Whew! It's been a long hot summer and more work than ever to find the 19 best of pre-season picks for our 2004 team. Here they are...Divisions I through VI...our picks of interesting players to watch over the next 10 weeks of area high school football. The question is...how many make our final cut...come November?
Andrew Lightfoot...RB/LB, 5' 10", 218 lbs. Senior (Troy Christian High School) There were several disgruntled readers who wrote in to contest Andrew's exclusion from last year's teams. Our response was...it's a tough group to crack, especially if you're banged up. Lightfoot missed all or parts of three games last year due to a high ankle sprain but is back healthy and anxious to atone for lost opportunity in 2004. At 5' 10" and 218 lbs., no area runner has better credentials...the power to run between the tackles and the speed (4.58 in the 40) to break containment. With a solid cast around him, Andrew Lightfoot should make plenty of select teams come this post-season.
Nick Landis...RB, 5'10", 170 lbs. Junior (Tippecanoe High School) The question has been asked, "...What's Nick Landis done to garner inclusion to the pre-season team?" Our answer is two-fold. Actually, nothing...but the pre-season is about the anticipation of those players who have that one tangible that sets them apart. In Nick's case, it's speed...pure unadulterated speed. The fastest player in Miami County returns for his junior year as the featured back in the Red Devils' attack. Problem is...with Andy Vanover gone, along with much of the big dominant line from last year, Landis and his 10.9 speed (100 meter dash time) will be the target of every Tipp opponent. Charlie Burgbacher must find ways to get him in open space...but when he does, no one's going to catch him!
Mike Varno...LB, 5'10", 182 lbs. Senior (Covington High School) In the linebacker-rich Miami Valley, Mike Varno was overlooked last year because of his size and foot speed. Trouble is, perception doesn't count when they snap the ball. That's when Varno and his relentless pursuit of the football stands out. Leading Miami County in tackles for much last season, Varno had a breakout year to garner All-League and All-District recognition. A versatile athlete, he'll also play in the Buccs' backfield. Quiet and laid back, he may not excite you during the week, but has marquee presence on Friday nights!
Kevin Paulus...OL/DL, 6'4", 228 lbs. Senior (Versailles High School) Paulus returns as a central figure from last year's state championship team. Has the size and strength to be one of the MAC's most physical players in 2004. Devastating rush end for the Tigers last year in their regional final game with Delta. Plays basketball too, which has helped his agility and pursuit. Versailles football is about the running game and Paulus and fellow tackle Mark Kaiser make the running game click. Versailles players usually don't garner a lot of individual press. It's not Al Hetrick's way, but Kevin Paulus is the real deal and makes the Tigers a team to beat once again in the 2004 MAC race.
Mark Keiser...OL/DL, 6'2", 250 lbs. Senior (Versailles High School) Keiser is the other half of the Tigers' powerful tandem of tackles that opened huge holes for Ben Shappie and Ryan McNeilan last year. And while those two are gone, Kaiser and Kevin Paulus are back to make way for the next generation of Versailles running backs. Extremely strong, Keiser is a devastating run blocker who rarely leaves the game. Has the size and experience to lead a younger, but talented Tiger team after another league title and trip to the playoffs. A hard worker and good represenative of Al Hetrick football at Versailles.
Todd Denlinger...DL/LB, 6'3", 280 lbs. Senior (Troy High School) The area's most notable college prospect in 2004, Denlinger has verbally committed to play at Ohio State University next fall. Extremely strong with exceptional lateral pursuit, he recorded better than 100 tackles last season as a linebacker. Moved back up front for his senior year to play tackle or end. Has battled injuries in the past and missed most of his soph season with mononucleosis, but played in all 11 games as a junior. An All-Conference selection and one of the nation's most highly recruited linemen for next year's recruiting class. An excellent represenative of Troy football under Coach Steve Nolan.
Ryan Custer...OL, 6'4", 272 lbs. Senior (Troy High School) A late bloomer in the Troy system who has repidly developed as a Division I college prospect. Has great size and strength and has worked hard during the off-season to improve technique and footwork. Coaches rave about his raw potential to be a dominating offensive tackle. A definite prospect to play at a high level of college football, Custer will anchor a much improved Troy program in 2004 that seeks to return to its days of dominance in area football. Good student with excellent work ethic. A player to watch in 2004!
Tyler Horner...Quarterback, 6'3", 190 lbs. Senior (Northmont High School) Typically, if you see a team put up points the way the T-Bolts do, you have to assume they have a gifted quarterback. So it is at Northmont. In leading the T-Bolts to the playoffs again in 2003, Horner orchestrated a powerful offense that included such notables as Jamar Harris in the backfield and Ro Grigsby at split end. Has a very strong arm and is learning the finer nuances of touch through a summer of hard work and college camp experience. With the graduation of much of his supporting cast, Horner will need to show resourcefulness and leadership in 2004. One of the area's...and state's... best!
Joe Hudson...LB, 6'1" 210 lbs. Senior (Piqua High School) A versatile athlete in Bill Nees' program who garners the respect of opponents for his attitude and relentless work ethic. Originally a quarterback, bulked up and stepped in to have a solid season at linebacker as a junior. Shows excellent pursuit on defense and versatile enough to play in the backfield. Also handles place-kicking duties and doubles as one of the area's best punters. A player that will surprise you as one of GWOC's most recognized players in 2004!
Andy Barhorst...Receiver, 6'2", 210 lbs. Junior (Sidney High School) There wasn't much to rave about concerning Lehman football in 2003, but Andy Barhorst provided a peek of his potential over the course of his junior and senior years. As a sophomore receiver in Paul Neves' wide-open offense, he caught 48 passes and garnered Hon. Mention All-State honors for the 2-8 Cavs. A transfer to Sidney for his junior season, he possesses fine hands, is physically tough and not afraid to make the catch in traffic. The Yellow Jackets are not known as a passing team, so it will behoove Coach Marc Gibson to find ways to get him the ball. An example of an athlete that could step into a lot of systems and play immediately!
