The Louisville football team is the lone area representative in this year’s state championships.

Louisville (12-2) will face Cincinnati Anderson (12-2) in a Division II state championship game at 7 p.m. Friday at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon.

Louisville defeated Mayfield last week to advance to the first state final in school history. Click here for a Louisville vs. Mayfield game story.

Brunswick was the only other area team that advanced to last week’s state semifinals. The Blue Devils ended their season with a 13-1 record after suffereing a 39-14 defeat against Mentor.

Click here for a Brunswick vs. Mentor game story.

Stay tuned for more Louisville coverage leading up to the big game.

The Louisville football team will advance to its first state championship game.

The Leopards defeated Mayfield 41-13 in a Division II state semifinal Friday night at Bearcat Stadium in Bedford.

Louisville (12-2) will play Cincinnati Anderson (12-2) in next Friday’s title game at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Ohio State running back Chris Wells, a Garfield High School graduate, ran 39 times for 222 yards and two touchdowns to carry the Buckeyes to a 14-3 over Michigan on Saturday.

When I was watching Wells dominate by breaking off huge runs against the Wolverines, I started to think about all the great running backs to come out of Akron-area high schools in the recent past. Antonio Pittman (Buchtel High School/Ohio State/New Orleans Saints/St. Louis Rams), Tyrell Sutton (Archbishop Hoban High School/Northwestern University) and Delone Carter (Copley High School/Syracuse) came to mind. I also thought of Jordan Mabin (Nordonia High School/Northwestern), but he’s listed as a cornerback on the Wildcats’ roster.

Who do you think is the best running back from Akron? I think Buchtel football coach Ricky Powers, a former Michigan standout and Cleveland Browns running back, is one of the best, but one of the aforementioned college stars might surpass him. Let me know who’s on your list?

MIKE CARDEW/Akron Beacon Journal

Ohio State running back Chris Wells dodges a defender during the Buckeyes’ 14-3 over rival Michigan on Saturday.

Only two area high school football teams won regional titles and remain alive after Week 3 of the state playoffs.

Brunswick defeated North Canton Hoover 24-17 on Saturday to win a Division I regional title. The Blue Devils (13-0) will advance to play Mentor (10-2) in a state semifinal Nov. 24. Hoover ended its season with a record of 10-3. Click here for a Brunswick vs. Hoover game story.

Louisville (11-2) defeated previously unbeated and top-seeded Columbus St. Francis DeSales 25-20 on Friday night. The Leopards will advance to play Cincinnati Anderson (11-2) in a Division II state semifinal Nov. 23. Click here for a Louisville vs. DeSales game story.

Northwest was the only other area team that survived the first two rounds of the postseason and played for a regional title this weekend. The Indians lost to Newark Licking Valley 21-17 and finished their season with a record of 12-1. Click here for a Northwest vs. Newark Licking Valley game story.

Who do you think has the best chance to win a state title. Will it be Brunswick, Louisville or neither one?

As much as I respect Brunswick, I think Louisville has a better chance to win a state title. Louisville already knocked off DeSales and appears to have an easier path in Division II than Brunswick has in Division I. If the Blue Devils can eliminate a powerful Mentor team, they will likely face Cincinnati St. Xavier, which is one of the top-ranked high school football programs in the country, in a state championship game.

GAVIN JACKSON/Akron Beacon Journal

Brunswick senior quarterback Sean Bedevelsky avoids a North Canton Hoover defender during the Blue Devils’ 24-17 victory over North Canton Hoover in a Division I regional final Saturday night.

As the high school football playoffs starts to wind down, some of the area’s best players are recognized for their success this season. Click here for a story about some of the most prestigious awards that went to area players and coaches. The complete list of first- and second-team all-district selections are listed below.

