Waterford’s Trevin Zimmer (10) carries the ball during a game against Trimble earlier this season. (Photo by Patricia Miller)

After going 8-2, winning the Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division title and earning a first-round bye in the playoffs, Waterford was well represented on the 2025 Ohio Prep Sports Media Association Southeast Ohio All-District Football Team.

The Wildcats had six players earn first team distinction while 10th-year head man Eric McCutcheon was named the district’s Division VII Co-Coach of the Year along with Beaver Eastern’s Scott Tomlison.

Hayden Jones, Dylan McCutcheon, Trevin Zimmer, Weston Fairchild, Colby Roberts and Ryker Hutchins made first team all-district for Waterford, which was scheduled to play Strasburg-Franklin Friday in the Region 27 quarterfinals, while Avery Pottmeyer and Cadon Riley made special mention.

Jones, a junior running back, finished the regular season with 1,096 yards and 12 touchdowns on 116 carries. Jones, who switched from quarterback to RB midway through the year, also passed for 658 yards and seven TDs. On defense, Jones racked up 28 tackles, four interceptions and one pick-six. He was a first team QB last season.

Dylan McCutcheon is another repeat first teamer after making it on the offensive line last year. This year, he was honored for his work on the D-line. The junior finished the regular season with 30 total tackles, 10 1/2 tackles for loss and five sacks. On the O-line, Dylan McCutcheon and Roberts, a sophomore, helped pave the way for a rushing attack that averaged 7.3 yards per carry this season.

Warren’s Tanner Pepper (1) lines up during a game against Point Pleasant earlier this season in Vincent. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

Zimmer, a senior, made the first team as a defensive back. His 36 tackles were among the team leaders, and he also had 6 1/2 TFLs and two interceptions. Offensively, Zimmer complemented Jones well in the running game. He carried 60 times for 466 yards, nine TDs and 7.8 yards-per-carry average.

Fairchild, a senior, gave the Wildcats a legitimate receiving threat. A 6-foot-2 tight end, Fairchild caught 25 passes for 487 yards and five touchdowns, all team-highs. Sixteen of his receptions netted first downs for Waterford. Fairchild also had a team-best five INTs on defense, and he took two all the way back for touchdowns.

Hutchins was a first team kicker after drilling 46 of 51 extra-point attempts this season. He was also the team’s starting center on offense.

Coach McCutcheon guided the Wildcats to the postseason for the 10th consecutive year. He’s compiled an 85-32 record over the last decade.

Also earning first team all-district status from Washington County was Marietta’s Owen Riley, Warren’s Tanner Pepper and Belpre’s Malakai Ensor.

In Division III, Owen Riley was a major cog in the Tigers’ offense this season no matter what position he was playing. He made all-district as a quarterback, a position he stepped into midway through the year and helped Marietta find some momentum, winning three out of four games to close the year after an 0-6 start. Riley carried 117 times and finished with team-highs of 580 yards and six touchdowns. The senior also completed 11 of 21 passes for 152 yards and three TDs and caught 12 passes for 80 yards and a score.

His classmates Kobe Alexander and Teddy Bauer were special mention all-district.

Pepper had a record-breaking career in the royal blue and white. He finished his senior year with 86 carries for 501 yards and six touchdowns, 26 catches for 383 yards and three touchdowns and also threw for 135 yards. A four-time first team all-district honoree, Pepper played a big chunk of the year at QB out of necessity. As a wide receiver, he finished his high school career as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (175), yards (2,610) and receiving touchdowns (25). He also scored 202 career points, becoming just the second Warrior to ever surpass 200 points scored.

His classmate Eric Carr was a special mention selection.

In Division VI, Ensor made the first team as a tight end. Ensor gave first-year QB Malik Currie a legitimate receiving threat throughout the 2025 campaign, catching 33 passes for 519 yards and six touchdowns, all team-highs. Ensor also had 30 tackles and a pick-six on defense for the Golden Eagles, who won multiple games in a season for the first time since 2021.

