Joshua Niemann
Well-known member
This has to be going Bo Jackson, no? I may be uneducated on other competitors, please enlighten me.
Who will be Ohio’s Mr. Football
- Thread starter Joshua Niemann
- Start date
I'd say he the definite favorite. I believe there are something like 7 or 8 finalists, one from each district maybe? I'm not sure exactly how it works but for most kids being a finalist has to be a huge win. Anyone have any frontrunners from the districts they think will be in the conversation?
Rack162
Well-known member
Kinsey from D4 Indian Valley (7-0) is putting up big numbers and could be a finalist. He will have over 2000 yards and 30 touchdowns heading into the playoffs. He averages 12.6 per carry and 250 per game. 1750 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 50 tackles.
What is Jackson's current status? It appears he has only played three games.
It's exciting to see Kinsey's name in the conversation, I know Tuscarawas county thinks he is pretty special but we could be a little biased. I suppose it is hard for a DIV guy to compete with upper division guys but I truly believe he would be a stud at those levels as well, kid would play anywhere I think. And I can't imagine what he could do if he only played one side of the ball because he plays his tail off on defense too and that has to effect his running ability.
TraditionNeverGraduates
Well-known member
If Moeller's Matt Ponatoski doesn't receive strong consideration, there needs to be an investigation. Putting up crazy numbers vs best competition on Ohio.
Bruce Monnin
Well-known member
Which player from Ohio is getting the most NIL money from Ohio State? That's a good bet for the Mr. Football vote.
Moneyline
Active member
It's terrible, but true.
Moneyline
Active member
Mr. Football, in my mind, should be like an MVP. I hate that it reverts to stats. Because the ones that are penalized are the players that play real competition or who play for a coach that doesn't believe in running up the score.
I'm biased, but I'll put in a vote for Keller Moten, QB Walsh Jesuit. They play a real schedule (Ursuline, Hoban, Ignatius, Erie McDowell, Benedictine...) and he is at the center of it all. The stats won't wow you, because in blowouts his coach will take him out after less than a half (STSM & Firestone), unlike other programs that will keep starters in to pad the stats.
Being team-focused and unselfish isn't rewarded much these days, it's all about who has offers and NIL deals. He's a refreshing change from today's me-first society and one of the most dynamic and exciting players to ever come through Walsh.
I'm biased, but I'll put in a vote for Keller Moten, QB Walsh Jesuit. They play a real schedule (Ursuline, Hoban, Ignatius, Erie McDowell, Benedictine...) and he is at the center of it all. The stats won't wow you, because in blowouts his coach will take him out after less than a half (STSM & Firestone), unlike other programs that will keep starters in to pad the stats.
Being team-focused and unselfish isn't rewarded much these days, it's all about who has offers and NIL deals. He's a refreshing change from today's me-first society and one of the most dynamic and exciting players to ever come through Walsh.
The Dock
Champion, 2024 Yappi Challenge
There’s an argument to be made that Ponatoski has had the best (and most impressive) season of QB’s statewide. No Moeller/GCL bias, here. Montgomery obviously isn’t the equation (sadly) this year, TSC is (???), no real read or indication that Nathan Bernhard (although a very good QB) really ‘fits’ the discussion when stacked up against MP. Levi Davis at Olentangy Orange may be on the outside looking in this year, but next year his candidacy could result in a finalist distinction.
The point on the Walsh QB is noted and useful (also never thought I’d read “Firestone and STVM” in the same thought.)
The flight of RB’s, this year, is impressive. Bo (if he is playing the whole season???) is presumably the front runner. Kinsey @ IV and Barraza @ Columbus Grove are worthy of finalist consideration.
As for WR’s… this won’t be an exhaustive list, but Central Ohio’s representation in the finalist flight could very well only be at WR. Preston Bowman (PN), Trent Wolpert (UA) and Jake Uhlenhake (Watterson) would all represent the 614 well. I suspect that Shaun Terry at Ironton could be a finalist. Honorable plug for Devonte Taylor at Ursuline.
The point on the Walsh QB is noted and useful (also never thought I’d read “Firestone and STVM” in the same thought.)
The flight of RB’s, this year, is impressive. Bo (if he is playing the whole season???) is presumably the front runner. Kinsey @ IV and Barraza @ Columbus Grove are worthy of finalist consideration.
As for WR’s… this won’t be an exhaustive list, but Central Ohio’s representation in the finalist flight could very well only be at WR. Preston Bowman (PN), Trent Wolpert (UA) and Jake Uhlenhake (Watterson) would all represent the 614 well. I suspect that Shaun Terry at Ironton could be a finalist. Honorable plug for Devonte Taylor at Ursuline.
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Moneyline
Active member
Holy cow, great catch. I typed that because it was true this season, but you are spot on. I would never have thought they'd be in the same thought. It was unintentional but says a lot about where that program stands right now.
That said, Keller Moten's name needs consideration. Look at the resume, not the stats.
Joshua Niemann
Well-known member
Yes after posting read he suffered a knee injury in week 4 vs Kenston
Inoutsider
Active member
Not saying he’s the best player in the state and he doesn’t have ridiculous stats because the team has several good weapons but Shaun Terry of Ironton is about as fun to watch as any high school player I’ve ever seen. He’s the type of kid who was never it in a game of tag. Believe he will eventually make Missouri a nice slot receiver.