Ty Cates...RB/LB, 6', 170 lbs. Junior (Arcanum High School) Our 2002 Freshman of The Year has matured into one of Jason Schondelmyer's most dependable and versatile athletes at Arcanum. Has played no fewer than five positions over the past two years and grades well in every one of them. Will garner much of the rushing load in the Trojans mid-line option game in 2004, but will contribute equally as a linebacker or defensive back on defense. A hard hitter who plays hard on every play. Loves to compete and a good example of doing more with more heart and less size. A candidate for All-League and District honors in 2004.
Mitchell Evans...QB, 6'2", 180 lbs. Sophomore (Milton Union High School) Brett Pearce's Bulldogs have been hit hard by graduation over the past two seasons, but one big reason for optimism in the future is the talent and attributes of his young quarterback. Started the last three games of 2003 and played so well Pearce was moved to call him the best instinctive young quarterback he's ever coached. Has a fine arm with good touch, along with the ability to find the open man in the secondary. Has very cool nature for a player so young. Milton coaches rave about his potential to be one of the region's best before the end of his career. Also an outstanding contributor in basketball and baseball as a freshman!
Derek Goins...RB, 6'1", 180 lbs. Junior (Bethel High School) A transfer from Piqua in 2003, Derek made an immediate impact on the Bees' program with his speed and natural instincts as a running back. One of the Cross County Conference's fastest players, his debut last year has many wary of a building Bethel impact in the league for the next two years. Break-away speed is accentuated by his ability to cut and change direction on a dime. Season highlight was a 90-yard return of the 2nd half kickoff versus Covington. While lacking in experience, Derek will get plenty of opportunities in 2004 and undoubtedly be one of the area's most underrated backs.
Stefan Deeter...RB, 6' 1", 185 lbs. Junior (Milton Union High School) A transfer back into the Bulldog program after spending his sophomore season at Troy Christian, Deeter gives Brett Pearce's offense a huge shot in the arm from the tailback position. One of the county's most versatile performers, reminded many a year ago of former Troy Christian running back, Jimmy Keller. Very hard to bring down on initial contact and has an excellent set of hands and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Not the fastest of backs, but exhibits fine control and patience in finding running room. Will be a tremendous asset to a young quarterback and the Milton offense. Will play outside linebacker on defense!
Shane Carter...WR, 6'1", 180 lbs. Senior (Troy High School) Known primarily for his basketball prowess, Carter came back to football in 2003 and made a noticeable impact on the Trojan offense during the second half of the season. Was dinged up during the early schedule, but came back to show outstanding speed, hands and instincts as a wide receiver. Will only improve with experience and a bigger commitment to get him the ball in 2004. Brother of former All-Pro Vikings' receiver, Cris Carter. A definite area player to watch this season in a resurgent Troy program.
Brian Dapore...LB, 6'1", 190 lbs. Senior (Versailles High School) In a season in which Versailles won a state title, Dapore was overshadowed by the more publicized contributions of players like Kyle Gehle and Ryan McNeilan. But no one in the tough MAC conference showed more pursuit and physical play than this Tiger linebacker. Back for his senior year, Dapore will again help anchor what's expected to be a tough run defense at Versailles. Like Mike Varno in Covington, somewhat undersized when compared to more publicized college prospects, but no one plays with more heart. If you haven't heard of him before now, you'll know about him come post-season honors time.
Kyle Kuntz...RB/DB/WR, 6' 1", 190 lbs. Senior (Vandalia Butler High School) Versatility is the specialty of this 3-year starter for the Aviators. Coach Dan Thobe has seen the development of Kuntz as a dependable performer at running back, a receiver and in the secondary. Like many area performers, has a knack of being around the ball and making the big play. Very durable, can play with nicks and dings. Used principally as a wide receiver behind Matt Lawton last year, got a lot of valuable experience when injuries struck Josh Gensler. Could see measurable time at running back in 2004. A leader by his performance, attitude and work ethic.
Matt Fulks...Special Teams, 6'1", 175 lbs. Senior (Covington High School) A breakout season last year makes this senior one of the Miami Valley's top kickers in 2005. Led all area kickers in points scored with 67. Extrememly efficient, he had 6 FG's last year. Accurate from 45 yards and in, he has legitimate 50 yard range. Holds every school kicking mark. Received 1st Team All District, 1st Team Dayton Daily News All-Area and honorable mention All-State recognition as a junior. Doubles as team's punter. Very confident at his craft and still learning. A candidate for All-State honors again in 2004.
Brandon Saine...Newcomer of The Year, 6' 1", 190 lbs. Sophomore (Piqua High School) This young man's potential is so exciting we've included him in this year's group as truly a player to watch during the 2004 season. Possesses blazing speed (has run 100 meters in 11 seconds) with the build to be a devastating running back out of the Indians' backfield. Exceptional maturity for his youth with a typical Piqua work ethic under Coach Bill Nees. It stands to reason. As the Indians rebuild over the next two years, this youngster will be a cornerstone.
* Note: As in previous years, there are obviously other area players that deserve like recognition with the ones listed on our pre-season team. And as we've stated before, the fact that players like Greg Orton (Wayne), Austin Spitler (Bellbrook) and others are not on this team is not meant as a slight. It means that we don't get to see them in person...in the areas we cover on Friday nights during football season. Our congratulations to all those players who are equally deserving of publicity...and best of luck in your upcoming season! |
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