2025 Ohio Prep Sports Media Association

Southeast Ohio All-District Football Team

DIVISION 2

Special Mention

Carson Tootle, Logan

DIVISION 3

First Team Offense

QB — Owen Riley, Marietta, 6-1, 185, Sr; Bodhi Wolford, Jackson, 6-2, 195, Sr; Mason Dumpert, Hillsboro, 6-1, 180, Sr; RB — Cartae Ligon, Chillicothe, 6-1, 190, Soph; Julian Baker, Miami Trace, 6-1, 190, Jr; Logan Russell, Sheridan, 6-2, 195, Jr; Anthony Sutton, Athens, 5-9, 155, Sr; WR — Logan Hupp, Sheridan, 5-10, 175, Sr; Weston Wheatley, Athens, 6-1, 175, Jr; All-Purpose — Ryan Seimetz, Jackson, 5-11, 190, Sr; Cooper Enochs, Miami Trace, 6-2, 230, Sr; OL — Jacob Allen, Jackson, 6-3, 300, Sr; Conner Rutherford, Chillicothe, 6-6, 295, Jr; Adam Guthrie, Miami Trace, 6-8, 280, Sr; Matthew Barnard, Miami Trace, 6-6, 275, Soph; Gage Moore, Sheridan, 6-2, 210, Sr; Brennan Smith, Athens, 5-11, 250, Sr; Kicker — Thatcher Brown, Jackson, 5-11, 180, Sr

First Team Defense

DL — Nate Scissum, Chillicothe, 5-11, 260, Sr; Creed Hill, Sheridan, 6-3, 245, Sr; Jay Irwin, Athens, 6-0, 215, Sr; LB — Charlie Woodard, Jackson, 6-3, 190, Sr; Eli Ray, Jackson, 5-11, 185, Sr; Truitt McGlone, Chillicothe, 6-1, 220, Sr; Collin Swackhammer, Hillsboro, 6-1, 180, Jr; Logan Jones, Sheridan, 6-0, 185, Sr; Tremayne Scott, Athens, 5-11, 170, Soph; DB — Tanner Pepper, Vincent Warren, 6-1, 200, Sr; Dayton Kallner, Jackson, 5-9, 165, Jr; Zack Brown, Hillsboro, 6-1, 175, Sr

Lineman of the Year: Jacob Allen, Jackson

Offensive Player of the Year: Cartae Ligon, Chillicothe

Defensive Player of the Year: Creed Hill, Sheridan

Coaches of the Year: Andy Hall, Jackson; Jerry Williams, Miami Trace

Special Mention

Eric Carr, Vincent Warren; Kobe Alexander, Marietta; Teddy Bauer, Marietta; Jace Strugell, Jackson, Jeb Thompson, Jackson; Trace McAllister, Chillicothe; Karter Williams, Chillicothe; Jahari Pitts, Hillsboro; Landon Jordan, Hillsboro; Luke Skinner, Sheridan; Wesley Shegog, Sheridan; Hoyt Gore, Sheridan; Mason Sweeney, Athens; Brycen Lutu-Thompson, Athens

Division 4

Honorary Player: Drez Bolin-Hitchens, Waverly

First Team Offense

QB — Max Canaday, Gallia Academy, 6-3, 180, Jr; Isaac Coy, Unioto, 6-1, 165, Jr; Hudson Phalin, Circleville, 6-0, 190, Sr; Dean Clark, Fairfield Union, 6-0, 165, Jr; Sam Pfeifer, Washington Court House, 6-1, 175, Soph; Hudson Lovett, McClain, 6-2, 185, Soph; Lane Ratliff, New Lexington, 6-1, 180, Jr; RB — Joey Wright, Westfall, 5-10, 185, Sr; Cody Braden, Unioto, 6-1, 210, Sr; Kole Nungester, Circleville, 6-1, 195, Sr; Paul Stenson, New Lexington, 6-1, 205, Sr; WR — Aden Osborne, Washington Court House, 5-11, 180, Jr; Tyson Spicer, New Lexington, 5-9, 165, Jr; OL — Mason Halderman, Westfall, 5-10, 240, Sr; Landyn Carruth, Unioto, 6-0, 200, Sr; Eli Stephens, New Lexington, 6-4, 280, Jr; Tristan Braden, New Lexington, 6-2, 240, Sr; All-Purpose — Quinn Eberly, Westfall, 6-0, 165, Sr; Jaxon Zickafoose, Unioto, 5-9, 155, Sr; Kicker — Liam Mathey, Unioto, 6-1, 185, Sr.

