Triway, Smithville and Hillsdale headline All-Northeast Inland District football teams

Triway, Smithville and Hillsdale dominated the All-Northeast Inland District football teams after having outstanding seasons. The Titans advanced the furthest in program history in the playoffs, the Smithies logged their first 10-win season since 2004 and the Falcons are still vying for a trip back to the state finals.

Senior Roman Gilbert was the heartbeat of Triway's defense, racking up 14 sacks and 27 tackles for loss. His play earned him a unanimous selection for Defensive Player of the Year in Division V. His coach, Cody Kelly, was named Co-Coach of the Year.

In Div. VI, Smithville coach Phil Olsen directed his team to its best season since 2004, earning a mega win over Dalton, and in turn, earned Coach of the Year honors.

In Div. VII, Hillsdale dominated the awards, led by senior running back Owen Sloan, who has powered his way for 1,645 yards and 26 touchdowns to earn Co-Offensive Player of the Year. His coach, Trevor Cline, was selected Co-Coach of the Year.

In Div. V, joining Gilbert on the first team were teammates Bruin Flinner, a 1,000-plus-yard receiver, offensive lineman Landen Harvey and quarterback Luke Starr.

Norwayne senior Ryder Ingold reeled in over 1,000 yards and earned a first-team selection. He was joined by teammates Cameron Hackworth (LB) and Carter Miller (DB) on the first team. Rounding out the first team locally was Tuslaw’s Nathan Eberhardt, who piled up 70 tackles and four interceptions, including a pick-six, earning the selection as a linebacker.

On the second team were Norwayne's Caleb Ruggles and Bryant Frary, Triway's Olley Krupp, Grayson Smith, Alex Robinson and Brandt Clippinger, Tuslaw's Kyle Allen and Ethan Haer and Northwestern’s Riley Ramsier.

Earning honorable mention were Norwayne’s Jacob Bruner, Carson Arnold and Matthew Troup, Triway’s Wilson James, Brayden Coolbaugh and Cohen Baker, Tuslaw’s Luke Ruehling, Parker Reinhart and Mason Kauffman and Waynedale's Maddox Kidd.

In Div. VI, Smithville's Isaiah Lee was selected to the first team after racking up over 1,200 all-purpose yards. Lee wasn’t alone, as teammate Mason Haines ran for over 1,300 yards to earn a first-team nod. The pair was joined by teammates Chase Tomassetti (OL) and Zach Lanneaux (LB).

Dalton landed four players on the first team in quarterback Carter Hignight, defensive lineman Jackson Oswald, linebacker Conner Mori and defensive back Aiden Pelfrey.

Earning second-team selections were Smithville's Nathan Horst, Luke Snyder, Javen Woodarski and Brady Sidle, Dalton's Corbin Lehman, Jaxon Ryder, Andy Galdamez and Gage Stitt and Rittman’s Carson Smith. Picking up honorable mention honors were Smithville’s Dylan Kreider and Will Blankenship, Dalton’s Max Steiner and Caden Trivette and Chippewa’s Ian Radebaugh.

In Div. VII, Sloan was joined on the first team by teammate Hayden McFadden, last year’s Offensive Player of the Year. Other Falcons on the first team were lineman Jake Haven, defensive back Brock Bower, linebackers Brady Heller and Aiden Hoffman, quarterback Kael Lewis and kicker A.J. Brown.

Hillsdale players earning honorable mention were Corbin Deter, Garrett Furr, Knox Lewis, Kyle Turk and Carston Stephens.

Leading Loudonville was Josiah Hershberger, who was selected to the first team, and Collin Caley, who earned honorable mention.

In Div. IV, Orrville enjoyed a turnaround season under first-year coach Brent Besancon and picked up six district selections. Leading the way were seniors Breylon McDuffie and Parker Hostetler with first-team honors. Picking up second-team accolades were Reid Shemenski and Brahm Hostetler, while Tate Howell, Case McDaniel and Cameron Kraft all earned honorable mention.

In Div. II, Wooster's Hutson Copenhaver earned an honorable mention selection.