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Ohio Feels Its Linemen Fit Well With Spread Scheme

When putting together the roster for the OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game, Beaver Local head coach Mike McKenzie wanted not only skill players who fit the spread, but linemen, too.

The Ohio head coach, who will lead his team against West Virginia on Saturday, July 23 at Wheeling Island Stadium, believes he’s found those types of players — on both sides of the ball.

“We feel good about our linemen,” McKenzie said. “We have guys who are experienced in the spread offense and some tough kids. We feel like our linemen fit what we want to do.”

McKenzie and his coaches will begin the process of preparing their players for the game on Sunday when both teams report to camp at Wheeling University.

Here’s a capsule look at the players:

JOEY BALGO, St. Clairsville — This Red Devil senior was one of the leaders up front for Coach Brett McLean’s team.

The 6-1, 275 pounder graded out at 93% blocking en route to earned All-Eastern District, All_OVAC, All-Valley, All-Watchdog and All-Times Leader.

Along with football, Balgo was a letterman in baseball and played in the OVAC All-Star Game.

Joey, who is the son of Dan and Diane Balgo, plans to attend Mercyhurst to play football.

CASEY BROOKER, Fort Frye — This former Cadet was a multi-year force along the offensive line for Coach Eric Huck’s team.

The 6-2, 230 pounder was named First Team All-Ohio twice during his career and earned Eastern District Offensive Player of the Year twice. He took part in the North-South Game during the spring.

Casey, who plans to attend Ohio University, is the son of Dennis and Trenna Brooker.

GAVIN CARPENTER, Barnesville — This two-way standout anchored both lines for Coach Blake Allen’s squad.

The 5-10, 240-pounder recorded 111 tackles, nine sacks, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles.

Carpenter was a two-time All-Ohioan, including the Eastern District’s Defensive Player of the Year last season. He also took part in the North-South Game during the spring.

Along with football, Carpenter was a standout baseball player for the Shamrocks, earning numerous accolades.

Gavin, who plans to attend Belmont College, is the son of David and Brande Carpenter.

JUSTIN DRISCOLL, Buckeye Local — This former Panther shined along the defensive line for Coach Jim Hoover’s team.

The 5-11, 255 pounder recorded 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks en route to earning All-Ohio honorable mention and All Times Leader. He was also named All-OVAC, All-Eastern District.

Driscoll, who plans to attend Wheeling University, is the son of Brian Driscoll and Bethann Driscoll.

RYAN FLORENCE, Shadyside — This Tiger was a force from his defensive end spot for Coach Mark Holenka’s team.

Florence posted 38 tackles and 32 assisted stops. He had 15 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He also forced four fumbles and recovered one.

The 6-1, 200 pounder was named All-Ohio in Division VII and was All-Eastern District and All-OVAC.

Away from football, Florence was a standout in baseball.

He also shined in the classroom where he was a member of the National Honor Society, All-OVAC Academic Team, Staying Clean Club, Chemistry Club and President of the Outdoor Club. He also volunteers for the Leukemia Society.

Ryan, who is undecided about his college plans, is the son of Shane and Kim Florence.

PEYTON HORES, Martins Ferry — This former Rider was a mainstay in the trenches for Coach Chas Yoder’s team.

The 6-1, 260 pounder was one of the top blockers for the Riders and defensively he had 35 solo and 45 assisted stops. He had 25 tackles for loss, forced eight fumbles and posted eight sacks.

Hores earned All-OVAC, All-Times Leader and All-Eastern District.

Along with football, Hores was president of the student council, member of the Drug Free and French Clubs. He is also an Academic All-OVAC selection.

Peyton, who plans to attend Wheeling University, is the son of Jay and Karlie Hores.

HUNTER KESSELRING, Fort Frye — This defensive standout gave opposing teams fits as one of the leaders of Coach Eric Huck’s defense.

The 6-2, 240 pounder earned All-Ohio acclaim and All-Eastern District.

Hunter, who plans to attend Ohio Wesleyan University, is the son of Jarod and Amber Kesselring.

GREG MAMULA, Steubenville — This former Big Red standout was a two-way mainstay for Coach Reno Saccoccia’s team.

The 5-10, 185 pounder shined at center and defensive end. He didn’t allow a sack as a senior and posted 52 pin blocks in his career.

Along with football, Mamula is a member of the National Honor Society, Principal’s Advisory Councel and he was nominated for Buckeye Boys State.

Greg, who plans to enter LIFT Flight School, is the son of Greg and Steffanie Mamula.

TIMMY O’GRADY, Bellaire — This former Big Red was one of the leaders for Coach Mark Spigarelli’s team.

The 6-1, 230 pounder was named All-Ohio, All-OVAC, All-Eastern District, All-Buckeye 8, All-Times Leader and he played in the North-South Game.

O’Grady, who is the son of Tim and Lori O’Grady, plans to attend Marietta College.

JJ ORLANDO, Indian Creek — This former Redskins produced a high grade each week for his play up front for Coach Andrew Connor’s team.

The 6-2, 260 pounder graded out at 91% blocking with eight solo and eight assisted tackles on the defensive side.

Along with football, Orlando was a four-year Academic All-Star and was named Student Scholar of the Week.

JJ, who plans to attend Baldwin-Wallace, is the son of Jimmy and Jennifer Orlando.

TYLER STANLEY, Wellsville — This former Tiger played a myriad of positions on the line quite well for Coach Moose Ramsey’s team.

The 6-7, 280 pounder played left tackle, left guard, defensive tackle and defensive end.

Stanley was a four-year letterman and earned First Team All-OVAC and was listed as a Columbiana Co. All Star.

Tyler is the son of Daniel and Stacey Stanley.

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