All Northeast Ohio Inland District Football Teams

DIVISION I

First-team offense: Ends - Matt Wakulchik, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jordan Gribble, Brunswick, 5-10, 160, sr.; Brian Vollmer, Nordonia, 5-11, 170, sr. Linemen - Sean Whited, Canton McKinley, 6-2, 250, sr.; Corey Linsley, Boardman, 6-4, 275, sr.; Dom Boyle, North Canton Hoover, 6-0, 208, jr.; Frank Pistone, Brunswick, 6-1, 215, sr.; Erik Carlson, Jackson, 6-4, 232, jr. Quarterbacks - Sean Bedevelsky, Brunswick, 6-0, 180, sr.; Jared Wackerly, North Canton Hoover, 6-2, 180, sr.; Aaron Pankratz, Nordonia, 6-5, 225, sr. Backs - Dru Jones, Wadsworth,
5-11, 193, sr.; Eric Magnacca, Perry, 5-11, 194, sr.; Erick Howard, North Canton Hoover, 5-10, 210, so.; Anthony Smith, GlenOak, 5-9, 170, sr.; John Hamilton, Nordonia, 6-0, 195, jr. Kicker - Steve Schott, Massillon Washington, 6-1, 145, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Steve Yoder, Massillon Washington, 6-3, 273, sr.; Richard Sumlin, Medina, 6-2, 255, sr.; Luke Miller, Wadsworth, 5-10, 181, sr.; Evan Klepec, Boardman, 6-4, 235, sr.; James Georgiades, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 240; Whitney Mercilus, Garfield, 6-3, 235, sr.; David Baughman, Perry, 5-9, 193, sr. Linebackers - Kevin Dahl, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 210, sr.; Matt Vick, Perry, 5-11, 203, sr.; Mike Niam, Hudson, 6-3, 220, sr.; Broderic Kelker, Wadsworth, 6-0, 201, sr.; Zach Watts, Wadsworth, 5-10, 187; Luke Batton, Nordonia, 6-0, 195, jr. Backs - Corey Hildreth, Massillon Washington, 5-9, 167, sr.; Alex Gedeon, Hudson, 6-2, 220, sr. Brandon Mingo, Canton McKinley, 5-10, 165, sr.; Ben Karaba, Brunswick, 6-0, 170, sr.; Marcus Hardy, Cuyahoga Falls, 5-9, 165, sr. Punter - Matt Weller, Twinsburg, 6-0, 185, sr.

Offensive players of the year: Matt Wakulchik, Hoover; Sean Bedevelsky, Brunswick.
Defensive player of the year: James Georgiades, Hoover.
Coach of the year: Jason Hall, Nordonia.

Second-team offense: Ends - Anthony Schrock, Wadsworth, 6-3, 182, so.; Ryan Clark, Nordonia, 5-10, 165, sr. Linemen - Jared Frantz, Perry, 6-2, 205, sr.; D.J. Moss, Austintown Fitch, 5-11, 266, jr.; Dominic Olivo, Brunswick, 6-1, 260; Ricky Canestraro, Wadsworth, 6-1, 292, sr.; Shawn Arnold, Massillon Washington, 6-6, 240, sr.; Chauncey Clemons, Garfield, 6-5, 295, jr. Quarterbacks - Alex Loftin, Stow, 6-0, 195, sr.; John Hyde, Perry, 6-0, 177, jr. Backs -Damien Jarrett, Boardman, 5-9, 165, jr.; Carlin Isles, Jackson, 5-8, 150, sr.; Matt Marino, Stow, 5-9, 198, sr. Kicker - Corey Morse, Medina, 6-1, 235, sr.

Second-team defense: Linemen - Mike Cannel, Nordonia, 6-1, 240, sr.; Garrett Mack, Brunswick, 6-2, 230, sr.; Will Woicehovich, Nordonia, 6-1, 225, sr.; Nick Tuminello, Boardman, 6-4, 215, sr.; Myrell Smith, Canton McKinley, 5-9, 208, sr. Linebackers -Jordan Beach, Cuyahoga Falls, 6-2, 215, sr.; Ryan Holmes, Boardman, 5-9, 175, sr.; Tim Darlington, Stow, 5-11, 205, sr.; Dorie Irvin, Massillon
Washington, 6-1, 195, sr.; Mitch Rose, North Canton Hoover, 6-1, 189, sr.; Joe Vendlinski, Brunswick, 6-3, 195, sr. Backs - Rick Manco, Brunswick, 6-1, 175, jr.; Jeff Meek, North Canton Hoover, 5-10, 180, jr.; Tremaine O’Neal, Canton McKinley, 5-11, 167, sr. Punter - Justin Szink, GlenOak, 6-0, 168, sr.

