American Family Insurance ALL-USA NE Ohio Football Team

The calendar has turned to 2016, which means it’s time to put a cap on the 2015 Ohio high school football season by honoring some of the region’s most talented prep gridiron players.  Channel 3 Sports is excited to unveil its American Family Insurance SALLUST Northeast Ohio Football Team.

The players listed below demonstrated athletic excellence each week and all led their respective squads to the playoffs, a stipulation that was adhered to while selecting the honorees.

Some of these names were included on our preseason team while others showed us they were deserving with their impressive play week after week.

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Avon senior Jake Sopko – The Associated Press Division II first-team selection proved to be one of the area’s most accurate passers. Despite throwing for more than 2,400 yards and 26 touchdowns, Sopko threw just one interception.

St. Edward senior Jimmy Keefe – The senior signal caller saved his best performance for the biggest stage. The first-year starter threw for a record-tying 419 yards in the Eagles’ Division I state title game win against Huber Heights Wayne.

Louisville senior Jacob Adams – The Associated Press Division III first-teamer threw for more than 2,800 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Running Backs

Massillon Perry senior Keishaun Sims – The Associated Press Mr. Football award winner owns virtually all of the school’s single-season and career rushing records. Sims set the Stark County record for rushing yards in a season in Week 11.

North Ridgeville senior Demario McCall – Despite battling injuries throughout the season, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl participant proved to be one of the area’s most electric playmakers.

Kirtland senior Joey Bates – The primary offensive threat in the Hornets’ prolific, run-dominated offense, the Associated Press Division VI first-team selection was a main reason for the team’s come-from-behind state championship win.

Wide Receivers

Midview senior Logan Bolin – One of the state’s most prolific receivers, the Associated Press Division II first-team selection caught 84 passes for 1,375 yards and 21 touchdowns despite spending time as the team’s quarterback.

Benedictine senior Justin Layne – The Associated Press Division III first-team all-state selection served as the Bengals’ top receiver and again proved to be one of the state’s best wideouts.

Offensive Linemen

Walsh Jesuit senior Jack Wohlabaugh – The Associated Press Division II first-team all-state selection is widely viewed as one of the state’s top guards.

St. Ignatius senior Liam Eichenberg – The Associated Press Division I first-team all-state selection is widely viewed as one of the state’s top tackles.

Kicker

Hudson sophomore Grant Gonya – The Associated Press Division II first-team all-state honoree served as a valuable scoring threat during the Explorers’ deep playoff run.

DEFENSE

Defensive Linemen

St. Edward senior Michael O’Malley – The Associated Press Division I Defensive Player of the Year, a defensive end, served as an anchor on the Eagles’ defensive front.

Hudson senior Roman Moreno – The Associated Press Division II first-team all-state state selection, who played on the line and as a linebacker, proved effective as a run defender, pass rusher and pass defender.

Mayfield senior Zach Rodman – The Associated Press Division II first-team all-state selection served as an anchor on the Wildcats’ defensive front.

Copley senior Arman Samouk – The Associated Press Division II second-team all-state honoree anchored the Indians’ defensive front.

Linebackers

Berea-Midpark senior Joe Bachie – The Associated Press Division I first-team all-state selection served as a leader on both sides of the ball for the Titans.

Kirtland senior Evan Madden – The Associated Press Division VI Defensive Player of the Year excelled at defending the run and pass while serving as a leader for the Hornets.

Perry senior Nick Lauria – The Associated Press Division IV first-team all-state honoree secured a team-leading 156 tackles.

Chippewa senior Doug Price – The Associated Press Division V first-teamer helped the Chipps’ defense hold opposing teams to 17 points or fewer in six games.

Defensive Backs

Archbishop Hoban senior Jonah Morris – The Associated Press Division I first-team all-state pick intercepted three passes and was a top tackler for the Knights in their run to the Division III state championship.

Benedictine senior Warren Saba – The Associated Press Division III first-team selection was a shutdown corner whose speed made him a threat to return any fumble or interception the distance for a defensive touchdown.