First Team Defense

DL — Anton Haas, Gallia Academy, 6-3, 240, Soph; Bryce Jarvis, Unioto, 6-0, 225, Sr; Jacob Renner, Unioto, 6-1, 190, Sr; Auri Travis, Circleville, 5-11, 270, Sr; Zach Berry, Fairfield Union, 6-4, 225, Sr; LB — David Long, Unioto, 6-1, 205, Sr; Braxton Dunkle, Circleville; 6-1, 215, Sr; Myquan Waugh, Logan Elm, 5-10, 190, Sr; Grant McPherson, Fairfield Union, 6-0, 220, Sr; Wesley Gibbs, Washington Court House, 6-1, 195, Jr; Harrison Ratliff, New Lexington, 5-9, 165, Sr; Tanner Toth, New Lexington, 5-8, 160, Jr; DB — Kole Ousley, Vinton County, 6-0, 180, Soph; Punter –Jack Kline, Circleville, 6-3, 190, Sr

Lineman of the Year: Tristan Braden, New Lexington

Offensive Player of the Year: Cody Braden, Unioto

Defensive Player of the Year: Harrison Ratliff, New Lexington

Coach of the Year: Matt Hoops, Unioto

Special Mention

Logan Kenney, Gallia Academy; Parker Burris, Gallia Academy; Russ Colahan, Westfall; Rick Hanley, Westfall; Judah Zickafoose, Unioto; Brayden Brisker, Circleville, Aiden Spencer, Circleville; Tyler Bowlby, Logan Elm; Briar Barch, Waverly; Jacob Thacker, Vinton County; Lane Burkhardt, Fairfield Union; Matthew Colflesh, Washington Court House, Noah Haithcock, Washington Court House; Andrew Roeder, McClain; Chase Shriner, New Lexington; Terrelle King, New Lexington

Division 5

First Team Offense

QB — Gunner Cleland, Meigs, 6-2, 170, Jr; Luke Gullion, Piketon, 6-0, 180, Sr; Kayden Edwards, Ironton, 5-11, 180, Jr; Curtis Glenn, Minford, 6-2, 195, Sr; Jake Brown, McDermott Northwest, 6-3, 180, Sr; Braylon Rucker, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 165, Sr; RB — Cordai Craycraft, Bidwell River Valley, 6-0, 170, Jr; Brice Johnson, Zane Trace, 5-10, 210, Jr; Austin Gautier, Nelsonville-York, 5-8, 170, Sr; Landon Vance, South Point, 6-0, 185, Jr; Kaden Murphy, Coal Grove, 5-9, 190, Sr; Anthony Aaron, Lucasville Valley, 5-10, 180, Sr; Fernando Poxes, Portsmouth, 5-10, 202, Jr; Elijah Brown, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 180, Sr; WR — Alec Thompson, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 170, Sr; Braydon Baker, Ironton, 5-10, 180, Sr; Kenyon Evans, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 175, Sr; TE — Brady Doss, Wheelersburg, 6-1, 210, Sr; OL — Cole Smith, Meigs, 6-7, 310, Sr; Will Odenthal, Nelsonville-York, 6-5, 280, Sr; Wyatt Callicoat, Fairland, 5-10, 185, Sr; Josh Short, Coal Grove, 6-1, 290, Sr; Caleb Jacobs, Ironton, 6-4, 285, Sr; Jaxon Powell, McDermott Northwest, 6-4, 280, Sr; Nolan Barnett, Lucasville Valley, 6-1, 220, Sr; Wesley Runyon, Portsmouth, 6-1, 286, Sr; Ryan Meeker, Wheelersburg, 6-3, 270, Sr; All-Purpose — Jayden Higgins, Zane Trace, 6-0, 180, Sr; Kicker — Jaylen Bender, Lucasville Valley, 5-10, 170, Sr; Cooper Heimbach, Wheelersburg, 6-1, 165, Sr