Steel Valley FB
Well-known member
Agreed. Maurice Clarett did end up winning Mr Football but he could have had ridiculous stats. Harding was usually winning big at halftime and Clarett usually didn’t play the second half his senior season. Worm can post his senior stats but they could’ve been double what he ended up with.
Rack162
Well-known member
He must be referring to Joe Burrow. Sure, they padded his stats, but he was also the best player in the state. All of the winners over the last decade played against very good competition and also had nice playoff runs, with the exception of maybe Cade Stover of Lexington (170 tackles and 1500 yards rushing).
23 Moeller
22 Hoban
21 Medina
20 Roger Bacon *corona
19 Wyoming
18 Lexington
17 Wadsworth
16 TCC
15 Perry
14 Athens
MassillonK1D330
Well-known member
My two top candidate will be the quarterbacks
Moeller QB #7
Walsh Jesuit QB #8
I think both of those guys are making a strong case imo ik the kid from IV is making a strong case as well but I can't put a D4 Kid in the IVC other kids that are playing high level competition weekend and week out and are putting up crazy numbers. I honestly think the state of Ohio should split Mr Football. Mr Football for D1-D3 and Mr Football for D4-D7 I think that will be dope and it will give kids at lower divisions a chance to win.
Moeller QB #7
Walsh Jesuit QB #8
I think both of those guys are making a strong case imo ik the kid from IV is making a strong case as well but I can't put a D4 Kid in the IVC other kids that are playing high level competition weekend and week out and are putting up crazy numbers. I honestly think the state of Ohio should split Mr Football. Mr Football for D1-D3 and Mr Football for D4-D7 I think that will be dope and it will give kids at lower divisions a chance to win.
Kinsey just like it should've been Marquise Davis last year. When you carry your team to new heights on both sides of the ball like this you have my vote. Especially over two quarterbacks with exponentially better supporting casts. He won't win either though so I digress. I'll go with Moeller QB
MassillonK1D330
Well-known member
They might have a better supporting cast but they also are playing better teams at some point that has to matter.
I agree that it is hard to put a D4 kid in the conversation but the kid has only played more than a half in two of their games which makes his stats even crazier. He’s averaging over 12 yards a carry I think, it truly is impressive when you see the size of his line and factor in what a stud he is a linebacker. It would be great if they would split Mr. Football into big school/small school categories to give kids like him a better chance.
I also believe there should be some respect for a kid that plays where he comes from and doesn’t transfer to give himself a better resume, that’s the definition of a team player and more of what we need on the football field. There’s a Player of the Game interview with him after the Garaway game and he just talks up his line and how they make his job easy and his coaches for creating disciplined young men, kid is a class act for sure. I’d love to see him at least have his name in the hat.
SteelerBacker
Well-known member
Add on top of that that each week ALL 11 on the defense are focused on stopping him and he still is powering thru. PLUS, he is only a junior!
My problem is that is always matters. Even last year it mattered and it came down to D1 guys. Nobody having a better season than this kid and it's not even close.
That’s so true. All 11 are coming at him every single play. Half the time he drags about 3 of them with him for a few yards unless of course he makes it to the second level untouched because if he does he’s gone.
Regular season only I believe.
Joshua Niemann
Well-known member
Shaun should be heavily considered for a nomination, one of the best PR athletes i’ve ever seen, he’s had multiple returns where he’s evaded 5+ defenders. There are serious odds he ends the season with more touchdowns than times tackled. He also is a good WR, obviously, but his punt returns are seriously crazy to watch, find a video if you haven’t seen it before.
Tattuz
Active member
I think Kinsey will have a better chance winning it next year. If IV makes a deep playoff run and he’s able to continue to put up monster stats in that run it will show voters that he’s able to compete against the best D4 has to offer and they will look at him on a better light the following season.
TheirKillinMeWhitey
Active member
As a side note, I'm pretty sure Kinsey rushed for over 100 yds in all 3 playoff games last year as a sophomore
Moneyline
Active member
I love this idea. Although, I might do D1-D4 and D5-D7, if only because there are D4 schools that can compete and win against good D1 schools (Ville, Perkins), but there aren't and D5 and lower that I believe could beat a higher level D1. But we're splitting hairs at that point.
Love the Moeller QB too. The kid has game, but is definitely a passing QB and doesn't have the same running ability as the Walsh QB. Plus, he's a junior, so I always favor giving this award to a senior.
Rack162
Well-known member
He's a 2-way player on pace to rush for over 3000 yards. He probably won't be able to do it again. He has plenty of film and is one of the best in Ohio, regardless of division. I don't know enough about all of the players to determine if he should win or not, but he should definitely be considered, similar to the D5 RB from West Muskingum and the D4 QB from Canton South, who were both finalists last year.
A DIV kid worth the price of admission is Shelby QB, Brayden DeVito. He was an All-Ohio 1st teamer last year as a Sophomore. Accounted for 7 TD's just this past Friday. I'll give you that his MOAC competition isn't top-notch. Lol. But he'll go head-to-head again at the end of the regular season with Ohio State recruit, QB/ATH Bodpegn Miller. DeVito got the better of him last year, and made a run in the playoffs until they hit the Tarblooder buzzsaw.