DIVISION II

First-team offense: Ends - Gary Franklin, Firestone, 6-4, 180, sr.; Brian Slack, Archbishop Hoban, 6-5, 220, sr.; Brandon Mathie, Louisville, 6-1, 170, jr.; Dylan Traikoff, Lake, 6-1, 203, sr. Linemen - Colin Everett, Lake, 6-3, 237, sr.; Tyler Kwasnicka, Louisville, 6-1, 250, sr.; Tim Goodman, Copley, 6-5, 295, sr.; Sam Petersen, Revere, 6-1, 275, sr.; Tyler Dunagin, Ellet, 6-2, 260, sr. Quarterbacks - Trevor Kennedy, Firstone, 6-1, 170, sr.; Sal Battles, Youngstown East, 5-11, 215, sr.; Mark Carrocce, Canfield, 5-11, 175, sr. Backs - Shawn Riley, Wooster, 5-10,
160, jr.; Gene Onabiyi, Lake, 5-11, 190, sr.; Clay Swigert, Louisville, 6-0, 190, sr.; Chris Snook, Highland, 6-2, 218, jr. Kicker - Pat Sankovic, Canfield, 6-0, 185, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Matt Schooley, Louisville, 6-3, 225, sr.; Josh Lott, Warren Howland, 6-2, 235, sr.; Jordan Graham, Canfield, 6-1, 245, sr.; Aaron Donze, Tallmadge, 6-1, 205, sr.; Ryan Jones, Lake, 5-11, 252, sr.; De’Andre Tucker, Firestone, 6-2, 210, sr. Linebackers - Gary Thornton, Youngstown East, 5-9, 200, sr.; Eddie Metcalf, Alliance, 6-1, 200, sr.; Eric Jones, Warren Howland, 5-10, 190, sr.; Tyler Houska, Highland, 6-3, 215, jr.; Collin Haben, Tallmadge, 6-1, 225, sr.; Kyle Juszczyk, Cloverleaf, 6-2, 208, jr.; Marcus Poyser, Louisville, 5-11, 205, sr. Backs - Patrick Pakan, Tallmadge, 6-1, 200, sr.; T.J. Viscuso, Lake, 5-11, 171, sr.; Cody Roberts, Cloverleaf, 6-2, 205, jr.; Will Fleming, Archbishop Hoban, 6-4, 200, sr.; Punter - Josh Kostraba, Warren Howland, 6-0, 170, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Sal Battles, Youngstown East.
Defensive players of the year: Josh Lott, Warren Howland; Matt Schooley, Louisville.
Coaches of the year: Tim Flossie, Firestone; Dick Angle, Warren Howland.

Second-team offense: Ends - Mikey Bickley, East, 6-0, 170, jr.; Jeff Purdie, Youngstown East, 5-10, 175, sr.; Marc Adams, Louisville, 5-11, 165, sr. Linemen - Tim Baker, North, 6-1, 265, sr.; Anthony Roberts, Alliance, 5-11, 225, sr.; Tony Carney, Canfield, 6-0, 195, sr.; Dillon Miller, Lake, 6-3, 258, jr.; Jon Vanicek, Louisville, 6-1, 250, sr. Quarterbacks - Neal Seaman, Louisville, 6-1, 185, jr.; Chad Keppler, Ellet, 6-4, 190, sr. Backs - Dan Banna, Canfield, 5-11, 220, jr.; Tyler Crowl, Lake, 5-9, 175, jr.; Darshawn Thomas, Firestone, 6-1, 170, sr.; Larry Dawson, North, 6-0, 210, sr. Kicker - James Plunket, Tallmadge, 5-11, 160, jr.

Second-team defense: Linemen - Justin Marrs, Cloverleaf, 6-2, 250, sr.; Luis Sharriez, Youngstown East, 6-3, 250, sr; Dan Westlake, Louisville, 5-10, 230, sr.; Nick White, Tallmadge, 5-7, 175, jr.; Demetrius Bentley, East, 6-1, 220, sr. Linebackers -Nick Spittle, Wooster, 6-0, 175, sr.; Matt Higginbotham, Lake, 5-9, 200, sr.; J.D.Whaley, Louisville, 5-10, 170, sr.; Jon Andrews, Alliance, 6-3, 180, sr.; Tyler Scott, Warren Howland, 6-3, 218, jr.; Steve Yoak, Archbishop Hoban, 6-1, 215, sr.; Shomari Akhdar, East, 5-10, 210, sr. Backs - Chaz Moore, Canton Timken, 6-1, 184, jr.; Dominic Harper, Kenmore, 5-11, 175, sr.; Nathan Cope, Warren Howland, 5-11, 170, sr. Punter - Anthony Bowell, Youngstown Chaney, 5-9, 158, so.

