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Games Are Won in The Trenches

Skill players always seem to get most of the hype in all-star games.

However, without a good line in front, an offense can look very average.

Mike Young and his staff spent a lot of time selecting their linemen for the upcoming Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic, which is slated for Sunday, July 28 at Wheeling Island Stadium.

“I think we’ll be stable and quick off the ball (up front),” Young said. “I think we have some kids who are aggressive on defense and assertive on offense. We’ve got decent size. I think we’ll be fine in the trenches. We have enough size to gain some leverage.”

Here’s a capsule look at the players:

JAKE FIELER, Parkersburg South – This offensive line standout helped pave the way for a solid Patriots’ offense under head coach Jon Bolen.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder was an offensive tackle during his prep career.

Along with football, Fieler took part in basketball and track. He was also the founder of the Southside Psychos, which is a student support group.

Jake, who plans on attending Fork Union Military Academy, is the son of Ken and Jenny Fieler of Parkersburg.

TREVOR LAYTON, University – This two-way standout was a starter for John Kelly’s Hawks this past season.

The 6-1, 245-pounder logged time at guard on the offensive side and tackle on the defensive side. For his efforts, he was named honorable mention all-OVAC.

Trevor, who is the son of Sabra Layton and Tracy Layton, plans on attending Waynesburg University.

AUSTIN MARTIN, Cameron – This two-way player was a standout for Coach Jim Rogers’ team.

The 5-10, 270-pounder logged time at offensive guard and defensive tackle for the Dragons en route to first-team all-OVAC, first-team all Mason-Dixon and honorable mention all-state.

Along with football, Martin took part in FFA, Spanish Club and served on the livestock judging team.

Austin, who is the son of Gary and Kelly Martin, plans on attending West Virginia University.

SPENCER MASON, Valley – This Lumberjack was a standout regardless of the position for Coach Tom West’s squad.

The 6-foot, 310-pounder played fullback on offense and ran for 928 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Mason played defensive tackle with 112 stops.

Mason was named first-team all-OVAC and Mason-Dixon.

Along with football, Mason was a member of the track team. He’s also been a member of National Honor Society and Technology Honor Society.

Spencer, who plans on attending Wheeling Jesuit University, is the son of Larry and Tabatha Mason.

TYLER MENAS, Clay-Battelle – This two-way lineman was a standout for Cee-Bees’ head coach Ryan Wilson.

The 6-1, 280-pounder recorded 44 tackles from his defensive tackle spot. He also ran for a touchdown.

Along with football, Menas was a member of the track team and FFA.

Tyler, who plans on attending Fairmont State University, is the son of Kim and Monette Ammons.

PRESTON MURRAY, Oak Glen – This two-way tackle was a standout for Ian Whittington’s Golden Bears.

The 6-1, 240-pounder was the recipient of the Oak Glen Defense Award and was twice named all-state. He was also a Block of Granite.

Preston is the son of Eric and Julie Murray.

NICK NAUMANN, Wheeling Central – This Maroon Knight played a bevy of positions for Young’s squad last season.

The 5-8, 195-pounder lined up at fullback and guard primarily on offense. Defensively, he saw time at linebacker.

Naumann was first-team all-state, all-Valley and all-OVAC as a junior. He was honorable mention all-OVAC and all-state as a senior.

Along with football, Naumann was active in baseball and peer ministry.

Nick, who is the son of Curtis and Ursola Nauman, plans on attending West Liberty.

BEN RODGERS, Brooke – This former Bruin was an offensive line mainstay at left guard for Coach Sean Blumette’s Bruins.

The 6-3, 255-pounder was named Brooke’s offensive lineman of the year and was named to the second-team TRAC and all-OVAC honorable mention.

Away from football, Rodgers was active in Math Club, Holy Resurrection Tamburitzans and Youth Group. He also serves as a church epistle reader and alter server.

Ben, who is the son of Mark and Melinda Rodgers, plans on attending Alderson-Broaddus to study secondary education and play football.

CHANCE SIEBIEDA, Wheeling Central – This Maroon Knight product was a mainstay at tackle for Young this past season.

The 6-2, 235-pounder played tackle on both sides of the ball. He was named first-team all-OVAC and all-Valley as well as second-team all-state.

Chance, who is the son of Michael Siebieda and Melissa Loughery, plans on taking an apprenticeship at Local 83.

TANNER YOHO, Wheeling Park – This former Patriot anchored the line for Coach Chris Daugherty’s squad.

The 5-7, 183-pounder was the Patriots’ center.

Along with football, Yoho volunteers for the Bethlehem Fire Department.

Tanner, who is the son of Burnie Yoho and Marci Yoho, plans on attending West Liberty University.

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