Staff report

The Austintown Fitch football team started the season 0-2, but finished strong in its final eight games. The Falcons (6-4) finished just outside the Division I playoffs.

The Division I All-Ohio team was announced on Wednesday. The teams were selected by the 2017 Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association.

Despite lacking a playoff appearance, the Falcons still had a few players receive honors.

Fitch linebackers Joey Zielinski and Jakari Lumsden were third-team All-Ohio selections. Fitch’s Randy Smith was an honorable-mention pick.

The Falcons went 6-2 in their final eight games, with their only losses coming against Massillon and Cardinal Mooney.

During that span, Fitch held six opponents to 14 points or less. The Falcons allowed a combined 21 points in the final four weeks, including shutouts to at Lakeside and at home to Erie McDowell.

Ohio Mr. Football was also awarded on Wednesday to round out the postseason awards.

The honor went to Wadsworth quarterback Joey Baughman.