WHEELING - The majority of the time in high school football, the team is only as good as its offensive line.
That might be why Conotton Valley and Ohio head coach Eric Schumacher is so excited to get to camp at Bethany College a week from today to begin preparations for the 67th annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic, which is slated for July 29.
Schumacher has named his offensive lineman and likes their size as well as their athleticism.
"The ability to move well was one of the biggest things we looked for," Schumacher said. "We want them to be able to get to the perimeter and block, so we looked for guys who had good feet and good coordination."
Here's a capsule look at the players:
ELLIOTT ALBERT, Martins Ferry - This former Purple Rider developed into one of the top offensive lineman for Coach Dave Bruney's squad last season.
The 5-foot-11, 225 pounder was a two-way tackle for the Riders and earned third-team all-Ohio. He was first-team all-Eastern District, all-Times Leader and all-Valley.
Along with football, Albert was a member of the Riders' football team. Elliott, who plans on attending West Liberty University, is the son of Bill and Stefania Albert of Martins Ferry.
MICHAEL CAMILLETTI, Steubenville - This former Big Red standout anchored the offensive line at center for Coach Reno Saccoccia's squad.
The 5-10, 200 pounder was a three-year main stay for Big Red, winning a Block of Granite Award last season. He was also a third-team all-Ohio, first-team all-district, all-Valley and Quad County.
Along with football, Camilletti was a standout in the classroom. He was a member of the National Honor Society, carried a at-least a 3.5 GPA every grading period and was a member of the Key Club. He's also active in St. Anthony's Church.
Michael, the son of Rick of Pam Camilletti of Follansbee, plans to attend Kent State University.
ANTHONY KUHN, St. Clairsville - This Red Devils mainstay was a standout at right guard for Coach Brett McLean's squad.
The 6-1, 225 pounder graded out at 92 percent for the season as he earned his third letter for the Red Devils.
Anthony, the son of Joe Kuhn and Rikki Kuhn of St. Clairsville, will leave for the United States Marines in October.
BRYAN SAWYER, Caldwell - This former Redskin was a standout on both lines for Coach Josh Perkins' squad during his prep career.
The 6-3, 275 pounder was a four-year letterman and served as a team captain during his senior season. As a senior, he paved the way for a record-setting rushing season for the Redskins. On the defensive side of the ball, Sawyer had 106 tackles, 14 sacks, 15 tackles for loss.
Sawyer was first-team all-OVAC, all-PVC, all-Eastern District and all-Ohio Special Mention.
Along with football, Sawyer played basketball and baseball during his prep career.
Away from athletics, Sawyer was a standout in the classroom. He was the winner of the Presidential Club Award and served as the secretary of his class.
Bryan, the son of Dan and Vanessa Sawyer of Caldwell, plans on attending Kent State University.
C.J. WISE, Monroe Central - This former Seminole was a leader on both lines for Coach Jay Circosta's squad during his prep career.
The 6-6, 240 pounder was a two-way tackle. He had 53 tackles, 5.5 sacks, nine caught behind the lines, an interception and a fumble recovery last season.
Wise was a first-team all-Ohio selection. He was also first-team all-OVAC, all-Eastern District, all-PVC, all-Times Leader and all-Valley.
He also received a WTOV-9 Block of Granite Award.
C.J., who is undecided about his college plans, is the son of Robert and Sheilla Wise of Woodsfield.
