Excerpt from Chris Easterling's writeup in
The Repository on all the games this weekend.
To get ready for the OHSAA football state finals in Canton, here's some of the top players pursuing a state title at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
www.cantonrep.com
"Here's who's to watch out for in this game:
Carson Bey, Versailles, quarterback/linebacker
The two-way standout helped the Tigers return to the state championship game for the 10th time overall, but first since a state runner-up finish in 2004. Bey’s performance this season as a linebacker has been enough to help Versailles to a 14-1 record and just 44 points allowed over five playoff games. It’s also earned him Southwest District Division V Defensive Player of the Year. However, his offense has been where the stats have really popped. Bey’s been the definition of dual-threat quarterback, as he’s been able to hurt opponents both through the air and on the ground.
The state semifinal win over Harvest Prep was just the latest example, where he was an efficient 6-of-9 passing for 80 yards, while running for 181 yards on 22 carries.
Landon Henry, Versailles, running back/linebacker
Henry is just another of a long list of two-way standouts for the Tigers, who come to Canton on the prowl for their seventh state title. Speaking of prowling, that’s what the senior does on defense, much to the chagrin of the opposition. In each of the last two weeks, Henry has come up with a critical interception to help spark Versailles. Two weeks ago in the regional final against Preble Shawnee, he had an interception in the 28-0 victory to go with 8.5 tackles and 51 rushing yards. In the 28-22 state semifinal win over Harvest Prep, he followed up another interception by him with a TD run.
Ramon Lescano, Kirtland, quarterback
It’s not easy being the new guy behind center on any team. To be the new starting quarterback on a dynasty, though, is a whole different level of pressure. For Lescano, though, that’s not been an issue as he took over for Liam Powers as the QB for the record-setting Hornets. Instead, he’s simply stepped right in and kept the machine rolling along. Lescano will quarterback a team that’s not only looking to win a 56th consecutive football game, but also one that’s eyeing its fourth state title in a row and seventh since 2011. On the season, Lescano has completed 55 of 98 passes for 1,175 yards with 20 TDs and, just as important, only three interceptions. He’s also been a nice counter to record-setting running back Mason Rus with 456 yards and seven TDs on 94 carries. He’s also returned six punts for 83 total yards, including a TD.
Mason Rus, Kirtland, running back/linebacker
The senior helps power the Hornets defense and running game, the two key components fueling the powerhouse Hornets — winners of 55 straight entering this state title game in Division V. With the Hornets destroying their first two playoff opponents, Rus didn't need to do a whole lot offensively (186 yards on just 23 carries). When the Hornets needed more, though,
in the regional semis against Garrettsville Garfield, Rus delivered (31 carries, 234 yards, 2 TDs). He has 1,959 yards and 25 TDs for the season, eclipsing 100 yards in 13 of 14 games. As good as he is running the ball, it's on the other side where he earns his accolades. He was the Northeast Lake District Defensive Player of the Year after making 18 tackles for loss and 78 total tackles in nine regular-season games, despite often sitting out the entire second half of many of Kirtland's routs.