DIVISION III

First-team offense: Ends - Jeremiah James, West Branch, 6-1, 175, sr.; Teddy Robb, Northwest, 6-1, 190, sr.; Mike Carnahan, Hubbard, 6-3, 195, sr. Linemen - Nate Klatt, Northwest, 6-4, 280, jr.; Bill Dugan, Poland Seminary, 6-5, 300, sr.; Kris Adams,
Field, 6-7, 340, sr.; Zack Brown, Youngstown Liberty, 5-11, 250, sr.; Josh Varney, Buckeye, 6-1, 285, sr.; Matt Mitchcash, Walsh Jesuit, 6-3, 240, sr. Quarterbacks - Marc Kanetsky, Hubbard, 6-0, 190, sr.; Steve McNeely, West Branch, 6-1, 200, sr.; Jimmy Shiplett, Northwest, 6-3, 180, sr. Backs - Cory Reisner, Buckeye, 5-10, 160, jr.; Nate Ganyard, Niles McKinley, 6-1, 215, sr.; Ben Moody, Cortland Lakeview, 6-2, 170, jr.; Seth Koosed, Field, 5-11, 180, sr. Kicker - Seth Harding, Salem, 6-1, 195, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Matt Betz, Marlington, 6-1, 250, sr.; Jake Hochendoner, Poland Seminary, 6-2, 230, sr.; Kyle Smedi, Cortland Lakeview, 6-1, 190, sr.; Andrew Illig, Walsh Jesuit, 6-2, 275, sr.; Garrett Manack, Fairless, 5-9, 185, sr.; Adam Bellamy, Aurora, 6-4, 255, jr. Linebackers - Sam Stucker, Walsh Jesuit, 5-10, 185, sr.; Mark Gauer, Northwest, 6-1, 200, sr.; Roy Davis, Ravenna, 6-3, 200, sr.; Vinnie Mazzei, West Branch, 5-10, 190, sr.; Mike McKinney, Canton South, 6-0, 200, jr.; Kevin Bailey, Walsh Jesuit, 6-2, 200, sr. Backs - Tony Stover, Northwest, 6-3, 200, sr.; Brad Hebert, Canton South, 6-0, 150, sr.; Alex Ferrara, Walsh Jesuit, 5-9, 175, sr.; Jon Biehl, Cortland Lakeview, 5-11, 175, sr.; Josh Fick, Minerva, 6-2, 170, jr. Punter - Allen Strouble, Marlington, 5-11, 160, jr.

Offensive players of the year: Steve McNeely, West Branch; Teddy Robb, Northwest.
Defensive players of the year: Tony Stover, Northwest; Kyle Smedi, Cortland Lakeview.
Coach of the year: Vic Whiting, Northwest.

Second-team offense: Ends - Jeff Walker, Coventry, 6-4, 200, jr.; Josh Penland, Fairless, 6-2, 170, sr.; Dee Brizzolara, Aurora, 6-0, 165, jr.Linemen -Jeff Petrilli, Niles McKinley, 5-11, 235, sr.; Tony Barkey, Northwest, 6-5, 300, sr.; Andrew Knapp, Aurora, 6-4, 235, sr.; Jacob Roman, Crestwood, 5-11, 255, sr.; Drew Trammel, Ravenna, 6-2, 280, sr.; Corey Fuller, Northwest, 6-3, 300, sr.; Chris Ciraldo, Walsh Jesuit, 6-2, 305, sr. Quarterbacks - Kyle Snyder, Walsh Jesuit, 6-1, 180, jr.; Matt Trissel, Canton South, 6-0, 170, jr. Backs - Cameron Ontko, Walsh Jesuit, 6-0, 195, so.; Danny Beers, Northwest, 5-10, 190, jr.; Fitzgerald Toussaint, Youngstown Liberty, 5-9, 180, jr.; Jonathan Davis, Ravenna, 5-10, 170, sr.

