The OHSAA football regional finals showcased remarkable talent as teams from Northeast Ohio competed for a coveted spot in the state semifinals. Several players stood out, earning recognition for their exceptional performances during Week 14 of the high school football season.
Lance Dawson, a senior defensive end committed to Cincinnati, delivered a powerful performance for Avon, securing the team’s victory over Highland with a score of 36-19. Dawson recorded 2.5 sacks and blocked two kicks, including one field goal and one extra point. This win marks Avon’s eighth regional championship in the last nine years, further solidifying their dominance in Division II.
In another standout performance, Cincere Johnson shone for Glenville, leading the defense with seven solo tackles in their 35-7 triumph against Perry. The Ohio State commit also registered a sack and a tackle for loss, contributing significantly to Glenville’s fourth consecutive trip to the Division IV state semifinals.
Remarkable Individual Performances
The regional finals witnessed several players making history. Wesley Keeler of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy scored four touchdowns in their 42-7 victory over Villa Angela-St. Joseph. He rushed for three touchdowns and returned a fumble recovery for another score, helping his team secure their first regional crown in Division III.
Jake LaVerde was instrumental in Kirtland‘s 21-7 win against Sugarcreek Garaway, rushing for all three of his team’s touchdowns. He accumulated 127 yards on 22 carries, leading Kirtland to their ninth consecutive regional title. LaVerde also demonstrated versatility by completing four of five passes for 44 yards.
The offensive prowess continued with Quiante Smith, who rushed for 176 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries against Highland. Smith’s performance followed a three-touchdown game the previous week, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
Historic Achievements and Final Highlights
In a significant achievement, Brandon White became St. Edward’s all-time leading rusher during their 27-7 victory against Mentor. White rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries, bringing his career total to 3,987 yards, surpassing the previous record of 3,951 yards set by Cole Gest in 2015.
Additionally, David Ternosky made a strong return for Walsh Jesuit, completing six of nine passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns in their 35-7 victory over Archbishop Hoban. His teammate, Marty Tobin, also excelled, rushing for 199 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
Coaches and fans are encouraged to submit statistics and player nominations to Matt Goul at [email protected] by Sunday evening. Updates will continue through Monday morning, and readers are invited to participate in the poll to vote for the player of the week. The voting will close at 22:00 on Wednesday.
As the season progresses, these standout performances highlight the talent and dedication present in high school football across the region. Each player’s contribution not only drives their team forward but also inspires future generations of athletes.