First Team Defense

DL — Blake Brower, Zane Trace, 6-0, 205, Jr; Nick Jones, Alexander, 5-10, 185, Sr; Caeleb Layton, Nelsonville-York, 6-3, 215, Sr; Noah Fahey, South Point, 6-2, 175, Jr; Davin Murray, Fairland, 5-10, 215, Sr; Caden Turner, Coal Grove, 6-5, 230, Sr; Mason Wheeler, Ironton, 6-0, 240, Sr; Aiden Hensley, Ironton, 5-11, 230, Sr; Aidden Armbrister, McDermott Northwest, 6-3, 280, Jr; Ison Emnett, Wheelersburg, 5-11, 235, Sr; LB — Nash Yates, Meigs, 6-1, 225, Sr; Hudson Williams, Zane Trace, 6-1, 185, Jr; Dakota Cunningham, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 190, Sr; Max Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-0, 215, Soph; Zayne Williams, Ironton, 5-9, 205, Sr; Blake Lundy, Lucasville Valley, 5-11, 190, Jr; Trevin Brooks, Portsmouth, 5-11, 218, Sr; Luke Kouns, Wheelersburg, 6-1, 220, Jr; DB — Treven Shanks, Piketon, 5-9, 155, Sr; Brycen Mullins, Ironton, 5-10, 175, Jr; Hunter Henderson, Wheelersburg, 6-4, 175, Sr; Punter — Jacob Roth, Portsmouth, 6-1, 175, Sr

Lineman of the Year: Ryan Meeker, Wheelersburg

Offensive Player of the Year: Kaden Murphy, Coal Grove

Defensive Players of the Year: Zayne Williams, Ironton; Ison Emnett, Wheelersburg

Coaches of the Year: Rob Woodward, Wheelersburg; Rusty Richards, Nelsonville-York

Special Mention

Ben Loveday, Bidwell River Valley; En Metzger, Meigs; Griffin Hudson, Meigs; Isaac Campbell, Oak Hill; Josh Clarkson, Wellston; Evan Minor, Zane Trace; Gunnar McCullough, Zane Trace; Kendon Day, Piketon; Noah Ross, Piketon; Nate Graves, Alexander; Alex Bateman, Alexander; Cameron Sullivan, Nelsonville-York; Walker Stone, Nelsonville-York; Noah Loge, Nelsonville-York; Robert Napier, South Point; Brandon Kirk, Fairland; Connor Black, Fairland; Caiden Harris, Coal Grove; Rylan Smith, Coal Grove; Ethan Sutton, Ironton; Ashton Layne, Ironton; Ethan Ferguson, McDermott Northwest; Austin Smith, McDermott Northwest; Braxten Conaway, Lucasville Valley; Gabe McNeil, Lucasville Valley; Leeland Scurlock, Portsmouth; Camron Williams, Portsmouth

Division 6

First Team Offense

QB — Frankie Hirsch, Huntington, 6-1, 165, Jr; Brody Hall, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 193, Sr; RB — Ethan Edwards, Meigs Eastern, 5-9, 175, Sr; Isaac Taylor, Huntington, 6-0, 235, Sr; Brady Murrell, Rock Hill, 6-0, 185, Sr; Anthony Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-8, 196, Jr; WR — Braden Adkins, Portsmouth West, 5-7, 160, Jr; TE — Malakai Ensor, Belpre, 6-3, 205, Jr; OL — Matt Marcum, Meigs Eastern, 6-3, 307, Sr; Daniel Medinger, Rock Hill, 6-5, 298, Sr; Kicker — Hayden Wilcoxen, Meigs Eastern, 5-10, 158, Sr

First Team Defense

DL — Mason Shepherd, Meigs Eastern, 6-4, 230, Sr; Carson McNeal, Huntington, 6-3, 215, Jr; Philip Thacker, Chesapeake, 6-4, 200, Sr; LB — Aaron Workman, Rock Hill, 6-1, 205, Jr; Yaden Bailey, Rock Hill, 6-0, 225, Jr; Tilton Rapp, Portsmouth West, 5-10, 192, Jr

Lineman of the Year: Daniel Medinger, Rock Hill

Offensive Players of the Year: Frankie Hirsch, Huntington; Anthony Bishop, Portsmouth West