Second-team defense: Linemen - Stephen Fejedelem, Ravenna, 6-4, 210, sr.; Matt Lopuchovsky, Hubbard, 6-1, 215, sr.; Jason Ulbricht, Marlington, 6-2, 235, sr.; Alex Stull, West Branch, 6-3, 225, sr. Linebackers - Mark Turnbull, Poland Seminary, 5-11, 210, sr.; Mark Mikula, Crestwood, 6-1, 175, sr.; Kevin Conners, Canton South, 6-0, 200, sr.; Matt Myers, Coventry, 6-0, 210, sr.; Brice Griffin, Northwest, 5-8, 185, sr.; Kasey Schwing, Streetsboro, 6-1, 210. Backs - Armand Dehaney, Walsh Jesuit, 5-9, 175, jr.; Tyler Bates, West Branch, 6-0, 175, sr.; Marcus Coonce, Hubbard, 5-9, 165, sr.; David Whipple, Canton South, 5-9, 181, sr.

DIVISION IV

First-team offense: Ends -Rob Hoagland, Canton Central Catholic, 6-2, 175, sr.; Rhyne Ladrach, Orrville, 6-5, 220, sr.; Brett Cubellis, Girard, 6-2, 185, sr.; Corey Clause, Waterloo, 6-2, 160, sr. Linemen - Brandon Ericsson, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 261, sr.; Cole Dittirch, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 6-2, 200, jr.; Derek Berger, Waterloo, 6-0, 195, sr.; Andrew Destefano, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-1, 235, sr.; Joe Tournoux, Tuslaw, 6-0, 225, sr. Quarterbacks - Dan McCarthy, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 205, sr.; Joey Rhoads, Canton Central Catholic, 5-10, 175, sr. Backs - John Pettigrew, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 5-9, 180, jr.; Brandon Beachum, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-1, 223, sr.; Carnell Evans, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 5-10, 205, sr.; Cameron Truss, Leavittsburg LaBrae, 6-0, 170, jr. Kicker - Igor Ilibasic, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 5-10, 165, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Nick Thomas, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-3, 230, sr.; Taylor Hill, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 215, sr.; Mike Shaeffer, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-1, 215, sr.; John Simon, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-3, 266, jr.; Jeremy Garver, Triway, 6-0, 180, jr. Linebackers - Michael Zordich, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 6-2, 237, sr.; Marcello Natale, Canton Central Catholic, 6-1, 205, sr.; Cortez McCrary, Orrville, 6-2, 215, sr.; Kristopher Wildman, Warren Champion, 6-1, 210, sr.; Chris Taylor, Garrettsville, 5-9, 193, sr.; Jared Kusar, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 5-8, 165, sr. Backs - Tim Marlowe, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 5-11, 170, sr.; Markel Vaughn, Warren Champion, 5-9, 186, sr.; Max Colaner, Canton Central Catholic, 5-9, 170, sr.; Shelby Combs, Tuslaw, 5-10, 175, jr.; Kevin Saunders, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 5-11, 200, sr.; Dave Krusinski, Woodridge, 6-3, 212, sr. Punters - Brynt Werntz, Orrville, 6-0, 175, sr.; Kyle Stadelmyer, Girard, 6-2, 207, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Dan McCarthy, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.
Defensive player of the year: Michael Zordich, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.
Coach of the year: Lowell Klinefelter, Canton Central Catholic.

