Sports
Gridiron Glory Player of the Year Watchlist
By: Sean Neidig
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High school football in Southeastern Ohio is right around the corner, and that means that it’s time to announce the Gridiron Glory Player of the Year Watch List. Hundreds of players have gone through two-a-days to prepare for this season, so there’s definitely potential for a few not on this list to surprise us. The players below though have proven their skills in the past and are expected to do so again to compete for the 18th GGPOY Award.
TVC Ohio
Cody Bartrum, quarterback, Meigs
A true dual-threat quarterback, Bartrum passed for almost 2,000 yards and ran for almost 400 more, totaling 24 touchdowns in 2015. Meigs’ offense scored more than 20 points in all but one of their games last season, fueled by Bartrum’s ability to find open receivers or punch it over the goal line himself. The Marauders finished second in the Ohio last season and if they challenge for first again this year, Bartrum will be a main reason why.
Chace Harris, linebacker/running back, Alexander
The Spartan linebacking core was perhaps their strongest position group throughout their TVC Ohio winning campaign last year, and Harris was a big reason why. A dominant athlete, this senior is able to overpower whoever is in front of him on his way to the quarterback. He also has the speed to be able to chase down runner in the open field. Strong defensive statistics along with a few touchdowns on offense will put him in the conversation.
Brendan Sano, quarterback, Athens
We’re used to seeing a Bulldog on the GGPOY list, so why not add another one? The Athens offense is capable of putting up huge scores, and Sano will have the ball in his hands more than any other Athens player. Behind an offensive line of all seniors, Sano should have plenty of time in the pocket to find open receivers that can get the ball into the endzone.
TVC Hocking
Deijon Bedgood, wide receiver/defensive back, Belpre
Belpre may have lost a ton of seniors from last year’s squad, but the Golden Eagles return their most dangerous weapon. Bedgood may be the most dynamic athlete in Southeast Ohio and it usually doesn’t take long to see why. With the speed to outrun slower defenders and the hops to out jump smaller ones, Bedgood has tremendous ball skills on offense and defense. Expect him to improve on last year’s AP Division VII All-Ohio Special Mention.
Kam Curry, running back, Trimble
Another year, another Tomcat on our preseason watch list. Curry will be expected to carry the load for Trimble this year and will have plenty of opportunities to do so.
Even as the second option out of the backfield last year, Curry still managed to get AP Division VII All-Ohio Special Mention. Trimble will have a new quarterback and lost six All-TVC players, so Curry will have every opportunity to put up huge numbers for a team that is always in contention for a playoff spot.
Blake Johnson, quarterback, Southern
Perhaps an under the radar pick, Johnson threw for 1600 yards last year and 16 TDs. Southern finished near the bottom of the Hocking last year but if Johnson can improve upon his performance, the Tornados may challenge some of the conference’s traditional powers.
MVL
Cody Collins, running back, Tri-Valley
Collins burst onto the scene last year as a member of Tri-Valley’s diverse and explosive offense. Collins led the Scotties in rushing yards last season with nearly 700, an impressive accomplishment considering just how many running backs they rotate in and out. He only had two touchdowns, but expect to see that number skyrocket now that Collins is the featured back.
Dylan Dupler, quarterback/defensive back, Sheridan
Legendary coach Paul Culver may be gone but the Generals’ quarterback is back for another year. Dupler is a supremely talented athlete on both sides of the ball. On offense, he can run and throw and he has shown the ability to impact the game on defense as well. We’ll see how Sheridan’s new system treats Dupler, but he should be able to find success in 2016.
Bryce Farmer, running back, Tri-Valley
If Collins is the lightning in Tri-Valley’s backfield, Farmer is the thunder. Farmer excels at finishing runs through contact to get extra yards. As mentioned with Collins, Farmer’s 2015 season stats aren’t as impressive as some others on this list, but that’s not because of a lack of skill. Farmer will have plenty more opportunities to show what he can do this year in an expanded role.
Columbus/SEOAL
Johnny Farley, Blake McCoy, Raymond Potter, running backs, Jackson
All three of these players figure to carry a large load for the Ironmen in an extremely run-heavy offense. McCoy had 650 yards and six touchdowns last year, but all of these players will likely have a similar number of carries. Hunter Sexton is also gone, so the Ironmen may find a way to somehow run the ball even more.
Connect with us on social media who you think should be on the watchlist using #GGPOY.
CORRECTION: Raymond Potter is no longer with the Jackson Ironmen. We apologize for the misinformation.