII are scheduled for release on Thursday.

Ohio’s Mr. Football winner also is set to be announced Thursday.

The Division II All-Ohio team also was released on Monday.