DIVISION V

First-team offense: Ends -Corey Hill, Columbiana Crestview, 6-0, 178, jr.; Linemen - Justin Ray, St. Thomas Aquinas, 6-5, 290, sr.; Jeremy Oller, Norwayne, 6-4, 255, sr.; Mike Hudak, North Lima South Range, 5-10, 210, sr.; Dan Pierce, North Lima South Range, 5-10, 225, sr.; Justin Brown, Youngstown Ursuline, 6-3, 255, sr.; Jared Carpenter, Northwestern, 6-5, 320, jr. Quarterbacks - Tony Britton, Columbiana Crestview, 6-1, 187, sr.; Lamar McQueen, Youngstown Ursuline, 5-9, 165, sr. Backs - Steve Bensinger, North Lima South Range, 6-0, 185, sr.; Thad Nofsinger, Waynedale, 5-11, 200, jr.; Travis Morris, Northwestern, 5-7, 195, sr.; Brad Hughes, Vienna Mathews, 5-9, 175, sr.; A.J. Zitello, Mineral Ridge, 5-11, 190, sr. Kicker - Mat Schaefer, Northwestern, 5-10, 175, sr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Carmen Lamancusa, Vienna Mathews, 6-3, 275, sr.; Dominic Armeni, Mineral Ridge, 5-10, 205, sr.; Jamel Turner, Youngstown Ursuline, 6-3, 215, so.; Steve Eyring, Waynedale, 5-11, 185, jr.; Matt Gilly, St. Thomas Aquinas, 6-0, 263, sr.; Eric Ochletree, Vienna Mathews, 5-9, 190, sr. Linebackers - Kent Cunningham, Mineral Ridge, 6-0, 205, sr.; James Rutt, Waynedale, 5-9, 165, jr.; Nick McGahagan, Youngstown Ursuline, 5-11, 205, sr.; Trent Kimball, Hillsdale, 5-9, 185, sr.; Matt Redick, Northwestern, 6-0, 170, sr. Backs - Ross Revella, Youngstown Ursuline, 5-10, 185, sr.; Shawn Sheridan, Northwestern, 5-10, 175, sr.; Clay Nelson, Hillsdale, 6-0, 185, sr.; Jon McRoberts, Mineral Ridge, 5-8, 160, sr.; Brent Jackson, Vienna Mathews, 5-8, 155, jr. Punter - Eric Lee, Smithville, 6-0, 215, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Lamar McQueen, Youngstown Ursuline.
Defensive player of the year: Shawn Sheridan, Northwestern.
Coach of the year: Tom Williams, Hillsdale.

DIVISION VI

First-team offense: Ends - Eddie Gonda, Youngstown Christian, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, senior; Mike Thomas, McDonald, 6-1, 175, jr.; James Howard, Warren JFK, 6-1, 150, sr. Linemen - Zack Trainer, Mogadore, 6-4, 300, sr.; Alex Perkins, Leetonia, 6-3, 250; sr.; Ben Gerlach, Columbiana, 6-0, 240; Dom Moore, Lowellville, 6-0, 250, sr.; Jimmie McCale, McDonald, 6-1, 225, sr. Quarterbacks - Matt Krumpak, McDonald, 6-0, 170, sr.; Shawn Pierce, Mogadore, 6-1, 175, sr. Backs - Cody Destro, Mogadore, 6-3, 225, sr.; Cameron Brant, Mapleton, 6-0, 210, sr.; Jared Province, Warren JFK, 6-0, 190, sr.; Alex Sampson, McDonald, 5-11, 195, jr.; Kicker - Bryan
Visingardi, New Middletown Springfield, 5-10, 170, jr.

First-team defense: Linemen - Donald Trummer, Leetonia, 5-11, 230, sr.; Jordan Knetzer, Dalton, 6-2, 175, sr.; Jake McAvinew, Mogadore, 5-9, 175, fr.; James Bluedorn, Warren JFK, 6-1, 200, sr.; Ryan VanVoorhis, East Canton, 5-10, 200, sr. Linebackers - John Vasilchek, Lowellville, 5-10, 189, jr.; Neal Eaton, Warren JFK, 6-0, 185, sr.; Sefan Aulizio, Warren JFK, 5-11, 185, sr.; Josh Hertel, Columbiana, 5-10, 195, sr.; Ben Shankel, East Canton, 6-2, 210, sr.; Shayne Stewart, Mogadore, 5-11, 175, jr.
Backs - Nate Schuler, New Middletown Springfield, 6-2, 215, sr.; Matt Kalbfell, Berlin Center Western Reserve, 5-8, 155, sr.; Ryan Williams, Columbiana, 5-11, 200, sr.; Andrew Beun, Dalton, 5-8, 146, so.; Ryan Brodie, Mogadore, 5-7, 165, sr.; Bryant Marnin, East Canton, 5-11, 165, sr. Punter - Mike Wheeler, East Canton, 5-9, 140, sr.

Offensive players of the year: Cody Destro, Mogadore; Jared Province, Warren JFK.
Defensive player of the year: Josh Hertel, Columbiana.
Coach of the year: Matt Adorni, Mogadore.

GAVIN JACKSON/Akron Beacon Journal

North Canton Hoover senior receiver Matt Wakulchik catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the Vikings’ 21-14 overtime victory over Nordonia last week. Wakulchik shared the district’s Division I co-offensive player of the year award with Brunswick senior quarterback Sean Bedevelsky.

After the first round of the high school football playoffs, 13 of the 23 area teams that qualified for the postseason are still alive.