Defensive Player of the Year: Mason Shepherd, Meigs Eastern

Coach of the Year: Clay Beeler, Huntington

Special Mention

Ronnie Golden, Meigs Eastern; Blaise Gilmore, Meigs Eastern; Brayden Burns, Southeastern; Landyn Smith, Southeastern; Chuck Saxour, Adena; Fisher Schaaf, Adena; Preston Fauber, Paint Valley; Jackson McNeal, Huntington; Dalton Nichols, Huntington; Jon Cooper-Barker, Chesapeake; Connor Moore, Rock Hill; Cameron Howard, Rock Hill; Carson Carver, Portsmouth West; Bo Wroten, Portsmouth West; Gunnar Shonkwiler, Portsmouth West

Division 7

First Team Offense

QB — Eric Manley Jr., Pike Eastern, 6-6, 230, Sr; Hunter Wright, South Gallia, 6-0, 165, Sr; Paul Sharp, Trimble, 5-9, 160, Sr; Bronx Carpenter, Symmes Valley, 6-1, 160, Soph; Luke Cassidy, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 180, Sr; RB — Hayden Jones, Waterford, 5-8, 175, Jr; Jake Wickline, Racine Southern, 5-10, 185, Sr; Layne Wright, South Gallia, 6-1, 185, Sr; Luke Orsborne, Trimble, 5-11, 175, Sr; Zander Bice, Miller, 5-8, 190, Sr; Asher Maynard, Symmes Valley, 6-2, 215, Soph; Braylon Rickett, Manchester, 6-0, 175, Sr; Bryce McGraw, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 5-10, 205, Sr; Jack Montgomery, Pike Eastern, 6-1, 180, Soph; WR — Nick Thompson, Miller, 5-9, 170, Sr; Jackson Fields, Symmes Valley, 5-10, 155, Soph; Boston Webb, Pike Eastern; 6-2, 165, Jr; TE — Weston Fairchild, Waterford, 6-2, 195, Sr; OL –Colby Roberts, Waterford, 6-1, 220, Sr; Mason Waterhouse, South Gallia, 5-11, 260, Soph; Marcus Cable, Trimble, 6-4, 250, Sr; Bennie Warren, Trimble, 5-11, 230, Sr; Tucker Ross, Symmes Valley, 6-0, 270, Sr; Matthew Hiles, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 5-9, 190, Sr; Brewer Tomlison, Pike Eastern, 6-2, 295, Sr; All-Purpose — Joel Blythe, Manchester, 5-9, 160, Sr; Kicker — Ryker Hutchins, Waterford, 5-9, 260, Sr; Coleman Shaffer, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 5-11, 200, Sr; Grant Havens, Pike Eastern, 5-8, 145, Soph.

First Team Defense

DL — Dylan McCutcheon, Waterford, 5-10, 265, Jr; Caleb Mount, Symmes Valley, 6-0, 195, Jr; Cade Leist, Pike Eastern, 5-11, 255, Jr; LB — Blaise Davison, South Gallia, 6-0, 225, Sr; Trey Kelly, Pike Eastern, 5-10, 190, Soph; DB — Trevin Zimmer, Waterford, 5-7, 180; Sr; Amillion Brown, Manchester, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Carson Peters, Pike Eastern, 6-4, 185, Sr

Lineman of the Year: Brewer Tomlison, Pike Eastern

Offensive Player of the Year: Eric Manley Jr., Pike Eastern

Defensive Player of the Year: Cade Leist, Pike Eastern

Coaches of the Year: Scott Tomlison, Pike Eastern; Eric McCutcheon, Waterford

Special Mention

Avery Pottmeyer, Waterford; Cadon Riley, Waterford; Wyatt Smith, Racine Southern; Judah Cremeens, South Gallia; Gabe Bray, Federal Hocking; Trevor Gowen, Trimble; Aiden Dixon, Trimble; Bryce Dorsey, Miller; Maddox Bolyard, Miller; Andy Strow, Symmes Valley; Levi Russell, Symmes Valley; Leland Blevins, Franklin Furnace Green; Lindon Williams, Sciotoville East; Leon McKinney, Sciotoville East; Levi Hargis, Manchester; Hunter Raines, Manchester; Chris Piccolo, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Archie West, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Bronson Kellar, Pike Eastern; Justin Fowler, Pike Eastern