Here is a breakdown of the regional quarterfinal (first-round) games that took place this past weekend (area teams in bold):

DIVISION I (four area teams alive)

Boardman (8-3) defeated Euclid 14-7 and advances to play Cleveland Glenville at 7 p.m. Saturday at Twinsburg Tiger Stadium.

Brunswick (11-0) defeated GlenOak (6-5) and advances to play Toledo Whitmer at 7 p.m. Saturday at Fremont Ross Paul Stadium. Brunswick quarterback Sean Bedevelsky completed 22-of-26 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Blue Devils.

Toledo Whitmer defeated Wadsworth (9-2) 51-37. Senior running back Dru Jones led the Grizzlies in their losing effort with 29 carries, 174 yards, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown.

North Canton Hoover (9-2) defeated Toldedo St. John’s 40-33 in five overtimes. Vikings sophomore running back Erick Howard scored the game-winning touchdown with a 1-yard run. Hoover advances to play Nordonia at 7 p.m. Saturday at Massillon Washington Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Nordonia (10-1) defeated Perrysburg 43-21 and advances to play Hoover. Senior quarterback Aaron Pankratz completed 14-of-21 passes for a school-record 354 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Knights.

GAVIN JACKSON/Akron Beacon Journal

North Canton Hoover sophomore running back Erick Howard rushes against Jackson in Week 10 as Hoover clinched the Federal League title outright. Howard scored the game-winning touchdown this past Saturday to lift Hoover to a 40-33 win over Toledo St. John’s in five overtimes in a Division I regional quarterfinal.

DIVISION II (two area teams alive)

Tallmadge (10-1) defeated Firestone (7-4) 35-20 and will play Parma Normandy at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bedford Stewart Field at Bearcat Stadium. Senior quarterback Patrick Pakan completed five-of-eight passes for 116 yards and a touchdown to lead Tallmadge. Pakan also ran eight times for 126 yards and a touchdown.

Louisville (9-2) defeated Lake (7-4) 34-21 and advances to play Dresden Tri-Valley at 7:30 p.m. Friday at New Philadelphia Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium. Junior quarterback Neal Seaman threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score to lead the Leopards.

ED SUBA JR./Akron Beacon Journal

Tallmadge senior quarterback Patrick Pakan runs the ball during the Blue Devils’ 35-20 win over Firestone in a Division II regional quarterfinal.

DIVISION III (three area teams alive)

Walsh Jesuit (9-1) defeated Field (9-2) 35-0 and advances to play Cortland Lakeview at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ravenna Stadium. Sophomore running back Cameron Ontko carried the ball 18 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Warriors.

Northwest (11-0) defeated Poland Seminary 32-8 and advances to play Dover at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Massillon Washington Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Senior quarterback Jim Shiplett completed 13-of-14 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown to lead the Indians.

Dover defeated Canton South (6-5) 11-7. Quarterback Matt Trissel threw a touchdown pass to Brad Herbert for Canton South’s lone score during its loss.

West Branch (9-2) defeated New Concord John Glenn 48-22 and will play Neward Licking Valley at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Wooster Follis Field. Quarterback Steve McNeely threw for 272 yards and four touchdowns to lead West Branch.

GAVIN JACKSON/Akron Beacon Journal

Sophomore running back Cameron Ontko carried the ball 18 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns to lead Walsh Jesuit to a 35-0 win over Field in a Division III regional quarterfinal.

DIVISION IV (two area teams alive)

St. Vincent-St. Mary (9-2) defeated Lake County Perry 42-0 and advances to play Youngstown Cardinal Mooney at 7 p.m. Saturday at Beloit West Branch Heacock Stadium. Senior running back Carnell Evans ran 14 times for 190 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Irish. St. Vincent-St. Mary played Cardinal Mooney in Week 8 and lost 21-17.

CVCA (9-2) lost to Steubenville 28-10. Junior running back John Pettigrew had 22 carries, 167 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort for the Royals.

Canton Central Catholic (10-1) defeated Tusky Valley (8-3) 48-6 and advances to face off against Steubenville at 7 p.m. Saturday at Austintown Fitch Falcon Stadium. Senior quarterback Joey Rhoads completed nine-of-12 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Crusaders. Rhoads also ran for a score. CCC played Steubenville in Week 9 and lost by a point.

KAREN SCHIELY/Akron Beacon Journal

St. V-M senior running back Carnell Evans runs for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Irish’s 48-6 win over Perry in a Division IV regional quarterfinal.

DIVISION V (one area team alive)

Waynedale (9-2) defeated Northwestern (9-2) 19-7 in a battle between the Wayne County Athletic League co-champions. Waynedale advances to play Youngstown Ursuline at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Canton Central Catholic Klinefelter Stadium.

DIVISION VI (one area team alive)

Mogadore (10-1) defeated Columbiana 25-14 and advances to play Boscom Hopewell-Loudon at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Ashland Community Stadium. Senior running back Cody Destro carried the ball 24 times for 162 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Wildcats. Mogadore senior running back Ryan Brodie also contributed with a 62-yard touchdown reception from senior quarterback Shawn Pierce.

Did anything of these results surprise you during this past weekend? Walsh Jesuit did what I thought it would do and is still my pick for the area team most likely to win a state title. What team do you think can go the distance?

FOOTBALL

WALSH JESUIT 35, FIELD 0

Varsity Letters Player of the Game: Walsh Jesuit sophomore Cameron Ontko.

In his second game after missing five weeks with mononucleosis, Ontko carried the ball 18 times for 167 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Warriors (9-1) over the Falcons (9-2). Ontko had touchdown runs of 2, 23 and 37 yards.

Walsh advances to play Cortland Lakeview (9-2) in a regional semifinal at 7:30 p.m. Friday at a site to be determined.

The high school football playoffs start this week and 23 teams from the Beacon Journal’s coverage area have qualified for the postseason.

Click here for information about each playoff team and the top players.

There are two area teams that are going to make their first playoff appearances: Firestone and Field.

For a story about Firestone Falcons click here.

For a story about the Field Falcons and other playoff notes click here.

Which area playoff team do you think has the best chance to win a state title? My pick is Walsh Jesuit because I think the Warriors have the best offensive and defensive linemen in the area. Walsh sophomore running back Cameron Ontko is one of the most impressive playmakers I’ve seen this season. He missed five weeks with mono, but he returned in Week 10 as Walsh thrashed Firestone.

Let me know which team you’re picking to go far and why.

High School Football Playoff Schedule

Note: These are probable playoff matchups according to www.joeeitel.com and the matchups have changed several times on Saturday, which means they might be different on the website on Sunday. Official OHSAA playoff pairings will be released Monday.

Friday’s Games
(All games 7:30 p.m., unless noted)

Division II, Region 5
Firestone (7-3) at Tallmadge (9-1)

Division II, Region 7
Lake (7-3) at Louisville (8-2)

Division III, Region 9
Field (9-1) at Walsh Jesuit (8-1)
Cortland Lakeview (8-2) at Aurora (9-1)
Ravenna (8-2) at Mentor Lake Catholic (6-3)

Divison III, Region 11
Poland Seminary (7-3) at Northwest (10-0)
New Concord John Glenn (8-2) at West Branch (8-2)
Canton South (6-4) at Dover (7-3)

Divison V, Region 17
Northwestern (9-1) at Waynedale (8-2)

Saturday’s Games
(All games 7 p.m., unless noted)

Division I, Region 2
GlenOak (6-4) at Brunswick (10-0)
Toledo St. John’s Jesuit (6-4) at North Canton Hoover (8-2)
Perrysburg (8-2) at Nordonia (9-1)
Wadsworth (9-1) at Toledo Whitmer (8-2)

Division IV, Region 13
CVCA (9-1) at Stuebenville (10-0)
Tusky Valley (8-2) at Canton Central Catholic (9-1)
Lake Co. Perry (9-1) at St. Vincent-St. Mary (8-2)

Division VI, Region 21
Columbiana (7-3) at Mogadore (9-1)

FOOTBALL

NORTH CANTON HOOVER 31, JACKSON 0

Varsity Letters Player of the Game: Hoover senior quarterback Jared Wackerly.

Wackerly completed 10-of-16 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns to help host Hoover clinch homefield advantage for the playoffs and secure its first outright Federal League title since 2003.

Wackerly connected with senior wide receiver Matt Wakulchik for touchdowns of 2 and 53 yards. Wackerly also ran for an 8-yard score.

“We have a lot of chemistry going,” Wackerly said of Hoover’s offense. “The line has been blocking great in every game so far.”